Book 1: Chapter 11-Wildfire Starts

#11: Wildfire Starts

Throne Room

"I will be sending my men to the South. My knights will be aiding the war with Bithen and Oneison", Volde announced looking at Astrid. She already assured Volde that he can keep his men but the King said he will remain to his word. "I am not just the King of Eragon. With my marriage to Astrid, I also am responsible for her people", Volde stood up watching the council whisper to each other. "From now on, you will look at your Queen with respect. Southerner or what, she is the woman whom I chose. Anyone who is heard saying things about her will receive punishments", Volde walked towards her seat and held her hand.

"With all due respect, Your Grace. We don't have enough men left in this place to protect you", Aystar tried to reason with him. "The Bithen soldiers will keep me safe. This is fair, right? We can't just let her people die in that place. Her soldiers will come here and protect her as well", Volde explained. "We have a short period of time to prepare", Volde sat on his throne once more.

Hand of the King's Room

Aystar slammed his table and threw anything he found in it. "He ruined my plans!", Aystar shouted. Some of the Lords are also there along with Aya. "What are you doing as the Hand of the King? You have the power to convince him not to have our soldier be killed in that war", Aya raised her voice. "You shut up, woman! My patience is over. After all his Knights are gone, we'll proceed to what should have been", Aystar furrowed his brow.

Library

Astrid walked around to look for books to read. She wasn't allowed to leave the Palace. "Your Grace", Varick stood up and gave a friendly smile. "You didn't protest when the King chose me. You are the Royal Adviser, you must've known that it might cause division of the houses", Astrid stopped and waited for his answer. "The King has much self-control for a lovely lady as you are", Varick complimented. "Your flattery won't lead you anywhere. I am different from the ladies of this Kingdom. Maybe that's the reason why the King doesn't want me in his room", Astrid looked away. "He's just shy", Varick sighed and continued reading the scroll.

"The King trusts you so much", Astrid noticed. Varick just nodded. "My servants had been roaming around the Palace. They found out that the Hand of the King is consistently visiting the citadel. He also talked to some Lords in private. It seems that His father would wish that the war would fail. To support my claims, lords and ladies disagreed with our wedding. If he manages to get rid of me, he'll gain their favor. It might also be used against the King and soon he will overthrow him", Astrid looked around to make sure no one is around. "Why do you think the Hand would like to overthrow him?", Varick asked. Astrid whispered to the Royal Adviser. Varick's eyes widened.

"Why are you saying these things to me?", Varick asked.

"Because I love the King", Astrid said in a soft voice.

Varick smiled. Someone can actually love that brat, he thought.

"Why?", Varick was trying to squeeze Astrid for answers.

"I have no reasons. I just felt it", Astrid answered.

King's Room

"Your Grace. Sorry to question your orders but I am your Kingsguard ", Geryon bowed his head. "As soon as they take the head of one of the enemies, then that's the time people will fear me. If I lose in that battle, let me lose", Volde removed his shirt. Geryon saw a huge scar on Volde's back. Volde turned and saw Geryon's bewildered reaction. "You are still here. Okay then, let me give you a gift before I probably die. I'll answer two questions", Volde sat on his bed preparing to answer why did he kill Claudius. "What happened to your back?", Geryon asked. "Come on. Make it serious", Volde sighed. "That's my question. Your Grace", Geryon looked at the lad.

"It was my reward for killing your King, Claudius. It was from my mother", Volde answered. Geryon's eyes twitched. "It was an act of love. They say when parents hit you, it is an act of love. They wanted me to be better next time. When I was 4, they gave me to Claudius but before that, they always told me. Kill the King. From my birth till that day they sent me away, they whispered those words to me. Kill him. If you want us to love you, Kill him. Then, I was able to do so. But then, it wasn't such good news for them. It should have been a painful death, one that will allow me to see him writhing in pain and agony", Volde looked at the ceiling. "In this room", Volde added.

"I have another question, Your Grace. If you die while I am on the battlefield, what would you like me to do?", Geryon stepped forward. "Leave this place, don't come back as soon as you find out about the news. Find yourself a woman, marry her, give her children, raise your children the way Varick would have, love your woman as to how Claudius could have if he was given the chance.", Volde chuckled. "Your Grace, you understand the risk of having your knights away. There are only two people who can kill you here. It will be either your people or her people", Geryon said with concern in his eyes. Regardless of how much he dislikes the brat at first, he grew to be fond of him because of the growth he saw as Varick poured out his life taking care of him. "It will surely be not my people", they heard a female voice. "Your Grace", Geryon bowed to the Queen. "I will protect him at all cost, that's why you don't have to worry", Astrid held onto Geryon's arm to assure him. The Kingsguard bowed and left the two.

"Do you have any matters to discuss with me?", Volde asked while looking for something to wear. Astrid hugged him from the back and traced her fingers on the scar he has. Volde finally noticed that she was drunk. "Astrid, I shall call on the servants", Volde turned to face her. The lady clung to his neck and sang a hum. "That old man told me that this is the best way to entertain you, your Grace but it seems to annoy you", Astrid had formed tears in her eyes. Volde mentally cursed the old man for giving such a stupid suggestion. "I would kill all those who placed a scar on your back, my love", Astrid said with determination. "You may sleep on my bed, I'll be in your room", Volde sighed as he tries to remove Astrid's hand from his neck. "Do you find me unattractive, your grace? You haven't given me a proper kiss even at the wedding", Astrid remembered. "Or maybe, could it be that you aren't interested in women", Astrid lets go of him and had a horrified expression. Volde's mouth twitched.

"Even though I love you, Your Grace", Astrid had a genuine smile on her face. Volde pulled her back and held unto her waist. "Do you have a dagger hidden under your dress?", Volde smirked. "I do", Astrid answered. Volde was about to let go of her. "So that I'd be prepared to protect you from whoever wanted to harm you", Astrid gave another friendly smile. "Why do you love me, Astrid?", the King found himself intensely wanting to know the answer. "You don't ask the reason why people love you but if you want it badly, I'll spend this whole life letting you know", the lady wobbled and nearly fell. Volde gulped and pulled the lady closer. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips against her.

The morning came and the Royal Adviser is there to fetch the King. Varick knocked on the door but there were no answers. He slowly opened it.

"Your Grace, the troupes are about to leave", Varick informed. Astrid heard a man's voice and sat straight. She looked around and saw that it wasn't her room. She finally saw Varick at the door. "What are you doing here?", she asked. "Your Grace, it's a cold morning. You better find something to cover yourself", Varick bowed his head. Astrid looked down and saw that she was naked. Volde yawned and stretched his limbs. "Congratulations for consuming your marriage", Varick smiled at the young King.

The boundary of Bithen- Forest

Gilbert and Nymeria sat in front of the burning piles of wood and leaves. "What do you think will happen next?", Nymeria asked while watching the flames grow bigger and subside at times. "Why do you have to follow me here? You can go back. You are the daughter of the Pirate King. He will pardon you", Gilbert pulled his legs together. He saw some daisies on the side playing with the blowing of the wind.

"Don't you have any better question than that?", Nymeria sighed and throw a small rock at Gilbert. "I don't have anything to give you. I am not a son of any known family", Gilbert opened. "Don't misunderstand. I didn't leave just because of you", Nymeria had a short laugh. "I have my reasons. I don't want to rot in that place without having no significant event in my life", Nymeria clenched her pants. "And tagging along with me will give you a significant event?", Gilbert questioned. "You weren't accepted by my father for no reason. You are an important person in the Middle Kingdom", Nymeria rationalized.

They heard the rustling of the bushes. Nymeria stood up and prepared her sword. "Get up", Nymeria ordered. Gilbert did as she asked. After a while, they were surrounded by Bithenian soldiers who were hunting for deer and wild boars. "Well, who do we have here? They have crests of the Oneison. Spies?", one of them asked. "They'll be a good gift to the Lord Commander whom they sent", one suggested. "They're too heavy to carry. Let's just take one. Maybe the lady, she's easier to carry", one of them tried to walk closer to Nymeria. Gilbert stood between them and drew the sword that John gave him. "You will not touch her", Gilbert gave a glare. A small fight started amongst them but Gilbert hesitated to kill any of them. One got Nymeria and tore her vest. "It's been a while since we haven't seen such fair skin", they all laugh. "Let go of me. Don't touch me with your filthy hands!", Nymeria roared. Gilbert bit his lip and started to slash the remaining Bithenian soldiers. He was strong and agile enough to kill them with one swing of his hand. Blood splattered all around. His hands were covered in blood along with his face. Nymeria saw a certain look in his eyes. Pairs of eyes were amused watching death befall upon his enemies. Some of the troupe arrived, Gilbert suddenly felt dizzy and fainted.

Bithen

Camp of the Clan

Humid wind, rocky mountains, and vast land of rocks. "Bithen are people who aren't fond of palaces and castles. They just put the tent where they wish to go", Derio, the Clan's scholar informed. He was assigned by the former Leader of the Clan, Getrud, to oversee the clan in terms of their health and history. "You are nomadic. How about the children? How are they adjusting to the life of wandering here and there", Geryon turned to the side where children are running around playing with twigs they saw in the desert. "It is true. Your kind is fond of children", Derio gave a short laugh causing the knight to put up his guard.

"Lord Geryon, the Bithen soldiers are holding a pit game. We prepared a seat for you to watch comfortably", one of his men came running. Geryon looked at Derio. "It's just a small game for them for entertainment. Bithen usually plays it when we come across those that are not our kind. We don't have lands but we can be territorial sometimes", Derio shrugged. Geryon was curious how the game of gladiator works in the place.

Pit

Geryon glanced around and saw a woman tied in chains with her face painted with worry. The servants offered him a seat as well as shade from the hot sun. He was able to make himself comfortable when he saw a familiar face. He stood up and leaned closer nearly falling into the pit.

Gilbert had been evading for almost an hour. The crowds are already cheering for him to kill. Soldiers are mocking him for being a coward. "Do you hear them wish for your head?", his opponent raised his spear. "This is what I do for decades. Just be quiet and offer your neck to me. Just a second and your head will come rolling down the floor. Not to mention, I just used it with a woman a while ago. Her screams are the best", he tried to talk with him. Gilbert looked at the bloody spear. How many lives had it taken? Gilbert held on to his sword tightly. He will save the man from doing more gruesome works. "I shall give you mercy", Gilbert had a deep breath. In the blink of an eye, he stabbed his sword on the man's head. He gathered all his strength to cut him all the way through dividing his left body and right body. The soldiers who were cheering were silenced. Their champion whom they were rooting and gambling for is already dead.

The silence was interrupted by someone's clap. Gilbert looked around and saw a huge man in armor. His eyes widened and dropped the sword he was holding. "You properly made use of the training I gave you, Gilbert Water", Geryon stood up and threw the sword on the floor. "I claim my freedom that was promised, along with the woman I was with", Gilbert looked at Nymeria with worried eyes. "Your woman?", Geryon asked. Gilbert was about to say that she is the daughter of the Oneison King but he was sure that the Oneison already declared war to Bithen. She will just be used as bait. "She is", Gilbert lied.

Andor

King's Room

Zefania walked inside the room and saw Zakili looking outside the window. The outside is dark and there is not much moonlight to peek in the forest. His eyes showed a hint of sadness and worrisome. "You look bothered, Kralj", Zefania bowed her head. "Nova already told the servants to move all your items in my room. You will be staying here", Zakili said without looking at the woman. "I can sleep on the couch, it still looks comfortable to lie to", Zefania tried to negotiate. "My former wife loves the bed too much that she doesn't want to leave it in the morning", Zakili narrated. Zefania already recognized how much Zakili would often bring his former wife into their conversation. She also heard stories from Keanne of how much Zakili fell into the great depression when the Kraljica died, not only her but also the life inside. "You have been working hard today, let us sleep", Zefania walked closer to Zakili and helped him remove the robe. Since Zakili was tall, Zefania needs to tip-toe to clip out the robe from his shoulder. The two were just inches close, facing each other. Never had they been this close. "I need to change", Zakili said then passed through the young lady.

He wouldn't look at her and he never did. During the wedding, the Kralj didn't even give a kiss or even a peck. He decided to distance himself from the girl of the Rowan. Since she hasn't flowered yet, he wasn't allowed to consummate the marriage. "Kralj, your subjects are expecting an heir. They are worried about who will lead them next since no one doesn't want to claim your throne and hold the scepter. I am a woman and I understand the responsibility accounted on my name", Zefania pressed her lips together and clenched her fist. "You have no idea of the responsibility you are about to take", Zakili said with bitterness in his voice. "Even if you don't love me. Allow me to be useful for this Kingdom", Zefania remembered the warmth that her servants are showing her. "You are doing your task well", Zakili finished changing clothes and placed his wide-open palm on Zefania's head.

Zefania woke up and saw Zakili's sleeping face. It didn't change even in course of four years. He still has a strong face, long eyelashes, a soul-piercing stare from his eye, and a good posture. Until how long must she stay in that palace? Suddenly, Varick's face flashed on her mind. She was about to cup it when someone cleared his throat. Zefania flinched and withdrew her hand. She sat up straight and saw Keane's teasing face. "You still have your clothes on. I guess nothing happened', Keane was disappointed. Zakili woke up from the argument between the two.

Herbarium

"Why are you here again?", Keanne walks behind the queen. "I wanted to make some medicine", Zefania answered. "A medicine that will make the King wild that he will jump on you?", Keane chuckled. "You are fearless, aren't you? You have grown so familiar with me. Have you forgotten that I am your Queen?", Zefania turned to face the man with her arms crossed. "A Queen with no son? If the fact that you already flowered is known in the whole Palace, they will demand the same thing", Keanne gave a friendly smile. Zefania suddenly felt obligated. "It was him who doesn't-", Zefania wanted to defend herself. "Don't worry. All children must be made out of love", Keanne patted her shoulder.

"The Kralj doesn't love me. He's still longing for her former wife. And I cannot compete with the dead", Zefania said with a sad tone. "You're wise enough to know that", Keanne clapped his hand. "Are you really just going to tease me and rub salt in my wound", Zefania sighed then walked faster. She left Keanne at the herbarium.

He felt some presence behind him. "You've heard her", he turned to face the Kralj wearing a poker face. "She isn't yet fit to bear a child. She hasn't yet seen the Lost Children. Once she faces reality, she won't be able to sleep no matter how much nightshade you burn every night", Zakili explained his actions. "True. She's just a poor little girl who knew few of the nightmares of Andor but my brother, she is your wife. Don't you trust her a little? She was able to survive four years in this place without being killed for demanding that you return her to her father. Could it be that she also developed strength from being deprived of the freedom she was supposed to have?", Keanne tried to convince the Kralj. "What do you want me to do? Present her to the Lost Children right away?", Zakili bit his lip. "If not now, then when do you plan on doing it?", Keanne slightly raised his voice. There was silence between them. "My apologies, Kralj. I didn't mean to raise my voice", Keanne caught himself and was about to leave. "I'm scared, brother. I don't want to be in that whirlpool of sadness again. I don't want another life to perish because of my inability to fight fate", Zakili gripped his chest. "This time, you won't be alone. I'll be fighting alongside you. We'd stab fate with our sword", Keanne gave a reassuring smile to his brother. Zefania, who was hiding behind the post, was startled to hear the two addressing each other as brothers.

Eragon

Throne Room

Wise Cressen entered the room slowly. Varick assisted the old man to stand in front of Volde. "What news do you bring?", Volde asked while reading some letters coming from the South. "Long live the King! Your Grace. Your wife is carrying a child", Cressen informed. Volde tore the paper he was reading. "Long may you reign, Your Grace", Varick was also surprised by the announcement. "It is her Grace's first time carrying a child which might bring some discomfort to her. I would suggest that she will be brought to the Sanctuary", Cressen suggested. Volde stood up. "No", he protested right away. Varick knew how dangerous it will be to send the Queen anywhere but no place in the palace is safe either. Everyone will do their best to kill the next heir to the throne.

"No worries, Your Grace. The Sanctuary is occupied by the maidens of Eragon. They are neutral parties who would be taking care of pregnant nobles. A lot of Queens already stayed at the Sanctuary, unharmed", Cressen assured. Volde looked at Varick with pair of worried eyes. "Would it be possible for the King to visit the vicinity?", Varick understood the worry in the young man's eyes. It will be his first child. "Yes, your Grace", Cressen nodded.

Queen's Room

Volde knocked and opened the door. He saw Astrid trying to do some knitting. There were rolls of yarn on the floor indicating the number of times that she failed. She was so focused that she didn't notice the King. Volde had a weak smile and sat next to her. "Your Grace, forgive me for not being able to see you", Astrid flinched. "I heard about the child", Volde opened. Astrid dropped the yarn on her lap and sighed. "I hope it will be a boy. I can teach him how to hold the sword and hunt for deer. If it is a she, I pity this young life", Astrid breathed deeply. "Why would you teach him to hold the sword? What am I suppose to teach him then", Volde had a short laugh. The two had a period of silence. "My mother died when I was a child. I don't know how a mother should be", Astrid opened. "I had a mother and a father but I was never a son to them. I had someone who cherished and loved me like his son but-", Volde paused and placed his hand on Astrid's stomach. He felt the bump on her stomach. "But all I can ever tell him was that I killed the man who was a father to me", Volde bit his lip. Astrid cupped his face. "You did not. Your hands might have held the blade but your mind was held by someone else. It wasn't your fault", Astrid said with such forgiving eyes. Volde gulped and looked away. "I won't run away from the sin that I did. It was mine to redeem and atone", he said with such conviction.

"Your Grace, we have some rebels", one of the soldiers knocked and reported.

Guillotine Platform

"They were found guilty of the crime of stealing from the Master of Coin", Varick added to the information. Volde sat on the shaded seat and crossed his legs. "How dare you, scoundrels? I worked hard to pay the debts of the Middle Kingdom and here you are stealing", Volde sighed. "It was for my family. My son no longer has anything to eat. My wife is dying of a disease", he contested. The rest also did the same. Volde's heart was pinched by the word "son". "Whatever your claim is, stealing from the Master of Coins is a capital crime. You are lucky enough that the King will not kill your family. I suggested it to him but he refused", Aya suddenly spoke.

"If you were to have your son, Your Grace. Are you going to let him starve to death?", the one who tried to beg for his life. Astrid went closer to Volde. "Aren't you going to give him mercy? Your Grace", Astrid asked. Volde gulped and stood up. The man's face seems to brighten. "Cut his head off", Volde ordered. Astrid looked at Varick and he just shook his head. Blood splattered all around the place. Astrid felt uneasy even if she was used to seeing blood. She feels like vomiting. "Take the Queen to her room", Volde noticed it. Aya widened her eyes seeing how Astrid's discomfort seems to be familiar with how a woman feels during pregnancy.

Palace Corridor

Varick passed some mint leaves to Astrid to make her feel at ease. "Why didn't you stop him?", Astrid asked. "It was a punishment that cannot be reversed. The King is wise enough to know that and strong enough to suspend any emotion that will hinder a wise decision", Varick explained. "Shouldn't you be the one who will advise him and make him a good King? I saw people whispering around. What if they suddenly form a rebellion and fight against the King", Astrid stopped walking. "You are having episodes of pregnancy anxiety your Grace but let me answer you. A Kingdom with no law will definitely fall. If you excuse a man who stole because of such a reason, then you will have difficulty dealing with the next excuses. Law is the law. They were created to protect the people of the Kingdom", Varick also stopped and gave a lecture.

"I heard that your daughter was kept as a political hostage in Andor. How are you with that?", Astrid asked. Varick smiled. "She is a strong woman and she will live with her promise. Plus, His Grace gave his word that he will never do anything that will bring harm to her", Varick started to walk away.

Riverdell

Reinys Room

"Your food is still untouched", Vaeril stood in front of the door looking at the plate full of Reinys' favorite food. "I thought you would be the one who will understand me the most", Reinys said in bitterness. "When you were a child, you promised me that you wouldn't leave as your mother did. I still hold unto those words", Vaeril said with a stern voice. "My mother wasn't mistaken. Was it wrong to desire to be where you wanted to be? Was it wrong for her to desire to see what lies beyond the mountains of Riverdell? We have been cut off from the Outside world for centuries", Reinyis slightly raised her voice. "And she never came back!", Vaeril slammed his palm against the door. "And she was never heard off. I did everything I can to stop her from leaving. I also locked her up in this tower to protect her.", Vaeril added.

"When we protect, we sometimes go too far to the expense that we ourselves are the one who slowly kills the people who we are supposed to protect", Reinys walked towards the door and leaned her head against it. "Noldorin doesn't look at you as a woman. I am not saying this to make you give up on him. This is the truth that you must've known ever since. Are you still going to pursue and search for him?", Vaeril clenched his fist. "You are heartless, Father. Why do you have to slap it on my face?", Reinys had a short laugh. "The most painful thing in this world is Truth", Vaeril used his other hand to open the door. He saw the lady with her pale skin and dark-circled eyes. "I have no interest in knowing if he does look at me as a woman or not. What I hold on is the truth that I love him", Reinys pressed her lips together. "When you feel tired and weary, you can always come back to me. I will open my arms wide open", Vaeril said with sadness in his voice. Reinys' eyes widened and embraced his father tightly. "Thank you, Father. I will never forget your kindness. I will bring him back as soon as possible", Reinys pledged. "No. You won't be able to bring him back. As your High King, I order you, Reinys Riverdell to aid him in a quest that he alone can execute", Vaeril gently pushed his daughter and placed his hand on her forehead as a sign of giving a blessing.

Chapter end