I do not own the Inheritance Cycle or "Time of Dying". This story is a tribute to "Mutilation" by cyansapphire and "Secrecy" by justtestingmyboundaries. Thanks to both of you for inspiring me!
How I Cope
On the ground I lay
Motionless in pain
Days, months, years? How long has it been? There is no light here. Not a window, an opening, or even a candle to shine its feeble light. Time is measured by the creaking noise of the door and the heavy footsteps on the cold stone. Sometimes there are the noises of chains rattling or something heavy dragging on the stone floor towards the cell. No food comes, only a glass of water with each "visit." Blood is more abundant than water, though it left an iron taste in his mouth. Still, it was something to drink.
I can see my life flashing before my eyes
Did I fall asleep?
Is this all a dream?
In the complete darkness, it is easy for the imagination to overlay reality. There's his old house, Garrow shouting for him to wake up. Spring is here and the crops need to be picked. His head rests against Saphira's flank. He can feel her heart beating slowly. Orik laughs with him as he drinks; Oromis's soft voice floats by him as he talks about magic's behavior. And…who was she?
Wake me up; I'm living a nightmare
There's a creaking, oh look the door is opening. Who is it?
"Ready to concede, my young Rider?" The soft, foul breath whispered by his swollen, bleeding ear, or rather what is left of it. He slowly raises his red eyes. Red from tears and lack of sleep; stained with blood. His voice, is it his voice, gurgles. Blood comes out, slipping between his lips to further stain his remaining skin. Only a single word is murmured, "No."
I will not die (I will not die)
I will survive
"You will." The two words were smug. He really should conserve his strength, but he couldn't resist.
"How many times have you said that? Five? Ten?"
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
I feel alive, when you're beside me
Why was he holding out? It was someone. Someone who would be hurt if he gave in.
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
In my time of dying
There was a low growl. For a moment, Eragon saw the shape of the king morph into an animal. "Let's begin then!" The words were spat out, the spit splatting against his face.
On this bed I lay
Losing everything
There wasn't much left. Some skin was left, but not nearly enough to cover the torn muscles. In some areas, bone shone in the glimmer of light that came from the torch that was held to his chest.
"Not much left to cut." The voice was thoughtful, "but the nerves are fully exposed."
I can see my life passing me by
Was it all too much?
Or just not enough
Wake me up; I'm living a nightmare
"Let's try a rapid change between hot and cold." A bucket of water was placed by Eragon's foot.
"This isn't for drinking, but after this I doubt you will want anything to do with water after this."
I will not die (I will not die)
I will survive
There were no cries of pain. His vocal cords had been torn from the constant screaming. Instead, blood flowed freely from his lips. First the heat, then the water. Rinse and repeat. Over and over.
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
I feel alive, when you're beside me
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
In my time of dying
He was alone again. Had he fainted? No one was here. A soft hand fell on his shoulder. "Hang on, we are coming. Just hold on a little longer." The voice was soft, melodious. It was a friend. Her ghostly touch somehow eased the pain. He had no energy left to talk. Instead, he thought, 'Okay.'
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
I feel alive, when you're beside me
Two figures stood idly by a door. Suddenly, a noise caused them to open the door, swords drawn. A swift step, and a third one joined the two. With a snap, the two guards fell.
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
In my time of dying
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
The door opened. He looked up. His red eyes met her green ones. "I told them nothing." The choked words held a sense of pride.
"I never thought you would." Her voice held restrained tears, "Just hold on. I'll get you out of here."
"What were the first words I said to you? Prove that you are real."
I will not die, when you're beside me
I will not die; I'll wait here for you
"Eka aí fricai un Shur'tugal"
In my time of dying
"Let's go, we miss you."