Whew, this one was kinda fun to write. There's some swearing, but I don't think it's too much. This is rated 'T' for a reason. Oh yes, there's a huge time skip that doesn't seem to make sense, just go along with it, okay?
Okay, I was given a big speech by a freind about my lack of disclamiers, so here I go (big breath) I don't own any charaters from Eragon BUT I own..here it goes...Auka, Chev, Ellie, James, Endevor, Umbra, Cella, and whatever the golden egg holds. Which is actully a charater by the end of this chapter, (hint hint). Anyone who wants to use any of these needs permission. I have yet to see a plot featuring Galbatroix's brother's daugther, so I guess I could say I own that too, but well, I don't know. Can you own a plot?
Review replies!
Thanks
outhere101! My only reviewer for chapter 7. I tried to make it
surprising, hope I didn't just end up making it weird.
Ayra- I know the first few chapters are REALLY boring, I'm trying to make it more intresting though.
"There he is." Auka muttered, seeing the line of horses off in the distance. She hissed slightly as the wind picked up, lashing sand into her face. She and Chev had decided to approch from two directions. Auka alone, Chev carrying Cella. She watched as a horse parted from the line and loped over to her. She mentally winced when her dad swung off and glowered over her. If it wasn't for the now familer prescense of the elves, he would be yelling at her by now.
"And where have youbeen?" He glowered down at her with the anger of a father, not a teacher.
"Urm," Auka shifted slightly, "Off."
"Auka." He growled. Auka winced, mentally kicking herself.
"It's not-" She hesitiated, "Dad, we had to stay back."
"It's been four days!" He just about blew up.
"I know." Auka sighed in irritaition, "I-"
It wasn't our fault, Master. Both turned their heads skyward, It's something we can't tell you about until the elves are gone.
"Very well Chev."
"You trust the dragon over your daughter?" Auka asked drily.
"Dragons don't lie as much." Endevor replied, "And you should have told me, whatever this is." Auka rolled her eyes, but caught the glare in his eyes. No more.
"Fine." She fumed, crossing her arms. She wondered what the elves were thinking. From what she gathered, having children were miracules, and they proubly didn't yell at them like this.
"Did we miss something?" Ellie asked, she and James rode up.
"Ellie, sush." James advised, eyeing the two. Who still stood glaring at each other. "I don't think it's time to talk right now." Ellie mumbled in reply.
"No flying for two days." Endevor stated finally.
"What?" Auka felt her jaw drop, "It wasn't myfault! Chev had to hunt for the- the...uh..oh crap." She slapped her hand to her forehead. Endevor was now giving her a cirtical eye.
"The..." He prompted. "The what?"
"The...he was just hungry." Auka said. Endevor didn't even faulter in his gaze, "I just screwed up my words." She snapped.
"When you get mad your mouth goes lose." Endevor's eyes were now laughing, "What."
"Why do I have to be stuck with my dad." Auka moaned, "Why oh why?"
"It's a cruel twist of fate." Endevor replied calmly, "That's why."
"Ugh." Auka groaned, "Okay, but, uh, don't look shocked when Chev lands."
"Should I be reeling mad, or terrified stiff?" Endevor questioned. Auka debated.
"Extremly surprised, alittle terrfied, maybe just a little mad?" Auka offered.
"Does it have anything to do with the dead dragon you found?"
"Hell yes."
''Alright, I'm ready. James, Ellie?"
"We're good."
"Good. Chev, come down." Endevor mused. The green form of Chev cruised down, landing with a smooth cruntch. The whelp on his back idmeietely hoped off and rushed to her. Her bright orange scales glinting in the light. Auka winced as she found herself knocked down. She glanced at her three traveling compainions. Ellie's jaw worked soundlessly, James had his hand clamped over his mouth, and Endevor was as stiff as a...board.
"Warned you." Auka muttered.
"You are correct on what I feel. Maybe a tad more anger. But..." He ran his hand over his face, "Ah god, if there was a time when the elves weren't here, now would be the time." He glanced pointedly upward, "Come on!" He hissed, "Or I'll use a charm until I'm stone dead!" The elves left.
"Okay." He took a deep breath, "How'd you get the whelp?"
"Her name's Cella and she's the dead dragon's whelp. She's wild too, just loves me."
"Did you talk to her mentally, use her name, shortly after she hatched?" Endevor ventered.
"Yeah, I figured-" She stopped when Endevor slapped his forehead. "What's so bad?"
"She's imprinted on you!" He just about cried, "She see's you as her mother, and Chev as her father!"
"Oh hell." Auka muttered.
"Which also means, your the second Eragon." Endevor looked down at her in worry, "I mean the first Eragon." He sighed at the blank look he recived, "The first Eragon never was turly bonded to his dragon, the dragon was just imprinted on him. When other dragons offered him eggs, he came up with the phrase we use now. No one has ever been chosen willingly by a wild dragon to be thier 'imprinted' since."
"I don't know if she chosed me willingly." Auka muttered, trying to pry the thing off her.
"You can't make a wild whelp imprint on you." Endevor replied in amusment, "Just ask her to let go." Auka looked at the whelp,
"Can you let go?" She tilted her head to the side and chirped. "Er, can you let go of your mother?" The whelp idmetidely got off. "Oh my god!"
"That's proof." Endevor stated. "She's not going very far from you or Chev, so get used to it."
Three monthes later found them on the edge of the Hardac.Cella was flying above with Chev, while the rest scouted around. Auka, who was riding ahead by about a mile, was scanning the area when she saw the flash. That fallowed moments later wtih a painful removeal from her horse. As her head hit the ground, she heard Chev's bellow. Scrambling, she rolled sideways, struggling to her feet, then gasped as she felt a sword rap agaist her back, if she hadn't caught the tree, she would have fallen again. Putting the tree between whoever was attacking her, and herself. Drawing her blade, she looked around it. A familer face stared back.
"Murtagh?" She blinked breifly, "Shit. What are you doing here?"
"Catching you." Murtagh replied. Chev bellowed again, and she looked up. A slightly smaller, but bulkier, red dragon was attacking him. Cella was no where in sight. She gasped as she was pushed agaist the tree, then used a bit of magic to shoove him back. She barely blocked his blow. God, and she was easily two miles away from her dad. He continued to advance, and Auka struggled to block him. "When did you become a rider?" Auka asked, struggling to block his blows.
"A few monthes after you." Murtagh replied, managing a slice across her arm.
"My guess, your serving Galbatroix." Auka venetered, jumping up to dodge a swipe to the leg,
"Yes, the correct path, which, might I add, you will be taking."
"I don't think so." Auka replied, dancing back.
"Oh come on! I know your better than this!" Murtagh sneered. Auka stood about five feet away, staying light on her feet. "Don't want to hurt your old freind, hm?"
"Not really." Auka agreed, Cella, Cella, where are you?
Chev saw this new dragon just in time, I managed to hit the ground. He didn't see me. She replied.
Okay, stay hidden, no matter what happens to us. Auka replied, gasping as a wave of magic slammed her agaist a near by tree. "Damn. Your strong." She hissed.
"I know." Murtagh grinned, "All comes with fallowing Galbatroix."
"I've heard that talk before." Auka replied, "So, how's Umbra?"
"He's okay." Murtagh shrugged.
Dad-
A little longer. He advised, she knew he was galloping as fast as he could this way. But then she caught more movement. In the trees around her.
"That's good to hear." Auka replied, forcing a smile. Murtagh arched an eyebrow,
"Back at you, how's Ellie?"
"Why in the Hell would I know?" Auka asked, then winced as he pressed her even farther into the tree, splinters were digging into her back. Above her, his dragon roared as Chev bit him in the foreleg.
"I know she's with you." Murtagh replied.
"She's fine. Happy?" Auka asked.
"Yes. Your dragon's strong." Murtagh stated.
"Thanks."
"Much better than Saphira, Eragon's dragon, you've heard of him?" She tried to hide the smile that crept onto her face.
"Really? Never seen them." She gripped the dagger's hilt, she had been inching her hand down that way for awhile.
"Too bad, I- Blöthr!"She lept clear of the tree and charged him as he raced to stop the dagger from hitting him. It stopped inches from his chest, but he was already moving. The two clashed again, sparks flying up between the riders' blades.
The battle dragged on, both struggling to match each other, until she saw Murtagh's eyes narrow, and magic lept out at her. She gasped as her throat constricted. Stumbled back, she gagged, struggling to gasp out the right word. Her eyes were fuzzy, but she managed to choke out the right word.
"Two can play sneeky." Murtagh replied cruely. Auka stared at him,
"Jerk." She muttered.
"I don't know why a dragon hatched for you anyways. Your a girl."
"Watch it buddy." Auka warned him, straightening, "I may be thirteen and female, but I can still kick your ass."
"I don't see you doing that." He replied. Auka narrowed her eyes,
"Garjzla!" A bright flash of light filled the clearing. Murtagh cried out as Auka dashed forward, taking the tempory blindness to her full advantage. She hit his shoulder then gave him a boot in the butt, just to satisfy him. He hissed and backed away, blinking rapidly.
"Your still a brat." He scowled, "No more games, Auka, we're done."
"Very well." Auka nodded, turning serious. "It's a shame we're on opposite sides."
"Won't be for long. A chat with your uncle will change that."
"Huh." Auka replied, then grunted as Murtagh charged her.
Both were weakening, and Auka was beginning to wonder where her father was when Chev roared. She felt the pain and recoiled, breaking from the fight.
Chev! She cried, looking up. The red was latched onto his foreleg, ripping.No! That was it!she wasn't putting up with Chev getting beat up.
I'll help. Cella growled. They melded their minds, it felt odd, but Auka didn't care right now. Auka turned back to Murtagh, and he frowned, gazing at her eyes.
"Your dragon's eyes aren't red, they're silver." He looked worried. Like any rider, he would know her eyes would turn silver.
"You should be worried Murtagh." She smiled coldly, "We don't like it when you mess with family." He lowered his sword, but Auka charged. He grunted as he was almost overpowered. He just managed to dance away from her blade.
"What the Hell? Yournot melded with your dragon, so how in the..." He trailed off as he dodged her blade again. "Are you a shade or something?"
"No, just her eye color." Auka replied, twisting and once again barily missing.Cella, it's our rage, we have to contain it.
I understand. They froze, forcing themselves to breathe slower, to relax. Murtagh saw this.
"So the red rider needs help." A figure walked out, and Auka turned her head towards him. He lowered his hood, reveiling blood red eyes, which, at the moment, matched her's. "Your powerful." He stated. "Almost too powerful to keep alive." Auka switched her blade to her other hand and back again, studying him.
"How many shades does that basterd have?" She asked calmly.
"Quite a few." The shade smiled. "Come, Murtagh, let's take her down." Chev roared again, this time managing to snag Thorn's tail in his jaws. The red dragon was too bulkly to whip around and bite him back. Both charged.
If it hadn't been for Cella, Auka would have been gone the moment both teamed up on her. Even now, she could tell she was tiring out.
Where's Dad? Auka asked, glancing skywards when she had a break in the fight. It took a few minutes to reply, but Chev did.
They ran into trouble, with more shades. Chev growled, I don't know anything else. Pain viberated off his link with her.
Oh god. She gasped as she felt a sword go straight through her shoulder, and she stumbled back slightly, her free hand flying up to cover it.
"Got her." Murtagh said, studying his blade, which was now wet with blood, "Your like a snake or something, Auka."
"That's great." Auka breathed, Cella, this isn't good.
I know.
The orange dragonelle replied, But we have to
keep fighting!
I know. Auka drew her hand
back and shook it, her blood scattering on the ground. "Comeon,
I'm not done yet."
"I think you are." The shade replied, lowering his blade and raising his hand. Auka narrowed her eyes and charged, ditching her blade. The shade's eyes widened as she raced towards him, and she saw fear in his eyes just as her dagger slipped into his heart.
The wind sprung up, and so did the massive loss of energy. She stumbled back once he was gone, barely able to hold herself. But a new roar, one she didn't reconize, made both Murtagh and her look up. A blue goddess, as far as Auka was concerned right now, barreled full force into Thorn. Chev pulled away,
Cella! Out, me in! Chev ordered. The orange dragon obayed, and Auka felt the breif moment of exsaugtion before she felt her eyes change colors. Murtagh's eyes widened,
"What the hell, now they're silver?" He looked turly worried. Auka turned and stalked back to her sword, kneeling down, picking it up, and turning back, but Murtagh was already fleeing. Auka took a few moments to mentally pat herself on the back before she tipped her head back and watched the blue dragon circle down towards here.
"Saphira!" Auka cried when the blue dragonelle landed before her, Chev beside her. "Where's Eragon?"
He is coming. She purred. Auka sighed and stumbled towards her dragon. His foreleg was shredded.
"Aw man, Chev, why'd you let him do this?"
I'm not the most skilled in fighting. Chev admitted, But I shouldn't have let you be distracted by-
"Shut it." Auka ordered.
Heal your shoulder first. He ordered, blocking her from moving closer to his leg with his head.
"You big rock!" Auka growled through clentched teeth, "I'll have Cella pin you down!"
Cella is too small. Chev rumbled in reply.
Cella? Saphira asked.
"A new member of our traveling group." Auka replied with a grin. "Where's dad and them?"
The shades left, they're starting over, but James is in bad shape. The green dragon replied, looking alittle worried.
"Huh." Auka set about healing her shoulder, and had just started on her dragon's leg when she heard the bushes behind her rustle. She turned and felt a grin cross her face as Eragon stepped out.
"Wow, you've changed." Auka told him, "You look like an elf!" He did, except he still had brown hair and brown eyes, but those brown eyes were flecked with blue, like Auka's, except her's was silver specks.
"And you don't?" He countered.
"Overdose." Auka replied. "It's been along time."
"Almost a year." Eragon agreed. "How's Chev?"
"The rock?" Auka asked, "He'll be fine now that he finally let me heal this thing. Ah yes, you were with the elves, they've been scribing us?" She ventered.
"They wanted to make sure you were alright." Eragon explained as she chanted the words to heal the dragon's massive wounds. A silence fallowed as Auka finished, and, slightly short of breath, she leaned again his side.
"Well, it's annoying," She scowled, "some people don't like elves constantly fallowing them around." Eragon sighed,
"I didn't expect them to check every week, I thought it would be too much magic for them to do that." He admitted. Auka snorted, resting her head agaist Chev's warm scales.
How are you?
I'll live. Chev rumbled, closing his silver eyes. You?
Auka grunted, prying her eyes open and turning to Saphira. The blue dragon raised her head, snaking it over to the girl. "Saphira, long time, no see." She snorted, then looked up and snarled in surprise at a new figure that had slipped out of the woods.
Don't mind me, I'm just vising. Cella snorted. Eragon froze in surprise as she walked past him to Auka. Chev purred in greeting to her, touching noses, before Cella lowered her head to allow Auka to rub the scales on the back of her head.
"Meet Cella." Auka grinned to Eragon, "Three monthes old and driving me insane." She snorted and snarled slightly.
"Who's her rider?" Eragon asked finally after a long pause.
"No one." Auka explained, "I found her egg, and it hatched." Eragon and Saphira seemed to converse for a short time before everyone looked up as a horse trotted into the clearing.
"Eragon, hopeing the powerful mind wasn't anybody else." Endevor smiled slightly and nodded to the young rider as he swung off. His shirt was bloody, and a slash went clear across the man's chest, but the skin under it was already healled. "How are you two?" He asked Auka and Chev.
"We're fine, thanks to Saphira and Eragon." Auka replied.
"What are you doing down here, young man?" Endevor asked the younger aged rider.
"I did some scribing on my own and relized you and Murtagh were going for a crash course." Eragon replied, "Saphira and I took off without alerting any of the elves." Endevor snorted slightly.
"Not the wisest move." Endevor mused. "The elves won't be keen to forgive you."
"I'm aware of that." Eragon agreed. "I thought Ellie was with you?"
"She's with her dad." Endevor muttered, "He got a stab in the stomech. I think I've stabalized him, but.." He shook his head. Auka and Eragon both winced.
"Perhaps we can help him." Auka muttered, sharing a glance with the other rider.
"Not you." Endevor stated, "You just killed a shade, your lucky to be awake." Auka glared, but didn't argue. "Eragon, did you come with anyone else?"
"No." Eragon shook his head. Endevor nodded,
"Come with us if you want to." He said, swinging up onto the horse again, "Auka, Chev'll show you where the clearing is." Auka nodded in understanding, and the horse soon disappered.
"I was alittle worried Murtagh would capture you." Eragon stated. Auka looked at him, there was a dark knowing look in his eyes.
"Really?" Auka frowned, "We spent half of our time dancing around catching up on stuff. I mean, his little brother Umbra is doing good."
"Little brother?" Eragon's voice had risen to a squeak. Auka frowned at him, his face was pale. "How little?"
"10, 11, 12, something like that." Auka replied, "Is there something I should know?"
Eragon's father is Morzan. Chev growled, His brother is Murtagh.
"Oh!" Auka gaped at Eragon, who's face was dark. "We're in the same boat, Eragon, atleast you aren't related to the King."
"Morzan is bad enough." Eragon scowled. Auka smiled breifly at him,
"Are you coming with me?" Auka asked, rising to her feet. Eragon nodded. Chev, how'd you know?
Saphira told me, shortly after you metioned Umbra. Chev growled, allowing her to haul herself back up into the saddle.
"Gods, I'm tired." Auka muttered, eyes half closed as she tightened the straps of the saddle.
"You're better off than me when I killed a shade." Eragon said from where he had perched himself on Saphira. "I went out cold."
"Huh." Auka mused. Nither rider spoke as the two dragons lept into the air. The flight back was not very intresting, even though Auka felt herself stiffen each time something rustled benegth them, she could easily imagine a red dragon shotting out of the small patches of woods that numbered the land below them.
Does Saphira know that dragon's name? Auka asked her dragon. A short silence fallowed before Chev replied,
She says his name is Thorn. The dragon snorted.
That's a horrible name. Auka grumbled.
Maybe. Chev replied, But Endevor's spoken of dragons named Dark and Evil, too. Because the riders wanted 'original' names.
That's ture. Auka admitted.
Your almost forteen now. The dragon purred. Auka sat up in thought about that.
It's winter? She asked.
Yes, this is a very warm land, but can't you see the leaves? He offered. In the fading light, Auka could just barely make out the red and yellow leaves.
Wow. Didn't even relize that we took that long to go through the desert.
We were moving slowly. Just plodding along, most of the time. Chev folded his wings, droping slightly before he snapped them open and shot up, spirling into the sky.
Show off. Auka grinned. How far is this clearing?
Only about five more minutes of flying, my freind. He replied, twisting through the air like some type of snake. I'm just making it intresting- He broke off when Cella shot upwards, narrowly missing him as he rolled. Auka clutched on tightly.
Come on Father! Cella roared, Play!
Your not a whelp anymore, Cella. Chev snarled in amusement, but dove after the smaller orange dragonelle. She doubled back, barely missing the drake's open mouth.
Saphira! Play! Cella insisted. The blue dragon snorted out a bit of flame before she too teamed up with Chev to catch the young dragon. Cella was smaller and more manuvarble than either of the two adults, and always seemed to escape with only a breath inbetween her and the dragon who had almost caught her. The game cotinued, until a very amused Endevor called them down.
The three dragons and two riders landed, all out of breath. Auka was half asleep as she climbed off, and Eragon looked tired too.
"Your all kids." Endevor was stating, "All just little kids."
"I'm not a kid." Eragon muttered, "I'm almost seventeen."
"I don't mean physically." Endevor scowled, even though it was playful, "I mean mentally. Auka, get some sleep." He advised his daughter when she stumbled slightly. Auka glared at him breifly before she went over to Ellie.
"Whoa, the world is spinning." Auka muttered as she finally sat down.
"Sleep Auka." Ellie advised, "My dad'll be okay till you wake up. Maybe Eragon can help." Auka didn't argue as Chev walked over to her, resting his huge stomech next to her. With a grin, Auka cuddled up to the huge dragon.
You know, almost a year ago, I could hold you with one hand. Auka told him sleepily.
I'd like to see you try now, my freind. Chev hummed as she faded out.
When Auka awoke her dragon was gone, and Cella had filled in for her pillow.
"Where'd Chev and Saphria go?" Auka asked after peering around the clearing, Eragon was still there, atleast.
They had a fight. Cella sighed, Saphira took off, Chev had to fallow her.
"I see." Auka stood up and walked over to the fire that Endevor was tending to, at the same time the man was managing to check on James. "How is he?" Auka asked her father.
"Not good. A cursed blade got him." Endevor muttered, "Don't tell Ellie, I had to put her to sleep." He nodded towards a bedroll, and Auka spied Ellie's peaceful face.
"How's Saphira?" Auka asked the older aged rider. He shook his head, amusement on his face.
Chev? Auka streached out her mind and found his.
Your awake. The dragon purred.
How'd the fight go? Auka asked.
It is in the past now, my rider. Chev growled, We're heading back as I speck.
Okay. Auka shrugged, then turned her attention to her best freind's dad. His face was pale and his lips were blue, when she touched his forehead, it was ice cold.
"Poision?" Auka suggested.
"That's what I'm thinking." Endevor agreed. "I'm waiting for you two riders to gather your strength, perhaps all three of us can heal him." Auka looked up at her father. It surprised her sometimes how powerful the man could be. Even without his dragon he was a skilled magican.
"Why didn't you turn out like Brom?" Auka finally asked.
"Like a whitered old man?" Endevor smiled slightly, "Galbatroix plastered me with spells. I was kept a kid for a very long."
"Oh." Auka sighed, "How long will you not be a withered old man?"
"Oh, quite a while." Endevor looked at her with laughing eyes, "You don't get out of it that easily!"
"Darn." She sighed.
"There they are." Auka looked up at Eragon's words, just in time to see the two dragons land into another clearing to advoid sqishing James and walk back towards them.
"Hey." Auka told her dragon, who snorted and affectionity rubbed his cheek agaist her's.
"Alright. Eragon, Saphira, Auka, Chev, and Cella." Endevor clasped his hands, "Let's try this."
Five minutes later, the three riders, ex or not, sat beside James. Endevor, being the most skilled, would lead the group, while Eragon and Auka would back him up with the power. The three dragons sat behind them, ready to combine powers with their riders. They all had just closed their eyes when the familer elves came up.
"Ignore them." Endevor muttered. Auka and Eragon exchanged mildly amused looks before they switched back to concintraiting. Endevor started the spell, talking too low for Auka to understand, but then the spell was started. She felt it pull on her energy, but Chev and Cella replaced it quickly.
A long hour of this spell passed before Endevor finally broke it, all three humans reeled back, gasping for breath.
"Did it work?" Auka asked, trying to even out her breathing. Even with the two dragons helping, it had tired her out.
"I think it did." Endevor said in satisfaction, resting his hand on the other man's forehead. "He's not cold anymore. I believe the posion is gone." His own face was pale, but he looked relieved. Eragon and Auka, not really thinking about the elves, high-fived eachother in delight. "Don't get so excited." Endevor advised, seeing their victorious motions, "He's a human, and he has to fight this. I don't think I've seen a human who's lived through this." The young riders' faces fell. "Well, hey, you two don't like me lying, now do you?"
''No. But you can exsagerate the truth." Auka mumbled. Endevor chuckled. "Did anyone relize the elves are still here?"
"Yeah." Eragon sighed, "I guess I should apologize."
"Huh." Endevor snorted, "A shur'gutal apologizing to elves?" He didn't seem to support that idea. "I understand that you should respect them for protecting you and whoever your mentor is-" He held up his hand as Eragon opened his mouth to speck, "-I know your mentor has to be a rider, Eragon, I can tell by your training level." His mouth closed, "But, not that I'm saying anything, nor am I trying to change your view on things, the elves don't need a dragon rider apologizing to them. Nor should you have left without telling anyone." Eragon looked lost. "Though, I have one question, Islanzadi is still Queen, right?" Eragon nodded. "Huh. Elves last too long." Endevor mused, tilting his head back and studying the sky, as if he could see the elves. Then, he looked back down with a sigh. "If Murtagh got here," He glanced with some amusement at the stiffened Eragon, "then Galbatroix is only days behind. My brother has gotten cocky, think's I'm still a young boy who can't handle his power." Endevor smiled to himself, "So we're going to have to get moving again."
"Where?" Auka asked.
"Varden?" Eragon offered. Auka cast him a side glare, "Well, hey-"
"Eragon has a point Auka." Endevor told her before she could open her mouth. "You were raised in the city of Uru'baen, and you have adapted to that form of living. Sure, the Empire itself is a very stable government -Eragon, drop that glare - but Galbatroix himself is ruining it." He sighed.
"The whole Empire is screwed up!" Eragon snapped. Endevor studied him with a warm gaze.
"They're humans, Eragon." Endevor told him calmly, not bothered by the firey gaze, "Humans aren't like dwarves or elves. We're darker, always wanting more power, even though some pretend we don't want to. You yourself may be more elven than human now, but think about the thousands of humans out there. They like power, that's why we have money in the first place. Haven't you noticed that elves and dwarves don't use as much."
"You smashing your own race!" Eragon growled.
"I am, because I know it's ture." Endevor nodded, "I'm not a shur'gutal and I'm sure as Hell am not going to be one anytime soon, but I have noticed the shift in my beliefs as well. Galbatroix, before he went turly insane, I believe, wanted the humans to be like the elves or dwarves, but what he didn't understand was that that was the thing keeping the humans from being elifsh or dwarfish." He shook his head, "Is complicated. Unless you lose Saphira, which I pray to gods you don't, you won't understand."
"I don't." Eragon snorted. Auka looked between the two, choosing to stay out of it.
"Just think, Eragon." Endevor reached his hand forward into the flames, and much to everyone's surprise, it wasn't burned.
A sign of his power. Chev growled to Auka.
"The Varden is taking over the Empire in the same bloody way as the Empire took over the riders. Sure, perhaps they would be kinder and easier on the poeple, but there will still be a King or Queen having power over the entire race." Eragon didn't reply, he looked thoughtful.
"Then where do you lie?" Eragon asked.
"We lie no where." Auka put in before Endevor could speck. Her father nodded. "Your both fighting over power. Of course Galbatroix is mad and needs to be taken down, but...we aren't killing others for it." Eragon was still sitting, looking between them with a thoughtful face.
"Have you seen what the King does?" He finally asked.
"Of course I have." Endevor chuckled, "And that's why I don't side with him. But I don't side with the Varden due to the fact they've started this war." He shook his head. His emerald eyes seemed to glow with a grim dispair. "The human race is set to continue fighting, Eragon. You get rid of the King, more reasons to fight will grow withen fifty years. It's our nature. Ask an elf about it, and they will agree." Eragon 'humphed' and stared at the older man, who was serveying the hand he had put in the flame.
"But back on track." Endevor continued, switching out of the dark mood, "Seeing as I'd rather have Auka with the Varden then the Empire, your scheme sounds relatively inviting."
"I thought you partly supported the Empire." Eragon scowled. The ex-rider waved his hand losely in the air,
"The reason why I don't want Auka there is between me, Galbatroix, your late father, Auka, Chev, and an old elven elder named Oromis." He snorted, then serveyed the way Eragon stiffened and his eyes buldged. Endevor's hand lowered. Auka also stared thoughtfully at him. He only stiffened slightly at the mention of Morzan, but he was shocked.
"How...how.." He shook his head. Endevor smiled slyly after a few moments.
"How do I know Oromis?" He asked, serveying Eragon's body laungage. "By god, that old man is still alive?" He 'humphed' and glanced skywards, since they elves were still watching. "It was partly him that got my dragon killed, Eragon." He sat back, lacing his fingers behind his head, still looking skywards. No doubt trying to drag the imagine of the elder out before his eyes.
"Okay, I'm waking Ellie up." Auka jumped to her feet, uncomfortable. Eragon was still shocked, and Endevor was still staring at the sky, and it had been going on for a good ten minutes now. Shaking her head, the almost-forteen year old went to her freind. Mumbling some words that she hoped broke the spell, she sat crossed legged by her freind. Moments later Ellie's eyes fluttered open and she yawned.
"I feel like I slept for a thousand years." She mumbled, sitting up, "What's up-"
"Elves." Auka stated, "Elves, elves, elves. Big discussion."'
"Hm. And you let me sleep through this?"
"Sorry." Auka replied as Ellie stood up and crossed the clearing to her father. She let out a relieved breath when she felt his forehead and found it warm.
"It'll still be a long fight, Ellie." Endevor put in, finally breaking out of his staring contest with the sky.
"I know." Ellie replied, frowning down at her father.
"Eragon," Endevor hesitaited slightly, before continued, "Brom, where is he?" The blue rider scowled,
"He was killed by Ra'zac when they captured us, I barely escaped." Endevor winced slightly, muttered a few well choosen curses under his breath, and sighed.
"Dang." Endevor nodded, "Always hated those Ra'zac."
"I'm going to help my cousin kill them." Eragon said bluntly, "When I get there again. They have his future wife captive." Endevor stared at him.
"That's not very smart." He said finally, "Trust me as one who got a chance to pratice duel with them. They are intellegent and powerful, Eragon, they live to hunt elves. Seeing as your cousin, Roran, I believe his name is, is human, and you are only a young rider, it is best not to-"
"Katrina is in there!" Eragon hissed.
"If they haven't killed her yet then they won't." Endevor snapped, "Doesn't it seem odd that they are keeping her alive, dangling her in your face? Your going to get hooked Eragon, and I won't let Saphira get in the King's hands, if I was you." This time the glares were turned around. Endevor was giving Eragon his mad glare, and Eragon was stunned. Auka didn't blame him, when Endevor was mad he got cold and blunt, almost like his older brother. Ellie had once told her that it ran in the family, shortly after Auka herself had gotten mad at her.
"I promised him." Eragon finally mumbled. Endevor looked ready to flip, but he heaved a sigh and rubbed his forehead.
"I'm not your mentor, Eragon." Endevor mumbled, "Auka is enough as it is. Your old enough to choose for yourself between honor and life."
"Not to make this worse." Auka mumbled, "But they might kill Katrina when they don't need her anymore. Or Roran could get killed too." Eragon heaved a breath but forced himself to nod.
"Why did I have to become a rider?" He muttered crossly.
"I've asked the same thing." Auka nodded, ignoring the growls she got from Chev and Cella, "Endevor never answears."
"None of the older ones do." Eragon replied. Sure enough, Endevor was watching the two in knowing silence.
"Come on dad, please, tell me?" She asked. He just shook his head. "Aw man."
"So then, are you coming to the Varden?" Eragon pressed.
"You and Auka are going." Endevor stated calmly. Auka nodded for a few seconds before it hit her,
"What?" She lept to her feet, glaring at her father, who had predicted the reaction and wasn't the least bit surprised. "Dad, your coming with!"
"No. I have my own battle to fight." Endevor stated calmly, "Plus, I want nothing to do with elves."
"Well, nither do I!"
"Auka, you need to go. Galbatroix and Murtagh are riders now, Eragon can't hold his own alone." Endevor looked up at her, "Plus James is sick, and someone needs to cart him back."
"What about me?" Ellie pressed.
"Your going with them. I don't want to deal with a teenage girl more than I need to." Endevor replied, barely dodging the cuff Auka atempted to give him, "And that's my point."
"What are you setting up?" Ellie demanded angerily. "I'm not leaving my dad!"
"Ellie." Endevor hesitaited, "Check your pack. I can hear it from here." Ellie frowned, but obdeintly went to her pack, hauling out the gold egg. Eragon gasped, and Saphira snorted, but then they fell silent.
"What about it?"Ellie asked, then screamed as it shook. It hit the ground with a thump, and everyone could hear it, sqeaking.
"It seems it finally wants to hatch." Endevor stated. Much to everyone's amusement, the elfish prescene increased.
"What? No! I'm not some Forsworn kid, hey, wrong person dragon!" Ellie stated franticly as it shook.
"Forsworn kid?" Auka and Eragon exchanged midly amused looks.
"Well, I don't mean it like that, but.." Ellie's face was pale. Cracks were beginning to web over it, and everyone watched eagerly, even the dragons had risen up to their feet. It was squeaking even louder now, almost too much.
"Why's it taking so long?" Ellie asked. As if it heard this, the shell exploded. Everyone was forced to duck away as shell peices went flying in every direction, Endevor got a gash on his cheek from one peice. When everyone was brave enough to stand back up and to look up, Ellie was already out cold, with two golden whelps sitting on her.
"Oh no." Endevor stated as Eragon and Auka shared stunned gazes. "This can't be good."
"Two?" Auka squeaked.
"That would explain the exploding shell." Endevor muttered, healing the gash on his cheek. Auka looked closer at the whelps. They were both completely golden, one was smaller than the other, but they looked excatly alike. They watched as Ellie stirred, slowly opening her eyes and turning to glare at Auka.
"You really have to stop finding eggs, Auka!" She hissed. Auka stumbled slightly in shock. "What?"
"Your eyes." Auka breathed. Ellie frowned,
"What? Wait, I'm a rider, aren't I?" Ellie looked around, and her face darkened. "Two?" She asked blerily.
"Um, Ellie, look at me." Endevor ordered. The girl did, and his eyes filled with surprise. "Well, I'll be darned!"
"What?" She asked.
"Your eyes, they're gold!" He said. Ellie's old hazel eyes had changed to a rather surprising shade of gold that matched both of the whelps' scales.
"No way." Ellie blinked slowly, "My mind feels werid."
"Let me see your palm." Endevor ordered. Ellie held out her left one, and everyone saw the oh-so-familer shining palm.
"Man." She sighed, "No way in the world am I supposed to be a dragon rider!"
"Well, you are." Endevor told her calmly. She snorted slightly, then turned to the whelps.
"Then which one is mine? I can't ride two dragons, can I?"
"I don't think so." Endevor mused, "But it's very possible your connected to both of them. One could very much be like the way Cella is with Auka."
"Huh." Ellie frowned, looking at the dragons. "The only thing diffrent about them is their eyes!"
Ture. Auka mused. One had silver eyes, and the other had grey.
That's not it. The one with grey eyes is male, the other is female. Chev growled. Auka felt her eyes widen as she retold that fact to her father.
"That's ture!" Endevor noted after a pause, "The larger one is the female, she must have been in charge in the egg, so we thought the whelp inside was going to be female." His face was filled wtih thought as he stared at them.
Two days later and everyone was still staying in that clearing. Both golden whelps turned out to be a handful, and it took all three dragons to keep track of them. But it was going to be the last day, because both Auka and Ellie had agreed to travel with Eragon to the Varden's camp, Endevor would arrive eventully with James.
"Bye dad." Auka hugged her father, Ellie was already on Chev, while the two golden whelps, strictly ordered to stay beside or on Cella, flapped eagerly in the air. Eragon and Saphira were already in the air, watching for trouble. "I'll wait for you."
"I know you will." Endevor smiled, kissing her hair, "You be good."
"I'll try." Auka told him, finnally parting with him and swinging up onto the green beast of a dragon. Chev snorted and lept into the air, large wings spread wide to catch the air benegth them.
I can't believe I'm
leaving him. He's my mentor, for pete's sakes!
He is both our
mentors. Ellie replied as they flew away from
the clearing, We'll have to make that clear to
the elves. Eragon's mentor may be Oromis or whoever, but Endevor will
be our's.
They'll want us to switch. Auka agreed, And we won't.
I'm proud of you two for being so loyal. Chev growled.
Three weeks worth flight later, both whelps were resting on Cella's back and everyone was trying to think of a place to land. Already the desert was turning into plains. They were already across the border to Surda. It was amusing, retracing steps that took you about half a year to make in a span of time shorter than a month. But then they had been moving slowly, walking speed, resting for half of a day on their way over there, and now they were coming back as quick as they could, only sleeping and resting for half a night at most. Ellie was trying despratly to name the little female, as she had already named the male Storm, for his eyes. It had been the female that hard started calling her name, and Ellie was certain that Storm was the wild one.
"Speara." Auka suggested. She and Eragon had been giving the new rider suggestions, and now Auka was going back to the achient laungage.
"Hopes?" Eragon arched an eyebrow at her.
"Yup." Auka said, ignoring the eyebrow.
"M'kay, let's try it. My dragon, are you Speara?" Much to the delight of the annoyed riders, the dragon purred and rubbed it's small head on Ellie's cheek.
"Storm and Speara? Don't really go together, but I'm not aruging." Eragon said. Both he and Auka were just glad it was over with. "Anyways, if we leave now, we'll land in the Surdan capital by noon."
"Really?" Ellie frowned, "I'm still not used to the speed of dragons yet, I guess." Auka nodded,
"I know." She agreed, standing up. "Comeon, Ellie, Eragon, let's climb back up on these moutains." Chev and Saphira snorted slightly, but rose to their feet anyways. Cella called the two whelps to her with a few cooing sounds, and soon the whelps were resting on her back. Auka finished tightening her straps, and glanced behind to smile breifly at Ellie, who was riding behind her.
"Ready?" Eragon called, both girls gave him a thumbs up. Eragon nodded and Saphira was up in the air in no time. Chev fallowed, Cella taking up the last spot.
Noon came too soon, as Auka was concerned. She'd never much liked the political things that came with being nobles, or riders, for that matter. The capital of Aberon soon streached below them, and crowds of people were gathering to stare at the picture of three large dragons flying above them. Auka could feel the pride floating off Chev in waves, but the dragon restrained himself from doing anything fancy.
Can you believe it? Five dragons outside of the resistance. Auka told him, You and Saphira, Cella, and now those two twins. Seems to me the dragon race is coming back.
Perhaps. Chev snorted, These people, shouldn't they be scared?
No doubt Saphira's prescene asures them that we mean no harm. Auka muttered.
Over here's the landing feild they made. Saphira's voice floated through Chev's mind, and thus Auka's, Do you see it?
I do. Chev replied, and the three flying dragons angled towards it. There are elves waiting.
Eragon's going to be in for it. Auka told him as the blue dragonelle landed first. Chev fallowed, fanning his larger wings and landing smoothly. Auka and Ellie jumped off moments later, and Cella landed, crouching to let the whelps off. They went straight to Ellie, who patted them on the head.
"Stay with Aunt Cella." Ellie was whispering to them. Auka smiled to herself as she walked up to Eragon who was waiting for them.
"Good luck." Auka told him calmly.
"Thanks." Eragon replied. Ellie caught up, and the five dragons waited as the three riders crossed the field to the elves.
Auka and Ellie stopped a few feet back from Eragon, who bowed.
"Eragon," The woman, who was obviously the leader, stated, "you left with no warning."
"I did." Eragon agreed, straightening, "But I would think a sudden abscence would be better than three riders in Galbatroix's hold."
"You should have atleast had told an elf on your way out." The woman stated.
"Ayra, I know." Eragon said, "But I was in a rush." Ayra's eyes narrowed. Auka and Ellie both shared slightly annoyed glances.
I don't think I'll be liking the elves anytime soon. Ellie told her.
I agree. Auka nodded, and both turned back.
"Now where's your father?" Auka looked up and ment the woman's cold stare head on.
"He's back where we were with a sick man." Auka replied just as coldly. The two stared at eachother, and Auka thought she saw slight surprise flick across Ayra's eyes. Finnally the woman's eyes changed slightly.
"Very well, Shur'gutals. Your welcomed here." Auka looked past Ayra to a dark skinned woman.
"Nasuada ." Auka bowed slightly, "It is great to meet you."
"Thank you, Auka, is it?" Auka nodded, ignoring the surprised glare Ayra gave her. Auka knew what she was thinking. Here she was bowing to a human who wasn't even royal, and she had completely ignored the elfish princess. Well, she'd just have to get over it. Auka perfered to great humans above elves any time.
This, Auka, is a new start in life. Chev growled. Auka glanced back towards him. He stood proudly under the noon high sun.
Let's hope we don't do anything stupid. Auka replied nervously. So many high status people, I'm not sure if I'm ready for it.
You've delt with nobles and a King before, Auka. Cella put in, You must be ready to deal with it.
I suppose. Auka replied. She didn't add that she usually had her father hovering behind her. Eragon, Nasuada, and Ayra were still specking to eachother, and she listened to the formal politics.
Quite a few hours later, Auka snuggled deep into the bed she had been granted. She knew that, just outside of her window, Chev and Cella rested. On the other side of the room, the occasional sound of moving scales filled the room as Storm and Speara fought for a better position beside Ellie. At their age, they could do nothing silently. Outside of the door that led into the hallway, and down a door there, Eragon was in his own room, with Saphira resting outside as well. The day Orrin ordered a Dragon Hold built would be quite nice.
She was just starting to doze off with that thought in mind when she heard one of the twins hiss. She brushed it off, figuring that one of them got too rough. But she quickly tossed that out when she felt a cold metal come to rest agaist her neck.
"Get up, now." Auka peered into the darkness, but she couldn't see the figure's face, dispite her sharp eyes.
"Who are you?" Auka asked in a low whisper as she stood up. The person didn't reply as Auka was walked out of the room. She tried to reach Chev or Cella, but a wall seemed clamped between her and her dragons. It was another mind, a strong one. Growing worried, she went obdiently down the halls. This guy must be good, seeing as he managed to sneek into the castle, into their room, and now walk her straight out. Plus, he wasn't taking any chances, he had the metal dagger pressed so close it would cut her if she stopped or turned. "Okay then, where are we going?" Silence, this guy didn't want to speck. Auka tried to streach out her mind to reach any of the riders or dragons, but there were iron walls right infront of them.
What is this? She asked. obviously, it had been planned, for sure. Planned quite a bit. But who would know she would arrive short of the elves? Could it be the elves?
"Open the door." The guy hissed. Auka obayed, and felt the cool night brush her cheeks, but she barely felt it as her eyes landed upon the creature laying outside. Her heart stopped and her feet fallowed.
Sitting before her was a dragon she would have mistaken for Chev at first glance, but this dragon didn't have the dark scales she had grown so attached to. It's scales were like a jewl, even in the night's poor light. The emerald dragon looked down at her, mouth open in a snarl. She could just make out dark green eyes studying her.
"We can't have two green riders, now can we?" The voice asked. Auka shivered slightly at his cold voice, even as the dagger was pressed harder agaist her neck.
"Who are you?" She whispered, shaking.
There! I'm sorry, I have to stop. Review, I want to hear your guesses on who he is. He hadn't been metioned yet in the story, but he's related to some people who have. :) Some people keep awful secrets. (wink wink)
