I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
"I have invested much of my gold to ensure that we do not lose our victory against the Urgals to hunger," Sabrae said in a sharp tone. Her gaze was fixed firmly on Nasuada, and the tension between them was palpable. Sabrae straightened up and provocatively pointed her finger at Nasuada.
"But you, Nasuada, seem to forget that our duty is not only to wage wars but also to ensure that our people can live in peace. Leaving Farthen Dûr will be our downfall."
Nasuada met her gaze unwaveringly. "And in this matter, you are mistaken, Sabrae. We will never live in peace as long as Galbatorix can slaughter us either from the back of his dragon or through his powers. The loss of Morzan's dragon and the death of Durza have finally given us the opportunity to attack him. The king is vulnerable."
Sabrae's eyes narrowed at Nasuada's words, and her voice sounded cold as she replied, "No army is capable of facing Galbatorix and that monster. They have killed countless riders and elves, and you want to tell me that these... these new riders have a chance? No one will be able to stand against him. No one."
Nasuada took a deep breath before responding, "I'm not claiming it will be easy, but we have no other choice. Eragon and Harry are both our last hope. If we don't leave Farthen Dûr and face the fight head on, we will succumb not only to hunger but also to the tyranny of Galbatorix. He now knows exactly where the dwarves are. We have no other option and must seize our chances; however slim they may be."
Sabrae shook her head. "You act out of desperation, Nasuada. This strategy will lead us to ruin. I refuse to gamble the fate of the Varden on an uncertain battle. Your father would never have done this!"
Nasuada fixed Sabrae with a piercing gaze. "Not everything has to be just about us, Sabrae. There are many races in Alagaёsia that are being tormented by Galbatorix… Sometimes, the fight for good requires sacrifices and risks. I will not allow the fear of the unknown to stop us from reaching forward! My father has never cowered in front of fear, else we wouldn't be standing where we are today… and neither will I. We must act now before it's too late."
Sabrae let out a shrill laugh. "Idealism, Nasuada, won't protect you from the fiery breath of Shruikan. Be real, Nasuada! We must hide to survive. If you truly can't understand that you will lead the legacy of your so beloved father into hell."
Nasuada maintained her composure and responded with calm determination, „Please understand, Sabrae, our people can no longer hide! Even now we have to rely on others to survive. The time has come to confront our destiny. We can defeat the king and fight for our freedom, but only if we stand united! Decide whether you want to stand by my side on this path or cower beneath wet stone, not knowing what the next day will bring."
Sabrae took a deep breath and for a moment her eyes were filled with hope, but then she shook her head, visibly unimpressed. "Your delusion will lead you and the Varden to ruin. But be it as it may. If you choose to take this risky path, I will choose another. I will ensure the survival of the Varden, even if you fail in your idealistic vision."
With these words, Sabrae left the room, and Nasuada closed her eyes as the door slammed shut with a loud bang.
"Well, in my opinion that couldn't have gone better," Brom remarked, who was sitting on a chair on the side. "I always disliked that miserable cow."
Nasuada grimaced and gratefully accepted the glass of water that someone handed her.
"Thank you," she said, taking a small sip. The water was icy cold, and for a moment, she felt as if all her burdens were lifted from her shoulders. It was soothing.
A hand touched her shoulder, and the feeling disappeared. Nasuada looked up at the person whose hand it was. It was Jörmundur's.
"How are you feeling, Nasuada?" Jörmundur asked concerned.
She smiled faintly. "I'm fine, just felt a bit uneasy for a moment."
Brom looked at her with worry. "Don't take the remaining elders of the council too much to heart, Nasuada. They already know they've lost; they just need to accept it. The loss of power and influence drives people to commit terrible deeds."
Elessari drew her dagger and pointed it at Brom, who looked at her with a challenging gaze.
"I've always respected you, Brom, but this was an insult too far! I find it extremely rude of you to lump me in with Falberd, Umérth, and Sabrae," Elessari snorted and waved the dagger in front of Brom's face.
He rolled his eyes but raised his hands reassuringly. "Forgive me, Elessari, it was not my intention to offend you," Brom said, though his eyes betrayed his amusement.
He addressed Nasuada, "Even if Sabrae chooses not to go towards Surda, Falberd and Umérth still pose a minor threat."
"That's true," Nasuada agreed. "That's why I've secretly started to…let's say limiting their options."
Jörmundur interjected, "We've begun monitoring trade for Falberd and Umérth within the Varden. Even prior to Ajihad's death, we've spoken with members of their group, and secret alliances have been forged between us and them."
"The dwarves will also turn away from them, Hrothgar assured me of that. They will have nowhere to go except to stay where they are under Hrothgar's watchful eye, or to go with us to Surda, where their movement will be rather restricted," Nasuada added with a smile.
Brom pondered for a moment. "However, there's still the danger that they might incite a rebellion. Just like a wounded animal cornered in a corner, and how such an animal will react, no one can predict."
Nasuada stood up from her father's long-held seat, where he had led the Varden for many years.
"I'll have to take that risk because I am a hunter, Brom, and not unarmed," Nasuada responded and walked past Brom. She turned once in her father's old office, which now stood empty except for the large table and chairs.
All scrolls and books would accompany her to Surda, a small personal gift from Hrothgar as a farewell.
Brom watched Nasuada as she followed Jörmundur out of the door. Her dress had a slit between the legs, and he saw a glint underneath that resembled a knife.
"Never underestimate the willpower of a woman, Brom," Elessari scolded with a smirk.
Brom snorted and helped the elderly lady to her feet. "Believe me, if there's one thing I've learned in my long life as a rider, it's that you should never underestimate anyone, be it woman or man, for death lurks around every corner."
Elessari nodded and sheathed her dagger at her belt. She brushed her grey strands from her face and asked Brom, "Do you think the riders have already arrived in the Elven city?"
Brom rubbed his beard with one hand, and his eyes lit up. "It's possible. I would love to see Eragon's and Harry's reactions when they meet their new mentors for the first time."
"What does that mean, you knew?" Sirius asked, bewildered. Even Islanzadí stared at Harry in surprise and approached him. Harry had the feeling that this time the queen of the elves stood before him.
"Harry Potter, I will only ask you once. How do you know about Oromis and Glaedr?" Islanzadí asked him in an unusually sharp tone.
Harry respectfully lifted his head and responded to the queen with a firm expression of determination, "I never said I knew the name of the rider and the dragon. After Brom revealed to us that he was a dragon rider, I considered the possibility that others had survived. Especially when Brom told us that teachers would be waiting for me and Artemis in Du Weldenvarden."
He tilted his head to the side, and his lips curled into a smile. "I couldn't imagine elves teaching a dragon to fly, especially someone as stubborn as Artemis."
"I will remember this," Artemis said threateningly.
Islanzadí sighed with relief, and Sirius looked at Harry with wide eyes. "You actually used your head? By Merlin's beard, Harry, you're really not a little kid anymore, huh?"
Sirius laughed, and Thiora, that was standing next to Sirius, pinched the bridge of her nose with two fingers.
Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, and he looked at Sirius with a furrowed brow.
"Sirius, you do know I'm taller than you, right?" he smirked.
Sirius waved him off with one hand. "You just take after your father, a fate that I had accepted when you were born, but at least my hair doesn't resemble a bird's nest."
He winked at Harry. "You just weren't lucky enough to spring from these loins."
Thiora gently slapped Sirius on the back of his head, but he continued to grin mischievously, as if nothing had happened.
Harry groaned. "Sirius, one more word about your loins, and I'll tell Thiora the story from your fifth year."
Sirius looked at Harry questioningly. "What are you talking about?"
Harry smiled and raised two fingers. "I'll just say Love Potion and McGonagall."
Sirius turned pale, took a step back, bared his teeth, and hissed, "Who told you about that?! No one knew about it except - No!"
His eyes widened, and Harry nodded knowingly. "Remus told you! That rascal! He promised not to tell a living soul so long as I was alive!" Sirius cursed.
Thiora gently patted Sirius on the arm. "I think that's the crucial point, Sirius. Remus probably told Harry after you had... disappeared."
She focused her eyes on Harry. "But maybe you can tell me about it later, Harry, because I believe someone is very eager to meet you."
Sirius turned to her indignantly, "But Thiora, that's not something that he should tell anybody about, right Harry?"
He turned to Harry with a hopeful expression, but Thiora just rolled her eyes and pulled Sirius along, who was still loudly complaining.
Arya approached him. "Well, Aunt Thiora certainly has a tough time with him."
Harry looked at Arya, who had stepped beside him. Her eyes were alight with amusement.
"He was not the white sheep of his family without reason," Harry snorted, and tapped Eragon on the shoulder, who still stared ahead.
Eragon shook his head in disbelieve and rubbed his eyes, as if waking up from a long dream.
Well, Harry couldn't blame him. It didn't happen often in a lifetime that a huge dragon, with at least three times the size of Artemis or Saphira, lying in the grass before them.
"A dragon and a rider... We are not alone, Harry," Eragon looked at him with tears in his eyes.
"Come, Eragon," Harry said with a gentle voice, and the boy nodded, sniffling.
Together, they approached the golden dragon. Upon closer inspection, it seemed like golden flames were winding through its scales.
"Do you think that's magic?" Harry questioned his partner through their bond.
"No," Artemis replied simply. "We dragons just have the most beautiful scales."
"Of course," Harry agreed dryly.
Lord Däthedr was standing in front of the dragon next to two elves Harry had not seen before. One sat on the claw of the golden dragon and was evidently male. His silver hair shimmered in the flickering light of the dragon. He appeared very old, and his eyes were filled with kindness and a deep sorrow that felt like a stab in Harry's heart. He was the rider of the dragon.
Däthedr stepped aside as they approached, and the rider moved forward and grasped Eragon's and Harry's shoulders with one hand each. He alternately looked into their faces and smiled warmly.
"I welcome you both. My name is Oromis, but I am also—"
"Osthato Chetowä," Eragon mumbled, and his eyes widened as he realized how impolite he was.
But Oromis just smiled. "Exactly, the mourning sage, Eragon Shadeslayer."
Harry furrowed his brow. "How do you know his name?" he asked Eragon.
Oromis met Harry, and his friendly grey eyes reminded Harry of a time when everything seemed much simpler.
"Why did he want to kill me, Professor?"
"Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked, and Harry eagerly nodded while sitting in one of the beds in the hospital wing.
Dumbledore sighed deeply this time. "Merlin's beard, the first thing you ask, and I can't tell you. Not today. Not now."
Harry felt a mental nudge from Artemis. "Harry, give him a chance. You can't always see the bad in people."
He turned his head and glared at her, but Artemis blew a puff of smoke in his face in response.
Harry spluttered and waved his hand in front of his face until the black cloud disappeared.
"Your partner is right, youngling. The Morningstar Aidail led you to us. But you must trust us." A male voice quivered against Harry's mental shields, like under a thundering landslide.
The golden dragon lowered its head and looked at him with blazing eyes.
"My name is Glaedr, and I welcome you both."
Harry only nodded in awe as his words got stuck in his throat.
Glaedr raised his head and turned to Artemis. She stood defiantly while he sniffed at her wings, but Harry felt how tense she became.
Harry touched her with his hand on the leg, and he felt her muscles relax under his fingers.
"No one knows where your egg came from, and yet you and your rider travelled across this land and used your instincts to stand before us today. Your flame is as hot as the fire from the bravest dragons of the past."
A wave of pride overwhelmed Harry, that he knew didn't come from him.
"Careful, Artemis! I'm happy to remind you of how shaky you were on your first flight. Not even the broom I used for the first time in Madame Hooch's first flying lesson wiggled as much as you did," he reminded her, and he felt a small thorn of annoyance pierce through her pride.
She snorted and didn't give him a single glance. Harry smiled at her, as he listened through their bond, and she began chatting silently with Glaedr and Saphira. With a last glance to her, Harry turned his attention to the other elf, who stood a bit apart from Däthedr and Oromis, watching them with sharp eyes.
Her features reminded him of someone, but he couldn't exactly say who it was. She stood confidently, a feminine presence of impressive charisma. Her snow-white hair was tied in a simple braid that fell over her shoulder. The deep blue eyes seemed to hide the knowledge of centuries.
She raised her fingers to her lips in greeting, but her gaze was currently neither focused on Harry nor on Eragon.
The elf then opened her arms, and to Harry's surprise, he felt someone passing by him, from the corner of his eye, he saw someone rushing towards the elf. It was Arya, and she threw her arms around the elf, who reciprocated, and for a while, nothing moved on the hill except for the faint spring breeze.
"Grandmother," Harry heard Arya say.
Harry's eyes widened, and he exchanged a quick glance with Artemis.
"Her grandmother? Didn't Arya say that her father, Evandar, succeeded his mother?" Artemis asked, recalling their conversation as they travelled to Silthrím.
Harry scratched his head. "Yes, I remember that. I think her name was-"
"Oh, my little star," said the elf, holding Arya by the shoulders. Her eyes roamed over Arya's face as if memorizing every detail.
"It has been too long," Arya nodded, and the elf lowered her arms.
"But I never turned my mind away from you," she said, brushing a strand of hair from Arya's face. "Mountains, rivers, valleys. I searched everywhere for you and never allowed myself to give up. And when you arrived in Farthen Dûr, I finally found you. Your father would be so proud of you, Arya."
Arya tried to say something, but her words were stuck in her throat.
Islanzadí's face twisted with pain and anger.
"You knew, Dellanir?" she asked, angered. "You knew that my daughter was still alive and said nothing? I would have mobilized all of Du Weldenvarden if I had known Arya was still alive!"
The elf, Dellanir, disengaged from Arya and looked at Islanzadí with a raised eyebrow.
"And whose fault is that Islanzadí? It was your decision to retreat into Du Weldenvarden and forbid the Varden your support. Didn't you command Däthedr-Vodhr not to use the Dream Sight to find out what was happening outside of our trees?"
"Mother-" Thiora tried to intervene, but Dellanir raised her hand, while Lord Däthedr glanced downwards.
"No, daughter. It must be said," Dellanir said with a stern voice. Her eyes were fixed on Islanzadí, whose lips trembled with anger.
"You say you want to free Alagaёsia. You said you would do anything to defeat Galbatorix. You swore to protect our people... But you've done nothing, Islanzadí!"
Dellanir stared at the queen, and her words hit her like a punch to the face.
"It was your decision, Islanzadí, to exile your own daughter. It was your decision to minimize contact with the Varden after the fall, and it was your decision to leave our people in the dark while the land outside our forests was dying!"
Dellanir took a trembling breath and closed her eyes. Softly, like a whisper, she said, "You rule unwisely and with false pride, Islanzadí, and as long as you do not change your ways, you will never be the successor my son wanted for his people and his daughter."
Arya didn't know what to expect when they reached Ellesméra. Would her mother cast her out again? How would her aunt react upon seeing her? So many uncertainties tormented her as she stepped between the trees. Yet, she knew one thing. She didn't want to be the reason her family fell apart.
Arya took a deep breath. "Enough," she said, looking into her mother's and grandmother's eyes. "We are here for Harry and Eragon to meet Oromis and Glaedr."
Arya turned to Artemis and the dragons. "We've been given a unique opportunity to overthrow Galbatorix, and I won't let it be wasted by this quarrelling."
Dellanir and Islanzadí stared at Arya with widened eyes. "All the pain you've experienced in recent years, Arya," Dellanir frowned, "it led to your mother's decision to banish you."
"And yet, I forgive her," Arya said, her eyes briefly glancing at Harry. "I wouldn't have become the person I am today if I hadn't accepted the Yawë. The pain is a part of me as is everything else."
"Well said," Thiora commented, addressing her mother. "I've told you so many times to leave your home and get some fresh air. It makes you far too cynical, mother."
"My house has no door, and my windows are open. I have enough fresh air to focus on my studies," Dellanir retorted, crossing her arms.
Sirius whispered quietly, "The first sign of a crazy bat-"
He had to duck as a small stone hurled toward his head. "Sirius Black! If you finish that sentence-"
Sirius wiggled his eyebrows. "Oh, the old bat wants to challenge me!"
A vein above Dellanir's eye began to pulse. "You asked for it."
Thiora held her hands to her face and watched between her fingers as her mother stomped towards Sirius. With every word spoken in the ancient language, stones lifted from the ground and flew in Sirius's direction.
Sirius yelped as a stone hit his backside, and he transformed into Padfoot, hiding behind Harry.
"Bloody hell! Piss off, Sirius!" Harry shouted and tried shove the dog away from him.
Harry and Sirius had to jump, duck, and both yelped together as they were targeted by lumps of dirt that was now flying at them through the air.
Orik blinked. "Did he just transform into a dog?" he asked the group.
"I think so," Eragon admitted slowly, grimacing as he saw Harry getting hit with a pile of dirt in the face.
"Magic is truly wonderful," observed Lord Däthedr as he watched the scene with amusement.
"I've never seen her like this," Arya said in shock, and Thiora stepped chuckling next to her.
"Sirius never had trouble getting on your grandmother's nerves. He has a certain talent for it," Thiora said with a smile.
"I sometimes really don't know what you saw in him," Dellanir huffed in annoyance as they continued to watch Harry being chased by Sirius.
"I don't think I have seen you ever be that annoyed with anyone Dellanir," Oromis argued. "And your dispute with Anurin was the sole reason that we had to found Vroengard for the riders."
Dellanir shrugged with her shoulders. "And I was right, was I not?"
Oromis did not answer and stared ahead.
"Sirius, if you don't stop—!" Harry called, but he fell silent as a large pile of mud hit him in the face.
"Ups," Dellanir said sheepishly.
"I didn't know Harry had done something to you too," Däthedr said to her, who was observing the scene.
"I couldn't have anticipated that Sirius would chase after him," she added, stopping the spell.
Arya grimaced as Harry slowly wiped the mud from his face. His eyes glared angrily at Sirius, who sat innocently before him, lifting a paw and tilting his head to the side.
"I will get you back for this," Harry muttered, jumping after Sirius who quickly turned around. Padfoot followed by Harry vanished among the trees.
Oromis coughed into his hand. "Well, now that the introductions are over, I would say we wait for the two to return. Even though I would like to start your training immediately, Eragon, I doubt Sirius would let Harry go without any further explanations."
Thiora nodded. "Considering what Sirius has told us about him, you're probably right."
Dellanir then turned to her daughter. "Where is my other granddaughter, by the way? I thought she came with you."
Islanzadí looked up toward the sun, feeling a warm spread within her as she pointed at Lily.
"There she is," Islanzadí said, and Thiora groaned as she noticed Lily balancing on Artemis back and was about to jump onto Saphira's, unbeknownst to Artemis.
The young elf jumped in the air and would have fallen if Artemis had not reached out and caught Lily with her teeth, saving her from the fall. Lily was dangling her legs in the air and received a quick hug as thanks in return when she was set down. Lily then ran to the others, and Thiora planted her hands on her hips.
"You'll be the reason I get grey hair someday," she muttered to herself, but as she saw the bright eyes of her daughter, all of her anger vanished.
"Grandma Dell!" Lily shouted and jumped into her grandmothers' arms. She held Lily tightly.
"I haven't seen you in a while! What brings you here?" she asked her grandmother.
"Well, Lily, I wanted to meet the new dragon riders, but above all, I wanted to see my other granddaughter, who has finally returned."
Lily looked at her with confusion, but her face lit up when she saw Arya. "Oh, you mean Aunt Arya!"
"Exactly," said Dellanir, giving Arya a questioning look, to which Arya just shrugged.
"It was Sirius's idea for her to call me that," Arya explained, stepping aside, allowing Lily to see Oromis.
Lily groaned and dropped her head on Dellanir's shoulder, while Oromis raised his hands reassuringly. "Do not worry, Lily. I don't have any homework for you this time."
Lily looked at Oromis uncertainly. "Really? You've said that before, Oromis-Elda, and then I still had to read a parchment by Berundel."
Arya and Islanzadí turned to each other and exchanged a quick smile with each other, while Oromis sighed. "It was a song by Berudal, Lily. Just once, try to remember the name correctly."
Lily grinned and looked around. Not finding what she was looking for, she broke free from Dellanir's arms and turned to her mother.
"Where's Dad?" she asked, looking around again. "And Harry?"
"Well," Thiora began as they heard a yelp and a loud howl. They all turned to the trees, from which birds were startled and flew off. It didn't take long for Sirius to emerge from between the trees.
"Padfoot!" Lily called and ran toward him.
But he wasn't alone, as he was closely followed by a large wolf. Arya was already drawing her sword, but when she saw the familiar green eyes of the wolf, she left it sheathed.
Padfoot ran to Lily and crouched behind her, while the wolf had stopped in front of her.
Lily gulped and slowly reached out with her hand. The wolf sniffed at her hand and then started licking her fingers. Her eyes widened, and she giggled as the wolf approached her, laying its head on her shoulder.
Sirius transformed back, staring at Lily and the wolf. He clapped his hands and laughed out loud.
"If only you could see this, Prongs!" Sirius shouted to the sky.
Orik looked around in confusion. "Can someone enlighten me on why the wolf isn't attacking her?"
Sirius turned to the dwarf, a broad grin on his face. "You see, Orik, an Animagus is a wizard or witch who can transform into a specific animal."
Orik's beard quivered. "You mean the wolf is—"
Sirius's exclamation of joy cut him off, and he took Thiora in his arms, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.
"He's an Animagus, Thiora! I can't believe it," Sirius said, sniffing.
Thiora held Sirius tightly. She knew how important this was for him. "I know, Sirius. I know."
Harry approached Arya with Lily, who had climbed on his back, moving slowly forward, and then stopped in front of her. Arya knelt down to eye level, and both stared into each other's eyes. Slowly, she extended her hand, and Harry nudged her playfully with his snout.
"Why have you never said anything?" she asked him softly.
Lily plopped to the ground as Harry transformed back.
"Ugh, that hurts," Lily groaned, as Harry grasped her small hands and helped her up.
"So far, there hasn't been a reason to say anything," Harry replied, shrugging.
"And truthfully I didn't want to fight as a wolf during the Battle of Farthen Dûr. For one, I still don't have much experience in that form, and secondly, I didn't want to risk the Varden or the dwarves attacking me during the battle."
Sirius's eyes widened. "Wait a second…battle?" he asked weakly. His throat suddenly felt dry.
"I thought you were joking earlier. What do you mean by battle?" he asked again, starting to examine Harry for injuries.
"Perhaps it's time to learn what has happened to you, Harry, since you arrived in Alagaёsia," Islanzadí suggested.
Harry nodded and swung his wand in a circle. Eragon jumped in surprise as ten chairs popped up in front of him.
"Oh? Did you summon the chairs, or did you transfigure the ground?" Dellanir asked, running her hand over the fine wood.
Thiora sighed as she sat down. "Mother, just sit. You'll have plenty of opportunities to interrogate Harry later."
Dellanir shot her daughter an annoyed glare but took her seat. The others followed suit, forming a circle on the hill, while the dragons lay in the sun behind their riders.
Harry scratched his head uncomfortably as he saw the expectant looks.
"I don't even know where to start," Harry confessed, feeling awkward. Oromis patiently took the lead.
"Sometimes, the beginning is the most challenging part of a story, much like the first step on an unknown path," Oromis began with a calm voice.
"One we are all walking at the moment," Glaedr added, and Harry took a deep breath.
"Well, I think it all began when an old man found me in the forest, and I woke up in a little cottage in Carvahall..."
"Then we fled from Teirm," Harry said, nodding toward his partner. "At least Artemis did, as I was unconscious and as useless as a Flobberworm."
Sirius snorted and ticked off the events on his fingers. "First, you searched for the king's lackeys, then you encountered Urgals in Yazuac, while you had no access to your magic… and afterwards you destroyed a part of Teirm. Sounds like Potter's luck to me."
He shook his head. "You really have a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time... What did you do next?"
Harry glared at him. "Firstly, what happened in Teirm was not my fault. How should I have known that a shade was coming for us?"
Sirius just shook his head with a smirk.
"We then went to Gil'ead," Artemis continued.
Thiora raised an eyebrow, smoothing her daughter's hair, who was sitting on her lap.
"Why Gil'ead?" she asked. "Wouldn't it have been wiser to fly towards Surda, which is known for supporting the Varden?"
"Brom gave us a name of someone that was supposed to lead us directly to the Varden," Artemis defended their decision. "His name was Dormnad, and he lived in Gil'ead for reasons we don't know."
Harry nodded. "And we found him very quickly, but once there we encountered another problem."
"A problem?" Dellanir asked sharply.
Harry didn't answer, but his eyes were on Arya, who, after a moment, nodded slightly.
"Everyone in the city knew they were holding someone from the Varden captive, but there were rumours that it was an elf."
Däthedr closed his eyes, while Islanzadí gasped and took a deep, shaky breath.
"You were captured in Gil'ead?" Thiora asked Arya softly.
Arya nodded slowly. Her face seemed emotionless, but Harry could see how difficult it was for her to talk about this time. Her shoulders were tense, and her hands were clenched into fists. The darkness she had encountered while being held in a cell in Gil'ead slowly crept into her soul.
When she lifted her head and met Harry's gaze, a narrow beam of light broke through her inner darkness, and she heard a familiar trill that she had heard before. Her muscles relaxed, and Arya folded her hands in her lap.
She took a deep breath, and then began to tell her story.
"Yes, but I didn't know it at the time. Only when I left the city did I know exactly where I was. After Fäolin and Glenwing were struck down by arrows, and I sent Saphira's egg to Brom, I fell unconscious and awoke tied up in a dark cell. There was only a small window through which a little sunlight shone."
Her gaze roamed over the faces of those present until it stopped at Lily. Thiora understood and leaned forward. She murmured a single word in the ancient language into her daughter's ear.
"Slytha."
Lily began to blink and struggled to keep her eyes open. Yawning, she held her hand in front of her mouth and slowly closed her eyes. She leaned back against her mother and started to sleep.
"That should keep her in the land of dreams for a while," Thiora said, and Arya nodded gratefully.
"Thank you…To prevent me from escaping, they gave me every morning a rare poison Skilna Bragh, and the antidote only in the evening... And in between Durza would come."
"No!" her mother exclaimed, covering her face with her hands. She fell from the chair to her knees and landed on the grass. Eragon's face was pale, and Oromis's features were stern.
Thiora reached for Sirius's hand while Orik fidgeted with his beard. Dellanir seemed to have aged, but it was Harry's nod that gave her the strength to continue.
Arya went on. "He asked me about the whereabouts of the elves and the Varden. He wanted to know all the words of the ancient language that I knew, but most importantly, he wanted to know where I sent Saphira's egg."
"What did you tell him?" Däthedr asked, his voice filled with pain.
"I told him nothing. Not even a single word."
Arya sat with her hands bound, pressed against the wall, and heard the approaching footsteps of a group of people toward her cell. The door swung open, and five soldiers stood over her.
One of them held a sword in his hand, its tip directed at her, while two others firmly gripped her arms. Another soldier unlocked her chains, and Arya tried to resist. She bit someone's arm, attempting to stifle a scream as she tasted blood on her tongue. The man yelled in pain, and it required three men in total to overpower her and pin her to the floor.
Arya attempted to summon her magical powers, but she couldn't concentrate enough for the words to come to her. It was like trying to catch smoke with bare hands, utterly impossible. The words escaped her, and all she could do was lift her head as it was forced up.
A man held a wooden bowl to her lips with trembling hands, and the liquid filled her throat, leaving her no choice but to drink, or else she would have choked.
A fate that might not have been worse than what awaited her in the coming weeks.
"Has she drunk it all?" one of the men asked.
"I think so," murmured the man in front of her.
"Then take her to him. The elf can do nothing against the poison."
She felt movement again and was yanked upwards. Two grabbed her by the arms and dragged her away.
They turned at the end of the corridor, leading her into a room. There, her arms were once again bound by chains hanging from the ceiling, while a small fire flickered in a fireplace on the side.
The soldiers exited the room, and then there was silence. Only her heavy breathing could be heard, for whatever the soldiers had given her, it burned in her throat, and sweat formed on her forehead.
"Welcome, elf," the shade's words echoed like a whisper from the walls. She stared at the wall in front of her, feeling the shade's fingernails gliding along her cheek.
They were sharp, slicing into her skin.
Durza smiled, revealing his greedily bared teeth.
"Where is the egg?" he hissed softly. "Tell me, and your life will be spared, elf. Though you may have sent the egg away, the king forgives mistakes in his service."
Cold anger surged within her. "I-I won't tell you anything… you worm!"
Durza withdrew his hand. "So be it, but it is nothing more than a foolish attempt. However, you will surely change your mind, my dear. Because I always get what I want. And the beauty of magic is that I can heal you over and over again."
Arya felt her top being slowly removed. Durza then went to the fireplace and retrieved something from the glowing ashes with tongs. Arya couldn't see it, but she tensed as she heard a hiss.
Durza held his hand in front of her face, and Arya's eyes widened in horror.
On each of his fingers, a metallic claw sat, still faintly glowing from the heat of the fire.
It did hurt him, oh yes, but his excitement to hear her pain was overwhelming his own.
"Perhaps a little preview of what awaits you, elf," Durza murmured with a sinister grin.
Arya screamed as Durza, with elven speed, turned behind her, and his claws were dragged across her back. She writhed and tried to free herself from the chains, but it was in vain. She couldn't use her magic, and the poison weakened her considerably.
"More!" Durza cried, dragging his claws over her back again. Bloody welts formed on her skin, and the heat of the metal burned her flesh.
"I want to hear you, elf! Scream for me!" Durza cackled, and Arya felt nothing but pain.
None of those present moved as Arya told her story, but the dragons growled from their throats, and cold fury was evident on the faces of the elves. Islanzadí looked as if someone had ripped the ground from beneath her feet, staring in sheer horror at her own hands.
Only a loud bang snapped them out of their shock. Sirius leaped protectively in front of Thiora and Lily, while Eragon and Orik startled and fell from their chairs. They all stared at a small patch of grass in front of them that had caught fire.
"Shit, sorry about that!" Harry exclaimed, stomping his foot on the spot to extinguish the fire.
Sirius slowly sat back down, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Was that accidental magic?"
Harry tried to calm his trembling breath and ran a hand through his tousled hair. He had seen the injuries on Arya's back and couldn't imagine what she must have endured in Durza's captivity. Until now.
"What exactly is accidental magic, Sirius?" Dellanir asked, her voice sounding very rough.
Sirius eyed Harry for another moment. "Accidental magic is when young wizards and witches don't have fully control over their magic yet. They might use magic when they feel very frightened, confused, or angry... It also sometimes happens to adult wizards, but it's very rare for an adult to lose control over their magic."
Thiora looked alternately from Harry to Arya and said after a moment, "I think it's understandable that someone might be upset in this moment."
They fell into silence again until Däthedr stood up from his seat.
"I believe I speak for all elves of our people in this moment when I say that it tears me apart to think of what you must have suffered in your captivity, Arya Dröttningu. No elf will rest until Durza pays for these crimes."
"I thank you for your words, Däthedr-Vor, but he already has," Arya said softly, gesturing to Eragon.
Eragon would have liked to take all the praise himself, but he shook his head.
"No, Arya. While I did kill Durza with your sword, I wouldn't have done it without your distraction and Harry's help. We killed him together."
"It's irrelevant who delivered the final blow to Durza. You all worked together, and as a result, the storm raging in our world has subsided a little bit," said Oromis. "Impressive, nonetheless."
"How did you escape Gil'ead?" Dellanir asked Arya.
Arya looked up to the vast sky where the sun shone through the clouds.
"I had given up hope. I was supposed to be taken to Urû'baen before the king within days, but then it happened."
"I heard loud explosions at first, but I thought my senses were playing tricks on me. Another attempt by Durza to overpower me when he entered my cell."
A faint smile curled on her lips. "But to my surprise, it was Harry who stood before me."
All eyes turned to Harry. "You freed her from Durza's clutches?" Thiora asked, and as he nodded, she handed Lily to Sirius and moved to Harry, giving him a tight hug.
"Thank you, Harry," she whispered.
Harry smiled weakly. "And I would do it again."
Sirius shook his head. "And how did you even manage that?"
Harry looked mischievously over Thiora's shoulder. "With a little help from a few fireworks."
Following that, Harry took over the tale again, and Artemis added her comments whenever he missed something. When Harry finished, Oromis stood up, addressing Islanzadí. "Would you like to say anything?"
The queen shook her head. "No, there is nothing more to say," she said sombrely.
Oromis nodded. "Then come, Harry and Eragon. There is much to be done." They all rose, and the chairs disappeared with a simple wand movement from Harry.
Orik turned to Oromis. "Argetlam, before you go, I have a question."
Oromis raised an eyebrow. "Ask away then, dwarf."
"Why did you hide all these years? Just knowing that you were alive would have given the Varden motivation for the fight against Galbatorix," Orik asked cautiously.
Glaedr stood up completely for the first time, and when Orik saw him, his eyes widened.
Oromis sighed. "As you can see, Orik, Glaedr is missing his left front leg. He lost it in an ambush by the foresworn, and I am not in good health either. When we were captured by the foresworn, they destroyed something within me. I can still teach, but except for minor spells, I no longer wield any magic. There is a reason why I am named the cripple who is whole."
"And a Feldûnost without its horns is useless in a battle," Orik murmured visibly affected.
Oromis smiled amusedly. "I've never been compared to a Feldûnost before, but it's true. In a battle, I would have been too great a risk if I were captured. Believe me, Orik, it was not an easy decision not to leave Du Weldenvarden and do nothing against the suffering that plagues this land."
Orik nodded contentedly with the answer.
"Harry, are you sure you want to do this? You wouldn't have to fight," Sirius said concerned.
Harry approached Sirius and patted his godfather on the shoulder. "I'm sure, Sirius. Artemis chose me, and I will do everything I can to defeat Galbatorix."
Harry looked down at Lily, who held Sirius on her back. "Especially when it comes to the lives of those who still have their whole future ahead. No one should have to grow up in these times."
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I almost forgot! I've been carrying it around all this time," Harry said, reaching into his robe.
Sirius' eyes widened, and his mouth hung open as Harry extended his hand, holding a single wand in his open palm.
"Is that-?" Harry nodded.
"Your wand. Fudge gave it to me after the incident at the Ministry, hoping I would help him stay Minister. Not that I would have shaken hands with that idiot, after everything that had happened because of him."
Sirius carefully set Lily down, who was now awake and rubbing her eyes tiredly.
"What's going on?" she asked as Sirius picked up his wand.
Sirius's hair floated in the air as he swung his wand towards the sky, and a flock of ravens emerged from it and flew away.
"I never thought I would hold it in my hands again," Sirius whispered, holding his wand as if it were a newborn in his hands.
"Is that a wand?" Lily asked curiously, and Harry nodded.
"Your father's. He... let's say he lost it."
Lily nodded understandingly. "And you found it? Typical Dad. He forgets things quite often."
"Really?" Harry asked, smiling.
"Yes," Lily said, crossing her arms. "Just a few days ago! He was supposed to pick me up from Oromis, and he didn't!"
"And what about your mother? Did she forget you too?" Arya interjected.
Harry turned to Arya and cautiously reached with his thoughts out to her. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine, Harry."
Lily turned to Arya, giving her parents a stern look. "Yes, because they were having too much fun!"
Sirius coughed awkwardly as Harry looked at him with a frown.
"Well, we did have fun, right, dear?" Sirius put his arm around Thiora's neck, whose cheeks turned quite red for an elf.
"I'm not sure I want to hear that answer from my own daughter," Dellanir remarked as she joined them.
Harry's eyes widened as he understood what the two meant, and his ears flamed red.
Lily looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Do you know what they're talking about, Uncle Harry?"
Sirius roared with laughter as Lily continued to question him, and Harry tried laboriously to explain himself.
"But I want to know!" Lily insisted.
Harry's neck had turned red, and he knelt in front of her. "You don't need to know everything now, Lily. When you're older, your Aunt Arya will be happy to explain everything in detail," Harry grinned, glancing over his shoulder at Arya, who was staring at him betrayed and opening her mouth. However, Lily beat her to it.
"But I want to hear it from you! You seem to know why they sometimes forget me at Oromis or Grandmother Dell, so you can tell me too," she demanded.
Arya placed her hand on Lily's shoulder. "She's right, Harry. You can surely explain it to her very well."
Harry stared helplessly at Arya, who desperately tried to hide her smile.
Sirius and Thiora exchanged a glance. Silently understanding each other, and finally, Thiora shrugged.
"I can't think of anyone better."
Sirius's eyes gleamed with gratitude, and he turned to Harry, who looked at him with a frown.
"Harry? Would you do me a favour?" Sirius asked, putting his wand away.
"Sure," Harry said without hesitation, looking up from the ground.
"I want you to be Lily's godfather."
The plan for the next chapters will be about Harry's training and a bit of slice of life. So any ideas in that direction are honestly welcome. Especially the training part.
Thank you for reading, and of course until next time.