Greetings! The reviews, though few, have been enthusiastic and positive. I thank you all sincerely for reading.
Regards,
Karldin.
CHAPTER 5
Eragon clasped his hands solemnly, looking at the Riders gathered around him. Barristan, Nuada, Ildarien, Leya, Yaela and Laetri all looked at him enquiringly as he effortlessly bent magic to his will: "Adurna Risa" he said causing the water in the basin next to him to rise up and spread out in a flat surface that reached from ground to ceiling, and from wall to opposite wall.
"Draumr Kopa" he said, focusing upon Illirea. The former city of Uru'baen looked much the same save for an occasional tower here or there…but the very spirit of the city was different. It almost looked as if Galbatorix's darkness had ceded altogether, leaving it much like it was during its glory days.
"Familiarize yourself with the new layout of the city, everyone" said Eragon as he showed them the city thoroughly. The Riders took in the information with complete focus, recording it rapidly. About a quarter hour later he let his spell dissipate, the water receding back to its basin.
"Barristan, Leya, Nuada and Ildarien" said Eragon calmly, causing the aforementioned Riders to look at him attentively. "You are to travel to Illirea and begin to establish our presence from there. Begin establishing ties with King Palencar. I want to have an outpost of the Riders in Illirea within the end of the month"
"Yes, Ebrithil" said Ildarien inclining his head respectfully. They were trained for situations such as these and he was sure they could deal with the newest human monarch.
Eragon nodded, turning to Yaela and Laetri. "The two of you shall remain here with me. Laetri shall accompany me on my task and Yaela shall co-ordinate all of us, so that we shall remain in contact always"
"What will you be doing if I may ask, Ebrithil?" questioned Barristan in a curious voice. Eragon's face expressed his sadness as he replied: "My niece was abducted and her guards killed, young Rider. Ismira…when she was born I felt she would change a great many things. She is just like me in that regard, we both are fated to be linchpins in the stirrings of this land"
"So, you will search for her?" asked Barristan.
"I will. The trail of magic in that place, though old, can be recovered if one knows how. I can feel it somehow, I know she is alive and well despite the inability of the magicians to scry her" said Eragon with certainty. Then he stood up, and his Riders stood up with him.
"The four of you are equal to the task I have set you. You are full members of the order. I only ask that you defer to Nuada in this regard as he has much experience in these affairs" said Eragon, looking at Nuada. The four assented and took their leave of their master.
Yaela and Laetri flanked Eragon as he made towards Arya's palace. "Eragon-elda, Sahloknir says that a red dragon is on its way to Ellesmera and that his rider is Dwarven. Thorv, I believe his name is" said Laetri.
"We knew of a dwarven Rider, but I did not think it was my old guard Thorv" said Eragon with a little surprise. "He brought us to Ellesmera from Tarnag, the first time I came here" said Eragon to Yaela's questioning look.
"Can you ask him to meet with me, Laetri?" he asked the beautiful elven woman. In response, Laetri closed her eyes. Eragon felt her mind reach out towards the south for several miles. After a few minutes she spoke:
"He will meet with you, Eragon-elda. He seemed most eager to, in fact, and asked if Tialdari Hall sits well with you"
"It does" said Eragon as Tialdari Hall came into view. Your Majesty, can I speak to you? asked Eragon with his mind. Come to my quarters, Eragon came the soft reply of the queen. He made towards her quarters with Laetri and Yaela following him.
He knocked on her door softly. "Come in" said Arya's musical voice, and Eragon and his Riders let themselves in. Arya seemed to be working on some missive but got up immediately after seeing Eragon.
"Greetings, Eragon. Greetings, Laetri svit-kona and Yaela. What brings you to see me at this hour?" asked Arya, folding up the thick missive and putting it in a box.
"I am going to follow Ismira's trail" said Eragon firmly. Arya looked up in surprise at this announcement. "Is she not dead?" she asked in a sad tone. Eragon shook his head at this, he did not believe Ismira to be dead.
"Laetri will be accompanying me this time, Your Majesty" said Eragon, taking Laetri's hand in his causing the elf to squeeze his hand lightly. Arya's eyes narrowed slightly at this gesture but she replied calmly.
"I see. Thank you for informing me" said Arya. "Will you be meeting with Thorv and Morgothal…I assume you sensed their presence?" she asked. Eragon nodded, releasing Laetri's hand.
"Laetri spoke with him, he said he would meet us here. Do you wish to accompany me, your Majesty?"
Arya considered for a moment and then assented. Eragon walked together with the three women surrounding him, thinking wryly about what he would have done in his youth at such a situation. Laetri, Arya and Yaela were all beautiful even among elves…and Arya seemed to be even more beautiful than before. He smiled sadly as he felt Saphira's joy as she flew with Firnen, just the two of them. His beloved Dragon had found her mate, it seemed, after all this time.
"He is happy" murmured Arya as she looked at Eragon. "After being reunited with her after so long. Our bond is full of his joy at their reunion. They are together at last" she said as they walked into the massive Tialdari Hall. It occurred to Eragon that they were talking as much about themselves as they were about Firnen and Saphira.
"They are together" said Eragon in agreement as they stopped to wait for the dwarven Rider to alight. Arya stood on his left and Laetri and Yaela on his right. His silver hair whipped around as a massive Red Dragon landed with a thud… Eragon liked the colour of the Dragon. It was blood red, literally shining like a hoard of rubies.
He is nothing compared to you, Saphira soothed Eragon as he felt Saphira's indignation at his wholehearted approval of who she considered a hatchling. Nothing compared to you. Your scales shine much brighter than his, there is no competition.
I know, Eragonsaid Saphira smugly. The hatchling does not know the true meaning of glory in flight. I might have to teach him someday soon.
Smiling at his Dragon's antics, Eragon strode forward to meet the Rider who had jumped to the ground. The Dragon lowered its neck to stare into Eragon's eyes, its own eyes shining an angry red. Eragon stared back calmly as he reached out to the Dragon with his mind and saw it shake its head as if trying to acclimatize to something.
He had been told that his mind-force was enormous and vast by all his Riders, even Laetri. Thorv strode up to him and offered a gauntleted fist, which he clasped solemnly.
"You have changed much, Shadeslayer, from the young stripling you once were. You have become a true Rider, the leader of the Riders. It is mine pleasure to greet you as a fellow Rider of our order" said the Dwarven warrior heartily. Eragon smiled. "We all change as the years pass, Thorv. And I am pleased to see you as well".
Well met, Dragon said Eragon to Morgothal. It is an honour to meet the first Dragon to be bonded to a dwarf, he said courteously. The enormous Morgothal shivered at the force of his mind, and replied:
You have changed much from the clueless Eragon Shadeslayer I saw from Thorv's memories. It is an honour to meet you, Ebrithil said Morgothal, his voice rumbling like rocks. Eragon inspected the Dragon, noting the rugged and powerful nature of his body. This was a strong Dragon, a powerful one. Fitting for the dwarven race.
Have you met your brethren? He asked. Morgothal flared his wings and took off into the sky after inclining his neck slightly to Eragon. I go now. Welcome once again to your home, Master.
Eragon acknowledged the welcome and turned back to Thorv who had finished greeting Arya. Laetri came to his side and whispered: "Barristan called out to Yaela and said he needed help with the spells on Cirnathor's saddle. She will join us later"
Eragon inclined his head, and he and Laetri made to the queen's side. "Let us walk, everyone. We have many important matters to discuss. Thorv, could you please shield us from prying ears?"
Thorv incanted the familiar spell, and Eragon felt the magic surround them and shield them. He nodded approvingly at Thorv, indicating for him to begin.
"Mine King is informed of your arrival, Shadeslayer" said Thorv, not beating around the bush. "He sends you his greetings and hopes to meet you at Tronjheim. He even said he would visit Ellesmera if you wouldn't Tronjheim"
Eragon smiled, Orik had not changed a bit. It would be good to see his foster brother once more after all these years. "I will visit him, Thorv, you have my word. But for now I have an offer for you".
"Yes, Shadeslayer?"
"I will be busy trying to find Ismira, Rider of Belegroch. I know she is alive" said Eragon, causing Thorv's eyes to widen in surprise. "I wish for you to accompany me and Laetri on this quest"
Thorv grinned, and banged his mailed fist on his armor. "Upon my honour, I will serve and protect you Ebrithil!" Eragon clapped him on his shoulder in a comradely fashion and turned to Arya. "We will be leaving tomorrow, your Majesty. Do you wish to include anyone else in our party?"
"Me" came a rough voice behind them. Eragon turned slowly, watching Roran walk towards them briskly. "With you we might find her, Eragon. No matter how much I resent you my daughter is more important. I will accompany you on this quest" he said daring for anyone to question him.
Eragon sighed, and nodded. "It would be wrong of me to deny you this" he said. "You may come with us. Your Majesty, have you any other addition?" he asked again, turning to Arya who was watching with narrowed eyes.
"Yes" said Arya, her eyes filling with resolve. "Me" she said firmly. "I will come with you. Dathedr will tend to the nation while I am with you"
They stared at each other intensely and to the others it seemed like they were having a private conversation. Eragon smiled faintly, "Are you quite sure?" he asked. "I am sure. I will take your advice this time, for it is my turn to sacrifice for Firnen. He refuses to part with Saphira, and I refuse to part with him. So with you I go", she replied.
"Well said" said Eragon after a moment's consideration. "We leave tomorrow, with as little fanfare as possible. Your Majesty, do you know the spot where Ismira was taken? I feel it best to start our journey from there"
"I know the place" said Arya sorrowfully. "We spent many a year searching there for the lost Rider. I know the place very well". Roran's eyes gave the answer, of course he would know where his daughter disappeared.
"Very well. We will meet tomorrow, then. Let us adjourn to make our arrangements" said Eragon as he and Laetri walked back to their bower. As they bid farewell and made towards the tree that housed the Lead Rider, Eragon felt a familiar mind touch upon his own.
Can I help, Your Majesty?
Eragon, I feel ashamed to ask this question…but I must ask anyways came Arya's hesitant voice. Eragon sent a sense of reassurance and openness, prompting her to ask. Arya seemed to gather herself, before she asked: Is Laetri your mate?
Eragon's face grew still at the question, a question he himself did not have an answer for. Laetri was someone who knew him extremely well as a person, someone who had gone through pain similar to his. He spoke to Arya, and his voice was soft, uncertain:
I…do not know. We are close to each other, this I know for sure. Closer even than I was to Roran during my youth at Carvahall. I know much about her she has not deigned to share with anyone else and it is much the same with her. When you go through a century of life with someone you tend to develop a very deep bond. You must know this well, Majesty.
He heard Arya's snort in his mind. I do. Now, I would appreciate it if you could answer my question.
Eragon looked at Laetri, knowing full well she was listening in on the conversation. It was a gift of Laetri's…she was unnaturally attuned to the mind pool. Unless one took precautions against that kind of listening Laetri could listen involuntarily.
Laetri and I…what are we you ask? I do not wish to define what we share, for I believe that we have exceeded such definitions. The closest I could say is…she is as precious to me as Saphira herself, said Eragon feeling the pure shock of Arya's mind. In extension he also felt Firnen's shock and Saphira's acceptance of this fact.
He and Laetri had gone through too much and weathered too much to be anything less. What Arya knew about him was only the tip of the iceberg, the absolute essentials.
I did not know it was possible for someone to love another that much, said Arya to him by mind. Eragon could pick out sensations of loss and hopelessness in the Queen's mind, and hoped she would not let it distract her. Arya was one of the strongest people he knew and someone like her would not give in so easily to emotions. The loss in him went up to unbearable proportions, and he felt the familiar sensation as if his very being was unmade.
ERAGON! Came Saphira's anxious roar. But it slowly receded as all three females merged their minds with his, holding him together firmly. Thank you Your Majesty, Laetri said Eragon in a ragged voice as he got up from his kneeling position. This was one of the shortest spells of his malady…often it lasted for about a quarter hour. A quarter hour of pain he could not begin to describe.
Is that how it is every time, Eragon? Came Arya's horrified voice. She had only felt the fringes of the phenomenon…but she had almost drawn back in fear of even faintly experiencing such a thing. To have your very being slowly unmade at regular intervals...it was cruelty at its purest.
This was nothing. You should have seen him after he cast that accursed spell at the spirits!Snapped Saphira, sending images and sensations to Arya. This time Eragon could feel the utter horror and fear in Arya's mind as she beheld his suffering from so long ago. Laetri put her arms around his neck and laid her head upon his shoulders. Eragon felt the soothing touch of her mind, and he gently hugged her to himself.
You went through …this? Asked Arya in a dumbstruck voice as she felt an echo of the torment forced upon Eragon. I am humbled, Eragon. Even Durza could not make a person experience that much pain she said with revulsion and pity. Eragon used the silence to gather his composure and released Laetri from his embrace.
You must not stay overlong in my mind, warned Eragon. Arya was still in the fringes of his intellect, and he wanted to keep it that way. My mind is different, and it will irrevocably change anyone who delves in too deeply. Man, elf or dwarf does not matter…I am too different. You must be careful in the future, Majesty.
He felt Arya withdraw from his mind and he felt an emotion he could honestly say he had never felt to such an extent from her. It was respect, deep respect of the like she had probably held for Osthato Chetowa. I will be careful…Ebrithil, she said sincerely. I bid you a peaceful night, as does Firnen.
Eragon sent a mental acknowledgement to her as he walked along with Laetri. "May I ask a question, Eragon-elda?" enquired Laetri softly, her lustrous waist-length hair shining in the moonlight. Eragon shook his head, looking amused.
"Laetri, I wish you would not be so formal with me. The rest of the Nine call me Eragon in private but you have steadfastly refused to do so for many years. If anything, I should be the one respecting you for your life, knowledge and achievements" said Eragon ruefully.
"Was what you said to her Majesty true? Do you truly feel that way about me?" asked Laetri, looking at him with wide eyes. Eragon took her hand in both of his, both their figures silhouetted in the bright light of the moon.
"It is true. You are that precious to me, Laetri" he said in a grateful voice. "I will never forget what you did to save my mind from its destruction. You are an elfin woman whose beauty, power and goodness I am truly glad to have by my side. Truly glad indeed…" he said, squeezing her hand and letting go. Laetri's eyes widened even more as she looked away, her lovely face looking all the more beautiful in the moonlight.
They walked in silence to their tree, and leisurely up the steps into the large quarters. Sahloknir and Saphira were both already present, looking at their Riders curiously.
What happened, Ebrithil? Asked Sahloknir. Yes 'Ebrithil', what happened?Enquired Saphira playfully. They got a rush of images and feelings from their Riders that conveyed the happenings to them. The Riders of Aiedail hid nothing from their Dragons, absolutely nothing. It was Oromis' greatest lesson and Eragon his disciple had followed it to the letter.
I see…I am glad we mean so much to you, Ebrithil said Sahloknir. Eragon felt a deep sense of approval emanating from Saphira, and turned as he heard Laetri call his name. She looked directly into his eyes, conveying an emotion so deep and pure that he could not truly place or understand it. He had a suspicion what it could be, though.
The loss in his soul flared as he realized he could not return it. Oh, Eragon…it is love, little one. It is love. Can you still not remember how it feels? Can you still not understand? Asked Saphira sorrowfully. Even after all these years, he could not remember or grasp it.
Eragon gasped slightly as Saphira kept hold of him tightly in mind, not letting him drift off into another haze of torment. Laetri glided up to him, and kissed him softly on his cheek.
"You mean the same to me…Eragon" she said, using his first name after a long, long time. Eragon smiled and inclined his head to her, before heading back to his own down-filled bed. Already he was healing for he could somewhat limit the pain of his soul.
Not by much, but it was enough. Alagaesia, it seemed, was already aiding him.
….
"Are you sure about this decision, your Majesty? Please remember, you took the Yawe and that has its obligations. You must serve our people no matter your personal desires or requirements" said Dathedr silkily. Arya sheathed her sword in a fluid motion, not looking troubled in the slightest.
"Lord Dathedr, my decision is made. I am serving my people in my own way, even now. The Yawe is being honoured, have no doubt" she said calmly. Dathedr looked at her with a discerning expression for a moment, and then inclined his head in acquiescence. The council was informed and arrangements were made already, so there would be no vacuum in the chain of command.
"So be it, Majesty. You have my wishes for a safe and fruitful journey" he said. Arya thanked him and broke into a run. As Firnen swooped downwards, she jumped high into the air and seated herself gracefully upon the saddle.
As they flew like an arrow loosed from the bow, Arya felt a sense of freedom and purpose she had not felt for many a year. Firnen roared mightily as they flew high above Du Weldenvarden, the forest appearing like a uniform sprinkling of shining emeralds.
Her heart soared as she saw eight Dragons flying towards her, with Saphira in the forefront. Eragon raised his hand in greeting, and she responded in kind. Roran she saw was seated behind Eragon, his face a study in wonder.
She laughed in delight as she flew with her brethren with unrestrained happiness.
With no hesitation, she joined minds with her fellow Riders immediately. The nine Riders merged minds like rivers flowing down to meet the sea, as did the Dragons. Once again she stood in awe at the sheer vastness and force of Eragon's intellect… it was just otherworldly. Even the other Riders refrained from immersing themselves in that mind for too long, for fear of losing themselves.
We Ride together to the place, your Majesty. The others will leave us there, for they have their own tasks, said Eragon's voice in their minds, pure and strong. We fly once more in Alagaesian skies, Riders! He said with pride in his voice, and the Dragons roared once more in unison as all of them shot towards the south, the reverberation shaking the very skies.
The speed of their flight was such that within hours they had reached Du Fells Nangoroth. The land of ancient Dragon heritage called out to Eragon intimately, and he bade them to land in the clearing. The ground was cleared completely of all debris and dust at the impact of nine Dragons landing in perfect circular formation.
The Riders alighted in unison, gathering in the centre of the circle of their Dragons. Arya looked at Eragon with an expression of recognition. "This is the place, Eragon. Here we found young Ismira's guards slain and strewn"
Eragon nodded slightly. "Nuada, you shall need to bear gifts for the King Palencar from me will you not?" he asked the elf. Nuada was the politician among his Nine, having been a close advisor of the Elven royal line for centuries.
"It is advisable, Eragon-elda" agreed Nuada.
Arya watched curiously as Eragon closed his eyes and began a song of power. The air around him rippled slightly as the ground cracked with a sharp report and produced a beautiful branch of the rarest teak, which shaped itself beautifully into a longbow of stunning make. Eragon caught the bow in his right hand, and extended his left over the ground.
"Arget" said Eragon fine dust particles to rise everywhere around them, as far as they could see. Then with a rushing sound they coalesced into a mass of dust, which slowly began to shine brightly.
The Riders watched knowingly as Eragon extracted Silver with such ease, but Arya was stunned. She always saw Eragon as the overeager but good-hearted boy who had managed to save them all, but every time he did something like this...the surprise was as fresh as the very first time.
The silver sphere split into several pieces, forming guards and adornments for the bow Eragon had sung. One piece of silver stretched itself so fine a thread that Arya was sure Eragon was imbuing it with magic, watching as it became a taut string for the bow.
As Eragon passed his hand over the bow, uttering words of power it shone a bright white that dimmed gradually. Holding out the bow to Nuada, Eragon asked curiously: "This bow will not break, and an arrow fired from it will not miss its mark. Do you deem it an adequate gift, Nuada?"
Roran was thoroughly impressed despite himself. He had been with Elves for many years now, and had managed to pick up a fair understanding of magic. No elf he had seen could use magic with such ease and grace, no one.
Nuada smiled faintly, and closed his eyes. Nocking an arrow of his own to the newly sung bow, he drew the string to his ear and shot high into the air. The arrow soared into the sky for a great distance, the assembled Riders following its path curiously.
They could faintly see it hit a vulture about to prey on a helpless bird with considerable force, actually severing the head of the predator from its body. Arya applauded with delight, extremely impressed with Eragon's magical talent.
That was excellent magic, was it not Firnen? She asked with happiness and pride, feeling Firnen's agreement. Saphira spoke in all their minds wryly, admonishing Eragon: Little one, why don't you stop showing off, and send Nuada and the others on their way? It was after all you who insisted that they ride, and not go by your spell of Transportation. They must leave soon when the day is still young.
Domiel and Ragnar chuckled deeply, as did Cirnathor. Eragon managed to look slightly abashed as he turned to Ildarien: "Do not lose contact with Yaela, Ildarien, and report regularly. Look after young Barristan, everybody" he added mischievously. Ildarien nodded seriously despite Barristan's squawk of protest.
Eragon laughed a full laugh and the sunlight seemed to get purer, and birds burst into song in all directions. Arya watched with amazement the bond Eragon shared with his Riders…this was the kind of comradeship she had been used to with the Varden.
Laetri too joined in the laughter, causing Barristan to blush a flaming red. The young Rider, thought Arya, was much like Eragon himself was in his youth. He possessed a kind of pure innocence Eragon himself had had when she had first met him.
"Leave him alone, Ebrithil" said Leya in a scolding tone causing Eragon to raise his hands in surrender. Isidar and Sahloknir rumbled impatiently, causing them to focus on the matter at hand.
"I bid you a safe journey, my students. Fly safe to Illirea and tell the King I will meet with him after I finish here" he said in a solemn voice as Ildarien and the others mounted their Dragons. Goodbye my friends. Journey safely and well echoed Eragon's voice in the minds of Isidar, Ragnar, Cirnathor and Domiel as they bore their riders away towards Illirea…eventually becoming specks of light.
Eragon turned to Arya, Laetri and Thorv. "Let us begin our search" said Eragon calmly, walking towards the caves of Du Fells Nangoroth. Follow us in the air, if you please said Eragon to the Dragons. Saphira sent him her acknowledgement, drifting effortlessly into the air with the others.
As the caves came into sight, Eragon raised his hand and called for a pause. "Brace yourselves, everyone. I mean in mind, for I will use the Word."
"Will that not negate all traces in the area, Eragon?" questioned Arya curiously. "I assume that will make our task much harder" she said in a certain voice. Laetri shook her head: "If used with skill, the Word can be used to wipe magic from the area selectively as the caster desires. Eragon-elda will be able to bring out traces of magic cast even hundreds of years ago" she explained.
"Laetri is right. If we are lucky, I can…" said Eragon, signalling to the two women to brace themselves. His bright indigo eyes shone even brighter as he stood tall and only whispered the Word.
The effect was instantaneous. Arya slumped slightly as something twisted the magic that surrounded them, sending a ripple that was not physical…but was something that they felt in their minds. Morgothal shook his head as if shaking off a gnat, and Sahloknir growled.
Eragon's eyes were distant as he quested for something only he could understand, as he guided the Name of Names to search for a century-old magical trace. He walked slowly forwards with that same distant look in his eyes, and knelt down on one knee.
He looked at Arya and Laetri, and said: "Here. I can feel it faintly, magic of a most malicious kind… intertwined with a familiar magic I know to be Ismira's. What took my niece was nothing to be trifled with"
Arya and Laetri watched with growing concern as the Lead Rider placed his hands upon the ground and whispered: "Deloi". A visible ripple spread gently in a circular pattern, growing and rushing outward in an ever expanding shape. Eragon had pushed his magic through the very earth, seeking and searching in ways not known to elves.
After a few minutes of this he stood up slowly and turned to face Laetri. High above them Saphira and Firnen roared with rage, responding to Eragon's sorrow which was clearly visible upon his face.
"I know this magic" he said with a downcast voice. "I know it well, and I have not forgotten who it embodies. Its evil calls out to me like nothing else…but how could such a thing enter these hallowed woods?" he asked himself in an occupied voice.
"What took my daughter, Eragon?" bit out Roran in scarce concealed anger. Laetri looked at him uncertainly, concerned at Eragon's dark contemplation. Eragon held up his hand firmly, causing Roran to grit his teeth in anger and impatience.
"No, Saphira. It cannot be. Unless…" Eragon's eyes widened as he murmured "I see. Yes, that would do it. That would allow them to enter this forest despite the wards that protect it. It is a good thing I am here, then. Ismira may be lost to us-" he murmured in a soft voice, a singular tear sliding down his cheek.
Roran rushed forward and caught Eragon's arm tightly, forcing his cousin to look at him. "She-is-not-lost!" he snarled in a desperate voice. Eragon now looked at them fully, his face showing wisdom and authority as he commanded the Dragons to land immediately.
I must contemplate upon this more, he said to all of them by mind. Thorv, set up camp. I need to meditate more upon this…you will have answers by tonight. I must be certain of what I have discovered. I must be sure of my conclusions…there is no room for error. We stay here for now.
Arya watched with a heavy heart as Eragon sat down in a meditative position, closing his eyes serenely. Roran looked like he wanted to shake his cousin, but Laetri stopped him with a single look.
"You must wait, Roran Stronghammer. Do not disturb him for he is consulting with the Eldunari. He will have answers for us, as he said" she berated him gently yet certainly. Arya nodded and joined Laetri in setting up camp in that clearing.
As the Dragons landed around them, Roran stared hard at his cousin. Even after all these years, his heart bled for his youngest child…little Ismira who had brightened seven years of his life.
Controlling his rapidly rising impatience and anxiety, he joined to help the others. He was never one to let ladies toil while he lolled, be they elven or human; certainly not ladies as noble as Laetri and Arya.
….
"Brisingr"
The fire burned merrily at Laetri's command, lending them much needed heat as they made to sit around Eragon who was looking at them with a grave expression. Even Laetri had not seen him look this concerned or sad for a very long time now, and she was worried at what he would say.
The dragons laid around them leisurely, observing them with their bright eyes. Eragon began in a serious voice.
"I have drawn my conclusion with the help of my mentors and my own knowledge" he said. "I have concluded upon who took Ismira and how"
"Well, out with it!" ordered Roran firmly. Thorv looked at him admonishingly but he did not seem to care as he met Eragon's gaze. Eragon closed his eyes for a moment.
Tell them, Little one. Postponing will do no good, came Saphira's advice. Eragon opened his eyes and declared : "I am intimately familiar with their unholy magics, having fought two of them in my youth. I was not certain in the morning but after long hours of deliberation and consideration I am now sure."
He looked around slowly at all of them, impressing upon every one the gravity of his deduction.
"Ismira was taken by a Shade"
Arya gasped in fear and Firnen made a loud keening noise. Laetri closed her eyes in sadness and regret, and Thorv cursed violently in the Dwarven tongue. But Roran seemed struck…staring deep into the distance. His little daughter was taken by… a, a Shade?
"You are lying, ERAGON!" screamed Roran suddenly, flinging himself upon his cousin with a raised fist. Eragon only looked at him, his indigo coloured eyes flaring slightly. Roran was pushed back gently and held firmly by magic. Tears of anguish and regret fell down his slightly lined face as his mind shuddered back from imagining what would have befallen his daughter.
His daughter…
Eragon spoke once more, his words horrifying them further. "But such a thing would not dare enter this forest for the wards that guard it are ancient and powerful beyond imagining. But I am certain it was a Shade, as is Umaroth-elda. That fact cannot be doubted"
Arya began to feel fear and a dark foreboding she had not felt since the war. Thorv only kept on cursing fervently but Laetri only watched Eragon attentively. The Dragons were absolutely silent, but their angry thoughts washed across their minds like lava.
"We must ask ourselves this question, then. How did it get in so far?" asked Eragon, looking at them as if searching for answers. His eyes fixed themselves upon Arya's as he saw the elven Queen begin to come to the same conclusion as he had.
"No Shade possesses the power to overwhelm these wards by themselves, even if they studied it for a hundred years or more. This means there is only one answer to our conundrum"
A faint hint of disgust appeared upon his noble face as he spoke, and Saphira's rage made them shiver.
"The Shade is of the Elven race"