a rider of old.

[Emiryal ♕]

A lot can and does change in 100 years. I suppose you can't expect things to stay the same, but even so I do not know this land any more. I once knew this land but so much has changed. These lands are foreign to me now.
--Rakaio

A lone hooded figure walked into Belatona. His eyes missed nothing as he observed the town. He was a stranger here and most people were avoiding him. His cloak covered most of him and his hood hid his face. Walking at a slow pace he observed everything around him as though he were looking for someone. A slight breeze teased at his cloak and blew the dry dirt off the ground and into the air. The breeze pressed his cloak against him for a moment to reveal the shape of a sword in it's sheath underneath. Under Galbatorix's reign being armed was not unusual, and anyone who had noticed it thought nothing more of it.

The figure stopped at an inn, The Crow's Lament. He reached for the door, his hand was covered in a worn leather glove. But before he could open it two rather boisterous men stumbled out of the Inn. "Hey watch where you are going," one of them grumbled. The figure said nothing and side stepped them and reached for the door again. One man grabbed his arm and yanked him away from the door. "I said watch where you are going. Are you deaf?" he yelled.

The figure watched the man with amused blue eyes. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Now let me pass," he said calmly. The boisterous man laughed. "Thank goodness I thought you hadn't heard me, you must be new here. Who might you be," he asked.

"I am no one of consequence and I don't need to introduce myself to you," Rakaio said. By now the second boisterous man had crept behind him and yanked off his hood, to reveal a rather young face. He looked to be about 25 with messy brown hair and bright blue eyes. He appeared mostly human, except for the fact his ears were pointed like an elf's.

Rakaio yanked his arm out of the man's who had grabbed him and backed up a few steps. "That's enough, be on your way," he warned. "Or I'll make you pay for this."

One man laughed. "Hear that Gruid he'll make us pay? Boy, you wouldn't last a minute against us, but if that's what you want," he said. Then both men reached for swords that hung at their sides. They were both Varden soldiers who had, had a bit too much to drink.

Rakaio grinned and pulled out his blade. The blade gleamed in the light. The hilt was gold and the blade was a light coppery brown, like that of a Rider's blade except it had no gem on the hilt. The two men seemed to miss the significance of the blade. They came at his and swung at him in a wide arch. With inhuman speed Rakaio swung Inaverard and blocked both attacks. Then swinging his blade in return he struck with the thin edge of his sword and cut right through their blades as though it was butter.

The two men looked at their swords then at Rakaio. "Witchcraft," one of the mumbled. "We didn't mean you any harm, we'll just be going," the other said. The both of them took of running with nervous glances back at the elf-like human. Rakaio held up his right hand palm out but hesitated when a mind touched his.

"You'd best be careful little one. They do not know who you are, do not harm innocent people," Entas said. "Entas, you always have been the voice of reason," Rakaio said to his dragon. She was no where near Belatona. He wouldn't risk her being seen by anyone. He didn't want anyone to know who he was, he wasn't even sure what he was going to do here. He was a Rider from centuries ago, in the golden age of the riders. And he was the only Rider who had appeared to have survived. Before coming to Belatona he had stopped in Du Weldenvarden and asked after Oromis and Glaedr, only to find they had fallen in battle. He truly was alone.

Rakaio sheathed his blade, pulled his hood back on and entered the inn. After paying for a room for the night, he ordered a small meal and a drink. Sitting down in a corner he ate and listened to the conversations in the room. The most common topic that kept coming up was about a group called the Varden and a rumor of a few Riders being part of it.

[Glaeran]

Zander walked around a corner near the blacksmith's shop just in time to see a couple of soldiers run past. The two glanced at him as the human rider nodded. One of them stopped and muttered something about a demon walking among the Varden. This took the rider by surprise as he looked beyond them and saw a strange figure walk into a tavern. This wasn't normal, so Zander drew his mind in and contacted Glaeran. Glaeran, there are soldiers running throught the city babbling nonsense about demons. I'm going to investigate this topic. The rider waited until he received the affirmative from his dragon and then he slowly loosened New Leaf in its sheathe. This figure seemed too strange and out of place for his comfort. As the young rider arrived at the tavern, he realized that his birthday had passed. With a slight shake of his head, Zander pushed the door open roughly and entered the smoky room. Looking around, Zander spotted the figure, or someone who he thought was the figure. Zander walked over to the bar and ordered a glass of mead. As the man behind the bar slid the mead over, Zander took out a small piece of parchment and threw it at the figure. With enough magic imbued, the parchment landed next to the stranger's mug and the words appeared. The tavern, and city, you are in is protected by the Varden. You have angered a rider and his dragon by scaring two of the soldiers they fight beside. -Signed- Rider of Teirm Zander turned back around and expanded his consciousness enough so that he could keep his attention on the figure without looking at him.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio was watching the room and noticed Zander when he entered, but he gave him no more thought than he would've a farmer that had walked into the tavern. The meal had been small and he had quickly finished it. He was reaching for his mug when the parchment landed next to it. He glanced at Zander first before actually reading the message. It was simply his training, when something came at him he looked for the source of it, which usually was danger.

Casually he slipped at his drink before reading the note. His expression was hard to make out under his hood but he seemed to be smiling and unbothered by the threat. Snatching the parchment he mumbled something and shoved the paper into a pouch and then pulled out a few coins to pay for a refill of his mead.

He stood up and walked over to Zander and seated himself next to him. His sword's sheath clanked lightly against the wooden chair and he took a slip of his drink. Then his blue eyes found Zander, though much of his facial expressions and features were hidden by his hood. "Shur'tugal, I did not mean to scare your warriors; however, they initiated the conflict, I simply defended myself. I am a mercenary seeking employment and I have no idea who the Varden are. And if you don't mind me asking, I'd like more proof that you are a Rider than simply your word. You see as a mercenary you don't survive by trusting everything someone tells you."

The old rider wasn't about to reveal who he really was. Entas and he had decided that he would pose as a mercenary for his cover. It was plausible and would suffice for now. He trusted no one and unless he had to he did not intend to reveal the truth. He hadn't used magic yet either and could be passed off as a sword for hire. Using magic would cause suspicions and unwanted questions.

[Glaeran]

Zander sipped at his drink while the figure walked casually over. It did not surprise him as the figure struck him as someone who would discover something. Yet the fact that this hooded figure had arrived at him before anyone else didn't fit the mercenary cover. Without a pause, Zander replied. Where is your dragon Argetlam? That is you is it not? Zander waited for a response as he slipped his gloves off and showed his aquaintance the Gedwey Ignasia that marked his palm. Then he snapped his fingers and watched as the figures gloves disintegrated. Now let's see yours, friend.

((Sorry if the gloves thing is too much. Just tell me and I'll fix it.))

[Emiryal ♕]

[that's just fine, I don't mind.]

He simply nodded as Zander showed him the mark on his palm. It was a mark he had not seen on anyone else for almost 100 years. It seemed the Riders were slowly coming back despite the fall. He knew he could teach the new order of riders much, but he had no desire to do any such thing. And Zander had said he was a Rider of Teirm. I seemed the new Riders had not yet formalized their order that had once been.

Rakaio glared at Zander as he disintegrated his gloves. Luckily he was holding his mug with his right had so his Gedwey Ignasia was hidden from sight, at least for the moment. "Shur'tugal, just because you have the power to doesn't mean you should pry into someone's life," he chided. Maybe someone else would've thought twice before telling off a Rider, but Rakaio had no need to fear Zander and so he did not hold his tongue. "And now you owe me a new pair of gloves," he added.

It seemed Zander might have mistaken him for someone else, another rider. He was tempted to pull his hood off and prove that he was a stranger. But in doing so it would reveal his elf-like ears. Anyone else might have mistaken him as an elf, but he had a sinking feeling that Zander would recognize his features were not entirely elf like, more like human but transformed by dragon magic over the years.

"You seem to have me mistaken for someone else," he said calmly. He didn't want to cause any suspicions. Not that he would be in danger, but because he did not want to reveal himself or have to choose a side. He had no loyalty to anyone but himself and Entas.

[Glaeran]

Zander nodded in acceptance as the other person refused to show him a symbol or to prove he did not have a symbol. He figured that this figure was not as he seemed and that there were dark secrets. He mocked the fact that his companion was so abrasive and that the whatever he was demanded that he replace the gloves that he disintegrated. The young fourteen year old rider thought through the facts and suspicions. As he thought, Zander downed the last of his mead with one swallow and then replied to his forceful aquaintaince. I don't know how someone who can potentially help us is refusing to even deny or accept his lineage of riders. Never before have I given someone something if they are not respectful enough. Zander continued to rant and rave about how the figure was unable to be helpful while he pulled an extra pair of gloves out of his tunic.

((Zander is intentionally trying to get under his skin.))

[Emiryal ♕]

(( that makes it fun. ^^))

Zander was unknowingly very accurate in thinking Rakaio had dark secrets. Some of those secrets were centuries old. Rakaio seemed outwardly calm despite being rather aggitated by Zander's advances to pry the truth from him of who he was. "I'm a mercenary," he repeated. "Mercenary's don't care what cause you fight for. We only care how much you can pay us. It's not a matter of helping the riders." He purposely ignored that Zander had implied he had a lineage of the riders. Actually he was the only rider in his family and there wasn't really a lineage, more like loyalty which he no longer had. He had lost his loyaty to the riders almost 100 years ago if not before. "As for respect, that is earned not given. Why should I respect someone who destroys my gloves," he countered.

[Glaeran]

Fine, mercenary of unkown origins, where are you from and what is your name? Zander said while deciding that he would attempt something that would prove or disprove the rider theory. He gave the figure his extra pair of gloves and then launched a mental attack at his strange companion. Even though Zander wasn't very good at Mental attacks, he was better at defense. If this went South and he needed, Zander could always attack with magic. The entire time, the teenage rider wished he didn't have to be so forceful with his unknown friend.

[Emiryal ♕]

"I am from the far east, my name is Rakaio," he answered. He was from the east but saw no need to say the exact town. If he did and Zander knew his history well enough then he'd realize the town he was from had been gone for centuries. As for his name, he doubted it would matter. Much of the knowledge of the riders had died off now. Few if any would know him by name. And even if they did he might just have been named after a rider for all they knew.

Accepting the gloves he pulled them on carefully as to not show his palm. Then came the attack, but his defenses were extremely strong. It was like a mosquito against a dragon. He didn't flinch or seem to have any trouble holding off Zander's attack. He stood up and let his chair slide back. "What are you doing," he snapped. "Do the Varden's Riders always treat strangers like this?"

[Glaeran]

Zander looked at the mercenary and accepted defeat. I am sorry for my rude behaviors. It was unacceptable of me yet I was trying to confirm that you are as you say and not here to harm us in any way. Even though you are a sword for hire and owe us no allegience, I would be honored if you stayed to help us in our fight against the tyrant king we currently oppose. I offer my deepest apologies and hope you are not too angered to accept it. The young human looked down in embarrassment as he stood up and payed for his mead. He had tried to protect the Varden and had only made a fool of himself.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio remained standing, he had finished his mead a while ago and had no reason to stay much longer. Zander was lucky that Rakaio had nothing against him or the old rider could've retaliated and broken his mind rather quickly. But as it was he would not do so unless his life depended on it. "Your apology is accepted, Shur'tugal," he said. "But I don't work for free. I will be in town for the next few days. If you will to hire my services I will be here tomorrow night. If not I will find someone who does wish to hire me."

With that he walked out of the inn, he would be back later to use the room he had paid for to sleep for the night. He walked down the road past the street Vendors.

Entas may have been somewhat far away but not far enough that should could not contact Rakaio, or anyone in the town for that matter. She reached out with her mind until she found Zander, she brushed against his mind lightly to show she meant no harm. Simply from the contact Zander would know she was old even ancient. "Greetings young rider," she said. "It seems you have met my Rider. You were foolish to attack him mentally. Peace is often more powerful than threats." Her final sentence was one the riders had once used as a saying of wisdom so many years ago. "Rakaio and I wish to meet with you and your dragon. Meet us outside of town. And do not blow Rakaio's cover of pretending to be a mercenary, which is what you nearly did already." Along with words she sent him an image of a deep valley with large boulders and small tree's in it.

[Glaeran]

Zander noticed that Rakaio was very accepting and that he didn't really try to be drawn into a position of alliance. When the figure left, Zander gathered himself and then walked toward the door. Suddenly he felt the old dragon's presence brush against him. The very fact that a dragon could be that old without being Shruikan was inconceivable. Zander listened to the dragon as he clutched New Leaf's hilt with white knuckles. Then he memorized the image and set out toward the edge of Belatona. Meet me at the South Entrance Glaeran. There is someone I think you'll want to meet. Zander jumped into the saddle of his stallion, which he had tied up near the tavern when he was traveling there. Then he rode off to the valley.

Glaeran jumped into the air and opened his wings. Don't start the meeting without me, Young One. The green dragon flew over the tents and then over the walls toward the valley that he was able to see from the air. It wasn't a very good sight from where he was, yet he was able to fly there. Glaeran landed just before the valley and waited for Zander. When Zander caught up, they went down to the valley and stopped.

[Emiryal ♕]

The valley was empty except for two deer that fled at the sight of Glaeran. It was peaceful and quiet. It wasn't long before Rakaio crested the hill and entered the valley. As he walked he pulled the hood of his cloak back revealing messy brown hair and a youthful face. He looked to be no older than 25. His ears were elf-like as were some of his features but he appeared to be human.

The sight of Glaeran seemed to both please and sadden him. Seeing a dragon with his rider meant that the riders would night die out, but at the same time it brought many painful memories to his mind. He stood still and looked at the sky. It wasn't long before a very large dragon flew overhead. Her scales were a coppery brown and gleamed brightly. She landed near them and tucked her massive wings against her side. She watched Glaeran with interest. It had been a century since she had been around another dragon. Her copper eyes danced with joy and grief.

Rakaio walked over to his dragon, she was roughly about the size Glaedr had been when he died. Shurikan was larger than her, but he had been magically manipulated. "Her name is Entas," Rakaio said. "You know you quite nearly blew my cover in town back there." He took his right glove off and held up his hand, palm out to show the coppery Gedwey Ignasia. A single living flame burned within it. It was not the usual mark a rider had. "What is your dragon's name?"

[Glaeran]

Zander looked at Entas for a few seconds and then said, His name is Glaeran, Rakaio. He is one of the oldest dragons that the Varden has and we are all under the greatest dragon to be of the new age of the Riders. That rider is Eragon and he would be most honored to meet you and Entas. His very presence is amplified by the only other dragon that is known to be as old as you are, Entas. He bears the heart of the great Glaedr and we cannot win without his help. Once again, I beseech of thee, will you aid us in our fight against the dragonkiller and his hoard of riders? The very fact that Zander was standing in front of a dragon as large as his greatest imaginations. He couldn't believe that he had met the rider in the walls of Belatona, and that he had attacked him mentally. I am also very ashamed for having almost blown your cover and having attacked you, Ebrithil.
Glaeran looked at the large dragon in front of him. He was in awe and couldn't believe that there were other dragons that were larger than Saphira. His legs trembled with excitement and he tucked his wings in against his sides. Finally he moved and looked over at where the deer had been. Then he realized that Zander hadn't mentioned his feelings for Amanes. The female elf had been all that he thought about and it struck Glaeran as strange that he didn't think about her. Glaeran decided he'd talk about that with his rider later. It is good to meet you Rakaio and Entas. Yet I haven't hunted for awhile, so could I go and catch some of those deer.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio looked at Glaeran, if he was one of the oldest dragons they had, then the next generation of riders was pretty young still. He knew little about the current events and even less about the new order of riders. He knew Eragon's name, but it held little significance to him. At the mention of Glaedr though both Rakaio and Entras seemed to light up with interest. "Glaedr's Eldunari survives?" Rakaio said. "I did not know his soul still lived on, I feared the worst of my old friend." Maybe without meaning to he had just given away how old he really was. With Entas' size and the reference to Glaedr it would make both Rakio and Entas ancient. Even older than Galbatorix.

"We can't help you in your fight, it's not our war," he said. Truth was he was afraid to get involved in this and fail like he had before. It was only his fear that kept him from aiding them. Just Entas and he alone could turn the tide of the battle for the Varden, but they had no desire to do so.

"You didn't know who I was at the time, you were only doing what you thought was best," Rakaio said. "I can understand that." It was good that Rakaio hadn't felt threatened enough to retaliate. Had he then Glaeran could've lost his rider or at least had his rider very badly injured.

Entas was watching Glaeran as he spoke. It had been a long time she'd been with her own kind and she was tempted to join him on the hunt; however, she had just finished hunting only an hour ago. "May your claws find their mark," she answered to wish him well on his hunt.

"Where is Glaedr, we are eager to speak with him, and we will meet with Eragon and Saphira as well. But we have no intention of aiding the Varden," he said. That could change but the chances of that were very slim.

[Glaeran]

Zander glanced at his dragon before realizing that it was time for Glaeran to hunt anyhow. Finally he turned back to Rakaio and said I am unsure of where Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales are. They haven't been near for awhile but I'm sure that Lady Nasuada could find them for you. And Glaedr doesn't speak much since his rider was killed. Although he might converse with someone he knew from the previous era. Zander smiled slightly as he heard the other rider compliment his behaviors.

Glaeran unfolded his wings and moved back. The green dragon propelled himself into the air with his hindlegs and shot out over the valley. Several deer were hiding on the far side of the valley and they burst out into the open when they saw Glaeran. He dove down and shot a burst of flame toward his prey. The first three deer collapsed with their legs underneath them as the flames hit their rear legs. Glaeran contined forward and landed in front of three other deer. With his jaws ready, the green dragon killed two of the three and crippled the third. Glaeran ate his kill and then grabbed two of the deer in his claws and one in his jaws. He carried them over to the others and dropped them right next to the trees and landed next to the riders and Entas. The deer were so easy to catch that I brought back three if anyone is hungry. Now are we going to find Eragon and Saphira?

[Emiryal ♕]

"We can wait for Eragon and Saphira to be found," Rakaio said. If one thing he knew well it was patience. He hadn't lived in solitude for 100 years without having patience. "The loss of a dragon's rider on them is never easy. Entas and I were very saddened to hear Oromis had fallen. I do hope Glaedr will speak with us though," he said. He knew if he ever died Entas would soon follow and visa versa.

"Tell me of this Varden, who are they. I have only heard rumors of them," Rakaio said. Though he hadn't tried hard to find the information before. His main concern was staying out of sight. That was until he found another Rider and dragon.

Entas watched Glaeran return. "Thank you. That was thoughtful," she said. She reached over towards the deer he had brought back and grabbed one. She flung it into the air and caught it in her mouth. She swallowed it in one bite. One deer wouldn't fill her up but she had hunted earlier so it was sort of like desert for her.

[Nepherion]

Starlight's body slid from behind the darken cloud. The night's dim light had given his alabaster scales an especially pale color that night. Its breeze was especially calm and relaxing, it brought a certain ruffled look to Nepherion's hair, making him look even more youthfully dashing. As Nepherion finished his rounds he was being exceptionally perceptive to the dangers of other magicians. Because seven days after today he would embark on a journey of change. He held Starlight's ivory spike as he banked to the right and rode around the town's perimeter.

" I want to try something... " he said calmly. As Starlight circled, Nepherion had held his hand out towards the city- For some odd reason he had found holding his hand out helped his concentration. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to search and encompass for dangers. None was found.

Starlight landed on the ground with a large thump. Your mind grows stronger everyday Rider. Your on the road to being the Rider Eragon sees in you. A smile decorated Nepherion's face. He climbed out the saddle after a presence entered his mind and urged him to re-check the area.

Bid'Daum rested in the pouch secured on Nepherion's hip. His immense mind had been hidden from all by his mercy to not crush any weaklings on accident. The diamond gem begin to glow and dance with sparkles of topaz and sapphire as he rumbled awake. Tendrils of energy stretched out and touch every corner the gem had, as he made his way to the surface world. Check again Nepherion. Your mind has missed an especially strong being, try south of Belatona. he said sternly. As usual his voice had brought nothing less then compliance from Nepherion.

His metal plated boots landed on the barren land. The dry dirt made a imperfect print of his soles. Looking out towards Belatona, he searched through the land with a sprinting mind. The more-or-less continuous slopes soon developed into a deep valley. One that had hid several strong minds. But two of which were by leagues stronger then the others. Nepherion's eyes shot open at the realization. " Two of them seem vaguely familiar. The other ones.. " he said, suddenly growing serious. " I've never encountered before. Their like a mystery surrounded by miles upon miles of power. " He strolled over to Starlight and climbed back into the saddle. He knew he had no other choice then to pursue this unidentified group.

Are you prepared for battle ? Starlight asked, flying through the sky. Nepherion gripped Brojska with a slight tremble in his hand. " No. I can honestly say that I'am not. These two are extremely strong. Besides Eragon I can't think of anyone who can beat them. " Even his voice had conveyed the shaking confidence he was holding on too. He wanted to concentrate on the ones he could beat, but the looming danger of the other quickly overshadowed them.

Bid'Daum restlessly shuffled in the Eldunari before speaking again. His voice once again booming with wisdom and strength that only centuries could bring. Do not fear inheritor-of-my-rider's-will. He is strong but I'am stronger. I , the elder of the Rider dragon's will guide you. Nepherion clenched his teeth at the thought. Would he always have to rely on the strength of others ? Would he never be prepared to face Galbatorix by himself ? Having Bid'Daum with him was a curse and gift.

Starlight slowed to a glide as he banked came upon the valley. His white scales made his size visible while his rider still seemed like a ghostly figure. Nepherion gazed towards the area as Starlight banked around the group. What do you want to do young one. The question wasn't one that he had to think about. He couldn't very well back out now. Nepherion took grasp of Starlight's ivory spike. Do not dive into a conflict. Bid'Daum scolded. Peace is often more powerful than threats. he stressed.

Bid'Daum had ceased his slow, unnoticed flow of energy to Starlight's body. It was the same method used by Galbatorix to increase a dragon's size. Galbatorix's black magic forced the dragon's body to grow, hurting it's mental stability. But through a slow and steady stream, Bid'Daum was increasing the dragon's size and allowing his mind to maintain it's stability. He was disgusted with the fact that they were hiding this from Nepherion, but surely he had notice their influence in Starlight from the beginning. No hatchling could be the size of a 2 month old and only a couple of weeks. He would have to remind himself to tell Nepherion about his and Eragon I's involvement in their lives after this.

Nepherion looked over towards them and thought for a moment. Afterwards he whispered words of the ancient language and finding it safe to speak directly then through the mind, enhanced his voice with magic so that all could hear him. " I'am Nepherion Coldfire. Son of Onyx and Rider of none. What is your business here ? " he said. And though he was feeling less then up to the challenge. He had learned through Eragon to convey a appearance of confidence and authority. Even if he was shaken by their strength

[Glaeran]

Zander felt as if they were being too secretive. Even though it was meant to be a way of keeping themselves hidden, the Varden had scouts that were meant to find groups like the one he was in. Just as Zander started to reply to Rakaio, Glaeran growled low in his throat to warn them. We have company. The Varden scouts have found us and are getting ready to attack. This could be interesting. Zander moved enough so that he could get New Leaf drawn. The Varden is a group of soldiers and citizens that were founded to oppose the Empire. Now one of their scouts, another rider, is just outside our camp and is demanding to know who we are. I say that it is too important for you to stay hidden. We can't allow the Varden to find out about you before it is necessary.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio nodded at Zander's explanation. There wasn't much detail in it and it only confirmed the rumors he had heard before. He had no desire to fight for or against anyone. He had done that long ago and had made a big mistake. He wasn't going to choose a side until he knew it was the right thing for both him and Entas to do.

As Nepherion approached Rakaio appeared to be shocked. "Bid'Daum?" he said quietly. He certainly knew of the old dragon and instantly recognized that he was there. Rakaio kept his mind open to listen mentally for threats. He had not expected to feel Bid'Daum's pressence. He seemed to completely ignore Nepherion for the moment.

"Bid'Daum...ebrithil. Atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr. Un du evarínya ono varda," he said both outload and mentally slipping into a formal elven greeting which such respect and grace that would rival any royal court. Entas and he had not been aware that the old dragon had survived and both of them felt they still owed fealty to him to some degree.

Entas let Rakaio speak for them both, but she dipped her head respectfully towards where she knew Bid'Daum's Eldundari to be.