Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Twenty-Two: Iridescent

"What?"

"I have never in all of my years seen someone fight like that," Orik whispered.

"Mal, did something happen to your shoulder?" Eragon asked with a frown.

"Yes, the spirit dragon healed my wound completely. I think it's time for us to head to Master Oromis's hut." Eragon nodded, and we took off in the direction of the Crags of Tel'naeír.

Oromis was sitting on a stool, looking over the cliff.

"Have you entirely recovered, Eragon, from the potent magic of the Blood-oath Celebration?"

"I have, Master."

"Khensamel, are you recovered as well?"

"Yes, I am Master."

"Glaedr explained to me, as best he could, what was done to you two during the celebration. Such a thing has never before occurred in the history of the Riders.... Once again, the dragons have proved themselves capable of far more than we imagined."

"Glaedr was uncertain exactly what changes you would experience, so I would like you to describe the full extent of your transformation, including your appearance."

Eragon quickly summarized how he had been altered, detailing the increased sensitivity of his sight, smell, hearing, and touch, and ending with an account of his clash with Vanir.

"And how," Oromis asked, "do you feel about this? Do you resent that your body was manipulated without your permission?"

"No, no! Not at all. I might have resented it before the battle of Farthen Dûr, but now I'm just grateful that my back doesn't hurt anymore. I would have willingly submitted myself too far greater changes to escape Durza's curse. No, my only response is gratitude."

Oromis nodded. "I am glad that you are wise enough to take that position, for your gift is worth more than all the gold in the world. With it, I believe that our feet are at last set upon the correct path. Khensamel, what befell you?"

Instead of using words, I slowly stared undoing the outer shirt that covered my skin. I pulled the shirt completely off, revealing my tattooed shoulder, arm, and hand. The black ink was a stark contrast to my pale skin.

I twisted my arm around before commanding a stone to rise, much like how Brom had made Eragon, and I start with magic. The mark on my hand lit up as it usually does but so did the dragon tattoo on my arm. The stone landed in my hand before I glanced up at Oromis.

"This morning at training, I was able to use my right arm fully. As if nothing had ever happened to it. I believe I received some of the same alterations Eragon received." Oromis took a sip from his teacup.

"Let us proceed. Saphira, Alethea, Glaedr expects you at the Stone of Broken Eggs. Eragon, Khensamel, you will begin today with the third level of Rimgar, if you can. I would know everything you are capable of."

Eragon and I started toward the square of tamped earth where we usually performed the Dance of Snake and Crane. As I got to my spot, Eragon turned around.

"Master, won't you join us?" A sad smile graced Oromis's face.

"Not today, Eragon. The spells required by the Blood-oath Celebration exacted a heavy toll from me. That and my... condition. It took the last of my strength to come sit outside."

"I am sorry, Master."

"Do not be. It is no fault of yours that I am crippled." Eragon struggled to complete the third level of the Rimgar, while I found no difficulty in completing it.

Oromis was teaching us how to sing to plants, it came naturally to me, and surprisingly, Eragon held a deep interest in singing to plants. Lately, Eragon has been asking so many questions about what the elves believe that I got a headache when it was mentioned.

One of my many sleepless nights I encountered Eragon reading some scrolls.

"Is there something you need Eragon?" Eragon looked up from the scroll he was reading.

"It's nothing Mal, don't worry about it. Why are you walking Ellesméra when you should be sleeping?"

"I could ask the same thing of you Eragon. But to answer your question," I paused, deciding whether or not I should lie about my reasons for being up. This was my challenge; I will deal with it myself. "I simply find myself restless this night."

Eragon grunted and went to put the scroll back. Just as Eragon put away the scroll, Blagden flew through the open portal in the eastern wall and, with a flutter of wings, landed on the corner of the carved writing desk. The white raven fixed his beady eyes on Eragon.

"Wyrda!"

Eragon inclined his head. "And may the stars watch over you, Master Blagden." The raven hopped closer to us, cocking his head to the side.

By beak and bone,

Mine blackened stone

Sees rooks and crooks

And bloody brooks!

"What does that mean?" Eragon asked after Blagden was done talking. Blagden shrugged and repeated the verse. When Eragon further pressed him for an explanation, the bird ruffled his feathers, appearing displeased.

"Son and father alike, both as blind as bats." I frowned at the ravens words while Eragon became alert.

"Wait, do you know my father? Who is he?" Blagden cackled again. This time he seemed to be laughing.

While two may share two,

And one of two is certainly one,

One might be two.

"A name, Blagden. Give me a name!"