Chapter Three
Quick A/N: I'm SO SORRY it took me so long to do this chapter! Yes, it is significantly longer than the other two, but the main reason it took so long is because I completely underestimated the pressure of writing the protagonist of a critically acclaimed, famous, best-seller series. It took me about two days to finish writing it. I spent the next two days nitpicking every phrase, thought, perception and interaction that Eragon has in this chapter, constantly thinking: Would he really say that? No, he probably wouldn't…except what if he did?! OH GOD!
Definitely harder than I expected…but I really would like to get the Alagaësian characters as perfect as possible, so please, please, PLEASE tell me if I messed up on one! ESPECIALLY THE MAIN CHARACTER.
kthanksenjoy.
The water of the cloud kissed Eragon's skin with cool lips, raising his hairs on end as gooseflesh spread down his arms and neck. He shivered with pleasure, before another flap of Saphira's mighty wings propelled them from the fog. Shaking his head and running his hands though his hair to dispel the water droplets, Eragon was struck by such an overwhelming feeling of unadulterated elation and happiness that he couldn't help but let it spill over to Saphira. Through their bond, he could feel her heart warm, and Saphira responded with tucking her wings in and dropping into a spinning dive. Eragon squeezed his thighs together and clutched Saphira's neck spike while whooping in joy, expressing his utter bliss to anything within earshot.
Whistling though the air, the wind tearing at Eragon's cloths and buffeting his body, the Rider and dragon dropped through the clouds, and the chain of lush, green islands that speckled the otherwise unblemished carpet of white and blue below them faded into view. As always, the sight took Eragon's breath away. The largest of the landmasses was characterized by surprisingly large mountains arranged in a semicircle along the eastern coast, while the rest of the circular isle was coated in a thick jungle. It was here that Blödhgarm and he had decided to settle, and with the help of the other elves, they quickly constructed a sizeable hall (Which they simply designated as Riders' hall) in the foothills of the mountains, at the interface between the peaks and dense trees. Around the main island on all sides were countless smaller islets of all shapes and sizes, ranging from long, thin ovals to tiny, star-shaped chunks of earth.
As the un-bonded eggs began to hatch, the wild dragons claimed the northern caves of the mountains as their home. They lived in them quite comfortably, hunting the animals in the numerous isles surrounding the main island and occasionally venturing down to Eragon's hall to interact with their bonded brethren.
Over the years, young, new Riders began to make their way to Eragon's island home as the eggs he sent back to Alagaësia made loops though the land to hatch for members of all four races. As more and more of the fledgling Riders arrived, the single hall grew into a cluster of structures, before expanding further into a small town, inhabited by dozens of Riders-in-training. The main hall itself was adjusted, eventually more than doubling in size, in order to accommodate the growing number of Riders and dragons. Despite its massive dimensions, the main hall was often crowded, filled with eager students seeking knowledge from the Eldunarí, sparring from the elves, or help from Eragon or Saphira.
Eragon welcomed the intrusions, regardless of the time of day or his current preoccupation. Throughout his entire life, he was always the student. Whether it was Brom, Oromis, Glaedr, or even Arya, he always had a mentor to guide him and show him and teach him. Until now, where in an unusual turn of events, the roles have been reversed. He has become the instructor to a new generation of Riders, and although he was still not completely comfortable in the position, he was determined to fulfill his duties to the absolute best of his abilities. And so, if any of his pupils came to him for anything at all, Eragon vowed never to turn one away.
In addition to leaving himself open for individuals seeking specific assistance, Eragon also made sure to instruct the new Riders as a group, honing their skills in swordplay, mental combat, the use of the Ancient Language, flying, critical thinking, and more. Along with teaching a wide variety of abilities, Eragon maintained diversity on the ways he instructed them, never falling into any predictable routine. Conventional methods such as one-on-one duels and written tests were interspersed with more unfamiliar tactics, including races up the mountains, aerial games of tag, timed riddles and puzzles, and, of course, the annual Capture the Banner competition.
Capture the Banner was the ultimate test for the young Riders and dragons, as it incorporated magic, fighting, and tactics all at once. All the dragon Riders would be divided into two equal teams, and each team would be assigned a colored Banner. The red Banner would be placed on the northernmost island, a large, oval, hilly key with a thinner jungle than most. The blue Banner, on the other hand, would be placed several miles away on the southernmost island, a medium-sized, hourglass-shaped isle with a single small mountain at its center, surrounded by a jungle with an impenetrably thick canopy. The main island was roughly in the middle of the two bases, and Eragon, Blödhgarm, and the other elves would be on standby to assist any injured. The objective was to steal the enemy team's Banner and return it safely to one's own base island; if completed successfully, the team to do so would be proclaimed the victors, and would be exempt from any everyday jobs and tasks for a month.
Have you selected the teams yet, little one? Saphira's questioning mind prodded his own as she gently extended her wings and pulled out of her plunging dive.
Eragon scratched his head in confusion as he asked, Teams? What do you mean?
Surprise streamed from Saphira as she replied, Eragon! Do not tell me you have forgotten what today is?
Ah, of course! Eragon laughed, today's the Capture the Banner competition!
Saphira snorted smoke, expressing her disapproval. Honestly, I do not understand how it could have slipped your mind. We have been preparing them for it for the past few months!
Coughing and waving his arms to dispel the smoke, Eragon smiled and thought, It must have been your spectacular flying just now. I was so impressed it distracted me from everything else!
She paused to consider this, gliding on a thermal, before replying with an approving hum. That IS understandable…
As he ran his hands over the scales of her side, feeling her vibration though the palm of his hand, he realized, We had better get back soon, there are still many preparations to complete.
Saphira sent him her agreement, before turning to head over the treetops of their island home towards the base of the mountains.
As they flew, Eragon noticed a small inconsistency in the color of the mountains in the distance. Against the dull grey and brown of the mountainside sparkled a growing speck of green. His breath quickening, Eragon cast his mind outwards as far as he could, and ignoring the animals of the forest below along with his students at Riders' hall, he searched for the feel of a certain consciousness. Then, as his mind brushed against that of Arya Drötting and her emerald dragon, Fírnen, his heart skipped a beat. He shared his discovery with Saphira, and as she laid eyes on Fírnen in the distance, she roared in happiness and let loose a massive lance of flame, scorching the air with the power of her exuberance. Faintly, Eragon spotted Fírnen's bright green response stretch across the sky before he was thrown backwards in his saddle as Saphira quickly picked up speed.
Saphira flew so fast that his eyes began to water, and he had to shield them with his hands. The trees below dissolved into a shifting, dark green blur. Then, without warning, Saphira shot upwards twisting and turning as Fírnen met her in the air, and the two dragons spiraled around one another in an intricate dance. It was an amazing sight, yet slightly disorienting, as Eragon's perception of the world transformed into an incomprehensible jumble of colors. He caught flashes of Arya's jet-black hair, Fírnen's glittering scales, the soft blue of the open sky, and the vivid greens and browns of the jungle below, each glimpsed only for a split second before another took its place.
Eventually, Eragon begged, Saphira! Before I lose my breakfast, could you let me down at home?
He felt her amusement as she slowed down and leveled out once more. He clutched his head as the world continued to shift and spin in front of him. A moment later, when the world steadied and Saphira was making her way towards Riders' hall alongside Fírnen, he turned to look at Arya.
Her leafy green eyes were turned downwards, gazing into the jungle beneath them, as her black as pitch hair caught the sun and flowed out behind her, like the dark, silvery tail of a shooting star. Eragon adverted his eyes. As much as he enjoyed Arya's company on her occasional visits, they were still constant reminders of what he wished for with all his heart, yet knew could never come to be. Time had yet to fade his feelings for the elven woman to his side, and like a wound trying to heal, each time she came to him ripped the scab off and began the bleeding anew.
Risking another glance, Eragon happened to catch Arya's eyes as she looked up. She smiled at him, and suddenly the world around him lit up, instantly turning into a far more bright and vibrant place than it had been only seconds before. He could not help but grin back, and decide that regardless of the associated pain, he much preferred Arya here than back in Du Weldenvarden.
Both dragons touched down by the entrance to the hall, and as the Riders dismounted, Eragon's young pupils began to spill out of the great building to greet them. As they approached, Eragon turned to Arya, and greeted her, "Well met, Arya Shadeslayer."
She smiled at the use of their shared title, and replied, "Yes, well met indeed."
And then the new dragons and Riders crowded them, bombarding every member of their party with a barrage of questions and inquiries. Arya was greeted by all and begged to tell of events in Alagaësia, Fírnen and Saphira were requested to come fly with the other dragons, and Eragon was asked the same thing countless times.
"What are the teams, Firesword? I cannot wait any longer!" cried Kalphog, shaking his fist and gnashing his teeth.
It was a fearsome sight, as the massive Kull shook his horns and his gargantuan silver dragon, Tithrí, loudly snarled, snorting jets of flame longer than two men from his nostrils. If Eragon hadn't known the two personally and wasn't aware they were merely excited for the upcoming event, he would have been terrified. However, Kalphog happened to be one of Eragon's most dedicated pupils, spending nearly every waking hour furthering his abilities as a Rider. Tithrí rarely ceased honing his aerial skills, and despite his huge size, he was certainly the quickest and nimblest of all the bonded and un-bonded dragons. Surprisingly, while still perceived as highly aggressive by human standards, amongst the Urgals the Rider and dragon were viewed as almost peaceful.
Eragon laughed at Kalphog's eagerness, and answered, "Ah, I'm afraid you will have to wait a little more, my friend. I shall tell everyone this evening!"
"No! Truly, Master? Hours more?" complained Kalphog, slumping to the ground, leaning back on Tithrí's leg and placing his head in his hands. "Tithrí and I were up before the sunrise, awaiting your and Saphira's return, and when you finally come back, our patience is rewarded with no answer at all?"
A small, elven hand appeared, placed comfortingly on Kalphog's bristly hide. "Kalphog, the time will pass quickly, I assure you. Why don't you come spar with me while we wait?" said Jiwëya.
Kalphog relaxed and lowered his hands, twisted his head towards her. Chuckling, he replied, "I would not want to injure you, my little friend."
"Injure me?" She questioned, grinning, "Or are you just afraid I'll beat you?"
His light chuckle devolved into raucous laughter. Jiwëya was doubtless Kalphog's closest friend, and he was hers. She had fine golden hair that appeared almost transparent in the sunlight, along with angular elven features and dark green eyes the color of pine needles. They struck an odd image together, with Kalphog standing well over twelve feet tall but Jiwëya just under six; Kalphog's form was corded with thick, bulging muscle but Jiwëya had little less than skin and bones. Yet all it would take is a minute of observation to see how clearly they fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle. Jiwëya never failed to calm Kalphog when he got angry or agitated, keeping his hot blood cooler than it would be without her by his side, and Kalphog pushed Jiwëya to stand up for herself and be brave and courageous, counteracting her normally calm, withdrawn tendencies. They balanced each other out perfectly, the epitome of yin and yang between two beings.
A small, sleek-looking purple dragon slithered forward and nipped Tithrí sharply but playfully on the tail. Considering his colossal size, topping that of Galbatorix's black dragon Shruikan and rivaling the legendary proportions of Belgabad, it was unlikely the bite caused any pain. Tithrí simply twisted his head, fixating the tiny lavender dragon within his sights and softly growled in greeting.
The smaller dragon was Raetha, Jiwëya's feisty companion. Although Tithrí and Raetha's size difference mirrored that of their riders, their personalities were ironically reversed. Of the two, it was Tithrí that was more quiet, reserved and soft-hearted, whereas Raetha was wild, spirited and aggressive. They too were very close, and the four of them were often next to inseparable.
"Master Eragon, now that you have a worthy counterbalance in Arya Drötting, why don't the both of you participate in this year's Capture the Banner?" shouted one of his dwarf apprentices.
The idea spread like wildfire, and Riders and dragons alike pleaded with Eragon, all clamoring over each other to try and convince him. Eragon shook his head and protested, but the students persisted, growing ever louder. Eventually, Eragon realized he could not deny an idea that had such overwhelming support, and with a glance at Arya, whose eyes twinkled with amusement as she nodded her consent, he relented.
"Very well, we'll join you all tonight!" He yielded, earning cries of excitement and eager anticipation from the assembled crowd. "Now go, begin the preparations! Time is short until sundown, and there is still much to be done!"
With whoops and shouts, the Riders quickly mounted their dragons as each pair set off to complete their assigned task. Eragon watched as Kalphog reached up to grab the edge of his saddle and swung himself onto Tithrí's back with ease, and Jiwëya sprinted up Raetha's leg, landing softly in her seat. Despite the noise of yelling Riders and dragons taking flight, Kalphog's deep bass voice resounded throughout the area as he pointed towards Raetha and Jiwëya and challenged, "Last one to the weapons building forfeits tonight's dissert!"
Tithrí roared at Raetha, who answered with a surprisingly long jet of flame, narrowly missing Tithrí's sizeable snout. The large dragon's shoulders shook with his reverberating laughter, and Jiwëya cried in response, "Then be prepared to surrender your slice of pie!"
They both took off at the same time, flapping furiously towards the structure at the far end of the small town. Eragon rolled his eyes and shook his head at their antics. He felt the touch of Saphira's mind as she asked, little one, have you any need of me to help get ready? If not, I wish to show Fírnen the new additions to our home.
I'll be fine, He thought, I'll see you this evening?
This evening, She promised, as she spread her wings and took to the air, Fírnen following closely behind her.
Eragon observed them as they flew, clearly heading towards the mountains and away from town. The tips of his ears turned red as he realized why, and quickly spun to face Arya. His heart warmed at the sight of her, the fact that she was truly here again just beginning to sink in. It had been far too long since Fírnen and she had visited, all those years ago. Her head cocked to the side as her slanted green eyes regarded him. "Eragon, why are you smiling?"
He replied honestly, "It is good to see you, Arya."
At that she smiled as well. He gestured for her to follow him, saying, "Here, let me show you to your quarters."
As they walked, she asked, "How have things been here? I have not heard word from Riders' hall in quite some time."
Eragon never liked to brag about himself. However, he was immensely proud of his students, and did not hesitate to launch into a list of their various accomplishments. Arya was content to walk by his side and listen, nodding and murmuring in agreement when appropriate. After some time, once Eragon began to speak of how Red team won last year's Capture the Banner, she stopped him. Raising a sharp eyebrow, she paused in her stride. "This is the first year we have arrived to witness this competition of yours, and considering I shall be participating this year, it seems you should explain something to me."
Confused, Eragon hesitated. Racking his brains, he asked, "…What to you want to know?"
Her musical laugh seemed to touch the inner reaches of his soul, causing his entire being to resonate in harmony with the heavenly sound. "The rules, Eragon! I do not know how to play!"
"Oh," he grinned, running his hand through his hair, "I guess that would be useful information for someone intending to partake."
"Really? You think so?" she replied, sarcasm blatant in her voice. Flashing her sparkling teeth, she closed her eyes and resumed walking, shaking her head, causing her hair to reflect the sun in shimmering patterns. The exchange shattered any awkwardness that had formed between them from their years apart, and they walked side by side as Eragon explained the guidelines, completely comfortable in each other's company.
! #$%^&*()_+! #$%^&*()_+! #$%^&*()_+! #$%^&*()_+
In the fading light, the red and blue Banners planted in the ground a hundred meters apart in front of Riders' hall appeared regal and dramatic, resembling standards for great armies and casting huge rippling shadows on the earth behind them. Directly between them, standing on a raised platform, was Eragon, and Saphira sat crouched on the ground beside him.
His voice magically amplified, Eragon spoke to the crowd of dragons and Riders assembled before him. "My fellow Riders, I welcome you to the 7th annual Capture the Banner!"
Deafening roars, cheers, and applause filled the air. Kalphog thrust both arms into the air and bellowed into the night sky, while Jiwëya, perched on his shoulders and holding onto his horns, added her own cry to the thunderous din. On either side of them, Tithrí and Raetha blew plumes of flame towards the heavens, their violet and silver tails intertwined behind their Riders.
His breath quickened and heart sped up as adrenaline began to course through his veins. He held up a hand to quiet them, and proceeded. "We will now announce the teams! When Saphira or I call your name, proceed to your Banner."
The area dropped immediately into a hushed silence. He spied Kalphog and Jiwëya, both obviously tense and holding their breaths. His arm was up on her leg, securing her to his shoulder, as if he could keep her with him regardless of which team she was put on. Eragon resisted the urge to throw his hands in the air in exasperation. Do they not trust me? Eragon asked.
Saphira noticed the two friend's positions, and reassured him, Of course they do, Eragon. They are simply nervous. It is only natural to be concerned about fighting against one's closest ally.
Slightly jealous, Eragon replied, Well, I must fight against my closest ally…
Amused, she retorted, As must I! But this is in the name of fairness. Besides, it is not all bad, is it? I can show Fírnen that just because he is older now, he is still not my equal!
Suppressing a laugh, Eragon thought, Yes, of that I have no doubt Saphira.
Clearing his throat, Eragon began to list the names of the Riders as Saphira announced the names of the dragons. As more people joined the groups behind the Banners, they embraced their friends and began to formulate a strategy for the upcoming battle. When he got to Kalphog and Saphira called Tithrí, the Urgal swallowed and gently lowered Jiwëya to the ground as his dragon grudgingly withdrew his tail from its embrace with Raetha's. The pair began to trudge reluctantly towards the red Banner. As they got halfway there, Eragon caught his eyes and grinned. A glimmer of hope appeared in Kalphog's shrouded eyes, and he slowed. Eragon and Saphira simultaneously announced, "Jiwëya/Raetha: … Red Team!"
At that, Kalphog whirled around as Jiwëya cried in excitement, flying over the stretch of grass separating them before slamming into Kalphog's embrace. Her arms barely made it halfway around his waist while his arms completely enveloped her. Raetha roared and jumped forward, her small but strong wings carrying her instantly to Tithrí, and she proceeded to leap on his back and cling to his neck, wrapping her tail around it. He hummed in delight, turning his head back to brush the side of his massive jaw against her side. Eragon laughed out loud, then remembered his voice was still being amplified, and tried to cover it with a cough. He felt Saphira snickering beside him, as the two friends withdrew and looked to Eragon, their overwhelming thanks written across both their faces. He nodded at them, and as he turned his attention back to the other unselected Riders, he saw Arya smiling at him warmly. He grinned back, and continued to call off names.
Once he was finished, both teams stood en masse beside their respective Banners, talking amongst each other to decide on tactics and shouting friendly taunts at the opposing Riders. He then announced, "Saphira and I will be joining the Red Team! Arya Drötting and Fírnen shall join the Blue Team!"
Shouting erupted from both sides as they cheered for their corresponding leader. Yelling to be heard over all the noise, he added, "Be sure to dull your blades! No lethal or maiming magic is allowed! Be careful of hurting your fellow Riders, and play fair!"
As the sun crept ever closer to the horizon, the two crowds of dragon Riders became more and more restless, and Eragon knew he would not be able to restrain them any longer. "Go forth! Place your Banners at the bases on each island! The competition begins at sundown!"
Each and every Rider and dragon were awaiting the command, and when Eragon shouted, one by one they all leapt into the sky, going on spiritedly to their islands. Eragon jumped off the platform onto Saphira's back and settled into his saddle, hurriedly strapping himself in. A voice called, "Eragon!"
Looking over his shoulder, he saw Arya riding atop Fírnen with her sword drawn, the purples and pinks of the sunset turning what would have been a fierce image into a much softer one. Eragon drew Brisingr from its scabbard, with a sliding sound of steel on wood, and pointed it at them. "May the best team win!"
Fírnen roared at Saphira, who returned his roar twice folds, and Arya repeated, "Aye, may the best team win!"
The two dragons shot into the sky together, twisting about each other once before going their separate ways, Eragon to the red base in the north and Arya to the blue base in the south. He watched as she disappeared into the distance in the fading light, with nothing but memory to prove she was ever truly there at all. He looked back forwards as they approached the base of the Red Team. Saphira spotted the wide clearing near the center of the isle in which the red Banner would be placed. Touching down amongst the other Riders of his team, Eragon was instantly brought in on the plan that was developed in his absence. It was cleverly simple, just appointing certain Riders to defense and others to offense, leaving the enemy to guess at ghosts of traps and tricks that did not exist. Eragon and Saphira were designated as part of the offensive group, and once the strategy was clarified, all fell silent as each pair of eyes fixated on the horizon.
The moment the sun dipped below the line of the sea, Kalphog and Tithrí roared in unison, echoing for miles around, and with a single thrust of Tithrí's enormous wings, the Kull Rider and immense silver dragon took to the starry skies. War cries resounded from all the remaining Riders as they followed suit, including Eragon and Saphira. In a giant swarm, the members of the offensive division of Red Team sped south, Tithrí and Kalphog leading the charge, and Jiwëya atop Raetha just behind him.
As the group drew closer to the main island, wings flapping furiously and throats continuously releasing yells and shouts, the light of the moon began to reveal the telltale sparkle of dragon scales and armor in the distance.
"Prepare yourselves!" Eragon warned, roaring to be heard over the shrieking winds. The vague specks of light quickly swelled into the identifiable shapes of enemy Riders. Moments later, Eragon felt a barrage of unfamiliar consciousness's assaulting his mind, tearing at his mental defenses. Taking a deep breath, Eragon solidified the barriers around his consciousness, while at the same time doing his best to thwart the efforts of his enemies in regards to his teammates. If he sensed a spear of thought aimed at Jiwëya, he would quickly and subtly re-rout it back towards another member of their own team, causing much chaos and confusion amongst the Blue Team.
Then, so suddenly it seemed as though the two sides had warped forward instantaneously, the Riders clashed.
Screams of anger and fear filled the air, along with the tumultuous roars and growls of various dragons and the high-pitched ring of sword-on-sword contact. Dragons grappled with each other in midair, tearing and spewing fire from their maws, as their Riders exchanged lightning fast blows and spells. The conflict took on the appearance of a macabre rainbow, as flames and scales and swords of numerous colors blended together in a brutal parody of beauty.
Lurching suddenly, Eragon quickly grabbed Saphira with one hand and gripped Brisingr in the other as an impact drove them both sharply to the left. A dark yellow dragon with a human Rider had latched onto Saphira's right leg, attempting to pull her from the air. As the Rider was focused on weakening Saphira with his sword, Eragon leaned down and swung Brisingr as hard as he could. At the very last moment, he twisted the blade so only the flat side struck the man. The impact was directly in his ribs, and the force of the blow threw the Rider from his saddle. With a cry of terror, he plummeted down to earth. The yellow dragon roared, releasing Saphira and diving after its Rider, but the falling man was picking up speed. Eragon paused; holding his breath, he waited to see if the Rider's training would pay off. A second later, he heard a shout in the Ancient Language, and the man came to a stop in midair. Exhaling a breath of relief, Eragon turned his attention back to the ongoing battle.
Saphira and he were able to turn away any other attackers with relative ease, which worried Eragon to a degree (Clearly more training is necessary). They made their way south at a breakneck pace, and within minutes the small key with the blue Banner came into view. Saphira slowed, and as Eragon slightly opened his mind to let her in, she thought, Eragon, we need a plan. There are bound to be numerous defenders, and no other member of our team has gotten this close as of yet. We cannot attack directly on our own.
Yes, you are right…Eragon replied, troubled. They couldn't just sit and wait for assistance, but this wasn't a task for one dragon and Rider. Thinking back years ago to a complex spell taught to him by Blödhgarm, Eragon began to formulate an idea. Telling Saphira, she reluctantly agreed, and the two of them dropped down to the sea, and flew along it to the beach. Once there, Eragon dismounted, and cast a complex spell creating a likeness of himself upon Saphira's back. He hugged her neck, and she nuzzled his side. Be careful, little one.
You too, he reminded her, If anyone tries to attack with their mind, they will realize our deceit.
She scoffed at that. Attack with their mind? They will be far too busy fending off my tooth and claw for that.
Smiling, he released her. Good luck.
She nodded, then turned and flew back the way she came. Eragon faced the forest, and took off at a sprint. With this elven eyesight and reflexes, he leapt over roots and shrubs, ducked under low branches, slipped between trees, and all at just under his top speed. When the trees began to thin out, he burst out of the forest at the base of the small mountain at the center of the island. Looking up, he saw Saphira leading the dozens of defenders on a merry chase across the sky, spitting blazing tongues of flame and knocking dragons away with her claws. They were so entirely focused on her that none suspected the presence of the single Rider on foot below them. Eragon grinned, and then casting a spell, began to leap with magical assistance up the mountainside, drawing upon energy stored in the jewel of his sword. A few bounds from the ledge where the blue Banner was placed, his energy stores were depleted, forcing him to use his own strength to fuel the energy-intensive spell. As his last leap brought him level with the ledge, he reached out and grabbed it. Gasping from exertion, he slowly pulled himself up onto the ledge and got to his feet. He dropped to one knee, temporarily exhausted and lightheaded. As he looked up, however, the sight of the blue Banner waving in the breeze a couple feet from his face invigorated him. Halfway to victory! Eragon thought excitedly, as he reached forward to grab the Banner. He turned back to the ledge and cried out with his mind, Saphira!
She began to ascend upwards, and the enemy defenders followed her, but in the blink of an eye she tucked in her wings, dropped below them, and flew madly towards Eragon. The defenders were right on her tail, and Eragon began to realize she would not be able to slow down long enough for him to jump on. So as she drew within four hundred meters, timing it carefully, he reached out to her mind, borrowed some of her strength, and with a running start he leapt from the ledge in her direction, screaming, "Audr!"
The magic took effect, and he soared upwards, flying straight towards Saphira. She began to turn around, and just as she completed the maneuver, Eragon flew over her tail and landed joltingly more or less in his saddle. Holding the Banner in one hand and drawing Brisingr with the other, he shouted in Saphira's mind, GO!
They took off across the sea, in hot pursuit by the Blue Team defenders roaring in rage. They got not even a quarter mile away when everyone slowed to a stop, Eragon, Saphira and defenders alike, fixated on a rapidly approaching figure. It was an elven woman with flowing dark hair riding a brilliantly green dragon, and holding a rippling red Banner in her hand.
Saphira whirled around, loosing a booming roar at the defenders, who slowly retreated. As a surprising calm settled over Eragon, he thought to Saphira, So this is it.
Yes, yes it is. She advanced towards the dragon colored of grass and leaves, and the Rider with similar eyes and sword. Once they were within a few hundred feet, Fírnen opened his mouth and released a jet of emerald fire at Saphira, which parted at Eragon's wards. As soon as the fire dissipated, the duel began.
Eragon had fought Arya before, and even bested her once or twice. It was not a new experience for him, crossing blades with her. Yet sparring on dragon back was vastly different. It introduced new, dynamic angles and opportunities and possibilities, while at the same time removing others. As they stabbed and slashed and parried while Saphira and Fírnen bit and clawed at one another beneath them, Eragon could not draw upon his previous experience fighting Arya, for there were simply no parallels between the two situations. While he struggled to grasp Arya's unique style of fighting in the air, she slipped her blade under his, twisting it around and flinging his arm out to the side. His chest exposed, she thrust Támerlein into his armpit and used the leverage to forcefully fling him to the side, and out of his saddle. As he fell, he saw Saphira release Fírnen and dive after him. But they were too close to the surface of the water, so Eragon brought his arms up and locked his hands together, and dove into the ocean waves.
He surfaced and saw a splash next to him as Saphira landed in the water. Swimming over to her, he slowly climbed onto her back. Once he was in the saddle once more, she rose into the air, and flew towards the island.
They landed on the ledge where the blue Banner was placed once more, along with the captured red Banner. Arya was standing amongst her team members, who were cheering her victory, chanting her name. When she caught sight of his dripping wet form, she quickly brought a hand up to her mouth to suppress a laugh. She walked over to him. "I apologize, I expected Saphira to catch you…"
"I'll be alright after a warm bath and some fresh cloths. Congratulations on your success!"
The corner of her mouth turned upwards. "Thank you, Master Eragon."
Only half joking, Eragon stepped closer than perhaps was necessary and told her, "Well, now that you know you are so talented at Capture the Banner, you must return next year to compete again…right?"
At that, her face fell. She looked down, then back up into his eyes. "Eragon, I wish—"
He would not know what she wished, for at that moment, a dragon with two riders on its back landed heavily on the ledge. Blödhgarm leapt from the dragons back, rushing up to Eragon and breathlessly said, "Shadeslayer! A message from your scrying room! Nasuada needs your assistance! It is an urgent emergency! Come quickly!"
! #$%^&*()_+! #$%^&*()_+~! #$%^&*()_+! #$%^&*()_+
Disclaimer: Inheritance Cycle ain't mine, got dat bro? Just borrowin' it.
Author's Note: Hoe. Lee. Crap. My fingers hurt…Okay, so yeah, we're back in Alagaësia, and there's a bit of a cliffhanger for next chapter. Don't feel like pressing any more keys, so I'll keep this short:
Review and lemme know what you think.
Please don't be afraid to correct me (on information, a character, etc.)
Me = brand-spanking-new writer. Would love any tips or advice you more experienced peeps have for me.
And…yeah. That's about it. Thanks for reading!
