I forgot to mention this the last time because I wanted to get the chapter out as soon as possible. But thank you! I don't like to repeat myself but I never thought that so many would be interested in my story. Thanks to everyone who continues to read, follows/favourites and especially to those that take the time to give this story a review!
I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
Harry turned around and beheld the multitude of dwarf faces that had gathered around them. Their trembling hands pointed towards Eragon and him, while their faces grew pale with dread. Among them, some exhibited stoic visages, as if their features had been carved in stone, devoid of any hint of emotion.
The significance of the ring that was thrown by the hooded dwarf puzzled Harry. It was evident that the ring held great importance, and he hoped that an explanation would soon follow.
When he looked over the numerous dwarf heads, Harry spotted Thorv desperately trying to make his way through the crowd. He caught his partner's attention and looked at her expectantly.
Artemis's blue eyes sparkled. The wide passageways did not restrict her from spreading her wings, and she easily towered over the dwarves, extending her neck forward and emitted a loud, warning growl.
The dwarves that were blocking their path looked up at her in alarm and jumped aside, overcome with fear.
Artemis, feeling satisfied, exhaled a plume of smoke from her nostrils, its wisps drifting lazily above their heads. Harry, unable to contain his amusement, emitted a soft snort, his eyes gleamed with a mixture of mirth and anticipation.
With Thorv leading the way, the group moved forward in unison, their steps echoing through the passageways of the city. He guided them through the remaining tiers of the city, winding through narrow passageways and ascending staircases until, at last, they arrived at a massive gate. The gate, a testament to the dwarven craftsmanship, exuded strength, and richness. As they stepped beyond its threshold, the gate promptly swung shut, its heavy metallic clang echoing through the air, which sealed off their path.
Thorv led them to a vast backyard, where three banquet tables adorned with lanterns and banners had been meticulously arranged. A group of dwarves stood expectantly before the tables, clearly awaiting their arrival. The foremost figure sported a grey beard and was clothed in wolf's fur.
He opened his arms in a welcoming gesture and spoke, "Welcome to Tarnag, the cherished home of the Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn! We have heard the tales of your valour, Eragon Shadeslayer, and yours too, Harry Potter. While I haven't had the opportunity to witness it firsthand, I eagerly anticipate my journey to Tronjheim to lay my eyes upon the newly restored Isidar Mithrim."
The dwarf then inclined his head and continued with gentle eyes, "My name is Ûndin, son of Derûnd, and I serve as the chief of my clan, the Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn."
Standing beside Ûndin, another dwarf stepped forward. His muscular frame bore the marks of a seasoned warrior. His penetrating black eyes darted from Eragon to Harry, who met his gaze impassively.
"And I, Gannel, son of Orm Blood-ax, hold the title of chief of Dûrgrimst Quan," he proclaimed, his voice carried an air of authority and confidence.
Artemis, stood tall beside Harry, exuding an air of regal poise, her gaze steady and unwavering. While the lack of acknowledgment might have bothered her, she remained composed, her gaze meeting Ûndin's and Gannel's without wavering.
A faint twinge of disappointment tugged at Harry as he observed the lack of courtesy Ûndin and Gannel displayed towards Artemis and Saphira. Despite this realization, he mustered a forced smile and spoke, "Artemis and I genuinely appreciate your kind words and the exceptional hospitality you have shown to the both of us."
A mischievous gleam danced in Harry's eyes as he keenly observed the discomfort among the dwarves. His intentional emphasis did not go unnoticed by anyone present.
"Y-Yes," Ûndin stumbled, while he nervously tugged at his beard and attempted to divert the attention. He gestured towards the banquet tables and turned his focus to Eragon. "As a new member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum we have arranged a feast in your honour, Eragon. If you allow our servants to guide you to your quarters, you can freshen up before joining us."
Eragon expressed his gratitude with a nod and was about to follow the servants when Harry placed a firm hand on his shoulder, halting his progress. Harry's expression was sombre, and a hint of determination seeped into his voice.
"Hold on a minute, Eragon," Harry interjected, his gaze firmly fixed on Ûndin. "Before you leave us, I want to know the significance of the ring."
Gannel and Ûndin exchanged puzzled glances. "What ring?" Ûndin queried, furrowing his brow.
The answer came swiftly, as Orik extended his hand, revealing the iron ring nestled in his palm. Ûndin's eyes widened, and with great caution, he raised the ring to eye level, cradling it delicately between his thumb and forefinger.
"Who gave this to you?" he inquired, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It was Az Sweldn Rak Anhûin, and they threw it at Eragon's feet," Orik responded, his tone laced with a sense of darkness.
Horror washed over the faces of the dwarves as they processed this revelation. Harry observed Ûndin's advisors murmuring anxiously in his ears, but the chief waved them off and shook his head. He closed his hand around the ring, concealing it within his pocket.
"This is not the appropriate time or place for such discussions," Ûndin began, sensing Harry's anticipation. Harry raised an eyebrow in a demanding manner, silently urging Ûndin to continue.
Upon seeing his gaze, the dwarf coughed awkwardly in his hand. "However, given the extraordinary circumstances, you have the right to know the significance of this ring. And you will soon know, but please be patient. The situation is a very serious one and you must trust us for the moment."
Ûndin's face twisted into a grimace as Arya stepped forward. "I must agree with Harry. I am well aware of the hostility of the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, but I must admit of my limited knowledge of your traditions, Ûndin," Arya explained.
"Rightly so, elf," Gannel grumbled, his voice barely audible as it blended into his beard.
Arya held Gannel's gaze with an unwavering stare, causing the dwarf to shift uncomfortably and avert his eyes. Arya's presence commanded respect, and even the proud chief of Dûrgrimst Quan couldn't help but yield to her authority.
"The decision of whether we remain in Tarnag to ensure our safety must be made swiftly. Otherwise, we will depart for Du Weldenvarden immediately. Therefore, speak, Gannel, and shed light on the significance of this ring," Arya declared, her tone left no room for ambiguity.
Ûndin nodded in agreement with Arya's stance. "Though our viewpoints often differ, I must concur with you this time, Arya. Before any decisions are made concerning your stay, you all deserve to know the full story. Please, follow me and take a seat," he said.
The dwarf turned on his heel and led the group towards the grand banquet tables. With a gesture of his hand, he indicated the chair to his right. "Please, have a seat, Eragon."
Baldr and Orik settled beside Eragon, their expressions clouded with displeasure. Across from them, Arya and Harry took their places, anticipation and concern etched on their faces.
Gannel found his seat to the left of Ûndin and mirrored the sombre mood that had settled upon the gathering. The weight of the impending revelation was palpable in the air.
"Now that we are all seated, I shall provide the answers you seek," Ûndin began, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. Harry nodded slowly; his gaze fixed on Ûndin. "What is the meaning of the ring?" he inquired.
"To explain this, I have to start at the beginning. The Knurlagn you met are the victims of a bloody and extremely sad story."
Ûndin's wrinkles deepened as he remembered the old days. "Before Galbatorix slaughtered the Riders, their clan was one of the wealthiest and most influential families in our kingdom."
The dwarf released a weary sigh, his exhaustion evident. "They amassed their wealth through trade with the cities that now reside in Surda. This granted them significant influence among our people."
Harry's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Did no other clan engage in trade with the humans?"
Ûndin nodded, providing an answer to Harry's query. "Certainly, other clans ventured into trade. Our dwarven territories were not as confined to the Beor Mountains as they are now. However, Anhûin's clan possessed something else - that surpassed all the gold they had accumulated."
Ûndin leaned forward and locked eyes with Eragon, who listened intently, eager to uncover the truth.
"Anhûin was the sole Grimstcarvlorss to have forged a bond of friendship with Vrael, the then-leader of the Dragon Riders. This friendship cultivated a deep loyalty within these dwarves towards the Dragon Riders," Ûndin revealed, his voice carried a mixture of reverence and sorrow.
Ûndin slumped back in his chair, his gaze turning distant and hollow. "When Galbatorix and his foresworn attacked what was then known as Ilirea, Anhûin complied with Vrael's plea and sent her mightiest warriors in battle."
Sadness broke through Ûndin's voice. "Friends, brothers and sisters… It did not matter to them, and they were all slain by Galbatorix and his followers in a single battle. Many of our greatest warriors died that day and of the once mighty clan, only Grimstcarvlorss Anhûin and her guards survived." Ûndin's voice broke and Gannel took over.
"Anhûin soon died of grief, and her men took the name of Az Sweldn rak Anhûin - the Tears of Anhûin - covering their faces to remind themselves of their loss and their desire for revenge."
Deep in thought, Harry furrowed his brow. The plight that befell the dwarves of the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin was undeniably tragic, and he could empathize with their desire for revenge.
However, he firmly believed that neither he nor Eragon bore any responsibility for those past events. It was a chapter of history that occurred before their time, and if the dwarves sought retribution, their anger should be directed towards Galbatorix and Morzan, not them.
After he calmed down, Ûndin scowled at his plate. "They rebuilt the clan over the decades, and they've been waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge since that day."
"But Galbatorix is too far away and too powerful for that," Harry whispered softly under his breath, so that no one could hear him. While no dwarf noticed his remark, Arya glanced at him from his side. It was obvious that she heard him.
The old dwarf pointed his wrinkled finger at Eragon's helmet. "And now two Dragon Riders have appeared, and one of them even bears Hrothgar's mark. No matter what you have done in Farthen Dûr, it is the ultimate insult to them. Hence the ring. It means that Dûrgrimst Az Sweldn rak Anhûin will do everything in their power to oppose you. They have set themselves against you utterly, declared themselves blood enemies."
"I see…Will they harm us while we remain in Tarnag?" Harry questioned the dwarf sharply.
Ûndin hesitated for a moment and exchanged a worried look with Gannel, but then uttered a gruff laugh that was, perhaps, louder than the occasion warranted.
"Not even they would not dare to attack a guest. They just want you to go away. Far way."
Artemis lifted her head and looked into Harry's face with strong eyes. She mentally nudged him, and he let her in.
"Do you believe him?"
Harry shook his head. "No, he is lying. You saw the worried looks they exchanged. We shouldn't stay here too long … I have a feeling the worst is yet to come."
Restlessly, Harry tossed and turned in bed as the first rays of dawn streamed in through the open window. Realizing that sleep eluded him, he resigned himself to the wakefulness of the night. Rubbing his weary eyes, he peered out at the vastness of the lake Az Ragni, where the growing light of dawn illuminated the clear sky, which allowed him to still discern individual stars.
Unconsciously he clenched his hands and took deep breaths. Not content with Ûndin's explanation, Harry wanted to find out more about the dwarves who belonged to the Az Sweldn Rak Anhûin. Retrieving a vial of potion from his pouch, he placed it securely in his coat pocket, and stepped out of his room.
Navigating the narrow corridors was no easy task and Harry had to stoop, mindful of the low ceilings that were not designed with humans in mind. It took some effort to avoid bumping his head on the ceiling as he made his way towards the outside.
Once he finally emerged into the open, a deep sigh escaped his lips. Before him lay the two slumbering dragons, their magnificent forms a sight to behold. Harry approached Artemis cautiously, but his footsteps upon the gravel betrayed his presence. Artemis's ears twitched, and she lazily opened one of her beautiful blue eyes.
"You look tired," she uttered wearily.
Harry gently caressed her cheek with his fingers. "I am tired…I couldn't sleep," he admitted.
She lifted her head slightly and narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you up to?"
Harry revealed the vial containing the potion, and Artemis snorted in disgust upon glimpsing its contents. "I can smell it through the glass. Put it away," she demanded, and shook her head in disdain.
"I won't be gone for long. If the others inquire about my whereabouts, you know where to find me," Harry replied with a grin, nodding towards the towering gate they had entered through the previous day.
Artemis nodded slowly. "Be careful. I don't trust the way these dwarves are treating us."
Harry opened his cloak, revealing the shimmering silver of his Invisibility Cloak. "I am prepared," he assured her, and Artemis nudged his forehead affectionately.
"Take care nonetheless, little one," she murmured, and with that, she closed her eyes and Harry made his way swiftly to the gate where a lone dwarf stood on guard.
"Good morning," Harry greeted the dwarf, who looked up at him with a perplexed expression. "Good morning, Rider. What brings you here in the early hours of this morning?" the dwarf inquired.
Harry glanced from the dwarf to the gate and replied, "I would like to explore more of Tarnag."
The dwarf's eyes widened, and he regarded Harry with suspicion. Clad in a robe and holding a peculiar two-handed wooden shaft with sword blades attached to either side, the dwarf tightened his grip on his weapon. "Grimstborith Gannel has commanded that no one may pass through these gates," the dwarf explained, his voice tinged with caution.
Harry raised an eyebrow in amusement, and responded, "I am well aware of that. After all, I was present during the talks."
The dwarf began to protest, but before he could utter another word, Harry swiftly drew his wand and released a red beam of light that struck the dwarf. Within moments, the dwarf crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Harry tugged firmly on the dwarf's brown beard, extracting a single hair.
"What are you doing?" a stern voice interrupted.
It was Baldr. The dwarf regarded Harry with suspicion upon seeing the unconscious dwarf before him. "Would you believe that he simply tripped and hit his head on the ground?" Harry asked hopefully.
Baldr shook his head. "No. While there are certainly clumsy dwarves among us, our heads are as resilient as stone. Explain yourself, Harry Potter!"
Harry proceeded to explain his desire to learn more about the Az Sweldn Rak Anhûin, but Baldr interrupted, shaking his head. "They may have instigated a blood feud with you, but the law of hospitality shields you. Every dwarf must abide by it. You have nothing to fear." Baldr's voice didn't fill Harry with confidence.
Harry's resolve remained firm. "That may be true, Baldr, but I still wish to uncover their true intentions. I doubt we will be left undisturbed in the coming days," he asserted.
Baldr nodded, a hint of desperation evident in his beard-stroking. "I share your concerns, Harry. However, how do you plan to navigate through Tarnag? Everywhere you go, you will be recognized. It will not go unnoticed if you continue incapacitating dwarves."
Harry's expression turned dark, and he produced the potion. Opening the vial, a putrid stench filled his nostrils as he allowed the single hair of the dwarf's beard to drop into the potion. Almost instantly, the Polyjuice Potion began to bubble, transforming into a hideous yellow color.
"To your health," Harry muttered, pinched his nose with his fingers as he downed the potion in one gulp.
Impatiently, Harry tugged at the robe he was wearing, feeling frustrated. "I have no idea how they can stand wearing something like this," he remarked, annoyance evident in his voice.
Baldr walked beside Harry, and shook his head, observing the young Rider who now stood at his height, disguised as a dwarf with a long brown beard and the attire of the Dûrgrimst Quan. "Believe me I am not fond of the dwarves from the Dûrgrimst Quan either, Harry," Baldr commented, and together they passed through the gate. The streets were eerily empty.
"Even at this early hour, it feels unusually deserted," Baldr remarked, a hint of concern in his voice.
Harry nodded in agreement and proceeded down one of the side streets when Baldr suddenly pulled him back, hiding him behind a nearby house. "What's wrong?" Harry asked, and peered in the direction Baldr was pointing to.
With wide eyes, Baldr whispered, "There! Look!"
Harry followed Baldr's gaze and caught sight of a figure dressed in black slipping into a nearby house. Unable to discern their face, Harry inquired, "Who was that?"
"I could recognize that face everywhere. It was Grimstborith Nado," Baldr growled, his voice filled with animosity. "Your instincts are sharp, Harry. We must find out why he is here in Tarnag."
Cautiously, they approached the house where the mysterious dwarf had disappeared.
They pushed open the door, which revealed a scene that left Harry unsettled. Chairs and tables had been rearranged, that created a large open space where dozens of dwarves had congregated in a crescent formation. Their attention was fixed on a single dwarf, dressed similarly to the one who had thrown the ring at them the previous day. His face was concealed beneath long purple cloth.
Harry's gaze scanned the crowd, noting the multitude of dwarves gathered there. Baldr's voice seethed with anger, "Dwarves of the Dûrgrimst Quan and the Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn! I wonder if Grimstborith Gannel and Grimstborith Ûndin know the kind of company their clanmates keep."
Abruptly, the hooded dwarf shouted something in dwarven, eliciting cheers from the assembled dwarves. Scores of them grabbed their weapons and rushed outside.
"What's happening?" Harry demanded; his voice laced with concern.
Baldr pursed his lips, his expression grave. "Nothing good. They intend to incite unrest and spread falsehoods. They claim that you and Eragon have come to seize control of the city."
Harry groaned audibly, inadvertently attracting the attention of a few dwarves. Suddenly, a dwarf approached him, speaking rapidly in dwarven and enthusiastically embraced Harry.
"Who are you?" Harry frowned, and glanced at Baldr, only to find the dwarf had vanished from his sight.
"Why do you speak the wretched tongue of men, Dain?" the dwarf before him asked, and scowled disapprovingly.
"I spoke to the Dragon Rider of the white dragon earlier, and we had a lengthy conversation. He uttered some strange words, and my head has been spinning ever since," Harry calmly explained. "When I heard about this gathering, I hurried as fast as I could."
"Good of you, Dain. I worry about what that Rider might have done to you. Do you think it was magic? I'm relieved that some dwarves from the Dûrgrimst Quan are here," the dwarf replied, his eyes were gleaming with gleeful excitement, which caused Harry to swallow hard.
"I don't believe it was magic. The dwarves from the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum were close by," Harry replied quickly.
The dwarf erupted in a furious roar, causing Harry to take a step back in surprise. "Barzûl knurlar! Who do these dwarves think they've brought into our city? We won't let them take it from us. It is our home!"
With those words, the dwarf strode past Harry and joined the others outside. Harry took a deep breath, but the tickling sensation of the beard in his nose caused him to sneeze.
Someone tugged at his arm, and it was Baldr with a somber expression. "I do not know where Nado disappeared to. Come on, we must leave this place," Baldr whispered urgently. "We have little time before the riots commence. We must reach the safety of the gates before it's too late."
Harry hastened to follow Baldr's lead, his robe billowing behind him. "But what about Nado? We should find out why he's here," Harry insisted.
Baldr glanced back briefly but shook his head. "Trust me, I will report this to Hrothgar. The mystery surrounding Nado's presence in Tarnag, coinciding with your arrival, won't remain unanswered for long. However, our safety takes precedence, especially yours," Baldr stated, throwing Harry a meaningful glance.
They sprinted through the narrow streets, dodging projectiles hurled by the pursuing dwarves. Baldr instinctively ducked as an empty jug narrowly missed his head. "By Helzvog, why are they throwing things at us?!" he exclaimed, glancing sideways at Harry.
Baldr looked up in disbelief and noticed that Harry's dwarven beard had vanished, and his eyes had reverted to their familiar green hue. While the robe still hung loosely on Harry's frame, it now resembled more of a rather short dress than the religious robe of the Dûrgrimst Quan.
Amidst the chaos, a cacophony of screams erupted as a group of hooded dwarves from the Az Sweldn Rak Anhûin clan bellowed after them. Harry swiftly formulated a plan, pulled Baldr into a side street and draped his Invisibility Cloak over both of them.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Baldr protested, his voice filled with confusion.
"Quiet and stay still," Harry whispered urgently, and guided Baldr near the wall of a nearby house.
The horde of dwarves raced past them, their footsteps fading into the distance. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "How is this possible?" Baldr asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.
Harry grinned mischievously but spoke in a hushed tone, "It's an invisibility cloak, my friend. Just as the name suggests, it conceals us from their prying eyes. Let's hope our secret hideout remains undiscovered."
Baldr nodded, his gaze fixed on the remaining dwarves as they continued their oblivious pursuit, passing right by the concealed duo as if they were part of the wall. "Come," Baldr whispered, and motioned for Harry to follow. "While they search for us, we'll make our way back. With any luck, we'll reach our destination before they do."
Harry nodded and had to stoop down once more as the effects of the Polyjuice Potion wore off. The journey back to the gate took longer than expected, as the streets had become congested with dwarves.
They pushed open the gate just in the nick of time, narrowly evading the approaching pack of dwarves. "That was a close call," Harry chuckled, and removed the Invisibility Cloak.
"Where have you been?!" a voice demanded, which caused a shiver to run down Harry's spine. He turned slowly, his heart pounding, and found himself face to face with Artemis. To his dismay, the voice belonged to Arya, who stood beside her, her eyes filled with a dark intensity.
"Um... Hello, Arya," Harry tried to smile, but his voice was faltering as he met her angry gaze.
"I hope your dragon will protect us," Baldr murmured quietly, his words tinged with apprehension.
Arya's emerald eyes sparkled with intensity as she fixed her gaze upon Harry and Baldr, who awkwardly rose from their positions on the floor. A leather headband strip encircled her brow, restraining her voluminous black hair, which tumbled behind her shoulders in a lustrous cascade. She crossed her arms and looked at them expectantly.
"Where have you been?" she demanded; her voice laced with annoyance.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, feeling slightly flustered. "You have to understand, Arya, it was purely coincidental that Baldr ended up with me. He had nothing to do with it."
"I didn't ask why Baldr was with you," Arya retorted sharply. "I want to know where you both disappeared to. No one has seen you since yesterday, Harry, and Artemis has been tight-lipped about it."
"Thank you, Artemis. I will ask the dwarves if they can provide you with the biggest Feldûnost they have," Harry promised, glancing appreciatively at the dragon.
Artemis's blue eyes sparkled mischievously. "And I want you to give my scales a thorough scrub. There's a significant amount of dirt that requires your attention."
Harry swallowed and nodded in agreement. Artemis snorted happily and simultaneously tousled Arya's hair, which caused her to turn in surprise towards the dragoness.
Arya sighed softly and placed her hands on her hips. "Come on, Harry. I'd like to show you something. You can share the details of your quest along the way," she said, turning to Baldr for a moment. "Baldr, Orik has been searching for you. While we were looking for Harry, we stumbled upon an unconscious dwarf in his room. I'm certain Orik is waiting for you there."
"Then I better make my way there as swiftly as my short legs can carry me, Vanyali," Baldr called out, already charging off.
Harry snorted in amusement and followed Arya's lead as she began walking, her purposeful strides urging him to catch up.
Suddenly she stopped and looked over her shoulder at Harry. Her eyes lit up as she looked him up and down and her lips curled into a delighted smile. "Harry, maybe it would be better if you changed your clothes first," Arya said, smiling.
Harry looked down at himself, still wearing his robes, which stopped short just above his knees.
"Thank you," Harry said with a red face, transfiguring his robes into comfortable clothing.
Arya then inquired, "Will you tell me now, how you managed to bypass the guards from the gate?"
Harry walked next to her. "I have no idea what you're referring to."
Arya halted and furrowed her brow. "I have keen eyes, Harry. When I arrived with Artemis, you suddenly appeared alongside Baldr. How did you accomplish it?"
Harry's shoulders slumped in resignation. "I will explain, but not here." He could feel the weight of curious eyes on him as they passed a group of dwarves, but Arya paid them no heed.
Arya nodded, her eyes lit up with curiosity. "You are right. We shall discuss it as soon as we have left Tarnag then."
"I Promise," Harry responded with a smirk, pleasantly surprised as Arya returned his expression with a soft smile.
They strolled together through the town, and once again, Harry was struck by the wealth the dwarves were adorned with. Tronjheim was also wonderful, but they didn't present their wealth like this.
Harry frowned as he remembered the terrible equipment of the Varden.
"How is it that the soldiers here are adorned in splendid armor, while the Varden fought the Urgals with cloth armor and pickaxes?" Harry questioned her, his curiosity piqued.
Arya took a deep breath, her gaze wandering across the bustling streets. "The riches you see here have been accumulated through years of plundering by their own people."
Harry furrowed his brow, seeking further clarification. "What do you mean by that?"
"You must understand that Dûrgrimst Quan is the smallest among the thirteen dwarven clans. However, none of the clans possess the same level of power and influence as they do," Arya explained, her voice tinged with a mix of contemplation and concern.
As they passed a group of priests, Arya's expression grew serious. "To showcase their power, they constructed Celbedeil. Grimstborith Gannel would tell you that Celbedeil was built at the behest of their gods."
A dark shadow crossed Arya's eyes, and her tone turned somber. "But if it's true that the gods commission us to construct such monuments in their memory... then we are all destined for doom."
Celbedeil stood at the pinnacle of the city, perched atop a symmetrical mound of vibrant green grass and blooming flowers. The temple's outer walls were adorned with cascading ivy, adding to its grandeur.
At the pinnacle of the temple, a magnificent dome of white and gold commanded their attention, shimmering like polished moonstone. Surrounding the temple were expansive grounds adorned with mosaic paths. The air was filled with a celestial fragrance, a delicate blend of flowers and incense.
When they stepped inside, Harry and Arya were greeted by a sight of awe-inspiring craftsmanship. The multi-storied interior walls were a testament to the dwarves' wealth, adorned with flawlessly inlaid gems of various colors, while accents of pearl and silver added to the exquisite detailing. The play of light on the gemstones created a dazzling spectacle, captivating the eye and leaving one breathless.
As they walked further, they passed statues of various hues rising towards the towering dome. Brown, blue, and red figures stood as representations of the dwarves' mythological gods.
"These statues depict their gods according to dwarven mythology," Arya elucidated, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue.
A flicker of amusement danced in Harry's eyes upon hearing Arya's description of the dwarven gods. Curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but ask, "Do elves believe in gods?"
Pausing in front of a massive bronze door, Arya turned to him, her eyebrow raised in curiosity.
"No, we do not," she replied firmly. "For us elves, there is no compelling reason to believe in any deities. Throughout the existence of Alagaёsia, there hasn't been a shred of evidence proving their existence. So why should we believe in something we have no concrete knowledge of?"
Harry nodded, a sense of understanding washing over him. "That makes sense."
Arya's eyebrow raised further in disbelief. "You agree with me?" she asked, slightly taken aback. "I would have thought that humans, generally, believe in a single deity. I recall them referring to him as Angvard," Arya mentioned, her voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty.
"I lost faith in a god at a young age," Harry confessed, his gaze lingered on the face of a statue bent over a piece of gray flint.
"If there truly are deities who shaped our world and possess the power to intervene, I wouldn't want to live where I am merely a puppet in the hands of higher powers. My fate should belong to me alone. No one else," Harry declared, his voice firm and resolute.
Arya nodded in understanding, her eyes reflecting a shared sentiment. She turned to the large bronze door, gracefully opening it for them to proceed.
Harry scanned the room and spotted Eragon engaged in conversation with Gannel at the far end. Arya nudged him with her shoulder, drawing his attention.
He turned to her, and she subtly gestured towards the outside. Through the open archway, he caught a glimpse of the mountains surrounding Tarnag, and as he glanced downward, he admired the tiered structure of the city built around the estuary of Az Ragni.
However, it was the massive painting on the inner wall of the gallery that truly captivated Harry's gaze. The artwork depicted the origins of Alagaёsia, portraying the creation of the first dwarves from stone and the legendary dwarf king, Korgan, forging the war-hammer Volund from molten rock. He followed the narrative of the painting, with Arya by his side, as it showcased the arrival of the elves across the sea and their settlement in Du Weldenvarden.
He stopped and his eyes widened as the thousand little mosaic stones represented the image of an elf with a dead dragon.
"Du Fyrn Skulblaka," Arya explained quietly. "The beginning of one of the bloodiest wars that would ever take place in Alagaёsia. Only with Eragon, the first Dragon Rider, were our people given the means to settle a pact between the dragons and my people. A pact that still exists to this day and that you are part off."
Harry raised his hand and pulled off his glove. The Gedwёy Ignasia shimmered in a faint light. It was impressive to see generations fighting for the peace in Alagaёsia.
He closed his hand in a fist and closed his eyes. And it was all taken in a single battle.
"Is that-?" Harry whispered, as his eyes followed the pictures of the painting.
A young elf was shown kneeling on the edge of a cliff, holding a white dragon egg in his arms.
"Yes, this is Eragon, the first Rider," Arya confirmed. Her eyes gleamed in the dim light of the sun.
The elf had angled eyes that peered down, a hooked nose and narrow chin, giving him a fierce appearance. His shoulders were high, and tense while he looked down at the egg in his hands.
"I won't let your inheritance end like this," Harry said softly.
"What happened to him?" Harry turned and questioned Arya, but her face turned to a cold expression as Eragon and Gannel joined them.
Arya inclined her head towards them.
"Gannel."
"Arya." Gannel visibly frowned when he looked at her.
"Have you changed your mind or why did you come here?" Gannel grunted.
Arya smiled. "Not at all. I just wanted to show Harry this painting. Nowhere else is the flow of things represented as it is here."
Her eyes swept to the beginning as the dwarves of Helzvog were formed from the stone.
"Even if some... mistakes mar the luster of the painting."
Gannel's features hardened and he tightened his grip on his sword.
"Your belief is the only one fault, Elf," Gannel growled. "By the sacrifices of my clan alone we secured the comfort of our brothers and sisters! Rivers and lakes would overflow. Our fields would dry up!"
Gannel's face flushed red with anger. "Our prayers alone prevent arousing the wrath of the gods! And you dare to call us weak minded fools?"
Arya's smile vanished. Her slanted eyes narrowed, and she looked down at Gannel with a cold gaze.
"While your brethren risk their lives and support the Varden, you hide in the shadow of the mountains. Even if you don't fight, your accumulated wealth can be used to distribute to the needy and hungry. The Varden need all the help they can get, but you prefer to consult with your gods rather than act."
Red spots broke out on Gannel's pale face.
"Ha! First the Varden just want a shelter, but then we give them our hand and they take all our gold-!"
Harry narrowed his eyes at the dwarf. "If you don't intend to help, well, it's your own business. But if the Varden go to war against Galbatorix and lose, there will be nothing left to protect you from the dark king."
Harry glanced at the images, where a black dragon soared into the raging dark sky, marking the beginning of the Dragon Riders' decline.
"And no gold in the world will protect you from Galbatorix. It might take a year, maybe more, but he will come for you and your precious gold. I promise you that."
Gannel opened his mouth, but no words came out. Filled with anger, he turned around and closed the door with a loud bang.
"Did you have to say it like that? If you keep it up, we'll soon have more enemies than friends!" Eragon snapped.
Harry chuckled when he saw Eragon's shocked face.
"Do you really think that Gannel and Ûndin will support you or the Varden? You saw their reactions when the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin declared themselves as your blood enemies."
Harry shook his head. "They are afraid, and you won't get any help from either of them. I have learned that not everyone will be your ally, especially when you seek help from them. And I don't think I want the help of a group that believes their prayers are the reason for the mercy of the gods."
Arya stepped forward as Eragon slumped his shoulders.
"We'll accompany you back and then you should prepare for the journey, Eragon. We'll leave early in the morning. The earlier we go, the sooner things can calm down," Arya said.
Eragon nodded. "It will be good to finally be able to ride a horse again."
Harry grinned. "Do you really think we're travelling with horses?"
Arya turned to him. "Orik told me that a force of soldiers is to accompany us at Hrothgar's request."
"Then Orik must prepare to fly the rest of the way. Artemis has agreed to fly with you," Harry said to Arya.
Warmth surged up in Arya and she smiled slightly. She didn't think she would fly again any time soon.
"And I don't think we should waste valuable time just fulfilling King Hrothgar's favor. I'm sure he will understand."
When they left, Harry cast a last glance towards the beginning of the panting. In the picture a dwarf was shown, which had emerged from a large wolf. He was clad in full armor and carried a hammer bearing a symbol.
Harry's eyes had widened slightly when he saw the symbol. It was the second set of runes Madame Pomfrey had taught him after the Norse runes. The Rune inscribed in the wall was the Greek letter for Kappa.
Harry did not have any troubles to get up early again. Arya and Orik had decided that they wanted to leave Tarnag while there were still a few dwarves on the road.
"I don't like this at all. Dwarves are not supposed to fly in the air," Orik grumbled in dissatisfaction. The first rays of the sun came through the Beorg Mountains and reflected on the surface of the lake.
Harry raised an eyebrow and slapped the grumpy dwarf on his back.
"Think of it this way, Orik. As far as I know you'll be the first dwarf to fly on a dragon," Harry smiled.
Orik glanced over at Eragon, who was busy preparing their saddle.
"Doesn't mean I have to like it," Orik grumbled. He picked up his backpack and walked over to Eragon.
Harry stood next to Baldr with a smile, as he watched Artemis as she eagerly moved her wings in anticipation of their flight to Du Weldenvarden.
"I am glad to have met you, Harry. I will count the days until I see you and Arya again," Baldr smiled and embraced Harry with firmly.
Harry stiffened in surprise but then quickly leaned down and returned the hug.
"Do not worry, Baldr. It won't be long until we see each other again," Harry told the dwarf.
The dwarf's brow furrowed as he responded to Harry. "You make a valid point, Harry. It's always wise to be cautious. One can never be certain which stone an Urgal might be lurking behind."
Baldr's gaze shifted towards Arya with a hint of worry, as she engaged in a quiet conversation with Artemis. "Harry, I implore you to take care of her. I don't believe she's prepared to return just yet."
Harry frowned at the dwarves words. "What do you mean-?"
"Harry!"
Arya and Artemis stood there, waiting for Harry. He turned around, but Baldr was waving him on.
"Go, Harry. Just promise me you will look after her."
Harry nodded and grasped Baldr's outstretched hand firmly. "There is no need for a promise. She is my friend, Baldr and I look after them."
Baldr grunted happily. "Thank you, Harry."
"Are you two ready?" Artemis asked as Harry sat in the front of the saddle.
Arya nodded, her eyes bright with excitement, and held onto Harry with her arms.
"Let's fly," she said, and Harry grinned at her.
"We are ready!" Harry shouted and Eragon waved at him. The next moment, Artemis rose and pushed herself off the ground.
Knurlagn - Men
Barzûl knurlar - Curse them
The part about the different runes will be explained at some point (hopefully I will be able to make sense of it), because things will slowly start to be different from the books.
