The Black Morass

by Gerald Lambert

  Brom came to stand closer to his father, addressing Isaac, "We can read minds, though we never do routinely. But I can search for what we need to know without your awareness,

  if you prefer not to have to feel it. It's not the most comfortable sensation."

  Isaac raised his face enough to glare at Brom. "You're asking permission to invade my mind?" he seethed, reminiscent of the previous day.

  "It was your idea," Brom coolly reminded him. "You can save yourself the inconvenience and me the unpleasant necessity of having to witness numerous assaults of this nature by

  simply sharing the information my father requested. I doubt you extended those girls the courtesy of asking their permission before raping them, and you certainly don't deserve it,

  but I'd rather not stoop to your level."

  "You're so selfrighteous, aren't you?" Isaac hatefully breathed, though the amplification spell carried his words over the crowd. "Ow!" he exclaimed as Varhog mercilessly gripped

  his shoulder. He turned his angry stare up toward the Urgal. "This world would be so much better off without you arrogant Dragon Riders."

  "That is enough," Varhog growled. "Brom, find what we need to know. Faces, places, names if you can. We will ensure that these young women, and any children, have the help

  they need." He looked toward Nasuada. "Your Majesty, what is your judgement regarding his man?"

  "He will be imprisoned in Ilirea for his crimes, unless we find further evidence of more serious offenses—"

  "I've never killed anyone," Isaac defensively muttered.

  "That's good to hear," Nasuada replied, unperturbed by the interruption. "Brom can ascertain the truthfulness of that statement, and if you are being honest, imprisonment for the

  remainder of your days is all the worse your punishment will be."

  "He's telling the truth," Brom verified.

  "The rest of my life?" Isaac incredulously repeated.

  "We may revisit that if we discover that none of these young women became pregnant after your treatment of them," Nasuada clarified. "But if they did, it seems only just. You

  have robbed not only the girls, but their babies—your children—of the opportunity to have a normal, happy life. Why should you be allowed to retain your liberty, free to harm other

  helpless young women whenever you feel so inclined?"

  Isaac could not maintain eye contact with Nasuada's piercing gaze, and he once again lowered his face.

  "Do you have parents we should inform?" Nasuada inquired.

  "They live in an obscure village located at the southeastern most tip of the Spine," Isaac answered. "And I doubt they'll care much one way or the other. I left home three years ago

  with the intention of never returning."

  "We can obtain those details at a later time," Nasuada declared, turning to gaze out over the crowd. "If any young women in this audience have additional testimony to offer against

  this man, we invite you to share with one of the Dragon Riders."

  Zadí tentatively lifted her hand.

  Nasuada looked at her. "Yes, Zadí?"

  "I only wanted to offer that they could approach me, if they feel intimidated by that idea," Zadí explained.

  "Thank you, Zadí. If you feel more comfortable speaking with Zadí," Nasuada continued, "please share anything that would help us ensure justice is served so this man cannot hurt

  anyone else."

  When Nasuada finished speaking, Varhog decisively turned Isaac and began marching him back toward the palace, effectively ending the trial. No one ever ended up approaching

  Zadí to offer further evidence against Isaac, so the Dragon Riders oversaw the necessary arrangements to seek out the eight young women Isaac had previously assaulted and offer

  them succor. They also sent a messenger bearing news of Isaac's fate to his parents. As the high queen had ruled, Isaac was indeed imprisoned for his crimes, and talk of the

  debacle circulated throughout the camps and city for the remainder of the Youth Camp.

  After a few days of flying with the dragons, the human youth staying in Ilirea began to return to their homes. Not long after, the Dragon Riders and their families, including the

  royal family, departed for the Isle of the Eldunarí to make the needed preparations for the highly anticipated anniversary getaway. Zadí willingly flew with Var and a couple of his

  younger sisters the entire trip.

  The seven married couples planned to leave four days before Eragon and Arya's wedding anniversary—which was the same day as Keeta's eighteenth birthday—and stay away for a

  week. All of the elves who resided on the Isle fully supported the notion and agreed to help the oldest youth look after the younger children.

  Gerik left for Tronjheim as soon as the families arrived on the Isle. Keeta had already been home for a few days, and she and Gerik had a nice opportunity to discuss their

  friendship. After getting to know Nefin better in Ellesméra, Gerik felt no resentment at the idea of Keeta and Nefin as a couple, and though Gerik didn't inform Keeta of that or

  anything Nefin had shared with him, he did reassure her that she needn't worry about him and that he would always be her friend.

  As requested, Gerik scryed one of his dwarven mentors on the Isle when he reached Tronjheim to report on his safe travels and arrival.

  A week before the married couples planned to leave, Eragon showed up at the entrance to the Cave of the Eldunarí for an unusual appointment. He was surprised when Var had

  approached him to request the meeting, and while he had made a vague guess as to the purpose of this afternoon's gettogether, he wasn't sure about it.

  About a minute later, Eragon glanced up to see not Var approaching, but Murtagh. When his halfbrother stopped next to him, Eragon asked, "What are you doing here?"

  Murtagh smiled. "Probably the same as you. Will asked to meet me."

  "Did he now? Then perhaps my guess was accurate."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Var asked to meet me," Eragon explained. "Maybe our hopeful wish of so many years ago has been fulfilled."

  "Indeed," Murtagh agreed. "I have been wondering when Will would make this arrangement. He has seemed sure of his feelings for years now. I know Lena was hoping something might happen by their birthday."

  The two brothers looked away at the same time when the sound of someone approaching reached their ears. Two other, younger brothers were walking side by side toward the meeting location. Both wore identical nervous grins on their faces. Apparently they had decided to do this together, as was their usual habit.

  Var spoke first. "Thanks for agreeing to meet with me, Uncle Eragon. I suppose I should stop calling you that."

  "You're welcome, Var. And why should you stop calling me that?"

  "Well, as I'm sure you have guessed, I wanted to meet with you about Zadí," Var said as confidently as he could. "Uh . . . I'd like your permission to ask her to marry me. And if

  you see fit to grant it, I guess you would eventually be more of a father than an uncle, though you were never technically that to begin with anyway."

  "I see," Eragon mildly said. Then he fell silent.

  Var grinned when he realized that his lifelong mentor was giving him the opportunity to formally voice his request. "Eragon, may I take your daughter Zadí as my wife?"

  A small smile twitched at the corner of Eragon's mouth. "Will you protect her?"

  "Yes, sir," Var seriously promised. "To the best of my ability."

  "Will you love her?" Eragon pressed. "And do all you can to ensure her happiness?"

  "I promise. I have loved Zadí for years. All I've wanted in all that time is to make her happy."

  Eragon studied Var for a moment, and Var's gaze never wavered. Finally a broad grin stretched across Eragon's face. "Of course you have my permission, Var! Nothing makes me

  happier than this idea. Before I ask for more details, I suppose I shou
ld let Will have his turn." Eragon turned expectantly toward Will.

  Will was already grinning as well, and he respectfully looked at Murtagh. "I had to let him go first since he's older," he began, and Murtagh chuckled. "So now it's no surprise," Will

  continued. "But I'm here for the same reason, Murtagh. I have loved Lena since I was fifteen. She is my best friend, and I want to share my life with her. Will you give your

  permission for me to take her hand in marriage?"

  Murtagh nodded solemnly. "You have my permission, Will. Lena will be thrilled, though I will obviously let her hear it from you. I would sound remiss if I didn't guarantee your good

  intentions. Will you always love, protect, and cherish my daughter? By granting my blessing, I am trusting you to take over caring for her in my stead."

  "Absolutely, sir," Will vowed. "I have never looked forward to anything more than having Lena as my wife. I will do all within my power to ensure her health, happiness, and safety

  for the rest of my life."

  "Good man," Murtagh approved. "I'm proud of you two. Both of you are amazing men. Eragon and I have long agreed that we would like nothing better than to have Varhog's sons

  fall in love with our daughters. He has done an excellent job raising you."

  "Yes," Will agreed. "There is no better teacher than father on how to honor and cherish one's wife."

  "Well, when do you plan to propose?" Murtagh eagerly asked.

  "Probably while you're gone," Will said. "We don't want to wait long after you return to get married."

  "No, indeed," Murtagh said. "You shouldn't. A wedding later this summer would be welcome, wouldn't it, brother?"

  "Certainly," Eragon said. "How about you, Var? Zadí is quite a bit younger than Lena."

  "Yes, sir," Var acknowledged. "She told me to propose on her birthday. Is that acceptable to you?"

  Eragon laughed. "Very sure of herself, isn't she? Of course it's acceptable, Var. Be prepared to be surprised. If Zadí is anything like her mother, you will be a very happy man."

  Var's eyes slowly widened, a flush creeping onto his cheeks. "I'll keep that in mind," he stammered.

  Eragon chuckled again. "What a wonderful early anniversary present. I'm anxious to tell Arya. And Varhog. He might have some words of advice for you two. May I excuse myself?"

  The twins nodded, and Murtagh also indicated his intention to leave. "Good luck," he added as he and Eragon stepped around the twins and headed off together.

  Unbeknownst to the four gathered in front of the Cave of the Eldunarí, two similar meetings were taking place simultaneously in two other locations on the Isle. Brom had sought

  out Grintuk, Brin's father, while Nefin had approached Knilf. These two young men—though less sure of the feelings of the two respective young ladies—also felt the need to make

  their desires known to their prospective fathersinlaw, since rumors were abounding on the Isle.

  After these two meetings concluded, the four fathers happened to run into each other on their way back to the living quarters off the Great Hall. Varhog joined Eragon, Murtagh,

  Grintuk, and Knilf when he noticed their merrierthanusual discussion.

  "What's going on?" Varhog curiously asked.

  Eragon grinned up at him. "Does it change our relationship at all when two of our children get married? Will we be more like real brothers now?"

  Varhog's raised his eyebrows. "Did Var talk to you?"

  "Yes," Eragon said with a laugh. "And Will talked to Murtagh."

  "Did they?" Grintuk interjected. "I just spoke with Brom."

  Eragon turned to him in surprise. "About Brin?"

  "That's right," Grintuk affirmed. "He said he knows she's not ready for him to propose yet, but if and when that time arrives, he doesn't want to hesitate, so he wanted to be sure I

  understood his wishes and approved of them."

  "That's exactly what just happened with me and Nefin," Knilf said with a jovial chuckle. "How long my little girl has loved that boy, though she has always been very sensible about

  it. I always worried she would end up with a broken heart. He just never seemed any closer to reciprocating her feelings. Now he suddenly does. A male elf and a female dwarf. A

  first, as far as I know. But Bodin will get a good laugh out of that one. Hanin was always joking with him that he ought to take an elf maid for a wife."

  "Are you talking about me?" Hanin asked, approaching the circle of men in the courtyard sprawled out before the Great Hall.

  Knilf jumped and turned to face Hanin. "You elves!" he declared in amusement. "So quiet and so keen of hearing. We're only discussing this afternoon's interesting events. It

  appears that all of our sons and daughters are falling in love and wanting to get married."

  "Is that right?" Hanin said in surprise. "What do you mean?"

  "Nefin just asked me if I would give him my blessing," Knilf explained.

  "For Keeta's hand?" Hanin asked.

  Knilf chortled and tugged on his beard. "Indeed, old friend. And what do you think about that?"

  "I think it's wonderful!" Hanin exclaimed. "Nefin doesn't deserve her, but now that he finally realizes that, I'm much more supportive of the match."

  "Are we now brothers in more than just order?" Varhog wondered, bringing the conversation full circle.

  "If we want to be, I think we are," Murtagh decided. "It's wonderful to see this outcome after all of our hard work. For so many couples of mixed races to form will only mean good

  things for Alagaёsia, I'm sure of it."

  The others made various signs of agreement then went their separate ways to inform their wives.

  Eragon returned to his family's quarters, intending to find Arya and share the glad tidings. But he first ran into Zadí, as she exited a younger sibling's room.

  "Father," she breathed in surprise as she turned. "Sorry to whisper. I just laid Ari down for her nap. You seem happy."

  "I am, Zadí," Eragon said, holding out one hand to her, which Zadí immediately accepted with a smile, stepping toward her father—her first dance partner—and into his gentle arms.

  "Guess who I just spoke with?" he asked as he began a simple dance with his daughter.

  Zadí furrowed her brow in confusion. "Um . . . mother?" she guessed.

  "No," Eragon said with a soft laugh. "Var."

  "Var?" Zadí repeated, the confusion still clouding her features for another moment. "Oh!" she then exclaimed. "Did he ask your permission?"

  "That's right," Eragon confirmed. "And I gave it, of course. I'm happy for you, sweetheart."

  "Thank you, father," Zadí whispered, moving closer so she could wrap her free arm around Eragon's waist and rest her head against his shoulder. "I'm happy too. And excited to get married. But can we still dance like this sometimes? Will I still be your little girl?"

  "Always."

  "Thank you, dada."

  Eragon noticed when Zadí's tears began wetting his shirt. "What is it, sweetheart?"

  "I don't know," Zadí admitted. "I'm just really grateful you're my father. I suddenly felt like I won't see you for a long time. I'll miss you."

  "We'll only be gone for a week," Eragon reassured, looking up as Arya entered the room and walked over to them. She had heard the last words he and Zadí had spoken.

  "Are you well, darling?" Arya asked Zadí.

  Zadí lifted her head, smiling. "Yes, mother. I'm so blessed to have you both as my parents. I love you so much and felt I should tell you."

  "Thank you, Zadí," Arya said, a look of mild surprise crossing her face. "Father told me of today's events." Eragon had done just that, communicating to Arya's mind.

  "Congratulations, darling. Var is a lucky man."

  "And I'm a lucky girl," Zadí insisted. "Mother, may I wear your wedding gown to get married in?"

  "Of course," Arya allowed. "In fact, I should just give it to you. My wedding was the only time I ever wore it, since I
have never enjoyed wearing dresses and only do for the most

  formal of occasions. But I love that you have used it so frequently over the years to dress up and dance around in. It's yours, Zadí. Use it however you wish."

  "Thank you, mother," Zadí fervently said. "I've always loved it, especially how it trails along on the ground since I'm shorter than you. I'll take good care of it."

  "I know," Arya said, putting her arms around Zadí and Eragon and squeezing tightly. "Where's Ari?"

  "She fell asleep for her nap just before father came in," Zadí said. "I'm anxious to go see Var. Would that be all right, if I'm back in time for dinner?"

  "Absolutely," Eragon permitted. "We'll see you then." Arya took Zadí's place as their daughter swiftly ran from the room, and they took up the dance again, quietly conversing about

  the happy proceedings of the day and their anticipation of the upcoming anniversary celebration.

  After dinner that evening, Varhog asked to speak with his sons alone. They each flew on their dragons to a clearing in the forest about fifteen minutes away from the city.

  Once they had landed and were all on the ground, Varhog took a seat and motioned for his sons to join him. "Eragon and Murtagh told me about your meeting today," Varhog began.

  "I'm proud of you, sons. None of our wives had fathers for us three to approach, but I'm grateful you showed Eragon and Murtagh the proper respect."

  The twins murmured their thanks, and Varhog went on, "I think you both understand the responsibility that goes along with being a husband, but I want to ensure you remember

  now that you're closer than ever to that time. By marrying these girls, you are promising to take care of them as their fathers always have. But Lena and Zadí will be even higher

  priorities for you than they were to their fathers, whose first priorities were obviously their wives. You must always put them first over everything else in your lives." Will and Var

  nodded their understanding.

  "With marriage comes one of the great pleasures of life," Varhog continued. "Once you are married, you boys will become men. You will be privileged to enjoy intimate love."

  Varhog's face grew more serious. "Most of the married couples on the Isle are aware of the events surrounding the first week of my marriage to mother. We have chosen not to