Chapter Text
Ghost awoke to the rhythmic rocking and the cautious sound of footsteps. They murmured incoherently and rubbed their eyes, looking up to peer back at Dova, who was leaning over their bedside. Ghost sat upright, gasping as pain burned brightly in their abdomen.
“Shh, shh. Rest, Ghost. You’ve done so much already.” Dova whispered, gently pushing them back down. His scars were scarily faint.
“What..where am I?” They muttered weakly, trying to look around.
“You’re in your own tent-. Eragon had given you to me before going to speak with Orik. I assume he is on his way now.” Dova explained. “..I’m glad you’re ok.”
“..I feel disgusting.” They admitted. They looked over themself to find that their shirt was replaced with bandages. They saw a bit of red poke out of their stomach, and looked at Dova for an explanation.
“You were bruised roughly in the stomach, and the amount of wounds you took while bouncing around was astounding. I am surprised you managed to get as far as you did.” Dova furrowed his eyebrows. “..you really are something else.”
Ghost’s eyes adjusted, and they could finally see Dova’s face in his entirety. There were a few new scars across his face. One particular scar started at his cheek and trailed all the way down to under his shirt. Ghost pointed to the start of the scar and asked, "...did you get that from the battle?"
“I did." He frowned, pulling off his shirt. He folded his shirt and let Ghost see his chest. His body was littered with scars, but his tattoo stood out the most. It was an array of flowers going from his collarbone down to his left breast, where an explosion of colourful flowers covered it. Over where his heart roughly was, there was a tattoo of a heart-shaped gemstone. It was a teal hue, with various yellows mixed in. The scar they’d previously been tracing stopped at the middle of his chest, a white bandage taped to the end.
Ghost kept seated, knowing the wounds on their stomach would reopen if they stood. "...it's beautiful. Did..Did you get that done recently? When did you do that? I bet it hurt like hell."
Dova laughed with a nod. “It is not recent- done a long time ago, when war was not on our minds. But it did hurt- we had to stop twice because I had nearly fainted.” He laughed softly before gently touching the colourful collarbone. “..each flower signifies someone- or something- important to me. I haven’t been able to add or fix anything as of recently, sadly. I wanted to add someone.”
“Oh? Who’d you plan to add?” Ghost tilted their head slightly.
Dova burst into laughter before patting Ghost on their shoulder. “You, of course! I plan to add your flower..here.” He pointed to an empty spot near the bottom of the heart. “..is that ok?”
“Is that ok?! Of course! It’s your tattoo- I’m just honoured you cherish me that much.” Ghost head spun a bit from the amount of thought put into not slurring their words. “..thank you, Dova.”
“It is no issue..oh- you’re bleeding through again.” He looked down at their stomach, a worried expression in his eyes.
Ghost looked down and saw the bandages start to turn red rapidly. They chuckled and laid down for Dova to change the dressings, and they cringed at the size of the wound. It wasn’t deep, but it would take a month at most for it to heal properly. Dova murmured a healing spell, and the wound became a bit more shallow. Once the bandages were changed and the dirty ones set aside, Ghost sat up once more.
“Thank you for the pin... it came in handy so many times.” They sighed, intending to touch it on their chest but just feeling the bandages. “..where is it?”
“I put it in your supplies.” Dova pointed to the pack that laid in the corner of the tent. “I had to cut your shirt off in order to get to your wound properly. I have a replacement here.”
Dova handed Ghost a black shirt with a yellow trim along with a comfortable undershirt. He turned around as Ghost stripped the bandages carefully from around their chest and put on the clothing items, noticing a bruise forming near their collarbone from where Zar’roc was held. Once they finished changing, Dova helped them to their feet.
Ghost noticed the bow that was behind a dresser. They reached out for it and stumbled. Dova caught them and lowered them slowly to the ground, looking over. “..we had to get rid of your sword. I managed to save the handle, however. I knew you would prefer to keep it.”
“Thank you. Now..help me get the bow on me.” They wheezed, pulling themself up with the help of Dova.
Dova took the quiver and carefully put it around Ghost, then put the bow on the quiver. Leaving the tent, Ghost’s vision went blurry a few times from the fresh waves of pain, leaving themself to be heavily reliant on Dova’s support. They made their way through the camp, where Saphira’s bulk was seen before her. Ghost stopped when Eragon came into view, followed by his cousin, Roran. Eragon paused before gesturing to Ghost and saying, “This is Ghost. They’re..”
Ghost picked up on his words. “I’m his personal spellcaster-" They turned away to cough and curse as a fresh wave of pain shot through their chest,"-You must be Roran, hm?”
“Aye. Eragon spoke a bit about you whilst you were out.” Roran nodded his head. His appearance scared Ghost- he looked like their dad if he was younger and had brown hair. “From what Eragon says, you fight well.”
“Aw, thanks.” Ghost turned and coughed into their hand. “..I assume you all are going to see Nasuada too?”
With a nod and insistence from Eragon, Ghost was hoisted onto Saphira. They closed their eyes and reached out to Sokladr, who remained beside their tent. (God I want to see you.)
(We will be united soon. Focus on resting and healing yourself.) Sokladr hummed, (You fought well. I am very proud.)
(I should’ve let you fight.. I’m sorry, Sokladr.)
(No. You were right to hold me back- if you had released me, what benefit would come? Saphira had the situation under her talon- I would simply be another obstacle.)
Ghost smiled and gently let go of the tether, looking down to observe everyone. Dova, Eragon and Roran exchanged a few words, and Ghost found the topic to mainly be about them. Roran was fascinated by their bubble, and Eragon insisted it wasn’t the craziest thing they’ve done.
“Eragon. Remember the time when we were nearly late to lessons, and I had the smart idea of falling off the balcony?” Ghost croaked, then burst out into a short fit of laughter. “Your face was priceless!”
Roran snapped his head to them. “You what?”
“Well, I had to get down fast, and stairs take forever..so..” They made a gesture with their hands to the sky. “Yeet.”
“Yeet?”
Ghost choked for a moment. The slang came so naturally that they didn’t see an issue with it. They were thankful when Saphira stopped and Ghost could be hoisted down to the ground. Eragon slung their arm around his shoulders, and they smiled at him in thanks.
Nasuada stopped in the middle of her sentence as she spotted the new arrivals. Running toward them, she threw her arms around Eragon and cried, “Where were you? We thought you were dead, or worse.”
“Not quite.” Eragon smiled. Arya murmured something, but Ghost couldn’t read her lips from a fresh wave of pain creeping in.
Stepping back, Nasuada said, “We couldn’t see what happened to you and Saphira after you landed on the plateau. When the red dragon left and you didn’t appear, Arya tried to contact you but felt nothing, so we assumed...” She trailed off. “We were just debating the best way to transport Du Vrangr Gata and an entire company of warriors across the river.”
“Sounds like a job for me.” Ghost grinned.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I was just so tired after the fight, I forgot to lower my barriers.” Then Eragon brought Roran forward. “Nasuada, I would like to introduce my cousin, Roran. Ajihad may have mentioned him to you before. Roran, Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden and my liege lord. And this is Arya Svit-kona, the elves’ ambassador.” Roran bowed to each of them in turn. “Formally, this is Ghost, my personal guard and spellcaster, and Dova who accompanies Ghost.”
“It is an honor to meet Eragon’s cousin,” said Nasuada.
“Indeed,” added Arya.
After they finished exchanging greetings, Eragon explained that the entire village of Carvahall had arrived on the Dragon Wing, and that Roran was the one responsible for killing the Twins. Ghost was impressed by the feats- it wasn’t easy to get an entire village to cooperate. They made a note to talk with him later on his methods.
Nasuada lifted a dark eyebrow. “The Varden are in your debt, Roran, for stopping their rampage. Who knows how much damage the Twins would have caused before Eragon or Arya could have confronted them? You helped us to win this battle. I won’t forget that. Our supplies are limited, but I will see that everyone on your ship is clothed and fed, and that your sick are treated.”
Roran bowed even lower. “Thank you, Lady Nasuada.”
“If I weren’t so pressed for time, I would insist upon knowing how and why you and your village evaded Galbatorix’s men, traveled to Surda, and then found us. Even just the bare facts of your trek make an extraordinary tale. I still intend to learn the specifics- especially since I suspect it concerns Eragon- but I must deal with other, more urgent matters at the moment.”
“Of course, Lady Nasuada.”
“You may go, then.”
“Please,” said Eragon, “let him stay. He should be here for this.”
Nasuada gave him a quizzical look. “Very well. If you want. But enough of this dawdling. Jump to the meat of the matter and tell us about the Rider!”
Eragon began with a quick history of the three remaining dragon eggs- two of which had now hatched- as well as Morzan and Murtagh, so that Roran would understand the significance of his news.
Then he proceeded to describe his and Saphira’s fight with Thorn and the mysterious Rider, paying special attention to his extraordinary powers. “As soon as he spun his sword around, I realized we had dueled before, so I threw myself at him and tore off his helm.” Eragon paused.
“It was Murtagh, wasn’t it?” Nasuada asked, his voice hushed.
Before Eragon could say, Ghost nodded. “You figured that because the twins lived, aye?” Ghost caught a glimpse of Eragon’s side eye, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
A tear rolled down Nasuada’s cheek as she nodded. “It’s a pity that this befell Murtagh when he has already endured so much hardship. I enjoyed his company in Tronjheim and believed he was our ally, despite his upbringing. I find it hard to think of him as our enemy.” Turning to Roran, she said, “It seems I am also personally in your debt for slaying the traitors who murdered my father.”
(Ah, so that’s what happened. I had forgotten that her father was murdered by the Urgals as well as the Twins.) Dreyma's voice dulled everything else.
(You. How did you know what was going to happen?! How the soldiers would be pushed to the river? How did you know Murtagh’s name?! How did you know!)
(Easy, tiger.) Dreyma smirked. (I am surprised you had forgotten. It was your favourite part, aside from meeting Oromis.)
(How do you know that?! What do you mean “It was my favourite part” like this is a damn show?!) Ghost felt their eye twitch. (How?)
(I don’t have any reason to even mention this to you other than for you to squirm and whine as you blame yourself for..later events.) His laugh echoed. (Do be prepared- these next events are..startling. I just have one question for you.)
(I’m ready.)
(Do you remember how to dance?)
The question lingered in their head as a hand was waved in their face. They blinked and looked around. “...Sorry, the cramps and pain. What did I miss?”
“Do you think you could defeat Murtagh with the help of the elves’ spellcasters?” Nasuada spoke again.
“...why ask me- Eragon’s the main rider here!” They gestured. It clicked with Ghost that they didn't need to pretend to not be a rider to anyone except Roran. They turned to him and gave a half-assed smile. “..How good are you at keeping secrets?”
“I believe quite well. Is it revel-” Roran cut himself one when he saw their face.
Ghost had dropped their wards to reveal the milky silvery eye and the long silver scar, a shit-eating grin emerging on their face. “..So this may be me, but we MAY have an advantage over the Empire.”
He looked at Ghost, baffled for a moment. “..so the bodyguard thing-?”
“A lie. Sokladr is by my tent.” Ghost chuckled, “My formal title is Rider Ghost.”
For several minutes, they discussed the effect Murtagh could have on their campaign and strategies to minimize or eliminate it. At last Nasuada said, “Enough. We cannot decide this when we are bloody and tired and our minds are clouded from fighting. Go, rest, and we shall take this up again tomorrow.”
As Eragon turned to leave, Arya approached and looked him straight in the eye. “Do not allow this to trouble you overmuch, Eragon-elda. You are not your father, nor your brother. Their shame is not yours.”
“Aye,” agreed Nasuada. “Nor imagine that it has lowered our opinion of you.” She reached out and cupped his face. “I know you, Eragon. You have a good heart. The name of your father cannot change that.”
Eragon looked from one woman to the next, then twisted his hand over his chest. “Thank you.”
Ghost felt a string snap in their chest, and they shifted over to lean on Eragon just a little bit more, their eyes narrowing at Nasuada unintentionally. (Oh? Is someone perhaps a little bit jealous? Is it because he’s getting the attention.. Or is it that he’s not giving YOU attention?) Vynx purred quietly, (He has the looks, but Dova has the ass.)
(You shouldn't be- not even going to argue with you about that- This isn't a time for relationships. Bury the thought!) Ghost huffed, then realized their mistake. Vynx laughed sadistically as Ghost was forced to try and keep a straight face as they left the tent with the assistance of Eragon.
Dova stood beside Ghost and the two were about to depart when Roran stopped in front of Ghost. They bit the inside of their cheek- what was he about to do?
“You’re Ghost Ghastsson, right?” Roran asked. Ghost tensed, but quickly masked it to nod. “I spoke to your parents.”
“Krarst and Helen?!” Ghost gasped, their chest tightening and sending them into a coughing fit. They didn't even bother to correct him and just wheezed out, “What happened?! Where are they! What did you do?”
Roran offered his arm. “Come with me.”
They looked at Dova, and he gave them a nod. They took Roran’s arm carefully and walked beside him, taking longer strides to match Roran. They walked down the rows of tent, Eragon and Dova accompanying them. They glanced to Eragon, who didn’t look back. It was obvious that he was deep in thought, or talking to Saphira. Sokladr was asleep, else they’d be doing the same.
Roran eventually led them to the Dragon Wing, where villagers were unpacking the ship and setting up tents. They looked to Roran and nodded to him, occasionally stopping him to talk and get instructions. Ghost was fascinated by how well they worked- it was like one giant bee hive. They looked up to Roran, who casted a side eye to their direction. Not yet.
He led them to board the ship, then helped them sit on a crate that was yet to be carried off. He vanished soon after, leaving the three behind. Ghost looked to Eragon, then to Dova, who stared at one another. They blinked a few times before taking off Dova’s pin from their shirt, looking at it clearly. The golden trim that surrounded the petals of the flower was astounding- it was like an enamel pin.
“Who are they?” Eragon asked, his head turned to where Roran had left. Ghost looked and saw Roran leaving the hold of the ship.
There were two people accompanying him- a man with tanned skin, an untrimmed but well-kept beard with a sword that had a similar handle to Mr. Stab. The woman had brown curly hair, freckles covering her dark cheeks, and a bandana that held her hair out of her face. She was looking around wildly until she landed her eyes on Ghost. Ghost held her eyes, their heart pounding in their chest.
It was a blur of movement. Ghost remembered the pain as they tried to stand suddenly, nearly falling on their face but catching themself and hobbling to her. She quickly closed the distance and pulled Ghost close, her arms tight around them. Ghost broke into a fit of sobs then, holding onto Helen with renewed strength. Krarst must have come over, since they felt the hug become tighter. They couldn’t form the words they’d been meaning to say, only choked sobs and restrained breaths came out.
They were suddenly hoisted up, and they looked down to see Krarst holding them up. He had a large smile across his face, tears flowing into his beard. “My child! My child has returned!”
Helen gently took them from Krarst and cupped their face. “Oh my, look at how many scars you have! And the bow, and the hair-! You must tell us what has happened!”
Ghost laughed slightly. “..we..should get you two set up on the ground before we talk. I have so many questions! How- How did you get here?!”
Ghost, Dova and Eragon helped out with unloading the Dragon Wing. For the entire time, Ghost stayed by Helen and Krarsts’ side. They weren’t allowed to carry anything too heavy, always having it taken or magically lifted by Dova and Eragon. They insisted they were fine, but the two kept insisting otherwise. Ghost eventually gave up, and soon the Dragon wing was emptied with multiple tents set up.
Krarst hoisted Ghost onto his shoulders, and Helen followed behind as they located the tent given to them. It was small, but they didn’t seem to complain. Krarst let Helen take Ghost off his shoulders and put them on the ground, where they sat on a foldable stool across from the two adults. The tent fell into silence, apart from distant chatter and footsteps of passing families.
“...so..should I start, or should you?” Ghost asked, looking down to their boots.
“You, please. I want to hear all to what you have done.” Helen pleaded, untying the bandana around her hair to let the curls fall all around.
Ghost sighed and went into detail about what had happened after they left Gil’ead. They told them about how’d they got information from the bartender and then robbed the stable for Mi. They continued about how they’d been hunted by the shade twice, and ended up getting the upperhand to kill her.
“Shadeslayer.” Krarst whispered. Ghost rubbed the back of their neck, and he remarked, “Why do you hold yourself like that?! Hold your head high- killing a shade is a rare feat!”
Ghost laughed a bit forcefully before picking up their head and continuing their tale. They bit back their tongue once they got to the part in Ellesmera. They explained it briefly and had to full on stop. After Ellesmera, they left to Surda with Sokladr. They looked up at Krarst and Helen and took a deep breath in. “Can you two keep a secret? A very large, very important secret?”
Krarst and Helen looked between each other, then turned back to Ghost. “We promise you.”
Ghost took a deep breath in and muttered the word to end the ward across their face. They couldn’t bring themself to look them in the eyes. “...I..before the shade chased me for the second time..I unknowingly found a dragon’s egg. Once we were in Ellesmera, it hatched, and..” Ghost gestured to their eye. “That’s the extent of it. Once we left Ellesmera, I flew to Surda and..here we are, essentially.”
The adults sat in silence for a moment before Helen stood and crouched in front of them, gently cupping their face. She rubbed her thumb along the scar, each time sending a gentle bolt of electricity down their spine. She smiled softly and gently hugged them. “No matter what you are- Rider, Shadeslayer- You still are our child, and we will care for you. I’m so proud of you.”
Ghost tried to stifle back their tears, but they caved and broke into sobs once more. They hugged Helen, Krarst putting an arm around the two. Once they broke away, they sniffled and looked between the two. “I promise. I promise to protect the two of you. For what you have done for me, I swear my life to protect the two of you.” They swore in the ancient language.
End of book one.