My update for the day. Enjoy, and rest assured that my other fics will be updated regularly as well.
Salutations,
Karldin.
CHAPTER 2
In Tialdari Hall, two elf lords leaned forwards with calm faces with only their eyes betraying their eagerness. A hundred years was not as long a time for them as it was for humans, but still it was a notable duration.
Arya watched impassively, her nobly beautiful face not betraying a single emotion as Ildarien raised his hand. Surprise ran through her as she saw the Rider utter no words, instead she saw his face take on a curious expression. It was as if he were praying, pleading for help.
He can cast magic without words? Impressive. If this is the ability of one of his younger students, I wonder what has happened to Eragon, came Firnen's voice. Arya wondered the same thing as she gripped the arms of the knotted throne tight. Her mother, herself and a handful of other master magicians were able to perform magic without words, not to mention Oromis or Eragon himself.
It was a very great talent to manipulate magic directly even on a small scale, and not even the greatest elves tried it without careful deliberation.
Her heart beat faster as she saw a slight shimmering in the middle of the hall, like a heat shimmer in the middle of the desert…the air itself solidified from floor to ceiling, colors spreading across its clear surface like a blooming Fairth.
What was revealed on the projection was a meadow, lush and green. The sun shone high in the sky and once could almost feel the freshness of the morning from the place. But what held their attention was not the meadow, beautiful though it was. Saphira flew through the clear blue sky, her form shining a treasure as she made towards the ground.
Maybe we should stop underestimating these Riders because of their youth, Arya. Eragon himself was a case in point when he killed Galbatorix at just a score years of age, said Firnen, feeling the painful anticipation in his Rider. Through the decades, he had felt Arya's pain at the tragic parting and faint hope at a sweeter future.
They felt presences trying to reach out to them, reaching across extremely vast distances.
Saphira, said Firnen with deep emotion as he felt once again the vibrant mind of Saphira Bjartskular.
Eragon echoed Arya in a similar way to Firnen's as their emotions of longing and loss intertwined to become one, almost bringing tears to her eyes. Roran watched with a stony visage as he saw Saphira alight gracefully, not damaging the delicate meadow in the slightest. Her Rider jumped off the saddle, seeming to soar into the air effortlessly and landing as if he were a floating leaf.
That was graceful, even for an elf remarked Firnen absently as he continued to take in the sight of Saphira with everything he had. Arya did not reply as she saw the Rider closest to her…felt the bond between them return in full force as the projection showed Eragon and Saphira closer, making it seem as if they were standing amongst them.
Eragon stood before them in the projection with his Dragon Saphira. Silver hair tumbled down to Eragon's shoulders, his face as angled and delicate as an elf. The ruggedness of his elven features, it seemed, were gone, stamped away by the passing of time. His lithe and tall body was robed in the finest white silk, and sheathed at his side was his legendary sword, Brisingr.
Beautiful even by elven standards, thought Roran with shock as he saw his drastically changed cousin. Saphira too had grown tremendously, half again the size of Firnen. Together they stood in the peaceful meadow and looked at their companions of years past with tranquil expressions.
Arya gasped inaudibly as she saw fully the face of Eragon Shadeslayer in a hundred years, and the eyes of Fiolr and Dathedr widened slightly.
For the once youthful but determined countenance of Eragon was now completely gone, and his face was…Venerable, thought Arya. I can see it in him…he really is different. The way he carries himself, it is as if he is nobility personified. The old Eragon is gone, what has happened to him? She thought wonderingly as she moved to meet Eragon's eyes, and could not take her eyes off his.
His brown eyes were now gone and they shone a spectacular shade of indigo, literally glowing like embers in his eyes. He looks every part like the legends of him in Alagaesia, she thought with amusement.
Alien feelings surged up like a storm, but with an enormous effort she kept it from showing on her face. She felt Firnen's longing to just dive through the projection and join Saphira and Eragon, compounding and amplifying her own feelings enormously.
She began to understand the absolute respect the Riders bore for Eragon as she took in his form fully. In a way, he exuded as much authority as her and as much wisdom as Oromis. She found herself shaking off her ponderings as Ildarien spoke, once again reminding her of how the Mourning Sage was treated with the deepest regard.
"Ebrithil, I could not refuse the Elven Queen and her court their demands to see you. I am afraid it is as you predicted" said Ildarien, looking slightly apologetic.
Arya's breath caught in her throat as Eragon smiled a full smile and Saphira gave a greeting roar as she saw them…affection long forgotten reared in her breast like an unfurling Dragon. It was like drinking water after weeks of thirst, the sight of Eragon's face.
"It is not your fault, Ildarien. Please calm yourself" said Eragon, as he faced Arya finally. Words were not exchanged between them as they saw each other after so long a parting. Their eyes spoke everything, as even with the endless miles separating them they felt the weight of the past returning in a rush.
"Your Majesty" said Eragon in a musical voice, much like that of an Elf. She saw only a faint hint of sadness in his shining eyes as he addressed her. "It is good to see you after so long, my Queen. Long indeed, but duty is above all else. Duty is above everything…" said Eragon sadly, as Saphira looked at her with her brilliant eyes.
Arya closed her eyes momentarily as Eragon addressed her formally, with respect…but with no hint of their previous familiarity. It is to be expected, Arya. He has become what he was always meant to be, as has Saphira…
"Eragon-elda, Atra esterni ono thelduin. You have left Alagaesia too completely, leaving many hearts bereft" said Dathedr, inclining his head towards Eragon's image. Eragon scrutinized Dathedr with searching eyes, and then replied:
"Lord Dathedr, it is good to see you as well. You as well, Lord Fiolr. Saphira sends you her greetings" he said, causing Saphira to growl affirmatively. Here Eragon looked directly at Firnen, causing the Green Dragon to growl with surprise. An impossibly vast mind touched his own…so vast that his own draconic mind shuddered back from the immensity of its intellect.
I am sorry, Firnen…you have my deepest apologies for keeping Saphira from you. Can you forgive me? echoed Eragon's voice in the vaults of Firnen's mind, and by extension in Arya's.
Arya froze as she felt Eragon's mind through Firnen's, reeling at its vastness and purity. She knew the feel of Eragon's soul…and it was not this. This felt like the wisdom of centuries in a single man, the emotions and weariness of a thousand years borne by a single soul.
Arya felt Firnen submit instinctively to that mind, lowering his defences completely. She felt peace and tranquillity flow through her as Eragon made contact with her through her Dragon.
Much has happened to me through the century, Firnen and Arya. Through your brief communications with my Riders, you know how our order has grown. Our presence was essential for us to reach this state…that and some other reasons. I can only humbly apologize for coming between the two of you, Firnen and Saphira, echoed Eragon's gentle voice throughout their beings.
Duty is above everything, Ebrithil. I do not begrudge you or Saphira yours said Firnen respectfully, feeling the intense sorrow of Eragon's mind.
Eragon…? Whispered Arya, shivering slightly as Eragon's shining presence enveloped her mind reassuringly, bringing them closer than ever. I see we were no more than war acquaintances, Eragon. Did our time as friends mean so little to you? She asked in a sad voice.
Duty calls, my Queen, and I have been performing mine as best as I can. That is all you need to know, he said to Arya, making her feel as if she had been slapped. My responsibility to our Order comes before all else, even you he said firmly. Arya sensed in him not a hint of hesitation as he said this. Just as she had chosen duty above him, he had done the same over her.
Arya got up from her throne with cold anger visible on her face, something that caused everyone to step back.
"So you keep us in the dark? A century, Eragon?" she asked in a voice that revealed only the slightest amount of the anger she felt.
Elf, do not berate my Rider for keeping his promises. He has many reasons for his actions, and most of them are beyond even your imagination, came Saphira's thundering voice from across the seas, causing Arya to falter slightly and at the same time smile slightly with joy. Another dearest companion she had spoken to once again.
Greetings, Saphira said Arya in an emotional voice. To Firnen, she whispered: I will not let him disappear for another hundred years, Firnen, she vowed with quiet certainty. I must meet with him, even if it is for a short while.
Firnen answered with a supportive growl as Roran quietly remained in the background, hidden from Eragon's field of view. The elves noticed this, as did the riders but they respected his decision not to meet with his cousin. Such resentment was too hard to dissolve in a short while.
"Why have you asked me to meet with you, your Majesty? The Riders are with you not politically, but only to enjoy the magic of Du Weldenvarden once more after being apart from it for so long. You know all too well how the essence of your race is tied to the forest." he said calmly.
"I see" said Arya. "You are the leader of the Riders, Eragon, and yet you have ignored the elven nation, acting only through intermediaries. Do you wish for your order to fade into obscurity?"
….
Eragon chuckled softly as he saw Arya lose control, even if it was slightly. How things had changed between them with the passing of time…he shook his head. Seeing her face again was not as painful as he had thought it would be. He was able to reconcile their past now, give himself a sense of closure over Arya. Her beauty had only increased, if that was even possible…but no longer did he feel the soul stirring urge to be with her in every way.
"Your Majesty, I am afraid I really was aiming for that. But then, that is no longer relevant. Over the decades, my students and companions have convinced me to slowly let them re-enter Alagaesia. You can expect more contact from us as time goes on" he said, smiling as he felt the joy from Saphira as she saw Firnen again.
"As time goes on" murmured Arya.
He could see what was on their minds, even now. It is only natural, beloved. They are your friends after all… came Saphira's soothing voice. Eragon replied with feeling, Nay Saphira, to me they have but become memories and dreams drifting in the past. None of it even seems real anymore.
The flood of feelings from Saphira caused him to grimace, sadness and love flowing through their bond like a torrential river. When will you heal, Eragon? Haven't you suffered enough for your sacrifice all those years ago?
Eragon felt despair in Saphira's voice, it was one of the rare times he would have to console his unflappable Dragon. I knew what I was giving up, Saphira. Even though you and the Eldunari warned me against it, I knew. At least my sacrifices those hundred years ago helps me to speak clearly with Arya! He joked, but the answering growl from Saphira silenced him.
DO NOT JOKE ABOUT IT!, yelled Saphira angrily and Eragon could actually hear tears in her voice. Without hesitation, he joined his soul to hers and soothed her distress. Even today after a hundred years he paid his price…and his lovely Dragon paid it along with him. His attention was once more drawn to Arya as she spoke again:
"Even if that is so, Leader of the Shur'tugal, it is our wish that you return to Ellesmera so you can apprise us of your progress over these years" she said, looking into his eyes. Eragon saw a flicker of something very deep in her own eyes as Firnen remained silent.
"Perhaps you could come here so you could apprise me of yours" suggested Eragon lightly, causing Saphira to snort. Arya's eyes widened dramatically, and Eragon saw Ildarien's surprise as he held the spell.
"You are not above our queen, Shadeslayer. You owe us your autonomy" said Lord Fiolr, with a spark of anger in his eyes.
Peace, Ildarien said Eragon as he saw Ildarien's anger through the projection. Peace, all. We are Riders, and it does not behove us to lose control in front of royalty. Remember what I taught you.
He watched as Ildarien's expression calmed down along with the others'. He turned to face Arya with a calm expression, feeling Saphira's disdain at Fiolr.
"Lord Fiolr is right, we do owe you our autonomy. But are you not a part of our Order, Arya?" he asked, using her name for the first time. "Or did you give that up as well, for duty's sake of course? You have made little effort to be with your kin"
Arya closed her eyes, and whispered: "I am a Queen of the Elves. I was an elf before a Rider, and I chose long ago to lead my people. Firnen stands with me on this. Do not haunt me with spectres of old decisions, Eragon" she said in a cold voice. Dathedr looked at her with concern while Fiolr was looking at something beyond his view in the Hall.
He saw Arya lift her head up suddenly, and look at Dathedr with an expressionless face and shake her head. He continued relentlessly, trying to make Arya understand the consequences of her choices. He did not want Saphira to suffer, or Firnen.
"Our dragons need not pay the price for human issues, Arya. We are equal partners, Dragon and Riders. My Saphira was deprived of her mate because of the actions of "two-legs" as she would put it…I will not allow that to happen anymore. Riders should not bring misery to their Dragons by choice, it is reprehensible!" he said forcefully, and this time his eyes could pick up Arya's flinch.
….
Arya felt Eragon's words strike her like physical blows, but felt nothing from her Dragon. Eragon had struck her weakest spot, Firnen. And the hurt that filled her at his words was enormous. Collecting herself visibly, she beckoned with her mind to Roran who stood uncertainly.
Barristan looked with wide eyes at what the queen was doing, bringing an irate Roran Stronghammer into this affair. Ebrithil was only now beginning to find peace and she was going to snap it in half because of her capricious desires! He could feel Cirnathor's alarm as Roran walked towards Ildarien's projection.
Release the spell, Ildarien he said urgently, but felt hopelessness and frustration in his fellow Rider.
Barristan, I only initiated the spell. Ebrithil is holding it now, and I hope you are not suggesting for me to wrest the spell from him?
Barristan slumped at Ildarien's words…he was right, they could do nothing. They watched as the Elf Queen stared hard at Eragon, and ask: "Come back, Eragon. We need you to come back."
Shock ran through them as they felt the pure longing in her voice. Even the faces of the Elf lords were a study in surprise and Roran had paused, collecting his thoughts.
"I cannot, Arya. My duty is to my Riders, and by your own admission and actions you cannot be with us for the foreseeable future. I am sorry" said Eragon, and Barristan heard the note of genuine regret in his voice.
"Then will you at least come for your cousin, Kingslayer?" asked Arya, deeply hurt and confused by Eragon's behaviour. Once upon a time, they would have braved oceans and armies to be at each other's side. Crippling loss ran through her as she realized things had changed between them on a level deeper than even she could perceive.
Firnen's grief over lost time joining with hers almost made her weep.
"Roran is dead, Arya" said Eragon mournfully. Arya shook her head, and at last Roran presented himself to his long absent cousin. Barristan could literally feel the shock of his master joined with Saphira, almost paralyzing him and the others.
The meadow shook as Saphira roared angrily, and Eragon stared with grief struck eyes. Arya felt disgusted at using the situation so, but what was she to do? She could not let him leave again, not now. Not after all these years.
"Cousin" said Roran stiffly, looking at Eragon with blank eyes. Arya felt pain herself as pain ran through Eragon's eyes. Once they had called themselves brothers, Roran and Eragon. And they were that back in the war. Her, Roran, Eragon and Saphira had shared bonds impossible for anyone except Firnen to even understand remotely.
How is this possible?, echoed Eragon's voice through their heads with stunning force. Roran sunk down to his knees at that terrible voice, but the Elven lords staved it off as did Arya.
"How is this possible, Arya? After all this time my cousin was alive, and you did not care to mention it in our communications?" said Eragon with both mind and voice, his words augmented with enormous mental strength.
"Because I did not want to speak with you, Eragon!" shouted Roran with deep bitterness and anger. "Not after your abandonment of us. You weren't there for us, not for a single thing! You could have at least contacted us through scrying, but no, Eragon Kingslayer did not feel like contacting his lowly cousin!"
Saphira roared in anger at this, overcoming her shock admirably. DO NOT SLIGHT MY RIDER SO, HUMANS AND ELVES! IF YOU KNEW WHAT HE HAD TO GIVE UP TO ENSURE OUR SURVIVAL, YOU WOULD SHAKE WITH FEAR!
This time even the elf lords and Arya flinched at the raw anger of Saphira. Roran was frozen with shock as Saphira directed her anger at him for the first time, anger enough to kill.
But Eragon had knelt down on the ground, looking listlessly downwards. His eyes had lost all emotion and he seemed to be shivering with an unknown symptom. Then he threw his head back, and began to convulse. Saphira nudged him urgently with her snout, having no effect whatsoever.
"ERAGON!" shouted Arya, reaching with a single hand as if to touch him through the projection, but Saphira's voice echoed through their heads as Eragon convulsed continuously in absolute agony, holding his head tightly.
What has happened to him, whispered Firnen's horrified voice as a single tear streamed down Arya's flawless face. Roran looked at Eragon shouting in agony, his face constricting with horror. And then he fled.
Arya watched numbly as nine flashes of light occurred in the meadows, and nine Elves she recognized materialized.
"Who did this?" questioned Invida's softly dangerous voice as she stared at the Elf Queen and the lords with no fear on her face. Blodhgarm joined Invida and murmured, "Eragon-elda did fear this possibility, Invida. We are prepared for it." he said calmly.
"What has happened to Eragon?" questioned Arya urgently, with a tinge of her true desperation. "Something we cannot explain now, Arya Drottningu. I need to make him rest" he said, and Eragon limply sank to the ground with Saphira towering over him.
LAETRI.
The call whispered through their minds, laden with longing. Arya's confusion increased as she heard Eragon's voice call out to the strongest female spell caster among his original guard, and watched with a strange burning in her heart as the heart-stoppingly beautiful female elf rushed to Eragon's side and lifted him up effortlessly. Saphira followed Laetri as she bore Eragon rapidly out of their view area, speaking no parting words.
As Blodhgarm raised a hand in farewell and dissolved the projection, Arya rose and spoke with resolve to Ildarien.
"I am coming to your city. I cannot sit and rule idly as he suffers. Tell the council of our departure" she said with resolve in her voice, walking briskly towards the exit.
"There is no need, your Majesty" came Nuada's soft voice causing Arya to halt. "Blodhgarm-elda informed me that Ebrithil is being brought to Alagaesia, that it was the only way for him. I hope he will forgive us when he wakes, for we will be breaking his greatest wish"
…
Laetri stood over Eragon's still breathing form, surrounded by six of the wisest and greatest Eldunari. Her beautiful silver hair flowed down to her waist, and her flawless skin shone with the sheen of magic. She was a vision in perfection, the elf named after the first Shadeslayer.
A lone tear slid down her cheek as she saw Eragon Kingslayer once more in the grip of his sacrifice. The Nine had long debated on this possibility, on what to do if this situation were to arise. Eragon had spent decades trying to overcome the consequences of his sacrifice, and had grown tremendously while doing so.
But they had never thought Roran Stronghammer would be worthy enough to be blessed by the Menoa tree. Eragon had flatly refused to increase the lifespan of his cousin, sincerely believing that human life was not meant to be tampered with. Then for many years he was recovering, and was unable to help himself let alone Roran.
"How much longer will you suffer, Eragon-elda?" she asked the empty hall softly, as she listened in her mind to the conversation of the Nine. Blodhgarm was trying to convince the others to let only her and Eragon leave with their Dragons to Alagaesia, trying to honour the wishes of their master.
Eragon had always held the safety of Aiedail above everything, that and the growth of their Order. The Nine were the closest to Eragon, so all the younger Riders and apprentices naturally deferred to them.
Laetri only paid half mind as she heard of the conversation the others were holding in solemn voices, making their points calmly. But to her it was of no consequence, for regardless of who came with her she would fly to Ellesmera with Eragon.
And me. This should never have happened, Laetri. He was only just coming back to normalcy…I miss him the way he was before that accursed day those years ago, sniffled Saphira. Laetri could find nothing to say, for she had truly liked the Eragon she had first seen, back when Islanzadi had sent her with the others to protect him.
Eragon foresaw this when he sent Ildarien and the others to Ellesmera, came Blodhgarm's voice. But he left us no instructions on what to do if it happened. But I do know that it was his wish to keep the city safe with everything we can spare. I can perform the point transportation spell with your succour, and we can send Laetri and Eragon directly to Ellesmera's doorstep.
But….continued the arguments. Laetri shook her head, and concentrated on holding Eragon's mind together. The others would no doubt reach a decision soon enough. But for now Eragon was suffering, and she could hardly bear it. She was once just like her kin, cold and controlled.
But now….
ENOUGH! roared a voice in all the minds of the nine, and in that of Saphira's. It seemed that the Eldunari had had enough of their dithering and had decided to intervene.
That is enough, Blodhgarm. Do not bicker amongst yourselves while Laetri keeps her vigil over Eragon. This situation has to be fixed soon. We cannot have the leader of our order vulnerable in any way!
Yes, Umaroth-Elda, said the Nine and Saphira with respect. Umaroth continued calmly, and they felt the minds of hundreds of Eldunari in consensus with his:
Dragon kind owes everything to Eragon Kingslayer, and we cannot lose him. The Eldunarya are of the opinion that Laetri leave with Eragon and the remaining eight guards and run our city as Eragon would. You are the only ones who can keep the illusion of smooth functioning in the Order, said Umaroth decisively.
Take him to the Menoa tree, Laetri said Glaedr's rumbling voice. He might find healing of a temporary kind with her, but it is certain that what ails him cannot be repaired here in Aiedail, not when this city was the site of his ailment. In Alagaesia alone will he find solace.
As you wish, elders, they conceded to the wishes of the most venerable dragons of them all. We send you tonight, Laetri. Her Majesty is informed of Eragon-elda's arrival, and will have opened the wards. Be safe, and protect our leader as you always have. He will remain our only hope for many centuries, said Blodhgarm.
Laetri bowed her head in assent, as she stroked Eragon's silver hair slowly. She would make a second sacrifice to keep Eragon safe, she would sacrifice anything to keep him safe. That was what he had done for them, and had earned their deepest respect and gratitude.
I will.
…..
Dwarven sayings about how the rock changes were true, reflected Arya as she stood beneath the dusty pines of Du Weldenvarden. She stood with Gilderien the wise, Prince of House Miolandra and wielder of the white flame of Vandil.
Ildarien, Nuada, Yaela, Leya, and Barristan stood behind her with their Dragons. Her heart still soared at seeing so many Riders together, made her heart thrum.
We have yet to see Aiedail, said Firnen with amusement as he squinted lazily at Cirnathor, with whom he was developing a steady friendship.
And we will, soon, promised Arya to herself and Firnen. Once Eragon was healed, she would visit the result of his effort, the home of the Riders.
Tamerlein was sheathed at her waist, and she wore the tunic and leggings she had so favoured during her days as Ambassador to the Varden. Ceremony still grated on her, as did ceremonial clothes. Her ethereally lovely face was set in a sombre expression not showing the utter turmoil she felt within.
Domiel's rider feels a disturbance, Arya. It appears they are arriving, said Firnen. Without warning, a blast of green light before them lit the night forest for miles before it cleared to reveal four figures.
A huge golden Dragon, not of Firnen's size but close enough stood impassively and upon it sat Laetri. But the next Dragon was truly awe-inspiring, a Dragon not seen in Alagaesia for far too long.
Arya could hardly believe how much Saphira had grown…she was much larger than Firnen. Her mind felt truly ancient and vast as she inspected the scene before her calmly.
"Laetri svit-kona", murmured Ildarien as he and the other Riders stepped forward and were held in place by some unknown force. Gilderien the wise had raised his hand and was looking at the new arrivals with scrutinizing eyes. With unbelievable grace, he appeared next to Eragon's prone body held in Laetri's arms.
Arya rushed towards Eragon, shelving decorum aside. What is wrong with him, Gilderien-elda? She whispered mentally to the ancient elven prince who had guarded Ellesmera through the uncounted centuries. Gilderien the Wise knelt with Laetri as she slowly laid Eragon on the ground.
They waited silently as Gilderien placed two fingers upon Eragon's forehead, and whispered words of power. After a peculiar rushing noise, he stood gracefully and began to fade out of sight. His soothing voice whispered gently into their minds:
A very great Rider. No other is his equal in terms of loyalty and sacrifice…no other is his equal in terms of love and commitment. Guard him well, my brethren. His like are rarer than the Dragons of white.
"What can be done to alleviate his condition?" asked Arya urgently. But Laetri stepped forth, and picked Eragon up gently. She ran up Saphira's side like the light-footed elf she was, and looked at her Dragon:
Sahloknir, can you take your brethren and house yourselves in the quarters provided for us? Eragon needs me more than ever now.
Arya watched as the Golden Dragon looked at Eragon with fond eyes, and nudged him once with his snout. Do not aggravate his condition any more, Elf Queen, his baritone voice resonated in her head. She sent feelings of calm to Firnen as she saw her Dragon bare his fangs at Laetri's Dragon.
I will not, Dragon. For he is more precious to my race than you could possibly imagine.
…..
Arya stood in Eragon's tree, observing the seven flying Dragons through the transparent roof. She herself had never seen so many Dragons grace the skies of Ellesmera, and her happiness at this sight was no small thing. Even if tempered by Eragon's situation, seeing Firnen join his brethren and Saphira at last was a heart-warming sight for her.
Things were finally getting better for Alagaesia, for the Riders had finally set foot again upon their homeland. And where the Riders went, prosperity and happiness followed.
She turned slowly to see another sight she thought she would never be part of. The Five Riders and Laetri stood around their softly breathing prone form of their master, and she could feel the edges of their mental conversation amongst themselves and their dragons.
How is he, Arya? came the voice of Firnen, causing Arya to focus fully upon Eragon's form. She slowly extended a tendril of thought towards his mind just to feel his current state, but suddenly felt very powerful barriers slam shut and cut her access to him completely. They were so powerful and numerous that she could not even sense his presence, knowing that he was alive only by his breathing.
"Please refrain from doing that, your Majesty" said Laetri softly, and Arya realized that all the present Riders and their Dragons were defending Eragon's mind actively. She retracted her mental probe immediately, and looked at the Riders with a slight concern showing on her face, hiding most of it under the elven mask of coldness.
"What ails him?" she asked. Yes, Tell us Laetri Shur'tugal. We would like to know what ails the leader of our order, came Firnen's firm voice and Arya felt all the power of the five riders and Dragons in Laetri as she wove spells of protection and stasis over Eragon. She felt the minds and strengths of all the riders in Laetri as she faced her.
"I would like our story to be told in council, your Majesty. Understand that we will be covering the broadest facts only. The details we cannot reveal without his permission" she said as she looked tenderly at Eragon.
"So be it" said Arya, walking gracefully down the steps and out of the massive tree. They would hear of the fruits of their efforts tonight, and when Eragon woke she would make him understand the necessity of leaving Riders in Alagaesia as well.
Oh, Arya sighed Firnen. Arya felt him drifting peacefully alongside Sahloknir and Domiel, watching Cirnathor's acrobatics. You cannot make him do anything, my dear one. He is beyond elven dominion now, as is Saphira. The best you can hope for is to convince him with your reasoning.
Do not treat him like a young human boy anymore, Arya. From what Sahloknir showed me, I can only conclude that he has become wise as Oromis, and strong as well. Treat him like you would treat Vrael himself.
Arya thought on Firnen's advice for a long time, absently acknowledging the courtesies her people offered her as she walked among them. He had changed enough to be considered on par with Vrael?
May I watch those memories? She requested Firnen, but felt his disapproval on the other end. It is a thing between Dragons, Arya. And you will know soon enough when you hold council tonight, I suppose.
Arya nodded, feeling a change coming over the land and the forest. The Riders' presence always meant great change; good or evil was left to fate.
….