Dear Readers,
The beginning of this story is under reconstruction. When you read a chapter that has nothing at all to do with what you have just read, please keep in mind that is the previous version of the story and I am redoing it as quickly as I can. I apologize for the inconvenience. Some details are being added along the way that you may not find later on in the story. That will soon be fixed as well.
This is Chapter 42, revised.
Thank you and enjoy!
DragonRider2000
Was it possible to be burning alive and not be burning alive at the same moment? That was how Eragon felt in Taya Corsallen's mind. He knew that he was alive and well, but he felt as if he was burning at the stake.
He found himself standing in a glade consumed in fire. Flames licked at his ankles, threatening to consume him, and he cringed away from them. He turned as if to flee, and stared at Murtagh through Taya's eyes as he choked her with his hand.
He could feel Taya in the back of her own mind, watching him, seeing what he saw of her memories.
Eragon closed his eyes and took a deep breath, clearing his mind of the fear of the fire. He felt the heat recede, and let out the breath in relief and began to sift through Taya's mind. He was more than a little curious to know what her relationship with Galbatorix was like. He quickly found that any memory of hers of the king was filled with anger and hurt.
Through the eyes of a little girl Eragon saw the King pass by Taya without even a glance, and from her eyes he saw her mother's sad and loathing expression that was aimed towards the King. Over the years Eragon saw the King's interest in Taya grow. He felt Taya's resentfulness grow as she knew that the King's interest in her was only because she was becoming old enough to be a useful tool.
Eragon searched her memory, and found that only when she was very, very young did she look up to the King. By the time she was five years old she knew that he did not care for her. As time went on she grew to dislike him. And even when she was little, she had never trusted the man who was her father.
Eragon moved on, satisfied that she had no ties to the King except in blood. He hesitated then, as he moved on to Murtagh. Did he really want to know their relationship?
But Taya pressed him forward.
He saw the two children become fast friends; he saw them grow up and train together… and then Eragon stumbled on the knowledge that Taya had urged and helped in Murtagh's escape from Uru'baen which led to him hunting the Raz'zac and finding Eragon.
You had your fingers in everything it seems, Taya.
I was the princess. Of course I did. She replied in satisfaction.
He saw the twins bring Murtagh back to the castle after they'd captured him in the tunnels. Eragon felt Taya's rage and her fear when she stood beside the King as Murtagh was drug into the throne room. He watched as she healed Murtagh's wounds and she stayed with him in the dungeons every time after he was tortured. And she had been the first to know that the dragon had hatched for him. She was terrified for him.
Eragon didn't go any further than that night. One, because it hurt to watch his friend be devoured by black magic, but mainly because his interest was caught by Taya's bodyguards, the Hljodhr Evarinya.
He recognized one of the men he'd seen in Feinster, Weston Kliviyan. But he was astounded to learn that Larel Katzia was alive and one of Taya's guards.
His family thinks that he is dead. Eragon said to Taya accusingly. Without a word she pointed out the conversation she had had with Larel, after he was recovered, about his family situation; by that time Galbatorix had already informed the Katzia's of Larel's death. Larel didn't want to put them in any more danger by revealing the truth and Galbatorix's lies. He told Taya that he hoped his death would cause his father to change sides in the war.
Eragon's irritation at Taya faded, and he admired Larel for his being willing to play dead in order to protect his family.
He realized that Taya hadn't been exaggerating; she had saved many lives.
He knew the name of Di'Acor, but not well. He went quickly through her memories of Melcar, and found himself liking the man's attitude, and especially his loyalty to Taya.
Eragon watched her plan her escape from Uru'baen, and her daring plan to steal the egg. Then he felt when she and Kabarak had bonded in Dras'leona, and he was left without any doubt that she was more than worthy of being the last rider. She was strong, courageous and cared for those around her. She also cared for true justice and peace. Bonded with Kabarak, she was formidable.
He watched her meet Raya, then known as Raina, and saw the girl's transformation through Taya's eyes. It was clear to him that she had seen her fair share of trials in her short years. Then he paused at the time when he and the others had come to Dras'leona, and he skipped those memories. He said to Taya,
We will talk about that time together, face to face.
After he and the others had left Dras'leona, Murtagh came, and Taya was consumed with fire. He saw some of her time in the burning glade, and balked a little at Morzan's shadow. He watched as she was dying, and witnessed the encounter in her mind with Galbatorix and was surprised by the outcome. She had won her life by kicking a formidable foe out of her mind after stealing much of his energy. That was a feat. Somehow she had won. Somehow she had survived…
The last memory he saw was of when she awoke in the cave.
You are an amazing woman, Taya Corsallen. I have seen you defy Galbatorix in ways I never believed possible, with everything you could. Even with just your will. You know magic, more than I thought you did. You care for others, and put yourself on the line for them without hesitation. I am honored to have you as my fellow rider. The Varden could not have wished for a better rider. I trust you, and I will stand beside you in the coming times. But know this: many people will still fear and distrust you even with my word behind you.
I am used to fear and mistrust. Taya replied calmly. Thank you, Eragon. Kabarak and I are honored to fly beside you and Saphira. Before we leave my mind, there is one memory that you skipped that I wish for you to see. It is the day I saw Murtagh really change.
Eragon hesitated again but let her pull him into her memory.
Taya took a deep breath and opened the door to her room, and stepped into the hallway. She'd been summoned by the King for lunch in his quarters, and she didn't know if Murtagh would be there, or who she would find in his place. It had been a strange two weeks in the castle; it had been a strange two months since Murtagh had been drug into the King's throne room.
She was looking at the floor as she walked, so she didn't see the man at the end of the hallway until she almost ran into him, and he cleared his throat.
Taya jumped back in surprise and stared into dark, questioning eyes. She took another step or two back, eyeing the baby dragon that was perched perilously on his shoulder. It was big, for its age. But the little dragon wasn't what really unsettled her. That was Murtagh's eyes. His gaze had never unsettled her before, and she was uneasy in his presence for the first time in her life. His eyes were cold. She couldn't tell for the first time if he really knew her, or actually cared about her.
The energy radiating off of him stung her, and she flinched away, taking another step back. Some emotion flickered across his face, but she couldn't tell what it was. Her head seemed to be ringing as she looked at him, and again something flickered across his face, but he said nothing. All he seemed to be able to do was stare at her.
"M…Murtagh?" She whispered. Her voice quivered, as her head was pounding as if someone was hitting her temple with a hammer. A second later the pounding seemed to tear through her skull and she cried out in pain, her hands clasping her head and she doubled over, almost going to her knees.
"Stop! Please, stop it!" She gasped out, and squeezed her eyes shut. "Stop…"
Someone wrapped their arms around her and held her tight against them, and she clung to them, choking back a sob. She hadn't been expecting an attack on her mind… what had it been?
"I'm sorry." His voice was soft and gentle, soothing and pushing away the pain in her mind. He rubbed her head with one of his hands, and Taya shivered. How could he be so different one second and so much the same another?
"I'm sorry." He repeated. Slowly the ringing in her head subsided, leaving her shaken. She was a little dizzy, standing so close to him. The same energy that had affected her mind so harshly was now almost gone, but it was sending a prickly feeling up and down her spine.
"What has he done to you?" She whispered, still clinging to him. She knew that when she let go her best friend would be gone.
"What do you mean?" His tone was hurt, and he stiffened against her. She held on tighter.
"The energy around you burned me, Murtagh." She said quietly, as if explaining something simple to a child. "I cannot touch you without being slightly burned."
"You mean… I just did that to you?"
Taya nodded, and his arms tightened around her. "I'm sorry." He whispered again, and she knew that he meant it. This was her friend…
"You've changed, Murtagh."
"That is the way of things in this world, Taya."
"But did you have to change for him? There is something so different about you that I feel as if I no longer know you." She lifted her head and looked pleadingly into his eyes.
"Can't you feel it?"
Murtagh stiffened again. "I am more powerful than I ever have been Taya. You are feeling my dragon. He's completed me, Taya. We are Galbatorix's, and there is nothing we can do about it."
Taya stepped back, and he let her go, although he looked as if he didn't want to. Maybe he knew that things would be different when they let each other go.
"Where is that spark of hope now, Murtagh, Morzansson?" She said sadly. Her words seemed to catch him by surprise. "I sat by you in the dungeons, hoping, praying that you would make it out safely, but instead you fell into the fire. You had hope that you could withstand Galbatorix, or you would die before you served him. Now you don't even recognize that you reek of black magic. "
His eyes narrowed. "I couldn't stand him torturing us anymore." She wondered if he meant her or the dragon, or both. "I only had two choices: to join Galbatorix, or kill the dragon and myself. I couldn't do that."
Taya barked a laugh, and Murtagh's eyes widened.
"As if Galbatorix would let you, a rider, die! Hah! That's preposterous, and you know it. I know you know it, but you're using it as an excuse, Firestone."
His eyes narrowed, and Taya almost wanted to step back again.
"Laugh all you want, Taya, but you could never understand what it is like to feel your other half being tortured to death. I have power now, and I am glad of it. My enemies will crumble around me, and only the King can stand against me. Those who withstand him will perish." His eyes bored into hers, but she stared back, not intimidated.
"There will be a day, Murtagh, that you completely forget what it is to be free. Maybe you have already. People will die for their freedom. Remember that, when you have to kill someone who will give up their life for their loved ones, and for their freedom. There is always hope that the darkness will be beaten back. I have that hope."
He glared at her, and she glared back.
"I was sent to escort you to lunch." He said sharply, and she nodded and fell into step beside him. Both were as stiff as boards, refusing to look at each other. Still looking ahead, Taya asked,
"What is his name?" Meaning the dragon on Murtagh's shoulder, of course. The dragon had kept quiet the whole time, but had yet to take its eyes off of her.
"His name is Thorn; for we will be like a thorn in the sides of our enemies." He said it proudly, and Taya sighed, and said quietly,
"Where once a good man walked, a shadow of him now travels."
So, now you know. Galbatorix for once did not have me there when he broke Murtagh. He had learned by then that Murtagh had a large weak spot for me and he didn't want to risk Murtagh fighting him, for me. But, after our encounter, Murtagh did seem to act a little more like himself, at least when he was around me. He did in fact remember our conversation, and if Galbatorix noticed it, he never did anything about it.
Eragon was silent for a moment, thinking about what he'd seen. He'd lost a friend, just as Taya had. Then he asked,
Is there anything else that you'd particularly like to show me?
Actually, yes. I want to show you my favorite memory of my mother.
It was a beautiful, sunny day with no humidity at all and small puffy clouds floated lazily across the sky. Most people were outside of their houses on such a glorious day, and the Queen of Alagaesia and her daughter were no exception to this.
The tall red haired beauty in the knee length green dress kicked off her sandals and twirled in a circle on the luscious green grass in the garden. A much younger Taya watched in fascination as the lady twirled, and then Taya jumped forward and proceeded to bounce around the woman.
"I've never seen you dance like that, mother!" She cried in awe, her little 5-year-old face glowing. Queen Lenya Corsan laughed, picking up her daughter and spinning her around and around. "I'm not dancing, dearest. I'm spinning!"
"I never thought you could spin!" Taya burst out once the Queen set her down.
"Well, everyone can spin! Who told you otherwise? There is a time, surely, when someone of my stature would be berated for doing such a thing as twirling and spinning, but I am still a human, dear. Never lose the ability to kick off your shoes and spin. And besides, I can do so much more than that…"
"Mother…" Little Taya warned, seeing the devious sparkle in her mother's green eyes. Lenya smiled and began tickling her daughter, who screamed and wiggled out of her mother's hold and took off into the depths of the garden. In the garden the queen transformed into the young woman she was supposed, chasing her daughter while laughing her heart away. Little Taya skidded around a corner, and caught sight of the dark clad man leaning against one of the magnificent trees, a smile brightening his usually unreadable face. The sight of him caused her to lose focus and she tripped, unceremoniously crumpling to the ground and rolling. Her knee hit a rock, and hot tears streamed down her face as she felt the pain of the wound. But little Taya didn't cry too hard.
"Taya!" Her mother's voice gasped close to her and suddenly Lenya was there, putting her arms comfortingly around her daughter and gently shushing her. Her mother kissed her on the forehead and wiped away her tears with her finger, smiling at her. Then she took the hem of her dress and dabbed at the blood on Taya's knee.
"There. We'll go inside and get this a bandage and it'll be as good as new." "But I don't want to go back inside!" Taya cried, jumping up as if the little incident had never happened. "You can't make me go back inside; you'll have to capture me!"
"Oh really?" Lenya queried, cocking an eyebrow at her from her sitting position on the grass. Taya was about to streak off when her mother's soft yet firm hands snatched her off her feet, making her squeak and she found herself pinned to the ground, her mother's eyes dancing above her.
"Does this count as a capture?"
Taya squirmed and then in a desperate attempt wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, causing Lenya to lean forward so Taya could use what force she could to get up. The result was Lenya rolling onto her back and Taya ending up lying on her chest. Lenya pecked her on the nose and Taya giggled.
"I guess so." Taya said slowly, causing Lenya to narrow her eyes at her tone. Taya took her finger and poked her mother in the side, causing Lenya to jerk and emit a strange, high-pitched noise. A new sound interrupted their play fight and they both froze and looked at the man Taya'd noticed earlier as he laughed. He had moved a few steps from the tree he'd been leaning on and Taya could see his features much better now that he wasn't leaning in the shadow of the tree. Of course, she knew who he was. He was her mother's bodyguard. He followed her pretty much everywhere, which Taya liked most of the time. He was really nice, but kept to himself. Taya had rarely ever heard him laugh, but when he did she loved the sound.
"What are you laughing at?" Queen Lenya demanded jokingly. He smiled and replied in his firm tenor voice, "Nothing, milady. Nothing at all."
"Of course." Lenya scoffed lightly, but her smile had only widened. She leaned her head back onto the ground, and Taya poked her again. She jerked, and all three of them burst out laughing.
"How's the knee?" The man asked Taya, staying where he was and letting the mother and daughter have their space.
"As good as new." Taya replied smoothly and Lenya chuckled, kissing her again.
"That's my girl."
She was beautiful, Taya. She seemed very kind. I am sorry she died. Thank you for sharing your memory of her with me.
What was her bodyguard's name? He is there, but only as a shadow.
His name was Lavon Karr. He disappeared after my mother's death. There were many rumors about him, all bad, but I only noticed them when I was older, and I liked him. It was said the he was an evil, cruel man, but I never saw it. He was strong and quiet, protective and kind to my mother and me. I wish I'd known him better, but he never let himself get very close to me. That memory was from seven years before my mother died. She made the first twelve years of my life the best and the happiest. Sometimes I feel as if she is still with me, and watching out for me.
I envy you. I never knew my mother. Or really even my father. I have only heard stories of them.
Do not envy me, Eragon. Treasure what you know about your parents, as I do about my mother. You have a family, and they are a gift. I have been blessed with a sister I didn't know I had. We are not alone in this world, Eragon. Nor will we ever be.
Eragon opened his eyes and looked at the tired woman before him, understanding her more than he'd ever thought he would. He bowed to her.
"Lady Rider." He said aloud for all to hear. All those around seemed to let out a breath.
Eragon turned to Lady Nasuada, who was watching him with curious eyes. "Taya Corsallen is a woman whom we can trust. She has no ties or previous allegiances to Galbatorix. Her mind has not been tampered with to hide any such ties either. In fact, she had tried and succeeded for many years in thwarting his reign. She has no love for him, as King or father. What she says of herself is true.
I am honored to stand beside her as a fellow Varden and Rider. She has suffered much at the hands of the King, and she has lived to tell the tale and to aid us in that man's downfall."
It was if someone had lifted a spell. Everyone breathed freely and a few people even smiled at Taya. Arya and Taya locked gazes and both women bowed to each other.
Taya felt the elf's consciousness brush her own, and she opened her mind a little to her.
I believe Eragon's words, Taya Corsallen. I would only ask that you show me what made you decide to leave Uru'baen once and for all. There must have been some particular reason, or something to push you far enough to take the risk of leaving. You do not have to show me, but I must ask.
When we are settled, Lady Arya, I will gladly show you. There was a specific moment when I made up my mind to leave.
Eragon noticed how the two women were looking at each other, and he wondered what they were saying to one another. He didn't think he'd get an answer, but he would ask Arya later.
King Orrin stood and saluted Taya in the formal Surdan style.
"Lady Rider," He said, "Surda salutes you.
Taya in her turn curtsied. "I am honored, King Orrin." She looked to Lady Nasuada, who had stood up some time before, along with many of the nobles.
"Are Eragon's words enough to satisfy the Varden?" Taya asked. Her heart was pounding.
Nasuada's eyes were soft and smiling. "They are indeed, Lady Corsallen. On behalf of the Varden, I welcome you. You and Kabarak have given us all a new hope, one that we had only dared to dream of. And we know that people cannot choose their heritage. That will not stand in your way here."
Taya curtsied again, and a relaxed smile lit up her tired face. "And my family? What of Raya, Sasha, and Sacar?"
Sacar's eyes widened in surprise at the sound of his name, and he sat up straighter in his chair. Raya looked over at him, grinning. Her eyes were sparkling.
All eyes seemed to move back and forth from Sacar to Taya.
"Sacar Liastrin traveled with us, and he helped save my life. He earned the friendship of my sister, cousin, and of Kabarak while I was in a coma. He may not be blood related, but I consider him a part of my family." Taya winked at Sacar, and many people nodded in understanding, but out of them all Eragon understood the most. He had not been surprised at her announcement; he'd witnessed something similar when it came to Taya's bodyguards. He expected nothing less of her.
"Sacar's father and uncle are here, and they will undoubtedly vouch for Sacar in any matter." Nasuada said, and Sacar's eyes brightened.
"They are both here?"
"Yes, they are here. Not in the very best of condition, but they are alive."
The newcomers stiffened. "How do you mean?" Sasha asked, speaking for the first time.
Nasuada glanced at her. "Siranus was captured in Feinster and was beaten for information, as was Kuntar. But in both cases they were helped by men of the empire who seemed to have hearts, and a little sway over Murtagh it seems."
Taya hand twitched, the only think that showed how tense she was. She knew who those people had been.
Eragon guesses it too.
Be safe, my Hljodhr's. Taya thought. You may hold some sway, but it is only a little.
Raya touched her sister's shoulder, guessing accurately what she was thinking.
"I'll send a messenger to find them. They will be over joyed to know that you are all here and safe. Both Kuntar and Siranus spoke highly of you, Raya. They were certain you would make it here. I offered to send out search parties for you, but they both discarded the idea." Nasuada motioned to a man standing to the side, and with a bow he turned and hurried away.
"The least known of you is Sasha." Nasuada continued, turning to the brunette. "Would you consent to have your mind searched?"
Sasha looked at Taya in alarm. She'd known they would ask er, but for her to be the only one besides Taya? But what else could she say than yes?
Raya interrupted everyone's thoughts. "I beg your pardon, Lady Nasuada, but I have lived with Sasha for years. You might as well search my mind as well, no matter who vouches for me. My life would be more interesting than Sasha's, anyways. She's lived at her parents' inn for her whole life, and helped them ever since she could. She's trained horses. She knows how to shoot a bow, and she has been kind to me and everyone else along the way." Raya's face was hard, and at that moment she looked older than her 16 years.
Pride for her sister welled up inside of Taya. There was no denying that she was brave.
"And you should search my mind too." Sacar broke in unexpectedly. "I might have been captured by Murtagh and brainwashed for all you know."
Taya tried to hide her grin. There was no denying that Sacar had spunk, either.
Raya looked over at him appreciatively and shot back at him.
"You? Brainwashed? Hah."
Nasuada ignored Sacar though and asked Raya,
"How do you mean that your life would be more interesting than your cousin's?"
Raya straightened a little and narrowed her eyes at the leader.
"I was a slave. Since I can remember I have traveled all over Alagaesia, being sold multiple times. Sasha's parents bought me to save me from a horrible man, and while they kept me they treated me like family. Then Taya came, and we found out that we are all family."
"You do not have a brand, though, or a brace to hide it." One of the nobles said, sounding extremely puzzled.
"No sister of mine wears a brand or a brace to hide such a disgusting scar." Taya spat. Her voice was cold. "When she was freed I healed the brand with magic."
Magic. Nasuada shivered. It could kill and it could heal.
Kabarak chuckled in Taya's mind. I do believe, Taya, that Raya has made a lasting impression on these people. I have a feeling Nasuada will withdraw her request to have Sasha's mind searched. I will be surprised by this leader if she insists on such a thing now. So far she seems wise.
I agree that she does seem wise. She does not have an easy job, between the Surdan relations, the Varden council and nobles, a rider, the elves, dwarves, urgals… she seems to be an incredible diplomat.
I think, and I hope, that you will both get along wonderfully.
I hope so too, Kabarak.
"Eragon?" Nasuada looked at her rider. "What do you think?"
Eragon replied easily, "I do not see a need at this time to search any of their minds. I learned much of them from Taya, and I trust them. Siranus and Kuntar are good men, and strong. I suspect Sacar is as trustworthy as they are."
Nasuada nodded. "Then we will postpone any further mind searches. Besides, you all look exhausted, and for good reasons. One of our healers will look over you, Lady Corsallen, if you will allow it. There may be something that she can do to continue helping you recover."
"I think a good rest will be adequate for now, but I thank you Lady Nasuada. Before we rest, though," Taya unsheathed her sword and held the naked blade by its hilt, pointing the tip downwards. Everyone tensed again, except Taya's group, Lady Nasuada and a few others who knew exactly what was coming.
"We came here through trials of fire to pledge our swords to fight against Galbatorix. I offer my sword Istalae to you, Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden, as a Rider and a lady. I leave behind my title of 'princess.' Kabarak and I will fight for you and beside you to aid in the downfall of our mutual foe."
Nasuada's eyes were shining as she accepted Taya's sword. She admired it for a moment before she replied.
"I accept your sword and your pledge with joy in my heart, Lady Corsallen and Kabarak Authamir. But with this pledge there will be responsibilities, and you will report to me as your leader and commander. Eragon will be your general as a rider, but he is still second to me. You will be second to him, as a rider. You will be called to defend your fellow people at whatever cost. You will be fighting, as you know, a terribly powerful and malicious enemy. We will fight until there is no one left to fight. You will be called on to be a messenger to the people of Alagaesia, and to give hope to those who have none. With all that said, I am honored."
Taya looked up at Kabarak, and then back at Nasuada. "We understand the duties to which we submit ourselves, Lady Nasuada. We do not lend ourselves lightly. We will die for this cause if we must. But,"
There was a startled pause in the crowd as Taya uttered that one firm word.
"Though I will subject myself to you and obey at a word, I will not be content to sit by idly as others perform duties I am well capable of accomplishing. You still do not trust me fully, and I understand that. But do not underestimate me, or we will be at odds. I will fight those who cage me and who threaten those I love. While I am at your service, I am still Taya Corsallen, and I will stay her. I have lived through fire on my own. There will be decisions ahead that only I can make. I ask you not to treat me as a slave and bind me to you in chains… because then I would be no better off than Murtagh and you, Lady, no better than Galbatorix."
Her words cut at Nasuada like a knife, and there was a shocked silence. All eyes seemed to accuse her but she stood her ground calmly and firmly. There was no give at all whatsoever in her expression or posture.
Well said, Taya. Kabarak's pride in her flowed freely across their link.
Nasuada weighed her words, and she looked at Taya very seriously. Then she glanced at Eragon, who bowed his head very slightly.
"The road ahead is clear to both of us, Lady Corsallen. I would not wish to be compared to my rival in any way. In this I believe we understand each other perfectly."
Taya reached out and touched the pommel of her sword which Nasuada still held.
"My honor, my fealty, and my life are bound by this sword to those who hold it with me, until the day comes when our paths must split."
Taya's words echoed ominously in the minds of those around. 'Until the day comes when our paths must split.'
Eragon had a feeling Taya could see something coming in the future, because he could see clearly the escape route she had made in her pledge. What did she suspect? Or did she even know?
"Take back your sword now, Lady Rider Taya Corsallen, Rider of Kabarak Authamir, as a member of the Varden." Nasuada smiled, and Taya sheathed her sword. There was a cheer, which was taken up from outside the wall.
The last rider had offered allegiance to the Varden, making them that much stronger and more able to fight against Galbatorix.
Taya stepped away from Nasuada, and with Kabarak bowed. Behind her Sasha, Raya, and Sacar did the same.
Vanira stood a ways in the back, a smile on her smooth face.
"You will win them, Taya. The road will be long, but one day you will win them all." She whispered.
This is it, Kabarak. We made it. By joining the Varden, we have weakened the Empire twofold. But that only means so much when dealing with Galbatorix.
When he learns of this, Murtagh and Thorn's powers will double. Galbatorix will triple his efforts to kill me… I have thwarted him yet again, and now he knows that the egg hatched for someone with ties to the Varden. He knows that I am powerful.
Today is the beginning of a new war.
Our powers will grow as well, Taya. We can only grow stronger, you and I. We fight for freedom and for love. What better weapons are there to fight with?
Truth. Justice… and good old stubbornness.
Kabarak laughed.
We may be young, Taya my rider, but in our youth we have a fire that shall not be quenched. The only way that we can succeed at defeating the oath-breaker is if we stand together. Together we can conquer anything. It started when you found me. You found Raya and Sasha, who then found Sacar. We are a family. And a family has a power that no man alone can possess. We are united together. If we remain true to each other, we will win this war. We are ready. If we are not, we will die. We will die fighting, no matter our age.
Taya refocused on Nasuada. "My mother, Lenya Corsan, thought it fitting that the Queen of Alagaesia should aid the Varden. I fight for you in her honor."
"I believe you, Taya." Nasuada said softly, and a sense of peace rushed over Taya, and she felt more than ready to eat and rest.
The Varden leader noticed her tired expression and motioned to Eragon.
"Eragon, if you will show them to where they can get a good meal, with Kabarak, I will send a servant in a little while to show them to their accommodations, when they are prepared. I take it you all would like to be as close to each other as possible?" Nasuada looked to Taya's companions, who nodded.
"Very well. I will have Siranus meet you at the eating hall. You will be sent for at some time, but now you must rest and recover."
"Thank you, Lady Nasuada." Taya said, and with Nasuada's dismissal Eragon led them away from the crowd, and they soon found themselves in a quiet courtyard with very few people around, with many tables and benches.
Even though Saphira and Kabarak could stay close to them, Saphira took Kabarak up and away from the city to hunt, which also made the group on the ground less of an attraction.
They found a long table and when they had sat down cooks appeared and set the table out for them, with many bows and welcomes.
The four newcomers, plus Vanira and Eragon talked for a little while, feeling a much better after eating, when they heard a door open and they looked up to see two men, one older and one younger, approaching them.
"Father!" Sacar exclaimed and jumped up to embrace Siranus, although gingerly since he didn't know the extent of his father's injuries.
"Sacar, I am glad to see you safe." Siranus kissed his son's head, almost overcome with joy. "I was worried for you."
"As I was for you." Sacar scolded. "You know I wouldn't have left you."
"And you likely would have died, my son. The Red Rider is not kind to those he captures."
He used to be. Taya thought sadly.
"I wouldn't have you hurt and in harm's way if I could help it, and besides, I didn't have a choice this time. Bran made it for me, and I am glad he tossed you on that horse." Siranus turned his gaze to Taya and Raya. "I believe he made the right decision. But I never would have dreamed that the girl who stepped into the street in Feinster was the sister of the last rider." At that, both he and Kuntar bowed to Taya.
"It is a great honor to meet you, Lady Rider. Thank you for taking care of my son." Siranus said to which Taya smiled.
"You must thank Raya, Sasha and Kabarak for that more than me. Your son took more care of me than I did of him. I was in a coma for most of his journey with us. But that is a long story. Come and sit, and tell us your stories, and we will tell you ours."
Siranus almost asked a question, but Kuntar nudged him towards the table and after Siranus gave his brother a strange glance, they both sat down at the table.
Once they had both drank, Taya asked,
"I would ask that Siranus begin. I know Sacar joined us at Feinster and that you were taken prisoner by Murtagh. But before I let you speak, I have a word of advice for you in light of that, and it may save your life one day." Taya stared evenly at Siranus. "Sometimes it is better if you do not engage in a controversial discussion with people you do not know, especially if you do know that they could kill you if you disagree. You can do no good for anyone if you are dead because you made a blunder and insulted someone like the Red Rider. Whose lives are you risking by jumping without looking how far down the ground is?"
Siranus was silent for a moment, and then he nodded. "I know you are right, Lady Rider. I must learn to watch myself."
Taya smiled. "For all our sakes, I am glad. Your son is one of my close companions, and as his father, so are you, and Kuntar who helped us when we greatly needed it. But, tell us how you came away alive from Murtagh's clutches."
"I believe I owe my life to a dark haired captain in Murtagh's army. Kuntar believes that it was the same man who also saved his life. Murtagh could not get much from me, and I really didn't have much information that he didn't already know. He did take great pleasure in letting his anger out on me. I did thwart his effort to catch Raya, whose name I now know, and I know why Murtagh wanted her so badly. While she does not look exactly like Taya, the resemblance is striking and more than enough to catch his attention.
A woman in the army fed me and cleaned my wounds whenever Murtagh was occupied somewhere else. I didn't catch any of their names, but one morning the captain came in with Murtagh and two other men, who untied me and led me to the edge of the camp. There was a horse waiting. All Murtagh said was, 'You were lucky this time. Cross me again and no one will be able to save you.'
Then he left. The three men said nothing, but saw me onto my horse. The captain saluted me as I rode away, and I do hope that we will meet again, so I can thank him."
A thrill had run through Taya when Siranus had said, 'a dark haired captain.' She leaned forward a little, wanting to hear more of the nameless captain.
"I could only guess at exactly which town they were supposed to be attacking, but I figured I should ride with all haste to the Varden. But I had to take it slowly, agonizingly so, because of my injuries. Riding a horse was stiff and uncomfortable. I had to hope that Sacar was alright, as he was with people he didn't know—I was very hopeful because Murtagh had failed to capture them outside of Feinster, which is a feat in itself. I'd dearly like to know how you two managed to elude a dragon and rider."
"I rode into a ravine, which turned out to be the home of some strange birds that did not care for dragons." Raya said. "Murtagh and Thorn were surrounded by the things, and I guess there were too many to fend off so they turned back."
"I am glad. People steer clear of those ravines for that exact reason. Those creatures are very territorial. You are lucky they did not sense you, because they will attack anyone who's on foot or on a horse, and obviously in the air." Siranus replied, and then went on with his story.
"Once at the Varden I learned more about the army, and gave what little information I had. Then my brother arrived, and he had even more to tell. I was ecstatic when he told me he'd seen and helped Sacar and a copper haired girl. But one thing he added about the girl surprised me. He said, 'Siranus, that girl is named Raya, and she is the spitting image of Princess Taya Corsallen. If she turns out to be her sister, I will not be surprised. If Princess Taya Corsallen comes to the Varden offering her allegiance, I will still not be surprised, and neither should you be.'
I admit I did not have a high regard for you, Lady Rider. The daughter of the King had a blackness about her that I now realize was created to keep your true character a secret.
My son and my brother respect you. I can only imagine that you have heard this many times, but you are not the woman I believed you to be."
"I have heard that said many times, and I am sure I will hear it many more." Taya smiled again. "I think I speak for all of us when I say that I am glad that you made it here in one piece."
"Yes, Lady, so am I. Now, Kuntar may tell his story." Siranus laid a hand gently on the other man's shoulder. Kuntar looked a little hesitant, and he was watching Taya curiously. Taya wondered about that, but the moment passed and the older man started talking.
"I too owe my life to the black haired captain and a dark haired woman. Murtagh even asked the captain if I should live, and he said yes. There were a couple other men with them who agreed with the captain, and they helped me by packing my saddlebags and bringing me my horse. My story is certainly as interesting as my brother's. I did have a feeling that our paths would cross, Lady Corsallen. In fact, there is something in Raya's saddlebags that I must retrieve and present to the Varden. I received a report from Uru'baen that Princess Taya Corsallen had disappeared, and that the King was blaming the Varden. I sent that on to Lady Nasuada, but a few weeks later I received another report that the King actually didn't know what happened, and that there was a whispered rumor that the princess had fled on her own. At that point though, the egg's disappearance was coincidence. Now I see that it was not. I put that last report in Raya's saddlebags just in case I didn't survive."
Raya looked at Sacar, who raised his eyebrows. That was certainly news to them.
"But that is most of the extent of my adventure. I am glad to see you all here, and safe." Kuntar caught Taya's eye for a moment, and then Eragon said while also looking over at Taya,
"I wonder about that captain. He and the others wouldn't happen to be the Hljodhr Evarinya you mentioned, Taya? You said they were bodyguards and friends of yours. It only makes sense."
Taya knew that Eragon was thinking of what he'd seen in her mind, and there was no denying that it was more than likely her bodyguards.
"Yes, I believe it is them… and that means they are sentenced to death. Galbatorix knows that their loyalty is to me, and an easy way to kill them is to send them on a mission that will undoubtedly kill them all. I will be dodging swords in the coming battle." The last part was whispered.
In Vanira's mind she heard Taya scream, 'Eragon!' but the scene slipped away too quickly for her to see or understand.
A servant walked into the courtyard then, and said he would lead them to where they would be staying in the castle.
Maybe soon we will be trusted enough to have a tent with the Varden, so you and I can be close once again. Taya said to Kabarak, who agreed.
Everyone rose from the table and followed the servant. Siranus and Sacar were talking animatedly with each other, while Eragon was asking Sasha and Raya questions about what they thought of Lady Nasuada. Taya and Kuntar trailed behind them with Vanira, who walked beside Taya, and the rider asked Kuntar,
"Was the captain Melcar?"
"Yes, Lady, it was Melcar Di'Acor. With him were Ayda Sen'Dala, Larton Zax, Larel Katzia and Sade Feist. Zax and Feist I did not know, but Katzia surprised me. He's supposed to be dead. I know the name of Sen'Dala. I even saw her father a couple of times, but we were on different sides. But Di'Acor… I have never expected to hear that name again, least of all belonging to someone living. You have a strange company, Lady Corsallen."
"Only the best, Kuntar." She replied softly.
The older man took out a parchment roll from under his cloak and handed it to her.
"Your captain gave this to me, to help the Varden. As I figured rightly that you were traveling with Raya and Sacar, I wanted you to see it first before I handed it to the Varden. I know the captain would have wished it, and I owe him my life."
Taya took the roll gingerly and looked at Melcar's painfully familiar handwriting.
We were never meant to be on opposite sides, my friend. She thought bitterly, but nodded her thanks to Kuntar.
"I will look it over, and return it to you quickly, Kuntar. Thank you."
Their attention was drawn to the servant, as the man had stopped.
"This room here will be for the ladies, and there is an adjacent room for the young sir, if he wishes." The servant said, and opened the door.
The room was long and wide, and at the other end was a door leading onto a balcony. In a corner was a bunk bed, and across from it a single bed.
There was a large fireplace with couches around it, and then a fair sized table with chairs for dining.
Raya immediately sat down on one of the couches, and sighed happily.
"Softness…" She said, and the travelers laughed. The servant opened a door on the far wall, and it opened into a room much like the one they were in. "For the young sir." He explained.
They noticed that all their baggage was set by the beds, and Sasha went over to her bag and fished around for a clean pair of clothes.
"If you so wish, dinner will be brought to you here. Lady Nasuada wished me to inform you that there will be a banquet in your honor tomorrow evening. They wished for you to be able to rest before such an exhausting event."
Taya nodded, having already guessed such a thing would be planned.
"A long as we know when and where to be, we will be there. And dinner here would be wonderful. Thank you." She said kindly, and the servant bowed and after giving the keys to Taya and Sacar, he departed.
"I will leave you all to it." Eragon said. "I can give you a tour of the castle and the Varden camp in the morning. The banquet will not start until early evening, so we should have plenty of time to take it easy tomorrow. I'll see that we have fresh horses for the ride around the camp."
"That sounds splendid, Eragon. We will see you in the morning." Taya smiled, watching as Sacar sat down next to Raya, and then Sasha sank down beside Sacar.
"We might be awake by the." Taya grinned.
Eragon smiled, and with a chorus of goodbyes he left.
"I will be back in a little bit." Vanira said to Taya quietly.
Taya wondered what she was going to do, but she didn't ask.
As Vanira disappeared, Taya turned to Siranus and Kuntar.
"Well, gentlemen, I suggest you come back later this evening, unless you care for a nap. I am going to sit down on that couch and hopefully not move until dinner."
Raya's head was resting on Sacar's shoulder, and her eyes were closed. The three were scrunched up close together, with barely enough room for Taya on the end.
Sacar looked at his father, who seemed undecided.
"We'll still be here later, father." Sacar said encouragingly, and Siranus's lips turned up into a smile.
"In that case, I'll see you later." Siranus ruffled his son's hair and after the two men had bowed slightly to Taya they left, leaving the room in silence. Taya grabbed two blankets and curled up on the couch beside Sasha. It was a comfy couch, for sure.
They'd made it to the Varden. She wasn't behind bars because of her heritage. And they seemed to like her. That was better than she had hoped.
Taya felt as if she was almost asleep when the most wonderful smell she'd ever smelled reached her nose, and she cocked an eye open to see that Vanira was back and holding a tray with a teapot and cups, and steaming hot rolls.
Both of Taya's eyes opened and Vanira smiled. The others came around shortly, and the elf served them so they didn't have to move from the couch. Then she sat on the couch opposite of them, holding a cup in both her hands.
"What is this for?" Sacar asked, taking a bite of a roll. By his expression, it was the best roll he'd ever tasted.
Vanira's smile widened as she took a sip of her tea.
"Welcome home." She said simply.
Taya looked at her family, and they looked back at her. A chill ran through Taya.
They had a home again.