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Disappearing before posting a short, short chapter? Blame personal drama and a one-day hiatus XD
Chapter 6: Snakes and Witches
After days of blood, tears, death and debauchery, the bath Eragon indulged in felt so refreshing. He was on his way back to the Riders' room when he found a woman waiting for him in the corridor. She didn't seem that much older than Melikir, but she was quite taller than him. Dark hair framed her soft face, and deep blue eyes peered at Eragon. She wore a pale blue dress that brought out the color of her eyes and emphasized her olive skin.
She curtsied. "Argetlam," she said in a rich, cultured voice.
Eragon nodded in return. After his travels with the other Riders – three of them being girls – he felt uncomfortable in the woman's presence. "Is there something that you need?" His eyes roved to the golden snake bracelet wrapped around her wrist.
"I hope so," the woman said with a brilliant smile. "I am Trianna, sorceress of Du Vrangr Gata – and battlemage, and spy, and whatever else is necessary for the good of the Varden. Magic users here are quite scarce and we end up with a load of tasks." Her shoulders slumped. "Actually, that was why I sought you out, Shadeslayer. It would be an honor if one of the Riders took charge of our group. With the blasted Twins betraying our group and the Varden, we have no leaders left."
Eragon smiled back. The woman was pleasantly charming, but something felt wrong. His experiences with Katrina, Arya and Nasuada helped him understand girls, and there was an artificial air in Triana's charm and friendliness. "It would be an honor, but I'm afraid that none of us could. We'll be leaving Tronjheim soon and it might need some consultations with Melikir, anyway." He did not want to add a darker thought – a refusal to be tangled in dirty politics, especially somewhere that involved the unpleasantly traitorous Twins.
Trianna let out a suffering sigh and bit her lip. She moved a step closer. "We could spend a bit of time together before that, though. I could even teach you about summoning and controlling spirits. It is a potentially – ahem, educational experience for us."
Eragon flushed. He was face-to-face with a particularly pretty woman, after all. "It would be greatly appreciated but… er, I'm a little busy." He almost flinched when he saw a spark of anger flaring in Trianna's eyes before it smothered out. He wasn't sue that it happened at all, but the sigh that followed was evidently real. "I'm curious though, as I've never met other human spellcasters aside from Brom and the other Riders before, how did you learn magic?"
Trianna gave him a bright but sultry smile. "I'm the daughter of a Surdan healer who had a spark of power. Nobody in Du Vrangr Gata could even dream of being as powerful as a Rider. Not even close. Even if two of us teamed up, we couldn't have battled Durza without being simply added to his list of kills. True, you brothers had help in the form of those… girls, but you dealt the final blow, and it is a feat worthy of Vrael himself." She leaned towards him, tall, curvacious and proud. "People are singing songs of praise about your feats. They even believe that you should take the throne from Galbatorix!"
"No. No." Eragon's temper flared up. "None of us ever had the desire to rule. We have our own fate, and we never aspired to rule."
"Wise of you. A king is tied down to his duties and would make a poor reward for any Rider and his dragon. Being free to shape the future of Alagaesia is more important." Trianna paused, her blue eyes darkening. "Aside from your dashing, ah, brothers, are there any relatives of yours left in the Empire?"
Eragon narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "My uncle – who raised all three of us – is in Carvahall and my mother is still… around."
Trianna's eyes widened. "Then you're not bethroted, then?"
Eragon frowned. "Of course not!"
Trianna stepped closer, ribbons on her sleeve brushing against Eragon's arm. "I'm sure that there's someone that you care about. You've been traveling with three beautiful girls. " She raised her wrist, displaying her serpent bracelet. "Do you like him? He's my familiar, my protector. I call him Lorga." She bent forward and blew upon the bracelet. "Se orum thornessa havr sharjalvi lifs."
The snake came into life with a faint rustling sound. It writhed around Trianna's arm and lifted itself, whirling ruby eyes fixed upon Eragon. Its wire tongue flicked in and out of its mouth. Its eyes expanded until they were as big as a fist. After a short command, it stiffened and wrapped itself around Trianna's wrist again. The sorceress sighed and leaned against the wall.
"Few people truly understand magic and those who use it," she said quietly. "There are many others like you, and we would be pleased to help if we can – especially you Shadeslayer brothers." She put her hand on Eragon's arm and the door flew open, throwing her off balance. She stumbled forward with a small yelped. She whirled around, finding herself standing before Arya, Saphira and Firnen.
The dragons were growling, but they were nothing compared to the elf girl's irritated look. "You are keeping me away from my dinner," she said through gritted teeth. "My friend here invited me to eat with him and you are taking too much time prattling on with him."
As if to emphasize her ire, Firnen's growls grew louder. Saphira lifted the side of her upper lift, revealing her jagged teeth. She growled angrily, the sound echoing through the hall. It was more terrifying than a woman's angry tirade.
Eragon watched them with thankful eyes.
Triana's fists clenched around the fabric of her dress, her face pale and terrified. She gae them a quick curtsey befor fleeing. Acting as if nothing happened, Saphira lifted a leg and licked a claw. Firnen curled up at the foot of Arya's bed again.
Arya insisted on throwing the door open herself, she sniffed.
Well, you needed her help, agreed Firnen.
Eragon grinned. "I didn't need two dragons and an elf, though. One of you would be enough to get rid of her."
"Now, now," Arya said with a grin. "We were all quite concerned, wondering what that slattern could want with the mighty Shadeslayer. It's difficult to find a woman who's interested in you instead of Rider Eragon, Shadeslayer."
"Thank you – all of you. But why did it concern you?"
"You're a friend. It was hard to make up a random excuse to annoy her too, but I am hungry. Dinner?"
Eragon shrugged. He smiled and glanced at the dragons. "No dinner for you?"
Later, Saphira said boredly. I feel quite drowsy after the events of this day. You two little ones should go and have fun, though. We'll be keeping an eye out on things here.
"Well… if that's the case, then I'll be seeing you later," mumbled Eragon, before Arya began to pull him through the corridor.
Arya's eyes darkened as they passed a few young girls who giggled and pointed at them. Even though she was dressed in a simple white shirt and black wool pants, there was something intimidating about her. "Do you think that – that she's beautiful?" she asked.
"Well, she's pretty," Eragon muttered, ignoring Arya's glare. What was wrong with her? "She's a little interesting too, but there's something wrong about her. Besides, I've got ages – ages! – to think about women."
Morning routine felt boring to Roran. Get dressed, wander around to your heart's content, make idle conversations with people who wish to talk to you – was that what a Rider's duty consisted of? Even though he enjoyed spending his morning flying with Askanir, he hoped that there were more things to do, such as helping the Varden.
He headed down the kitchens for lunch in excitement. At least he can count on the other Riders being there with their dragons, and their group could get rowdy without causing any discomfort to each other. Even if he felt somewhat safer in the Varden, he missed their carefree days of traveling.
When he arrived in the kitchens, though, only Katrina was there. Her coppery hair was pulled back from her face, tied with a pale blue ribbon. She somehow looked older, lovelier that day. Roran felt a blush creep to his cheeks. Though their adventures toned down his nervousness around her, he was still quite aware that he was still interested in her.
She waved him over with a bright smile and he sat across the table from her, feeling suddenly very self-conscious. He forced out a nervous smile. He set down his plate of food, keeping an eye his fingers. He took a few deliberate bites of food. "I haven't seen you all morning. What were you doing?" he asked, hoping that it sounded conversational enough.
"Oh, I was going to ask you that too! You see, I was with Arya, Faolin and Nasuada this morning, we were trying to read on a few things in the library, but it was boring me so I had to go for a walk and eat lunch." Flustered, Katrina dropped her fork. It hit her plate with a resounding, awkward clang. She picked it up quickly and turned red. "I-I'm sorry."
Roran smiled. "Don't be." He looked away. "Well, I was flying with Askanir. You know, to clear my head. Things have been… different, lately."
"Oh, yes, your fealty!" Katrina nodded. She began to attack her food with such ferociousness that it reminded Roran of a dragon. "Faolin asked me if I wished to be the other Rider for the elves. I told him that I wasn't sure but that I might do it for Arya and him. They've been quite lovely friends, even if they're a little odd sometimes."
"Different races, different customs," Roran said idly as he took another bite of his lunch.
"Enough about that, how are you?
Roran shrugged. Many things have occurred since Ajihad passed. He spent a few minutes quickly finishing his meal. "The oath of fealty earned me a lot of enemies – who could also be targeting you since you still do serve the Varden."
"I know." Katrina shrugged. "I wasn't asking about that. I was asking about you."
"I'm fine. I missed sitting around the campfire, being carefree." Roran put a hand on his face. "I miss travelling, learning how to be a Rider, showing off…"
"Showing off?"
"Well, I have to impress you somehow, don't I?" Realizing what he just said, Roran shut his mouth. Warmth crept up his cheeks as Katrina's eyes widened. Before he could divert the conversation, a girl trotted towards them.
It was Eragon and Murtagh's long-lost sister, Aesyr. That made her Roran's cousin. The slim, frail-looking girl bowed to them. "R-Rider Roran, Rider Katrina," she stammered. "Lord Melikir wishes to see you. Others have been sent to fetch your other friends too. He's waiting in his father's study."
Roran glanced at the dragons. Are you done, Askanir?
Of course.Askanir blinked, and cast Katrina a long look.
"We're done here," Katrina said, finally regaining her composure. She beamed widely at Aesyr. "You can go now if you want to, we know the way."
Aesyr nodded and ran off. Roran rose to his feet, casting a shy glance at Katrina before following her to Ajihad's study.
During the half-hour walk to Ajihad's study, Katrina kept shooting glances towards Roran. Ever since their conversation took an awkward turn, he stopped talking – which was a shame as it was always fun talking to him. Similar though the three boys were, there was something about Roran that made him fundamentally different from his cousin. There was the strong, mature aura of leadership that was absent from the impulsive twins. He kept them grounded, and when he spoke, hardheaded Murtagh and reckless Eragon always listened.
And it always fascinated Katrina.
As a girl from Carvahall, which was small and secluded, her chance of marrying wasn't that impossible. There were many lads from Carvahall that were near the same age as her, and she was quite close to Roran and his cousins. Many speculated that she would end up getting married to one of Horst's sons, or someone from Garrow's family. Of course, her father would have seen to it that she married someone like Albreich or Baldor.
Katrina would rather marry someone she did love, and who loved her for who she was – not for being a Rider. Would that be too much to ask?
They reached the door to Ajihad's study. Before, only two men guarded it but now there was an entire squad of them. They looked alert for any sign of trouble that could come their way. They looked ready to jup into the way of swords if it was what they had to do in order to protect Melikir. They recognized the two Riders and yet barred their way until they confirmed it to the people inside.
Melikir stood behind his father's desk, surrounded by the other Riders and their dragons. He inclined his head in greeting. "Riders," he said wearily. "The last few days were spent studying the state of the Varden."
Katrina listened to the next few minutes of Melikir's discussion about the lack of supplies and the dwarves' inability to house the Varden much longer. The plans of moving the Varden to Surda within the month was worrying, for some reason. The future announcement of the Riders allying with the Varden – and two of them swearing fealty – was even more worrying.
"As was discussed before the funeral, I was wondering about when you could leave for Ellesmera and complete your training," Melikir said tiredly. "Faolin will be coming with you, as he has many things to report to his queen as I have gathered."
"Ah, yes, I haven't learned more about contacting people from a distance," agreed Arya. "And knowing my brother, he would want to deliver the news in person."
Melikir nodded. He handed a scroll to the young elf. "And I wish to send her a missive regarding my father's death, and my wish to create a diplomatic relationship between us."
"When will we be leaving?" asked Nasuada. She crossed her arms nervously.
"Unless something comes up, you will be leaving tomorrow morning. Oh, and someone else will be accompanying you. As a way of keeping balance among our races, he is sending a dwarven representative to watch over your training, which is why he is sending Orik with you."
Katrina felt relieved. It would keep a measure of equality in the dealings that they will have with different races. Besides, Orik was such a pleasant friend and companion to have. It wouldn't even slow down their travels that much.
After a few more minutes talking about Melikir's future plans, which included beginning the attack on the Empire, the Riders were dismissed.
Katrina marched towards one of Tronjheim's gates, hoping that a quick flight would clear her mind. She wanted to stop thinking of Roran – and the confused mix of feelings that flowed inside her whenever she did. Luneria was great at distracting her. They soared around the icicles lining the side of Farthen Dur, missing the outside world.
Farthen Dur is very beautiful, she mused. But it feels different. Empty. I miss the rushing wind, the fresh air that blows every morning when Brom starts barking for us to wake up. I miss the sky. The trees.
I know. Luneria let out a lazy roar and breathed silver-tinted yellow flames. Darkness has truly set in by that point. I think that the dwarves believe in gems being more beautiful. I don't know, gems feel dead sometimes. It's late. Let's go back.
Katrina nodded and closed her eyes lazily as Luneria spiralled down. Suddenly though, the silver dragon glided to the left. They stopped on a patch of white on a nearby hill. Angela, the strange herbalist, was carrying a four-foot wide wicker basket that was filled with so many mushrooms. Katrina stared at the basket as the herbalist approached. "Toadstools?" she asked blankly.
"Hello, my bright young Rider," Angela said with a laugh. She set down her basket. "Toadstool isn't the term I'm going after. Besides, they're frogstools, not toadstools…" She began spreading the mushrooms and naming them one by one. "This is the Fricai Andlat, which has a stalk that can cause instant death, and a cap that can cure most poisons. You can extract Tunivor's Nectar from this, which can cure a very deadly poison. It only grows in some caves in Du Weldenvarden and Farthen Dur. To be honest, it would die out here if the dung from Tronjheim were carted somewhere else."
With discomfort, Katrina realized that they truly were standing on a dung heap.
"Hello, Luneria," Angela said, patting the dragon on the nose. "I haven't seen you much since after the battle." Luneria's tail twitched in pleasure as the werecat, Solembumb, arrived with a dead rat in tow. They watched him nibble at his catch for a few seconds. "So… Leaving for Ellemera? I'm sure that it will be a very, er, educational experience. I will be missing you and your interesting friends. I'd love to follow you to Ellesmera but I love to be where things keep happening. That's why I'm off to accompany the Varden to Surda."
"So that means that we won't have an, er, eventful time in Ellesmera."
Angela smiled. "Be careful in Du Weldenvarden. Not all elves are like Arya and Faolin. They do not openly display emotions and it makes them deadly. They can conceal it, let it fester for years."
"You've been there?"
"Oh. Yes. Once upon a time."
"Do you think that Melikir's plans would work?" Katrina wondered. "Just thinking of attacking the Empire terrifies me."
"He's doomed. You're doomed. They're all doomed! But I won't specify the kind of doom, so I will predict whatever is happening." Angela lifted her basket with a smile. "I was joking."
"Yes, I've noticed," Katrina told her pointedly.
"I won't be seeing you for a while, so I bid you farewell. Best of luck, don't dare try roasted cabbages, earwax is unhealthy for you, and always look at the bright side of life!" Angela smiled and strolled off, followed by Solembum.
What in the world was that? Luneria asked, bewildered.
A boring, uninspired chapter. *bows and begs for your forgivness* I swear to cook up a longer chapter soon!
On another subject, I'm starting to write another original work. Here's to hoping it doesn't blow up again!
Review while Saphira is distributing the mead with her mysterious dragon magic!