Sorry for the extensive time between rewrites! I've really been pouring myself into other pursuits. I really want to see this story rewritten though so I can honestly progress the narrative. I hope you don't mind all of this waiting!
Key:
Italics= Thought/Spoken through the thoughts
Bold= Authors Note
"Italics"= Thought and Spoken Simultaneously
This Chapter was last edited on: February 13th, 2012 RW
(RW= Rewrite / ED= Edit, Addition of Material, etc. / FD= Final Draft / fD= First Draft)
Have a nice time reading.
Inheritance Cycle Book 4
End
Chapter 9: Forging Ahead
The court was held for Thorn the next day. As Eragon had expected, it was brief. The Elder's seemed ready to let him off before they had even started, after being informed of the truth, they were even more inclined to do so. Thus, they did, and Thorn was forgiven of his involvement in previous actions taken by Galbatorix.
When it was over, Thorn and Eragon left Saphira and Arya alone and carried Murtagh's body into the wilderness. They understood that this was something they needed to do alone.
They found a spot on a hill that overlooked nature and Thorn cleared the area with his paws as Eragon went into the wilderness and gathered wood. After several hours of work, a sufficient pyre had been assembled. Eragon had felt that the use of magic would be inadequate, that it would be too perfect, and that his making it easy would be disrespectful.
When it was all said and done… Eragon laid a blanket atop the pyre and slowly lifted Murtagh's body from Thorn's saddle and laid it upon the blanket. He then stepped back and examined his handiwork, and concluded it was satisfactory. Nighttime had now fallen and he gazed up at the stars before speaking.
"Do you want to pay your respects first?" Eragon asked quietly.
It is no longer him, I have nothing to say, only actions to take. Thorn replied. Eragon nodded in response. In the tradition of Carvahall, he laid leaves across Murtagh's closed eyes before placing coins on them with symbol that represented his family. He would've imprinted a coin with Brom's family symbol, but he did not know it. So he took to silver coins and branded them with his Uncle's.
After that, he kissed Murtagh's forehead lightly and whispered something.
"I will always miss you my friend… and I will avenge you." Eragon said. "Do not forget of us, for we still remain."
There were other actions to be taken, other words to be said… but as his memories of such ceremonies had fallen out of mind, and his belief in the gods as well, he did not recite them. Instead he stepped back to Thorn's side, and he closed his eyes as Thorn breathed fire onto the base of the pyre.
They both said nothing as the fire spread up the pyre and the light danced across Eragon's skin and reflected off of Thorn's dark red scales. A tear fell from Eragon's eye as he remembered, but Thorn remained solemn and reveled in his anger. They stood there for hours not speaking a word as the fire consumed the wood and Murtagh's body, eventually, the fire died and with no words they turned away… and with no words they left the hill, and with no words they returned to the Varden camp.
Saphira and Arya had waited for them; they had made their own campfire and lay on the grass contemplating the stars. Eragon sat next to Arya and Thorn next to Saphira. There were plans to be made, yet they all remained silent. They enjoyed each other's company even though Saphira shied away from Thorn.
Eragon knew that those wounds would take a while to heal.
He woke from his waking dreams the next morning yet did not move. He could feel that Saphira was asleep, so he continued to stare at the triangular roof of his tent without interruption, absorbed in his thoughts. Eventually he heard footsteps approaching from outside, so he stood up and quickly got dressed before eventually he heard Arya's voice call out.
"Are you there Eragon?" She asked.
"I'll be right out." He called back as he pulled his shirt on. Sooner rather than later, he had strapped Brisngr to his hip and he stepped outside, covering his eyes in response to the fierce sunlight. At this moment, Saphira woke and stretched with a yawn that unleashed smoke from her maw.
Good morning little one. Saphira said standing up fully.
To you as well. Eragon replied.
"Are you ready to go?" Arya asked. At the end of the previous night they made plans to leave for the Varden in the morning.
"Yea. I'm ready." Eragon said. "Where did Thorn go?"
I will go and fetch him. Saphira told them. He flew up to that mountain nearby so he could think.
"I would need to think to if I'd been what he'd been through." He replied. Saphira nodded and jumped into the sky.
I will be back soon. She said angling toward the small mountain.
"So… um… how are you doing?" Eragon asked Arya embarrassingly.
"I'm fine." She replied smiling brightly. It was the happiest he'd ever seen her. Then her smile fell. "But… Eragon… there's something I didn't want to tell you until now."
"What is it?" He asked.
"I can't come with you." Arya said. "Now that my mother is dead, I have an obligation here."
"But surely it could wait until after the war…?" Eragon said knowing the answer.
"No, it can't. Our nation needs a leader Eragon, and we cannot afford to get stuck in the same deliberation the Dwarves went through." Arya said. "We don't argue as much, but it's one of the few times in our nation when blood runs hot and emotions run high. I need to step up Eragon, or the Elves may pull back from the war with Galbatorix. We both know that cannot happen."
She stepped closer to him and grabbed his hand. Eragon knew that she spoke the truth, and he nodded. He kissed her, and she reciprocated.
"I'll miss you." He whispered in her ear.
"I'll miss you to Eragon." She replied hugging him. "But like you humans always say… I'll always be with you, in your heart."
Eragon nodded.
"And me with you… my love." He replied. They heard the approach of flapping wings and Eragon stepped back into his tent to grab his bag. When he stepped out again, Thorn and Saphira were already standing nearby. He took the elegant elven clothes out and gave them to Arya. "Somehow, I don't think I'll be needing these in the coming months."
Arya nodded and took them from his hands.
"Good luck Eragon." Arya said. She then shifted to the Ancient Language. "I love you."
"I love you to." He responded also in the Ancient Language. He looked away from her and climbed onto Saphira. Thorn said nothing but jumped into the sky. Eragon took one last look at Arya, and Saphira jumped into the sky and angled after Thorn.
You will see her again, Eragon. Saphira said.
Why am I not surprised that she already told you? Eragon asked.
She made me swear not to tell you. Saphira replied. She can take care of herself, do not worry.
It's not her I'm worried about. He wondered. She craned her neck to get a better look at him and did a pretty good impression of a smirk. Okay, maybe a little. But… I'm more worried about the future. Some great things are bound to happen, but terrible things as well.
Not to mention that vision. Saphira said looking forward again. Thorn was flying far ahead not looking back to see if they were following. I'm not sure… but some parts worry me…
They worry me as well. Eragon replied. If there is a way to figure out how I received it, we must do so. Not only that, we must find my true name. If we don't, it could have dire consequences.
We will spend our nights thinking about it, there's not much else we can do. Saphira replied. If any adventure for a true name would make us find out more of ourselves than this one, the world is not very poetic.
Then we shall press forward. He said. He looked towards Thorn and stretched out his mind, he was admitted quickly.
What is it you wish of me Rider-Eragon? Thorn asked. He seemed to rather want to be left alone to his thoughts.
We cannot have you walk right into the Varden camp, they would doubtless attack you. Eragon said.
I am under your command Rider-Eragon. Whatever you wish of me, I will do it. He said.
I'm not your master Thorn… you don't have to obey me… Eragon replied.
I need someone to command me Rider-Eragon… Thorn answered. He still did not look back towards them as they flew. I am… I am not sure of myself. I'm not sure what I'm capable of. I'm not even sure if Galbatorix never figured out MY true name. If he did, and we were to walk into his chambers to fight him, it could be catastrophic. You must not trust me.
He may be right little one. Saphira said. Either way, he has done much. We cannot be sure of his loyalty.
No. Eragon said. Thorn, I trust you with my life. If Galbatorix had figured out your true name, he would've used it before now. Besides, after everything, after Murtagh's death, you have changed. That change would've altered your true name. Because of that, Galbatorix would have to see you again to try and divine it.
I… am flattered by your trust Rider-Eragon. Thorn said. But I am not so sure. As I said, I will follow your orders. If I don't… strike me down. Promise me… promise me in the Ancient Language. I would not want to turn on you only for you to hesitate.
But Thorn… Eragon made to say.
He is right Eragon. Saphira said. You cannot risk the fate of the world because of a desire to preserve his life.
But Saphira, what about your race. He may be the last hope for the dragons! He replied.
The world is more important than our race Rider-Eragon. Thorn said. Eragon sat in silence for a moment before looking up to see Thorn looking back at him with his eyes fixated on Eragon.
I promise… I promise that if you turn on I, Saphira, or the Varden… that I will strike you down without hesitation. Eragon said in the Ancient Language.
That means a lot to me Eragon… Thorn said foregoing his usual Rider title before Eragon's name and turning his head forward again. I do not want to endanger this land anymore… I want to help it.
I understand. Eragon replied. Saphira remained silent, but appeared to admire Thorn. When we arrive at the Varden, just stay nearby. I need to speak with Nasuada about the current situation.
Thorn did not reply, but Eragon knew he understood and withdrew from the dragon's mind.
He… is not who I thought he was. She said simply to Eragon alone. He did not reply, knowing that she did not want to talk about it. He simply just let his inhibitions disappear into the air behind him as they flew forward.
Eragon did not let Saphira drive herself to the point of exhaustion as she had done before. He forced her to stop and rest as night fell and while she and Thorn slept, he plotted out where the Varden would have moved since they left. At their current rate of movement, they would be nearing the place Nasuada had told Eragon to meet with them.
They were moving towards Belatona, but wanted to move close enough to Dras-Leona to keep an eye on their operations. Suddenly, he noticed that it might be prudent to attack Dras-Leona before they attacked Belatona. He had vivid memories of the city and Helgrind; he had been there far too many times in his own opinion.
Personally, he wanted to invade the city as soon as possible and save any more people from becoming victims of the worshippers of Helgrind. He wanted to go there and see that the religion was abolished as soon as possible.
But he also noticed that attacking there first might have strategic benefit as well. Dras-Leona was the trading center of Galbatorix's Empire. All goods passed through there at one time or another. If they managed to take it out and cease all Empire trade with Dras-Leona, they might be able to starve out either Belatona, or more importantly, Urubaen.
Of course, Urubaen had farms of its own… but definitely not enough to sustain the entire army. If they took it and then went on to take the cities around it… cities like Belatona and Melian… then they would quickly cut off the king's supply line. When they finally went Urubaen, the army would be too weak to fight them with full force.
Eragon knew it would be cruel to the citizens inside the city, but there was no other way. It's not like they didn't already starve anyways. He made a mental note of the strategy to present it before the generals the next day. Jeod would probably be able to find some secret way into the city or another, and it would all end happily.
At least that was what Eragon hoped as he grabbed the necklace of Eldunari from his pocket and gazed at them. They were glowing with a dim light. Calmly, he reached out to the consciousnesses of the small glowing stones. He connected to them, but they just rambled about things he did not understand or sent him blurred images of seemingly unimportant things.
Eventually he gave up and put the Eldunari back in his pocket with a sigh. Saphira cracked open an eye.
Do you think they are beyond hope Eragon? She asked.
I don't know. Eragon said back as he put his head in his hands. You must've felt it as I did; they are lost within their own minds. It would take several years to bring anyone back from something like this.
They are broken then… Saphira said… more to herself then Eragon. She looked up at the sky. Although she had not asked it as a question, he answered it anyway.
Unfortunately so. But I don't think that means they are beyond hope Saphira. He said. Someday we'll help bring them back… and we'll do it together.
Together it is. Now come, even you must rest. Saphira said looking back at him with a weak smile. He smiled back and went to lie against her side.
Good night Saphira. Eragon said. I love you.
You as well little one. She said. I wouldn't give you up for anything in the world.
He didn't answer as he was already asleep. She folded her wing over him and went to sleep herself.
The next two days were filled with completely uneventful flying, eventually on the horizon they saw the Varden camp at the meeting point Nasuada had plan. Upon spotting it, he immediately warned Thorn to find a hiding place. Thorn immediately nosed down and aimed for a nearby clearing in the forest and Saphira continued on towards the camp.
It took them five more minutes to reach the camp at Saphira's top speed and they quickly found Nasuada's Pavilion from the air, setting down the small clearing before it. She then closed her wings as Eragon climbed down. As he did, he was contacted by Blodgharm.
I am happy to see you and Bjartskular have returned safely Eragon. He said. I do not sense Arya Drottningu with you, what has become of her?
She's fine. Eragon said. But there is far worse news for me to deliver. It is… something I would rather do face to face. Gather the elven guards; they will all want to hear this.
As you say Shur'tugal Eragon… I feel that it is very poor news. Blodgharm said.
It is my friend. I must see Nasuada first though, and then I must attend to a friend in the forest that I will tell you of when I meet you. Then I will come to you. Eragon replied.
As you wish, we will gather and wait for you near the edge of the forest Eragon. He replied. He then withdrew from Eragon's mind.
I'll see you in a minute. Eragon said to Saphira. She nodded and he walked towards the tent. The Nighthawks were guarding it as usual, this time it happened to be two of the human ones.
"Is she here?" Eragon asked.
"Yes Shadeslayer." One of them said. "She is currently in session with the generals though."
"That's alright, time to crash the party." He replied. They didn't stop him as he entered the pavilion. The inside of the giant tent was dominated by a long table at which was seated all of Nasuada's eight commanding generals. Nasuada was sitting at the head of the table and looked up to see Eragon while the rest of them turned.
"Ah, Eragon. You've returned. We were getting worried." Nasuada said.
"Sorry milady, the trip took… longer than expected." Eragon said bowing. "I have grave news, good news, and some in-between the two extremes. We tried to reach you with the scrying mirror, but it would not work for some reason. I was in fact worried that something happened to you when I tried it two morns ago. Although, I honestly should've thought to try and inform you earlier…"
"It's not a problem Eragon; you would not have been able to reach me anyways. One of Galbatorix's spies broke in and destroyed my mirror soon after you left." Nasuada responded. "But if the news is as important as you say, you should probably just tell us now."
"There are some things that I have to tell you that are for your ears only milady." Eragon said biting his lip. "But it is critical."
"Alright then, this strategic meeting is adjourned." Nasuada said. "We will meet again here tomorrow at sunrise."
The generals left their seats and bowed before leaving. Eragon pulled up a seat at the opposite end of the table from Nasuada.
"Well Eragon, what seems to be the problem?" She asked. "Also, why isn't Arya with you?"
"I should probably start with the most damning piece of information, and it's relevant to your question." Eragon said. "Queen Islanzadi of the Elves is… dead. She was killed by Murtagh during the ceremony."
"What? This is indeed very bad news!" Nasuada said. She appeared shocked.
"Arya has stayed there to take command of the Elves so their efforts with us will not falter." Eragon said.
"What about Murtagh?" She asked.
"He killed himself while in imprisonment." Eragon said coldly.
"I think you should probably start at the beginning Eragon." Nasuada said. Eragon nodded, and told the story while leaving the personal bits out.
"Thorn is sitting not far away into that forest." He said. "He has promised to help us with our war effort, in the ancient language. As you well know, people cannot lie in the language of the elves."
"So you're sure we can trust him?" Nasuada asked.
"Yes." Eragon replied. "You need not worry about him. If he does betray us, that is my responsibility and I will take care of it accordingly."
"This will not be easy news to try and get the Varden to accept." Nasuada said. "But I will do what I can. For now, it's just good news to know that Galbatorix's army doesn't have the support of Murtagh and Thorn anymore, and we've got another heavy hitter."
Eragon didn't reply.
"I'm sorry about Murtagh Eragon… I know he was your friend." Nasuada said.
"I don't need your pity milady, what I need is to kill Galbatorix and to rid his poison from this land of ours." He said. Nasuada nodded.
"I understand Eragon." She said. "Now why don't you and Saphira get some well-deserved rest? I hope to see you at the strategic meeting in the morning."
"I'll be there milady." Eragon said standing up. "Should I just tell Thorn to stay where he is for now?"
"That is most prudent Eragon." Nasuada answered as he turned away from her. "But be prepared… this news and the fact that the Elven queen is dead will not go over well."
"I would think they would be glad that Murtagh is dead." Eragon said as he held his hand on the edge of leaving the tent.
"They will be, but working together with one that has caused so much death amongst us…" Nasuada said.
"I understand, I will tell Thorn." Eragon said. "I'll see you tomorrow morning milady."
He left and went back to Saphira. She took him to Thorn's hiding place in the forest. When they landed he was laying down with closed eyes. He quickly reached out to Eragon's mind without looking up or opening his eyes.
How goes it Rider-Eragon? He asked.
"You may not be in the camp with us for a long while."Eragon said. "Nasuada is going to try and inform everyone that you're on our side now, but it may take a while before they're convinced."
They are right not to trust me; I am fine staying away from them until battle calls. Thorn said. I prefer to be alone anyways…
"If you say so." Eragon said. "Thorn… you know you can't draw yourself away from everyone, even me, for long."
Forgive me, but that is completely my choice Rider-Eragon. Thorn replied. Eragon scowled.
"I'm just trying to be your friend here. Something tells me you could use one." Eragon said.
He is right, one is nothing without those he or she loves and those he or she wishes to protect. Saphira said. Thorn finally looked up and gazed at the both of them.
I lose the only one I have ever loved. He was my family; forgive me if I do not want to connect with another. Thorn said.
"I just wanted you to know that if you needed to talk… I'm here." Eragon said. Saphira then surprised him.
I am here as well. She said. If there is anyone who could understand what you're going through… it is I.
Thorn didn't answer this. He looked away and laid his head across his front paws.
"Look Thorn…" Eragon started. "I loved Murtagh to, he was like my brother. You aren't the only one who misses him, but he wouldn't want you to stay here and sulk! He'd want you to move on without him! He took his own life so that you wouldn't have to live with his burdens. A thirst for vengeance does not mean that you can stand alone in it."
The foundation of any partnership is trust. Eragon has already said he trusts you… and I may to, but if you don't trust us it means nothing! Saphira said. Thorn did not answer or react in any way. He withdrew himself from Eragon's mind and barricaded his own. Eragon sighed.
"I understand." He said. "If you want to talk about him, or anything… just tell me."
Eragon turned and climbed back onto Saphira's saddle. She turned and made to jump into the sky just as Thorn reached out to Eragon and she stopped.
I do trust you… but I'm not ready for this yet, and I may never be. He said. If I ever am, you can rest assured that I would talk to you first Rider-Eragon.
He then withdrew before Eragon reply. All the same, Eragon smiled as Saphira jumped into the sky and angled back towards the camp.
He is in great pain. Saphira stated simply. I… could not imagine what I would do without you. I don't think I would be brave enough to wait as Thorn does for his vengeance… I would take it sooner rather than later.
Then we would both be dead. Eragon replied. That would accomplish absolutely nothing.
Saphira did not reply to this.
I know what you mean Saphira… but if I die, you must not do that. What would Alagaesia do then? Eragon said. This land and your race are more important than either of us.
I understand that… Saphira said.
You must promise me Saphira… promise me that you would not do something suicidal if I died… He said. He hated pressing her like this, but he knew now more than ever that it needed to be done.
I give you my word partner-of-my-heart. She replied in the Ancient Language.
I give you mine as well. He replied also in the Ancient Language. He couldn't be so sure of himself either.
But we will not die. Saphira said. Not until Galbatorix has fallen.
As you say Saphira. Eragon replied. Now bring us to the edge of the forest, I must bring the unfortunate news to Blodgharm and the other elves.
She did as instructed. When he told them the story, they were shocked to learn of Islanzadi's death. They shed tears for their queen for a brief duration before thanking Eragon for delivering the news in person. He quickly finished and they did not show any more surprise, but they wished to go and see Thorn in person in the forest and to express that they forgave him for his actions.
Eragon quickly told them that he wished to be left alone. They understood and left Eragon to his devices.
I trust that we are not done with everything that needs to be done today? Saphira asked.
Unfortunately not, there are two more things I must do. He said. Let's go see the master-at-arms, he should be able to tell me of Horst's progress before I see him in person.
Climb on little one. She said.
He did as she instructed and they took the short flight over to the training grounds. The tents were too closed together for Saphira to accompany him, so she flew off and let him walk the rest of the way himself. As he approached the training grounds, he saw several men practicing with bows and arrows, swords of varying sizes, axes, and many other kinds of weapons.
As he made to step into the main tent where the master-at-arms would be staying, repairing and distributing weapons, it surprised him to see Horst and the master-at-arms already locked in combat in the sparring circle with training weapons. Although Eragon had only been gone less than a week, it would seem that Horst was already fighting at the strength of the average swordsman as he was giving the veteran master-at-arms a run for his money.
They were currently locked together, both of their training swords pressing together and sweat covering their brows. Eragon walked towards them and Horst saw him out of the corner of his eye. He stepped back from the master-at-arms and looked over towards him.
"Oi, milord. It seems your back already hm?" He called.
"Indeed I am." Eragon said. "But you should always keep your eyes on your opponent."
"Huh?" Horst said quizzically as the master-at-arms wooden sword swung under Horst and into his legs, causing him to fall backwards and his head to slam into the dirt before the master-at-arms put his sword to Horst's throat.
"While you are rather good at this my friend, you still have much to learn of swordsmanship." He said before taking the wooden sword off of his throat and offering his hand, which Horst took as he was pulled back to his feet.
"Of course sir." Horst replied.
"Do not be disappointed in yourself Horst, from what I saw; you seem to perform quite well for a novice." Eragon replied.
"He is quite good, with a few more weeks of training; I can make a soldier out of him yet. I'm still not sure what he's training for though, the Varden would never let someone so valuable onto a battlefield…" The master-at-arms told Eragon.
"He is no longer in service of the Varden, he is my vassal and he was following my instructions by coming here and training with you." Eragon said.
"I see…" The master-at-arms said.
"I will take over his instruction from this point on." Eragon said. "But if I am not around, he will come to you."
"I will be here." He said. He walked off back to his tent.
"So Eragon, do you want to test me?" Horst asked.
"Indeed I do, but wooden training swords don't offer the weight of the real thing." Eragon said. He looked over at a nearby soldier training with a real sword against a straw dummy. "Can I please have that sword?"
"Of course Shur'tugal." The soldier said handing him the sword. He quickly used magic to make sure the sword was not sharp before throwing it to Horst, who caught it as Eragon made his own not sharp. A small crowd quickly gathered to watch the fight as Eragon took his place across from Horst.
Horst went into a fighting stance as Eragon left his sword hanging lazily at his side.
"You should not underestimate me Eragon!" Horst said. "Ah!"
He charged at Eragon and tried to horizontally slash at Eragon. Faster than Horst even could see, Brisngr was in a space previously occupied by air and the swords met in a flash of sparks. Eragon then stepped forward and grabbed Horst's hilt with his hand before kicking him lightly in the chest and sending him flying to the ground as Eragon flipped the sword over in his hand and put both swords against Horst's throat so that it appeared they were a pair of scissors.
"Lesson number one, do not charge at your opponent." Eragon said. The rest of the soldiers were still staring in shock and disbelief at his swift victory that they'd barely saw. Eragon flipped the sword again and handed it back to Horst, who stood and thanked Eragon before reassuming his fighting stance.
He didn't charge Eragon this time, instead he waited. Finally, and completely unexpectedly, Eragon charged forward low and sheathed his sword before running right below Horst's sword, grabbing it from his hand and throwing it away and slamming him lightly to the ground. There were several more shocked expressions and even "oohs" and "ahs" from the onlookers as Eragon helped Horst back to his feet.
"Lesson number two?" Horst asked.
"You will never, ever defeat an elf. So don't try. I will try to tone it down so you can learn from now on though." Eragon said. "But not now. You look very tired; I will start your training in the morning. In the meantime, keep trying on that rock."
"As you say milord." He replied bowing. Eragon smiled and walked away. He met Saphira once the tents had stretched out far enough to accommodate her.
You sure put some humility into him. Saphira said.
"If a warrior is not humble, and they face challenges with an inflated head, then they are doomed to defeat." Eragon said.
I thought so. She said. Eragon sniggered in response.
"You're one to talk." He said grinning.
Hey, I am the very IMAGE of humility. She replied smirking.
"Yea, we'll go with that."
She nudged him aside with her snout. Eragon laughed and smiled.
You said there was one thing remaining for you to do…? Saphira asked.
Trianna. Eragon said. Her mood immediately fell. I thought we'd been over this Saphira.
We have, but it is my job not to trust he while yours is to humor her. She replied.
Well, it's going to happen anyways. He said. We have to forge ahead, no matter what the consequences.
…and that is Chapter 9. Sorry for the long wait, I don't really control when I have the ability to write with adequate ability. I'm doing what I can.
