Last Update: 3/28/15
A note on languages: I will rarely represent the characters speaking in more than one language, but you, the readers, may assume that characters will always speak whatever language makes the most sense for the moment. Eragon and Saphira will generally speak in the Ancient Language, as they will with other Riders and Elves. Humans, who aren't Riders, will speak obviously in their tongue, dwarves will speak with humans and elves in the common tongue, though by this point I would think that Eragon has learned enough to be able to speak the dwarvish language with some skill, and will do so when he is conversing with only dwarves (unless those dwarves are Riders).
Chapter 1: Leave taking
From his lofty vantage point, Eragon watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon, as he did every day since he first laid eyes upon his new home. He longed to follow the sun, back into the west, to his home in Alagaësia, but his duty bound him here. The wind gusted strongly, but Saphira lay coiled around his body, her head next to him, and shielded him from the worst of the biting cold. At the peak of the soaring mountain upon which he perched, the air was clear and crisp, and Saphira's scales sparkled like stars as she basked in the rays of the setting sun, which shone above the sea of clouds which lay below them. He placed his hand upon her cheek, and she hummed in response, but said nothing, content to simply share in this moment with her other half.
For several decades, he and Saphira had done their utmost to rebuild the order of Riders, and thus far they had succeeded. After travelling for several weeks along what had begun as the Edda River, but had swollen into a mile-wide channel as they sailed farther east, they, and the elves who had accompanied them, had come upon a mirror smooth lake, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, deep, lush valleys and meandering rivers. It was on a craggy peninsula on the northern shore of the lake that they made their new home. The sheer sided pile of rock rose out of the water, and was inaccessible on all sides save a tight path that wound down the south face to the lake shore, making it an ideal location to call their home.
With the immense power of the Eldunarí behind them, they had rapidly built the vast stone structures that would eventually house the next generation of Riders. Even as they had labored, the Eldunarí had continued to instruct Eragon, teaching him all that they knew, which was no small amount. To further complicate their labors, they also spent a great deal of time and effort bringing peace to the dragons that Galbatorix had twisted to his own dark purpose. Many would never fully recover from the horrors that they had faced.
Despite the enormity of their task, they had worked without complaint, for everyone present, Eragon, Saphira, Blödhgarm and the other elves, and Glaedr, Umaroth and the Eldunarí, all knew their duty came before anything else. The Riders needed a home, a sanctuary, where they could be trained in safety and seclusion, away from the cares of the world.
Within the first year several eggs had begun to hatch, drawing Saphira away so that she could look after the wild dragons. They had spread rapidly across the land, for resources and space were abundant, and the wild ones longed to explore and travel, restless as they were.
At first Eragon had worried that he would never be prepared to teach the new generation of Riders, but as the years passed, his worries turned instead toward the absence of students. Shortly after they had arrived, ensconced themselves in their new home, and begun to work in earnest, Eragon had sent a handful of elves back to Alagaësia on the Talíta, to inform the various rulers how to find the Riders, as well as to take new eggs to replace those that they were sure would've hatched. However, when the elves returned, months later, no Riders accompanied them.
Thus Eragon and Saphira continued to learn and grow. When they could, they journeyed for weeks, exploring and mapping the new land that they now called home, to better prepare themselves to be equal to the task of leading the Riders, and when the first Rider flew into the valley, nearly a decade after they had first claimed their home, they found themselves prepared. Years had passed since then, and dozens of Riders had joined their ranks.
Little one, Saphira's voice gently intruded into Eragon's mind, breaking him out of his reverie.
Yes, friend of my heart? He replied once he regained awareness of his surroundings.
Näernen and Vaemar wish to speak with us. They seem anxious.
Indeed? Eragon asked. He stretched out his mind to find the Rider and Dragon circling the mountain several thousand feet below them, not daring to fly higher, as the air was too thin for most living creatures to survive. Näernen, Vaemar, he greeted them, what distresses you?
Ebrithilar, the elf said, acknowledging both Eragon and Saphira, before continuing, Blödhgarm received a message from Alagaësia. He sent us to bring you back immediately. Master, I am worried. Eragon could feel the distress in his pupil's mind, and that disturbed him. Näernen and Vaemar had been the third pair to arrive to be tutored, and though the elf had once been arrogant and condescending, he had matured greatly over the years.
Peace Näernen. Did he happen to tell you why this matter is of urgency?
No Ebrithil, but I've never seen him agitated before. Whatever Arya Dröttning said must've unsettled him greatly.
At the mention of Arya's name, Eragon's heart stopped for a moment, and he fought to keep his emotions under control. Go, he commanded the pair, once he was certain that his emotions wouldn't bleed through to their minds. I will follow presently.
As you will, Ebrithil, Näernen replied, before he and Vaemar turned back and winged their way home.
Eragon sat still for a moment, wrestling to keep his emotions in check. Gods Saphira, look at me. I've defeated two Shades, exterminated the Ra'zac, killed Galbatorix, tutored and raised more than four dozen Riders and brought hundreds of Eldunarí back from their madness, but at the mention of her name––
Hush, little one. Don't lie to yourself, or me. We both know what she means to you, but for now put her out of your mind. It would appear that there are more pressing matters for us to attend to at the moment. She uncoiled herself as she spoke and shook her wings to remove the light accumulation of snow that had gathered upon then, blown off the ground by the ceaseless wind.
Eragon smiled at her remark and gracefully rose to his feet in a single motion, exhaling slowly to relieve his tension. He quickly dashed up her leg and settled himself on her back, gripping her body tightly with his legs. As she felt him settle onto her back, Saphira lunged forward and threw herself off the mountaintop. With a handful of powerful wingbeats, she turned them towards Du Adurnya Arget. As they began to descend down the side of the mountain, Eragon released the spell that was gathering the air around himself and Saphira, which had allowed them to breathe normally at the top of the towering Du Varden Fell.
As they flew, Eragon looked upon the beautiful land that he now called home, allowing his worries to slip to the back of his mind for the moment. The landscape was harsh, but it posed no problem to its new inhabitants. The jagged mountains and sharp ridgelines were imposing to any traveling by foot, but the Riders had no such limitations. Likewise, the lack of flat ground for farming did not bother them, as their small population could easily subsist on the handful of gardens tended by the elves. Seething rivers wound their way between the rocky pinnacles that surrounded them, and numerous waterfalls threw themselves off the edges of towering precipices, falling thousands of feet to feed the rushing waters far below them. Eragon took in the breathtaking vistas as they flashed by below them, occasionally glimpsing a flash of color that denoted the presence of a dragon. As they followed the glittering purple streak that was Vaemar, they came over a craggy ridgeline, and the vast expanse of Du Adurnya Arget unfolded before them, shining like a mirror in the last rays of the setting sun. Such was Saphira's strength and speed that they quickly overtook Vaemar and Näernen, though she allowed the pair to continue to lead them.
To Eragon's surprise, Vaemar led them past the gleaming fortress-city which, perched above the glittering lake like a roosting dragon. Instead, they flew toward a large clearing in the expanse of trees that spread out from the base of the crag. Eragon's sharp eyes easily picked out Blödhgarm at the edge of the clearing, despite the lengthening shadows.
The ground shook as Saphira landed, startling a small flock of birds into flight. As she settled her bulk, coiling at the side of the clearing to ensure that Vaemar would have enough room to land, Eragon lightly stepped down her leg and trotted over to Blödhgarm.
"Eragon-elda," the wolfish elf greeted Eragon, twisting his hand over his chest, "I'm glad you came quickly."
"Näernen-vodhr said that Arya Dröttning contacted you," he replied, indicating the young Rider, who had followed him over.
"Yes Shadeslayer. I, ah…wish to speak to you in private, if that is acceptable," he said hesitantly. Eragon had never seen the elf so troubled, and his worry deepened. "What she told me was of great importance, and it would be best if few knew of what I must tell you." Eragon nodded his assent and motioned for Näernen to step away. The young elf looked defiant for a moment, before bowing stiffly and walking over to Vaemar. Blödhgarm muttered a spell to keep others from listening to them, before turning to Eragon with a grave look. "Shadeslayer, it would appear that Alagaësia is once more at war."
"What?! How could this have happened?" Eragon exclaimed. He was stunned. Everything he had done to ensure a lasting peace, all for nothing. Taking a deep breath to bring his emotions under control, but before he could question Blödhgarm further, the elf quickly continued with his narrative.
"Shadeslayer, your peace has held. Invaders have come from across the sea, men from some unknown land, who have set their eyes on Alagaësia. Little more than a week ago, strange ships were sighted off the coast of Bierland, and within days, the southern cities found themselves besieged. The elves and dwarves have rallied to the aid of the Empire, but this enemy seems implacable, and far too numerous for us to easily defeat. Many cities have been isolated, and are under siege, while the bulk of their army has continued to push inland. The last report put them at three days march from Dras-Leona, and from there they have only a short distance to reach Ilirea."
Eragon thought for a moment, trying to understand the situation that they found themselves in. How could it be that after all they had fought for, war had still found its way to Alagaësia? "Have the elves or dwarves reached the fighting yet?"
"Nay, they are still mobilizing, though Arya Dröttning and several hundred warriors are moving at speed to reach Ilirea before the enemy does. She hopes that their presence there will be unexpected so that they may rout the vanguard as it approaches the capital and throw the invader's forces into chaos before they can besiege the city, giving the defenders time to better prepare themselves."
What of the Empire's forces? And the Urgals? Saphira interjected into their conversation, from her place in the clearing. Are they not engaging the invaders? It does not seem possible that so much ground could be gained against the Empire, unless it was being given up.
"The Empire has done what it can to slow the invaders, but they are simply too numerous. Most of the Empire's forces are being drawn back to Ilirea, to prepare for a counterattack once the elves and dwarves have mustered their armies. The Urgals have already come to the Empire's aid, but they are too scattered and fractious to form a cohesive army. Even more detrimental to our cause is the presence of war-beasts unlike anything we've seen before. Massive horned creatures with skin like stone lead their charges, and swift dragon-like flyers harass our forces from above, and drag soldiers out of their formations."
"Damn. How do we fight against something that we don't understand?" Eragon pondered for a moment. "What of magicians? Do they have spell casters?"
"Aye Shadeslayer, though they seem no stronger than any other human. It may be that there lies our advantage, as even the weakest elf can outmatch your people's strongest mages. I would, with your permission, return home with some of my brethren, to aid in the battle."
Eragon thought for a moment before narrowing his mental link to just Saphira. I know what I would do, partner of my heart, but I would hear what you have to say.
Little one, you know my heart, she answered immediately, without hesitation. There is no question in my mind. We are needed.
"Blödhgarm," Eragon addressed the elf, "I understand your concern for you people. However, I cannot let you leave. You are needed here to guide the young ones."
"Eragon-elda, surely you cannot mean to abandon––"
We will never abandon our home, Saphira interrupted him. It is time that we did our duty to protect the peoples of Alagaësia. Therefore, Eragon and I will return, and we will stop these invaders. Since we are leaving, you must stay and teach the hatchlings. They are too young and untested to be thrown into a war such as this.
Eragon reached out and placed his hand on Blödhgarm's shoulder. "I know that you wish to aid your people, but this is our duty, as dragon and Rider, and we will do our utmost to protect our home. Even more to the point, it would take at least a month for you and the elves to reach Alagaësia by boat, but Saphira can easily take a lone rider there in less than a week if she has Eldunarí to draw upon."
"There is wisdom in your words Shadeslayer," Blödhgarm said reluctantly.
"Thank you Blödhgarm-elda. We must move quickly. Return with Näernen, and inform Rhunön-elda of our impending departure, I will have need of my armor if she is finished with it. Also if you could gather my saddle and travelling gear, I would appreciate it. I must go and inform the Eldunarí of my decision. Time is short and I would like to leave as soon as possible."
"Surely you do not intend to leave before the morning–"
"I do," Eragon interjected. "Both Saphira and I can see well enough in the dark, and if the Eldunarí agree to accompany us, we will have little need to rest as we travel. We must make all possible haste, as every moment could mean the difference between life and death for many."
The blue-furred elf bowed. "As you say, Shadeslayer." With a word he ended the spell keeping their words private, and trotted over to Näernen.
Come little one, Saphira urged, we have much to do, and the sooner we are off, the better.
Eragon needed no encouragement, and quickly settled himself on her back. With a massive leap, she propelled them into the air, and with a half-dozen wingbeats they rose above the forest and turned towards the great fortress looming over the valley. It only took her a few moments to rise above the outer wall, and pass into the city. Enormous stone buildings, built in the style of old Vroengard, filled the area enclosed by the thick walls, each large enough to comfortably hold dozens of dragons. Much of the city was still empty, as they had designed it with an eye to the future, when the city might need to hold hundreds of dragons.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Eragon could not suppress his growing feelings of excitement. He was returning home, and would be able to see all of those who he had left behind. He had desperately wanted to talk to his cousin Roran and his foster-brother, the dwarf king Orik, but he did not know if he would ever return home, and preferred to have said his farewells in the way he had. It had been easier for him to carry on as if he would never see them again, instead of watching them slowly age through a mirror, while he remained unchanged by time. As always, when his thoughts turn towards home, he inevitably thought of the one who had stayed behind. Arya. Only Saphira held more of his heart than the beautiful and proud elfish queen, and he longed to speak with her, but they had been torn apart by their separate duties, and torn apart they would remain, or so he had always told himself. Now though, maybe things would be different. Even though they flew to war, Eragon's heart felt lighter than it had in decades.
They flew toward the White Keep, an enormous bastion at the heart of the sprawling fortress-city. Nearly a half a mile on each side, and half that tall, it was an imposing structure whose construction was made possible only through the enormous power of the Eldunarí. Saphira touched down near the top of the tower on a large outcropping, and Eragon vaulted off her back, landing lightly on his feet.
Together, they made their way through the vast portal that led into the bastion. They ignored the hallways that led off to either side and walked up to a great stone wall. Placing his hand upon the stone, Eragon murmured a few sentences. The wall noiselessly split down the middle, and Eragon quickly dashed through the stone doors, with Saphira following as soon as the doors had spread wide enough to accommodate her girth. After walking down a short corridor, they found themselves at an imposing glyph covered arch. Passing through, he strode into an immense, circular room, dimly lit by a handful of white Erisdar. They were immediately accosted by Cuaroc, the metal-clad guardian of the Eldunarí, who dove into his mind for a moment to ensure he was who he appeared to be. After a moment, the dragon withdrew from his mind, and another consciousness touched his.
Eragon, Saphira, welcome, Glaedr greeted them warmly. Over the past decades, Glaedr had found renewed purpose, and while he still mourned for Oromis, that grief had lessened somewhat over the years. Eragon doubted that any dragon could ever completely be at peace after losing their Rider, but Glaedr and the others were needed in helping their tormented brothers, and this task absorbed them.
Glaedr-elda, I bear dire tidings. His words drew the interest of many of the other dragons, and he quickly related to them all that he had discovered.
This is grim news indeed, Glaedr said after Eragon finished his tale. I had hoped that the peace we fought so hard for would last longer than four-and-thirty years. I assume that you intend to return to Alagaësia?
We do Glaedr-elda.
And you're certain that this is the best way?
We are. Saphira and I can fly home faster than the elves could possibly sail. I would be honored if you and some of the other Eldunarí would accompany me. Your strength and wisdom would be invaluable to us in this.
You do not need to explain yourselves to me. You are wise beyond your years, and your judgment is sound. Allow me a moment to confer with the others. Eragon felt Glaedr's mind withdraw, and for several minutes silence reigned in room. Eragon waited patiently, as he knew that the ancient dragons were deliberate, and rarely made hasty decisions. Around the edge, the Eldunarí glittered alcoves in the wall, just as when he first found them, deep beneath Vroengard.
Eragon, Glaedr's voice returned, we have decided. I and several dozen others will accompany you. Umaroth and the rest will remain. Many of our brothers are still half-crazed and will require their unwavering attention.
Eragon nodded, knowing full well the difficulty of helping the crazed dragons back from their madness. Even as Glaedr spoke Cuaroc strode over to the closest Eldunarí and carefully placed it within the padded velvet bag upon which it rested. At Glaedr's direction, Eragon joined Cuaroc, and between them, the pile of Eldunarí rapidly grew. Once the last of the precious hearts was placed with the others, Eragon stepped back, and whispered the spell that fold the space around them, reducing them to an infinitesimally small point.
As he finished, Umaroth's mind reached out to Eragon and Saphira.
Go forth with our blessing, strike down those who would lay waste to our home, and know that we shall watch over the hatchlings until your return.
Thank you Umaroth-elda, Saphira and Eragon said together. Farewell.
Farewell Eragon Shadeslayer, farewell Saphira Brightscales. Luck be with you.
Eragon nodded, forgetting that the Eldunarí couldn't see him, and turned and strode from the room, sealing the great stone doors behind him. They made their way out onto the balcony, where Eragon quickly jumped upon Saphira's back and she dove off the edge of the parapet. She quickly flared her wings, and they landed on the ground, where Blödhgarm, Rhunön and a pair of Riders with their dragons waited for them. Blödhgarm carried Saphira's saddle over to her, and began to strap it onto her, while Eragon walked up to Rhunön, and twisted his hand over his heart and greeted the venerable elf.
"Rhunön-elda, it is good to see you away from your work for once," he said with a smile.
She snorted at him. "I didn't come for you, Shadeslayer, but for that," she said, pointing to a long ironbound chest sitting beside her. "I spent many moons crafting armor that would be light enough for a Rider to move in, but strong enough to survive combat against a dragon." She bent over and hefted the chest, before handing it to Eragon. "Take care not to misplace that, as you did with your last suit."
"As you say Rhunön-elda," Eragon nodded sheepishly. With a grunt of acknowledgement, the old elf turned and strode away without a backward glance. Eragon smiled and shook his head, before turning and affixing the heavy chest to one side of Saphira's saddle, while Blödhgarm attached a hefty saddlebag to the other. Eragon thanked the elf with a nod, before turning to the two Riders, Näernen and Shari, a human female, who had thus far been silent. Glancing beyond them to their dragons, he could see that they each bore a saddle and travelling gear. He looked at the two Riders and raised an eyebrow.
"Ebrithil," Shari began, but Eragon cut her off with a gesture.
"I know what you're going to say Shari, and I cannot allow you to come with me. Five years from now, this wouldn't be a problem, but at the moment, you two and Alina are the only Riders who have completed your training, and I need you here to continue to teach the younglings in my absence."
Both of the Riders looked as if they were going to argue, but a growl from Saphira silenced them.
You know your duty, Riders. As always, we must look to the future. Do not forget that we once had to go against our hearts and our own desires. We left our home behind us, so that we could train you in safety. Know that your duty lies here, in mentoring the hatchlings.
"But Ebrithilar, it is our duty as Riders to come to the aid of Alagaësia," Shari protested, her bright eyes wide as she pleaded with them.
"Before the Fall, you would've been right, but this is a unique situation," Eragon replied. "Someone needs to remain and teach the younglings, and though you are well trained, you have never drawn your weapons in anger, nor do you understand war as Saphira and I do."
Master–
"Enough Mira," Eragon interrupted the yellow dragon. "We have made our decision. I am sorry if you do not agree with it, but we all must do what is best for the order. Is that clear?"
Chastised, both Riders bowed their heads and murmured their assent. Eragon's expression softened, "I know your hearts are in the right place, but in this situation, I need you here. At the conclusion of this war, we shall consider sending you to Alagaësia."
"Yes, Ebrithil," Näernen responded. "We won't let you down."
We know you won't, Saphira declared.
Eragon bowed slightly to the other Riders, before turning and leaping atop Saphira. Turning his head, he regarded Blödhgarm for a moment. "Watch over them Blödhgarm, guide them when they need help and know that we will do our utmost to protect Alagaësia."
"I know you will. May the stars watch over you, Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales. Farewell, until we meet again."
"Farewell Blödhgarm-elda," they replied together.
Without a backwards look, Saphira took two strides, before springing into the air. She quickly rose above the expansive fortress-city. She released a mighty roar, which was echoed by numerous calls from the ground. Turning herself westward, they flew toward the last glow of the sun, making their way home, praying that they wouldn't arrive to find it in ruins.