Please forgive my lateness in updating, dear readers. My life of late has been hectic, what with the several examinations I was preparing for. The worst of it is over, though, and I will update again within...say twenty days. Part of this is because of a mess-up with my hard-drive, which set back my plans with my other fics. I need to get those in order as well. Still, I will strive to reach you as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Karldin.
CHAPTER 23
"A man may in several ways be unmade; physical torment is often the most expedient and will break the hardiest of men. The incapability of men to isolate consciousness from body will eventually defeat them. But this is not the case for elves and Riders. We possess a great tolerance for physical pain, and even the most vicious mental assaults we can recover from given time", said Eragon softly into the heavy silence that permeated the hut. He looked at his fellow Riders, his eyes expressing a deep pride as he met their gazes in turn.
"You are testaments to that fact, all of you. Murtagh withstood Galbatorix's insane torments for a longer time than possible, and he did not break. Arya was captured and tortured by Durza, and she did not give in…Formora tried truly dark things to break Laetri, but she was firm and calm. Nasuada is exceptional also in that she withstood physical and mental pains that would have broken any other of her race. You are all no strangers to that hopeless darkness where you know nothing awaits you but suffering, yet you have overcome your trials and sit before me here", he said with a sad smile, taking comfort in how Laetri surrounded his mind, and in how Arya's palm tightened around his.
"But Spirits are different from humans, are they not?" asked Elva in a small voice. Eragon nodded grimly, and despite himself a small tear made its way down his cheek and dripped to the floor. Those memories would haunt him for a long time to come, even time could not heal some injuries. "To them our physical bodies mean very little. Our minds do not mean much either, for it is what we have learnt in this world. No…they strike directly at what we are. The very tapestry that once made me the Eragon you all knew", he said.
"What?", asked Murtagh with a paling face. The import of the information was lost on no one present, and Laetri's foreboding became known to him. I can continue, Laetri. Personal agony means little in the face of what must be done, he said calmly to her. She lowered her eyes and nodded once, and Eragon could feel the flinch of Arya's emotions when he alluded to duty. You had no part in my choices, thus you must not feel guilt over them, he said turning to Arya whose face reflected her grief.
I was the one who turned you away. I was the one who dishonored the fact that we shared true names, and yet let you sail away to some unknown place. If I was truly as good as I am made out to be, I would have come with you. I should have stood by you like she does, said Arya sorrowfully. Eragon squeezed her hand and surrounded her mind with his own in an effort to soothe her, the sheer intimacy of the act bringing a small blush to her face. If feelings were so easy to control, then he would not be where he was today.
"I see you do not understand fully, Nasuada", he said to the erstwhile Queen who was looking doubtfully at the horror and grief of the others. "Very well, I will explain more fully. Do you love Murtagh?", he asked her.
"With all my heart and life", replied Nasuada softly, smiling slightly as Murtagh kissed her cheek. Eragon nodded, glancing at Laetri and then Arya before he probed further. "And you love your son, grandson, and daughter in-law. You deeply love and respect your father Ajihad and many others. We can safely say they are nexuses of your life, focal points whose absence will distort you completely. It is the same for me, and for everyone", said Eragon solemnly.
"Are you implying it is a weakness to love others?", asked Nasuada sharply, and to everyone's surprise Eragon nodded sadly.
"Therein lays the sacrifice implicit in love. You open yourselves not only to happiness, but also to terrible hurt. And this is the essence of what happened to me. Let us delve a little deeper into this concept; Nasuada, if I were to tell you right here and now that Murtagh hated you like he hated Galbatorix, would you believe me?", asked Eragon intently. Nasuada shook her head firmly, dismissing the very idea as ridiculous without words. Murtagh looked uncomfortably at Eragon, and the sense of foreboding in the hut increased.
"What are you saying, Eragon?", asked Arya, looking at him with a slight apprehension. He had not let his understandings leak through to her, preferring to let her grasp the concept by herself. Laetri knew, of course, and the heartbreaking veins of her sorrow that pulsed through their bond nearly incapacitated him. Smiling a little at how Saphira tried to peek again through the barrier she had put up between them, he turned back to them.
"Even if you open yourself to hurt by loving fully the ones dear to you, only those people can actually hurt the part of your heart they hold. Their death would break you, but you would eventually move on knowing they always held you dear. I had always loved Arya with every fiber of my being", he said openly, meeting Arya's emerald-green eyes and holding her gaze. "When me and the Nine set to sail, I was burning with the love of our parting…the details of which are not for public scrutiny", he said pointedly to Murtagh who had opened his mouth to ask, Eragon knew, for further detail.
Eragon glanced at Arya and then at Laetri, still unable to believe how fate had brought him to this particular point. Laetri was always in his mind and soul, the subtle threads of her consciousness had become a part of him after all these decades. Arya's mind he was still learning and he did not want to hasten what could be a sanctifying start for them. Eragon-elda, let us hasten this part of the story. It is a part of your life I would rather never happened, Laetri said quietly in his mind. Eragon looked at her, and she tried ever so slightly to avoid his gaze.
Laetri, I know you still harbor guilt for what happened to me then. You know me as well as Saphira does…do you actually believe I would have balked at helping my Riders?, he asked her gently, and their minds joined once more in the blissful dance of intimacy that was at once so familiar and so pure. He could feel Arya's consciousness at a respectful distance from their own, and he truly appreciated it. It was just that Laetri and he shared far too much and at such depth that he knew Arya would be overwhelmed by it.
"It is crucial that you understand how spirits destroy men. Keep in mind what we discussed of love. To the Spirits, our bodies mean next to nothing. They have no concept of physical pain, so the idea of inflicting such they cannot comprehend. The one thing they understand of us is our mind, which is a metaphysical entity much like the Spirits themselves. Our mental defenses they can easily brush aside, for they can reach past the mind to the being", he said in a low voice. They listened intently and quietly, comprehension dawning ever so slowly on Murtagh's and Arya's faces.
"What did they do?", asked Murtagh, horrified. This was far more daunting than just physical pain…this was truly terrible. It was Laetri who answered, cold rage flickering in her every expression.
"They delved into his soul, and changed him completely. They made him doubt his love for Arya, and his devotion to Saphira; they warped the very threads that made him Eragon. His love for his family, his desire to see the Riders prosper, everything...he has no true name in the ancient language because of their disgusting deeds. It is something like an incomplete Banishing of Names: he has no True name, but he is still known as Eragon", she said, looking anywhere but at Eragon. Her century-old guilt for his sufferings nearly drowned her mind and their bond. Eragon slowly leaned towards her, and brushed away her tears with his hand and kissed her gently on her cheek.
"You…you said you had not discovered your changed name yet", murmured Arya from his other side as he held Laetri to his side by her shoulders. Eragon looked at Arya's face, which was wet with tears. "I wanted to distance myself from you, and I twisted the truth to that end", he said regretfully. She turned away from him, unwilling to meet his eyes.
"You really have no name? How are you as sane as you are?" asked Murtagh, his face white with horror. Nasuada and even Elva's sorrow washed over them, looking at him as if they had never seen him before.
"I was suffering for the longest time, as Laetri may have told you. I call myself Eragon", he said with a sad smile, "but I do not live for myself. To cut a painful memory short, the Spirits turned me into an abomination, an anathema. Even Shades have true names, dark and horrible though they may be. But I…I have no name at all. Strictly speaking, by what we know of life and magic I should not exist", said Eragon and Laetri flinched as if struck by a whip. He held her tighter, and looked around at his companions. I have told no one this; listen, Laetri, he prompted as he continued.
"They had entered my body to erase my right to a name…even to spirits that is no trivial task. But something happened that they did not anticipate: they were part of me to all intents and purposes when they tried to do what they did…and when my name was erased, their names were erased as well. Those Spirits were essentially erased", said Eragon grimly. Even Laetri looked at him with astonishment as he recounted the secrets he had told no one.
"That is why you learnt sorcery", said Murtagh with realization. "You needed to control those nameless Spirits inside you!"
"Yes and no. Once the Spirits lost their names, they lost their purpose. Your body became their home", Laetri replied solemnly, speaking at Eragon's prompting nod. "I did not know the details of why he needed to learn sorcery…he only told me it was to wash away the taint of what was done to him. But, Eragon-elda, you used sorcery to merge those spirits with yourself, didn't you?", she asked, looking at him seriously. He nodded with a sigh.
"Yes. I thought that way I could take back what they took from me…but it does not work that way. I am nameless forever", he said with a cheerless laugh. "Without Laetri doing what she did, I would have died. I have no sense of self-worth or even any sense of self at all…I live for others. A perfect mindset for the Lead Rider, wouldn't you say Arya?", he asked her. She held his hand tightly, as if releasing it would let him fade away from her sight.
"This is how you could so easily sacrifice yourself for me! How does Saphira live with this?", asked Ismira in a small voice, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears.
"She tries so hard", said Eragon with a pained expression. "She knows very well I have no true sense of identity. I exist mostly for her and Laetri…and now Arya", he acknowledged with a bow of his head. "To finish this tale, then. I learned sorcery well, and I managed to absorb those trapped spirits within myself. I was a Rider with the power of a Shade, but not under the control of Spirits. That is the reason for my unnatural strength…well, that and the ceaseless study of the mysteries of Gramarye", he said.
There was utter silence now in the hut as they comprehended the meaning of his words. Eragon watched them patiently, knowing that what had happened to him was possibly unique in the history of the Riders. I thought I helped heal you, Arya whispered in his mind; he nodded to her. You did. You stopped me from hurting anymore, Arya. You are another anchor to my existence, he told her.
"How many?", asked Ismira softly. "How many Spirits did you absorb?", she clarified her question when their attention shifted to her.
"Twelve", Eragon answered gravely and gasps sounded around the room. "When I first used Brisingr after my change, the blade started cracking with the sheer spirit-force I had absorbed. Blodhgarm it was who came up with the notion of merging Brisingr with Vrael's sword…Laetri, I and Blodhgarm accomplished that deed after structuring the spell for eight months. The strength within me made it possible", he added, staying their amazed enquiries.
"You have nine Spirits' strength. You have the support of all the Eldunari, and you have the Riders at your side. There is no reason why you cannot defeat the Shadow", said Murtagh dazedly.
"It is not that easy", said Laetri suddenly, comprehension dawning in her eyes. "That is what you meant when you said 'you were the only one', did you not? You think the Elven Shade is someone like you…someone who can command magic on the order of the strength of Spirits, as easily as you can. Not to mention his practice of Necromancy", she stated. Arya looked at Ismira, mastering her emotions with the ease of the Princess she was.
"Ismira, how proficient was the Shadow at Necromancy?", she asked.
"Very much so, I think. I have seen him Mirror Life and Death, with my own eyes. As long as he is alive, his minions will not die. With the life of an innocent he can resurrect those sworn to him…I have heard stories of Galbatorix from Uncle Murtagh but the Shadow is quite something else. He once spoke to me of Anurin as if they were old friends. Until I met Uncle Eragon I never thought anyone could match him", said Ismira heavily.
"What could you discern of his goals?", Elva asked suddenly of Ismira.
"Nothing at all. He moves in ways I still do not understand", Ismira answered, turning to Eragon as she continued. "But I do know that he moves secretly, and he rides a horse as black as night. He rides with his twelve companions and they are constantly veiled by a spell of cloaking. They are far older than Galbatorix but why they have chosen to move now they never told me, and I never found out", she said.
Kingslayer, I have news.
Yes, Lord Berentain, responded Eragon, shaking out of his consideration of Ismira's words. Raising a hand to stall questions, he closed his eyes and exchanged a quick communication with Berentain. A few moments later he stood up, picking up Brisingr and belting it to his side with a simple spell.
"Palencar has gone on the offensive. Roran has led Nuada's armies into the Spine, with Nuada and Ildarien scouting ahead. Also, Orik has sent Gannel and Lord Almen to Ellesmera…they have already reached the outpost at Ceris. We must move rapidly, before we can be weighed down by the convoluted elven politics that will ensue", he said. The powerful beat of dragon wings became audible to them slowly, and out of the window they saw the enormous and majestic dragons Firnen, Belegroch and Thorn approaching from the horizon.
They all stood as he stood, the unanimous agreement on their faces showing their distaste for Elven politics. Political matters by themselves were infuriating, but Elves tended to play games that made even the slyest of humans balk. "Yaela can represent the Riders in the upcoming conference", he said as they walked outside the hut and out into the Crags of Tel'naeir. Murtagh grinned as he saw Thorn and the other two dragons approaching, and broke into an effortless run. Nasuada screamed as husband grabbed her and leaped out of the Crags high into the air, landing gracefully upon Thorn's back with his wife held securely.
The children had stopped playing in the glade of flowers, and were clapping excitedly at Murtagh's display. A hint of mischievous rush alerted him, and he turned to Arya whose eyes were gleaming as she considered the Crags. "Let her enjoy her freedom, Eragon-elda", murmured Laetri as she came up behind him. Eragon nodded encouragingly to Arya, and watched amazed as her customary decorum deserted her, turning her into the unreserved elf-maid that found utter joy in life and living. Firnen rushed down towards them just as Thorn had done and Arya seemed to blur as she ran forward with the grace of a bounding gazelle.
Bounding gazelle? Eragon-elda, you have gained a new propensity for flattering simile, said Laetri as they watched Arya land upon Firnen's back with a stunning co-ordination and joining Thorn and his rider in the air. Ismira smiled brightly at Eragon, and mounted Belegroch sedately as he drifted next to the cliff. Eragon could see Elves gathering quietly along the forest, watching the Riders fly freely above the glade of flowers.
It was as enchanting and peaceful a scene as Eragon had ever seen at Aiedail, and even more so because these Riders were family.
Elva had come to stand beside him at the edge of the Crags, keeping a careful eye on her son who was exchanging excited glances with Varda. Powerful children, Eragon said to Laetri and she nodded smilingly. He knew Fanuil and Varda had linked minds at this young age, exchanging entire conversations with a single glance. Laetri's hand had naturally slipped into his as she too kept a careful eye on Varda, going so far as to monitor the edges of her conversation with Fanuil. "I thought you would be wary of me after I revealed the truth", he muttered to Elva.
"I trust you, Eragon, just as fate has trusted you with the strength you now wield. You have always tried to do right by me after that sham of a spell. Above all, you are family", said Elva as if that ended the matter. Eragon squeezed her hand slightly, eyes shining as he accepted the statement. Elva had come far from the world-weary child to the woman and mother she was now.
"In a very real way you are my family, Elva. We are and will always be connected by the threads of my failed spell", he said to her. Eragon-elda, you must look at what young Varda is doing, said Laetri amusedly in his mind and he turned to look down at the children.
"Oh no", he said as Laetri directed his attention to what Varda was doing. Why are young people so eager to break their own necks?, Eragon demanded of Laetri as they saw Varda mount Belgabad and fly off into the air. "Are they ready to be doing that?", Elva murmured to him and he shook his head in denial. Belgabad was a very young Dragon, not truly ready for full flight with his Rider. As it is they were flying mere feet into the air. I will watch over them, Eragon, said Arya as Firnen drifted downwards like a floating leaf. Perhaps you should go to Saphira, she said as her spell stopped his overenthusiastic apprentice mid-flight.
She is quite right. This is the kind of resentment that must not be allowed to fester; and fester it will if they keep their minds apart from ours for any longer, said Laetri in agreement. Eragon sighed and nodded as he extended his mind outwards to encompass all his companions. I will go to my Dragon and get her back. Meanwhile you must all prepare to depart Ellesmera. The Shadow will have heard of Ismira's healing, and I do not think that will sit well with him. He will retaliate and we must be ready, he said.
Elva nodded firmly, and Arya's and Laetri's mind joined with his in a blaze of resolve and affection. The Dragons' and Murtagh's acknowledgements sounded in his mind as he turned to his companion of a century and more. "Are you ready?", he asked her. She nodded and gripped his hand tighter as he wove magic. I'm coming, Saphira, he threw the thought over the forest as he and Laetri disappeared in a flash of indigo light.
…..
"How did you know to come here, Eragon-elda? I could take the information from Sahloknir but I dare not do so, he is already angry with me. You did not wrest the information from Saphira, did you?" Laetri asked with concern as they walked beneath the dusty pines of Du Weldenvarden. Eragon shook his head. "She is trying very hard to conceal herself from me; I need to speak with her physically", he stated.
"Let us run together, Laetri. You know how offended they will be if we appeared there abruptly by magic", he said nodding towards where their destination lay. Her lips curved in a smile as their gazes met for a fraction of a second, and the next instant they disappeared with speed and grace beyond even the Elvenkind. The forest's inherent tranquility always fascinated Eragon greatly, but he could not help but throw furtive glances at the Elven princess who ran beside him. To most human eyes, they would appear as two blurs of pure white mirages that rushed through the forest like haunting spirits.
Would you be offended if I expressed how awed I am that you are with me, Laetri? , he asked with a twinkle in his eyes as they neared their destination, the Stone of Broken Eggs. He and Saphira had a special history at the Stone…it was here that Glaedr had once and for all rebuffed Saphira as a possible mate. They streaked through the Elven forests, covering hundreds of yards in the blink of an eye. A running deer happened across their path as they ran hand in hand.
I would be truly pleased, not offended. Would you, my leader, be offended if I ask you to leap in order to avoid collision with the deer?, she replied with a laugh. A hairsbreadth from colliding with the bewildered deer, they leaped high into the air together. In perfect communion with each other, they twisted their bodies to be parallel to the ground as they soared high enough to brush against the tall trees' green canopy. Eragon's back faced the earth as his arms captured her waist and hers went around his neck, and for that one instant a shaft of sunlight escaped from the thick leafy canopy to fall on Laetri.
Magic, he whispered as he saw the vision of divine Elven beauty above him. The momentary light brightened her form suddenly, and her long hair fanned out behind her shining as if lit with a silvery flame. Thoughts of Saphira and Sahloknir, and heavy musings of future plans fled from his mind as he soaked in the ethereal vision of Laetri. She was always in his mind the most beautiful elf-maid he had ever beheld, and in the minds of all other elves also if truth be told. They alighted gracefully upon the earth like falling petals, and Eragon did not move or release her waist from his grasp as he stared into her deep blue eyes.
Sometimes I wonder if you are really mine, if you are with me for naught but the call of duty, confessed Eragon. I always believed I was unworthy of Arya yet I reached for her like a man reaching for the moon. But am I reaching for the stars in wanting you to be mine?
I was yours from the moment you sacrificed your soul to save my Dragon. My highest duty is to you first and then to the Riders and my people. A hundred years of courtship and company is an acceptable prelude to further union among my people, she said with shining eyes. All these years we have learned each other as no two beings ever have; you have seen my heart a long time ago, and it is yours. It will always be yours.
Always? As I understand your people, I do not think that will be true. Arya once told me the elves take mates for however long it makes them happy and then go their separate ways. A hundred years to you is like the passing of a decade, Laetri Svit-Kona. You are far older, wiser and more beautiful a-
Eragon's eyes widened as she leaned forward and kissed him softly on his own lips, an act that made his soul stir. Arya once chose the Alfakyn above you in a supreme sacrifice to duty, but I choose you above my people, she said as their lips met for the very first time in their one hundred years of association. Their forms melded against each other sinuously as if trying to become one and Du Weldenvarden responded to their union. Eragon did not take his eyes off hers as he kissed her with an almost reverent passion, not believing the intensity of the feelings that ran through him. It was as if light was liquefied and ran through his veins instead of blood, throwing them both into realms of focused amorousness. If all the misery in his life were a necessity to bring him to this moment in time, he would be glad for it.
Iet Almarea Melesse. My blessed Love, said Eragon softly as they disengaged respectfully from their kiss, lost in each other's faces. His eyes flashed as he bent to kiss her brow, enfolding her tightly in his arms. I will lose my sanity entirely if some ill befalls you. My insanity is to this world far more dangerous than the Shadow himself…I may be called the Lightbringer, but you are the one who brings me light. Promise me you will not face the Shadow or his minions without me at your side.
You would hold Alagaesia hostage for my abeyance?, she asked with a slight smile, her cheeks pink with a flush as they descended from the throes of their passion. Fear not, Eragon-elda. We will face them together, as we have always done. Therinsford will be the last time we ever fought separately in battle. I will not leave your side again, she said, smiling contentedly as she laid her cheek against his chest.
A violent sound of collision drew their attention towards the Stone of Broken eggs which was now clearly visible to them. The Stone shook and vibrated as if struck by a giant's hand repeatedly, and the terrible roars of Dragons filled the air. Laetri's eyes narrowed at the phenomenon as the trees around them shook terribly from the concussion, their leaves covering the forest floor around them as they fell.
"Saphira!", whispered Eragon as his Dragon roared again…a roar which to him was filled with pure anger. Sahloknir responded defiantly, and the birds exited their trees with frightened screeches. "Laetri, I believe they are fighting. We must stop them", he said as the roars and shaking began to drive out the natural wild of the forest for fear of the Dragons' wrath. Laetri simply smiled, shaking her head at him as she rose and kissed his cheek affectionately. Eragon's eyes widened as he felt her amusement and happiness increase every time Saphira and Sahloknir roared in concert, with every shake and stir of the Stone and forest.
"They must resolve this by themselves" she said merrily, seemingly enjoying his indecision and confusion as to how to proceed. Every time Eragon heard the sound of his beloved Dragon's roars, his turmoil increased. The fact that Laetri was standing unperturbed in his arms was only adding to his disquiet. This time he could detect Arya's amusement and satisfaction as well, melding with Laetri's to lay against his in a tapestry of blazing affection.
Oh, Eragon…you still have not changed in some ways. Certain subtleties are just lost on you, Arya said fondly as she sent an image of Ismira and Varda seated upon Belegroch with Belgabad. Eragon smiled at that, a burst of pure joy at the image of those beloved Riders flying to the awe of the elf-filled glade. But that joy was short lived as the Stone of Broken Eggs shook so violently that showers of rock pelted the forest below it.
She has already been hurt once upon that Stone! I cannot let Saphira fight Sahloknir anymore, Laetri. Any anger she has at me she will direct at me alone. I am going there by my magic, no matter how angry she gets, he told Laetri with resolve. Puzzlement filled him as she nodded agreeably, not bothered in the least by the perturbations caused by the two violent Dragons. You must do what you feel is right, she told him with a small smile and this time, her affection joined with Arya's to almost drown him in a river of light and joy. Let us go, he said as he once more wove magic. They disappeared in another flash of indigo light even as the tree next to them fell to the ground as the earth quaked from the Dragons' fury.
….
Ebrithil, I applaud your timing. I truly do!, rumbled Sahloknir's voice as they saw Saphira fly away into the clear blue skies, deeper into the forests of Du Weldenvarden. So much for the Leader of the Riders. You failed to identify the sound and sense of mating dragons! Saphira and I had reached an understanding, and we were about to consummate it. How would you feel if I were to interrupt your mating with Laetri?, asked the Golden Dragon angrily. Eragon's disgruntlement and embarrassment broke for a moment, and he blushed furiously at the images provoked by the gold Dragon's query.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Laetri's pale cheeks color slightly at the flood of his less than proper thoughts. Sahloknir turned away from him with a frustrated snort, and lowered his snout to level with his Rider's face. Eragon politely avoided eavesdropping on them, the link shared by Rider and Dragon was still the most private of sanctuaries. He could not help but wish Saphira was as forgiving as Sahloknir as he watched the golden Dragon affectionately nudge Laetri with his snout and fly away after Saphira. You should have known, Laetri said as they observed the vast forest from the top of the Stone of Broken Eggs. Eragon looked at her, and felt more than a little embarrassed at the fact that he had interrupted his Dragon in so private a ritual.
She did not have to shoot fire at me, he complained Eragon as they joined hands naturally. He found himself looking right into her bright blue eyes as she replied in all seriousness. Eragon-elda, if I were interrupted in such a…act, I would have reacted with the same ferocity. But Sahloknir believes you wore her down with your bumbling concern, said Laetri with a smile. Eragon shook his head wonderingly; it was the first time he had ever seen the mating of Dragons. That ritual was kept secret from anyone who were not the ones involved…it was a gross violation of fundamental privacy that he had seen Saphira in the throes of such passion.
Stop castigating yourself needlessly, Eragon, chided Arya. Then he felt her amusement mixed with a slight sense of irony. Such a symmetry in your and Saphira's fates. You have taken me and Laetri as your partners, and your Dragon took ours as her mates. She merely needs time, I think.
Time she will get. The mating of Dragons is no gentle affair, said Eragon shivering as he recalled the force of the Dragons' mating. He felt Laetri's mind stir suddenly, and felt a presence appear behind him. He saw Laetri's beautiful eyes widen with delight as she saw the person behind him, and she promptly let go of his hand to go to the elf that had just arrived.
"Greetings, Haindar", said Eragon with a smile, identifying the ancient elf he was seeing for the first time. He shared in Laetri's happiness at the reunion with her grandfather, watching her hug Haindar with a closeness and decorum more alike to humans than elves. From what Laetri had told him, Haindar and Rhunon were much the same in matters of decorum: they did not put much stock in the elaborate courtesies of the elves. Far into the distance, his highly honed ears could identify the sounds of Saphira mating with Sahloknir…even his Dragon's considerable mental faculties were overwhelmed, and he blinked to dismiss the intoxicating draconian lust leaking through to him.
"Greetings to you too, Eragon Shur'tugal. Ah, the sound of Dragons' mating", said Haindar as Laetri kissed him on both cheeks. Eragon tilted his head as he joined Laetri , and in a gesture more befitting a love-struck boy, turned his face and tapped his cheek teasingly. Clear elven laughter split the air as Laetri threw her arms around his neck and kissed him exuberantly on the cheek he indicated. Eragon saw Haindar clap his hands, and a shower of rose petals fell on him and Laetri as if in benediction of their union.
"So my granddaughter has chosen her mate. You could not have done better, my dear Laetri", murmured the blue-clad Haindar. "And you, Eragon Kingslayer. Perhaps I sound like some overprotective human parent in telling you this, but I must tell you nevertheless. My granddaughter is the most beautiful elf-maid alive and the grace of Geda shines brightest within her. Evandar's daughter, young Arya has also been entrusted to you, I hear. I trust you understand the sheer wondrousness of not one, but two Elven princesses choosing the same Rider as their mate?"
Eragon nodded solemnly to the elder elf, even as Laetri looked exasperatedly at her Grandfather. "You know I do, Haindar. They are the light of my life", he said, placing a gentle kiss upon Laetri's brow. Haindar smiled slightly, walking up to join them both on the edge of the Stone of Broken Eggs. The wind buffeted them as they three took in the sight of the endless emerald forests blanketing the land to the horizon and beyond. Eragon felt Laetri and Haindar communicating calmly by mind…he was not being excluded, but he felt no need to intrude upon a familial bond centuries older than himself. He immersed himself in his mind for a moment, joining with Arya and watching Varda and Fanuil's mock sword fight.
That mischievous girl. Did you teach her to sing trees?, asked Eragon as he watched through Arya's eyes Varda clumsily blocking Fanuil's equally ungainly swing with a sword-shaped block of wood. I did not, Eragon. But I doubt she simply picked it up, she replied, and turned to show him how Murtagh, Ismira, Nasuada and Elva had all seated themselves around the warring children…even the Dragons had laid down on the ground, shimmering in the sunlight. A sense of contentment filled Eragon as he saw Ismira anxiously prompting Varda on how to fight, and Elva doing the same with her son.
Your family has come together at last, Eragon. No one deserves such happiness more than you. It breaks my heart that we must head into conflict once more, Arya said softly as feelings of gladness welled up within him at the sight. This was all he had ever wanted in life- family to love, young Riders to train, and children to cherish. He opened his eyes as he felt Laetri's head on his shoulders, her happiness joining with his as she too shared in the memories. "You will have them all, Eragon-elda", she murmured to him. His arm instinctively went around her shoulders, gently pulling her against his side.
"I wish you the best of luck in your search for peace, Eragon, and I also remind you that peace can be found at home, and that home is where the heart resides", said Haindar, a genuine smile of happiness upon his face as he watched them. But then he sighed, "But I am here to discuss a far more pressing matter. It concerns your young apprentice, Varda. I had the occasion to meet her a short while ago, and I believe that her uniqueness will not go unnoticed by my people for much longer."
Eragon stiffened slightly as he met Haindar's gaze, and Laetri gripped his hand firmly as his eyes began to gleam with the strength of his magic. "Varda is my apprentice, Haindar. I was the one who brought her from Alalea; I was the one who nullified the spell of stasis your people cast upon her, fearing her uniqueness. She is my family as much as Laetri or Arya, irrespective of what claims you Elves have upon her", he said in a serene but firm voice. A whisper alerted him to the appearance of another familiar presence, and surely enough the tall and white-clad form of Gilderien the Wise appeared smoothly beside Haindar.
"Eragon Shur'tugal, you speak the truth. We have no intention of reopening old wounds or resurrecting histories that are fading from our attentions even now; but you must realize that Lord Berentain has made the connection, as has Lord Dathedr. By the weight of obligation they are sworn to reveal to our people, remind them of the origins of your precocious apprentice. You have done well in controlling the politics of the land until now, but this is a potential issue that might be beyond even your abilities to stem", said Gilderien softly. Eragon's eyes narrowed at them both, by now paying no attention to the shaking trees or the receding sounds of Dragons mating.
"If my brethren will not listen to reason, perhaps they might heed force", Laetri suggested in a steely voice. Eragon felt cold fury from Laetri at the thought of Varda being taken away from them. We raised her, Eragon-elda. No matter how long she was ensconced as a babe within that sorcerous weaving, she is ours because it was we who raised her. We should leave without any more delay, she said in a sharp voice. Eragon nodded slightly, agreeing with her assessment. He was not ready for the truth about Varda to surface at this moment, not when the races were so close to uniting again.
"Laetri, you would raise your hand against your own people?", asked Haindar in a shocked voice. Even Gilderien seemed disturbed, but Eragon felt the certainty in Laetri's mind. Eragon, Berentain has asked us for a meeting and has requested for us to bring Varda and Belgabad. Dathedr is even standing in front of me to confirm your answer, Arya's voice came suddenly, sounding concerned. A dull sense of foreboding began to grow in Eragon as he exchanged a glance with Laetri. Tell him to wait; I will be there shortly. And make preparations to leave as soon as possible, he replied to Arya.
"Dathedr or Berentain would not know of the truth behind Varda. The only ones who know are those Elves that accompanied Queen Tarmunora on her expedition to find Alalea", said Eragon quietly as he looked at the Elves before him. "I know that you were there with her, Haindar, and I know to a certain extent what befell the Queen. I have guessed at Varda's heritage from the secrets Laetri has revealed to me. But the question is this: will you support me or your people when the truth is revealed?"
Gilderien seemed unsurprised at his knowledge, but it was Haindar who countered, "You may have resurrected the Riders, but you are still bound closely to Elvenkind Grand Master Eragon. Gilderien and I will take no sides, nor will Rhunon. No, we offer your beloved apprentice safety and learning; we offer young Varda sanctuary from the troubles of Alagaesia until she is ready to face them. Your responsibilities are far too heavy, and the path you tread will be extremely dangerous to take the younglings with you. I will not have Tarmunora's daughter exposed to death or worse".
So, they have put it together. The elves may feel Varda has enough of their blood to claim her as a child of their race. This setback could not have occurred at a worse time…the Alfakyn are still reeling from the loss of Fiolr's child. From what Yaela tells me, they were entranced by Varda from the beginning, said Eragon as he looked at Laetri. Gilderien and Haindar waited patiently, but Eragon could see the White Flame of Vandil glowing with a slight ominousness. Laetri too observed this phenomenon, and she looked icily at an unapologetic Gilderien.
Gilderien can be trusted as well as my Grandfather. But they have been looking at Elvenkind with the weight of millennia pressing upon them...Varda will come to no harm if we leave her with them, but I fear for what ideals she might imbibe if left with the Eldest elves, Laetri replied, looking right into his worried eyes with a firm expression. The Shadow cannot be allowed access to the children, Eragon-elda. This is my counsel: if you are certain that you can protect them from the Shadow, Varda comes with us. I know I cannot match the Shadow…if he and his twelve Liutenants come at us with force, I am certain the children will be left undefended.
Eragon nodded sadly, the gloom bleeding into Laetri's mind. She embraced him gently the moment she sensed his distress. Taking comfort in her soothing proximity, Eragon turned to the politely waiting elves. "I will let you raise my apprentice for the time being, but on three conditions. They are non-negotiable", he said, feeling Laetri's approval shine in his mind as she understood his thoughts. Haindar leaned forward slightly in interest, and Eragon thought he saw a small spark of relief flicker through Gilderien's ageless eyes.
"Name them, Eragon Shur'tugal", prompted the Elven Guardian after a brief intervening silence.
"Very well. Firstly, you will host Yaela and Murtagh's grandson Fanuil along with Varda. My apprentice needs the instruction of Riders, and Riders you two are not. Next, you will not reveal to her the truth of her heritage without my permission. And lastly, you will shield her from those Elves who are intent on claiming her for the sake of some forgotten legend", he said firmly, and the air around him seemed to shimmer with the force of his will. Haindar exchanged a single glance with his white-clad companion, and simply nodded to them both.
"These conditions are acceptable, Eragon. Do not look so apprehensive, dear Laetri", chuckled Haindar as Laetri's face became openly troubled at what was coming to pass. "After all, Gilderien and I did teach you a few things. I do not think you have turned out so badly. Your apprentice can be greater than Silvari the Enchantress herself, such is the potential I see in her", he praised effusively. Despite his discomfort with the notion of leaving Varda once more, Eragon felt a surge of pure pride for his young Rider which was echoed strongly by Laetri.
"I have kept watch over the boy, Murtagh's grandson. He is already showing the beginnings of an instinctive grasp over magic. It will be a pleasure to teach Fanuil Elfstar the secrets of Gramarye; but will Murtagh agree?" Gilderien queried.
"I believe he will. But this might mean leaving Elva behind as well, she will not leave her son behind for anything on Alagaesia", pondered Laetri. Eragon smiled, his heart eased by the notion of both Elva and Yaela staying to care for the two precious children. Please come to the Stone of Broken eggs. We have made our decisions but we must attend to the details. Request an hour's privacy from Dathedr, he sent, casting the thought out to his entire family.
We will come, they replied as one, and almost immediately the concussive wing beats of the Dragons became audible to their augmented hearing. His arm around Laetri's waist tightened, and a smile adorned his face as he felt Saphira reaching out tentatively to him. Enjoy it while you can, Eragon-elda. Sahloknir tells me Saphira intends to make you pay for every instance of your sacrificial foolhardiness, said an amused Laetri as they saw the glittering forms of Thorn, Belegroch and Firnen rise into the air in the north, and Saphira and Sahloknir fly majestically towards them from the east. Eragon chuckled as he laid a small kiss on her cheek, ignoring Haindar's raised eyebrow and Gilderien's politely averted face. I do not mind waiting hand and foot on my Dragon, Almarea Melesse, he replied, keenly feeling Saphira burrow back into his consciousness. I just feel guilty for not being able to teach Varda in these formative years.
You need not fear, replied Laetri, seeing directly into he essence of what he was feeling. It was the fear of losing Varda to someone as noble and powerful such as Gilderien, or impossibly knowledgeable and aged as Haindar. She burned away his doubts with her faith even as the Dragons began to converge upon the Stone from both directions. You were the one who taught her the ideals of Shur'tugal. She is not a fickle human child; she is and will always be your apprentice and yours alone. You made sure of that when looked into her eyes when she was a babe, and named her Varda in the ancient language. She will always be yours, Eragon-elda, no matter the inconsequential politics or insincere ploys of my race.
Always.