To Train A Bad-Ass
By Stargatesg1fan1 Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within.
Women Bonded to Harry Potter in This Story
Ros is Played by Esme Bianco Leaf is Played by Kae Alexander Ygritte is Played by Rose Leslie Missandei is Played by Nathalie Emmanuel Daenerys 'Daeny' Targaryen is Played by Emilia Clarke Melisandre is played by Catrice Van Houten
Margaery Tyrell is played by Natalie Dormer Sansa Stark is played by Sophie Turner Tyene Sand is played by Rosabell Laurenti Sellers Myrcella Baratheon Lannister is played by Nell Tiger Free Cersei Lannister is played by Lena Heady
Chapter 24
For three days after that initial fight the Ra'zac had not attacked again. In the meanwhile people in the village had been debating courses of action to take to resolve the situation. On one side some wanted to surrender. Yet others wanted to kill the Ra'zac and soldiers. The nickname Roran Stronghammer had been given to Roran for his fighting skills. Roran would be lying if he said he didn't like it. It was during another argument over what to do at Horst that Roran decided to make a suggestion.
"You can't be serious," Kiselt into the silence that Roran's suggestion had brought. "The Spine is far too dangerous."
Roran had suggested journeying into the spine. "Galbatorix lost half his army in there. He wouln't follow us into there," Roran pointed out.
"But it is still too dangerous for our people. It is full of bears, wolves, and worst," Horst pointed out.
"We could send them up the path just past Iguada Falls. It isn't too far. It is survivable," Roran said.
"I will never set foot in there," Sloan snarled.
Roran internally winced. Given his wife had died in the spine, Sloan had a manic hatred for the place.
"This may be the only way to protect the children," Tara said.
"The area surrounding the Falls is safe enough from wolves and bears," Baldor added. "Especially given such a large group," He amended.
"I agree," Birgit said. The others began to agree. Sloan did not agree.
"This is nonsense," Sloan said. "They will freeze from being unable to light fires for fear of being seen. You are just making excuses and justifications! Neither I nor my blood will set foot in the spine."
Sloan left.
"Well, let us discuss preparations," Horst suggested.
Roran slipped out of the meeting after a few minutes. He spotted Sloan out away from his home. He hurried to the butcher shop and slipped into the home attached to it. He found Katrina setting the table.
"Roran, did you tell father?" Katrina asked with surprise.
"Not yet," Roran admitted. "He is out in the village. I needed to speak with you quickly. It has been decided to send the women and children up into the spine just beyond the Falls. Your father has already sworn that neither he or you would set foot in the Spine. He cannot be reasoned with."
"You hoped to reason with me," Katrina said with realization. "Yes," Roran admitted.
"I would rather stay here and fight by your side. I couldn't stand it if I was safe in the spine and you died here," Katrina admitted.
"Roran will be very hard to kill," Leaf said. Leaf's sudden appearance startled both Katrina and Roran. They both turned to face her. "Leaf," Roran said with surprise.
"They will find it hard to kill you. You have someone watching over you," Leaf said. "You should go into the forest with the other women and children."
And then she vanished.
"I would be foolish to ignore that," Katrina said. "I will have to go without telling father. He would never let me go in."
"He may come after you," Roran pointed out.
"Perhaps. But I think he fears the Spine far too much for that," Katrina said. "I must prepare and you should go before father comes. Magical creatures protecting you or not that would not be a good thing."
Katrina kissed him quickly. Roran left.
The next morning Roran woke in his bedroom at Horst's and quickly rose. He got some bread smeared with soft cheese to break his fast. After he stepped out onto the porch Elaine and Horst greeted him.
"It looks as if it may rain," Elaine noted.
"We'll need the cover to climb the mountain," Horst added. "It was decided last night that many of us will be needed to carry supplies up into the mountain for such a large group."
"It makes sense," Roran agreed.
The morning after that was spent organizing the expedition into the spine. Roran helped out with that including making sure all supplies were accounted for. Things were going fairly smoothly until Sloan showed up to see the preparations. Sloan quickly spotted his daughter in the group.
He strode over to Katrina, ripped the pack off of her, and demanded, "Who made you do this?"
"I'm doing it for the children," Katrina replied.
Sloan grabbed Katrina's arm and began dragging Katrina away while shouting incoherently. Roran would never say how. But suddenly he knew how best to break Sloan's grip on Katrina with the least amount of injury to both of them. He rushed in, grabbed Katrina's wrist, and forced it to move down towards where Sloan's thumb wrapped around her wrist against his other fingers. Katrina's wrist came free. Sloan whirled in rage. Roran drew Katrina back.
"You have no right to interfere," Sloan screamed as he beheld his daughter cowering behind Roran.
"This is not how I wanted this to come out. But I suppose that is my own fault for not saying something sooner. Katrina and I are engaged to be married. I realize you are her father. But I would not see my future wife treated so," Roran said in a placating but firm tone.
Sloan at first looked hurt. Then his expression reddened in rage.
"You're a two-faced coward. I dealt with you in good faith only to now find out you have been courting my daughter without my permission," Sloan said.
"I had always intended to approach you. But after losing my farm can you honestly say you would have consented to the match?" Roran asked.
"No I would not have," Sloan said. "But don't blame fate for your shortcomings." Sloan reached for Katrina. Roran moved in the way and stared hard at the butcher. Sloan tried a different approach saying, "Katrina. Come here."
A calm slipped over Katrina she hadn't been feeling a moment before.
"Father, I am sorry. Roran is the man I intend to marry. I would love your blessing. But with or without it I will marry Roran," Katrina said.
Sloan appeared momentarily hurt. Then he bellowed and charged for Katrina trying to grab her. It would have been a lot easier for Roran had he not had to defend Katrina. But just as Roran suddenly knew what to do, so too did Katrina. She leapt back at the same time as Roran side- stepped Sloan. The butcher went flying past the couple and landed in the mud. He rose humilitated. Something in Roran's stance made Sloan pause in that moment. He saw the resolve in the young man's face.
Tears formed in Sloan's eyes and said, "You'll get no dowry or your mother's inheritance from me."
Sloan left. Katrina clung to Roran. Her emotions were still somewhat calm. But what she had just gone through was fighting through the calming charm that an invisible Harry had cast upon her. Harry had been the one feeding how to fight into Roran's mind. The villagers at first offered either congratulations, advice, or condemnations depending on the villagers. But a Notice-Me-Not charm allowed Roran and Katrina to quickly slip aside and leave all the hub-bub behind.
"Are you alright?" Roran asked his intended. "Strangely yes," Katrina admitted. "I thought I would be more torn up about it." "Magic is keeping you calm," Leaf's voice played through their minds. "Did you hear that?" Roran asked.
"I did," Katrina nodded. "Well I need to be calm right now. We had best get moving."
The caravan moved out with Roran taking them through the wall surrounding the village. The steep trail up Narnmor Mountain past Igualda Falls needed to be taken slowly. Katrina walked beside him and enjoyed holding his hand now that things were in the open. Katrina needed the comfort his hand provided when they came into sight of the falls where her mother had perished. Once they were past it she seemed better. They went down a short trail through a glen of thimbleberries they found a clearing where camp would be set up. As Roran and several others picked up axes to begin erecting fortifications around the camp he noticed the others glancing at him. It didn't take a genius to figure out what they were thinking.
"It's worth a try," Roran thought to himself.
He took the green gem he had been given by Leaf and placed it on the ground in the center of camp. Immediately there was a stirring of something in the air as the nature around them went silent. Then trees began to sprout around the edge of the clearing. Quickly walls grew up like those in town. Those watching were again in awe and also much happier. These trees would keep out all manner of bears, wolves, and creatures. Roran retrieved the gem.
"How will we get out when we need to?" Birgit asked.
A pink gem suddenly appeared in Katrina's hand much to her surprise.
"There is your answer I think," Roran said.
Sure enough with some testing it was shown Katrina could pass the villagers through the wall. The villagers who were returning to Carvahall soon did so.
That night Katrina was having trouble sleeping in the tent she was staying in. Other people surrounded her on bed rolls. She missed Roran. She missed her bed. Her thoughts turned to how her father had cast her out. By denying her the inheritance from her mother Katrina had no silver, no linens, no lace, or anything else needed to run her home well. Silently in the dark she weapt. She wasn't sure how long she cried. She must have cried herself to sleep. Because what she was seeing could only be a dream.
She opened her eyes to see a slightly older version of herself along with a slightly older version of Roran. They were sitting on the porch of a beautiful farmhouse bigger than any Carvahall sported. She and Roran sat drinking tea as their children played behind the house. Then the vision paused. Leaf walked into the scene.
"Do not fear for your future Katrina," Leaf said. "This is what your life could be. I am not saying there won't be hardship and grief. If you work hard this is what you could have. You have chosen a good man."
"Why is it you protect Roran and I?" Katrina asked.
"We protect you because of Roran. We protect Roran because of his family," Leaf said.
And then Leaf was gone once more. Katrina pondered the words of the mysterious creature. Was she talking about Eragon? What had become of Eragon that he had garnered the attention of both the empire and Leaf. Katrina watched as she woke up from slumber to find a locket around her neck. She watched the other version of her take off the locket and place the small rectangle attached to the chain on the ground. The other version of her placed a finger on the top of the rectangle. The rectangle grew before her eyes until a trunk sat before her. The other version of herself opened the trunk. Inside Katrina's eyes widened as she saw the space on the inside was bigger than the outside. Inside the trunk was all of the inheritance from Katrin's mother. Her eyes teared up at this.
Then the vision switched back to the house she lived in later in the day. It was evening. She was as she and Roran made love. Katrina awoke with a gasp when the other version of herself achieved orgasm. She was soaking down below. It had felt so real to her. It was then that Katrina felt the rectangular locket around her neck.
The instant one of the Ra'zac scaled the fence surrounding the woman and children camped in the spine Harry became aware of it. The creature made its way straight for Katrina's tent. Harry sent his will into a new piece of technology he had crafted. There was many amazing technology onboard the Harion. But it could be rather inconvenient to have the starship following him around. A solution Harry and Razael had come up with was the cloaked probe that followed Harry around. The probe was actually several meters above Harry's head. It had very good cloaking technology and a pocket dimension inside which housed many of the technologies onboard the Harion. Advanced sensors, the ability to generate shields, energy to matter converters, a copy of the Harion's database, site to site transport, and more. The probe could do most things the Harion could. Even if the Harion were lost to Harry, the probe would allow him to eventually recreate the starship even though such a task might take years.
The probe snapped up a time dilation field around Katrina's tent before the Ra'zac could enter. Harry sped up time inside the field. This gave him the ability to transport Katrina into a stasis pod within the probe while replacing her with a very convincing golem duplicate. The golem would be controlled by Katrina in stasis. As far as she was concerned she wouldn't realize she wasn't being taken. Harry used the time dilation effect to send Leaf to talk to Katrina.
"Katrina," Leaf said seriously as she appeared before Katrina.
Katrina had fallen back to sleep after her very erotic dream had woken her up. Leaf looked different this time.
"What is it?" Katrina asked.
"You are about to be taken by a Ra'zac. The body you will experience this in is not your own. Your actual body is safe. Your mind is experiencing everything through a body that looks
identical to your own. I need you to act terrified and be convincing when it takes you. Understand that you are perfectly safe. Do you think you can act terrified?" Leaf explained.
"I can," Katrina said. "But why?"
"It is our hope that if the Ra'zac think they have you they may leave Carvahall alone," Leaf explained.
Katrina didn't understand why that would be. But she would do it for her people. "I will do it," Katrina said.
Katrina woke suddenly as the time dilation field collapsed. She felt the Ra'zac grab her and pull her and carry her out of the tent. She faked groggily coming awake. She screamed when she saw its face. By that point the creature already leapt towards the wall. By the time the villagers were coming out of their tent Katrina was already over the wall. The Ra'zac put her on its horse and galloped off.
Roran took off for the soldier's camp the moment he heard what had happened. By the time he reached the camp he was too late. He was just in time to see the Ra'zac escaping with a bound Katrina and an unbound Sloan on top of monstrous mounts. The mounts possessed giant leathery wings and gray skin. They were very large beasts that looked to be some relation to the Ra'zac. There were only thirteen soldiers left by this point.
"Where are they taking Katrina?" Roran asked in a low voice as he stepped out of the woods surrounding the camp, hammer in hand.
"Fuck off," A soldier replied as he drew his sword and stood.
What followed would be something that would have been written about in legend had anyone witnessed it. The hammer guided Roran's movements and allowed him to move somewhat faster than any normal human could. Roran wasn't anywhere approaching an elf in speed. Yet he was still much faster than the soldiers. By the end of it only one soldider lay on the ground still breathing with a broken leg.
"I'll tell you," Gred said as he looked around at his fallen compatriots in terror. "Where did they take her?" Roran demanded.
"There's rumors they came from somewhere near Dras-Leona," Gred said. "That's all I know. I swear!"
"Thank you," Roran said, trying to decide what to do with the man.
Before he could decide the decision was taken out of his hands. All the bodies along with Gred vanished. Harry had the soldiers transported to the Harion where they would be healed and returned to their homes with their memories of that entire incident in Carvahall modified. He only bothered to do it so it wasn't on his cousin's conscience. As long as the souls of the soldiers hadn't departed yet his technology could easily heal them. After the soul had departed it became a lot more difficult.
During the journey Lifaen and Nari took to singing and showing much merriment. There were times where they would spend hours silently observing their surrounings in peaceful reflection. Harry had also taken notice of how ill at ease Arya was around her own kind at this point.
At one point Lifaen asked Harry, "What stories do your people sing these days Eragon-finiarel? I remember the lays I heard in Ilirea long ago."
"I will show you," Harry said. He projected illusions of the songs Eragon had grown up hearing.
"Your mastery of illusion is impressive," Lifaen said. "But so much song has been lost. Only what Galbatorix has allowed has been said. Brom's tales of the Fall left so much out. But I suppose that was out of necessity since those details were only known to those outside of the empire. How much art and history did Galbatorix destroy?"
"I wonder if perhaps Galbatorix did not destroy these things but keeps them preserved in his strongholds?" Harry questioned.
"It is possible I suppose," Lifaen said.
It was in fact actually what had happened. Scans of Galbatorix's fortress in Urubaen showed much that had been thought lost was preserved. Harry could always retrieve more things with his ability to travel to the past. It was through these talks with Lifaen and Arya that Harry learned of the history of the Riders and Algaesia itself in greater detail. Brom's lessons had been focused on mostly magic and physical combat. There hadn't been time for much else.
That night while they were camping there was the sound of a commotion in the forest. Harry with sword in hand approached and found a gyrfalcon with a broken wing. Arya approached with her bow. When she saw it she went to shoot it.
"Hold," Harry said as he raised his hand.
"It is too injured for me to heal it," Arya said.
The falcon thrashed a bit as Harry approached. He knelt down. The falcon calmed when Harry's hands lit up with a white light. It was a healing technique that Rhazael had been
teaching Harry, one the Alterans had been capable of. It was very difficult and very effective. Moments later the falcon had an uninjured wing. It stood up, looked at Harry once, and then took flight. When he stood, Arya was staring at him in surprise.
"Where did you learn to do that?" Arya asked.
"It came to me in a dream," Harry admitted. "One of my dreams of the future. In the dream I was learning magic from the Grey Folk," He fibbed.
"That was truly impressive," Arya said. "Could you not simply use that to heal your back?"
"It cannot be performed by me on myself," Harry said. "And the one who taught it to me in my dreams told me that it is unable to be taught to others not of my blood because there is something special within me."
Arya was not Alteran. So it was doubtful she would be able to wield the energy in such ways.
"Even if you had children now it would take too long for them to be able to get to the stage where they were capable of wielding such magic to be effective," Arya mused.
Arya still looked thoughtful as they returned to the camp. The next morning after Harry had awoken he felt the hammer necklace Gannel had given him grow hot.
"Someone is trying to scry me," Harry told Arya who was sitting next to him eating breakfast. The others paid attention at that. "There is no way to tell if it is friend or foe," Arya said. A moment later the hammer grew cold again.
"It has stopped," Harry said. "It makes sense. Why continuing to scry something you cannot reach," Arya said.
The group swiftly set off up the Gaena River after breakfast. The river widened as they progressed. Eventually they came to a waterfall that was a hundred feet tall.
"This is where we need to portage our canoes for half a league," Lifaen said as he pointed to a trail off to one side.
"I could fly the canoes with supplies and all upriver," Saphira sent to everyone. "To use a dragon as a beast of burden would dishonor all of us," Lifaen said in horror.
Saphira mentally rolled her eyes, latched onto the canoes, and took off. Arya let out a laugh at Saphira's action.
"It may have been a long time since you encountered a dragon Lifaen," Arya said. "But don't presume to tell them what to do."
It was at that point that Snowfire came trotting up. The horse had been following them for the entire journey.
"If you ride we will make better time Argetlam," Nari suggested.
Harry nodded. He mounted Snowfire. The elves were able to run and keep up. When they rejoined Saphira they found her catching fish.
"After the next bend in the river we will encounter Ardwen Lake," Arya explained. "One of our great cities named Silthrim is on the shore. Your presence will mean great unrest for our civilization. It is important that Queen Islanzadi be the first to see you. Therefore I would prefer you weren't seen by anyone in the city."
"It isn't a problem," Harry said and had his probe cloak Saphira and will an illusion of himself as an elf.
Arya's eyebrows rose in surprise. Lifaen and Nari looked around for Saphira trying to sense her. "What magic is this?" Lifaen asked. "Magic you should keep to yourself," Arya replied simply. "This will make traveling easier."
Other boats began to appear as they entered Ardwen Lake. You could tell when they reached the city because a massive cluster of lights was visible in the trees at just about every height up ahead. Night time had fallen. They made camp in the woods a decent distance from the city.
"More of the magic you learned in your dreams?" Arya asked when Harry banished the mosquitoes that had started to plague their camp with a spell she wasn't familiar with.
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
Harry had decided he would portray himself as supremely gifted in magic.
Arya was silent for a moment and said, "It might be possible to temporarily accelerate the aging of any offspring you have to an age where they could learn the healing needed to heal your back. But to do such a thing and steal years off a child's life would be cruel."
"Would the child of an elf and a human possess the immortality the elves do?" Harry asked curiously.
"Such a child has rarely existed in this world," Arya admitted. "Children are rare among my people because of our life spans. Children are celebrated above all else as a result. I have only ever heard a few instances of a child being born of a human and an elf. It is my understanding that they are very long lived but do not possess the immortality we do. They are however very long lived many times the span of a human life."
"I see," Harry said. "I can't help but think of the moral implications of such an act just to heal my back."
"I too have been thinking of that," Arya said. "But is it better to risk us losing to Galbatorix because of your back? I do not know the answer. I can't help but think that one act such as this would be worth it to end Galbatorix. I want you to know if it is something you want to try to heal your back I volunteer to have your child."
Harry was stunned. He hadn't expected Arya to come right out and say it. He looked into her eyes and saw complete honesty there. His mind raced. If he let her go through with it thinking it was the only way to heal his back and she later learned he had other options how would she feel. Harry didn't think her reaction would be good.
"I'll admit the thought of you having my child pleases me more than I can express in words. The thought of laying with you is more enticement than I've ever experienced," Harry said. Arya's heart raced at his words. "But this is not something to rush into hastily. Allow me to think on it. I thank you sincerely for the offer and your willingness to help me."
"I could do no less for the man who saved my life. Do not mistake me though. I do not do it out of a sense of obligation. Your physical reaction is thanks enough," Arya sent mentally with a smirk on her lips as her eyes drifted down to his lap where she took note of his manhood having grown hard.
Arya got up to go do something in the woods then, likely to relieve herself. Harry definitely saw an extra sway in her hips. Harry was so very tempted to immediately take her up on her offer. He restrained himself though. He had bought himself time with stating he needed to think on it. He couldn't let her go through with it when he coul heal himself with other means at his disposal.
It was then that the sounds of many elven voices singing came from the city. Arya came striding back into the camp. Harry felt passion stirring in his loins. He felt the urge to leave and go find the voices. It was a strong urge. Orik also looked very restless. Harry lost track of Orik as Arya strode over to him. She knelt down in front of Harry.
"You must resist the song," Arya said as she looked into his eyes.
Harry felt the urge to kiss her, the very strong urge. It would be so easy to lean forward and do it. He did lean forward slightly. Arya looked like she was fighting urges of her own.
"What's going on?" Harry asked.
"It is one of our saturnalias, our celebrations, during Dagshelgr," Arya said. "I had not realized we were so close to the celebration. I miscounted the days," Arya said.
Harry ruthlessly regained control of himself with his occlumency. The commotion of Orik being restrained by the other two elves caused them to break eye contact and look over. Harry raised a silencing barrier around the group.
"Let go," Orik said.
"Our apologies Orik-Vodhr," Lifaen replied. "Our songs during Dagshelgr can be perilous to mortals."
"We should be at a grove," Nari added.
"We should Arya agreed. But we must do our duty," Arya said. "Our yearly singing revitalizes and strengthens the forest and causes the size of the forest you see here today." All of the animals of the forest came out of hiding and began to rush about as if maddened. "Every elf in every city is singing right now. The animals are searching for mates."
"Is this why you made the offer you did? Were you influenced by this song?" Harry asked Arya mentally.
"No," Arya denied. "I was not yet affected by the singing. All the singing does is make me want to convince you to accept the offer more," She said as her eyes glanced down to his crotch.
Her gaze returne to his and Harry could see genuine desire there, a hint of lust.
"The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I have a very strong feeling that in time other methods will be revealed to me to heal my back without requiring us to go to such drastic extremes," Harry said. "I do not want to earn your resentment or anger if that is the case."
"I understand your hesitance now," Arya said. "We can wait to see if your suspicion proves true. The offer still stands should it not prove true."
Saphira sat shivering near the fire.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked his dragon.
"For the brief time that song affected me I had such a strong desire to mate. My blood burned! I understand the desire you feel for Arya now. I never truly understood it before," Saphira said.
"You never know what opportunities will come about in the future," Harry said.
That night everyone slept fitfully. Harry's silencing barrier kept back the spell. But he could feel the strength of the elven song pressing against the barrier. Harry thought some of the effect still bled through even if the sound didn't. Partway through the night Arya joined him in his tent.
"Just hold me please," Arya requested.
Harry nodded. She slipped into his bed roll. Harry wrapped his arms around her. She felt his hardness pressing against her backside. There was a fair amount of grinding that went on that night. If both of them achived release at some point that night due to dry humping neither of them commented on it. The influence of the spell was blamed.
In the morning fresh buds were on the trees. In the morning Arya sent Lifaen and Nari to retrieve horses for the remainder of the journey and to reinforce their post. The horses they returned with were beautiful white stallions. No saddles were needed. The elves spoke to the horses in the Ancient language. The horses were short to better fit through the trees. So, even Orik was willing to ride them.
It took a little time to rearrange their supplies. As they began to ride Arya drew her horse closer to Snowfire. Both of them were questioning if the night before had changed their relationship. Arya felt closer to Eragon and Harry felt the same way about her.
"I'm not complaining. I think maybe you should just stop thinking about it and take Arya up on her offer to reproduce. I can tell she obviously wants it. The fact that you can heal yourself other ways is immaterial," Leaf sent mentally to Harry as they lay side by side on a bed he had conjured in Du Weldenvarden not far from his camp with Arya and the others.
The probe currently had a time dilation field up around Harry and Leaf so that time flowed much faster inside. He could enjoy several hours of sexual relief and cuddling with Leaf while milliseconds pass on the outside.
"Her offer is oh so very tempting. I think I am going to wait a while to see how this plays out. I'm eroding her walls and getting her to open up to me. The slow buildup is only going to make it better," Harry replied.
Leaf decided to change the subject. "What of Saphira?" Leaf asked. "You know how frustrated she is with being the only dragon
hatched." "What does your greensight say about the other dragons?" Harry asked. "That both are male and that one can mate with her," Leaf sent. "Let's show her visions of that dragon and mating with him," Harry suggested. "We can do that," Leaf agreed.
Harry and Leaf had acknowledged that they could go in at any time and steal the dragon eggs. But their green dreams were suggesting they shouldn't. Harry would experience more adventure if he didn't go liberate the other dragon eggs. Besides, Harry honestly enjoyed being the only dragon rider outside of Galbatorix. It gave him a lot of sway with the elves, dwarves, and Varden. There was no shame in enjoying that influence.
Later that morning the group struck out into the deep forest. It was endless trees as far as the eye could see even on dragonback. The trees got bigger too. The trees were hundreds of feet tall and on average seventy feet thick.
"These trees are some of the oldest beings in Alagaesia. My kind have loved them since we first encountered them. We have helped them flourish with our magic. You should not go flying today even if Saphira is invisible. We are close to Ellesmera and I do not want to risk you being attacked. We have likely triggered the alert wards on the city already," Arya explained.
"I can do that," Harry agreed.
It was late afternoon when the group encountered an elf standing in their path. A brilliant column of light from the canopy of the forest shown upon this elf. A silver circlet rested upon his head. He looked very noble.
"Show him your palm and ring," Arya whispered.
Harry raised his palm to reveal his gedwey ignasia and then showed Brom's ring. The elf raised his arms in a welcome gesture while smiling. Harry felt the wards around the city relax slightly.
"He opened the wards for us," Harry said. The elves looked impressed he had sensed that. The elf vanished along with the light. "He projected himself in an illusion," Harry sent to Arya.
"Yes," Arya confirmed. Harry was impressed with that bit of magic. "That was Gilderien the Wise, Prince of House Miolandra. He wields the white flame of Vandil and has guarded Ellesmera since Du Fyrn Skulblaka which was our war with the dragons. No one can enter Ellesmera without his permission."
As they pressed on the forest began to thin allowing sunlight through the canopy. Bright multi- colored flowers littered the forest floor. Harry discerned paths in the forest floor. Then he also noticed structures grown seamlessly into the trees. The trees had formed buildings. Harry felt a magic lose its potency after he had been allowe through the wards. It was similar but much less powerful and far subtler than the fidelius. Someone who hadn't been allowed through the wards would find it hard to recognize the structures in the trees if they stumbled upon the elven capitol.
Harry examined one of the structure closer and saw a two-story house where the second story was narrower than the first. It was hexagonal shaped. Six thick ridges had grown where the roof was with webbed wood and moss stretching over these ridges to form the roof. Windows had grown naturally into the walls. Moss and yellow litchen draped over these window openings.
An archway had grown over the front door opening. He took in similar yet different structures all around that first house. The houses blended in with their environment. Each was still quite unique.
"Your city is beautiful," Harry told the elves.
The three elves exchanged pleased smiles glad he appreciated the natural beauty their people had strived for. Elves were walking around the city still unable to see Saphira.
"I hope Galbatorix does not possess the ability to cloak his dragon from our detection like you do," Arya said.
"I do not believe he does," Harry said. "You allowing me past the wards at the edge of the forest made the cloaking more effective. I suppose anything is possible."
Harry took note of the elven women first. Their hair was worn unbound with flowers decorating throughout. They were all quite beautiful beyond human standards. They were all delicate looking with an ethereal quality. The men were likewise very handsome though thin.
"We should go to my mother," Arya said to Harry quietly as the other elves began to take note of her presence.
As princess Arya was well known. There were many surprised faces because she had been thought dead. A woman began to sing in the ancient language. It was not magic this time even though it sounded absolutely beautiful. The group released their horses.
"Snowfire will be well taken care of in our stables," Arya said as she began to lead them along a path made of cobblestone and bits of green tourmaline.
Arya led them to a set of webbed stairs growing into a wall made of many saplings that grew together into a wall. The doorway opened of its own accord. Within was a hall made of saplings melded together. Twelve chairs grew out of each wall where twenty-four lords and ladies sat. Each of these lords and ladies wore jeweled swords at their waists and circlets on their brows.
At the opposite end of the hall was a white pavilion covering a throne of knotted roots. Queen Islanzadi sat upon that throne looking very hopeful. A white raven sat on a curved rod nearby.
The raven called, "Wyrda."
Nobody paid the raven any mind. The group approached. Arya knelt on the moss covered ground first. The others followed suit bowing. Islanzadi approached her daughter and placed trembling hands upon Arya's shoulders.
Islanzadi embraced Arya while crying out, "O my daughter, I have wronged you!" Harry was really glad that Arya had forewarned him that she was a princess. He could sense Orik's shock. Islanzadi drew back after several moments and said, "I have barely slept or eaten since your
disappearance. I feared I would never see you again. I am so sorry I banned you from my presence. It was my greatest mistake. Can you ever forgive me?"
Harry could sense the amazement among the gathered nobles. Arya did not answer right away.
Eventually Arya said, "For seventy years I have lived and loved, fought and killed, without ever having spoken to you my mother." Harry hadn't realized their estrangement was quite that bad. "That is no small span of time despite how long we live."
"I am not asking you to ever forget but to forgive. If I had the power to undo the past there is much I would change, this chief among that which I would change," Islanzadi said.
"I can forgive," Arya said. Islanzadi initiated another hug which Arya returned. The assembled nobles seemed pleased.
The white raven cackled, "And on the door was graven evermore, what now became the family lore, Let us never do but to adore."
"Hush, Blagden," Islanzadi told the raven. Islanzadi separated from her daughter and turned to Harry.
"I am told you bear the gedwey ignasia," Islanzadi said. "Based upon your presence with my daughter is it safe to assume you are a Rider who hatched from the egg she carried?"
"Yes. I am," Harry confirmed. "Please where is your dragon? Your dragon survived?" Islanzadi asked.
Harry could tell all the elves were concerned for his dragon. Harry dropped the cloak revealing Saphira in their midst. There were many gasps of startled surprise as Saphira appeared.
"This is Saphira my dragon," Harry said as he gestured towards Saphira. He then added the usual greeting which Arya had taught him. Islanzadi replied, "Atra du evarinya ono varda. And what is your name Rider?" "Eragon Shadeslayer," Harry replied.
"That is a powerful name. We rarely bestow that name to our children. Be welcome to Ellesmera Eragon and Saphira. We have waited long for you," Islanzadi said. Islanzadi greeted Orik as well. "I assume based upon your presence here, the sword at your hip, and the ring on your finger that Brom has fallen. I wish to hear the story of this and how you came to meet my daughter."
"I am quite skilled with illusionary magic," Harry said. "I will use illusions to help explain my tale."
Harry began with the scene of Eragon finding Saphira's egg and proceeded from there. The audience was enraptured from the get-go. He could feel the great sadness when Brom breathed his last. The battle of Farthen Dur was just as riveting as real life. Harry hid his use of his wizarding magic well from the illusions, editing them where necessary. At the end Harry gave Islanzadi the scroll he agreed to pass on frm Nasuada.
"You are indeed skilled with illusions," Islanzadi said at the end. "I should never have cut off support for the Varden. They shall have our support again. May I see Brom's ring?" Harry passed the ring over to the queen. "This ring cannot be passed from one to another without being bestowed by our ruler. You were not to have known that however. It symbolizes an elven friend. Because of the assistance you have given to the Varden and to my family personally I name you Elf Friend and bestow upon you this ring Aren. All elves will know you are to be trusted and helped."
"Thank you," Harry said simply.
Islanzadi said, "Thank you." The gratitude in the queen's voice was genuine. "I find it troubling so much has occurred without news reaching me. We will have our best healers look at the injury you received."
"I appreciate that. Thank you," Harry said. Islanzadi nodded.
"I must ask for our security, what magic is this that allows a dragon to pass undetected into the heart of Ellesmera?" Islanzadi asked.
"My Queen," Arya said formally as she stepped forward. All eyes turned to Arya. "I believe that such a discussion would be better saved for later in private. Rest assured that I have thoroughly investigate the magic involved and that there is little threat of Galbatorix using it to sneak a dragon into Ellesmera."
"Very well," Islanzadi said. "Until later."
Islanzadi found herself very curious about the new young Rider that had just shown up in her realm. He was far more capable that someone his age and experience should be. He had also shown a maturity and good judgement that was beyond his years. Islanzadi was observant enough to note how often her daughter had been featured in the illusions shown after Arya's rescuing from the empire. Given how handsome the Rider was Islanzadi couldn't exactly blame Arya for entertaining feelings towards him. He had rescued her from certain death after all or worse. Islanzadi would keep an eye on this situation.
"It has been many years since one of your race entered our halls. Your presence here has been explained by Eragon-finiarel. Do you have anything to add?" Islanzadi asked Orik.
"Only royal greetings from my king, Hrothgar. I am only here to see to the agreement made between our peoples for Eragon's training," Orik answered.
"Then receive our greetings in kind and be welcome," Islanzadi said. Then she turned to her daughter and said, "I would hear what befell you daughter in your own words."
Harry illusions showing the state they had found Arya in had angered the elves present. He had not shown the damage done to her body to preserve her privacy only stating that he had done his best to heal her. Arya's descriptions of her capture, torture, and imprisonment were delivered in a monotone voice. Islanzadi shed a single tear.
One of the elf lords said, "I believe I speak for us all Arya Drottningu when I say that my heart burns with sorrow and anger for the ordeal you went through. Galbatorix must be punished for his crimes against you. I can only say thank you for not revealing the location of our cities to the shade. Few of us could have withstood him as long as you did."
"Thank you, Dathedr-vor," Arya said. "If Eragon hadn't gotten me out of there when he did I believe I would have been taken to Galbatorix and my predicament would have become worse."
"This is enough talk of past injuries," Islanzadi said. "We shall now celebrate properly the return of my daughter and the arrival of a new dragon and Rider in Alagaesia."
Islanzadi raised her hands and caused hundreds of flower petals to shower down from the ceiling. She took the opportunity to exchange a few words with her daughter while everyone was distracted by the flowers before strolling to the end of the hall. Islanzadi opened the large doors and issued a statement to the elves outside that had them hurrying about in preparation. Likely everyone knew news would be forthcoming so had remained gathered outside. Harry followed the group led by Islanzadi to a set of tables that had been laid out in a clearing. Already cook fires were going. The sun had been low in the horizon by the time they had exited the hall after all of the talking.
Harry was handed a goblet filled with something that tasted like mulled cider mixed with mead. "This is wonderful," Harry said. "What it is called?"
Arya who was nearby said, "We call it Faelnirv. It is distilled from crushed elderberries and spun moonbeams. A strong enough individual can travel for three days surviving on nothing but Faelnirv."
Islanzadi summoned up some musicians who began playing. As he talked with those around him and enjoyed the music and drink, Harry noted a small girl with bleached white shaggy hair prowling behind the queen. Harry suspected she was a werecat like Solembum. He was distracted from the mysterious girl by scores of elves who approached politely in ones or twos.
They wanted to meet him and especially Saphira. Harry polited greeted all of them and made sure to be friendly. These were beings who could aid his cause in the future or if he spurned them oppose it. It quickly became apparent that more of their attention was upon Saphira. Harry didn't mind at all. He sat sipping his drink and occasionally mentally chatting with Arya. Arya was able to add more detailed information about the elves he was meeting.
Before long the food arrived. There were loaves of warm bread, stacks of honeycakes, dishes of fruit, vegetables, and berries. Berries seemed to be in everything. Harry's attention was taken up by everything. He noted the sliced apples with syrup and strawberries. He thought he might give the mushroom pie stuffed with spinach, thyme, and currants. There was no meat present at all. Harry enjoyed the food, conversation, and music as he ate.
At one point during the meal, Blagden the white raven strolled down the table to stand before Saphira where it said, "Dragons, like wagons, have tongues. Dragons, like flagons, have necks. But while two hold beer, the other eats deer!"
The elves looked mortified. Saphira simply let out a puff of smoke that surrounded the raven.
"And little birds too," Saphira sent mentally so that all could hear.
The elves laughed as Blagden staggered out of the puff of smoke.
"I must apologize for Blagden. He has quite the saucy tongue we can't seem to tame," Islanzadi said.
"Apology accepted," Saphira replied.
"I assume the bird is enchanted somehow?" Harry inquired.
Arya nodded and explained, "My father was once fighting an urgal when he stumbled and lost his sword. Before the urgal could take advantage of it a raven flew at the urgal and pecked out its eyes. It is unknown why the bird chose to do it. But because of it my father was able to recover his sword and survive. He rewarded the bird with spells for intelligence and long life. Two unforeseen consequences were that Blagden lost all color in his feathers and gained the ability to predict certain events."
"His predictions come in the form of riddles?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Arya confirmed. "If he ever tells you something that isn't a joke you would do well to heed his words."
"I will remember that," Harry said.
After the meal had ended Islanzadi stood and announced that she was tired and would retire. At her request Harry, Saphira, and Arya accompanied the queen.
As they stood the werecat who had been staring at Harry the whole meal nodded and said, "Well met Rider."
"I've met one of your kind before. Solembum," Harry said.
"Aye. He is a good one. He finds it amusing to travel with the witch Angela. He finds humans amusing. You may call me Maud," Maud said.
"Eragon and Saphira as I'm sure you heard," Harry said while indicating himself and Saphira. "It was a pleasure meeting you Maud."
Harry and Saphira left with Islanzadi and Arya. The queen led them to the base of a tree that had a spiral staircase up into the tree's crown which held several rooms.
"This is where the leader of the Riders would stay while in Ellesmera. It is yours now as your inheritance. Saphira, you will have to fly up there. Our stairs were not meant for dragons. I bid you good night," Islanzadi said and then left with Arya.
"Good night Eragon," Arya sent back mentally. "Good night Arya," Harry replied.
"I like these people," Leaf said as she walked up the stairs before Harry. "But they're certainly a lot taller than me."
Leaf had decided to come shadow Harry when he reached Ellesmera. She wanted to see the city. She was struggling to climb the stairs. After seeing nobody appeared to be looking, Harry levitated the invisible Leaf onto his back. She wrapped her arms and legs around him. His magically enhanced muscles easily handled the climb. The trap door they entered through showed a room with a pedestal in it. Three screen doors led out of the room. One door led to a dining room. One door led a closet with a hole in the floor. Harry thought this might be an elven version of a shower. The last door led to a bedroom which had an open balcony of sorts overlooking Du Weldenvarden. The bedroom had an opening big enough for a dragon to slip through that led on the balcony. A fireplace where the wood had been somehow hardened not to burn sat in the wall. A stone bowl meant for a dragon to sleep in was next to the bed. Saphira landed on the balcony and came inside.
"This is an interesting place to live," Harry said. "It is," Saphira agreed as the entire structure swayed slightly with a breeze.
Harry pulled a screen over the opening to the balcony and found behind the screen a spiral staircase that led up. He came out at the top of the twenty foot staircase to find himself in a study with a desk and writing supplies. There was no parchment. Another opening would allow a dragon to fly through with a perch arranged in the room. Harry got ready for bed chatting with Saphira. After she settled down for the night Harry and Leaf had a little fun in their new bed.
Yes Saphira was sleeping right next to them. The probe was able to project an illusion of Harry sleeping. It also projected barriers against sound and smell to prevent Saphira detecting anything amiss. After their vigorous session Harry fell asleep sated and exhausted.
The next morning the sight that greeted Harry when he opened the covering to the balcony was breathtakingly beautiful. The morning dew drops sparkled all over the tops of the trees in the forest like millions of tiny diamonds.
"That's a sight I could get used to waking up to," Leaf said. "I agree," Harry said as he wrapped his arms around her and just enjoyed the moment.
When Harry left the bedroom it was to find two trays of food and clothes with a note pinned to them laying in the entry room. He read the note.
Greetings, Saphira Bjartskular and Eragon Shadeslayer,
I, Bellaen of House Miolandra, do humble myself and apologize to you, Saphira, for this unsatisfactory meal. Elves do not hunt, and no meat is to be had in Ellesmera, nor in any of our cities. If you wish, you can do as the dragons of old were wont, and catch what you may in Du Weldenvarden. We only ask that you leave your kills in the forest so that our air and water remain untainted by blood.
Eragon, these clothes are for you. They were woven by Niduen of Islanzadi's house and are her gift to you.
May good fortune rule over you, Peace live in your heart, And the stars watch over you. Bellaen du Hlodhr
"I won't need to eat for a few days after yesterday's meal. But please leave me a few seed cakes. Those were good," Saphira said.
"They were," Harry agreed.
Harry transfigured some of the food into meat-based dishes when Saphira wasn't paying attention. The clothes consisted of two full length tunics, a set of leggings, and three pairs of socks. He found enchantments were already woven into the materials for durability. Harry decided not to try to put additional magic on them at that time. He could also repair them later with a reparo spell. Orik knocked on the door after Harry had just finished changing.
"Greetings Eragon and Saphira. Given me a cave anyday over a bird's nest like this. How faired your night?" Orik asked.
"It was very good. I slept the sleep of the tired and sated. That feast was excellent," Harry said. "And how was your night?"
"I slept like a rock," Orik said. "The food was fine. Strange there was no meat though." "That will take a little getting used to," Harry agreed.
"I've been sent up to ask you to accompany us. Arya, Islanzadi, and several other elves are waiting at the base of the tree. They look tense but will not tell me why," Orik said.
"Let's not keep them waiting then," Harry said as he led the way out of the tree house. Greetings were exchanged and Islanzadi requested, "Please follow me."
She led them to the edge of Ellesmera and stopped before turning to the three outsiders. "Before proceeding I need your oath in the ancient language that you will not speak of what I am showing you to any outsiders outside of Ellesmera without the permission of myself, my daughter, or any who should succeed us to the throne."
"You have it," Harry said before swearing as much. "Why should I gag myself?" Orik asked after Saphira had sworn the oath.
"Because if you do not you will not be shown what we are about to reveal to Eragon and Saphira," Islanzadi said simply.
Orik grumbled but did it. Islanzadi led them forward over the knoll they had been nearby. Trees were replaced by red clover that led to the edge of a cliff. The cliff was a league on either side fo the group. The drop from the cliff was a thousand feet to forest below which extended to the horizon. The sound of a massive reverberation filled the air. Within moments a large gold dragon rose from beneath the cliff with a Rider on its back.