In the days that followed Eragon once again started to feel the sense of purpose settle over him and Saphira, the likes of which they had not felt in centuries. Not since leaving the great land of Alagaësia did he truly know what he wanted to do. In the two hundred years they wandered, the pair had learned a great deal. They learned of the world outside this, and even more importantly learned who they truly were. But still, even then, they did not have a calling, one that would drive them further than any other.
They attended meetings with Oromis, who filled them in on knowledge they had lost being so far removed. Oromis told him the stories and accounts of how they were both wounded, how Vrael fell in battle, and how bravely King Evandar fought. Oromis even told him stories of his father. How Brom used his knowledge and cunning to outwit both Morzan and the other Forsworn, escaping with his life again and again. His father was nearing his fourth century of life, and Eragon knew that it must weigh heavy on him, so far removed from the magic of dragon's, and without the immortality granted by them.
When Eragon questioned how much longer his father had to live, Oromis shook his head, "This we do not know. No one has lived as long as Brom has without their bonded pair, and Brom is certainly human enough. The three centuries that he was bonded with his dragon certainly changed him, and the undoing of magic will be slow moving."
It was a strange thought, to know that Saphira and himself had been bonded as long as his father and his dragon had been. It sobered Eragon to the reality in front of him, and though there still was strife between them, Eragon respected what his father went through. His father was tough, and Eragon was uncertain if he could have ever accomplished what Brom had if he lost Saphira as well. The only comfort he had was that the elves had sent a missive to his father, coded, and enchanted against spies, informing him that his son was still alive. He could only hope that his father was still alive in Carvahall, and receive the message.
They spent the rest of their time sharping their skills, as well as acquiring new armor. The smiths were only too happy to give him a fine set of elven armor, the silver a stark contrast to the dull gray that was his old, battered set. It was on the fifth day did they deem it necessary to leave for the Varden. Eragon knew the allure that Ellesméra held. The timelessness of the elves made it seem like the outside world was far away, that the threat of Galbatorix never existed, safe in this enchanted forest.
Eragon stood in the center of an empty field in Ellesméra, both Oromis, Glaedr and Islanzadí the only to know his destination. Ensuring that the straps of Saphira's new saddle were the correct length and that they were adjusted correctly, Eragon made his way over to the two elves and dragon, Saphira following close behind.
Greeting them first, as was their right, Eragon began the elven tradition. Saphira followed, and then once it was complete, they stood in silence for a moment.
Glaedr snorted, a brief plume of smoke rising in the air, as if the silence disturbed him, Fly swiftly, Saphira, Eragon. You will be far from the protection of the forest, so take care to guard your hearts.
Eragon took the meaning of the words, bowing deeply to the elder dragon. Oromis stepped forward clasping Eragon on the shoulder, and letting one hand rest on Saphira's side. "Take heed of our warnings and talks. The elves have gathered together supplies for you that should sustain you until you reach Farthen Dûr. Remember your teachings, the both of you, and trust in the bond that you share. The two of you, of all of us, know how deeply such a bond can run."
Eragon nodded, a feeling of sadness welling up at leaving his master's again, "Thank you, Glaedr-elda, Oromis-elda."
Saphira breathed smoke into the older elf's face, eliciting a smile from the silver-haired elf. We shall always remember what you have taught us. You have made our teeth and claws sharper than any enemies, and for that we are grateful.
Glaedr hummed his approval, and both dragon and rider stepped back. The Queen of the Elves approached the pair, and Eragon bowed once more, "Thank you, Islanzadí Dröttning, for your hospitality and welcome."
The queen shook her head, her emerald eyes gazing at the pair. "We only repay what we have failed of the riders and dragons before."
The queen turned, presenting Eragon with a bow and quiver, finer than any he had ever seen, "This I sung myself, to aid you on your journey. You move against our enemies, and I know Evandar would have wanted you to be fully prepared. This bow can withstand your strength, Eragon-vor, and will help guide the arrows to your target."
Eragon took the bow and quiver, admiring the craftsmanship. Sliding the bow into the quiver, and then strapping it to Saphira's saddle, Eragon thanked the Elven Queen.
As Eragon made to jump up onto Saphira's did he pause, for a soft hand grabbed his arm. Turning to face the queen once again, Eragon watched as emotions rolled briefly across her face. "Here are two missives, Eragon. One as an introduction to the Varden, as well one that I ask you deliver to my daughter."
Eragon nodded, noting the differences between the two, before storing them in his bag. "If it is not too much to ask, Eragon-vor," Islanzadí said, her voice soft, "I know that you were great friends with Evandar, and I ask that you watch over our daughter. She is still young for an elf, and feels the call of duty as her father did."
Eragon nodded, "Evandar was indeed my friend, and both Saphira and I will ensure that no harm comes to his daughter."
Islanzadí smiled at him, and for a moment Eragon understood why Evandar chose her as his mate. The moment passed, and Eragon shook the thoughts from his head. Smiling back politely at the queen, Eragon vaulted quickly up Saphira's saddle, settling in for the long journey ahead. Oromis had showed him where the Varden was hiding with his scrying, and Eragon joined the knowledge with his own from the brief times he spent in the Dwarven Kingdom. Waving Farewell to the those on the ground, Eragon and Saphira took off, heading south towards their fate. Glaedr let loose a loud roar, one filled with hope and promise, and Saphira let lose her own, filled again with a sense of purpose.
Traveling by dragon was the fastest way to get around, Eragon had long since discovered. It would have taken weeks what they did in days. Saphira was older now then she was since she had last flown in Alagaësia, and as such could fly on for days if she so wished. They only stopped briefly to rest, and only when they were sure they wouldn't be discovered. Eragon kept the wards and his own mind tightened down, slipping away from any who would attempt to scry him. When Oromis told him that even he could not scry Eragon or Saphira it filled Eragon with a sense of pride, knowing that his wards were strong.
Three days of flying brought them right up to the Beor Mountains, aided by the southern winds Glaedr had advised Saphira to use. The only had to travel briefly east to escape, lest they be dragged completely in the wrong direction.
There were multiple entrances to Farthen Dûr, Eragon knew, but Oromis had told him to use one of the few that were not in the tunnels. They approached the mountain quickly, and Eragon briefly thought of using the spells he had previously to fly to the peak of the mountain and down inside. He snorted softly at the thought, which had amused Saphira as well. They decided against it, for the did not want to startle the Varden into an ill-fated introduction.
They flew swiftly down the valley, taking in the sites around them. Saphira banked gently through the twist and turns, and Eragon saw evidence of both men and Urgals. A worrying site, Eragon said.
Aye, Saphira responded, eyes following the tracks as his did. They followed the valley down for a while, before Saphira rose high into the sky again. From the distance to they were to ground it would make spotting the waterfall all the easier, and Eragon cast his eyes about. It didn't take long before Saphira nudged his attention in the right direction, easily spotting it with her greater eyesight.
Ready? Eragon asked.
Saphira breathe out a plume of smoke in a response, quickly whisked away by the rushing wind. Saphira landed gently in front of the waterfall, and Eragon casted a few spells of detection before jumping from her back, his hand light against the hilt of Brisingr. The spell informed him of a few tracks nearby, now long since cold. He did see, however, signs from the spell pointing behind the waterfall. Nodding his head, Eragon whispered a few more spells, protecting both himself and Saphira from the rushing water.
Saphira stepped through first, her long head easily passing through as her body remained behind. He felt a slight drain from the spell, but Eragon ignored it. He waited until Saphira spoke, No one instead, yet. Let us go on.
Eragon nodded, casting his eyes about him as he took in his surrounds, ensuring that none were watching the pair. Saphira made her way through the waterfall, and Eragon watched as she disappeared behind the water. Making his way slowly forward, Eragon cautiously stuck his hand into the water.
He only felt the pull of spell protecting him from the water and nothing else, so Eragon followed quickly behind. He held his breath as he went through, the water pounding down around him. Each step drew at the wards, but Eragon pushed on, until suddenly he was through, stepping into a great tunnel. This tunnel, Eragon knew, lead straight into the heart of Farthen Dûr and to the city of Tronjheim. Saphira stood before him, her eyes peering into the darkness.
Whispering a spell to enhance his vision in the dark, Eragon slowly made his way forward, following closely next to Saphira. Her bulk was so big that Eragon barely fit beside her, brushing up against the walls. He was glad his armor was warded as well, protecting the bright metal from being dirtied or scratched by the walls. They made their way slowly forward, their steps echoing in the tunnel.
Normally Eragon would have cast a spell to stop the sound, but he wanted the Varden and Dwarves to know he was there. Better to have them anticipate something, and have time to calm their soldiers, then to surprise them with a massive dragon suddenly in their midst. It took them nearly ten minutes of walking until they finally heard shouting in the distance, the words distorted by the tunnel walls. Eragon ensured that his wards remained strong, whispered a few more that Oromis and Glaedr told him to use as well.
The closer they got the clearer the voices became, until suddenly one shouted above the rest, calling for silence. The voices abruptly stopped, and Eragon felt his heart begin to beat faster. He knew that he didn't want to fight, but if it was to protect himself or Saphira he wouldn't hesitate. They continued on, until they saw a bend in the corner ahead. He knew then that the Varden were just around the bend, waiting to see who was coming through.
Walking slightly ahead of Saphira, Eragon called out, first in the Human language, then in the ancient language, "Hail Varden! My Name is Eragon Shadeslayer, rider of Saphira! I come in peace, and mean no harm to you or the dwarves!"
The situation reminded Eragon starkly of his earlier encounter with the elves. This time, however, Eragon knew that of the spellcasters that the Varden held, he was the superior. Even with that knowledge, however, Eragon remained cautious, experience telling him to expect that his notions of what was true could be overturned at the slightest provocation.
He called out a few more times, stopping before the bend in the tunnel. Eragon waited, hearing the various voices converse quietly amongst themselves. One sent a runner back further into the tunnel, and a few more called for them to ambush the rider. Snorting softly, Eragon waited at the bend, staying behind the wall with Saphira.
It didn't take long before footsteps approached in the distance, and Eragon lost count after at least twenty. The company came to a hold just on the other side of the bend, closer than Eragon anticipated. Still, Eragon remained still, waiting for word from the Varden. Soon enough a voice rang out, clear and with an accent Eragon couldn't place.
"Come out, Eragon, Dragon Rider, and tell us why you are here," the voice boomed, the authoritative nature silencing the soldiers nearby. Whoever spoke, Eragon could tell, commanded great respect from his armies. Not cowed by the simple display, Eragon stepped out lightly into the opening, Saphira's head snaking gently around behind him.
Before him stood a company of at least forty soldiers, and Eragon noticed that the front held their shields aloft, with spears placed evenly between. A man stood near the middle of the group, his dark skin nearly invisible in the dark tunnel, save for the few werelights and torches scattered around. Eragon watched with amusement as they took in his appearance briefly, before most of the men jumped with fright at seeing Saphira's massive head, her teeth gleaming in the torch light.
Saphira chuckled, softly under her breath so that she didn't scare the soldiers further, that's what they get, for forgetting my name.
Eragon smiled briefly, slowly taking his hand away from his sword.
Speaking loudly, as to be overheard by the chattering of the soldiers in front of him, Eragon said, "I have a missive from the Queen of the Elves to the leader of the Varden, Ajihad. It is a letter of introduction."
Eragon didn't wait for a response, simply tossing it easily across the distance towards the leader. He was greatly surprised, and pleased, when a soldier stepped in front of the missive, stopping it from striking the speaker. The missive bounced harmlessly off of the shield the soldier used, and all the soldiers froze as it landed softly on the ground.
Eragon snorted, "it's not enchanted, if that's your worry. If it wanted to kill you I would have just told Saphira to step on the lot of you."
Saphira brought her head across, crashing into Eragon and driving him into the wall. His wards flared in response, keeping his armor away from the wall. That's not nice, little one, she said, before removing her head to continue staring at the soldiers of the Varden. Eragon laughed, gently pushing back against her head. He watched in amusement as the soldiers gaped at him, as though Saphira was some wild beast and would harm him deliberately.
The leader watched their antics briefly, before bending down and, ignoring the cry of the soldiers, picked up the missive. Eragon watched as the man glanced at missive, seeing its seal, before speaking a few words. Even under his breath Eragon could hear them, and he released it was in the ancient language. Smart, Eragon thought, the seal itself is enchanted so that only those who know how to open it can. Still, Eragon felt slightly bad for lying.
Shrugging off the matter, Eragon watched as the dark man read the missive quickly, his eyes having no trouble reading in the dark. After a few moments, the man spoke up saying, "Soldiers of the Varden, Relax please."
The soldiers lowered the shields, but Eragon noticed that they kept a tight grip on their weapons. These soldiers were well trained at least, and Eragon was glad. It did not, however, show Eragon that the rest of the Varden would be as prepared for battle as they were. Eragon watched as the man slowly moved forward, pushing past each of the guards.
A few moved forward to stand beside Eragon, as though to ensure he didn't move, but a low growl from Saphira kept them in their place. Patting her gently on the side of her head, Eragon waited as the man drew up in front of him, his height and statue showing that whoever he was, he was indeed some sort of leader in the Varden.
The man spoke, his voice even and calm, "Hail, Agretlam Eragon, and dragon Saphira, and welcome to the Farthen Dûr. I am Ajihad, leader of the Varden."
Eragon nodded, bowing slightly to show his respect, "We are well met indeed, Ajihad."
Ajihad nodded, his face deep in a frown. "I do not mean to cause offense, Rider, and we still want to ascertain your purpose here, but forgive me for asking. I did not know there were any free riders left, nor any elven ones."
"Ah," Eragon responded, "I am not an elf. I was born human long ago, and you were right. There were no free riders left. I only just returned from the east, sent long ago on a mission by the former leader of the riders, Vrael."
Ajihad eyes widened, taking in Eragon's appearance. He could see that the leader of the Varden wanted to know how he looked like an elf, but instead asked, "How long ago, then did you leave on your mission?"
A sad, small smile crept up on Eragon's face, pulling at the strings in his heart, "Nearly two hundred years ago. I returned to find my home torn apart, destroyed by one who called himself my brother. I cannot let such an injustice sit in front of me. I am here to assist the Varden in its efforts against Galbatorix."
At his words he watched as awe rang up on the soldiers, their minds dancing before his as both joy and even a small sense of fear floated before him. Ajihad remained impassive, though his eyes alighted upon the dragon behind him briefly.
"I am glad to hear that, Shadeslayer," Ajihad said, "but before you join us I must ask of you something."
Eragon tilted his head, and softly inquired, "oh?"
Ajihad nodded, before he explained, "No one may join the Varden unless their mind has been read by one of our spellcaster. It is a precaution we take in order to root out spies. Already we have turned away many who had ill intent towards our people, and I cannot take the chance that one as powerful as yourself be allowed in our home until we determine if you can be trusted."
Sighing deeply, Eragon shook his head, "I understand, Ajihad, I truly do. However, I cannot allow anyone to read my mind. There are secrets I know, things that I have sworn to tell no other, and knowledge that is the privilege of only Riders. So, I am sorry, Ajihad, but in this I must refuse."
Ajihad stiffened in front of him, as had all the other soldiers. Slowly, as though trying to be imperceptible they moved, forming back up into even ranks behind their leader. Eragon shook his head. "That is indeed unfortunate, rider. I must ask that you-."
"Wait," said a musical voice, rising up from behind the company of soldiers. Eragon watched as the soldiers moved slowly out of the way, many of them gazing at the three figures slowly making their way forward. Eragon smelled the scent of freshly crush pine needles briefly, and watch as men opened their mouth as though slack jawed. Eragon saw the figures make their way forward, and in an instant knew that they were elves, their graceful movements giving the away.
The foremost elf was a female, and from the striking resemblance to the Queen, Eragon knew at once who she was.
Arya, Eragon whispered softly to Saphira.
Evandar's daughter, she responded, her tone matching his own.
Her appearance struck Eragon at once as he took her in. She was beautiful, perhaps one on the most beautiful elves Eragon ever laid eyes on. She towered above the humans in height, but barely came up to his own shoulders. Her raven-colored hair was in stark contrast to her emerald eyes and tawny skin, and Eragon had to shake himself from his stupor.
Cursing himself softly under his breath, low enough that not even the elves could here, Eragon pushed his lust aside, knowing that it would be more than inappropriate right now. Long ago, Eragon would have sung ballads to her beauty, and would have tried to entice her in any way he knew, even if only for a moment of her time. Such fallacy had been paved away by time, and though the urge was still there, Eragon remained in control of himself.
It was only after did Eragon take in the two elves beside him. Fäolin and Glenwing, Eragon knew, and from what Islanzadí described knew that fair faced elf, with angular features to the right of Arya was Fäolin. The other was clearly Glenwing, whose features were common enough among the elves as to be unrecognizable by humans. Still, from the brief glance he gave of the two, Eragon determined much.
Fäolin was walking closer to Arya than most would deep appropriate, as though he waited hand and foot for her word. His brief glance at Eragon showed him much contempt, as though the elf thought himself the better of the two. The other, Glenwing, seemed a gentler soul, whose smile widened at the sight of both Eragon and Saphira, as though their appearance was perhaps the best thing that had happened to him.
Dispelling the thoughts from his mind, Eragon watched as the elven ambassador stopped in front of him, her face as impassive as her mothers. Knowing that her identity remained hidden amongst the Varden, Eragon simply stood there, waiting to see what she would do.
Arya turned towards the Varden leader, who looked more relaxed with the elves by his side. No doubt he felt that the elves could stand against Eragon and Saphira, which prompted a snort and a short plume of smoke from Saphira.
Both Arya and Ajihad frowned at the dragon, as though displeased, and Eragon smiled, a small chuckle rising out of him. He saw Fäolin scowl at him briefly, but was relieved when Glenwing merely smiled at Eragon in return. Already Eragon could tell which of the two elves he liked. Eragon watched as Arya and Ajihad spoke quietly, but Eragon heard every word.
"He doesn't want his mind read, Arya, we can't let him in."
"Do you know how long my people waited for a Rider and dragon? We cannot allow them to leave here, not without their support. Please Ajihad, let me speak with them and I can have them promise in my language an oath," Arya responded, her voice sharp. Her brows were furrowed, and she looked so much like her mother in that instance that Eragon had to strike it from his mind.
"I know that you place faith in your language, Arya, but there are still ways to lie even in that. Let the twins examine his mind, and if they are satisfied then so am I," Ajihad responded. At the mention of the twins Arya scowled, her expression fierce. Eragon determined then and there that if she ever faced him with such look, he would run as fast and as far as his legs could carry him.
Saphira snorted in his mind, coward.
From that? Eragon said, shuddering, I'll gladly be called a coward.
Saphira chuckled deep in his mind, Ah, Eragon, you and the fairer sex. Always the same, isn't it.
Eragon frowned, hurt, Saphira you know-.
Forgive me, little-one, Saphira said, her voice soft and remorseful, I didn't mean it. I was only trying to tease.
It's okay, Saphira, Eragon responded. He stroked her neck beside him, leaning his weight against her.
Arya responded to Ajihad, but Eragon missed what she said. Ajihad was quiet for a moment, before he nodded, his face pained. Whatever it was that Arya said won the argument, for she turned towards him and Eragon saw flash of triumph in her eyes.
Smitten, came the unwelcomed commentary.
Eragon ignored her, straightening his posture. Arya approached both him and Saphira, and Eragon watched, surprised as she pressed her fingers to her lips, beginning the greeting of the elves.
"Atra esterní ono thelduin, Saphira Bjartskular, Eragon Shur'tugal," Arya murmured.
Eragon responded for the both of them, since Saphira didn't want to touch her mind yet to any of those around her, "Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr," Eragon responded, matching her tone.
If she took offense to Saphira's lack of response she didn't show it. Arya surprised the both of them when she continued the greeting, showing them the esteem she placed in both Riders and Dragons alike, "Un atra du evarínya ono varda."
She continued in the Ancient language, her musical voice swing around Eragon's head, "Forgive us the rude introduction, Eragon, Saphira, but the Varden is careful in the best of times."
Eragon nodded, and responded in kind, "We understand, but as I told Ajihad, there are secrets that I know that cannot be discovered, as you are well aware Arya."
Her eyes flashed with understanding, and Arya contemplated her words for a moment before she continued, "Of course, Rider. But I need an oath, that you would do no harm to the Varden or the dwarves, and that you do not serve Galbatorix."
Eragon nodded, his eyes lighting up in mirth, "A few weeks ago I didn't even know the name Galbatorix. No, neither I nor Saphira serve Galbatorix in any fashion, nor do we ever plan to. We instead devote ourselves to restoring the Order of Riders, and bring Galbatorix to justice for all of Alagaësia. And of course, we mean the Dwarven people and the Varden no harm. We wish to instead offer a hand in support and lend what power we can where we see fit."
Arya, it seemed, understood his words better than her companions did, but she turned to the leader of the Varden instead. "It is done, Ajihad. What he told you before is the truth. They will not harm anyone here, and neither do they serve the Black King."
Ajihad nodded, his face still pensive. He remained quiet, so Eragon instead spoke, "I know it doesn't allay your fears, for you are a leader and one who wishes to protect his people. But you must understand that I am a Dragon Rider; trained in full by Elders of the Rider Council, Slayer of the Shade of Belatona two hundred years ago, and even for a time friend of the late King Evandar."
At his words he saw curiosity strike up in Arya, no doubt recognizing her father's name. He hadn't wanted to reveal that he was the one who killed the Shade all those years ago, but he knew that he needed to gain the confidence of the leader of the Varden. Ajihad made to speak, as had Arya, but Eragon cut them both off.
"And, I think, you should know this too. My true last name is Bromson," at his words silence rained down on those listening to his speech.
Ajihad was silent for a moment, before finally speaking, "Brom had always said his son died during the Fall. He counted you and your dragon among the dead, and listed you as one of the reasons he founded the Varden in the first place."
Eragon nodded, a brief sliver of ice piercing his heart, "Yes, so I've heard. But as I told you earlier, I have not been here in Alagaësia for two hundred years. I had no knowledge of the events here, and even through magic I was unable to determine the fate of the land. I was too far removed, too isolated and engrossed in my mission."
The elves eyes briefly met his own before they glanced away one by one. Arya was the last to look away, and he knew that she had questions for him. Many questions, Eragon thought, his mind already weary.
Ajihad nodded, a curious expression rising on his face, before being smoothed over. "And what was this mission, that you held?"
Eragon shook his head, "I cannot tell you, even if I wanted to. I was sworn to secrecy by Vrael himself. The first of many questions the held, no doubt. It reminded Eragon of his younger days when he questioned everyone around incessantly.
Ajihad sighed deeply, but made no move to bar Eragon or Saphira entrance. His expression remained deeply troubled, but Eragon saw no way of changing the man's thoughts of him. Not until he was able to act, showing them with his intent and skill what he would lend the Varden. Seemingly concluding his thoughts Ajihad nodded, before stating, "Welcome, then, Eragon Bromson and dragon Saphira to the Varden."
Cheers rang out from the men, and only then did he notice the men full relax, their hands finally moving away from their weapons. The men pounded each other on the back, as though they themselves achieved something great, and Eragon made no attempt to correct them. He knew moral in such a place could use anything it got its hands into, and Eragon so no need to strike it down.
Saphira hummed softly under her breath, and Eragon watched as the three elves, even Fäolin if only for a moment, smile with joy. Arya's face was shining in his mind, and Eragon quickly pushed the thought away. Saphira laughed in the recesses of his mind before he felt a stirring of mischief as well.
Eyes wide Eragon turned, and yelled, "No, Saphira don-."
His bellow was too late, for Saphira turned towards Eragon, and striking faster than any creature should have been able, completely encompassed Eragon's entire body in her mouth. Darkness surrounded him, and he heard screams from the men and the elves. Once he heard the drawing of swords did he finally push on the roof of Saphira's mouth, prying her jaws apart with his strength.
"It's okay!" Eragon yelled, his voice echoing weirdly inside her mouth, "I'm fine! No need to panic!"
Eragon removed one hand, and then knowing what to do, tickled the underside of her tongue.
He felt a sense of surprise well up inside Saphira, No! Stop! That tickles!
Eragon laughed continuing his assault until she finally relented, spitting him back out onto the floor of the tunnel. Laughing loudly, Eragon wiped the salvia from Saphira away from his eyes, watching as she peered down at him, a toothy smile appearing on her face. In retaliation Eragon leapt up, much to the surprise of the surrounding elves and men, and landed straight on her snout, attempting to rub as much of her salvia on her as he could. Saphira let out a bellow, loud enough that his ears briefly rung. No! I'm sorry! Do you know how hard it'll be to get all that dirt off my scales!
Eragon laughed landing light on his feet, Saphira's head level with his own. Spotting the dirt, she was complaining about, Eragon whispered a spell in order to send both it and the salvia covering them to the ground. "There," Eragon said out loud, "as beautiful as always, Saphira."
She breathed a great plume of smoke at him, sending him into a coughing fit, don't you forget it, Little-one.