Chapter 17

Authors Note

Hey guys it's Robertthekingslayer here. My updates will be a lot slower for a while as my phone where I currently work on my stories is crashing and having a lot of issues so my writing time is limited as well as school starting back has made my time writing a lot rarer. I will continue all of my stories and will post them all as often as I can but it won't be a once a week thing for quite some time. As always constructive feedback is always welcome and helps me improve as a writer so review and let me know what should be improved and worked on. Enjoy the chapter and have a great day.

Training Riders

Vrael loved sword fighting. He loved the feel of the sword in his hand. He loved the rush. But one hour after dawn the fourth day in Doru Garjzla he was not ready for sword fighting. Across from him stood Master Murtagh a expert with the sword. One of the top three sword fighters in the Order. Stifling a yawn he barely had time to back peddle as suddenly Zar'roc was in front of him arching down. Stumbling he clumsily parried a blow and then another before a quick flourish of the red sword left Edoc'sil point down in the sand beneath them as the point of Zar'roc rested against the young half elf's chin.

Holding his breath he heard Murtagh say "You need to be prepared to fight at any time. You have talent boy but it won't mean a thing if you don't know how to use it."

Vrael watched as the master swordsman turned and pulled Edoc'sil from the sand when suddenly he twisted and tossed the blade before swinging his deadly blade faster than any human could hope to follow. Catching his blade in one hand Vrael rolled backwards blocking blow after blow his body acting on only instinct before finally Murtagh spun and locked his blade with Edoc'sil above their heads and placed a small knife at Vraels throat.

Tossing the boy to the ground the red rider said "you don't expect your enemy to play fairly do you? He will cheat and do whatever it takes to win. And so must you." Holding his hand out, Vrael cautiously took it and was pulled back on his feet.

Murtagh slid Edoc'sil back in it's sheath continuing his speech towards the rest of the group,"This one did good. He managed to hold me off for a time but he fell into a pattern. We will practice this every day. You will become the greatest swordsmen in all of Alaegasia. Now than, who's next."

Vrael looked around at the four other apprentices in his group when suddenly he saw Willis step forward saying "I'll go." Shaking his head Vrael took his place beside the other students of Murtagh.

Willis drew Wydra from it's sheath and stepped forward wary of an attack. Murtagh moved slowly in a circle with Willis following before leaping forward with his blade swinging down in a vicious arc and when Wydra went up to block Zar'roc when Murtagh kicked out causing Willis to jump back before he was kicked to the sand below him. Stepping forward their blades crashed against each other screeching. Watching closely Vrael saw Murtaghs plan coming a fraction of a second before it was done. He struck towards Willis's left side while slashing the dagger in his left hand towards Willis's right hand as the dagger made contact with the wrist Zar'roc spun through the air and leveled with Willis's throat. After that the training went by quickly learning new moves and surprises an enemy might try and after another two hours of training Vrael walked with Willis to the Hall of Lore where they would learn the history of the Riders with Master Arya Shadeslayer.

When he reached the building the first thing he took in was the sheer s

ize of the Hall. It was easily the size of one of the manors around Aroughs where he had grown up. As he approached the doors the slid open to reveal a massive library with a wide open circular position in the middle where the legendary Arya Shadeslayer sat upon the floor meditating it appeared.

Looking towards Willis before walking into the hall along with nearly twenty other students taking their places in front of Master Arya. Opening her eyes Master Arya locked eyes on Vrael with a strange look on her face passing over her features before they became unreadable once more. Vrael paid attention throughout the next two hours of the history, but he couldn't have been more thankful when she called it a day and dismissed them all to their break.

She stopped Vrael and Willis by saying,"Apprentices Vrael and Willis at the conclusion of the break you are to report to the Great Hall where you and the rest of your group that experienced the Trials will have a audience with the Elder Council." At the conclusion of her announcement the group mumbled,"Yes Ebrithil." Before turning and walking out of the mighty hall. Blinking at the bright sky above him Vrael turned to Willis saying,"So any idea where our friends are at?" Willis gave him a nod before looking up.

Following his motion Vrael smiled brightly as Terrorith landed in front of him. Hugging the golden dragons neck and merging his mind with Terrorith's Vrael climbed up onto the partner of his heart and souls back and braced himself as he felt Terrorith launch himself off the ground and into the sky with Aiedal not far behind. Vrael lost himself in the pure joy of flying high in the air as Terrorith flew towards their friends in a modest courtyard of one of the massive dorm buildings that Riders apprentices shared.

Looking out over the city he enjoyed it's beauty and grandeur knowing he was viewing the jewel of the world as few could. The city was sprawling and stretched nearly 460

miles(A/N size of New York City) and was carved out of solid marble. It was filled with fountains, parks, monuments and many other things but Vraels favorite by far was the monument by the gates of the city.

It showed Eragon Shadeslayer astride Saphira Brightscales with his sword Brisngr drawn and pointing forward with Arya Shadeslayer beside him with her blade at her side while on his other side stood Nasuada Nightstalker with her eyes looking forward. Behind them stood Roran Stronghammer, Elva farseer, and Angela with stone figures of Elves, Humans, Dwarves and Urgals marching behind them. And onthe base of the monument the name of the soldiers from all the races who died at the battle of Uru'Baen to free the people of Alaegasia from the black king. He was brought out of his thoughts about the monument when he felt Terrorith descending and in his mind he heard his friend say,"Your friends are already here little one. Me and Aiedal are going hunting and I believe the others will be coming to so you be safe."

Smirking Vrael told Terrorith,"Terrorith I'm in the heart of Doru Garjzla what trouble could I get it?" When they landed Vrael dismounted and strolled to the group smiling as he approached them.