Chapter 32 - Countermeasures
Slowly but surely, the strange coincidences are piling up. First, that stubborn king is ordered to reinforce the guard, then I sense a faint presence in the palace, and just a few days ago, the captain in the torture chamber reported an intruder that not even the Ra'zac could track down. Something is going on here, but it can't be that I've already been exposed, can it?! Oh, and let's not forget that some fool desecrated my shrine! I thought it was completely impossible to find, but that person should prepare themselves. No one, absolutely NO ONE, desecrates my shrine! In any case, I should take appropriate protective measures in case my plans have already been discovered. It's annoying that these feeble humans couldn't manage to capture the dragon hatchling and its rider. I would be one decisive step further if at least my first puppet were completed!
"Milan, make preparations to relocate our 'training camp'. If anyone asks, justify the relocation by saying that the Castle of Repentance is being renovated."
"Yes, my king. May I ask where you want to relocate the 'training camp' to?"
"Of course. In the south of Aberon, near the coast, there is an abandoned coal mine. The facilities there are perfect for my plans, and the project is not in danger of being exposed. The last thing I need right now is an investigation initiated by the queen."
"As you command, King Orrin. I will set everything in motion, and you don't have to worry about it anymore. The new group of recruits is perfect for transferring the facility."
"It seems I haven't been mistaken about you, my loyal servant. Has there been any news from Captain Brelor? He has been overdue for over a week."
"No, sir, but there are rumors circulating in the High Kingdom about an attack on a delegation of the queen, saved from certain death by a dragon. My dream vision is also not working, and both together likely mean that Captain Brelor's unit has failed."
"They were protected by a dragon?! Could it be that the damned farm boy and his blue lizard are back in the realm?"
"If that were the case, there would be many more rumors circulating. Besides, he has no reason to conceal his presence in Alagaësia. I think, if the rumors are true, it's more likely that Queen Arya prevented the attack."
"Be that as it may, now focus on the training camp. As soon as you have time, find out the new location of the young rider and her dragon."
"Yes, King Orrin."
"Captain Loraan, good to see that you're safe. What do you have to report?"
"Not much yet, General Jörmundur. We were able to successfully cross the border into Surda, but that's about it. On the way, two dwarf mages joined us, dispatched on the orders of King Orik."
"Nothing else of use? Not even simple rumors of strange activities or the like? No military movements?"
"I'm not sure if it's relevant, but here in Lithgow, the only military activities we've observed are of harmless nature. Instructors looking for new recruits. A few days ago, a small unit of soldiers inquired about a certain Captain Brelor, but it seems they haven't found him yet. Rumors are circulating as usual, but none that even remotely interest us. We'll have to stay in the city for another day or two, but then we'll head towards Aberon."
"Very well. If anything should happen, inform me immediately, Captain."
"Yes, General. I have one more question, though. Has it been discovered who betrayed our travel route? From my assessment, it can only be someone from the palace."
"No, unfortunately not yet. But that shouldn't be your concern at the moment. I will personally take care of the leak. Give my greetings to your unit and convey my appreciation to them."
"I will do so, General Jörmundur."
A loud thud interrupted Arya's thoughts as she watched one of the large wooden doors to the king's conference room swing open. Right after Firnen fled from the Dragonhold to release his pent-up anger towards his students, the Dragon Rider headed straight to the king's chambers. Requesting an immediate audience with King Orik, she was escorted to the grand conference room and had been waiting for her friend and king ever since.
"Apologies for the wait, Arya. What is so urgent that you had to wake me from my bed at this late hour?"
"You don't need to apologize, my friend. It's just that I received very disturbing information earlier, and I didn't want to wait until morning, as I wanted to avoid my two students tonight."
"Oh, what have those two youngsters done now?"
"Young Anna, despite my admonitions earlier today, succumbed to her curiosity and entered Firnen's cave without permission, eavesdropping on a secret conversation. I honestly don't know where such an interest in the unknown comes from."
"That almost sounds like my clan brother. He used to be unbelievably curious."
The elf briefly smiled at the dwarf, but then her expression turned serious again.
"But that's not why I came here. The main reason for my late visit is the aforementioned secret conversation. The information I gleaned from that dialogue is all true, as we conversed in the ancient language."
"Don't make it more suspenseful, Arya. What is it about?"
"It concerns our dilemma with Surda and King Orrin. I've been informed that the king is harboring some kind of dark creature in his palace and that there are peculiar activities taking place outside the capital in a prison where a secret base of Ra'zac is operating. Among other things, countless eggs of the black brood are being stored there."
"And you're convinced that this information is true?"
"But of course, Orik. That's why I've come directly to you, so that you can inform our allies as soon as possible and we can have greater flexibility in our actions."
"I'm starting to think that it would be better for all parties involved if we gathered around a table together. This stubborn Orrin is wearing us all down and threatening our spirits equally, and this constant back and forth with the mirrors is only costing us precious time. I'm also curious to know who exactly provided you with this information. Not that I mistrust you, but I always like to know the basis of my decisions."
Arya had expected this, but at the same time, she had hoped that the king wouldn't inquire further.
"Would it suffice if I told you that Nasuada knows him? Besides, I think the idea of all parties sitting at one table is excellent. However, it may not be possible at such short notice, as the Surdan king isn't giving us any time."
"That's true, but we could at least convene a meeting of all the rulers through the mirrors. To be honest, I had this idea earlier, and accordingly, I've already made various plans for such a gathering, but I haven't had a reason for it yet."
Internally, Arya rejoiced because she had managed to divert Orik's attention from the sensitive topic of the informant. As their conversation continued into the night, they discussed their new plan, as both of them believed that it was absolutely necessary for every monarch to be on the same page. Towards the end of their conversation, around midnight, Orik expressed something that both pleased and worried Arya.
"Arya, I'm starting to prefer if Eragon hadn't left and could support us in this crisis. We should definitely invite him to the conference, so that he can at least provide us with sound advice. Unfortunately, he can't fly here in time, as the island of the Riders is quite far away, and even Saphira can't work miracles."
"You're right..." unfortunately... "We should indeed invite him. Besides, if necessary, he can send us the support of the Eldunarí. By the way, the island has a name: Ostmond."
The elf spoke the last sentence with a hint of disapproval, more than she had intended.
"How do you know that already? And why the disdain, Arya? The name seems to suit the new home bastion of the Riders quite well."
"Let's just say that I found out the name under special circumstances. His new little friend couldn't resist rubbing it in my face..."
"Oh ho!"
Orik didn't say more, as he didn't want to start a new discussion and was already almost asleep.
So she does care more about my clan brother than she admits! I think I'll lend them a helping hand... hehe. I have to speak to him personally anyway, if my plan is to succeed!