Chapter 7

While they were getting their bearings together to come back outside, Eragon was going through what he'd heard. So Dwarves were a thing in this world too. And from the sound of it, they didn't have a pretty history with either the riders or dragons.

There was also a queen of some sort present? Maybe the queen of the elves since Brom spoke of her separately. But he could understand Brom worrying about people trying to influence him as he was technically supposed to be a young man who was still wet behind the ears. But he was far from it.

Along with Jeod and Brom being a part of the Varden was reasonable. It cleared up a few things about Jeod's problems. But still didn't really give any clues to Brom's past other than being a person set against the empire.

He began wondering how he'd break it to Brom; he knew he was from the Varden. Maybe some strange bullshit deduction? 'Hmm, while we here, I'll have to think of something. Maybe then he'll reveal more about what he knows.' By the time he finished his thoughts, Brom and Jeod were making their way back outside.

"Where the horses alright?" Asked Brom

"They were fine," Eragon replied. They untied the horses and left the castle. As they re-entered the main body of Teirm, Brom said, "So Jeod you finally got married. And," he winked slyly, "to a lovely young woman. Congratulations."

Jeod did not seem happy with the compliment. He hunched his shoulder and stared down the street. "Whether congratulations are in order is debatable right now. Helen isn't very happy."

"Why? What does she want?" asked Brom.

"The usual," said Jeod with a resigned shrug. "A good home, happy children, food on the table, and pleasant company. The problem is that she comes from a wealthy family; her father has invested heavily in my business. If I keep suffering these losses, there won't be enough money for her to live the way she's used to," Jeod continued, "But please, my troubles are not your troubles. A host should never bother his guests with his own concerns. While you are in my house, I will let nothing more than an overfull stomach disturb you."

"Thank you," said Brom. "We appreciate the hospitality. Our travels have long been without comforts of any kind. Do you happen to know where we could find an inexpensive shop? All this riding has worn out our clothes."

"Of course. That's my job," said Jeod, lightening up. He talked eagerly about prices and stores until his house was in sight. Then he asked, "Would you mind if we went somewhere else to eat? It might be awkward if you came in right now."

"Whatever makes you feel comfortable," said Brom.

Jeod looked relieved. "Thanks. Let's leave your horses in my stable." They did as he suggested, then followed him to a large tavern. Unlike the Green Chestnut, this one was loud clean, and full of boisterous people: When the main course arrived- a stuffed suckling pig—Eragon held no restraints when it came into the meat, but he especially savored the potatoes, carrots, turnips, and sweet apples that accompanied it. It had been a long time since he had eaten much more than wild game.

They lingered over the meal for hours as Brom and Jeod swapped stories. Eragon did not mind. He was warm, a lively tune jangled in the background, and there was more than enough food. The spirited tavern babble fell pleasantly on his ears.

Eventually they left the tavern with the sun setting on the horizon. They made their way back to Jeod's house where a plump butter answered the door for them. Tapestries covered the stone walls. Elaborate rugs dotted the polished wood floor, which glowed with the light from three gold candelabra hanging from the ceiling. Smoke drifted through the air and collected above.

After passing through a score of doorways they eventually came to a study. Books covered the room's walls. These came in various shapes and sizes, with a fireplace alit with blazing walls, finishing the comforting atmosphere that was present in the room.

"You seem to have a love for books," Eragon commented, shaking his head. "Sadly I can't read or I'd check out your collection." That was one of the cons of fusing with Eragon. He was indeed illiterate. Funnily enough he was more literate in the ancient language than he was in the dialect humans had.

Brom alongside Jeod looked surprised. "Are you saying Garrow never taught you how to read?" Brom questioned. Eragon responded with a simple nod and responded. "Did he know how to read."

"Of course the stingy bastard did, but probably didn't teach you as he didn't think it was necessary." Brom said in a sigh. "Well that's another thing to be added to your training. But I doubt you'll have many problems learning to read and right."

'Well that solves one problem,' Eragon thought to himself.

Brom and Jeod spoke. Hours passed, and Eragon began to drowse. Out of pity for his exhaustion, Jeod bid them good night. "The butler will show you to your rooms." On the way upstairs, the servant said, "If you need assistance, use the bellpull next to the bed." He stopped before a cluster of three doors, bowed, then backed away.

Eragon quickly fell down on the soft velvet sheets that coved the rooms bed, instantly letting his body fall into slumber.

-x-x-x-x-x-

It was late in the morning when Eragon woke. He dressed, washed his face in the basin and brushed his hair into place. He sheathed his sword to waist and then left the room. Before he had reached the end of the hall, the butler caught up with him and said, "Sir, Neal left with my master for the castle earlier. He said that you could do whatever you want today because he will not return until this evening."

Eragon thanked him for the message, then leisurely began exploring Teirm, while at the same time mapping it out in his mind . For hours he wandered the streets, entering every shop

that struck his fancy and chatting with various people. Eventually he was made his way back to Jeod's after remembering the inhuman herbalist.

When he reached the street where the merchant lived, he stopped at the herbalist's shop next door. It was an unusual place for a store. The other shops were down by the city wall, not crammed between expensive houses. He could see that she wasn't home but decided to go in and explore the shop until she came back since the door was unlocked.

He walked into the clammy building, being met a dark dim room, with a faint greenish light coming through the windows, colored due to the many plants that overrun it. A colorful bird with wide tail feathers and a sharp, powerful beak looked at Eragon inquisitively from a cage neat the window.

The walls were covered with plants; vines clung to the ceiling, obscuring all but an old chandelier, and on the floor was a large pot with a yellow flower. A collection of mortars, pestles, metal bowls, and a clear crystal ball the size of Eragon's head rested on a long counter.

He walked to the counter, carefully stepping around complex machines, crates of rocks, piles of scrolls, and other objects he did not recognize. The wall behind the counter was covered with drawers of every size.

Some of them were no larger than his smallest finger, while others were big enough for a barrel. There was a foot-wide gap in the shelves far above. A pair of red eyes suddenly flashed from the dark space, and a large, fierce cat leapt onto the counter. It had a lean body with powerful shoulders and oversized paws. A shaggy mane surrounded its angular face; its ears were tipped with black tufts. White fangs curved down over its jaw. Altogether, it did look like a species of demonic cats Eragon had seen before, he didn't think it belonged . It inspected him with shrewd eyes, then flicked its tail dismissively.

On a curious whim, Eragon reached out with his mind and touched the cat's consciousness. He touched it with his mind conveying his thoughts. 'What are you exactly? Because I know for certain your not some ordinary cat.'

{You are correct in your assumptions, rider, I am a werecat}' The large shaggy feline replied.

Eragon eyebrow rose. He'd remember seeing something in his old memories about werecats, but they were never talked about in great detail. 'Hm, to think I would get a chance to meet a member of a race so seclusive that only myths and legends mention them.'

{Yes, you should be honored meeting one such as myself.} It replied in a haughty tone, while licking its paw.

'Yes, honored,' Eragon replied, musing to himself. 'What may I call you.'

The werecat looked at Eragon for a moment before answering.{You may call me Solembum}. After that Solembum went back up to his sleeping spot, tucking his paws under his breast, and closed his eyes purring.

Eragon looked at him for a moment before he turned around to look at the door. After a second or two passed the door to the shop swung opened letting in more light into the darkroom. Angela walked in with a cloth sack full of plants. Her eyes flickered to Solembum and she looked startled. "He says you talked with him."

Hearing she could talk to Solembum to he was surprised. "Yes he did. He is quite the amusing fellow isn't he?"

She tossed her head. "Yes, he does indeed have his moments." She set her plants down on the counter then walked behind it and faced him. "He like you. That's unusual. Most of the time, Solembum doesn't show himself to customers. In fact he says you show some promise, given a few years of work."

"Thanks."

"It's a compliment, coming from him. You're only the third person to come in here who has been able to speak with him. The first was a woman, many years ago; the second was a blind beggar; and now you. But I don't run a store just so I can prattle on. Is there anything you want? Or did you only come in to look?"

"Just to look," said Eragon, still thinking about the werecat. "Besides, I don't really need any herbs."

"That's not all I do," said Angela with a grin. "The rich fool lords pay me for love potions and the like. I never claim that they work, but for some reason they keep coming back. But I don't think you need those chicaneries. Would you like your fortune told? I do that, too, for all the rich fool ladies."

Eragon laughed. "No, I'm afraid my fortune is something that can't be read really. I feel spending anything on this will just be a waste."

Angela looked at Solembum curiously. "I think ..." She gestured at the crystal ball resting on the counter. "That's only for anyway—it doesn't do anything. But I do have… Wait here; I'll be right back." She hurried into a room at the back of the shop.

She came back, breathless, holding a leather pouch, which she set on the counter. "I haven't used these for so long, I almost forgot where they were. Now, sit across from me and I'll show you why I went to all this trouble."

Eragon raised an eyebrows because he could know what was in the bag. "So the way you cast a reading of fate is through dragon bones."

Angela was truly shocked. "Yes, dragon knucklebones to be exact," She said while pouring out the bag onto a smooth cloth she'd laid out.a handful of smooth bones, each slightly longer than a finger, onto it. Runes and symbols were inscribed along their sides. "How exactly did you know they were dragon bones. I highly doubt you have seen these before."

Eragon rubbed his chin as if pondering. "Hmm… lets just say intuition."

"Really? Just intuition."

"Yes. It's the same intuition that tells me that your not human. And even though you are look quite young and beautiful you have lived far past what any human could've lived for.'

Solembum's eyes glowed from the gap in the drawers as Angela's squinted her eyes. "The more you talk the more I want to read your fate. Come! Let us not dally anymore. Unlike tea leaves, crystal balls, or even divining cards, these have true power. They do not lie, though understanding what they say is complicated. If you wish, I will cast and read them for you. But understand that to know one's fate can be a terrible thing. You must be sure of your decision."

Eragon looked at the bones with a strange interest. It didn't bother him that she had dragon bones. He was just interested in what would happen when she tried reading his fate. As due to being his fathers domains and his Sin, his fate was ever-changing. It was the same for his siblings.

Their fates were had no set path, and those able who were very powerful could try to peer into their fates only to see an uncountable amount of different paths he might take. And when one tried to find a solid non changing one, it usually didn't work and sometimes backfired on them. So he was just a curious as he was. "Why do you offer this?" he asked.

"Because of Solembum. He may have been rude, but the fact that he spoke to you makes you special. He is a werecat, after all. I offered to do this for the other two people who talked with him. Only the woman agreed to it. Selena was her name. Ah, she regretted it, too. Her fortune was bleak and painful. I don't think she believed it—not at first."

The name caught Eragon's attention as it was the same name as this the mother the original Eragon, but he pushed it to the side. He didn't care if it was or not. He didn't even know the woman nor did he care about her.

He shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant manner . "Go ahead, cast the bones. But let me warn you it could be dangerous for you."

Angela's face became grave as she grasped the bones in each hand. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved in a soundless murmur. Then she said powerfully, "Manin! Wyrda! Hügin!" and tossed the bones onto the cloth. They fell all jumbled together, gleaming in the faint light.

The words rang in Eragon's ears; he recognized them from the ancient language and realized with apprehension that to use them for magic, Angela must be a witch. She had not lied; this was a true fortunetelling. Seconds slowly passed as the bones continued glowing and tumbling. For each second pass, the paler Angela's face got.

It was this point Eragon realized that she was suffering some type of backlash. Most likely her magic was still being fed into the spell endlessly. And if it kept happening, it would most likely kill her. He quickly began weighing his options in what he could do. One of the unbroken laws of this world that's that once a spell was cast it would take as much magical energy as it needed and it wouldn't stop until the spell was complete.

Few things could break the laws of the world. Of the few options he had was overwhelming strength or overwhelming spirit. He didn't have overwhelming strength at the moment. But his spirit was still intact. He had many times in the past using his conquerors haki in his attacks to overwhelm a worlds laws. It had helped him kill normally immortal beings.

And he was hoping he could break this worlds laws for a split moment. He felt it was plausible due to this world being weak. So before anyone could react his balled his hand into a fist, coating it in haki turning it black. Then in conquerors haki making it have a crimson hue. Even though he tried to smother its pressure on the surroundings but still couldn't stop a horrifying aura to spread throughout the entirety of Teirm.

Solembum fur rose as he hissed. But Eragon ignored this as his smashed down obliterating the knucklebones and the counter alike. Angela nearly collapsed right after, but was held up by Eragon, saving her from banging her head against the hard floor.

He let out a rueful sigh as he her condition. "I tried warning you that my fate was unreadable and that you might suffer some backlash. But I didn't realize you would be using words of power or I would've just said no. A few more seconds and you would've been in the afterlife. Thankfully it was a somewhat simple problem or it would've been nothing I could've done."

Angela at the moment was as pale as a ghost, with her body coated in sweat. Her breathing was erratic, with her heart feeling as if it would beat out of her chest. It was after a few minutes passed that she finally mustered enough energy to speak.

"I've come close to death a number of times in my life, but that I feel that was the closest." She paused collecting herself. "You didn't lie though usually when I cast the bones the tumble in a certain order, and I read that order to see a person's fate. When I tried to read your fate the bones never stopped jumbling and the spell never ended."

She turned looking him in the eyes with a confused expression. "We both know the rules of magic, just how did you end the spell? What was that terrifying presence that appeared? And just who are you?" She asked. Even though she knew she wouldn't get any answers, she still had the compulsion to ask.

"That presence was the side effect of the trick I used to cut off that spell you casted. As to who I am, that's simple. I am Eragon."

Angela arched her eyebrows. "Is that who you are or your name?"

"It is only my name. As for what I am, just know I am something much greater than my name."

Eragon decided that one more name couldn't hurt. "His name is Brom if you were wondering."

A guffaw suddenly burst out of Angela, doubling her over in mirth. She wiped her eyes and took a sip of wine, then fought off another attack of merriment. Finally, gasping for breath, she forced out, "Oh... that one! I had no idea!"

"What is it?" Inquired Eragon.

Angela, hide a smile. "It's only that—well, he is known by those in my profession. I'm afraid that the poor man's doom, or future if you will, is something of a joke with us."

"His future is doomed?"

Before she could respond, Solembum padded between them. The werecat stared at Eragon with unblinking eyes. Yes? Eragon asked.

{Listen closely and I will tell you two things. When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the Rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls.}

Before he could even comprehend what the werecat meant he'd already walked away, waving his tail ever so graciously. Angela tilted her head, coils of dense hair shadowing her forehead. "I don't know what he said, and I don't want to know. He spoke to you and only you. Don't tell anyone else."

"I didn't plan on it," he replied, shaking his head. "And I doubt even if I did they'd understand." At this point Angela was already able to stand without support and with it getting around time for dinner. He began to bid the strange herbalist good bye.

"Well why this was quite the interesting experience I have to go. I have a hot dinner waiting for me. Until we meet again." And with that he left, strolling back towards Jeod's house.

Angela watched him leave with her eyes squinted. "What an interesting man. I can't wait to the next time we meet Eragon."