My apologies for the space of time between these two chapters. I came down with severe intestinal issues. As well as other projects that cropped up. From now on, I will attempt to post an updated chapter between the 15th and 25th of the month. Any posts before or after those dates will simply be a bonus chapter.
In the Previous chapter, people mentioned Ven Mul Riik being used as a protective mist. I considered using it, but then I remembered two other shouts in the game: Battle Fury and Elemental Fury. One shout affects only the player, and the other affects allies.
Alduin used Ven Mul Riik in Sovengard to hunt and feed on the souls of the mortals there, and since he jealously guarded that privilege for himself, why would he use a shout that allowed his allies to see through it in case one of the other dovah defied him, and sought to take advantage of this feast. So only Alduin or the user can see through the mist.
The shout I created, "Sot Sis Span" Or "Shielding Mists," allows those he considers allies to see through it.
Rise of the Dragons
Chapter 9
Arrival at Ceris and the journey beyond
They finally entered the Forest of Du Weldenvarden, riding through the Dogwoods and Rose bushes in full bloom. Everyone was tense and nervous. The darkness of the night made the shadows more ominous, more so since the dragons had confirmed that a large force was pursuing them. The "Shielding Mist Shout" he had used helped ensure no one could follow them on the ground from the sky, with the Dragons off to one side waiting to be summoned as they flew through the air a fair distance away from the side of the river where the ambushers came. It kept the Lethrblaka from coming anywhere near them.
The Night Eye and Detect Life spell had given them an edge, but it was still unsettling. Shadows were more pronounced and more profound. Leonde had not wanted to take any chances with the dragons and advised them to fly as high as possible to avoid the elves accidentally shooting one of them, at least until they were introduced as riders, allies, and friendly dragons; Arya had agreed with Leonde's assessment.
Everyone could feel the magic in the air; with Arya leading, everyone was quiet, thanks to the muffle spell of Leonde's, hopefully beyond the reach of the army following them. Leonde remembered the lessons that Arya had instructed him and Eragon and Murtagh on ways to greet the elves of various stations and genders. It was a lot to remember, but he was confident he could avoid a diplomatic incident.
Everyone was mentally tired and weary from the nearly eighteen-hour race to the woods and more than a little emotional. Saphira had relayed to Eragon that there was no sign of pursuit, according to Odahviing. But whatever spell had been used to conceal the force, they could still be in effect, even though Saphira and Odahviing had seen no sign of the Lethrblaka.
Looking around, Leonde could see various animals moving around. Mostly rabbits and other small animals. But he started to notice larger shapes hiding in the man-shaped life forces in the tree tops. Paarthurnax shifted under him as he knew Paarthurnax could sense those around him. It was why he had chosen this stallion, Paarthurnax, who had saved his life more than once with his keen senses.
As they approached a clearing, Arya lifted her hand and said, "Stop here." She walked through the clearing until she stood in the middle and called out in the Ancient language. "Come forth, my Brethren! You have nothing to fear. "Tis I, Arya of Ellsemera. My Companions are friends and Allies: They mean us no harm." She added other words that Leonde didn't understand. He surmised she was telling them she was under no one's control or influence.
For a time, there was nothing but the sound of rushing water and the wind moving through the grass. Looking around the meadow, Leonde could see the glowing pink clouds moving through the woods, two in the tree tops, two on the ground, and finally came words of the Ancient language so fast and fleeting; Leonde missed what was said exactly.
But Arya's response was simple. "I do." He watched as four elves came out, two on the ground holding long spears with white blades on end and the two that moved along the boughs of the trees armed with bows. Arrows ready to be drawn back and fired. They bounded out of the trees and from around cover to converge on Arya. He could hear them laughing as they joined hands and danced around Arya. It had surprised Leonde; they danced and sang like children. It was a display that, for Leonde and Eragon, was both unexpected.
The Thalmor or Altmer would never have shamed themselves for acting in such an immature fashion. Allowing them to reveal their joy momentarily, Leonde finally called out in the common language as he had yet to learn the language of elves thoroughly.
"Arya, As much as I do not was to intrude on this reunion... We must get under cover quickly." Leonde said in a firm and respectful tone as he struggled against the pain he was constantly feeling. It had brought the Elves out of their celebration as Leonde made a motion to Eragon and Murtagh. Eragon was to Leonde's Right and Murtagh to his Left. Both lifted their hands to show them the Gedwëy Ignasia, Calling out each in the ancient language. "I am Rider and A friend."
At that point, both at once began to perform the Elven Greeting. Lifting their fingers to their lips, they spoke the greeting. The elves replied with radiant joy as Leonde motioned for Eragon and Murtagh to ride forward. He could hear Wings flapping as Firnen, Thorn, and Saphira sailed across the river, slowing down as all three dragons began to land.
To Say the elves were delighted and overjoyed would be an understatement as Leonde gave a sharp whistle. He was attracting their attention as he lifted his fingers to his lips to perform the elven greeting, exactly as Arya had instructed. Leonde maintained an extremely formal tone and severe deadpan expression.
The elves were shocked at his armor's appearance and clearly caught off guard by the contrasts. Leonde could see that they held great concern in their eyes and a measure of fear as Leonde lifted his head back and summoned his voice again. The Words left his lips like thunder, ripping through the air.
"OD AH VIING!"
He shouted; as his voice carried and echoed through the trees and off the water, they looked around in confusion. The wind grew hot and dry as the trees creaked and groaned. Looking around, they were shocked as the mighty thud of wings could be heard, followed by the roar of a massive dragon. Odahviing swooped over the clearing as he roared out, his wings generating power gale force winds as he flew away over the river. The plains were beyond as the elves watched the massive dragonfly up into the air. The black shadow of his form eclipsed the moon.
For the first time, Leonde noticed that there was only one moon, and it looked nothing like Massar and Secunda. It was larger than Scunda and smaller than Masser. He had been so focused on protecting those around him that he had failed to notice it during his travels.
The form of Odahviing erupted as the great dragon's flame could be seen for miles away as his voice carried on the wind. The fire arched up into the sky as he tucked his wings and dove down from his great flight in the sky. Leonde grunted in amusement as he watched Odahviing fly back across the sky as the great dragon began to slow down dramatically—the four elves in shock and awe at the powerful display.
As the mighty dragon soared back to the clearing flaring his wings as he began to settle down, the entire display had left the Elves in shock as the great dragon landed, unsettling the dwarves' Donkeys, as they were left somewhat in a foul mood as Leonde tapped the sides of his steed and rode up to Odahviing. The great dragon bared his teeth as Leonde took off his helmet.
"Come on, you overgrown show off. Settle down." Turning his steed to face the elves, he was greeted by the shock as they heard the dragon speak. While not in the ancient languages, he had a voice that shocked them nonetheless.
/If one is to make an entrance Dovahkiin. It should be appropriate to one's position and station./ The elves, still wide-eyed and in shock, Noticed the dwarves coming up as Leonde approached the elves. In a formal tone, he said. "I am Leonde Dragonheart; this is my friend and companion, Odahviing."
Broken out of their shock, the group leader with Silver hair asked, "You are not a Rider?"
"No, I am not. Not two days ago, Galbatorix had sent his forces to attack us en route to Ceris in an attempt to capture or kill the riders and the dragons."
As Firnen came over beside Arya, The dragon was almost the size of a small pony, as she said in a firm commanding voice. "We must seek shelter at Ceris as quickly as possible. Leonde has been injured with Seither oil." When the Elves realized that the green dragon was bonded to her, they instantly became more formal at this point. However, they could still seem full of incredible and joyous energy, barely contained that it was.
"Of course, this way." Leonde made a note of the fact that Nasuada was riding behind him. Nasuada came up beside him, asking,
"Are you sure you are alright?"
"No, I am not. The enchantments on my armor are barely holding the wound back. And the potions I have to cure poison are not working."
They continued on as he listened to Murtagh and Eragon speaking.
"What is it, Murtagh?" Eragon asked.
"It's Odahviing. Just wondering how can a dragon so large move so quietly." Leonde smiled as he pipped in.
"He's a predator... all predators can stalk and move silently if they wish to. His name is Od meaning Snow, Ah means hunter, Viing means Wing, Snow hunter wing, or more correctly, Winged Snow Hunter.
The fact was that Leonde was also impressed: given Odahviing's size, he could move without making the ground tremble. As they moved through the dark forest, finally emerging in the distance was the glow of a campfire in the distance as they appeared in a clearing with a few huts. Leonde instantly looked around as he saw the three huts, and looking up, he could see an area with a covered platform that would serve as a lookout on the forest and river.
He watched six elves rush into the houses; four of them returned with their arms piled high with fruits and vegetables, while two had what appeared to be well-crafted satchels. The Riders watched as the two with pouches approached Leonde, who was struggling to get out of his saddle.
When they tried to help him, he said in a firm voice. "I am more than able to extricate myself from this saddle." With some difficulty, it made the elves step back as Leonde swung his left leg over the back of his horse, gritting his teeth in pain. Looking over at Leonde, the riders noticed for the first time at this point that blood was running down Leonde's left leg. The leg he had been stabbed in by the Ra'zac. Getting himself steady as he pulled his foot from the stir-up, he began to half limp and walk to a place where he could start extracting himself from his armor.
Approaching him, Arya almost demanded. "Why didn't you tell us you had been wounded this severely?"
"Because you would have had us stop and tend to it. I have been able to manage it for now as well." Leonde said as she watched him remove his helm, greaves, and boots. Resting on his right side, his left leg was a bloody mess as he grunted. His upper thigh hand had a two-inch wide gash.
"I haven't ever had a wound that refused to heal like this." He grunted as the two elves came over to help him despite some mild protest.
One of the elves addressed the riders. After looking to Leonde with some concern, he managed the Riders, first and foremost Arya. "I am Lifaen of house Rilvenar. My companions are Edruna, Celdin, Nari, Sindri, and Farlir."
As the Riders introduced themselves with Arya, much to everyone's surprise introduced Eragon Shadeslayer as their leader. "Do not worry; your friend is in good hands," Lifaen spoke.
There was little time to relax as one of the elves helping Leonde came up. "He has been poisoned with both Sethir Oil and Skilna Bragh. We require your skills, Lifaen; it is beyond our ability to heal."
At this point, Lifaen excused himself as the riders turned their attention to Leonde. As a result, everyone except Nasuada approached him; instead, she dismounted her horse and, looking over at the group, turned her attention to Leonde's horse and the packs he had placed on the armored stallion. Narrowing her eyes, she began to approach the stallion. Leonde gave a sharp whistle as he called out, "Paarthurnax... Come." The horse whickered and began to move over.
Nasuada had heard of how bad Arya was after her experience with Skilna Bragh to realize that Leonde had been struck with it over a day ago.
Yet Arya had said killing a human would take a few hours. That Leonde could resist it only soured her mood. She was genuinely conflicted, the Varden would need his strength to defeat Galbatorix and Shruiken, but the dangers of him possibly taking the throne. But simultaneously, she knew exactly why she was here; she wasn't here to keep an eye on Dragonheart. No, her father sent her here to protect her.
A man from an unknown empire across the sea. She was almost sure that when he returned home, he would return with an invasion force intent on conquering Alagaesia, even if they did not intend to invade. It would send a message they are a force to be reckoned with.
Listening to Leonde ask questions on the Sethir Oil and the Skilna Bragh and their properties as he asked Murtagh to get a few bottles from his saddlebag. As the elves watched, she approached, seeing him open up two bottles as he poured them into the wound that was bleeding profusely. When he applied the contents of the second vial, he screamed out in pain as what seemed to be sparks of fire erupted from the wound area. Grunting and pushing through the pain, he growled as the elves looked at his leg.
The bleeding finally stopped as the elves watched him use magic without words. His golden glow wrapped around his hand as he used it to heal his wound. Finally, as it vanished, Lifaen's surprise was evident on his face as he reached out to touch the area, only to stop as Leonde gave him permission by turning his head.
Lifaen was surprised as he said, "I have never seen any magic able to heal a wound made by Sethir oil. Or cure Skilna Bragh without Tunivor's Nectar."
Weighing her options, she thought about betraying him as a Dragonslayer. But she held her tongue as she approached. "Leonde Dragonheart wields many strange magics. Many of which are unknown in Alagaesia."
Standing up, Leonde rose to his full height as he took an experimental step, or too. "That's going to be sore for a few days." Turning to address Lifaen, however, Arya interrupted him as she approached. Her voice was one of firm and coldness.
"Dragonheart. You said that once we have reached the safety of the forest, you would take rest. We have reached the safety of the and those forces would be foolish to follow us even this far."
"That is," Only to be cut off by Arya once more.
"If they do attack, even a force large enough to carry all four dragons back to Uru'Baen with spells made to conceal them. We will know long before they reach Ceris." She said
"You have been using magic to supplement your strength for the last four days. Even that will fail you in time and you know it."
Murtagh approached Leonde, "You are no good to us as a protector if you're half dead with exhaustion. I have grown up not feeling safe anywhere. Wondering if I would wake up in the morning, few places have ever felt comfortable to me. This is one of those places."
Eragon came beside Murtagh; as he looked between the three riders, he lifted his hands and said, "Alright, alright." Leonde knew it was pointless to argue with all three against him as he said, "I know when I can't win a fight. I'll get something to eat and then take a rest."
At this point, Leonde's exhaustion, not just physical but mental exhaustion, took over as he began to put his armor back on. "You can't sleep in heavy armor," Arya said.
"I have slept in this armor more often than not." As he began to put his boots back on. Things began to settle down as Arya explained what had happened to them a day ago. Taking a seat down where one was offered, Leonde inhaled and exhaled as if his strength had left him. Allowing the elves to listen, Lifaen noted.
"I can see his concern." Turning to address Leonde, "Rest assured we will not underestimate the strength or abilities of these invaders. We will treat with the same caution we would when fighting a Shade."
Leonde seemed to accept it as Nasuada took place directly opposite him across the fire. It gave Leonde some satisfaction; he said that one of the elves noticed it with him relaxing.
"I hail from a distant land, She thinks, despite my assurances to her father Ajihad and The dwarven king, Hrothgar, once we defeat and kill Galbatorix, I will assume the Throne in Uru'Baen. And no matter what I say, she will not be dissuaded otherwise. Her father has sent her here to keep an eye on me."
That finally made Nasuada speak, "It is not that, Dragonheart; my father has sent me here to keep me safe from the conflicts in Surda. I attempted to argue with him that I was more beneficial to him at his side but said I lacked the items he was given by you to protect me from poison and magic."
"Would you like a set of your own?" he asked, point blank.
"Do you have another set?"
"I do, but would you be willing to repay me with a favor?"
"Depending on the favor, I will consider it."
"I would like you to deliver a set to King Orrin of Surda on my behalf and apologize that I can not give it myself."
"Just how many sets of these items do you have?" Nasuada asked.
"Several; I used them to help protect my dearest friends and family."
Thinking about it, she said. "If I do, I will be disobeying my father to keep an eye on you, making sure you do not attempt to convince Eragon and Murtagh to side with you in a bid to take the Throne of Uru'baen if we defeat Galbatorix. How would I justify it to him?"
"Eragon is his vassel; he will be trained by the elves. I will assist in his education, learning the ancient language, which I can not lie in. Ajihad can then ask Eragon for the truth of the matter, and if he wants to confirm, he can also ask Arya. And if he doesn't believe them, well. " Leonde finally started eating.
"It is not my place to reveal another's secrets, but considering how important dragon's are to my people. I feel it would be wise to reveal what you are."
Finishing his meal, Leonde looked over at Arya before finishing his drink. "If you believe that is wise, I will allow you to explain to your kin."
"Odahviing and his kin are unlike the dragons we have known or dealt with; they can speak as we do and even speak their own language. In the ancient past, one dragon named Alduin not only ruled all dragon kind but ruled over Leonde's ancestors forcing them to worship the dragons as cruel gods."
The elves seemed conflicted as they looked between Leonde and Odahviing as Arya continued. "At some point, Alduin was defeated but not slain. When he returned, he attempted to reestablish his dragon empire; Leonde was one of those who rose up to fight Alduin and his dragon forces."
'If Arya only knew the truth.' he thought to himself.
"I am a dragonslayer." He openly admitted to them.
That admission made the Elves look at Leonde with suspicion and suspect. There was also some revilement in some of their eyes. Arya quickly asked, "I do not believe he is a danger to our dragons. Odahviing, Would you please speak of your kin."
It made the elves turn to face the great dragons as he spoke, "My kin are not like the Pets that accept riders. Ages ago in Taazokaan, Tamriel, We Dovah once ruled the Joore, Mortals like man and elf, as their gods."
"We were not gentle, we demanded absolute obedience, and we often fed upon then as they feed upon cattle."
The words reached the ears of the elves as they saw that the dragon recalled those times fondly. Reaching into his pack, Leonde drew out a bronze-colored dagger with a curved blade reaching the handle. It flared out some as one of the elves saw Leonde fingering it. When asked what it was, Leonde said. "Kahvozein's Fang."
"Ah... Kahvozein, I remember him well. He was very fond of jorre, mortal sacrifices."
The look of the elves as they seemed uneasy as Leonde said, "So fond in fact the High Dragon Priest Vokun spend a great deal of time sharping this dagger. So it was always ready for its next inevitable victim. Now it has a supernatural sharpness; with it, I could carve a single scale off a dragon without drawing a drop of blood. Don't ever forget this, unlike the Alagaesian Dragons, Tamriel dragons have total control over their magic, and use it at will. So please, do not annoy my friend Odahviing. I do not feel like trying to explain to your queen why my friend here chose to have an elf for a snack."
The silence was almost painful as the elves were slightly more than unnerved at the idea of Leonde as a Dragonslayer. But more unnerved that Odahviing could actively use his power. Eventually, things did settle down. As the food was served. The elves seemed to be leaving Odahviing alone, who seemed content without being pestered. But with Saphira, Thorn, and Firnen, they seemed to revel in their presence. As they ate, Lifaen pulled out a set of reed pipes and played a tune. The tallest of the elves, one with silvered hair, stood, raising his voice, and sang.
O!
The day is done; the stars are bright;
The leaves are still; the moon is bright!
Laugh at woe and laugh at foe,
The Menoa's Scions now are safe this night!
A forest child we lost to strife;
A Sylvan Daughter caught by light!
Freed of fear and freed of flame,
She tore the Riders from the Shadows Rife!
Again the dragons rise on wing,
And we avenge their suffering!
Strong of blade and strong of arm,
The time is ripe for us to kill a king!
O!
the wind is soft; the river deep;
the trees are tall; the birds do sleep!
Laugh at woe and laugh at foe,
the hour has arrived for joy to reap!
When Nari had finished even Leonde had released the breath that he held. It was a beautiful piece despite his ingrained hatred for elves which he held in check. Leonde would not deny that what elves made was a piece of art. Eragon let out his pent-up breath as he complimented the elf, who was at least to Leonde. Surprisingly modest. Feeling a bit relaxed from his gooseberry wine Leonde said. "Let me see if I can do half as well." Leonde had the attention of the group as Eragon asked.
"You can sing?"
"Well of course. I took lessons at the Bardic college in the city of Solitude. Learning from bards helped improve my use of the Thu'um. Assisting me in enunciating and proper pronunciation. If you ever get the chance. Eragon, Murtagh. The two of you should consider taking bardic lessons. Yes I know that my singing is not perfect." Standing up Leonde cleared his throat a couple of times as he began.
We drink to our youth, to days come and gone.
For the age of Oppression is just about done.
We'll drive out the Empire and restore what we own.
With our blood and our steel we'll take back our home.
Down with Galbatorix the killer of kings.
On the day of your death we'll drink and we'll sing.
We're the children of freedom, and we fight all our lives.
And when the Heavens beckons, every one of us dies!
But this land is ours and we'll see it wiped clean.
Of the scourge that has sullied our hopes and our dreams.
We drink to our youth, to days come and gone.
For the age of Oppression is just about done.
Leonde's voice was deep, not like a drum, but with a deep base tone, while less impressive than Nari's. His voice still projected one of strength, power, and conviction. Still, he was impressive, as Nari said. "You sell yourself short Dragonslayer. With a few more years of work, You might rival some of the best humans I have heard singing. And some of them... could rival the elves."
The compliment simple Leonde to raise his eyebrows in surprise, but he gave a respectful nod from Leonde with a smile.
Thorav, at this point, spoke up. "Very impressive, both of you. But before we are caught up in a contest of voices. There are important matters to discuss. Are we to accompany the riders further?"
"No," Arya said. "You may return home in the morning. We will assure the Dragons, Riders and Leonde reach Ellsemera safely."
Fatigue finally took over Leonde as he slowly stood up to begin laying down his bedroll and asked, "Nasuasa, If it is not an issue, I will get you the items for your return to your father's side in the morning."
"Of course. Rest well, Dragonheart," she said, allowing him much-needed rest. Nasuada could not argue with his logic if her father asked Eragon what he thought of Leonde's intentions. She was sure that Eragon would tell the truth, and even Arya would speak honestly.
She also knew her father would be outraged at her return, but she would weather it as she had done when he found out she had remained in Farthen Dur against his wishes.
Author's note
Thet the Song that Nari Sings is copied directly from the book Eldest. I have tweaked it a touch for the purposes of my story. And the song Leonde sings, Is a variation of the Skyrim Ballad Age of Aggression and Oppression. Mixing the two. Thank you all for your tremendous support.
Oh, a NOTE on Leonde's Ability to Resist the Sethir Oil and Skilna Bragh. Leonde has a Ring of Vitality. A ring you can find in Cyrodill that grants to use 100% resistance to Disease, Poison, and Paralysis. I don't want people to think Leonde is personally unkillable.
