Brom's Last Words

CHAPTER 71

A New Rider

Eragon was busy defending himself from a group of ten soldiers that would not give up when a flaming javelin burst past and desroyed one of the Empires command tents. Drawing into the energy of the men, he killed them, and looked back at the Dragon Wing. Dozens of conflagrant missile were rolling out of the ships ballistae. What are you thinking, brother? wondered Eragon, before finding and killing an enemy magician.

Soon after, a loud claxon came, echoing, from the back of the Empire troops, then more and more. Somebody began to beat out a rhythm on a drum made from enemy skin, and as everybody looked for the source of the sound, a shadow passed overhead, then dived down, barbed, before gliding away. At first Eragon thought it to be a Lethrblaka, the Ra'zacs parents. Then a gap in the smoke showed an image of glowing red scales. The image descended.

Eragon gasped.

Above them, floating on thermals, there was a sparkling red dragon. Its scales looked like red-hot coal. Its wings were the color of red wine, seen held before a lantern. On his back, a man garbed in polished steel, painted white to match the dragons teeth, claws, and spikes, sat. In both of their eyes, a gleam of horrible glee showed itself.

Panic rushed through Eragon. Galbatorix managed to hatch another dragon! Oh no!

Then the Rider raised his left hand, (the hand not holding his weapon of choice, a hand-and-a-half sword) and a shaft of fizzling, sizzling, multicolored lightning rolled out of his gedwëy ignasia and snared Hrothgar in the shoulder. The magic spread throughout the outside of his body, Hrothgar being protected by multiple spellcasters. Eragon knew that the magicians could not hold out for long, and sure enough, all of their energy was leeched away to no avail. Hrothgar's last words were addressed to Eragon. Don't let me die in vain. Win this battle and my spirit will watch over you forever. Just do it for m— The dwarves gave a great groan of despair as they watched the King and the mages die.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Eragon yelled as Saphira roared in anger. They glared daggers at the enemy Rider. I'll kill you for that, even if it takes my life.

Eragon knew that he and Saphira were too tired to fight this mighty newcomer. Eragon dismounted, and drew some energy from a dying horse and the Belt of Beloth the Wise, and an unprotected platoon of soldiers. It was enough energy. He felt almost as good as new.

The red rider landed on a platoon of Varden soldiers, not feeling their armor, weapons, or hearing their howls as she crushed them flat by pure weight.