I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
Perched upon a sturdy oak branch, a black crow observed its surroundings. Tilting its head to the side, the bird ran its beak through its feathers. A loud rumble caught its attention, and the crow glanced upward, spotting dense gray clouds obscuring the once-bright sun.
A chilly and somber wind rustled through the tree leaves, converging in a front yard where two men stood. The crow inclined its head and parted its beak, yet no cawing emanated from its throat.
"Do you always have to be so violent?" One of the two sighed. The man wore a rich dark coat with purple accents. He had broad shoulders and a long, narrow face with a close-cropped beard.
The man's appearance made him look like he was about to enter his fourth decade, but his black eyes sparkled with the knowledge he had accumulated over many decades.
He bent down and picked up the crow's dead body with gentle hands.
"I act as you expect me to, my king," Morzan replied, and kneeled in front of his king.
Galbatorix raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you believe in, my friend?"
Morzan hesitated. "It's not important what I believe in, but what I can do with my hands for the kingdom."
Galbatorix stroked the dead crow in his hands and his eyes turned to his courtyard where a huge oak tree stood.
"Do you know the story of this tree, Morzan?" Galbatorix questioned him.
Before Morzan could answer, Galbatorix cut him short.
"Of course not. The only thing you're interested in is measuring your strength with imbeciles. I find it quite unfortunate that in the many years we've known each other you've never opened up about the finer things in life," Galbatorix mused.
He regarded his last of his forsworn with sadness. "Follow me."
Morzan rose and followed his king until he stood just behind him. Together they stood in front of a great oak tree.
"Press your hand on the wood," Galbatorix demanded.
Morzan frowned and reached out with his hand. He pressed his palm against the bark of the tree.
"What are you feeling?"
Morzan withdrew his hand after a moment. "Nothing of importance."
Galbatorix just looked at him in disappointment. "This tree is the reason we are standing here today. It is the birthplace of the dragon riders. It was here that the elves cast the spell with the wild dragons that bound their souls together."
Galbatorix stared at the tree with disdain but also wonder. "What many do not know is that this place is also the place of origin of us humans. It was here that the elf Ilirea and the human Eoghan made a promise to each other."
Morzan frowned. "I've never heard the name of the man before."
Galbatorix smirked. "Perhaps you know his father better. His name was Palancar. He was the first king when humans arrived in Alagaёsia and to this day the Palancar Valley is named after him."
"Wasn't he the one who attacked the elves and was defeated by them?"
Galbatorix nodded and laid the dead crow in front of the tree.
"Exactly. But he wasn't deterred by the defeats. He continued to send his men to war against the elves. He wanted to defeat them at all costs."
"But he was too weak."
The king clasped his hands behind his back and looked at the crown of the tree.
"He was too weak and too arrogant. The elves wanted to avoid all the bloodshed, but he kept sending his men to their deaths. Until one day his son Eoghan got tired of it and, unbeknownst to his king, met with the elf Ilirea in front of that oak tree. Together they plotted the overthrow of Eoghan's father, king Palancar, in exchange for the humans being included in the spell to turn them into dragon riders," Galbatorix glanced over at Morzan.
"Which of course happened. As a gesture of her commitment, the elves named this tree after her, Ilirea, and later after her death, the city that was built around this oak tree… A city for elves and humans who would work together for centuries."
"Fortunately, we were able to rid this disease of this city," Galbatorix continued. "But do you know what makes me even more angry, my faithful friend?"
His eyes narrowed on Morzan, seething with anger.
"I do everything so that my people live contentedly in my kingdom. But then I learn that my right hand strikes my people in fear. What were you thinking in Teirm when I ordered you to find the new dragon rider and bring him to me? "
"I didn't think-"
Galbatorix turned with a speed that no man should have and slapped him against his face with the palm of his hand. "Exactly, you're not thinking! Now I have a new enemy dragon rider, Teirm is devastated, and news of the new dragon rider is spreading throughout Alagaёsia. It's all your fault!"
Galbatorix bent down to Morzan and stroked his red cheek with his nails. "I think it's time we made sure the Varden don't forget what we stand for. Go to Durza and tell him to attack the Varden. I want to see the light fade in their leader's eyes when he realizes they've lost everything."
Morzan straightened himself and bowed deeply. "Yes, my king. May I accompany Durza to the Varden?"
Galbatorix turned his back to him. "I think Durza deserves this opportunity to act alone, don't you agree with me?"
Morzan gritted his teeth in anger. "Naturally."
Galbatorix raised a hand. "Before you go. Take our mutual friend to Durza, yes? He's been locked up in the dungeon for so long, I'm sure he'll appreciate some fresh air."
Morzan's eyes widened, and he quickly left the courtyard. Galbatorix waited until he was alone in the courtyard and turned back to the oak, Ilirea.
"You have stood there for centuries, full of strength and steadfastness. I wonder what will happen to you when the last elf takes his last breath."
Galbatorix raised his hand to the dead crow in front of him and murmured "Brisingr!"
Black fire erupted around the crow, igniting the old bark of the tree. Burning the tree would not be enough, but it was a start. The beginning of the destruction of the Varden.
Over the next day, the landscape flattened out and the trees became fewer and fewer.
"We're approaching the Hadarac Desert," Arya remarked. She reached out with her hand and ripped a small dry branch off a bush.
She turned it over in her hands and the dry leaves crumbled to the ground.
"The plants are getting less and less water here. We should reach the Hadarac desert tomorrow," she explained to Harry who was looking with Artemis at the maps they got from Dormnad.
"Is the desert really that big? It completely fills the heart of Alagaёsia." Harry marveled at the abnormal size of this arid wilderness.
Arya nodded and joined them by the fire. Although they were nearing the desert, that didn't mean it was as warm at night as it was during the day. On the contrary, it cooled down considerably.
Harry was pleased that Artemis' scales were always warm.
"Are you sure you don't want to come closer to us? Artemis doesn't mind warming you up," Harry said and the silence of the night was broken only by his partner's snoring.
Arya looked up and shook her head. She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her pointed ear.
"I appreciate it, but I don't mind the cold," she said quietly.
Harry shrugged. It was one of the few conversations they had had until now. Arya spent most of her time in silence and lost in thought.
"Harry?" Arya asked hesitantly.
Harry blinked. "Sorry, I was just somewhere else. What did you ask?"
"We haven't had time to talk about this yet, but I would like to know how you were able to heal me."
Arya paused. "While I was held in Gil'ead, I was administered a rare poison called Skilna Bragh. There is only one antidote in Alagaёsia, and I doubt you happened to have it on you. And you know about magic. You may have just learning the ancient language, but the way you talk about magic... it is as if you had studied it for many years."
She shot him a questioning look and Harry ran a hand through his hair.
"You're right I didn't have any antidote with me. I had no idea what you were poisoned with, and yes, I have known about magic for a while," Harry admitted.
Arya raised a delicate brow.
Harry sighed and stood up, careful not to wake Artemis.
"Let's go somewhere else. I do not wish to wake her," Harry said and together they walked a little way away from their camp.
Harry stood in front of Arya and held out his pouch, which was made of mokeskin.
"What is it?" Arya asked confused.
"This is no ordinary pouch. I got this for my birthday from a good friend," Harry said, demonstrating by putting his arm up to his elbow in the far too small pouch.
Arya's eyes widened.
Harry pulled his arm out and held a small rock in his hand.
"This is a runestone," he explained, handing it to Arya. She studied the stone and closed her eyes. Arya reached out cautiously with her mind and could feel a faint layer of magic.
"What exactly is that? It's faint, but I can feel magic around the stone. I've never felt anything like it," she frowned at him. Her eyes flicked between the stone in her hand to his face.
Harry gave her an encouraging nod.
"The Rune is powered with my magic. Once I release it, I need to pronounce the Rune and think of how to apply it," Harry explained.
"For example, the Rune in your Hand is called Fehu. It means peace and positivity. I used it to heal your arms and back."
"Then how could you cure me of the poison, if it only allows you to heal physical injuries?" she asked him confused.
He gave her a small smile. "Have you ever heard of phoenixes?"
Arya gasped. "You mean-?"
Harry nodded. "I gave you phoenix tears hoping they would be strong enough to fight the poison they have given you. I am glad they worked."
Arya traced the rune with her fingers until she handed the runestone back to Harry, who promptly placed it in his pouch.
"There are few poems and songs about phoenixes among my people, but those that speak of them describe them as beautiful beings. It is said that they very rarely shed their tears," Arya's slanted eyes watched him intently.
"You're absolutely right. I've only met one phoenix in my life, and they are incredible creatures. His name was Fawkes, and he saved my life more than once," Harry said with a fond smile.
"The tears allowed me to cure the poison in your body. I was able to heal the injuries to your arms, legs and back myself," he continued with a shrug of his shoulders.
"If I ever have the chance to meet him, I will have to thank him. Do you have any more phoenix tears?" Arya asked.
Harry merely shook his head. "No, they were the last ones I have. Fawkes gave them to me when we said goodbye at his old friend's burial. I haven't crossed paths with him since," he recounted, a tinge of sorrow evident in his tone.
"Harry?" Arya asked while they slowly moved back to their camp. Her emerald eyes meeting his.
"Yes?" He turned to her. Her green eyes shone in the faint light of the fire's dancing flames.
"How exactly did you do that with your pouch-?" She asked.
"That it fits so much in there?" At her nod he continued.
"The reason for this is, that the inside of the pouch was enlarged with an expansion charm," Harry explained.
"A spell?" Arya asked in disbelief. "How did you manage to use the ancient language in such a way? The spell would have to be extremely complicated."
Harry was about to answer, but Arya quickly continued.
"I'm confused," Arya said, and she raised a hand questioningly and counted on her finger. " You've only just begun to learn the ancient language, and at the same time, since I've known you, you haven't even used it once to cast magic," Arya pointed out.
"At the same time, you create a bag that even masters would shy away from because they would be impossible to make, and you are using runes I have never heard of. How is that possible?" She posed the question in a hushed tone, her words barely audible over the crackling of the fire.
Harry sighed and pulled his wand from his arm. Arya kept her expression, but her stance told him she was ready to strike at any moment.
"This is my wand that I use for my magic," Harry answered.
"A wand?" She frowned at the foreign word.
Harry nodded. "Exactly. I'm not from Alagaёsia. Exactly where I'm from doesn't matter and I won't talk about it either."
Arya nodded slowly. She would accept it for now.
"What matters is where I come from, the magic is… different from the one you know. To cast magic, my will and intent is enough. The words do not empower my magic. As long as I understand the concept and the idea behind it, I'll be able to do anything."
"Of course, there are rules. For example, there is no magic that can revive the dead. I might not be able to do everything, but I can do quite a lot." Harry quickly added, noticing Arya's expression.
He flicked his wand and white flames appeared in front of them. She flinched when Harry put his hand into the flames.
"What are you doing?!" Arya cried out in shock.
Harry replied with a cheeky grin. "Come on. It doesn't hurt."
He stretched out his hand and held out the fire to Arya. She cautiously moved towards Harry and approached the fire. She didn't know why, but when she looked into his eyes, she felt like she could trust him.
Arya put her hand in the fire and was surprised. She had expected a heat, but it was comfortably warm.
She laughed quietly and shook her head in amusement. For Harry a sound every bit as soothing and beautiful as the birdsong in the morning.
Harry waved his wand again and the white fire disappeared. With another flick he pointed his wand towards a large stone nearby and transfigured it into a warm blanket. He threw the blanket over to Arya, who easily caught it in her hands.
She examined the blanket with her fingers and unfolded it. It was all green, except for a white dragon that was depicted in the center.
"And you are not exhausted from using such magic?" she asked in disbelief.
"No less than usual," he replied with a smile.
"Incredible," Arya murmured, feeling her fingers through the wool that had just been a stone. It was warm and yet she could feel a faint residual amount of magic. Her fingers tingled as she stroked the blanket.
"The only issue we have, is that my magic isn't permanent unless I use certain runes for it. That means we'll have problems with water once we reach the Hadarac Desert. It is part of Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration. I cannot conjure any water, it will just disappear, after we drink it," Harry frowned in thought.
Arya got up and knelt so he could see what she was doing.
She placed her palm on the parched ground and uttered a hushed incantation in the ancient language.
Water gushed into the hole with a soft splash.
"I guess I'm not the only one hiding his tricks," Harry looked wide eyed at her.
Arya smirked at him. "It's not the first time I've entered the desert. Water won't be a problem for us."
Harry was still staring at the water, trying to understand where it was coming from.
"We should rest, it's only a few hours until sunrise," Arya said. Harry agreed with her. The following days would be exhausting enough.
The two of them fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Harry was oblivious to the glances Arya was giving him.
"What happened?" Artemis yawned and stretched herself like a cat. She had just woken up.
"I was showing Arya some of my magic, and we didn't want to bother you. The next few days will be exhausting for you, and you should be able to rest while you still can," Harry said, while he was running a hand over her white scales.
"Hmm," Artemis hummed, and enjoyed the pats.
Whenever she closed her eyes, she feared that she was still trapped in a dream and would wake up in her cell the next time she opened her eyes. In the past Durza had tried several times to lure her with false memories, but she still persevered.
Arya shook her head slightly to get rid of the thoughts. It would not do, to keep remembering her capture. Her head shifted towards the dragon and her rider.
Even now, it was hard for her to fathom that a dragon stood before her, and moreover, the very dragon she had been safeguarding had finally emerged from its egg as well!
A lone tear ran down her cheek, when she remembered all those years in fighting, where she and her comrades had hoped for a new dragon rider to appear. And now there were two who held the fate of Alagaёsia in their hands.
Arya pulled the warm blanket closer and pulled it up to her neck, seeking comfort in the warmth.
In the darkness she couldn't see the pair of green eyes looking at her with concern.
They crossed the Hadarac desert within a week. They were constantly flying, only taking small breaks to allow Artemis to recover.
Harry enjoyed the wind whistling past them. He couldn't imagine riding across the desert on horseback. The heat would be unbearable.
On their journey, they came across scattered groups of Urgals, which further fueled their suspicions: That a battle was coming for the Varden.
"Look!" Artemis called out to them.
Harry looked up and his chin dropped. He had never seen anything this huge before.
"Merlin's pants! Is that-?" Harry gasped and turned to Arya, who looked just as wide eyed.
"Yes, these are the Beor Mountains. I have seen them before, but never from this height," Arya replied, amazed from the view in front of them. She had a bright smile on her face.
Her smile is really beautiful, Harry thought.
Artemis snorted but refrained herself from commenting. She was just as amazed of the sight and vowed herself that one day she would be able to reach the highest mountains.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked concerned. She had never flown so far and so fast as in the past few days.
It took a moment for her to reply. "I'm fine."
Harry frowned at her. He could feel her exhaustion through their bond.
"Don't lie to me, Artemis. I never have lied to you either."
"I can keep going, do not worry about me, little one," She responded with a mental hug.
"But I do worry. Is there any way I can help you?"
"Yes, please stop distracting me. I need to focus."
Harry chuckled inwardly, and he felt Artemis pull away.
He glanced at Arya; She'd exchanged a lot with Artemis in the past few days and she now knew Artemis well enough to tell when something was wrong with her.
"How much longer will it be, before we reach the Varden?" Harry called over the wind.
Arya narrowed her eyes to look into the distance. "I've not been to this area for years, but I think I remember where we are. If we keep up the pace, we'll reach the Varden when the sun goes down."
The trees of the forest were left in a flurry of colors as they flew above at high speed.
Arya appeared to be right. A little further away, Harry could make out a lake.
"Is that the lake you mentioned?" Harry asked Arya.
She brushed a few strands of hair from her face, which the strong wind had blown across her face.
"Yes. This is Kóstha-mérna, the entry to the Varden." She looked worried around because she saw several Urgal corpses lying around the lake. Dry blood stuck to the stones and countless arrows stuck out of their bodies. Shattered shields and swords lay on the ground.
"A battle took place here," Harry's words reached Arya's ears. She nodded absentmindedly; her hope mingled with the fear of arriving too late.
Amidst the wind's furious howling, the sound of the waterfall reached their ears. Harry had never witnessed a waterfall in person until now. Even though the Dursleys owned a television, he had never been permitted to watch it.
The Dursleys… Harry did not care what happened to them.
"They deserved everything that happened to them," Artemis growled in his mind.
His hands turned pale from his vice-like grip on Artemis' saddle. He shook his head vigorously, attempting to dispel the haunting memories. Everything was about to change now.
Artemis slowed her flight, spreading her wings into the wind. She landed with a grace that only a dragon possessed. Harry and Arya quickly dismounted from her.
"What now?" Harry asked confused. He looked around but did see nothing, that looked like an entry to the Varden.
Arya straightened and walked to the cliff next to the waterfall. She picked up a fist-sized rock from the ground and banged the rock against the wall, shouting, "Aí Varden abr du Shur'tugals gata vanta!"
Nothing happened for a moment, then they heard a gate open, and a line of soldiers rushed forward with swords drawn. To Harry's surprise, the soldiers consisted of humans and dwarves.
He felt Artemis amusement in his mind when she remembered the dwarfs from Lockhart's Valentine's Day.
"They do look quite similar," Artemis mused.
"Don't insult them, Artemis. We do not know if they are on our side," Harry chided.
Artemis rolled her eyes at him. "You worry too much, Harry. Arya is with us, and she will speak in our favor."
"I hope it will be enough." Harry grumbled and followed after Arya, who was talking to a dwarf with a long-braided beard.
"Arya! It is good to see you!" Called the dwarf with a relieved smile.
Harry flinched as the stone gates closed behind them. Before he could reach the two, he was stopped by two bald men.
Twins, he mused.
They were both dressed in purple and gold robes. The robes reminded Harry heavily of his late headmaster. He just hoped the personalities didn't match the way they dressed themselves.
"Halt! You are not allowed to enter further until we have searched your mind!" Snarled one of them.
Artemis raised her head and growled dangerously.
"Do not dare to speak to my rider in this manner!" Artemis roared in anger.
The twins covered their ears and stepped backwards in fear. "If your dragon attacks us, we will kill you before you can utter a single spell. Be warned," the twins threatened him.
Harry glared at them and tapped Artemis on her shoulder.
"Stay calm. Let's see if Arya can vouch for us," Harry admonished Artemis through their bond.
He turned back around when suddenly he gasped in pain, as a mental probe clawed its way into his mind. He put everything into the shield surrounding his mind.
The attack was strong, but not the most powerful he had ever faced. Together with Artemis help, he shoved the twins easily out of his mind. The twins let out startled gasps and were hurled to the ground.
"I come here to support you in the war against Galbatorix and you attempt to invade my mind?" Harry snarled.
"They should die for what they tried," Artemis growled.
She eyed the twins and showed her sharp teeth, that would promise to rip them apart, if they tried it again.
"Stop this immediately! He saved my life, and I will vouch for them!" Arya exclaimed. Her eyes were blazing with anger.
In quick steps she came to his side. "Don't you dare invade his mind! Orik has just informed me that Brom has told you about another free dragon rider in Alagaёsia." She glared at the twins and the attackers backed away.
Artemis growled in response.
The vibration could be felt in the stone floor. The soldiers drew their bows with trembling arms and their eyes filled with fear.
"Barzûl! Reign in your bows you imbeciles!" A dwarf shouted loudly. The archers did not lower their weapons.
"Do it! Or I'll have you guys scrub the stables until you're old and battered!" The archers cautiously drew in their bows and made way.
Harry turned towards Arya and stated. "If this is how the Varden operate, we might just leave. I know when I am not welcomed." He eyed the twins with distrust.
He saw something flash Arya's eyes, but it disappeared just as quick.
The dwarf next to her shook his head. "That is not possible. The twins may be idiots, but they're right. We've taken in too many refugees lately who identified themselves as spies for the king. We cannot let you leave in the chance you might betray us."
"What happens then? Clearly you will not let us in," Harry pointed his head towards the twins, which were smirking at them.
"You will not open your mind, to be probed?" Orik repeated his earlier question.
Harry's shoulders tensed. "Neither Artemis nor I will let anyone inside our mind, that is final."
Arya looked at them concerned.
The dwarf sighed heavily. "Then you leave me no choice. We cannot allow you entry to Farthen Dûr."
He barked orders and several soldiers rushed to his side. "Take him to a windowless room and bar the door securely."
"Orik! Is my word not worth enough to you?" Arya frowned at him.
"It has nothing to do with you, Arya. These are Ajihad's and my king's orders that I must carry out. We live in difficult times, and we cannot afford to be inadequate about our safety," Orik grunted.
"Harry, you will not go with them!" Artemis demanded and stepped in his path.
Harry glared at the soldiers, who stopped in their tracks. He turned to the dwarf in front of him, who gripped the hammer on his belt with his hand and gave him a challenging look.
"I'm giving the Varden one chance. We're either allowed inside without being probed by you, or we'll give you an oath in the ancient language that we won't betray you, and then we'll disappear from your sight. Decide, Dwarf."
"Harry! We promised we'd fight Galbatorix!"
Harry sent comforting feelings to Artemis. "And will we. Whether alongside the Varden remains to be seen."
The dwarf locked eyes with Harry for a few seconds and finally sighed. "Stay here. I will speak to Ajihad, who will decide your fate among the Varden."
Harry nodded contentedly. "You should hurry then."
Arya stepped forward from Artemis' side. "I come with you, Orik. I can speak to Ajihad on behalf of Artemis and Harry."
Orik nodded and turned to Harry. "Just out of interest, what would you have done if I had changed my mind and locked you up?"
Harry smirked and pointed his hand towards the closed gate. His wand was beneath his cloak, hidden in its holster. A white beam of light escaped from the wand and shattered the wall. Warm sunlight broke through the resulting hole.
Orik looked at him with shocked eyes. Before he could even move, the fragments of the gate began to move on the ground and flew to their original place as if nothing had happened.
Harry tilted his head to the side in amusement. "I think your choice was the better one."
"Barzûl," Orik muttered. He gulped at the sight, but his eyes shone in delight.
"Yes," he coughed. "I appreciate it, that you fixed the gate. Else my men would have to spend hours on it."
Harry smiled. "Don't worry. I just wanted to show you that I'm not one to be bossed around. My mind is mine and I know things that are too dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands," he said quietly, glancing over at the twins.
Orik's eyes followed his and he nodded grimly. "I understand, dragon rider. Can I trust you and your dragon not to do anything until Arya and I get back to you?"
Harry sat cross-legged and sat at Artemis' feet.
"We will do nothing unless we are attacked. We will only defend ourselves."
Orik let out a breath of relief. His beard swung in the air as he turned quickly. Giving final instructions to the other dwarves, he set out to see Ajihad.
Harry looked into Arya's eyes. "Thank you for vouching for us. I know that it will be a difficult task for them to trust us."
She met his gaze. "Do not think so little of me. Our debt is not settled yet, Harry."
Harry smiled for the first time since he arrived. "Fine. Just promise you will get us quickly out of here. I tend to lose patience easily, and I doubt the twins would appreciate the results of my boredom," he remarked. Artemis emitted a snort, releasing a solitary puff of smoke in the twins' direction.
The twins instinctively recoiled beneath her gaze and promptly vanished into a dim corridor. Arya offered a restrained smile as she observed their departure. "I'll ensure that," she assured.
She turned and ran after Orik with a grace only an elf possessed.
"Is he awake, yet?" Someone asked. His wards were still in place, which he had activated before he closed his eyes.
He was still tired, and only a few hours have passed.
"He looks asleep. Do you want to wake him?" Asked a melodic voice.
"Get off," he muttered. It was rare for him to sleep in. But the last weeks were exhausting, and he barely had slept a whole night the last few weeks.
Something lightly poked his forehead.
"You will never wake him this way, Arya" A gruff voice said. "Let me show you."
Nothing seemed to happen, until someone pressed the bridge of his nose together.
Harry gasped for air and opened his eyes, to see Brom looking at him with a smug face. Arya stood behind him.
"You asshole," Harry grunted.
"Ah, the sleeping princess woke up from her dreams!" Brom's face turned serious. "It is good to see you again, Harry. Come on. There are several people who want to meet you."
Harry nodded and smiled weakly at Arya, who returned his smile.
He stood up and stretched his tense back when Artemis followed them.
"Can you tell me what happened after Teirm?" Harry asked.
Brom shook his head in denial. "This will have to wait. We have a few important matters to discuss. Things that cannot wait."
Harry sighed. "Fine, but no more secrets Brom. I want you to tell me the truth."
"And you will. Now that you're with the Varden, there's no need for secrecy. I didn't intend for Eragon and you to join the Varden so early, but we just didn't have a choice after everything that happened in Teirm."
The rest of the walk was made in silence. The craftmanship of the tunnels were similar to the design the goblins had done for their own tunnels.
They kept heading towards the heart of the mountain. Minutes passed and at last, a soft white glow became visible ahead of them. The glow increased in strength as they neared it.
He could see thick marble pillars laced with rubies and amethysts standing in rows along the walls.
A huge city lay before him, hidden under a mountain. Tronjheim was stunning and it took Harry a moment before his eyes took in the full beauty of the city.
Harry frowned in thought.
Dwarfs seemed to bear a closer resemblance to goblins than he initially thought. Both were races that proudly displayed their wealth.
He would wait and see if they were as greedy as the goblins Harry had known.
They crossed through the center of the city; underneath he saw the biggest red gem he had ever seen.
"The goblins would be so jealous," Harry said in awe. Arya looked confused by the statement, but Brom nodded along. Harry had explained him a few things from his world, after all.
"The sapphire is called Isidar Mithrim. The pride of every living dwarf," Brom explained.
"I could sit in front of the sapphire for hours and admire its beauty. I did not think I would ever see it again," Arya said quietly towards them.
Harry had to agree with her. The sapphire's beauty unmatched with everything he had ever seen. He glanced to the person next to him.
Maybe not everything.