Hey everyone!
Happy New year! Man, I can't believe it is already almost the middle of january. Sorry it took so long to update. Got a little writers block, but thanks to my awesomest friend, I got that pushed aside and wrote up a storm.
Thank you to my awesome reviewers, for giving me new ideas and helping me figure out what people like best in my story! And thank you readers who do not review! I hope everyone continues to like my story. IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ THE NOTE BELLOW!
Note to the Reader,
I have had a few reviews telling me that in the beginning chapters of this story I was very inconsistent. I am redoing the beginning of the story! I realize I should have finished the story and then redid the beginning. If you were able to get past chapter 25, everything will connect and should flow. I know exactly what I am writing. The plot is very much the same but in the years since I first published this story my writing style has changed. So, from chapter 8 to around 25-30 things will be WEIRD. If you got past it, You are awesome! Thank you for bearing with me and I will redo those weird chapters as soon as I am able and update at the same time. Enjoy my story and please let me know. The reviews I have recieved have given me incentive to start back up on rewriting those chapters. Thank You.
Signed,
The Author of Daughter of Light and Darkness
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Christopher Paolini's.
This chapter was written to a bunch of different songs. I guess "This is War" by 30 Seconds to Mars goes with part 1, "You Found Me" by Kelly Clarkson fits into the rest of the chapter in places along with "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson and "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down.
Enjoy the chapter and please tell me what you think.
Chapter 43: Old Wounds, New Friends
Eragon opened his eyes to stare into Taya's open emerald ones, seeing for the first time the woman she was and not the person everyone thought she was. Seeing her life through her own eyes made all the difference to him, and he knew there was no way she would betray them. Her green eyes asked him a question and he nodded. Turning to the leaders, Eragon looked from Nasuada to Arya.
"Having seen through Taya Corsallens eyes I have found no evidence that she was sent from Galbatorix or that she is our enemy. I do not believe that she created false information and I do believe with all my heart that she is our friend, ally and someone to be completely trusted… Saphira and I do."
There was a noticeable relief in pressure in the room as everyone let out their held breaths. Arya stared at Taya, and both women bowed their heads to one another at the same moment. Eragon noticed this and wondered, having known that they hadn't gotten off to a good start. Were things improving between them?
King Orrin descended to Taya and bowed.
"Lady Rider, Surda salutes you."
Taya curtsied in her turn, smiling. "I am honored, King Orrin."
She turned to Nasuada, standing straight and tall with Raya and Sasha flanking her.
"Are Eragon's words enough to satisfy the Varden?"
"Indeed they are, Lady Corsallen. As I stated before, welcome all of you. It is a great relief to have you here, Kabarak and Lady Corsallen. You have given us all a new hope and a new advantage against Galbatorix."
"And what about my family? Raya, Sacar and Sasha?"
Sacar did a double take and stood a little straighter. She really considered him a part of her family? Apparently some others were wondering about this same thing. All eyes seemed to go to Sacar. Seeing how uncomfortable this made her friend, Raya was about to defend Taya's words until Taya did so.
"He traveled with me. He helped save my life. He earned my sisters, cousins and partners friendship. He may not be a blood relative, but does that have to matter?"
Many people then nodded in understanding. It was not all that odd once they thought about it. Nasuada shook her head. "I do not think it is necessary for their minds to be searched. Eragon knows that Raya has never met her father and has never had any contact?"
Eragon nodded. "It is true. While I do not know what they did while Lady Corsallen was ill I do know they had no contact with Galbatorix before or after they met her. It is harder to speak for Sacar Liastrin but I believe his father and uncle implicitly and do not think Sacar would have any reason to be in league with Galbatorix or Murtagh." "Then there is nothing else to be said on that subject." Nasuada smiled widely.
Taya spoke again. "I came to the Varden to aid you in the fight against Galbatorix, Lady Nasuada. That has not changed. I pledge myself to the Varden as a faithful Rider and I speak for myself and Kabarak in this decision. We would be honored to stand beside you as allies."
Nasuada replied in reserved delight, and Taya noticed out of the corner of her eye King Orrin nodding in acceptance of Taya's bold move.
"To this request I accept with my whole heart, Lady Corsallen and Kabarak Authamir. The Varden will be honored to have you by our sides. But with this vow of fealty there will be responsibilities and you will report to me as your leader. Eragon as the first Rider of the Varden will be my second in command and you will be his second as a Rider. You will be called on to defend your fellow people even when the odds show clearly there is no hope. You will be called on to fight a foe that is more powerful than we know and that we will fight against 'till 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."
"We understand the duties to which we submit ourselves, Lady Nasuada." Taya nodded, her steely green eyes seeming to bore into the Varden leader. "We do not give ourselves lightly and will die for this cause. But," There was a startled pause 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 other perform duties I am well capable of accomplishing. There is much about me you will come to know and understand that has not yet been revealed. I can and will fight those who have caged me and threatened those I love. I have been followed in my life by pain and despair. I set forth from Uru'baen to conquer those feelings and I will not be daunted by the task. Take me as I am or not at all."
Titters swept through the gathered crowd and Nasuada sat back, confusion snapping at her. What it all meant she couldn't understand, but Taya Corsallen was serious. Deadly serious. She looked to Eragon, who bowed his head slightly. He would tell her what he knew and maybe perhaps that would help her figure it all out."
"'Tis clear to both of us then." She acknowledged, standing. Taya stepped forward, drawing her sword in a slow, deliberate movement. Some people tensed with suspicion, others with apprehension. The regal Lady Corsallen knelt on one knee and offered her sword to Nasuada, speaking softly, "'Till the day comes that we must step off the beaten track and strike a new path across this wilderness, I offer my sword to you, Lady Nasuada, Daughter of Ajihad and leader of the Varden. You hold in your hand Istalae, the sword that was made from the scales of Iriniva, Dragon of the elf Teruivel of the House of Rorestin. My honor, my fealty, and my life are bound by this sword to those who touch its pommel, until our paths split."
Nasuada took the sword respectively, awed by its craftsmanship and design. The hand-and-a-half sword seemed to weigh nothing in her hand, and the grip was solid and fit her hand perfectly. Lady Corsallen's words echoed in her mind as she held the sword. She noticed Arya's eyes particularly staring at the sword and she realized Arya knew who this sword had belonged to, or knew of him more than anyone else here… besides the other elves who had all stiffened at the swords title.
"This is a magnificent sword, Lady Corsallen. I accept your fealty, Lady Rider, with the utmost honor of my position as your leader. Rise and take back your sword."
Taya did so, sheathing the sword with a note of finality. It was done. The last rider had offered her allegiance to the Varden, making them that much stronger and able to fight Galbatorix. Someone let out a cheer, which was taken up by all until the hall resounded with the glorious sound of cheering. Taya Corsallen stepped back away from Nasuada and turned, her hand resting on her swords pommel. She listened for a moment, a shiver running down her spine.
This is it, Kabarak. This is the day Galbatorix's power begins to falter. With our joining the Varden we have weakened the Empire's structure. We've defeated him this time. But, can we do it again once he realizes what has happened and acts accordingly? Murtagh and Thorns power will double with the help of Eldunari and Galbatorix will be furious with me. I have thwarted him once again and he now knows I am more powerful than he could have ever believed when I resided in Uru'baen. This is the beginning of a new war.
And as their power grows, so will we. We have done what we were supposed to do and have made our position clear to those who were listening. We fight for freedom and for love. What better weapons to fight with?
Truth... Justice... and Stubbornness. I set out to fight Galbatorix with those three weapons. And they will help me. After a pause she said in a strained voice,
Kabarak, can I do this? I'm only 18 after all. Raya's 15. Sasha's 19... How are we expected to fight and defeat that man who sits on his black throne?
Together. Together we can conquer anything. You found me, Taya, as much as I found you. You found Raya and Sasha, who found Sacar. We are what you said we were. A family. And families have a certain power one man alone cannot posses; Unity. A man alone is stronger than a man in a group, but a family with close bonds is stronger than even a man alone. If we remain true to one another we will win this war. We are ready. If we are not, we will die. But we will die fighting, no matter how young we are.
Taya turned back to Nasuada, a strange light in her eyes. "I do not know if any of you remember a certain spy in Uru'baen who called herself "Lady of the Shadows". This woman was my mother. And I lost my mother to Galbatorix. She was a good person. She was my light in the darkness, while my father was the darkness in the light."
Jormundar suddenly spoke, "I remember the spy called "Lady of the Shadows" and I remember wondering how she could get such close information regarding Galbatorix. We accomplished a lot with her information and it also saved many peoples' lives. We thwarted Galbatorix many times under the guidance of that one unknown spy. We tried as hard as we could to find out why she suddenly stopped supplying us with information but never even came close."
Taya nodded. "She thought it was fitting the Queen of Alagaesia should aid the Varden. She could not believe in what her husband did and how he did it. I do not think she hated him. I do not think my mother could hate. But her dislike for Galbatorix was as potent as the smell of pine needles in a forest. He knew it, and even when I was young I knew it too." "And it was fitting for her daughter to carry on that dislike." Eragon commented. All eyes turned to him and he continued easily, "Since a young age Lady Corsallen has harbored a potent dislike for Galbatorix. This has not changed over the years, except by growing. I saw all this inside her mind. It is true."
"As I've said before, I have never had a reason to like Galbatorix. He succeeded in destroying almost all the things that I loved and nearly destroyed me. Will you believe me?"
"We will, Lady Corsallen. You are one of us now."
Raya fiddled with a strand of loose hair as yet even more nobleman or dignitaries entered the banquet hall. The suspense was killing her!
Word had been passed through Aberon that the third and last rider had pledged herself to the Varden. Word had also gone around that a banquet would be held in the castle in honor of the event.
Raya had not even known about the banquet until later in the day.
*Earlier*
Tired, dirty and worn, Raya'd almost fallen asleep on Sacar. At least she'd leaned onto him for support. Taya had looked over her shoulder just then, and said in an amusement to Lady Nasuada,
"My sister seems to be falling asleep as she stands. If I may be so bold to say we are all tired and need I say filthy."
Nasuada took the hint. "I'll show you to where you will be staying. There you may rest and clean up. It would be an understatement to say you all have been through a lot."
Taya grinned at her, her own fatigue finally showing. "That it would, Lady Nasuada."
Nasuada motioned for them to follow her, and her maid went with them as well. Raya jerked up and shook her head, causing Sacar to laugh softly. "Come on Raya. Lady Nasuada is going to show us where we are going to stay." "I know, I heard." Raya mumbled. Taya laughed and put an arm around her shoulder. Siranus fell into step beside his son but said nothing. No one said much, except Nasuada and her maid. It seemed to Raya that they were discussing what needed to be brought to them.
Finally Nasuada stopped and opened a door, motioning them all in. The room was spacious, but obviously quarters for more than one person, as there were two bunk beds against one wall. There was fireplace, a table, chairs, a desk and a few other pieces of furniture.
"For now, this is where you will stay, Taya, Raya and Sasha. Sacar, if he likes, may occupy the room next door. This is only temporary, until we can prepare separate rooms for each of you. Farica will see that you get changes of clothes and anything else you need. I will check on you in a couple hours to see how you are doing." She looked at Siranus and said softly, "You should let him rest a little, Siranus. He isn't going anywhere. Unless he wants you to stay, of course."
Sacar looked at his father, and said quietly. "I'll find you later, father."
Siranus looked like he wanted to say something, but nodded and said instead "Alright." Nasuada bowed her head and the two left. Raya fell onto one of the bottom bunks and mumbled something about it being nice to sleep in a bed again before she passed out.
/
When she woke up, it was nearly two hours later and she hadn't moved at all. Groggily sitting up, she noticed Taya sitting in a chair, asleep. Her red/gold hair was shining and she was wearing a clean pair of clothes.
Sasha was reading a book in a chair across from Taya. She looked over as Raya moaned sleepily. "Well hello. Back from the dead?"
"Not yet. Still trying." Raya commented dryly, standing up. "Where's Sacar?"
"I think he went to find Siranus, just a little bit ago. That or he's sleeping in the next room. Hey, you need to get cleaned up! You'll feel a lot better. There's a towel in there for you," She motioned to an open door. "And a change of clothes."
Raya nodded. Clean. Was that even a word in her vocabulary?
/
45 minutes later she emerged drying her hair and sporting a knee length burgundy skirt and a lose fitting short sleeved white shirt.
"Wow does it feel good to be clean." She collapsed into another chair, and Taya stirred, opening her eyes slowly and blinking. She grinned at Raya as her eyes focused on her. "So, you finally woke up." "Yep. And I'm clean!" "Last one to be, too." "Oh be quiet."
Taya laughed and sat up. Sasha put her book down. "So, we are members of the Varden now…"
Finally. Kabarak's voice rang through their minds. It's about bloody time we got here. This place is amazing!
They all laughed.
Where are you, Kabarak? Taya questioned, standing up.
I think I am outside your window. I could be mistaken though because almost all the windows look alike…
Taya walked over and opened the window, and sure enough Kabarak was there. "Hey there." Taya said, touching his nose. "Have you had a good couple hours?"
Yes, I have. Eragon has been inside the castle with Lady Nasuada and King Orrin, so Saphira and I have been keeping one another company while you all rested. We went flying, and she showed me a few things I didn't know. She's incredible!
"She's also the last female dragon." Taya winked at him and he snorted indignantly.
It never even crossed my mind. He said haughtily.
"Oh Kabarak!" Raya laughed. "You liar."
Kabarak snorted, sending a puff of smoke into Taya's face. "Kabarak!" She coughed, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the smoke.
Oops… sorry.
"You're forgiven." She laughed, stepping back. "So, what do we do now?"
"Well, I'm not tired anymore." Raya commented.
"And Sacar went to find Siranus, I think." Sasha said. "I already had a nap. I'd say lets go explore, but I'm wondering if we should just stay here until Lady Nasuada comes back. She might not like it if she couldn't find us."
"True… so again, now what? I feel useless."
"Cards? Do you think they have any cards around?"
"If I'd known when I left Uru'baen that I would be in need of cards to keep myself occupied, I would have grabbed some, but…"
"Well, when people stay here what do they do to pass the time?"
"They probably don't even stay here for long periods of time."
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. "Come in." Taya called. Lady Nasuada entered, followed by Farica who was carrying something over her arm. "It looks like you've all settled in." She commented.
"Just trying to figure out what we are going to do now that we are clean and awake. Sacar went to find Siranus." "Yes, I guessed that. It is good to know his son is well. Siranus can rest easy now. He and Kuntar were very worried. They are both good men."
"Would you like to sit down, Lady Nasuada? We've got nothing better to do it seems. I know you probably have things waiting for you."
"Yes, I do, Lady Taya, but I can stay a while." "Please, call me Taya." "Very well, and you may call me Nasuada." "I'll try to remember that."
Nasuada sat down, and Farica opened the wardrobe, and the three got to see what she had brought. At Raya and Sasha's startled expressions Nasuada explained. "We are preparing a banquet to honor your arrival and your allegiance. These are for you to wear, and you can pick whichever you like. I must apologize though, because we do not have many formal gowns here."
"A…a banquet?" Raya stuttered as Taya said "Well, it looks like our evening won't be dull after all."
*Present*
"Stop fidgeting Raya! You'll make everyone else nervous." Taya whispered in her ear. Raya could tell she was smiling as the new band of people made their way over to where the three women were standing with Nasuada and King Orrin. They'd already been there for 30 minutes, and their feet were starting to hurt from standing. Sacar had yet to show himself, as he was apparently still catching up with his father somewhere. As Raya had never done anything quite like this, and it was her first time wearing a formal dress, she was nervous. Sasha was hardly faring any better than her, but Taya seemed like she was enjoying herself.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Rider. And it is a pleasure to have you fighting beside us with the Varden." The man speaking to Taya was a soldier, in full military garb. He seemed to be a captain, and the man beside him looked to be a lord. The Lord bowed formally to her, Raya and Sasha, whom Taya introduced.
"Lady Corsallen, may I introduce Lord Alver Ethir and his captain Terrin Iniri. Lord Ethir is one of the more influential men in the area around Feinster."
"Indeed it is a pleasure, Lord Ethir and Captain Iniri."
"Is it true that you all come from Uru'baen, Lady Corsallen?" Lord Ethir spoke, and Taya noted his skeptical tone. Information came with a price these days, and it looked to her like he was fishing for free.
"I do, but I cannot say the same for my companions. They come from Dras'Leona, and another of our party from Feinster. Being from around Feinster, I would think you would have heard of the Liastrin's?"
"Yes, I have heard of them… and am acquainted with Siranus Liastrin. Perhaps we will talk later, Lady Corsallen. Once again, welcome to the Varden." Lord Ethir bowed slightly and turned away. Captain Iniri looked after him and glanced at Taya, whispering so the retreating lord would not hear. "He and Siranus Liastrin had a falling out before the latter fled Feinster when Murtagh attacked. I cannot remember what about, but it ruined their friendship. Lord Ethir used to serve Galbatorix, but managed to pull away years ago without serious consequences. He was deemed as a spy, and still some are curious why Galbatorix let him go."
"Interesting… Thank you, Captain Iniri. I understand it now."
Iniri bowed and followed the lord, and for the next few minutes the three ladies shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with new arrivals. After a while Taya turned to the other two, grinning at their perplexed looks. "I think you two can take a break. The actual banquet should start soon, so I'll just meet these last few people myself." "Thank You!" Raya gasped, causing everyone to laugh. "That was the hardest thing I have ever done!"
"You sure?"
"Not really."
"Thought so."
Sasha and Raya practically bounded away, but Taya couldn't help but hear Raya's exasperated outburst. "When Sacar has the guts to show his face, I'm going to kill him!"
Taya chuckled suddenly, shaking her head in amusement. Nasuada glanced at her questioningly.
"When Sacar shows up, he's in for it. Oh boy is he in for it!"
Nasuada chuckled. "They seem to have a strong friendship, those two."
The other nodded, watching her sister and cousin walk away. "That they do. I don't know what possessed Raya to bring him along but, I'm glad she did…"
"Sacar, it doesn't matter that we are late. I don't think anyone will notice."
"Father, you don't know Raya!"
Siranus shook his head at his son as he darted away, and after a moment he followed.
"Lady Nasuada said she left some dress clothes for me in my room. I guess that means I need to change again?"
Siranus laughed and laid a hand on his son's shoulder. "Not that you don't look flashy son, but this is a formal banquet. Your friends will be dressed for the occasion and you don't want to, or maybe you do, want to look like a peasant among queens."
"I'm changing."
"As will I. I will meet you at your room in a few minutes, as you don't know your way just yet."
"Right." Sacar darted to his room, which they were not far from, and saw the bundle of clothes lain out on one of the beds. He picked it up and stood there gawking at it for a full minute. "You have got to be kidding me…"
/
Ten minutes later Sacar opened the door to see his father looking very striking in a grey dress shirt, black pants and boots with a black lined grey cloak. He practically cringed as his father looked him over, and glared at him as Siranus started laughing.
"My my, don't you look like a little prince-ling."
"Grrr, I was hoping you wouldn't say that! I feel ridiculous!"
"The girls will be impressed."
"You think so? You don't think they will wonder if I am trying too hard?"
"Hey, you didn't pick it out. I couldn't even imagine you considering it."
"Thanks… I think." The attire picked out for him was a light grey tunic with woven gold lining; a black belt inlaid with gold, comfortable black pants and polished knee high black boots. The cuffs of the sleeves had two linings of gold and there were two clasps below the neck. Sacar had added his sheathed dagger to the belt and had tried to smooth his hair with water, but it was drying and wisps of black hair were trying to get into his eyes. He squirmed, and said "It feels stiff, and weird!"
"You'll be fine, son. Let's get going. We don't want your companions to think you've deserted them."
"With any luck Raya will lessen my punishment to just killing me."
Siranus stared at his son. Sacar stumbled over his next words, trying not to laugh.
"I don't mean literally. She's not really violent… usually… It'll be fine!"
The older man shook his head and they started walking quickly, Siranus pointing the way. They joined a few people upon entering the magnificent hall, and Sacar realized they were late… really late. Nasuada was making a speech to the standing and seated people, King Orrin and Jormundar on her one side and Taya on her other side… a transformed Taya.
"She is truly a queenly figure." His father commented quietly.
Sacar stared at her, dressed in a flowing deep maroon dress, with the skirt forming into four tiers of creamy white satin. It hardly touched the ground, and it accented her straight figure. The maroon sleeves went down to her elbows and then transformed into curved, billowing white sleeves that hung down to her knee. Her red/gold hair had been pulled up and let halfway down so long tresses hung over her shoulders. Her emerald pendant hung around her neck, paired with simple dangly earrings. A black cloak hung down her back, shorter than the dress.
That was the woman who had almost died not that long ago. She still looked tired, but not as tired as she had been that morning. The dress mostly concealed how thin she was; the effects of Corsent Solenta had left her body frail. It would take a while for her to recover fully. But right then, standing there in front of hundreds of people beside a king and a magnificent leader, she looked queenly. Her green eyes seemed to latch onto Sacar, and though he was standing far away from her he could tell she was looking at him. Her smile widened.
"And we now welcome Lady Taya Corsallen and Kabarak Authamir, the last rider and dragon. These two and their three companions have traveled through many dangers to stand here now, crossing death and pain to come to our aid in our fight against Galbatorix. They have sworn their fealty to the Varden. We are honored to have them fighting on our side." Applause broke out and Taya bowed her head regally. Sacar didn't know how long Nasuada had been speaking, but it seemed the welcoming of his group was the finale of the speech as Nasuada stepped back. Motioning to Taya they stepped down from the raised dais, where they were met by a crowd of people. Sacar wondered absently how in the world Taya stood it.
"Sacar Liastrin!" A furious female voice called from behind him and he half grinned half cringed as he turned to face…
Was that really Raya?
She was dressed in a slimming electric blue, floor length dress, which seemed to spark as she moved with quick, furious steps towards him and her red/gold hair touched her shoulders and swished elegantly as she moved. The sleeves of her dress were cuffed, leaving most of her shoulders bare and a simple silver pendant hung just below her collarbone on a black cord. Diamond earrings dangled from her earlobes.
He gawked at her as she stopped, standing with her hands on her hips and glaring at him with her intense eyes that were accented by the striking color of the dress. A length of white fabric was draped over one arm, which he guessed correctly to be a shawl.
"You double crosser! You left Sasha and me to stand up on that bloody dais for at least an hour and shake hands or bow to just about every person that entered this room! Where the blazes were you? How could do such a thing to me...!"
All of a sudden she did a double take, and the two teenagers stood gawking at each other. It was Raya who managed to speak first and when she did her tone was distinctly diverse to what it had been seconds ago.
"Sacar…. You look…"
"You look amazing!" He blurted, and then blushed furiously. Raya laughed.
"I was looking for a word similar to that… but Sacar, you are handsome! You fit that attire perfectly. Are you sure you aren't a prince?"
"I'm flattered. But look at you! You are… dazzling."
"Dazzling? Amazing? Such strong words, Sacar Liastrin!" She suddenly looked uncomfortable and leaned in closer to him. "Do I really look OK? I mean, does the color fit? I've never… worn anything like this. Everyone tells me I look great but…"
His jaw practically dropped. "You look like you were born to wear that dress, certainly more than I look like a prince! I feel so bloody awkward in this! No, seriously Raya," He got serious all of a sudden to match Raya's mood. "You look dazzling. You're beautiful."
"Aww, thanks Sacar!" She grinned at him, her mood brightening instantly and she gave him a quick hug. "I needed that. I feel awkward running around in a formal dress! And oh my gosh have you seen Taya! She's the one who looks dazzling! When we were bowing and shaking peoples' hands," She stared pointedly at him, "she acted everything out like a pro! Of course she did stuff like this back in Uru'baen all the time, but she was superb! I thought I was going to die, standing up there. I mean, look at these heels I am wearing!" She lifted up the skirt of her dress to show him the silver sandals with two to three inches of heel. "My feet already hurt!"
Sacar had to laugh at his friend. It was obvious the atmosphere was making her giddy, and he had to admit, even though he hadn't even been in the place for long he was starting to feel more relaxed.
During the whole confrontation Siranus had stood by and watched with a slight grin on his face. Well, he had to admit his son had come a long way from Feinster, where he would hardly even look a girl in the face, much less tell her she was dazzling.
"Come on, we've got to find Sasha. She's finding some punch for us. Oh, hello Siranus!" She seemed to finally notice the adult and blushed for having been so rude.
"Hello Raya." Siranus replied. "Don't mind me, you two run along and find Sasha. I'll leave you two alone." With a nod to the two he turned and walked towards where Nasuada and Taya were, and the teenagers looked at each other, shrugged, and headed into the crowd.
Sacar tried not to think about the clothes he was wearing and follow Raya's lead, but the glances he was getting from young ladies in the crowd made him seriously uncomfortable. He was relieved when they found Sasha, who was in deep conversation with a very handsome young man. When she glanced their way slightly, and then recognized the two, she made a 'one moment gesture' and waved them over. "Sacar! Well, fancy seeing you here. We thought you'd given up on us poor females. You look dashing."
"Umm, thanks. And I didn't forget about you guys!" He said indignantly. "It was all my fathers fault. He made me lose track of time." "Oh ya ya ya, we know all about that." Sasha grinned. "I want to introduce you guys to someone." She turned back to the patiently waiting male. "Sacar, Raya, this is Mavir Sevalla. Mavir, this is my cousin Raya Corsallen and our friend Sacar Liastrin. Mavir is a lieutenant in the Varden army."
"It's an honor to meet you both. I must say, I've heard a lot of things about you." Lieutenant Mavir Sevalla was of average height, standing as tall as Sasha. His hair was black and cut just above the ears, and his eyes were a light blue, almost grey. He was dressed in a light blue tunic hemmed with silver, brown pants and his boots were not the standard black knee high boots, but dark brown leather that came up just past the ankle. They were light boots that allowed him to move swiftly and nearly soundlessly. He wore no cloak or cape, and a small knife was the only visible weapon he carried. His straight figure made it easy to see that he was a soldier, and the way he smiled gave his features a slightly roguish air. He was to say simply, a very handsome man. Standing next to him, Sacar didn't feel out of place. The simple yet elegant clothes of the lieutenant matched his own attire and he was able to breath easier.
"I guess we are something of a hot commodity." Raya said good-naturedly, causing them to laugh.
"So it seems. You'd better get used to making new acquaintances very quickly; because that will be one of the only things you will be doing for the next few days."
"But what about preparing for the army Galbatorix has sent this way?" Sasha asked. Sevalla considered her question for a minute before replying.
"My guess is that for the next week or so you will be political figures." He grinned at the face Raya made. "And during that week you will be tested through different conversations of what you know of fighting and such. The leaders are not stupid enough to throw people into a fight without knowing their own fighting strength."
"We can fight." Sasha commented. "We have yet to fight in an actual battle, but we've had plenty of skirmishes during our travels."
Sacar thought back to their 'plenty of skirmishes' and had to grin to himself. His and Raya's fights in Feinster, Sasha and Raya's bouts with Murtagh, Taya's fight with Murtagh… that was just about it. He wasn't counting mock fighting as 'skirmishes'. Granted he didn't know how much real fighting Taya had done, but he was pretty sure Sasha and Raya had done no more than he had. It looked to him like Raya was thinking the same thing, and the two looked at each other and winked. Perhaps Sasha liked this handsome lieutenant and was trying to impress him…
"Skirmishes are much different from an actual battle, if you don't mind my saying so. Battles usually last much longer, there are usually more people and many more die or are wounded in battles. Skirmishes are just a step to real battle fighting."
"Taya's probably been in more than a few skirmishes." Raya mused to herself, drawing Sevalla's attention to her.
"I hear she came from Uru'baen castle? Is this true?"
"Yes, it is. She lived there all her life. I was kidnapped when I was really young and ended up in Dras'leona, but she was left in Uru'baen. Our father was a powerful man there."
"Interesting… I wonder."
"What is it, lieutenant?" Sasha inquired, catching the fleeting glance of remembrance in the man's face. She'd seen that look before in Taya's eyes when she thought of something in the past.
"As we know it is a small world, so I was just wondering if she might have known an acquaintance of mine in her time at the castle. I lost track of him a few years ago, and heard he was dead. Perhaps Lady Taya might have known him."
"I might know who?"
They were startled by the new voice, and looked to see Taya standing there, a curious light in her green eyes. She had drawn the black cloak over her shoulders and if it could have made her look queenlier, it certainly did. She was staring at Mavir Sevalla in curiosity, her arms loosely crossed across her stomach.
The lieutenant bowed instantly, greeting her as he straightened. "Lady Corsallen, it is an honor. I am Mavir Sevalla, a lieutenant in the Varden army. I heard you were from Uru'baen, Lady, and thought you might have known a good friend of mine during your time in the castle."
"It is certainly as much of an honor to meet you, Lieutenant Sevalla… or, should I say, Drayson?"
"We are behind schedule, Captain. Our side trips have cost us a few of our precious marching days. If we keep up this speed we will not be there for a month."
Captain Melcar Di'Acor sighed and laid his hand to rest on the pommel of his sword as he stared tiredly at the annoyed Dragon Rider before him. It was true the contingent of men marching through Surda were behind the set schedule made by Murtagh. Lucky for the exhausted captain though, none of his men had collapsed or fainted during the move. Many had a mind to, and only the encouragement of the seemingly tireless captain kept them going.
"Murtagh, I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do, except to kill us all or have them all desert the army. I know you'll say they can't, that they've all been bound by their words and by magic, but I refuse to be considered a human slave driver. I'm keeping these men marching by sheer willpower, and honestly my heart isn't in the march either. How can we march straight and tall to certain death? Why aren't you leading these men? If I do not allow them rest they will be nothing but flesh, clothing and half sane minds to fight at our destination. I'm starting to think the change of plans is a good one. That means we will get there sooner and it'll be over more quickly."
"How can you say that, Melcar?" Murtagh fumed. "This isn't about certain death! This is about infiltrating one of Surda's least guarded towns. Your speech sounds more like one for giving up than continuing on."
"I'll continue on, until my feet fail me, Murtagh." Melcar sighed. "I only wish that all these other men didn't have to."
"You've said that before."
"And I'll say it again!" The tired captain barked, suddenly coming alive. "If you don't lay off my back and stop questioning the way I march these men through blistering heat, no shade and practically no water areas I swear I will resign my command and there will be nothing you can do about it. Tell me right now there is a better person to lead these men. Tell me."
Murtagh glowered at the captain. "I could easily do it. But this mission was entrusted to you and you will complete it."
"Exactly. I will complete it. I'll get these men through alive, well and ready to fight. You just sit back and enjoy having someone else in charge. You called a halt, and we halted. We are staying here for a few hours, and come nightfall we will move again. During the middle hours of the day we will rest and take shelter under our tents and if you will, make your magical trenches full of water, and come night again we will continue on. When we are close to our final destination we will march in the day and sleep at night so we will be awake in the day when we are supposed to fight. If that is not a good enough decision…"
"Carry on, Captain." Murtagh sighed, and Melcar bowed his head slightly and walked quickly away from him. His hand was gripping his sword tightly and he slowly relaxed the grip.
Luckily he was one of the few people who could stand up to Murtagh and push his own decisions. It would save their lives, in the end, and he knew he wasn't being overly self-praising. He trusted in his own leadership, which is what a leader needed. If a leader was not sure of his willpower and how well he could lead his fellow men, he did not deserve such a command. His time as the Captain of the Hljodhr Evarinya had opened doors for him that would have been closed, mostly because the Hljodhr's were a hard bunch and all came from different backgrounds. He had gotten to know each and everyone's personality so that he could play on their weaknesses if he absolutely needed to. From that came his ability to play on Murtagh's weaknesses.
He smiled grimly. All thanks to one certain girl who had saved his life when everyone else hadn't cared one scrap about him.
He stopped to talk to one or two of the resting men, telling them the plan so they could pass it on to their fellows before he turned towards his own tent. His horse, Adnarim, was tied to the wooden support and the big black looked up at him and nickered softly. Melcar scratched his glistening flanks and shoulder, whispering to him and rubbing his forehead. He opened the flap to the tent and laid down on his bedroll. The air was warm, but not quite stifling. Sunset should be in almost two hours, so he could get an hour's shuteye at most…
"Melcar!" Someone outside of his tent shouted, causing him to jerk upright. Confused, he had to look around to realize he was still in his tent. He growled softly. He hadn't had his eyes closed at all. Standing wearily he opened his tent flap to see Larel Katzia waiting there, an anxious look on his face.
"What now, Larel? Please don't tell me it's Zen. I already know I can't do anything."
Larel shook his head. "No, it isn't Zen. Two of the men had a fight… with daggers. One is badly wounded."
Melcar was immediately out of the tent and the two sped away at a jog, Larel leading him on quick feet. They heard shouting, and came upon a bloody scene. Melcar only knew the two men by sight, didn't even know their names. A good portion of the men from that section were there, and there was a small circle around a man who was on the ground.
"Captain!" The still standing man gasped as Melcar entered the fray. The man pointed a finger at the downed man. "He threatened to kill me and came at me with his knife. I could only defend myself."
"There are always two sides to a story, soldier. I won't make a decision without the second man's story."
"Captain," One of the people that had been examining the downed man said gravely, "There's a good chance he won't make it through the next few hours. The magicians won't touch him unless you tell them too. They say they have to save their strength for the battle…"
"Cowards." Melcar growled, picking out the magicians in question easily. All were robed in black, and there were three of them. "Have I never expressed a want for you to work together? All three of you put some effort into it and you will hardly be drained. Move aside, all of you!"
The magicians stared at him with pure anger in their eyes while all the men moved as one away from the man and their furious captain. Melcar knelt beside him, noticed the well aimed blow that had nearly plunged into the man's heart. He had other wounds, and out of the corner of his eye he noticed the other man looked mostly unharmed… just breathing a little too hard. Suspicion grew inside him as he looked back at the man. He was young, probably Melcar's age or even a little younger. His eyes were open and he was gasping for air. His brown eyes were clouded with pain, and it looked like he was trying to say something, but his lips were not forming the words.
A picture of the past entered Melcar's mind as he looked at the young man.
He saw himself lying on the ground, with Taya kneeling beside there and she was healing him. Was he, Melcar, a figure of Taya? As captain he could order the three magicians to use their power to heal this man, but Melcar felt no pull towards that decision. Instead, he lifted his hands over the man's heart, closed his eyes and lowered his head, saying the spell of healing.
A gold aura spread from his fingers and more than one person stepped back as the gold engulfed the downed man and the captain. The brown eyes of the downed man moved to latch onto the figure above him and life seemed to slowly come back into his eyes. A startled cry escaped the unwounded opponent. There was the sound of a scuffle and an angry exclamation. The magicians put their heads together, watching the captain with fear and interest. But Melcar was oblivious to all this, centering his magical power on healing this man and staying alive himself.
"Melcar!" Ayda's voice hardly penetrated the soundless barrier around himself and the young man, and Melcar's mind hardly registered it was her voice.
One... more... minute...
"Larel, how could you have asked him to do this? He's exhausted! What the hell do we have healers in this army for if they don't heal?"
"I didn't ask him to do this, Ayda. He made the decision himself…"
A slight smile lifted the captain's lips as he heard Ayda's protests. Of course she wouldn't agree… but this was something he had to do, for himself, for one of his soldiers, and even for Taya who had risked her life so many times to heal him.
The soldier beneath his hands took a deep breath and slowly let it out. There was no more pain in his eyes. His breathing was even once more, and there was not even a sign of blood anywhere on him. The gold aura receded from around them and Melcar's shoulders slumped. He did not collapse, he did not pass out. Fatigue gripped his limbs so much he could not move. His eyes remained closed and for a full minute no one said anything. No one moved. Breaths were held in anticipation to see what the captain would do next. When everyone believed him unable to speak he spoke, his voice sounding clear and vibrant in the previously silent air.
"A leader will always risk his own life for those he or she commands…" He lifted his head and stared straight at the magicians, his black/gold eyes filled with fury.
"You do not care for yourself. You only care for others. Your duty as a magicians is to protect others, heal others if that is your talent. Otherwise you have no purpose. You may have a talent to manipulate energy and use magic but that makes you no more powerful than a strong willed man. Beside those who risk their lives for everyone but themselves, you are worthless." Standing straight and tall, Melcar offered his hand to the man on the ground, who hesitantly took it. With some effort Melcar hauled him to his feet and both men braced their feet apart and used each other for support.
"My thanks, Captain. I thought for sure…" "Don't think about it. If it was possible I know, or at least I'd hope, you would do the same for me. Now, what was the reason for this? I enforce a strict 'no-fighting-unless-in-battle' rule here. What was the trouble?"
"I don't rightly know, Captain." The healed soldier turned to stare at the man who had tried to kill him.
"He's one of them!" The other man yelled, breaking free from Larel Katzia and the other man who had restrained him from charging at Melcar earlier. Melcar turned towards him, barking out an order. "Soldier, Halt!"
The man came to a complete standstill, shock crossing his face.
"Oh yes, I told you to stop." Melcar stalked forward, and though no one saw it he was trying very hard to walk in a straight line. "And I backed it up, just in case."
The other soldier followed him, and it was obvious he was standing on shaky legs.
"You told me this man attacked you. You have hardly any scratches on your body while this man was stabbed above the heart. You have just stated that he is one of 'them' and we do not have the pleasure of understanding you. Please elaborate."
"His family killed one of my family." The man snarled, tied in one spot by some unseen force. "My family vowed to kill any one of them we saw on sight for their outrage. The courts said we had no right, but we knew his family had the courts eating out of their hand."
"You have got to be kidding me…" The other soldier breathed. "That was over 20 years ago! That blood feud was supposed to have ended when Daveja Kures died, 4 years ago. I think you are behind the times a little. I have no quarrel with you, Kures, and do not see why you couldn't have told me why you wanted to fight me."
"Is that what happened?" Melcar asked skeptically. Several other people nodded, as well as the soldier. "Yes sir. He came up to me out of nowhere and demanded that I fight him, for honors sake. I was confused and did not reach for my weapon until he attacked under the pretense I was drawing my weapon. I managed to scratch him a few times before he made his final blow."
"Daveja Kures is not dead!" The other man cried in despair and the soldier whose name was still unknown, scoffed. "You are snatching at shadows. That 'blood feud' ended 4 years ago and a sort of treaty was formed between our two families. Your side suffered more than ours… though my brother's life still weighs heavy on my mind."
"So there was a blood feud that started 20 years ago between your two families… How in the world did you, Soldier Kures, know this man to be who you thought? Did you ask him his name?"
"They all look the same." Kures growled. "When you have seen one, you have seen them all."
"Hardly." The other laughed.
Melcar suddenly looked more closely at the man's features. He realized slowly that he did look somewhat familiar. That was interesting, because the only person who had that look about him was...
"Though, the family gene pool does make us all look… slightly similar. If you had seen my sister you would not say that though, or some of my cousins. I only wish I had known who you were when you started that fight. I might have been a bit more careful. That is what got my brother killed, and I almost died as well. Well, I still have no real quarrel with you, Kures. That fighting is in the past and I came here to fight a different battle. Will you accept the same truce our families did? No more fighting?" He held out his hand to his family enemy, who stared at his hand as if it was a serpent.
Everyone held their breath as Kures reached out and grasped the extended hand.
Melcar gratefully let up on the spell that held Kures immobile, and the man suddenly gasped. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Melcar asked, genuinely curious.
"Never mind. I accept your terms… You should be a diplomat, not a soldier." Kures said to the other man, who laughed. "Don't worry, I tried that. I wrote out the treaty between our families and was going to become a judge in the courts. Only I found I had that old trait that led to battle. A judge cannot yearn for a chance to fight in a war. It messes with his head. And the Empire needed soldiers, not diplomats."
"I see…" Kures nodded to him and saluted Melcar. "I am ashamed of my actions, Captain, and will fully accept any punishment you deem fit to give me. I almost took a good man's life through pure anger."
"That you did, Soldier. And lucky for us all I interfered. And lucky for us this man handles his words so well. Think on this: A man who attacks in anger with no respect for human life does not deserve to be called human. But a man who realizes he has lived as a monster and walks away from that monster is more of a man than many who walk this earth. Think it over." Melcar turned away, but stopped at Kures's protest. "But what about my punishment?"
"What punishment? If you think marching through a desert to fight a battle against the Varden is not a just punishment, I don't want to know what you think a punishment ought to be."
The other soldier followed him and they walked away from the circle of people. "You really are a leader." The man commented. Melcar chuckled. "I'm lucky." "How so?" "I've been in your situation before, nearly dying. I had someone there to give me my life back. It was the least I could do. And Kures, well, I wasn't feeling creative enough to find something for him to do in an army camp that will be moving out in an hour."
"That's true."
"Say, I have never caught your name. In all of this both of you accomplished never speaking your name. I do not think we have met, but you look familiar."
"I think if we had met I would have known you at once. You make quite an impression. Half of it is your eyes."
"I get that sometimes. But then there is still that strange feeling that I know you. I can tell you have gotten this a lot, but it is true."
"My apologies for not introducing myself to you sooner, captain. My name is Terevir Drayson."
Melcar hardly blinked. "Really? Have you ever heard the name of Zen Drayson?"
"He was my cousin. Why?"
"Just curious. You say was?"
"He was killed a few years back. I do not know the details, just that he is dead."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Well, that explains why you are familiar."
"It does?"
"There is a man in this army who bears a resemblance to you. Funny, his name is Zen Drayson too. Couldn't be the same person though, since you say your cousin has been dead for a few years. Perhaps the Zen Drayson here heard the name somewhere and is using it as an alias?"
Terevir Drayson seemed too shocked to respond. Melcar couldn't believe it. The likelihood of having two Drayson's in one little army was astounding. He knew Zen had relatives, and he had a number of siblings, but he had no idea how many extended family members there were around Alagaesia.
"Melcar!" He turned in time to see Ayda flying towards him and brace himself for the inevitable impact. Sure enough, she flew into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"Goodness, you'd think I was the one who almost got killed." He said gently, stroking her hair.
"You are such an idiot!"
"Well, I was hardly expecting that. What makes me an idiot?"
"You were already exhausted when you butted into that fight. Why didn't you make those blasted magicians heal this guy?"
"They wouldn't have been able to do it. They didn't have the hearts to do it. And besides, they couldn't have done it with so much style."
"Was the gold aura an accident?"
"Gold… aura?" He took her by the shoulders, looking into her dark eyes. "What gold aura?"
"You don't know? When you said that healing spell, you and he were engulfed in a gold kind of aura. Just like…"
Taya... your trade color is silver and green. Am I gold?
"I didn't know." He said simply, letting go of her, and indicating Terevir.
"Ayda dear, this is Terevir Drayson. Terevir, this is the lovely Lieutenant Ayda Sen'Dala, my right hand. Ayda, he was the cousin of Zen Drayson. Remember him? That young man back in Uru'baen? The one who was killed a few years ago. "
For a second Ayda just stared at him, was about to say something, stopped, then looked at Terevir, who looked just about as confused as she was.
Cousin! This guy? Here, in this little army? How many Drayson's are there? And what is up with Mel? Does he not want this guy, Terevir(That's a cool name), to know Zen is alive? Or sort of alive. Oh... I see.
"Yes, I remember him. I liked him. He was quite the wit, and was a good fighter."
"You two knew him?" Terevir exclaimed, looking from one to the other.
"You could say that." He paused. "Hey, Terevir," Melcar cocked his head, causing Ayda to snicker. She loved it when he did that… but why? Why was he doing that!
"Have you ever heard of the Hljodhr Evarinya?"
"Once. When I was told you were the captain of this army. Why?"
"Your cousin, Zen Drayson, was a lieutenant in that bodyguard unit, sworn to protect the life of Princess Taya Corsallen."
"Impossible. He went to Uru'baen to join the King's guard. He died in service to the King." But Melcar was shaking his head.
"That is a story told to the far reaches of Alagaesia. That is a story that is also a lie. Zen Drayson did not die. He had a change of heart and was nearly killed because of it. His life was saved by Taya Corsallen. He became a Hljodhr Evarinya before I did. I came later. Zen and I were good friends… until the Princess disappeared. Zen went mad in the head, and I was forced to dismiss him from the unit under… incredibly harsh circumstances. Ever since, he has been a Zen Drayson no one knows, a man changed by longing, love, hate and revenge. The cousin you knew is no more, unless there is some of him under the monster he is now. I know I have called two people a monster today, but for Zen… there is no other figure I could use. We loved him as a brother, all of us. But sometimes one travels down a path others cannot follow. So you could say Zen Drayson is dead, that someone is using his name."
Ayda turned quickly at a soft sound to see that one transformed person, standing with his feet apart, fists clenched and eyes ablaze. The image of a friend with a heart of a stone.
"Isn't that right, Zen?" Melcar said softly, not turning his head. Terevir jumped and stared past Melcar and Ayda at the figure of a man who bore no resemblance to the person he called his cousin.
Though his hair and face looked much the same and he had grown taller, there was no Zen Drayson in those frosty blue eyes. He didn't have the heart to say anything as he stared at his long-thought-to-be-dead cousin, and Zen Drayson's eyes did not even stray towards him, but stayed locked on the back of Captain Melcar Di'Acor's head.
Ayda swallowed. That was why Melcar told Zen's story… because Zen was behind him. I wondered why he made it sound like to me that he wasn't going to let Terevir in on the fact Zen was alive, and then all of a sudden started telling him. And Zen...
"Hmph." With a grunt of disbelief, Zen Drayson turned and walked away, not once looking back. Melcar looked at Terevir's stricken face with sad eyes.
"We live with his image every day. And we cannot forget that evil is everywhere; even in those we treasure most of all."
"Mel, you need to sit down before you fall down. If you don't rest you won't be in any shape to move the army."
"Very true, Ayda." He grinned at her, and she narrowed her eyes. "Snap out of it, Mr, otherwise I'm going to tell Murtagh you are incapable of leading at this time."
"That was harsh… and very lame. If that is all you can do…" "Get moving!"
Melcar chuckled, shaking his head. "The army must begin moving in less than an hour. You expect me to rest? Think again, dear Ayda. Terevir," He turned his attention back to the astonished Drayson. "I want you to notify the commanders that they must start packing their troops. We will leave in less than an hour, and I want every soldier ready. Ayda will go with you and tell you who you must notify. I have something I need to do."
"Melcar….."
"Ayda." His tone was final.
"Yes sir." Terevir saluted, and with Ayda moved away.
"Oh, and Drayson." Melcar called after them, catching the two by surprise. They turned to look at him, astounded. Weary and tired though he may be, Ayda thought, he still looks kingly. Troubled on the inside by what happened to Taya and Zen, he makes everyone think life is just a game to him.
"When the army starts moving, come find me." He turned then, and walked away.
Two Drayson's, one army. Murtagh as the official leader of the army. A Bodyguard captain as the main captain of that army. A unit of bodyguards sent to die in said army. I hope Taya, wherever she is, is having better luck than I am.