Thanks to my two reviewers! So it seems that this story is becoming less and less popular with the very few reviews it receives, but no matter. As much as I like to hear from my readers, my lack of reviews will not keep me from finishing this story, which may or may not be good news for some of you, I guess. We shall see. Anyway, on to the next chapter!
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
Chapter Eleven
"The Vault of Souls?" Eragon repeated, astounded. Taiven nodded his head. "How do you know this?"
Taiven dipped his quill in the ink and wrote on a piece of paper in answer. I used to sneak around Galbatorix's throne room when he was talking about it to Murtagh, who, by the way, has the same power within him.
Eragon's surprise increased. "Murtagh has this power, too?"
Well, yeah. How else do you explain how much more powerful he and Thorn were when they fought you and Saphira on the Burning Plains?
Taiven hid his smile as the Rider's jaw hung open in shock. Eragon shook his head to clear his thoughts and closed his mouth. "This is crazy."
Yet believable, Taiven wrote.
"How does the Vault give them power?"
Taiven thought for a moment. I only heard bits and pieces of that conversation, but I think Galbatorix found some way to trap a number of souls in some vault somewhere and then uses the energy from the souls, or something like that.
"And you have no idea where it is?"
Not exactly, but I think I overheard something about the location being over water on some island.
Eragon looked deep in thought. Then a revelation seemed to pass through his expression. "You don't mean . . ." he said more to himself. He looked up at Taiven. "Do you think he means Vroengard?"
Taiven shrugged his shoulders and wrote, He could. I'm really not sure, as I've told you before.
"No, right. Of course. Where else would he mean, though?" Eragon asked, not really expecting an answer. He was silent for awhile, most likely pondering over the thought and discussing it with Saphira. Then he broke the silence with, "So Galbatorix is your father . . ." Eragon's eye's traveled to Taiven's mouth. "I can't believe he disabled his own son."
Yes, but in his eyes I was disowned the day I was rejected by the dragon eggs.
Eragon shook his head in anger. "That does not make it okay. You were still technically his son whether he accepted you or not. My own father threw a sword at Murtagh when he was only three. Sliced his back open at three years old. His own son. Did you know that?" Taiven nodded his head. He remembered the screams from the boy about his back when they wrestled too roughly at a much younger age. Eragon's fists clenched. "These men, our fathers, were not and are not good people. Galbatorix has to be stopped! Are you willing to help me bring down your father?"
Taiven looked him square in the eyes and nodded. Then he wrote, We may have their blood coursing within our own, Eragon, but they do not get the privilege of the name 'father'
Eragon nodded reaching his hand through the bars and placing his hand on Taiven's shoulder. "Thanks," he said. He looked over at Cale, who was now standing beside Taiven, but not too close. His eyes came back to Taiven. "What were you planning to do with the egg before we confiscated it?"
Taiven smiled and put his quill to paper.Believe it or not, but Cale and I were actually on our way to Surda to find the Varden to give the egg to them. We were captured by the Ra'zac, and that's where you found us.
"Hah! So your egg ended up exactly where you wanted accidentally? That's kind of funny. . . . What was your plan after you gave the egg up?"
Well, I was hoping to find somewhere safe for Cale to live. It'll be too dangerous for him to be with me while I join the Varden army – that is, if they'll let me join
Eragon sighed deeply and replied, "You seem trustworthy enough, Taiven, but so was Murtagh before he betrayed us" – Taiven was going to protest but then Eragon added – "whether he was forced to or not. I can't take that chance again." He sighed again, as though not really wanting to continue. " . . . I have to ask you if I can see if you're true to your word, since you cannot swear to me. I'm sorry, but this is the only way you'll be released from your cell."
Taiven realized that the Rider meant to probe his mind to make sure he meant well. He nodded and then wrote, I understand.
"You might want to sit down for this. I'll try to make it as painless as possible," Eragon said, as Taiven felt a consciousness on the outside of the walls that surrounded his mind. He took a seat on his bed and gradually let his walls down.
The probe felt as though a thick needle was stabbing his consciousness repeatedly as it made its way through his mind. Memories flashed before him: Days of his young self actually feeling wanted by his father; Throwing bits meat to the glittering, black mountain named Shruikan, who caught each piece in his enormous jaws and laughed, shaking the entire cave; Training in both magic and combat in preparation to become a Rider; Touching both the green and red egg in the treasure room, only to be rejected and then later disowned; Numerous memories of Galbatorix torturing him in many unthinkable ways; The day his father cut out his tongue, and him and Cale slipping away with the King's prized possession; Their imprisonment at Helgrind, and then finally ending with their meeting of Eragon and Saphira.
The process was painful, but it really wasn't much compared to the things Galbatorix had done to him. There were even times where he made Taiven engage in battles with his mind just to prove Taiven's severe inferiority. Galbatorix would always win, of course, usually not taking more than a couple minutes – and minutes only because he would drag it out since the battles would be excruciating.
Eragon finally removed his consciousness, and Taiven felt more exhausted than he had in awhile. He fell back upon his pillow.
"Are you all right?" Eragon asked, actually sounding concerned. Taiven nodded his head, feeling Cale beside him. The boy squeezed his arm. Taiven looked over and gave him a weak smile.
"No more secrets," Cale whispered. His eyes bore right into Taiven's, as though looking deep within him. "Promise?"
I promise, Cale. No more secrets. Cale's features softened and he actually smiled.
"Once you've rested," Eragon began, "I'll show you to a proper room."
"So he passed the test?" Cale asked. Eragon looked at Taiven.
"You seem true to your word. Don't betray my trust, or you will have more than only me and Saphira after you." Taiven inclined his head and then looked toward Cale, who laughed. Eragon glanced between the two with a confused and almost suspicious expression.
"Taiven said that you, and especially Saphira, are enough of a threat," Cale explained. Eragon laughed himself.
"Yeah, Saphira can be quite intimidating," he agreed. "Well, I'm going to tell someone to set up a room for you."
An hour later, Taiven was feeling much better as he and Cale settled into their new room. It was considerably bigger than their cell, but it was also much warmer, as the walls weren't made of cold stone. Taiven hated to imagine the heat during the day. He was already feeling uncomfortably warm and it was still dark outside.
The next morning proved his theory right. He and Cale both woke to find their bodies, clothes, and sheets soaked with their perspiration. He peeled off his pants and long-sleeved tunic, leaving his underwear on as he and Cale were sharing the room, and threw them aside. He found a cloth next to a basin, using it to mop up the rest of the sweat from his body. When he went to replace the cloth, he realized that there was a pitcher of water next to the basin and poured some water into it. He dipped his hands into the lukewarm water and splashed some upon his face, thinking that it would have been more refreshing if the water was cooler. Cale pulled his tunic off as well and Taiven noticed that Cale was much skinnier than he thought. The oversized tunic the boy usually wore made it seem like he was much bigger around, yet now he seemed barely larger than Taiven's thigh.
We need to fatten you up, Cale. I can count each of your ribs, Taiven joked.
"Yeah? Well, you're no fatter than I am. Take a look," he retorted, pointing at the mirror atop a vanity in a corner. Taiven walked over and glanced at his figure. Cale was right. He did look quite a bit thinner than when they left the castle some weeks ago; although, he couldn't really see his ribs like he could Cale's.
Suddenly a brief knocking interrupted them.
"Come in!" Cale answered.
"Cale! No! We aren't decent! Taiven yelled, but it was too late. A girl with long, brown hair came through the door sooner than Taiven could react and dropped the clothes he just then realized she was carrying. Her piercing blue eyes met his, and then flashed over his nearly naked body which he tried to cover up with the see-through canopy from the bed, looking terribly ridiculous. They stared at each other for a brief moment, too embarrassed to do anything else and both turning a deep shade of scarlet. Cale said something inaudible to Taiven, but the sound broke their trance and she quickly left the room. Taiven threw aside the canopy and glared at the boy.
Good one, Cale. Now put your shirt on and go apologize. Hurry up! he added, as Cale sauntered over to his tunic. He pulled it on and rushed out the door. Taiven gathered the clothes she dropped, and set the small set for Cale on his bed, noting that both tunics were short-sleeved. He managed to change into the light blue tunic and dark blue leggings before Cale returned, looking embarrassed.
How did it go?
"She uh, accepted my apology . . . but said she needed to hear one from you too, and not through me. I told her that it was impossible because you were mute, so she suggested it to be written and hand delivered by you," Cale said awkwardly.
Did you also mention that it was your fault, or did you conveniently leave that part out? Taiven asked in a slightly irritated tone. He was going to apologize to her anyway, but now that she required one, he was more reluctant to give it.
"I . . . forgot?"
Uh huh. Taiven folded his arms over his chest. He was tempted to just forget about the apology, but then thought better of it. He couldn't afford to disrespect anyone right now, especially if she turned out to be someone of importance, which, he thought, was highly unlikely since she was delivering clothes, but she could know someone in a high place. Taiven sighed, giving in. Very well. Did she mention where I could find her?
"She said to ask Lady Nazuwuhda where to find her."
Lady Nazuwuhda? Are you sure that's her name?
"No."
Well did she give you her name?
"Uh… yeah, I think so," he said, and then remained silent. Taiven gave him a look that said plainly, 'well?'
What is it?
"Oh! Umm . . ." Cale squinted his eyes while his brow furrowed, as though trying to think really hard. "I don't remember."
Taiven rolled his eyes. Well thanks for your insightful information, Cale. Get dressed. I'll wait outside, he said, closing the door behind him. Almost a minute later, Taiven saw Eragon walking through the hallway.
"Oh, hello, Taiven. I didn't expect to meet you out here." Taiven gave a respected nod. "I was just coming to see you, actually. I wanted to request your appearance at a meeting that is about to take place in an hour. I'd tell you what it's about, but you never know who might be listening." He looked up and down the hall. "Anyway, I'll come get you in a half an hour." Taiven held up his hand in askance for Eragon to wait.
Cale? You about done in there? I need you for a minute. Two seconds later the door opened, revealing Cale in his new, light green tunic and black leggings.
"What?" he asked irritably, and then catching sight of Eragon, developed an awkward expression and said, "Oh! Sorry, sir. What is it you need?"
I need you to ask him where you will be during the meeting, Taiven replied.
"What meeting? And how come I can't come?" Cale asked with a whiny tone.
"Oh, right," Eragon muttered more to himself. He then turned to Taiven. "Umm… perhaps he could just stay in the room until the meeting is over?"
"Why can't I come?" Eragon looked a little uneasy.
"It really isn't a meeting for kids."
"I have just as much right to be there as Taiven does. We both rescued the egg and brought it here," Cale argued. Eragon 'shhed' him and nervously glanced up and down the hallway. Taiven thought about what Cale said.
You do have a point… Tell him that I would like to ask if you may be present.
Cale's eyes shone with gratitude. "Really, Taiven?"
Yeah, but it's up to them, not me.
"Okay," Cale answered and turned to Eragon. "Taiven would like to ask if I can be present at the meeting."
Eragon looked pensive. "Well, it really isn't my decision, but I'll ask if it will be all right." Cale's small grin broadened. "I will be back in a half an hour to get either both of you, or only Taiven." And with that, he left.
Cale turned to Taiven. "So you wanna go find Lady Nazuwuhda?"
Not right now. We only have a half hour, and I haven't even written my apology yet.
"Well then what do you think we could do in our half hour? I wanted to explore a little."
We'll have time for that later. Besides, exploring means we have to walk and I'm already sweating in this tunic. Occupy yourself until the meeting. I'm going to write my apology.
"Okay," Cale answered in a small voice. He looked disappointed, making Taiven add, We can explore the castle after the meeting, okay?
"Yeah, okay."
Taiven sat down at the desk and began to write. He figured he would tell the girl what had happened along with him telling her that the entire situation was regrettable. Once finished, he heard a knock on the door. He folded the letter and then let Eragon in.
"You two ready?" he asked, smiling. Cale's eyes brightened.
"You mean I can come?" Eragon nodded his head and Cale 'whooped', making the Rider laugh.
"There's only one rule," the Rider continued. Cale looked at him expectantly. "There will be no talking unless Taiven needs to say something. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!" Cale said enthusiastically, and then cupped his mouth with his hand to show he would abide by the rule.
"All right. Let's head on down then." He stopped suddenly and turned toward Taiven. "By the way, the council know about your being unable to speak, but Saphira and I figured it best not to tell anyone about your unfortunate relation. It would cause more problems than is necessary." Taiven nodded, trying to converse his gratitude through his expression. Eragon seemed to have interpreted his meaning, because the Rider gave him a knowing smile.
They made their way to a room with a long table where five people sat. There was a man in his mid-twenties at the head of the table. He wore regal clothing and a crown atop his head. To the right of him sat a very pretty woman about Taiven's age, wearing a nice dress and who held herself like nobility. To the right of the woman was a man with strong arms and a somewhat stern expression. Across from them sat two men, one in what seemed to be an orange military uniform, no doubt one of Surda's, and the other was in some expensive looking clothes.
Eragon turned to the boys beside him. "Taiven, Cale, this is King Orrin of Surda," he said, gesturing to the man at the head of the table. "Lord Byron, chief of the King's council, General Rienfeld of the Surdan army, Lady Nasuada, the leader of the Varden," – at this, Taiven smirked inwardly and said to Cale, 'Lady Nazuwuhda'?
That's what it sounded like at the time . . . I thought, he replied with embarrassment.
"And Jörmundur, head of the Varden army," he concluded, gesturing to the man beside Lady Nasuada. Each person inclined their heads as he introduced them. Taiven nudged Cale.
"Oh, uh, pleased to meet you all," he said as he and Taiven bowed.
"I still don't understand why they have to be present," replied the general, watching the boys with cautious eyes.
Eragon stepped forward, bringing the attention to him. "I asked for them to attend. They have a right to know what will happen to the egg, since they are the one's who risked their lives to deliver it here."
"They didn't have to be here for the meeting though, Rider Eragon," said King Orrin. "You could have told them what will become of the egg after we were through here. We weren't only going to talk about the egg."
"I understand that, sire, but there was another reason in bringing him here: Taiven would like to request a place in the Varden army." The expressions on each face held suspicions for Taiven as they sized him up with their eyes. Taiven felt exposed somehow though he knew he was wearing clothes. Their stares filled him with unease.
Finally, Lady Nasuada spoke, addressing the council. "Eragon wouldn't have let him out of his imprisonment if he suspected him of treachery. Besides, if he proves to have skills in weaponry and magic as we are led to believe, he will be a valuable ally."
"Or a most unfortunate enemy," Jörmundur argued. "We trusted another somewhat similar to this boy, which resulted in our worst betrayal yet. Are we willing to take the same risk?"
Taiven listened to them with a tinge of annoyance. They spoke as though he wasn't even in the room, but since he couldn't exactly defend himself, he supposed he might as well not be there. He thought about using Cale to voice his argument, but who would listen to a child?
"I have personally examined his mind," expressed Eragon, "and found nothing that poses him as a threat."
"So you would be prepared, young Rider, to take full responsibility of his actions if he displays any type of disloyalty," Lord Byron proposed. Taiven and Cale looked at Eragon, who kept his head toward the council.
"I am willing to do so," he replied. The entire room gazed at him with wide, surprised eyes.
Wow, thought Taiven. I've never had someone stand up for me like that before.
"All right then," King Orrin said. "Now that that's settled, why don't you three have a seat so that we may begin our meeting?"
Eragon took a seat next to Jörmundur, Taiven beside him, and Cale sat at the end of the table. The King raised an eyebrow, and Taiven mentioned to Cale that perhaps that wasn't the best place for him. Cale smiled sheepishly and took the seat across from Taiven, leaving an empty chair between him and General Rienfeld.
"Now," continued King Orrin, "down to business. I propose that the egg stay here for a time while every boy touches the egg to see if it will hatch for him."
"The legends have female Riders as well, sire," said Lady Nasuada. "It's highly unfair for only the boys from your Kingdom to be allowed close to the egg. Females from the Varden will certainly be encouraged to try their luck at becoming the next Rider."
"Certainly a girl hasn't the capability required in becoming a Rider," replied General Rienfeld, nearly laughing.
"No, she is right. There have been female Riders in the past," Lord Byron argued.
"What sort of 'capabilities' do you think is required for a Rider?" Lady Nasuada asked in a calm, yet somehow domineering tone. "And why is a girl beyond them?"
Hey Taiven? Cale voiced in his head.
Not right now, Cale. I'm trying to listen.
He watched as the general's amused expression fall at Nasuada's questions.
But I remembered something and I might forget later, insisted Cale.
"She has to be strong and a good leader while also having talent in swordsmanship and the bow," Rienfeld answered, making Nasuada's eyes narrow almost unnoticeably.
All right, what?
"And you think a girl is beyond this?" Taiven saw her eyes flash, yet her expression was as calm as ever.
Taiven noticed vaguely as Cale spoke to him and barely caught the last part of his sentence. . . . -suada for Kenna.
Kenna?
Yeah. That's the girl's name.
Oh, Taiven replied, finally understanding. Okay. Thanks, Cale. I'll ask her after this meeting - or rather, I'll have you ask her.
"Counsil, please," Eragon interrupted. "We're getting off subject."
"Too right," agreed King Orrin. "It appears I am mistaken, and therefore girls may also have the chance to touch the egg."
"However," added Eragon. "If a Rider is not chosen here, we will have to choose a certain amount of guards to accompany me in delivering the egg to Ellesméra." Many nodded their heads. An idea came to Taiven.
Cale, tell them that I volunteer for an egg courier. Cale turned to Taiven, looking scared to say anything to these leaders. Come on, Cale.
"Um, excuse me?" Cale said barely above a whisper. Eragon was the only one who turned to him. He must have really good hearing, Taiven thought to himself. The Rider then turned to Taiven in askance of whether he wanted to say something. Taiven nodded his head.
"Hold on," Eragon said above the others. "Cale needs to voice something for Taiven." He turned to the boy, who seemed terrified that all eyes were on him. "Go on."
Cale swallowed hard, cleared his throat and then squeaked, "Taiven would like to volunteer for an egg courier." They turned to Taiven, who again nodded his head.
"Why is that?" asked General Rienfeld, not bothering to mask his distrust of him.
Just repeat what I tell you, Cale, Taiven said.
Cale wet his lips and replied, "He says that the rumors of him knowing weaponry and magic are correct and would like the chance in protecting the egg further from the clutches of the hated King Galbatorix. We brought the egg this far and would like to see it hatch for a person with a good heart. The opportunity of visiting the elves is a major benefit as well."
"Yes, I'm sure that the location of the elves would be a 'major benefit' for whomever you report back to," General Rienfeld countered.
Taiven's eyes flashed and he heard Cale retort, "We don't report back to anyone!"
"That's enough!" bellowed King Orrin. The room fell to a deathly quiet. Taiven was impressed at how much authority the King held, even though he was much younger than his subjects.
Lady Nasuada was the first to speak. "You have been to Ellesméra already, Eragon, and you are one of the couriers. Do you think he will be trusted by the elves?"
"It's hard to say since the elves weren't too keen on trusting me at first, but Saphira and I trust him so hopefully that will be enough."
"Then it is settled," replied the King. "Taiven is now an official egg courier. Let's only hope we won't need any." General Rienfeld's expression hardened.
"It isn't necessary for the two to be present for the remainder of our meeting now, Rider Eragon," Lord Byron said. "Perhaps it's best for them not to know anyway."
"Yes, you're probably right," Eragon agreed. He turned to them. "Unless you have anymore questions, you are free to leave." Taiven prodded Cale.
"We have a question for the Lady Nasuada, please," Cale said. The woman inclined her head for him to continue. "Taiven needs to find a girl by the name of Kenna. She said you would know where to find her." An amused smile played upon her lips for a moment before disappearing.
"Kenna?" asked King Orrin. "What about Kenna?"
"Yes," Nasuada said, ignoring the King. "She told me about your unusual meeting." Her expression was passive, but her eyes were laughing. Taiven felt his cheeks burn and watched the pink color in Cale's cheeks deepen. "She's in the library. Just ask a servant to show you the way."
"Thank you," Cale managed to reply, and then they both headed for the door, eager to escape the quizzical stares of the other leaders.
"Well now wait a minute. Why do they need to find Kenna?" King Orrin insisted. Taiven looked back to see Nasuada answering his questions. He wondered why the King was so interested.
Once outside, Cale decided that he was going to return to their room as he had no intention of repeating his embarrassing conversation with the girl. Taiven figured it was just as well, because then he wouldn't have a way to speak to her and could just deliver his apology and leave. He had Cale tell a servant to lead Taiven to the library, and then the boy left in the opposite direction, assuring Taiven that he knew the way back.
The library was a decent size, mostly filled with scrolls of science and philosophy. These sorts of subjects held little interest for Taiven, though, and he soon found himself in a small section of the library containing scrolls of history. His wide, surprised eyes browsed the titles with hunger, yearning to read each and every one. These types of scrolls were banned in Alagaësia, as many of them were tales of Riders and their dragons. Many of the scrolls having to do with history were burned, so he was delighted to find some still intact. Maybe he could ask the King if he could borrow a couple scrolls. He'd read them now, but he had a letter to deliver.
He found the girl curled up with a scroll in one of the several armchairs scattered about the room. As he drew closer to her, he noticed that she looked to be around his age, maybe a little younger. He cleared his throat quietly so as not to frighten her but to have her notice him at the same time. She looked up from her reading and gazed at him. He watched as her eyes lit up while her lips curled into a small smile. Taiven had to admit that the girl was quite striking. He felt his mouth open slightly in awe.
"Hello," she greeted. Taiven quickly closed his mouth and inclined his head in acknowledgement. He shyly held out the letter for her. "Oh. Thank you."
After the letter was given, half of him wanted to leave, but for some reason he couldn't explain, he felt compelled to stay. Just until she reads my apology, he told himself. When she finished reading, however, he stayed where he was. She folded the letter and placed it next to her.
"It's a good letter. It made me feel somewhat ashamed to ask one of you, since it wasn't your fault." She smiled at him. He wanted to tell her not to worry about it, and that he was going to apologize to her anyway, but he couldn't. He could only look at her and try to interpret what he wanted to say through his expressions.
"So you really can't speak?" she asked. He shook his head. "How do you communicate?" He pointed to the letter and then at his head.
"Through letters and thought?" He nodded. "Oh, I'm sorry." Taiven shrugged his shoulders.
"It must be pretty hard to cope with sometimes, huh?" He nodded again, but shrugged it off and gave her a smile, which she returned. She looked deeply into his eyes with her bright blues ones and he felt himself blush. She smiled again.
"Well, thank you again for the letter. I hope to see you again soon," she said, making him smile.
All the way back to his room, he couldn't get those gorgeous blue eyes out of his head.
Wow. This is my longest chapter out of every fanfic I have. It's over 4600 words! How crazy is that? I just couldn't find a good place to stop. More reading for you, though. Yea!
Review!