Notation.

This chapter did not... flow as I had wanted. So it may not be what you all expect. It may be my point of view; we are our worst critics. But I hope I did not turn out a flop.

I am going through a stressful period, and I need to go through a disability reassessment, so Life is... chaotic right now

Rise of the Dragons.

Chapter 14

Legacies of the Pinewood City. Part 3

The Queen was in a mood. And not a good one. She had just learned that the Rider, Oromis. Had known of Eragon Saphira, Murtagh, Thorn, Arya, and Firnen for some time before their battle in Farthen Dur. She had felt betrayed that Oromis had not told her. Oromis had explained that he had kept his peace, for he knew they would not live long enough to arrive. He did not want to give her a fragile hope that could be torn away at a moment's notice. She countered that he had no right and that she would have sent warriors to protect them in Farthen Dur to escort them here.

Oromis softly told her, "I hid nothing from you that you had not chosen to not see. Had you scryed the land as was your duty, you would have seen the state of things, including Arya and the riders. Your grief had blinded her, and you have been lax upon your throne. I could not risk driving you further away by subjecting you to another loss."

Of course, this humbled the Queen, who admitted, "I am diminished."

Once Eragon and Saphira had greeted Oromis, Murtagh and Thorn, in turn, greeted him while Leonde stood there almost impassively. The Elf moved gracefully as he came to Murtagh. "Welcome to Ellsemera Murtagh Shadeslayer." Then, with some hope, alighting his eyes. "You have come far and done very well."

Glaedr greeted them in turn as he was pleased with how strong they had grown. Leonde took some pride as he heard they were delighted that Murtagh had chosen to accompany the others to Ellsemera. Finally, after greeting Firnen, The Rider turned his attention to Orik.

"Truly this is beyond anything that I dared hope or expect. You are a pleasant surprise in these dark times rider." He clapped his fist over his heart. "If it is not to presumptuous I would ask a boon on behalf of my king and clan as was custom between our races. "

With a nod, Oromis replied. "And I will grant it if it is with in my power."

"Then tell me: Why have you remained hidden all these years? You were sorely needed Argetlam."

Oromis sighed and explained. "Many sorrows exist in this world, and one of the greatest is being unable to help those in pain. I could not risk leaving this sanctuary, for if I had died before one of Galbatorix's eggs had hatched. Then there would be have been no one to pass on our secrets to the new Riders, and it would have been that much harder to defeat Galbatorix."

"That is your reason?" Spat Orik. "Those are the words of a Coward. The eggs might never have hatched." he said.

Everyone was deathly quiet. Save for Glaedr, who issued a low growl. "If you were not my guest," Said Islanzadi, "I would strike you down myself for that insult."

Disarming the situation, he said softly, spreading his hands. "Nay I am not offended. It is an apt reaction. Understand Orik, Glaedr and I can not fight. Glaedr has his disability, and I," he said, touching the side of his head. "I am also maimed. The forsworn broke something within me when I was their captive. and while I can still teach and learn. I can no longer control magic, except for the smallest of spells. The power escapes me, no matter how much I struggle. I would be worse than useless in battle. I would be a weakness and Liability, one who could be easilly captured and used against you. So I removed myself from Galbatorix's influence for the good of the many, even though I yearned to openly oppose him."

Orik appeared Stricken as he said, "Forgive me."

Shaking his head, "It is of no Consequence." He placed a hand on Eragon and Murtagh's shoulder and asked, "Islanzadi Drottning, By your leave."

"Go," she said wearily, "Go and be done with you." As the Riders had begun to Gather, Leonde moved off toward Odahviing.

"Odahviing, Will you carry me once more, my friend." There were several gasps as Oromis spoke up.

"I fear only the riders and the dragons may accompany us. The secrets of the riders are for them alone, not you, Master Dragonheart. Odahviing may accompany us. This is where you must leave their training to me." Oromis said as Odahviing bared his teeth and gave a dark laugh.

Leonde turned his head, looking over his pauldron at Oromis before facing him. Leonde had listened to Oromis. The Elf's tone of voice was not one of challenge but of command. One of gentle firmness, but one of command. Leonde flexed his hands as he closed his eyes and inhaled before exhaling as he, in turn, spoke softly. Although a hard edge was in his voice, he tried to be as polite as possible.

"I have invested much of my time, my resources, which are easily worth a King's Ransom several times over, and my energy in training them." He said, moving forward slowly. Each step was precisely measured as he moved to keep Oromis between him and Glaedr as much as possible.

"I have shed blood. I have killed, fought for, and suffered wounds that would have killed a lesser man. I have invested too much in their education to stand at the side now. If you believe that I will simply stand aside now... I think the Forsworn broke more in you than your ability to control magic." The comment got a soft growl from Glaedr as a warning.

Oromis held himself tall and proud. He smiled respectfully at Leonde, who held a posture of subtle defiance. "And you have done an excellent job. I am very impressed with all you have taught them." A gasp came from the elves as Oromise praised Leonde. And he had intended to continue, but Leonde said firmly.

"There is no one more qualified in all Alagaesia than I am to educate them; you would be most wise to accept my help."

Oromis, at this point, knew that Leonde would not back down. But he wondered why Leonde thought he was the best qualified to teach them.

"The Arrogance!" Islanzadi said firmly as Oromis raised his hand, signaling her to allow him to handle it. She backed down at this point.

"A rather presumptuous statement to assume that you are better qualified than I or Glaedr to educate the riders. Who have been trained by the best of our order, and in turn trained many riders before the fall."

Placing his hands underneath his cape, Leonde said. He knew he couldn't lose his temper or get riled up no matter what the Elf said to provoke him. So Leonde said in a tone that was even and smooth.

"Exactly why I am more qualified than you; Galbatorix was taught those exact same things as you were taught. He used them to butcher your entire order. He knew your strengths, and how to under mind them. He knew your weaknesses, and how to exploit them. Which means he will know how to exploit these riders basic education. I will take what you teach them, and I will alter it. I will give them a new way to attack an enemy that will be more... unexpected. Giving them the edge in combat. And if the three eggs have hatched for Galbatorix. I will also be able to teach them how to counter such attacks."

Oromis folded his hands in front of him. He thought about it for a few moments. "Valid points, but what about the supposed dragons and riders under Galbatorix control? Do you plan on simply killing them?"

"They will be bound to him by use of true name, and oaths. Without you teaching me the secrets that Galbatorix would have as a foundation of their teaches, my attempts to incapacitate them will be much less effective. My attempts to capture the riders, and their dragons alive, will be more dangerous to them. While my goal will be to capture, chain, and hold them until their true name changes, freeing them of the bonds to Galbatorix. It is possible that during such an attempt to capture them, I may accidentally kill one or the other without intending such. I will feel no remorse for their death."

The shock of horror on the elves' faces was outraged that he would hold so little remorse for a dragon's life appalled them. Oromis with a touch of a challenge in his voice. "You would feel nothing for accidentally killing them."

Shaking his head, Leonde said, "No, because their blood would be on your hands because you denied the information that would allow me a complete picture of their powers and abilities. On the other hand, by teaching me the secrets of the riders. Your land's magic, my native magic, and the Power of the Thu'um. I may discover a vulnerability I can exploit with impunity. Allowing me to bring them down without risk of killing the dragons or their riders. By revealing all the secrets of the riders to me, if one of them dies while I attempt to capture them. The failure... is mine alone." Leonde said in a firm voice, "I have no desire to kill them, and I want to give them every chance to be free as they deserve."

The two stared at each other; Oromis looked at Leonde, saw Murtagh look at Eragon, and then walked away from Oromis, surprising him. Moments later, Thorn joined his Rider as the pair stood behind Leonde. A few moments later, Eragon and Saphira joined him. Oromis realized that Leonde had the loyalty of the brothers and their dragons. It impressed him greatly. Finally realizing he could not resolve this, he closed his eyes and spoke.

"Very well, you may accompany us. But as we share our secrets with you, you must reveal yours to us. You will also defer to my authority, you will refer to me as Master Oromis." Oromis said as he noticed the shocked look on the brothers' faces as Leonde's eyes widened.

He saw the concern and caution as the riders and dragons simply backed away as Leonde pulled his hands from behind his back. A massive red and black rod was pulled under his cape, revealing a gigantic two-handed war hammer. The wicked weapon's head held four spike-like projections out on the pointed hammer's head. The other side of it had a massive spike. The entire hammer crackled with huge electrical arches. Holding the hammer with his right hand, Leonde stepped forward as he said.

"I call no one master; I will show respect to your knowledge and wisdom, but if I believe you are making a mistake or are wrong, I will voice my opinions on the matter."

Oromis was shocked that Leonde had produced such a weapon. But also so blatantly challenged his authority. "But know this... I will fight you with all my power, though I will stop short of killing you. I will hold nothing back to defeat you."

The elves had drawn several weapons as Glaedr stood up, baring his teeth and growling. Only the larger growl of Odahviing made him look up. The dragon had risen to his massive four legs, teeth-baring as Oromis was very concerned. The elves had drawn their weapons in his defense, but Oromis knew this would turn into a blood bath.

Using his influence, Oromis lifted his hand and said, "I am dealing with this." He said firmly.

Leonde took a step forward as he gave a firm look to the elves, many of whom were reluctant to put away their blades; even the Queen herself was outraged that someone would challenge him. Looking at Leonde, he asked, "I could not stand against your full power. You know this; you would not even allow me a fair fight?"

Lifting that massive Warhammer up and resting it on his right shoulder, Glaedr growled, warning Leonde. Leonde looked up at Glaedr. "This is between me and your rider." Lifting a finger up, "I will be more than happy to address your outrage at this situation once your Rider and I have settled our... disagreement."

Turning to look at Oromis, he said. "Discounting the fact that Galbatorix, to my knowledge, has never been told the location of Ellsemera. Would you fly out and challenge him if Galbatorix arrived on your doorstep tomorrow?"

"It would be our duty to do so." Oromis listened to Leonde's cold words. His lips formed a razor-thin-like of anger as Leonde painted an insulting picture of him. Leonde intentionally attempted to bait him into anger; Oromis, on the other hand, refused to give in.

"Tell me then, What will Galbatorix do when you face him, and he learns of how weak you and Glaedr are? Will he land on the ground and say, Feel the power of this Comfortable Chair? Will he command his army to bring you Tea and Biscuits? Will he command his army to play... Beautiful music for you. Will he tell you, "When you are ready to face me at your leisure... let me know, Fear not, I will use my... Giant feather."?"

Leonde extended his left arm as several branches were torn from the trees, flying to his hand as they wove and inter-wrapped, forming a sword-like object in his hand. One that resembled a giant feather. "So he doesn't hurt, bruise, or cut you."

Oromis looked at Leonde. Standing there defiantly, the elves behind him were nearly enraged at how he insulted Oromis. Even Oromis himself was incensed, as he said. "No, he will not."

"Then why should I give you a fair fight?"

At this point, Glaedr gave a deep-throated growl as he said, /~If you will not submit, I will force you to submit.~/ The great Dragon bared his teeth as Leonde looked at the bronze dragon; power flashed in his eyes.

"Challenging me for dominance is about as smart as taking your rider and flying to Uru'baen," Leonde said as he could hear Odahviing behind him, issuing a dangerous growl.

"Do not interfere in a challenge of dominance between two of the Dovah Sos, Dragon Blood."

"He is not a Dragon!" Leonde heard the Queen shout. Leonde kept his eye on Glaedr, waiting to see his reaction. Odahviing's expression was one of outrage, for moments later came a massive tremor and booming sound as Odahviing slammed his front leg into the ground.

"JOORE MEY!" He roared out as Odahviing stood up and spoke to the Queen, the dragon baring his teeth, and it made Glaedr change his focus as Leonde also turned to see Odahviing standing before the crowd of elves,

"Mortal Fool! The Dov of Tamriel calls him Dov Do Drog, Lord of Dragons. We acknowledge his skill, we acknowledge his strength, we acknowledge his power." Standing in all his glory, Odahviing spread his wings. With rage burning in his eyes, the Final words came. "WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE DOVAHKIIN AS A DOVAH!"

The Queen was utterly cowed. As were every one of the elves. The Skulblaka were also very nervous as the great Dovah stared down at the Queen. As if she was about to be killed, Leonde approached the great creature. Positioning himself between the Queen and Odahviing, turning to speak to the Queen, Leonde said.

"Alduin, was hailed as the first born Dovah. He was acknowledged as the strongest, greatest of all the Dovah. With no equal. He was defeated at the height of his power by the use of a powerful artifact. An Elder Scroll."

The Queen looked to Leonde as he explained. "They did not chain him; they used it to shatter time itself, casting Alduin adrift on the currents of time. No Dovah save a few dared resist him; those who did had thousands of mortal warriors helping them, and many died overthrowing his tyranny. When he returned, he was just as strong as the day he was banished. I faced him in combat not once, but twice. Both times I was the victor. The only reason Odahviing chose to explain this to you, is a promise he made to me." Leonde turned to walk away as he approached Glaedr once more as he finished saying.

"Do not test his promise to me; his patience is finite. If he decides to kill you or anyone else because you anger him or for his amusement, he will. Short of enslaving his mind, unlike a rider's Skulblaka, I have no way to control him. I value my friendship with Odahviing more than the lives of one or two elves. This argument is between me and Glaedr, not you."

Leonde said as he approached Oromis Warhammer still in his hand. Glaedr snarled at Leonde, looking up at the Bronze colored dragon; Leonde turned his focus to Oromis. The sound of a deep-throated growl caught Leonde's attention as he looked up at Glaedr once more, who was baring his teeth. Lifting an eyebrow at the attempted intimidation, Leonde spoke calmly and firmly, addressing Oromis. "And what is your position in this game of dominance and submission?"

Looking at Glaedr, Oromis shrugged his shoulders; stepping back, he knew he would be no match for this dragon slayer. "If Odahviing and his kin acknowledge you as one of their own, who am I to argue with him? It can not be proven or disproved save with dark magic, which our laws and morals forbid."

Oromis knew this would not be pleasant both for himself and for Glaedr. But he also knew Leonde was a being of dominance; he would not accept a subservient role to anyone, man, Elf, or Dragon, unless it was his choice.

He was a man who had been through the horrors of war and had proven himself repeatedly. He was a man whose presence demanded both Fear and Respect. Oromis gave a look to the Elven Queen that told her she nor anyone else was not to interfere; Oromis closed his mind to Glaedr.

"Glaedr, I have slain dragons single-handedly that are bigger, stronger, and far far more powerful than you are, and I remind you they have full control over their power and magic. I consider you about as dangerous as a kitten purring."

Lifting his lips in a snarl, the Bronze-colored dragon clawed the ground as if preparing to lunge and attack Leonde. "And unlike you, they weren't missing a leg."

/~You are dangerously close to having me unleash my full wrath upon you!~/ Glaedr said as people began to back away, the elves fully expecting Glaedr to retaliate against Leonde, who stood his ground. Flexing his gauntlet-clad hand, Leonde took a step back. He shifted his position, ready to use that warhammer.

"By all means, please do. I'll send you rolling down these cliffs if you come back up to attack me again, while I have no desire or intention to kill you or further maim you, I will beat you into submission if that is what it takes. And when I am done you and your Rider will call me... Master."

When Glaedr heard the threat or promise of being forced to call Leonde, This Dragon Slayer, his Master. Glaedr snapped. Like a coiled wiper, He lunged forward, his roar a volume that would deafen almost any creature close enough as he opened his jaws, intending to bite down on Leonde. He did not breathe fire, knowing the Dragonslayer was warded against flame. Instead, he attacked with his mind, hoping to stun Leonde. But Leonde had sealed his mind as Glaedr slammed against the iron-clad defenses.

With the enchantments on his boots increasing his speed, Leonde drew the massive Daedric Warhammer from his shoulder. Having positioned himself with enough room as Glaedr lunged forward, Leonde swung the massive Warhammer around in a wide arch. With speed bolstered and strength enhanced. Leonde completed his swing as Glaedr came into range.

With a terrible crack as the hammer landed square on Glaedr's jaws, this not only knocked his head to the side and shifted his balance towards the edge of the cliff, but as Leonde followed through with the swing, the sound of bone breaking under the force of the impact, as blood spurted from Glaedr's mouth, knocking one of his large teeth away.

The impact of the hammer had stunned Glaedr first; the protective wards the other elves had placed around him suddenly shattered. To Glaedr, it was as if hundreds of glass windows were breaking at once. The hammer impacted his jaw and sent a powerful jolt of electricity into his head, fouling his mind. And Glaedr stumbled on his three legs towards the edge of the cliff face; Leonde inhaled deeply as he summoned the power of his Thu'um.

"FUS-RO-DAH"

The Force wave that impacted Glaedr sent him further off balance as his front leg was lifted. It was over the cliff's edge when it came down, with the assembled crowd watching in shock, horror, and outrage. The sounds of Glaedr rolling down the side of the cliff face made everyone run to the cliff's edge. Once he reached there, Leonde looked over and saw the limp form of Glaedr lying on the ground in a twisted heap against some trees.

The sound of the great Skulbalaka's groans could be heard as it was Odahviing who broke the silence. The sound of cruel laughter. The mighty Dovah, Odahviing, laughed with cold malice as Leonde looked down as Glaedr recovered. Lifting his head up, Glaedr looked at Leonde, and a mix of emotions and pain ran through him. Fear, respect, hatred. His jaw had been broken, and worse, he lost a tooth. One that wasn't ready to come out or be replaced. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his jaw. The outrage that he had been so easily defeated only worsened his temper as he rolled over, extricating himself from the broken trees and fallen rocks; he stood there, just focusing on what had happened.

In all his years, he had only once been humbled like this, and that was back on Vroengard when he was still young. After a time, Glaedr's temper settled down; as he spread his wings and took to the sky, the deafening sounds of his flapping wing filled the air as he sat down on the cliff face. Looking at the object of his anger and pain.

Standing there leaning against his Warhammer, one foot behind the other with both hands on the pommel, Leonde had a look of indifference on his face. With a casual voice filled with indifference, "I hope we are done playing this little game. But if we are not. I am ready for round two. Just remember what the stakes are."

For Glaedr, who stood there, his temper seething. He lowered his head and spoke mentally, /~We are done playing this game.~/ Having severely underestimated Leonde's power and strength, having thought that most of his battles were luck and that the elves' wards would shield him and protect him from harm.

"Tooth restore, Jaw, Heal!" Leonde commanded in the old tongue as magic flowed from him as the part of the tooth that had been broken off flew to Glaedr's jaws and reattached itself before the magic fused the tooth, restoring it to its original state. The power flowing through his jaw began to heal and mend his jaw. Still, Leonde himself was not happy nor pleased. The displeasure in his eyes held. He slipped the Warhammer under his cape as it was placed back into the extra-dimensional pocket of his handy sack.

"I am utterly shocked and appalled, A Dovah half your size could have taken that attack with little trouble, I would have knocked their head to the side, but they would have kept coming. Taking at least three more hits before I knocked them down the cliff. What are you? Are you a dragon to be respected for his power, revered for his wisdom, feared for his wrath? Or are you like the elves seem to treat you. A kitten to be cuddled, coddled, and protected from the big bad Dragon next door. A dragon named Shruikan."

Glaedr's eyes opened sharply and focused on Leonde; having been called a kitten only added insult to the injury he received. His eyes narrowed as if Leonde intended to anger him to the point of attacking him with a murderous rage. He could feel the fire boiling in his belly;/~I am NO KITTEN!~/ He mentally roared.

With a sinister smile, Leonde said, "Good, because I won't insult you like the elves by treating you like kitten. They remember the slaughter of the riders. Those traitors knew your strengths. How to undermine them. They knew your orders weaknesses, How to exploit them. But I know that you are strong. You kill when you wish, where you wish!"

Leonde said, nearly shouting, "Your armor is like tenfold shields; your teeth are like swords! Your claws spears, The blow of your tail, A Thunderbolt. Your wings are a Hurricane, and your breath... Death. I won't insult you by softening my blows."

"I have watched how the elves react around Saphira, Thorn, Firnen, and Odahviing. From what I have seen, the reverance the Elves show, Glaedr, stops short of worshiping you as a living god. The idea of anyone questioning and challenging a rider's authority is heresy; daring to strike a Dragon is blasphemy. The only thing that keeps the Queen from simply killing me, is the fact Odahviing would destroy Ellsemere and kill everyone here as vengence."

Turned to move away from Glaedr as he approached Oromis and turned to face the Elf. "Because you know their natural strengths, powers, and abilities. I am willing to follow your lead in their education. But I will not be subservient to you." As Leonde approached Odahviing, he could see the look of hatred and disgust on the elves' faces. Were it not for Odahviing, Leonde was sure they would have attacked him.

"Odahviing, it is time to remind this land, these people, what dragons truly are," Leonde called out. "It is time to remind them that a Dragon is a living force of nature, Power Incarnate."

Lowering his massive head, the Dovah said with a malicious smile, "As you wish, Dovahkin and I promise that with my... training, when we face this... Joore Galbatorix in battle. He will reek of fear and terror."