Disclaimer: And now, for the weather...

Anyway, a long-ish chapter, mostly with Garrow in focus. You might want to skip this chapter and the next if it's not your cup of tea, but drop by for Aesyr and Vanir's parts, though...

Chapter 46: Finding a Way

Garrow led the group out of the Green Chestnut long before dawn. They had a long day ahead of them, and they had to look for provisions and transportation. Gertrude took off to look for an apparently amazing herbalist named Angela who sold amazing cures and herbs. Mandel was sent to accompany her.

Garrow did not have a very fruitful day, though. Morning moved to afternoon and still they had no progress in finding a ship that would carry them all the way to Surda. He learned more about the massive ship he saw the night before, though. The Dragon Wing was a newly built craft and would soon be launched to her maiden voyage. It was sadly owned by the Blackmoor Shipping Company, and it would be impossible to hire out from them.

Unless they had an entire roomful of dwarven red gold.

The villagers have barely enough left to themselves. Not even forcing Clovis to hand over the barges would help since that would still leave them hungry. Birgit was not being helpful at all with her comments. But Garrow knew she was right. Stealing goods was hard enough. Wheeling them off with so many guards around was another thing.

So many thoughts pervaded Garrow's mind and he did not know what to make of them. His group eventually stopped by a bakery, buying a loaf of rye bread and some honey that they shared with each other. Loring inquired about where to look for ships, equipment and food. A portly, dark-haired man joined the conversation, mentioning an auction for a bankrupt merchant named Jeod Longshanks' property or food and equipment.

Huddling together at the edge of the street after their meal, Garrow crossed his arms. "That sounds interesting. What do you think? Is it worth looking into?"

Loring stared at him darkly. "What else do we have to look into, may I ask?"

"No need to be harsh," Birgit said. "It is too obvious, though. Garrow, you don't suppose we should wait until the day after tomorrow though."

"That would be a bad idea," Garrow agreed. "We could meet with Jeod now and try to strike a bargain with him before the auction even opens."

With his companions' agreement, they set out to look for Jeod. They had to ask for directions once, of course. The man's house was more than that – it was a mansion. It was on the western quarter of Teirm, quite close to the citadel. The wealth of the people in the general area awed Garrow. Not even the wealthiest could afford half of what these people could.

Hesitating, Garrow knocked on the front door to Jeod's mansion, which was right beside an abandoned ornate shop that nevertheless still looked out of place. It took quite a moment before the door was pulled open by an exceedingly plump butler who smiled mirthlessly to them with unnaturally white teeth. His eyes spoke volumes about his disapproval, which was probably mutual. "How may I help you today, my good sirs and madam?"

"We are here to talk to Jeod… if he is free, that is," Garrow began.

"Did you schedule an appointment?"

Garrow narrowed his eyes, knowing well that the man was aware that they didn't. "Our stay here in Teirm is too brief. We do not have time to schedule appointments of any sort. We have come far to meet him."

"I see. Then I am sorry to hear that you have spent time and energy that you could have used more productively elsewhere. My master has many important matters to tend to, and does not have your infinite time. Ragged tramps are not part of his time, no matter how much handouts they believe he can supply them with." The butler bared his teeth and began to withdraw.

"Ragged tramps my arse," Loring said under his breath.

"Wait! Stop!" Garrow crossed his arms, hands clenching into fists. "We are not looking for handouts. Quite the contrary. We have a business proposition for Jeod."

The butler tried to look composed and just raise one eyebrow. It didn't work. "Is that so?"

"Aye. Do you think we would look as well-garbed as you after days of travel? Go on, just ask him to hear us out. We've travelled too far to be turned away. We must see Jeod right now."

"Very well, but may I inquire regarding the nature of this proposition of yours?"

Birgit glowered at him. "It is confidential, my good man. Just do it for my brother-in-law here."

The butler looked at the sourly. "Very well, if you insist. I will convey the offer. You must know that Jeod is occupied at the moment, and I doubt that he would let you bother him. What name shall I announce you?"

"Call me Deftblade," Garrow told him stubbornly.

"Would that be wise?" Birgit hissed.

The butler's mouth twitched, apparently amused. With a small sneer, he shut the door behind him. Loring sighed. "I don't trust that man. If his head were any larger, he might not fit in the privy."

That earned a bark of laughter from Nolfavrell.

Birgit shook her head. "Let's just hope that the servant is not like the master. I tire of obstructive people."

"Don't we all?" Garrow asked in a low voice.

Minutes passed before the door opened aain. The butler peered out with an expression akin to being hit by a frying pan. Garrow wondered whether he should just arm himself with one, but thought better of it. Odd thoughts would get him killed. "Jeod has agreed to meet you in his study," he said dryly. He moved aside, gesturing with an arm. "This way."

It was the day after the Blood-Oath Celebration. Since their lessons would not resume until the next day, Aesyr decided to read the books that Oromis supplied her with. It wasn't because she was too lazy. It was more like she really had to catch up on her studies. She was barely halfway through the first page when she heard footsteps. Since the transformation, her hearing was more acute, though still nothing like Sardonis'.

Beware,the black dragon said, uncurling from the foot of the bed.

Grabbing her black sword, Aesyr rose to her feet and went out to meet the intruder. Even though the person turned out to be an elf, it was nevertheless an elf that she would still have loved to harm. Vanir stood outside her room, looking of all things awkward. He stepped back a little when he saw her. "Aesyr," he said in a low voice.

"What are you doing here?" Aesyr asked venomously. Though trying his best to act civil, she still disliked the haughty elf.

Vanir stared at her with those unnerving dark eyes. "I want to learn more about humans."

Aesyr stared back at him blankly. "Humans? I'm hardly human anymore."

"I am begging you." The words seemed to taste bitter on the elf's tongue. "I wish to know more about your race. Understand you better. I will not meet Master Brom's objectives if you do not help me."

Aesyr raised an eyebrow. "And what is in it for me?"

"Friendship?"

"Are you seriously an idiot enough to think that I would believe that?"

Vanir looked hurt. "I speak in the language of truth and yet you do not believe me?"

"Brom said that elves have this skill of twisting their words so that even the ancient language will not prevent them from lying. In a way."

Vanir shrugged. "That is true, but not all elves do that. And it would be interesting to have a human friend."

"Then why me? There are other human Riders."

"You do not have a deep-seated hatred for me yet."

Aesyr shrugged. "Quite close enough. Very well. I shall answer your questions as much as I can. But I shall reserve the right to kick you out of my home if you displease me, elf."

Oddly, Vanir gave her a meek and sincere bow. "Very well. I shall do my best not to offend and displease you, then."

Aesyr led him to her study, which was cluttered as usual. She pushed aside some books and scrolls, leaving a clean space. She sat behind the desk, and Vanir sat on the edge of the other seat. The two of them regarded each other awkwardly.

There was a squeak outside and their dragons filed in happily. Sardonis stared at her with his pale gray eyes. We shall also listen. It seems like we will also be learning from you!

Garrow understood the treasure trove of books in Jeod's study very well. He would have loved to borrow one of them and maybe teach his sons if they were not taught yet. Sometimes, he wondered why he ever considered reading to be a luxury and not a necessity. Wrenching his thoughts away from the past and the future, he began focusing on the present – and the tall man with graying hair standing behind an oval desk.

Jeod looked as tired as Garrow felt. The lines on his face and the sadness in his eyes spoke volumes. The nasty scar down the left side of his face added to it. Despite his weariness, he must have had steel inside him. Buried, perhaps, but still there, waiting to be summoned up.

"Sit, sit," he said pleasantly enough. "I do not stand ceremony in my own house." Curiosity replaced sadness in his eyes as he watched his visitors settle in leather armchairs. "Would you like some pastries and a glass of apricot brandy? I can see that you have been worn out by your time in the road, and I remember the feeling of such journeys. I am afraid that I cannot talk long, though."

Loring grinned. He was known in Carvahall for lapping up even the vile concoctions that were available in Morn's tavern. "Thank you very much, most generous sir. A touch of brandy would not hurt."

"Only milk for my son, though," Birgit said, giving her companion a dark look. She was good with giving everyone their own servings of dark looks.

"Why of course, my dear lady." Jeod rang for the butler, who looked at the villagers sourly as he received his master's instructions. As the servant departed, Jeod leaned back in his chair, looking even wearier. "I am afraid that you have put me at a disadvantage. I believe you know my name, but I do not know yours."

Giving the fake names they all agreed upon, Garrow warily eyed the merchant. He seemed trustworthy enough, but he was sure that one wrong word could kill everyone. "I wish to put this simply, sir. We represent a small gathering of people who have various reasons in purchasing a large amount of supplies. Pooling our resources together, we have very little money. We understand the situation regarding your belongings, but we would like to offer a bid now. On the items that we need, of course."

Jeod began, "But the auction – "

"We would have waited until then, but we cannot tarry another two days. Circumstances push us forward. We must strike a bargain tonight or tomorrow, no later."

"What manner of supplies do you need?"

"Food. Anything else required for ships or vessels for a long sea voyage."

An excited spark lit up Jeod's pale eyes. "I see. Is there a certain ship in mind? I know every craft that touches the docks. I've known every one of them in the last twenty years. Many captains are my acquaintanes. Maybe I could also offer assistance."

"Well, we have yet to decide," Garrow said, though the magnificent Dragon Wing came to mind again.

Jeod did not even question that. He merely nodded. "Now I know why you came to me. I am afraid that you are quite… misinformed, though." He looked glumly around the study. "Everything you see aside from my clothes no longer belongs to me, but to my creditors. I cannot sell any of these at all, not without permission. I would most likely be thrown in prison with the rest of my household for cheating my creditors out of the money that I owe them."

Rolf, the butler, backed into the room with a silver tray of pastries, crystal goblets – one filled with milk – and a decanter of brandy. He placed the tray on an ornate table and served the refreshments. Garrow took his goblet with a quick word of thanks and sipped the brandy. He wondered how he could back out of the meeting quickly without being uncourteous. Slowly, the butler slipped out of the room with a small bow.

"I do apologize that I may be of no use to you." Jeod sounded like he meant it, amazingly enough. "I do know a number of people in my profession. They might – might – be able to help you out as willingly as I. If you can giveme a better idea of what you need, then I might give you better people to recommend."

That didn't seem to be a problematic question. With a shrug, Garrow recited a list of items that the villagers desperately needed, then included things that may be needed in certain circumstances, and items that they want but would never afford. And probably did not need. Thanfully, Birgit and Loring mentioned things that the farmer forgot, and Jeod gave them an odd look. It was like the merchant knew, or at least suspected something about them.

The list completed, Jeod leaned back with an odd light in his eyes. "It appears that this would be enough provisions to transport a small army to Feinster or Aroughs. If not beyond. I've been rather occupied for the past few weeks due to reasons you are aware of, but I have not heard of such a large host in this area – nor anywhere in the Empire for that matter."

Garrow kept his face blank as he met the merchant's stare. Showing the slightest bit of emotion would have been dangerous. He mentally berated himself for revealing enough to let Jeod reach such a conclusion that could end up with Carvahall's doom.

"Though that may be the case, it is none of my concern, Deftblade. I will give you my suggestions and keep my mouth shut if someone asks about you. Youmight want to meet Galton on Market Street for food. For everything else, old Hamill by the docks would most likely have them. Believe me, both are honest men who would treat you true and fair." Finishing a small pastry, the merchant nodded to Nolfavrell. "Young Kell, this must be the first time being in a city as large as this. How are you enjoying it?"

"It is amazing, sir," Nolfavrell said with a grin. "You're right, I have never been anywhere as large as this place."

Before the child could blab more and spin them right back into dangerous territory, Garrow decided to interrupt. "I was quite curious, sir, regarding the shop next to your house. That seems an odd choice for such a humble store, being amidst all these grand buildings."

Jeod smiled pleasantly, erasing years from his appearance. "You know, the woman who owned it was every bit as odd as that shop, if you know what I mean. Her name was Angela, a herbalist. Also one of the best healers I've met. She kept the store for twenty-some years, though she still barely looks older than a young woman, and then sold it before leaving for parts unknown." With a sigh, Jeod shook his head. "A pity. She was an interesting neighbor who left me some herbs that helped with pregnancy. As if she knew that my wife would be pregnant a few months later."

With an excited smile, Nolfavrell turned to his mother. "That was the lady that Gertrude wished to meet, right?"

Garrow clamped his mouth shut to prevent a growl, but he gave the boy a glare strong enough to make him cower and tremble. The name probably meant nothing to Jeod but unless the lad kept his tongue in control, they might end up in far bigger trouble. It was time for them to leave. Garrow put down his goblet.

He realized that the name did mean something to Jeod.

The merchant's eyes were wide with surprise. His entire face turned white, and he gripped the arms of his chair so hard that it must have hurt. "It can't be!" He stared at Garrow, probably seeing past the beard and the healthier build. "Garrow. I should have known. You resemble your son and your nephews quite a lot."

Vanir watched Aesyr talk animatedly about life in the Varden and what it was like being oppressed by the queen. He did listen to her lecture about human culture and how they fared under Galbatorix's reign. He still devoted part of his mind to wondering why seeing her with an elf's features felt wrong, and why he was saddened that she did not look so human anymore.

It probably meant nothing.

He did not realize that the human girl stopped talking. Aesyr watched him with those pale, storm-gray eyes of hers. "Were you even listening?"

"Of course," Vanir answered defensively. "You were saying that most traditions were lost when Galbatorix rose into power, but many important books that preserved them are stored in Surda and the library in Tronjheim."

"Then why were you staring blankly at me?"

Vanir gave her his most level stare. "Nothing. I was just ruminating on what you have told me." He elf stood up, dusting himself.

I do not understand half of what she was saying, Diamanda complained.

Do hush. I am learning as much as I can. I will sift through it later for you.

Don't tell me you like her company more!

You're ridiculous.

Aesyr gave them an amused look. "It seems like elves do not know everything after all. You are not as perfect as the legends make you to be."

"Was not Faolin-elda proof enough of that?" Vanir replied with a wry smile. "He is wise and powerful, as the prince of our race should be. But he also has… quirks. Yes, that's right, quirks."

"Even humans would find him odd, but he is a good person."

"And so are you. Maybe not all humans are overproud fools."

Garrow gripped the ax hanging from his belt. He wondered how the man knew his name – and who his nephews were. Loring and Birgit were already standing, drawing knives from their sleeves. Even Nolfavrell had a dagger in hand, ready to fight anytime.

"It is Garrow, right?" Jeod stared at him warily. He did not seem afraid. On the contrary, he was calmer than he was earlier. "Brom brought your lads here along with three young ladies named Katrina, Nasuada, and Arya. I was made aware that Katrina was from the same village as they. I saw your poster with theirs, and I realized that they managed to rescue you and that you were on the run. I never thought that you managed to reach Carvahall and haul it out of your valley, though."

Suspicion formed in Garrow's mind. He sat down, knees weakening. Though he calmed down slightly, he put his ax on his lap, ready for use. "I knew that they were here before finding me," he said cautiously. "And that they stayed with a sympathetic merchant – an old friend of Brom's, I heard."

"Well, yes. He even took time to teach them how to read. I was aware that their dragons lingered outside Teirm during that time. Aye, I knew. They even had the blades to prove it."

"I've heard of that. But I didn't expect…" Garrow shook his head, berating himself for not remembering his sons' stories during those days leading to Gil'ead. "How

"What are the two of you babbling about?" Loring barked. "You should know better, Deftblade. He could be working for Galbatorix, and you very well remember that."

"Quiet," Garrow warned.

"Brom and I have been friends for years, since we actually went to find those dragon eggs that hatched for your sons and their lady friends. My old friend and his young Rider pupils may not be here to vouch for me but I will let you put my life in your hands. I won't shout for help or struggle."

Birgit raised an eyebrow. "You could be trying to save your life."

"But he told me things that matched those from the Riders' stories when we still travelled together." Garrow stroked his beard. "Some of the information were not even prompted."

"I helped them break into the citadel to look into the records for Seithr oil." Jeod folded his arms and watched them passively. "That's how they came to the conclusion that you were being held somewhere near Dras Leona."

"Everything fits the facts, but I wonder how you came to find the dragon eggs," Garrow said.

Jeod spun a long tale that began with him as a young scholar, and ended with him and Brom entering a secluded ruins at the edge of Surda. Layers upon layers of mysterious magic concealed the place from Galbatorix and the Forsaken, and Garrow had more questions about how they found it if powerful Riders did not. That was something that he had to ask Brom, though. The story ended the same way that the Riders' tale began – with Arya, her brother, and their friend being ambused by Urgals and a Shade.

"That I know, Jeod Longshanks," he admitted. "How did Brom and the Riders look like? And how did you recognize Gertrude's name?"

Jeod accurately described the Riders and their teacher. "I knew of Gertrude because Brom mentioned some important letters for a man named Horst in her care."

Hiding their weapons, the villagers stared at Garrow, who nodded. "Brom trusted you with my family's life. I trust you too. What now? Can you help us too? You're in a difficult situation, I understand. But so are we. We are desperate and have no one else to turn to. You are an agent of the Varden. Can you guarantee their protection? We would serve them willingly, you know, as long as they protect us from the Black King's wrath."

"They'd be more, more than happy to help and protect you. Help is a different matter." Jeod ran a hand down the books he had on his shelves. "Many merchants here and elsewhere in the Empire who are assisting the Varden have been betrayed to the Empire. That's why I never dared flee to Surda. Envoy's can't be sent to and from the Varden and I cannot ship anything either. I fear that now I am bankrupt and of no use, Lord Risthart will throw me to the dungeons. What will become of my wife? She is with child."

"They might want you to flee because they will also capture whoever else you bring with you," Birgit said dryly.

"Be quiet, girl!" Loring barked.

Jeod smiled. "Perhaps she is right. But now that you are here then maybe my wife and I have hope that we never thought we would."

"So you have some brilliant plan in mind?"

"We would be more than happy to take you with us," Garrow said. Maybe he could question the man more about the Riders' stay in Teirm.

Jeod smiled, making him look at least ten years younger. "Why of course. A plan. Yes. Did any of you see that lovely ship called the Dragon Wing at the port?"

"Aye. I have no eye for ships but that is a fine work of art."

"It is more than a work of art. It is owned by the Blackmoor Shipping Company, which seems to be rich and powerful in these parts," Birgit said.

With a nod, the merchant crossed his arms. "It's a front for the Empire. They handle the shipment of army supplies – which is mobilizing so quickly, it is quite alarming. They are conscripting soldiers from starving peasants and are commandeering horses and livestock. Galbatorix may mean to march to Surda and with his Forsworn, that kingdom has no chance."

"What does this have to do with us, then?" Garrow asked.

"Well, the Dragon Wing is set to sail for Feinster within the week. She's a very fine ship, probably the finest ever built. A new design by master shipwright Kinnell, you see."

"Then there's no chance of hiring her," Loring muttered. "Unless you mean…"

"He means to pirate her," Garrow said with a wild grin. "Don't you, Jeod?"

"Aye. It's not just because I want to spite the Empire or get the fastest ship available. It's because she's provisioned for a very long voyage already, and her cargo is food. Your village will not starve. Oh, far from it." Jeod snickered.

"Well, I hope you can sail her yourself, Longshanks." Loring cackled. Was the man truly mad?" Not one of us knows how to handle anything but a barge."

Sadly this did not hit the almost 5k word count that the previous chapter boasted of. Anyway, Vanir's still not exactly nice, but at least he's warming up to a certain human.

Yup, Eragon from the original books was... an idiot. Kidding. But he really has no skills when it comes to women. Erk. He seriously made me cringe.

You guys are all amazing, and I appreciate you all for your feedback and continued support. I'll try to wrap this up before the end of the year, or maybe around September-October. I hope, anyway.

I can't wait for Guardians of the Galaxy! I watched Black Butler last week and am looking forward to another movie weekend, so I might not update for sometime.

Read and review, as always! Askanir is going to keep an eye out for any nasties. xD