Rebirth

This is my first attempt at a full length Eragon story. I like constructive criticism and would like you to tell me if I messed up on something because I forgot the book a little but remember everything else. Other than that, I hope you will enjoy the story.

Ch 1: A New Beginning

The war between King Galbatorix and the rebels known as the Varden is still proceeding. Years have passed since the new Rider; Eragon, a farm boy had found a stone that would make him a hero among many races throughout Alagaesia. With him, his sapphire dragon, Saphira, are the allies of the Varden who oppose the King. Throughout the years of hardship and battle against the kings own Rider, meaning the last egg will possibly decide the fate of Alagaesia, revealing the last Rider.

Though years have passed, the egg remains un-hatched. Hope seems lost with one Rider on each side, waiting for the last to determine the outcome of war.

At the edge of the battlefield, two Riders battle against each other on the ground as their dragons engaged in aerial combat, shooting fire from their mouths. The red dragon was now slightly larger than the other, though Saphira had more experience and maneuvered away from the battlefield with Thorn following closely behind.

Metal clashed below when two swords hit with force that could cause a severe injury. "You seemed to have gotten better after our first battle at the Burning Plains, Eragon." The enemy Rider said when he backed away from him. "You've found out that I was a servant of the Empire years ago and I still haven't brought you and Saphira to the king."

Eragon rushed at him with the inhuman speed he gained after the Agaeti Blodhren and raised his weapon above his head and brought it down with a heavy blow. Murtagh parried with ease. "You will not take me or Saphira, not even to rebuild her race with a dragon that works for Galbatorix! Death would come first." The younger Rider replied as he swung his sword and left a small scratch on Murtagh's arm, who took no notice.

"Either way, Saphira will rebuild her race. More dragons and Riders will fill the skies in time. No matter how long it takes, whether it is with Thorn or the dragon yet to hatch. Galbatorix's vision to unite Alagaesia will become reality."

On the other end of the field, another battle between the kings men and the Varden. Cries echoed and blood stained the ground as it had in the first battle. Men lost their lives for their freedom and others for the king's vision. Nasuada was in the midst of the battle with Arya and Roran by her side their faces dirty with dirt. Blood soaked the leaders' clothes with every man she slew before her. Arya struck enemy soldiers as he attempted to sneak up behind an oblivious Roran, as he was too busy with three in front of him. "Thanks," he blocked an attack from the first soldier with his hammer and knocked the weapon out of the soldiers' hands and delivered a skull crushing blow. Two of his comrades fumed in anger and rage as they watched someone so young kill one of their own. They both lunged forward furiously to avenge their fallen friend. An arrow hit one of the soldiers in the back, leaving one for Roran. He swung wildly at the boy, only for his attack to be dodged and fall forward. Seeing this as his chance, Stronghammar brought his weapon down upon the soldiers back and bones could be heard breaking. The man cried as his back broke under the bash to his spine, paralyzed.

Just as Roran looked up, he had seen that they were greatly outnumbered due to the loss of men. Arya rushed up beside him. "This is pointless now."

"Anything of Eragon?" he asked.

"Nothing," she answered as she pointed to Nasuada, who was approaching on a white horse.

"We must pull back, there are too many! We need to regroup!" the young leader of the Varden cried. "We'll have to come up with a better plan. Just right now we are losing more men."

"Agreed," Roran and Arya responded in unison.

Nasuada rode off in the other direction, ordering a retreat. Roran and Arya followed her lead and told those who were out of hearing from Nasuada's orders. "What about Eragon?" Roran asked the elf.

"He has a bigger problem to deal with. It would be best not to distract him." He didn't like the thought of leaving Eragon alone, but she was right. Any distractions could get him killed.

Murtagh looked in the direction where they left the battle and turned toward Eragon, smiling. "It seems that Nasuada has ordered a retreat." Eragon said nothing; only his heavy breathing pierced the silence between them. "You're still out of breath like the first time we've met up after so long. You resemble an elf and have their reflexes, yet you cannot keep up with me? I'm disappointed." A smirk formed on Murtagh's lips. "We've been battling for hours and yet you still refuse to come with me. Again, I have tried to capture you, but the next time I may not be able to try and will have to." A single dragon was in the distance. "We will meet again in our next battle, brother."

"I'm not your brother," Eragon said quietly, with disgust at the thought of being of Morzan's flesh and blood.

"You still don't believe it after years of us battling each other?" Murtagh could see that Eragon hated being called the son of Morzan, even if few actually knew. Only he, Saphira, Murtagh, Nasuada, Roran, Arya and of course the King Galbatorix himself. It was best that way, so he wouldn't be looked down upon. Silence followed for minutes until Thorn's wings could be heard growing closer with each thrust. Murtagh climbed onto the red dragons back and looked down on Eragon and said, "Good bye for now, brother." Thorn jumped on his powerful legs and lifted his wings as he carried his body and his Rider through the sky. Eragon watched them leave.

Saphira? Where are you? Are you alright? The Varden had ordered a retreat. He said through the link that they shared. Saphira? He was now starting to worry until she answered.

I'm fine, little one. I'll be right there. Eragon noticed she sounded different; her voice was lower than normal almost as if there was something she was thinking about. He wanted to ask, but felt he should keep it to himself.

He could hear her approaching only seconds later and when he had seen that she wasn't badly injured that made him lighten up a lot. Once she and Thorn were out of sight, the communication between them was foggy. Eragon wondered if something horrible had happened to her, but remembered the reason for keeping them alive. So she could breed. He felt happy that she would be able to mother her race, but the fact that what they wanted to bring her young up under Galbatorix's rule was unbearable. Who knows if those were his only intentions! Was that all he wanted her for? Eragon shook the thought from his head and smiled when Saphira landed in front of him. "I'm glad you're safe." He nuzzled her snout and she nuzzled back.

As am I, little one, she said. Come on, we have to get back to the Varden's camp.

Eragon nodded and climbed into the saddle Brom made. The ride made Eragon notice Saphira acting strangely, just as her voice was earlier. Saphira? He asked.She didn't seem to hear him, so he figured he'd wait until they were rested.

"Another battle after three years since our first encounter with Murtagh." Nasuada sighed when they reported to her tent. "We've lost many men and are running short on supplies. The last egg still has yet to hatch and won't as long Galbatorix still has it. I'm afraid to say that this war won't end anytime soon. We will return to Surda tomorrow." With that she dismissed them.

"Eragon," Roran met his cousin. "I'm glad you're alright after today's exhausting battle."

"There are more to come." Eragon said, tiredly. "We're not out of this yet. I'm starting to think there are more years to come if we can't win with one Rider on our side."

"Hey," Roran stopped his cousin and had his hands on his shoulders. "There will be an end, though it may be in years." He smiled. "I can't thank you enough for helping me rescue Katrina three years ago."

"Listen Roran, there was nothing else I could do. It was partially my fault for what happened to Garrow. With the Ra'zac and everything else that happened."

Roran smiled, "We'll, I still thank you." Then he stopped, "You should get some rest, you look tired after today's battle with Murtagh." Eragon nodded with a smile and Roran left his side to see some of the men from Carvahall.

When Eragon entered his large tent, he took off his shirt and pants, only wearing shorts as he sat on his cot. Saphira was already sleeping. The Rider crossed his arms. Something was different about her. Saphira? You sleeping?

I was. She replied tiredly. Is something on your mind? She knew something was.

----

Murtagh and Thorn were back at their base camp. The Rider was in his tent healing an injury on his shoulder with the blood and sweet stained shirt on the ground as his dragons head was blocking the entrance. Seriously Thorn? Murtagh's mouth was slightly hanging open.

Yes.

He ran his hand through his dark hair then walked over to grab a clean tunic from his cot and pulled it over his head. I just hope you know what you're doing. I mean, you know what would happen if Galbatorix found out! More slave labor. And the worst thing is that we can't escape, now that he knows our names. Murtagh wasn't sure how this would turn out if the king found out. He sighed after a minutes thought. I'll keep your secret. But if the king finds out after so long, who knows what could happen then! I just hope your actions don't cost us our lives.

That makes two of us.

----

You what? Eragon shouted and jumped up quickly and looked at his dragon. Shock gripped him.

You promised you wouldn't yell. She said in a low voice, almost as if she was guilty of something. Her head was in the tent.

I'm sorry. Eragon sat back on his cot. I did promise… but I can't believe it. Out of all these years… I didn't think you would have done this… at least… not yet.

Are you angry with me?

Eragon shook his head. No. I can't be mad. I'm just still not able to believe it. So this why you seemed so gloomy? Saphira nodded reluctantly and Eragon let out a slight laugh, which confused the sapphire dragon. Actually… I'm kind of happy.

You are? How so?

Don't you see? Saphira shook her head slightly. Eragon let out a small happy cry and jumped off the cot. This war may be over sooner than you think. Why… you may have helped out the Varden. He hugged her snout happily; Saphira thought he would have been slightly upset if not more.

So you're not angry with me, little one?

Of course not, he smiled. This could be the answer we've all been waiting for! Then he let go and looked at her. But we don't know for sure, we best wait until we know the actual outcome of this day. Then we can tell the others.

Uh… alright. Saphira answered as Eragon turned toward his cot and seemed excited about what she had told him. Good night, little one.

Good night Saphira. His reply came with a smile. He tucked himself in and fell in the elf-like trance with a smile on his face.

Saphira smiled a little after what she told him. She had expected him to be furious, but he actually seemed happy with this. Earlier, he spoke about how he wished the war would end and that he didn't want to go up against Murtagh. Now he appeared reenergized after the battle that had lasted hours. She looked at her Rider and pulled her head out of the tent with a feeling of happiness. Maybe he was right.

Alright, it took me the whole day to come up with the first chapter. I hope you liked it and there are more to come. If there was something I messed up on, please let me know. And again, I like criticism so correct me on anything you find wrong.

Also, if I get any flames, I don't care. Even Flamers get a nice review reply. I won't be negative with any reply to your reviews. But I have to ask, please review. Thank you.