First, I am sorry for the delay in this chapter. I had real-life explode on me, which included a building-wide pest spraying. Second, this chapter exploded in content, so I had to break it into two separate chapters.

Forward.

I have received a couple of PMs concerning the power of the Dragonborn and such. Again, I state that Leonde is at the height of his power, so I would spell it out in this. And it will be the last time I address it.

Second, he is a Hero from Tamriel. A mortal blessed (and cursed, from another point of view) with a special fate and the ability to rule their own destiny. Heroes are closely related to the prophecies revealed in the Elder Scrolls but are not bound by them. They often grow to become far more powerful than most other mortals. Physically he has the attributes of many an Olympic athlete, strength, speed, endurance, agility, etc.

Third, Brom said in the Eragon novel that when you fight a magical creature, like an elf, they use magic to move around, giving them greater strength, speed, etc. Leonde comes from a world of High magic, so yes, he is also naturally more muscular and faster than the average well-trained person of Alagaesia.

Fourth, Leonde's armor and weapons have two potent enchantments each. Placing a fortify alchemy enchantment on an item, then use said item to brew a fortify enchanting potion. And do this with six items, a Hood, circlet, two rings, an amulet, and gloves. You can make a potent enchantment. Combined with summoned monsters that you soul trap. Leonde is packing some very heavy defenses spread out on a helm, cuirass, greaves, boots, gauntlets, two rings, an amulet, and a cloak. And when he is not wearing armor, he has enchanted clothes that fill those slots.

Finally, yes, I miss the odd capitalized word here and there. Grammarly could be better, but I hope it helps make this far more readable than the previous version.

Rise of the Dragons

Chapter 5

Conflict of Interests

by. R. Reichelderfer

Finally, having left Farthen Dur after the fiasco of the council. Riding through the dark tunnel with the sound of their horse's hooves on the stone ground allowed Murtagh's mind to wander. Drifting back to the days after the battle, particularly the council meeting that surprised almost everyone. It had put a bad taste in his mouth how they had attempted to force an oath of obedience out of him, correction, out of all of them.

Thankfully Ajihad anticipated it and pulled them aside quickly. Arya had placed a spell around their area to prevent eavesdropping. "The Varden's Council is planning something; I do not know what exactly, but I would hazard a guess they intended to gain oaths of fealty from Leonde, Eragon, and Murtagh. Taking advantage of the chaos Leonde's arrival has unleashed."

Murtagh felt his anger rising while Thorn bristled. Leonde spoke, "I have already given my oath of fealty to another, and she knows I will never be anyone's puppet. If they think of gaining my oath, there will be many people angry at the end of this meeting."

Finally, Murtagh spoke, "I am not giving anyone an oath of fealty."

"Nor should you." Ajihad spoke sharply; it caught Murtagh off guard.

"Murtagh, I never held you accountable for Morzan's actions." It had caught him and Thorn off guard as he listened to Ajihad explain.

"But you can't ignore Morzan was my father." He said coldly.

"No, no one can. Like it or not, you were favored by Galbatorix. He may have kept his distance from you as you grew up. The Varden's council will attempt to use all of that to force such an oath from you. But do not worry if they do attempt to lay blame for your father's actions on you. I will take care of them."

"What about Arya," Eragon asked.

"They would not dare to try such with me. I was the Ambassador for the Queen." She spoke firmly.

"Which leaves you, Eragon," Ajihad said. "The council will pressure you to extract an oath of fealty. The question is, what will you do? I already know this meeting will be in front of most of the Varden's forces."

"Ajihad, you said my greatest power is in my freedom."

"And it is, but as a rider, you are expected to be a leader. And many in the Varden will look to you instead of the normal leadership. Some of the soldiers will even desire you to replace me, as the leader, despite the inexperience you admitted to me when we first met."

Clearing his throat, Leonde spoke firmly. "Eragon, with the slaying of Durza, a Shade. It has earned you some considerable prestige. I have heard how people refer to you; some even believe you have greater power than I do. You are a legend that has come to life for them. Some say that if I were to challenge you, you could destroy Odahviing and me with a wave of your hand."

Listening to that, Murtagh couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Seems they may be overestimating my brother's strength." which got a frown from Eragon.

"More a case of them believing legends and tall tales of riders." Ajihad said.

"Indeed, during the trip too, and while in Ellsemere, you will learn many things from me and your fellow riders." Arya was quick to step in and speak.

"A teacher is waiting for us on our arrival in Ellesmere. It is not my place to teach Eragon or Murtagh."

"Eragon, Your father Brom taught Saphira and you lessons of being a rider, did he not?"

"Yes, he did, but..." Eragon was cut off by Leonde

"Did you pass these lessons onto Murtagh and Thorn on your Journey here?"

"Yes, to the best of my abilities."

"As the eldest rider, it was your obligation to teach that to Thorn and Murtagh. Just as it is to teach it to Arya and her dragon." Turning to face Arya, he spoke, "It does not matter if the lessons he attempts to teach you would be child's play for you; these lessons were imparted to him by an elder rider. And your duty as a student is to learn them, so they are not lost forever. You are physically older and more learned than your fellow riders; as such, it is your duty to help teach your fellow riders. Every day Eragon and Murtagh learn and work to master novice and apprentice-level skills, which gives them an additional day in Ellesmera to learn and master more advanced skills and abilities."

"You presume much about the duties riders have amongst themselves, but your point is well made. And as you teach us the magic and skills you know, I will teach you what I can. But there are things I can not share with you, even if I want to. Now you were trying to make a point concerning Eragon and the Varden's council. But remember, Eragon and Murtagh hold not just a responsibility to the Varden but also to my people."

Leonde seemed to take her words as he nodded, "Very well, and thank you. You will learn many things in Ellesmera, including leadership. However, there are no lessons to prepare you for the burden of leadership. When you return to the Varden, you will be seen as a leader with as much, if not more, authority as Ajihad. Some may even expect you to assume leadership upon your return. Some will come to you instead of Ajihad for orders. And an army with a divided leadership is ready for defeat."

Eragon looked thoughtful and concerned but also confused about everything. Puzzling it out as he spoke, "I would not presume myself Ajihad's equal in leading his forces. And I certainly wouldn't want to undermine his command or authority, but I don't know how to prevent such."

Murtagh understood where this was going. He remembered what it was like to be under the control of someone else, to have his life directed by Galbatorix, and he hated it. But he had to accept that Eragon had reason to fight and oppose the mad king, and with a heavy voice and heart, he said.

"There is a way to avoid such confusion or such chaos. But Eragon, it all depends on how much you are willing to trust Ajihad."

Looking into his brother's eyes, he was still getting used to having a brother. And recalling how he was often controlled and manipulated throughout his life, he wanted to spare him this.

"You mean swearing fealty to Ajihad?" It concerned and frightened him as he expected before looking to Leonde, and he said.

"This is a decision you must make. I can offer no assistance to you."

He turned to question Arya. "You mentioned my obligations to the elves."

Arya was downright impossible to read as she thought and considered everything. "The position is not what the elves would have hoped for, but it will be acceptable for you to swear fealty to Ajihad. But do not forget the obligations you have to others."

"There is another concern. The Dwarves might also attempt to gain some measure of influence with Eragon and do so in a way that refusing it would be seen as a terrible insult." Murtagh voiced concern. With Thorn beside him, he was surprised his dragon was as silent as he was; Thorn seemed more interested in listening and understanding what was happening.

"Such is your position Eragon." Leonde finally spoke. "Do what you feel is right, Eragon."

Eragon and Saphira looked at each other finally. After a few moments, Eragon drew the blade Leonde had given him before approaching Ajihad. He stood there as Eragon crossed the distance between them before finally knelt with the sword in his hands.

"Ajihad, Saphira, and I have been here only for a short while. But in that time, we have come to respect you. You have treated us with respect and honesty instead of deception. Therefore, I offer you my blade and fealty as a rider."

Ajihad took hold of the blade from Eragon as he inspected its craftmanship as much as he was pausing for dramatic effect. "I do accept your fealty with respect and honor. As you accept the responsibility of your station and all duties, it entails. Eragon, rise and take your sword."

Ajihad smiled softly as he spoke, "You will need to openly give this oath of fealty in council for it to be truly effective." He turned to Leonde as he said, "What will you do when the council of Elders demands your fealty?"

"I have been dealing with groups like the council for a long time. You will likely enjoy the show and outcome."

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It was as Murtagh had expected; it had been a bit of an ambush, with most of the Varden and many dwarves in attendance. Still, he was wondering why Ajihad had asked to be loaned Zar'roc. It was only Ajihad's promise he would return it when it was no longer needed. They were certainly putting on a show for everyone here. Jörmundur was the one who finally stood up to begin speaking.

"We are here to address concerns and dangers presented to us before and during the Battle of Farthen Dur." Watching him, Murtagh could see some level of fatigue in him. Trained in reading people, he could see in his movements, even hear in his voice, that he did not want to be here or do this.

Reaching out to touch his brother's mind, he felt him block his presence, but by keeping contact, he could get Eragon to open up to him.

~'I get the impression Jörmundur doesn't want to be here or do this.'~

~'What makes you say that, Murtagh?'~

~'The way he moves and his tone of voice. Some of my lessons involved me learning to ready body language.'~

"The first and form most danger is Murtagh Morzansson." Being called out personally drew Murtagh's attention. "Step forward."

"No!" came the voice of Ajihad just as Murtagh was about to step forward. Walking forward, he was slow and menacing in his posture and his tone.

"He is the son of the betrayer Morzan." A broad man with meaty hands said. "He must answer for his Father's crimes."

"Then your children will answer for your crimes, Falberd!" The harsh scolding tone made Falberd actually recoil in fear and fright. "All of your children will pay for the crimes you commit that are unanswered upon your death! Every lie spoken, every item stolen, every dark dirty thing you do not answer for will fall upon them to answer."

Murtagh watched and listened to the hushed silence, the fear, the dread. Finally, he watched as Ajihad opened his cloak showing he held Zar'roc, and he motioned for Murtagh to join him.

Concern and fright came through him, and with some hesitation and nudging from Thorn, he slowly walked out, joining Ajihad. Nervous about being so open and exposed. Ajihad continued.

"Over one hundred years." Ajihad began walking around, looking at the entire Varden, not just the council. "Morzan was over one hundred years old when Murtagh was born. Murtagh please would you reveal your back to the Varden?"

The request caught him off guard, but he could predict where this was going. He would use Zar'roc to point out how he got the scar on his back. With some hesitation, he took hold of the hemp of his shirt, lifted the back of it, and turned around, allowing them to see the scar he got when he was three years old at the hands of his own father.

He heard the sword drawn from the scabbard. "Three years old, Murtagh was three years old when I watched his father throw this sword at him in a drunk rage splitting his back open!"

That made Murtagh freeze; shock and astonishment coursed him while Ajihad continued.

"I was the one who tended that horrible wound. Though Murtagh was the son of Morzan, I saved his life. Why you all may ask of me? I ask you what three year old child deserves this!"

The sudden realization that Ajihad saved his life as a child struck him dumbfounded, as Ajihad said. "That is enough Murtagh, you may lower your shirt."

He stood there, shirt down, staring at Ajihad, who had the entire Varden enspelled with his words. He continued, "Murtagh was three years old when Morzan died. How can a three year old child be responsible for the actions of a man over one hundred?"

There was silence as Ajihad sheathed Zar'rac and handed it back to him. Taking it, Murtagh swallowed hard as Ajihad said. "The answer is, he isn't." Facing the Varden, he spoke harshly, "Morzan is dead. Murtagh is not responsible for his actions. He will not be held accountable for them unless you want your children held responsible for your actions. No matter the age."

Facing Murtagh, he spoke firmly, "I do not blame you for your father's actions. But you are his son; there is no escaping that. His is a legacy that will always shadow you. From people who believe you must pay for his crimes to people who feel you must atone for them. It is a hard road for you to travel. More correctly, A hard road for you and Thorn to travel."

"Eragon Shadeslayer, would you step beside Murtagh Shadeslayer along with your Dragons?"

With Saphira and Eragon walking beside him, Thorn, the size of a massive horse beside him, listened to Ajihad.

"Eragon and Murtagh are Half Brothers!" there was gasping and talking about the rumors being true. "They share the same mother, but Eragon's father was Brom. The same Brom who founded the Varden, the same Brom who helped us agree on the dragon eggs."

In their travels, Eragon and Brom were captured by the Ra'zac. During this encounter, the Ra'zac injured Eragon and mortally wounded Brom. Murtagh saved Eragon and Saphira from being delivered to Galbatorix long before they discovered their kinship. During this time, it was when Thorn hatched for him. In their travels, Eragon was captured at Gil'ead; Murtagh was the one who formulated the plan to save Eragon and, in the course of the rescue, managed to also rescue Arya from the Shade Druza."

He extended his hand in Arya's direction as she marched forward. "I would not be standing here if not for the actions of Murtagh, who helped save me from a fate worse than death. After months of torture, I did not break or give shade Durza any information. But I learned that I would have been delivered to Galbatorix himself for interrogation within a week. I had not the strength to resist him. I owe both Murtagh and Eragon my life."

Walking up to Murtagh, Ajihad spoke. "Murtagh Shadeslayer. I thank you for your help in rescuing Arya, and I thank you for helping to protect Eragon and Saphira. But more importantly, I thank you for helping to protect the Dragon Eggs. All three of which have hatched; I understand the hardships you have faced."

Murtagh could only bow his head a bit in respect. "I thank you for your words and Hospitality." Murtagh at last understood why Ajihad was such a dangerous man to the empire. He was a man who commanded respect and bravery.

"Murtagh Shadeslayer, you are a rider, as is your brother Eragon. Some say you are obligated to assist him and us in dethroning Galbatorix. But many here would wish you harm, and I know Leonde Dragon heart has offered to send you to his lands, to this Tamriel. I hope that during your time among the elves learning of being a rider in Ellesmera, you will find reason enough to stand beside your brother and fight alongside him once more. However, should you find sufficient grounds for fighting alongside him once more? Many will hold you to the highest standards. But should you decide to leave Alagaesia, I will not hold it against you."

"I understand," Murtagh replied as he could tell Ajihad might not blame him for his father's actions, but he would be judged more harshly for what he did do. He noticed that Ajihad's gaze fell on Eragon. At the same time, he, Arya, and their Dragons began to step back, giving Eragon and Ajihad the stage.

Looking over at the Council of Elders, Murtagh could see they were enraged. Jörmundur was the only one who seemed halfway pleased with this as if he had expected his outcome and was just enjoying the show. Eragon gave Ajihad his oath of fealty publicly. Only served to incense their rage further.

With the final statement, Ajihad turned to face the council. "I assume we are finished with things concerning Murtagh Shadeslayer, or do you want your children held responsible for your actions?"

"The Matter concerning Murtagh has been settled," Jörmundur spoke firmly as a tall, balding man stood up and shouted.

"But not the matter of the Dark Wizard Dragonheart! And his foul dark magic!"

That was when they heard this deep, roaring laughter. Leonde was laughing almost like a man who had already defeated them. "Share with us what you find funny dark wizard."

"You, I find you absolutely hilarious. Dark Magic? You don't know the first thing about magic, and to think you even have the slightest idea of what Dark Magic truly is?"

Walking forward, Leonde held his hands up as dark purple, glows held in his hands as he asked, "Would you like a demonstration of what Dark Magic truly is?"

At this, he had the man almost pale white with fright; in fact, Murtagh was sure he had nearly soiled himself. "The Dragon I summoned, Durnehviir, is trapped. Forever imprisoned in what is called by my people, The Soul Cairn. It has other names, Purgatory and limbo. Take your pick of titles."

Walking out in front of everyone here, his dark armor was as intimidating as Odahviing, who moved beside him, clearly challenging anyone who might dare want to harm him.

"Everyone one of you who fought beside the Skeletal dragon felt his darkness, his evil. Yes, he is evil; No, I do not trust him. How he came to be in my service is a tale I have not the time to explain here, But a bargain was struck. In exchange for a few hours of freedom from imprisonment, he vowed to serve as my ally in battle; I laid one stipulation upon him. I expected his absolute obedience. Durnehviir is not a Dragon I call upon lightly, knowing that even with my help and Odahviing's aid. Losses to the Urgal army would be considerable, I chose to call upon him."

"Now, I will address your accusation of the Dark Magic." And at that point, the dark auras in his hands faded as he spoke. "I have studied what you call the Dark Arts. The answer is yes, I have studied the dark arts, and I have studied necromancy."

There was a hushed tone, a shock, horror, murmurs, "I do know these arts, and I understand how dangerous they are. They destroy the bind, twist the mind, and corrupt the soul. I have faced many enemies who have used the Dark Arts and Necromancy against me. It is unavoidable that you learn about such things. But I do not practice them lightly. Arya you are an accomplished spell caster are you not?"

"I know the magic of my people well. Your magic is strange and new to me, but having experienced dark magic at the hands of Durza, You are not a practitioner of them. This is evidenced in your cautioning of the Varden's spellcasters. You taught them forms of alteration magic, destruction magic, healing magic, and illusion magic. The warning you gave us when you taught us, you are no Dark Wizard. Because while you taught them spells that can instill fear to cause an enemy to turn and run, you did not teach them spells that can charm or dominate."

Murtagh was surprised; Arya could have severely hindered his argument or claims. She continued, "When we reach Ellesmera, no doubt my people will be highly interested in learning your magic arts. If it turns out that we are wrong, it will be discovered and dealt with."

"This also brings up an important question, has anyone here thought about how to deal with Shruiken when he takes the field of battle?"

That struck him as an odd question. And instantly, he recalled, Galbatorix used Dark Magic; he used it on Shruiken.

"Eragon and Saphira will kill him, what of it?" A woman with close-set eyes and elaborately painted cheeks spoke.

"Ayra, I heard how Galbatorix obtained Shruiken and bent him to his will. Would you care to explain what happened, and what Galbatorix actually did?"

A glance at Arya actually confirmed Murtagh's worst fears. "Galbatorix killed Shruiken's original rider and stole him. For ten years they hid as Galbatorix used dark magics to twist, dominate, and grow Shruiken beyond his natural size."

This caused the Varden's council to start looking at each other as they began understanding. As Leonde spoke, "Using the Dark Arts, Galbatorix has warped his mind, twisted his body, and shackled his soul for one hundred years. Imagine one hundred years of someone who treats you as a slave, turning your body into a weapon. Galbatorix has used his dark arts to enhance Shruiken, strengthen his scales, increase his strength, and magnify his size. Shruiken is not just a dragon. He's a weapon of mass destruction. One hundred years of pain, torment, and suffering when he takes the field of battle, you will need every single advantage against him."

"And you think you can tip the Odds." Jörmundur asked it was in an honest tone, a genuine hopeful tone.

"Odahviing, explain to them a brief history of the Dovah, explain to them what I am."

"Ah, yes, A time I remember fondly. A time when mortals worshiped the Dovah as gods." The great dragon lowered his head to them very slowly and menacingly. "Mortals would even sacrifice themselves unto us to feed our hunger. I remember one of my brothers, Kahvozein, was fond of human sacrifices. His high priest Otar the Mad, was always sharpening his blade for the next inevitable offering."

With his face right next to the Varden's leaders Inhaling through, Murtagh was actually scared of Odahviing. Now Thorn was backing away as the great dragon expressed his viewpoints, "We followed the first one, Alduin, our leader. Eventually, with the aid of Paarthurnax, Mortals rose up and banished Alduin, casting him adrift upon the currents of time."

"But Alduin was not lost, he returned many thousands of years into the future, and with him, he once more... raised us to his service. And we followed. His voice was the greatest and the strongest of us, or so we thought. Another proved his voice and power stronger."

Stepping forward, Leonde stood tall and proud. "He is Dovahkiin, Dragonborn, Dov Ah Kiin, Dragonkind Hunter Born. The Born hunter of Dragonkind, he is Dovahkriid, Dragonslayer. He freed us from Alduin's Tyranny. He defeated Alduin twice over. I gladly and freely acknowledge the strength of his voice."

Murtagh was genuinely scared at this point; Thorn, even a glance at Saphira, could feel the tension as the smell of people soiling themselves finally hit his nostrils.

"If you will pardon my arrogant assumption. Yes, I can provide some assistance in defeating Shruiken. Taking into account my knowledge of the dark arts, I may just be able to find a hole in Shruiken's defenses, allowing us to kill him. And if something happens where we accidentally kill Galbatorix before Shruiken, you are sure as hell gonna need my help putting him down."

"Once Galbatorix is dead, Shruiken will be free..."

"All Shruiken has ever known is pain. Suffering. Slavery, Hate." Murtagh spoke. "The moment Galbatorix dies, there is nothing to hold him back from unleashing every ounce of pain and suffering he has known."

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afterward

I know Dovah normally inject their own language into how and what they speak. Odahviing has spent enough time around Joore Mortals, to speak more plainly. And it was getting annoying for me to hunt and peck where to put words here and there. Also I will hopefully have the next chapter up in a week or so.