The Name of Names

~32: Imminent Danger~

Eragon closed his eyes, relaxing completely, and taking leave of his body for the moment, began to live through the creatures around them. Saphira had left with the remaining dragons that hadn't graduated, and Vanya, Aiden, Begnaz, Nym, and Onvyr were at in the great hall, he believed, checking with his mind to make sure.

As he felt the life forms. He felt a new form approaching, and spread his mind out to it, while opening his eyes to see. A human was flying it seemed, or at least floating over to the ocean, towards Evaryinya.

Eragon loosened Brisingr in its sheath and watched as he came closer, noting the long, straight brown hair that went down to about his chin. He was dressed in a dark brown and black tunic that was torn and looked weather stained.

As the man's feet touched the ground, he nearly stumbled, but caught himself, looking up at Eragon.

The man looked haunted, and Eragon would not have recognized him except for the blood red sword at his hip.

"Murtagh? What..." he trailed away, standing up, and going over to him, "What happened?"

His jaw worked up and down a little bit before saying, "She has the name of names, Eragon."

"Who does?" Eragon took his hand off of Brisingr's hilt, waiting for Murtagh to explain furthur.

"Ismira. The new rider." Murtagh shook his head disillusionedly, "Took it. Killed Thorn."

Eragon's head snapped up, and now recognized the pain in Murtagh's eyes. It was a miracle, then, that he hadn't gone insane yet. To lose the partner of your mind, forever... Eragon remembered Brom, and how he had survived it, and lived to train Eragon.

"I'm sorry." was all Eragon could think to say, before he heard Saphira coming over the hill. She was tensed, and ready for attack.

Not right now, I'll explain later. Eragon said quickly to her, and in return he got a questioning look.

Leading the way, Eragon showed Murtagh a room he could stay in, "You can stay here until we get this all sorted."

Murtagh nodded once and stepped inside, closing the door with a little more force than necessary.

Eragon stepped back, thinking through what Murtagh had just said. Ismira, his niece, had taken the true name of the ancient language? How was that possible? He had heard nothing more from Roran and Katrina, other than that she had become a rider, and that she was studying magic more than ever, and taking trips to other towns more frequently.

I guess it does make sense, when you consider the signs. Eragon sighed, and ran a hand through his hair, But what would her reasonings be?

Now can you tell me what's going on? Saphira demanded.

As simply as possible, Eragon explained what all had happened. Her mind whirred as she took it all in. Thorn dead. And the most powerful thing on earth in the hands of a teenager.

Eragon sighed again, Yup.

This is not a good situation. Saphira growled.

I know. Eragon felt like sighing again, but restrained himself. Tonight we'll all be in the great hall and discuss it. The others should know about this new threat.

Later that evening, everyone assembled in the great hall for the meeting. None of them were told what it was about, except that it was important. Vanya stood next to Aiden, studying the newcomer who was up front, along with Eragon and Saphira.

"Riders." Eragon spoke clearly, "There is a new threat that has arisen, and we need to discuss it immediately. In order for you to understand what this is exactly, we'll need a short lesson, if you will use that term."

Vanya's eyes switched to Eragon, her features alert for anything of importance he would say.

"Vanya, Onvyr, and Nym, you may already know about true names." in turn, the three elves nodded. "But the rest of you may not. Everything has a true name. People, for instance, have names that reflect who they are. It is a phrase, or words in the ancient language that summarizes your character."

Everyone was listening, and the hall was silent except for Eragon. "You all grasp the concept of it, correct?"

Murmurs of assent passed through the room.

"Then you should know also that there is a true name for the ancient language itself. Whoever knows this has the power to do whatever he or she wishes with magic. For obvious reasons, that name should be kept to as few as possible. Long ago, people searched for it, but never succeeded. They gave up, or killed themselves in the process. Until Galbatorix searched for, and eventually found it. After his death, the name was only known to two people. Myself, and Murtagh." he gestured at the man standing to the side.

The room was quiet, but Vanya could tell everyone was thinking deeply. After the war, few people had known the true identity of the red dragon rider, but it slowly spread. Many, still didn't know, but for the moment, Vanya guessed everyone present would know whom Eragon was referring to.

"It has been taken by someone else now, a new Rider." Eragon's statement met with a few quiet exclamations, and Vanya knew the gravity of the situation now. "We do not know her intentions, but they may not be all good. For the moment, I believe we should locate her as quickly as possible, at least to speak with her. I will be sending some of you to look for her later. Right now, we should assume the worst, and expect her to attack."

"The matter is where." Murtagh stepped forward for the first time. "Logically, she would go for the most powerful places in Alagaesia. Which would be either here, or Uru'baen." He continued, "I believe Uru'baen may be her first choice, as here there is little chance for her to succeed."

Eragon nodded, "Which means we should warn them. I'll scry Nasuada later today. In the meantime, you all may do whatever you wish, although I suggest you get more practice."

The Riders nodded, and slowly dispersed, each going their separate way with their dragons.

I wonder what her goals really are. Vanya thought to Kaldar, heading to the training ground, where a few others were standing by, or talking in low tones.

I guess we will find out soon enough, although my bet would be to attack. Anyone who steals that amount of power, wishes to gain something big from it.

Wise words. Vanya unsheathed Wyrda as Rathen challenged her to a duel. "You may find I am not as slow as when we first sparred, elf." he said gruffly, and so the duel began. Vanya won most rounds, except for one, where she tripped on Rathen's outstretched leg and fell on her face, feeling the tap of his blade on her neck and rolling her eyes.

After they had finished, Vanya and Kaldar returned to their house. The sun was just beginning to go down as she slipped under the covers, and Kaldar curled up, accidentally letting a jet of fire out of his nostrils.

Vanya yelped, slamming back the covers and ordering, "Adurna." a spring of water appeared, and she used it to douse the fire that had started on the wooden home.

Sorry. Kaldar apologized, and Vanya shook her head, smiling as she got under the covers again.

I'll see you tomorrow. She murmured as her eyelids closed, and she fell asleep.