27. Discussion
Nar Garzhvog returned several days after the Riders in the Bolvek village scryed Grintuk on the Isle of the Eldunarí. Eragon had asked Varhog's mother to inform him as soon as the war chief was back and rested from his journeys so they could meet with him and discuss their concerns regarding King Kulkarvek.
While they waited for Nar Garzhvog, Eragon, Arya, Murtagh, and Nasuada enjoyed life in the Urgralgra village. They soon discovered it was just as delightful during the day as at night. Each day they left their huts to find the village swarming with activity. Children ran and played joyously while their mothers toiled away, bottling fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest for the approaching winter.
The women worked together, sharing a deep sense of unity and purpose, and the rams helped when they weren't off fighting or hunting. The Riders had been surprised to learn how caring and playful the rams were while with their families, helping with the children and the many tasks of preparing for winter. All of the visitors were invited to be a part of the normal activities, and Varhog's family in particular had accepted them into their familiar circles.
But there was one aspect of village life that Murtagh still hadn't grown accustomed to, and as he, Nasuada, Eragon, and Arya finally sat down in the village square with Myrintuk and Nar Garzhvog for the anticipated discussion, Garzhvog immediately picked up on Murtagh's discomfort. Murtagh turned his face awkwardly as a young child about three years of age ran to his mother and pulled open the front of her dress while she sat peeling fruit. The boy latched himself right onto her breast and began nursing contentedly.
Arya watched the exchange in tender anticipation, and Eragon enjoyed his wife's reaction, though he too appeared mildly uncomfortable at the display. He, however, wasn't as embarrassed as Murtagh, thanks to his and Arya's conversations and passionate exchanges, and Eragon grinned at his brother's mortification.
Garzhvog chuckled and boomed, "Do human children not nurse at the breast, Murtagh?" The open discussion of breasts and all things related was as second nature to the Urgralgra as fighting to prove their eligibility to mate.
"What?" Murtagh stammered, flushing. Then he cleared his throat, and the huge Kull only laughed louder. "I mean . . . yes, they do for a time, I believe."
"But you're obviously uncomfortable by this demonstration," Garzhvog stated.
"Uh, yes," Murtagh dryly asserted, clearly trying to maintain some semblance of composure. "I suppose you could say that. The children come and go as they please and some of them seem so old, but what surprises me the most is how some of the women keep themselves uncovered."
Garzhvog asked, "Do you not enjoy breasts, then?"
Murtagh colored more deeply, and Nasuada grinned slyly at his discomfiture. "That's not it," he protested. "I've just never had the experience of witnessing this degree of openness surrounding breastfeeding."
"I see," Garzhvog said. "Did you not nurse as a baby or child?"
"My father Morzan forced my mother to give me to a wet nurse, and I believe I was only nursed for what was considered the obligatory time before she was dismissed. I'm sure I didn't nurse beyond perhaps a year of age, if that."
"How unfortunate," Myrintuk murmured. "Our children nurse for many years, which is how they grow so tall, strong, and healthy. Our finest warriors usually nurse the longest. Varhog wasn't always as formidable of a fighter as he now is, but he nursed until he was six."
"Six?" Murtagh repeated in shock. "Surely he remembers."
"Of course!" Myrintuk cried. "And I believe it's one of the reasons we have one of the closest relationships out of any of my children. And he and Myrin nursed together for nearly four years, which is why they're the closest of any of the siblings. Most of the children who nurse past four years of age retain some memory of the beautiful experience into their later life, which might explain why the rams continue to enjoy the expression when they find a mate and why their mates also enjoy such a thing. But do not misunderstand. What the mated couples enjoy as a passionate expression of intimate love is a pure, innocent expression for the children and their mothers, who delight in the tender bond while they have opportunity to share it."
All eyes were on Murtagh when Myrintuk concluded her speech. Though he was obviously conscious of that fact, he couldn't hide his astonishment, and Arya now laughed, saying, "You know, Murtagh, this is the pointer Eragon would have shared with you had you taken the time to ask how he's able to pleasure me so successfully. And it's also the reason I teasingly suggested you should grow a beard." She laughed louder at his mortified expression, and Eragon chuckled, as did Garzhvog.
Nasuada joined with, "Really? How interesting."
"Don't tell me you haven't yet pleasured your mate at her breasts," Garzhvog scoffed.
Murtagh coughed uncomfortably, and when Nasuada apparently guessed that he was too embarrassed to reply, she answered for him, "I'm afraid not. Though in his defense, we've only been married just over a week, and I don't think the idea occurred to either of us. I'm curious to do some experimenting. Or rather, to request that my husband does." She smiled in exaggerated innocence as Murtagh's awkwardness deepened.
Influenced by the openness of the Urgralish culture regarding this topic, Arya boldly said, "Eragon and I discovered this pleasure our first time making love." She proudly turned to her handsome husband. "Thank goodness."
Eragon laughed. "Indeed. But only because you demanded it." Arya smiled impishly. "Otherwise I too would have been as clueless as my dear older brother."
Eragon's prodding brought about Murtagh's recovery faster than anything else could have. He grinned wryly and said, "As you say. I suppose I never imagined that such a thing would be desirable for a woman."
"It is," Myrintuk quickly said, lowering her eyes as Garzhvog glanced at her. When she once again raised them, he hastily looked away.
"Yes, it most definitely is," Arya agreed. "Try it. You'll love it," she promised Nasuada.
"And you will too," Eragon assured his brother.
"With his mouth, right?" Nasuada clarified. Murtagh looked at her in exasperation.
"That's right," Garzhvog confirmed.
"For how long?" Nasuada curiously asked.
"Forever," Arya said with affected earnestness. "At least, that's what you'll want." Her teasing smile revealed her jest.
Eragon laughed, wrapping his arms around her and muttering into her hair, "I never know whether the proper elven Arya will take part in these discussions or the unrestrained woman I've had the pleasure of becoming so well-acquainted with." Arya shrugged, her eyebrows raised in mock innocence.
In answer to Nasuada's query, Garzhvog advised, "As long as it takes and while doing all the rest. He'll know."
"I'm not sure I can make the kinds of sounds we've been so privileged to overhear these past few nights," Nasuada worried playfully. "Will he still know?"
"Definitely," Myrintuk promised. "Nothing feels quite as lovely. And it never hurts to make your enjoyment obvious, whether you sound like the Urgralgra or not." Nasuada smiled while Garzhvog looked over at Myrintuk again, but she kept her eyes carefully on her hands, which were clasped in her lap.
"Enough! You've convinced me!" Murtagh cried with a defeated laugh. "We'll try it. Right when this meeting is over even. Shall we begin, then?"
Garzhvog's deep laugh boomed forth again. "That's the spirit!" he approved.
Myrintuk smiled and looked over at him this time, which the Kull noticed. Their surreptitious exchange of glances at just the right times raised certain suspicions in Arya, who had discerned more than any of the others save the two in question, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
Garzhvog then continued, "So why did you want to meet, Firesword? And you as well, Lady Nightstalker?"
"To discuss the issue of King Kulkarvek," Nasuada replied without preamble.
"Ah," Garzhvog said, lowering his head to rest his chin in his hand.
"We learned three days ago that he was responsible for killing Galbatorix's first dragon, Jarnunvösk," Eragon explained, "which, as we know, set off the chain of events that led to Galbatorix's madness and rise to power."
"How did you learn this?" Myrintuk demanded.
"The dragon's Eldunarí, which is a unique structure within every dragon, also referred to as its heart of hearts, is in our possession on the Isle," Eragon answered. "She unexpectedly addressed the other Urgal Rider, Grintuk, while he was interacting with the dragon meant to hatch for the Urgralgra next year. She warned Grintuk that King Kulkarvek is a grave threat to a dragon, for her body was killed at his hand, and that he then kept her prisoner to his will for many years."
Myrintuk anxiously wrung her hands. "It's well known that the Urgal king hated Galbatorix with a fiery, vengeful passion. Perhaps the human king attempted to avenge himself of the wrong and performed an equally unforgiveable act of revenge." Eragon looked at her curiously.
"Myrintuk is—" Garzhvog began, but Myrintuk cut him off.
"Please, Garzhvog," she entreated. "Not now. I don't think that's necessary."
Garzhvog nodded slightly. "I was only going to explain that you were from the Delvhtuk clan, since Firesword looked curious as to how you would know that."
Myrintuk looked slightly relieved. "Yes, that's true. I'm from Anghelm, and as I'm sure Grintuk explained, anyone who has lived in the king's city is well aware of his hatred toward humans, dragons, and above all, Galbatorix."
Nasuada said, "I have observed—as I'm sure you have, Nar Garzhvog—that the most common time for Urgal uprisings is at the end of every summer when a Rider is in the land overseeing a Choosing Ceremony and a new Dragon Rider is chosen. And the worst altercations occur each year a human Dragon Rider is chosen."
The Kull war chief sighed heavily. "Aye. I'm aware of the same pattern. In fact, my absence these past several days was related to this very phenomenon. I journeyed to Carvahall to oversee their defenses and warriors. I set off as soon as I received news of a skirmish that happened several weeks ago. Two of my fighting rams were injured by rams from Anghelm, sent at Kulkarvek's bidding."
"Carvahall?" Eragon sharply interjected. "Is my cousin safe?"
"He is, Firesword," Garzhvog assured. "Stronghammer is the best war chief I can think of to lead that city. He has rarely let the Urgralgra up north breach his defenses, but though he views our race with slightly more kindness than many other humans—since he fought alongside and even commanded a group of my fighting rams during the war—he grows weary of these constant conflicts. The other humans are even less tolerant than he, with good reason. When the Urgralgra continue to attack unprovoked, it's not hard for me to imagine the anger of those they attack. From what I could gather from my rams, those who come aren't always eager to fight, but they're afraid of displeasing the king. Any who do not fight according to his command are put to death as traitors. My rams have occasionally convinced them to turn back and, in so doing, have avoided violent confrontations, but the king views such peaceful measures as cowardly and unacceptable. As of yet, Kulkarvek has not marched to battle with his fighting rams, but I fear that the most. No one can stand against him."
"Not even a Dragon Rider?" Eragon said. "Or several? I understand that he once killed a dragon and has magical abilities, but do you truly think he could withstand the five of us who are here now if we and our dragons all stood against him together."
"It seems unlikely," Garzhvog allowed. "I don't know what to say. If what you say is true—that he killed Galbatorix's first dragon—then he is impossibly old, and I don't know what to make of that. What if he is because he can't be killed, for some reason? Have you asked these Eldunarí why they warned you of Kulkarvek? Perhaps they know something that would explain this mystery."
"Yes," Eragon replied. "Grintuk was unable to learn anything more from Jarnunvösk herself. And the other Eldunarí there on the Isle weren't much more help. But after scrying with Grintuk, we consulted the Eldunarí traveling with us. The one who first issued the warning to Murtagh over ten years ago is Vrael's dragon, Umaroth. Beyond knowing that Kulkarvek was a threat, he didn't know about specifics. He recalls when Galbatorix returned from the wilderness and demanded another dragon. He is quite certain Galbatorix did not interact with Urgals in the time he stayed in hiding and studied dark magic. And when he emerged, he already had Morzan as a disciple and they had begun their quest to overthrow the Riders and obtain as many Eldunarí as possible. But once it became clear to some of the elder Riders what Galbatorix intended, it wasn't long after that Umaroth and the others were hidden on Vroengard for safekeeping, and they had limited access to the land at that point, so his memories are more disjointed from then on.
"He and the others in the Vault of Souls were aware of a great magical effort around what might have been the correct time, and they cast out with their minds to discover what could be happening. All they learned is that it involved Galbatorix and several Eldunarí somewhere in the northern Urgal lands, but they were unable to discern more. They could indirectly influence events on the land by communicating with the minds of certain creatures—such as the werecats—but beyond that, they had little control. And their awareness of what was happening was restricted to what they were intentionally observing, not everything inclusively. Umaroth told us it would have been impossible for them to know everything that was happening everywhere all the time."
"I see," Garzhvog said. "What do you suppose Galbatorix's first dragon meant when she said she was prisoner to Kulkarvek's will? And if that was the case, how did Galbatorix get her Eldunarí back?"
"We don't know the answers," Eragon said. "But I've been thinking about it a great deal since we talked with Grintuk. If Kulkarvek can use magic, he might have eventually sensed the presence of the Eldunarí from the three dragons killed at the time of the attack. I'm still curious about that. My father told me Urgals ambushed Galbatorix and his companions. I wonder if there might not be more to the story than Galbatorix ever let on. He was already delusional when he returned and asked for another dragon. Surely he recalled events in a warped way and twisted their true nature in his retelling of them. But if the three dragons who were slain unknowingly retreated into their Eldunarí, Kulkarvek may have come to realize they were there. Over time he could have subjected them to his will, as we know Galbatorix did with many hundred Eldunarí."
Eragon continued, "But how Galbatorix got her back is an unsolved element of this mystery. He must have simply gone and taken her. I can imagine how his decline into the madman he became must have affected Jarnunvösk. She no doubt would have mourned the deterioration and resisted his efforts to use her power to accomplish his ruthless objectives. No wonder Grintuk said she had no will to live." He paused for a moment as Garzhvog contemplated his explanation. Then he added, "How would the Urgralgra feel if we Dragon Riders were to attempt to remove Kulkarvek as king? Do they feel a sense of loyalty and concern for him?"
"He is cruel and ruthless," Myrintuk unexpectedly answered, bitterness in her voice. "He won his current position by brute force and coercion. He imposes his will on his subjects, and none has the ability to defy him. It hasn't always been the way of the Urgralgra to have a monarch. Kulkarvek took that upon himself and none could oppose him. I think the Urgralgra would consider it a blessing if you could somehow dispose of him. Each new generation hopes they'll witness the passing of the old tyrant, but it never happens. Garzhvog has worked tirelessly in cooperation with Lady Nightstalker to ensure that the Urgralgra can remain in the land, but it seems Kulkarvek is determined to thwart him on every hand."
Garzhvog looked at her kindly after her words of praise. "I don't think I should go to the next Urgralgra Choosing Ceremony," he said to Eragon. "My presence, while not as objectionable as Murtagh's," he glanced apologetically at Murtagh, "is still not welcomed by the king. There is a strange history between us. I remind him too much of another, whom he hated nearly as much as Galbatorix." Myrintuk sighed sadly.
"That won't be a problem," Eragon informed him. "Grintuk is planning on delivering the egg and overseeing the Choosing Ceremony. He has informed us that he believes it will be wise to make the Ceremony as brief as possible and to leave with the new Rider and hatchling right after, in an effort to trouble the king as little as possible. He and Varhog have both mentioned how antagonistic the king was when they met him after being chosen as Dragon Riders. It seems his hatred was directed mostly toward humans, dragons, and human Dragon Riders. I suppose, in addition to Galbatorix, I probably have a good deal to do with that. If Kulkarvek feels as he does, I can't imagine he gladly received the news that the Urgralgra were invited to join in the pact with the dragons. I confess that when I proposed the idea, I was barely aware of King Kulkarvek and had no clue this would be a potential problem."
"It wasn't your fault, Firesword," Garzhvog said. "Though I obviously knew of Kulkarvek, he had so long remained isolated in Anghelm, none would have thought to consult with him. Some even speculated he had finally died, since he hadn't been seen outside the barrows in decades. But I fear you are right. I don't think he looks kindly on the idea of dragons hatching for the Urgralgra. And he also no longer allows his rams to participate in the Games in order to prove their worthiness to mate, which is another reason they must seek out conflict."
Eragon shook his head in frustration. "Though we still don't know enough about Kulkarvek to ascertain how much of a threat he poses, I don't think it would help anything to appear afraid of him. I simply can't imagine him being more powerful than five Dragon Riders with dragons as large as ours. And if we needed him to, Hanin could fly to our side within a couple of days. I think we'll proceed with or plans to visit Carvahall. I can see how it might provoke the old king, but perhaps it will also serve as a warning for him to keep his distance. Unless he is somehow invincible, I can't imagine that he would intentionally seek out a confrontation with us."
"If this is your intent, do you imagine any of your dragons would consent to carrying two of my fighting rams with you to replace those who were injured in the recent fight?" Garzhvog asked. "Those two are even now making their way back, and I mean to send their replacements as soon as possible. But if you're leaving soon, I imagine they would get there more quickly on dragon back."
"Whom do you mean to send, Garzhvog?" Myrintuk inquired.
He glanced at her, creasing his brow. "It's Raygog's turn," he said. "And Pultog. They're some of our best fighters who are still single, and I always prefer to send single rams, rather than those with mates and cubs."
"Yes," she agreed. "Though their mothers still worry."
"I'm sorry, Myrintuk."
"You needn't be," Myrintuk dismissed, though her anxiety was obvious.
Arya said, "Willow and Varhog wished to accompany us, but we haven't heard from them since they left, so we aren't sure when we'll be going. Have you heard anything, Myrintuk?"
Myrintuk shook her head. "No, I haven't. I would be surprised if they returned before a week has passed, but I would expect to see them sometime soon after."
"Though I can't say for sure," Eragon said in answer to Garzhvog's question, "I would imagine that Black Thunder might be our best bet for carrying two Urgralgra rams, since Varhog is his Rider, especially if one of them is Varhog's brother. Saphira is willing as a last resort, but she prefers not to."
"Fírnen feels the same," Arya quietly said. "They're sometimes particular about who they'll let ride them."
"I understand," Garzhvog said. "Then I suppose we'll wait until Willow and Varhog return. In the meantime, we'll hope Carvahall does not face another attack. They usually don't happen one on top of the other, but that could change at any time if the king is in a volatile mood."
"Were any humans harmed, Nar Garzhvog?" Nasuada asked.
"No, Lady Nightstalker. For the most part, I prefer my rams to face any attacking Urgralgra. Since we didn't have as many warriors from the northern tribes join us in our alliance with the Varden, they have many more Kull warriors than we, and all but the strongest, tallest human warriors have a difficult time standing against a Kull. Our rams, even when not Kull, are more evenly matched. The humans support our warriors with food and shelter. So far it has worked as an agreeable compromise, but as I said, the humans lose patience with us."
"Is there any more we can do?" Nasuada pressed. "I too will do all within my power to avoid a war with the Urgralgra, especially now that I've had the unique opportunity to live among your kind for a time. It saddens me that your rams are required to fight against other Urgals."
"I appreciate that, but rivalry between Urgralgra clans has been common for decades. The only time I regret it is when I hear that the attacking Urgralgra under Kulkarvek's command are there against their wishes. That reminds me too much of what Galbatorix and Durza did. I remember all too well what it was like to fight under constraint, though I don't know that Kulkarvek has yet used magic to force his rams. His sheer size and power are enough to win cooperation for the most part. As I said, we've been fortunate he hasn't yet marched at the head of his warriors."
"You'll be sure to inform me at once if we can offer more assistance, won't you?" Nasuada insisted.
"Aye, Lady Nightstalker," Garzhvog promised. "We need to get to the bottom of Kulkarvek's history, but I don't want any of you humans going anywhere near him until we do. I fear it would mean your certain deaths if you did. If he leaves the barrows, however, I would imagine the Dragon Riders are our best chance."
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