sorry this took so long but im on brake now and i have the starts of the next few chapters written so expect at least one or two more this week
"Talking"
[Mind link]
(Thinking)
Zar'roc dropped from the sky and into the outer courtyard of the citadel "It's time the game began" he said before he replaced his mask of humanity he looked up at the gray dawn sky. He took a deep breath and walked inside. The massive double doors slammed open and the stones of the citadel rumbled as they sensed his return.
a few centuries ago his simply walking into a room had inspired fear the entrance back then would have had everyone cowering in the corners. This time however he was tripped his back landing hard against the wall. He glared at the maid and was about to go after her when he noticed the rest of the great hall and the swirl of organized chaos it was in.
Maids flitted in every direction. Footmen lugged pieces of furniture from one room to another for no reason he could fathom. Gardeners trotted in with armloads of freshly cut flowers. And at the center of it all like a maestro conducting a show stood Beale his Red jeweled Warlord butler his arms raised holding a long list in one hand as he made gestures to the workers around him with the other.
Somewhat bemused Zar'roc walked toward Beale hoping for an explanation.
By the time he'd taken half a dozen steps he realized that a walking obstacle had not been taken into account in this frenzied dance. Maids bumped into him their annoyed expressions barely changing upon recognizing their employer and their "Excuse me my lord" just short of being rude.
When he finally reached Beale he gave his butler a sharp poke in the shoulder. Beale glanced back noticed Zar'rocs stony expression and lowered his arms.
A thud immediately followed and a maid began wailing "Now look what you've done."
Beale cleared his throat tugged his vest back into place and waited a slightly flushed but once more imperturbable butler.
"Tell me Beale" Zar'roc crooned "do you know who I am."
Beale blinked "You're Prince Zicronium the Highlord of Kaeleer."
"Ah good. Since you recognize me I must still be in human form" Zar'roc said.
"Highlord" Beale asked
"I don't look like a freestanding lamp for example so no one's going to try to tuck me into a corner and put a couple of candle lights in my ears. And I won't be mistaken for an animated curio table that someone will leash to a chair so I don't wander off too far." Zar'roc said Beale's eyes bugged out a bit but he quickly recovered.
"No Highlord You look exactly as you did a few days ago."
Zar'roc crossed his arms and took his time considering this. "Do you suppose if I go into my study and stay there I might escape being dusted, polished, or otherwise rearranged."
"Oh, yes Highlord. Your study was cleaned this morning."
"Will I recognize it" Zar'roc murmured. He retreated to his study and sighed with relief. It was all the same furniture and it was all arranged the same way.
Slipping out of the black tunic styled coat he tossed it over the back of a chair settled into the leather chair behind his desk and rolled up the sleeves of his black silk shirt.
Looking at the closed study door he shook his head but his eyes were a warm gold and his smile was an understanding one. After all he had brought this on himself by telling them in advance. Tomorrow Evi was coming home.
Eragon sighed and looked around the room he now shared with Saphira, Murtagh, and Thorn.
The room was more than twice the size of the tree apartment he had in Ellesméra and was located in a secret section of the Vroengard castle. But as he looked around at the furniture and books that were scattered on two of the four tables and several of the shelves the place felt more like a prison than a safe haven.
Saphira, Thorn, and Murtagh were still asleep even though two days had passed since he had awaken Lia had told him that because he was Blood the drug they had used to knock him out wore off much faster than the others and that they would be asleep for a few more days.
Eragon still marveled at how much she had changed from the time he had spent with her when she was a baby and the memories Murtagh had shared with him. He knew Lia as the bold curious innocent child that he had seen from Murtagh's memories but during their meeting he had seen none of that innocence. Icy hatred stirred inside him directed towards Zar'roc "if I make you pay for one thing it will be for what has happened to her" he swore silently to himself in the ancient language.
Eragon's head snapped up and he instinctively shielded his mind as three people entered. Lia came in first followed by a man in a voluminous white robe. He had dark hair and eyes and deeply tanned skin. Trailing slightly behind him was a small child. The girl couldn't be more than ten years her long copper red hair flowed down her back matching the crimson robe she wore. She was young but her eyes were quick and full of intelligence.
"Eragon" Lia said as he rose. "How are you feeling" she asked.
"Fine" Eragon said.
Lia nodded and turned to the two behind her "this is Lord Rask Garadul" she said as motioning to the man.
("Lord") the word wriggled in Eragon's head like a snake as he tried to remember why. Sure the man was wealthy but he had the look of a worker or a fighter not a noble. ("Lord is the Blood's shortened title for a Warlord.") The thought hit Eragon like a bucket of cold water ("no he can't be") Eragon thought.
And this was true or at least that's what he thought until Rask Garadul said "a pleasure to meet you Prince Eragon" and extended his hand revealing the Orange jewel that rested in a silver ring.
Eragon didn't move he just stared at Rask. The man frowned and Eragon thought he saw something slither in the back of those dark eyes.
"I know how you feel about the Blood and I don't blame you. If a friend of mine betrayed me in the way Zar'roc betrayed you I wouldn't be too comfortable around anyone like him. But not all Blood are the same I have been with the Varden for years and despise Zar'roc" Rask said.
("You don't need to like him to work for him") Eragon thought but he shook Rask's hand nodding as he gave an apology.
"Rask is our Diviner he has a prophetic gift and helps us plan our strikes" Lia said. Eragon nodded intrigued.
"This" Rask said pushing the girl forward. "is my apprentice Kate" he said.
The girl blushed and curtsied to Eragon. His eyes widened as he saw the Red jewel around her neck. "It's a pleasure to meet you Prince Eragon" Kate said.
Eragon nodded to her and fixed his attention on Lia "are they awake yet" Eragon asked. "No not…" Lia started but stopped.
A reptilian hiss filled the room and someone yelled "die slaves."
Eragon turned just in time to see the man as he leaped from the darkness of the ceiling pulling something from his belt before he threw it at Eragon. He dodged as the blade lined clay disk flew past and raised his hand.
"Jierda" Eragon shouted at the same time as Rask and Kate. Bolts of power shot from their hands and knocked the man out of the air. He gasped and landed on the ground with a sickening crunch his body twisted at a strange angle his spine broken.
"Is everyone okay" Lia asked.
"We're fine" Eragon said.
Lia nodded knelt by the man and wrenched his hood away. Gasping in shock she stepped away from the body.
The man was tan with brown hair and eyes his features were completely unremarkable and forgettable or at least he would have been if not for the small patches of black scales that were growing on parts of his face.
"Did you know him" Eragon asked.
"He was our spy in Zar'rocs citadel" Lia said. "What did he did he do to him."
Eragon was about to say something when someone whistled. Eragon watched in disgust as the dead body started wriggling. Then the ring of the man's right hand split open and a small black snake slithered out of his body. It reared up as it looked around searching for something.
Eragon examined the small creature it was so small it had to be a baby its back covered in hard pitch black scales its underside was made up of soft dark gray scales.
Someone whistled again and the snake's head snapped around. It slithered towards Eragon he stepped out of the way and saw two things at once. The first was a line of black scales down the snake's back that were darker than the others and blazed with the inner fire of Black jewels. The other was the back of the snake's hood where a collection of tiny red scales formed the shape of a sword with two dragons coiled around it. He recognized it immediately as Zar'rocs crest.
He spun and saw the disk the man had thrown at him. The clay was broken down the middle but he recognized the runes that still blurred and shifted and the darkness that leaked from where the disk broke.
Everyone watched as the snake slithered over to the edge of a deeply shadowed corner and flicked its forked tongue at the darkness. A hand reached out and the snake slithered into it as the hand withdrew. A familiar voice crooned "you did such a good job Scylla."
"Who's there" Rask shouted at the darkness. Gold eyes winked into existence and everyone took a step back.
"You how did you get here" Lia asked her voice shaking slightly with fear.
"Am I here" Zar'roc asked stepping out of the shadows just enough to so they could see his face. "No I don't think so" he said.
"What do you mean" Eragon asked.
Zar'roc smiled "you really don't know much about the god blood that runs through your veins" Zar'roc said.
Eragon opened his mouth to say something and was silenced by Zar'roc saying "but your lack of knowledge isn't why I'm here" he said. "I'm just here to retrieve my dear Scylla and give you a demonstration of a bit of magic."
As Zar'roc finished a tendril of shadow shot out towards Lia. "No" Eragon shouted. Power rose from within him and shot from his ring in a blue flash that hit Lia in the shoulder and sent her sprawling just as the shadow passed the spot where she had been. But it kept going stopping when it rested on the head of the dead body.
"Crasous" Zar'roc said. The tip of the shadow turned cherry red before the shadow dissolved leaving a burn in the shape of an eye surrounded by a crest of horns.
"What did you do" Eragon asked. Zar'roc just smiled cryptically
"nothing that concerns you right now" he said then looked over at Lia. "You haven't told her yet have you" he asked.
"Told her" Eragon asked.
"The Twilight's emerald" Zar'roc said.
Eragon tensed as Lia asked "what" but he pretended like he didn't hear her.
"Well I better go it seems you have some things to talk about" Zar'roc said and turned to walk back into the shadows.
"Wait" Eragon shouted. Zar'roc turned back a questioning look on his face.
"What happened to you last time you seemed…" Eragon stopped as he searched for a word.
"What broken, weak, stripped of my sense of self" Zar'roc asked.
"I was going to say different but yes that was how you acted" Eragon said.
Zar'roc smiled evilly "well that is behind me now I traded that weakness so I could embrace the true power of the Soul Sworn" he said.
"What you call weakness made you human" Eragon said.
"And what is so good about being human" Zar'roc asked. Then he looked over at Lia opened his mouth to say something thought better of it and turned to walk away. "Struggle all you want Eragon in three months this will end one way or another" Zar'roc said before he vanished into the darkness.
For a long time Eragon stood there just staring at the shadows until Lia's voice snapped him out of it by saying "we need to talk."
Ven Krayson walked into the massive chamber that served as the council room of the Nine who were the leaders of the Sa'kagé. The room itself was crafted to inspire the primal fears of tight dark spaces and the creatures of the night. The soaring ceiling went so high that it disappeared into the darkness. The walls were lined with grinning gargoyles and small holes that seemed to have glowing red eyes glaring out from them. Lower to the ground and even on the floor itself were hundreds of small carvings ranging from wolves to tiny demons to snarling dragons. The Nine sat around a polished black table each in a high back chair that represented their job and behind them on a raised throne held up by three demon statures sat the Shinga in his black robe. His face like his Nine was completely covered not that it mattered Ven knew each by name and face. He stepped into the middle of the room and bowed "you asked for me Shinga" he said his brown hair and brown eyes gleaming in the light of the two torches that lit the room. Ven cursed silently as his disguise began to waver and for the briefest moment a hint of blue wormed its way into his eyes. Ever since Eragon had hit him with that blast of power maintaining his disguise had become more and more difficult. ("I can mange") he thought. ("I have had a long time to practice.")
"Ith the rider dead" one of the Nine a man named Corbin Fishill asked. He was a fashionable handsome man with a reputation for cruelty especially toward those children in the guilds he managed. The laughter his lisp might have provoked somehow dried up under the ever-present malice on his face.
"Things aren't as you expected" Ven said. He gave his report briefly. After going to Zar'roc Eragon and Murtagh had been expelled from the citadel and had then made their way to Farthen Dûr where they escaped Zar'rocs trap. traveling north they were captured by the Varden and from there he had lost their trail
"I would suggest" Ven said "that we quickly ally ourselves with the Varden that way if Zar'roc makes any move we can…"
One of the Nine a tiny former slave master named Ja'laliel interrupted "While we acknowledge your complaint Master Krayson we aren't going to squander our political capital on some seventeen year old girl who is in command simply because she may or may not be the former king's daughter so until we have more information we can't make a move."
"We don't have to" one of the other Nine said as she lowered her hood. Kathleen Kirena the Sa'kagé's Mistress of Pleasures was still beautiful though it had been years since she was the city's most celebrated courtesan. "We can get what we want by a simple show of force." Everyone stopped and listened. "send three or four Wetboys to the Varden when Lia sees that they won't kill her she will welcome us with open arms."
"And later that will give us leverage to reopen the slavery issue," the slave master said.
"I'll be damned if we turn slavers again" another said. He was a big man gone to fat with heavy jowls small eyes and scarred fists befitting the master of the Sa'kagé's bashers.
"That conversation can wait. Krayson doesn't need to be here for that" Corbin Fishill said. He turned his heavy-lidded eyes to Ven. "You didn't kill tonight." He let the statement hang unadorned.
Ven just looked at him refusing to take the provocation.
"Can you still do it."
Words were useless with a man like Corbin Fishill. He spoke the language of action. Ven walked to him. Corbin didn't flinch didn't turn aside as Ven came toward the platform though several of the Nine were clearly nervous. Under Fishill's robe Ven could see Corbin's muscles bunch.
Corbin kicked at Ven's face but he had already moved. He slammed a needle deep into Corbin's calf and stepped back.
A bell rang and a moment later two bashers in full armor burst into the room brandishing swords. Ven crossed his arms and made no move to defend himself.
"Thtop" Corbin Fishill shouted through his lisp. Corbin pulled the needle out of his calf with a grimace. "What ith thith Krayson"
"You want to know if I can still kill" Ven said and put a small vial in front of the little man. "If that needle was poisoned this is the antidote. But if the needle wasn't poisoned the antidote will kill you. Drink it or don't I couldn't care less."
"Drink it Corbin" Pon Dradin said. Ven turned to the throne surprised that the Shinga had spoken. "You know Ven you'd be a better Wetboy if you didn't know you were one of the best. You are but you still take your orders from me. The next time you touch one of my Nine there will be consequences. Now get the hell out." Pon Dradin said. Ven bowed and left.
Leaning against the wall outside the tunnel of subterranean chamber he sighed "how did it come to this" he asked himself.
"Well when you're the best those in power try to hold you" a voice from the shadows said.
Ven turned as someone in the same dark black and gray clothing as him stepped into the moonlight. "Kagé what are you doing here" Ven asked eyeing his former apprentice.
"The Shinga asked for me" Kagé said. he was as lean as Ven and almost as tall his light skin pale blue eyes and black hair made him look Khalidoran but that was imposable because Kagé was one of the few Blood employed by the Sa'kagé.
"Just get back from a job" Ven asked.
"Shadow job for some noble wanted me to make sure his mistress wasn't seeing other people" Kagé said.
"And" Ven asked.
"There's a fresh grave outside the city and one very unhappy noble" Kagé said.
"You botched it" Ven asked slightly surprised.
"No that was the other part of the job to kill the girl" Kagé said.
"I see well the Shinga is waiting" Ven said.
Kagé moved into the tunnel and stopped "bovarin root, telax seed, and silverleaf " Kagé said. "Those were the poisons on the needle you hit Corbin with."
"How did you know" Ven asked.
"Same one you would use on me. Not lethal but enough to make the message clear" Kagé said and without another word walked down the tunnel.
Zar'roc opened his eyes as his conciseness returned to his body. He was still in his study and only a few hours had passed since he had returned home. He looked up as the door opened and Vergil walked in talking to someone over his shoulder.
"Vergil" Zar'roc said.
Vergil froze dropping off mid sentence in his conversation as he turned "you're back" he asked. Zar'roc nodded. "But Vi said…"
"Never mind that" Zar'roc said waving it away.
"You're different somehow" Vergil said his head cocked to one side as he looked at Zar'roc.
"Am I" Zar'roc asked. "I hadn't noticed" he said with a sly smile.
"I uh…" Vergil started but stopped when he saw a hint of red flicker in Zar'rocs eyes.
("Don't pry where you're not welcome") the thought came to him and he wasn't sure if it was his own or Zar'rocs.
"So what has happened in my absence" Zar'roc asked.
Vergil was silent for a moment but snapped out of it quickly. "The siege of Khalidor is ready to leave on your word my lord" Vergil said.
"And in regards to the other matter" Zar'roc asked.
"We have found the ruins and the Meisters under Zina are working on it as we speak" Vergil said.
Zar'roc nodded pleased "any word from our Sa'kagé or Varden spies" he asked.
"Our Sa'kagé people tell us that they are planning to ally themselves with Lia. To do this they are sending an envoy of Wetboys to her" Vergil said.
"Who is among them" Zar'roc asked.
"None of our spies but the most notable among them are Ven Krayson, Hu Gibbet, and Kagé" Vergil said.
Zar'roc smiled but didn't say anything.
"As for our Varden spy" Vergil went on. "We have a report from two days ago saying they have the artifact you asked them to get and are ready for us to bring it back" he said.
"Good you'll go tonight" Zar'roc said.
"The island is patrolled constantly what if they're caught" Vergil said. "And besides you know we can't set foot on the island it's protected by powerful Eth'ilet magic."
"You don't have to go to Vroengard only the waters around it our spy has orders to meet you there" Zar'roc said.
"What about…" Vergil started.
"I told them you would bring a prisoner to use as an excuse if they were seen" Zar'roc said.
"Who" Vergil asked.
"send the new color wight we captured they don't know we have him" Zar'roc said.
"As you wish" Vergil said and started towards the door.
"Vergil" Zar'roc said.
Vergil froze his hand an inch from the knob "yes" he asked.
"Send in Rainer and when I'm done with him bring Alastor to me" Zar'roc said.
Vergil nodded and opened the door.
"And stop with the fear I'm not mad you did exactly what I would have done" Zar'roc said.
Vergil relaxed and walked out.
Zar'roc leaned back in his chair as he called in a long carved wooden box and a packet of papers. A knock sounded at the door and Zar'roc quickly wrapped the box in a sight shield before the door opened.
Rainer walked in bowed and sat across from Zar'roc. "You wanted to see me" Rainer asked.
"Yes I have a very important job for you" Zar'roc said and handed Rainer the papers.
Rainer took the first sheet scanned it then leafed through the others. "I don't understand" Rainer said. "They're all just students."
"Yes but they're the best at what they do so they will be the squad leaders" Zar'roc said.
"I see and what are your exact orders" Rainer asked.
"You are to travel to the schools of Thornblood and Silverfire well you are there marshal the Hunters. We are sending them across Alagaësia. They will be the search party for Eragon and Murtagh once they leave the Varden" Zar'roc said.
Rainer looked at Zar'roc for a long moment "this isn't just a search because I know you could find Eragon in an instant this is a route" he said.
"Yes" Zar'roc said. "I know Eragon and odds are he won't figure out the full meaning of my clues until it's too late so I have to push him" he said.
"Are the Hunters the only ones you're using" Rainer asked.
"No" Zar'roc said. "I have some of the demons looking already and the Four along with general Veocyn have started to consolidate our forces but that will take time and they are more for the battles to come than to search" he said.
"Who else" Rainer asked. "The Slayers and the Reaper" Zar'roc said.
"What" Rainer shouted "the kids from Shadowbane."
"Yes my elite agents trained specifically in the art of death" Zar'roc said.
"Well I better get started on these" Rainer said as he rose Zar'roc nodded.
"Send in Alastor on your way out" he said. Rainer nodded walked out and a moment later Alastor walked in and sat in the chair.
Zar'roc stared down at his son and Alastor fought not to fidget under the weight of Zar'rocs stair. Defiantly Alastor looked up and met Zar'rocs gaze for a moment they just looked at each other before Zar'roc chuckled and leaned back in his chair. Alastor stared at him in shock.
"what" he asked.
("You really are my mirror") Zar'roc thought but said "same defiance I had I knew you had it in you." Alastor stared dumbly at Zar'roc. Zar'roc sighed "I'm sorry for what I said last time" he said. "I shouldn't have dismissed your abilities."
"And I shouldn't have gotten in the way" Alastor said.
"That's not the worst thing you could have" Zar'roc said smiling. "When I was younger if I had tried to do that for Raziel he would have strangled me."
Alastor laughed and relaxed in his chair.
"I did call you here for a reason" Zar'roc said and removed the sight shield from the box. Alastor looked at it in surprise "this is the first" Zar'roc said and opened the box.
Inside the case was lined with black velvet in its center was a sword. It looked small enough to be a short sword its slim blood red blade shone in the light of the room. Twin spikes protruded from each side just above the hilt that was nothing more than a bar of metal wrapped in black leather.
"This is Rontaku" Zar'roc said. "I forged this blade two thousand years ago in the middle of a battle."
"How" Alastor asked.
"Its blade is made of pure magic" Zar'roc said. "Crafted in such a way that only I can wield it."
"Oh" Alastor said looking slightly crestfallen.
Zar'roc chuckled "ah you have so much to learn" he said. Alastor's head perked up "we are the same Alastor" Zar'roc said. "Two Blood cut from the same cloth as Jaenelle would put it."
"What does that mean" Alastor asked.
"Take the blade" Zar'roc said.
Alastor reached out grasped Rontaku by the hilt and reverently lifted it from the case. And almost dropped it when he saw the sword's guard.
Right above the hilt was a large ring that glowed with constantly shifting color. He touched it with his mind and his head spun as its power level shot from the dark power of the Raven jewel to the weakness of the White and back again.
"What is it" Alastor asked as he broke the connection.
"The jewel has no name it is unpredictable in its power level. It can go from White to Twilight's Revenge in a second" Zar'roc said.
"I noticed" Alastor said as his head stooped spinning.
Zar'roc smirked and rose as he took on an air of formality. "Dark Prince" Zar'roc said. "Do you accept Rontaku the Blood blade and all the rights and responsibilities that come with baring it" he asked.
"Yes" Alastor said as he did a spark ran from the tip of the blade down its length and into Alastor's hand.
"Then by my word as a Dark Prince when I return from Khalidor your formal training will begin" Zar'roc said then fell back into his chair. "Now that that's over" he said abruptly returning to his old self. "I have something to tell you."
"What" Alastor asked.
Zar'roc sighed "you know that with the power of the Blood jewels and my skills as a Black Widow I can see more of the future than most but there are some things barred even from my sight" he said. "So after enough of your training is complete both you and Evi will make the offering."
"But…" Alastor started.
"No" Zar'roc said. "You have had your jewel long enough to feel comfortable with its power. I know most people wait longer but there are a few things that set you apart for example you are a Dark Prince" he said. ("And you're my son") he added silently. "there are a few other reasons but the big one is that if anything goes wrong during the ascension or what comes after I might need your help and you will need all the power you can get" Zar'roc said.
"I understand" Alastor said.
"Good now go down to the practice room and test out Rontaku" Zar'roc said and frowned as he received an annoyed thought. ["I know you're still sharp as ever but it was a joke"] he sent back.
"Alright I'll go practice" Alastor said and started to walk towards the door.
"One last thing do you want to come with me to Khalidor" Zar'roc asked.
Alastor's eyes widened "yes" he said happily. Zar'roc nodded and made a dismissive gesture as Alastor walked out.
Elena yawned rolled over in the massive bed and snuggled deeper under the covers to fight off the chill in the room.
She tensed as something pressed down on the bed next to her. Slowly she shifted and called in the black dagger Zar'roc had given her and charged its conduit with her Raven power.
The thing on the bed shifted and she leapt spinning into a kick as she sliced the dagger towards the invader's throat. There was metallic pop as the thing vanished causing her kick to miss but as she spun it reappeared. Elena tapped her Talent increasing the force of her dagger strike. When the blade was inches from its target a hand sheathed in black metal shot out and caught the dagger.
She pulled at the dagger trying to get it free. A laugh sounded from the darkness "I missed our little fights" said a voice.
Elena stopped as power flickered in the room and lit it. She looked up at Zar'roc. He smirked and let go of the dagger.
"You're back" Elena said and hugged him.
Zar'roc coughed "yes" he said.
Elena laughed and loosened her hold.
"Why it is the people who love me always try to strangle me" Zar'roc asked.
"It's because you're insufferable when it comes to us" she said not trying to hide her smile.
Zar'roc untangled himself from her and lay back on the bed next to her sighing at its familiarity.
"So how was Gil'ead" Elena asked.
"Not bad" Zar'roc said. "I saw an old friend well I was there."
"Who" Elena asked.
Zar'roc smiled "Gareth" he said.
"What" Elena asked.
"He brought his army down on Gil'ead because he knew Luce wasn't there" Zar'roc said and smirked. "He didn't expect to see me of all people."
"And what happened" Elena asked.
"I left Vi and Thane with a couple thousand Khalidoran and demon corpses to deal with" Zar'roc said.
"Demons" Elena asked.
"Yes nothing but a few mid level traitors but I'm going to talk to Akaron about this" Zar'roc said. "I saw Sadi to" he said.
"In Gil'ead" Elena asked.
"No I went to the hall in Kaeleer" Zar'roc said.
"And the dream" Elena asked.
Zar'roc shrugged "that is behind me now" he said.
"That's fantastic" Elena said.
Zar'roc nodded "Elena I was wondering now that I'm back how about we go on a little trip" Zar'roc said.
"Why" she asked.
"I don't know what will happen after the ascension so I want to spend as much time with you as possible" Zar'roc said.
"Are you worried that the darkness of that power will corrupt you" Elena asked.
Zar'roc said nothing.
"It won't" Elena said.
Zar'roc just looked at her.
"Zar'roc you are so much more than just a dark Soul Sworn you've changed so much" she said.
"But have I changed enough" Zar'roc whispered.
Elena didn't answer she only scooted closer to him and smiled "so where were you thinking about going" she asked.
"I was thinking Rayouse rock" Zar'roc said.
Elena's eyes widened in surprise "you mean where we first met" she asked.
"Yes" Zar'roc said.
"That sounds like a good idea" Elena said. "When will we go" she asked.
"When I get back" Zar'roc said.
"Back" Elena asked.
"When I killed Gareth it should have thrown the Khalidorans into chaos but it didn't. Which means only one person could be leading them" Zar'roc said.
"Who" Elena asked.
"Paerik" Zar'roc whispered.
"That butcher" Elena shouted.
"Yes" Zar'roc said. "In about a week I will leave with a few squads from the Black guard, a couple dozen Mordsith, and Luce. We'll go to Khalidor and stop this before Paerik has a chance to do anything."
"I see" Elena said.
"But before that I'm taking you and Evi to the Keep" Zar'roc said.
"Why" Elena asked. "The citadel's defenses are fool proof."
"Our defenses are good but no place has defenses like the Keep and Paerik is no fool he'll send assassins to capture you and try to force me into a deal so I'm preventing him" Zar'roc said. Elena nodded. Zar'roc smiled kissed her and got up. "I have to go Vergil needs my help to get ready for tonight" Zar'roc said.
"Tonight" Elena asked.
"Are agent got the book" Zar'roc said before he walked out.
Vergil sighed and looked up at the dark starry sky "master Vergil someone approaches" one of the guards said.
Vergil tensed and drew a sword as he dropped into a fighting stance his balance perfectly matching the movements of the small boat he stood in. his sharp eyes probed the horizon in search of the danger. He relaxed slightly and sheathed his sword when he saw the small dark skiff gliding across the water towards them "lower your weapons" he said. The guards compiled immediately and sheathed their swords. ("Not like they need them") Vergil reminded himself. Which was true because every guard on the boat was either a powerful demon sworn to Zar'roc or an Afrit.
One of the guards rose and stood next to him moving silently despite the buckled covered red leather suit she wore. "Master Vergil perhaps you should activate his highness's disguising spells" the woman said.
"Thank you Rikka" Vergil said as he pulled up his hood and triggered the spells. "Though it's not necessary I'm quite familiar with this spy" Vergil said his voice becoming a deep almost demonic rumble as his face became concealed by a web of shadows.
"Do I have your permission to kill the spy if they prove to be a problem" Rikka asked as she drew a thin baton wrapped in red leather from her belt.
"Mordsith" Vergil sighed exasperently. "No the spy is far too important" Vergil said. "Besides your Agiel will have little effect on one of Zar'rocs torture demons" he said.
"I see" Rikka said slipping the rod back into the loop on her belt.
"But what if…" she started.
"Silence" Vergil interrupted as the skiff drew alongside them.
A figure in a white robe rose "master Vergil" the figure said bowing.
"Queezle" Vergil said. "A pleasure as always."
Queezle laughed the sound filtered through the disguise sounded like bones cracking "I came here for business" Queezle said. "Do you have the potion."
"Do you have the artifact" Vergil asked.
Queezle held up a small rectangle bound tightly in dark cloth "yes and I suggest you don't open it the thing nearly killed me when I touched it. If it wasn't for the cloaking spell the Darklord gave me I would be a pile of ash right now" Queezle said and tossed Vergil the artifact.
Vergil passed a hand over it and muttered a spell. The package glowed for an instant illuminated by silver light. "It's the real thing" he said as he handed the book to Rikka and produced a small vial of green liquid.
"This should hold you until Zar'roc manages to…" Vergil stopped as there was a thunder clap and green lightning flashed in the sky followed a moment later by the feeling of powerful magic being broken.
"Well" Vergil said retracing the vial. "It would seem you won't need this now that the seal is broken."
"Please I need it to restore my strength" Queezle said.
"Very well" Vergil said and handed over the vial. Queezle nodded and quickly guzzled its contents sighing like a cat.
"Now about the prisoner" Queezle asked.
"Ah I had almost forgotten" Vergil said and motioned. Two of the guards picked up a bound bundle and tossed it onto the skiff.
"What do you want me to tell them if they ask questions" Queezle asked.
"Just say you were out and caught him trying to sneak in or you found him or something like that" Vergil said. "We gave him the burn so they might suspect he's a Vamp."
"They don't know about the Vamps" Queezle said.
Vergil looked up thoughtful "pity but they will soon" he said. "Well Queezle it's been fun see you next time" he said then motioned to the guards they nodded and took up the oars and began to propel them back towards the shore.
Lia opened her eyes and found herself in complete and total darkness so thick that it seem tangible and boundless. Gradually it took on shape. The room was still dark but she could make out three corridors. The ones to her right and left extended further than she could see but the one in front of her it ended a few yards from where she stood. Lia thought she saw a door but all she could make out was a massive archway that was blocked by a legion of human like shapes. "Where am I" Lia said.
And as if in answer a dim golden radiance started to shine from the wall in front of her. The light flowed upwards and Lia saw the massive golden door and the demonic statues that guarded it. The light flowed outwards illuminating the area she stood in and the walls that were carved with pictures of death and despair.
"Magnificent isn't it" a voice said.
Lia spun drawing the dagger from her belt. Her heart leapt into her throat as she saw Zar'roc reclined on a nonexistent chair watching her with dryly amused eyes. "Where am I and how did I get here" Lia asked.
"You are at the epicenter of the end" Zar'roc said. "You are at the Gate of Judgment."
"You still didn't answer my second question how did I get here" Lia said raising the dagger.
"Ah" Zar'roc said as he saw the blade "you still wield your father's dagger" he said. "Though I can't imagine that the magic in it is of much use anymore" Zar'roc said.
"Why" Lia asked.
"For the past weeks my Mordsith have been torturing Roran to try to get the secret of where a certain person was buried" Zar'roc said. "He died seven times and each time I brought him back. When he finally gave me the location he begged me for death and in an act of mercy I gave it to him" he said.
The cold fury of the Blood filled Lia and she shouted "die you monster." then with a spring enhanced with Gray power she leapt forward the dagger aimed for Zar'rocs heart. She cried out as she hit the hard stone of the floor and the dagger fell from her hand. She rolled as she grabbed the dagger and watched as the cloud if mist reformed into Zar'roc. "What…" she started.
Zar'roc laughed "you still haven't figured it out yet" he said. "This is a dream I brought you here."
"Why" Lia asked as she regained control of herself. "So you could gloat."
Zar'roc laughed again "no" he said. "I just wanted to show you the instrument of your destruction" he said motioning to the gate.
Lia thought about that and the fact that this was a dream. "How did you bring me here dream magic shouldn't be able to get past the spells around the island" she said.
Zar'roc smiled "this is a different kind of spell that only works on certain kinds of people" Zar'roc said.
"What kind of people" Lia asked.
"Don't play dumb" Zar'roc said. "You think I don't know that both of your parent's families had duel bloodlines in them" he said.
"What do you mean" Lia asked as she paled.
"You honestly think that I don't know that well Garrow was an Eth'ilet that his sister Selena was an Afrit" Zar'roc asked. Lia paled more. "Or that even though the power skipped your mother that her father Sloan was an Afrit and his wife was an Eth'ilet" Zar'roc said. "Or how about for the first time in centuries someone with both aspects in their power has been born" he said.
"No it's not true" Lia said. "I'm nothing like you."
"Of course you're not" Zar'roc said. "You're far too weak to take the power of the Afrit that lives within you. But just because you can't use your power doesn't mean you aren't half Afrit and because you're half Eth'ilet doesn't mean you can hide from my sight" Zar'roc said as rose from his invisible chair and started walking towards her.
She hurled the dagger at him it passed through his heart and clattered to the floor. "You can't touch me" Zar'roc said. "But can do anything I want to you" he said and grabbed her arm.
Lia cried out as his hand burned her. Smiling Zar'roc pulled away and glided back as Lia tried to scratch at him.
"The darkness doesn't give up what belongs to it" Zar'roc said. "And that will make sure you return to us someday" he said flicking a finger towards Lia's still smoking arm.
"Damn you to the bowels of Hell" Lia said through clinched teeth.
"I don't have that luxury" Zar'roc said and called in Nemisis its black and red blade gleamed in the light from the gate. "Vakandi" Zar'roc shouted. Red light shot from the tip of the blade and hit Lia in the chest. She hit the stone wall hard as he heard a loud scream and then everything went black.
Lia snapped awake breathing hard. She spun as the door slammed open and Eragon ran in his sword drawn.
"Lia are you okay what happened" Eragon asked as he saw no one was in the room.
"Just a bad dream" Lia said as her breathing returned to normal.
"You're bleeding" Eragon said and rushed to her side.
Lia looked down and saw the sheets and her shirt sleeve had drops of blood on them. She winced as Eragon rolled the sleeve up to her shoulder.
"How did you get this burn" he asked.
Cold dread settled in the bottom of Lia's stomach. ("Please let it be a coincidence") she thought to herself as she turned to look. On her upper forearm was a deep burn in the shape of a hand and at the center of the palm two patches of skin were as black as freshly inked tattoos. Lia stared in horror at the two black snakes that were twined around each other.
"Do you want me to heal it" Eragon asked.
"No I can do it" Lia said and placed her hand over the burn as she washed her body with the power of her Gray jewels.
"What's that" Eragon said as he saw the snakes.
"It's called the Dark Mark" Lia said. "Zar'roc uses it to mark people so his demons can find them" Lia said telling a half truth.
Eragon hesitated suddenly self conscious about his own marked hand.
"You need to go soon" Lia said.
"What" Eragon asked.
"I think Zar'roc is using you to slip past the protection spells and besides time is running out you need to find the gate" she said.
"Alright I'll leave when Murtagh…" Eragon started but turned as the door slammed open and Murtagh along with half a dozen guards rushed into the room with their weapons drawn.
"Come on" Murtagh said. "we've got a problem."
Thanks to Restrained Freedom for your reviews and i hope others will review as well because i really value your opinion
Next time Eragon learns a truth about magic, the siege of Khalidor begins, but first Zar'roc must fight another menace that plagues the land, Eragon faces Zar'roc Alastor Zicronium in a fight to the death, and Eragon loses the fire.
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