Aberon was a massive city, full of bustling life and strange characters. It was twice the size of Aroughs and twice as loud, something Natia quickly found out upon her arrival. It was a city filled with markets and vendors plying their trade and as much as she would have loved to spend the days shopping through the fine silks and exotic foods on display she could not forget her mission. On day 1, she and almost 200 of her followers entered the city, sporadically so as not to draw suspicion. They bought as much weapons and food as possible to convince the slaves to fight back when the time came, but they needed to do a lot of convincing. Within 3 days, another 500 of her followers had slipped into the city right through its gates, and another 1,000 through its sewers. Natia found that there were two guard rotations during the day and during the night and ballistae were always manned. With Aberon's three concentric walls she needed all three layers to riot and rally at the same time or it would allow Orrin's guards to dig themselves into the middle of the city. They couldn't afford that. By day 7, all 4,000 of her capable fighters would be among them. All they needed to do was wait for the right moment.

The tavern was quiet when Natia sat down in front of Bjorn. He offered her a mug of ale, but she declined. "What have you learned?" She asked softly.

"There are trained men in the pits. Slave gladiators who will fight with us. Over 500 of them." Bjorn said. "I can release them tomorrow night. They don't have many guards."

Natia nodded. "Anything else?"

"None that have been reported. We're ready."

"We'll wait another day." Natia decided. She rose to her feet and made her way up the steep, wooden stairs to the second floor where she had purchased a room for the night.

Are you well?

Natia smiled when she felt Akasha's presence against her mind. Yes. Will you be here by tomorrow night?

I am almost there. The wind carries me with speed.

Soon, we will take the city.

Alagaesia will know our names then.

Natia smiled as she got undressed for a bath. They will all tremble.

/

By the next night, Natia was ready. She dressed herself in black leather armor and sheathed her sword and daggers at her side. She equipped her quiver and grabbed her bow, following Bjorn out into the quiet streets. The darkness cloaked her soldiers, while she rode her horse calmly through the streets. All around her she heard the sounds of struggles in the night, the slaves crying vengeance as they were freed from their shackles and struck down their masters. Up ahead, a squad of Surdan soldiers formed a shield wall. She didn't even have to attack before the gladiators came barrelling from a side street, throwing themselves against the Surdans with everything they had. Natia watched her orchestration as she continued on her way, taking out enemies with her bow as she made her way into the center of Aberon where the lord of the city lived. Prisoners were dragged into the streets as she passed and her name filled the air. Bjorn and two other men came to her side as she came to the lord's manor and dismounted. They were met with resistance but she easily cut them down with arrows. The slaves of the manor did nothing to stop them as they walked through the house to the office where the self proclaimed Great Master awaited them.

He wasn't a very tall man, or a very a big one. He exuded a type of confidence that was instantly felt. But on this night, his confidence wasn't going to help him.

"Tell the rest of your men to lay down their weapons and free every slave in this city." Natia commanded, glancing around the massive office. It was draped in finery and gold, the walls covered in bookshelves and tapestries and paintings.

"Or what?" The Master asked. "Or you, a little girl, are going to kill me? You think I'm going to hand you my city?"

"You mean this pretty prison of yours?" She asked. "Where you drag men, women and children by their chains? Where they live in the dirt while you sit here in the home of your king while he is away?"

"King Orrin will have your head."

"King Orrin is halfway across the world." She replied, almost in a growl. "4,000 of my men and 200,000 slaves are rallying against your soldiers." She nodded to Bjorn, who grabbed the man and dragged him to the great balcony overlooking the city. She pointed to where Akasha was tearing apart a ballista and breathing great clouds of fire to incinerate his men. "Now, the most beautiful creature in this world is going to rip your ugly city to pieces. Unless you wish to save your people?"

The Master suddenly whipped out a blade and rammed it into the kidneys of one of the gladiators. He ducked Bjorn's axe and grabbed him, sending the man flying over the balcony to the hard stone below. The last gladiator attempted to catch him, only sealing his fate as the Master stabbed him in the back. Natia drew her sword and took a step back.

"This is my city, child. And I will not lose it. Neither will I kill you. King Galbatorix would pay handsomely for you and your dragon."

Natia! Akasha's call sent pain shooting through Natia's head. She could feel her dragon's fear and rage. A sudden boot to the side of her head sent her sprawling to the ground. "Jierdr!" The Master's fingers snapped in several places and he howled with pain. Natia rolled to her sword and picked it up. "You will lose. Surrender now." She commanded. "And I may spare your life."

The man smiled. "No. Ganga aptr!" The sudden burst of magic blasted Natia backwards. Her sword flew from her grasp and the air rushed out of her lungs.

The Master grabbed her by her hair and pressed a knife to her throat as he dragged her through house to where the rest of his soldiers had managed to gain control of the slaves. The streets were littered with dead, friend and foe alike. All of them looked to her as she struggled in vain to free herself. Akasha landed next to them, baring her teeth, but the Master pressed the blade harder against her throat. "This is my city! 200,000 bastards cannot defeat a trained army. Lay down your weapons and look upon your rebel leader as she burns. The very fate you all will soon face." He dropped Natia and took a step back. "Brisingr!" Flames sprouted from the air around Natia, filling her lungs, singeing her clothes.

That's when a familiar feeling came, this burning sensation starting to overwhelm her. Her blood turned to fire and a glow gathered in stomach. The dragon within roared. She breathed in the Master's fire, letting it fill her, letting it burn behind her eyes and turn them bright purple. Her enemy moved backwards, as fire burst from her throat, directed at his manor. It burned away the lush grass and blasted through his home, blackening the rock and causing it to crumble. Akasha flew forward, snapping the Master up in her jaws. She bathed him in fire until there was nothing left but ash.

Natia faced the crowd. "Drop your weapons, slavers, for the last time. There will be no other warning." One by one spears and shields fell to the ground. "My name is Natia, and this is Akasha. Tonight, Aberon is free of slaves. You all have won your freedom. Never again will a man, woman or child wear a collar in the kingdom of Surda. Never again will a man, woman, or child be bought or sold in Surda. Never again will a man, woman or child be whipped and beaten. Tear away your collars, burn them. Burn the whips and burn the masters that would wield them against you."

A moment later everything went black.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blinding sunlight assaulted Natia's eyes when she tried to open them. Pain lanced through her entire body when she tried to move. "Lay still." The voice of Angela commanded. Words of magic poured from her lips and removed the layer of pain covering Natia's body. Natia opened her eyes and slowly sat up with the assistance of her aunt. She looked around the extravagant room she had been placed in. Akasha, who had been laying in the center, playing with the fire in the fireplace, quickly swung her head around to nuzzle her rider affectionately. "Where am I?"

"A noble's home." Angela replied. She walked over to a table covered in scrolls and papers and pushed all of it around until she found two goblets and a bottle of wine. She poured them each a glass and returned, pulling a chair with her to sit directly in front of Natia. "Let's drink. To the one who captured the city of Aberon."

Natia sipped the wine, eyes narrowing. "You have more to say."

"Always, your highness."

"Highness?"

"You are the new queen of Aberon, the ruler of Surda." Angela put down her wine and looked into Natia's eyes. "Malthinaejierdr, Bindbreaker, Leader of the Free People, Conqueror of Surda, Dragonheart, Goddess. That's what they're calling you now. Songs are being written as we speak."

"I am not a queen. I am not a god. I didn't take the city for me, I did it for them. Aberon, nor Surda is mine, it's theirs."

"That does not matter. It does not who you used to be, because that Natia is dead. The girl who spent her days locked in libraries and exploring islands is dead. Who you are now, the girl who just wants to live in peace with her dragon, does not matter. All that matters is how they see you, how they believe in you. To them, you are larger than life now. You gave them their freedom and now you must address it. All of Alagaesia will soon know of your existence and your power, and this power will attract many kings, many queens, many enemies."

"I can't control it." Natia said.

"Then learn. Until then, the elves await."

Natia grunted as she stood up. "You are right...the elves can wait. I'm not finished in Surda. I've taken the country, I need to learn to defend it. I can't leave them like this. They're defenseless."

"You know nothing about defenses." Angela commented, downing her wine.

"I know. Any fool can read about battle strategy, but I need to see it. Learn it. I need to find soldiers and war veterans, anyone among my people who knows war."

"Leave it to me, dear." Angela smirked. "You just get washed up and dressed." With a respectful dip of her head to Akasha, the redhead departed.

Are you well, Akasha?

No arrows or spears touched me. We did well.

That we did. Unfortunately, we've only just begun. There is much to do. Natia approached her dragon and kissed her nose. When we are done here we have to go to Cithri and Dauth and see if the rebellions were successful. Then we will fly straight to Du Weldenvarden.

Fly?

Yes, fly. You're almost large enough. I need to find someone to craft a saddle for us.

Have it be purple.

There is no better color. Natia smiled. She left the room to bathe and returned to find a new set of black leather armor laying on her bed, along with steel graves and bracers. She got dressed and brushed her hair back. She grabbed a sword and went outside to see about the city.

The dead were being moved, the streets cleared and the blood washed away. Akasha assisted in moving any rubble and it was at this time that Natia took a seat on the steps of the noble house to watch her dragon. Akasha was growing fast. She now towered over all who came before her and her belly was full of dragon fire. Her scales sparkled in the light, harder than diamond, more beautiful than any other gem, more precious than gold. Her dam would be proud of the dragon she was becoming. She was starting to become quite vain, but that did not bother her rider, for she knew there was nothing in this world or the next that was more beautiful than her dragon.

Thank you, Little One. Akasha's purr brought a smile to her lips, but her attention was taken by the arrival of Bjorn, having to lean on the shoulders of two of his brethren after his fall off the balcony. A lone man walked behind him. Natia tilted her head as he approached, noting the calm, assured air about him, although his fierce gray eyes told a different story. They surveyed the area around almost a dozen within a few moments, as though he was expecting a threat to jump out from beneath any rock.

Natia embraced Bjorn. "Are you badly injured?"

"I have dealt with worse, my lady."

"I am not a lady, Bjorn." She smiled. "It is good to see you well."

"And you. I have brought the battlemasters you asked for." He said, gesturing to the men he brought with them. As he introduced them Natia found herself waiting to know the name of the man in black.

"And you sir?" She inquired.

"I am Murtagh." He replied, stepped forward, gently taking her hand as he bowed respectfully.

"Don't ever bow to me again...Murtagh." Now that he was closer she could get a good look at him. He was tall and fit and strikingly handsome. Thick black hair framed his face and beneath a worn suit of leather he wore she could see sinuous muscles rippling on his well tanned form.

"As you wish." Murtagh smirked.

"You fought with us?"

He nodded. "I did."

"Good." She looked at Bjorn. "I need to spread word to the people. Anyone who wishes to may leave. They will be given as much food and supplies as they can carry. No doubt many will go to the Varden."

"Most will remain." Murtagh said. "Surda was an ally of the Varden and with your uprising, it is now allied to no one. Those that leave may not find the Varden as welcoming as it once was."

"The decision is theirs." Natia replied. "Now, gather some men and assist me with a demonstration. Also, Bjorn, if you would, bring me the blacksmiths and leatherworkers." She walked to the side of the manor where an empty space lay, devoid of dead and large and solid enough for what she had planned. Bjorn and the battle masters departed to do her bidding, but Murtagh walked with her. He said nothing as he watched her.

"Am I truly that interesting?" She asked.

"Are you truly that blind?" A smirk curved his lips. "A dragon rider appears for the first time in many years, completely takes over the Surdan Empire and you truly do not find yourself interesting? You're strange."

"So are you." She retorted.

"What will you do, when King Orrin hears news of the loss of his kingdom and brings his army down on your head?"

A smirk graced her lips as she crossed her wrists behind her back. "What's a king without a kingdom? Orrin no longer seems to have one."

"And you will rule in his stead." He presumed.

"No, I am not a ruler. All of the cities in Surda will choose their own leaders and the kingdom will be renamed. The Free Cities of Surda, if you will."

"Free cities?" He chuckled. "Because they will always be free, and there will never be another Master."

"As long as I am here, there won't be." She promised him.

He nodded. "Good."

She narrowed her eyes at him, but the battle masters return with a small group of troops prevented her from prying further. "I need to understand battle strategy." She said, looking between each of them. "I need you to show me the different tactics. Phalanx, shield wall, battle formations. All of it. Afterwards, we need to fortify the city. Can it be done?" They each dipped their heads. "Then let us begin."

Murtagh gave instruction, commanding the troops into their various formations and the many ways to defeat each other in a series of scenarios. She studied each one, silently soaking in the newfound information. When the training session was over, the leather workers had arrived and from them she commissioned a saddle for Akasha. After that, came fortifying the city. She oversaw the repairs to the ballistas and helped set pitch and tar traps near the gates. Aberon was slowly coming to terms with its new position in the world map, a position that lacked chains and collars and whips and masters. A free position.

That night, Natia returned to the noble's mansion to find a visitor waiting for her. "Murtagh."

He dipped his head respectfully. "Hello, Conqueror of Surda."

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He held up a pitcher. "A drink. To celebrate."

"What are we celebrating exactly?" She asked, watching him open the door and strut inside.

"Life! Glory!" He shouted.

"You called me strange earlier today." She said, taking a seat and removing her shoes. A tray of fruit had been left by Bjorn and she happily ate from the plate while Murtagh drank a cup of wine. "So, Murtagh, from where do you hail?"

His expression started to darken at her inquiry. "Uru'baen."

"The King's capital."

"He's not my king." Murtagh shrugged. "I never voted for the demented bastard." There was a certain vehemence in his voice that betrayed something in his past, a personal connection with their evil king.

"Did you lose someone?" She asked.

"My mentor. Tornac. The king's guard murdered him. He was the only family I ever had. Now I have nothing and no one besides my horse."

"All I truly have is Akasha now." Natia said. "My father threatened to turn her over to the king for payment and my mother is gone."

"Gone?"

"Gone." She repeated, pouring herself some wine.

"And you? Where are you from?"

"Aroughs. There is not much to tell unfortunately. All I knew there was books and scrolls."

"I enjoy books and scrolls." He replied.

She gestured to the shelves and covered desks around her. "Then you read all of this and tell me what you find."

He looked around, eyebrows rising. "I think you're perfectly capable of doing so on your own."

She rolled her eyes and looked up as Akasha leaned her head in through the window, nuzzling her rider in greeting. Murtagh rose and bowed to her respectfully.

When your saddle is complete, we'll leave to go and see if the other rebellions were successful.

Good. Who is this?

Murtagh. Natia smiled. "He fought with us and has assisted me today." Akasha turned her head, examining Murtagh further. He returned her gaze, eyes full of wonder and awe.

He will do.

Do?

Are you hoping to mate with him?

Natia almost choked. "No!"

"What did she say?" Murtagh asked.

A chortling sound came deep from within Akasha's throat as she looked at Murtagh again. Do you owe allegiance to the Varden, Murtagh?

The man shook his head. "I owe allegiance to none."

Good. And with that the dragon returned to her nest outside. Natia glared at the retreating figure and rose to her feet.

"Thank you for the wine and the company, Murtagh, but I must rest now."

"Of course." Murtagh dipped his head and she walked him to the door before closing it after him. Over the course of the next week Natia's focus remained on fortifications and training with the sword. By the time she was ready to go to Cithri, Akasha's saddled was finished. It was time for her to ride her dragon.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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A/N: So sorry for the incredibly slow updates. I will try my best to keep this updated at least once a month at the latest and perhaps earlier. Thank you to those who're still reading this and I apologize for any mistakes.