Gil'ead

[wiana]

Salian glanced over his shoulder when he heard Gladia took off. He leaned against a tree with a sigh. Those two have effectively turned my life upside down, he thought ruefully. Then he continued onward at a leisurely pace, trying to organize his story for the slave masters. Being a slaver for a bunch of greedy lords was not easy, as he well knew.

As he strolled through the hills, trees, and bracken back to Gil'ead, his thoughts strayed back to Gianna and Gladia. How easy it had been to cause them both pain! And Gianna's past. . . . a former slave. Now that he was alone, he let his feelings show, and a his face twisted into a bitter smile. His eyes glowed dark amber as he rethought through his past.

Yes, he'd been a slave. A slave to the man he called father. The man who used to lash out at him at the slightest convenience. A man who hadn't cared a whit for him or his mother, wherever she was. Whoever she was. Well, his father had stripped him of his childhood, and when he was stronger, he had repaid him for his kindness. Well, not in full, but there was more than one way to break a spirit.

And then there was the girl he loved. . . . Salian's thoughts continued through his dark passed, occupying him on his long walk. Finally, his thoughts returned to Gianna. I look forward to meeting you and Gladia again, he thought. Even if I promised not to hurt them.

He whispered a few words in the Ancient Language, then summoned a spirit bird to care his message. The bird flitted into sight, barely visible, and looked at him. "Tell the girl Gianna and her dragon Gladia that Galbatorix is one of my employers, and as such that he will shortly be receiving a message." The bird nodded and flew off, high into the sky.

[Trinn]

As the sky began to darken, Gianna had Gladia fly down to the group below. She spoke above her heads. "Allright, guys. Your choice. Continue traveling through the night? Or take a break?" They took a moment to converse, then, the man Gladia had used as her speaker, spoke for the group.
"We would like to take a break until night sets. When the sky had darkened, we will be ready to travel." Gianna nodded. They all had good spirit.
"As you wish." Folding her wings, Gladia landed lightly next to the mass of people. A few of them approached the dragon and helped Gianna down from the saddle. The rider smiled at them, greatefull for their assitance. The day had been long and grueling. Taking the time to walk amongst the free'd slaves, Gianna was pleased to see that they were all unharmed. As she walked, they took turns to pat her on the shoulder or grasp her arm in comradry. Eventually, they all settled onto the ground, some laying, some simply sitting. Gianna walked back to Gladia, who lay at the edge of the camp, dosing.

Sitting against Gladia's warm stomach, Gianna herself began to slip into a light sleep. However, it was short lived. Something ethereal flew before her eyes. Startled, she sat up straighter and stared at a ghostly bird. Before she could react further, her mind was filled with a strange, chirping voice. As the message was relayed, Gianna's eyebrows drew down in worry. Gladia, Galbatorix will kill him when he learns of Salian's failure! Gladia sighed.
True. There is nothing we can do, though. Gianna stared at the bird, then, in the ancient language, told it.
Go back to Salian as quickly as you can. Tell him to stay away from Galbatorix! Tell him to live his own life, free of others demands! Go! The evanecsent bird seemed to nod, then it flew off into the night, Gianna staring after it.

[wiana]

Salian paused to drink from a stream, still thinking of what he would tell Galbatorix. Just the, his bird returned and relayed Gianna's message. Smiling, almost sadly, he sent one laast message with the bird. "Find Gianna and tell her this, 'Sorry Princess and Gladia, but I must report. Freedom may be what you crave, but not I. Thank you for your concern on my behalf, but it is for yourselves that you must worry. Safe travels.' Then when you deliver that, you may immediately return to your rest." The bird nodded and flitted off again.

As the tracker (occ: he's in tracker mode) watched the bird fly off, he breathed in and out with exaggerated movements. Well, I'd better not put off facing Galbatorix any later. And, if he lets me go, I'll have to deal with the slave masters. He straightened his face and sat down, focusing on projecting a spirit image (ooc: it's just like a spirity copy of himself that is unable to feel pain, though he might.) of himself to Galbatorix, wherever he was. Once he had the proper image, he cast around the necessary protective wards--he didn't want the king to take any anger out on the image, though his protection might not work. Then he sent the image off, and created a new one as a medium between the one that he sent and himself. This image would act as Galbatorix's mouth and ears, while the other one worked as the opposite.

Salian opened his eyes and waited, bracing himself for the worst.

OOC: I don't want him to go neutral. and I don' think he'll make it big in the Varden. he was part of the Black Hand, but escaped before he could be caught and killed. and he still likes to slave peopl, but not to cause them pain. and he owes the dwarves for hunting in the Beors.

[Trinn]

With the stars shining brightly in the darknened sky above, Gianna mounted Gladia. The group around her had already rissen, refreshed and ready to cover more ground. By a week, maybe more, they should reach Surda. Of course, that was if there were no other incidents. Raising her large wings, Gladia prepard for flight. Wait! Gianna quickly said, squinting. A soft shimmer fluttered in the distance. As it grew closer, she recognized the same spirit bird. The message it relayed caused the rider to shake her head in sorrow. Perhaps some people just didn't know what to do with freedom. Some slaves were like that, unable to use their will that had been beaten down. Before she could give the spirit bird a reply, it had dissolved, as if melting into the air. Come on, Gladia. Salian has made his choice. The dragon nodded, then leapt into the sky. Below her, the free slaves began their long trek.
~~~~

Galbatorix sat upon his throne, a ball of liquid fire boiling between his hands. The fire was like lava, bubbles popping from it's surface. The difference was the color. Instead of orange and red, the odd fire was black and gray. At first, he didn't notice the shimmering figure before him. Then, as he glanced up, her recognized the talented slave trapper. Talented, because he could do so much more. Slamming his hands together, Galbatorix extinguished the molten fire.
"Ahh. Salian, right? I hope there is good reason for coming to me in such a manner? An emergency?" Galbatorix narrowed his eyes. Unless there was an urgent matter at hand, Galbatorix preferred his guests to come in the flesh.

[wiana]

Salian nodded his head in reply, knowing that the image in front of Galbatorix would do the same. Then he knelt, head bent. "Yes, my king. You know of the tournament in Gil'ead? Well, the night after, I espied slaves being lifted up into the air. . . . on dragon back. There were two dragons, and I followed them to their camp. I managed to gain control of one rider, the rider of dark purple Gladia. Anyway, the dragon gave me the slaves in trade of her rider.

"I would have brought her to you, knowing the dragon would follow, but my present mission was to recapture the slaves. I was followed, however, and Gianna and Gladia recaptured the slaves. Now they head south, to Surda. My lord can catch them if you hurry. Two new servants would please my lord?" he said the last sentence as a question. Throughout his report, he kept his head bent, but now raised it to hear the insane king's response.

I'm sorry, he thought silently to Gianna and Gladia. I had to.

[Trinn]

OOC: Ohhhh, betrayel.

IC:
As Salian's report went on, Galbatorix became increasingly angry. Then, at the mention of Gladia, a rage gripped his heart. The slave who he shown respect, given her a bed to sleep in, let her learn under his shelter! So, this is what she was doing with her freedom. He clenched his hands so hard the nails bit into his palms. "I would have rather had a rider, you imbecile! When a mission offers a greater catch, you take it!" With a sudden motion, he slammed his fist against the arm of his throne. "And the next time you have such aggrivating news to report, I want to see you in the flesh!" Slaves. Why did everyone make such a big deal over slaves. "I want you to follow those renegades. I want you to recapture that rider. And I want you to bring her back here!" At the end of each setence, he pounded the arm of his throne for emphasis. In the back of his mind, he thought, Einar had been a fool to free that slave, Gianna.

[wiana]

Salian winced at the rage in the king's voice, but quickly hid his expression. He stood up, squaring his shoulders. "Excuse me for my ignorance, my lord, regarding bringing them to you. I didn't know they mattered so much to you. I would gladly follow them, but the two are now more cautious of my. . . unusual methods. Perhaps some assistance . . .?" He hardly dared to breathe. Galbatorix had killed men for such talk. Saying the wrong thing could be dangerous. . . .

[Trinn]

Galbatorix's eyes seemed to burn with rage. Salian was tearing at his nerves, requesting assistance! "Whatever. I'll send you a rider. Although I must say, you're not as great a predator as I've beel lead to believe." He allowed a smirk to cross his face. Oh, yes, he knew of this man's odd mannerisms. "Send me your location, boy, and I'll send you someone." He waited, his rage simmering. If Salian had actually shown up, well, he wouldn't have walked out of the room unscathed.

[wiana]

Salian closed his eyes and smiled broadly, hoping to enrage the king even more. "Is that so, my king? Have you forgotten the other services that I have rendered for you? Well, no matter. I think I shall come personally to meet you." He knew that he was being stupid, arrogant, even, in front of one the most powerful people in Alageasia, but he didn't care. he wanted to give Gianna and Gladia as big a start as possible.

OOC: Yes, betrayal, but not total.

[Trinn]

Did this boy have a death wish? Was he so brassen as to actually question he, King Galbatorix! "Good. I so look forward to seeing you here." He replied, an odd growl accompaning his words. Now, go. And hurry back." Turning his gaze away from Salian in a clear dissmissal, Galbatorix considered the deeds Salian had done for him. Yes, he had performed well in the past. This was, in fact, the first time he had ever failed him. Perhaps I will let him live...

[wiana]

Salian summoned back the spiritual projection of himself. Then he merged the two images and absorbed their magic. He closed his eyes and sighed, then reopened them. "Should I go to him immediately? Or deal with the slave masters first?" he asked of the night sky. No answer came, of course, and he summoned another spirit, sending it to the slave masters. It would have to explain to them what had happened to their precious slaves.

I absolutely hate summoning spirits, he thought with a frown, watching the spirit leave. I feel terrible about disturbing a spirit from its rest and manipulating it. Then he cleared his mind of such thoughts and pulled at various spirits around him, both wandering and earthbound.

The silence of the night was filled with a chant -- words in the Ancient Language that few remembered filled the night air. Then Salian teleported with a loud crack and resounding wail. His feet hit the ground with a knee jarring thud, but held still.

Before him sat the crazed king Galbatorix, ruler of Alagaesia. Salian bowed accordingly, more out of courtesy than respect. "I came as fast as I could, my king. Give me your orders and the means to accomplish them, and I will not fail you again."

[Trinn]

Galbatorix, at the sound of the air rendering crack, leapt to his feet and prepared for an attack. Black magic began writhing up and down his arms while he held his hands in fists at his sides. A film of red washed over his eyes as he prepared for a killing spree. However, the man before him was familiar, in fact, he had just finished speaking with him minutes before. With a raised hand, he pointed at Salian. "You! You are not important enough to barge right into this room. YOU must wait outside and announce yourself before coming in!" With deliberate steps, he marched down the marble steps leading to the throne.

Stopping mere feet before Salian, Galbatorix stared coldly at the slave trapper. "The next time you are ever so bold to reach me in such a way, I will take your head." As if to emphasize his point, the black magic around his arms leapt out at Salian, but withdrew before actually touching the man. Taking one deep breath, Galbatorix managed to calm himself, the red vision washing away. Slowly, the black tendrils of magic whithered away until only his hands were covered in it.

"As for your orders. I want you to finish your first assingment. Recapture the slaves that the rider Gianna is escorting to Surda. Slay them if you can't capture them. But, this time, I want you too also capture Gianna. Bring her to me. To make sure you have no troubles as you did previously, I will send you a rider. Now, leave and wait outside. The rider will be with you shortly." Crossing his arms across his chest, Galbatorix stared down at Salian, waiting for the bold man to leave.

OOC: Which empire rider do you want? lol. I don't know who to send.

[wiana]

Salian left the throne room with a bow and waited outside for the rider. Being with Galbatorix any longer could be hazardous to his health. The rider appeared and looked him over with slightly narrowed eyes. "You are new here, aren't you? Perhaps you are the reason why. . . ." The rider's eyes narrowed into slits. "Follow me," he snapped, pivoting on his heel.

The rider lead Salian through a series of halls and up a few flights of stairs. he paused at the top of one flight, in front of a hard metal door. "Go inside, but hurry. I'll be here when you get out," he said mysteriously.

Nodding to hide his confusion, Salian slid back the bolt on the door and entered into a dimly lit room. The room was roomy and the floor covered with straw. Eggs dotted the room, spaced widely apart. Off to the right was a scratching sound, like a mouse, but more intense.

Salian closed the door nervously behind him and looked around more carefully. "What was the rider talking about?" he wondered aloud. He walked to one of the eggs and tapped it's side. Thin White veins decorated the surface in no detectable pattern. "But wait! These are dragon eggs!" Salian looked around, noting the size and color of each egg.

The scratching in the right back corner ceased, and a small, storm gray creature prowled out from behind an egg. The baby dragon bared its tiny fangs at him and growled, an unimpressive sound from such a small creature. It continued its walk forward and halted a ways away. Small, dark eyes peered out from the thick head. All of the proportions looked thicker than Gladia's in proportion to the dragon's size.

Salian knelt down before the dragon, sensing its spirit. Darkness swirled within the creature, almost pure evil lined the spirit. The creature seemed to have felt his intrusion, for it hissed and leapt at him, springing in a graceful movement like a cat. Salian raised his right arm to block the hatchling, and its nose touched his hand as it flew by. A bolt of energy ran up, Salian's arm, and he blacked out.

When he came to, the dragon hatchling was right in front of him, looking at him with something akin to concern in its eyes. A strange feeling crept up Salian's back and he looked down at his right hand. It glowed a faint silver. Fear ran down the trapper's back and he stared at the dragon. With an extremely smug look, the dragon cocked its head. Hunger that was not his own reached Salian through a fragile tendril of thought. Salian groaned and and stared up at the ceiling. Great. Brilliant, he thought. Just what I need, a dragon hatchling.

The hatchling growled again, and the hunger came stronger. Salian sighed and reached into a pouch on his belt. He pulled out a hunk of meat and tossed it to the dragon. It snatched it out of the air and set it down, tearing at it with sharp teeth. Satisfied, he raised it head and crawled onto Salian's lap. Time to go. Salian grimaced as he thought the words. "Gladia is going to toast me for this." Then he arose, hatchling in hand and left the room. He turned to the statue that was the rider. "Come. Let us go."

The rider nodded, unfazed at the dragon in Salian's arms. The two left the castle just as dawn was appearing on the horizon. As they flew south, the hatchling launched himself into thin air and caught a passing bird. There was a crunch and the hatchling returned, no bird in mouth, yet it seemed to have grown. "You are Torlynden," Salian told it, before it fell asleep.

OOC: Trinn, is all this OK? If I need to change it, I will.

[Trinn]

OOC: No, I suppose it is ok. I will send Vana with him. (We'll say that was the rider with Salian).

Vana marched down the hall, leading Salian further out of the large castle. Her mind drifted to the hatchling around the trapper's neck. This little dragon seemed different then most. Almost malign. Repressing a shudder, she stepped outiside, into a large, flowery courtyard. Viel lounged upon the grass, waiting for her rider and the slave tracker. Upon seeing them both, the garnett red dragon rose to her feet and surveyed Salian and the hatchling.

As Veil's mind wandered close to the hatchling's, the red dragon suddenly reared back her head and snorted. Vana, that little monster is evil! Vana narrowed her eyes.
What are you talking about?
That hatchling has something evil too it. I can't place what exactly, but it shall be a terror when older. Vana glanced at the gray youngling apprehensively.
Whatever, let's go.

A few hours later, as Viel carried her two, well, two and a half, passengers, the dragon posed a question to Vana. Why did you allow Salian into the clutch? Vana took a moment to answer.
I don't know, really. I felt that the man had something to him, something that was missing, I suppose. In my mind, it felt right, almost natural, to bring him to the room. I guess now we know why. Viel snorted.
Yes. And pray you don't regret that decision. Vana frowned, then turned to look at Salian over her shoulder.
"So, the slaves and the rider are heading to Surda?" She frowned. "How many days head start have they had?"
~~~

Gianna, bent forward so her cheek rested against Gladia's purple neck, watched the slaves progress below. The group of people amazed her! They jogged all night, never seeming to tire. They are probably used to hard work, she mused, and little food. As her dragon flew easily across the sky, the sun began to rise, slowly, a faint glow creeping forward. Gladia swung around her neck to look at Gianna.
A few more hours of travel, and then we must rest. Gianna nodded, straightening in the saddle. A sudden feeling of apprehension creeped up her back, and she turned to stare behind her. At the moment, nothing but open, lighting sky greeted her eyes. Gladia...
I know. The dragon replied. I feel it too.

[wiana]

"They've been traveling all night, but no more," Salian replied, one arm cradling Torlynden. Dark dreams swirled through the mental link, causing Salian to shiver. What am I doing with this? he questioned, gazing ahead. The speed with which the garnet dragon beneath him flew was great, and the land below slipped by in a seamless blur.

Far ahead, Sal thought he caught a glimpse of something dark purple. Little more than a dot, really, but he thought it was Gladia. The ground below the dot was impossible to see, but he thought he saw a thin dust cloud. Torlynden stirred and raised his head. Evil glee that their prey was in sight echoed along the bond, making it tremble and shake. White teeth glinted in the early sun as the creature growled. A hum followed the growl and the hatchling looked up at Salian with almost adoring eyes. Almost, but not quite.

Salian averted his gaze, staring at the approaching purple dot. I will break no oath, he silently vowed. To either party. But how will I succeed?