Sja Fram [Inheritance Cycle | Eragon Fanfiction]

Chapter XXII: Unwelcomed Guests

Murtagh and Tornac - Image

Chapter XXII: Unwelcomed Guests

"This way," the bald man snapped. I was pulled along by the man holding the sword to my throat. Behind us, the horses were being led, and I was glad that Istal hadn't put up a fuss.

"There's an injured–" Eragon begun, before he was cut off by the robed man again, whom I was beginning to hate.

"Do not speak! It must wait until you have been tested." He shoved Murtagh over to one of the warriors, who pressed his sword against Murtagh's neck. "Remove your weapons and slide them over to me." Ren was removed from my side by one of the warriors, along with my quiver and bow. "Now, step away from your dragon and slowly approach me."

"Stop there!" The man commanded when Eragon was a metre away. "Now remove the defences from around your mind and prepare to let me inspect your thoughts and memories. If you try to hide anything from me, I will take what I want by force... which would drive you mad. If you don't submit, you companions will be killed."

"Why?" Eragon asked, aghast.

"To be sure you aren't in Galbatorix's service and to understand why hundreds of Urgals are banging on our front door," the man growled. "No one may enter Farthen Dûr without being tested."

"There isn't time. We need a healer!" Eragon protested.

"Silence!" roared the man, pressing down his robe with thin fingers. "Until you are examined, your words are meaningless!"

"But she's dying!" retorted Eragon angrily, pointing at Arya. They were in a precarious position, but he would let nothing else happen until Arya was cared for.

"It will have to wait! No one will leave this room until we have discovered the truth of this matter. Unless you wish—"

"Are you blind, Egraz Carn?" The dwarf next to Eragon said. "Can't you see that's an elf on the dragon? We cannot keep her here if she's in danger. Ajihad and the king will have our heads if she's allowed to die!"

The man's eyes tightened with anger. After a moment he relaxed and said smoothly, "Of course, Orik, we wouldn't want that to happen." He snapped his fingers and pointed at Arya. "Remove her from the dragon." Two human warriors sheathed their swords and hesitantly approached Saphira, who watched them steadily. "Quickly, quickly!"

The men unstrapped Arya from the saddle and lowered the elf to the floor. One of the men inspected her face, then said sharply, "It's the dragon-egg courier, Arya!"

"What?" exclaimed the bald man. The dwarf Orik's eyes widened with astonishment. The bald man fixed his steely gaze on Eragon and said flatly, "You have much explaining to do."

Eragon returned the intense stare with all the determination he could muster. "She was poisoned with the Skilna Bragh while in prison. Only Túnivor's Nectar can save her now."

The bald man's face became inscrutable. He stood motionless, except for his lips, which twitched occasionally. "Very well. Take her to the healers, and tell them what she needs. Guard her until the ceremony is completed. I will have new orders for you by then." The warriors nodded curtly and carried Arya out of the room. "Now, we have wasted too much time already. Prepare to be examined."

"I am ready," Eragon said.

"Good, then—"

He was interrupted as Orik said abruptly, "You'd better not harm him, Egraz Carn, else the king will have words for you."