The flying went well on the way back to the Varden. Much swifter as well, since there was no storm for Saphira to have to battle her way through, as well as Umaroth leading her up where there was a very swift stream of air she could use to push her along. The Eldunari helped both dragons as well, making sure they never grew tired, so there was no need for them to stop and rest upon occasion, or hunt for that matter.
Due to this, the city became seeable on the horizon two days after they had taken flight from the island. Now you would best be served by studying the lair of our foe, Umaroth said as they winged their way closer to the city. There is a mountain about two miles south east of the city. Meet us there. We will remain hidden for now.
Alright, Saphira replied.
Umaroth turned away from them, gliding up higher into the sky. He knew he had to make sure that he was not seen yet, nor sensed by any of the elves, nor Galbtorix, Thorn, or Shruikan. Those three though, were the ones he mainly wished to avoid, but he knew that might not quite be possible. He glided a fair way away, and was able to watch as several others were heading towards that lonely mountain, after Saphira and Eragon themselves landed behind it.
The Eldunari, they knew were with the other two, for there was no need for them to have any of them at the moment.
Vrael knew as he watched from up on Umaroth's back, not at all bothered by how far below the ground was, that the first to appear was Evandar's mate, Queen Islanzadi, and then the other female elf behind her could only be their daughter, Arya. They might not have met her yet, but very soon they would. Another elf was with them, a male, that he certainly did not know.
He blinked as next, a dwarf on a rather shaggy little pony appeared. That must be Orik, he thought. Finally, three more appeared, all of them human. First was the person, that Eragon had referred to as Roran. Then half an hour later, Jorumndur and King Orrin of Surda.
Do you think it is time we joined them? Umaroth asked him. The white dragon was listening quite intently to what was going on at the moment below them, and Vrael knew he could hear every word being spoken below. Eragon just told them about the Eldunari. Perhaps we should get down there.
Just be careful and try not to startle them, Vrael replied. Who knew how well Islanzadi would take seeing him again. He knew there was only one way to find out, but he was not looking forwards to her trying to scold him of all people.
Umaroth immediately reached out to let Eragon know that they were coming down now to land. It was not long before they landed, and for the moment, they remained hidden. Before Umaroth was resting on his belly. Then Vrael vanished the illusion from them wordlessly.
"And where on earth have you been hiding all this time?" Orik asked, staring up at them, frowning. "Barzul! Riders appearing out of nowhere all the time."
"Only twice, Orik," Eragon replied, speaking before anyone else could. He remembered how Islanzadi had reacted when Orik had said something similar when they first met Oromis and Glaedr near the Crags of Telnair. "Oromis and Glaedr were the other time." He grinned.
"Is that you… Vrael?" Islanzadi asked. She looked quite stunned. "However did you stay alive… I thought you died?" For her it was quiet the shock seeing someone who had been a close friend of her mate who she had thought dead suddenly appearing out of nowhere.
"Aye, it is me, Islanzadi, and let us say it was a very hard deception to pull off, my being thought dead," Vrael replied. "Umaroth and I knew the time to reveal ourselves had come, but for now, we will stay out of sight, for I do not want Galbatorix finding out that he did not indeed kill me until the last possible second."
"But where were you hiding? You could have come back to Ellesmera. You could have told me you had not died!" Islanzadi said.
"That I cannot tell you at this time, Islanzadi," Vrael replied. "I would rather not say where, as it was a well hidden place." In a way that made it sound like he did not want anyone to know so that he could retreat there if he had to. Not that he could remember where it was at all now. He found that quite peculiar, but he knew now was not the time for him to figure out why he had lost his memory of his hiding place.
"Saphira and I were not sure what to think when we first ran into these two," Eragon added.
Though it certainly is good to know that once more, we have another dragon on our side, Saphira growled.
At least they are not so handicapped as we were, Glaedr added. That had certainly been a bother for him and Oromis indeed. He knew that perhaps had he not been that way, he might have been able to sort out Thorn, despite those Eldunari.
"Time might have flown while we were in hiding, Islanzadi, but you will find we have not lost any of the skills we have always had," Vrael added. He had chosen not to answer Orik directly, he knew that if the dwarf was not satisfied with the answer then they could talk later instead.
Orrin spoke at last. "Umaroth says that you have devised a battle plan. Do you intend to share it with us, Shadeslayer?"
"I would like to hear it as well," Islanzadi said in a kinder tone.
"And I," Orik added.
Eragon stared at them for a moment, then nodded. To Islanzadi, he said, "Is your army ready to fight?"
"It is. Long have we waited for our vengeance; we need wait no longer."
"And ours?" Eragon asked, directing his words to Orrin, Jormundur and Orik.
"Mine knurlan are eager for battle," proclaimed Orik.
Jormundur glanced at King Orrin. "Our men are tired and hungry, but their will is unbroken."
"The Urgals too?"
Now that one surprised Vrael Since when did the Urgals, not to mention the Kull choose to help any other race? Let alone all three. How could they be permitted to be a part of this? Last he and Umaroth had known, they had served Galbatorix! He did not have long to ponder this rather startling news before someone else spoke and he turned his attention back on what was to come.
"Them too," Roran spoke.
"Then we attack."
"When?" demanded Orrin. Something about that man certainly already irked Vrael. It seemed that particular man was rather impatient to be around the others. He seemed to be the one who needed the most explaining too, and throughout the conversation Orrin it seemed, took it on himself to point out any flaws he possibly could.
Eventually it seemed to become too much though. "Do you really have to poke at every flaw you can possibly find, Orrin?" Vrael asked. "Eragon, Umaroth, Saphira and myself went over that plan several times on the way back here. It is the best option any of us have." He paused. Then turned and walked back to Umaroth. He needed to work out a way to get into the castle of Urubaen and get Islingr back.
It feels good to be amongst old friends again, Umaroth said. To actually be doing something.
Yes, but that human, Orrin, is getting on my nerves. He does not seem the easiest of people to get along with. Vrael sighed, leaning against one of Umaroth's legs. He in particular could not stand around here all day.
Eventually though the group before him finally made to head back to the camp they had set up. It was Arya that came over to where Vrael stood with Umaroth.
"Glaedr told me that you lost Islingr when you fooled Galbatorix and everyone else. We have been talking for over a week about sending a spy in there to try and retrieve the remaining green dragon egg from there, but there seems to be no way to get in that we would not be uncovered. He also told me about Naegling, and that you and Oromis were rather good friends back in the Old Times."
Vrael looked at her. "That we were and I did train him as a Rider actually. I trained very few in my time before I became the leader of the Riders, but I had enough there. He was certainly a very talented elf when he was younger. It saddens me to know he is gone." Truly, he had hoped there would be a chance for them to meet once more. "Why do you speak of him?"
"Glaedr asked us is if were possible for you to borrow his sword while you do not have Islingr to use as you should have. Neither Islanzadi nor myself have a problem with that. If the two of you come back to the camp, we will find somewhere for you to spend the night, Vrael, and someone will bring Islingr to you."
Vrael smiled at her. "I am glad that Glaedr's words about you were true," he said. He had wondered if they really would do that one for him. It was something he had not thought likely at all.
