Chapter 9

Upon reaching Ilirea Eragon had discerned the cause of the plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Almost the entirety of the lower ring of the city was in flames, and from the looks of things there wasn't much of a chance of the flames dying out before they made it to the second ring.

What could have caused this? Eragon asked Saphira as they circled above the city, looking for anywhere that they could safely land to be of any help.

I do not know little one. Can you sense if anyone started this, or knows of the one responsible? Saphira responded.

Eragon shook his head. No, at least not right now. Everyone is too worked up, to afraid at the moment to think of anything else. Perhaps after the fires have been dealt with and everyone has had time to begin to calm down, but I doubt we will be able to learn of anything before then.

Saphira snorted in annoyance and banked to the right as she flew through a plume of smoke causing Eragon's eyes to water and a cough to escape his throat. Is there anything you can do to put them out?

Eragon was silent as he searched his memory for any possible words in the ancient language that would put an end to the flames. It's possible, but I would rather be sure before I try anything. He then reached out with his mind to the packs resting behind him and inquired of Glaedr's Eldunari and told him of his plan.

Glaedr was silent for a moment, pondering if the made up spell would work before he answered. Your wording of the spell is correct. If I were you Shadeslayer I would not waste any more time and commence with your spell before the flames get even more out of hand.

Saphira, I may require some of your strength for this to work.

You need not ask little one, it is yours little one.

Eragon nodded and raised his hand then shouted "Blöthr du Brisingr un Brakka du Istalrí." (Stop the Fire and Reduce the Flames). Almost instantly Eragon felt and saw the magic he was performing taking affect, as the flames came to a complete halt and began to die out his energy seemed to be leaving him and he was forced to use Saphira's large store of energy far faster than he had anticipated.

Cheers were soon heard from below them as the last of the flames died out and Eragon finally slumped back into Saphira's saddle, completely worn out and feeling as if he had run all the way back to Ilirea.

You did well Shadeslayer, you should be proud of yourself and what you have done this day. Glaedr said before removing his consciousness from Eragon's.

Glaedr-elda is correct Little One. You did well, now rest, you have earned it. Saphira said and Eragon could feel the love and pride she had for him through their link.

After I have found the reason for the fire, I promise I will rest Saphira. Eragon said knowing she was not happy with his choice but she didn't say anything about it.

Once again Eragon searched with his mind for the cause of the fire, but unlike the last time he had tried this time the majority of the feelings washing over him were of happiness and gratitude. However there was one mind that was radiating frustration and Eragon knew that the person that possessed the mind was the cause.

Saphira quickly took off for the second ring of the city before he had even instructed her to do so and released a mighty roar and a jet of flame, challenging the one they pursued.

In the back of his head Eragon wondered where Arya, Murtagh, and the other riders and their dragons were but a flash of forest green and earthen brown scales to his right answered his question. Arya and the Dwarf Owarf of Durgrimst Ingeitum pulled alongside of them and nodded to them.

Ebrithil, Queen Nasuada is safe, her men the Nighthawks guard her citadel and will not let anyone within a hundred yards without her or Murtagh-elda's word. Owarf informed him. What are your orders for us?

Take Gastakv to the lower ring of the city and help where you can. Inform Vancir and Linora to tend to the injured. And have Helen and Cantella lead Mirna, Tellus, and Lornia to Leona Lake to collect all the water they can, the wells of the city will not be able to accommodate the present need. Eragon ordered the Dwarf who nodded and took off, Tellus' wings beating harder as they flew off in search of their fellow students.

And what would you have Firnen and I do Eragon? Arya asked.

Your aid in bringing the one responsible to justice would be appreciated. Eragon said and Arya nodded. A moment later Eragon noticed a cloaked figure winding its way through the side streets and he pointed him out to Arya who nodded and unsheathed Tamerlein and Eragon did the same with Brisngr. Saphira and Firnen both began to dive towards the streets and Eragon noticed the figure look up at them and quicken his pace.

As they came to street level Eragon jumped from Saphira's back, Arya doing the same from Firnen's and they both landed in a roll then took off after the figure, Saphira and Firnen taking off again so they could follow the man's path from above.

With their enhanced speed both Eragon and Arya soon came into sight of the one they were pursuing. The man quickly turned to his right and Eragon Arya followed him, Eragon smirking as he noticed that they had all run into a dead end. "You have nowhere else to run. Now why don't you tell us why you have done this."

"You question my reasons rider, ha, you would not understand. You who has everything a man could desire, fame, power, prestige," his eyes landing on Arya, "A woman to call your own."

"These things matter not." Eragon said as Saphira and Firnen landed on the buildings surrounding them.

"But they do, they always do. Why do you think the Surdan king would bring yet another war to the doorsteps of the empire." At the surprised looks that flashed across Eragon and Arya's faces the man's grin deepened. "Oh yes, I know of that."

"How?" Arya asked.

"The knowledge is common among those with the ability to see and hear all. It is my duty to my order to learn everything I can." The man said.

"And what order is it that you belong to?" Eragon asked.

The man laughed even harder than before. "You claim to know all, but you know little, oh so very little. My order is old, so very old. You and your order were instrumental in creating us, for that I must thank you."

"How were the riders responsible for your creation?"

"The fall, it was a terrible event for your order and almost brought about its destruction. You're elders, those of the old order were full of so many wondrous emotions at that time; fear, and anger, and hatred, and love, and betrayal that added with the magics released during the battle over Vroengard created a great many things. The ones that we look to, the ones that we call our masters were created that day, and it's all thanks to you and your order."

Eragon froze, realization dawning on him. He had seen the dark cloak the man wore once before, when he,Saphira, and Glaedr had visited Vroengard in search of the Vault of Souls. For years he had pondered who they were and what they were doing there, but now he knew.

"What is it your masters want?" Eragon asked.

"I have done it. Their message has been delivered, and now I must say farewell." With that the man pulled a knife from his cloak and struck himself with it in the heart, his lifeless body then slumped down the wall that he was leaning on, a smirk covering his lifeless face.