Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
I was lucky enough to find someone skilled, who helps me with editing the chapters, to make them actually readable. So far, we went through chapters 1-20, which also gave me the chance to change/add stuff to chapters 3 & 4, because I think since doing them I got a bit better at writing.
So, a big thank you to TheDarkRanger1160 for offering your help and editing this chapter!
Any mistakes that remain are my own.
Aberon - Surda
The sun shone brightly on her skin as Arya ran. They had travelled through the Hadarac Desert, hoping to save time.
"We're almost there," Niduen panted beside her. The elf had agreed to accompany Arya, and she was grateful for it. Her mother would not have let her go alone, even if Arya had ignored that. But this way, at least, she avoided further arguments with Islanzadí.
"Yes, we passed the lake Tüdosten a few hours ago. The capital of Surda, where the Varden are currently stationed, shouldn't be far now," Arya said, her eyes scanning the distance for any sign of the city.
"Have you ever been to Aberon?" Niduen questioned.
Arya frowned. "Yes, why do you ask?"
A blush crept onto Niduen's cheeks. "Eragon told me about his village, where he grew up, and I'm curious how different Aberon will be."
"You and Eragon have spent a lot of time together," Arya noted.
Niduen's lips twitched into a smile. "I was surprised by him."
"In what way?" Arya asked.
"I didn't know what to think of humans. Of course, there was Sirius, but he was still… different. I just find it fascinating how Eragon, who was just an ordinary farmer a few months ago, moves through Alagaёsia. I admire his curiosity and the questions he asks about the world," Niduen said.
Arya raised an eyebrow. Their steps stirred up the dry dust of the past weeks. "So, you follow him only out of curiosity?"
"No!" Niduen said. "Just like you and Harry - we have also become good friends. We-"
Arya studied Niduen for another moment before they passed a small patch of forest. As they emerged from the last trees, they saw the many tents of the Varden and, beyond them, the capital of Surda, Aberon.
"Enough, we're almost within earshot," Arya said firmly, feeling the white sapphire of Lunis swinging around her neck.
It didn't take long before they reached the first tents of the Varden, and as Arya had expected, Nasuada stood waiting for them with a group of soldiers. At her side were Brom, Jörmundur, and King Orrin.
They slowed their pace and offered a slight bow to Orrin first. As the host and king of this land, it seemed appropriate to Arya to greet him first.
"King Orrin," Arya began in a calm voice, "I thank you for your welcome."
Orrin studied her with a searching gaze, his finely shaped mouth curving into a thin smile. "Arya," he replied, inclining his head slightly. "Your arrival was unexpected, but we are glad you have come - and not alone, as I see."
"The circumstances demanded it," Arya said simply. "This is Niduen, and she will stand by Eragon's side once he arrives. Additionally, some of our greatest magicians will soon set out to support our Dragon Riders."
Excited murmurs broke out among the soldiers until Nasuada silenced them with a glance.
"Now, for a change, that is good news," Orrin said with a smile.
Nasuada stepped forward, her posture upright, her dark eyes scrutinizing Arya. "You bring news?"
Arya nodded. "Yes, but not all of it is for foreign ears." Her gaze briefly flickered over the soldiers gathered around them.
Nasuada understood the implication and gave Jörmundur a brief signal. The trusted man nodded and ordered the soldiers to withdraw. Only Brom, Orrin, and Nasuada remained.
"I have prepared a tent for you, Arya. You will surely want to rest after the long journey," Nasuada said, then turned to Niduen. "We would have prepared one for you as well, had we received any warning that you would accompany Arya, Niduen."
"I thank you, Nasuada," Niduen said.
They soon reached Nasuada's tent, guarded by two towering dark men. It was clear that they belonged to Nasuada's tribal followers, those from the desert. They granted them entry, though Arya could feel their eyes following her.
A large, round table stood in the centre of the tent, displaying a map of Surda and the surrounding regions.
Nasuada took a seat. "Tell me, Arya. How are Eragon and Harry fairing in Ellesméra?"
"They are learning much from their masters, and even as we speak, they are making every effort to complete their training," Arya said.
Nasuada smirked at Arya's vague answer. "Well, that is good news."
Arya pulled a letter from her pouch. "This is addressed to the leader of the Varden. Queen Islanzadí wishes for you to read it as soon as you are able."
Nasuada accepted the letter, and Arya saw the fleeting jealousy in King Orrin's eyes.
"I thank you. Now, we can discuss the storm that threatens to overthrow us," Nasuada said.
"A storm?" Niduen asked.
Nasuada nodded faintly. "Our spies have detected movements from Galbatorix's army. As we speak, they are marching toward the northern border. They are expected to arrive within the next two weeks at most. And there is only one place where we can stand against them."
Arya frowned. "Du Völlar Eldrvary - the Burning Steppes. How large is the army?"
"According to the reports from one of my men, it could be a hundred thousand soldiers or more," Orrin said.
"Why are we only learning about this now? An army of that size should have been noticed by the Varden much sooner," Arya frowned.
"The spies we had stationed in Gil'ead and Urû'baen must have fed us false information," Brom grunted from his chair.
"What matters now is that we know of the army at all and still have time to prepare."
Arya nodded but was interrupted by Orrin. "But we will have no chance if Galbatorix himself decides to come-"
"He won't," Brom growled. "He will send his lapdog Morzan in his stead."
Orrin swallowed. "It is still a great risk we are taking. You must summon Eragon, Nasuada. Without him, we will not win this battle."
Arya saw Brom's hand tighten around his sword hilt.
Nasuada remained silent for a moment, then turned to Arya. "Will you contact the elves to have Eragon come?"
Arya exchanged a quick glance with Brom, who nodded slowly. "I will."
Nasuada's features relaxed slightly. "Good. If we are lucky, Harry may agree to come as well. Having two Dragon Riders on our side would be a tremendous advantage."
Arya clenched a fist, feeling the weight of Lunis around her neck.
"What about the dwarves?" she asked before leaving.
"We have already exchanged messages through Du Vrangr Gata with King Hrothgar. The dwarves are on their way and will hopefully arrive in time," Brom said.
Arya nodded and took her leave of Nasuada and Orrin.
Brom and Niduen followed her. "How are Eragon and Harry really?" Brom asked.
"They are both doing well," Arya said and pulled out another scroll. "This is for you, from their masters, Brom."
Brom's eyes widened as he saw the symbol of House Thrándurin. He took the scroll.
"Were they able to help Harry with his… magical problem?" Brom inquired.
Arya gave a faint smile as she thought of Harry. "They were. And not only that - Togira Ikonoka is no more."
Brom's eyes widened. "What do you mean? Has he passed into Void-"
Niduen stepped in. "He was healed, Brom-Elda. He is no longer the Cripple Who Is Whole."
Brom stared at them, mouth agape. "How?"
"Harry," Arya smirked with pride.
"Of course, who else," Brom laughed.
He sighed in relief. "Good, then all that remains is for us to prepare for battle."
Arya nodded and gazed into the distance. And if she listened closely, she could already hear the clash of swords.
Urû'baen
Murtagh ran through the long corridor. His footsteps echoed off the bare walls. He didn't stop, not even when someone called his name.
"Stop right there, son!" Morzan growled and grabbed Murtagh's cloak.
"Stop calling me that! What kind of father watches as his own son is tortured before his very eyes?!" Murtagh hissed back, tearing himself from Morzan's grip.
Morzan narrowed his eyes at him. "This is entirely your fault."
"My fault?! How is it my fault that you swore loyalty to a madman? You're a monster!" Murtagh shouted.
Morzan grabbed Murtagh by the collar. "Be silent, boy! As my son, you could have lived a peaceful life. You would have been bound to my castle, yes, but you would have wanted for nothing. Every nobleman would have envied you… The finest food, the best wines… You could have chosen any woman to stand by your side, but no, you had to run away!"
Murtagh seized Morzan's arm and shoved him away. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't want to end up as miserable as you!"
Morzan's eyes gleamed yellow. "I knew I should have kept your mother away from you. She filled your head with nonsense."
"My mother was the only one who cared about me," Murtagh growled. "Through her, I met Mary. She was my first friend, and you killed her."
"Her death was necessary. She was your weakness."
Murtagh let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "And your death will be a salvation - for all those you have terrorized. I will relish watching Brom drive his sword into your dark heart!"
"Do not say his name!" Morzan snarled, his eyes flickering between yellow, blue, and black before settling back to their normal colour.
Murtagh furrowed his brow. "What's wrong with your eyes? Are you sick?" he asked hopefully.
"Be silent," Morzan muttered, taking a deep breath. "The same fate awaits you, now that Thorn has hatched for you. Once you fall under his influence, there is no escape."
Murtagh frowned as Morzan stepped past him. "Galbatorix already has me under his control, just like Thorn," Murtagh said, his gaze falling on the red gemstone in Morzan's hand. It was only the size of a palm, its surface curved - Thorn's Eldunarí.
Morzan pressed down the handle leading to the dungeons. His eyes were cold. "I am not talking about Galbatorix, son."
He opened the door, and they entered the dungeon. Murtagh would remember those words, but his gaze fell upon Katrina, still locked away.
She stood up when she saw him. "Murtagh! Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"
Warmth rose in Murtagh's chest, but he wouldn't give Morzan the chance to harm her further.
"Given the circumstances," he said quietly, and Katrina's eyes widened.
She turned to Morzan. "What do you want?"
Morzan ignored her. "That is none of your concern, farm girl. Ládrin!"
The word was spoken with such force that the hairs on Murtagh's neck stood on end. There was a click, and the cell door for the cell next to Katrina swung open.
"Magic," Katrina whispered, eyes wide.
"Stand up," Morzan commanded, and Nott's eyes flickered open. A crooked grin spread across his face.
"Am I needed?" he asked.
Morzan spoke again in the Ancient Language, and Nott's chains clattered to the ground.
"The king wishes for you to fight at my side when we attack the Varden," Morzan said. "Your task will be to kill Harry Potter."
A shadow passed over Nott's eyes. "Potter, huh? It will be a pleasure to defeat him, but I need my wand."
Morzan pulled it from his pocket. Nott's eyes followed the pale ash wand hungrily.
He stretched out his hand. "Give it to me!"
Morzan snorted and tucked the wand away again. "You will get it when you need it. Move, we don't have all day."
Nott glared at him and stomped out of the dungeon after Morzan. The door shut behind them.
"Is it true?" Katrina asked Murtagh.
"That the Varden will be attacked? Yes, and I don't see how they stand a chance," Murtagh said, shrugging. "The king has sent all the troops stationed in Gil'ead to Surda, and the Varden don't even know they're coming."
"That's not true," Shadowhunter said. She leaped down from the windowsill, landing gracefully in front of Katrina's feet.
"What do you mean?" Murtagh asked.
"The Varden know. I made sure the right person learned of Galbatorix's plans."
"And what about Harry?" Katrina asked. "Someone has to warn him!"
Shadowhunter licked her white paw. "Don't underestimate the Rider."
Katrina pursed her lips. Shadowhunter sat before the elves and tilted her head.
"I don't know what's wrong with them. They're not responding," Katrina said.
Shadowhunter closed her eyes for a moment. "They have retreated deep into their minds to shield themselves from unbearable pain. The Rider can heal their physical wounds."
Murtagh blinked. "Me?"
Shadowhunter stared at him. "I see no other Rider here."
"But how-"
Shadowhunter rolled her eyes. "With magic, you fool."
Murtagh flushed. "I don't know how! Galbatorix only taught me a few words! And none of them can be used to heal the elves."
"Then I will give you the words, but you must do it, Murtagh."
"But-"
"Please, Murtagh," Katrina pleaded.
"Fine. What do I do, werecat?" Murtagh asked.
"Katrina, lean forward so that Murtagh can reach you with his hand," Shadowhunter instructed, then turned to Murtagh. "The words are Waíse Heill."
Murtagh nodded and reached through the bars, touching the silver-haired elf's face.
He broke the barrier to his magic and spoke the words aloud.
"Waíse Heill."
Murtagh's hand glowed with silver light, and he felt energy flowing out of him. The deep cuts and burn marks on the elf's face faded, leaving behind smooth, pale skin.
He cut off the flow of magic and saw Shadowhunter watching the elf intently.
"What is it?" Katrina asked cautiously. But before anyone could answer, a loud scream rang out, making Murtagh take a step back.
"Wake up!" Shadowhunter hissed.
The elf's eyelids fluttered open, revealing deep blue eyes. "I-"
"Welcome back to the waking world, elf," Shadowhunter paused, licking her white fur contentedly.
The elf's gaze was unfocused. "Where… am I?"
"You are in the dungeons of Urû'baen," Murtagh explained.
"Urû'baen," the elf whispered, trying to stand, but his legs gave out, and Katrina caught him.
"Careful, you're weak," Katrina said, and the elf looked at her. "A human…?"
"What do you remember, elf?" Shadowhunter asked.
"I don't know - I remember birdsong and the wind between the trees, and then…" His eyes widened. "Then they came from the shadows, and arrows rained upon us. One struck me, and I fell from my horse. Then, darkness-"
"They were likely captured by Durza. Eragon told me how Arya was rescued by Harry," Murtagh said.
"Arya," the elf murmured. His eyes snapped into focus.
"Where is she? What happened to her?" the elf shouted, grabbing the bars. "Tell me!"
Shadowhunter hissed, and the elf blinked as if noticing her for the first time. "A werecat-?"
"Arya is safe. She was rescued by a Dragon Rider. But what is your name, elf?"
The elf slid down the bars, coughing harshly, spitting blood.
Tears streamed down his face as he trembled violently. "We weren't strong enough… He broke us, one by one. The pain… oh, the pain! Again and again! I wish I had gone into the void!"
His eyelids slowly closed.
"Your name! What is your name?!" Shadowhunter shouted.
But the elf went silent.
Then, in a whisper, a voice echoed in Murtagh's mind:
"My name is Glenwing."
El-Harím
A man opened his yellow eyes as he heard footsteps echoing through the hall. He sat at a large table, a map of Alagaёsia spread out before him.
"You summoned me, Master?" a woman's voice asked.
The man nodded. "Yes, I have a task for you, Selena."
Selena nodded, her eyes unfocused. "What shall I do?"
"I want you to travel to Surda and observe the upcoming battle. I need precise information on the strength of the Dragon Riders, especially the one named Harry Potter."
Selena nodded stiffly. "As you wish."
"Additionally, I have a letter for our friends in the Valley of Dreams. But that is of no urgency. More importantly, I need to know the weaknesses of our enemies. I cannot allow another Eragon to interfere with my plans."
The man's eyes gleamed as a deep rumble shook the hall. He did not notice how, for the briefest moment, clarity returned to Selena's gaze. She turned away from her master, and as she walked away, his cold, hollow voice followed her.
"Soon, my friend… We will soon undo our great mistake with the elves, and then you will be free... The elves will emerge from the shadow of the Menoa Tree, and when they do, we will annihilate them," the man with yellow eyes laughed.
"Elyana, slow down! I am not as young as you!" her father called behind her.
Elyana grinned but froze when she saw the boy lying at the riverbank. She heard her father draw his sword.
"Merlin - what have they done to him?" he murmured, stepping cautiously toward the boy. His face was covered in bruises, his lip was bloodied, and his red hair was soaked with river water.
"Can you help him?" Elyana asked.
Her father hesitated. "I don't know. I am no healer, Elyana. We must take him to the nearest town."
"N-No… Not to… the town. Monsters live there," the boy croaked. His eyes were half-open, dark and filled with fear.
"Don't talk nonsense, boy. We will protect you and make sure you recover. I swear on my name," her father said.
He knelt beside the boy. "What is your name, boy?"
"Haeg… My lord…?"
"You may call me Perseus. Perseus Peverell."
Harry woke up and rubbed his eyes. A strong wind was blowing through the surrounding trees. He sat on the remnants of a fallen tree trunk, listening to the sounds of the forest. He could mentally picture the bees buzzing through the air, searching for flowers, or feel the consciousness of ants in battle when a spider attacked their home.
Harry sighed. "That's the second time I've had that strange dream."
"A dream?" Oromis asked, walking over to Harry.
"Yes, Master," Harry said, telling him about it.
"It could be a vision. Over the centuries, many riders and elves have spoken of visions they've had in their dreams," Oromis said.
Harry nodded. "But none of them ever got a warning from Eragon, did they?"
"Eragon? I don't understand-"
"Eragon! The first Rider, Master! How could you have forgotten him?"
Oromis frowned, his eyes becoming glazed over.
"Master?" Harry asked.
Oromis blinked and tilted his head. "What about our Eragon?"
Harry shook his head and stood up from his tree trunk. "It's nothing, Master."
And so ended every attempt Harry made to talk to Oromis when the name of the first Dragon Rider was used. It was maddening.
They walked to Oromis' hut, where Eragon was bent over a Fairth.
"What have you done this time?" Harry asked.
Eragon stood up and showed him the Fairth. The image, created with magic from Eragon's thoughts, showed his home.
"Do you miss Carvahall?" Harry asked.
Eragon hung his head. The pointed ears he had gained during the transformation by the dragons at the Agaetí Blödhren twitched restlessly.
"I don't miss my old life, but I miss the smell of the fields," Eragon admitted. "The loud voices of the villagers… Horst striking the hot iron. I even miss arguing with that miserable Sloan," Eragon laughed.
He looked at Harry. "How do you deal with it, Harry?"
Harry smiled faintly. "I miss Hogwarts, but it's more important to focus on the here and now than on what once was. At least, that's what a wise person once told me."
"That sounds very much like my mother."
They turned around and saw Sirius and Thiora flying overhead on a Griffin. Harry had to grin when he saw Orik holding tightly onto Thiora. The Griffin spread its wings and landed in a gentle leftward dive on all fours. Thiora and Sirius dismounted. Sirius walked over to Orik, who offered his help.
"Leave me alone, you miserable giant!" Orik grumbled. He stood up and jumped off the Griffin's back just as the Griffin raised its hindquarters. Orik lost his balance during the jump and landed hard on his rocky backside.
"I hate this beast! No Feldûnost would ever throw a dwarf off!" Orik grumbled, taking Eragon's hand in frustration.
"Isn't a Feldûnost a goat?" Sirius asked.
"A goat!" Orik bristled. "A Feldûnost is far more than an ordinary goat. They had huge, ridged horns that curled all the way to their cheeks, so long that the horns of Urgals seem no bigger than a bird's nest-"
Sirius interrupted Orik with a smirk. "So, Feldûnost are basically just big goats?"
"Big goats!" Orik repeated and jumped at Sirius, who transformed into Padfoot and ran off with the angry dwarf in tow.
Thiora simply shook her head gently. "I apologize for interrupting your valuable lesson time, Oromis."
Oromis folded his hands behind his back. "You're always welcome. But what brings you to us?"
Thiora pointed behind her, where the dwarf and Padfoot were still having a duel.
"Orik wants to make sure that Eragon receives the training he deserves," Thiora said, looking at Harry. "And Sirius wants to see how you duel."
Harry blinked. "He wants to duel me?"
"Yes - and by the dragons, you two, now, heel, Sirius!" Thiora exclaimed, and Padfoot came running, with Orik trailing behind.
Sirius transformed back and grinned. "That was fun!"
Orik snorted and shot him an irritated look. "By Gûntera, you'll never wear a beard as well as a dwarf!"
Sirius lost his grin. "Take that back, you little-!"
Oromis coughed into his hand, gaining their attention. "Are you two done?"
Sirius nodded sheepishly. "Yes, as Thiora said, I want to see with my own eyes how good you are at duelling, Harry."
"Why?" Harry asked.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Because the enemy has a wizard, and sooner or later, you'll run into that Nott loon again."
"And who knows if Nott is the only wizard," Thiora said. "Remember what the veil was originally used for in your world. Galbatorix could have enslaved other wizards and witches who fell through the veil."
Harry's eyes widened. "I hadn't thought of that."
"And that's why I'm here," Sirius said, waving goodbye to the Griffin as it took off again. "Besides, I'm a bit rusty myself."
"I have to say, I'm glad the Griffins are now outside your trunk. We would have taken much longer to get here if we hadn't flown," Sirius said.
Harry smiled faintly. "Then you should thank Arya. She made it happen."
Sirius's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I will."
Oromis clapped his hands. "Well, before Harry and Sirius test their skills in a duel, shall we go through a lesson on magic? Would that be of interest to you, Master Longbeard?"
Orik nodded. "Then I'm satisfied."
"Good, then come, both of you!"
They went to the stream, and Oromis had them stand in a triangle.
"What is magic?"
"The manipulation of energy through the use of the ancient language," Eragon answered.
Oromis hummed. "Harry?"
"It depends on the intent," Harry replied.
Oromis nodded after a short pause. "To put it simply, magic is the art of thinking. We control it with our thoughts, and we speak the ancient language to give our thoughts a focus. But what do we do if we can't speak?"
Harry tilted his head and thought silently.
Oromis nodded, his eyes followed the water from the stream as it rose into the air and fell again. "Exactly. Did you realize it, Eragon?"
Eragon furrowed his brow. "Harry used his other magic to lift the water?"
Oromis shook his head. "No, when Harry uses his magic… It feels like a tingle over my skin… Wild… And Free."
"So, what did he do? He couldn't have used the ancient language because he didn't… speak," Eragon finished, his eyes widening.
"He thought it!"
Oromis smiled with satisfaction. "Exactly, Eragon-Finiarel. You conduct the ancient language with your thoughts, not with words. But it also carries a risk. Do you know why?"
Harry thought for a moment. "If your thoughts stray, even for a moment, the spell could change."
"Exactly, Harry! That's why only the most experienced riders of our order were entrusted with this secret. It's extremely dangerous to practice non-verbal magic, but it's just as important that you master it in spontaneous situations! And there's no better way to practice than in a controlled environment first, my students. Adurna!" Oromis called, and a water orb formed from the stream.
"Catch!" Oromis said, throwing the orb at Eragon. The ball splashed Eragon right in the face.
"Focus, Eragon. Again!"
Another water orb shot towards him, and Eragon stretched out his hand. The Gedwëy Ignasia glowed silver, and the orb froze in front of Eragon's eyes.
"I did it!" Eragon shouted.
Oromis nodded in satisfaction. "Good, Eragon. Now focus and throw the orb to Harry. Harry, I want you to catch the orb and split it in half."
Harry did as instructed.
"I understand now why we should only speak in the ancient language," Harry said, shaping the water into two orbs and tossing one to Eragon.
Oromis raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why is that?"
"Thinking in the ancient language is much easier when you master the language," Harry said, and Oromis snorted in amusement.
"You don't say, Harry," Eragon said, moving the water orb up and down and around.
Harry did the same until he let the water fall over a patch of daisies.
"Harry? Is something wrong?" Oromis asked with concern.
Harry shook his head, staring at his Gedwëy Ignasia. It tingled intensely!
"No, it's… nothing, Master."
Oromis pursed his lips, and his eyes wandered from Harry's face as they heard the beating of dragon wings in the distance.
"It's always amazing to watch a thunder," Thiora said.
Orik furrowed his brow. "A thunder?"
"A group of dragons," Eragon explained. "Imagine how the air would vibrate if dozens of dragons were flying towards you. It would sound just like thunder."
The dragons landed behind their respective partners, and Harry felt the up-and-down tremors in Artemis' chest.
"Are you done with your flight manoeuvres?" Harry asked.
"Yes, it was strange flying so high above the clouds and fighting each other there," Artemis said.
"Why?"
Her blue eyes blinked. "It was cold, and my movements were stiff. Ebrithil wanted to show us how different the battles can be at various altitudes."
Harry grinned. "Do you still want to fly over the peaks of the Beor Mountains? You heard the story about the dragon who did it and succeeded. He lost the colour of his scales."
A pale cloud of smoke rose from the dragon's flared nostrils.
"I like my scales."
"I know."
"Hmm. Maybe I'll just eat the mountain when I'm big enough."
Harry snorted. "I really hope you never get as big as a mountain, Artemis. How would we fly together then?"
"We'll figure something out."
"Earth to Harry. Anyone there?" Sirius asked with a grin.
Harry blinked. "What is it?"
Sirius waved his wand. "Come on, it's time to duel."
Harry made a face. "Do we have to do this?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you want to? I thought you'd enjoy a little change."
Oromis intervened. "I've sensed a certain… lack of motivation in Harry and Eragon these past few days. They've been fulfilling their tasks to the level I expect, but it always took extra words. I haven't figured out why yet."
"Eragon! You must do your best! Your clan expects it from you," Orik frowned, giving Eragon a powerful slap on the leg.
Eragon flinched. "I'm trying. It's just not easy learning all my movements again. In the first days, I even had trouble walking!"
"That's why you've been given the additional task of getting to know your new physical abilities," Oromis said thoughtfully. "But that's not the reason. Your eyes betray you, Eragon. You're drifting off."
"What about you, Harry?" Sirius asked.
Before Harry could answer, Artemis answered in his stead. "He's thinking about someone else."
"Artemis!" Harry grunted, and Sirius grinned broadly.
"So, you're thinking about someone... Not someone we know, by any chance?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry said dryly.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Maybe someone who hasn't been around for a while?"
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Sirius, I warn you-"
Sirius raised his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm just saying, Harry! You two have been through so much together, and there were only a few moments when we saw you separately-"
"Who's Shortbeard talking about?" Orik asked with a grin.
Sirius threw the dwarf a quick glare. "I'm talking about a very pretty elf who - Ow!"
A red welt formed on Sirius's arm. "What was that?" Sirius yelled.
Harry grinned and waved his wand. His Gedwëy Ignasia still itched. "You wanted a duel, didn't you?"
Sirius's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Alright, Potter. If that's how you want it, you'll get it!"
Sirius was already moving. With a flick of his wand, he scooped up litres of water from the stream and let it crash down on Harry. Harry's eyes widened, and with a simple wave of his trusty wand, he froze the water.
Skrie-Skrie!
"Are you trying to kill me?" Harry shouted from behind the wall of ice.
"Of course not! But our enemies won't make it easy for you either!" Sirius replied, and Harry transformed the ice into a stag that raised its horns and sprinted toward Sirius.
Skrie-Skra!
Sirius hesitated for a moment, and then an explosion rang through the air, shattering the stag into thousands of ice shards. Sirius aimed his wand at the flying ice fragments and cast a roaring flame that melted them away.
"Not bad, Harry! But how will you deal with this!" Sirius shouted, preparing to cast another spell at Harry when Artemis suddenly growled loudly.
Sirius furrowed his brow. "What's going on?"
"It's the same feeling as I have felt before," Artemis growled. "We're not alone!"
"What do you mean, we're not alone?" Orik asked. "I don't see anyone but us-"
Skrie-Skrie!
The ground trembled beneath their feet. Saphira and Glaedr reached for their riders and flew into the air, while Artemis stepped in front of Harry and the others.
The ground shook again, and then there was silence. "What was that?" Sirius whispered.
"Whatever it is, it's not gone yet," Harry said, glancing down at the ground in front of them. "Stay alert!"
No sooner had he spoken than the ground in front of them cracked open, and a huge creature shot out of the hole.
"Skrie-Skra!" it cried.
Harry saw the creature, and it looked like a nightmare.
"What is… that?" Eragon shouted, drawing his sword.
"I don't know," Oromis admitted, to Harry's horror, as he also drew his sword, Naegling. "Wait and see what it does, and only then strike!"
The creature was round and folded like a caterpillar, with a tiny mouth full of huge incisors. It had many hooks on its belly, each as large as Harry, and he suspected they were meant to cling to surfaces. Its skin was white and leathery.
It opened its mouth and screamed, "Skra-Skrie!"
Harry tried to sense the creature's mind, but he felt nothing except a desire for death and hunger.
Then it did the most horrifying thing. The maggot-like creature jumped into the air toward Saphira, who managed to dodge at the last moment. She breathed fire into its face, but the maggot showed no sign that the fire affected it.
Artemis roared and drew the creature's attention to herself. It jumped up and down and screamed, "Skra-Skrie!" Its body tightened up. Harry's Gedwëy Ignasia itched, and he now knew it was trying to warn him about something.
"Artemis, watch out!" Harry shouted, his eyes widening as the maggot leapt and pounced on Artemis. But that wasn't all.
The maggot jumped up and down and then split in front of their eyes into a dozen bright green centipedes, each as long as Artemis herself. Purple liquid dripped from their jaws, and two of them attacked Artemis's wings, biting into her skin, while the others went after her legs, gnawing at her scales.
She screamed in pain, and Harry exploded in fury. "Bombarda!" he shouted, and his spell hit one of the centipedes, but nothing happened.
"Bombarda! Bombarda!" he shouted, but it was useless.
"Magic doesn't work on them!" Artemis snarled. "Use your sword!"
Artemis turned and thrust her head forward, biting into the next centipede that had sunk its fangs into her leg.
Glaedr swooped down and bit into the same centipede. Together, he and Artemis ripped the creature apart, like a sheet of parchment. Purple blood sprayed on the ground, and the green grass turned black and began to smoke.
The smell of Brimstone rose in Harry's nose.
Harry drew his sword and leapt over the dead centipede's body, swinging it down on the one that had bitten into Artemis's wing. The sword clanged against the green armour. The centipede writhed, and red blood sprayed from Artemis's wound as the centipede's jaws released her wing and drew back.
"Skrie-Skra!" it hissed.
Artemis roared, and Harry jumped off the centipede.
"Brisingr!" shouted Eragon. Harry looked up and saw that Eragon had drawn his bow and released an arrow with blazing blue flames. The arrow hit the last centipede, which had been trying to bury itself further into Artemis's wing, and it screamed in pain.
The blue fire spread through the centipede, and it gave one last scream as Saphira clamped down on its neck and bit hard. A crack was heard, and the tough armour shattered as the centipede fell dead to the ground.
The remaining green centipedes retreated and stood facing them.
"Skrie-Skrie!" it echoed in Harry's ears. He turned to Artemis, who had opened her mouth and bared her teeth. Blood dripped from her wing.
"Let me heal your wounds," Harry said. Artemis gritted her teeth to suppress the pain. "Then do it quickly."
Harry ran to her, and Artemis lowered her wing for him. He placed his hand on the wound and called, "Waíse Heill!" He felt new skin growing under his fingers. Harry looked up and saw that Thiora was doing the same with Artemis's other wing.
"What do we do?" Eragon asked.
"We kill them. Whatever these creatures are, they're new to Alagaёsia and dangerous," Glaedr said, stepping protectively in front of Artemis.
"My magic had no effect, and the fire of a dragon seems to do nothing to them," Harry said.
Oromis nodded, his sharp eyes watching every movement of the centipedes. "Yes, but with enough physical force, the armour can be destroyed. Our dragons have shown us this."
"Not just that," Thiora said. "With Brisingr, Eragon was able to injure one of them. Perhaps only Alagaёsian magic works against them."
"It's worth a try," Sirius said grimly.
Orik swung his axe in his hand. "Well then, let's show these scum how strong a dwarf's strike can be."
The centipedes clicked their jaws and tossed their heads back and forth.
"Skrie-Skrie!"
One of the centipedes jumped forward toward Orik. Its massive jaws would have swallowed the dwarf in one bite, but the dwarf didn't wait for his end. He rolled to the side and, as he got up, he leapt forward and struck the creature's armour with his axe. The axe clanged off, and the bright green armour remained intact.
Oromis reached out with his hand to his sword. He touched the golden diamond in the hilt of Naegling and spoke a word in the Ancient Language.
"Blöthr!"
"It's working!" Eragon shouted. The centipede stopped moving, its many legs twitching restlessly, but it didn't move from its spot. Glaedr leapt forward and struck his claws into the creature's mouth, while simultaneously sinking his teeth into its head. He kicked with his healthy leg and, pulling with his teeth, the creature's head was torn apart. Glaedr roared triumphantly, and his golden eyes shone challengingly.
The other centipedes writhed and spat green acid toward Glaedr.
"Skölir!" Harry shouted, casting a simple warding spell. The acid fell to the ground in front of an invisible barrier and hissed as it touched the ground.
"Don't let the acid touch you!" Oromis warned, but then a white light appeared above them. Harry blinked, and suddenly an elf stood before them. He wore a white robe, and a bright white light shone from his right hand.
It was Gilderien the Wise, the Protector of Ellesméra, and in his hand, he held the white flame of Vándil.
The centipedes screamed, "Skrie-Skro!"
"They're afraid," Artemis said to him. And rightfully so. Gilderien raised his hand, and a beam of white light shot toward the creatures. The air seemed to vibrate, and Harry got goosebumps as he felt the power radiating from the old elf.
The light struck the creatures, and they burned wherever the light touched them. They tried to escape into the hole in the darkness from which the maggot had come, but suddenly, roots burst from the ground and wrapped around the monsters, so there was no escape from the light, and one by one, they burned before their eyes.
Finally, Gilderien lowered his hand, and the white light faded. The roots withdrew.
"Silence!" Islanzadí shouted, and the throne room fell silent. Harry sat next to Sirius at the side of a long table, looking toward the head of the table where Islanzadí stood. She looked down at the twenty-four seats of the elven lords, each representing their houses. Some of the elves were missing.
Islanzadí's green eyes sparkled with energy. "It cannot be interpreted any other way - we have been attacked."
Hard expressions spread across the elves' faces. "Since the end of the Dragon War, Gilderien the Wise has protected our city, and in these two thousand years, no one has ever managed to attack our city from within. How is this possible?" one of the elven lords shouted.
Lord Däthedr stood up. "We cannot say yet. All we know is one thing: Ellesméra was not the only city attacked. All our cities have been attacked by these... creatures-"
"But where do they come from? I've never seen anything so vile," said one of the elven ladies.
"I call these creatures Íllgrathr," Dellanir said, walking in through a side door, her arms laden with books and scrolls.
"I'll admit, Íllgrathr... a fitting name for these monsters," Artemis said.
Harry nodded. The name for Bad Hunger in the ancient language suited them. It was the only thing he had felt from their minds.
"You know these creatures?" Islanzadí asked.
Dellanir nodded and dropped her books and scrolls onto the table. There was a loud thud.
"As you know, I have devoted my life to the study of magic since my abdication," Dellanir said, smoothing out a scroll.
"Centuries ago, during one of my many journeys through Du Weldenvarden, I found the Íllgrathr in a dark place far to the north, in a swamp of our forest. But unlike today, they were no bigger than a mere finger."
"So, they have evolved," Oromis concluded, sitting across from Harry.
"Yes, and they were not the only ones to have changed over the last thousand years," Dellanir said.
"What does that mean?" Islanzadí asked. "Are there more of these... creatures?"
Dellanir shrugged. "It is quite possible, but I have a theory about them. There are only a handful of creatures in Alagaёsia that have changed significantly over the last two thousand years."
"And? Which ones?" Sirius asked impatiently.
Dellanir raised an eyebrow and began counting on her fingers. "Nagra, Shrrg, Urzhad, and Feldûnost."
"What exactly does that mean?" Orik shouted. "These are all creatures from the Beor Mountains. Are you saying that we dwarves are responsible for this?"
"Not at all, Orik. It's just a theory of mine, but I ask you, Orik, why are these creatures only found in the Beor Mountains? Nowhere else in Alagaёsia?" Dellanir asked.
Orik frowned. "I suppose because it's where they have the best living conditions."
Dellanir nodded. "That was one of my thoughts as well. But then I noticed something. If you look at the animal populations in Alagaёsia, there are no creatures that grow to the size they do in the Beor Mountains. Nowhere else."
"What does that have to do with the Íllgrathr?" Islanzadí asked impatiently.
"Be patient, my queen," Dellanir chided. "But to give you a quick answer: The Íllgrathr and the large animals of the Beor Mountains have something in common. I found the Íllgrathr near the mushroom Fricai Andlát, and we all know that this mushroom only grows in two places: Du Weldenvarden and-"
"Farthen Dûr," Orik finished the sentence. "What does the mushroom have to do with the animals?"
"They eat it," Dellanir said dryly. "The stem is lethal, but the cap of the mushroom can yield Tunivor's nectar, which heals many poisons."
"That could have healed Arya when she was poisoned by Durza," Artemis remarked to Harry.
"So, the mushroom is responsible for the growth of the animals?" Harry asked. "Have you found animals that were affected in Du Weldenvarden as well?"
Dellanir winked at him. "Yes, I did. It affected them, and these Íllgrathr must have come from a place where ancestors of the maggots fed on these mushrooms."
Islanzadí sat down on the throne. "But why were they able to attack our cities? And why?"
Lord Däthedr stood again. "I sent groups of elves into the holes from which the Íllgrathr came, and as it seems, they have dug a labyrinth miles beneath us. One group managed to make it from Ellesméra to Kirtan."
Islanzadí closed her eyes. "Does that mean these… Íllgrathr can attack us again at any time?"
Lord Däthedr exchanged a look with the other elves and nodded reluctantly.
Islanzadí opened her eyes, and they seemed filled with determination. "But who sent them?"
"The enemy."
Everyone turned to Harry, who had risen. "No matter where the Íllgrathr come from, today's attack had only one goal. No one is safe in Du Weldenvarden any more. The enemy knows where the elven cities are."
Dellanir nodded. "We are no longer safe."
Islanzadí stood up. "I want these tunnels closed immediately! Also, all elves should arm themselves, as long as we cannot guarantee safety... If Galbatorix is truly behind this attack, then someone from our ranks must have told him where our cities are, and I will personally make the elf responsible for this betrayal pay!"
Blagden swooped down and landed on her sceptre. "Prepare the forges! Our people can no longer hide in the forests. We will prepare for a battle that will determine our fate!"
All the elves stood and cheered, but then the doors burst open. "Mother! Where is Lily?" Thiora, panting, ran in.
Dellanir tilted her head. "Why? Isn't she with you?"
Thiora shook her head. "No! She said she was going to you. Where. Is. She?"
Dellanir went pale. "She told me she was coming to you. I haven't seen her since."
Thiora exchanged a look with Sirius. "When was this?" Sirius demanded.
"I don't know exactly-"
"Dellanir!" Sirius thundered.
Dellanir closed her eyes. "Two days ago."
Sirius's hand trembled as he drew his wand. "T-two days? And you didn't even think to check if she really went home?"
Dellanir swallowed hard. "I-"
Harry closed his eyes and opened his mind. He felt the connection of the elves in the city, their presence like a beacon filling the darkness. He scanned them in rapid succession, not interested in the elves themselves. Harry extended his perception beyond the city, and finally-
"I've got him," Harry said, opening his eyes.
"I'm on my way," Artemis replied.
"Däthedr, I want you to immediately organize search parties. Lily must be found!" Islanzadí said, upset.
One of the elven lords stood up. "Do you really want to focus our attention on a halfling when our entire folk is threatened?"
Islanzadí spun around, her eyes flashing like burning emeralds. "Yes, that's exactly what I want! Or do you want to tell me that we protect our people by abandoning our own children? Lily is one of us! And if we start weighing lives against one another, we will lose more than this battle - we will lose who we are!"
Her voice was cutting but controlled. "Every life in this realm is precious, and if we are not even able to save a single elf, how can we claim to protect our people from a greater threat? Anyone who hesitates now is not showing reason, but cowardice!"
The elf swallowed and sat back down as the piercing gazes hit him.
"And just to add," Thiora said quietly, drawing her sword. "If anyone here calls my daughter a halfling again, you will feel my full wrath."
"Is that a threat?"
Thiora tilted her head. "No, it's a fact, Lord Fiolr."
Sirius grabbed Thiora's sword arm and gently guided it back. "Calm down, love. We will find her."
Thiora hissed. "I won't calm down until my daughter is back with me, Sirius!"
"Harry, I've found Moony. We're landing now," Artemis said.
Harry stormed outside.
"Harry? Do you know something?" Sirius called.
"Come outside! Artemis has found Moony," Harry said. He ran through the throne room doors and saw Artemis landing with Moony in her claws. She gently placed the griffon on the ground.
"Moony!" Thiora cried in horror as she saw the bound griffon.
"Now, hold still," Harry snapped at Moony, who was thrashing wildly. Harry drew his knife and cut through the ropes that bound Moony. The Griffin sprang up and screeched loudly.
Artemis roared, and the Griffin quieted down.
"Where is Lily?" Harry asked Moony.
Moony clicked his beak agitatedly and stamped angrily on the ground.
"You were attacked?" Harry asked, and the griffin nodded.
Thiora took Moony's face in both hands and made the Griffin look into her eyes.
"Why did you go outside Ellesméra? I told you not to!"
Moony lowered his head, looking dejected. "It's not your fault," Sirius said, stroking the Griffin's feathers. "You all know how Lily is. Instead of getting upset about why she was outside Ellesméra, we should focus on finding her."
"And we will," Harry said determinedly, looking up at Artemis. "Are you ready?"
"Always," Artemis said. "But I can only carry one more person."
"I'll come with you, Harry," Sirius said.
"Sirius! I'm her mother!" Thiora growled.
"And I'm her father!" Sirius retorted. "Do you want to waste more time, or do you want to find out where our daughter is?!"
"I don't want to argue." Thiora took a deep breath. She hugged Sirius and kissed his cheek. "Then go quickly and bring my daughter back safely."
Sirius nodded resolutely. "We will. Can we go now, Harry?"
Harry nodded and helped Sirius onto Artemis's back.
"Harry, how do you plan on tracking Lily?" Eragon asked.
Harry pointed to Moony, who was stretching his wings behind them. "Moony is Lily's familiar. He will be able to track her."
Oromis walked over to Harry. "Harry, I don't think it's wise to leave just yet. You have so much more to learn, and it would be better to send a group of elves to search for Lily. The enemy-"
"The enemy attacked my family," Harry finished.
"And no one attacks our family and gets away with it," Artemis said.
Oromis sighed, and Glaedr growled behind him. "Then all I can say is: May luck be with you, and may you leave knowing that you carry the blessing of Oromis, the last descendant of House Thrándurin."
"And you have my blessing as well," Glaedr added, nudging Artemis's muzzle with his nose. "Let your heart guide you wherever you go."
"Thank you, Ebrithil," Artemis said quietly.
"Fly with courage and trust, sister," Saphira said to her.
Artemis stood tall. Sirius shifted in the saddle, holding onto Harry.
"I don't know if I'd rather be on a broom," Sirius said.
"No broom will match Artemis," Harry replied.
Hordes of elves ran out of the forest, gathered at the edge, and watched as Artemis spread her wings.
"Be careful," Thiora called out to them. "All three of you!"
"We will, and we'll bring Lily back safely!" Harry promised.
Harry held on tightly as he felt Artemis's powerful muscles tense under him. With a mighty leap, she soared into the air, shooting up into the azure sky. She flew a sharp curve over the vast enchanted forest, following Moony, who flew westward.
Lily opened her eyes. Her head throbbed, and she felt jerky movements. It was almost completely dark, except for faint rays of light filtering through the fabric. At least now she knew where she was.
A sack.
Lily grimaced in pain as another violent jolt threw her backward, and she landed on something hard. Reaching behind her, she felt its shape. It was cold and rigid. A bone.
She yanked her hand away in horror and tried to turn away, but then she cried out as a hard blow struck her in the stomach.
"Ssshe's awake," a voice hissed. It was the same one she'd heard when she and Moony had been attacked.
Moony.
She hoped nothing had happened to him. It was entirely her fault they had been outside Ellesméra. Why did she have to be so curious?
She shook her head. There was no point in regretting it now. What had her father always said?
If you mess up, you have to own up to it. In other words, she needed to figure out who these people were and where they were taking her.
"Did you get her-"
Lily listened closely. There was a new voice among them, and she heard many footsteps. The light around her dimmed, and the air grew colder.
Lily wished she could breathe fire like Artemis. Then she could easily overwhelm these enemies… or a wand! If only she had one like Uncle Harry, she'd make them regret this. A sword wouldn't be bad either - then she could defeat her opponents like Aunt Arya. So many options, and yet Lily had no weapon at all.
Wait. No weapon? She did have a weapon, even if it was disgusting.
Suddenly, she hit the ground hard. She rubbed her arm, realizing she had been thrown down. Once again, voices reached her ears.
"Let's see the creature. Open it!" a man commanded.
Lily felt someone fumbling with the sack's opening. She reached for the bone and weighed it in her small hand.
Light flooded her face, and she blinked for a moment, looking up at a young man with blonde hair.
"Come here," he said, reaching for her. But Lily was faster. She drove the bone into his open mouth.
Teeth crunched and broke under the force of her strike.
"You fool!" someone shouted.
The man screamed in pain, spitting blood. He stumbled back, letting go of the sack. Lily scrambled out, her eyes widening in terror.
She had seen Fairths of these creatures at her grandmother's house, but seeing the Ra'zac in person was a true nightmare.
Two of them stood before her - one short, one tall. Beside them were soldiers with raised spears pointed at her, and a fat man.
"Take him away! And lock him up!" the fat man barked at a soldier. The soldier grabbed the injured man and dragged him toward a staircase leading upward.
"So, you're an elf?" asked the fattest man Lily had ever seen. His belly was as round as a barrel.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Lily demanded, stepping back as he advanced.
The man grinned. "My name is Lord Tarrant, and I rule this city, creature."
Lily's hands trembled. "I-I'm not a creature!"
The man laughed and ordered his soldiers to do something she didn't understand. Two of them stepped forward and grabbed her.
Lily fought back, kicking and punching, but the soldiers were too strong.
"You are a creature and should be slaughtered," Tarrant sneered, now kneeling in front of her. He reeked of sweat.
He reached out, and Lily tried to turn her head away, but he grabbed her by the hair. Tarrant pushed her hair aside, revealing her ears.
"You almost look human, but these ears - unnatural," Tarrant mused. "Their pointed tips betray your filthy heritage, elf."
He tugged at her ear, and she screamed over the laughter of the men.
"Tarrant, you have an agreement with our massster," one of the Ra'zac hissed.
"Fine, fine," Tarrant grimaced and finally let go. Lily gasped for air, her ear throbbing in pain.
"My parents will come for me," she whispered.
Tarrant raised an eyebrow before bursting into laughter. "You're only alive because you serve as bait. When they come, our soldiers and magicians will kill them."
Courage swelled within Lily. "You'll be defeated! Humans have no chance-"
She shrieked as Tarrant yanked her hair again.
"-against elves? Is that what you were about to say?" Tarrant laughed, dragging Lily behind him by her hair. He threw her into a room, and the door clicked shut.
Lily pushed herself off the floor, rubbing her eyes against her sleeve.
She wouldn't cry.
"Shall I tell you something, elf?" Tarrant grinned. "We have elves on our side too."
Then she was alone. Lily sat up against the wall and jumped back when she saw a rat running in front of her.
"Mum... Dad," she sobbed, burying her face in her arms.
Ancient Language:
Ládrin - Open
Adurna - Water
Skölir! - Shield
Blöthr! – Stop
Íllgrathr – Bad hunger