by Eragon (lit)
Ajihad leaned back, his eyes hooded. burden of leadership is being responsible for the well-being of the people in your charge. I have dealt with it from the day I was chosen to head the Varden, and now you must as well. Be careful. I won’t tolerate injustice under my command. Don’t worry about your youth and inexperience; they will pass soon enough.
Eragon was uncomfortable with the idea of people asking him for advice. you still haven’t said what I’m to do here.
now, nothing. You covered over a hundred and thirty leagues in eight days, a feat to be proud of. I’m sure that you’ll appreciate rest. When you’ve recovered, we will test your competency in arms and magic. After that—well, I will explain your options, and then you’ll have to decide your course.
what about Murtagh?asked Eragon bitingly.
Ajihad’s face darkened. He reached beneath his desk and lifted up Zar’roc. The sword’s polished sheath gleamed in the light. Ajihad slid his hand over it, lingering on the etched sigil. He will stay here until he allows the Twins into his mind.
can’t imprison him,argued Eragon. ’s committed no crime!
can’t give him his freedom without being sure that he won’t turn against us. Innocent or not, he’s potentially as dangerous to us as his father was,said Ajihad with a hint of sadness.
Eragon realized that Ajihad would not be convinced otherwise, and his concern was valid. were you able to recognize his voice?
met his father once,said Ajihad shortly. He tapped Zar’roc’s hilt. wish Brom had told me he had taken Morzan’s sword. I suggest that you don’t carry it within Farthen DMany here remember Morzan’s time with hate, especially the dwarves.
’ll remember that,promised Eragon.
Ajihad handed Zar’roc to him. reminds me, I have Brom’s ring, which he sent as confirmation of his identity. I was keeping it for when he returned to Tronjheim. Now that he’s dead, I suppose it belongs to you, and I think he would have wanted you to have it.He opened a desk drawer and took the ring from it.
Eragon accepted it with reverence. The symbol cut into the face of the sapphire was identical to the tattoo on Arya’s shoulder. He fit the ring onto his index finger, admiring how it caught the light. I am honored,he said.
Ajihad nodded gravely, then pushed back his chair and stood. He faced Saphira and spoke to her, his voice swelling in power. not think that I have forgotten you, O mighty dragon. I have said these things as much for your benefit as for Eragon’s. It is even more important that you know them, for to you falls the task of guarding him in these dangerous times. Do not underestimate your might nor falter at his side, because without you he will surely fail.
Saphira lowered her head until their eyes were level and stared at him through slitted black pupils. They examined each other silently, neither of them blinking. Ajihad was the first to move. He lowered his eyes and said softly, It is indeed a privilege to meet you.
He’ll do, said Saphira respectfully. She swung her head to face Eragon. Tell him that I am impressed both with Tronjheim and with him. The Empire is right to fear him. Let him know, however, that if he had decided to kill you, I would have destroyed Tronjheim and torn him apart with my teeth.
Eragon hesitated, surprised by the venom in her voice, then relayed the message. Ajihad looked at her seriously. would expect nothing less from one so noble—but I doubt you could have gotten past the Twins.
Saphira snorted with derision. Bah!
Knowing what she meant, Eragon said, they must be much stronger than they appear. I think they would be sorely dismayed if they ever faced a dragon’s wrath. The two of them might be able to defeat me, but never Saphira. You should know, a Rider’s dragon strengthens his magic beyond what a normal magician might have. Brom was always weaker than me because of that. I think that in the absence of Riders, the Twins have overestimated their power.
Ajihad looked troubled. was considered one of our strongest spell weavers. Only the elves surpassed him. If what you say is true, we will have to reconsider a great many things.He bowed to Saphira. it is, I am glad it wasn’t necessary to harm either of you.Saphira dipped her head in return.
Ajihad straightened with a lordly air and called, The dwarf hurried into the room and stood before the desk, crossing his arms. Ajihad frowned at him, irritated. ’ve caused me a great deal of trouble, Orik. I’ve had to listen to one of the Twins complain all morning about your insubordination. They won’t let it rest until you are punished. Unfortunately they’re right. It’s a serious matter that cannot be ignored. An accounting is due.
Orik’s eyes flicked toward Eragon, but his face betrayed no emotion. He spoke quickly in rough tones. Kull were almost around Krna. They were shooting arrows at the dragon, Eragon, and Murtagh, but the Twins did nothing to stop it. Likesheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Eragon shouting the opening phrase on the other side of the waterfall. And they refused to take action when Eragon did not rise from the water. Perhaps I did wrong, but I couldn’t let a Rider die.
wasn’t strong enough to get out of the water myself,offered Eragon. would have drowned if he hadn’t pulled me out.
Ajihad glanced at him, then asked Orik seriously, later, why did you oppose them?
Orik raised his chin defiantly. wasn’t right for them to force their way into Murtagh’s mind. But I wouldn’t have stopped them if I’d known who he was.
you did the right thing, though it would be simpler if you hadn’t. It isn’t our place to force our way into people’s minds, no matter who they are.Ajihad fingered his dense beard. Your actions were honorable, but you did defy a direct order from your commander. The penalty for that has always been death.Orik’s back stiffened.
can’t kill him for that! He was only helping me,cried Eragon.
isn’t your place to interfere,said Ajihad sternly. broke the law and must suffer the consequences.Eragon started to argue again, but Ajihad stopped him with a raised hand. But you are right. The sentence will be mitigated because of the circumstances. As of now, Orik, you are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in any military activities under my command. Do you understand?
Orik’s face darkened, but then he only looked confused. He nodded sharply.
in the absence of your regular duties, I appoint you Eragon and Saphira’s guide for the duration of their stay. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. Saphira will stay above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon may have quarters wherever he wants. When he recovers from his trip, take him to the training fields. They’re expecting him,said Ajihad, a twinkle of amusement in his eye.
Orik bowed low. understand.
well, you all may go. Send in the Twins as you leave.
Eragon bowed and began to leave, then asked, can I find Arya? I would like to see her.
one is allowed to visit her. You will have to wait until she comes to you.Ajihad looked down at his desk in a clear dismissal.
* * *
BLESS THE CHILD, ARGETLAM
Eragon stretched in the hall; he was stiff from sitting so long. Behind him, the Twins entered Ajihad’s study and closed the door. Eragon looked at Orik. ’m sorry that you’re in trouble because of me,he apologized. ’t bother yourself,grunted Orik, tugging on his beard. gave me what I wanted.
Even Saphira was startled by the statement. do you mean?said Eragon. can’t train or fight, and you’re stuck guarding me. How can that be what you wanted?
The dwarf eyed him quietly. is a good leader. He understands how to keep the law yet remain just. I have been punished by his command, but I’m also one of Hrothgar’s subjects. Under his rule, I’m still free to do what I wish.
Eragon realized it would be unwise to forget Orik’s dual loyalty and the split nature of power within Tronjheim. just placed you in a powerful position, didn’t he?
Orik chuckled deeply. he did, and in such a way the Twins can’t complain about it. This’ll irritate them for sure. Ajihad’s a tricky one, he is. Come, lad, I�
��m sure you’re hungry. And we have to get your dragon settled in.
Saphira hissed. Eragon said, name is Saphira.
Orik made a small bow to her. apologies, I’ll be sure to remember that.He took an orange lamp from the wall and led them down the hallway.
others in Farthen Duse magic?asked Eragon, struggling to keep up with the dwarf’s brisk pace. He cradled Zar’roc carefully, concealing the symbol on the sheath with his arm.
enough,said Orik with a swift shrug under his mail. the ones we have can’t do much more than heal bruises. They’ve all had to tend to Arya because of the strength needed to heal her.
for the Twins.
grumbled Orik. wouldn’t want their help anyway; their arts are not for healing. Their talents lie in scheming and plotting for power—to everyone else’s detriment. Deynor, Ajihad’s predecessor, allowed them to join the Varden because he needed their supportyou can’t oppose the Empire without spellcasters who can hold their own on the field of battle. They’re a nasty pair, but they do have their uses.
They entered one of the four main tunnels that divided Tronjheim. Clusters of dwarves and humans strolled through it, voices echoing loudly off the polished floor. The conversations stopped abruptly as they saw Saphira; scores of eyes fixed on her. Orik ignored the spectators and turned left, heading toward one of Tronjheim’s distant gates. are we going?asked Eragon.
of these halls so Saphira can fly to the dragonhold above Isidar Mithrim, the Star Rose. The dragonhold doesn’t have a roof—Tronjheim’s peak is open to the sky, like that of Farthen D—so she, that is, you, Saphira, will be able to glide straight down into the hold. It is where the Riders used to stay when they visited Tronjheim.
’t it be cold and damp without a roof?asked Eragon.
Orik shook his head. Dprotects us from the elements. Neither rain nor snow intrude here. Besides, the hold’s walls are lined with marble caves for dragons. They provide all the shelter necessary. All you need fear are the icicles; when they fall they’ve been known to cleave a horse in two.
I will be fine, assured Saphira. A marble cave is safer than any of the other places we’ve stayed.
PerhapsDo you think Murtagh will be all right?
Ajihad strikes me as an honorable man. Unless Murtagh tries to escape, I doubt he will be harmed.
Eragon crossed his arms, unwilling to talk further. He was dazed by the change in circumstances from the day before. Their mad race from Gil’ead was finally over, but his body expected to continue running and riding. are our horses?
the stables by the gate. We can visit them before leaving Tronjheim.
They exited Tronjheim through the same gate they had entered. The gold griffins gleamed with colored highlights garnered from scores of lanterns. The sun had moved during Eragon’s talk with Ajihad—light no longer entered Farthen Dthrough the crater opening. Without those moted rays, the inside of the hollow mountain was velvety black. The only illumination came from Tronjheim, which sparkled brilliantly in the gloom. The city-mountain’s radiance was enough to brighten the ground hundreds of feet away.
Orik pointed at Tronjheim’s white pinnacle. meat and pure mountain water await you up there,he told Saphira. You may stay in any of the caves. Once you make your choice, bedding will be laid down in it and then no one will disturb you.
thought we were going to go together. I don’t want to be separated,protested Eragon.
Orik turned to him. Eragon, I will do everything to accommodate you, but it would be best if Saphira waits in the dragonhold while you eat. The tunnels to the banquet halls aren’t large enough for her to accompany us.
can’t you just bring me food in the hold?
said Orik with a guarded expression, food is prepared down here, and it is a long way to the top. If you wish, a servant could be sent up to the hold with a meal for you. It will take some time, but you could eat with Saphira then.
He actually means it, Eragon thought, astonished that they would do so much for him. But the way Orik said it made him wonder if the dwarf was testing him somehow.
I’m weary, said Saphira. And this dragonhold sounds to my liking. Go, have your meal, then come to me. It will be soothing to rest together without fear of wild animals or soldiers. We have suffered the hardships of the trail too long.
Eragon looked at her thoughtfully, then said to Orik, ’ll eat down here.The dwarf smiled, seeming satisfied. Eragon unstrapped Saphira’s saddle so she could lie down without discomfort. Would you take Zar’roc with you?
Yes, she said, gathering up the sword and saddle with her claws. But keep your bow. We must trust these people, though not to the point of foolishness.
I know, he said, disquieted.
With an explosive leap Saphira swept off the ground and into the still air. The steady whoosh of her wings was the only sound in the darkness. As she disappeared over the rim of Tronjheim’s peak, Orik let out a long breath. Ah boy, you have been blessed indeed. I find a sudden longing in my heart for open skies and soaring cliffs and the thrill of hunting like a hawk. Still, my feet are better on the ground—preferably under it.
He clapped his hands loudly. neglect my duties as host. I know you’ve not dined since that pitiful dinner the Twins saw fit to give you, so come, let’s find the cooks and beg meat and bread from them!
Eragon followed the dwarf back into Tronjheim and through a labyrinth of corridors until they came to a long room filled with rows of stone tables only high enough for dwarves. Fires blazed in soapstone ovens behind a long counter.
Orik spoke words in an unfamiliar language to a stout ruddy-faced dwarf, who promptly handed them stone platters piled with steaming mushrooms and fish. Then Orik took Eragon up several flights of stairs and into a small alcove carved out of Tronjheim’s outer wall, where they sat cross-legged. Eragon wordlessly reached for his food.
When their platters were empty, Orik sighed with contentment and pulled out a long-stemmed pipe. He lit it, saying, worthy repast, though it needed a good draught of mead to wash it down properly.
Eragon surveyed the ground below. you farm in Farthen D
there’s only enough sunlight for moss, mushrooms, and mold. Tronjheim cannot survive without supplies from the surrounding valleys, which is one reason why many of us choose to live elsewhere in the Beor Mountains.
there are other dwarf cities?
as many as we would like. And Tronjheim is the greatest of them.Leaning on an elbow, Orik took a deep pull on his pipe. have only seen the lower levels, so it hasn’t been apparent, but most of Tronjheim is deserted. The farther up you go, the emptier it gets. Entire floors have remained untouched for centuries. Most dwarves prefer to dwell under Tronjheim and Farthen Dr in the caverns and passageways that riddle the rock. Through the centuries we have tunneled extensively under the Beor Mountains. It is possible to walk from one end of the mountain range to the other without ever setting foot on the surface.
seems like a waste to have all that unused space in Tronjheim,commented Eragon.
Orik nodded. have argued for abandoning this place because of its drain on our resources, but Tronjheim does perform one invaluable task.
’s that?
times of misfortune it can house our entire nation. There have been only three instances in our history when we have been forced to that extreme, but each time it has saved us from certain and utter destruction. That is why we always keep it garrisoned, ready for use.
’ve never seen anything as magnificent,admitted Eragon.
Orik smiled around his pipe. ’m glad you find it so. It took generations to build Tronjheim—and our lives are much longer than those of men. Unfortunately, because of the cursed Empire, few outsiders are allowed to see its glory.
many Varden are here?
or humans?
—I want to know how many have fled the Empire.
Orik exhaled a long puff of smoke that coiled lazily around his head. are about four thousand of your kin here. But that’s a poor indicator
of what you want to know. Only people who wish to fight come here. The rest of them are under King Orrin’s protection in Surda.
So few? thought Eragon with a sinking feeling. The royal army alone numbered nearly sixteen thousand when it was fully marshaled, not counting the Urgals. doesn’t Orrin fight the Empire himself?he asked.
he were to show open hostility,said Orik, would crush him. As it is, Galbatorix withholds that destruction because he considers Surda a minor threat, which is a mistake. It’s through Orrin’s assistance that the Varden have most of their weapons and supplies. Without him, there would be no resisting the Empire.
’t despair over the number of humans in Tronjheim. There are many dwarves here—many more than you have seen—and all will fight when the time comes. Orrin has also promised us troops for when we battle Galbatorix. The elves pledged their help as well.
Eragon absently touched Saphira’s mind and found her busy eating a bloody haunch with gusto. He noticed once more the hammer and stars engraved on Orik’s helm. does that mean? I saw it on the floor in Tronjheim.
Orik lifted the iron-bound cap off his head and brushed a rough finger over the engraving. is the symbol of my clan. We are the Ingietum, metalworkers and master smiths. The hammer and stars are inlaid into Tronjheim’s floor because it was the personal crest of Korgan, our founder. One clan to rule, with twelve surrounding. King Hrothgar is DIngietum as well and has brought my house much glory, much honor.
When they returned the platters to the cook, they passed a dwarf in the hall. He stopped before Eragon, bowed, and said respectfully,
The dwarf left Eragon fumbling for an answer, flushed with unease, yet also strangely pleased with the gesture. No one had bowed to him before. did he say?he asked, leaning closer to Orik.