Last Update: 3/28/15
Sorry about the long delay guys, but the next chapter has been giving me difficulties, and I'm finding myself constantly deleting what I've written. It's looking more and more like my tentative deadline of April will have to be pushed back, though I did notice some errors in this chapter and the first that I've fixed. I'll keep working at getting chapter 4 done, but I just can't get a good story flow going at the moment.
Chapter 3: Rekindled
As Saphira dove toward the battle, she angled herself so that the setting sun would appear behind her, preventing anyone from getting a clear view of her. In the time it took her to cover the distance to the aerial melee, Eragon was able to quickly survey the battle. Fírnen was faring poorly against the flying lizards as they clawed at his face and wings, and clung to him, dragging him down, though several broken bodies scattered on the ground showed that he was far from overcome. Arya was furiously hacking at a flyer that had landed on the dragon's back. The lack of magic and fire told Eragon that the riders and their mounts were likely warded against attacks of that nature. On the ground, the elves ring was tightening as they desperately tried to hold off the invaders. For the moment, the elves superior speed and strength was allowing them to hold of their assailants, but Eragon knew that eventually they would be overrun. Many of the elves had lost their horses as well, severely reducing their mobility.
Saphira twisted as she reached the melee, grabbing the lizard off of Fírnen's wing in her jaws. As she passed underneath the green dragon, she snagged another flyer in each massive forepaw and squeezed the life out of them. Up close, Eragon could see that the beasts were small, only the size of a horse, and despite their dragon-like appearance, they lacked the hard scales that Saphira had, instead being covered by a rough hide. As she passed out from under Fírnen she shook her head, breaking the screaming creature's spine before dropping the three lizards, their riders screaming as they plummeted to the ground. She quickly righted herself and twisted around to confront the swarm of creatures. Eragon saw Arya behead the monster she struggled with, but its rider managed to jump off and land on Fírnen's back. Taking advantage of her preoccupation, another lizard grabbed on to Fírnen's neck and drew back its head to strike Arya with its needle-like fangs. The emerald dragon tried to shake the beast off his neck, but his wounds were taking a toll on his strength. Eragon shouted a warning, but Saphira had turned toward a small group of the monsters near Fírnen's tail, who had scattered in panic at her appearance, and Arya couldn't hear him over the, so without pausing, Eragon broke the straps holding his legs and leaped out of the saddle.
Eragon seemed to move in slow motion, floating through the air while the lizard's fangs descended towards Arya. He managed to get his arms out in front of himself and as collided with the flyer, he grabbed on, wrapping himself around its neck. His momentum caused the creature to miss Arya by a few inches, allowing her to dispatch her other opponent. However, Eragon's weight was too much for the monster to support, and it was pulled off balance. With a shriek the lizards claws slipped and Arya spun to confront the new threat. She locked eyes with Eragon for a moment and he saw hers widen in recognition and she lunged forward with a wordless cry, reaching for him, but his weight dragged the flyer off of Fírnen's back before she could reach him, and they plunged toward the ground.
As they tumbled toward the ground, the beast snapped and clawed at Eragon, but he gritted his teeth and tenaciously dug his armored fingers into its leathery hide and with a murmured spell overwhelmed the monster's wards after several seconds and severed its spine. As the lizard became limp, Eragon kicked away and halted his fall a few dozen feet above the seething mass of soldiers. The monster and its rider slammed into the press of bodies below, crushing several men beneath them. As he floated above the battle, his cloak fluttering in the wind, he felt several minds reach out to his, but the Eldunarí rapidly intercepted them, allowing Eragon to focus on the battle itself. Even as he looked, he saw several figures collapse to the ground, obviously magicians who had been overwhelmed by the sheer mental power of the ancient dragons. As he surveyed the battle, he noticed that the circle of elves was completely surrounded, but the sea of enemies was much thinner on the north side. If the elves weren't being attacked on all sides, Eragon was confidant in their ability to fight their way out. He quickly constructed a spell that would serve his purpose, before letting the syllables roll off his tongue.
Drawing upon the immense power of the Eldunarí, Eragon reached into the ground and tore it asunder. The earth trembled and with a deafening rumble a great semi-circle of ground buckled and collapsed, taking dozens of soldiers with it, and placing a barrier between the elves and the army that sought to destroy them. Still hovering above the battle, he watched, pleased, as the elves finished off the soldiers caught inside the great horseshoe of broken earth, before turning and aiding their fellows. Eragon smiled grimly, and continued his work, collapsing the ground in long lines that cut off a small segment of the army from their allies. As the destruction unfolded, many of the soldiers fell back in fear as the earth opened up to swallow their comrades. While he hovered over the battlefield he was an easy target, and many archers took advantage of his exposed position, though his wards stopped everything that was thrown at him. Finally, Eragon stopped the spell, aware that he had used an enormous amount of power, and the thoughts of several Eldunarí had become fuzzy and indistinct due to their exhaustion. He lowered himself to the ground inside the vast arc of tortured earth, now deserted as the elves pushed toward the open end, having only a few hundred soldiers between themselves and a clear escape to the north.
As he drew Brisingr and his shield, he looked up ensure that Saphira and Fírnen were faring well, and was pleased to see that the number of flying lizards had been reduced by half. Even as he watched Fírnen caught one of the creatures in his jaws and shook it viciously, tearing it apart with his fangs. Tearing his gaze from the skies, he quickly trotted to the line of elves, saddened as he was forced to step over several corpses of the fair folk who had fallen. The elves were not a prolific race, and each death here would be felt keenly across their kingdom, especially since he doubted that they had recovered from their losses during the uprising. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he ran toward the line of elves and jumped, easily clearing them and falling into the mass of soldiers beyond. His feet connected with one of the soldiers, and he felt the man's neck break as Eragon's full weight came crashing down, rolling into a crouch.
Without pausing he swept his blade in an arc, cutting through the soldiers with ease. He quickly rose to his feet, and began clearing space around himself to allow the elves to push through, cutting apart soldiers with Brisingr and breaking bones with his shield. He quickly fell into the rhythm of battle, entering a trance where he focused on nothing in particular, but saw everything. He felt the shift in the air when a man tried to impale him from behind with a spear, and he heard the whistle of air over a sword as another soldier tried in vain to behead him. Within seconds dozens had fallen, and Eragon pushed forward, catching soldiers by surprise as he covered a dozen yards in a single leap.
"To me, elves of Du Weldenvarden!" he shouted across the din of battle, his voice ringing clearly. As he continued his butchery he noticed the elves surge forward, exploiting the breach that he had carved into the enemy's formation to flank the soldiers. Unlike human soldiers, elves rarely fought elbow to elbow, preferring instead to use loose formations to take advantage of their exceptional speed and strength. Having extra space allowed them to move and dodge as they needed to, and Eragon could tell that the invaders were having trouble coping with this unusual tactic. Their massed ranks and shield walls did little to protect them from beings that were strong enough to split shields with a single blow and dodge arrows and spears with without effort.
Dismayed at finding themselves cut off from their fellows and on the defensive, the soldiers began to panic and break, which the elves and Eragon rapidly took advantage of. As they made to charge the crumbling formation, a deafening roar flooded over the battle, and Saphira slammed into the ground crushing dozens of soldiers beneath her, and the soldiers will broke entirely. Many threw down their weapons and fled, while others cowered where they stood, terrified of the monstrous creature that had landed in their midst. Eragon turned around and watched as the remaining elves broke into a run, cheering at the sight of the massive sapphire dragon tearing through the remaining enemy ranks. The army behind them was struggling over the chasm that he had opened up, while horseman circled around the outer edge, circumventing the gap entirely. Archers had taken up better positions, and were launching volleys of arrows, though the elves speed and wards prevented any of the darts from striking their intended targets. He saw numerous elves helping along or carrying injured friends, and he moved to help.
"Here, let me," he spoke softly to an exhausted elf-maid who was struggling to carry an unconscious man. She stared at him, struggling to comprehend his words through her fatigue, before nodding her assent. He sheathed Brisingr and stowed his shield, and easily picked up the comatose man and threw him over his shoulder. The other elf staggered, and without hesitating, Eragon grabbed her by the waist and tossed her over his other shoulder, turning and jogging back to Saphira. She turned to regard him for a moment and snorted in annoyance, but said nothing, not daring to lower the barriers around her mind while so many enemies still surrounded them. He ignored her for a moment, and dashed up her back, dropping the unconscious elf into the saddle and his companion behind him, quickly strapping the pair into the saddle before dismounting with a leap.
Spotting another elf who collapsed as she was struck by an arrow, Eragon dashed to help. As he ran toward her, he saw another elf who was tiredly making his way away from the battle and he motioned toward Saphira and yelled for the elf to go to her.
Saphira, go! He mentally shouted after ensuring that the exhausted warrior had reached her, counting on the Eldunarí to shield his exposed mind as he reached out to hers. She whipped her head around and glared at him. After that stupidity that I just watched? She growled back. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I saw you fall? He felt her concern for him flood across their mental link, and he smiled, in spite of the moment, as he was again exposed to the depth of her love for him. Any time I leave you by yourself, you always manage to get into some trouble. If you think I'm going to leave you here with an entire army nipping at your heels, you're sorely mistaken little one.
Saphira, we don't have time for this! He exclaimed as he reached the elf and inspected her wound. The arrow had hit her high on her back, but it didn't appear to have penetrated anything vital. Saphira, if you stay here, those elves on your back are in danger. You need to get them away from here. Go! He carefully lifted the elf, who had passed out and started to run, his cloak flapping behind him, and glanced back at the army behind him. The elves speed had allowed them to put a considerable amount of distance between themselves and the swarm of soldiers, and the chasm that Eragon had created had slowed the invaders significantly, but they were starting to make their way over it and give chase.
And if you stay here, you'll be the one in danger. Or did you forget that army that's following you? She growled back at him. He looked at her as he made his way closer and saw that two more elves had joined the two already on her back. Above her, Fírnen was circling impatiently, obviously waiting for her to take off.
Saphira, I have dozens of Eldunarí bolstering me. I'll be fine. Now go! Some of those elves need help, and the sooner you reach safety, the sooner they'll get it. Follow Arya and Fírnen. I won't be far behind.
He saw her thrash her tail in agitation, before slamming a forepaw on the ground and launching herself into the air. If I don't see you by dawn, I'm coming back for you, she said sullenly, and turned to follow Fírnen who had begun to make his way north. Eragon continued to run, always ensuring that he remained at the rear of the ragged string of elves making their way north. He glanced over his shoulder and was relieved to see that most of the enemy had broken off their pursuit. However, he didn't slow his pace, worried that they might yet send cavalry or more of the flying lizards after them, thinking that the elves were too exhausted to fight, despite the challenges that the growing darkness would confront them with. Unfortunately, as he looked over the ones he could see, they wouldn't be far from the mark. While they pushed on gamely, Eragon could see that many were nearly collapse, after fighting a desperate battle and now being forced to flee for their lives. The reduced light would significantly benefit the elves, but it wouldn't matter how well they could see at night if they weren't strong enough to fight. In the sky, Saphira and Fírnen had rapidly dwindled until they slipped below the horizon.
They continued to run, putting as much distance between them and the army as they possibly could. Any time an elf began to flag and fall behind his or her fellows, Eragon would gift them with some of his strength to sooth their aching muscles and invigorate them. However, he was always careful to not donate too much power. The Eldunarí were mighty indeed, but he had expended a significant portion of their energy isolating the elves during the battle, and was loathe parting with too much, as he might need their power in the near future. On horseback or using the flying lizards, the invaders would have little trouble catching the fleeing elves, and he needed to be ready to fight them off.
An hour after the sun had dipped below the horizon, Eragon stopped at the top of a hill, and gently set down the elf-maid he carried, deeming that he had put enough distance between him and the invaders to tend to her. He quickly extracted the arrow, before unlacing the back of her tunic and examining the injury. Probing the wound with his mind, and forced the flesh to heal, knitting the muscles and skin together seamlessly and forced her body to produce blood at an accelerated rate, providing her with the necessary energy. After nearly ten minutes of work, healing any other wounds he came across, he sat back on his heels and took a deep break of the crisp evening air, before lacing up her tunic. He gently lifted her into his arms and resumed his trek northward.
Another hour had passed before the elf he carried stirred. He felt her stiffen against him, and he ran on, allowing her to get her bearings. "Where are we?" she whispered.
"I'm not entirely sure," he replied after a moment. "A few leagues north of where the battle was, which puts us several days away from Ilirea." He looked down, and saw her looking up at him with startlingly blue eyes, confusion written over her face. "How do you feel?" He asked after breaking away from her gaze. "I healed the worst of your wounds, but you have been a long time in waking."
She hesitated before responding. "I…was wary. I wasn't sure if you were a friend or foe."
"But no longer?" he asked, though he knew she couldn't lie in her native tongue.
"I do not recognize you, but only an elf could've healed me as completely as you did and still have the strength to carry me for any amount of time," she explained tentatively.
At her words, he chuckled. "Ah, but there you are mistaken. I am no elf." She stiffened, and he suddenly felt her mind ram into his barriers, but he easily warded her off without breaking his stride. He pushed back and she hastily tried to block him from her mind, but he brushed aside her defenses as easily as he would cobwebs. Peace, I mean you no harm. I am a Rider and a friend, he reassured her, using the same phrase as when he had first encountered Arya. He felt her relax slight and he gently withdrew from her mind, being careful to respect her privacy.
They continued on in silence for a minute before she hesitantly spoke. "I apologize for my actions, honored Rider. I was not aware that any of your order resided in Alagaësia, aside from Arya Dröttning. I cry your pardon for my foolishness."
"Think nothing of it," he said lightly. "I should've explained what I was first, before alarming you so. The fault lies with me. I have only returned recently, and few know of my presence here." As he spoke, he saw lights flicker into existence north of him, and he oriented himself to them, quickening his pace. They travelled for a few minutes in silence before they drew close enough to make out a small camp. Around several campfires elves were spread on the ground, all obviously exhausted. On the far side, he made out two large mounds which he deduced to be Saphira and Fírnen lying next to each other. He slowed as he approached the camp, nodding to the elf who stood watch at the edge of the light cast by the fires.
He reached the nearest fire, and gently lowered the elf-maid to the ground. "Thank you for helping me, O Rider," she said, as he straightened up. He inclined his head with a smile.
"No thanks are necessary. It is my duty to stand guard over this land and all its peoples."
He turned to leave, but her arm reached up and grasped his arm. "Wait. I would know the name of the one who saved me."
"I am called Eragon Shadeslayer," he said without turning. At his words he heard her gasp in recognition, and several other elves whipped their heads around, but he was already walking away. He ignored their reactions and walked briskly toward his dragon, pulling off his helmet as he went.
As he approached she lifted her head from its place next to Fírnen's, carefully so she wouldn't disturb the slumbering dragon, and regarded him with a large eye for a moment. You're still in one piece, he voice echoed in his mind in sarcastically, though he could feel the undercurrent of her relief. I think this may be a first.
He raised an eyebrow. I'm older and wiser than I was. I'm not as foolish and thoughtless as I once was.
Oh no? Who was the one who leaped off the back of his dragon, tackled an angry lizard the size of a horse and almost fell to his death? She shot back, snorting out small jets of blue flame.
In my defense, Arya was about to be eaten by that lizard, he said with mock indignation. There weren't many alternatives that occurred to me at that moment. He walked up to her and placed his hand on her snout. I'm sorry if I caused you grief, beloved. It was not my intention, but sometimes we must take risks to protect those who are dear to us.
Maybe, she accepted grudgingly, but do something like that again, and I'll have the elves sew you to my saddle in the future.
He chuckled at her words, but didn't respond, knowing that she had a very odd way of expressing her concern for him. They remained in that position, content to simply share a silent moment with each other.
After a few minutes, Eragon heard light footsteps behind him but he didn't move. The wind was gently blowing and his heart stopped when he detected the faint aroma of crushed pine needles that came with it. He turned and they stared at each other for several moments, both lost in their thoughts. She was garbed much as when he had first met her, in a functional leather tunic and leggings, though now a simple silver circlet restrained her hair. Despite the battle she had just barely escaped, she didn't appear fatigued, but he knew that Arya rarely allowed others to see any weakness in her.
"Eragon," she finally whispered, breaking the silence, and then surprised him by initiating the traditional elvish greeting. "May good fortune rule over you," she spoke softly.
Surprised that she honored him by speaking first, he quickly pushed the thoughts that had risen away and replied. "May the stars watch over you, Arya Dröttning."
"And may peace live in your heart," she finished the sequence. She started at him for a moment, appraising him further before continuing. "It has been a long time since I last set eyes on you Eragon," she said softly, averting her gaze.
Eragon half turned away and looked out into the night, letting out a sigh. "Aye, that it has. Too long for my taste, but I could not run from my duty. Regardless of my own feelings, the continuation of the Riders, and the entire race of dragons depended on me."
She tentatively stepped closer to him. "I do not seek to reproach you. You did what was necessary, even though it went against your personal desires," she reassured him. As she spoke, she glanced back and noticing the other elves who had watched this initial exchange, she hesitantly reached out and took his arm, leading him away from the camp. "I did not think that I would ever see you again, but then out of the sunset you come flying to our rescue. If you hadn't come to our aid today, I do not believe that I, Fírnen, nor any of the warriors under my command would've survived today, and for that I am in your debt."
Eragon made a noise of protest, but Arya waved away his objection and continued speaking. "Somehow these foreigners masked the presence of most of their army from us. When we ambushed them, we were suddenly surrounded by a force much larger than we had anticipated. Then those hideous lizards came out of nowhere, and we were overwhelmed. I had all but given up, and then out of nowhere you and Saphira fly in and save us. I didn't even realize what was happening until I turned and saw you drag that creature off of Fírnen. When I saw you fall I…what you did was very reckless," she finished, attempting to sound stern.
"Surely not you as well?" She looked at him quizzically, and he hastened to explain. "Saphira has already berated me for my foolishness. Sometimes I wonder if she will ever notice that I am no longer so young and stupid as I once was." Arya turned away at his words, but he thought he saw a smile flash across her face. They walked in silence for several minutes, the crescent moon bathing them in its faint light.
"Before you left, everything was so easy. But now…now I have no one," she said sadly. He looked at her questioningly. She hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether or not she wanted to tell him something, before continuing. "Everyone treats me differently now. I'm not just the Queen of my people, I'm also a Rider, and most people fail to see past my rank and position. Most of my life I have walked a lonely path, but not so lonely as the one I now travel upon."
Eragon nodded at her words. "Aye, I know what you mean. As we marched on Urû'baen, Orik said much the same to me. I supposed I've had more time to get used to the idea than the two of you have. Since I became a Rider, people always treated me differently, and it was always hard to get anyone to speak to me like a regular person. After the war, that became even harder. All people saw was Eragon the Shadeslayer, Eragon the Kingkiller, never just Eragon. However, know that no matter your titles or duties, to me you will always be Arya," he said with a smile, and she hesitantly returned it and stumbled as she stepped on a loose rock. Eragon reached out and steadied her, startled by her slip. He looked into her eyes for a moment and discerned the weariness she was trying to hide. "Come," he said, turning her back to the camp. "You're exhausted and need to rest." She tried to protest, but he silenced her with a look, and led her back in silence. After a few minutes, they arrived at the edge of the camp, and Arya stopped him for a moment while they were still out of the earshot of the elves.
"Eragon," she murmured. "Thank you. For everything." She paused and looked at the ground. "I…I've missed you greatly, and I'm glad you're here again." She favored him with a hesitant smile, but quickly turned and went to Fírnen's side before he could respond, and crawled under the dragon's wing to rest. Eragon stared after her for several minutes, pondering her words. Despite the chaos and death that the morrow would bring, Eragon felt his spirits lift. If nothing else, he had rekindled a friendship he had long thought lost, and maybe, just maybe, he had reawakened something else.