I apologize for the lateness of the chapter.
Rise of the Dragons
Chapter 13
Legacies of the Pinewood City Pt 2
Thankfully, things had smoothed out considerably after the incident with Eragon's issue with Urgals. For most, Leonde seemed primarily interested in listening to those around him. The smell of cooking food intrigued him. While he found little beauty in the elves themselves. Even he could not deny the beauty of their craftsmanship; it felt good to be off his feet as he rested.
For the most part, the Elves seemed content to leave him alone, and he, in turn, was content to be left alone. He watched as Eragon and Murtagh were approached by many elves, plying them with questions about their adventures. But saved the bulk of their questions for Arya, Firnen, Saphira, and Thorn. A few of them had dared to approach Odahviing. The snarl the great Dovah gave them made Leonde smirk as they apologized and withdrew. Odahviing seemed more annoyed that they apologized than their approach.
Sindri had asked about this of Leonde. "Dragons in Skyrim are solitary creatures. The only times I ever saw more than one together was when Alduin sent them to kill me or they were fighting over territory."
"Alduin, what was he like? Like Odahviing in size." Leonde took a drink of his Faelnirv, and all he could do was close his eyes and shake his head.
"No, larger, far, far larger." Looking over at Odahviing and then the Dragons of the riders, he said. Comparing the size of the dragons, Leonde said, "Comparing the size of the rider's dragons to Odahviing's size. Alduin would be far larger still than Odahviing."
Sindri shivered as she said, "He sounds larger than Rigmar the Black. The greatest Dragon ever to be known."
Leonde looked at Sindri quizzically. He was genuinely curious about her during the journey after the incident near Sílthrim. Lifaen had become borderline confrontational. Nari had been keenly observant. Observing everything Leonde did and said. When he went into the forest to tend to personal matters, he passed Nari, asking him, "Do you wish to accompany me and observe while I relieve myself?" It got a laugh out of Orik that caused the Dwarf to fall off the log he was sitting on.
Sindri had been the exception. She was almost twice Arya's age and was keenly interested in Leonde's Magic. Not just the regular magic he used, like fireballs or shield spells. But also the Thu'um. She was genuinely interested in learning something... new. She paid attention when he taught the riders new spells and cautioned them on the dangers of some of them. The shock cloak, such as getting splashed with water or walking into the water, would cause it to explode, often through the caster's body, so he seldom used it himself. Flame Cloak and Frost Cloak were his personal choices because they did not have the dispelling effect of a shock cloak. The Next spells he taught were fire, frost, and shock runes. Trap spells. He had made it clear he would lead the riders in what he felt was proper if they chose to share that knowledge. It was their prerogative.
Lost in her eyes, he almost failed to notice the approach of Dathedr, the Elf-lord, and several others. Breaking his gaze from Sindri, he bowed and spoke, "Dathedr-Elda." The drink that he had restored some of the endurance he had spent on the weeks and months helping to educate the riders. The strict formality of the elves helped him as he performed their greeting. He was greeted in return, and finally, he completed it. The courtesy and the need to perform it as best as possible gave him something to focus on other than his feelings of animosity, for which he was grateful.
"Arya had been explaining the use of your magic powers, The Thu'um, and your native magic..."
Leonde realized what he was asking as he said, "You wish a demonstration of my magic?"
"Indeed, I am a dedicated Magician and have extensively studied the art of magic. I am most interested in learning of and understanding yours." He had a pleasant tone, and I would be more than willing to assist you in learning the magic of our lands."
Lifting an eyebrow, "Well then." Leonde said, "I can tell you a little of the history of the Thu'um. The Dovah have always had the ability to shout."
Leonde said as his drink was refilled. He had used the term Dovah so that The elf lord would know which branch he was speaking. "This language is intrinsic to their very being; it is as natural for them to shout as breathing to you. Before Alduin became the ruler of the Dovah, Dovah spoke only in true need, for their voice could blot out the sun and flood the lands. I have that same power. I have used it before to accomplish that against my enemies."
"Indeed," Lord Dathedr spoke firmly. "One time during The Fall, I witnessed a Dragon use magic. They do not have control over their magic. But the effect was undeniable. So I understand."
"Then you can understand when I say I will have to deny any request to simply... display it. Although I assure you, at some point during my stay in Elsemera I will use it." Leonde said, "After the fall of Alduin, Many Nords, the humans of the land, who had rebelled against the dragons. They were aided by the Dovah Paarthunax and he and other sympathetic who taught the Nords the Thu'um so they could over throw the dragon overlords. Went on to conquer Skyrim. Eventually assembling an army to invade another land." The Elves were listening with rapt attention.
"The Nords didn't need siege engines. The voice masters could simply shout open the City gates. So they assembled a great army and invaded the Dwemer or Dwarfs of Red Mountain."
The Elves grew sad as they realized that such a gift was being used for war. "It is sad to see such a gift so horribly misused."
"My investigations of this event revealed they had as few as a hundred and fifty and as many as three hundred masters of the Voice." With a twisted smile, Leonde leaned back,
"But if you feel pity or remorse. Pity the entire Nords, their army was annihilated at the battle of Red mountain." The revelation shocked and surprised the elves as he asked.
"How did the dwemer resist? Well, A great war leader, Jurgen Windcaller, went on a pilgrimage and studied the history of the voice. To understand /how Strong Voices could fail/ He realized that, like the dragons before them who had used their voice to conquer and enslave mankind. The gods had punished the Nords for their arrogant and blasphemous misuse of the voice. He came to realize that the voice was a means of attaining enlightenment, not a means of attaining power. Armed with this new knowledge, he returned and chose silence."
Looking around, Leonde had gathered quite an audience. The looks he saw were of actual interest; he was pleasantly surprised. Many of their faces were inscrutable as they listened to him. The Queen and Arya were listening with great interest. Naturally, so were the dragons.
"According to history, seventeen of the strongest Thu'um masters or Tongues challenged him to combat to prove their points that he was wrong. It is said that Jurgen swallowed the shouts of these Tongues for three days until they lay exhausted. Afterward, they acknowledged his superior skill and wisdom. They traveled with him to the highest slopes of the Throat of the World, where Jurgen set his new home, devoting it to the studies of the Way of the Voice as a philosophy of peace and inner balance."
"While the Greybeards are famed keepers of the Way of the Voice, the core precepts of the philosophy are still reflected in Nordic culture. What constitutes "True Need" may be the subject of debate, but it certainly does not include wars of conquest. It may not even encompass a single individual's survival. So, ever since Jurgen's epiphany, the Nords have mostly abandoned using the voice in offensive warfare."
"But you use the Thu'um for war." Dathedr countered.
"I am Dragonborn."
"And what does this have to do with anything you have said? You have just said the voice was mostly abandoned in offensive warfare." The Queen said.
"The Dragonborn, according to myth and legend and lore. Is sent into the world at times of great need. A Dragonborn is an archetype of Nordic culture, a powerful savior representing everything a Nord should be. It is believed that a Dragonborn's abilities result from being blessed by the God Akatosh and that a Dragonborn is sent to defend mankind from evil. Since that implies that there is a great evil from which mankind needs defending, And there were great evils. The return of Alduin, The Vampire Lord Harkon, The First Dragonborn Miraak, and the Thalmor who sought the extinction of all none elven races."
"Evils so great that only a Dragonborn with the Thu'um at his command can stop it; any use of the thu'um by a Dragonborn is presumed to be done in a time of "True Need." Thus, the Greybeards quickly oblige when a Dragonborn is revealed and requires guidance or training."
Before anyone could interrupt him, he lifted a hand up. "The Thalmor had forced mankind to renounce one of our gods. The treaty allowed them to patrol the Empire and stamp out Talos Worship. They used it to bleed the Empire slowly. If a General would prove a problem if you could arrest him for Talos worship. If you can't, arrest his family and force them to confess. Anyone who disagreed with the Thalmor viewpoints was a possible target."
That made Leonde lift two fingers. "Alduin, The very Dragon who had his kin turn on and enslave the humans had returned. He attacked and destroyed Helgen. A city of ten thousand people. Obliterated in less than ten minutes. I was there personally to witness his arrival. After the destruction, he began to raise his Dovah army once more to retake his position as master of Tamriel." Leonde lifted a third finger.
"Vampires, undead creatures who prey upon the living, sought a way to darken the sun, making it bleed." A fourth finger popped up just as the elves were startled, making Leonde realize they had seen it.
"You saw it. A day that was as cold as night. With the sun bleeding as if an arrow had pierced it's heart, the sky red and filled with waves of blood pouring from it filling the sky as if it had been mortally wounded." Leonde asked as Eragon asked.
"Do you know what happened, what caused it?" He asked. Leonde's reply was a sharp one.
"That is a tale of history for another time. But yes. I know exactly what happened. Suffice to say, I was personally involved. Now it gets even worse. An an ancient Dovah priest had arisen from Exile, seeking to return to Tamriel and Conquer it for himself. To make matters worse. Like me he too was Dragonborn." Making his thumb lift up as well. He lifted his other hand up.
"And the Thalmor, they were not done. They resumed their war against the Empire to crush it once and for all. This time by using dragons enslaved and controlled by magic."
Lifting a new finger up. "The situation was very, very bad. Except for the first Thalmor war, I was personally involved with everything, starting with Alduin's return and attack on Helgen. Anytime I use the Thu'um, it is considered a True Need. Have I always used it wisely? The Gods know I haven't. But... I do not use it... lightly or casually."
He said with an air of finality. "As for my other magic, it has been a long journey. I am tired, fatigued, and, more importantly, hungry."
The last part got a chuckle out of everyone there. By the time Leonde had finished his story, the smell of food had permeated the air. Everyone settled down, allowing the Queen to be seated. Everyone then seated as elves came out with great platters of food. Fresh loaves of bread, various honey cakes. Fruits and vegetables, though fruits dominated the smell of freshly baked bread, were what got him. It was something he always enjoyed.
The Queen was seated at the head of the large table, with Dathedr at her left side, the Riders to her right, and Arya closest to her. Then Eragon and Murtagh. Leonde sat beside Dathedr, with Orik on his other side. Saphira was at the End of the table; Thorn was to her right, and to her left was Firnen. Leonde, for the most part, simply remained quiet, listening to the conversations around him. Gaining insight on the elves.
A number of them debated on what Leonde had said. At some point, Arya said, "Not even Ajihad knows."
"What?"
"Outside Du Weldenvarden, I told no one of my identity. Brom was aware of it -He met me here.- But at my request he kept it secret." She said.
After a few moments, Eragon, who had been studying Arya. "Brom said it was the what the elves didn't say was often more important than what they did say."
"He understood us well." Her responses
"Why then, if it didn't matter if anyone knew?
Leonde chose to voice in at this point. "Eragon, how would you like to be constantly reminded of a painful memory. Like Garrow's death when people speak to you. Plus, if it was found out that Arya was daughter to the Queen. I can imagine the political problems it would cause." As he stabbed a knife into some Apple butter for his loaf of bread, Leonde said.
It made Eragon think about it. He seemed to drop the conversion as he said.
"At least you made up with your mother."
"Did I have a choice?" She asked. A casual glance was made to Leonde, who chose to ignore it. As far as he was concerned. She had to face the consequences of her actions. At this point, Blagden Jumped from Islanzadi's shoulder and strutted down the middle of the table. Bobbing his head right and left in mocking bows before he stopped before the dragons. Uttering a hoarse coughing croak. He faced Firnen.
Dragons, like wagons
have Tongues.
Bouncing and facing Thorn, he said
Dragons, Like Flagons,
Have necks.
Then, turning to face Saphira, he finished.
But while one holds beer,
The other eats deer.
The elves froze with mortified expressions as Leonde only smiled at the audacity of the bird. Instantly, Leonde said. "I like him." People just glared at Leonde as the Dragons lifted their heads up, and as one blew puffs of smoke at Blagden as they said in unison,
/~and little birds too!~/
Projecting their thoughts so all could hear the reply as the elves laughed and Leonde chuckled. After cawing indignantly and flapping the area to clear the air, he strutted back to the Queen.
She apologized for the wretched verse. And despite their attempts to tame it, "He's always had a saucy tongue."
Curiosity overtaking him, Eragon asked, "Where does he come from."
At this point, Arya explained how her father, Evandar, was fighting an Urgal. After he had stumbled, losing his sword, the Raven had attacked the Urgal, plucking out the Urgal's eyes. It allowed her father to win the battle. And having always been generous, he blessed the Raven with spells for Intelligence and long life. And that it had two unforeseen effects. First, Blagden lost all color in his feathers and could predict specific events." That caught Eragon's attention.
"He can see the future?" Eragon asked,
"See, no. But perhaps he can sense what is to come. In any case he always speaks in riddles. Most of which is a fair bit of nonsense. Just remember that if he ever comes to you and tells you something that is not a joke or pun, you would do well to heed his words." Arya said.
At this point, Blagden had hopped to the table and stopped before Leonde. Looking down at the white Raven, both studied the other intently. Blagden spoke. And with each word, Leonde's fast paled. The great Dragon Odahviing, who had heard the verse, lifted his head, baring his fangs. A deep, threatening growl issued from his throat.
By beak and bone
By scrolls old.
Neither here
Nor there
But everywhere.
By Shade's Blood
And Dragon's Sun.
As was foretold
Beware black wings of the cold.
When brothers wage war, they come unfurled.
With a hunger to swallow our world.
The entire assembly was absolutely silent. The reaction that they saw of Leonde made her apprehensive. The growl of Odahviing was the only thing that disturbed the silence. It was as if the great dovah had seen a sworn enemy. Simply watching Blagden. Leonde's blood ran cold as he could feel the hairs on his neck standing up. The sound of Odahviing's growl stopped as Arya was the one who broke the silence.
"Of what does he speak?" Arya said.
The tone of her voice was one of fear and apprehension. Leonde set his knife down as Leonde composed himself. His appetite sated and ruined; he wiped his lips on a napkin as he asked. "What makes you believe I know what he is speaking of?" Leonde asked, tossing the napkin down.
"I have seen you stand against an army of Urgals and Kull. You admitted you were frightened; I believed you. But you, you let none of it show." She said. "You fought against Durza, and he was scared of you. Even when we were ambushed, you never showed fear. You know what Blagden speaks of. And it has you scared, as the humans say; you turned white as a sheet, and of course, you broke the goblet in your hand."
She said as Leonde looked down at his hand holding the remains of the goblet he had been drinking from.
"What Blagden said could mean anything. He may also have the ability to perceive a person's past and the possibility of the future. But yes, I know exactly what he means, and so does Odahviing."
Standing up, Leonde said, "Your Highness. It has been a very long journey; I am exhausted and fatigued. By your leave, may I be shown to a location where I may set my tower down and retire for the night?
With the evening winding down, the Queen stood and said... "Of course." Däthedr surprised him when he approached him,
"I will escort you to where we will keep honored Guests. I am eager to see this magical tower of yours be erected." Leonde was led off; as he left the table, he turned to Odahviing and asked.
"Will you accompany me, my friend? We have much to discuss tonight before I sleep."
The great Dovah stood up and began to move across the area, stepping over the dinner table as Leonde and Odahviing moved off for the night.
Being escorted to an area near where they would house honored guests.
Not really paying attention, he knew what Blagden meant. The idea that Alduin could return... terrified him.
Odahviing gave a deep-throated growl, "You proved your strength over the firstborn twice, and you have grown more powerful. You will best him yet again should he return."
"You really believe he could?"
"With Alduin, nothing is certian."
"From what I understand, you have slain This Alduin," Däthedr spoke,
"A powerful magical artifact cast Alduin a drift on the currents of time. He may appear through a rift in time in Alagaesia." Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out his Instant Fortress before tossing it into the Ten-foot area he had requested. The Fortress instantly materialized in a swirling cloud of purple energy.
As the Fortress Materialized, it left the elf lord amazed before he slowly walked around it, even placing his hand on the side as he said.
"Impressive, I can feel the magic coursing through it," And as the Doors opened up, Leonde asked,
"Are you coming inside?" Odahviin lay down outside near the doorway as a silent sentinel.
Entering through the main door, Leonde said, "I have many dangerous items here; a few are on display."
"I understand..." As Däthedr looked on the inside, walking through the doorway and into the entryway, "It is bigger on the inside." he said in wonder, having experienced something unique and new.
"To explain what Blagden said to your Queen. She will need to understand some things about my lands." Walking into the main dining area, he headed to his left near the large doors that lead to the guest and private quarters."
"The Elder Scrolls, for that, is what Blagden was referring to by Scrolls of Old, are innately tied with the nature of time itself, a small fragment of their overall purpose and nature."
Reaching some of his bookshelves, he looked over the shelves and took hold of several books, "Let's see."
"And what is their nature?"
"Sages and scholars have debated that for ages. Ah, here we are. An Accounting of the Scrolls, Fragment of Divining the Elder Scolls, Effects of the Elder Scrolls, Lost Histories of Tamriel, Moth Sister Terran Arminus Answers Your Questions, Pension of the Ancestor Moth, and last but not least, Ruminations on the Elder Scrolls, and The Varieties of Faith, and the Monomyth."
Handing the books over to The Elf Lord, he said, "These will at least give an idea of what the Elder scrolls are in concept and how obscure divining their nature is. The Last two books, The Varieties of Faith in the Empire, gives names to our gods and saints. And The Monomyth, deals with our beliefs concerning the creation of the world and universe. Both of these are important to understand things as I explain them."
He could see the Elf Lord's humoring look when he spoke of gods, making Leonde walk up to him and say, "Do not discount what I say about gods as mere superstition and misunderstanding of things. I have personally dealt with such beings and even traveled to their domains, which exist outside of the world around us. If you do not believe me, I can and will open a gateway between this world and theirs."
Looking at him with concern, Däthedr said, "That will not be necessary. We can have someone bring you a morning meal if you wish."
"That would be... appreciated. I will leave the Doors to the Fortress open."
He handed off the books to the elf lord as he bowed and left with those books in his possession. There would be some serious questions. Mainly once the Queen read about Sucunda and Massar. The Moons of Tamriel. Leonde, at this point, looked around this dwelling for the moment. All he wanted to do was get out of his armor, bathe, and then sleep.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888
Leonde snapped awake. Someone was coming into his Fortress. The Fortress alerted him when someone came inside. Reaching under his pillow to take hold of the Daedric Dagger Frostkiller, he slowly moved from his bed.
Peering from behind a door frame, he saw an Elven servant laying down a food tray. Realizing it was breakfast, he relaxed slowly, setting the dagger on a table. Stepping out into the open, he took the elf by surprise. Now, it was Leonde's turn to be surprised. Sindri had delivered him breakfast. One of the few times she had seen him bare-chested, Leonde's frame was massive. He was tall by imperial standards, nearly six feet; Nords were bigger, they could be six and a half to six feet ten inches. His chest was rippled with muscles, as numerous scars crossed his torso. Some from swords, others axes, and multiple animal claw marks.
"I did not know that you were awake." She said, "I am sorry if I startled you."
Knowing he couldn't lie in the ancient language."I have noticed your interest in me. I am surprised that you would be so focused on me. Given your people's reverence for dragons. I had expected to be looked upon with disdain and disgust by your people as a Dragonslayer." He came over to see the seed cakes as he was casual about it.
With a formal tone, she said. "Dragonslayer is not a title one is proud of in our culture. But we are also not foolish. The oldest of us lived through the Dragon war. And they remember well the destruction that can be wrought by dragons. The Dovah, the amount of destruction they can wield, it is beyond imagination. With a few words he could slaughter Galbatorix entire army. So while we may not like it. We understand the necessity of your role in Tamriel."
With a soft laugh, Leonde came over to take one of the seed cakes to bite into it. "Odahviing would never be that efficient. He would wade into combat with tooth and claw. Enjoying the sensation of rending his enemies flesh on his talons and tearing it with their teeth." Leonde said, "But you haven't explained your self, Why were you and the elves so interested in my telling the history of the Thu'um. They seemed to enjoy debating it?"
"Indeed," Sindri explained. "We are a very intellectual people. Learning something new. Knowing that an entire form of magic is out in the world that is not powered by the old tongue, to know that you can use dragon magic. The Riders demonstrated some of the spells you taught them after you had departed. As you explained to them."
Sindri took her leave of him, allowing him to eat breakfast and get cleaned up. Using the Ancient Language also made cleaning his armor much easier, patching it. As the sun rose, he closed his eyes and reached out with his mind to search for Saphira. And to his surprise, he found Thorn and Saphira close together. She said Murtagh had wanted to speak with Eragon for the night. The two spent a while talking before calling it a night.
Finally, Leonde began to don his armor. Boots, Greaves, Curiass, pauldrons, gauntlets, swords, quiver, bow, and lastly his cape. With his helm in his hand, he hooked it on the side of his belt clip.
Now, he had to get other things as well. Today, he would meet the teacher of the riders, and he had a good idea who or, more correctly, what that teacher was. A Dragon rider, and Dragon. Or one of the two. If there was one place where a rider survived. This would be the place. Less likely, it would be across the ocean or far to the east. Once he had gathered other supplies, he looked at himself in the mirror. His armor glistened as the day it was forged. The deep dark reds, accented by the black markings, were intimidating.
Remembering how Eragon looked somewhat ragged, he grabbed a small package and headed out. Odahviing lifted his head and watched him move away. The great Dovah looked downright bored and, more importantly, tense. That was dangerous because any bored dragon could cause unimaginable havoc just to amuse themselves. Odahviing stood up and moved to follow Leonde. In truth, the dovah could have flown off deep into the forest unless called. But he had not flown for the last two weeks or hunted. And that told Leonde they had entered another dragon's territory and, at the very least.
Odahviing was respecting the Skulblaka as the Sovereign of the skies and Lord of the lands. So before they arrived in Ellsemera. He told Arya what would happen. What had to happen. That if the elves desired to keep the Dragon, and perhaps their rider secret. Even to the point of making them take an oath. Odahviing would never give his oath to a mortal like the elven Queen. That Dovah had two lairs; one was an open perch to survey their lands and territory. And a secret lair for bedding, and this is where they kept their secrets.
He had explained how Dovah greeted each other and the formalities involved. What happens when a Dovah enters the territory of another, and they have no intention of attempting to take it over. And how if something is overlooked and ignored, it could be an insult where the only reprisal is a fight to the death. More so if the Queen tells Odahviing to give the oath or leave. And more importantly, to Leonde's own culture. He could offer to take an oath of secrecy.
But the words had to be of his own choosing. He could not take an oath from any other noble. And his promises were not as binding as those in the Ancient language. He took them seriously enough he would not violate them even though no one would know here. But there was a loophole, a tiny one he could exploit. But it had to be done strictly. Arya said, "You will need to give the oath beforehand. We will deal with The issue with Odahviing properly."
Leonde took offense at Arya as he growled at her. His words were very exact and carefully chosen. "And here I would have thought you be pleased that I value the integrity of my word enough that when given I won't willingly bend or break it just because those I am bound to will not ever find out." And Leonde stalked away from Arya. He was angry at her for that.
Looking around, he didn't need directions to where Eragon was as he followed the path of the touch he gave to Saphira and waited at the base of the tree. Leaning against the bottom of the tree, Leonde looked up and wondered about the accommodations as people began gathering. It did not take long before The Queen, Arya, and Firnen arrived with the rising sun as it lifted. Orik was the one who approached him. The Queen was extremely tense. She had every reason to be nervous.
"You look like yer ready for battle."
"We are about to meet the instructor of the riders. I am not sure how things will unfold." Leonde looked out of the corner of his eyes. He could see the Queen seem to get tense. "I have no desire to start a fight, but things will be tense."
He said as Arya Approached. "Orik would you go up and get Eragon and Murtagh?"
"Orik, would you give this to Eragon for me?" he pulled a package behind his back. "Something Eragon should find useful. And be sure to tell Murtagh he must teach Eragon how to use it as his younger brother." Orik took the package as he headed up the steps. Arya looked at him, questioning him.
After Orik went up and after a while, the sound of Saphira and Thorn jumping out of the building came circling around on the wing. With Orik leading Eragon and Murtagh down. Looking at Arya, Leonde questioned her with his eyes she said. "I told her what to expect, and the information has been relayed. We will honor your previous oaths."
As the group began to move on. Arya stayed back as Leonde moved up beside Odahviing. 'If all goes according to plan. The Queen will get her oath out of us.' Finally, as the group moved to the clearing, Arya moved the Queen and stood before Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira, Thorn, and Orik. With the Queen informing them before they went any further, they had to give an oath of secrecy. Of course, it raised questions, Mostly voiced by Orik, as to why he had to gag himself. As if they did not trust him. And more importantly, why Leonde and Odahviing were seemingly exempted. Arya told them that it will be made clear shortly.
Finally, the Queen told them they could take the oath or leave. Relenting, they agreed, and the Queen told them what to repeat as the group began to move on, as Leonde said to the group. "Whatever happens, none of you interfere. " Leonde spoke firm.
Finally, reaching past the tree line and to the edge of a cliff graced by a field of red clover. That extended several yards to the ridge, which dropped into an expanse of near-endless forest.
Then came the percussion of dragon wing beats. He knew them well. Judging from the sound and pressure, it was a dragon barely a quarter the size of Odahviing. Still, the sensation was uncomfortable; he endured like a bronze-gold dragon rising from the below cliffs. And upon his back was a Rider. The Dragon's scales glinted in the sun like they were on fire.
The rider upon his back was elven as Leonde narrowed his eyes but focused on the Left front leg of the Dragon or, rather, the lack of it. The limb had been severed by some terrible blow. The rider was adorned in white robes, and a sword in a golden scabbard was belted to his waist. A yellow gem sat in the pommel. Yellow diamond, most likely.
Leonde heard Arya say, "Leonde explained there are formalities that must be observed at meeting two or more of the Dragon blood." It was a hushed whisper as the tension rose several notches as the Dragon landed. He turned to face Odahviing. As the great Dovah moved forward, he curled his lip in a snarl and stopped. For a brief moment, Leonde thought that Odahviing would not speak. But The great Dovah looked to the rider as the gold Dragon growled.
Then it came; Odahviing opened his maw and roared.
YOL TOOR SHUL
Came the great roar as fire leaped from his mouth. The red-orange flame covered the gold Dragon, who did his best not to wince or struggle against it as the fire washed over him. Scorching the ground, finally, while the flame in truth lasted only seconds, for those around it seemed to last an eternity. Before Odahviing stopped his fire, the flames licked and wafted over them, dancing into the sky and flickered out. The ground was left hot and scorched.
But the Golden bronze dragon pulled his head back and roared out at Odahviing; a massive plume of golden fire streamed out at Odahviing. The fire lasted longer than Odahviing's flame. This was a sign of authority to Leonde. As the flame ended, Odahviing gave a dark chuckle as the Dovah lowered his neck and head some. The Golden dragon may have been three, maybe four times Saphira's size. But Odahviing was four or five times larger than the elven rider's Dragon, with the Dragon missing his left front leg. Odahviing could easily challenge for dominance and lordship of these lands.
Finally, Odahviing spoke, "Drem Yol Lok, I am Odahviing; I greet thee as the Sovereign of these skies and Lord of these lands. I do so... humbly," The word dripped with a touch of insolence from Odahviing. To be humble before what he considered a lesser dragon was almost intolerable. But this Dragon had allies in the area that would aid him if he challenged his authority. "Ask permission to hunt within your skies and upon these lands. In return, what is it you desire as... Tribute."
The male Dragon, for his mental voice, was unmistakably male. /~Drem Yol Lok, I am Glaedr. I greet thee as an honored guest of my skies and my lands. I ask for a tribute of secrecy, of mine and my rider's existence.~/
With an incline of his head, Odahviing accepted what would be required. As he lifted up, Glaedr had him repeat the oath of secrecy. Given by another dragon, it was not intolerable. Once complete, Glaedr spoke firmly. /~I welcome thee Odahviing to my territory and grant thee permission to hunt of my skies and upon my lands~/
Odahviing moved back as Leonde approached at this point. Glaedr looked at him, those golden eyes focused on him as if he was asking him if he wanted to do this. Leonde glared at the Dragon and stepped forward menacingly. Inhaling as his chest expanded, Glaedr finally inhaled and issued his own Golden flame upon Leonde. The clover burned under his feet as the flame was hot. The Dragon allowed the fire to go on as Leonde was Battered against the intense flames. Standing his ground as Glaedr's flames stopped and the elder Dragon looked down as Leonde Took a Step out of the burning ground and issued his own fire.
YOL TOOR SHUL
The Words were drawn out as he exhaled. The flame had left his throat as he used considerable power to speak to Glaedr. Glaedr had expected Leonde to use all his power in the shout as a demonstration as the fire hit him. But the Dragon had been unexpected with the force he was hit, forcing him to Recoil in surprise. Lifting his head up, those golden eyes looked upon Leonde with a mixture of concern, but also one who was impressed as Leonde moved forward as Glaedr touched Leonde's mind and spoke aloud. /~Drem Yol Lok, Greetings. I am Glaedr. I greet thee as an honored guest of my skies and my lands.~/
Clasping his right hand over his chest, Leonde said, "Drem Yol Lok, I am Leonde Dragonheart. I greet thee as the Sovereign of these skies and Lord of these lands. I humbly ask permission to hunt within your skies and upon these lands. In return, what is it you desire as Tribute?"
As expected, Glaedr had asked for a tribute of secrecy, with Glaedr administering the oath himself as his rider seemed pleased with the Formalities.
Odahviing approached as Glaedr decreed. /~As my honored guests. I grant you both permission to hunt of my skies and of my lands.~/ Finally, Odahviing's tension was finally released as the Dovah seemed to growl at Glaedr. A small challenge as the great Dovah moved to the side and laid down on his belly. Glaedr looked to Leonde as Leonde extended his arm towards the riders, their dragons backing away.
