Hello !
Here comes the fifteenth chapter of the story! Like before, I'm sorry for the time it took to upload this chapter. School restarted and I've got a few projects to finish. But I won't abandon Du Fyrn Svell! I'm on my way to finish it but it's impossible for me to continue with posting one chapter per week. This chapter is mostly composed of dialogues with some secondary characters, to offer a new point of view of the current situation, understand the politics. I hope you will like it.
Thanks for all the people who review, fav or favorite this story! More than 200followers, you guys are awesome
For the kind people who left a review in the previous chapter !
Jetstream Blair : Thanks for your review! Dany & Eragon looks like a good possibility indeed.
Fenriswolf22: Thank you very much. I will try to make them longer, I agree with you that long chapter are better and more enjoyable to read.
Thicc Pokimane : Wow, amazing review and so complete! I completely agree with you and your views on what happened in the TV shows ! Northeners are pricks and Eragon will need to 1) Help Jon to update their views 2) Separate himself from them!
Jctherebel : Thanks again for your new review!
AnimeA55Rebel: Great to find someone who feels the same !
WalOtter: Thanks for your kind words and your opinion. This is certainly one way to look at it. I'm completely against a Mad Dany coming in for no reason in 3 episodes. In my opinion, she's just a very young adult with huge responsabilities and little experience. But sane.
Obviously, I own a computer, some books and even a cat. However, I own nothing in the Inheritance Cycle and Game of Thrones franchise. They do belong to Christopher Paolini and G.R.R Martin.
Without further ado, here comes the chapter !
"Where did you get this cut?" enquired Eragon, already knowing the day just got more difficult.
"This?" said Jon pointing to a small wound in the inside of his palm. "A sharp stone in the mine, but no harm done, it doesn't even hurt. Why do you ask?"
"I thought we were done with surprises" groaned Eragon to Saphira.
"With how much trouble you attract, I'd be worried if we had a week without incident" mocked Saphira. She was following the conversation while keeping an eye on Rhaegal, who seemed to be acting as usual.
"Do you remember when Saphira asked to smell Daenerys Targaryen?" asked Eragon
"Well yes" he said, a frown starting to appear on his face.
"Saphira smelt something unique in her blood, something akin to what she smelt in Drogon's blood or in other dragon's blood." said Eragon.
"I guess this is normal? Humans don't smell like horses for instance but their blood is the same" chuckled Jon
"You're right, but Saphira has a unique smell. Remember Jon, we've been at war too, and we've seen and in case of Saphira smelt, thousands of people bleeding to death. We've seen the wounded in Winterfell after the battle of the Bastards. But never before has she ever smelt something like you or Daenerys." explained Eragon
He saw Jon slowly tensing
"Like me?" he repeated slowly.
"Like you indeed." Answered Eragon.
A long silence followed this small declaration. Jon seemed to be lost in thoughts.
"So, what does that mean?" asked Jon, breaking the silence.
"After some long discussions with Daenerys and Saphira, I believe, and Rhaegal behaviour points this way too, that somehow, you're related to the Targaryen family" said Eragon, trying to deliver the news as calmly as possible.
Jon stood silent for a few moments, his face betraying nothing of what he was feeling.
"That's impossible" said Jon, his voice barely a whisper
"I'm not trying to hurt you or lie but … I'm familiar with the idea to have unknown parents, to live through lies and to discover that people you cared about didn't tell you everything." said Eragon
A wave of remorse, pain and love came from Saphira. This was still a sore subject between them and although he had forgiven almost immediately, it still wasn't something they talked a lot.
"I'm not mad at you Saphira, I understand you were under an oath, really" said Eragon with a half-smile. "I just wish I had known earlier. Perhaps have the opportunity to talk to Brom. But I've made my peace" finished Eragon before turning his attention to Jon, who had started talking again, emerging from his
"It's more complicated. If what you say is true, then my father must have met a woman with Targaryen blood, roughly twenty years ago. But Eragon, the only female Targaryens alive at that time was Daenerys" started Jon, his voice starting to crack
"I'm sorry I didn't know. Well, maybe our initial assumptions are wrong. Maybe Saphira doesn't exactly smell Targaryen lineage. We haven't smelt each Westerosi nor asked them to bleed" laughed Eragon; "Or it could be a bastard Targaryen, who may not be aware of his own lineage, I don't know enough about their history to evaluate this possibility. But we felt you deserved to know this" concluded Eragon
"Who knows about this?" asked Jon suddenly
"So far, I've only told one person and it's you. And Saphira obviously"
"I need to think about it" said Jon, who had risen from his chair. "And if that's possible, that you don't spread this idea. People are still uneasy with the Targaryen family in Westeros, especially in the North. I don't want to complicate things, especially if it's proven wrong later." Whispered Jon.
"Of course, I will let you and respect your wish. I'm sorry about this" said Eragon. Without waiting for an answer, he quickly and quietly cancelled his spell and turned back towards his room. As he was crossing the door, he heard Jon.
"Thank you Eragon, for telling me"
He turned and nodded before going back to his room. However, before he managed to reach his door, he noticed Varys lurking in the shadows. He decided to go talking with the bald man. As he got closer, he felt the complex perfume of the man. A mix of subtle flagrancies. It was quite a change from what Eragon was used to. But Varys also looked quite different from most men Eragon had met. His lavish tunics were proof of that.
"Eragon" started Varys, his voice soft.
"Varys, good evening "
"The dragons gave us quite a scare this afternoon, luckily, you were here to save Jon Snow and Ser Davos, once more" said Varys with knowing eyes.
Eragon had to admit, he was skilled. This man had spies even in Winterfell and could get information quickly. He brushed his mind and was astonished by what he discovered.
Dozens of children, all over the country, sending messages regularly to Varys. Only Saphira's speed and the harsh inhospitality of the Wall had allowed them to surprise Varys. He had received news of Jon and their arrival at Winterfell only a few days after their first meeting with Daenerys Targaryen.
"Yes, a true blessing. But my role was minimal, Saphira was the one to protect them," answered Eragon without missing a beat.
"Of course. I guess the King in the North still feels … uneasy about this whole ordeal. But do you have any explanation behind this dragon's behaviour" he enquired calmly.
"The only explanation I have right now is that Rhaegal wanted to test Saphira's authority." lied Eragon smoothly. "Drogon tried to fight her and lost. Rhaegal now also lost. Maybe Viserion will try his chance later, one way or another to undermine Saphira's authority before ultimately settling. But they've been taught properly, they shouldn't hurt humans, Daenerys made sure of that."
"Of course. Some people always have trouble accepting new leaders. People coming in, breaking the order in place. Chaos is everywhere, but no one can rule it. No one is a God here." whispered Varys,
"You're right. She will have to make sure it doesn't happen anymore. "came his mechanical answer.
He merely nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. Varys wasn't just a good spy. He was a chess player. A strategist. Someone who saw ahead of battles. He would probably be useless to prepare a battle, but at least half a dozen plans would be planned, each based on a different outcome of said battle.
And Eragon would have to figure out his purpose. It wasn't the throne, for Westeros was locked in a rulership based on power and money, of which Varys lacked. Information could only bring him to a certain point. He had claimed his wish to protect people but he wouldn't trust his words. He would have to sneak into his mind, quietly.
"Why do you follow Daenerys Targaryen?" suddenly asked Eragon
"She's the best hope for the people here in Westeros" answered Varys
"You've told us that before. But if it was that easy, why aren't people flocking at her side? Surely, they all want the best for their family."
"They are afraid of her while I'm not" came his short and mysterious answer
He waited for a few seconds, in the hope of getting more information. His frustration grew when he felt a feeling of understanding coming from Saphira and the Eldunaris. However, before they had the time to explain, Varys started talking again, having probably guessed that he needed to develop her explanation.
"For most people, a ruler means nothing and anything. They don't care who stands on the throne as long as they can feed their family. They've only known this kind of ruling. And now, the only news they have are those shared by said ruler. And when a stranger comes, followed by barbarians, and wants to change everything they've known, they become afraid. This is what's happening here. People are afraid, and the rulers in place are just spreading the right amount of rumours to stop the invasion. Even the North is afraid of Daenerys. This is also why I'm here. To know the rumours and to spread the ideals imagined by Daenerys Targaryen, the real ones, not those created by Cersei Lannister."
Eragon remembered the angry looks he had received during the military campaigns led by the Vardens. They hadn't always encountered grateful welcomes. Many nobles had followed Galbatorix without the need to swear an oath.
But they had also come across a few farms and encountered some farmers, whose fields were sometimes ruined after the crossing of thousands of soldiers. He couldn't forget their stares, a mix of despair, sadness, indignation and hopelessness. And deep down, Eragon knew that most of them couldn't care less who sat on the throne.
"While this is true, it doesn't explain why you left. You had everything you could have hoped"
"Don't insult our intelligence by saying this. We both know how wrong this statement is even though you're not from here."
And Eragon understood, that under these ample tunics and this false good nature, Varys was a ruthless politician. While Daenerys had the manpower to take the throne, Varys was probably the most suited to make people agree or rebel against the king or the queen, probably without them being aware of it. This probably made him one of the most dangerous man. The fact that he had knowledge of the dirty secrets of lords living all over the country only made him more dangerous. In Westeros at least.
For a short moment, Eragon felt like he was talking to Galbatorix, with his soft voice, his sweet ideas and his deep knowledge.
But that wasn't the case. He was talking to a mocking copy. A dangerous copy, but he was nothing compared to the Usurper. Galbatorix had refined his enthralling speech during decades and had had the power to tear through minds to find the very essence of your being without battling a sweat. He had been able to control and to kill Glaedr who was in Gil'Ead while remaining in Urû'baen, hundreds of leagues away. It was still a very sore subject for them and they scarcely talked about it even today.
"Of course. If you will excuse me, the day has been tiring and I'd like to rest" asked Eragon.
Varys merely inclined his head before turning his back and leaving, as silently as he had arrived.
Within a few seconds, he was back into his room. He would need to review everything with the Eldunaris, to understand what was happening. His discussion with Varys had been very complex, full of meanings. He already felt tired, being thrown in the middle of Westeros' politics. Jon's talk had been different, more direct but just as confusing. He didn't fully believe what he had explained to Jon. The smell of their blood was the key to their questions. He would have to be careful because he didn't fully understand how sensitive the Targaryen matter was here.
But it brought the question of who his mother was. Everything seemed to point that Jon's father, Eddard Stark, had found, per chance or not, a Targaryen bastard and had a child with her.
"Does it really matter?" enquired Glaedr
"What do you mean?" replied Eragon
"Jon Snow seems to have Targaryen ancestry. This is certainly something that needs further enquiry. But it's of no use to look at the moment who his ancestors are. It would only bring a loss of time. We don't even know who his father is"
"Are you doubting his words Glaedr-elda?" questioned Eragon
"I'm not. But finding his true family is sometimes more difficult, as you certainly know. Even with the Ancient Language, your eyes have been troubled for a long period" answered the old dragon
"You've seen how much it matters to him."
"He's lived without it for many years, he can live with it more. And it's not your purpose here Eragon, don't forget it."
But Eragon was unable to answer the old dragon, just able to send a feeling of agreement, because someone had decided to come knocking at his door. He supressed a groan. He had sensed and heard Missandei walking in the corridor but he had hoped that she was just passing by. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case and Missandei probably knew he was in his room. He couldn't refuse her entrance without offending her and his hosts.
"Next time, I'll sleep with you. At least, no one will dare to disturb me" told Eragon to Saphira while he moved to open the door.
Indeed, standing in from of the door, was Missandei. She was wearing her usual clothes, made of leather, which clung to her forms. But her face betrayed nothing. Missandei's impassive face scarcely betrayed her internal turmoil. But Eragon could read the small signs highlighting it. And he sensed her mind, in a small frenzy. It was a small miracle that she was able to hold on that much. Just like Nasuada, she knew how to handle herself and play politics, even if this case, she seemed to be doing it for someone else.
"I hope I'm not disturbing" started Missandei
"Of course not, come in" answered Eragon, pointing to the chair in his room.
She accepted his offer and went to sit there. She eyed him for a moment, as he closed the door and went to sit on his bed.
After a few moments of tense silence, she broke the silence.
"The past few days have been quite eventful. Tales of dead, dragons proving their worth and people fighting. We are living unusual times Eragon Shadeslayer."
"That we are Missandei." he replied before making a small pause. "But I don't think you came here to discuss the unusual times we're living, or at least, not to comment the dragons' recent behaviour."
"You're direct, unlike most of the people here. Our Queen has certainly been thinking a lot about what you've told her."
"Oh, over what mostly" asked Eragon, curious about her answer.
"She's mostly looking for information related to her family. She hasn't shared more with me, and even if she had, I wouldn't betray her confidence like that" came the short but polite reply.
"Of course. This wasn't my purpose."
"Her dragons behave differently. She looks at them with a new look too," commented Missandei.
"The change of behaviour of her dragons was to be expected with the arrival of Saphira and the change of power which occurred. Concerning Daenerys, well, the relation someone shares with a dragon who hatched for him or her in Daenerys' case, is unique, and she knows it. The title Mother of Dragons she has is proof enough of that. But perhaps she wasn't completely aware of some responsibilities. No one should have to follow Daenerys, ordered like a slave, not even her dragons."
Missandei stopped in tracks. Her eyes grew very distant and cold.
"Our Queen is the last person who could enforce such a treatment. We follow her, not because we were forced to but because we chose to. She didn't give herself the title of Breaker of chains. We did. Daenerys freed us and this is why she's my queen, the one I pledge myself to
Eragon was surprised by this small outburst. He had never seen Missandei being so passionate. From what he had seen, she usually remained in the background, helping to the best of her capacities diligently.
"Daenerys Targaryen saved us. Freedom wasn't offered to us until she came. She gave us the tools and the means to freed ourselves. She didn't force it. She gave us the choice, our first choice. The easiest and most important one. The right to live our lives." Finished the coloured woman.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know and didn't mean to hurt your feeling or to undermine Daenerys' work. But she, just like you and I, needs to understand the impact of her decisions, The differences between people is the range of their decisions. And Daenerys' decisions could definitely impact the lives of thousands of people. She seems to have done well in Essos. I'm just trying to make sure she'll do the same with her dragons in Westeros" tried to explain Eragon.
Missandei remained silent but the indignation in her face softened and she looked thoughtful.
"What do you think Saphira?"
"She spoke openly. She's devoted to Daenerys and her mind didn't betray any ill intentions, contrary to Varys." Replied the blue dragon softly
"Why are you helping her then if you're afraid of her decisions?" enquired Missandei
"These three dragons decided to hatch for her. No one can force a dragon, so they must have sensed something. Something great within her. But they gave her powerful tools too, just like when Saphira hatched for me. I'm helping her, just like we helped me, to understand her dragons and to make sure she won't do something she will dearly regret," answered Eragon.z
There was a short silence in the room, only broken by the sound of the wind. The night had settled and the room was quickly becoming chillier, not that Eragon minded. Wordlessly, he rose and walked in the direction of his small study. Missandei followed his steps but didn't comment more.
With a whispered "Brisingr", he lit up a few candles.
"I may not be able to walk through the flames like Daenerys but I can warm up the night with a few candles" explained Eragon
She didn't comment but he saw her arms loosing up. Eragon didn't know if it was because of the warmth or because Missandei felt more at ease but he was happy she hadn't freaked out.
"Thank you" whispered Missandei softly, letting a soft sigh escape her lips.
This is the end of the chapter! I hope you've enjoyed it!
As always, reviews and critics are appreciated! A good incentive to publish faster! Critics help me a lot to improve and adapt! I try to answer all your messages and take them into account! Can we try to reach 10 reviews ? That would be amazing!
Thank you all and stay safe!