Disclaimer: If you recognize it from anywhere else, I don't own it.
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Two days passed after Ryan's meeting with Saphira as he slowly continued to recover his lost strength. And the most I've done is walk around the tent a couple times, Ryan thought. The healers that watched over him apparently had been asked directly by Nasuada to ensure he recovered and ever since he had awakened all they had done was fuss over him like mother hens. I hope they discharge me soon, I'm going stir crazy in here! During his recovery Ryan had discovered several things: one, he was somehow able to read and write the human language; two, this most certainly was not a dream; and three…he had no idea what he was going to do. His mind did not battle over whether he should help the Varden, rather it was to what extent he should. It is very true that information is sharper and deadlier than any sword. History had shown time and time again that the better a side's technology or intelligence, the greater their chances of winning.
Modern technology would be beyond Alagëasia anyway, but some things, like muskets, might not be and even they could become Alagëasia's downfall. I do not wish to spoil this world. It is better to leave them ignorant the information, except…maybe…the Riders. The tent flap ruffled as his two "mother hens" returned from their morning meeting with Nasuada. He had yet to meet the Varden leader, but he knew that eventually he would be brought to her. The circumstances of his arrival were too unusual and magical for her to ignore his existence.
Perhaps it is finally time for our meeting, Ryan thought as he heard the two healers move towards him. He turned around to gaze upon their faces, their lips raised in a slight smile.
One of them spoke, "We have informed Lady Nasuada of your condition and she agrees that you are well enough to meet with her. Do you feel anything that you think would cause us to think otherwise?"
A large grin overtook Ryan's face, "I thought you'd never ask. No, I'm fine. When does she wish to see me?"
"Immediately, we are to take you to her. If you could follow us, please." The man spoke as he beckoned toward the exit. It took most of Ryan's self control to not sprint out the second the mage said those words. He stood up and followed the two men outside.
Man…I get cabin fever way too easily, probably because I've had nothing to do but think and explore my mental illusion. The illusion was much larger than Ryan had anticipated. It stretched out as large his homeland. The land had been fully restored to what it had been before the separation. Cities dotted it, and each of them had been fortified upon his order. His armies garrisoned them as well, all of them working to fortify his mind to become as impregnable as possible. He originally planned to just equip his illusions as like the Roman army of old, and leave it that way unless he found himself in a danger for which that wouldn't suffice. Only if such thing arose would he reveal his true potential. The thing he had discovered about his illusion was that the rules of the actual world applied to his mental one as well, so his mind, while not possessing the strength of an elf, was a potent weapon if he chose to use it. The weapons of his world existed in his mind and…if necessary…he would use them. And with proper training, I may be able to match an elf at least, that would be an achievement.
"Are you sure you are feeling alright? We want to make sure you are fully back to strength before you meet Nasuada.", one of the magicians said, braking Ryan out of his reverie.
"I'm sure, I thank you for your concern, but I assure you that I am just fine.", came his abrupt reply. When are they going to stop? I've already told them however many times that I'm fine!
"Very well then, we have arrived.", the mage pointed at a large tent surrounded by a several vicious looking guards. Ryan suddenly realized how oblivious he had been during the trip. He was lucky he hadn't run into anyone, lost in his musing as he was. He looked up at the man, seeing an odd grimness on his face, as to why…he had no clue.
"What is your purpose here?", came a commanding voice from one of the guards.
"Lady Nasuada requested for us to bring her the boy who we found the egg with. She wishes for an audience with him.", one of the healers replied.
"One moment.", one of the figures, a dwarf by his appearance, entered the tent to announce their arrival.
Ryan took a deep breath as he readied himself for the meeting. Here is where it starts, my decisions from here on in will affect lives now. Dear Lord! How did I get myself into this! His heart thumped in his chest, attesting to his anticipation. Am I ready for this?...No….probably not….but I have to try regardless. At least I know that it all ends well, even without my intervention.
The Nighthawk reappeared, "Lady Nasuada will see you now, however, only the boy may enter."
Ryan glanced at the two mages by his side, they gestured him on. Here goes, he thought. Ryan quickly moved past the guards and pushed past the entrance into the tent. The interior was somewhat simple, however, there were a few signs that he was in the presence of the Varden leader. A small table with maps strewn about and Nasuada sitting behind with a tapestry, likely where Elva was hiding, lay near the back of the tent. He stepped halfway between the table and the entrance and stopped.
He crossed his arm over his chest and bowed slightly as he said, "It is a pleasure to meet you at last, Lady Nasuada."
"You as well, Ryan Williamsson. You need not bow to me, I am not your leigelord.", came her reply.
"As you wish.", Ryan straightened and dropped his arm as he continued, "The healers said you wished to speak with me?"
"Yes, I do. Saphira informed me somewhat of the conversation you had a couple of days ago. She also spoke of your answer as to what your purpose was. I shall ask you to clarify your answer…what is your purpose?"
"My purpose is to reclaim the freedom that I have lost through Galbatorix's reign. I wish to live my life free of worry over the Empire tracking me down." It is close enough to the truth anyway, he thought.
Ryan's eyes seemed to glow brighter to Nasuada when Ryan gave his answer. Either he is sincere and convicted in his belief or he is one of the best liars I have ever seen. "Very well then, what led you to this purpose, why not hide in a remote part of the Empire and stay there?"
"Someone has to do something, otherwise there would be no resistance, no Varden. If everyone had that mentality Galbatorix would have crushed all resistance long ago. I find truth in the statement that the only things worth saving are only saved by sacrifice."
Nasuada nodded at his words, until Elva whispered from behind the curtain, "He is odd Nasuada. I cannot feel his fears or pains. Be careful of him". Nasuada gave a soft grunt of acknowledgement and looked Ryan over from head to toe, sizing up the one that stood before her.
She contemplated his appearance and words for a moment before asking, "If what you say is true, then you shall be welcome among us, however, the difference between friend and foe is hard to distinguish in these dark times. Will you allow one of my spellcasters to examine your mind to be sure what you say is true?"
I wondered how long it would take for her to ask that, Ryan thought. Still my answer has not changed, nor will it ever, not as long as my mind is my own.
"No, I will not consent," came his reply, "however, if I swear in the ancient language that I do not serve Galbatorix or his allies, will that suffice?"
Nasuada pondered this for a moment, looked towards the entrance and yelled, "Captain!"
The Nighthawk commander quickly entered, "What is it you wish for, my Lady."
"Bring me a one of Du Vrangr Gata who is skilled enough to construct an oath in the ancient language."
"Yes, my Lady," the dwarf ran out of the tent to quickly fulfill his orders.
Nasuada turned her gaze back to the boy in front of her, "If what you say is true, then you have done us a great service Ryan, a service that the Varden will not soon forget. Where do you hail from?"
"I apologize, Lady Nasuada, but I cannot answer that question, for the same reasons I could not when Saphira asked before."
A slight frown played over her face when he said this, "Have you any friends or family among us?", she replied.
"No…my family is missing, dead most likely, as for friends…no, not that I know of." And I certainly hope that is the case. I would hate myself if I accidentally dragged one of them along with me.
"Do you possess any skills?"
"With a sword or magic?", Nasuada nodded, he paused as he contemplated that question, "no, I have no real experience with any weapon, and I do not believe I am a magician, however, I am well learned. I have been instructed well in several scholarly fields and possess a good knowledge of military history. It may not be much, but it is all I know."
Nasuada's frown deepened at this, How did the egg come into his possession then? A completely unskilled young man just happens to come upon a dragon egg and manages not to be found by the Empire! There must be some other explanation as to why it suddenly appeared in his shoulder bag.
Elva soft voice sounded from behind her, "There is much more to him than meets the eye, Nasuada". So it would seem, she mused.
"If I may, Lady Nasuada, I would request that the items that were found with me be returned after I have sworn the oath."
"Of course, that will not be an issue."
"Thank you.", at that moment the Nighthawk captain reappeared with a Varden magician in tow.
"I have brought a magician as you requested, my Lady.", he said.
"Thank you, captain. You are dismissed." Nasuada replied. She turned to the mage, "What is your name?"
"Carn, my Lady."
"Very well, Carn, this is Ryan", she said a her arm gestured toward the boy in question, "Ryan here has refused to have his mind examined for bonds to Galbatorix, however, he has agreed to swear an oath in the ancient language that says he isn't in the service of the king or his allies and he doesn't intend harm to the Varden. Can you construct such an oath?"
"I can, my Lady.", Carn turned to the boy beside him after he said this. "Are you familiar with the ancient language?", he asked.
"It's existence, yes, how to speak it, no.", came Ryan's reply.
Carn rubbed his temples for a moment, as if staving off a bad headache. "Very well then, we shall have to start from scratch." Carn began to instruct Ryan on the pronunciation of the words he would use for the oath. It seemed almost hopeless at some points and took far longer than Nasuada would have thought. Carn's instruction lasted for nearly three-quarters of an hour until he was satisfied with Ryan's pronunciation. "That is enough, now that you can pronounce them correctly, say them in the order I gave them to you.", Carn finished.
"Alright," came Ryan's rather nervous voice. Ryan began his oath, starting slowly at first but going faster as he grew more confident. The oaths were simple enough and were only a couple sentences long. Ryan quickly finished the words and Nasuada immediately felt the urge to trust the young man. She smiled at him.
"Welcome to the Varden, Ryan.", she turned to Carn, "You are dismissed, Carn". The man in question walked out without another word.
She looked back to Ryan, seeing a small smile on his face. "A pleasure to be a part of it, my Lady". Better to remain as respectful as possible. he thought as his grin grew broader by the second.
"Now, I believe that you asked for the return of your possessions"?
"If you would be so kind."
Nasuada smiled at this as she stood and walked behind the curtain to retrieve what he asked for. She picked of his bag and the black case and, after motioning for Elva to follow, moved back to her seat, placing his belongings on the table. Elva sat nearby to her right.
"I believe this is everything we recovered, if anything is missing, tell me and I shall endeavor to have it found."
Ryan rifled through his things, looking to see what had been sent along with him. He searched through everything and, finding it all satisfactory, placed all of his things back inside. He moved over to the second item, his eyes grew wide when he read what was on the front, Glock, it read. He opened the case to be met with the sight of his father's Glock 34 9mm pistol. Its black plastic composite body seemed to gleam in the light. Five magazines containing ten rounds each rested beside it along with a holster and pouches for the extra clips. Wow! I never thought this would be here! I wonder how effective a bullet is against magic? Probably pretty effective…at least this means that I'm not totally defenseless physically. Overcome with shock, he gingerly mounted the holster and pouches on a belt he had found in his bag and put it on. He pulled out the pistol. Ryan's eyes suddenly changed, their pupils constricting and alighting once more, as he grabbed one of the clips and loaded it, cocking the gun with a loud Click-Clack.
He placed the pistol in his holster, along with the spare magazines and looked up at Nasuada, his face displaying a single minded determination, and said, "Thank you very much, Nasuada. The contents of the black case are all I have left to remember my family by."
Nasuada waved her hands, "That is not necessary, I only did what anyone else would have. I do, however, have one question. What is that"? She pointed at the weapon at his hip.
Crap…how to answer that…"Think of it as a small and very powerful crossbow, my Lady."
"You have experience in its use?"
"Yes, I am competent in its operation."
"Who made it and what is it made of?"
"I do not know who made it, however, I do know that the material used to create it is not known by man, elf, or dwarf."
"May I see it?"
"I don't see why not, don't touch the trigger, however, or you will not like the results." Ryan pulled out the black pistol and handed it, barrel down, to Nasuada. She grabbed the weapon and looked it over, feeling its odd texture and wondering exactly how powerful it was.
She handed it back to him, "Thank you."
"No problem," he replied as he holstered the weapon.
Nasuada returned to her contemplative pose as she thought of what to do with the one before her. "I believe that, in thanks for what you have done, you should have a chance at the egg that we found with you. Would you be alright with this?"
"It would be an honor, however, what if I am not chosen?"
"Then I shall have to find another use for you. I assure you that it shall not be difficult to find something of worth for you to do around here."
A chuckle escaped from Ryan's mouth, "No, I'm sure it wouldn't."
"Then it is...", Nasuada stopped as she heard a commotion raging outside. She quickly grabbed her hidden dagger as she coiled for a possible fight.
"Want me to go check it out?", Ryan asked, his weapon drawn and pointed at the entrance.
Nasuada nodded at him and Ryan slowly inched forward until he exited the tent. The commotion raged for a few more moments until Ryan burst back inside, "Lady Nasuada, elven spellcasters have arrived!" For a moment Nasuada almost thought it was Islanzadí and her army that he meant, then she remembered the twelve spellcasters Islanzadí had sent to help protect Eragon.
She raced out of the tent and looked to her guards, "Quick, my horse," she ordered. One of the men ran over to where her horse was tied and quickly brought him to her. She immediately mounted and galloped off the moment Elva had been lifted onto the horse with her. She dodged men and animal alike as she sped off in the direction of the camp's northern entrance, with many other Varden immediately turning and following her onward. She dismounted as soon as she arrived and scanned the horizon for the approaching elves.
"There," Elva said, pointing off into the distance towards twelve figures running towards them.
"Awe-inspiring, aren't they?" Nasuada was startled to find the Angela next to her.
"How is it that you always manage to be present when something interesting is about to occur?", she asked.
"Oh well, I like to know what's going on, and being there is so much faster than waiting for someone to tell me about it afterword. Besides, people always leave out the important pieces of information, like whether someone's ring finger is longer than their index finger, or whether they have magical shield protecting them, or whether the donkey they are riding happens to have a bald patch in the shape of a rooster's head. Don't you agree?"
Nasuada and Angela continued back and forth for several moments as the elves approached, until Ryan and Nasuada's guards ran up. Almost immediately, and to Nasuada's surprise, the shift's captain asked, "My Lady, may I have a word with you in private?"
Angela almost immediately after withdrew saying, "It's alright, I have yet to introduce myself to our new guest anyway." She then walked over to where Ryan stood as he watched the elves approach, in awe of their speed and grace. "Never seen elves before have you?", she asked him.
Ryan shifted his gaze toward her for a moment, "I have, however, they never cease to amaze me."
"I have not introduced myself to you yet and I believe I should, I am…"
"Angela the herbalist. I have heard of you.", his expression remained unperturbed as he continued to stare into the distance. Perhaps it's best to act a little more knowledgeable around her, she seems to find out almost everything eventually anyway. This way at least, I make myself more mysterious, and thus more interesting to her. Maybe even mess with her a little bit. He thought, as a grin threatened to appear on his face.
A sly smile grew on Angela's face, "All good things I hope. I am curious as to how you know of me though."
"I possess many secrets, Angela. Think of me as a challenge for your wit and knowledge to overcome. Besides, where is the thrill in me just telling you the answer?"
"That is very true. Very well then, I take up your challenge, Ryan Williamsson.", her grin growing wider by the second.
"I hope I prove to be an adequate one.", Ryan's face remained impassive, almost as if Angela didn't exist.
"I am sure you will be," Angela glanced over to find Nasuada signaling for her to return, "I must be off, however, would you like to join me?"
"I don't see why not." Ryan motioned for her to lead the way. Angela brushed past him and walked to where Nasuada stood waiting for the elves to arrive.
Nasuada noticed Ryan behind her as Angela approached and asked, "I see you saw fit to bring our guest. May I inquire as to why?"
"He has sparked my interest.", came the curt reply.
Wow…Ryan thought, that's probably the closest I'll ever get to a complement from Angela. I better savor this moment because it's all fussing and prodding from now on. A soft chuckle escaped him as he thought of Angela grilling him about his past. If only she knew.
The elves came up to them, a blue colored figure that Ryan assumed to be Blödhgarm leading them. The twelve stopped in front of them as Blödhgarm spoke, "Atra esterní onto thelduin."
"Arta du evarínya ono varda," replied Nasuada, completing the traditional elven greeting. The elf smiled, revealing his oddly sharp teeth.
Yeah, I think I'd rather avoid a fight with him…or any of them for that matter. Ryan continued to muse as Blödhgarm informed Nasuada of the elves success in their assault on Ceunon, It would be interesting, however, to place their experience and strength against modern technology and see how they adapt to such an 'enlightening' experience.
A whisper suddenly came from within his mind, As it would be for any creature, however, they have never faced beings like my fellows and I. It was Reaper who spoke to him, his voice echoing throughout his consciousness.
Your kind would certainly give them a run for their money, I'll admit. I worry, however, that you may not be enough to stop such an attack.
We are stronger together than you realize…eld moi.
Reaper voice faded away, leaving Ryan more confused as to what he meant, I should ask him later, after all he is a part of me. Ryan returned his attention to the conversation between Nasuada and Blödhgarm.
"….understand my reasons. So I ask, will you agree to this?", Nasuada was saying.
Blödhgarm replied with an affirmative to her query, though warning her of what could happen to any mortal who examined an elf's mind.
Nasuada seemed to understand all this but she shouted for Captain Garven to examine their minds anyway.
It may be a good idea to intervene here, save Garven from hurting himself, Ryan thought. "Lady Nasuada, I would think it prudent to allow Angela to do this, she would be less affected by the oddities in an elf's mind."
Nasuada turned to him, her eyes hard with some emotion Ryan couldn't identify, "Perhaps it would be, but how would you know of this?"
"I have some previous knowledge of elves and I know that if one is unused to elven magic and life, then such a process will almost certainly damage their minds.", Ryan quickly replied.
"The young one is correct and his suggestion is valid, Nasuada Svit-kona. It would be wise to select one who has spent time among our people." Blödhgarm agreed.
"Very well, Angela could you please?" Nasuada assented.
"Why not, it would be an interesting trip.", an odd smile graced Angela's lips as she approached Blödhgarm. "May I?", she asked.
Blödhgarm nodded his assent and Angela delved into his mind, swiftly shifting from one memory to the other. Then, as quickly as she started, she stopped. She took a deep breath to regain her composure, "It never seems to get easier", she mumbled. She backed away from the blue furred elf and said, "They are elves, Nasuada, of that I can assure you."
"Are you alright, Angela?", Nasuada asked, concern covering her features.
"I shall be fine, I just need a moment to catch my breath.", Angela slowly calmed down and then proceeded to examine the other elves in succession. After each time she would take a small break to collect her thoughts before continuing. She finished soon enough and gave Nasuada a confirming nod.
She seemed to be lost in her thoughts but quickly returned to her senses to ask Blödhgarm about his peculiar form. He explained to her of how the form pleased him and how it may change in another century or so. Nasuada replied with a witty comment on him becoming a fish in the future, at which which all the elves laughed and even offered to teach her a game of theirs in the future. Ryan paid little attention to the bantering between the two as he waited for the conversation to end.
His ears perked up when Nasuada informed them of the crowd they were about to encounter, "…are a curious lot, and none of us have seen so many elves before."
"We are prepared for this, Lady Nasuada," came Blödhgarm's reply.
"I would also like to request that you and your fellows accompany me to my tent, there is something we must discuss."
"We shall follow you then.", with that the group plunged into the crowd.
This has to be worse than Times Square on New Year's Day, Ryan thought as he squeezed and pushed his way through the crowd to keep up the group. The numerous guards seemed to be overwhelmed by the numbers of those watching and looked to be just focused on keeping their leader safe. After tripping twice, a jab in the side, and more than a few unkind words, Ryan arrived to find the rest already at the entrance to Nasuada's tent.
"Ah, there you are. I feared that you may have become lost or trampled in the crowd.", Nasuada commented, a small smirk on her face. "Now come, I wish to inform the elves of our discovery." They all entered as one, Nasuada sitting in her chair behind the table, with the rest in surrounding it. Even Saphira made an appearance, her head coming through the open tent flap overhead.
Blödhgarm glanced over at Ryan, then asked, "Why have you brought this youngling with us, Lady Nasuada?"
"Because without him, I would have nothing to speak with you about. I suppose, though, that I should get to the heart of the matter". Nasuada's eyes shifted to Saphira above, "I assume you have it with you, Brightscales?"
Of course, I always do.
"Will you please show it to them?"
Saphira nodded and her head exited the tent for a moment, quickly reappearing with the sage egg displayed in her jaws. The elves eyes followed it down as Saphira set it on the table in front of them. "This is the subject of what I speak of.", Nasuada began, "We discovered this egg several days ago, buried in the possessions of the 'youngling' that you spoke about earlier."
The elves turned towards him, and deciding that it would be appropriate to introduce himself, Ryan touched his first two fingers to his lips and added, "Atra esterní onto thelduin, Blödhgarm elda."
Surprise flashed over the elf's features as he responded, "Arta du evarínya ono varda, youngling. It appears that there is more to you than I originally thought. What are you called?"
"Ryan Williamsson, Blödhgarm elda."
"May I ask how you came to know of our traditions?"
"You may ask, but I shall not answer. That information is worth more than my very life and I will protect it as such, älfa." Ryan responded as a steely resolve crept into his voice. His eyes hardened and seemed to glow once more as the words flowed from his mouth.
"As you wish," Blödhgarm turned back to the Varden leader, "how did you come by this?"
"It would be better if you asked Ryan, however, he has either no knowledge pertaining to the matter or he refuses to tell us."
"Have you ensured that he does not work for the black king?", Blödhgarm asked as suspicion crept into his eyes.
Nasuada frowned at him, "I have. He would not be present at this meeting otherwise and I have found no reason to doubt his loyalty."
"So be it," the elf countered, doubt still clinging to his words, "what do you wish to ask of us, Lady Nasuada?"
"I have planned for the egg's existence to be announced tomorrow and I have already chosen several candidates for potential riders. Arya and I agreed before she left that the Varden should try and hatch the egg while it was here and, if we fail to do so by the time she returns, she shall take the egg back to your people to attempt the same. I ask that you be present to assist Saphira in guarding the egg during the candidate's trial and, if it hatches, to begin to teach the new rider the basic skills he shall need."
"We would gladly do so. Do you possess a list of the chosen candidates?"
"Yes, I do," she handed over a slightly faded piece of parchment, "I would also inform you that Ryan is one of the candidates as well. I only thought it appropriate since he brought us the egg in the first place."
I agree with Lady Nasuada's decision. Saphira added.
"It only seems fair to me as well," Blödhgarm replied, the edge in his voice completely gone, "how many others know of this?"
"Myself, Jörmunder, and a select few Varden nobles know outside of those present here. The candidates will be formally announced tomorrow."
"That shall be good enough. Where will the trial be held?"
"It shall be set up just before the trial, so as to preserve secrecy as long as possible."
"A wise idea. Is there anything else you wish to inform us of?", anticipation seemed to appear slightly in Blödhgarm's voice.
"Other than the matching rider's sword we found along with the egg, no, there is nothing else. Now go rest you all must feel some weariness from your journey and it will not due for tomorrow's festivities. My guards shall direct you to your quarters"
"It has been a pleasure, Lady Nasuada.", Blödhgarm bowed slightly and quickly straightened. With that he turned and left, his fellows falling in behind him as they departed.
Nasuada looked back to Ryan, "You should rest as well. We do not, however, have a tent set up for you yet. Would you object to staying back in the healer's tent another night?"
"No, I have no problem with it. If it alright with you, I will take my leave."
Nasuada waved him off and so off he went. Back to the place he grew to like with a grudging affection over the past couple days.
He smiled to himself as he thought, I wonder how those two are going to take the news when they find out tomorrow? He continued on until coming upon the place in question, a final thought present in his mind as he entered, Well, let's tempt fate shall we?
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If you what to figure out what the ancient language words that I used mean, look them up on .com. I finished the last book by the way, good book, but I hate endings…I always want to know what happens next. Paolini! I want a sequel!
Eld Moi: Changer