I had to completely rewrite this Chapter from the ground up. So I want to apologize for how long it took to get out.
This also reveals one of my most recent favorite mods from the nexusmods.
Kagranac's instant fortress. I am making some adjustments to the design of the tower's layout, along with a classic quote, along with a classic fantasy adventuring item!
Rise of the Dragon
Chapter 7
Respect of beliefs
By R. Reichelderfer
After the meal, Leonde had asked for a private meeting with The Riders, Nasuada, Orik, Gannel, and Undin. What surprised them was Leonde asking to have a large area in the courtyard cleared, clearing out a twenty-foot square area. Eragon watched as he pulled out a small metal cube about the size of his fist.
Then with an underhanded toss, he threw it into the middle of the area as it rolled around before coming to a stop. Instantly it shook and exploded in a burst of smoke and light that took him and Saphira by surprise as, in mere moments, it expanded into a massive tower some thirty feet tall and almost fifteen feet on the side. A conical roof stood atop as smoke started to escape the chimney.
The tower appeared carved out of stone but had a slight metallic glint; in the front was a massive carved arch holding a pair of doors in a recess perhaps six or seven feet inside the tower. Walking up the ramp, the door opened for Leonde as he asked, "Are you coming in?" Through the mind link, he could feel Saphira's surprise and her own curiosity.
He could see inside past Leonde as if the doorway opened into a massive hallway with a room behind it. The door was too small for Saphira, but as they went in, there was a gigantic hallway with an arch extending into a massive room. A dining table, fireplace, and bookshelves extended into an area similar to a grand mansion's hall.
Looking at his brother, then at Leonde, he smiled when both of them suddenly ran outside. It was unbelievable; as they got out walking around it, it defied their understanding standing as they joined up behind it before returning to the Entrance and walking back in, having counted their steps from behind and then back in.
He didn't understand it in the least. Finally, Eragon voiced it.
"Its bigger on the inside!"
He said with a laugh and smile, "I never get tired of that for some reason. This is only the first floor; there is a second floor and a basement. I will give you the tour later, but I wanted to ensure no one could spy on us. Please ask Saphira to make sure we are not disturbed.
Walking over to the table, Leonde said, "Welcome to my Traveling Home. Kagranac's Instant Fortress." Picking up several small travel sacks. Leonde handed one to Eragon, Murtagh, Arya, Orik, and Nasuada.
"Handy Haversacks. They can carry up to two hundred pounds of equipment and weigh at most twenty pounds. The large pouch holds up to a hundred pounds. The side packs hold fifty each."
Eragon barely heard him as he was too busy looking around, only for Leonde to call his name, attracting his attention. "I will give you the tour later. Now we have important things to discuss." He sat at the dining table, asking Gannel to sit across from him, Eragon to his left and Arya to his right.
"What I am about to say will be very blunt and to the point, but from what I have heard about you, Arya, you must address it because Arya, as a Dragon Rider and ambassador to your people. If what I have heard is True and had occurred in Tamriel. I assure you not only would you never leave Tamriel alive, but your head and your dragon's head would be sent back to Alagasia in a jar of poisoned honey as a declaration of war."
Eragon sat up sharply, focusing on everything Leonde was saying, including Arya's reaction. Leonde's voice held a harsh edge to it. Clearly, the intoxication was getting to him as Arya was intently focused on his discussion. The Animosity on Leonde's face was evident if the tone of his voice wasn't clear. He was speaking slowly, choosing his words with great care.
"On our way to Tarnag, I remember Eragon and Murtagh talking to Orik about it, including how you would argue with Gannel over religion. How it would reach a frightening level of animosity. Is this true?"
"Yes, it is true, but I was expressing my personal beliefs."
"Which are the beliefs of all elves, as you said. Elves don't believe in gods. If a dragon rider were to engage a priest in Tamriel in such a heated argument. It would be seen as an insult and challenge to our entire culture and way of life. As Eragon said, he learned with an elder and her charge, I learned that his words carry great weight and power."
Eragon listened as Arya seemed indifferent. "I fully understand what you are trying to say. As a Rider, my previous arguments with Knurla Gannel may have been from a personal nature. But as an ambassador and, more importantly, a rider, such heated debates must be avoided. Regardless of my personal beliefs, I must be tolerant of such beliefs, unless they are used to control..."
"Control is an interesting word choice, Arya." Leonde said, suddenly cutting Arya off.
"How so?" Arya challenged.
"Control implies the directing of one's way of life. One of the gods I worship is Stendarr, God of mercy. He holds four tenets, Never refuse aid you can provide, such as giving food you do not need to a hungry beggar. Go among the infirm and the wounded wherever you find them, showing them compassion and tending their wounds to the best of your abilities. Offer prayer to Stendarr every day. Finally, do not hoard wealth or indulge physically."
"Didn't you say that what you gave King Hrothgar and My father was a small portion of your wealth and treasure?" Nasuada asked
"Hoarding it would be not sharing it. I have shared a prince's ransom between both of them. If I give too much more, I risk causing more harm than good. Imagine what the cost of a loaf of bread in Surda would be if their economy flooded with gold and silver?" Leonde countered.
"An excellent point." Arya said, "May I assume that there are those in your lands who are devoted followers of Stendarr, who allow these tenets to control their way of life?"
"Indeed there are."
With some annoyance, Arya spoke more carefully, "I will be more tolerant of religious beliefs that do not encourage causing harm on others."
"A question for you, Dragonheart." Gannel asked, "Have you had direct dealings with your gods?"
"More than I would like. There are two groups, The Aedra and Daedra. The Aedra, or gods, gave up their forms and strength to create the world, but the Daedra did not. Like mortals, they have codes, rules, laws, and politics. The Aedra gave us mortals the ultimate gift, free will. Freedom to lead our lives as we desire, to be kind or cruel. Helpful or selfish, to follow them or not. Most Daedric Princes, but not all, demand obedience and submission. Some enjoy meddling in mortal affairs and causing harm for their own pleasures or amusements. I have dealt with them more than I would like."
Eragon was left bewildered by listening in on the conversation; the concept of these Gods and Daedra made him want to know more. His understanding of such things was limited, beyond things taught in Palencar Valley, such as spriggians spoiling milk and food.
"There is something else you wished to speak of while we are here Dragonborn?" Nasuada spoke, the tone of her voice was different, but Eragon couldn't tell if it was a mocking one.
"As a matter of fact, yes. Two things, in fact. The first is a short time I spent in Farthen Dur learning about Dwarven culture. Correct me if I am wrong, but if King Hrothgar dies, his successor is voted upon. Is it not a hereditary position?"
"No it is not," Gannel spoke.
"Ah well Knurla Gannel." Eragon had heard Leonde refer to the Dwarves as Knurla, the name the dwarves use among themselves. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him. Making him raise his hand and ask.
"A quick personal question if I may?"
"What is it Eragon?" Leonde asked of him.
"You have referred to Gannel Undin and Orik as Knurla a lot. May I ask what is that about?"
With a smile, Leonde said. "A sign of respect. My homeland, Cyrodiil is the heart of Tamriel. When you greet someone you do not know, or in a casual setting such as riding to Tarnag, it is considered polite to greet or speak them by their race name. For example, meeting Orik on the streets for the first time, I refer to him as Dwarf, and he would return the greeting with. 'Imperial' When you wish to show a friend respect You would say 'Dwarf Orik.' In a formal setting, when you wish to show respect, one would refer to Gannel as Knurla Gannel, slip of the tongue not withstanding."
The Dwarves here seemed pleased with the explanation, "Anything else you would like to know Rider Eragon?" The was a smile.
"Not at the moment no." He said, feeling good about the respect Leonde showed him.
"As I was about to say. I am concerned about what might happen if King Hrothgar is killed in the battle against Galbatorix forces. I have learned that several clans are vehemently opposed to helping the Varden or dealing with the Dragonriders. Keeping in mind, the Twins had been spying for him for who knows how long. They would have a good idea of who to assassinate to upset the balance of this war, starting with King Hrothgar."
"But the items you gave him." Orik started to say
"Do not make him invincible," Leonde spoke firmly, "My main goal would be to eliminate the support of the Dwarven people, although depending on Galbatorix's ego, he may not consider the dwarves any threat to him. If King Hrothgar is killed, and a Dwarf accended to the throne that withdraws the support of the Dwarven clans it will spell their doom."
"And how exactly will that happen?" Gannel spoke with a clear challenge in his voice.
"First of all, I know precisely where Farthen Dur is now. But once the dwarves have withdrawn their support, I intend to ignore them and focus on dealing with Surda and the Varden. My goal is to stop the attack of the Elves from the north and weather that storm while I work on wiping out all resistance in Surda. Assuming the Varden are defeated, once all resistance in Surda is ended, and I have dealt with the rogue Dragon Riders, I will turn my attention to the elves. It may take several hundred years to drive them out of Alagaesia, force them to bend their knee or wipe them out. Then I can turn my undivided attention to dealing with the dwarves. With no one else to oppose me, I can take my time forcing you all back into Farthen Dur, and then once you are all there, collapse the Caldera on top of you."
Eragon could see Gannel and Undin shocked and appalled; Orik was the one who spat out, "There is no honor in that!"
Leonde looked at Orik and then looked at Murtagh as Leonde asked.
"Did not Galbatorix want you to kill every man, woman, and Child in a city because of a few rebels, burn their bodies to ashes and spread them among pig dung?"
"I believe I mentioned that was the reason I escaped Uru'Baen."
"I do not believe Galabatorix would care about honor when facing the Dwarves," Leonde spoke firmly. "On the other side, let us assume the Varden and Surda win this war after the Dwarves have removed their support. Because of their lack of support, the pressure placed on Odahviing and me to shore up the loss of help would be very high. While I am powerful, Odahviing and I can not replace the logistics of an army such as yours."
"As a result, Ajihad, Nasuada, King Orrin of Surda, depending on his character, Eragon and Saphira might be all killed. There would be no one else fit to assume the seat of power in Uru'Baen. This means I would be forced to assume the throne, when I do not want it."
Before anyone could question him, he said. "Assuming some of these people survive, it is not my place to assume to predict just how much of their suffering and losses lay at the feet of the Dwarves who withdrew their support when they needed it the most, but I do not think they would be pleased with it. If I, and forced to assume that throne when I do not want it, I will not be happy. If the Dragons and their riders survive and start to rebuild their order, knowing full well that the new Dwarf king most likely wants to wipe them out. I would be forced to consider any dwarves inside human-settled lands as potential spies, saboteurs, and assassins. And regard any attempting dwarven originated acts of violence against them as assassination attempts."
Eragon swallowed hard as Saphira paid keen attention. Finally, Gannel asked, "Are you threatening us?"
"No. I am merely pointing out two possible results of the withdrawal of Dwarven support should King Hrothgar be killed and replaced with a King who does not support the Vvarden. In the next year, a lot will change in Alagaesia for all, for good or ill. The future is being forged and shaped now. Having learned of the things I have and not knowing the full political alliances of all the Dwarf clans, I wanted to bring this to your attention Grimstborith Gannel for I know, as the leader of Dûrgrimst Quan, you can influence people, and I wished to give words to thoughts that may not have been considered by those clans who can not see beyond their need for vengeance, to see the consequences of enacting such plans. Time marches on, it destroys all things, even stone, for time stands still for no one, and no one can see all the paths its course will take."
There was silence between everyone as Leonde and Gannel watched each other, Gannel's face an inscrutable mask of stone. Leonde had a blank expression as if he was waiting for Gannel to make the next move. At last, Gannel spoke.
"Wise words spoke indeed. And I will not deny that some clans will not consider the long-term consequences of their actions, as did Az Sweldn rak Anhûin. I will consider your words carefully."
"That is all I ask."
"What is the other thing you wanted to talk about?" Arya asked.
"We are about to enter into the absolute most dangerous part of our journey."
Everyone deadpanned when Leonde said that as Nasuada asked, "What do you mean?"
"The twins were the only ones inspecting minds in the Varden. They never came across anyone else who was a traitor. This means chances are high; they simply allowed them in. In fact it is a certainty that there are other traitors in the Varden. Spies who have by now reported to Galbatorix. He knows that I stood against his shade as an equal in combat. He knows that I wield strange magic unknown to Alagaesia. He knows about Odahviing, he knows I have the power to summon the undead Dragon Durnehviir. Assuming he is not completely out of touch with reality for the first time in nearly a century, a possible real threat to his power and empire has emerged."
Directing his questions to Arya. "I assume there are spells which can silent one's movements?" When she gave a nod of her. "Are there spells which can make you invisible?" He asked. She again nodded. "Spells that can hide your scent from drifting on the wind?" Again her nod confirmed his question.
"At any part after we leave Tarnag; Galbatorix and Shruiken could leave Uru'baen, and lay in wait near the Âz Ragni to ambush us," Nasuada said as her heart sank.
"Yes," Leonde explained. "Until we are safely inside the Forests of Du Weldenvarden, we will be in constant danger. Sleeping in my tower will only inhibit our ability to protect ourselves or escape. Galbatorix may choose to end this war soon."
"By killing us all," Eragon said as his heart sank; he knew he was no match for Galbatorix if he showed.
"Odahviing and I are the ones he will want to kill. The rest of you he wants to capture alive. Arya and her dragon will just be a bonus." Leonde said. It made people stop and look around and stare at him.
"We've thrown our lot in with the Varden, defied Him. Why would he want us alive?" Eragon asked. It got a smile from Leonde, who said.
"Think about it Eragon. Think about what Murtagh said as he explained his past. Think about how he said Galbatorix had claimed the... Return of the Riders." Lifting his hand up to Arya when her eyes went with horror and realization.
"Let him figure it out! Or it is wisdom lost." Turning his attention to Eragon as he looked around, he watched as realization struck everyone, even Orik, and Nasuada. As she covered her mouth. Eragon's mind recalled the conversation as Leonde said once more. "The Return of the Dragon Riders. How could they return?"
"They couldn't return unless," Eragon said as he thought about it as realization and horror dawned on him. The color drained from his face, and he became pale white.
"Unless he had a male and female dragon." Eragon thought back to what Brom had said: whoever controls the next generation of riders will be the undisputed masters of Alagaesia.
"If he gets hold of You, Murtagh, Saphira, and Thorn. He will have a breeding pair of dragons. A narrow bloodline, but if he can get hold of Arya and her dragon. And the eggs hatch for Riders. If they are all male, He can produce generations of dragons. Saphira will never see the sky again." Leonde drew out precisely what he felt would happen.
"She will never fly the skies. She will be chained in Galbatorix Throne room, perhaps to ensure she can't escape, cut off her wings. She is too valible to risk anyone harming. If she has daughters, Arya's Dragon can be forced to breed them. Like their mother, chained and held captive" He said, which made Arya's face turn in disgust and sheer horror at the prospect.
"All her purpose in life will be is to mate and produce eggs." As all eyes turned to Leonde.
"Because in his position. I would do it as long as I have a breeding pair of dragons. I will have endless dragon eggs and riders to serve me."
Nasuada asked, "How long have you known this?"
"I knew it when Murtagh claimed Galbatorix said, 'The return of the dragon riders' I told Saphira of this to warn her in the tunnels on the way to Tarnag. If the Dwarf clans learn that Galbatorix intends to use Saphira to breed an Army of Dragon riders under his control. Az Sweldn rak Anhûin may ambush us on the Way to Du Weldenvarden to ensure the riders never rise to power again. And if they succeed and Galbatorixs finds out Dwarves killed his dreams for such an army. He will hunt down and eradicate every dwarf to the last child for this affront." The last words were directed at Gannel with a sharp glance.
"Hopefully, the same reasons keep me from flying to Uru'baen and challenging Galbatorix; it will also keep him away. I am unwilling to do so because I do not know the full extent of his strength or power. I do not know what the magic of this ancient Language can and can not do. Hopefully, as I said to Hrothgar and Ajihad, he will let us have our war and fight our way to Uru'Baen, so he can watch. Observe, compare, and judge the strength of the powers that I, Odahviing, and Durnehviir wield."
