I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or the characters.
Chapter 10: Intertwined Destinies
"Hah, and you won't even call me brother to my face," Murtagh said, his words resonating deep in Eragon's mind.
"I even spared you on the Burning Plains, and for what? For you to denounce our blood ties," Murtagh snarled again, drawing Zar'roc.
Eragon's hand moved to belt, intending to draw his own sword. His hand grasped thin air and Murtagh just laughed at his plight. "What sort of trickery is this? I killed you."
Murtagh walked a path around a large oak tree, his hand scraping the bark off of the trunk. "You did no such thing, you will never be rid of me brother, we are two people born of one fate."
Eragon clutched his forehead with a hand, trying to calm his whirling mind. The words of Blagden in Ellesméra reverberated throughout his head. Although the words were meant for his father, they aptly fit for Murtagh as well. "I did rid myself of you, I watched you float away in the sea," Eragon insisted.
"Delude yourself all you want, but I am standing here in front of you, sword in hand. What will you do brother?" Murtagh said with a mocking smile.
"Jierda!" Eragon exclaimed, holding up his palm with the gedwëy ignasia engraved on it. His palm did not glow as usual and Murtagh did not collapse in pain.
Murtagh smirked at Eragon's obvious frustration and confusion. "As I said before, what will you do brother? You have neither a sword nor magic while I have a Zar'roc," He twirled his sword in a circle, "Now you are at my mercy as I was at yours. Maybe I will not be as gentle as you were."
Eragon took a step back out of pure instinct. He watched Murtagh casually circle him, keeping ample space between them. "You are not real. I stabbed you through the heart," Eragon said again, his voice gaining volume.
Murtagh lifted up his tunic and pointed to his chest grinning, "I do not see any wound here Eragon, do you?"
"Trickery of course, nobody in their right mind would walk around with their heart cleaved in two," Eragon persisted.
"Perhaps not, but I am not entirely sane, am I?" Murtagh shot back, with a deranged look on his face.
"No, you're not. But neither am I, for I am seeing an illusion," Eragon retorted.
"Illusion you say? We will see how imaginary this feels." Murtagh said as he closed the distance between them in a single bound, stabbing Eragon through the heart. "An eye for an eye, or should I say a heart for a heart?"
Eragon could only scream out in pain as the blade plunged through his body, sending wave after wave of pain to scourge his body…
Eragon awoke with a start, cold sweat dripping down his face and his hands trembling. He could feel his heart beating three times too fast and his skin felt clammy. Peeling back his tunic gingerly, he checked that he had not been stabbed through the heart and relief swept his being when he found no marks.
"Eragon! Are you alright?" Arya asked, scrambling across the camp to check on Eragon.
Eragon looked at his surroundings; trees, trees and more trees. He reverted his attention back to Arya, "I am fine, it was nothing."
That is a lie and everybody knows it Eragon. You woke with a shout and you look like a caged lion, Saphira said worriedly.
"Yes Eragon, you are obviously under duress. Tell us what happened so that we can help you," Arya said, agreeing with Saphira.
Eragon grimaced but did not argue with them. "I dreamt of Murtagh again. That is all," Eragon said simply.
"That does not explain why you are drenched in sweat or why you woke with a shout," Arya persisted, moving over to sit in front of Eragon cross-legged.
Eragon sighed; life was easier when Arya did not press him for information. "I just killed my brother, what do you expect?" Eragon said, his tone harsher than expected.
"You said yourself that Murtagh was not your brother," Arya said.
Yes Little One, Roran is more your brother than Murtagh, Saphira added.
"I may not consider Murtagh my brother, but we are still bonded by blood and I killed him, my own kin. He was lay at my feet, utterly powerless and I killed him in cold blood," Eragon said, clenching his fists tightly.
Arya drew closer to Eragon, trying to convey as much consolation as was possible through eye contact. "Do not needlessly blame yourself Eragon, there was nothing else you could have done."
"I could have let him go or I could have captured him. But I killed my brother without hesitation," Eragon said, fighting to suppress his tears.
"His mind was twisted and warped beyond recognition, you have done him a service by freeing him of his mortal vessel," Arya said.
"I am becoming like the people I fight against. A kin slayer and friend murderer. I fear for my sanity," Eragon said with a painful twist of the face.
No you are not Eragon; do not even think like that. Murtagh knew full well that this duel was to the death, it is of no fault of your own, Saphira argued, pouring compassion through their mental link.
"Saphira is right Eragon; I have said this before and I will say this again, you are a good man, don't let Murtagh's death affect you," Arya agreed. She reached out to place one of Eragon's trembling hands in her own, giving it a quick squeeze.
Eragon did not seem to notice the contact and stared blankly into the darkness. "My family is slowly being exterminated. First Garrow died, then Brom, then Oromis and now Murtagh. My only surviving family is Roran and Katrina, and they are fighting in the war; who knows how long they will survive."
"You have your friends and Saphira, you will never be alone Eragon," Arya said, her hand tightening its grip on Eragon's.
Yes Eragon, you still have us, I for one will never leave you willing, and I doubt any of your friends would either, Saphira said warmly.
Eragon laughed bitterly at the comparison. "I am an extension of Saphira as she is an extension of me, if she dies, I will die too. It is not the same as family."
"You still have your friends, and friends are as thick as family," Arya said, her hand moving up to Eragon's upper arm to shake him softly.
Eragon felt this touch and blood rushed to meet her touch. "And I have to worry about my friends constantly, every single one of them are participating in the war. They could die at any moment."
"You do not need to worry for us, all of us are capable fighters, we can take care of ourselves," Arya assured him.
"Even so, I could not bear it if anybody was injured or worse," Eragon replied.
"That is precisely why you are a good person Eragon; you worry about people's wellbeing. That is why you are not Murtagh or Galbatorix and never will be," Arya said confidently.
"And how can you be sure that I won't change in the future for the worse?" said morosely, uncertainty weighing heavily in his mind.
It was Arya's turn to be put into an exceedingly uncomfortable situation. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before her emerald eyes met his, "I know it because…I know the person who I fell in love with…"
Eragon felt a tug on his arm as Arya pulled him forward to capture his lips with hers for the briefest of moments. As short as the moment was, Eragon closed his eyes to fully enjoy the feelings that Arya had elicited with her simple touches.
When they broke apart, Eragon opened his eyes to see Arya watching him with a peculiar expression. Eragon felt another wave of heat take over his body and he suddenly felt very self-conscious.
Eragon bit his lip, a question popping up in his mind, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to voice it. Upon seeing Arya's encouraging smile Eragon asked, "Was this a mistake? What you said at the Agaetí Blӧdhren…"
Eragon stopped talking when Arya laid a slender digit on Eragon's lips, silencing him. "The reasons I gave you at the Agaetí Blӧdhren no longer hold water."
Eragon's head was throbbing from trying to make sense of her vague hints. "I do not understand. I am still a child in the eyes of the elves, I am still a Dragon Rider and you a princess and I still do not have the experience or knowledge that you possess."
"You may be lacking in years, but you have seen more than most grown men. And when you learn about yourself and the world, I want to be there alongside you. As for our positions, when has love distinguished between princesses and Dragon Riders," Arya said with a smile.
"What about our different races? I am human while you are an elf."
"You are not so much human while I am not so much elf any longer. You were changed while I spent decades with humans as company. She explained.
Eragon did not need much convincing and was unable to suppress a grin as he leaned in again to place chaste kisses on Arya's inviting lips. Their breaths mingled and quickened in unison as their limbs entangled with one another. Eragon soon found himself on his back laying on a bed of plush blades of grass with Arya lying on top. His fingers combed through Arya's hair as they exchanged quick kisses and feathery touches.
"I am yours until you fall for another woman," Arya murmured in between kisses, her hands still tangled in Eragon's hair.
Eragon stared at her incredulously, "Fall for another woman? I am completely and inexplicably in love with you and you alone."
Arya raised herself slightly from their embrace to look at him seriously, "The day may come when you do fall in love for another. You are still young and have not explored the world yet, never exclude the possibility."
Eragon snorted at this preposterous proposition, "I can assure you with certainty that I could never leave you. After all, I kept pining after you even after you rejected me."
"I hope so, but let us not dwell on those thoughts. Let us cherish the time we have in the present and rejoice for the time we have in the future," Arya said as she pressed her lips against his passionately. The couple never saw the sun pierce through the shadowy darkness; their eyes reserved only for each other.
You seem to have ah, enjoyed your night Little One, Saphira said smugly.
Eragon smiled, You said that you considered Arya as part of our little family.
I do, Saphira said innocently, But by the time we reach the Hadarac Desert, you two might have created a new family at the rate you're going.
You know it is not like that, Eragon said blushing profusely, It never went that far and I doubt it will for a long time. I won't inquire about it until she is ready.
I know, I am just teasing you; it is easier than ever now. You turn red like a tomato whenever Arya and you are brought up in the same sentence, Saphira said humorously.
Be nice, Eragon chided, Focus on where you are flying, I don't want to end up floating on a piece of driftwood near Beirland.
Eragon terminated their mental contact and focused instead on the soft head that leaned back almost imperceptibly on his chest. The dark locks were splayed across his tunic and Arya seemed more relaxed than she had in the last few months. What happened after I killed Murtagh? I am afraid I that I do not remember much as I was just going through the motions of living, He asked Arya through his mind to avoid talking over the howl of the wind.
She tilted her head slightly to look Eragon in the eyes, surprised. You did not want to give Murtagh a Rider's burial because he was not a true Rider, so you sent him and Thorn into the ocean along with Zar'roc.
And the green egg? Eragon asked. He was berating himself for not making the egg his first priority.
Don't worry, we have it, Arya assured him, pointing to a small cloth bag attached to the saddlebags.
Curious, Eragon reached for the pouch and grasped it in both hands, feeling the outlines of the egg through the thin material. Where did you find it? Eragon asked again, trying to fill in all the details he subconsciously missed.
It was in one of the saddlebags on Thorn. We recovered it before we sent them into the waves, Arya said, eyeing the pouch warily incase it should drop.
Eragon drew the drawstrings of the pouch and revealed the egg. It was a beautiful thing, a shell of an emerald green with black veins that encased the egg. Running his hands over the egg it was smooth beyond fault and hard as diamonds. If he concentrated on the egg hard enough, he could almost make out a faint pulse. It is magnificent, Eragon said.
Indeed, the color rivals Saphira's hue, Arya said, complimenting Saphira's sky blue scales.
Saphira hummed with pleasure, If only everybody had as keen an eye as you.
The two women in my life are in collusion with each other; that does not bode well for me, Eragon said with a mock grimace.
Yes, so you better not annoy us Eragon, Arya said with a quick grin, Or we can exact our revenge upon you.
Eragon was pleasantly surprised on how well Arya and Saphira had connected with each other. The last thing he needed was inter-family arguments. I am quaking in my boots, I can only imagine the horrors you might subjugate me to, Eragon replied with a smile of his own.
I would not do anything 'overly' gruesome to you, nothing permanent of course, Arya said chuckling.
Arya can speak for herself. I on the other hand am in favor of dangling you from my claws while I fly over the Varden, Saphira said bemused.
I cannot wait until you meet your mate Saphira, Eragon said cheekily, I am in need of some male bonding and plotting.
You wouldn't dare, Saphira huffed.
Sand gave way under his feet as Eragon trudged through the Hadarac Desert once again. Eragon missed the serene forests of Du Weldenvarden already. The Hadarac Desert offered no protection from the undiscriminating sun rays; although it was considerably warmer than the frosty ocean-hugging land to the west.
Several hard days of traveling had brought the group back to the Hadarac Desert without interruption. Eragon had wanted to contact Nasuada about the recent developments or stop by Gil'ead for supplies, but was discouraged by Arya.
If we visited Gil'ead or contacted Nasuada, what do you think would happen? The egg would force us to return and find a Rider and who knows when you can search for the Vault of Souls again. No, we will inform them after your original quest is completed, it is safer that way, Arya had said firmly, her words from several days ago ringing in his head.
She did have a point he conceded, He would not be able to search for the Vault of Souls for nigh half a year provided they could even find a suitable Rider. He would be forced to stay with them constantly, tutoring them in the ways of the Dragon Riders.
Cool fingers slipped inside of Eragon's hand as they walked towards the werecat clan. Eragon interlocked his fingers with Arya's and her hand fit perfectly with his own. He marveled at how naturally their link felt and how easily it came.
King Saldmeer, king of the werecats approached the group in person this time, not bothering to use a messenger. Welcome back Shadeslayer and… Shadeslayer, He greeted, staring pointedly at their interlocked hands.
King Saldmeer, Eragon replied, dipping his head in greeting, We have returned with the egg.
I know, I am not blind to the events ongoing in Alagaësia. I must admit, I did not believe you could pull it off, King Saldmeer said knowledgeably
How could you know that we were successful in our endeavor? Arya asked suspiciously.
The werecat started to lead them away from the outskirts of the encampment and back to the sea of tree stumps. I have learned how to utilize my good sense over the centuries, King Saldmeer said sagaciously. If you had not returned, you would presumably be dead and you have no reason to return without the egg. I can see your blossoming relationship, so something must have triggered the romance. Not to mention…I can see the lone pouch on Saphira that is holding the egg.
Keen observations, but why did you tell us to return to you? Eragon asked.
Patience Rider, you should learn to think and observe instead of rushing in blindly. Half of the problems in the world are started from the lack of patience, King Saldmeer scolded.
Then what do you propose we do? Sit and talk about how stimulating tree stumps are? Eragon said annoyed. He sat cross-legged on one of the aforementioned stumps while the werecat stretched lazily on a different one.
We could, but I don't think you would appreciate the lengthy conversation that would ensue. The comfort of tree stumps can be discussed for days, the werecat said.
I am sure, Eragon said insolently, rolling his eyes, But more importantly, how did you know where Murtagh would be? Or the whereabouts of the egg?
King Saldmeer gave him a chilling grin, We werecats are magical creatures, it would be foolish for me to divulge all of our secrets. But know this, I have scouts in every level of society, I know every move of your Varden and the Empire alike.
This revelation was disconcerting; an independent race knew the plans of the Varden could easily decimate them. Why do you gather information if you do not use it against either side?
I helped you did I not? The werecat pointed out.
What if I never came? I doubt you get many visitors, Eragon rebuked.
Very true, you are the first visitors we have entertained since well... your namesake eons ago, King Saldmeer admitted.
Eragon heard a sharp intake of breath and then, Since Eragon the First? But that was thousands of years ago, Arya said.
Indeed it was, we have had perhaps, a dozen foreigners visit us in the entire history of Alagaësia, The king of werecats stated.
How could only a dozen adventurers have discovered you? Surely more people travel through the Hadarac Desert than that, Saphira interjected, equally as puzzled as Eragon and Arya.
You of all creatures, Saphira, should know that mystical creatures hide their secrets well. We have done the same, we maintain our mirage and none stumble across us unless we will it, King Saldmeer replied, eyes glinting.
What makes us so fortunate to have met you then? Arya questioned, echoing the sentiments that Eragon and Saphira had been harboring.
As I said last time we met young elf, your wyrdas happen to include us, so we admitted you into our sacred home, King Saldmeer replied simply, patiently answering their endless questions.
What in our wyrdas were so interesting? Eragon asked, getting impatient with all of the subterfuge.
Ah, finally a direct question. Time for a small history lesson I think, King Saldmeer started. Have either of you ever heard of Malthinae Wyrdas or linked destinies?
Fate forces people's futures to be linked. The phrase 'linked fate' is redundant, Arya objected.
A simple 'no' would have sufficed. However, because it is quite fun to prove elves wrong, I am going to say that fate and linked fates are not the same for argument's sake, King Saldmeer said smirking.
Then explain how they differ, they are the same by definition and interpretation, Arya said.
As you are aware I am sure Eragon, a few fortunate individuals are blessed with an unchained fate. They are able to choose whichever path they want, The werecat said, causing Eragon to stare at him in shock, how had he known about his fortune-telling? Wyrda is for people who have no say in their future. However, Malthinae Wyrdas is for two people who are unburdened by shackles.
Why would Eragon know anything about this? Arya said, apparently oblivious to Eragon's shock.
Hah, he never told you? Eragon has a most interesting the future; but the ability to choose his own wyrda is the most unusual. Eragon is part of a Malthinae Wyrda, The werecat revealed.
So what exactly is this Malthinae Wyrda? Eragon asked, trying to make something out of the plethora of information.
A Malthinae Wyrda is when somebody who is free to choose their own fate has somebody who is inexplicably entangled in his destiny. While they are both unburdened by chains, their paths all intertwine with each other; though their relationship is entirely up to them, King Saldmeer explained.
How common are people with these fates? Arya asked.
The werecat stared at them in an unsettling way, Oh they are exceedingly rare. That does not even do the rarity of the situation justice. There has been five total pairings in the entire history of Alagaësia. The latest was Eragon the First.
So you allowed us to find the werecats because Eragon has a Malthinae Wyrda? Did everybody with a Malthinae Wyrda visit you too? Arya asked, her forehead wrinkled in concentration.
Of course, we have always aided those involved in a Malthinae Wyrda, The werecat said smugly.
Does that mean I am Eragon's pairing? A dragon and her rider are always a part of each other, Saphira asked.
No, while your fates are already inexorably connected, Eragon has another who is also a part of him, King Saldmeer said, looking pleased when he saw their confusion. Arya, did you ever wonder why you did not know your…true name?
Arya let a low hissing noise escape from the back of her throat. How did you know that?
The werecat remained calm despite Arya's seething exterior, Why, I know many things, but more seriously, you are Eragon's pairing in his Malthinae Wyrda. You too have a free wyrda and are able to choose your own destiny.
Eragon let out a small gasp, What? How can she be my pair?
Both of you are just so skeptical of the truth, follow me, King Saldmeer lifted himself off of his tree stump and took the winding path that lead to the Mirror of Truth.
When you last visited the mirror, you were expelled from its presence, King Saldmeer reminded Eragon, However, I think you are ready to face it again.
Eragon walked in front of the mirror again and waited for something, anything to happen. Nothing did and he ended up staring at his reflection for several minutes. Nothing is happening, Said a frustrated Eragon.
Of course nothing is happening, Arya, go stand next to him, The werecat ordered.
Arya sent the werecat a hostile glare, but acquiesced to his orders. As she stepped next to Eragon and looked into the depths of the mirror, a surge of energy rippled through the plane of glass. A multicolored web of light diffused across the glass and a single phrase appeared in the center, Du Brisingr eu Hesterni un Duistarli, The Fires of Hope and Determination.
Quite boring names if you ask me, King Saldmeer snorted, But there you are, your shared true names.
Shared true names? I have never heard of such a thing before, Arya said, beyond confused.
Of course you wouldn't, only people with Malthinae Wyrda's have them, and since there have only been five in history… The werecat said in a tone that implied it was an obvious answer.
I am confused, how are we supposed to distinguish ourselves from one another while speaking in the Ancient Language? Eragon asked.
I suppose I should explain everything to you now, The king sighed, people with linked fates cannot survive without each other, in one way or another. For example, if Saphira were to die, you would almost certainly follow her. The same is the same with linked fates. It is quite ironic really, Saphira makes it a fate shared by three people; for is she dies, then Eragon dies causing Arya to die and vice versa.
Are there any benefits to this besides dying prematurely? Arya asked sarcastically.
Well your case, enduring true love, but enemies can have linked fates too. It is a good thing you two were not enemies or you would be fighting each other for the rest of your lives. Though I am sure you will be happy to know that neither of you will ever leave each other for another man or woman, King Saldmeer explained.
Eragon had not been overly surprised at this information, Angela's description of an 'epic romance' envisioned the relationship to last forever. How come the mirror did not tell us this before we found the green egg?
You and Arya were not together yet; she is a major part of your life and you were not complete without her. Although since you are free to choose your own paths, if you were mortal enemies, it would also satisfy the requirements, King Saldmeer explained.
Everybody grew silent, reflecting on what King Saldmeer had said. Is the Vault of Souls on Vroengard? Eragon finally asked, changing the subject.
Yes it is, as for its exact location, even I do not know that, The werecat said.
How do you not know? You said you knew near everything, Arya asked, still incensed at his earlier revelations.
King Saldmeer looked affronted at Arya's accusation and assumed a haughty tone when he said, This may be one of those very rare snatches of information that I do not have access to.
Will we see you again after this? Eragon asked in case there was something else that King Saldmeer could do for him.
Perhaps, wyrda is not a certain thing. But this is all I can help you with right now, King Saldmeer stood up and started to wander away. He turned around to give them a final farewell, I wish you luck on your journey Du Brisingr eu Hesterni un Duistarli.
Author's Notes:
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, I wasn't sure where I was going to cut off the chapter, so I just went all the way to the werecats.
I managed to finish this chapter a day early, thank the snowstorms for that ;p.
If you guys manage to get 10 individual reviews up, I will post the next chapter that same day or the next day depending on how fast it is, if not, next chapter will be up next Friday. Nothing like a bit of incentives to review :).
Until next time...