Call of the Dragon

This is my first attempt to write a fanfic and a crossover so please take it lightly . To celebrate the upcoming premiere of ,,The Hobbit" movie I thought about this crazy idea to cross Inheritance Cycle during the Eragon (well with some changes) and the Hobbit. Well you'll see if this work or not. I don't own the rights to both Inheritance or the Hobbit, they belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 1

The Lonely Mountain was finally before them, looming far on the horizon. Lake-men of Esgaroth became strangely quiet, constantly looking at the sky as if some nameless menace would strike them from above. The oldest of the men accompanying the dwarves and Bilbo in their journey hold thigh the paddles of the boat, but his eyes betrayed great fear. One younger fisherman touched the old man's arm and said:

,,Don't worry there's nothing to fear, who knows maybe the old dragon is long gone or dead."

,,You fool, you don't know of what you speak! Accursed Smaug will never leave this place, and don't underestimate him, you are too young to remember the time when he still roamed the country side and the banks of the Long Lake. I saw him once from distance as a child. Even this day I still recall that terrible sight."

Thorin Oakenshield frowned overhearing their conversation but immediately became lost in thoughts: ,,What now, during this journey we focused only on getting here but how we're going to get rid of the dragon. We don't have a strength to do it."

The other dwarves were grim as well, Fili and Kili who always cheered them up and never miss opportunity for jokes and laugh, whispered fearfully. Bilbo sat miserably and trembled with cold, it was middle of autumn and winds from the north blew stronger with every day. He regretted leaving his cosy Bag End and was constantly teased by hunger, but after all he has been through it couldn't be worse. The boats arrived at the shore and everyone started to pack all things they needed to journey. Lake-men gathered all provisions and laid them before the dwarves.

The oldest one said to Thorin: ,,We brought you here at the north edge of the lake but we will not go further." Thorin and the others tried to persuade them to at least, accompany them to the river, in the point when it flowed to Long Lake, but they didn't even want to listen. And after that Lake-men sat in the boats and started to row as fast as they could. Dwarves suddenly felt worse than before, they were now on their own and this time nobody would help them if they were in trouble.

Bilbo stretched his arms and call out as joyfully as he could: ,,Cheer up we're almost there your precious gold is waiting", but nobody paid attention to him. Only Gloin smiled a little and clapped the hobbit on the back. Atmosphere of this place was stiffling. Up the river Running started the lands known as Desolation of Smaug and it wasn't a pleasant sight. Though here and there grew some bushes it was actually devoid of trees and animals. Dragons fury burned the woods surrounding the Mountain and landscape changed slightly by earthquakes he caused. Thorin looked at this with grim face, he was only a child according to the measures of his people, when dragon came but he remembered how lively and beautiful these lands used to be. With a heavy sigh he took his part of baggage and lead the party straight to the Mountain.

….

At the same time when dwarves and one hobbit travelled to their destiny, in the capital of Alagaesia in Uru'baen, far from the lands of Middle Earth, Galbatorix traitorous dragon rider and now a king of the Empire was trying to contemplate the recent events.

The escape of Murtagh was a blow to his pride: ,,This foolish boy will pay for his treachery."He thought to himself,, If he wasn't a son of Morzan I would kill him long ago, painfully!" At this moment he wanted to sent Ra'zac to track him down, and tear him to pieces, but new thought came to him ,,… No, he could be useful in the future. There are more important things for now to take care of." Information sent by a Shade Durza about captured elf was also troubling him, the sorcerer did not recover the last of the dragon eggs stolen from him years earlier. Though the teleported objects could be traced, the Ra'zac failed to find it in the Spine: ,,Cursed land" he thought. He hated it with all his heart, because of it he lost his first dragon, that sudden painful memory filled him with wrath. ,,And now some boy of Carvahall has the egg in his hands, or maybe it already hatched!" That thought made him uncomfortable.

,,Guards!" he shouted. One of the soldiers came closer and bow before him with reverence: ,,What is thy will my Lord" he said, carefully calculating his moves, Galbatorix though calm and cold, was also known for unpredictable attacks of rage, if something wasn't to his liking. Galbatorix rose from his throne and spoke ,,Sent word to Durza in Gil'ead he must immediately return to me. And make sure that all spellcasters will gather in the great hall of the seer".

,,My Lord?" guard asked, puzzled. ,,Do it immediately." Answered the monarch with hints of irritation in his voice. ,,Of course sire!" and with that soldier departed as fast as he could, ,,Something is going on" he said to himself, he knew not what caused king to gather all magic users, but he supposed it's nothing good. Spellcasters had more influence and authority than many officials of the state, often they experimented with magic, and king richly rewarded their services. Rarely they gathered together, jealously guarding secrets of their dark magic and were hostile even to each other. Many of them were given high positions in the army, sometimes using soldiers as their testing subjects, with or without, approval of the king. They were formidable and dangerous, but the worst of them was the king himself. Guard knew well that it's better NOT to displease him.

Galbatorix touched by sudden impulse went straight to the chambers where he kept all Eldunari, ,,Soon" he thought ,,I will be more powerful than any rider was in the history of this land." Dragon's Heart of Hearts, hundred of them, were laying in order, each glimmering like a precious gem, myriads of colours, and each one had powers and consciousness of a dragon to which it belonged in life. With them, the usurper gained unimaginable power, still he desired more of it, learning full capabilities of these artifacts. He thought himself unstoppable, yet still his reign was opposed by a group of rebels who called themselves the Varden, supported by the elves of Ellesmera and dwarves from Beor Mountains. That irritated him even more: ,,Fools they think they can defeat me. I destroyed all other riders in the days of their glory and now I'm even stronger! I will not be stopped, I will prevail, each single one of them will learn that I am the supreme ruler of this lands!"

…

Murtagh found his aim and sent an arrow. It hit right into head of the Shade, but something was not right, his body dissipate into black smoke. ,,It's not the time to think." said Eragon and quickly took the unconscious she-elf in his arms. At the same time Saphira tore through the ceiling and landed in the chamber. Running like madmen, they reached her, while the dragon focused attention of gathering soldiers. They climbed on the back of the dragon and the ranks of soldiers that started to surround them, scattered. Saphira leapt out of the hall on the fortress's roof, and took off high in the air, avoiding the archers and flying into darkness of night.

…

,,What do you mean Durza was defeated ? Where is he!" asked Galbatorix in low voice. ,,I'm here my lord." Dark figure with red hair and white face appeared out of nowhere and bowed before the king. ,,It took me some time to reconstitute my form, but now I'm stronger than before. Unfortunately I bring some ill news; the prisoners escaped, my Urgals captured the boy but he had help from outside, and he is dragon rider already. He took our…elven princess with him" he added and fell silent waiting for reaction of his master. Weight of this news was truly great. Galbatorix turned his back to those surrounding him and pondered for a while: ,,Durza sent Urgals to track them down. I'm sure they will try to reach the Varden stronghold."

,,Of course it will be done" replied the sorcerer and started to walk, but the king stopped him with gesture. ,,You will stay here for now, I need your power for some…magic experiment." ,,Wouldn't it be better if .."

,,No. You will lead the work of spellcasters. Sent your best commander to manage the Urgal warriors.

We have some matters to discuss." ,,It's something very important" Durza thought to himself ,,What he's up to?"

…

Bilbo stared at the stone wall before him. ,,Where is this entrance? I don't see anything" he asked aloud. Thorin looked once again at the map.

,,It should be here." He said ,,Gloin, Balin, take the tools and check if you could break through. And Bofur, call your brother here. For once in a while he could do something useful." Bilbo sat at the nearby stone and watched as the dwarves tried to break through the door, but to no avail. Stone was left unscratched, only the pickaxes were damaged.

Balin sighed heavy and tossed the useless tool on the ground: ,,It's no use, we can't even make a crack in it. It's a secret of our kind of old, magic stone gates with engraved runes of power. Only few knows how to use them and made marvelous objects of special properties. There are also many kinds of dwarf doors." he turned his attention to Bilbo trying to explain him this matters, seeing confused look on the face of the hobbit.

,,Some will only open at certain time, or even before certain person, others need a password to open. This doors will only open using the key."

,, Of what runes are you talking about? I don't see any!"asked Bilbo, trying to spot any sign of writing on the wall. ,,They are invisible of course." answered Balin ,,Like moon-letters only in different manner. In runes we describe ways in which doors will operate, think of it as of a special spell. We also have great knowledge of making locks, and even more complicated mechanisms with additional wards. Of course you will stick to the agreement?" Balin asked a little nervous. ,,What agreement?" exclaimed Bilbo with evident surprise. ,,He meant our contract, naturally, point four: everything that a participating person will hear or see is a high secret. Don't you remember?" interposed Dwalin. Bombur, who still tried to make any mark on the stone, resigned and inhaling deeply, sat with a loud thud on the ground: ,,Nothing, I..have no…more… strength left." Balin patiently explained him: ,,As I said already, in this case Key of Thrain is the only option."

,,But there is no key-hole in it" said Gloin ,,How we are supposed to do it?" Sun was already setting, and shadows were longer.

Suddenly Bilbo, who at the moment with bored expression was watching an old black trush, leaped to his feet and call enthusiastically: ,,Stand by the grey stone when the trush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole. The moon letters on your map. Quickly Thorin, where is the key?!"

While he shouted a ray of sunshine tore through surrounding stones and rested upon the wall. In that moment the doors were finally visible and on seemingly smooth stone appeared a hole in shape matching to the key of Thrain. Anxiously Thorin put it in it's place and turn. Silently stone plate moved by single push, revealing dark but spacious corridor. In the dimming light of day, Bilbo saw finely crafted stairs descending down into the heart of the Mountain.

Thorin after the moment of silence said: ,,It is time that our dear Bilbo, greatest burglar, fulfilled his contract, and with his luck and of course that precious ring descent into the ancient halls, to…"

Thorin didn't have the chance to end his speech (which he always had the manner to perform) when Bilbo interrupted him: ,,Thorin, may your beard grow ever longer, of course I understand that I have to go down there, straight into dragons lair, which I certainly don't like to, but I think that already I earned some of the treasure, just by the fact of saving you from those creepy giant spiders. Two times you were rescued from serious mess, by me but as my father used to said third time lucky. I'll go there. Of course don't expect miracles, I will only look around, maybe I return with useful information."

Balin smiled under his nose, and before Thorin could react said: ,,We're with you Bilbo, well at least spiritually." he winked and continued ,,We cannot express our gratitude for you, it would be the best to show you my personal respect." And with those words he took off his hood and bow low before Bilbo. ,,I know that you'll be alright. If you fall into trouble call us, we won't abandon you, my friend." Bilbo's mood lighted immediately after those words and felt much more braver than before. Other dwarves were silent, but from their face Bilbo could tell they felt the same (and a bit ashamed by their lack of will to go down with him).

Dori grumbled a little and took small bottle he always kept with him ,,just for special occasions" as he said, and gave it to Bilbo: ,,For courage, but don't drink all of it." Others looked at him harshly ,,All right, all right, just wanted to save something for later" he added annoyed.

Bilbo took a sip, and immediately regretted that. The liquor was strong and he almost choke with it. ,,What is that?!" He asked coughing. Dori smiled and said: ,,It's an old recipe, mine to be precise, good, strong cherry tincture."

Thorin sighed irritated. More or less strengthen, Bilbo entered the archway, gasped for air and started to walk down the stairs into darkness.

…

The spellcasters could not believe their ears. Galbatorix's plan was that of a madman, and by all their knowledge unfeasible. Durza was silent, and pondered what to say. One of the older magic users with great and lordly appearance, in fine robes, took a step forward and addressed the king: ,,My lord. What you asked of us is impossible. Opening portals across the continent?! It has never been possible to transport living beings by magic, only objects. And you want to create stable rift in space to instantaneously join two points at will. Amount of magic energy to achieve this would be enormous and would kill any sorcerer who will try to do that!"

Galbatorix was not amused. He hissed dangerously, but calmed himself and responded: ,,Things that you take for impossible Lord Tanis, not always stay that way. I am in possession of a hundred Eldunari. "

And losing patience once more, shouted ,, Nothing is impossible for me!" Durza watched with spiteful pleasure how ,,Lord" Tanis suddenly shrinked, and backed away to hide in the crowd. ,,My king. May I propose a solution?" he asked carefully, feeling the right moment to ease situation.

,,If we use all the energy of spellcasters gathered here, and of course magic of dragon hearts with some small help from your side, including your dragon Shruikan, we could try to accomplish your goal. And maybe much, much more."

With calculated movements, Shade bowed and got closer to the angered monarch. ,,We could even drain life force of some…dispensable individuals." He continued with wicked smile looking at few magic users that crossed him in the past.

Galbatorix's face was unreadable, for a moment all was silent, but clear voice of the king sounded commandingly in the hall: ,,Prepare yourselves, for the next two hours I will observe your work, prisoners that we had in dungeons are of no use anymore. If you need them, their life energy will be transferred to you. Don't fail me in this, especially you Durza."

That was the end of discussion and all sorcerers trembled at the thought of possible failure. They knew that king would not take it kindly and their fate would be terrible.

…

Bilbo was surrounded by complete darkness. Steps were carved under suitable angle, and though were little too big for his liking, he walked over them with ease. Finally after long travel he was here inside famed Lonely Mountain, his journey led all the time to this moment. He felt the burden of responsibility on his shoulders. Questions and wild fantasies of what he will find at the end of corridor flashed through his fevered mind. He tried to remember whatever stories he heard about dragons. At last stairs ended. Before him was dark archway the same as the one outside.

Bilbo tried to swallow, but his mouth were sore. Closing his eyes and holding breath, he walked in, thinking over and over again: ,,If something happens, I'll put the ring on and disappear!".

At first he felt only warm air. Nothing leaped at him to kill, nothing tried to grab him. All was surprisingly calm and quiet. But suddenly he heard purr, as if some giant cat laid somewhere. Frightened, Bilbo opened eyes and he was surprised by strange glow quite near him. At closer inspection he immediately recognized it's source. There it was, greatest treasure he had ever seen. Piles upon piles of gold and silver. Unnumbered jewels, gems of almost every known colour: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, topazes, even stones that looked like ambers. Cups, plates, coins, necklaces, rings, carvings, bracelets and unshaped nuggets of gold and silver, all were laid on the giant mound that reached further than he could see. But the indescribable joy, almost dwarven desire of the treasure, was dimmed by a horrible shape he saw in that moment. Right on the stolen fortune of Thorin's ancestors slept a hideous creature covered in scales, golden-red in colour, with vast wings and long sharp claws. It's head was massive and elongated. Eyes half closed, with red light pouring from them.

This was enough for Bilbo, he grabbed one of the precious cups lying nearby, and run to safety of corridor. Dragon didn't even flinch, but new smell pierced his sensitive nostrils, and disturbed his dreams. He was teased in them by some knight of really small stature, and that wasn't nice for old Smaug, who singlehandedly destroyed two kingdoms of Dale and Erebor.

Bilbo with beating heart run out of the corridor, and collapsed before the feet of his companions. Ori got him up, and marveled at the beauty of cup, he brought. All dwarves cheered at him, but Bilbo was too exhausted to respond.

Thorin looked closely at trinket taken from dragons hoard, and wondered: ,,It's a Cup of Thrór, my grandfather, and King Under the Mountain! Unbelievable you found it there first." Suddenly they heard a roar, and mountain shook. Smaug woke up from his dreams and immediately was aware of intrusion.

,,THIEF!" he growled after noticing the cup was missing and feeling unfamiliar smell ,,THAT WRETCHED CREATURE WILL KNOW MY WRATH! WHATEVER IT IS!" and like a storm left the chamber, heading to the great main Gate.

From there he leaped into the air in pursuit of the unknown enemy. Dwarves panicked: ,,He will burn us alive!" Sound of fluttering wings was getting closer. Dragon felt that his prey didn't get far, now finally some familiar smell reached him. ,,Dwarves!" he thought ,,They will pay dearly for their intrusion. I am the true King under the Mountain!"

…

All Eldunari were placed in circle, the power emanating from them was easily accessible. The last preparations and incantations in Ancient Language were finished, ready to use at Galbatorix's command. Durza looked on kings face in search of approval.

,,Proceed" was only word he heard. Finding the situation strangely uncomfortable Shade gave a nod and ritual started. Choir of voices chanted in Ancient Language. Rays of colorful energy concentrated at one point of space.

,,If we fail, we are doomed" flashed through the mind of a sorcerer ,,But the kings wrath will be the least of our problems, if released magic proves too great to control."

There was a blinding flash and roaring sound. In the center of the hall appeared oval whirlpool of energy. Sorcerers were already exhausted, but they maintained the construct before them. At the last possible moment Galbatorix used his own energy to stabilize the portal. Shruikan growled in annoyance, as his energy was also drained. Inside the hall all air seemed to vibrate, and in the portal, appeared an image of unknown mountain peak. Galbatorix frowned, it wasn't a place he wanted to reach.

Durza said aloud so the king would hear him: ,,Something went wrong my lord. We should stop before it's too late. This energy can kill us all."

,,We won't stop now. This experiment will continue." Said the king in menacing voice. In one moment portal showed dark flying shape. ,,It's a dragon!" shouted one of the magic users.

,,Impossible" barked Durza ,,All wild dragons were wiped out in Alagaesia." Galbatorix could not believe this. Here it was, a wild, strong dragon on the other side of the magic portal.

,,Where does it lead." He pondered ,,I don't recognize this place" but aloud he said to his servants: ,,Draw this dragon into the portal!"

If Durza didn't have impossibly white skin he would have paled: ,,My lord it's not wise. If it really is a wild dragon we didn't find through all these years, getting such unbound creature here would be extremely dangerous." ,,Do as I say!" growled the king.

…

Smaug was already coming over the side of the mountain, where the secret passage was located. ,,Those filthy bearded beggars will die horribly."

He thought to himself, but he could not find the other end of the tunnel. It had always irritated him: ,,I should have destroy entrance long ago, but then the chamber would probably collapsed."

Furious, he opened his jaw and stream of red flame poured over the slope. Then happened something unexpected. Orb of the white light appeared straight before him and engulfed him completely. Dwarves and Bilbo were trying to find a cover when the same strange light flickered in the air and started to lower down as if it was a hunting hawk. Bombur screamed when invisible force started to pull him in the direction of light. Thorin and others tried to catch him but they also were caught mid air.

All their company, 13 dwarves and one hobbit (screaming because of fear of heights) was pulled into the light. Moment later Smaug emerged from light ball into completely different environment, he seemed to be inside hall like that of the Mountain, but smaller. He saw punny little humans surrounding him, shouting and waving their hands.

,,Watch out, this dragon is bigger than we thought." ,,We can't let him escape" shouted Galbatorix. Two of the spellcasters shot at the dragon spell that should paralyze him but, to their horror magic didn't work and their energy was almost spent. Beast violently smashed them with his tail, and they both fell dead. King used then all his might and tried to probe dragon's mind. For a moment nothing happened but dragon roared in pain and completely surprised Galbatorix found out that mental barriers of the beast were too strong to overcome.

Smaug didn't know what is going on, first he was seeking thieves of his treasure and now some strange humans shot at him with light bolts, and some force tried to invade his mind, and that hurt: ,,Whatever they are", he thought ,,They will regret that. They want to play mind tricks, I have some of my own for them!" Using his eyes he put a charm over a bald funny dressed human and forced him to do his bidding. ,,Attack your companions" mental command worked and Smaug saw with delight how his new slave used his own power to slay two others standing alongside him.

Galbatorix shouted enraged: ,,No. You will serve me! I am your new master!" and used another spell stronger than before.

In the matter of minutes situation was far worse, another one of the casters died crushed by dragons paw, dragon roared in booming voice: ,,I have no master. I serve no one. I AM SMAUG!" and roar louder than ever, splitting the very stone, filled the chamber.

Galbatorix in complete shock thought: ,, It can talk, it can talk physically!" Frightened king took then the last desperate chance, he called mentally his own dragon: ,,Shruikan! Destroy him!" Black dragon rushed into fight. The two beasts clashed with each other. Claws and teeth flashed madly. Everyone caught on the path of two reptiles, died instantly crushed by sheer weight of them.

Durza went straight to the king. ,,We cannot stay here my lord. We must go!" in the minute he said that, a violent force shook the very foundations of the palace, as Shruikan was shoved on the wall, smashing supporting pillars. Hall of the Seer started to collapse. Smaug enjoyed the fight, as never before in his life. He knew his strength, and though for the long time he didn't meet others of his kind, still remembered fights of his youth on Withered Heat at the north side of Ered Mithrin. He was the strongest of them, the most powerful dragon of the Third Age. Nothing would hinder him. C.d.n.

Notes: So what do you think about my feeble attempt to write a fanfic. Review and maybe point out mistakes, so I could improve my writing skill (if it's possible hehe). Oh and tell me is the pace good enough or I should slower course of action a bit.