Chapter Forty-Four: The Child
Saphira and Firnen roared to announce themselves as they descended. An answering bellow from Thorn echoed across Aberon.
The capital was a welcome sight after their grim discovery at Dauth, Arya would admit. After confirming the Ra'zac horde was traveling north out of Surda, they had hurried to return to the Varden. Both dragons were tired, but they would hopefully have time to rest now that their mission was complete.
They landed near the entrance to Borromeo Castle, where they were greeted by Brom and Jormunder. The Riders and their companions dismounted in a hurry.
Brom turned to walk with them as the castle doors were opened. "Larkin and Nasuada are heading to the throne room. We'll meet them there."
Arya blinked and realized Eragon must've contacted his father with his mind before they'd even landed. Well, it was urgent.
They had everyone gathered in a few minutes. As soon as the court was assembled, Eragon delivered his report. The overall response was, of course, one of horror.
"They are all dead?" Larkin's face was ashen.
"We searched the city closely, Your Majesty," Eragon confirmed grimly. "Even with magic, we found no survivors. I'm sorry."
"We suspect this Ra'zac horde has been birthed and dispatched to assault Queen Islanzadi's forces. They are well-suited to fighting wielders of magic," Arya added. Brom and Nasuada's faces hardened. Murtagh looked downright murderous.
"What is to be done? We cannot leave them to their own devices," the Red Rider pointed out.
Eragon's arms crossed. "We have no idea what sort of protection they have. It could be just the Lethrblaka, but Morzan might also escort them. Taking the dragons out that far to destroy the horde puts us far from our allies. I hate to say it, but it is not worth the risk."
"I agree," Nasuada said. "If they mean to attack the elves, we will have ample time to prepare for them. We should coordinate with Queen Islanzadi and send at least one of our Riders to reinforce her army."
"Two," Eragon corrected. The Leader of the Varden blinked. "By the time the Ra'zac are that far north, Garzhvog will have joined forces with us. I would rather have the Riders in pairs—it gives us a better chance of taking down Morzan and his monster wherever they show their faces."
Arya nodded and Murtagh matched her. The rest of the room seemed to agree for the most part, as well. Eragon continued when there were no objections. "Arya will contact Queen Islanzadi soon and alert her of the threat; we will discuss further strategy then. In the meantime, any information on the horde we can get from our spies in the Empire will have to suffice."
Larkin broke his silence. "I should send a force to Dauth and ensure its citizens are properly put to rest."
Nasuada looked back to Eragon. "Would that be too risky?"
He considered the question for a moment. "I do not believe so. The Ra'zac were in a hurry to leave. We killed one straggler. If there are any remaining in Dauth, they are few. Whoever goes will need to be appropriately armed."
"I can help with that," Jormunder offered, stepping forward, but he glanced at his Leader for her permission.
Nasuada granted it. "Then assist Larkin as he requires."
The young King murmured his thanks and stood up. "Meeting adjourned. I have work to do."
Larkin hurried off with Jormunder and several of his advisors. Nasuada remained to approach the Riders, who turned to face her.
"Your tidings may have been grim, but I am pleased to see you all return unharmed," she murmured.
"Thank you, Lady Nasuada. Was all quiet in our absence?" Eragon queried.
She hesitated, glancing at Murtagh. He didn't seem sure what to say. Arya frowned; had something happened?
"You need to see mother," Murtagh told him instead. She felt a pit form in her belly as her eyes immediately flicked over to Eragon. His jaw had clenched.
"What is wrong?"
"She's fine; we're all fine," Brom stepped forward to place a hand on his son's shoulder. "There was…a surprise."
"Of what nature?" Eragon's voice quavered just the slightest. Arya wasn't sure if he could handle another complication in his family right now—not so soon after Roran's death. He had thrown himself into his duties and buried his pain deep, but Arya knew Eragon well.
He had not recovered from that loss. Not even close.
"Come," Brom urged. "We will show you."
Eragon's insides felt like a storm. He had no idea what was awaiting him at Angela's home and the fact that Brom and Murtagh wouldn't tell him anything only made him more anxious.
At least they had assured him nothing terrible had happened, but still.
Blodgharm had left with orders to rejoin the other elven spellcasters and inform them of the situation with the Ra'zac. Nasuada remained in Borromeo Castle to continue her duties. Angela had apparently contacted Solembum with her mind and slipped away down a corridor of the castle. Eragon hoped she didn't cause any unusual trouble.
Brom and Murtagh led him and Arya—whose presence he greatly appreciated—back to the house. It was a quick walk, but a tense one.
"Is she awake?" Eragon asked.
"Aye," Murtagh twisted slightly to look at him. The corner of his mouth twitched upwards. "Still recovering, but she can talk now."
Eragon felt relief pulse through him, then moved on to a more difficult question. "What of…what of Katrina and Ismira?"
"They are…coping. I check on them every day. We've given them everything they need to be comfortable, but…"
But I murdered Katrina's husband. Ismira's father. My own cousin.
He felt Arya's mind brush against his comfortingly. Eragon flashed her a sideways glance, blinking slowly with thanks.
"We will continue to care for them however we can," Brom said. "For now, another part of our family requires our attention."
They reached the house a few minutes later. Brom and Murtagh stepped inside quickly, but Eragon paused at the door.
Arya stopped behind him. Her voice reached his thoughts. You are thinking too hard.
What if she does not recognize me as her son? I am not the human boy she left hidden in Carvahall.
You are her child. That is all that matters.
Eragon closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose. He sent quiet thanks to Arya, then stepped inside the house. The elven Princess followed close.
He made his way towards the back room, but before he could walk through the doorway he knew led to his mother's room, something small stumbled into him. Eragon blinked and looked down—
A small girl stood in his path, not even tall enough to reach his waist. She was dark of hair and peered up at him with wide, mismatched blue and brown eyes.
Eragon stared back. "Hello?"
She said nothing. Stumbling back, she spun and fled into his mother's room.
It had been a while since he felt so utterly confused. Eragon looked back at Arya and was slightly relieved to see that she seemed equally perplexed. She frowned, shaking her head.
Well, perhaps he'd get some answers in a moment. Eragon entered the room, peeking around the door. The child had run to Brom and clambered into his lap, which only served to further confound him. At this point, Eragon had not the slightest clue what was going on with that.
His attention flickered to the woman sitting up in the bed. Selena was watching him. Eragon held his breath, unsure what to say.
Her lips curled upwards into a large smile and her arms opened up. "Oh, look at you."
Eragon was frozen in place. None of his training as a Rider had prepared him for this. He had no idea how to respond.
Arya nudged him forward and he moved, unthinking, until he stood at her bedside. His hands came up to take his mother's and she pulled him into her embrace.
She was warm. The way she held him—he didn't know if he'd ever felt quite so at peace in another's arms. He felt Selena's lips press against the top of his head. "Eragon. You've grown so tall."
"Murtagh is taller," he responded without thinking.
She laughed and the sound made something in him crack. Eragon managed to return her embrace, though he retained enough sense not to squeeze too hard; his strength could hurt normal humans with little effort.
"Let me look at you," she pulled back enough to frame his face between her hands. Eragon acquiesced to her inspection, still anxious. He heard Arya quietly slip out of the room to give them some privacy, but he was aware of her presence lingering in the house.
"You have your father's eyes," she said. "But the shape of my face. Gods, but the last time I saw you was—you were so small. I never wanted to put you down."
She was silent for a moment. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you, Eragon. I know it was hard, that you—"
He held his hand up to stop her, shaking his head. "I don't blame you, mother. I know why you left."
Her thumb stroked his cheek. "There is much we have to speak of…But before that, there is another matter we should discuss."
Brom twisted his head towards the door. "Arya, could I trouble you to come back?"
Eragon raised an eyebrow, glancing away from Selena only briefly at Brom's call. His father shrugged, still holding the girl in his arms. "We've already had this conversation with Nasuada. If Arya is here, we'll avoid another such talk."
"On what matter?"
Arya re-entered the room, though she lingered in the doorway. Eragon suspected she wasn't quite comfortable being amidst the family during such a moment. He reached out to her mind and sent a pulse of reassurance; not to coddle her, of course, but simply to let her know her presence was welcome.
By the slight drop of her shoulders, he was successful.
Brom sighed and looked down at the child, who had hidden her face in his tunic. "This is Morzan's daughter."
"I—what?" Eragon stuttered, mouth agape. Arya's eyebrows rose in a rare showing of surprise.
"Thorn found her," Murtagh filled them in. "Well—she found Thorn. In a way. She was half-dead and starving. Walked right up to him in the middle of the city square."
"How do you know she's Morzan's?"
His brother's lips thinned. "According to Thorn, she smells like me. And like him. Thorn told me it was unmistakeable; something to do with our connection to the dragons giving our blood a particular scent. Between that and her eyes…"
Eragon recalled swiftly the child's eyes were mismatched, just like Morzan's. "Is there any other evidence?"
"I asked around," Brom admitted. "Some people have seen her wandering the streets for a few months. I tracked down a brothel owner who knew her mother, but it seems she died. I couldn't get the mother's name. She did confirm that the woman was involved with Morzan a few years ago, but she managed to avoid being murdered afterwards."
A flash of rage seared through Eragon, but he breathed deep and settled it quietly. He instead focused on the child, who had not shown her face since running to Brom. "What about her? What is her name?"
"Supposedly her name is Elva. That's what the brothel owner told me, at least. She wasn't interested in the girl. I had to bribe her just to get some half-decent answers."
"Elva," Eragon repeated, glancing at Arya. He knew they were both thinking the same thing: Morzan's son had become a Dragon Rider like his father.
What of his daughter?
"Her parentage should be kept secret," Arya said after a beat. "If Morzan knew, he would take her. Even if she does not become a Rider, she would be sufficient bait to lure you and Murtagh into a trap."
Brom nodded, looking from Arya to Eragon and Selena. "We thought much the same. In any case, she is…entirely dependent on caretakers for the time being. She does not communicate well, in-part, I suspect, to the time she spent living on the streets."
Eragon stared at the child who was…well, not his blood sister, but through Murtagh, she was related to him.
He closed his eyes and focused, clearing his thoughts as he'd been trained to do, and considered what he knew; the girl was Morzan's blood, possibly with the potential to be a Dragon Rider, definitely with the potential to be a hostage for the Forsworn to use against them if he found out.
She was—he didn't know her exact age, but looking at her, he guessed she was maybe four years old at the most—very young and entirely dependent on others to care for her. Her tenure on Aberon's streets had clearly traumatized her enough to ensure that.
All of that added up to: vulnerable, useful to the enemy, easy to capture if she was discovered.
They could just keep her with them, but Eragon's family attracted attention and a child amongst them would quickly fall under the scrutiny of friendly and unfriendly eyes. What options did that leave them with? He ran through a few possibilities, eliminating the ones that logically were not as sound as others.
Finally, he glanced at Arya. "We could take her to Du Weldenvarden. She's an easy target and we will need to visit Ellesmera in the coming months."
"She would be out of Morzan's reach there," Arya admitted, considering the idea. She met his gaze after a minute. "I could discuss the possibility with Islanzadi Drottning when I speak with her this evening. I agree that she is too easy a target. Leaving a bodyguard powerful enough to defend her constantly will only attract more attention, even assuming she isn't around us all the time."
"That's what I was thinking."
Brom pursed his lips and looked over to Murtagh. "What do you think?"
Murtagh seemed more troubled, but he sighed, shaking his head. "She's too vulnerable. Even if she doesn't turn out to be a Rider one day, Morzan could twist her against us. Or Galbatorix for that matter. I…do not like the idea, but I agree it is the best option we have. If Elva were in Ellesmera, we would be able to fight without fear of someone taking her behind our backs."
"I've considered something similar for Katrina and Ismira," Eragon added. "Morzan already knows about them, but I've no idea how I'd get either of them on the back of a dragon without knocking them out for the duration of the trip."
"That will not sell," Murtagh agreed with a scoff.
Selena said nothing; just watched her family discuss around her. When Brom shot her a raised eyebrow, she only shook her head.
Eragon stood up, though he kept his fingers intertwined with his mother's. "Right, I'll see if I can't convince Maud to watch over Elva. I imagine she'll be here for the foreseeable future, what with Solembum sharing the house with Angela."
"Maud?" Selena echoed.
"A werecat," Arya explained. "She spent time with us in Ellesmera. If we need a guard to be capable and inconspicuous, a werecat is our best option. If we can convince her to help, that is."
"I'll find Angela; she'll know where to find Solembum, and he'll know where to find Maud," he decided. Eragon looked down at his mother regretfully. "I'm sorry, but I need to take care of this, mother. I shall return once my duties are complete."
Selena's eyes glimmered with mirth. "You are already more responsible than I was at your age. And your father, for that matter."
"I beg to differ," Brom said gruffly, though his tone was enough to tell he was only joking.
Eragon squeezed his mother's hand one more time—he detested that he had to leave so quickly, but he needed to fulfill his obligations—and slipped out of the room with Arya close behind.
She touched his thoughts and he opened up his mind to her as they walked down the streets of Aberon side by side.
Perhaps we should inform Blodgharm as well, Arya suggested. Even if it is only a distance, another pair of eyes would be useful.
I agree. I will—
I will speak with him before I contact my mother; your search for Maud may take a while, she pointed out.
Eragon had to admit she was right. Thank you.
Saphira will be most surprised.
He snorted. That is an understatement. I cannot imagine how Thorn must have reacted when Elva approached him.
A tale for another time, Arya thought to him. How are you faring?
I will do what must be done. I cannot falter now.
You conceal turmoil by throwing yourself into the task at hand. Have we told you that before?
She had him again, not that he was surprised. It was a habit he'd made over the years. Glaedr had been the first to call him out on it.
Eragon opted for the truth. I believe I am still processing everything. It hasn't quite…sunk in yet. The reality of the situation. My mother is alive. I have a sister, Arya.
You do.
I must send her away for her own safety.
It is not goodbye. Not forever.
I know, he breathed deep and let it out. Thank you for being there. For staying. I am sorry if you ever felt…
Her fingers stretched just enough to brush his knuckles. I know. There is nothing to forgive.
They kept walking in silence until it was time to part, but the atmosphere between them was comfortable even without words.
Queen Islanzadi had heard truly awful reports many times in her life.
She remembered keenly every day during Galbatorix's war on the Riders when Evandar would get more bad news; Riders picked off as the situation escalated, the Forsworn defecting one by one—amongst them even elves, their own people, which had mortified them both—the Fall of Vroengard, and Vrael's death.
That last one stung only slightly less in light of Eragon's discovery at Ristvak'baen. Only slightly.
The worst had been hearing that Evandar had fallen in battle. Her beloved mate and the father of her only child—gone forever. Arya had been so young, had scarcely had a chance to know her father thanks to Galbatorix's treachery.
This report wasn't so bad compared to Evandar's death, but it was by no means a happy discussion.
Oromis stood beside Islanzadi, a thoughtful frown on his face as Arya finished speaking. A Ra'zac horde was not a problem they needed, least of all one capable of devouring an entire city. She really shouldn't have been surprised; Galbatorix had proven himself capable of the most revolting acts imaginable, but even so.
"Gil'ead, you say," Islanzadi broke her silence.
"We suspect that is the target," Arya confirmed. "Galbatorix will want to weaken the Alfakyn as much as possible before we capture any of his territories. The vast majority of the Ra'zac will not be large, but they will have fed and grown enough on the journey to be an issue. Eragon and I believe the horde will strike at night, when they are at their most dangerous."
"I concur," Oromis agreed. "They are too sensitive in the light, especially when they are young and inexperienced. They will be reliant on the shadows."
He was correct on that front. The foul creatures were denizens of the dark, at their best hunting when the sun had descended and the moon rose high. Arya continued.
"It has been decided that two Dragon Riders will assist the Alfakyn when they arrive at Gil'ead. Since it is a major military stronghold for the Empire, Eragon and I will likely be the ones to aid you during the attack—Garzhvog will have to remain in the south to command the Urgal forces, but there is a chance Murtagh will come instead. The Riders will discuss the matter further before we decide."
"Very well. I trust your judgement," Islanzadi declared. "I will speak to the war council on the matter of the Ra'zac. We will be aptly prepared to fight the horde."
Arya nodded. "There is another matter I would speak of to you. It too is a pressing subject."
"Our counsel is yours," Oromis told her.
She paused for only a moment. "During our mission to Dauth, Thorn and Murtagh discovered something: Morzan has fathered another child."
Islanzadi stilled. Her daughter kept speaking. "It is a girl, only a few years old. It seems Morzan does not know of her."
"You are certain she is his offspring?"
"Thorn confirmed it. Her scent bears a certain resemblance to Murtagh and Morzan, or so I am told," Arya reported. "She shares his mismatched eyes, as well."
That particular trait wasn't damning, but it was remarkably rare, Islanzadi would admit. Oromis considered the news with only a slight crease to his brow. "If Thorn sensed a connection between them, I believe he is correct. Riders and their bloodlines were quite distinct to the dragons."
"Eragon, Murtagh, Brom, and myself have discussed the matter and we believe it would be prudent to bring the girl to Ellesmera," Arya told them. "We mean to send at least one Rider to Du Weldenvarden at some point in the coming months. Taking the child to the forest will remove the possibility that she is discovered and used against us as a hostage."
"That can be arranged," Islanzadi allowed. "But if I may, is it only for the child that a Rider will come here?"
Her daughter's face became grave. "No, I am afraid not."
More bad news, she thought. "What has happened?"
"First, can you confirm Garzhvog's errand for Master Oromis and Master Glaedr was successful?"
She was asking about the Eldunari. Oromis nodded. "It was. They are safe."
That seemed to please Arya, but her shoulders relaxed only fractionally. "When Eragon parted from Garzhvog to rejoin the Varden, he encountered what we believe is an experiment of Galbatorix. An elf-corpse animated by spirits and controlled by a heart."
Oromis' face became ashen as a thrill of horror rushed through Islanzadi. If she understood the implication properly, then the heart was—
"A Rider's blade belonging to an elf-Rider known as Luwen was retrieved when Eragon slew the abomination," Arya said grimly. "We mean to bring the body and the sword to Ellesmera to put both to rest. Rhunon will wish to see her work returned to her."
And they would bring the heart, too. Arya was being cautious with her wording, but it was clear enough to the elven Queen and her Dragon Rider advisor.
"Was the corpse Luwen?" Oromis asked hesitantly. He seemed to be dreading the answer; Luwen had almost certainly been a student of his long ago.
Arya shook her head. "No. The body belonged to an elf who fell during the Battle of Illirea."
Islanzadi closed her eyes, purging her mind of the thoughts arising from the mention of that battle. She could not allow emotion to cloud her judgement. Not now, when they were on the brink of marching to war.
"We mean to ask Lady Zaela of Osilon if she would study the body before it is laid to rest. None of us are certain exactly what evil Galbatorix has created, but it must be understood should we encounter more."
"How soon can we expect you to arrive?"
"We are not yet certain. Surda's Aristocracy is being rebuilt, but we expect to march on the Empire sooner than later," Arya said. "Galbatorix will likely send his army to stop us on the Burning Plains. We'll need that foothold before the Varden can proceed further. When we defeat him there, then I suspect we will send a Rider to Du Weldenvarden."
Islanzadi considered that. "I approve. Oromis?"
"I agree as well. Is there anything else?"
Arya paused. "One matter more, of a happier note. Saphira and Firnen have bonded as mates."
Much happier news as far as Islanzadi was concerned. "That is wonderful indeed, Arya."
Her daughter's mouth twitched just the slightest, but she could tell Arya was pleased. "On Firnen's behalf, I thank you, Drottning."
"Is Saphira…?" Oromis trailed off, appearing happy if slightly more concerned.
"Their union is recent; if she is expecting, she has not told Eragon."
"I see. Inform us of any changes."
"Of course," Arya dipped her head. "I have no news more."
"We will take your report under advisement and adjust our strategy accordingly," Islanzadi said. "Have you anything to add, Oromis?"
"I do not, save for my and Glaedr's blessing to be passed to our students."
"I will be pleased to do so, Master."
"Then I am satisfied."
Islanzadi nodded. "Please convey my royal salutations to King Larkin and Lady Nasuada. Has Vanir been steady in his duties as Ambassador?"
"He has."
"Good. Then I shall await our next meeting, Shur'tugal."
"May the stars watch over you, Drottning."
"And may peace live in your heart."
Arya's face softened only slightly before she ended the spell. Her image on the mirror rippled and faded.
Islanzadi pondered what she had learned, which was a great deal. It seemed events were picking up speed faster than they had anticipated—many of which had taken them by surprise in the most unpleasant of ways.
But so long as they could handle what was thrown at them, Galbatorix would not stop their assault on his Empire. His atrocities would be brought to a permanent end, one way or another.
"I must share this news with Glaedr," Oromis told the Queen.
She sent him back to his partner with a murmur. Glaedr had been absent only because he had dedicated himself to helping the Eldunari. Garzhvog had retrieved five of the hearts and all were exhausted, hurting, and lost. Opheila had also been returned to Ellesmera following Kulkarvek's demise, so at least Glaedr and Oromis had some extra help.
Islanzadi glided through the gardens of Tialdari Hall, thinking on the news Arya had given them. The Ra'zac horde was at least a straightforward problem. Morzan's child, as well, was not a difficult conundrum to deal with.
No, the most troubling matter was the elf-corpse Eragon had cut down.
She didn't want to think about it, but the fact that the body belonged to an elf that had fallen at the Battle of Illirea…
Her eyes drifted to a bed of dahlia flowers. For decades, she had tried to push thoughts of her fallen mate to the back of her mind, but this war was bringing him to the forefront once more.
Islanzadi knelt beside the flowers and ran her fingers over the delicate petals, whispering in the Ancient Language. They quivered before her eyes.
Evandar had sung these for her so long ago. It was here that the two of them had affirmed their desire to become mates.
She had told him in this spot that she was pregnant.
It struck her as she drifted in memory that she had never told Arya about her courtship with Evandar. Had scarcely told her much of anything since his death.
Perhaps she should rectify that. Her daughter deserved to know whatever Islanzadi could offer her, no matter that it would pain the Queen to recall her fallen mate so keenly. Evandar, she felt, would have wanted for Arya to know as much of him as she could.
Islanzadi studied the dahlias for several minutes before she decided. After the war. When Galbatorix was slain and her mate avenged, she would tell Arya all she could.
This she promised herself.
A/N: Yikes, this was long-overdue. It's not as long a chapter as I was hoping for, but it'll help me get the ball rolling again.
As of posting this chapter, I went back and cleaned up the entire story, but no major changes have been made to the plot as a whole. I fixed typos, cringy dialogue, plot holes, so on and so forth. You can keep reading from this point without missing anything from the edits if that's what you want to do.
As ever, please review and thanks for reading!