Chapter 13: Training With Glaedr
Sonic and Saphira flew through the air heading towards Ellesmera. Eragon rode on Saphira and kept a look out for the city. A massive forest appeared in the distance and in the center of the forest was the elven city of Ellesmera. They descended into the forest until the two dragons landed in a clearing. Eragon got off of Saphira and saw Oromis's hut. He walked up and knocked on the door. A few minutes later, Oromis opened the door and saw Eragon.
"How was your trip to the Varden?" he asked.
"It was good," Eragon said. "Arya said that she wants Sonic, Saphira and I to infiltrate the king's headquarters in a few days. She and the Varden are moving to Surda also."
Oromis thought about this. "What does she hope to gain from you attacking Uru'baen?"
Eragon shrugged. "She said something about a distraction. Anyway, we were attacked while at the Varden headquarters by Murtagh. He was looking for Sonic, and wanted to capture him. Sonic and Thorn battled but they retreated for now. That is why the Varden are moving to Surda. We came her so that you could train Sonic on his abilities."
The elf nodded. "I can help you. When are you going to attack?"
Eragon shrugged. "She didn't say when. Perhaps when they move to Surda they'll tell us."
Oromis sighed, contemplating what Eragon had said. Finally, he spoke. "Come with me; Glaedr will want to know about this. I will have him train Sonic, if that's okay with him." He looked at the male dragon, who nodded.
Fine by me, Sonic said. He waited until Oromis and Eragon got on Saphira's back, and then flew into the air. A few minutes later they landed in a clearing and saw Glaedr resting. The golden dragon saw them land and got to his feet, walking forwards toward Sonic. Eragon and Oromis dismounted Saphira and bowed at the dragon to show their respect.
Glaedr looked at them and bowed his head. It is good to see you again, Sonic. I assume you have come here for my help?
Sonic nodded. I want to learn more about my abilities as a dragon. Could you train me, Glaedr?
I see that you have much potential for a dragon. I will train you. But I sense that you have something to ask me also.
The male dragon looked at Eragon, who nodded. We have come to ask you and Oromis for help. Arya wants us to infiltrate Galbatorix's castle and attack it, but we are not sure if that will work. She said that if we create a distraction that it will draw the king's attention to the Varden once more, allowing us to focus on attacking his castle. When we were in Farthen Dur when Murtagh attacked us demanding to capture Sonic. There was a fierce battle and he retreated. Now to make sure that Galbatorix does not send more minions, they are moving the headquarters to Surda.
Glaedr let out a soft growl. That is a wise decision. Once you and I are done training, we shall see what they are up to. You mentioned attacking Galbatorix's castle, did you not?
That is what Arya wanted us to do, Sonic said.
You will have to do so eventually. Now let me begin your training. First of all, have you ever heard of the Ancient Language?
Eragon mentioned it once but never explained it.
Then I will tell you, Glaedr said. It is an old language that was originally used by all the beings of Alagaesia but is now only used by elves and Dragon Riders. For example,
skulblaka means dragon in the Ancient Language. It is also used to command magic. In addition to that, it is impossible to lie in the Ancient Language because words spoken in the language are true. Galbatorix also uses the Ancient Language to force people to swear oaths that cannot be broken unless they change their true name.
Sonic looked confused. What is a true name? he asked.
A person's true name is a group of words in the Ancient Language that summarize their existence. Knowing a true name gives you power over it. If someone else learns a person's true name, they could control them.
Do I have a true name? Sonic asked Glaedr.
Everyone has a true name, Glaedr said. I might be able to tell you when you are ready, or you could figure it out for yourself in time. But on to different matters. Have you been practicing on your mental barriers?
The blue dragon nodded.
Glaedr bowed his head in acknowledgement. Then let me test you.
He plunged his consciousness into Sonic's mind. The blue dragon roared in pain but then put his mental barriers up. Glaedr felt a great force of resistance and found that he couldn't read Sonic's mind. He withdrew his consciousness from the dragon's mind and snorted.
You have done well, he said. I think that is enough for today. We will keep training tomorrow.
Sonic nodded and looked back at Eragon. The Rider nodded and smiled at the dragon. Suddenly a flash of light caught Eragon's eye and he darted away into the forest. Sonic gave a confused look but waited. As Eragon ran into the forest, he saw a bright blue emerald. He picked it up and was shocked to see that it was glowing. Curiously, he took it back to Sonic. When the dragon saw the emerald, his eyes widened in shock.
Where did you find this? The dragon asked urgently.
It was in the forest, Eragon told him. Do you know what it is?
Sonic snarled. What you are holding is a very important object from Earth. It is called a Chaos Emerald.