Free Riders
Author's Note: Eragon is not mine. Char, Blaster, and Saranya are. Comment as you see fit. Title reference to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Chapter 46: Crouching Morons, Hidden Dragons
Orik was waiting for the four on the other side of the stone doors, anxiousness plastered all over his face. He fell in with them as they climbed back up to Tronjheim's main chamber. "Did all go well? Were you received favorably?"
"I do believe so," Blaster said. Orik breathed a sigh in relief.
"But your king is cautious," Eragon added.
"That is how he has survived this long," Orik replied.
I would rather not have Hrothgar angry at us, Sara said.
Nor would I, Blaster replied. However, I'm not exactly sure what he thought of you two. He seems to disapprove of dragons, but he never said it outright.
In that he is wise, Sara replied in amusement. Especially since he's barely knee-high to me.
Once they had entered Tronjheim's center, under Isidar Mithrim, Orik said, "Your blessing yesterday has stirred up the Varden like an overturned beehive. The child Sara touched has been hailed as a future hero. She and her guardian have been quartered in the finest rooms. Everyone is talking about your 'miracle.' All the human mothers seem intent on finding you and getting the same for their children."
Blaster's eyes bulged. "Crap!" he exclaimed. "How did I know this would happen?" He buried his head in his hands. "Okay, what am I to do now?"
"Aside from taking back your actions?" Orik replied dryly. "Stay out of sight as much as possible. Everyone will be kept out of the dragonhold, so you won't be disturbed there."
At that point, Brom showed up to take Eragon and Saphira to the training grounds. Taking one look at Blaster, he asked, "Are you rested enough to be tested?"
"Not yet," Blaster said. "I wish to take one more day to ensure I am rested enough to perform the tasks at hand. Plus, I would like to take in a bit more of Tronjheim as well."
"I understand," Brom said. "Orik, will you like to show Blaster the library? He can read up on some interesting reads, especially histories of Alagaësia that hasn't been tainted by Galbatorix's hand."
"Sounds like a plan," Blaster said.
"Very well," Orik said. "But first, for all of us, breakfast."
Saphira and I will head to the dragonhold. There is someone we would like to meet up there. Wander as long as you like, but call when you are ready for your testing, Eragon. Sara and Saphira began to pad their ways down one of Tronjheim's four main tunnels.
"Who are they planning on meeting?" Eragon asked.
"Beats me," Blaster replied.
They all ate at the same spot where they had eaten last time. After they ate, Brom took Eragon to the training grounds while Orik guided Blaster through a myriad of corridors to their destination. When they reached the library's carved arch, Blaster stepped through and couldn't even begin to imagine what wealth of knowledge was here.
The entire room reminded him of a forest. He shuddered for a moment, but remembered that this universe didn't have such enemies as the Vashda Nerada.(a) Rows of graceful colonnades branched upwards into the dark, ribbed ceiling five stories up. Between the pillars, the same type of black-marble used to create Hrothgar's throne was made into bookcases that stood back to back. Racks of scrolls covered the walls, interspersed with narrow walkways that could be reached by three twisting staircases. Stone benches were placed at regular intervals around the wall, with adjoining tables whose bases seemed to melt into the floor seamlessly.
"This is the true legacy of our race," Orik said, gesturing to the countless books and scrolls. "Here reside the writings of our greatest kings and scholars, from antiquity to present. Also recorded are the songs and stories composed by our artisans. This library may be our most precious possession. It isn't all our work, though. There are human writings here as well. Yours is a short-lived, but prolific race. As for the elves, we have little or nothing from them. They guard their secrets jealously."
"I see," Blaster said. "How long may I stay?"
"As long as you want," Orik replied. "Come to me if you have any questions."
Blaster started browsing through the volumes with eagerness, reaching for those he thought would intrigue him. He was surprised to see that the dwarves wrote in the same runes as humans wrote in, so, in that respect, it was easy to read. He filed through books at an alarming rate, skimming a translation of poems by Dóndar, tenth dwarf king.
Blaster soon became aware of some unfamiliar footsteps approaching from behind the bookcase. He put back the book telling of all the dwarf kings up to the present day, with the ink from the last entries still a little wet. Still, he felt uneasy, which was the same feeling he had when he first walked in and had the examination performed. He heard the footsteps again, but now there were two of them. While looking for Orik, he sidestepped around a corner and came face to face with the Twins.
Oh great, Blaster muttered to himself. I've come face to face with the bald brigade.
The twins stood together, shoulders meeting, and a blank expression on their faces. Black snake eyes seemed to bore into him. Their hands were hidden within the folds of their purple robes, though he could see that they twitched slightly. They both bowed, but the movement was insolent and derisive.
"We have been searching for you," one said. The voice was as uncomfortable as listening to the Ra'zac. With a thought, Blaster contacted Sara and got her to listen in on the conversation.
"For what reason?" Blaster asked.
"Ever since you met with Ajihad, we have wanted to…apologize for our actions." The words were mocking, but not in a way Blaster could challenge. "We have come to pay homage to you." They bowed again, though Blaster tried his best to control his anger.
Be careful, Sara warned.
Blaster had an idea come to him. "Well, if not nor your…approval, I would not be here in Farthen Dûr. For that you have my thanks." He bowed to them in return, trying to make it as insulting as possible without them knowing.
The Twins eyes flickered in irritation, but they smiled and replied, "We are honored that one so…important…as yourself thinks so highly of us. We are in your debt for your kind words."
Blaster felt irritated now, but he never showed it. "Don't mention it."
Careful, Sara warned again. Don't say anything you'll regret later. They will remember every word they can use against you.
Thanks for the reminder, Blaster replied. Besides, I don't plan on being in need enough for them to be of any assistance to me.
The Twins moved closer, the hems of their robes brushing the floor. Their voices became more plesant as well, which unnerved Blaster slightly. "We have searched for you for another reason as well, Rider. The few magic users who live in Tronjheim have formed a group. We call ourselves Du Vrangr Gata, or the—"
"The Wandering Path," Blaster said. "I am aware."
"Your knowledge of the ancient language is impressive," one of the Twins said, smoothly. "As we were saying Du Vrangr Gata has heard of your mighty feats, and we have come to extend an invitation of membership. We would be honored to have one of your stature as a member. And I suspect that we might be able to assist you as well."
"Oh really?" Blaster replied, skeptical. "How so."
"The two of us have garnered much experience in magical matters," The other Twin said.
"I'll bet you have," Blaster muttered to himself.
"We could guide you," the second Twin continued. "Show you spells we've discovered and teach you words of power. Nothing would gladden us more than if we could assist, in some small way, your path to glory. No repayment would be necessary, though if you saw fit to share some scraps of your own knowledge, we would be satisfied."
Blaster shook his head, realizing their true purpose in a heartbeat. "Do you really think that I am a moron?" he demanded harshly. "I won't allow myself to be an apprentice to you so you can learn what words Brom has taught me! It must have frustrated you when Brom himself decided to examine me, robbing you of the chance to steal them from my mind."
The Twins abruptly dropped their smiles. "We are not to be trifled with, boy! We are the ones who will test your abilities with magic. And that could be most unpleasant. Remember, it only takes one misconceived spell to kill someone. You may be a Rider, but the two of us are still stronger than you."
Blaster just looked them angrily in the eyes, holding back the floodgates of his fury. "I shall consider your offer, but…"
"Then we will expect your answer tomorrow. Make sure it's the right one." And with that, they smiled coldly and slipped further into the library.
Insolent pond scum, Blaster muttered to Sara. They can do anything they want, but they have severely underestimated their own powers. No matter what they try, I will not join them.
A wise decision, Sara said. Perhaps you should talk with Angela. She's dealt with them before, so you could ask her to be there when they test you. That might prevent them from harming you.
Good idea, Blaster said, winding through the bookcases. But you forget, my inherent magic is still stronger than theirs. Whatever they try, I can and will counter. He finally found Orik sitting on a bench, polishing his war ax. "I think I'm done here. I'd like to go back to the dragonhold."
Orik slid the haft of the axe through a leather loop at his belt, then escorted Blaster to the gate where Sara waited. People had already gathered around her. Ignoring them, Blaster leapt onto Sara's back and they escaped into the air.
This is one problem that must be resolved quickly. You cannot let the Twins intimidate you, Sara said as she landed on Isidar Mithrim.
Yeah, I know, Blaster replied. I don't want to anger them into retaliation. They could be dangerous enemies. He slid off Sara's back, still gripping Cratona's pommel.
So can you. You don't want them as allies, right?
You got it, Blaster said. No way am I joining their little magic club either.
He left Sara in her cave and wandered around for a little while, hoping to chance a meeting with Angela. Getting back to her room was easy, but she didn't answer when he knocked. Unfortunately, he slowly got bored and decided to go back to the dragonhold. As he neared it, he heard someone speaking within the room. He stopped to listen, but the voice fell silent. Sara, who's in there?
A woman, Sara replied. She has an air of command around her. I'll distract her while you come in. Blaster loosened Cratona, but made sure his pistols were secure. Orik said that intruders would be kept out of the dragonhold, so who could this be?
No idea. Blaster replied. Are Eragon and Saphira back?
Not yet.
Calming himself, Blaster walked into the hold, hand resting on the pommel.
Who is the woman? Are the Twins on to Blaster? What other enemies can Blaster remember? Find out the answers to these and more next time on Free Riders.
(a) Vashda Nerada. Doctor Who enemy known as the Piranhas of the Air. Seen in the episodes Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead