A/N: The sequence in which I have written the two scenes is purely for dramatic effect because I'm just weak like that :P Fair warning, you might want to have a map of Alagaësia handy to refer to while reading.

Revised and updated 29/12/19

"So," Nasuada said, seating herself. "I think that went quite well."

Her smile was mirrored in the faces of the young Riders seated around the long table. Murtagh was present, as were Commander Jörmudur, King Orrin and Vanir of the Rider's Council.

"I agree," Orrin said, rubbing one thumb absently along his jaw. "It was a good display, calculated to inspire hope and enthusiasm. May I ask who was responsible for devising it?"

Ravûn and Zelíe raised their hands. "It was originally my idea, and we did much the same in Tronjheim, if a more restrained version," Ravûn said in his deep voice. "These two helped me tailor it to a human audience, however. Of course, it was the dragons who devised the more . . . flashy part of it."

"I assume you did not do the same in Ellesméra?" Murtagh asked.

"Certainly not."

"And at the lake Fläm?"

"Not quite as flashy, no, but we did attempt to make it something of a spectacle. It is not every day that the Riders return, after all."

"I quite agree," Jörmudur said, his mouth quirking in the depths of his beard. "May I ask if the dragons themselves choose their names?"

Ravûn grinned, as did several others. "Of course. There was quite a lot of squabbling over the names that sounded similar . . . but I think the end result was tolerable enough."

Jörmudur nodded in agreement, and Nasuada judged it time to attend to the business before them. "Now, we have only the matter of your assignments to be dealt with. Shall we invite Eragon to participate in this discussion?"

A chorus of agreement met her, and she nodded to Murtagh, who gestured to a large mirror placed at the head of the table and muttered a few words. Before long, an image of Eragon's face shimmered into view.

"Greetings to you all," he said, grinning broadly. "How did it go?"

"Very well," Nasuada replied. "Your students have the uncanny knack of making their statements loudly and quite unforgettably."

There was a low ripple of laughter, and Eragon's chuckle was distinctly proud. Nasuada smiled, and continued, "We are just about to proceed with the assignments."

"By all means, go ahead."

She nodded once more, and turned back to the table. "Now, Eragon has already informed me that most of you have chosen where you would like to go. Would you state those preferences now, for the benefit of those who have not heard them?" She gestured to Zelíe, who was seated closest to her.

Zelíe inclined her head. "I would like to be posted within the Broddring Kingdom, preferably to a city, as that is the environment I am most accustomed to. Before that, however, I intend to pay a brief visit to my family at Belatona."

Sorya spoke next. "I would like to work in the Beors, preferably Galfní, as I am most familiar with that city."

She nodded to Osra, who said, "I would like to begin my work amongst my own people, in the vicinity of the lake Fläm."

"I would like to work there as well," Këyal said serenely.

It was then Ravûn's turn, and he said "I would like to remain in the Broddring Kingdom. I think Akhtar, too -

Akhtar met his enquiring glance and nodded. "I too would like to be assigned to the Broddring Kingdom, preferably a more rural area."

Dara spoke next. "I would like to be assigned to Du Weldenvarden."

Caspian smiled as all eyes turned to him. "And the three of us have no preference at all, is that not so?"

Senshi smiled in return, and Kitai nodded. Caspian continued, "I intend to visit my home before I begin work. I would prefer to carry out that work within Old Surda, but I will go wherever I am needed, as will they."

"But if I do indeed have a choice, I would like to be assigned to the Beors," Senshi said in her soft voice.

Nasuada drummed her fingers on the table. "You have made things rather easy for us by dividing yourselves up so neatly. I know Orik will be pleased to have you, Sorya, and I've no doubt he will extend a welcome to you as well, Senshi. Dara, I have already spoken to Queen Arya, as you have done, and she has approved of your choice, so there is no trouble there either. The size of Du Weldenvarden should warrant another Rider, but I doubt they have need of it, and Queen Arya is willing to settle for one Rider at the beginning; is that not so, Vanir?"

Vanir's eyes flickered away from Këyal's face, where they had been for a good minute or two, to rest on Nasuada's. He inclined his head. "It is indeed, Queen Nasuada."

Nasuada nodded in return. "That leaves seven of you. Unfortunately, I feel that two Riders for the Urgals is one too many. The community is small, and the rest of the country has urgent need of you. One of you must relinquish your claim."

Këyal and Osra looked at each other for a moment. Këyal opened his mouth to speak, but Osra looked back at Nasuada, saying, "May I remain there for two months or so? Afterwards I will be willing to go wherever I am needed."

Nasuada glanced at Orrin, who frowned slightly but nodded, then at Jörmudur who shrugged with one shoulder.

"You have spoken to Nar Garzhvog with respect to this, both of you?"

"We have, your majesty."

"Then I have no objection. However, two months is too long. I would request you to keep it within one month, if you possibly can."

Osra inclined her head, and Nasuada returned the gesture.

"So Këyal, you and Osra will travel to the Urgal settlements; Sorya and Senshi, you will return to the Beors; Dara, you will make your way to Du Weldenvarden. The rest of you . . . Caspian, if you are to go to Old Surda -" She looked to Orrin once more, who nodded decisively. "Then we need, at the very least, two Riders in the north as well. Will you be willing to be one, Akhtar? I am aware that hostility to the Urgals has run high there in the past, but Roran Stronghammer has changed many minds, and you will work in the more rural setting you desire."

He nodded ponderously. "I have no issues, Lady Nightstalker."

She smiled at the old title. "I think the settlements clustered about the Ninor River would be a good place. Shall we say, from Therinsford in the west to Marna in the east, and from Cuenon in the north to Gil'ead in the south? Osra and Këyal could assist you as well, if required, since lake Fläm is close by." She waited for their assent, the nodded, circling the area lightly on the map in front of her. "Then, Zelíe, will you take the other northern post?"

"I would be glad to, Queen Nasuada."

"Excellent. The other side of the Spine would be appropriate, I think. So that would be from Narda to Kuasta, and everything in between."

Zelíe gazed at the map for a moment, then nodded. Nasuada nodded in return. "Then, Ravûn and Kitai, we are left with two more areas - the Central Kingdom, that is, Illirea, Belatona, and Dras-Leona, and New Surda, consisting of Furnost, Melian, and Feinster. You may decide which you would prefer to work within."

Ravûn glanced at Kitai thoughtfully, who tilted his head slightly. There was a brief moment of silence. The Kitai said calmly, "The Central Kingdom, Queen Nasuada," and Ravûn nodded and said, "New Surda."

"Then it is settled," Nasuada said, quill hovering above the map as she prepared to mark it.

"Hold," Orrin said abruptly, frowning at the map. "Would not such an arrangement be impractical?"

He gestured impatiently in response to the quizzical glances he received. "New Surda and Old Surda," he explained. "They each span a considerable distance from east to west. It would be quite tiring for the dragons as well, if they are to keep flying back and forth. Why not divide them into the eastern and western cities? The east would consist of -" His finger touched each city in turn, light as a feather. "Furnost, Lithgow, Petrovya, Aberon and Reavstone, and the west Cithrí, Melian, Dauth, Aroughs, and Feinster. Is that not more logical?"

"It is indeed," Nasuada said thoughtfully. "Does it suit you, Ravûn, Caspian?"

Caspian nodded, and looked to Ravûn. "Shall I then take the east?"

Ravûn nodded as well. "And I shall take the west."

"What of Eoam?" Kitai interjected. "Do they not also require the services of a Rider?"

Nasuda lifted an eyebrow, impressed at his recollection of the map.

"I can make periodic visits there," Ravûn replied. "It is a small town, and it should not be a hardship."

Orrin nodded at this, and so Nasuada demarcated the boundaries as discussed. She then addressed the table as a whole.

"I would like you to remember that Murtagh is also a Rider, and has been doing this work for several years now. If you run into some difficulty, or find that you cannot cover your area effectively, I encourage you to tell him so, for he would be glad to assist."

Sha glanced at Murtagh, who nodded, saying, "Akhtar, I think your area, in particular, is most densely populated. I would be willing to take up the duty between Bullridge, Gil'ead and Marna, if you would like me to."

Akhtar looked at the map for a moment or two, then nodded. "I would be very glad of your assistance, King Consort."

"You could have spoken up earlier, if you felt that your assigned area was too vast," Jörmudur said, looking quizzical.

Akhtar smiled slightly. "I was confident in my ability to handle it, especially given the assurance of occasional assistance from Osra and Këyal. Yet if I had been fool enough to refuse help freely given, I am certain that Master, for one, would not hesitate to chide me quite caustically."

All eyes went to the mirror, where Eragon sat with his chin in one hand, now smiling. "Indeed I would not."

Nasuada couldn't help smiling as well as she asked, "Are the arrangements to your satisfaction, Eragon?"

"If my students are satisfied, so too am I," he replied.

"Nasuada, are two Riders really enough for the entire Beor range?" Jörmudur asked.

"Nowhere near enough, but the political climate there is delicate, and not all the people are willing to have Riders amongst them. Orik wishes to start on a smaller scale, so that they gradually grow used to the idea."

"I see." Jörmudur frowned at the map. "Are we then finished with our deliberations?"

Nasuada dipped her quill in ink and began to draw it over the map. "I think so. The only remaining issue is that of the children who came with us from the Hall. Twelve of them, and quite a few from Surda, I think?"

Dara met her inquiring glance. "Yes, Queen Nasuada, four. Faye is from Dauth, daughter of Lord Teynham; Erika from Cithrí, though we know only that her father was called 'captain', so she may be of the family of the captain of the guard; Asmund is from Aroughs, son of an influential merchant; Anyin is from Petrovya, but is too young to remember much, so there may be some difficulty in locating his family. So Erika, Asmund and Faye should travel with Ravûn, and Anyin with Caspian."

"You've forgotten Inkeri," Caspian said. "She should go to Aberon, that we may hand her into the care of a representative of the wandering tribes."

"Ah, yes. So she too should go with you. As for the rest, Landan, Tylor, and Torben should go with you, Zelíe, to Teirm, Narda, and Kuasta respectively. Edward and Ylva with you, Akhtar, to Gil'ead and Cuenon, and Kelsie with you, Kitai, to Belatona."

"Thank you, Dara. That seems satisfactory -"

"Ah-" Vanir raised a finger. "I apologise for the interruption, but is there not one more child remaining?"

There was a brief moment of silence before Ravûn muttered, "Amha."

The atmosphere tightened uneasily. Sorya was first to voiced what they were all thinking.

"She has no home," she said bluntly. "She lived on the streets of Illirea - there is no family waiting for her. And her ability makes her dangerous. She should be watched over, not left to roam the country."

"I agree," Murtagh said musingly. "Then, if she were to stay here?" He looked across the table, meeting Nasuada's gaze. "Elva resides here anyway, as a matter of course. Surely we can shelter Amha as well?"

"I think it should be possible, yes. And they are roughly the same age - in years, at the very least. Perhaps it will give Elva a sense of some responsibility."

In the mirror, Eragon snorted softly. "If she's anything like she was when I left, I should say you're being far too optimistic."

"We can but try. Very well, then, Amha shall stay here, in Illirea. Is there any objection?"

A chorus of nays met her. She nodded in satisfaction and began to roll the map up. "Very well, then, it seems our business here is concluded -"

Caspian raised his hand, looking slightly apprehensive, but also determined. Nasuada raised an eyebrow.

"Is there an issue you wish to raise, Caspian?"

"Not an issue, precisely, your majesty, but there is something I wish to propose. I would have brought up the matter in private, but it seems to me that the present company is as apt as any."

Nasuada noted Eragon's satisfied expression, and the raised eyebrows and upturned lips that accompanied glances the Riders sent each other.

They know what he is to say . . . and they approve, it seems. I will have a hard time vetoing any project he cares to name, if ten Riders back it unanimously - no, eleven, including Eragon. I hope it will prove to be reasonably innocuous.

She calmly laid her hands in her lap , betraying none of her internal cogitation, and inclined her head. "Please, go ahead."

Caspian drew a long breath and stood, making his way to the foot of the table, where he was in clear view of everyone in the room. He placed his hands flat upon the table and looked down at them for a moment. When he looked up, his eyes were sharp and focused.

"On Tiruvin, there is a centralized system of education. I am sure everyone in this room is aware of that fact. Each centre of learning, or school, covers a range of basic knowledge, such as reading and writing, but they may specialize as well. There are schools where you may learn sewing, embroidery, forging, woodcarving, fishing - anything that could conceivably allow you to ply a trade. In many cases, students reside at a certain area for a period of time, paying a certain amount annually, and return home when they have completed their training. In the case of fishing, for example, they stay in the fisherman's house - or rather, houses, for it is often a group of five or more who offer their knowledge so - pay for their boarding, and go out on the ocean everyday to learn. Thus anyone who wishes to learn a craft may do so, with others of their age, if they can afford it. They need not wait for a master to decide they are worthy apprentices."

He paused for breath. Nasuada kept her face smooth and politely interested, and said, "As you said, we are all aware of that. Is it that you wish to implement that system in Alagaësia?"

Caspian looked slightly surprised. "I certainly think it would be a good idea, but Alagaësia is far larger than Tiruvin, and I am sure it would take more time and effort for the system to run smoothly here. What I wish to propose is with respect to magicians."

Nasuada couldn't prevent a small frown from marring her brow at that, though she contrived to make it look natural enough.

With respect to magicians? Then, does he mean -

"I have no desire to criticise your decisions or decrees, your majesty, so please do not take my words in that sense, but it is my belief, and the belief of many of my fellow Riders, that the magical potential of Alagaësia is being wasted."

Her frown grew deeper despite her best efforts. "Is that so?" she said, and Murtagh silently moved across the room to stand by her side at her tone.

Yet Caspian met her gaze unwaveringly. "When we were hosted by King Meiji and Queen Nila, we had the chance to observe some small part of the immense benefits a country could reap if only magic was utilized in a systematic manner. I can imagine a myriad more, each making the land a far better and richer country. Yet as it now stands, those benefits are available to no one, least of all the magicians themselves, because of the attitude currently prevailing."

"Due to my decrees, is that what you intend to say?"

"Of course not, your majesty. There was a deeply ingrained mistrust towards the idea of magic prevalent long before you came to rule, as you know far better than I. But I must say that your decrees only furthered that mistrust, rather than dispelling it."

She gazed at him long and hard, trying to gauge his intentions, his motives, trying to predict what he was most likely to say and how reasonable it was likely to be. To her knowledge he was an intelligent young man, yet a lack of experience among the people might result in impractical suggestions that she could be hard pressed to refuse.

To his credit, he did not waver under her scrutiny, though there was a tight tension in the set of his shoulders as he awaited her reply. What he said true enough, but what did he intend to suggest? How difficult would it be to refuse him? What if -

Ridiculous, she chided herself. I am allowing myself to be thrown off balance because of the appearance of ten new, powerful pieces in the game. They are on my side - it should not be necessary for me to resist or fight them. And Eragon is listening. That is sure enough to check any suggestions I may not be able to handle -

Murtagh's fingertips resting lightly for a moment on her wrist helped dispel her tension still further. She smiled slightly and inclined her head. "That is fair enough. What, then, do you propose?"

His mouth softened in relief. "To state it baldly - a school of magic."

Her previous doubts and apprehensions raised their heads once more instantly, whispering warnings in her mind. Yet she managed to keep her expression still as she said, "Elucidate that, if you will."

"A test could be designed for experienced magicians to attempt, to gauge their knowledge and expertise. If they pass, they may teach, and anyone who has a talent for magic may come and learn, residing at the school. They may be taught the ancient language, reading, and writing to begin with, and then they may choose to leave, or undergo a period of further education in a different branch of magic, the most obvious one being healing. One condition of study may be that all students take a vow in the ancient language, upon completion of their learning, that they will not use magic for malicious purposes. This may also extend to those who can hear minds - we can teach them to protect themselves, how to control their abilities, how to respect the privacy of those whose minds they can see. Even those who simply wish to learn to protect their minds may come. I did say a school of magic, but it is my hope that it will eventually be open to everyone, and will teach reading and writing, numbers, how to know if one's mind is being read, how to know if a spell has been cast; all things that may give the common person a more level footing with magicians.

"Your majesty, I believe this is necessary. If magicians are allowed to practise freely, for the good of others, it cannot but help the country. And is it not safer to have taught them at least the basics of their craft, that they may not harm others or themselves through their ignorance? If we have a centralized system of education, a haven for those who have such abilities but do not know how to use them or what to do with them, the crown can keep a watchful eye over the magic that is allowed to proliferate the kingdom, and ensure that it is all to the good. No more will we have incidents where children who cannot control their energy kill themselves through overexertion; no more will we have incidents where untrained sorcerers become Shades, as Durza did; no more will unregistered or unchecked magicians do as they please, in small towns where the law cannot reach them; no more will there be whispers of changelings and such, for people will know what magic can and cannot do; no more will lives be allowed to fade away because fearful people refused to allow the use of magic. Magic will become an ally, rather than an enemy to be feared; as it should be, for it pervades everything in this world, and should not every person know it, understand it, embrace it? I am aware that there are not nearly enough magicians competent and qualified to teach thus, but we can at least make a start. I am positive that, as time goes by, that will change, and the school will grow, becoming an instrument of good and powerful change that will be beneficial to all."

He fell silent, watching her with some anxiety. She dropped her gaze to look at the polished wood of the table, taking time to think.

"Do you all support this idea?" she said eventually.

"We do," Këyal said quietly.

"We do," Ravûn affirmed.

"We do," Dara said. "And some of us rather wish we had thought of it ourselves."

Nasuada smiled at that. There was a palpable release of tension, and Dara grinned and continued, "Studying at the Hall has given us an entirely new appreciation for education. It open minds, your majesty, it clears prejudices and engenders empathy. I would, in fact, like to add that in addition to such practical skills as mindblocking, students can also choose to learn about the various races in Alagaësia, about history and culture and anything they wish to know - about why rain falls from the sky, and why the seasons turn, and why you may find bones in chalk and coal in peat. Parents may not wish to send their children, I know, for how can you make a living by knowing why rainbows may appear after the rain? But we should at least offer it, so that when that one student who is curious about such things, as Caspian is -" she turned to King Orrin. "- as you are, your majesty; so that when that student comes, she or he will be able to learn. Perhaps you could even teach there, if duties permit."

Orrin looked slightly taken aback, but he smiled back at her in instinctive response, eyes beginning to sparkle, and Nasuada knew he was won.

"Hold. We have not yet decided whether this is to happen," she said sternly. "Jörmudur, your thoughts?"

He rubbed his chin with his thumb, taking in the assemblage of Riders looking at him expectantly.

"I'm bound to say I understand the logic," he admitted. "And it does sound like a wonderful prospect, the way your silver-tongued students describe it, Shadeslayer."

Eragon chuckled in response. Jörmudur's mouth twitched upwards as he continued. "Yet there are some pitfalls I can see, some wrinkles that must be ironed out. The vow the students would take, for instance, the location of such a school, the extent to which the crown would be involved in this enterprise . . . if those are resolved to your or my satisfaction, however, I raise no complaint, your majesty."

She nodded, still frowning slightly. "Vanir?"

"It is an intriguing idea, and I must say it does seem to have the potential to do a lot of good. I do think it is at least worth an attempt. I cannot speak for the Council, of course, but considering the number of magicians who are seated there and who have struggled to learn and accept magic, I am inclined to think they will welcome the idea. If you decide to allow it, your majesty, and the entire Council agrees to it as well, I can assure you, Riders, that you are likely to have our full support."

She tapped her fingers on the wood abstractedly, absorbing his words. "Murtagh?"

"I suppose," he said slowly, "teaching people yourselves in the areas you work within would be too much trouble?"

"It would," Zelíe said. "The time we could devote to teach would be limited and fragmented. Having a central institution where we can spend an extended period of time when possible, where what is being taught can be overseen, and where competent magicians from anywhere may reside is by far the better option."

"Hmm." He frowned down at the table. "I would like to discuss this further with you all, especially with regard to the curriculum of such a school. I hope, Eragon, you will assist with that?"

"Of course," Eragon replied. "I should be glad to."

Murtagh nodded to him. "Then I think - yes, I think this is a possibility it will do us good to explore. Magic is a resource, and it is one we have not utilized as we should. This seems to me a good way to begin mining it."

She had expected his response. The arguments were persuasive, and she could not pretend they did not appeal to her. She seemed to hear an echo of Galbatorix, as he stood above her, gloating - ranting about how magic was the force that unbalanced the world, how the old Riders had hoarded knowledge for themselves and grown old and fat and complacent. What was being proposed would solve the latter, yes, and as for the former . . . She had tried to solve that by repressing magic, and it had not borne the fruit she had hoped. Allowing magic to blossom, while pruning as necessary, was indeed an attractive idea. A world where the ancient language was on every tongue, where magic danced from fingertip to fingertip and coloured each life bright, an idyllic world, such as one the elves lived in -

Yet, as Jörmudur had said, there were numerous pitfalls she could see only too clearly. The vision was still only that, and she could not allow herself to be dazzled. There were very real dangers, and if she was to avoid her greatest fear, that of magic ruining the world, she had to be cautious.

"It would be like a far smaller Doru Areaba," she murmured. "Yet it was with knowledge from Doru Areaba that the Forsworn could do what they did. If I refuse you this permission, what will you do?"

Caspian's fingers closed in on themselves, his mouth thinning anxiously, but he answered with perfect composure. "We will ask King Orik if he will allow us to build this school in his kingdom. If he denies us, we will ask Queen Arya. If she too denies us, we will have no option but to build in the Hadarac, so that we do not transgress upon the boundaries of any kingdom." He smiled suddenly, eyes crinkling. "It would be rather symbolic, would it not? The perfect center of the land - equally accessible to all sentient beings."

"Equally inaccessible, you mean," she replied dryly. "Rider Caspian, smiling charmingly at me will not blind me to the fact that you have, in essence, declared that you and your fellow Riders intend to proceed with this, whatever my answer may be."

He flushed slightly, and his next words were respectfully subdued. "It is because we deem it necessary, your majesty - urgently so. We would not push so otherwise."

Nasuada looked across at Orrin, who nodded slightly, a rueful smile at the corner of his mouth. It was all the answer she needed from him.

She sighed as she got to her feet. "If this is what you spring upon me on your first day in Illirea, I shudder to think what I will have to deal with in a year or so." Caspian opened his mouth, and she held up a hand, forestalling him. "I agree with my advisors. I think this is a possibility worth exploring, and I would like to discuss it further. I do, however, see a number of dangers, and I will not give full consent until I am convinced that they have all been averted. This also needs to be discussed with the Rider's Council, and King Orik, Queen Arya and the Herndall. It is not a decided matter as yet. Please be very clear about that."

Her sharp tone did nothing to dim the bright smiles that rippled across the Rider's faces. Caspian bowed low, eyes sparkling. "Thank you, your majesty," he said, tone warm with gratitude. "I swear you will not come to regret your decision."

She snorted softly as she tucked one hand into Murtagh's arm. "I hope you do not intend to scatter such airy promises about when you work, for they are certain to come back to bite you when you least expect them."

His expression did not alter in the slightest, and she couldn't help directing a half-exasperated, half-amused look at Eragon in the mirror, who looked just as happy as his students. He met her gaze with a grin, and she shook her head at him as she turned back to the room, fighting her smile back.

"On the morrow we shall consult with Orik and the Herndall, with respect to this idea of yours and to finalize your assignments. Eragon, thank you for your presence. Shall we have the pleasure of your attendance tomorrow as well?"

"Certainly," he said, rising from his chair. He twisted his hand over his chest, bowing slightly. "Farewell, Murtagh, Jörmundur, Vanir. And the best of luck to you, my students."

The Riders returned the gesture as one as they rose from their chairs, as did Vanir.

Nasuada smiled slightly, satisfied."Supper will have been prepared by now. Shall we move to the dining hall?"

The Riders bowed once more, to the room at large and to the mirror, and followed her, murmuring to each other in low voices, dignity in their bearing and calm in their faces. The new Riders . . . they were sure to give her numerous headaches, she could feel it, and they certainly seemed to be fairly unpredictable, but they were, without a doubt, worthy of the title they bore. Each and every one of them.

She inclined her head in the direction of the mirror, a gesture of farewell, and as Eragon's face shimmered into nothingness she could see that he thought the same.

††

Eight hours earlier

The whisper rippled through the city like a quiet storm, hissing rather than howling, promising rather than threatening, catching excited glances and hopeful murmurs and tossing them carelessly from house to house, ear to ear, mouth to mouth. It was not the first. It was, in fact, one of a long succession; and it was not as tantalizing as some, nor as believable as others.

But it was the last.

Some did not believe it was the last, having been fooled by the other, less tempestuous whispers before. But still they gathered in the city square of Illirea, urged on by those more credulous. Later, when they recounted the day to their grandchildren, they would silently offer up a prayer to all gods listening that they had been present that day.

Ell was one of them. Living on the streets ensured she caught most of the whispers that flitted through the city, but she had heard this one so many times for so long she nearly groaned when she caught it again, louder than before. She only decided to head to the square with her group because it would be packed with people waiting - a perfect opportunity to cut some purses.

"Hob, you and Addy take th' east road. Noll, Avy, you with me, right? We'll take th' south and spread out."

They'd nodded and followed, but when they got there they found the crowd restless, shifting, waiting for the promised ones. So she'd motioned for them to climb, and they'd settled themselves on a roof from where they could look over the entire square. Eventually people would grow weary and less alert, and that would be the best time to make their move.

She'd tipped her head back, soaking in the weak sun as it danced out from behind the dark, stifling clouds, and taken a brief moment to relax. No need to worry about angry shopkeepers or members of the city guard likely to give her a cuff on the head up here, above the rabble, where the air was fresh and heavy with the promise of rain.

And then she'd heard it.

THUMP

She'd opened her eyes, looked around curiously. An odd sort of thunder-

THUMP

Louder this time, and no, not thunder. It was like someone was beating a massive drum, somewhere above the clouds.

THUMP

The sound reverberated, now, like it was two drums-

THUMP

Five drums-

THUMP

Ten-

She'd clapped her hands over her ears, wincing as her eardrums vibrated in sympathy with the steady beat, and got to her feet, eyes flickering around warily. In the square below, the crowd had rustled, milled, confused shouts erupting here and there as they tried to discover the source of the sound. It had pulsed and beat again and again, growing louder and louder until Ell's very bones had seemed to vibrate in sympathy, until she had been forced to her knees, arms clasped over her head, until it had seemed to echo from every which direction at once, assailing the city like some mighty hammer.

THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP

Louder and louder and louder, her teeth rattling in her skull -

Then a new sound cutting through the beat like a knife, a faint whistling that grew steadily - a keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee -

And the first dragon plunged out of the clouds.

Massive, sparkling silver, it hurtled towards the ground faster than anything Ell had ever seen in her life. Then, just when she thought it would hit the ground with a terrible crash, two wings snapped open, translucent against the roiling sky, and the dragon leveled out, talons nearly skimming the heads of the crowd, and swept up, and out of sight -

There was utter silence in the crowd.

Then again, a keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEE -

The dragon was black this time; the black of a dagger dipped in pure ink, scales gleaming with a muted brilliance. It came from the opposite direction, and as it whizzed over the crowd it twisted dexterously, corkscrewing through the air. Then it, like the other, swept up and into the clouds.

Ell realised her mouth was open, and she meant only to close it, but some strange impulse took her over, and she cried out, her voice louder than ever it had been before.

"The Riders are here! They've finally come!"

By her side, Noll was vibrating with excitement, his bright eyes gleaming, and Avy was nearly pulling out her hair in her joy as she stared up into the clouds. They both shouted after her-

"They're here!"

"The Dragon Riders!"

And across the square she heard Addy yell with joy, and Hobb roar, "The Dragon Riders!"

There was another beat of silence.

Then the crowd shrieked.

The frenzy was unbelievable - Ell had never seen anything like it, not even when the queen herself had come to distribute bread and mutton. The sound was nearly as loud as the shattering wingbeats, and so high pitched she had to cover her ears once more. The crowd roiled, everyone pushing the person next to them as they struggled to stay upright, and there was no one without their face turned to the sky. Ell could see the more nimble ones rushing to the fountain in the middle of the square and beginning to climb, and many more - those who dared look away for a second - rushing to the houses on either side. But just as Ell reached for the dagger by her side, convinced she would have to fight if she was not to be thrown to the ground by those rushing up from below, two more dragons appeared, red and burnished gold, sweeping down and up and across like those before them.

And suddenly they were everywhere.

Green, blue, brown, purple, white, pink, red, gold, black, silver - Ell counted ten colours as the dragons twisted in the sky. They were terrifying, magnificent, majestic, tremendous - teeth and talons long as sabers, tails long enough to lay along any street in the city, eyes so large and so deep and so brilliant-

She could have sworn the red dragon looked her dead in the eye as it swept past, the wind of its passage causing her to reel back and cling to the roof. The crowd was still going utterly mad, and the sound of wingbeats was worse than deafening now that all the dragons were flying within the square. Yet just as she thought that, as though they had heard her, five of them swept up and away, and the others flapped higher, circling widely some ten stories above the crowd.

The ones who left flew up high, so high they were reduced to half their normal size, and paused in the air. It was the one sight that would remain with Ell forever after - five dark shapes outlined against restless clouds, poised perfectly, in a breathless moment of eternal stillness, with one stray beam of light catching them from behind in a blaze of light so that she could not even see the colour of their scales, only their brilliance. She would remember perfectly, even decades later, the beat of their wings in her bones, her heartbeat in her throat, her ears sore from the screams of joy, fingers gripping rough tiles so tightly she couldn't even feel them anymore, and the salt of a few stray tears of sheer, overwhelming awe on her tongue.

She would remember thinking, I think my heart will burst.

It was the single greatest moment of her life.

And then they fell - more recklessly than before, with fire streaming from their mouths, roaring exultantly. This time, when they swept up, they barely avoided hitting each other, and Ell gasped, heart in her mouth. Then again, when one looped through the air, it nearly knocked into another, and she could have screamed in despair.

But-

But wait-

"They're doing it on purpose!" Avy shrieked, dancing in her joy.

They were. They cut through the air, they looped over and around each other, they flipped, they whirled, they fell and caught themselves at the last second, barely missing each other. It was sheer beauty distilled, grace at its finest. Then they changed places with the other five, and it was almost better, if such a thing was even possible - the sheer confidence with which they rode the wind, owned the skies, proclaimed their power, demanded obeisance. It was the most breathtaking dance she had ever witnessed.

After dancing for a time - not nearly long enough, in Ell's opinion - to the cheers of the crowd, they all rose together, twisting through the air in a variety of shapes that left intricate black swirls imprinted on her vision, before sinking to the ground gently, a perfect ten-pointed shape, arranged with precision around the fountain.

The thud when they hit the ground was deafening.

The crowd surged, but the dragons roared - Ell covered her ears once more - and they fell back obediently, eager and taut with anticipation.

Now, at last, Ell saw the Riders.

They stood up together, in perfect synchrony, and the dragons were so large that they were entirely visible, even standing in the saddle. They raised their hands, and the crowd hushed, waiting with bated breath for what they might proclaim.

It was the one in front of Ell who spoke first, a fair-haired woman on the pink dragon. She bowed in four directions, to greet everyone gathered there. When she caught sight of Ell, Avy and Noll perched on the roof, her eyes twinkled before she turned back to face the front.

When she spoke, her voice was unnaturally magnified. "I am Rider Zelíe, and my dragon is Rosalie Sharptooth."

It was the man on the green dragon who bowed and spoke next, six places to the right.

"I am Rider Caspian, and my dragon is Lifaen Swiftwing."

Next was a dwarf on the black dragon-

"I am Rider Ravûn, and my dragon is Dreya Nightwing."

The tall Urgal without one horn, on the brown dragon-

"I am Rider Osra, and my dragon is Mánya, the Watchful."

The pale, brown-haired woman on the silver dragon-

"I am Rider Dara, and my dragon is Celesté Windswift."

The dark-skinned woman on the purple dragon-

"I am Rider Senshi, and my dragon is Ikraan Irontooth."

The flame-haired dwarf on the white dragon-

"I am Rider Sorya, and my dragon is Corinne Snowscales."

The black-haired elf on the red dragon-

"I am Rider Këyal, and my dragon is Layla Longclaw."

The Urgal on the blue dragon-

"I am Rider Akhtar, and my dragon is Jethran, the Fierce."

And finally the dark-skinned, blindfolded man on the golden dragon-

"I am Rider Kitai, and my dragon is Pale Longtail."

They spoke in unison, then, their voices booming out in the still, breathless air. "And we thank you for welcoming us to the Broddring Kingdom!"

The crowd burst into raucous cheering, loud enough that it surely must have echoed all the way to the palace. Ell whooped as well, clapping and smiling so widely she was sure her cheeks would split. It was certainly immensely odd to see Urgal and dwarf Riders, but she paid the thought no mind, for it was insignificant compared to the fact that the Riders, the legends, were alive and real and here.

As the cheers began to die down, she could hear questions being shouted at the Riders.

"Where did you come from?"

"Did you train with Shadeslayer?"

"Will Shadeslayer ever return to Alagaësia?"

"Will you bless my child, Rider?"

"Will all of you be staying in Illirea?"

"Did Shadeslayer tell you how he killed the Black King?"

"Will you stay -"

"Can you heal -"

"Please -"

There was a low rumble from one dragon - Ell could not tell which - and that was enough to silence the crowd. The Riders jumped down from where they stood in the dragon saddles and stood in front of their dragons, facing towards the center of the square.

"Could you make a path, please?" They spoke together once more, but their tone now thrummed with such power, even through the veil of kind courtesy, that the crowd shifted back instantly to clear a walkway to the fountain.

They began to walk, and such was the sway they held that no one lunged forward to touch, to plead, to rejoice - they all stood a respectful distance away, only betraying their hungry eagerness by the burn in their eyes and the way those behind scuffled in silence to obtain a good view.

It was the palest Rider who spoke first. "So many questions!" she laughed, twirling in a small, carefree circle as she walked, her cloak flaring out behind her. "We did train with Shadeslayer, but he will not be returning. That is why he whipped us into shape!"

A low ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.

"So that we could do what he cannot," the red-haired dwarf proclaimed, stalking forward like a werecat. "So that we may serve his land as he cannot."

"We will not all be staying in Illirea," the female Urgal said calmly, her gait as regal as any queen's, the unfamiliar accentuation of her words and the depth of her voice startling, yet not unpleasant. "Our duty is not only to the Broddring Kingdom. It is to all living creatures, everywhere; to all people of all races."

The elf rider spoke smoothly, without missing a beat. "Which is why it does not matter where we come from."

"Our last names, our family ties - they have nothing to do with our positions as Riders," the fair-haired Rider said, her voice sure and clear.

"We work without prejudice, we assist without demands," the blindfolded Rider said, walking so confidently Ell wondered if he could actually see through the bandage.

"Yes, Shadeslayer did tell us how he caused the Black King to die," the other dwarf said, his voice amused. "But only after much pestering -"

"- and it was not quite so impressive after all," the honey-skinned Rider said, grinning. "But our goal is not to perform such magnificent feats."

"We are only people who have been granted the chance to learn what most others cannot, along with a heavy responsibility," the dark-skinned Rider said, her hair swaying behind her.

"And that duty is to serve," the other Urgal Rider stated. They all leaped gracefully onto the lip of the fountain, and turned to face the crowd, water thundering behind them and surrounding them with a thousand rainbow droplets as the sun peeped out from behind the clouds.

"As teachers -"

"As healers -"

"As warriors -"

"We will serve however we may."

"Giving the homeless, homes -"

"The helpless, hope -"

"The wounded, relief -"

"The frightened, courage -"

"The lost, counsel -"

They drew their swords together as thunder crashed above and the first drops of rain began to fall. The sun was now unhidden, having briefly escaped the constricting cage of clouds, and the blades shimmered in all the colours of the rainbow, as did the dragons, dazzling the onlookers.

"We are the Riders!" they shouted together, beautiful and powerful and triumphant. "And we charge you, mark this day as the day the legacy of millenia, that the Black King dared interrupt, was continued!"

The dragons roared, shaking the buildings nearby in their very foundations, and the crowd screamed in joy, and Ell screamed with them as tears streamed down her face, knowing that their hearts, like hers, were soaring at the declaration -

For the Riders were back.

And all was right with the world.

A/N: *Gasps for breath*

ALMOST FOUR GODDAMN YEARS IN THE MAKING AND WE HAVE FINALLY REACHED THE END AHHHHHHHHH (Edit: FIVE AND A HALF AS OF THE REVISION SINCE I SPENT ANOTHER 1.5 YEARS FIXING MY HELLISH IMMATURE WRITING HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BUT I AM FINAL L Y DONE)

Thank you, all of you! Everyone who has ever read this, who has favourited, who has followed, who has given me precious words of advice and encouragement and just plain awesomeness that give me hope and make me smile - anyone who has ever dropped me a word or two, even if it's just about a typo, thank you. I appreciate that more than I can say.

The one person I really need to thank is darkdruid01 - the first friend I made on FFnet, all those years ago, when I was younger and considerably more stupid and callow. You gave me such good advice (even though my writing was so crappy) and you stuck with me for so long, for so many chapters, and your reviews were so detailed and so helpful. If this fic was to be dedicated to anyone, it's to you. I hope you return to writing soon, and I hope you come back to read the new and improved version of this.

My thanks also to anyone who has ever reviewed more than once - to every guest I can't thank, to Remidial for the first review, and just to every name on the reviews page. I can't possibly list everyone here. Special thanks especially to those who reviewed anything before chapter ten, for struggling through the horror that was my characterization and plot.

Also I was immensely touched by the number of people who asked about a sequel. And the answer is-

YES OF COURSE

I have so many scenes I want to see these guys in. Right now I'm thinking of :

- a story about Murtagh and Nasuada, about how he came back and fought for redemption

- a series consisting of two chapters per Rider - one chapter with the first thing they do as a Rider (go home for a bit/family stuff/jump into helping people immediately/anything at all, I could use ideas here), and one with them dealing with a situation in their capacity as Rider

-and a series with at least one chapter for each of them about their lives before becoming Riders, as multiple readers have stated they find it easy to mix up ten new Riders and ten dragons (my thanks to ducheswd1 for inspiring the idea).

So yeah, I've got a lot of stuff in my head! That said, I might not get around to it for a bit, because it's just an immense undertaking and as I've focused almost exclusively on this for the past (almost) four years, I'd like to take some time to work on my other ongoing story. But it will definitely happen. I will be going through this story again as well, and smoothing things out, so if you come back and read it in a month or so it should hopefully be much better than it is now! (Edit: Please tell me it's better now please tell me the rewriting time was well spent kfkgj)

Finally, a note to future readers - I always, always welcome feedback. So don't hesitate to review or message me even if you're reading this in 2025. Or 2050. Or whenever.

For the last time, with all my heart, fricai, eka elrun ono.

And with that, this ridiculously long author's note is over ^.^