When Destiny Burns, Ep. 1: A Halo and Inheritance Cycle Crossover

Chapter 6. 3 Hope

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The Spartan entered a well-ordered, two-story study paneled with rows of wooden bookshelves. A metal staircase led to a small balcony with a table and two chairs, while white lanterns hung along the walls at frequent intervals. The stone floor was covered with some rug and at the far end of the room, a man stood behind a large desk.

The man was bald, black and in possession of a small beard. The air he gave off was an air of command, leading the Spartan to think that this man was in charge of the Varden.

That was a good thing. The doors were large enough for Aeraleth to fit in behind him and as he followed the elf and the man, he took notice of someone closing it behind them.

He recalled how important this man was to these people. The situation had been about to escalate when the trigger-happy archer shot at them. Aeraleth was the only reason it hadn't turned into a bloodbath. She had implored him to stay his hand, then roared to get his attention and with impressive speed, she had formulated a message in-between the shot and his coming counter-attack.

He had yet to regret the choice.

The broad-shouldered man entered the room first, to prepare the leader for the coming meeting. While he was doing that, the Spartan had taken notice of the elf keeping a very close eye on him.

She confused him. She was treating him with hostility, even though he was about to meet her leader. If it was simply about professional mistrust, that would be fine, but something told him it was more than that.

"So," said the man behind the desk. He clasped his hands behind his back. "A new rider has appeared? You took a lot of risk in knocking the twins out, for I understand that is why they were not accompanying you?"

The Spartan cocked an eyebrow. It appeared that the Varden's leader was not as incompetent.

The man paused and stared at him, eyeing his suit. "Take a seat."

The Spartan took a look at the richly padded chair and snorted in disapproval. "I'll stand."

"Very well. A dwarven runner is on his way to fetch the twins as we speak, so that they might continue their reading. But until that moment arrives, I cannot welcome you further."

The Spartan could understand the decision, but he did not care for a welcome. As the dark-skinned man sat back in his chair and started staring at Aeraleth, he took the initiative to speak-

The large-shouldered man stepped forwards and bowed himself to bring his head to the same level as the leader's, then whispered a message.

"Saphira and Eragon stated that these two are here for our help...they trust them, sir."

The man's eyes narrowed and he placed his hand by his chin, thinking his words through.

Neither of them was aware that the super-soldier could hear every word they said.

'Why is that elf so mad at us?' the Spartan asked Aeraleth.

'Can you not guess? Your attitude and refusal to answer their honest questions were annoying to most, if not all of your future allies.'

'Not allies. Assets.'

"Arya, Fredric, you may leave."

Arya nodded and turned around to leave, but the human wasn't so willing to leave. "Sir!" He said with shock. "I can't-"

"Now."

The man swallowed and hastily exited the office too, throwing the Spartan a wary look before he left.