The small thunder of dragons, as a flock of dragons were called- at least, back in the Multiverse they certainly were- flew north a few miles. Saphira flew just abreast of Glaedr, her boiling excitement greater than ever seen before. GB caught thermal after thermal to his right, eyeing the gold dragon in wonder. To think I'm related to something like that! My God. He'd commented in a daze. Draco was wriggling in the air above Glaedr, to the left. A few hoots escaped him, eyelights flickering to GB in amazement.
Have you ever seen a dragon this huge? Have you? Holy shit he's old, too. Saphira can grow to that size someday! How do you.. how do you wrap your skull around that?!
I don't know. GB had answered dully. Blue had just patted his neck vertebrae sympathetically, not sure how to handle his thoughts, either.

They landed in a clearing at the end of the cliff, a path from it leading to the door of a but grown from four trees, one of which was at a stream. Glaedr was so enormous, it could have fit between his ribs. Blue slid off and huddled close to GB, trying to grasp the situation he was in as the colossal dragon leaned forward to sniff Draco, who leaned back in confusion and surprise. Like Saphira, he went along the side of the other's face and his wing, taking great interest in the scent.
Yours is a unique scent, Dauthíblakka. We are two different kinds, but nevertheless, you are still a dragon at heart. As one, you deserve to know of our culture and history. I only ask that we learn of your own.
Draco glanced to the side awkwardly.
That sounds about right. I'm no history teacher, but it's fair enough. If anything, our kind is civilized; we never had Riders. I don't like the idea all that much for myself, but I won't condemn anyone else for it.
A gleam of pride flashed in his gold eyes.
That is good. You'll do well.

The gargantuan one turned to GB once more, to finish what he could not earlier. His chin nearly brushed Blueberry's skull when he scented GB's wing.
You too, are unique. The blood of dragons pulses strong within you, but you have not even the instincts of the race to guide you. You are a lost hatchling; I intend to fill that gap with our own teachings. You belong to our own world now, it is your right to know of your kin. Due to the fact that you and Eldgath are not true Riders, we must adapt our curriculum. However, your very nature appears to more than compensate for your lack of a true bond, so you best not expect to be treated differently from our usual Riders.
Blue gulped, still breathless from this humongous creature that wished to share it's secrets with him, to call him one of it's own. GB spoke what they had both been thinking.
Thank you.

There is nothing to thank for. You, Rider. You must join Eragon and Oromis. He addressed Blue, his great eye resting upon him. He nodded quickly, for once unable to move his legs. His eyelights flickered over to the house and back to the dinner plate eye that pierced him.
It was one of those rare moments that he used his ability to teleport, appearing stiffly outside the door and spinning to stare at the dragon, who simply rose up and gazed out over the horizon.

Oromis snapped him out of it by handing him water and gesturing to an empty stool beside him. Eragon was already seated in another, looking awkward.
"Welcome to my home. I live here, on the brink of the Crags of Tel'naeír, because it provides me the opportunity to think and study in peace. My mind works better away from Ellesméra and the distractions of other people."

They waited for Oromis to continue. He didn't. A full minute passed.
Draco was sitting beside the hut, laying his skull between his claws and staring at Glaedr, who stood like a sentinel without meeting anyone's gaze. GB let out a soft rumbling noise like a purr, studying Glaedr with admiration in his eyelights. Saphira crouched, gazing unblinkingly at the elder while kneading the dirt.
Five minutes passed. GB flicked his eyelights to Blue.
Is he going to talk? I'm getting confused.
I don't know! Is it rude to say anything- what if we're supposed to do something and he is waiting for that? Are we insulting him?!
Dude, calm down. Eragon doesn't look that worried. I'm pretty sure.. okay, I'm not sure. I don't know. But I think we should wait?
I might explode!
No you won't. Relax. As much as you can, anyway. This is cool.
I'm not a lazybones like you!
Not asking you to be..

Blue hugged his arms and waited, Soul pounding in apprehension.
Ten minutes went by, and still no word.
Eragon glanced at him, slightly concerned. He shrugged, feeling tight with worry.
Thirty minutes and Blue had enough of staring at Oromis. He had patience, but this was ridiculous.
He busied himself with watching the surroundings. It gradually calmed him.

An hour into the silence and Draco had fallen asleep, GB not far behind, even when he actually tried to stay awake. Saphira was still fixated on Glaedr. Blue was enjoying the sounds of the brook and forest, having found peace.
He accepted that there was another Rider, one to teach Eragon what he needed.
He accepted that he and GB qualified as them in their standards.
He pondered how his brother would react to this.
Probably have a panic attack at the danger involved. The thought made him smirk. This could actually draw Stretch out of his mindset of him being a child. Blue was the older one, he raised his brother.

It was some time later when Oromis finally spoke. Blue mentally berated himself for losing track of time, rousing GB with a stab at his mind.
"You both have learned the value of patience well. That is good. Istalrfreohr, however, I ask that you remain awake next time. The same for you, Dauthíblakka."
GB groaned slightly as Draco snorted irritably.
"You can't stalk a deer if you are in a hurry." Eragon said with a small smile.
I tried to stay awake. GB grumbled. I'm a very sleepy person.
"True enough." Oromis answered Eragon before Glaedr spoke to GB and Draco.
You will not rest while we teach you. You are our students; you may rest when you return to your quarters each night.

Oromis faced Eragon. "Let me see your hands. I find that they tell me much about a person." The human proceeded to take off his gloves and let the elf grip his wrists. After a few seconds, he spoke. "Correct me if I am wrong. You have wielded a scythe and plow more often than a sword, though you are accustomed to a bow."
"Aye."
"And you have done little writing or drawing, maybe none at all."
"Brom taught me my letters in Teirm."
"Mmm. Beyond your choice of tools, it seems that you tend to be reckless and disregard your own safety."
"What makes you say that, Oromis-elda?" Eragon quested.

"Not elda." Oromis dropped his hands and addressed both human and skeleton. "You will both call me master in this tongue and ebrithil in the Ancient Language, nothing else. You will extend the same courtesy to Glaedr. We are your teachers; you are our students; and you will act with proper respect and deference."
"Yes sir, Master Oromis." Blue dipped his skull respectfully.
"Yes, Master Oromis."
"As will you, Saphira, Istalrfreohr and Dauthíblakka."
Okay..? Master? GB said awkwardly.
Master…? Draco was incredulous.
Yes Master. Saphira's voice sounded strained.

Oromis nodded and continued with Eragon. "Now. Anyone with such a collection of scars has either been hopelessly unfortunate, fights like a berserker, or deliberately pursues danger. Do you fight like a berserker?"
"No."
"Nor do you seem unfortunate; quite the opposite. That leaves only one explanation. Unless you think differently?"

Eragon paused to think. After a while, he said "I would say, rather, that once I dedicate myself to a certain project or path, I see it through, no matter the cost… especially if someone I love is in danger." He glanced at Saphira.
"And do you undertake challenging projects?"
"I like to be challenged."
"So you feel the need to pit yourself against adversity in order to test your abilities."
"I enjoy overcoming challenges, but I've faced enough hardship to know that it's foolish to make things more difficult than they are. It's all I can do to survive as it is."
"Yet you chose to follow the Ra'zac when it would have been easier to remain in Palancar Valley. And you came here."
"It was the right thing to do… Master."
A minute of silence.

Oromis faced Blue, who stiffened in expectancy. "As for you. I cannot read your hands the same as others, as you have no skin or flesh with which to read. However; I have another form of reading I created shortly after meeting the first skeletons in Ellesméra. I would like to see your arms."
"Oh." Blue slowly slid up his sleeves, letting the elf take his hands and study the grey marks, faint hairline scars and lines running through the bone. Oromis studied them much longer than he did Eragon's hands. Finally, he sat up.

"You have withheld your true strength for most of your life; though you had hard times in your youth. Am I correct?"
Blue felt his eyelights wink out in surprise.
"Only Nightmare could ever tell that." He whispered, nodding slowly. Oromis glanced back at Blue's left arm. "You have been surppressed for some time, though recently have escaped this."
"More or less."
"You are also experienced in battle, though for the most part you again, withhold yourself. You prefer not to fight?"
"I try to take a diplomatic approach to things. But if there is no other option, I will fight." He admitted. "I know I am stronger than most."
Oromis nodded again. "That is good. I also see that you prefer more artistic hobbies; you have done a great deal of writing, drawing, knitting."
"All but the first; I prefer reading over writing. Error taught me how to knit and I learned how to draw on my own after Ink showed me painting."
"That is helpful. Thank you." He gestured for Blueberry to roll his sleeves back down before staring into the distance thoughtfully.

After a few minutes he addressed Eragon. "Were you, perchance, given a trinket of some kind in Tarnag, Eragon? A piece of jewelry, armor, or even a coin?"
"Aye." The human brought out a necklace with a silver hammer as a pendant. "Gannel made this for me on Hrothgar's orders, to prevent anyone from scrying Saphira or me. They were afraid that Galbatorix might have discovered what I look like.… How did you know?"
"Because I could not longer sense you."
"Someone tried to scry me by Slíthrim about a week ago. Was that you?"

The elf shook his head. "After I first scryed you with Arya and Lord Nightmare, Alalëa, I had no need to use such crude methods to find you. I could reach out and touch your mind with mine, as I did when you were injured in Farthen Dûr." He took the amulet and spoke under his breath in the Ancient Language, then let go. "It contains no other spells I can detect. Keep it with you at all times; it is a valuable gift."

"And you." He switched back to Blue. "Did you receive anything?" He shook his skull. "No, I could sense myself being scryed, we all can. We learned to guard against it. I tied a spell to my armband so I would not be seen by any evil."
"May I see it?" Blueberry removed it. "Error made it himself, if he added any of his own spells, I trust him."
"There is a ward against arrows; which can prove useful." He returned it, Blue grinning as he slipped it back on. Then Oromis steepled his fingers and gazed through the arch to the distant horizon.
"Why are you here, Eragon and Uniter Blue?"

"To complete my training."
"To learn more of your magic and help Eragon."
He faced Blueberry. "Why are you here? What are your personal reasons for journeying all this way to Ellesméra? Why do you follow Eragon?"
He hesitated. "Because-" He cut off, furrowing his non-existent eyebrows.
"I.." He stared at the ground for a minute.
Then he looked back up.

"Because we can't go home. Not just me; all skeletons and monsters in Alagaësia. Our home is going to come to us. And we can't have our family, friends, our people here while Galbatorix is in power. Not while we know nothing of how this world works. I want to help remove that blind king, or at the very least help him see his folly- though if Nightmare is any example, it could take millennia for that to happen, and he doesn't do enough good to excuse his sins. I want to save the innocent people under his tyranny and protect the lives of my own. I want to help my friends. Eragon is the key to toppling the Mad King, so I want to help him in any way possible. And beyond that, I want to help him with the Riders. He's only 16, Master Oromis. That's a huge responsibility for one so young, especially alone. Even with Saphira it is still momumentous. That is why I am here. I care."

Oromis studied him curiously. "You understand your reasons; that will be a great help indeed. But to learn; are you willing to join Eragon as a Rider, albeit the first of your kind? How deep does your desire go? Are you prepared for the tests ahead, for the sake of a land that is not your own?"
"Yes. Because it is right. I won't stand idly by while so many suffer needlessly. And if I can fight for their freedom without being underestimated due to who I am, then I will fight as valiantly as I can. I may believe in the possibility that anyone can be a good person if they try, but sometimes it is better- for that person's own good as well as the many- to end their suffering. That is, in Galbatorix's case, to kill him unfortunately. It pains me to say it, but I know it is necessary."

The elf laid his hands in his lap. "You are a skeleton of high virtue."
"It has been my best quality throughout the years. It allows me to connect with anyone. I was technically enemies with Nightmare, his team and Error before I became friends with them. I try to see things from the other point of view. I want to understand, so I can help. And, as I have experienced, to understand is to empathize. I care too much to hurt others thoughtlessly or even an animal- I respect the elves all the more for sharing that empathy."

"An admirable ideology, Eldgath. Your morals are in the right place for both an elf and a Rider. The name indeed suits you. As for the both of you." Oromis included Eragon once again. "You are here for training to become a Rider. What do you imagine that entails?"
Blue carefully considered the question as Eragon answered readily. "Learning more about magic and fighting. Brom wasn't able to finish teaching me everything that he knew, and Nightmare struggled to continue due to his own lack of knowledge on the subject of the Ancient Language."
"I imagine we would learn history, for the sake of Eragon's upbringing and us not being from here. Riders, from what I understand, dealt with kings and queens regularly. And how to use it all properly. Mishandled magic is dangerous, no matter what kind."

"Correct. Magic, swordsmanship, and other skills are useless unless you know how and when to apply them. This I will teach you. However, as Galbatorix has demonstrated, power without moral direction is the most dangerous force in the world. In any world. My main task, then, is to help you, Eldgath, Eragon, Istalrfreohr and Saphira to understand what principles guide you, so that you do not make the right choices for the wrong reasons. You must learn more about yourselves, who you are and what you are capable of doing. That is why you are here."

When do we begin? Saphira asked. Oromis made to answer, but suddenly went rigid as he dropped his flagon. He tore at his robe as his face went tomato red. Blue flinched, as did Eragon, while the elf regained composure. Blue felt a horrible sense of Wyrda dwelling on his Soul, like a premonition of a bad, bad thing. He went stiff, cold as Eragon dared question. "Are you well?"

Oromis smirked distantly. "Less so than I might wish. We elves fancy ourselves immortal, but not even we can escape certain maladies of the flesh, which are beyond our knowledge of magic to do more than delay. No, do not worry… it isn't contagious, but neither can I rid myself of it." A sigh wafted from him. Blue still felt that dread as words seemed to float up from the bottom of his Soul. He pushed them back down.
"I have spent decades binding myself with hundreds of small, weak spells that, layered one upon another, duplicate the effects of enchantments that are now beyond my reach. I bound myself with them so that I might live long enough to witness the birth of the last dragons and to foster the Riders' resurrection from the ruin of our mistakes."

"How long until…"
Blue kept his mouth shut as Oromis raised an eyebrow. "How long until I die? We have time, but precious little for you five and myself, especially if the Varden decide to call upon your help. As a result- to answer your question, Saphira- we will begin your instruction immediately, and we will train faster than any Rider has and ever will, for I must condense decades of knowledge into months and weeks."

"You do know.. about my… my own infirmity." Eragon spoke irritably. "I am as crippled as you are. It is better to teach Blue what you were going to teach me; he's more suited to the task."
"No!" Blueberry snapped in horror.
Oromis spoke gently. "Eragon, you are only a cripple if you consider yourself one. I understand how you feel, but you must remain optimistic, for a negative outlook is more of a handicap than any physical injury. I speak from personal experience. Pitying yourself serves neither you, Saphira, or Eldgath and Istalrfreohr. I and the other spellweavers will study your malady to see if we might devise a way to alleviate it, but in the meantime, your training will proceed as if nothing were amiss."

Eragon sank into himself. "The pain is unbearable. It would kill me. I-" "No Eragon. It will not kill you. That much I know about your curse. However, we all have our duty; you to the Varden, Eldgath to his kin, and I to the both of you. We cannot shirk it for the sake of mere pain. Far too much is at risk, and we can ill afford to fail."
The human shook his head, panic rising. Blue lowered his skull to deal with his own emotions, aching for Eragon.
"Eragon. You must accept this burden freely. Have you no one or nothing that you are willing to sacrifice yourself for?"

The human Rider gritted his teeth in fear and concentration. After about thirty seconds he trembled and whispered. "I accept on behalf of those I fight for: the people of Alagaësia- of all races- who have suffered from Galbatorix's brutality. No matter the pain, I swear that I will study harder than any student you've had before."

Oromis nodded, his face somber. "I ask for nothing less." He peered at Glaedr before speaking again. "Stand and remove your tunic, Eragon. Let me see what you are made of. Eldgath Blue, I want a list of the magical attacks you can create, and I want you to summon them. I want to see what you can do."
Wait. Saphira interrupted. Was Brom aware of your existence here, Master?
"Of course. He was my pupil as a boy in Ilirea. I am glad you gave him a proper burial, you and the others present at the time. He had a hard life and few enough ever showed him kindness. I hope he found peace before he entered the void."

Eragon frowned. "Did you know Morzan as well?"
"He was my apprentice before Brom."
"And Galbatorix?"
"I was one of the Elders who denied him another dragon after his first was killed, but no, I never had the misfortune to teach him. He made sure to personally hunt down and kill each of his mentors."

Eragon pondered this for a moment before he let it drop, undoing his tunic as Oromis faced Blue, who already had his attacks summoned and leaned on his Blaster hammer. "How best do you often use these? Do you have other magics less physical than this?"
"Well.." Blue lifted a few bone attacks and launched them into the sky or ground. He lifted his hammer and let it fire at the sky. "I prefer using this as a hammer, because it's weak as a Blaster." He summoned a wall of bones beside him, a wall of blue bones on the other side. "If you didn't know already, blue attacks only hurt you if you move. I also have blue magic, I can.. um.." He gave up and picked up a nearby rock with blue magic. "I'm actually not as good as others with blue magic, though. I also prefer to fight with weapons." He summoned a sharp attack in his free hand, spinning his hammer with the bone in circles.
"How did you know about this already, if I may ask?"

Oromis studied one of the attacks emerging from the ground as he answered. "I spoke with Islingr, Dream, while awaiting your arrival to Ellesméra. I may have been unable to sense any of you anymore due to the spells placed around you, but he remained in contact with Alalëa, Nightmare, who was traveling with you. He spoke in great length about you, Blue."
He smiled to himself. "Dream is my friend."

The teacher nodded, stepping away. "You may put away your weapons." And faced Eragon, who was shirtless, walking around him. He let out a shocked exclamation at his scar. "Did not Arya or one of the Varden's healers offer to remove this weal? You should not have to carry it."
"Arya did offer, but…" Eragon trailed, unable to finish his sentence.

"It's part of me now, just as Murtaugh's scar is part of him."
"Murtaugh's scar?"
"Murtaugh bore a similar mark. It was inflicted when his father, Morzan, threw Zar'roc at him while he was only a child."
Oromis gave Eragon a long look, then moved on with a nod. "You have a fair amount of muscle, and you are not as lopsided as most swordsmen. Are you ambidextrous?"
"Not really, but I had to teach myself to fight with my left hand after I broke my wrist by Teirm."
"Good. That will save some time. Clasp your hands behind your back and lift them as high as possible. Blue, would you consider yourself ambidextrous?"
"Yes, except I channel magic best through my left."
"Even better than I hoped. Eragon, bend forward while keeping your knees straight. Try to touch the ground. Blue, hands behind you as Eragon had done."

After a moment, he allowed them to stop. "At least you can stretch without hurting yourself, Eragon. I had not hoped for so much. You can perform a number of exercises for flexibility without overexerting yourself. Yes. And Blue, it appears your nature without flesh and muscle like the rest of us gives you an advantage of incredible flexibility. I have never seen one who could pull that exercise above their head. I previously did not know it was possible. Very good."

He faced the dragons, namely Saphira. "I would know your capabilities as well, dragon." He gave her a series of poses that contorted her form in unbelievable ways while having the other two summon their own attacks in demonstration, before sending the three of them to the sky for various other exercises. Not much was beyond them. Draco succeeded the most, and though GB struggled with a majority of them he made it through, and Saphira was not far behind Draco in skill. Though collectively all three simply couldn't do a backward loop while corkscrewing in midair. GB actually nearly collided into Glaedr trying, instead crashing into a tree as the massive dragon ducked.
Shhhiiiiiiiit, I'll never live that down.
"Language!" Blue snapped before Oromis could.

They landed, and continued.
I fear that we coddled the Riders. If our hatchlings had been forced to care for themselves in the wild- as Eragon and Saphira were, and so our ancestors were- then perhaps they would have possessed some of your skill. Glaedr fretted.
"No. Even if Saphira had been raised on Vroengard using the established methods, she would still be an extraordinary flier. As for the other two, unless this is natural for dragons of their lands, Dauthíblakka is a remarkable flier as well. I've rarely seen a dragon so naturally suited for the sky, either of them. As for you, Istalrfreohr, do not fret. You are still above most dragons I have trained, and regarding your more landlocked past I am impressed with your abilities." Saphira blinked, then hid her head while cleaning her claws. Draco blushed slightly, a blue glow tinged with yellow. GB's eyelights gazed at the teacher thankfully. Oromis spoke to the three of them.
"You have room to improve, as do we all, but little, very little." He sat back down, back straight.

In the ensuing 6 hours, Oromis interrogated them on all aspects of their knowledge, though his main focus was Eragon's awareness of history, the skeletons' grasp on the magic of Alagaësia, and all their knowledge in the Ancient Language.

They eventually paused for lunch, in which the elf invited Eragon and Blue in the house, leaving the others outside.
It was remarkably empty, only holding what was necessary for food, hygiene, and the pursuit of knowledge. Two walls were pocked with numerous cubbyholes containing hundreds of scrolls. Beside the table, hanging from the ceiling, was a bronze sword and a sheath the color of Glaedr's scales.
Recessed into the door was a picture, showing a city full of towers built against a steep cliff, rising into a plateau beyond. The moon was floating on the horizon, cut in half by it as it's white light illuminated everything in the scene.
"Where is that?" Eragon asked.
"It's beautiful." Blue added.

Oromis's face stretched tight for a moment before he responded. "You would do well to memorize that landscape, Eldgath Blue and Eragon, for there lies the heart of your misery. You see what was once our city of Ilirea. It was burned and abandoned during Du Fyrn Skulblaka and became the capital of the Broddring Kingdom and now is the black city of Urû'baen. I made that fairth on the night that I and others were forced to flee our home before Galbatorix arrived."

"You painted this… fairth?" Eragon quested.
"No, no such thing. A fairth is an image fixed by magic upon a square of polished slate that is prepared beforehand with layers of pigments. The landscape upon that door is exactly how Ilirea presented itself to me at the moment I uttered my spell."
"So a magic photo." Blue murmured quietly.
"And what was the Broddring Kingdom?" Eragon continued. Oromis's eyes widened. "You don't know?" The human shook his head as Blue glanced back over.
"How can you not? I expect this of Blue, and considering your circumstances and the fear that Galbatorix wields among your people, I might understand that you were raised in darkness, ignorant of your heritage. But I cannot credit Brom with being so lax with your instruction as to neglect subjects that even the youngest elf or dwarf knows. The children of the Varden could tell me more about the past."
"Brom was more concerned with keeping me alive than teaching me about people who are already dead." Eragon shot back.
Oromis shut his mouth for awhile.

"Forgive me. I did not mean to impugn Brom's judgement, only I am impatient beyond reason; we have so little time, and each new thing you must learn reduces that which you can master during your tenure here."
He opened cupboards in the wall, taking out bowls of fruit and bread rolls, sliding them onto the table as he sat down. He hesitated, closing his eyes momentarily before continuing. "The Broddring Kingdom was the human's country before the Riders fell. After Galbatorix killed Vrael, he flew on Ilirea with the Forsworn and deposed King Angrenost, taking his throne and titles for his own. The Broddring Kingdom then formed the core of Galbatorix's conquests. He added Vroengard and other lands to the east and south to his holdings, creating the Empire you are familiar with. Technically, the Broddring Kingdom still exists, though, at this point, I doubt that it is much more than a name on royal decrees."

Eragon seemed troubled as they ate. Blue held back a grin as he realized the boy was full of questions. Oromis apparently caught on as well, for he said, "You remind me of Brom when I chose him as my apprentice. He was younger than you, only ten, but his curiosity was just as great. I doubt I heard aught from him for a year but how, what, when, and above all else, why. Do not be shy to ask what lies in your heart. This applies to the both of you." He nodded to Blue.

"I want to know so much." Eragon whispered. "Who are you? Where do you come from? … Where did Brom come from? What was Morzan like? How, what, when, why? And I want to know everything about Vroengard and the Riders. Maybe then my own path will be clearer."

Oromis fell silent.
He picked apart a blackberry.
Blue hunted down the last of the blue fruits and popped blueberries in his mouth while they waited.
The teacher finished with the berry, rubbing his hands together before speaking.

"Know this about me, then: I was born some centuries past in our city of Luthivíra, which stood in the woods by lake Tüdosten. At the age of twenty, like all elf children, I was presented to the eggs that the dragons had given the Riders, and Glaedr hatched for me. We were trained as Riders, and for near a century, we traveled the world over, doing Vrael's will. Eventually, the day arrived when it was deemed appropriate for us to retire and pass on our experience to the next generation, so we took a position in Ilirea and taught new Riders, one or two at a time, until Galbatorix destroyed us."

"And Brom?" Eragon inquired, intrigued.

"Brom came from a family of illuminators in Kuasta. His mother was Nelda and his father Holcomb. Kuasta is so isolated by the Spine from the rest of Alagaësia, it has become a peculiar place, full of strange customs and superstitions. When he was still new to Ilirea, Brom would knock on a door frame three times before entering or leaving a room. The human students teased him about it until he abandoned the practice along with some of his other habits."

Oromis sighed mournfully. "Morzan was my greatest failure. Brom idolized him. He never left his side, never contradicted him, and never believed that he could best Morzan in any venture. Morzan, I'm ashamed to admit- for it was within my power to stop- was aware of this and took advantage of Brom's devotion in a hundred different ways. He grew so proud and cruel that I considered separating him from Brom. But before I could, Morzan helped Galbatorix to steal a dragon hatchling, Shruikan, to replace the one Galbatorix had lost, killing the dragon's original Rider in the process. Morzan and Galbatorix then fled together, sealing our doom."

He paused thoughtfully. "You cannot begin to fathom the effect Morzan's betrayal had on Brom until you understand the depth of Brom's affection for him. And when Galbatorix at last revealed himself and the Forsworn killed Brom's dragon, Brom focused all of his anger and pain on the one who he felt was responsible for the destruction of his world: Morzan."

He turned deadly serious. "Do you know why losing your dragon, or vice versa, usually kills the survivor?"
Blueberry blanched, trying to picture it as Eragon quailed. "I can imagine."
Oromis continued. "The pain is shock enough- although it isn't always a factor- but what really causes the damage is feeling part of your mind, part of your identity, die. When it happened to Brom, I fear that he went mad for a time. After I was captured and escaped, I brought him to Ellesméra for safety, but he refused to stay, instead marching with our army to the plains of Ilirea, where King Evandar was slain."
He gazed past the two blankly, as if lost in memory.

"The confusion then was indescribable. Galbatorix was busy consolidating his power, the dwarves were in retreat, the southwest was a mass of war as the humans rebelled and fought to create Surda, and we had just lost our king. Driven by his desire for vengeance, Brom sought to use the turmoil to his advantage. He gathered together many of those who had been exiled, freed some who had been imprisoned, and with them he formed the Varden. He led them for a few years, then surrendered the position to another so that he was free to pursue his true passion, which was Morzan's downfall. Brom personally killed three of the Forsworn, including Morzan, and he was responsible for the deaths of five others. He was rarely happy during his life, but he was a good Rider and a good man, and I am honored to have known him."

"I never heard his name mentioned in connection to the Forsworn's deaths." Eragon noted.
"Galbatorix did not want to publicize the fact that any still existed who could defeat his servants. Much of his power resides in the appearance of invulnerability."
They sat in silence as they took in the information.
"He was a good man." Eragon finally said.
"Very much so." Blue murmured sadly.
He was there when Brom died; the human had been so hopelessly pitiful, yet nothing he could do could save him.

What?
Saphira's comment brought him out of his thoughts, wondering what she and Eragon were talking about.
You've made a fool of yourself plenty of times. She suddenly said, Eragon flinching.
GB, who was near the window, lifted his skull to look at her. That's a bit harsh. Why would you say that?
She didn't respond. Eragon faced Oromis again, hesitating at the elf's knowing eyes.
"Even though we're linked, I can never predict what she's going to do. The more I learn about her, the more I realize how different we are."
"Those whom we love are often most alien to us." Oromis told him, then paused.

"She is very young, as are you. It took Glaedr and I decades before we fully understood each other. A Rider's bond with his dragon is like any relationship- that is, a work in progress. Do you trust her?"
"With my life."
"And does she trust you?"
"Yes."
"Then humor her. You were brought up as an orphan. She was brought up to believe that she was the last sane individual of her entire race with only distant relatives remaining, and even those are not from this world. Now she has been proven wrong. Don't be surprised if it takes some months before she stops pestering Glaedr and returns her attention to you."

Eragon quieted, lost in his thoughts. Oromis addressed Blue. "As we are on the topic, do you trust Istalrfreohr GB, Blue?"
"Of course."
"And he you?"
"Yes."
"Good. You may not be proper Rider and dragon, but we are lucky you two can emulate the bond so well. Otherwise I would not train you as such."
They lapsed back to silent contemplation, Eragon taking a blueberry and rolling it between his fingers. Blue stared at the berry and slowly dragged the rest of them away, hoarding his blueberries.

"Why don't elves eat meat?"
"Why should we?" Oromis held a strawberry to the light, casting the hairs in light. "Everything that we need or want we sing from the plants, including our food. It would be barbaric to make animals suffer that we might have additional courses on the table.… Our choice will make greater sense to you before long."
Blue felt a huge smile on his face as Eragon alternatively frowned. "Don't you miss the taste?"
"You cannot that which you have never had."
"What about Glaedr? He can't live off grass."
"No, but neither does he needlessly inflict pain. We each do the best we can with what we are given. You cannot help who or what you are born as."

Struggling to find an argument, Eragon insisted. "And Islanzadí? Her cape is made of swan feathers."
"Loose feathers gathered over the course of many years. No birds were killed to make her garment."
Eragon was troubled by the elf's words, a confused frown stuck on his face while they finished and cleaned up.
While returning the dishes to the cupboard, Oromis asked the two of them. "Did you bathe this morning?"

Remembering his infuriated scrubs at the dirt and grime staining his bones and caught in his joints, Blue smirked. "Yes."
Eragon recovered his surprise, staring at Blue strangely. "No, I did not."
"Please do so tomorrow then, and every day following."
"Already planned to, Master Oromis!"
"What? Every day? The water's too cold for that. I'll catch the ague."
The elf eyed Eragon. "Then make it warmer."
Eragon was aghast. "I'm not strong enough to heat an entire stream with magic!"

Blue stared at him incredulously as Oromis laughed.
"There's a washroom..? Do you know what that is?" Glaedr swung his great head to investigate them, then returned to normal.
The teacher settled down, serious again. "I assume you both explored your quarters last night."
"Yup." Blue chirped as Eragon nodded.
"And you saw a small room with a depression in the floor?"
"I thought that it might be for washing clothes or linens." Eragon explained.
"It is for washing you. Two nozzles are concealed in the side of the wall above the hollow. Open them and you can bathe in water of any temperature. Also," he pointed at Eragon's chin. "While you are my student, I expect you to keep yourself clean-shaven until you can grow a full beard- if you so choose- and not look like a tree with half its leaves blown off. Elves do not shave, but I will have a razor and mirror found and sent to you."
"Yes, Master." Eragon winced.

They went back outside. Oromis glanced at Glaedr and the large dragon spoke, addressing all of them.
We have decided upon a curriculum for the five of you.
Oromis spoke. "You will all start-" an hour after sunrise tomorrow, in the time of the Red Lily. Return here then.
"And bring that saddle Brom made for you, Saphira." Oromis added.
"Do what you wish in the meantime; Ellesméra holds many wonders for a foreigner, if any of you care to see them."

"I'll certainly enjoy them, I'm sure!" Blue grinned excitedly as Eragon inclined his head. "I'll keep that in mind."
Blue skipped over to GB who lifted a talon in a fist. They fistbumped as Eragon spoke again. "Before we go, Master, I want to thank you for helping me in Tronjhiem after I killed Durza. I doubt I would have survived without yours and Nightmare's assistance. I am in your debt."
We are both in your debt. Saphira added.
Oromis only smiled and nodded.