Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.

Edit 11-03-25: This Chapter was edited by TheDarkRanger1160, thank you!

Any mistakes that remain are my own.

The weight of Morzan's name still hung in the air, adding to the tension. "Eragon, Harry. Would you mind checking on the horses?" Brom's request had a scathing undertone that caught Harry's attention.

His eyes were cold and the old lines on his face seemed to be even deeper. It was clear to Harry that Brom was about to hide something from them. Eragon seemed to sense that too, Harry concluded, at the forceful slam of the door.

"Eragon, wait!" Harry called after him, but the young man didn't wait. He stubbornly walked outside and crouched down next to the horses, who were quietly eating the grass.

Ares raised his head as Harry approached, nudging him with his snout in a questioning manner. A smile played on Harry's lips as the horse started to search his robes for apples.

"Sorry, I don't have anything for you right now," Harry whispered.

He stroked the dark mane of the black horse, while Ares whinnied in disappointment and continued to graze contentedly.

He slowly approached Eragon, who was busy yanking grass out of the ground with frustration.

"Are you alright?" Harry questioned carefully when he joined Eragon on the ground.

"No!" Eragon snarled when he turned to Harry with an angry face.

"Always this secrecy! I'm not a child any more!" he yelled, frustrated.

Harry stifled a grin as Eragon reminded him strongly of himself. There was a time when he had acted the same way.

Of course, Harry still had moments when he acted first before using his head. His placement in Gryffindor had not been without reason, after all. However, this time, he was fortunate to have Artemis as a guiding influence, offering a voice of reason amid his decisions.

Well, as long as he listened to her.

"You do a poor job of showing that," Harry remarked in a dry voice.

Eragon's shoulders sagged in defeat.

"I am sorry, Harry, but I hate this," he mumbled.

Harry waved him off. "It's fine. I have been in a situation similar to yours and acted the same way."

Eragon lifted his head, while the sun shone down on his face.

"What do you mean?"

Harry leaned back; his gaze turned up to the sky. Only scattered clouds covered the vast sky above.

"I think you're scared of what might happen. Many expect great things from you, but nobody tells you anything and everything is decided for you, for your well-being."

Harry's description perfectly summed up the emotions he was experiencing. "Exactly! How did you know...?" Eragon trailed off in disbelief.

Harry sighed deeply. "I don't really want to talk about it because I'd rather forget about my past, but I'm not who you think I am."

Eragon hesitated, but Harry's calm demeanour reassured him.

"Who are you then?" Eragon questioned.

Harry closed his eyes. "My name is Harry Potter, but I'm not from Carvahall, not even from Alagaёsia."

Eragon frowned. "Uncle Garrow had told me and Roran that you are not from Carvahall, but if you are not from Alagaёsia… Then where and how did you arrive, did you come from across the sea like the elves did?"

Harry sat up. "I can't tell you how I got here because… in the end it doesn't matter. I woke up unconscious in Gertrude's hut and was in a strange place where I didn't know anyone."

"I see… will you tell me about your past then?" Eragon asked with curiosity.

Harry shook his head. "Not today."

He held a hand up, when Eragon protested.

"I could tell you, but ultimately it doesn't concern you. If it ever puts you or Saphira in danger, I'll tell you everything, I promise."

Eragon sighed and stood up as well. "Fine, but I will hold you to that. What should we do about Brom, Harry? He obviously knows more than he lets on," Eragon complained.

"Brom means well. He wants to protect us from something he doesn't think we're ready for. I don't like it, but maybe we just have to trust him for the time being."

Eragon huffed. "This concerns my life! That is only Saphira's and my decision. No one else's."

Harry nodded. "I agree. Before you head back, you might want to consider what Brom told us earlier."

He rolled his eyes at Eragon's puzzled face.

"If Brom doesn't want to give us any answers, you might have to get them yourself. Maybe you can think of the words in the ancient language to listen in on them. In the meantime, we can try to look for signs that will help us go forward."

Eragon's face brightened, and Harry watched as he concentrated.

"Thverr Stenr un atra eka hórna."

Eragon covered his ears with his hands and groaned. "Ugh, that's too many voices!"

"Concentrate on only what you want to hear. Focus on your intent when you say the words in the ancient language," Harry advised.

Eragon nodded and tried it again. This time, he had a big grin on his face and gave Harry a thumbs up.

"Do you want to know what the two are talking about?" Eragon asked, while he focused on Brom and Jeod's conversation.

Harry shook his head. "Maybe later. Tell Brom I'll go see Artemis outside Teirm."

Eragon nodded absently, and Harry made his way outside the town to meet with Artemis.

He followed the same path they had come. As soon as he was outside the city, he called for his partner.

"Artemis! Where are you?"

Immediately, she sent him images of her hiding spot to him. Harry veered off the road and traced the shoreline, eventually reaching a small drop-off cavern that was concealed amidst a thicket of trees and bushes.

"Where are you-?" Harry began, but his words trailed off as Artemis emerged from beneath the cliffs. With a graceful landing, she positioned herself in front of him and proceeded to shake her body vigorously, much like a drenched cat.

"Oi! Stop that!" He called out, raising his hands in front of him to shield himself from the falling water.

After a while, she stopped and offered him a mischievous smirk, responding to his playful glare with amusement evident in her eyes.

"Where is Saphira? I thought she would be with you," Harry questioned her.

Artemis shook her head. "There is nowhere around here for two dragons to hide. She is somewhere else."

"I see… Would you like to go flying?" Harry asked.

"I'd love to, but that would be too risky while we are near Teirm. We could be seen. Tell me what happened today. I could feel that you were annoyed several times today," she demanded of him.

Harry sat down in front of her and set about explaining everything about the day to her.

"I'm pretty sure who the 'friends' are, that Brom mentioned earlier" Harry said, absently scratching the head Artemis had rested on his lap.

"You think it's the Varden. At least everything points in that direction."

Harry agreed with her.

"We know Brom was once with the Varden. And in Carvahall it was an open secret that he detested the king. Everyone knew about it," Harry explained.

An image flashed before his eyes of Brom loudly cursing the king one evening. It was the only time he saw Brom get drunk.

"What do you think they've found in Gil'ead? It must have been important," Artemis commented with curiosity.

Harry frowned, "We'll have to ask him that, but I somehow doubt Brom would tell us."

Artemis hummed softly. "You're right. Brom carries his secrets close to his chest, maybe we need to force it out of him to reveal them."

"Perhaps. I believe it's wise to continue following him. He hasn't steered us wrong so far."

He then looked at a stone at his feet. Harry tried to reach for his magic and muttered quietly, "Stenr rïsa!".

The stone wobbled back and forth for a few seconds until it finally stopped its movement.

Harry somehow managed to keep his disappointment from showing, but Artemis could feel it seething deep inside him.

She lifted her head and licked Harry across the face. His hair was sticking all the way up.

Harry snorted when he saw his face reflected in a puddle. "Try not to be too disappointed. You're getting better every day."

Harry smoothed his hair down. At least he was trying it since his hair was even more ruffled than usual.

"I think you should head back. You haven't eaten dinner, yet," Artemis said, while Harry's stomach rumbled loudly.

He leaned his head against hers. "I hate to be apart from you."

"I know little one… I feel the same."

Harry was greeted by Brom, who was seated at a table with Jeod and Eragon. They were surrounded by countless books and ancient scrolls.

"There you are! We were about to send Eragon to look for you. Where have you been?"

Harry raised an eyebrow at Brom and joined them at the table. "I was out for a walk."

"Outside Teirm?" Jeod asked immediately.

At Harry's nod, Jeod replied, "I couldn't tell you this earlier, because you had already left, but in Teirm, the gates are closed at night. They don't let you in until morning."

Brom lifted his pipe and offered Jeod a sly smile, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "You say it as if there's a tale behind it."

Jeod snorted, and his ears reddened slightly. "It's been a long time. I spent a long evening with friends, and we had a few drinks," he remembered, while he started to pick up individual scrolls from the table.

He then shrugged his shoulders. "I can't remember exactly how it happened, but we did drink a lot that night and in the morning, I found myself out of town with no pants and a bad hangover. Helen, my wife, was less than thrilled when I got home."

Brom erupted into hearty laughter, while Eragon emitted a snort of amusement. Even Harry couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Have you discussed what we're going to do now?" Harry asked around, after everyone had calmed down.

Brom glanced at Eragon. "I'll find out with Eragon tomorrow if we can see the records. If so, then we'll have to wait a few more days for Eragon to practice his reading skills."

Eragon looked down in shame.

"It's not your fault Garrow was an imbecilic buffoon and didn't teach you to read, because he could have. Reading isn't a skill you teach yourself. You need to be shown the first steps, and then it's just practicing on your own part," Brom explained.

"In a matter of days, you'll be reading as skilfully as if you were born a noble," he reassured Eragon with a hint of encouragement.

"We'll be busy, but I have tasks for you, Harry, and a favour from Jeod," Brom continued towards Harry.

"A favour?" Harry frowned. "How can I help you?"

Jeod coughed into his hand.

"As you may have noticed, my financial situation is getting worse and Brom has told me about some of your... abilities."

Harry glared at Brom, who promptly avoided his gaze. "And what exactly did he mention about my… abilities?" Harry arched an impatient eyebrow.

Jeod grew more insecure with every passing moment. "Well, you see - I'm taking my freight across the sea to Surda, and he, I mean Brom, mentioned you could help me secure it. None of my last ships have arrived," Jeod explained hastily.

Harry let out a breath and tried to calm himself.

"All right. We can discuss this further tomorrow, but I will have conditions that need to be met."

Jeod nodded gratefully. "Thank you. I was planning to go to the harbour after midday. Would that be all right with you?"

Harry thought for a moment. He didn't have anything more important to do.

He would have to meet Artemis in the afternoon.

"I'll be there."

They passed through the east gate and observed numerous men diligently working to load goods onto the diverse array of ships. A single ship stood out. Even from the distance, Harry could tell that the ship was manned with weapons and equipment. A bunch of soldiers stood on the deck and obeyed the shouting orders of the captain.

"That ship is the Dragon Wing," Jeod explained. "The Dragon Wing is owned by the Blackmoor Shipping Company, a front for the Empire. She is the finest ship ever built, from a new design by master shipwright Kinnell. I was sad to hear he died two years ago, but he wasn't the youngest any more either."

"You know a lot about the ship. Ever thought about stealing it?" Harry joked.

Jeod assessed Harry with a calculating glance. "You never know what might happen in life."

"I was only joking," Harry muttered under his breath. He could not believe anyone stealing that ship right under the Empire's nose. There were innumerable soldiers everywhere, armed with swords, bows, and more.

It would be a foolish undertaking.

He followed Jeod to the end of the harbour, where a man was already waiting for him.

"Jeod, it is good to see you. What can I do for you?" A large brute of a man with a strong chin and dark hair greeted them.

"The name of this beast is Uthar. He is the last and only captain of my ships," Jeod explained.

"Ships?" Uthar grunted. "You only have one left, and you will lose that too if you send it towards Surda."

"Why?" Harry asked.

Uthar shrugged, his gaze shifting toward the horizon. "Every ship bound for Surda vanishes, and none who set sail return. The crew members simply vanish without a trace," he explained with a sombre tone.

Harry frowned. "Are the waters that dangerous here?" He couldn't imagine that all the ships would just disappear without a trace. Something must be lurking within these waters.

Uthar's head buckled to him. "The waters are dangerous, yes, but every man who grew up here knows them better than their own family. There's something out there, I just know it."

He grumbled something under his breath and then quickly said goodbye and walked off.

"He seems nice," Harry did not know what to think of the man.

"It's not easy for him. He's lost a lot of his men in the last few months and now there's hardly anyone left that is brave enough to travel towards Surda."

They walked on the wet plank and then stood on the deck. "What do you think is the reason why all the ships are disappearing?"

Jeod hesitated, which Harry noticed.

He rolled his eyes and said, "Brom told me you were a part of the Varden, Jeod."

Jeod blinked. "He did? That actually makes things easier."

Harry snorted and looked over at him smugly. "Thanks for confirming my theory."

The shock was written all over Jeod's face. "Brom isn't going to like this," Jeod muttered.

"How did you guess?" he questioned Harry with a sharp look.

"Brom told me a few years ago that he was once with the Varden. So, I wasn't lying per se. Plus you're an old friend, and you've obviously done something top secret. It doesn't take a scholar to put two and two together."

Jeod rubbed his chin. "You're smarter than I thought. I have underestimated you."

Harry crossed his arms. "Since we finally got that settled, would you mind answering my question?"

Jeod sighed and nodded to him. "I suspect the Empire is behind the disappearance of the ships. Brom suspects that among the Varden are spies of the Empire."

"Why does he think that?"

"It's not all ships that disappear from these waters. There are some traders like me who secretly support the Varden, and every one of our ships has disappeared. It can no longer be a coincidence that only our ships are targeted."

Harry fell silent. If the kings' spies were living with the Varden, then they must be warned at once.

But Harry had no desire to go to the Varden. Helping Eragon track down the Ra'zac is one thing but joining a revolution to overthrow the king is another. He didn't want to join another war.

"And what about Gil'ead? What were you looking for there?" Harry asked curiously.

Jeod sighed. "I cannot tell you about that. You'll have to ask Brom for that. Knowing that we once belonged to the Varden is one thing, but Gil'ead… is another matter entirely."

Harry sighed in disappointment, until he finally said. "All right, how should I start to protect your ship? I think it is safe to assume that Brom told you I don't have full access to my magic."

Jeod looked sheepish and tapped the rail with his finger. "Yes, he mentioned it. Since I don't know exactly what your magic does, I would leave that to you. May I watch you work?"

After a moment, Harry shook his head. "If you want. But keep it to yourself. I don't want the king to find out about this, and I don't want this to be used against me either."

He shot Jeod a warning look. Jeod smiled brightly and watched when Harry pulled out a bag filled with stones. He grabbed inside and took three Runes out.

Jeod could see strange symbols that were depicted on each stone.

ᛈ ᛉ ᛚ

"What do they mean?" Jeod asked curiously.

Harry pointed his fingers at the runes in order from left to right.

"Pertho, Algiz and Lagaz. They are part of a phonetic alphabet, with each rune having its own name and esoteric meaning. If you want to cast a spell, you must understand the meanings of the runes and how they apply to their intended spell."

Harry picked up a Rune. "Take Pertho for example. It translates to luck or fate. The rune looks like a cup tipped sideways and depending on what the caster associates with the rune, it can enable different things. In that case, the ship will take the best possible route to reach its destination."

"Destination?"

Harry nodded. "If the ship's fate is to arrive in Surda, then it will do so."

"And if not?"

"Then you should consider not making your supplies by sea in the future."

Jeod gulped and took a rune in his hand. It felt like a regular rock to him. "Can anyone learn this?"

Harry sighed. "No. If you want to use Runes, one must go through great suffering. It is said that Odin, the king of the Norse gods, hung himself from Yggdrasil for nine days and nights with a spear in his side until the runes appeared in front of him."

Jeod listened intently as Harry spoke.

"What did you have to go through-?"

Harry glared at him. "You refuse to tell me about Gil'ead, but you want me to tell you what happened to me, that I can use runes? Something I have told only one person before?"

Jeod averted his eyes in embarrassment.

"I apologize."

Harry nodded slowly and sighed.

"Let's finish this and head back. I would like to get this finished as soon as possible."

Harry spent the whole lunchtime with Jeod until he had finished his work. Jeod had asked him countless other questions that reminded him a lot of Hermione.

Jeod even admitted to being a 'bibliophile'. Something Harry had said to Hermione as a joke before.

After that, he returned to where Jeod lived. Since Brom and Eragon weren't back yet, he decided to look around the herbalist's shop.

The walls were stuffed with plants and herbs. There were so many that Harry found it difficult to tell where one ended and another began.

He walked forward and took a step back when a black cat jumped on the counter. The cat did have a slim body with strong shoulders and shaggy hair and reminded Harry a lot of Mrs. Figg's cats, minus the abnormally large fangs and paws of course, which he later found out were part-Kneazle.

He felt something touch his mind. It was wary, and at the slightest movement in his mind, it jumped back. Harry narrowed his eyes at the cat, who was staring at him with red eyes.

Feeling no hostility, he slightly opened his mind to the cat.

"You have a strange mind."

Harry blinked and looked around. But he could not see anyone. His eyes settled on the cat before him.

"Did you just-?"

"Talk? Yes, I did. You can talk too, can you not? Is speaking something only humans can do?"

Harry nodded slowly. He'd seen stranger things than a talking cat.

"You have an open mind," the cat licked its paw. "That's good for a Dragon Rider. A lot of them were so twisted in their minds. It made them rather boring."

"I won't even ask how you came to know that," Harry remarked with a wry smile.

"I wouldn't say it either, even if you asked."

The cat yawned and stretched. "What exactly are you?" Harry asked after a moment.

"A bad question. Do you want to know my name? I have many names and if you want to know my real name you will have to look elsewhere. But you may call me Solembum."

Harry did not know how to answer that. It felt weird being reprimanded by a cat.

"I'm a werecat. I thought our stories even reached you, but it seems I was wrong."

"A werecat," Harry murmured loudly. "Does that mean you can transform into a human?"

Solembum hissed at him. "It's rude to ask such a thing."

"Sorry," Harry apologized and held his hands up to placate the cat. "You are the first werecat I have ever met."

Solembum laid back on the counter. "Curiosity is important but so is staying polite. I can transform even if I haven't had the urge to do so lately."

The werecat sniffed the air and frowned at him. "You smell like a wet dog... I wonder why that is," Solembum wondered.

"How do you-?" Harry was taken aback and stuttered, but Solembum jumped from the counter to his sleeping place.

"No," he said simply, pulling himself out of Harry's mind.

Angela entered with a bag of herbs. Her eyes suddenly flew to Solembum, and she looked startled.

"He says you talked to him."

"Not any longer," Harry huffed.

Angela nodded. "He only talks when he wants to. I can talk to him, but that doesn't mean he answers."

She placed her bag on the counter where Solembum had just been. "He finds you interesting. That's very unusual."

"Thanks," Harry said with a snort.

"Even if it doesn't seem like it, it's a compliment from him. But I mustn't forget that I run a shop. Is there something you're looking for?"

"Hm... Do you have any healing herbs or maybe some Aconite?" Harry asked, while he eyed several of her items.

Angela's eyes lit up. "Also known as monkshood! Oh, someone who knows about potions... you're really interesting."

A shiver ran down Harry's spine. The way she was looking at him meant nothing good.

He couldn't put his finger on it... Much like Luna, she gave off an aura that made her seem different, as if she could see more than others.

Angela walked around the shop and picked different leaves from countless plants, sometimes even the whole stem.

She packed everything up for him, but before Harry could pay, she said, "Would you like me to tell you about your future? I've only made the offer to two others. A young woman and a blind man."

Harry's eyes hardened. "No, thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I would rather find out for myself what my future holds."

Angela watched him go when Harry walked out of the store. She stroked Solembum behind his ears, who was now standing on the counter. "What are you thinking?" Solembum questioned her.

Angela looked around, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of the store. "I think it's time we looked for a new place. Alagaёsia will change soon. I'm excited for it."

Harry took a deep breath in and out. What Angela wanted from him deeply unsettled him. The future... His life was plagued by a prophecy even before he was born, and he had no interest in going through anything like that again.

He walked into Jeod's study, where Brom and Eragon were sitting. Judging from the disappointment on Eragon's face, it seemed they had had little success.

"How was it?" Harry asked and sat down with the two of them by the fire.

"Terrible!" Brom growled and waved his pipe around.

"Have you been able to talk to anyone?"

"Yes, we have. Someone by the name of Brand is the trade manager, and he's the worst bureaucrat I've ever met," Brom snapped. "Nothing I said helped persuade him. Not even bribes! I never thought I'd meet a noble who wasn't corrupt."

Brom shook his head and mumbled a barrage of curses.

Harry snorted, no matter where he went, there was always someone who resembled Percy Weasley.

"I hate to admit it, but I'd rather have them strip my last shirt off in greed than someone who just lives by the rules."

"Nevertheless, we'll try. I'll be teaching Eragon to read by the end of the week, with your help, Harry." Eragon looked at them with an eager expression.

Brom twirled his pipe in his hands. "Let's hope by the time Morzan arrives in Teirm we've already put several miles between us."

The days passed in quick succession. It didn't take long for Harry to establish a specific routine for the day. In the morning, he got up and started his physical exercises, which he had been doing for a long time to stay physically fit.

With years of experience in Quidditch, he had enough variety that he never got bored. After that he helped Eragon learn to read and write.

An act Harry enjoyed. Be it magic or ordinary skills like reading and writing. He always did enjoy teaching others.

He took turns with Brom often enough that he still had enough time to spend time with Artemis. Something that was very important to Harry.

Currently, he was digging through the books and scrolls of Jeod, and the atrocities of Morzan were numerous. Morzan was the first and last of the Foresworn.

His dragon was rumoured to be killed by an unknown man.

"I'm going outside," Harry stated.

"Wait- Where are you going?" Eragon looked up from his backpack, which he was packing.

"I need a few more spices, I had barely any left, when we arrived in Teirm. Since I'm the one who always has to cook something, I want to have enough supplies." Harry answered.

"But-"

"See you later!" He waved Eragon off and quickly headed outside.

Having the opportunity, he wanted to make sure they had enough supplies that they would last till they reached the next town. He wanted to avoid the kind of situation they had before Yazuac.

While they were in Teirm he hadn't had time to walk around before.

Harry stopped a boy who was chasing after his friends and asked for directions to the market.

"Over there," said the boy, pointing his finger in the direction.

"Thank you," Harry said, handing the boy a crown in thanks. The boy grinned broadly and hurriedly followed his friends, who were waiting impatiently for him.

Harry then explored the market and tried a couple of the stalls. The men and women were nice but very stingy, and he had to haggle for every crown he owned.

Satisfied with his purchases, he was making his way back when he passed a small bookshop.

He bought enough that would help them out for the time being and finally found himself in a shop crammed to the brim with books, parchments, and scrolls.

Harry was rummaging through some books that talked about the kingdom Galbatorix had created.

Surda – The Poor Folk

Alagaёsia's Golden Age - The king as our saviour

Dark Creatures - How to recognize and kill an Urgal, Dwarf or Elf

Those were just a few titles Harry found in the bookshop.

Harry could read between the lines and soon found out that the texts were made for only one purpose: Propaganda. To cover up the truth and play with the minds of the common people.

It didn't surprise him any more that the Varden had such a bad image in the kingdom. If the people thought the Varden were just barbarians out to overthrow the kingdom for power, no one would willingly join them.

Harry sighed and put the books he was holding aside. He was already about to leave when his eyes met a familiar symbol.

ᛇ

Harry gasped and picked up the book. He'd spent a lot of time studying the different runes over the past few years, and Harry was certain that this rune was called Eihwaz, the rune of death.

"It must be a coincidence," Harry murmured, with his hand tracing over the rune. Nowhere in Alagaёsia had he even heard a whisper about someone using runes. Even Brom had never mentioned them.

He opened the book, but to his disappointment it was completely blank. Not a letter was written on a page.

"Weird," Harry whispered, running a hand through his hair.

"May I help you, sir?" asked an old, oily male voice.

Harry hid the book in the cloak and turned to the voice.

Before him stood a small, elderly man with a bent back.

"No, not really. I was merely looking around," Harry replied.

"Oh, that's too bad. Is there anything here that pleases your eye?"

Harry thought for a second. "There is something I am interested in."

"Oh? Please, do tell." The man's eyes started to gleam.

Greedy old sod, Harry thought with a frown.

"Ah! But where are my manners? My name is Svikari. At your service, sir." The man bent as low as he could, beaming at Harry.

A strange Name.

"I would like to purchase these books." Harry held out the book with the Eihwaz rune and two others, so as not to draw attention to himself.

The man looked down at the books Harry wanted to purchase, and his eyes narrowed, but it happened so quickly that Harry didn't see it.

He looked up with a bright smile.

"Oh? A very good choice, sir. A very good one! I knew from the start that you are a very educated young man."

Harry's eyes turned grim, and the shopkeeper seemed to notice, as he quickly closed the sale with Harry.

"Thank you, sir! I hope you'll be talking with other people about my humble shop, sir," Svikari called, and he gave Harry the brightest fake smile he had ever seen.

Too many people have flashed him a similar smile that he would be an idiot if he didn't recognize it right away.

Harry managed a forced smile before swiftly exiting the store, only to encounter someone else outside.

"Ouch," Harry groaned, his hand moving to rub the spot on his backside where he had landed.

He looked up and saw a girl around Katrina's age in front of him. She had dirty blond hair and pretty blue eyes.

"I'm so sorry about that!" she said and was quick to pick up Harry's books that were scattered all over the floor.

"It's alright, nothing happened," Harry assured her. He got to his feet and held out his hand for her.

She hesitated for a moment, but accepted it, nonetheless.

"Thank you, sir." She curtsied in front of him.

"Don't worry about it," Harry smiled.

She looked up at him and returned him a small smile.

"People of my standing have to."

Harry frowned. "Your standing?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am one of Lord Morzan's maids."

Harry watched her open her mouth to say something else, but she was cut off by the church bells announcing midday.

Harry saw her tense up, but her movements were subtle.

"I must go now. My lord will be arriving in a few days' time, and we have much to prepare. I apologize again for running into you." She turned around and walked briskly down the main street until she disappeared into the crowd.

Harry merely shook his head and made his way up to Jeod's house.

The night in Teirm was a difficult one for Harry. It was rare for him to spend the night without Artemis, but this time it seemed especially difficult for him.

His thoughts were filled with what awaited them as soon as they left Teirm.

Would they find the Ra'zac quickly and help Eragon get his revenge? And once that was accomplished, would Harry and Artemis stand alongside Eragon in his battle against Galbatorix?

Harry was sure that Eragon might choose that path, but did he truly desire it? A life steeped in bloodshed and death?

He lay on his side and gazed through the small window at the vast night sky, which was filled with stars.

Maybe he and Artemis should just disappear, never to be seen again.

Hours passed, and he tossed and turned until he finally fell asleep. As so often, his dreams were filled with his past. He again saw the red eyes of his opponent and the green light of the Killing Curse fly towards him as his dream abruptly changed.

Suddenly, Harry felt like he was being pulled into something. The colours in his dream blurred before becoming clear again.

He found himself in a dungeon.

Ahead, Harry saw a young woman bent over with sorrow. Heavy iron chains were attached to her arms and legs. The dim light from the hallway illuminated her face. A single tear ran down her cheek.

In an instant, Harry's eyes shot open. His heart raced, and he was taken aback to discover tears on his cheeks. Sitting up, he gazed out of the window, knowing that sleep would evade him for the remainder of the night.