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 26
Surda "What is it?" Nasuada asked the messenger that arrived as she was speaking to king Orrin.
"I was told by Jormundur to tell you that you have to see it for yourself my lady," Bard, the messenger, said. "In the Varden camp."
Perplexed Nasuada glanced at Orrin before nodding. Nasuada followed the messenger to the Varden camp. There she found wooden crates of food with people standing around them. Jormundur was waiting there for her holding a piece of parchment.
"It just appeared. There is enough to feed the Varden for six months at least, maybe even a year," Jormundur admitted. "There are fruits, vegetables, and meats."
Nasuada took the note bewildered.
Lady Nasuada,
Consider this a gift to the Varden from a friend. The preservation magics on the food will keep any of it from going bad for several years.
That was it. There was no signature.
"This is...I don't know what to make of it. We should contact Trianna and have her check it for any traps," Nasuada said.
"She was already here. It is safe," Jormundur said.
"I don't understand how all of this food could have been located into the heart of our camp without us finding out," Nasuada said. "In any case it should be placed in our food stores and rationed. We should not waste this opportunity."
Jormundur nodded in agreement. Harry had debated signing the note with something else. In the end he had just decided to leave off any identifying features. The food had been created by the Harion and transporte in. The Varden had been having trouble feeding their people after the move to Surda. This would help alleviate that need greatly.
Harry had decided that he would be keeping an eye on things around Alagaesia and therefore had dispatched several snitch probes to do this for him. One of the things he monitored was Nasuada and the Varden. Nasuada had recently come up with a way to alleviate the Varden's financial woes using magic. The way Nasuada was acting around Trianna and anything to do with magic made alarm bells go off in Harry's head. His instincts told him he needed to know what Nasuada was thinking.
He apparated silently and invisibly to her side and read her mind. Nasuada disliked magic but knew it would play a crucial role in removing Galbatorix. She saw Galbatorix as essentially a magic user who had abused his powers. According to her he hadn't even had the decency to die after a normal span of years. She knew she couldn't alienate her allied magic practitioners until victory was assured. After that, she intended to resolve the problem presented by magic users. To her magic users represented a problem that couldn't be controlled by normal society.
To Harry Potter Nasuada's attitude towards magic struck too close to home. It reminded Harry of the Dursleys. Harry acknowledged that magic users like Galbatorix or Voldemort were a problem. They defied normal social conventions. Yet he also hated the idea of magical development being stymied by controlling organizations. Well that was what Harry was for, to take out the really bad ones. Harry apparated back to Farthen Dur thinking that Nasuada would have to be removed from power after Galbatorix was taken care of. Her intentions towars magic users wasn't something he would tolerate.
Despite her attitude towards magic Nasuada did come up with a brilliant idea to use it to fund the war effort. Lace was incredibly expensive in this time period due to the amount of time it took to manufacture it. "Manufacture" was a misleading term because the lace was all made in individual pieces by hand. Nasuada had figured out if magic was used in the creation of lace then it could be done quickly for the expenditure of energy rather than time. They would be able to undercut the prices of current lace by an incredible margin. They could sell it in the empire and get Galbatorix's own people to fund the war effort against the dictator. Nasuada tasked
Trianna with finding out if it was possible and beginning the efforts. It was an ingenious way to get money for the Varden.
"You look troubled Eragon," Arya noted as she walked through the forest with him holding his arm. They had taken to daily walks every evening. She would show him something new about her home city. "What troubles you?"
"I am thinking about the situation with Nasuada. My dreams sometimes show me things. This time they showed me Nasuada's intentions for magic users in the future. Her intentions could lead to another war," Harry explained.
Arya appeared startled and asked, "What is it she intends?"
"To ask me to exert control over all magic users in Alaegaesia. Even without me she would use other means," Harry explained.
"All magic users or just human," Arya clarified.
"I was not able to see that. But even just the human magic users would have led to another war," Harry said.
"I can see why that is. She blames Galbatorix's magical abilities for everything?" Arya asked. "I believe so," Harry said.
"I can see why she may reach that conclusion. That doesn't mean I agree with her. What do you intend to do?" Arya asked.
"For now, nothing," Harry said. "I do not think I want to rule the humans when this is all over. But perhaps I could separate out the magicals or at least give them a sanctuary to go to. I am still thinking about it to be honest."
"That is a difficult decision," Arya said. She shook her head and said, "I never would have thought as much of Nasuada assuming your dreams prove true. Everyone has hidden depths I suppose."
Harry awoke one night to a violent storm causing the treehouse to sway. He slept with the membrane covering the opening to the balcony in his bedroom. But not in the study. Harry quickly started making his way up the stairs. It was a little harder because of the swaying of the treehouse. He thought about apparating. But it could be dangerous given the movement of the treehouse. He might apparate into something. When he made it up to the top of the stairs it was
to find quills and parchment blowing around in the wind. A gesture of his right hand saw his telekinesis closing the portal. Another wave of his hand set the room to rights.
He suffered one of his pain attacks from his back scar in the study. He was able to fight through it with his occlumency. It was still very unpleasant. When he returned downstairs it was to find Saphira with her eyes open looking at him.
"Go back to sleep. It's just a little rain," Harry assured. Saphira immediately fell back to sleep. Harry had a harder time quieting his mind. His thoughts
were just too active.
"Your thinking is keeping me awake," Leaf said teasingly from where she laid invisibly next to him.
"Sorry," Harry said. "Hmm...I know a surefire way to knock you back out," Leaf said as her hand trailed down to his
manhood.
She traced the outline of his shaft with the fingers of his right hand.
"You are amazing," Harry said.
He and Leaf didn't get back to sleep for a little while. But eventually they both fell asleep sweaty and satisfied.
In her home not far away, Arya came out of her meditation trance with a gasp as she climaxed. She had been experiencing a very erotic vision, what passed for an elvish dream, where she was having sex with Eragon. The details were hazy now to her conscious mind. She did remember that it was very pleasurable. The climax was just as satisfying as if she had experienced sex herself. Leaf had used her mental abilities to reach out and implant the vision/experience in Arya's mind. Arya came at the same moment as Leaf.
The Next Morning
When Harry and Saphira took flight to head to Oromis' hut they saw the damage the storm had wrought upon the forest. Near Ellesmera no trees had fallen. Further from the elven city quite a few trees had fallen in the forest.
After pleasantries were exchanged, Harry and Saphira were quizzed over the previous day's teachings. They passed and were paired off Saphira with Glaedr and Harry with Oromis. Oromis retrieved his blade from his hut.
"Block the edge as your first instructor taught you," Oromis said. "Yes Master," Harry said and did so.
The moment their blades engaged both fighters were moving. Oromis may have been hampered with his ability to work magic. That did nothing to hinder his natural agility and strength as an elf. Oromis was incredibly skilled. Harry was augmenting his own strength and speed with magic. Still he was having trouble keeping up. Harry thought he may be able to use his own type of magic to win an actual fight. Since this was merely a test and training he did not go that far.
"You have learned to move your feet. Good," Oromis said.
After another few minutes Oromis let out a grimace and faltered. Harry immediately stopped.
"Are you alright master?" Harry asked with concern.
"My affliction," Oromis said. "It isn't as bad as in the past though thanks to you. I would appreciate it if you went to the glade in the forest and practiced for an hour."
"Of course master," Harry said.
Harry went to the glade and practiced expanding his awareness. He was getting better at it. It was still difficult to keep his mind from focusing in on specific beings at random. He had hope that he would eventually get it. When he returned and spoke with Oromis of his efforts the elf agree that he was improving. They had some lunch.
"Barring Galbatorix forsaking his lair in Uru'baen what do you think the greatest danger you will face during the Varden's challenge of the empire?" Oromis asked as they ate.
Harry thought about it and said, "From enemy magicians sent to assassinate me."
"That is my conclusion as well. I would not be surprised if Galbatorix made a group of magicians swear to kill you in the ancient language no matter the cost. Normally a foe concerned with self-preservation would attempt to first conquer your mind. Someone who has sworn such an oath could cast a spell to obliterate you first even though you would be able to retaliate the instant before you are destroyed. Felling your murderer would require you to know who and where he or she is," Oromis explained.
Alagaesian magic functioned on some different principles than Harry's birth magic. This wasn't exactly a bad thing. Harry rather thought he would be able to use his birth magic to shield against this particular facet of Alagaesian magic. He should be able to stop himself from being killed whereas someone with purely Alagaesian magic would have no choice but to strike back or accept their fate.
"You are having me do the exercises in the glade so that I might be aware of the intent of all those around me and sense enemies coming," Harry said.
"Just so," Oromis confirmed. "Your mental conditioning will also help your mind find and exploit small flaws in the mental armor your enemies possess."
"I see," Harry said. "Enemy magicians will have shielded minds or any magicians. Few non- magicians will have shielded minds."
"Exactly," Oromis confirmed.
"Is this something that was taught early on in a Rider's training?" Harry asked.
"Why do you ask?" Oromis returned.
"Because the ability to invade the privacy of other beings can be something I would see someone who is malicious abusing," Harry said.
"You are correct. This was why we didn't teach it to prospective Riders," Oromis confirmed. "Riders meditated like you are doing throughout their training. It wasn't until after we were sure of their maturity that we taught them the application in detecting enemies."
"I see," Harry said. "How did Riders handle the fact that they were invading the privacy others?"
"You ask the right questions," Oromis said. "The Riders came to understand what drives people. With understanding came empathy for even the meanest beggar in the meanest city of Alagaesia."
"I see," Harry said. "Can you tell me what is the most important mental tool a person can possess?" Oromis asked.
"Critical thinking," Harry answered easy. "The ability to apply logic to a situation and analyze what is going on."
"That is exactly right," Oromis said pleased. "Did Brom teach you this?" "No. I reasoned it out myself," Harry admitted.
"Good. Very good. We will expand your ability to analyze situations logically by debating. I will ask you a question. You will answer and then defend your position. As an example why do you fight the empire?" Oromis asked.
"There isn't just one reason. I would see the Riders restored. To spare those who suffer from Galbatorix's rule. For personal vengeance for what he has done against my family. For survival
because of what Galbatorix personally intends to do to me. That last facet is a large factor. He would surely make me swear oaths in the ancient language," Harry pointed out.
"How do you know any new form of Riders would be any better than the king? It was obviously a failed system of governance if it fell in the first place. How far are you willing to take your personal vengeance? Why not simply flee instead of confronting him given what you believe he intends to do to you? As for those who suffer under his rule, far more live normal lives," Oromis pointed out.
"There is one factor that is a counter to your suggestion to flee. Saphira is the last female dragon we know of at this time. Galbatorix has the only other eggs in existence. I would see the dragons reborn. To do that we need more dragons," Harry pointed out.
Oromis and Harry continued to debate back and forth. At the conclusion, Oromis said, "You have logical arguments. A very good job. Let us resume your lessons in Liduen Kvaedhi."
Harry practiced his writing of the written form of the Ancient language and learned new facets. After that he was given six scrolls to read as homework. Then they went outside to explore the mysteries of gramarye, magic in the ancient language.
"What is magic?" Oromis asked once they were outside.
"It is an elemental energy of the universe that can be bent to the user's will to reshape reality at the cost of energy stored within the caster. In this land it is through the use of the ancient language because apparently magic has been bound to that language here. I have noticed one occasion where a magic user did not use the Ancient language. Islanzadi did it once when she summoned flowers," Harry said.
"You noticed that. Very observant," Oromis said. "Brom was forced to bypass the normal training regimen so that you had the skills to stay alive in battle. I'm going to be forced to do that as well. You already know the crude mechanics of magic. I intend to teach you the finder applications. These are skills that were only taught to the wisest Riders. For example, how to kill with no more energy than moving your finger, instantaneously transporting an item from one point to another, a spell to identify poisons in your food and drink, scrying that allows you to hear as well as see, how to draw energy from your surrounings to preserve your own strength, and how you can maximize your strength in every possible way. I warn you these techniques were so potent they never would have been divulged to novice Riders. Due to circumstances I must show you these techniques and trust you won't abuse them. Adurna," He said while raising his right arm to his side, his hand in a hooked claw.
A sphere of water rose up out of the brook to between Oromis' fingers. The water was clear except bits of moss and detritus.
"Catch," Oromis said before flinging the ball at Harry.
"Reisa du adurna," Harry whispered quickly and caught the sphere.
"Your word choice was awkward. But it worked. You have quick reflexes," Oromis said. "You might have tried beletta orkodthr instead." The lesson turned to manipulating that sphere of water. He shaped it into complex knots, changed the color of light it absorbed or reflected, and froze it in various sequences. The lesson continued for quite some time at this. Harry truthfully grew a little bored with the exercises but knew there must be a point to this. He trusted Oromis to teach him more when he deemed it time. "Good, good," Oromis said. "Now let's try another test." He spoke a few words in the ancient language and Harry's legs up to the knees felt like they were in a body bind. "Free yourself."
"Reduce the pressure on my legs," Harry spoke in the ancient language.
"Very good," Oromis praised as Harry slowly broke free of the grip. "Most new Riders immediately try to break the hold with their full strength. Very few figure out to never use absolutes on their own. You do not want to work magic where there are only two outcomes, success or death. If your opponent is stronger than you and you used absolutes you would die before you ever got a chance to stop the magic. You thought clearly."
They practiced for a while longer. Oromis seemed pleased at being able to use his magic without his affliction interfering. Harry picked up on the fact that it likely would have kicked in long before now.
"What else master?" Harry asked after completing the latest task.
"Nothing else today Eragon," Oromis said. "Tomorrow I will send an elf to take you to the area where those in Ellesmera practice swordplay. Practice there for an hour each day before continuing here. This is to maintain your present level of skill. I have nothing left to teach you on the subject of swordplay."
"Yes Master," Harry said.
Glaedr and Saphira returned at that point. Oromis and Glaedr quizzed Saphira and Harry on the lessons the other had learned that day.
"Soon you and I will train together," Glaedr sent to Harry. "Yes Skulblaka," Harry replied.
As Glaedr turned and moved away Saphira darted forward and nipped at his tail. Glaedr turned and bared his fangs at Saphira's neck before letting out a roar. It was obvious this wasn't the first time that day Saphira had done something like this based on how severely Glaedr responded. Playfulness came over the connection with Saphira instead of remorse.
"Contain yourself Saphira," Oromis said.
After they left, Harry said, "Do you not think that it would be better to show maturity and patience with Glaedr rather than youthful playfulness? He is far older than you. That is the approach I am taking with Arya and it seems to be working."
"I can't help it," Saphira said. "My instincts are driving me toward him."
"Control your urges," Harry said. "It is obvious to Oromis, Glaedr, and I that you are interested in him. But he is a much older dragon. He may not feel that way. Something to think on," He added.
Back at the tree house Arya joined him for dinner. Afterwards they left to see her home. Saphira declined to go with them preffering to stay at the tree house.
"Is Saphira well?" Arya inquired on their walk towards her home.
"She is adjusting to the reality that Glaedr may not be able to fulfill her desires to mate," Harry explained.
"Of all of Galbatorix's crimes that is perhaps his greatest," Arya said. When they arrived at a ribbed arch grown between two trees they paused. Arya chanted, "Root of tree, fruit of vine, let me pass by this blood of mine."
The doors swung outwards. Five monarch butterflies flew out. Within was a large flower garden that looked very natural like a wild meadow. The only part that gave way that this wasn't natural was the variety of plants in the garden. Plants were blooming out f season or out of the climate they would normally be in. This was all thanks to magic allowing it to happen. Arya led him across the garden into a thicket of trees. The trees grew closer and closer together until they formed a wall. Before he realized it, he was standing within a wood hall. It was homey. The insides of the trees had been stripped of their bark, polished, and rubbed with oil. Gaps between the trunks served as windows. The scent of crushed pine needles filled the air. There were a number of elves doing things such as reading, writing, or playing a set of reed pipes in the hall.
"It's magnificent," Harry complimented. "Thank you," Arya replied, pleased he liked it.
Arya led him on a tour of the hall. Each room found a different way to incorporate nature. She showed him many works of art including fairths, sculptures, and paintings. They briefly ran into Islanzadi during their tour. They ended the tour back in the garden walking with her hands wrapped around his left arm.
"Your home is beautiful," Harry said. "It suits you well. Now I understand where you get the scent of crushed pine needles."
"You've been smelling me have you?" Arya asked with one raised eyebrow and a small smile.
"I couldn't help myself. I noticed it after we first met. You smell good," Harry admitted. Arya's smile dimmed somewhat.
"I'm surprised I smelled like that when we met. I had been in captivity without bathing for a while," Arya admitted. "You smell good as well. Your scent reminds me of magic to be honest. Magic doesn't have a smell perse. But the feeling is similar to my senses."
"Huh," Harry said. They were silent for a moment and then he asked, "Which of these flowers is your favorite?"
Arya led him to a tree on the edge of the garden next to a small pond. There was a morning lily with three black blossoms clenched shut coiled around some of the lower branches of the tree.
Arya blew on the blossoms and whispered, "Open." The blossoms opened up to reveal a starburst color of royal blue in the throats of the flowers. "Is it not the most perfect and lovely flower?"
"It is," Harry agreed. "I can see why you like it." "Faolin created this flower especially for me on a long ago summer solstice," Arya explained. "You must miss him," Harry said.
Arya glanced at her companion and saw only empathy in his expression. She didn't see any jealousy she half expected to see. To Harry what reason was there to be jealous of a dead man. Besides that he had his other ladies as well even if Arya didn't know that.
"At times I miss him terribly," Arya admitted. "But eventually thinking about him leads to thinking about my time in captivity. I cannot think about that for too long without feeling terror and helplessness. I remember being certain I would die and regretted all the things I missed out on. With our immortal lives it is easy to forget that we too can be killed."
She was silent for some time. Harry just listened. Eventually they ended up sitting against the base of the tree with her leaning against his side, his arm wrapped around her.
After a while Arya turned her head and broke the silence saying, "Thank you for listening."
Then Arya leaned up and initiated a kiss. Her lips were soft upon his. The kiss wasn't full of passion. But it was full of tenderness and potential. Her lips moved against his several times. When it ended, her gaze lingered upon his for a few moments longer before her head settled against his shoulder once again. They lingered together against that tree for the next hour just enjoying one another's company. When he departed for the night both of them were in a good mood.
"Nooo," Arya cried as she came out of her trance state a few hours past midnight.
Her heart was pounding. Her visions as she was in the trance state had turned to horrible visions of her torture at the hands of Durza. She pulled her knees up to her chest and shuddered.
"He's dead. He can't hurt me," Arya told herself over and over.
No matter how many times she told herself this she couldn't calm down. She felt the strong urge to be held in Eragon's arms again. When he held her in the garden it had been the most peace she had felt since before her capture. Arya got up and dressed.
Harry came awake as the wards he had set on the treehouse gently alerted him that he had a visitor that meant him no harm. By the time he had sat up in bed his visitor had entere the tree house. Arya padded into his room looking scared.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked as he stood and came closer to him.
Arya immediately wrapped her arms around his mid section and laid her head against his shoulder.
"I was resting and my mind wouln't stop thinking of Durza and he how he tortured me," Arya admitted. "Will you just hold me?"
"Of course," Harry said as he guided her over to the bed. Harry laid on the right side of the bed. Arya laid her head upon his left shoulder and chest. He wrapped his arms around her. The tension he had felt in her body seemed to drain out of her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't want to. But keeping it inside obviously isn't helping," Arya admitted.
Arya then proceeded to tell Harry everything that had happened to her during her imprisonment and how it had made her feel. If Durza hadn't already been dead Harry would have tortured the shade severely. He was tempted to jump back in time and fake the Shade's death just so he could torture it some more. He knew that wasn't a good idea so refrained.
"Do you feel better?" Harry asked when she was finished. "I do actually. Thank you for listening," Arya said. "Anytime," Harry assured.
"I should probably let you sleep. You have training today. I shouldn't have disturbed your sleep," Arya said.
"I'm glad you did. Lying here with you feels wonderful. I feel as if I will sleep better if you are here," Harry said.
"I should probably go," Arya offered. "Please stay," Harry said.
Arya nodded. She was briefly tempted by trying to tire him out physically. He must have been very tired from the previous day's training. He quickly fell back to sleep. Arya stayed fully conscious a while longer just embracing the experience of being in bed with Eragon. It was incredibly comforting. She soon slipped back into her trance state without trouble.
When Harry awoke the next morning, Arya had already departed. The scent of her lingered in the bed next to him. He quickly got ready for the day and then waited outside the tree with Saphira. He didn't wait long until a solumn black haired elf approached. The usual greetings were exchanged. The elf's name was Vanir.
"I will show you where you may practice with your blade," Vanir said before turning and striding off.
Harry got the immediate sense that Vanir didn't like him. The sparring yard that Vanir led them to had male and female elves sparring in pairs and groups with the speed of their race. Many elves were performing the rimgar. Vanir unsheathed his blade.
"If you will guard your blade silver hand we will begin," Vanir said.
Harry nodded and applied the blocking magic to the blade. When their sparring match began both tested the waters. When Harry had the measure of Vanir, he was an explosion of movement. Harry had magically strengthened his muscles using the techniques Salazar had shown him to feed magical energy directly into his tissue. Salazar had shown Harry how to use telekinesis on his blade at the same time to make sure the blade could power through most obstacles. This included Vanir's blade. After only thirty seconds of incredibly fast movement, Harry knocked Vanir's blade out of the elf's hand and brought the tip of Zar'roc to Vanir's throat.
There was a moment of stunned silence from those watching. Then the elves began clapping and cheering.
"I think you may need to bring a friend or two in the future to make this interesting," Harry said as he whispered a word in the ancient language and summoned Vanir's blade back to him before handing it over to the elf.
Vanir nodded and accepted the blade. Vanir was a lot more respectful after that. They sparred for the remaining hour with the same result. Vanir lasted longer against Harry. He even came
close to beating Harry once when Hary's back acted up. Ultimately Harry pushed through the pain.
The rest of the morning was taken up with the Rimgar and meditation near Oromis' hut. During lunch they continued what would become their normal debates.
"Do you believe that Galbatorix is evil?" Oromis asked.
"Evil is dependent upon how society defines it. What is considered normal within the societies of elves, dwarves, and a large portion of human society Galbatorix could be classified as evil," Harry said.
"Do you believe he thinks himself evil?" Oromis asked.
"Most likely not. But then evil beings wouldn't consider themselves evil or they probably wouldn't do what they do," Harry said.
"Do you believe Durza evil?" Oromis asked.
"Again, by societal definitions I believe he would be classified as evil. I will make the distinction that who Durza was before he was enslaved by the spirits that took possession of him was not evil. The spirits had completely different morals than our flesh and blood societies," Harry said.
"What of the Urgals?" Oromis asked.
"I do not know enough about Urgal society to fully answer that question. Certainly by humans standards they would be classified as evil. Except that is without knowing more about them. We are no longer talking about individuals here. We are talking about an entire society. It would be too easy to classify them as evil. Instead I will say whatever moral code the Urgals follow is incompatible with most of the rest of Alagaesia," Harry answered.
"A very well thought out response," Oromis mused.
The early afternoon was taken up with study of the ancient language followed by study of magic itself later in the afternoon.
"How would you kill with magic?" Oromis asked after they took a break from practicing magic.
"So far I have used a pebble sped up and jierda to break necks," Harry admitted, refining his answer to what he had done with the ancient language. "I am sure there are better ways though."
"There are," Oromis confirmed. "All it takes to kill a man is a single compressed artery in the brain or a pinched off nerve cluster. With the proper spell you can obliterate an army. But this is only if there are no enemy magic users protecting the enemy army. Otherwise you have to overcome the enemy magic users first."
"I see," Harry said. "How are magic users used within combat with an army typically?"
"The magic users are typically distributed throughout the army. The magicians are close to the edge of the army yet far enough in not to be slain easily. Magicians on both sides open their minds to sense if anyone is using or about to use magic. Since their enemy might be beyond reach the magicians will set wards around themselves and their men to prevent long range attacks such as a pebble sent flying from a mile away. So, many magicians are neede to reasonably defend an army. The tricky part is if a clever magician figures out a way to bypass the particular wards without tripping them. Often that can decide a battle," Oromis explained. "Keep in mind that magical ability among all the races is rare. We elves have more spellweavers than most races. But even for us magical ability is rare. Of those who have ability even fewer are at a combat level and can instead only heal a bruise."
"The Varden do not have a lot of magicians at their disposal," Harry mused. "Another reason why you are so important," Oromis replied.
"The wards you mentioned, do they only drain energy from the user when they are being attacked?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Oromis answered. "But you need a strong body to sustain them. Should your body fail to maintain the output of energy then you die."
"Do you know how Galbatorix gets stronger year after year even though he is getting older and his body should be getting weaker?" Harry asked.
"The answer to that question isn't something you should have at this point in your training. We will discuss it again later," Oromis replied.
"Very well Master," Harry said.
He trusted in Oromis' judgement. Besides, if he really wanted to know a scan of Galbatorix would likely reveal the information.
"I was being led into a trap when I faced Durza in Farthen Dur. I was not aware of wards so had none placed upon me," Harry realized.
"Arya nor one of the Varden magicians did so?" Oromis asked. Harry shook his head and Oromis gained a far off look. "I have consulted Arya. She said that the Twins assured Ajihad that you were competent in all forms of magic including wards. The fact that none of the Urgal magicians attacked you suggests you were indeed left for Durza to capture and that the Twins were indeed the traitor. That is something to be weary of for the future. Now let us continue our lesson."
Harry was taught twelve methods to kill that took no more energy than lifting an ink pen.
"Master, I will use what you have taught me well and carefully. What do you know of the Ra'zac?" Harry asked.
"They are the nightmares of your race designed to be hunters of humans. They possess a putrid breath that paralyzes humans so they can't run by clouding the mind. It has less effect on dwarves and no effect on elves. They fear bright light and deep water for they cannot swim. They hatch from eggs into the pupae stage which they remain as for twenty years. Once they mature they shed their exoskeletons and sprea their wings. As adults they can hunt all creatures, not just humans," Oromis explained.
"The flying mounts the Ra'zac use are really their parents then," Harry said with realization.
"Aye," Oromis confirmed. "We called them Lethrblaka. They possess all the intelligence of a dragon. They come from whatever land your ancestors came from. They may have been what forced King Palancar to emigrate. When the Riders became aware of their presence in Alagaesia we did our best to eliminate them. We got all but two Lethrblaka and their pupae. After Galbatorix defeated Vrael, he sought the Ra'zac out and bargained with them for their services. In exchange for allowing them to live by Dras-Leona and giving them a supply of their favorite food they serve him."
"Thank you for explaining this to me Master. I will not underestimate them. But I do hope one day to end the Ra'zac and Lethrblaka," Harry said.
Oromis nodded and retrieved some tablets from his hut.
"On a more pleasant topic I wished to show you how to make a fairth," Oromis said before giving instructions. Harry's first fairth was of the sun as seen from space. "How is it you saw our star like this?"
"In my dreams," Harry admitted.
"Our astronomers have been able to use magic to see it from beyond our atmosphere. I am surprised you were able to," Oromis said while shaking his head. "Very interesting."
"Hail Rider," Orik called as he and Arya emerged from the treeline side by side.
After the traditional greetings were exchanged, Oromis asked, "To what may I attribute this visit? You are both welcome to my hut. But as you can see I am in the midst of working with Eragon and that is of paramount importance."
"I apologize for disturbing you Oromis-elda," Arya began but was cut off by Orik.
"The fault is mine," Orik said. "As you know I was sent here to see Eragon receives the training he is due. I am obliged to see at least a small portion of it with my own eyes so that I can give a true and accurate accounting to my King."
"Normally I would deny this request because the secrets of the Riders are for Eragon to learn alone. Considering what our lesson is upon I will allow it for the duration of this lesson alone. We have been training all day in the the lessons of the Riders. I consider a thorough grounding in all of magic part of Eragon's education. Thus we are taking a break from the normal training regimen to learn how to make a fairth," Oromis explained. "This was Eragon's first creation."
Oromis held up the fairth of the sun.
"It's so detailed," Arya said with surprise.
"Yes. I thought so too," Oromis agreed.
Harry decided for his next fairth to create an image of the Wall that separated the North of Westeros from the true North.
"Where did you see such a large creation?" Orik asked. "And what could such a large wall possibly be needed for?" Arya added. "I saw it in my dreams. And the answer to that is creatures of nightmare," Harry said. "Fascinating," Oromis commented. Throughout the rest of the lesson Harry showed images from other worlds.
Arya awoke from her trance state yet again to find herself in Eragon's arms. She had been sleeping in his bed more and more until she was in his bed more often than she was in her own. She just felt comforted by being with him. When she became aware of her surrounings it was to feel a certain hardness pressed against her backside. It was not the first time this had happened. Usually if he was awake Eragon would try to hide it. But he was not awake this time. Arya bit her lip debating what to do.
Ultimately she reached back to grasp it. It felt very large and firm in her grasp. She felt herself gow wet at the thought of what she might one day do with this. She whispered a lubricating spell and slid her hand beneath the loose bottom garment he wore to bed. Arya began slowly stroking his manhood. She felt the moment he came awake with a groan in her ear. She grinned as he realized what was happening and moaned her name.
Harry was very pleased to feel Arya giving him a handjob. He reached his hand around her hips and found her center. He began fingering her using his magic to greatly enhance the experience. Hearing Arya gasp his name was very satisfying. They brought one another to mutual release. Afterwards they lay together. She felt him fall into a deeper sleep. She slipped back into her trance state with no memories of her past tortures plaguing her.
Harry fell into a routine. During the day he would work very hard to master Oromis' lessons with Alagaesian magic. His mastery of magic from his home universe helped him greatly speed up the process. There were a few things unique to Alagaesia. Learning to control multiple spells at once was tricky but interesting. Storing magic energy for later use within an object or for enchanting was also another area of interest to Harry. During the night he would often find himself in bed with Arya. She would frequently wake him with a handjob and he would return the favor. They hadn't gone any further physically other than letting hands and fingers explore one another. They were both fine with that and taking their time.
Harry remembered one conversation with Oromis on an application of enchanting that stuck out for him.
"Is imbuing matter with a spell ever used to alter a person's body?" Harry asked curiously.
"That is the elves greatest weakness, our vanity," Oromis said. "Elves love beauty in all forms. We seek to represent that ideal in our appearance. Every elf looks exactly as he or she wishes to because of magic. We elves often choose to modify our appearance to reflect our interests. A few elves have gone beyon aesthetic changes. They have modified their appearance and anatomy to adapt to various environments often becoming more animal than elf. You will see examples of this during the Blood-Oath Celebration."
"Fascinating," Harry mused.
"Indeed," Oromis replied. "Understand that transferring power to a living creature is different from transferring power to an inanimate object. There are few materials suitable for storing energy. The materials that aren't suitable either allow the energy to dissipate or charge the material so much that when you touch it a bolt of lightning surges through you. The best materials we have found for the purpose of storing energy are gemstones. Lesser stones such as quartz and agate are not as efficient as say a diamond. This is why Riders blades are often fitted with gemstones to store energy for the Rider."
Harry also continued to read all of the scrolls Oromis assigned him as homework. Quite a few of the scrolls were on Urgals including their culture. Harry read them as well. Saphira was also going through an intense training regimen that was making her stronger. She learned dragon lore. Glaedr was able to tell her the name of her sire and dam, Iormungr and Vervada. Both perished in the fall. Iormungr was a Rider's dragon and Vervada was a wild dragon who entrusted only one egg to the Riders. Harry also started occasionally spending a day training with Glaedr while Saphira trained with Oromis. His morning sparring sessions with Vanir expanded to encompass multiple elves. Harry could fight three elves at once using his powers to aid him and still prevail. Anymore than that and he was overwhelmed. He suspected he could still prevail if he was willing to go all out with his magical abilities, use apparition, and to use lethal force. Since these were only sparring sessions he held back.
His prowess as a fighter was quickly becoming awe-inspiring to the warriors of Ellesmera. He was considered a natural prodigy. Harry was fine with this belief in him. It would make it seem more natural when he eventually defeated Galbatorix.
One of the conversations during his training with Oromis stuck in his mind. It was on the nature of the Grey Folk.
"From what little we know of the Grey Folk they were the ones who bound magic in this world to their language, the Ancient language. How they did this isn't known. The manuscripts that survived that era said they did this because of some great spell that was cast which almost destroyed the entire world. Before the ancient language was bound spell-casters unleashed many great evils on the world. This was because their stray thoughts would interfere with their magic. You can still cast magic by thinking the words of the ancient language. But this is only done in the most dire of circumstances because a stray thought can interrupt the magic you are trying to work. This wasn't something that was taught to Riders. It is only taught to elven magicians after they have mastered every other aspect of magic. I only tell you because it is very possible that Galbatorix has learned this magic. I do not want you to go before him ignorant of something he may know if I can help it," Oromis explained.
"I appreciate that master," Harry said. "What happened to the Grey Folk."
"That is unknown. The manuscripts differ on that. It is possible they stayed in their cities and died out. It is also possible they took mates among the younger races and faded through interbreeding," Oromis explained. "I tend to favor this second theory. Your dream visions you experience suggest to me that you may even have some Grey Folk blood in you."
That conversation was very enlightening to Harry. He wanted to learn more about how the Grey Folk had done what they did. Since he was capable of time travel through he sent probes back in time to record everything about the Grey Folk. It was only a matter of moments relative to his perspective before the probes sent back detailed scans of the Grey Folk. He got a recording of the ritual they wrought and all of their libraries of magic. It would take some time for him to go through everything. But copies of the Grey Folk works were added to Harry's own library for Salazar to gain access to and go through. He now also knew the Name of Names for the Ancient Language. This name was capable of altering the rules of the Ancient Language and the effect it had on magic in Alaegesia. It did not apply to wordless spells and had no power over them. It can be used to identify spells, what they are and what they do. It can also alter spells and remove them.
Leaf had also started using her greensight visions to peer into what the universe would have looked like for Eragon had Harry not joined with his counterpart. In that world, Eragon was plagued by increasingly severe pain attacks from his back. That Eragon was not fairing well handling it. Harry was able to use his occlumency to stave off the worst of the attacks. In that world Eragon was too immature to win Arya over so quickly. They were estranged. In this world the more mature Harry was getting and giving near nightly orgasms with Arya.
Narda
Roran stared down at the small coastal village in wonder. He was amazed that they had made it. He turned back to the camp they had made high in the foothills of the Spine. Over the past weeks the villagers from Carvahall had managed to cross through the spine despite the hardships. Roran knew it wasn't as hard as it could have been. His mind was plagued in his dreams with visions of the hardships that could have been. He knew they could be attacked by wolves and bears that would ignore their watch fires. But something kept them at bay. They were well provisioned with food and their supplies seemed to stretch beyond what they should have. Paths through the forest which should have been too narrow were able to be navigated. Any sign of severe weather seemed to be blunted to something manageable. Things that should have been harder were not quite as hard. He knew the whispers of the villagers as they looked at him in silent amazement from time to time. It was all thanks to magic.
Everyone suspected it. At dawn of the day after they had made camp a party consisting of Roran, Horst, Baldor, Loring's three sons, and Gertrude set out for Narda.
The two soldiers guarding the gates of Narda blocked the entrance with poleaxes and one asked, "Where would you lot be from?"
"A small village near Teirm," Horst answered. "What business do you have here?" The soldier asked.
"Trade," Horst replied. "We were sent by shopkeepers who want to buy goods directly from Narda."
"What goods?" The soldier questioned. "Herbs and medicine on my part," Gertrude said.
"My brothers and I came to bargain with your cobblers for shoes made in the northern style," Darmmen added.
"Ironwork for my master," Horst said. "And that one?" The soldier asked while pointing to Roran. "Pottery," Roran answered. "Why the hammer then?" The soldier asked. "It's how the glaze on a bottle or jar gets cracked," Roran lied. "Where are your horses?" The soldier asked.
"Left at our camp," Gertrude said.
"Don't have the coin to stay in town," The soldier said with a chuckle before gesturing at his companion to allow the group through. "You can pass. But don't cause any trouble or it will be off to the stocks or worse."
Once through Gertrude drew their attention to a message board with notices. Half of the notices were for various criminals. On the half with criminals was a drawing of Roran before he had a beard. Roran studied his poster and saw that a reward of 10,000 crowns was being offered for his capture. This was enough to live in comfort for several decades. Then he noticed a poster for Eragon. Roran's heart clenched at the proof his cousin was likely still alive and involved in this mess somehow. Garrow had taught him his numbers. But Garrow hadn't bothered with reading and writing. There were two lines of writing below Eragon's image.
"What does it say?" Roran asked.
"It says that the king will bestow an Earldom on any who captures Eragon. It also warns that any who try should be very careful for Eragon is dangerous," Gertrude answered.
"If killing the king's men and defying the Ra'zac earns you a 10,000 crown price on your head what crime makes you worthy of an earldom?" Baldor asked.
"Something pretty severe," Larne said.
"This is a conversation for another time," Horst whispered. "Follow the plan. We will meet back here at noon to report on our progress."
The group split into three. Roran went with Horst and Baldor to the docks. They hoped to charter a ship to Surda or at the least Teirm.
"I remember when I first saw the ocean. It had a similar effect on me," Horst told the two younger men as they stood staring at it. "It makes you feel rather small."
"Aye," Baldor agreed.
After several moments of silence Roran said, "I cound three ships. Two on the left and and the third on the right end. The rest are fishing boats and dinghies."
"Aye and that one has a broken mast," Horst agreed as he nodded towards one of the ships on the left.
After some questioning of dock workers told them all of the ships were engaged, they got a tip leading them towards a man who owned barges named Clovis. It took half an hour to reach Clovis' home on the other side of Narda. It took another hour to convince Clovis they were interested in his barges out of season. Clovis normally ran freight to Teirm during the shipping
season but fished when it got colder. Clovis took them back to the docks and showed the group his three barges the Merrybell, Edeline, and Red Boar. The barges were seventy-five feet long by 20 feet wide.
"These barges are not meant for the open sea. They are meant to stay within sight of land," Clovis explained. "You needent fear them capsizing in rough weather. But I would avoid a true tempest. Now would be the worst time to launch them because we have had nothing but storms for the last month."
"What of crew?" Roran asked.
"That might be a problem. Most of the men I usually employ left weeks ago to hunt seals," Clovis answered.
"If we replace the men in your crew how much would it cost to go to Teirm with all three barges?" Roran asked.
"The sailors earn fifteen coppers per day plus as much good food as they can eat and a dram of whisky besides. What your men earn be your own business. I won't put them on my payroll. Normally we hire guards for each barge. But they're off hunting," Clovis said.
"We'll provide guards as well," Roran assured.
"That would be more than reasonable. In addition to the crew's wages, I charge a two hundred crown fee plus recompense for any damage to the barges due to your men. As owner and captain I charge twelve percent of the total profit from sale of the cargo," Clovis explained.
"Unfortunately our trip will be without profit in the financial sense," Roran replied. Clovis seemed unnerved by that.
"Then an additional four hundred crowns on the completion of the journey will suffice," Clovis agreed. "If I might ask what would be the cargo?"
"It is an assortment of heard of rare animals my employer has mandated be acquired for him," Roran said smoothly. "When could you be ready?"
"I could be ready in a week," Clovis said.
"We would pay an additional twenty crowns if you could be ready the day after tomorrow," Roran said.
Some instinct was guiding Roran on this conversation. It was actually Leaf guiding him mentally while one of the probes the Harion had made was reading Clovis. Leaf's telepathic abilities she had begun to learn from Harry weren't as strong as Harry's abilities. But with the probe enhancing her abilities she ws strong enough.
"What would be your name?" Clovis asked as they shook on the deal. "Stronghammer," Roran answered. "A good name," Clovis said. Roran, Horst, and Baldor left Clovis.
As soon as they were out of ear shot Horst said, "We can't afford to hire him."
"We have little choice. Besides, something tells me we will come up with the funds," Roran said.
Baldor glanced around and whispered, "Magic?" "Possibly," Roran said.
When Roran returned to camp with the others he found a small chest containing two thousand crowns within. When he showed it to the villagers after explaining their plan there were exclamations of amazement. None of them had ever seen so much money in one place.
"It would seem Leaf has provided again," Horst noted.
"So, it would seem," Roran agreed. "This should be enough to pay for the trip and cover additional expenses for food."
There was some bitching amongst the villagers about the fact it was barges and not a proper ship. The bitching didn't last long when they realized they had no other option. The sense of urgency to continue fleeing was reinforced that night when on watch Roran spotted one of the Ra'zac mounts high in the sky. It let out one of its piercing cries which set all the animals in the forest to noises of terror.
Roran and the other sentries made it back to the village where they began warning the villagers. Roran and the other villagers were unaware that a powerful Notice-Me-Not charm was being held over the villagers by Harry who had apparated in invisibly the moment he became aware of the Lethrblaka's presence. When the creature moved on, Harry allowed the charm to drop.
The villagers were eager to depart after that. The next day Roran returned to Narda and delivered the down payment to Clovis.
"Thank'ee Stronghammer," Clovis said as he accepted the bag of gold. "This is where we will meet your animals," He said as he showed a cove on a map. "I managed to dig up seven lads. I'd like four more to fill out the crew."
"You shall have them," Roran said. "How many guards?" "Three per boat. Nine," Clovis answered. "You'll have them as well," Roran agreed.
Clovis wondered how many men were with Roran that he could so easily promise so many able bodied men. He decided not to voice his curiosity out loud. Throughout the rest of the morning supplies which were purchased in Narda were farried to the barges and stored. When he returned to camp that night Roran picked twelve good fighters to accompany him the next day. Roran and his twelve stayed behind while the rest of the villagers moved off to the cove where they would meet the barges. Roran did not sleep easy that night.