Hey Guys & Gals just wanted to let you know that I was not really sure whether to continue writing this story, haven't gotten many reviews. So I ask do you want me to keep writing this story. The choice is yours.
Also I offer my apologies, English is my second language.
Chapter #4: A Tail and a Talon
"Yes I'm sure it's adjusted correctly. Stop moving." Eragon grunted as he tightened the saddle onto Antons deep purple hide.
It itches, and it's quite uncomfortable. Now I have a respect for horses with saddles. Anton sighed. I will meet you at the Varden.
Good luck my friend, whispered Murtagh in his head.
He stretched his wings, for some odd reason this feels familiar.
And with that parting thought he left into the wind. They watched him for a while until he disappeared into a low cloud bank. They slumped down into the warm sand where they setup camp for that night.
Saphira began to shuffle, what do you think the Varden will do to him once they find out who he is?
Eragon grimaced, I have a feeling we will need to help him out.
The following day Eragon decided to stick with Murtagh on the ground, Eragon I swear I will never understand why you would want to ride on a deer when you can fly atop the queen of the skies.
He smiled, I will tomorrow.
The day had nothing to offer but hot sand and rabbits, they wandered through the sand into burrows. When they stopped for the night none of them felt like doing anything, Eragon had a searing redness to his ears. The next day Eragon and Saphira flew the whole day, they spent hours drifting through the clouds when Saphira finally voiced what was on her mind. What do you think of him?
Murtagh? He is a good friend.
No, Anton, I worry about him, his mind is astray. He doesn't know how to use his new body properly either.
He will be fine Saphira, we will see him again.
As they broke through the clouds and made ready to land.
Hours passed and the night was quickly apron him.
Nightfall found Eragon and the others worn and dreary, but determined to continue. They headed through the hills, avoiding the tops of fear of being spotted by sentries. Saphira stayed with them on the ground for the same reason. Despite her larger size, she was quite stealthy; only her tail could be heard scraping over the ground like some sort of large blue snake.
The kept on until the sky began to brightened in the east. The sun eventually appeared overhead as the reached the edge of a steep bank covered with mounds of brush. Below, water roared past as him flowed over boulders and sliced through brambles.
"The Ramr!" Eragon shouted over the noise.
Murtagh nodded, "Yes, now we just have to find a place to cross safely."
That isn't necessary, said Saphira. I can carry you across, no matter how wide the river may be.
What about the horses? Eragon asked, looking up and her sparkling blue form. We can't leave them behind, and they may be too heavy for you to lift.
Saphira snorted at this comment. As long as you two are not on them, and the silly animals do not struggle too much, then I can carry them. After all, if I can dodge arrows from a fortress with four people on my back and live.
Good point.
After taking Murtagh over to calm the horses after they were taken by Saphira, she came back for her Rider.
Eragon dozed even while walking. He was barely aware that his two companions were just as drowsy. There were times when neither of them were really leading the horses, and it was only Saphira's constant vigilance that kept them on course. She was just as tired as Eragon, but he could sense in her the determination to push herself to see her purple friend again.
Eventually, the ground became soft and gave way under their feet, forcing them to stop. The sun was high overhead, and the rushing Ramr was no more than a fuzzy line in the distance behind them. They had reached the Hadarac Desert.
A vast expanse of dunes spread to the horizon like ripples on a lake. Scraggly trees grew on scattered patches of solid ground. In the distance, they could just make out a line of purple crags. Never before had Eragon imagined a more desolate landscape.
"Are you sure we will be able to find food for the horses out there?" he asked Murtagh. The hot, dry air stung his throat and made him parched.
Murtagh pointed to the crags, assuring Eragon they would find suitable grasses there for the horses to eat. Walking for a while more, they came upon a large dune that cast a sufficient shadow for them to seek refuge in for a nap. As they settled in the sand, Saphira coiled up next to Eragon and used her wings to further shield them from the sun.
This is a wondrous place, she said, stretching happily. I could spend years here and not notice the passing time.
It would be a nice place to fly, agreed Eragon.
Not only that, but there is plenty of space a dragon needs, mountains to roost and challenging prey to hunt. And the warmth! Cold doesn't bother me, but the heat makes me feel alive and energetic!
You like it that much?
Yes.
Then maybe when this is all done we can return here...all of us, he promised her. She hummed and held him close as he and Murtagh rested.
Meanwhile Anton was nearing the Varden's encampment. A du avasha un awra.
His physical forum diminished.
Instead he and the elf on his back became more of a phantom, they passed through the walls of the valley and came out to the right of the valley. He released the spell. He drew shaking gasps, he had flown for a whole day, not stopping once for any dentures, he landed once to drink but other than that they were uninterrupted.
His wings were incredibly sore. He stretched out on the ground panting, suddenly a mental presence pounced onto his mind. He threw the attacker out. The mind shattered, but quickly reformed with a sharp metal probe. He pulled the dagger out of its grasp and began to press down on his mind, it began to cripple, but his new acute hearing heard a good dozen bow's being drawn back. He instantly released the pressure he was placing on the mind.
Anton's eyes adjusted to the darkness he saw a man, pale skinned man. He looked at Anton, "Well, this is surprising."
He reached his hand out to touch his snout.
Meanwhile Eragon and Saphira were flying through some crags near the nearby town, she was fixated on reaching the Varden in the next one or two, and she could not get her mind off the dragon that left them a few days ago. We will get there Saphira.
Anton walked stiffly, swaying his tail side to side. They had admitted him, but only after confirming the fact that he had brought Arya. They wandered down the corridor, they continued down the tunnel for quite some time, until Anton thought they had been walking for hours. Finally, they stopped at another pair of massive doors, and the bald man turned to face him. "Beyond here lies the city of Tronjheim. You will remain on the ground and follow us into the city, understood?" A snort was all he got in reply, and he snapped his fingers at the dwarven guards. The doors swung open and Anton fought the urge to gasp at what was revealed.
They had traveled through one entire side of the mountain and now stood inside a massive crater ten miles wide. The peak, which leagues above, opened to reveal the blue sky beyond. In the center of the crater sat a polished white mound of marble. Not a mound, Anton realized, A city! Standing nearly a mile high itself, the city of Tronjheim had been carved out of a single enormous piece of pure white marble. The amount of time and effort taken to construct such a marvel was more than Anton could imagine.
The group continued down the stone path until they reached a tall gate guarded by two golden statues. Everywhere he looked, Anton saw the faces of humans and dwarves alike, their eyes watching him closely. Many showed wonder at his presences, while others – mainly the dwarves – frowned and scowled, and some even turned and walked away. Through the throngs of people they walked until they entered the city itself. Anton was lead down a hallway easily big enough for both him and Saphira to have walked side-by-side and still had enough room. As they entered a main chamber, Anton looked up, only to see the ceiling was far overhead. But it wasn't a plain stone ceiling; it was a gigantic sapphire carved in the shape of a rose, it's dusky color casting a cool red glow upon the rooms below.
He followed his escorts down a side passage and stopped before a set of wooden doors. The bald man crisply told him to mind his manners, as the people behind this door were the most powerful in the Varden. The doors were opened, and Anton slowly walked inside. He found himself inside a massive library, shelves of books lined each wall. Above, a second balcony with numerous sofas and chairs sat, joined to the main floor by an iron staircase. Behind a large oak desk sat a man with skin as dark as the night itself. He wore an unreadable expression as the silver dragon settled down in front of him. To his right, another dwarf stood, but this one was no ordinary dwarf. Upon his head sat a crown of gold encrusted with many jewels, in his hand a massive war hammer with a similarly decorated handle. Anton realized that this dwarf must be the king Orik had been muttering about to himself as they had traversed the city.
The bald man walked over to the staircase and joined another figure in the shadow. Anton had to keep from staring when he realized that the second figure was an exact twin of the man who tried to invade his mind, the pair of them watching him closely. A series of chills ran down his scaled back, and then the dark-skinned man stood and addressed him.
"Greetings, dragon. I am Ajihad, leader of the Varden." He spoke with a strange accent, yet his voice was calm and level. He gestured to the regal-looking dwarf by his side. "This is his royal highness, King Hrothgar, leader of the dwarven clans." Anton inclined his head in a show of respect.
I am honored. Ajihad studied his large form for a second before continuing.
"My advisors tell me that, although you claim you intend us no harm, you refuse to submit yourself to inspection."
Anton shifted mainly because Ajihad held his steady gaze toward him with the utmost suspicion. It is not out of disrespect, he said slowly. But my mind is my own. Also, there is information pertaining to others that I do not wish revealed until the appropriate time...for their safety as well as mine.
Ajihad's intense brown eyes never faltered as they held the dragon's gaze. After several moments of uncomfortable silence, he spoke again. "I can understand wanting to protect those you care for, however this places me in a difficult position. We cannot fully accept, nor trust you, unless you give us some explanation as to who you are and what brought you here."
He looked over at the twins. Mistrust prickled in his mind. He tried to think of some other way out, but upon finding none he brought forth the memory of his 'father' and the generals speaking with him he recited.
There is a league of Urgals heading this way, underneath this city, they will take this city unless you prepare for the upcoming battle, and your losses won't be high if you can prevent any delay.
"Are you quite sure of this, because if it were up to me to trust you, I would not. Your story sounds doubtful."
The twins sneered, "You still won't let them into your mind?"
I have given you all that I am willing to share. He said this time meeting him with a level glare.
Ajihad looked at him skeptically. "You leave me in a difficult spot, you will have to leave the city if you won't open your mind to examination."
Then perhaps a compromise? Anton offered, stepping forward slightly. I will surrender to you, to be held in your prison. He knew exactly what his friends would say when they found him. That way, regardless of what you learn about me, you can at least be assured that my intentions are not hostile towards the Varden. He shuffled slightly, not completely comfortable with the idea, but at this point, there was no choice.
Ajihad tapped his chiseled chin in thought. "And you will go peacefully?"
Anton swore in the Ancient language that he would but only for Ajihad.
Ajihad motioned to the guards at either side of the door. And the doors behind Anton opened at his summons and a quintet of guards filed in. "These soldiers will guide you to your cell." Ajihad explained.
He gave another incline of his head before leaving the room.
As he padded along, the intricacy and masonic beauty of the tunnels and buildings did not escape him. Nor did the fearful glances of the occasional citizen they passed. He had expected fear. Perhaps dread. It was something unavoidable, after all. Suspicion was a way of life for these people. It was too much to ask that they set it aside on a whim.
Setting that train of thought aside, he returned to viewing the city around him. Buildings and ramps, ledges and balconies. All emerging from the walls and tunneling into the side of the mountain as it spired up towards the top, capped by the great Star Sapphire at the apex, upon which, in turn, the Dragonroost area rested. Anton even spotted a curious drunken Dwarf staggering along a walkway on the far side.
But all good things come to an end much sooner than one might desire. And the same could be said for Anton's 'tour' of Tronjheim as he reached the cells. He gave a nod to the guards as they fitted his arms and legs with chains and quickly filed out of the room. They were quite thick. But had quite enough length for him to wander around the cell. Aimlessly. Anton simply slept for a two days and a half while Arya was recovering at the end of the third day she came to visit him. "I would like to thank you for saving my life and I am sorry for putting you in this situation by needing the Vardens assistance when you clearly would not be accepted."
It was my pleasure bringing you here from where we last talked with you, I can not say the same about my wings, they tell a different story. He smiled sending her an after thought of how sore they were.
Arya's smile filled the room with a warm light, "If I ever get the chance I will repay my debt."
Anton looked at her with a lopsided smile and reached his head out for her to touch. She stroked the scales on his nose gently from between the bars. If you ever need me you will know where to find me.
Arya smiled again and walked out of the cell room. A few minutes later a new guard wandered in, "Your friends is here."
He smiled, they made it!, send her in please.
The guard nodded, and began walking back down through the caves, leaving his post, Saphira padded in, What were you thinking! She cried angrily.
As I may have said before, but my mind is my own. None gets to enter it. Especially when it concerns your safety.
Saphira looked at him sadly after that, I get to have a warm bed and you get a cell, this is not fair!
Anton looked at her with an amused grin, well now you know I won't be going anywhere.
The two laughed for a few minutes, sharing memories and emotions they felt over the past three days apart, Anton felt a trickle of a new bond forum by the time she left for the night where eragon had departed to earlier.
He slept in a real peaceful sleep.
The next day he awoke rudely to the sound of armour shuffling outside. "Ajihad the dragon was correct, we have to let him out."
"How did he know about the army unless he was one of them, we can't have a traitor in the group of fighters, he could rip them to pieces."
The other voice wandered away grumbling, and growling between his teeth.
Ajihad quickly marched away. Not wanting to stand in this awkward situation any longer he attempted to access his magic when he found that the cell actually had engravings on the wall that prevented a magic user from using any inside.
He grew frustrated with his predicament, the longer he waited the longer everyone was vulnerable.
Pushing all thoughts aside he curled up in the straw, he huffed and sat down on his hind quarters.
Suddenly the ground began shaking, walls vibrated with the yelling of Urgals. He would be able to do nothing to stop them. Silently he slipped away into sleep while a battle raged around them.
A sudden explosion jolted him awake, the bars bent enough for him to wiggle his head out, he dove for his magic, pulling it in, relishing the feeling, he shattered the chains. And slowly became a phantom, slipping through the cracks in the wall, the outside was a mess, people dove at one another with swords, the Urgals were retreating back into the tunnels when he charged down the slopes, too late to catch any of them.
A searing pain exploded from his side, a small dagger. He looked for the one who threw it, one of the twins sat on top of a pile of bodies, his grin stretched from one side to another, men were just coming out of the center of the city to the battle zone as he charged the magician, knocking him far into another wall. Every single person was slowly marching toward him, he froze.
Oh ****. Anton thought as he watched the ranks forum. Every one of them had their eyes set on him. But from above something heavy struck him. The force of the impact knocked his skull into the ground and he fainted.
He woke up in a cell, just as big as the last one, he stood finding Saphira standing in the doorway. I am sorry, you were marked for death.
What? he said stretching his wing muscles.
There was a small line of people that ran out the doorway to the cell room. All of the faces were people he recognized. They were instructed to capture, but they were going in for the kill, they don't trust you.
Who?
The Varden.
Anton cursed under his breath. He was back to square one in terms of trust. He earned some, but destroyed it when attacking the Magician.
He attacked me, I was not willing to take chances.
Saphira snorted, looks like you won't be joining us for dinner.
He smiled, Eragon was ok. Gess so.
She wandered off casting a sad look back at him. Don't hurt yourself.
Ajihad came up next, "You betrayed my trust, although the twins insist you wish us harm, what really happened."
One of them assaulted me with a dagger,he shot a mental image of the dagger hitting him, And I defended myself, I would appreciate a little gratitude from someone's kingdom who I saved.
Ajihad looked at him sadly, "I do appreciate what you have done but you still won't open your mind for examination."
I have something to confess, I will never let anyone that I do not trust into my mind. Ajihad didn't speak to this instead he remained silent, his face a fortress where nothing was given or taken, guarded by intellect.
"I will think on these facts my friend."
Anton relaxed, Eragon was the next to see him, Don't you dare harm my dragon. And he sulked off, he was enraged. The fact that he may harm his partner of heart must have been taking a tool on his mental health he looked at him with a funny gin, Eragon scowled deeper.
Arya gave him a short message, "Don't worry, I trust in you innocence, I will not forget what you have done for us and will fight for you should Ajihad change his mind about letting you go tomorrow."
He inclined his head to show respect.
And he was left in perpetual darkness, he reviewed the fraims of when he was practically asleep, the bars bent, almost if someone wanted him to escape, the twin stabbing him. Nothing fit, the large majority of people were all at a party to celebrate their victory. None were even thinking of him probably, and he let the world lose its meaning for time, instead letting his mind slip away into ideas and fantasies created by the blissful realm of sleep.
Men walked with the two twins at their backs. Their minds were focused on one thing, the death of the traitor. The death of the dragon.
They approached the cells, one of the twins waved his hands over the eyes of the guards, the man slumped. The dark cloaked men were all seeping into the cell, they looked at the twins who nodded and unlocked the cage, a piece of leather floated up and wrapped itself around the mouth of the dragon, A lock bound it, they furiously kept the dragon completely asleep. As the dwarfs tightened the chains around the walls, he was immobilized, the twins stepped back as the dwarfs stabbed him in multiple areas.
Anton awoke to the feeling of a knife ripping through his scales. It penetrated all the way through tearing one of the muscles in his back. Another ripped cut through his wing membranes, and one cleanly punctured his skull, pain exploded between his eyes, he tried to roar but a muzzle securely kept him from doing anything but making a pathetic whimper.
The mental tie to his body snapped, it caused so much pain, but he held tight to threads that held him to life, but they into one rope, a line that kept him from falling toward a blinding light, a mental dim.
He watched as one of the Cloaked figures felt his body's neck, he gave the others a thumbs up. And they wandered away, he tentatively let go of the rope, it was there, even after he let go. The light vanished, he walked easily through a wall. The two men he saw on the other side were the twins, he struck at them with his palm, but no interference occurred.
It passed through them, "We did as you asked, now give us what we want."
The dwarf held out a glowing spear. A Dauthdaert.
No! screamed Anton as the dwarf handed it to the twins.
They couldn't hear him, furiously he focused on their skin, carving letters, etching them with the force of his mind in. I will have my revenge. The Dwarfs leapt and ran down the hall the twins vanished in twin clouds of smoke.
He popped up in front of the dwarfs, they couldn't see him. Again focusing he forced the doors closed, and they were trapped, he saw dust on the floor, quickly he reached for it pulling it toward him, dust pooled into his forum, he wasn't solid, but they could see him.
"By the gods no! Please!" one of them cried, Anton had enough, he changed into a human form's wrath and grabbed a dagger off the floor, running at them. With two quick slashes the one Dwarf fell silent.
The others shook with fear, he focused on their minds, I thank you for this gift. It is more than I could have hoped for, He let the kindness drain from him instead leaving a frame of destruction and hatred. He swung his dagger killing the remaining two of them, footsteps ran up the hallway. He dropped his focus on the forum, he was still burning with rage, he vanished and popped up behind Saphira, he needed to tell her what happened to him, an insane plan formed in his mind. He held back his thoughts, letting them build up, and then he let it go with a huge burst, HELP! He screamed mentally into the people's minds.
Some gave a start while others simply kept snoring, he found it amusing to have people who were so ready to believe the worst in him rush to his aid.
He vanished and popped up ahead of them, he reached and pulled his body's tongue out that was dripping in blood write on the wall in jagged bloody letters, I am sorry, I have killed the ones responsible for my death, move on Saphira please I . . . He groaned and let the tongue drop, he began setting up a plan, he could reconnect with his body and bring it back to life at any time. But for the sake of reason he couldn't let anyone know he was alive if this crazy plan was going to work.
He sat in the corner of the room, watching people open their jaws in disbelief, they checked his pulse, nothing.
Saphira howled through the corridors and Eragon held onto her neck to comfort her.
He silently slipped through the walls. Away, as free as anyone could be.
Hey guys dont worry, hes not dead, not in a way some would think of it, I just wanted to let you know how happy I am to have more people following my stories, thanks. If you have any ideas please Review and tell me what they are. You will be mentioned in the next chapter if they were added to the story, hope this longer chapter pays for all the delay where I thought the story was dead. I will start writing the next chapter the moment the first review comes in.
Thanks!
-SirCraftOBooks