Andlátkyn; Vandr Sanses unin Alagaësia

To Unite Worlds

Blue and GB knew they were late as the Rider helped the skeleblaster slide into the saddle, tails twitching anxiously. Carrot watched uneasily, having no idea how to help.
"What happened?" He referred to the late arrival.

"We had to explain something rather complicated to.. I don't know, 400 kings and queens? It is good that all now have mirrors, but my goodness there are still so many. They have to be addressed in sections at a time." Blue hurriedly explained.
"Any chance I could be clued in?" His brother asked while GB indicated a loose strap.

Tightening it, Blue sighed.
"The bond between dragons and Riders only includes elves and humans. We are a close mimicry, but not true Riders. Not quite. Now, you are aware that dwarves and urgals also exist in this world, as well as now.. all monsters. Eragon and I intend on amending the spell of the Riders before we leave for the empty lands." He straightened then, meeting his brother's gaze.
"You will be able to witness this in person, Papyrus."

Carrot's sockets were wide, a faint glimmer of orange there.
"Is.. is that a good idea?" He mumbled.
"I see nothing wrong with it." Blue hummed, the pair striding out towards the courtyard where the dragons would be taking off.
"It is to ensure future peace and stability. The bond tempers the natural aggression of the races and extends their lifespans. The humans and elves here are proof of this. You can see the varying stages of the gradual change, though it is harder to see when it degrades as the race declines. With only so many dragons alive now, much of what the other two races have become has also regressed."

He glanced over at his brother to see him frowning thoughtfully. Blue dared to smile a little. It was nice to see him caring. Normally the other would shrug or ignore things entirely. A piercing wail jolted him out of the moment, the pair surging up to see what was going on.

In a second, they turned the corner to see a bewildering sight. Roran, Eragon's cousin, was standing shirtless, his wife Katrina held back by the boy himself as she thrashed, child in arms as a woman approached the man with a drawn sword. Saphira, Draco and Fírnen were still, watching tensely.

They caught up just as the woman stopped before the father. "Keep out of this!" His harrowed, rough voice snapped. GB froze uncertainly, glancing at Blue. He only gestured helplessly.
Draco thankfully came to the rescue, explaining quietly.
She's here to demand a blood price for her dead husband.

Blue froze as she pressed her weapon to Roran's chest, GB stiffening with a faint hiss of alarm. Her whisper was audible to everyone save for the new queen and her guards.
"I loved Quimby. He was my life, and he died because of you."
"I'm sorry." Was the only reply.

"Birgit. Please..." Katrina's heartbroken cry echoed across the courtyard, falling silent save for the confused wailing of the infant in her arms.
The woman, her name Birgit, pulled her sword away.
Instead, she took his right hand and pressed the blade against it, slicing evenly without once taking her eyes off his. Roran winced, but otherwise didn't move. Blood began to drip from his palm.

She stopped, holding it there for a few seconds before she backed away, lowering it. He clenched his hand into a fist and pressed it to his side.
Birgit lifted her chin. "I have paid my price. Our quarrel is at an end."

With that, she spun on her heels, snatching up a discarded shield as a previously unnoticed boy anxiously followed her out of the courtyard.
Then, and only then, did Eragon let Katrina go, whereupon she rushed to her husband frantically.
"You stubborn, pigheaded fool. Here, let me see."
"It was the only way." He murmured distantly.

Blue finally let out a sigh, tension falling from his shoulders as GB continued to stare at the exit Birgit had departed from.
"Eragon, you should heal this." Katrina called.
"No, this is one scar I'll keep." Roran argued quickly.
"Is there a strip of fabric I can use as a bandage?"