Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Forty-Five

Probation

The interior of the mountain was larger than Erys' expected; with she, Eirdain, and Jorren walking side by side, there remained room for Du Thirr walking abreast three times over. She missed his protective presence but wouldn't yet risk his discovery.

"This is the corridor leading to the dragonhold," Jorren said. "Rooms for dragons and their Riders can be found this way." He pointed to the left. He turned to Eirdain. "If you'll follow Vrolen, he'll lead you to your room."

He and Erys shared a concerned glance. They'd not been convinced by their lies.

"If it's not to impertinent to ask, might we stay together?" she asked. She didn't think highly of any situation mirroring what she'd experienced in Carvahall. When last they'd allowed themselves to be separated, it'd nearly cost them their lives.

"The dragonhold is meant for dragons and Riders only. He's no Rider.  He has no gedwëy ignasia."

Erys showed him her palms; her palm was as lustreless as it been before she'd found Du Thirr.  "We've hidden ours."

"Being a Rider isn't a necessity for our sanctuary.  He will be  allowed to stay; you have no need to fear for your friend's safety.   Your lies will get you nowhere."

"But—"

"I'm sorry. But you'll be able to visit each other anytime you like," he added.

"The last time we were separated he almost died," Eirdain explained.

Jorren looked between the two. "We don't usually make exceptions—"

"Please," Erys pleaded.

Jorren sighed. "I'll give the two of you adjacent rooms."

"Thank you—"

"If you pass probation."

"Probation?" Erys asked, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.

"Not to worry! It's a period of one week for you to learn the rule."

"What rules?" Eirdain demanded. He puffed his chest out and stood as tall as his body would allow.

"Simple things. We frown on lying, there's a curfew, duties."

Eirdain and Erys shared a glance. Helgrind sounded no better Carvahall.

"During probation, infractions, usually punishable, are no worse than warnings. If you pass probation with less than five infractions, I'll see the two of you room close together. You're at one." He pinned them both under his gaze. What was meant to be harsh looked less than threatening. "For now, please." He motioned to Vrolen.

"It's okay," Eirdain said. "We'll take the deal."

"I have to know," Erys prompted.   "What kind of punishment do you employ?"

"Depends on the severity of the infractions?   Anything ranging from menial tasks to banishment, though we've never been forced to take such drastic steps; we don't want to risk the Republic coming into ownership of a liability.  It generally isn't a problem."

Eirdain gave an uncertain nod and followed Vrolen up the mountain interior. Erys followed Jorren lower into the bowels where the corridor opened up to a wide cavern. Either end revealed rooms and more corridors. As they wound their way through the warren of caves, Erys had to wonder how deep the caverns went.

"Would you mind a history lesson?" Jorren asked.

Erys shrugged.

"This place used to be inhabited by creatures called the Ra'zac and their steeds—the Lethrablaka. That's leather flappers." He turned down another corridor. "Eragon and his cousin killed them and purged the mountain. After the fall of Galbatorix, this place became a legend, a legend most feared. Being so close to Dras-Leona has its advantages. Most people fear the city; it led them to abandon it long ago. The only other place feared more is Urú'baen. That's why it's our stronghold; most are too fearful to approach. They believe anyone who finds the gate dies."