Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Forbidden

Erys strode into the meeting hall. There were several Riders already seated, Aneira, Nyrolœr, Kyail, and eight others she did not recognise. There was no room for their dragons, but Erys didn't doubt they were listening.

"Ah trust ya've all rested," one of them spoke.

Erys looked to Eirdain and Keilith then gave a tentative nod. "Yes."

"Very good. We're sorry for the loss of ya friend."

Erys gave them a smile. "Thank you."

"Our first order of business is to set up ya residence," she continued.

"Ah request they continue their stay with me," Troeonn said.  "Ah have plenty'a room'n could use more help 'round the farm."

"Any objections?"  She looked around the room in silence for several seconds, but no one spoke against Stronghammer.  "Request granted," the Rider said softly. She glanced at the scroll before her. "Keilith'n Eirdain is it? One of ya can help 'round the farm durin' the day; that should suffice to earn yar keep. The other shall take a job in the village, with the tanner.  As for ya, Ailden, ya'll continue yar studies. When ya're healed, ya'll start with the physical activities. When ya're not studyin', ya'll help Kyanna. Ah believe ya've all met, she's our healer."

Shame washed over Erys. She'd helped them, all of them. Though she'd failed Thalia, she had offered her services. And she'd only hurt her; she'd even failed to offer her thanks.

"Yes."

"In fact, Ah think she has news for ya."

"Ah do." Kyanna stood. "It appears my fears have been for naught. Yar dragons're recoverin'."

Erys tensed. She glanced around the room, trying to lock in her mind who knew. She feared word might break to the whole village, even the world.  Nor was she particularly pleased; she needed her dragons, but want was not how she'd describe her relationship with them. They'd been far more of a burden than a help.

"Thank you," she said.

"Ya'll come with me when we're finished here."

"Of course."

"The next order of business," the Rider said, "is to address yar request."

"Which one?" Erys asked.

"Departure." The word was short, almost curt. "Denied."

"You can't keep us here!" Erys protested, raising to her feet.

Keilith wrapped an hand around her wrist and pulled her back down.

"Don't," he whispered.

"Ya're our main concern."

"What?"

"The Riders, they don't want them. They want ya an' ya dragons."

"Though it might be beneficial to keep 'em here as well," Aneira interjected.  "We don' know the extent of yar relationship with 'em." She pointed at Eirdain and Keilith. "The Riders could very well try'n use 'em against 'im."

"It is decided," the Rider replied. "Ya will all stay."

"For how long?"

"For as long as ya live." She smiled, as if it were a great honour. "This is yar sanctuary now. Ya're safe."

Erys shared a look with Keilith and Eirdain.

"Thank you," Keilith said. He sounded relieved.

"What's the point of this?" Erys snapped. "It's already been made quite clear." She looked first to Aneria, then Nyrolœr, and Troeonn. "We're not leaving.  So why call us here?"