Disclaimer: You know the drill, eh?
Okay, I have so many excuses again for the long wait, but the biggest thing would be health issues. And real life. Erk.
Chapter 49: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
No matter how much Nasuada tossed and turned, she couldn't force herself to sleep after dreaming of Himeria's betrayal. Weariness did not even help. Her body ache from the exertions required for her studies. A sense of unease gripped her in the middle of her attempts to find rest. She began to think of Himeria and Melikir. Her twin sister was sadly out of reach. She must have learned to ward herself from scrying. Everytime Nasuada scried her brother though, he seemed as weary as she felt.
She wanted to go back to the Varden. It was not home anymore, but it still held family.
Knowing that she would never fall asleep at that rate, Nasuada sat up, ignoring the fact that her hair was a bird's nest on her head. She picked up a scroll on her bedside cabinet and began to read a collection of translated human epics. Her eyes never even felt heavy as the last two hours before dawn crept by.
With a stretch, she put back the scroll when the pale morning sun began bursting through the horizon. Solaris stirred, like a lovely miniature sun. You did not have enough rest, she murmured sleepily. Why is that so?
Nasuada pursed her lips. I worry for Melikir, she mused.
Finishing her daily morning tasks, she grabbed her mirror and settled between Solaris' massive paws. The dragon peered over her shoulder with a large margin. What are you planning?
Watch. Intent on the mirror's glassy surface, Nasuada rested two fingers on it. "Draumr kopa."
The mirror shimmered and gleamed before it turned white. It showed nine people seated around an invisible people. Nasuada of course recognized her brother and the Council of Elders. There was a tall woman with gray streaks mixed with her thick, curly dark hair. She looked so much like her children, and of course Nasuada knew who Selena Nightblade was.
What chilled her was the fact that everyone was armed for battle. Nasuada quickly murmured the extra spell that made her hear what they were saying.
"I don't think the confusion would do us good," Melikir was saying. He looked so exhausted. More than one commander will not help us. Orrin, you must make a decision now. Quickly. We can't afford you being fickle-minded."
A golden-haired man sighed – whether tired or annoyed, Nasuada was not sure. The years were good on Orrin. He was more good-looking, but no less annoying, surely. "Very well. You have it, Melikir."
"The lad is untried," someone protested from behind.
"Be quiet," Orrin snapped. "I bet this 'lad' here has more experience in war – and seeing death – than everyone in my council put together." Orrin regarded them all, his eyes taking on uncharacteristic coldness. "We cannot brag that we have defeated Galbatorix's forces before, but the Varden can. If he were Surdan, Melikir here would be raised as general as soon as possible. Now, if you have any questions of authority, you will be asking them once we're done with everything. And that means I am still on my feet, not lying in a grave."
A hushed silence fell upon the Surdans.
"With all due respect," Selena said quickly, "how shall we be addressing the fact that we are outnumbered? From what I have heard, Hrothgar might not reach us before the end of the week."
"That is something that we will be discussing later," Orrin agreed. "But for now we need that blasted scroll. Supplies is an urgent matter. Ah, thank you, Faolin."
Nasuada scowled at the argument regarding a shortage of bowstrings. With a huff, she released the spell and turned to Solaris. "My brother is well." She should have been happy. But then, the facts regarding the discussion she overheard just dawned upon her. "You know what this means, right?"
Solaris stared at her long and hard. They need us now.
I didn't anyone tell us? Oromis surely must've heard of this. And Brom! Why is the old man not saying a word? Nasuada scowled. This is preposterous! How do they hope to win the war without any Rider?
It is strange,Solaris agreed. Maybe we should ask them later. There may be more things in Alagaesia that are happening right now. Maybe things that we have a right to know.
Dressing in her best, Nasuada descended the tree-house, with Solaris spiralling down. The three boys from Carvahall were there already, deep in conversation. A mixture of sadness and fear were etched on their faces. Murtagh looked up, and he feigned a small smile. "Nasuada, how nice of you to join us," he said. His voice lacked his usual quiet energy.
"Something is bothering you," Nasuada said quietly.
Roran and Eragon exchanged looks. Roran grimaced. "Well, I tried to scry Father and Carvahall last night. Father is well, and he seems to be with most if not all of the villagers."
"But…?" Nasuada knew that there was a but.
"Carvahall is another matter. It was nothing but ashes. Even Horst's magnificent home up the hill." Roran's voice broke. He looked close to weeping.
"There is nothing we can do," Eragon said hollowly. It was like he was simply trying to convicne himself. "We have our own task, and Uncle must fend for himself and Carvahall for now."
"You might not be able to do something to help Garrow, but there's something we can do instead," Nasuada said. As the three brothers looked up, she narrated what she had scried. As she did, the other Riders and their dragons already managed to join them.
"Are you mad? You barely even know enough to defend yourselves in a fair fight," Vanir said, horror dawning on his face. "We will not be of help to the Varden at this rate."
"You are coming with us?" Eragon asked, raising his eyebrows.
Katrina rubbed her fist, as if contemplating on whether to punch the elf. "This will do," she said. "Some help is better than no help at all."
"So, is it time, then?" Murtagh said.
"It is," Nasuada said, a smile forming on her lips.
Aesyr watched them impatiently. "Then what are we waiting for? We must let our teachers know."
"We should also look for Orik before we depart," Arya said. A strange fire lit up in her eyes. "He might want to come with us."
"Might? Might? Of course he will," Roran said. "Now let us go. We have so much to prepare for."
Luckily, even feeling at home in Ellesmera meant that Nasuada was always ready to leave at a moment's notice. Three ornate traveling chests were already set up in her room, just waiting for any books or other equipment that she may have thought to bring. Throwing in four jewelry boxes – gifts from multiple elves – and six dictionary scrolls, she tied the chests to Solaris' back and saddled her.
Do I look like a pack mule to you? The dragoness looked miffed.
"Sorry, we're in a hurry," Nasuada said with a grin. "I am sure Orik, Brom, Aesyr, and Vanir will also need the extra space we can get, so we might be a bit loaded until we reach Surda."
So why exactly were you thinking of bringing everything in the tree-house that you could?
Nasuada shrugged. "Because they might be important."
The Riders assembled in the clearing again. The dragons were all grumbling about being loaded with traveling chests. Arya ignored Firnen's groaning in the best way that she could. "So, what now?" she demanded.
Eragon stepped forward, his eyes fluttering to hers momentarily. She did her best to assume elven composure and felt proud of herself for managing it. "We need to be as fast as we can. Roran, Vanir, look for Orik. Tell him that we're going. Arya, Aesyr, you might want to tell Niduen about this too. She was… hinting… a few days ago that she wanted to know about our departure. Katrina, Nasuada, go to the sparring field. Tell Randarion and company that we are leaving so that they do not expect us."
"What about us?" Murtagh asked. He and his brother shared identical grim looks, and it broke Arya's heart. They both used to be so carefree.
Eragon smiled suddenly, but it wasn't the smile Arya loved on his face. "We find Brom."
Arya shuffled off with Aesyr as the Riders split up. She did not look forward to telling Niduen that her lover was off to war. Everyone was expecting it at some point, and Niduen must have had an idea thanks to her gift, but that did not make the burden lighter.
"This Niduen, she is the one who gave me clothes?" Aesyr asked.
"Aye." Arya smiled. "She made them herself. Niduen is a master weaver, and very skilled at knowing what clothing to make for a person."
They found Niduen outsie of Rhunon's forge. The elf seemed to be watching the outskirts of the forge warily. She smiled as she noticed the two approaching Riders. "May the stars watch over you, Riders," she said. "I knew you would find me here."
"You did?" Aesyr asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You doubt too much," Arya chided.
Niduen stared at them too intently. "Will Faolin be there?"
Arya nodded. "War is brewing in Alagaesia," she murmured. "I know that Faolin will be in the middle of it, doing his best to assist the Varden."
"I will expect no less from him," Niduen replied with a smile. She bowed her head.
Rhunon strode out of her house, a typically grumpy look on her face. The frown deepened as she noticed the two Riders. "So you're the ones making a racket in here!" she said. Ignoring Aesyr's cringe, she went on, "If you're here to ask me to make swords for you, forget it. You know my oaths."
"We weren't going to ask you," Arya argued with a smile. She was going to miss the grumpy blacksmith. "We're actually leaving."
Rhunon granted. "That would make Ellesmera far more quiet, then. Farewell." She strode right back into her house without even taking time to ask about the black blade hanging from Aesyr's belt.
"Is she always that harsh?" Aesyr asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's how she always was," Niduen told her with a soft chuckle. "Pay her no mind, Shur'tugal, she is a wonderful blacksmith. She made all of the Riders' swords, even the one you have with you. It is sad that she swore oaths never to make them again. Your generation of Riders will miss her skills."
"Can't she find a way around her oaths?"
Arya stared at her. "If she wanted to, she would have."
Niduen nodded thoughtfully. "I am sure that you are prepared for the journey. I will be seeing you, Riders. May the stars watch over you."
Arya led Aesyr away from Niduen with a heavy heart.
They were the first to return to the clearing. Firnen eyed them warmly. Arya, parting is never easy, especially when you bear bad news before you leave.
I know. It's just that… I feel bad for Niduen. What if she just waits and waits, and Faolin never comes back? Arya let the pain explode through their link. It is hard enough for me to accept that my brother is riding to war without us. If I just stay here and wait for news, it is even harder. At least we will soon be fighting beside him.
Aesyr sat beside Sardonis, arms wrapped around herself. "I am afraid," she whispered.
"I'm very much afraid too," Arya admitted, sitting beside her. Firnen hovered behind them, sorrow seeping through their bond.
"What will your mother say?"
"I do not know. She can't prevent us from leaving," Arya admitted. "She may be queen, but I am now a Rider."
Soon, the others filed back, all of them looking grim but determined. Brom trailed right behind Eragon and Murtagh. He was busy belting on Undbitr. "About time," he grunted. "I've been waiting for news, same as you. But fool Oromis told me not to even think about it until you're ready. And I'm seeing that you all very well are."
With Brom joining Roran and Askanir, they headed for the Crags of Tel'nair. Ash and Serylda were waiting for them, both looking grim. The three elder dragons hovering above, looking agitated. Serylda watched the younger dragons land with unreadable eyes.
"So it is true," Ash said with a small frown. "I have been having dreams… You are going to return to the Varden, are you not?"
"Why did you keep it from us?" Eragon asked. With his back straight and his eyes darkening, he looked like a younger version of Brom. "Did you just want to keep us in here? You hid the truth from us. You tricked us."
"Eragon," Arya said warningly.
Brom sighed. "Blockhead." It seemed like he was learning words from Angela.
Serylda shook her head. "You deserved to know. Ash and I have discussed it among ourselves at great length, but Father made us swear oaths not to tell you unless you find out, or you are ready. I myself believed that you are ready to depart, as you have learned everything you could over the course of your studies. What you may need could easily be taught by Brom."
Ash laughed, though it did not contain her usual mirth. "We only found out nine days ago, anyway. And Faolin barely managed to send us that message, what with all the protective spells in Ellesmera. Three days later, Lord Dathedr managed to pierce Galbatorix's spells that deceive our scrying. That was the time we found out about the true size, location, and the potential movements of the Empire's troops." She shuddered.
It was Murtagh's turn to scowl. He exchanged glances with his twin. "Then that's doubly worse! What is Islanzadi doing? Why isn't she rousing the elves to fight?"
"He's right! The Varden is about to attack. Aren't we allies?" Roran crossed his arms, taking his fealty to the Varden quite seriously.
"The elves have been roused. Everyone has been preparing. This is the first time in a century that we will stray far from our forest to challenge our greatest foe. The closest we have would be the border battles waged over the past twenty years, where we have lost our king." Serylda's eyes flashed. "Elves and free Riders shall once more walk openly in Alagaesia."
"Besides, we are expecting a missive from Melikir anytime now. It is a request for Islanzadi's assistance, and for you all to aid the Varden – especially Roran and Nasuada, who have sworn oaths, as I recall. Father wished to tell you about the situation then, and you will still have enough time to reach Surda before battle ensues." Ash sounded doubtful, though.
After a bit more small talk, Ash led the Riders to one of the huts while Serylda stayed outside with Brom to talk. "We have gifts for you," she explained. "Things that you may need."
Oromis was waiting for them in his daughter's cluttered hut. He and Ash exchanged looks, as if talking with their minds. Then, the eldest Rider smiled. "So you have decided, then? Arya Drottning, Vanir-finiarel, shall you go to the Varden, too?"
"We have decided," Arya said, bowing her head. "My brother needs me. I shall go with my friends to the Varden. They will need all the Riders that are available."
"I shall be coming with them," Vanir said, though he sounded reluctant… and nervous. "I want to – to learn more about other races. And besides, the Varden needs all the Riders available, do they not? I will be coming with my friends."
All of the younger Riders stared at him appraisingly. Outside, Firnen voiced out his amusement. He is more than he looks like,is he not? Maybe Diamanda did choose well.
"We expect nothing less from you," Oromis said with pride. "But we are also expecting you to return here to complete your training once events permit it. You still have so much to learn."
Binding their promises in the ancient language, the Riders spoke their oaths to return. Ash nodded with a smile. "What I wouldn't give to come with you…" she mused. "But it is not yet time for us to reveal ourselves. Father and I have gathered gifts for you, though." She set down a small pouch and pualled out eight silver bottles. "This is faelnirv. Tasty, tasty, and augmented with enchantments. This will sustain you when all else fails, but drink it sparingly, understand?"
The Riders took a bottle each. Arya hefted the small bottle before slipping it into her leather scrip. Oromis nodded. "Now, there were always eight Elders among the Riders, with one of the elected as the head of the Council and the leader of the entire order. Each Elder was chosen for skill, wisdom, and experience. Upon taking their position, they were gifted with special belts, and a pendant. As I am unfit for my position as Elder, and my daughters have declined the positions, I resign from my position today. And as my final decree as an Elder Rider, I shall name the eight of you the new Elder Riders of this generation."
Magic seemed to ring from Oromis' words. Arya did not feel any stronger or wiser, but something tingled within her. She stared at her fellow Riders, and they seemed to glow with the color of their dragons.
"Master," Arya said, finding it hard to speak. "There was no need… you shouldn't have… we barely could fend for ourselves."
"She is right," Katrina said, apparently reverting to the shy, unconfident village girl that she used to be. "We have not even proven ourselves."
"We have discussed this long with Brom ever since the Agaeti Blodhren," Ash said. She was still rummaging in the piles of artifacts behind Oromis, but she spared an annoyed glance for Arya. "There is a reason for everything, and we have seen that you will all grow into fearsome and capable Riders. You deserve these gifts we bestow upon you."
Eight ornate sword belts were slowly set on the table, four white, four black. They looked unusually thick and heavy, made of cloth threads woven together to depict a Liani Vine. The four white belts were also decorated in black, green, silver, and gold threads. The four black ones shimmered in blue, red, violet, and white. They had tassels at the end that made a strip in the center slide back, revealing twelve diamonds each.
Each belt held diamonds of only one color – the color of the younger Riders' dragons.
"It is not coincidence," Oromis said. "These are the colors of the first eight dragons who bonded with Riders… though these belts were not made until much later, with the most perfect gems that we could find."
"They were created during the Year of Darkness, which you must all know very well by now, and are among the greatest treasures of the Riders." Ash handed them over to the Riders, and smiled. "Blue for Beloth the Wise, red for Arngrim the Brave, green for Shailan the Fair, violet for Luthuan the Strong, silver for Meris the Enchanting, gold for Halar the Diplomatic, black for Farncrist the Crafty, white for Zeran the Compassionate."
"We remember them well, Master," Katrina said in excitement.
"Do these stones bestow wisdom, or strength, or something?" Eragon asked, prodding the blue stones on his belt.
Oromis smiled. "Sadly not, but you can use them to store your power, and draw upon them in times of need – like the gems set on your swords, and the pendants I am about to bestow upon you young ones."
Ash laid another pouch on the table. She revealed pendants with frames wrought in the shape of a dragon with its wings folded, made of tinted gold, except for the gems that made up their bodies. "Vrael entrusted these to Serylda and I before his fateful final battle with Galbatorix," she explained quietly. She glanced at the Riders uncomfortably. "Father is not the only one who has gifts."
"Master, you need not…" Arya began, feeling herself turn red.
"Enough. We will give you gifts, and that is that. Do note that the items we bestow you with are from the same people who originally owned your belts." Ash looked solemn as she regarded her pupils. "They were created with the same materials and enchantments as the Riders' swords, so the will never break nor rust."
First was a quarterstaff with a sword blade on either end. It resembled Angela the witch's sword-staff, but more graceful and deadly-looking. That weapon went to Murtagh, who hefted it warily. A massive warhammer went to Roran, who grinned and apparently knew what to do with it. Vanir was frowning at the slender poleaxe that he received. Eragon received a long-handled mace that looked more like a staff.
Katrina received a steel staff that she hefted expertly. That was odd. She was still grinning when Nasuada stared at the two-sided short axe that Ash gave her with a frown. A shortsword little longer than a dagger went to Aesyr's hand, while Arya received a deadly, foot-long dagger.
"Sometimes swords are not enough," Ash said sadly. "Use your gifts wisely."
With Brom's urging, the Riders headed to Tialdari Hall to inform the queen of their departure. Murtagh exchanged glances with Thorn. He wasn't looking forward to meeting the elven queen again. Of course, Islanzadi was nice and her hospitality was greatly appreciated, but she might not like them announcing that they were leaving Ellesmera.
She won't – and can't – stop us, Thorn told his Rider.
I hope. Murtagh stumbled after his friends, led by Brom. He caught Nasuada's eye and he felt odd inside.
The girl smiled. With her lovely dark skin, she looked prettier than the most exquisite elf. He missed her old appearance but he also appreciated the new her. "What are you looking at, Shadeslayer?" she asked mischievously.
Murtagh hoped he wasn't blushing. Elves never blushed, and Arya almost never counted as one. "You are as lovely as a summer night today, Nasuada," he said, looking away.
An elf fetched the queen, who eventually emerged into the empty courtyard where dragons and Riders waited. Her crimson tunic stood out among the white-clad elven lords and ladies streaming behind her. She initiated the appropriate forms of address.
"I have heard from Serylda that you are leaving." She gave Brom a pointed look – well, pointed for an elf. "I will not hide my displeasure, but it must be the will of fate. Only the foolish would resist that."
"We have come to pay our respects before departing," Eragon began beside Murtagh. "Your Highness, you have been more than considerate, and we thank you and your generous House for your hospitality. All of us are forever in your debt."
"He is right," Murtagh said quietly. "Ellesmera is home to us now, too."
Islanzadi's eyes flickered to Arya, and a hint of sorrow crept up her face. "Riders will never be in our debt. We could not repay even little of what we owe you and the dragons. We failed you during the Fall. I am gratified by your appreciation, though." A small smile lit up the queen's features. Her resemblance to her children was remarkable. "Please convey my royal salutations to Lord Melikir and King Orrin. Bring them news. Our warrioss are poised to soon attack the northern half of the Empire. We might even catch Galbatorix off guard. If we are fortunate, we may divide his forces."
"We shall do that, never worry," Murtagh assured her.
Arya crossed her arms, though she did not seem as stiff as she used to when around her mother. "There is something else you wish to tell us? I know that look, Mother."
"Of course you should." Amusement tinged Islanzadi's voice. "Thirteen of our finest spellweavers are on their way to Surda. If they reach you there, they will be under your command and do their best to shield you from danger night and day."
"Is that not a bit too much?" Vanir demanded.
Katrina nudged him gently. "What he meant, Your Majesty, is that we are honored. Thank you so much."
The queen handed them ornate wooden boxes adorned with gems. Equally ornate dark bows were revealed to be resting on dark velvet within. The ears and the grip gleamed with silver fittings and small gemstones. A delicate quiver filled to bursting with arrows lay right beside the bows. "Something to remember us by, and to remind you that you will always be more than welcome in our city of dusky pines. "I sang them all myself from a yew tree, and the strings are enchanted never to break. With these arrows in hand, you will never miss your target."
The elves are too generous, Murtagh mused.
Thorn merely snorted in amusement.
After exchanging some pleasantries, Islanzadi turned to Arya. "Please remind your brother that he is sorely missed here in Ellesmera. And so will you be." Brushing a hand across her daughter's cheek, she moved away, followed by her companions.
As promised, Orik was waiting in the sparring field. Randarion and his female companions were there. The dwarf strode toward the Riders. "About time!" he complained as Murtagh carefully tied his pack on the back of Thorn's saddle.
"I see that you have been given gifts," Randarion said.
"Forgive us for failing to procure something for each of you," Aviana murmured. "Aside from friendship, that is."
"There is no need for you to give us anything," Aesyr said. "Your hospitality has been more than enough."
"Not for the debt that our race has to your order, no."
Vanir shook his head. "They are content." He bowed to the four elves. "Forgive me for my unpleasant attitude. I will strive to learn courtesy, as you wish."
Randarion's lips quirked into a smile. "We expect you to return, Vanir. And then we will have a long talk, son of my mother's brother."
As the dragons prepared to fly, Murtagh caught Nasuada's eye again. "This is it, isn't it?" he asked.
"Yes." Nasuada said with a smile. She seemed to glow like the sun - the most beautiful woman Murtagh ever saw.
This is it! Goodbye Ellesmera, for now. But our Riders will be going back, maybe in a book or two. War is brewing in Alagaesia and they will end up right in the middle of it. What do you think will happen in the battlefield?
Just to give you guys a heads-up again, we'll be catching up with Garrow and the Carvahall crew next chapter.
Yup, Vanir is finally nicer. Though I guess he would still have lapses every now and then, but he still means well. And I wonder how our Riders will fare against powerful foes?
Four Forsworn alive are currently named: Morzan, Kialandi, Formora, and that starter boss fight, Enduriel. All of them were named by Paolini. I already know the personalities of the other two (human) ones, but I have no names yet. Erk. And the colors of their dragons. Ugh.
Anyway, read and review, as always!