The Alarming Sound

[Tismri]

Amy stood silent as Nasuada mulled over who to send. She didn't know any of the Riders too well, so she had no suggestions to make. She knew, though, that several them were gone from the camp and they had limited options, if they were to act quickly.
~~~~~
Stefan sat rigidly in the luxious room provided to him as a Rider of Galbatorix, richer furniture than he had ever even seen in his life before. He didn't appreciate any of it. To him, it was just another prison cell, a place he could never escape from. Though he had every semblance of freedom, by the power of his true name, he was Galbatorix's slave.
Jueru was in the courtyard below. Until Galbatorix discovered his true name, they kept him chained there so he wouldn't fly away in an attempt to rescue Stefan, and they used threats to keep him in line.

[Trinn]

Coming to a decision, Nasuada nodded to herself and looked up at Meera and Amy. "I believe Diana and Elaine well suited for this task. They know how to be stealthy and can handle themselves in a fight. Would you each go out and send them to me? Thank you. You have both given much to think about." Nasuada said, clearly dismissing them. Meera gave her a quick curtsy and disappeared outside.

The magician was slightly bothered by the task of fetching dragon riders. She was a valuable member of Du Vrangr Gata, not some servant girl to run messages. She understood the importance of the task, but she was anxious to return to Daemon. Reaching out delicately with her mind, she brushed against Amy's consciousness, careful not to startle her. I'll search out Elaine she said to her comrade, and then bustled off towards the riders tents on the east side of camp.
***

Finding the new rider's quarters was easy enough. Stefan had been placed in an empty room normally reserved for visiting Lords and Ladies. While Vana didn't stroll down these halls often, she was well familiar with them from her time as a servant in the palace. Halting before the study oak door, Vana raised a fist and tapped firmly upon it three times. As commander of Galbatorix's riders, she felt it her duty to assess the skill and training of this young one.

[Tismri]

Amy inclined her head at Nasuada's instructions and turned to leave. She heard Meera's words to her and mentally nodded. She was still in a bit of shock from what she had discovered and words did not come easily to mind. She went to seek out Diana, having a feeling the Rider would probably be in the healing tents, where she spent most of her time when she was in the camp. Sure enough, there she was, wrapping some fresh bandages around a recovering soldier's arm.
"It's almost healed," she was telling him. "Perhaps a couple more weeks and you won't need the bandages anymore." Amy narrowed her eyes slightly, not understanding why a Rider would want to spend so much time healing instead of training to fight.
"Rider Diana," she said softly as she approached. "Lady Nasuada summons you to her pavilion on fairly urgent business." Diana sight and stood from where she knelt.
"Very well," she said, "I'll be right there."
~~~~~
Ealvale sat near where a group of Varden, including the Rider Elaine, were gathered. She had felt just a little guilty about performing right here, where the Rider had obviously been sitting alone, but one soldier had requested a tale and then the whole lot of them sat right where they stood.
She strummed lightly on her lute, as quietly she recited the many great deeds of Eridor the Great, a dragon of old. He had bonded to an elf-woman named Laethirel, the fairest and most graceful fighter of her time, and there was a love between the dragon and Rider such that no others could imagine.
"But, to much sorrow, the world was still not without corruption at that time," she said, her voice sad. "For Laethirel had chosen a mate at one point, and so jealous was this mate of her love for Eridor, that he one day attempted to slay the mighty dragon. He should have known better than to try to destroy the Burner of a Thousand Enemies, for Eridor would have defeated him within second. What stayed his flames, however, was his love for Laethirel and the knowledge that her mate's death would cause her pain. Alas, it would have been better if he had not spared him, for the tradegy that followed may never have occurred.
"Upon learning that her mate had tried to slay her beloved bond, Laethirel grew mad with fury, and killed her mate. Sorrow and shame for what she had done soon followed, and the guilt drove her to kill herself. Eridor had been out hunting at the time, and when he felt her intention, she rushed back to save her, but he was too late. He arrived at their house just as he felt her slip into the void. In his grief, Eridor set the surrounding woods aflame, and remained in the house as the fires consumed them all." Ealvale grew silent for several long minutes, searching the men's eyes to see if they comprehended the moral of the story.
"So if any of you are fortunate enough to win the love of a Dragon Rider, take care to not grow jealous for the natural love of her bond. As for Laethirel, perhaps she should have held more forgiveness in her heart, for she should have known there was no way her mate could have bested her dragon. She should have let go and forgiven that foolish mistake. As for Eridor, and have no words to say, for I cannot judge the minds of dragons." She looked over to where Elaine was with her own dragon, Eridor's namesake, wondering what she thought of the story. Ealvale didn't know what had driven her to tell this story. It was just what had come to mind.
~~~~~
Stefan glanced at the door when he heard the knock. He didn't know who it was, nor did he care to. It wouldn't be Galbatorix himself. He seriously doubted whether the madman ever even left the throne room. Since he was certain of this, he did nothing. Every fiber of his being defied everything about this place. He wasn't about to give anyone here the pleasure of his easily complying. He woul wait for whoever it was to open the door and come in.

[Trinn]

Elaine had been polishing Eridor's scales when a woman wandered into their vicinity. She at first paid her no heed, for she was busy with the task at hand. Eridor simply watched her, his sooty eyes half-lidded in contentment. Her attention was caught when a soldier asked for the woman to tell a story. Intrigued now, Elaine turned her head slightly to get a better look at the woman, and recognized the girlish form of the Varden's only bard. Must it be necessary for her to tell her story here? I am trying to sleep. Eridor said, although Elaine knew he was just as interested in the minstrel as she was.

Elaine continued to polish Eridor's stormy scales as the bard, she couldn't remember the girls name, began the tale. Her cleansing of Eridor began slowing as the story went on, and by the end of it Elaine was sitting atop Eridor's left front knee. Promise me you will never take yourself into the dark like that. Eridor said, grumbling a bit. The sound was like two heavy stones tumbling against each other.

I promise. Elaine vowed, resting a reassuring hand on her bond's leg. She was left with an uneasy feeling from the bard's tale. She had not found a human love yet, but just the thought of a jealous rage ensuing from it left her feeling cold. She was not sure she wanted to fall in love. Still, it was interesting for her to hear more tales of Eridor's namesake, and her bond was equally intrigued by this. The name suits you well indeed. she said to him, and he shuffled his wings modestly.

When the soldiers had departed, Elaine hopped off Eridor's knee and approached the bard. "Greetings, minstrel. That was an interesting story you just told. Thank you. My bond and I have taken it to heart. Forgive me, but I can't say I know your name?"
***

After a few minutes ticked slowly by, Vana narrowed her eyes and sent her mind out into the room. She brushed against another consciousness, proving her suspicions. Stefan was there, he was obedient, but he was an unwilling servant. Grabbing the door handle, Vana let herself in and strode into the room. She was lightly armored, wearing only gauntlets and a chest plate, to which her red cape was attached. The cape seemed a part of her now. It was recognized among empire and varden troops alike, emboldening some hearts, striking terror into others. She wondered what Stefan felt.

"So, you are Stefan..." she began, eyes quickly assessing the ex-varden's physical form. He was strong, that was undeniable, and he had an edge to his eyes that spoke of battles and hardships. He was a good soldier, and Vana was sure he was also a good rider. Although young, he would be a valuable addition to the empire forces. "Do you know who I am?" she asked, wondering how much he knew about the empire.

[Tismri]

Ealvale had just started tuning her lute, as toward the end of her story she had noticed it was sounding a bit off. She glanced up a bit surprised when she heard someone speaking to her, recognizing Elaine. She looked back down for another moment or two, feeling shy. She knew who each of the Riders were, of course, and a good deal about them, speaking to a few soldiers who were her friends and who knew them well. But she had never had the courage to speak with any of them directly, because she knew that each and every one of them was a potential legend in the making, the sort of whom she would sing of in days to come. And who was she? Just a lowly minstrel among these people. She reddened slightly when Elaine thanked her for the story and realized the Rider had been listening.
"My name is Ealvale," she said quietly. She looked back up at Elaine and farther along to Eridor. "I'm sorry if I intruded upon your solitude. I didn't mean to."
~~~~~
Stefan barely acknowledged the woman as she came in, giving the smallest possible glance her way. He shuddered slightly, remembering stories about her. Though he believed many of them to be exaggerated, as a few of the Varden soldiers tended to liken Riders almost to gods, he knew she was a formidable opponent. The Varden who had stood up against her were often hard-pressed to survive, let alone defeat her. He also believed her dragon to be a source of fear as well, a bloodred creature so much larger than Jueru.
"I know who you are, Vana Rider of Viel, second in command of Galbatorix's army," he told her. Because that was all she asked, that was all he answered, continuing his expressionless stare at the wall before him.

[Trinn]

Noticing the shy and humble attitude of Ealvale, Elaine again was struck by how odd it was that people regarded her in such a high air. The way people bowed and moved out of her way whenever she walked through camp was a thing she was only just starting to grow accustomed to. She felt it would be some time before she was completely comfortable with these things. She maybe a rider now, but she was an orphan first. Strange how circumstances could change so quickly.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Minstrel Ealvale. You have great talent with your music and your tales. I would very much like to hear more from you in the future. Eridor and I both. And please, no need for apologies, I feel a bit wiser after listening to that tale." Just as Elaine finished speaking, she felt another presence approaching quickly behind her. Turning her head slightly, she caught sight of the magician Meera striding towards her. When the magician noticed she had been seen, Meera raised a hand in greeting.

"Rider Elaine," Meera said, giving her a quick curtsy. "You are needed most urgently in Nasuada's pavilion. The Nardan base has been compromised." Elaine's brow creased in worry. Compromised? Had the soldiers escaped... Meera's own face was etched lightly with stress, and Elaine could see a significant amount of worry in the magicians ever coy brown eyes.

"I shall go immediately." Elaine said. Meera nodded, and hurried off. It seemed she had her own business to attend to. Turning back to Ealvale, Elaine gave the minstrel a respectful bow of her head. "I thank you again, and I'm sorry we could not speak more, but I'm sure we'll meet again. Farewell." Not wishing to waste any more time, Elaine turned on her heel and dashed off towards Nasuada's command pavilion. Eridor watched her go, lifting his wings in apprehension and grumbling deep in his chest.
***

"Hmm, very good." Vana said, her face mostly expressionless except for an almost permanent sneer at the corners of her lips. "Look at me when I speak to you, rider." she commanded, a tone of authority coming into her voice automatically. Although she spoke sternly, Vana was always cautious to give respect where it was due. It was important to show Stefan civility, if only so he could see that the Empire was not filled with monsters and murderers as the Varden preached. "I came to introduce myself, and to inform you that you will be trained as hard as you were at the Varden, if not harder, beginning tomorrow. I will assess your skill first. Any questions?" she asked, clasping her hands behind her back.

[Tismri]

Ealvale smiled gratefully at Elaine's words, feeling a glowing pride from the Rider's praise. She felt she was accomplished indeed if she managed to impress someone so important.
Her smile faded slightly when she spotted one of the magicians coming their way. Though she had at first been intrigued by their work, Ealvale was soon convinced that many of Du Vrangr Gata were not that noteworthy. Most of them seemed to have a slight tinge of arrogance to them, perhaps not quite tangible but most definately there. They seemed to have the belief that since they could do things most normal people couldn't, they were somehow better, and when the Twins had been in charge, they had been downright terrifying. Since joining the Varden, she had mostly tried to stay away from them.
However, when this magician spoke, Ealvale could hear no arrogance in her voice, and she could see nothing but concern in the woman's eyes. She wondered what had happened in Narda; she had to restrain her insatiable curiousity to keep from asking for details.
"Farewell, Elaine," Ealvale said, "I hope everything will turn out all right." As she watched the woman go, she felt a slight pang in her heart. Despite her popularity for her songs and tales, she often felt quite lonely. She rarely had a real conversation with anyone for longer than a few moments. And since her uncle was out on skirmishes, she had no family or close friends here among the Varden.
~~~~~
Stefan turned his dead-eyed gaze to Vana when she commanded. He wondered just how much insolence he would be able to manage before he made her angry enough to kill him. If he could get her to do so, it would free him from being forced to do any more harm to the Varden, and it might get Galbatorix's second in trouble as well.
"I would rather be made into a training dummy that allow myself to be taught how to further harm my comrades," he told her in a deathly cold voice. "That is all I really am now, anyway, just a puppet for your madman king to use." He turned back to the wall, his expression never changing. "I really see no point to your attempting to train me, for all you will accomplish is dragging me out to the field and beating me to death."

[Trinn]

Still curled up with Cordelia outside her tent, Cherilyn watched as someone dashed quickly past her and down the row of riders tents. She and Cordelia were near the end of the row, and they watched as the woman made a sharp turn towards the center of camp. Just as Cherilyn was wondering who the woman was, and why she was in such a hurry, Cordelia spoke in a somber voice. That was the rider Elaine. She smells.... anxious. Jumping to her feet, Cherilyn's gaze followed the path that Elaine had taken.

What if....there is news of Stefan? she wondered, and Cordelia twitched her tail in sudden agitation. With unspoken agreement, Cherilyn bolted from her spot beside her bond and raced after Elaine. She ran for only a small time before she caught sight again of Elaine. Being careful not to be seen, she ghosted after the elder rider, until the chase ended at Nasuada's pavilion. Something urgent was indeed happening. Staying out of the shadows, Cherilyn waited for Elaine to come back out.
***

Reaching the pavilion, Elaine slowed her pace and strode towards the nighthawks on guard. She saluted them with a nod of her head, and they returned the gesture. After announcing herself, they allowed her entrance, and she stepped into the warm confines of the largest tent within the Varden encampment. Nasuada sat behind her desk, her form rigid and anxious. Elaine gave Nasuada a bow, showing her due respect. "I came as quickly as I could, my Lady. What has happened in Narda?" she asked, being a bit more straightforward than normally she would have.

"You will know soon enough. I am waiting for rider Diana to arrive. Then, you shall both here the distasteful news." Nasuada said, and Elaine caught the barest frown turn the corners of her lips.
***

Shaking her head, Vana felt the desire to laugh. "Your rather dense, it seems." she said, lifting an incredulous eyebrow at him. "It doesn't matter what you wish, or what you want. The great king Galbatorix knows your true name. You have no choice. Everything will be easier for you if you come to terms with this, and stop struggling. I will train you, and you will comply, whether by your own choice, or by Galbatorix's command. Just as you will fight against your onetime comrades."

[Tismri]

Diana arrived in the pavillion only a few moments after Elaine, panting hard from her haste. Whatever had been urgent enough to summon not only her, but the other Rider as well, could only mean trouble.
"What is it, my lady?" she asked. In her mind, Serenity was working to keep her calm, trying to keep panicked thoughts from her until they knew what had happened.
~~~~~
Stefan didn't even blink at Vana's mention of Galbatorix. There was only so much the king could think of telling him to do in a single command, and Stefan would search thoroughly for every possible loophole that would give the Varden aid. That was all he could do, when he was mechanically serving his enemy.
Why do I feel nothing? he wondered. Normally, he would have expected someone in his position to be suffering to at least some degree, to constantly feel agitated and pained. But he felt nothing of the sort. He felt neither peace nor turmoil, neither joy nor sorrow. He was cold and calculating, a still loyal Varden soldier tactically observing his situation from every angle for what would benefit the Varden most.
"Has Galbatorix used my name to stop me from killing you this very moment?" Stefan asked in the same, monotone voice.

[Trinn]

"The magician Amy has discovered that the soldiers stationed in Narda have been slain." Nasuada announced in a solemn tone. She held her hands clasped together on her lap, back straight and her shoulders held back. The news was such that she was having a difficult time keeping herself calm and collected the way a leader should. The expressions of the riders were what might be expected; shock, anger, sadness. "I want the two of you to fly with all haste, and stealth, to that base and find out why this happened. How could all of our soldiers be dead so quickly?" The last part came out without any sort of authority behind it, but sounded like a desperate plea. Blinking, Nasuada fought to regain her self control. "May your swords stay sharp, and the wind be at your backs." She said in dismissal.
***

A small smirk flitted across Vana's face. "Kill me? Would you like to try?" she asked with the utmost amiability. "You would not succeed, boy." The smirk faded, and Vana drew out Domia from it's sheath. The blade looked like it was already dripping with blood, the color was so rich. Her eyes glinted dangerously, reflecting the years of battle she had endured and survived. "Well? You speak bravely, let's see if you can meet those words with actions and see how brave you truly are."

[Tismri]

Diana felt shock rocking through her at Nasuada's news. Every one of the soldiers in Narda, slain? There was no way anyone from the Empire could have entered their base without total resistance from no only the troops, but also the magicians stationed there. Whoever it was had to be powerful to have taken them out so quickly. Unless...someone who knew how to get in let the Empire in. She paled slightly at the thought.
"Yes, my Lady," she said. "We'll try to solve this puzzle as quickly as possible."
~~~~~
Stefan's expression didn't change at Vana's words. He knew very well that he would most likely not succeed in killing her, or even wounding her. She was much better trained and a much more merciless fighter than he was.
However, when he heard the ring of her sword being drawn from it's sheath, his eyes turned, his face finally twisted into a hate-filled glare. That blood-colored blade had been drenched in the blood of his allies, and the woman who weilded it wanted to kill the rest of them. She desired to slay him, and Jueru, and Cordelia and Cherilyn, and everyone else who had ever mattered to him.
At her challege, he rose to his feet and drew his own sword, not nearly as magnificent as the Rider's blade he opposed, but still deadly all the same.
"Perhaps you are right," he said, his anger with the Empire in its entirety flooding his voice in a release he had never known before, "and I can't kill you. But that won't stop me from trying."
And if you kill me, he added to himself, you will have my thanks from releasing me from this slavery.

[Trinn]

A few paces past Nasuada's pavilion, Elaine was beset upon by a young girl. She was vaguely familiar, and it was only until Eridor spoke the name that Elaine recalled her. "Rider Elaine, rider Diana," Cherilyn said, her voice breathless in her rush to speak. "Forgive my boldness, but please, what was the nature of your summons to Nasuada? Is there any news of Stefan?" Elaine felt a pang of sympathy for the young rider. Of course Cherilyn would be worried about her training partner, her peer and probably closest friend among the Varden.

"I'm sorry, Cherilyn, there was no news of Stefan. If you'll excuse Diana and I, we must be well on our way. We've an important mission." Elaine nodded goodbye to the girl and stepped around her. She could feel Cherilyn's eyes on her back, and was glad she could not see them. But Elaine could still feel Cherilyn. Her mind was open to the energy around her, and Cherilyn was full of sorrow and guilt. She quickened her past and was only minimally relieved when she reached Eridor. He was alert, ready to depart with his wings poised for lift off. Elaine quickly grabbed her saddle and riding gear, and in a few minutes time she too was ready to leave. Mounting Eridor, she urged him into the sky. He flew well and quick, and in seconds was circling the Varden camp, looking about for Serenity.
***

Cherilyn's stomach clenched in disappointment. No word of Stefan. Was he being held captive in Galbatorix's castle? Was he at this moment being tortured for information about the Varden. Could it be that he was... dead. At the last thought warmth built in her eyes, and she fought to stave off the tears that flooded her blue eyes. Crying would solve nothing. There was no more time to sit around feeling sad. Action was the only option now. Cordelia, we go with them. she told her dragon resolutely. There was no argument from Cordelia. The dragon was just as determined as her rider.
***

The sword which Stefan drew was a sorry weapon compared to Vana's Domia. She fought back a smirk at the ludicrous notion that the Varden soldier had a chance against her. Oh, he would put up a fight, she was sure. The anger and injustice in his voice was evident. It would give him the energy and conviction to put up a strong opposition. But Vana had fought against tougher foes. "Then try." she said, welcoming him to the first attack.

[Tismri]

Diana came to a short stop when a young woman approached them. When the girl questioned her and Elaine about whether or not their summons had anything to do with Stefan, she was struck with you sharp Cherilyn really was, having guessed the nature of it so well. She was thinking of a reply when Elaine gave an explanation. It wasn't a lie, really; they didn't know if Stefan were actually the one behind the attack. But Diana felt slightly guilty nonetheless, and as quickly as politeness would allow she made her way over to Serenity.
This is such a mess, Diana told the dragon as she mounted. If only Stefan hadn't been captured, this wouldn't have happened.
Di, don't blame him and don't fret, Serenity told her as she raised her wings and took off into the air. He was probably facing at least one very powerful opponent, if not several. And Jueru is still very young. Diana sighed, allowing Serenity's soothing mind to relax her.
True, and we still don't know if this is because of him or not, she said as Serenity joined Eridor for their flight. Right now, we just need to focus on our investigation.
~~~~~
Stefan's eyes moved over the various vital spots of Vana's body, having studied them quite thoroughly over his training as a soldier. He seriously doubted he could hit one on the first blow. In fact, he was certain he would die without landing a single strike on her; he knew the difference in their experience was vast. But he was willing to go through this, if it would allow him to be released from this imprisonment through death. He raised his sword to start the fight...
His eyes drifted momentarily to the handle of his sword, at the simple pommel. When he had been "released" from the dungeon, he could have received one of many weapons in the armory, most of which were much finer than this one. But he had taken back his old sword for a special reason: hidden in the pommel, sealed very carefully to keep from drawing attention, was a hidden compartment. And in that compartment was a note Cherilyn had written to him. It was a general note, wishing him well in the fight he was going and looking forward to the next time they were to train. It was written in elven script to help them both learn it. Writing notes was just a habit the two had picked up after their training in Aberon had concluded. But now it was the only piece of her he had, the only part of his closest friend he could touch.
He had glanced at it for only a second, and then wrestled his furious emotions into the controlled stoicity he was known for. Just the thought of his friend, really the closest and only real friend he had besides Jueru, brought back a determination to survive, even in this seemingly hopeless situation.
His face blanked, his sword sheathed, and he inclined his head to Vana, his dead, emotionless voice returning.
"Forgive me. I let my emotions best me. Was there something you wanted, or did you simply wish to meet me?"

[Trinn]

Elaine and Diana rode all night, carried swiftly on their dragon's wings. The flight from the Varden encampment to Narda took up most of the night, and as Eridor and Serenity fluttered down into the forested foothills of the spine, the sun was just creeping up to the horizon. Sliding down from the saddle, Elaine stretched and checked her gear. By the time she and Diana made it to Narda, it would be noon. Tapping her chin, she mulled over their options. Perhaps it would be best to aproach this investigation at night, when they could move in stealth, and freely. "Diana, what do you think of resting here for the day, and making our move to Narda when dusk falls again? We are in a hurry, but I think it best to step a bit cautiously."
***

Struck by the amount of control Stefan displayed, Vana stared silently at him for a few long seconds. A small smirk broke her severe features. With one swiftly blurred motion, she sheathed Domia. "I simply wished to meet you. And to inform you to meet me for further training tomorrow morning in the dragon court." She studied Stefan's emotionless face for a moment longer. "You have great potential, I see now. And now you'll be putting it to better use fighting for the Empire. Good night, shur'tugal." Giving him a nod of her head, Vana turned and strode from his room. She marched through the castle with her hands clasped behind her back, musing. When she came to rest, she stood on the castle ramparts. Dragons flew above, an imposing sight. She could sense Viel lingering in the smaller courtyard, still watching the youngling Jueru. Soon, Vana thought, this war would be over.

[Tismri]

Night fell without a sound over the landscape as Serenity flew with Eridor across the Empire grounds. As she looked down, she remembered her terrifying sprint across the land after her dragon had first hatched. It had seemed impossible, the thought of escaping Vana and Viel. It was only by luck and the help of the ex-slave Rider Gianna that she made it to Surda, barely conscious.
She wasn't sure what she could expect to find in Narda. Aside from a trip to Ellesmera, she had never been farther north than Urubaen, and she had never been to the coast except for the attack on Feinster.
She gazed up at the stars, cold and bright, as night slowly passed and the landscape changed.

By the time they neared Narda, dawn was beginning to break. The stars were veiled behind a thin layer of clouds. The air was chill as Diana got out of the saddle. She stifled a yawn as Elaine made her suggestion.
"That sounds like...a good idea," she said, trying to cover another yawn. She hadn't slept much during the night, so rest sounded like a good idea to her.
~~~~~
After Vana left, Stefan sat down again. He felt the tension drain from his body and let go, for now. He stared blankly at a wall for a few moments, then his hand went to the pommel of his sword again. He fiddled without looking for a few moments until the compartment opened and he pulled out the note.
He gazed down at the elven script, written in the familar handwriting of Cherilyn. As he brushed his fingers across the glyphs, he thought, Cherilyn, I promise you, this won't be the last note.