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"Talking"
["Mind link"]
("Thinking")
Fourteen years after the end of Shadow Rider
Eragon stood cold and silent next to Saphira disbelieving eyes locked on the frost covered ruins of what had once been Urû'baen. "What could have done this" he asked quietly. As he hugging the warm fur lined cloak that he had been given as a gift when he had left with Murtagh from the small island where he'd been staying to return to here.
["An army of Blood"] Saphira said.
"Or the Blood" Eragon said.
["You really think Zar'roc would do this"] Saphira said.
"No he wouldn't. Not unless someone was threatening someone he loved" Eragon said and turned as he heard the beating of hooves coming towards them. He placed his hand on Saphira's side and murmured a spell. She shimmered and became invisible just a six horsemen all of them armed to the teeth with spears swords and bows rode up over a hill.
They stopped thirty feet away as two of the archers trained arrows on him. "Who are you and what are you doing on our land" a man with think accent and a thicker black mustache asked as his horse walked forward.
"Your land this land belongs to the king and the people of Urû'baen" Eragon said.
The man laughed "no king has lived here in over a decade" the man said. "No people either."
"What happened to them" Eragon asked.
"You answer my question first what's your name outsider" the man said.
Eragon thought for a moment and remembered the fake name he had used when he had first went to Teirm. "I'm Evan" Eragon said extending a hand in greeting.
The man didn't take it. "You wanted to know what happened to them" the man asked.
Eragon nodded
"The city was being attacked so they were evacuated and then the city was destroyed."
"I saw it" one of the horsemen who was barely a youth said. "It was like the earth itself grew fangs it swallowed the whole city. That's all that's left" the boy said.
"Quiet Marcus" the man snapped at the boy.
Marcus was abruptly silent.
"And what about the king" Eragon asked.
"They say he went to Kaeleer and is staying with the Promachos" Marcus said.
The man glared at the boy.
"Where's Kaeleer" Eragon asked.
"Have you been under a rock for the last seventeen years" the man shouted.
Eragon was silent.
"Kaeleer is what used to be Dras-Leona" the man said.
Eragon paled because that meant the Promachos could only be one person. "So king Roran is staying with Prince Zicronium" Eragon asked.
The man laughed a bitter laugh "yes king" the man said giving the word a little twist. "Roran is staying with the Prince."
Eragon wounded about the twist on the word "king" for a moment and was about to say something.
The man said "we've answered your questions now leave."
Eragon glared at the man "gladly" he said with a small smile as he released the invisibility spell on Saphira.
The men gasped when she appeared and Eragon climbed into the saddle.
"You're the Blue Rider" Marcus said his voice held sheer awe.
Eragon didn't answer instead he tapped Saphira's side in a signal and they flew away.
On a small island cloaked in an unpierceable mist and protected by icy crags and the creatures that inhabited it. There was large black palace its tall spires spearing the sky like the talons of a great beast. This was the Black Palace Judecca. Deep within that palace down in the furthest depths of the dungeon a man cloaked in the deep darkness of the prison corridors sat against a wall between two occupied prison cells.
"Do you believe in evil?" he asked.
One of the figures in the cells looked up she had dark skin dark hair and almond eyes. "How could I sit in your presence and not" the woman said.
The man shook his head chuckling to himself. "You're still a spirited as ever aren't you Nasuada?"
The former Varden leader glared at the man "and your still just as insane" she countered. All was silent for a moment then a shadow like a whip lashed out and lightly struck Nasuada on the arm. She hissed in pain as the strike though light opened old lash wounds.
"Don't push him Nasuada" a man with tan skin dirty brown hair and a long ragged beard said from the other cell. Then he hugged his legs to his chest tightly as he curled into a ball trying to appear as small as possible. He whispered "I learned that long ago."
The shadowed man nodded sadly and returned his attention to Nasuada. "Back to my question" he said. "Do you believe in evil?"
Nasuada was silent.
"Some people call it evil when my soldiers knock on a door in the night and ask a man where his brother is and the terrified man tells them. Or when a woman sees a full purse lying in the road and takes it. I'm not asking if you believe in weakness or in ignorance that harms others. I'm asking if you believe in an evil that glories in destruction, in perversion. An evil that would look on the face of goodness and spit on it" the man said.
Nasuada remained silent but it was a thoughtful silence rather than defiant.
"When I want to take a city, I heard the inhabitants of nearby villages in front of my army. If the city wants to use war engines against my men they have to kill their friends and neighbors first. Brutal? Yes. But evil? One might say it saves lives because the cities usually surrender. Or they do when I start catapulting the living into the city. You'd be amazed at what the simple sound of a scream changing in pitch and ending with a thump will do to soldiers when it's repeated every thirteen minutes. They can't help but wait, can't help but wonder do I recognize this voice? But I digress. You see I don't call any of that evil. Our society rests on the foundation of the Queen's and their Prince's power. If they don't have absolute power everything crumbles. Then comes chaos, war, starvation, plagues that don't discriminate between the innocent and the guilty. Everything I do staves that off. A little brutality preserves us like a surgeon's knife preserves life. My question is, do you believe in an evil possessed of its own purity? Or does every act intend some good?" he finished.
"Why are you asking me?" Nasuada asked.
The man shrugged "to see it from a different perspective" he said. "Though I don't expect that kind of insight from you or our friend over there" he said motioning to the man in the other cell. He was silent for a moment "well..." he said waiting for her answer."Just because I don't expect much insight doesn't mean I don't want your answer."
"I think evil has agents" she said. "I think we allow evil to use us. It doesn't care if we know what we're doing is evil or not. After we've done its' will, if we feel guilty it can use that to condemn in us in our own eyes. If we feel good, it can immediately use us for its next objective" she said.
"You are an intriguing one" he said frowning. "I've never heard such an idea." he didn't like it. It reminded him too much of his father's view about his family. It also made less of him a mere tool, ignorant or knowing, but always complicit. "You know, I almost left this throne. I almost rejected everything it is to be part of this accursed lineage of mine" he said his voice profoundly sad.
"Really?" Nasuada asked with genuine interest.
"Yes, twice. First when I was in training, and then when I was working here with my family." "That was before they were one by one struck down by your people" the man said not trying to hide his hate "Strength brought me back, both times. You see, I knew a man named Domain. He reminded me of me. I saw him turning away from our path, as I almost had." He paused.
"Have you ever stood on a height and thought, I could jump?" he asked
"Yes" Nasuada said quietly and looked at the wall that still held the vial of deadly poison the man gave to each prisoner.
"Everyone does" he said. "Have you stood with someone else and thought, I could push them?"
Nasuada gasped and shook her head horrified by the thought.
"I don't believe you. Regardless, that is how it was with Domain. I thought, I could push him. So I did. Not because it helped me, just because I could. I brought him into my confidence and he almost turned me away from my path so I betrayed him in the most profound way I could imagine. It was one of the moments closest to a purity of evil I have come." the man said as single silver tear fell to the ground.
"Why do you do this?" Nasuada asked scooting closer to the bars to see him better. The man shivered in fear hating his fear but being afraid all the same.
"Because I've seen pure evil" he whispered. "And it's not me."
"That still doesn't answer my question" Nasuada said.
"If you could crush evil at the sacrifice of good would you do it?" the man asked so softly Nasuada barely heard it.
"I don't know" she answered. "That's what..."
"Master" a small nasal voice shouted.
The man looked away as a tiny winged figure shot around the corner and landed in front of him. A ball of light bloomed in the air in front of the man making Nasuada cover her eyes and flinch back.
With unreadable eyes the man glared down at the newly arrived imp "what is it Bodmen" he asked his voice betraying no emotion.
"Sir the Prince would like to see you" Bodmen said his lone green eye flicking back and forth as he shook nervously trying not to meet his master's gaze. "He said they have arrived sir" Bodmen said his voice an irritant high pitched squeak.
The man smile a feral smile "have they now" he asked his voice as gentle and silky soft as a stocking cat.
That gentleness made Nasuada quiver in fright.
"Very well tell my brother I'll be there soon" the man said. He rose the light fizzling out as he did. Bodmen saluted and flew away. Sparing one last glance at the prisoners he reactivated the shields surrounding the cells and the vials of poison before he left. A cold harsh almost inhuman laugh ringing out behind him and echoing through the corridors long after he left.
By the time Eragon and Saphira landed in front of Dras-Leona's east gate it was late into the next day. Eragon marveled at how much the city had changed since he left. Here on the east side he saw the clear division line that divided the richer side and the poorer side.
The rich side had been transformed into a city out of legend great black and white mansions rose and seemed to glow in the light of the slowly sinking sun. But it wasn't just their beauty that struck Eragon it was also their layout. Each was strategically placed so that it was far enough away from the wall to be safe from invaders but close enough that archers could effectively shoot from the roofs and soldiers could be easily deployed.
The poor side looked much more familiar. Even though it looked cleaner and a bit more orderly it was still a tangled mass of alleys and hunched buildings.
The one thing that remained the same though was that the massive citadel that still dominated the city gazing down at it with all the force of a god.
Eragon thought it looked even bigger now that it was ringed by a new wall. He stared at the wall in puzzlement it was gray stone with runes set deeply into it. But the gray seemed fake like someone had thrown a cover over it to disguise the wall's true nature. Eragon shrugged it off and moved towards the guard house to have them open the gate.
He knocked on the shutter and it snapped open to reveal a man in a green guard uniform with his feet propped up and his face obscured by a book.
"I need you open the gate" Eragon said.
"You have a pass" the guard said in a gruff voice.
"Pass" Eragon asked.
The guard sighed "this is the city of Kaeleer no one gets in without a pass from one of the territory Queens or Warlord Princes" he said. "Unless of course the Prince himself summons them but that hasn't happened in years."
Eragon's eyes flicked down to the Yellow jewel that hung around the guard's neck.
"And what if I go over the wall" Eragon asked.
The guard laughed "the last one who tried that well... let's just say there wasn't much left of him by the time we found him" the guard said. "Nothing gets in this city unless it's though one of these gates or on one of the Winds darker then the Red."
Eragon slammed his fist on the table attached to the shutter "let me in it's a matter of life and death" he shouted and immediately regretted it.
Tendrils of power flowed out of the ground and started wrapping around him trying to crushing him.
Saphira roared and the guard fell out of his chair. Wide eyed the man got up and slammed his fist on the table.
The bands of power around Eragon dissipated instantly.
Eragon panted breathing deeply
"Lord Eragon" the guard said in astonishment. "I'm sorry sir I had no idea that…" the guard started.
Eragon raised a hand for silence "enough" he said. "Just open the gate."
"I can't" the guard said. "Only the passes have that power" he said then snapped his fingers. "I'll be right back I need to talk to someone" he said and ran of deeper into the guard house.
Eragon looked up and muttered "Thverr stenr un atra eka hórna." there was a pop in his ears and he heard what was happening inside the guard house.
Cloth rustled and armor clicked as the guard bowed "Meister" he said respectfully. "Lord Eragon has returned what we do."
Cloth rustled as the unknown person handed the guard something. "We do as his highness commands" a greasy voice said.
"As you wish Mister Dada" the guard said.
"I will go to the citadel and inform Prince Luce" the voice said.
"Why not his highness" the guard asked.
"Prince Zar'roc is not here at the moment but by the time our friend reaches the citadel he should be back" the voice said. "Now be gone with you."
The guard nodded and walked away.
Eragon returned to himself and released the spell just as the guard returned.
"Good news" he said. "The Prince left a pass for you" he said and pressed a small stone tablet up against a colorless jewel set into the wall. There was a flash. The gates rumbled and opened.
"Thank you" Eragon said as he and Saphira moved towards the gates.
"Stop" the guard shouted.
Eragon turned and the guard looked uncomfortable. "One pass one entry" he said.
"What do you mean" Eragon asked suspiciously.
"Only you can go in lord Eragon your dragon must stay" the guard said.
Saphira growled deep in her throat and fixed her sapphire stare on the man.
He paled "it was the same with the other rider. His dragon had to remain outside as well" the guard said.
"Other rider" Eragon asked.
"Master Murtagh and his dragon Thorn" the guard said.
"Saphira if Murtagh and Thorn were..." Eragon started.
"No I won't leave you to go into that city alone" Saphira said.
"Saphira if you don't trust our friend here you can come with us if you like" a woman's voice said as a side door opened.
Eragon smiled when he saw the woman in the leather suit with fiery red hair and cerulean eyes and the man next to her who had dark hair and eyes who wore a black guard's uniform.
"Vi, Thane" Eragon said.
"It's been too long Eragon" the man Thane said.
"Yes it has" Eragon said.
"Saphira we were about to go hunting with Thorn do you want to come it's better than sitting around her" Vi said.
Saphira looked at Eragon "go on" Eragon said. "I'll be fine this is Zar'rocs city do you really think I'll find anything dangerous inside."
"Other then what waits for you in the citadel" Saphira said.
"Saphira you know Zar'roc is a friend" Eragon said.
Saphira nodded then turned to Vi "I'll go with" she said.
"Great" Vi said. "Come on lets go get Thorn" she said as she started to walk towards the south gate. Thane nodded to Eragon and he and Saphira followed.
Eragon looked at the still nervous guard and walked through the gate magics closing and locking it behind him.
Eragon cursed in frustration. He had been wondering around the poor side of Dras-Leona for hours and he still hadn't reached the citadel.
He sighed and looked around he was in a small bustling market. Suddenly someone grabbed him by the arm. Eragon whipped around saw a boy who couldn't be older than fourteen fear written in every line of his body.
"Please sir" the boy said. "It's my sister she's hurt can you help me" he said trying to pull Eragon towards where his sister was.
"Where is she" Eragon said and followed the boy through several alleys until they came to a dead end in a shadowy alcove on the side of what looked like the main market for this side of the city. Eragon looked around "where's your sister" he asked.
The boy whistled and Eragon spun as he heard someone land behind him. A shadowed figure in a hooded cloak had appeared from nowhere. It rushed forward and even though Eragon was staring at it the figure moved too fast for his eyes to follow. Eragon tried to move tried to get away but hands like iron clamped down on his shoulders and him in place. The figure that was now behind Eragon drew a knife and held it to his throat.
"Make any sound and I'll kill you" a man whispered in Eragon's ear.
Eragon nodded as he prepared to use magic and formed the spell in his mind. As he reached for the power he felt a pressure at the base of his skull and then everything stopped. Eragon felt his power inches away in his mind but he couldn't reach it. It was like he had been drugged.
"That won't work on me I know all your tricks rider" the man said.
"What do you want with me" Eragon whispered to give himself time well he tried to reach out with his mind to one of the people in the market. He cursed silently when he relised that power was blocked to. Then he reached for Saphira. He followed the ever present strand that connected them as hope leapt inside him. But it died when his mind hit an iron barrier of magic that surrounded the city.
"We" the man said. "Are saving your life."
"Really because you look like assassin to me not a rescuer" Eragon said.
"Assassin" the man spat. "I killed the last man who called me that." dread filled Eragon "I'm not an assassin. I'm a Wetboy a sword loyal to no one but the Sa'kagé" the man said then turned his attention away from Eragon. "Conner" he said.
Eragon heard shuffling feet and the boy moved into his line of sight. "Here this should cover the guild dues for you and your friends" the man said and tossed a bag to the boy. He missed it and a shower of silver coins fell out. The boy Conner quickly picked them up bowed to the Wetboy and ran away.
"Guild rats" the man said his voice sounding wistful. "I remember a time when this was a good city. But since the king took up residence here ten years ago things changed. We used to be a dirty city under Galbatorix but now we are filth."
"What do you mean" Eragon asked.
"So many kids in this city are orphans either abandoned by their parents or slave born it doesn't matter. They all end up in the guilds" the man said.
"Guilds" Eragon asked.
"Street gangs ruled by tyrants called Fists. The kids are beaten and starved and forced to scrounge for coins just to pay for it because the guilds offer protection. And because the alternative well let's just say death is no stranger here in the Warrens" the man said then he shook himself. "Enough the reason I was sent to get you is you can't go to the king so I'm taking you to the Shinga" he said.
"Why can't I go to the king" Eragon asked.
"Do you want to live the king is a cold blooded killer. He personally executed my brother for no reason at all" the man said.
("No it can't be not Roran") Eragon thought and dismissed the man's words.
The man tensed then turned as he heard some commotion in the market. "Quiet" he said pressing them deeper into the shadows.
Eragon stared through the entrance into the alcove as someone yelled "Meisters" and people started to back away as a squad of five men entered the market.
The two who seemed to be the leaders wore sleeveless black robes each with nine knotted cords draped over their backs. The other three others wore black and red half cloaks and had only three knotted cords.
Eragon blinked and revulsion filled him as he saw the men's arms. He had previously thought were covered in layers of black tattoos but now he saw they were moving like great black worms wriggling beneath their skin.
"That's Vürdmeisters to you" one of the leaders shouted and the things on his arms shuddered as a fist of it shot from his hand and crushed the woman who had shouted.
"Who are they" Eragon asked.
"Meisters they're the king's personal agents" the man said.
("Does Roran know how his own servants act") Eragon thought and made a mental note to talk to his cousin about that after he was healed.
"The two leaders are Vürdmeisters Vorceini and Kael. They aren't as powerful as some of the others but they're known for their cruelty" the man said. Eragon was about to say something when "quiet they're saying something" the man said interrupting Eragon. He turned his attention back to the Meisters.
"By order of the king we are here for Ven Krayson" Vürdmeister Kael said.
The man cursed and Eragon heard him mumble "they won't give me up not me."
"The king has set a reward for his capture and for the safe return of his prisoner. His majesty is prepared to pay ten thousand in gold to the one who turns them in" Kael said. Murmuring started throughout the crowed but no one moved.
"I told you that wouldn't work Kael" Vürdmeister Vorceini said. Then he turned to the crowd "alright Ven" his magically enhanced voice rang through the silent market. "We know you have him come out unarmed and we'll let you leave. If not we'll kill everyone here."
"Aren't you going to help them" Eragon asked.
"I'm just a sword" Ven said sadly. "It's not my choice."
Anger flared in Eragon ("how can he let them all die") he thought. Then something inside his mind clicked open like a door.
Suddenly he was falling plummeting through darkness well colors flashed past him. Down down down he fell until he saw something like a dark blue star burst. It flowed up to meet him filling him with energy. There was a blue flash followed by a yell of pain the sound of metal sprinkling on the ground and suddenly Eragon was back in the alcove. But there was no knife at his throat no bounds holding him in place and no Ven behind him.
Eragon looked down and saw the shattered fragments of the dagger. Then he turned as he heard a grunt of pain.
Ven stood there cradling his badly burned left hand. He was tall and thin and from above his pock marked cheeks glacial blue eyes glared at Eragon from the shadows of his hood. "They didn't tell me that you were…" Ven started.
"Out of the way" Kael shouted.
Eragon turned and saw a wall of people blocking the alcove entrance.
"Enough" Vorceini shouted as green fire missiles shot from his hands and into the crowed.
People screamed as the fire hit their skin and flared electric blue. It flowed over the people like a living thing turning everything it touched to ash. The crowed scattered and the Vürdmeisters stepped into the alcove.
Eragon turned as Ven cursed and leapt. He flew ten feet in the air and onto the roof tops above. Eragon marveled at it because the only person he had ever seen jump like that was Zar'roc. His thoughts returned to himself as the Vürdmeisters grabbed him and pulled him out of the alcove. Eragon reached for his magic again but the black things on the men's arms shuttered and tiny hands poked out of their skin and pressed at the base of his skull blocking his magic just as Ven had.
"You're coming with us the king has grown impatient" Vorceini said. Then he turned to the three lesser Meisters that had come with him "after him you fools" he shouted. The Meisters moved to go after Ven.
"Stop" a voice said. It was quiet but it held so much power that the Meisters and Vürdmeisters froze and turned.
On a path that rose above the others stood a woman here eyes were the color of dawn and her long black and blond hair flowed down to the small of her back. Like Kael and Vorceini she wore a sleeveless black robe but instead of nine cords twelve cords draped over her back and the black tattoo like things weren't confined to her arms as the others were. The things rose up her shoulders and neck to frame the outline of her face.
"Mistress Zina" the lesser Meisters said as one and bowed to her so low their heads almost touched the ground. Kael and Vorceini bowed as well but only to the waist.
"Mistress" they said.
"What are you doing to our guest" she asked.
"He had been captured by a Sa'kagé Wetboy we were escorting him to the citadel" Kael said. Zina shot him a look he backed away and Vorceini followed his example.
Zina turned to Eragon and smiled warmly "please excuse my brainless companions lord Eragon" she said. "Allow me to escort you to the citadel after all the king is waiting."
"Yes" Eragon said and moved to follow her.
Zina stopped and looked back at the two nervous Vürdmeisters. "I will be informing the lord Promachos about your behavior" she said. Then whispered "and pray he does not strip you of your Vir." the two men went ghost pale and for a moment the black things in their arms stopped wriggling but they nodded as Zina and Eragon left.
After they arrived at the citadel Zina left Eragon and he was ushered into a comfortable receiving room. He waited a half hour spending his time reading one of the books from the floor to ceiling book shelves.
He closed the book and looked up as the door clicked open and a man with silver hair green eyes and a knee length blue coat walked in. "yes I sent them with the team of Meisters down to…" the man stopped as he saw Eragon and smiled.
"Vergil" Eragon said.
"Come on Eragon there's no time for welcome backs. There's someone you need to meet then we'll go see the king" Vergil said. Eragon rose and followed Vergil through the twisting halls of the citadel.
"What happened to the city" Eragon asked a while.
"The Sa'kagé is like a parasite that defiles everything it touches they are responsible for what the city has become" Vergil said.
"I see" Eragon said as they stopped in front of a dark brown door that had veins of red running through it to form the shape of a intricate spider web. Vergil knocked three times being careful to avoid the red veins. Then he stopped waited and knocked twice. And finally after another pause he knocked once.
"Enter" a familiar voice said.
Fear wormed its way into Eragon's mind but he pushed it away with the thought ("Zar'roc is your friend not an enemy.") the fear lessened but did not go away as the door clicked open.
["Go on"] Vergil said on a mind thread. Eragon gulped and entered. He was about to say something but the words froze in his mouth as he saw Murtagh and a man that looked like a slightly younger version of Zar'roc but with red highlights in his black hair and his gold eyes tinged with streaks of red.
"Sir I present lord Eragon the sapphire rider" Vergil said as he entered.
The man turned to Eragon and smiled "ah it's about time we met I'm Zar'rocs brother" he said.
"Raziel" Eragon asked.
The man's face darkened "no our older brother is dead. I am Zar'rocs younger brother Prince Luce" the man said.
"I didn't know Zar'roc had a younger brother" Eragon said.
"We got separated when Galbatorix took power and found each other a few years after you left" Luce said. Then he cocked his head as if he was listening to something, he grumbled and rose.
"What's wrong" Vergil asked.
"Shelties" Luce growled. "The puppies got out and Evi wants my help to catch them."
"Oh" Vergil said but he couldn't hide the smile.
Luce sighed "take these two to the king and while you're there see if Zar'roc can remember the spells we used the last time this happened" he said.
Vergil nodded "I think he said the spells in his study" he said.
Luce looked at him blankly "he knew didn't he" Luce asked. Vergil shrugged and motioned to Eragon and Murtagh.
"Come on" he said and walked out. Eragon and Murtagh followed and the door slammed behind them.
"What's wrong with him" Eragon asked.
Vergil laughed "have you ever been bitten by a small dog with very sharp teeth and a Sapphire jewel" he asked.
"You're joking Luce got…" Murtagh said. Vergil nodded and stopped. Eragon looked up at the great obsidian archway that led to what looked like an enormous bottomless hole made of sheer black fireglass.
"This is the bad part" Vergil said. "It's going to feel like you've been buried."
"What is this" Murtagh asked.
"The gate" Vergil said before he brushed his ring against one of the arch's pillars.
Eragon took a step back in shock "what's wrong" Murtagh and Vergil asked at the same time.
"Nothing" Eragon said. ("Except that you're wearing a Midnight jewel instead of your Ebon-gray") he thought.
Vergil shrugged and muttered something. The image of the hole blurred and became mist. Vergil stepped through and Eragon and Murtagh followed.
Eragon and Murtagh tumbled out of the misty gate and sucked in great breaths. "I warned you" Vergil said after he stepped out.
"How are you so calm" Murtagh said.
Vergil shrugged "when you do it two or three times a day you get used to it" he said. Eragon looked around completely ignoring the other two well he looked around the hall that looked exactly like the one they had just left.
("But it's not the same") Eragon thought. And he was right the air here was ticker with a deeper magic and mystery "where are we" Eragon asked.
"Kaeleer" Vergil said.
"We know that" Murtagh said.
Vergil shook his head "not Kaeleer the city. This is the realm of shadows Kaeleer" he said.
Eragon and Murtagh took a step back in shock "why" Eragon asked.
"This is where you need to be" Vergil said then he turned and started walking away. "Come on he's this way" he said. Eragon and Murtagh rushed after him and followed him down a long spiraling staircase into darkness.
("So much like Zar'roc") Eragon thought as they traversed the staircase and remembered the times he had felt Zar'rocs terrible cold spiraling dark power and seen the destruction it could leave behind.
As they got to the bottom of the stairs and walked down a long dark hall Eragon began to hear the cries of pain.
"Where are we" Murtagh asked.
"The dungeon he comes down here every so often" Vergil said as they walked past the cells filled with the groaning prisoners.
Two hands shot out from between the bars and grabbed Eragon by the leg. Vergil spun and a ball of silvery light bloomed over his hand. The things grabbing Eragon hissed and fled like roaches into the dark back of the cell. Eragon turned just in time to see pale stick thin figures and the two sets of hate filled eyes that glared at him from the darkness.
"Let's keep going it gets lighter up ahead" Vergil said. And he was right as the group rounded a corner a soft glow illuminated a hall lined with empty cells.
Eragon ran forward and into the light followed by Murtagh and Vergil. But Eragon stopped dead in his tracks as he saw where the light was coming from.
It came from a shimmering gold altar that held a raised platform in the center of a thirteen pointed star. On each point sat a cross-legged black robed Vürdmeister with their arms raised and chanting softly. The black marks on their arms writhing and swirling with whatever magic they were using. On the platform chained down by gold shackles a tattoo covered man was screaming in agony. Veins and arteries that were in the wrong places bulging against his pock marked skin.
"Stop you're hurting him" Eragon shouted but the Vürdmeisters ignored him and continued chanting.
Another Vürdmeister stepped forward holding a prisoner by a rope around his neck. She drew a dagger and cut away the man's ragged tunic as they walked towards the altar. "What are they doing" Eragon asked.
"Building a weapon for the king's war" a voice said from the darkness.
Eragon, Murtagh, and Vergil turned as Zar'roc followed by Kael, Vorceini and Zina stepped out of the shadows. Eragon stared at Zar'roc marveling at how he hadn't changed at all. ("No that's not true") Eragon thought the Zar'roc he had known had been powerful and arrogant but he had never exuded the almost palpable aura of power and danger that this man did and Eragon had never seen the dark vicious light Zar'rocs shining gold eyes.
"It's been too long Eragon" Zar'roc said.
"What do you mean a weapon" Murtagh said.
"Oh I believe Eragon is quite familiar with this little toy" Zar'roc said and motioned them to look. They turned and saw that the Vürdmeister had managed to drag the prisoner up on to the altar. Hands of power extended from her arms and lifted the prisoner before they threw him on top of the chained man. For a moment nothing happened then the prisoner began screaming.
"What's wrong with him" Murtagh asked.
"Watch" Zina said and as they did Murtagh saw why the prisoner was screaming. The pock marks on the chained man's skin had opened revealing them to be tiny tooth filled mouths and they were devouring the man piece by piece.
"Istra vas Istra vos ras en me, Istra mevirtu rapt, recu virtum defite" Zina prayed as did every other Vürdmeister in the room along with Zar'roc and Vergil.
"What is that thing" Murtagh said pointing to the chained man as its tiny mouths devoured the last of the prisoner.
"It's a Ferali" Eragon whispered.
"Yes" Zar'roc said smiling as another prisoner was led onto the altar. "I'll talk to you two in a moment first I have something to deal with" he said and turned to Kael and Vorceini. "You two defied a direct order" he said quietly viciously.
"But my lord…" Vorceini started.
"Silence" Zar'roc said his voice barely above a whisper. "You were tasked with Eragon's retrieval before the Sa'kagé could capture him and you carried out that task so for that I will not kill you" he said. Kael and Vorceini visibly relaxed "but" Zar'roc said. "You were also ordered that no one was to be killed during your mission" Zar'roc said and turned to Vergil. "How many casualties" he asked.
"Twenty eight" Vergil said.
Zar'roc tuned back and his gold eyes fell on the men like the eyes of a god "for their lives the price is this" he whispered.
He rolled up the sleeves of his coat for and moment he seemed to turn invisible. But then his shape resolved in shifting blacks and greens of the same tattoos the Vürdmeisters wore but his weren't confined to his arms. His covered his entire body from head to toe. Everyone stepped back as they saw the thorny knots of power that rose and fell within the tattoos along with claws that seemed to rake against Zar'rocs skin and spectral heads that seemed to wail but were soundless.
"The price is your Vir" he said. Ragged claw like Vir poked out of his wrists and tore the Vir from Kael and Vorceini's arms before wadding them into balls and handing them to Zina. "Put these with the others" Zar'roc said as his skin returned to normal.
"As you wish my lord" Zina said and bowed. "May I say Istra has truly blessed you."
"You know who the Dark Lady is to me" Zar'roc said and made a gesture of dismissal. Zina nodded and scurried away.
"Come leave the Meisters to their work we'll talk elsewhere" Zar'roc said and started to walk down the hall he had come from. Reluctantly the others followed.
Zar'roc led them down a hall through thick silence. "You said the king's war" Murtagh said. "Who is he at war with."
Zar'roc laughed "the rebels of course. They think just by taking up the name Varden will rally support to them but their leader has done nothing" he said.
"A new Varden" Eragon asked.
"Yes" Zar'roc said.
"Who is their leader" Murtagh asked.
"I don't know. All I can say for sure is that she is Blood, wears a Gray jewel, and is around sixteen or seventeen" he said. Then opened a door and led them into a large circular room.
It was completely dark with the exception of a small pool of light in the center and was completely empty except for two hooded figures that stood in the pool of light. Zar'roc stepped in between the figures and a comfortable wing backed chair formed from the shadows. Zar'roc steepled his fingers and rested his chin on his long black tinted nails that were more of a warning than anything. Because Zar'roc apart from being a gifted swordsmen and mage was also a Blood jeweled Dark Prince. The most powerful of the strongest Blood caste to ever walk the realms. Along with that years of torture had put a lethally honed edge on his formidable temper. And if that wasn't enough Zar'roc was also the High Priest of the Hourglass. The covens of Blood scattered throughout the land known as Black Widows who were experts in poisons and illusions. "So what is it you need from me" Zar'roc asked.
Eragon looked around "where's Roran" he asked. "Murtagh told me he had been poisoned and you needed my help."
Zar'roc laughed "you mean that pathetic concoction Hekatah used on him" he asked.
"You said you couldn't cure it" Murtagh said.
"No I cured his majesty immediately after you left. I simply used his poisoning as an excuse to get rid of you" Zar'roc said.
"Why" Murtagh asked.
One of the figures bowed and whispered something to Zar'roc. He nodded "I think you're right Grayoc. It's time I tell them" Zar'roc said.
"Tell us what" Eragon asked.
"Do you remember all those years ago when you asked me what an Afrit was" Zar'roc asked.
"Yes you said it was the name given to the children of the dark Soul Sworn and a human" Eragon said.
"The dark Soul Sworn are not the only ones who had children. It is said that the Soul Sworn of light had children as well" Zar'roc said his eyes glimmering with mischief. "They are called Eth'ilets."
"What does that have to do with anything" Murtagh asked. Zar'roc didn't even glance at him his eyes were locked on Eragon as if waiting for something.
"And you Eragon are one of them" he said.
"What" Eragon shouted and almost fell from shock. "How it's just a myth" Eragon said.
"Oh no it's not. After all I'm born of the gods as well" Zar'roc said.
"You're an Eth'ilet" Eragon asked.
"No" Zar'roc said.
Fear filled Eragon's eyes "you're one of the dark ones an Afrit and you killed Roran didn't you" Eragon said.
Zar'roc laughed "no I'm not as crud as an Afrit though I understand why your senses would recognize me as one. Oh and I didn't kill Roran he still has to many uses" Zar'roc said. "Oh and one more thing" he said. "All those with god blood in them are Blood and you are a Sapphire jeweled Warlord Prince."
This time Eragon did drop to floor "but how" he asked.
"Brom's ring is your jewel" Zar'roc said then smiled. "Do you know who I am" he asked. Eragon didn't answer. "I am the new king of Alagaësia…" Zar'roc started.
"You're what" Murtagh asked. Then he growled "you scum" and drew his sword.
Growls, snarls, and roars echoed through the room and dozens of wolves, giant Arcerian cats, and several of the miniature dragons from the Fireborn islands stepped out of the shadows all of them with their teeth, claws, and jewels bared. Eragon stood and turned to see Vergil, Rainer, and Luce blocking the only way out. He looked back at Zar'roc just in time to see him smirk as two defining roars filled the room. Two full sized dragons stepped out from the shadows behind Zar'roc. The one on the right was had raven colored scales and eyes as gold as Zar'rocs and was his partner Terra. The other was a female like Terra but its scales were steely silver edged with red.
Luce stepped forward and walked across the room to stand next to the silver dragon. "This is Silfur my dragon" he said.
"You'll have to excuse my guards" Zar'roc said. "They don't like your weapon it seems" he said to Murtagh making the threat clear.
"Put down the sword or be sliced to pieces."
Murtagh lowered his sword but didn't sheath it. Zar'roc nodded and returned his attention to Eragon. "As I was saying not only am I now the king of Alagaësia but I am still what I have always been" he said.
"And what is that" Eragon asked.
"I am second born and leader of the dark Soul Sworn and just as immortal as my parents" Zar'roc said.
For a moment Eragon's mind stopped. ("Zar'roc is a god") was the last thought he had before his mind started acting on its own. He drew his sword nodded to Murtagh and they both rushed at Zar'roc.
"Leave him alone" someone shouted and a figure in a black hooded cloak who was about half the size of Zar'roc appeared in front of him.
"No Alastor get out of the way" Zar'roc shouted. His hand shot out and his jewels flashed creating an explosion in between the charging riders and the kid. The force of the blast knocking the kid back into Zar'rocs arms and sending Eragon and Murtagh hurtling into dark misty portholes.
I'll be updating this every week or two
Thanks to all of you who reviewed on the previous story
Next time Eragon and Murtagh meet some old friends as they try to find the Varden and a bargain is made that could win the war or lose it and it all rests in Eragon's hands
Please read and review