Chapter 11
Harry and Daphne made their way to Oromis's clearing holding hands. They had lost track of exactly how many days it had been since they first arrived in Alagaësia, and their daily routine had settled into a comfortable rhythm of training, study, and rest and kisses.
Aëlindra, now much larger than when she first hatched, bounded ahead of them with the energy of a hatchling. Her golden scales always reminded him of the Golden Snitch. She had grown rapidly, already reaching Harry's shoulders, though still far from the imposing size of Glaedr or even Saphira.
'You seem quite distracted today,' Daphne's thoughts brushed gently against Harry's mind as they walked. They both had begun to feel comfort in feeling each other's presence.
'Just thinking about how much has changed,' he replied, glancing at her. 'I think like two months ago, we were at Hogwarts, and now...'
'Now we're in a different world, training with elves and dragons,' she finished with a slight smile. 'Life has a way of surprising us.' He gently ran his thumb over her knuckles. She blushed inwardly at his constant displays of physical affection.
After a short while, they arrived at the clearing to find Oromis and Glaedr there already, their expressions were much more serious than usual. Eragon and Saphira were most notably absent.
"Good morning, Ebrithil," they greeted in unison, bowing slightly as had become their custom. They quickly remember they were still holding hands and let go.
Oromis nodded, half in acknowledgment and amusement.
"Where is Eragon?" Daphne asked timidly.
"He will be spending some time with Orik today." Oromis said simply.
"Sorry, Ebrithil," Harry began nervously, "but who is Orik?"
"He is a dwarf representative that is here to observe and oversee Eragon's training," he gestured towards the chairs, "Harry, Daphne, please be seated. There is something important we must discuss."
The seriousness in his voice made them exchange worried glances as they sat cross-legged on the grass. Aëlindra settled beside Harry, her tail curling protectively behind the both of them. Harry and Daphne sent her a few mental hugs which she loved.
"Over these past few weeks," Oromis began, "we have observed your progress with great interest. Your magic, while it is quite different from ours, holds tremendous potential. The first and most important point being that it does use your energy as quickly as our magic does. However, to truly understand how best to train you, we must first understand where you come from. We must understand your education, your experiences and your knowledge."
Harry felt Daphne's mind tense.
'We wish to enter your minds,' Glaedr's deep voice rumbled in their thoughts. 'To see your memories of learning magic, to understand the foundations of your abilities. Who were your teacher before us. What branches of magic did they teach you.'
Harry stiffened slightly. The idea of someone else entering his mind besides Daphne and Aëlindra made him feel uncomfortable. Daphne, who sensed his unease through their bond, placed a hand on his arm. He relaxed slightly. He felt her share the same thoughts. She shared with him an image of her father training her.
"We know that this request is very personal," Oromis continued, his voice gentle. "We would never ever force such an intrusion upon you with your permission. But if you allow us to see your memories of learning magic, we can better adapt our teaching to complement your existing knowledge."
'There will be no crude mental invasions,' Glaedr added, clearly sensing Daphne's apprehension, 'we would enter with your permission and touch only those memories related to your magical education.'
Daphne spoke first, with hesitancy evident in her voice. "Would you be able to see our private thoughts? Our personal memories?" She desperately wished to hide her and Harry's alone time.
"No," Oromis assured her. "We would focus solely on your magical training such as classes, spells, dueling practices etc. Nothing more. And you would be aware of our presence throughout the process."
Harry took a deep breath, considering what to do. He felt Daphne's grow curious but optimistic at the same time. She mentally nodded and queried with him. He mentally nodded back.
"Very well," he said finally. "I trust you, ebrithil."
Daphne nodded her agreement. "As do I." Harry had taken hold of her hand again for a second to give it a slight squeeze.
Oromis rose and approached them, placing one hand lightly on each of their foreheads. "Relax your minds. Do not fight against our presence when you feel it. Focus on your memories of learning magic."
Harry closed his eyes, feeling the gentle but firm pressure of Oromis's consciousness touching his own. It was nothing like he expected – this felt like a careful examination, precise and respectful.
Images began flowing through his mind: his first time holding a wand at Ollivanders, learning Wingardium Leviosa in Flitwick's class, practicing defensive spells in the DA, dueling Malfoy in second year. Each memory was touched briefly before moving to the next, like pages in a book being carefully turned.
Through their bond, he could sense Daphne experiencing something similar – glimpses of her own magical education, private tutoring sessions before Hogwarts, advanced dueling techniques taught by her family's instructors, complex theoretical studies that went far beyond the standard curriculum.
After what felt like hours but was likely only minutes, Oromis withdrew his touch. Harry opened his eyes, feeling slightly dizzy but otherwise unharmed. Beside him, Daphne was blinking rapidly, also trying to regain her bearings.
'Fascinating,' Glaedr's voice rumbled in their minds. 'Your magic, while different in execution, shares many fundamental principles with our own.'
Oromis nodded, his expression deep as he returned to his seat. "Your world's approach to magical combat or what you call duelling is quite interesting. The formalized structure, the emphasis on both offense and defense, the integration of movement and spell work... there are elements we can adapt to create something new." Glaedr grunted his affirmation.
"What do you mean, ebrithil?" Daphne asked, her academic curiosity piqued. Harry felt she should have been in Ravenclaw. She mentally shushed him.
"I believe we can combine the precision of your magical dueling with the raw power of the Ancient Language," Oromis explained, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. "A hybrid form that draws strength from both traditions."
'Your wands provide focused control,' Glaedr added, 'while our words carry inherent power. Together, they could create something unprecedented.'
Oromis stood, gesturing for them to do the same. "Let me demonstrate what I envision. Harry, draw your wand and face me."
Harry followed his instruction, though somewhat nervously. He'd never dueled an elf before, let alone one as powerful as Oromis.
"I will not attack you," Oromis assured him with a slight smile. "Simply observe."
The elf raised his hand and spoke a few words in the Ancient Language. A shimmering barrier appeared before him, similar to but somehow different from Protego. Then, still maintaining the shield, he spoke another word that caused the air around him to ripple with energy.
"In your dueling tradition, shields and offensive spells are separate actions," Oromis explained. "But with the Ancient Language, we can layer effects, maintaining multiple spells simultaneously as long as we have the energy to sustain them."
He lowered his hand, the magical effects dissipating. "Now imagine combining that capability with your wand work. A shield maintained through the Ancient Language while casting spells with your wand. Using both forms of magic in tandem like a stunning spell enhanced by words of power. Or perhaps using your shield Charm, Protego Maxima while sneakily casting a spell in the Ancient Language on your opponent."
Harry's eyes widened at the possibilities. "But how would we learn the Ancient Language quickly enough to use it in combat?"
"We will teach you key phrases first," Oromis replied. "Basic words for shield, attack, defend. As your vocabulary grows, so too will your options in combat."
'More importantly,' Glaedr interjected, 'you must understand the philosophy behind each tradition. Your magic relies heavily on precise movements and specific incantations. Ours demands absolute clarity of thought and intent. By combining these approaches, you can achieve effects that neither system could produce alone.'
Daphne had been listening intently, her analytical mind already working through the possibilities. "Would we be able to cast simultaneously? Use our wands while speaking the Ancient Language? Like literally say Brisingr to shoot a flame but non-verbally say Stupefy to stun someone."
"With practice, yes," Oromis confirmed. "Though it will require intense concentration and careful energy management. We do not teach our magicians to cast non-verbally, as this can be quite dangerous, only when someone has years of experience will they be taught this. I see in your world; it is a little different. Remember, magic in Alagaësia draws directly from your life force. You must learn to balance both forms of magic without exhausting yourself. So if you get distracted while thinking, you can die."
Harry and Daphne looked at each other with eyes wide.
He began pacing slowly as he outlined their training plan. "We will begin with the fundamentals. Each morning, after the Rimgar, you will spend two hours studying the Ancient Language which will include basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Precision is imperative; a mispronounced word could have fatal consequences."
'In the afternoons,' Glaedr continued, 'you will practice combining the two forms of magic. Start small by maintaining a shield while casting simple spells. Use it both ways. Swap shields in both languages and multitask. As your skill grows, we will introduce more complex combinations.'
"Additionally," Oromis added, "you must learn to feel the flow of energy within yourselves. Your wand magic seems to draw from a different source than our magic. Understanding how these energies interact is crucial to preventing exhaustion or magical burnout."
Harry and Daphne exchanged determined looks. This would be challenging, but the potential benefits were enormous. Harry wondered about where their magic source came from but Daphne shushed him again.
'I will tell you later.' She said through their bond. Harry nodded back mentally.
"When do we start?" Harry asked.
Oromis smiled. "Now. Your first words in the Ancient Language will be those most crucial to survival: skolir for shield, rïsa for rise, and thrysta for thrust. These form the foundation of magical defense and offense. I will throw this stone at you," he produced a small two centimeter stone in his hand, "and you will block it and send it back to me. If it falls down, you will lift it, and send it back to me."
He spent the next hour or so drilling them on their pronunciation, correcting even the teeniest errors with patient persistence. The words felt strange on Harry's tongue, and he thought Latin was hard!
"Remember," Oromis said with caution, "unlike your incantations, these words take effect immediately upon proper pronunciation. Until you master them, speak softly and with clear intent."
Daphne, who was always the perfectionist, mastered pronunciation quickly. Harry struggled just a little more but gradually improved under Oromis's guidance. What seemed apparent though was that Harry had much more power.
'Now,' Glaedr rumbled, 'we will test your understanding. Harry, speak the word skolir while focusing on creating a shield before you.'
Harry took a deep breath, concentrated on his intent, and spoke: "Skolir."
A faint shimmer appeared in the air before him, not as strong as a Protego but definitely present. He felt a small drain on his energy, nothing too severe but definitely noticeable.
"Good," Oromis nodded approvingly. "Now Daphne, your turn."
Daphne's attempt produced a slightly stronger shield, though Harry could sense through their bond that it cost her way more energy than his did.
"Excellent beginnings," Oromis said. "Now, we will work on maintaining these shields while using your wand magic. This is where the true challenge begins."
He carefully positioned himself between the pair, demonstrating the proper stance necessary for stability in a magician's duel. "The key here, is to hold the shield in your mind, while focusing your magical intent through your wand. The two magics must work in harmony, not in competition."
For the next several hours, they continuously practiced maintaining Ancient Language shields while casting simple spells and vice versa. It was exhausting work so more than once, Harry's shield flickered out mid-spell, and Daphne struggled to maintain both magics simultaneously. It was much easier to hold a Protego shield but their Ancient Language spellcasting was weaker.
'Do not become discouraged,' Glaedr advised as they took a brief rest. 'You are attempting something that as far as we know, nobody has ever tried before. Your magical cores must adapt to channeling two different types of energy.'
"The Ancient Language shield," Oromis explained, "draws power continuously while active. Your wand magic, in contrast, requires bursts of energy for each spell. This seems much more effective than holding a Protego shield until you both become adept at casting with the Ancient Language."
He drew a diagram in the dirt, showing how the two magical systems could work together. "Think of it as two streams flowing side by side. They must remain separate yet complementary, neither overwhelming the other."
"But how do we prevent fatigue?" Daphne asked, wiping sweat from her brow. "Using your magic is draining and we are simply not used to is."
"That is why we begin with simple combinations," Oromis replied. "As your endurance grows, you will be able to maintain more complex effects for longer periods. The key is knowing your limits and not exceeding them."
'Your bond may also help,' Glaedr added thoughtfully. 'We noticed in your memories that you can share thoughts and feelings without words just like the bond between a rider and dragon. Perhaps you can learn to share magical energy as well.'
Harry and Daphne looked at each other, intrigued by the possibility. Through their bond, they could already sense each other's magical reserves, feel when the other was straining or tired. But only now it clicked.
"We will explore that more later," Oromis continued. "For now, let us focus on mastering these basic combinations. Tomorrow we will add more words to your vocabulary and begin practicing various techniques."
"Thank you." Daphne said.
"Rest well tonight. Your bodies and minds need time to adjust to channeling both forms of magic. Tomorrow will bring new exercises and puzzles." Oromis stood with a smirk and dismissed them.
-oIo-
While walking back, hand-in-hand, to their quarters, they discussed the implications of their training today and what it could mean for them. Harry could feel her ideas on figuring out how to Apparate back home. He wished the same. If they could combine both of their magical cores, not even Tom could stop them. After all, Tom was just a man.
'It's fascinating, really,' Daphne thought, 'how different yet complementary they are. Our magic is more structured, controlled. Theirs is raw power shaped by will and word but the better the knowledge of the language, the more structured and controlled it becomes. Like learning grammar at school all over again.'
'And together they could be incredibly powerful,' Harry agreed. 'Imagine maintaining a shield while casting offensive spells or enhancing our spells with words of power. And wait? You went to muggle school?'
'Most purebloods don't but most half-bloods send their kids,' she smiled. 'I was lucky to have gone. But back to the point, we can't make mistakes when dealing with two magics and two cores. Practicing pronunciation prevents painful passing.'
Harry sniggered at her alliteration, but then he remembered Oromis's warnings about the importance of precise pronunciation. The Ancient Language was unforgiving of mistakes, its power too great to allow for error. Less play and more seriousness. Seriously. How he wished his godfather, or was it dogfather, was here.
Aëlindra, who had watched the day's training with great interest, bumped her head against Harry's side. 'You will master both magics,' she assured him, her mental voice growing stronger each day. 'I have faith in you both. Would you like to see what I learned this morning?'
She sent both of them a plethora of memories about all that Glaedr had taught her. From which animals are prey to which she should avoid, the best winds and air currents for different flying methods, how to shield your rider from the elements when flying in inclement weather and much more.
-oIo-
That evening, before they went to bed, Harry and Daphne practiced the basic words Oromis had taught them, correcting each other's pronunciation and discussing potential combinations with their existing spells. It was quite fun and Harry remembered practicing like this for the third task with Ron and Hermione.
'Tomorrow we'll learn some more offensive words,' Harry thought excitedly as they settled into their beds. 'That's when things will really get interesting.'
'Indeed,' Daphne replied through their bond, her mental voice tinged with excitement and then a hint of nervousness. 'Harry…'
'Yeah?' he responded.
'I'm waiting.' Harry shot up out of the bed and landed next to Daphne a second later with his arms encircling her. She turned around and blue met green.
"I miss home." She said sadly.
"Me too." He said as he gingerly lay a soft kiss on her nose.
-oIo-
Time passed. And Aëlindra, who was now significantly larger than when she first hatched, bounded gracefully beside them like a Graphorn. Her golden scales caught the bright light and were blinding! Harry wished he had sunglasses but loved her nonetheless. She was still small compared to Saphira, but her growth had been remarkably fast. Her wingspan had reached nearly forty feet, and her muscles rippled with power beneath her scales.
"Can you believe it's been six months?" Harry asked, his hand automatically finding Daphne's as they walked. Their bond had deepened considerably during their time in Ellesméra, both through their shared training and their pre-existing magical connection. Their bond grew even stronger, Aëlindra knew when Harry was hungry, Daphne knew when Aëlindra was dreaming of wild boars and Harry knew when Daphne was drooling. It was quite… unique.
Their training had also progressed far beyond what either of them had imagined possible. While they still relied primarily on their wands, they had learned to incorporate elements of the Ancient Language into their spell work, creating hybrid forms of magic that even Oromis found fascinating and deemed it fit enough for him to create new books on it.
"Your progress with combining the two forms of magic has been extraordinary," Oromis had told them during yesterday's lesson. He had watched with keen interest as Harry demonstrated a modified Shield Charm, enhanced with words of the Ancient Language to make it not only deflect spells but also physical objects with greater efficiency.
Daphne had developed her own specialties, particularly in transformation magic. By combining her Transfiguration skills with the precise control offered by the Ancient Language, she could achieve changes that were both more stable and more detailed than either method alone would allow. But mentally they grew stronger too because the meditation sessions had become more challenging as they progressed. Now, instead of simply clearing their minds, they practiced maintaining multiple layers of consciousness. Harry could simultaneously monitor his surroundings, maintain a conversation with Aëlindra, and solve complex magical riddles Oromis set for them.
'You're getting better at this,' Aëlindra's voice sang in his mind as they practiced. Her mental presence had grown stronger and more distinct over the months, her personality developing into a fascinating blend of wisdom and snarkiness.
Their combat skills had also improved as both Harry and Daphne had developed remarkable skills with the blade. Their magical training complemented their swordplay, allowing them to incorporate spells seamlessly into each strike. A slash with a Diffindo. A thrust with a Stupefy. A block with a Skolir.
"Your footwork has improved significantly," Vanir commented during one of their sparring sessions. The elf, who had initially been skeptical of human Riders, had gradually come to respect their dedication and progress, especially after the transformation when Eragon had broken his arm.
Later that evening, Harry sat in quiet contemplation as Aëlindra slept peacefully beside him, his mind drifting back to that transformative night in Ellesméra. The memory was still so vivid, like he could touch it.
The air had was electric with anticipation as the elves prepared for their sacred celebration. He remembered watching in awe as the ancient city transformed before his eyes, luminescent orbs of magic floating through the trees like ethereal spirits. He had asked Oromis whether they were spirits, but the old elf just smiled.
Oromis's words from their morning lesson on that specific day still echoed in his mind: "The Agaetí Blödhren occurs once a century. It honors the pact made between elves and dragons, a celebration of magic in its purest form."
He could still feel the warmth of Daphne's shoulder against his as they sat cross-legged, listening intently. When she shifted away, he missed it. Aëlindra, then only the size of a small horse, had curled behind them, providing that extra warmth.
When Daphne had asked whether there would be any anger, Oromis's eyes had twinkled mysteriously like Dumbledores. "The magic of the Blood-Oath Celebration affects each participant differently. For some, it brings clarity. For others, transformation."
When that evening came, everything felt surreal. The elves moved with their watery grace, making him feel as awkward as a troll. He remembered watching the twins practice their dance, their movements so perfectly synchronized it was impossible to tell who led and who followed, their silver hair catching the light like spun moonbeams. Alas, he tried not to stare at their nakedness, but Daphne squeezed his hand and distracted him. Their movements told stories of war and peace, love and sacrifice, magic so ancient it predated the world itself. Through their bond, he had felt Daphne's wonder mixing with his own as the magic built layer upon layer.
The transformation itself had started with Eragon, and they watched as a dragon of light entered him. Harry was in shock but then he felt a tingling in his fingertips. He remembered Daphne's hand tightening around his as some unknown magic took hold, probably from the same apparition that went through Eragon, and the world exploded into a dark light and hopeless sensation.
Blackness poured out of his eyes and ears, and he had collapsed. He vaguely remembered some elves around him, helping him, with Aëlindra threatening to hurt those around him. He thought he was being punished for making such a crude piece of art whereas Eragon had such a riveting poem. But Oromis later explained that Harry had some darkness inside him, and it was expelled.
He fell out of his stupor while absentmindedly bringing his fingers to his ears. Luckily, they were still rounded. The transformation had given Harry, Eragon and Daphne the speed, strength and senses of the elves but they still appeared human. On the sparring field, Eragon was now formidable, he could not keep up, but he matched Eragon for strength and speed if not skill.
-oIo-
The next day saw Harry staring at Daphne's sleeping figure. Harry's breath caught just slightly as he took her in, his heart skipping a beat. He quickly shook off the feeling, reminding himself that they now had to focus on other more important things, not to get distracted by... well, distractions.
"Right, sorry," he mumbled, fumbling for his glasses. "What time is it?"
"Time for you to get moving," Daphne mumbled getting up. She leaned over the bed and cast a Tempus then reached over again and tossed him a clean tunic. "Oromis is expecting us for Rimgar in ten minutes."
Harry grinned at that, remembering the grueling exercises they'd been put through over the past few months. Every muscle in his body seemed ripped. But he hated the feeling! "Can't we just... skip it? Just once?"
Daphne's cute eyebrows arched dangerously. "And risk disappointing Oromis? I don't think so, Potter. Now move it!"
Last name basis command.
Grumbling under his breath, Harry dragged himself out of bed, nearly tripping over Aëlindra's tail which was curled up at the foot of his bed. The young dragon chirped indignantly, shuffling her wings before padding over to Daphne for attention. She was almost too big for the room.
'But still enough for to fit, so suck it up.' Aëlindra told him.
As Harry changed, trying not to think about Daphne's presence in the room (they'd gotten used to quick changes, but it still felt awkward), he couldn't help but marvel at how much Aëlindra had grown. But Glaedr said she is small for her age and Eragon even noted that Saphira was much larger than her.
"She's getting cocky," Harry commented, pulling on his boots.
Daphne nodded, scratching under Aëlindra's chin, who narrowed her eyes at Harry. "Go flying with her today?"
"Yes, but this time, extra cushioning charm."
A gentle knock sounded at their door. Daphne opened it to reveal Nïduen, one of the elves they'd gotten to know during their stay. She was one of the twins that was dancing on the night of their transformation. She appeared to be carrying a bundle wrapped in soft leather.
"Good morning, Shur'tugal," Nïduen greeted them with a slight bow. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all," Daphne replied warmly. "Please, come in."
Nïduen stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly as she took in Aëlindra's size. "She grows swiftly," she murmured, a note of awe in her voice. "It brings joy to see a dragon thrive so."
Harry, now fully dressed, joined them. "What brings you here so early, Nïduen?"
The elf's eyes sparkled as she held out the bundle. "I bring a gift, one that has been in my family for generations." She carefully unwrapped the leather, revealing a beautifully crafted saddle.
Daphne gasped softly. "It's beautiful," she breathed, running her fingers over the intricate designs etched into the leather.
Nïduen nodded, pride evident in her voice. "It was crafted by my great-grandfather, who rode with the Riders of old a thousand years ago. It is enchanted to adjust its size as your dragon grows."
Harry's eyes widened. "Nïduen, we can't accept this. It's a family heirloom..."
The elf shook her head, a gentle smile on her lips. "It has sat unused for far too long. My family would be honored to see it serve a Rider once more, especially in these dark times."
Daphne looked at Harry, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Nïduen. We'll treasure it."
As Nïduen helped them fit the saddle on Aëlindra, showing them how to adjust the straps, Harry couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion. The generosity of the elves and the beauty of their craftsmanship all served as a reminder of what they were fighting to protect even if they were outsiders. If only wizards and witches could unite like this against Voldemort.
"There," Nïduen said, bringing Harry out of his thoughts. "A perfect fit. May it serve you well in the skies above."
Harry ran his hand along the smooth leather, marveling at how it seemed to shimmer with an inner light. "Thank you, truly. This means more than you know."
'It's comfortable.' Aëlindra said and brought her snout to Nïduen who bowed her head.
"The honor is ours, Shur'tugal. Now, I believe Oromis-elda awaits you?" Nïduen said.
Daphne's eyes widened. "Oh no, we're late!" She grabbed Harry's hand, pulling him towards the door. "Thank you again, Nïduen!"
Aëlindra huffed and she ran behind them.
As they raced through the winding paths of Ellesméra, Harry couldn't help but laugh. They were always late. They arrived at the training grounds slightly out of breath, only to find Eragon already there, a troubled expression on his face. Oromis stood nearby, his usual serene demeanor tinged with concern.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, immediately sensing the tension in the air.
Eragon held up a scroll, his knuckles white from gripping it so tightly. "It's from Nasuada. The Empire is on the move. They're gathering forces at the Burning Plains."
Daphne's brow furrowed. "The Burning Plains? That's... not good, is it?"
Oromis shook his head gravely. "It is a place of great strategic importance, and of dark history. If Galbatorix seeks to make a stand there, it bodes ill for the Varden."
Harry felt a dementor run down his spine. They'd spent weeks training, learning the ways of magic in this new world, but the reality of the war they'd been thrust into had never felt more real than in this moment.
"What does Nasuada want us to do?" he asked, dreading the answer. Eragon had trained them in everything he had learned about the Varden, and they were further schooled by Arya who had been dealing with them for years.
Eragon's jaw clenched. "She's calling for aid. The Varden need every sword, every spell, every dragon they can muster."
Daphne's hand found Harry's, squeezing it tightly. "But... we're not ready. Are we?"
Oromis regarded them with a mix of sympathy and resolve. "Sometimes, young ones, fate does not wait for us to feel ready. The question now is not whether you are prepared, but whether you are willing."
Harry felt the weight of Oromis's words settle on his shoulders. He thought of all they'd learned, of the people they'd met, of the world they'd come to care for. Could they really stand by while others fought and died?
"We have to go," he said softly, meeting Daphne's gaze. "We can't abandon them."
Daphne nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "You're right. But Harry, this isn't like facing Voldemort. This is war on a scale we've never seen."
Eragon stepped forward, his expression grim but resolute. "You won't be alone. Saphira and I will be there, and the Varden have skilled warriors and magicians."
"And you have each other," Oromis added, his voice gentle. "The bond you share, both with Aëlindra and between yourselves, is a strength that should not be underestimated."
'I have a sister now. I will fight to protect all of you until my last breath.' Saphira projected to them with a firmness in her voice that made Harry want to jump into battle.
-oIo-
As they discussed the logistics of their departure, debating the best route to take and what supplies they'd need, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The peaceful days of training in Ellesméra seemed like a distant dream now, replaced by the looming specter of battle. Even the dwarf, Orik, was preparing for a showdown.
"We should leave as soon as possible," Eragon was saying, pacing back and forth. "Every moment we delay gives the Empire more time to prepare."
Daphne shook her head. "But rushing in unprepared could be just as dangerous. We need to make sure we have everything we might need, potions, spare wands if we can craft them, anything that might give us an edge."
Eragon frowned, "The Varden have the battle plans already."
"Daphne's right," Harry shook his head. "Plus, we need to make sure Aëlindra is ready for a long flight. She's never carried a rider for more than short distances."
Oromis nodded approvingly. "Wisdom in haste is a rare thing. Take the day to prepare, gather what you need. I will speak with Queen Islanzadí about providing you with provisions and any aid she can spare."
As they dispersed to begin their preparations, Harry felt a mix of emotions but one above all. Fear. He caught Daphne's eye and saw the same feelings reflected there.
"Are we really doing this?" she asked softly as they walked back to their quarters.
Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Yeah, I think we are. But hey, at least this time we're not sneaking out in the middle of the night to face certain death, right?"
Daphne laughed, the sound tinged with nervousness. "No, this time we're marching straight into it in broad daylight. Much better."
As they entered their room, Aëlindra greeted them with a soft trill, sensing their unease. Harry ran his hand along her scales, drawing comfort from her presence.
"We'll be okay," he murmured, as much to himself as to Daphne and Aëlindra. "We have to be."
'I am going to hunt. Behave while I am away.' Aëlindra chided them.
As she left, Daphne stepped in front of Harry and planted her lips upon his, not giving him time to think.
'I love you.' She thought.
Harry froze.
"Harry, oh! I'm so sorry I thought out loud!" Daphne panicked with her hands covering her face.
"Did you mean that." Harry said softly looking down.
"Harry. I –" She began but he grabbed her and pulled her in for another kiss.
"I love you too."
-oIo-
The rest of the day passed in a flurry of activity. They packed what few belongings they had, accepted gifts and advice from the elves they'd come to know, and spent time with Oromis and Glaedr, soaking up every last bit of wisdom they could.
As evening fell, Queen Islanzadí herself came to see them off.
"May the stars watch over you," she intoned. "And may your swords stay sharp."
Harry and Daphne bowed deeply. As they turned to mount Aëlindra, Harry caught sight of Eragon already astride Saphira with Orik in behind him on the saddle, his face set with grim determination.
"Ready?" Eragon called out while the dwarf looked murderous.
Harry looked at Daphne behind him, who gave him a small nod. "As we'll ever be," he replied as she put her arms around his torso and laid her head on the back of his neck.
With a mighty beat of wings, Saphira launched into the air, Aëlindra following close behind. They soared above the treetops, leaving the safety of Ellesméra behind. Harry felt Daphne tighten her grip and he knew then that he will protect what is his. His dragon. His Daphne.
