This was the room Nightmare had seen when possessing that Twin. It was a nice, elegant, two-story study that Nightmare could've spent weeks in just reading the books that lined the cedar shelves. The wrought iron staircase led up to the balcony holding a pair of chairs and reading table. White lanterns made it so one could read anywhere in here. Stone floor was covered in an intricate oval rug. Opposite end of the room, a man stood behind a walnut desk.

He was quite dark-skinned, head shaved but his beard and mustache were closely trimmed. Upon his broad shoulders sat a red vest with gold embroidery. His shirt was rich purple. He held a dignified air. He spoke with confidence.
"Welcome to Tronjhiem, Lord Nightmare, Eragon, Saphira, and others. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves."

Nightmare blinked, not used to respect quite like that, then shook his skull. Eragon slipped into the chair, and Dust stole the other seat before Murtaugh could take it. The human frowned while the skeleton grinned.

They arranged themselves around the table, Nightmare and Error in front whilest the rest settled on the floor, except Murtaugh, who stood behind Eragon, Saphira looming over him. Ajihad snapped his fingers, and the other bald human came out from behind the stairs, the pair standing at either side of him. Eragon and Murtaugh stiffened in surprise.
"Your confusion is understandable, they are twin brothers." Ajihad explained gently. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."

Saphira hissed in distaste. Ajihad observed this, then sat in the high-backed chair behind him. The Twins disappeared under the stairs, both shooting Nightmare terrified looks. He smirked. Ajihad steepled his fingers and studied their group for some time in deep thought.

Several minutes passed, some of the team and Eragon squirming in awkwardness. Then Ajihad beckoned the Twins, one hurrying to his side. They whispered intently, though the skeletons heard the ensuing conversation anyway.

"Have they all been examined?"
"No sir, there was the..complication.. Remember?"
"Yes, but have the rest been examined?"
"They refused, we didn't dare to push after it."
"How can they be trusted without being examined?"
"If they are not to be trusted, then they have fooled an ancient god."
"Very well. Did you at least examine the other human?"
"No, he refused and his walls are impregnable."
"Gah, you're making this very difficult for me."
He faced Murtaugh and addressed him.

"You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dur because the Twins have assured me that they can control you and because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. I understand that there may be things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."

"You wouldn't trust me anyway." Murtaugh growled angrily.
Ajihad's expression grew deadly as Murtaugh huffed, his eyes flinty. "Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear… I know that voice." He stood dangerously while Nightmare bit back his own anger at the reaction. "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Remove your shirt."

Murtaugh blinked, but kept his face emotionless as he complied. "Turn around." Ajihad ordered. Murtaugh obeyed, revealing his scar.
"Murtaugh." Ajihad was breathless, though only for a moment. "Did you know of this?" He yelled at the Twins.
"We discovered the name in Eragon's mind, but we did not suspect that this boy was the son of one as powerful as Morzan. It never occurred-" "And you didn't tell me?" He raised his hand before they could speak. "We will discuss it later." He faced Murtaugh once again. "First I must untangle this muddle. Do you still refuse to be probed?"
"Yes." Murtaugh snapped. "I won't let anyone inside my head."
"There will be unpleasant consequences if you don't. Unless the Twins can certify that you aren't a threat, we cannot give you credence, despite, perhaps because of, the assistance you have given Eragon. Without the verification, the people here, dwarf and human alike, will tear you apart if they learn of your presence. I'll be forced to keep you confined at all times- as much for your protection as much as for ours. It will only get worse once the dwarf king, Hrothgar, demands custody of you. Don't force yourself into that situation when it can easily be avoided."

Murtaugh shook his head, determined. "No… even if I were to submit, I would still be treated like a leper and an outcast. All I wish is to leave. If you let me do that peacefully, I'll never reveal your location to the Empire."
"What will happen if you are captured and brought before Galbatorix?" Ajihad argued. "He will extract every secret from your mind, no matter how strong you may be. Even if you could resist him, how can we trust that you won't rejoin him in the future? I cannot take that chance."
"Will you hold me forever?" Murtaugh demanded.
"No. Only until you let yourself be examined. If you are found trustworthy, the Twins will remove all knowledge of Farthen Dûr's location from your mind before you leave. We won't risk someone with those memories falling into Galbatorix's hands. What is it to be, Murtaugh? Decide quickly or else the path will be chosen for you."

Murtaugh considered this as the others complained loudly about the decision. Nightmare and Error shared a look: they felt fate acting up. It controlled them somewhat, something Error positively hated.
When were they going to be able to actually do anything??

Murtaugh spoke, his words clear and full of purpose. "My mind is the one sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I've learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts. You have asked for the one thing I cannot give, least of all to those two." He pointed at the Twins. "Do with me what you will, but know this: death will take me before I'll expose myself to their probing."

Ajihad had a surge of admiration, but contained it to his eyes. "I'm not surprised by your choice, though I had hoped otherwise.… Guards!" The door burst open and they filed in, weapons out.
"Take him to a windowless room and bar the door securely. Post 6 men by the entrance and allow no one inside until I come to see him. Do not speak to him, either."

They gathered around him as Eragon mouthed his apologies, Nightmare reaching out mentally, meeting an iron wall. He didn't push, just expressed his sorrow. Murtaugh's eyes met his lights as the human realized it was him.
"It is Fate yet again." He mouthed, hoping the human could understand, despite his lack of lips. Murtaugh soon left with the guards, shrugging carelessly.

"I want everyone out of this room except me and the guests. Now!" The Twins bowed and left, Orik speaking up instead.
"Sir, the king will want to know of Murtaugh. And there is still the matter of my insubordination…"
Ajihad frowned, then waved him off. "I will tell Hrothgar myself. As for your actions… wait outside until I call for you. And don't let the Twins get away. I'm not done with them either."
"Very well." Orik dipped his head, then closed the door.

Silence filled the chamber. Then Ajihad sighed wearily. He ran his hand over his face and stared at the ceiling. Nightmare leaned against the table, Dust kicking back and putting his feet on it. The dark King glared at him and he shrugged, closing his sockets and grinning wider.
"Is Arya alright?" Eragon blurted out. Ajihad looked back down. "No… but the healers tell me she will recover. They worked on her all through the night. The poison took a dreadful toll on her. She wouldn't have lived if not for all of you. For that you have the Varden's deepest thanks."
Eragon slumped in relief. Dust opened one socket to look at him as Killer whispered. "Lover boy." Too low for the human to hear.

"So, what now?"
"I need you and Saphira to tell me everything that's happened since. Some of it I know from the message Brom sent us, other parts from the Twins. But I want to hear it from you, especially the details concerning Brom's death." Ajihad steepled his fingers again. "And you..." "Nightmare." He blinked at the name. "Yes." He responded before Ajihad could ask. The man shifted, thinking.
"I'd like you to tell me about yourselves. And maybe a little bit about your world. Others like you don't seem impartial about sharing."
Nightmare chuckled. "I suppose I can explain why, if you would first tell me their names. I understand Geno and Fresh are here."
"Yes, those two seem close, despite their… differences. There is also a temperamental one named Red, a woman made entirely of fire named Sinead, and a more humanoid one called Chaos." .

Nightmare could see something white poking out from behind a bookcase.

Chaos grinned and she waved at them, her black hair had been tied back by a strip of leather and she was wearing a protective apron over her clothing.

The woven necklace that Error had given her was around her neck and Nightmare could see Horror's axe, which looked like it had been cleaned and sharpened, hidden behind her back, as she watched them.

Nightmare frowned. "I've never heard of this Sinead, but we know the rest quite well." He turned his skull to the door, sensing extreme emotions and alarm before yelling started. Saphira crouched, ready for an attack. Dust sat up and turned around, recognizing a voice.

Then a pale, eternally wounded skeleton glitched through the door, his eyesocket wide. Error stiffened, his sockets also huge. "Geno." Said skeleton pointed an accusing finger at the now-standing Ajihad. "I don't care if it's a matter between life and death, if Error's here, nothing is gonna stop me from gettin' at my brother!" His eyelight flashed red and blue, a wide circle.

Then he collided with Error before the darker glitch could react. The pair were surrounded by glitches as Geno squeezed Error so tight he yelped. Dust stood up.

The door blew open, Red standing there with red flames blazing from his left eyelight and Blasters summoned behind him. He dropped his arm and the weapons vanished, revealing a grinning Fresh holding an enraged Orik above his skull.

"DUST, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!" "Sup, bitch?" Red charged at him and punched his shoulder so hard it popped. "How the hell did you get here?!"
"Ink." Everyone responded in monotone.
"That cocksucker!"
"Heya, none a dat unrad lingo in here, it's real unfresh of ya, mcedgy!"

Red snarled as Fresh wheeled in. "Shut the funk up, Fresh. Wait, did you just censor me?!"
"Shut up, Red." Killer socked him from behind playfully.
"Fresh, get in here you parasite." Geno waved the 90's reject over. He shrugged and came over, joining the hug. Error sighed in annoyance at the contact, smiling despite himself. Dust and Red bad-mouthed and wrestled each other. Nightmare faced Ajihad.

"As you can see, we are rather familiar with each other. I'd say you're lucky. If it had been anyone else, it probably would have been worse. I believe we have some explaining to do."
"Who the funk are you?" Red asked him.

Cross swooped in, grinning maniacally. "Nightmare's passive form!" He squealed. Red's eyelights died. "No funking way. Fresh, I swear to God."

Nightmare growled as Cross hugged him. "Let go of me." The monochrome sadly peeled off with puppy dog eyelights. "But you're so cute like that." He whined.

"I am not cute."
Red started snickering. "Holy sheet, this is hilarious. You actually look like Dream."

In the span of two seconds Nightmare morphed halfway into his Corrupted form and lunged at Red, knocking him to the floor and getting in his face.
"Don't compare me to Dream." He spoke with an icy tone, his blue eyelight piercing into Red.
"I'm sorry, please don't kill me. Boss would be mad." He chuckled nervously.

Flicking his tentacles, Nightmare stood up, the liquid negativity dripping off of him and dissolving as he turned passive once more.
It didn't even stain the carpet.

Red got up and backed away, rattling a little. Orik showed up, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder, only for the edgy Sans to shrug it off.

"Nightmare, do you care to explain what that was?" Ajihad spoke up from across the room. The King of Negativity sighed. "Yes, it is about time we got to the point, isn't it?"

It was a long conversation, the others adding in details they viewed as important, Nightmare admitting a few things he normally wouldn't, letting Error at one point take over the narrative to explain Nightmare's past, which had never been uttered before, at least, not in Alagaësia. Then he finished, saying, "We come to fix the imbalance of Alagaësia. We will ally ourselves with the Varden, but not join them. We are our own people and army. And to make things easier, we have decided to call ourselves the Wyrdaí Islingrya. Though other skeletons can join our team, those of us that have been traveling with Eragon will continue to be Wyrdaí Islingrya. We will go where Eragon and Saphira go, but we will help you. We have power that is unheard of here, it gives us quite the advantage."

Ajihad tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hrothgar would benefit from hearing this. Your ability to fight Durza as an equal is certainly helpful, but. I must know, and I am sure you want to as well, but Geno, Red, Fresh. Do you follow Nightmare as your King?"

The trio all considered this, Nightmare raising a non-existent eyebrow at them. Red sighed first, looking annoyed while his true emotions were a little crushed.
"Yeah. I couldn't back home 'cuz personal reasons, but I'll let ya be my new Boss." He looked at Nightmare, who dipped his skull. "I ain't doin' none of that knighting sheet. FRESH!" He shot the colorful skeleton a death stare. Fresh grinned, his sunglasses reading STOP.

Geno spoke up. "I'd rather join Error as an ally. I'll listen to you, but I'm not obligated to act. I'd rather keep my family and Blueberry my top priority. So I guess we're technically not Wyrdaí Islingrya? We should workshop our own name later."

Error smiled at Geno, before Horror said, "All of us are Wyrdaí Islingrya. I don't know what Boss is sayin'. But us with Boss are Wyrdvrangr." He leaned back in the chair he'd stolen from Dust, closing his sliver and red flickering eyelight from view. Nightmare took this into consideration. Then rubbed a hand over his skull.

"Does the last-minute change bother you, Ajihad?" "No, not at all. But if I may ask, what does it mean?"
"Wandering fate." They all stared at the dark-skinned human.
"Very well. Wyrdvrangr it is. Do you want the dwarves to start calling you that instead of etalthargen?"
"What does it mean?" Error asked.
"Basically skeleton in Dwarvish." Geno answered for him. Nightmare shook his skull at that.
"They can call us that. Wyrdaí Islingrya is just the name for monsters helping the cause. You can say we're the head…"
"Oh now we're gonna make it into politics." Error snickered. "You're Wyrdvrangr, and I'm.. Eldjierdar."
"That's fitting. You and your family are all breakers. We're all Wyrdaí Islingrya, but two different groups."

Chaos poked out from behind the bookcase again, before she made her way over to Error. "I'll follow Nightmare too, and I wish to go with them. Error is my Father, Ajihad." None of them were used to seeing Chaos this serious, apart from Error. "I will not be separated from him again. I am Eldjierdar as well. This is my family, my people, I will not leave their side! I was unable to help them before, but I can now. I will fight and I will stand alongside them."
Error looked so goddamn proud of Chaos, but Nightmare spoke.

"It appears you are Wyrdaí Islingrya, but you lean more towards Eldjierdar. So you follow your father and not me, I presume?" Chaos nodded, standing closer to Error.
"Very well. Now that this is settled, you tell us about yourself and the Varden, Ajihad."

The human gave them a puzzled look, then sighed as he gathered his thoughts. Everyone was silent as he stared at the bookshelves. Then he folded his hands over the desk and spoke.

"Brom's death was a terrible loss. He was a close friend of mine and a powerful ally of the Varden. He saved us from destruction many times through his bravery and intelligence. Even now, when he is gone, he's provided us with the one thing that can ensure our success- you." He meant all of them, but mostly Eragon and Saphira. Eragon caught on quickly.

"But what can you expect us to accomplish?"
"I will explain in full, but there are more urgent matters to be dealt with first. The news of the Urgal's alliance with the Empire is extremely serious. If Galbatorix is gathering an Urgal army to destroy us, the Varden will be hard-pressed to survive, even though many of us are protected here in Farthen Dûr. That a Rider, even one as evil as Galbatorix, would consider a pact with such mo- beasts is indeed proof of madness. I shudder to think of what he promised them in return for their fickle loyalty. And then there is the Shade. You understand that you may have struck a lethal blow to him, but he lives?" He asked the team.

Eragon blanched, having not known Durza was alive as the previous conversation had insinuated he was dead, namely because Killer… was Killer.

"Yes. He vanished to recover from the blow, not unlike how I'd recover from a 'lethal' wound." Nightmare answered.
"Yes. It's an unpleasant process, but Durza will survive and return stronger than ever."
The mood darkened, making Nightmare take a deep breath as it only added to his strength.

"You are an enigma, all of you. You're a quandary no one knows how to solve. Everyone knows what the Varden want- or the Urgals, or even Galbatorix- but no one knows what you want. That makes you dangerous, especially to Galbatorix. He fears you because he doesn't know what any of you will do next."
"Do the Varden fear us?" Eragon asked in a low voice. Ajihad hesitated.

"We don't fear you," He said slowly. "We are hopeful. But if that hope proves false, then yes, we will be afraid." Eragon studied his lap, the skeletons all thinking carefully.
"You must understand the unusual nature of your position and magics. There are factions that want you to serve their interests, Eragon, and you, skeletons, and have you all to themselves. The moment you entered Farthen Dûr, their influence and power began tugging on you."
"Including yours?" Eragon inquired intelligently. Ajihad chuckled, a sharpness in his gaze. "Including mine. There are certain things you should know, Eragon. First is how Saphira's egg happened to appear in the Spine. Did Brom ever tell you what was done to the egg after he brought it here?"
"No." Said the Rider as he glanced at his dragon, who flicked her tongue at him.

Ajihad tapped his desk thoughtfully before answering. "When Brom first brought the egg to the Varden, everyone was deeply interested in it's fate. We had thought the dragons were exterminated. The dwarves were solely concerned about making the future Rider an ally- though some of them were opposed to having a new Rider at all- while the elves and Varden had a more personal stake in the matter. The reason was simple enough: throughout history all the Riders have been either elven or human, with the majority being elven. There has never been a dwarf Rider." He explained.

"Because of Galbatorix's betrayals, the elves were reluctant to let any of the Varden handle the egg for fear that the dragon inside would hatch for a human with similar instabilities. It was a challenging situation, both sides wanted the Rider for their own. The dwarves only aggravated the problem by arguing obstinately with both the elves and us whenever they had the chance. Tensions escalated, and before long, threats were made that were later regretted. It was then that Brom suggested a compromise that allowed all sides to save face."

"He proposed that the egg be ferried between the Varden and the elves every year. At each place children would parade past it, and then the bearers of the egg would wait and see if the dragon would hatch. If it didn't, they would leave and return to the other group. But if the dragon did hatch, the new Rider's training would be undertaken immediately. For the first year or so he or she would be instructed here, by Brom. Then the Rider would be taken to the elves, who would finish the education."

"The elves reluctantly accepted this plan… with the stipulation that if Brom were to die before the dragon hatched, they would be free to train the new Rider without interference."
"But that's leaning too far towards the elves?" Blueberry noted.
"Yes, because the dragon was likely to choose an elf. It provided a desperately needed semblance of equality. That was ten years ago."
Ajihad paused, letting his monologue sink in.

"Last year, we suffered a terrible loss. Arya and the egg disappeared on her return from Tronjhiem to the elven city of Osilon. The elves were the first to discover she was missing. They found her steed and her guards slain in Du Weldenvarden and a group of slaughtered Urgals nearby. But neither Arya nor the egg was there. When this news reached me, I feared that Urgals had both of them and would soon learn the location of Farthen Dûr and the elves' capital, Ellesméra, where their queen, Islanzadi, lives. Now I understand they were working for the Empire, which is far worse."

Light snoring as Horror literally fell asleep. Dust facepalmed as Killer sniggered. Blue smacked the creepy skeleton and he sat up.
"Huh? What?" He realized what just happened and flushed.
"Oops."
"Don't do it again." Nightmare narrowed his sockets at him. "Sorry, Boss."
Shaking his skull, Nightmare faced Ajihad. "Excuse him. Please continue."

After a pause, Ajihad raised an eyebrow at Horror, who smiled sheepishly.
"He's a very rude lazybones!" Blue chirped, glaring at the Sans, who muttered sorry again. The rest of the team was giggling quietly.
"Silence, Ajihad was speaking." Nightmare ordered while rolling his eyelights. They obeyed.

""We don't know exactly what occurred during that attack until Arya wakes," He paused, eyeing them. "But I have deduced a few details from what you've said." His gaze wandered over them, checking if they were going to fall asleep.

Then, in a slightly louder voice, "The attack must have been swift and decisive, else Arya would have escaped. Without any warning, and deprived of a place to hide, she could have done one thing- used magic to transport the egg elsewhere."

"She can use magic?" Eragon asked.
"No shit, Sherlock!" Red and Killer said in unison, eliciting a laugh out of the rest. Even Error cringed and grinned into his hand as Nightmare pinched his face.
"You're all children." He sighed.
"Y'all get a Fresh pass on dat one, it was pretty entertaining, yo." Fresh did finger guns.

Even Ajihad held in a chuckle at the silly behavior. "It was one of the reasons why she was chosen to guard the egg." He explained with a small smile.
"Anyway, Arya couldn't have returned it to us- she was too far away- and the elves' realm is warded by arcane barriers that prevent anything from entering their borders through magical means. She must have thought of Brom and in desperation, sent the egg toward Carvahall. Without time to prepare, I'm not surprised she missed by the margin she did. The Twins tell me it's an imprecise art."

Eragon scrunched up his face in confusion. "Why was she closer to Palancar Valley than the Varden? Where do the elves really live? Where is this… Ellesméra?"
"All very good questions." Nightmare commented.
Ajihad's gaze flicked around the faces in the room, furrowing his brow. He spoke slowly and carefully.

"I don't tell you this lightly, for the elves guard the knowledge jealously. But you should know. All of you should know. I can see that even if I didn't tell you, some of you would find out anyway."
Error and Nightmare both nodded, Error already figured it out.
Horror spoke up unexpectedly yet again.
"The guarding forest up north, watching over the Älfakyn cities. Osilon is the closest Älfa dras to Carvahall." His eyelight was silver with dusky streaks of rust, his voice hollow. His mind was flat and blank.
Then Horror blinked and was normal again.

"How did you know that?" Ajihad questioned slowly. Horror seemed puzzled.
"I kinda remember sayin' something. Could ya remind me?"
Nightmare waved it off. "It's something happening to Horror lately. I cannot understand what possesses him to say these things, but it appears Horror is the receptacle for an as of yet still unknown entity."
Everyone's eyes/eyesockets widened.
"That would explain it!" Horror breathed, surprisingly relieved.
"You're just okay with some random entity possessing Horror??" Geno burst out.

"It doesn't have insidious intent." Nightmare said pointedly. "That shouldn't excuse possession!" Geno ranted. Nightmare glared at him, standing taller despite being shorter than him in this form.
"If you are so worked up about it, then how do you propose we remove it?" He questioned.
Geno scoffed, throwing up his hands. "Like hell if I know!" "Broski, ya should calm down." Fresh insisted, sweating nervously as the topic was a little related to him. His sunglasses read UH OH.

"Not until I know more about this thing! It could be out to get us for all we know!"
"Geno, I'm fine!" Horror stood up shakily, his eyelight paling as a spark flickered in his empty socket.
"Eka eddyr ilia. Mor'ranr, Äfbaní." He said, as though he didn't even notice he'd slipped into the Ancient Language.

Geno raised a non-existent eyebrow at him. Then spoke in Wingdings.
"Did you even notice that you spoke in that magic language?" Error groaned into his hand as Nightmare pinched the bone between his sockets in frustration.
"No... I didn't notice. But I'm fine, Geno. Thanks for the concern, but I'm just tired."
"I was going to let it rest until we met the elves. I suspect they would have an answer. Or, it could be he's more sensitive to something that we are all detecting. Just withhold the arguments for another day, now is not the time or place to discuss this." Nightmare told him. Geno sighed, narrowing his socket at Horror.
"At least tell us when you feel it coming on, okay? I care about you, Horror."
"Thanks, but I'm really fine. Just lemme sleep when we get to. I really.. wanna sleep so when I get up I can make a battle axe."
"That's what you're focused on?"
"Hey, I have my priorities."
"Eh, he's got a point." Dust said, pointing.
"Just discuss it later, not in front of the human." Nightmare hissed.

Turning, he faced Ajihad as pleasantly as possible, a hard thing to do for the King of Negativity. "Excuse them. They forget private matters, although it is something worth making note of, I won't deny that. But can you please continue what you were saying? We want to discuss this possession issue privately, but due to how it affects the Varden and the dwarves we will inform you of our conclusions. When it is discussed."

Ajihad leaned back, eyeing Horror suspiciously as the skeleton rolled his eyelight in irritation.
"I can't say I might give unwanted information to any entities when it freely told us where one of the elf cities generally are. It's not very helpful, but is still revealing. Perhaps it is personally familiar with the elves, we don't know. But yes, I suppose I should continue. Then you can rest after your hard journey."
Nightmare and Error agreed.

Ajihad paused thoughtfully as he figured out what he wanted to say. Then he spoke quickly.
"When Arya disappeared, the elves withdrew their support from the Varden. Queen Islanzadi was especially enraged and refused any further contact with us. As a result, even though I received Brom's message, the elves are still ignorant of Eragon and Saphira… Without their supplies to sustain my troops, we have fared badly these past months in skirmishes with the Empire."

"With Arya's return and your arrival, I expect the Queen's hostility will abate. The fact that you rescued Arya will greatly help our case with her. Eragon's training, however, is going to present a problem for both Varden and elves. Brom obviously had a chance to teach you Eragon, but we need to know how thorough it was. For that reason, you'll have to be tested to determine the extent of your abilities."
"There is also the fact that we have been teaching Eragon what we can." Nightmare added.
"In that case, we will have to test you as well, to see how competent you are in the ways of our magic."

"I would openly admit we are growing skilled with the Ancient Language, but we are certainly nowhere close to the elves' capabilities."
"I have been experimenting with the Ancient Language myself." Chaos said. "I can create a flame." She frowned before she hissed. "Brisingr!" A small ball of yellow fire appeared in her free hand. "But, that's as far as I can go for now, but I would like to learn more about it."
"That's wonderful news, despite the fact that you have only been in Alagaësia for less than a year. And in spite of how naturally it comes to you, that doesn't mean anything to the elves, it is their home tongue."
They all nodded; this was true.

"The elves will also expect Eragon to finish his training with them, though I'm not sure if there's time for that."
"Why not?" Eragon and Nightmare asked in unison.
"For several reasons. Chief among them, the tidings you brought about the Urgals." He glanced at Saphira.
"You see, the Varden are in a very delicate position. On one hand, we have to comply with the elves' wishes if we want to keep them as allies. At the same time, we cannot anger the dwarves if we wish to lodge in Tronjhiem."
"So they are part of the Varden?" Eragon asked
"Not quite." Nightmare said quietly.
"In a sense. They allow us to live here and provide assistance in our struggle with the Empire, but they are loyal only to their king. I have no power over them except for what Hrothgar gives me, and even he often has trouble with the dwarf clans. The thirteen clans are subservient to Hrothgar, but each clan chief wields enormous power; they choose the new dwarf king when the old one dies."
"Oh, so a bit of democracy here." Dust commented.
"No interruptions." Nightmare chatisized.

"I suppose you're right. Hrothgar is sympathetic to our cause, but many of the clan chiefs aren't. He can't afford to anger them unnecessarily or he'll lose the support of his people, so his actions on our behalf have been severely circumscribed."
"Oof." Chaos muttered.

"These clan chiefs," Eragon began, glancing at the faces around the room. "Are they against me and Wyrdaí Islingrya as well?"
"Even more against you, I'm afraid. But they are as a majority neutral on behalf of the skeletons, as they don't know enough about them to make an honest opinion yet."
"Why so wholly against Eragon?" Error asked.
"Because of dragons. There has long been enmity between dwarves and dragons- before the elves came and made peace, dragons made a regular habit of eating the dwarves' flocks and stealing their gold- and the dwarves are slow to forget past wrongs. Indeed, they never fully accepted the Riders or allowed them to police their kingdom. Galbatorix's rise to power has only served to convince many of them that it would be better never to deal with Riders or dragons ever again." He meant the last part for Saphira.

Eragon considered this as Killer spoke. "That's a load of bullshit."
"Shut up, Kills." Cross nudged him.
"Why doesn't Galbatorix know where Farthen Dûr and Ellesméra are? Surely he was told of them when he was instructed by the Riders."
"Told of them, yes- shown where they are, no. It's one thing to know that Farthen Dûr lies within these mountains, quite another to find it. Galbatorix hadn't been to either place before his dragon was killed. After that, of course, the Riders didn't trust him. He tried to force the information out of several Riders during his rebellion, but they chose to die rather than reveal it to him. As for the dwarves, he's never managed to capture one alive, though it's only a matter of time."

"Then why doesn't he just take an army and march through the Du Weldenvarden until he finds Ellesméra?" Eragon questioned. Chaos spat out her drink- where had she even gotten that- and stared at the Rider incredulously as Red muttered "fuckin' idiot" only to be censored by Fresh.

"They can still resist him. Remember: they are much more powerful with their strength and knowledge of the Ancient Language." Nightmare explained patiently.
"Precisely. He doesn't dare test his strength against theirs, at least not yet. But his cursed sorcery grows stronger each year. With another Rider at his side, he would be unstoppable. He keeps trying to get one of his two eggs to hatch, but so far he's been unsuccessful."

Eragon was perturbed as the others stiffened. "How can his power be increasing? The strengths of his body limits his abilities- it can't build itself up forever."
"It's not his power." Horror, Error, and Nightmare all spoke at once, startling the others.
"That is one thing we know for sure. It is not his strength. He's stolen it." Nightmare spoke severely.
"Though from where we are less sure of." Error continued. "Although I do believe it's connected to the dragons. They seem to have an equivalent of our Souls, only more physical."
"He stole the strength of the dragons." Horror finished, his gaze unfocused.

"How do you know this?" Ajihad questioned.
"Same way we feel fate moving, same way we sense great pain in the future." Nightmare told him.
Error looked Ajihad in the eyes. "We detect snippets of the future, especially with a few important pieces of this conflict. Like you. There is nothing we can do for you, but it will urge the Varden to finally begin taking real action when we leave for Splendor."
"You sense fate? Tell me, what is my fate?"
They paused, knowing they couldn't say anything, despite wanting to. Not yet, anyway.
"We don't know. It's painful, and it earns you the name Nightstalker." Error half-lied.
Ajihad furrowed his brow. "That is strange. Could you perhaps tell me and king Hrothgar when you sense more? It might give us useful insight."
"If we can." Nightmare spoke quietly. "But in that case, then know this: there is going to be much death in the future. Very soon. One thing we know is when we sense fate, it is unavoidable."
"That… is very concerning."

He considered this, lacing his fingers together as he thought. Then he remembered something. The human pulled out a ruined piece of parchment, black writing in an unknown language on the bloodstained paper.
"Do you know what this is?"
"No, I don't." Eragon answered for all of them.

"It was taken from the Urgal host we destroyed last night. It cost us twelve men to do so- they sacrificed themselves so that you could escape safely. The writing is the king's invention, a script he uses to communicate with his servants. It took me a while, but I was able to devise it's meaning, at least where it's legible. It reads:

….gatekeeper at Ithrö Zhâda is to let the bearer and his minions pass. They are to be bunked with others of their kind….

but only if the two factions refrain from fighting. Command will be given under Tarok, under Gashz, under Durza, under Ushnark the Mighty.

"Ushnark is Galbatorix. It means father in the Urgal tongue, an affection that pleases him."

Find what they are suitable for and…. The footmen and…. are to be kept separate. No weapons are to be distributed until…. for marching.

"Nothing else can be read past there, except for a few vague words."
"Where's Ithrö Zhâda? I've never heard of it." Eragon quested. The others stirred, aware that the name was very important. Blue looked like he wanted to say something.
"Nor have I," Ajihad confirmed, "which makes me suspect that Galbatorix has renamed an existing place for his own purposes. After deciphering this, I asked myself what hundreds of Urgals were doing by the Beor Mountains where you first saw them and where they were going. The parchment mentions "others of their kind," so I assume there are even more Urgals at their destination. There's only one reason for the King to gather in such force- to forge a bastard army of humans and mo-beasts to destroy us."
"Thank you for remembering that we are monsters." Geno said quietly, eyelights studying Ajihad.

"I apologise for my mistakes, I am grateful that you understand what monsters mean in Alagaësia normally." Geno nodded.
"What do we do about the Urgals?" Cross asked, leaning on his hands over the table.
"For now, there is nothing to do but wait and watch. Without further information we cannot find this Ithrö Zhâda. Still, Farthen Dûr has yet to be discovered, so there is hope. The only Urgals to have seen it died last night."

"How did you know we were coming?" Eragon prompted. "One of the Twins was waiting and there was an ambush in place for the Kull."
"We have sentinels placed at the entrance of the valley you traveled through- on either side of the Beartooth River. They sent a dove to warn us."
"When the egg and Arya disappeared, did you tell Brom? He said he hadn't heard anything from the Varden."
"We tried to alert him, but I suspect our men were intercepted and killed by the Empire. Why else would the Ra'zac have gone to Carvahall? After that, Brom was traveling with you, Eragon, and it was impossible to get word to him. I was relieved when he contacted me via messenger from Teirm. It didn't surprise me that he went to Jeod; they were old friends. And Jeod could easily send us a message because he smuggles supplies to us through Surda."

Ajihad sighed, clasping his hands on his desk. "All of this has raised serious questions. How did the Empire know where to ambush Arya and, later, our messengers to Carvahall? How has Galbatorix learned which merchants help the Varden? Jeod's business has been virtually destroyed since you left him, as have those of other merchants who support us. Every time one of their ships sets sail, it disappears. The dwarves cannot give us everything we need, so the Varden are in desperate need of supplies. I'm afraid that we have a traitor, or traitors, in our midst, despite our efforts to examine people's minds for deceit."

Eragon sank down in his chair, thinking as the others did the same. Finally everyone knew what was actually happening in Alagaësia, they could decide what they were going to do. It was worrying, because they all had the sinking feeling that they would have to split up..

"What do you want from me? And us?" Eragon asked abruptly.
"How do you mean?" Ajihad quested.
"I mean, what is expected of me in Tronjhiem? You and the elves have plans for me, but what if I don't like them?" There was an edge in his voice, and Nightmare glanced at him admirably, the boy was aware of his position and how to use it.

"I'll fight when needed, revel when there's occasion, mourn when there's grief, and die if my time comes… but I won't let anyone use me against my will." He paused to let the words sink in. Nightmare felt a grin creep up on his face at the boy's defiant control.

"The Riders of old were arbiters above and beyond the leaders of their time. I don't claim that position- I doubt people would accept such oversight when they've been free of it all their lives, especially from one as young as me. But I do have power, and I will wield it as I see fit. What I want to know is how you plan to use me. Then I will decide whether to agree to it."

Ajihad looked at him. "If you were anyone else and we're before another leader, you would have been killed for that insolent speech. What makes you think I will be expose my plans just because you demand it?"
Eragon flushed while locking eyes on the other.
"Still, you are right. Your position gives you privilege to say such things. You cannot escape the politics of your situation- you will be influenced, one way or another. I don't want to see you become a pawn of any one group or purpose any more than you do. You must retain your freedom, for in it lies your true power: the ability to make choices independent of any leader or king. My own authority over you will be limited, but I believe it's for the best. The difficulty lies in making sure that those in power include you in their deliberations."

"I can have Eragon swear fealty to me; I am separate from the rest and will allow him to continue to make his own decisions. I have no need for a Rider, except to defeat Galbatorix and correct the imbalance in Alagaësia. He can remain independent of the others as I will not request him to do what he does not agree with. But it is also his decision to swear fealty to me." Nightmare suggested.

Eragon shook his head. "That is still leaning my power too much in favor of skeletons, the Wyrdaí Islingrya. I understand that you want to help me, but you are still a race in Alagaësia now, and that would be unfair to the rest."
"I understand." Nightmare dipped his skull.

Ajihad spoke again. "That being said, then let me continue. Despite your protests, the people here have certain expectations of you. They are going to bring you their problems, no matter how petty, and demand that you solve them." He leaned forward, dangerously serious.
"There will be cases where someone's future is in your hands… with a word you can send them careening into happiness or misery. Young women will seek your opinion on whom they should marry- many will persue you as a husband- and old men will ask which of their children should receive an inheritance. You must be kind and wise to them all, for they put their trust in you. Don't speak flippantly or without thought, because your words will have impact far beyond what you intend."

He leaned back, his face grave. "The burden of leadership is being responsible for the well-being of the people in your charge. I have dealt with it from the day I was chosen to lead the Varden, and now you must as well. Be careful. I won't tolerate injustice under my command. Don't worry about your youth and inexperience; they will pass soon enough."

Eragon shifted awkwardly in his seat as Nightmare said. "Don't worry, we will continue to teach him and guide him to the best of our ability, and protect him from the dangers of fame."
"I would thank you, but I'm afraid your closeness and hold over Eragon may not sit well with others."

"I don't pretend not to have great influence over Eragon, but I only guide him towards the best options for everyone and to defeat Galbatorix whilst remaining as free as possible. But he is still the one making his decisions. I do not want him to favor monsters over the rest, when we can handle ourselves fine without his favor. If anything, us favoring him is more helpful to the rest of Alagaësia than the other way around, though that is only my opinion."
"I respect your opinion, Lord Nightmare." Ajihad stated.

Eragon waited a moment before saying, "But you still haven't said what I'm to do here. And the Wyrdaí Islingrya, for that matter."

"For now, nothing. You covered over a hundred and thirty leagues in eight days, a feat to be proud of. I'm sure that you'll appreciate rest. When all of you have recovered, we will test your competency in arms and magic. After that- well, I will explain your options, and then you will decide your course."
"And what of Murtaugh?" Eragon snapped a little angrily.
"Yeah, what about him?" Dust asked as the gang sat up straight.
Ajihad frowned. He reached beneath his desk and pulled out Zar'roc. He studied it before speaking. "He will stay here until he allows the Twins into his mind."

"The fuck?" Killer raged.
"You can't imprison him, he's committed no crime!" Eragon cried.
"We can't give him his freedom without being sure that he won't turn against us. Innocent or not, he's potentially as dangerous to us as his father was."
Horror growled as Nightmare scowled.

A little defeated, Eragon instead asked, "How were you able to recognize his voice?"
"I met his father once." He tapped Zar'roc's hilt. "I wish Brom had told me he had taken Morzan's sword. I suggest that you don't carry it within Farthen Dûr. Many here still remember Morzan's time with hate, especially the dwarves."
"I'll remember that." Eragon assured him.
Ajihad handed him the sword, which made the others tense up, hoping their weapons would be returned also.

"That reminds me, I have Brom's ring, which he sent as confirmation of his identity. I was keeping it for when he returned to Tronjhiem. Now that he's dead, I suppose it belongs to you, and I think he would have wanted you to have it." He opened a drawer and took it out.

Nightmare and Error shared a shocked look. They could've sworn that Eragon already had that ring, and it was called Aren. Or…
Was that a shared hallucination?..

Eragon took the ring, saying he was honored. Error was about to state his confusion when Nightmare silenced him with a look.
Not here. Not now.
Alright, fine.

Ajihad seated himself again, addressing Saphira. "Do not think I have forgotten you, O mighty dragon. I have said these things as much for your benefit as for Eragon's and the Wyrdaí Islingrya. It is even more important that you know them than your Rider, as for you it falls the dangerous task of safeguarding him should others fail. Do not underestimate your might nor falter at his side, because without you he will surely fail."

She lowered her head to eye-level, studying Ajihad before speaking to Eragon mentally. Not that the skeletons didn't hear it, as long as she didn't keep her communications strickly guarded, they always were aware of what she said.

He'll do. Tell him I am impressed both with Tronjhiem and with him. The Empire has a right to fear him. Let him know, however, that if he had decided to kill you, I would have destroyed Tronjhiem and torn him apart with my teeth.
"That's my badass girl!" Dust cheered, him and Killer holding their fists out for her to flick with a talon as their way of fistbumps. Red and Geno were still recoiling from her voice in their minds while Eragon hesitantly relayed her message, explaining that the skeletons could hear her.

Ajihad blinked in surprise, clearly filing it away for later before responding. "I would expect no less from one so noble- but I doubt you could have gotten past the Twins."
She snorted angrily. Bah!
"Then they must be stronger than they appear. I think they would be sorely dismayed if they ever faced a dragon's wrath. The two of them might be able to defeat me, but never Saphira. You should know, a Rider's dragon strengthens his magic beyond what a normal magician might have. Brom was always weaker than me because of that. I think that in the absence of the Riders, the Twins have overestimated their power."

Ajihad was certainly concerned. "Brom was considered one of our strongest spell weavers. Only the elves surpassed him. If what you say is true, we will have to reconsider a great many things." He bowed to Nightmare, Error, and Saphira. "As it is, I am glad it was not necessary to harm any of you." They each dipped their skull or head in return.

Ajihad then regained his regality and called. "Orik!" The dwarf entered quickly, pausing at the desk and crossing his arms. Ajihad frowned at him.
"You've caused me a great deal of trouble, Orik. I've had to listen to one of the Twins complain all morning about your insubordination. They won't let it rest until you are punished. Unfortunately they're right. It's a serious matter that cannot be ignored. An accounting is due."

Orik glanced stiffly at Eragon and the others, his emotions full of worry, anger, and a touch of fear while his face remained stony. "The Kull were almost around Kóstha-mérna. They were shooting arrows at the dragon, Eragon, Murtaugh, a skeleton Lord, and the other etalthargen, but like… sheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Eragon shouting the opening phrase on the other side of the waterfall. And they refused to take action when Eragon did not rise from the water. Perhaps I did wrong, but I couldn't let a Rider die."

The other skeletons were alarmed upon finding out that Eragon had nearly drowned, save for Nightmare and Error, who knew already because they sensed it.
"I wasn't strong enough to get out of the water myself." Eragon tried. "I would have drowned if Orik hadn't pulled me out."
Nightmare shushed him. It wasn't his place.

Ajihad played with his beard thoughtfully. "Your actions were honorable, but you did defy a direct order from your commander. The penalty for that has always been death." Orik stiffened as Eragon cried out. "You can't kill him for that! He was only helping us!"
Nightmare frowned at him. "This isn't something we can interfere with. But I can suggest, given the circumstances, that his sentence be changed." He stared at Ajihad, who nodded.
"Orik broke the law and must suffer the consequences. However, both of you have valid points and suggestions, so the sentence will be mitigated. As of now, Orik, you are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in any military activities under my command. Do you understand?"
Orik was grave, but confused. "Yes."
Nightmare felt a smile creep upon him as he realized what the leader was doing. The others noticed this and were puzzled.

"Furthermore, in the absence of your regular duties, I appoint you Eragon and Saphira's guide for the duration of their stay. And Lord Nightmare's, should he accept it."
"That would be lovely."
"Then it is decided. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. Saphira will stay above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon and the Wyrdaí Islingrya may have whatever quarters they want. When they recover from the trip, take them to the training fields. They're expecting them."

Orik bowed. "I understand."
"Very well, you all may go. Send in the Twins as you leave."
Eragon bowed as the rest awkwardly dipped their skulls or outright refused.
"Where can I find Arya? I would like to see her."
"No one is allowed to visit her. You will have to wait until she comes to you." Ajihad looked down, then bowed at Error and Nightmare once again in dismissal.