Author's note: I would like to apologize for taking a year to update this story. I also apologize if this chapter seemed rushed. I was short on time when I wrote it.
Chapter 9: Vengeance
The arrival in Ilirea, which should have been a joyous occasion, was tainted by the recent events that had transpired. As the travelers flew over the city's wall, Vervada bid the students and their teacher farewell.
Thank you for all you have done. said the midnight blue dragoness as she parted ways. I must inform my mate of what has happened. There will surely be hell to pay for this!
I think Vervada will be alright. Saphira stated to the group as she watched her friend fly away.
Vervada is a strong dragon. replied Glaedr. The pain of losing her offspring must be great, but I have no doubt that she will overcome this tragedy, as will Iormûngr. Eridor on the other hand…
The gold dragon trailed off as Oromis entered his mind.
Eridor will be dealt with accordingly. The council will not allow his attack against Vervada to go unanswered. For now, I will show everyone to their accommodations.
The city of Ilirea was a brilliant sight to behold, with towering spires that seemed to jut thousands of feet into the air and looked so fragile that a light breeze would blow them over. Glaedr led his students to the upper floors of one of the towers. There were large openings in the side of the tower so large that a dragon could pass through. Glaedr landed inside one of the buildings, revealing a large room with a bed, book shelves, and a large dais in the center of the room for a dragon to rest on. Saphira and Ragnarök landed beside him.
Oromis dismounted and explained, "Brom, Saphira, these are your private quarters. This is where you will live until the final stages of your training."
Gesturing to a raised wooden platform, Orimis continued, "There is even a sparing ring where you may practice your swordsmanship."
Brom surveyed his new home. It was somewhat smaller than their quarters back in Doru Araeba on account of being built for a single Rider and dragon. Still, Brom was excited that he now had his own personal quarters.
Turning to Morzan, Oromis said, "Your personal quarters are on the floor directly below this one. Now, I apologize for being so brief, but there is urgent business to attend to."
That night, Vervada lay awake in a cave just outside the city. Despite being exhausted, she found herself unable to sleep. She had too many thoughts on her mind. Another dragon, a large grey male, joined her in the cave.
Iormûngr. The midnight blue female said, sensing the presence of her mate.
There was no need for either of them to say anything. Iormûngr lay down beside Vervada and draped a wing over her. Tears begun to flow from the female dragon's eyes as she rested her head against his shoulder. For what seemed like an eternity, the two dragons just lay there, comforting one another. Finally, Iormûngr spoke.
I am sorry I did not come sooner, Vervada. The dragon council was deciding Eridor's fate. They voted to strip him of his title as king, and to place him on trial for his crimes.
Vervada sighed. I'm not sure that's good enough.
He will be executed if he is convicted. Iormûngr added.
I want Eridor to answer t me personally for what he has done! the blue dragon seethed.
Iormûngr frowned. Nuzzling Vervada's cheek, he said, I know how you feel, Vervada. They were my offspring as well. But we mustn't make rash decisions. Eridor is dangerous. Let the council deal with him.
Vervada knew that there would be no swaying her mate.
Very well. The council may do as they wish.
Iormûngr nodded in agreement. Try to get some rest, my love.
Yes, let us rest. Vervada said.
Iormûngr hummed and nuzzled her check before bedding down beside her for the night. Before long both dragons had drifted off to sleep.
When she awoke the next day, Vervada reassured Iormûngr that she was going out to hunt. However, in truth, she had no intention of leaving Eridor to the council. No, they could have whatever was left after she was finished with him.
Vervada flew swiftly toward the dense forests of Du Weldenvarden. She planned her attack as she flew along. Simply defeating Eridor would never do. He must be humiliated as well.
Finally Vervada arrived in a small hallow at the edge of a steep ravine, one of many dragon settlements throughout Alagaesia. Below were many wild dragons.
Vervada landed amongst the wild dragons and looked around for any sign of her father.
You shouldn't be here, Stormcleaver. said a young green male. Eridor is most angry with you right now.
I appreciate your concern, Drixin. Vervada replied. But I do not fear Eridor. In fact I have come to challenge him for his throne.
A gleam appeared in the green male's eyes at those words.
It is high time someone dealt with him! Living under his rule is hell!
I assure you, Drixin, that you and you fellow dragons will have nothing to fear from Eridor once I am finished with him. Vervada said. Where is he?
I'm right here! Eridor replied, landing in front of Vervada with a resonating thud.
And you… he said, glaring at the green dragon and bearing his teeth. You shall be punished for your disloyalty!
Not if I have anything to say about it! Vervada growled. You have committed many crimes against the dragon race, and you have murdered my unborn offspring! Now you will answer for what you have done!
Several other dragons had gathered around to watch the impending fight between father and daughter.
Eridor smirked, drawing his sharp fangs into a toothy grin. I've been waiting a long time for the chance to finally put an end to you, daughter. You are my greatest disappointment!
Ignoring his insult, Vervada retorted, As is customary, I will offer you a single chance to surrender peacefully.
Go to Hell! Eridor snapped, snorting black smoke from his nostrils.
Good. I was hoping you would refuse! Vervada roared, lunging for her father.
Eridor sidestepped Vervada's attack and lashed out with his claws, drawing first blood and striking the midnight blue female across the face, leaving deep claw marks. Vervada retaliated by swinging her tail and knocking Eridor sideways. While Eridor recovered from the blow, Vervada tackled him and knocked him to the ground. She slashed his face with her claws, leaving deep gashes. Eridor opened his maw and shot a jet of blue flames at her, forcing her to release him.
Eridor and Vervada continued to grapple, striking and slashing at one another.
Eridor then leaped to his feet and took off into the sky.
You'll not escape me that easily! Vervada hissed, taking off after him.
The two dragons climbed high above the clouds. Suddenly, Eridor performed a loop in midair, attempting to catch Vervada off guard. Unfortunately for Eridor, Vervada was familiar with that maneuver. She quickly performed a counter maneuver, intercepting Eridor's attack. The two dragons clashed in midair. Eridor released a jet of fire but Vervada dodged it. She then grasped her father, striking several blows to his chest, lower abdomen and the root of his right wing, striking pressure points. Eridore wrestled himself free and struck Verada across the face. Eridor dived steeply toward the canyon below with Vervada right behind him. He leveled off and weaved between the narrow walls of the ravine with Vervada pursued him closely. Eridor disappeared from view around a bend and as Vervada rounded the bend, Eridor was nowhere to be seen. As Vervada glanced around searching for him, Eridor propelled himself from the canyon wall that he had grabbed onto and chased after his daughter. Vervada caught sight of him and rolled to the side to dodge his attack. The female dragon flew lowered her altitude and flew just above the treetops. Eridor was gaining fast and Vervada knew she had to do something. The midnight blue dragoness performed an abrupt climb, flying above the rim of the canyon. Vervada performed a tight turn and flew toward Eridor to attack him again. Eridor grabbed Vervada in midair. The two dragons plummeted toward the ground, striking and biting at each other as they fell. Eridor released Vervada and tried to pull up but the female dragon grabbed a hold of him and caused the both of them to plow into the ground. The two dragons tumbled end over end until they both came to rest at the edge of the ravine. Vervada winced as she got to her feet, feeling a sharp pain in her left wing, which had been dislocated in the crash. Eridor broke his right leg when he hit the ground and glared at her. With a broken leg, Eridor knew he was no longer capable of continuing the flight. A great sense of anger overcame the dark blue dragon as he glared at his daughter. A crowd of dragons gathered around Vervada, glaring back at Eridor, having chosen to side with her over her treacherous father.
Any who stand against me shall face my wrath! Eridor growled.
It's over, father! You've lost! Vervada growled, unphased by his empty threat.
Backing away, Eridor growled back, No, this is not over, daughter!
Eridor spread his wings and took off into the sky.
You've not seen the last of me! he said with a defiant roar.
With her wing injured, Vervada knew she couldn't pursue him. Still, Eridor had been defeated and humiliated.
Let it be known that on this day, I, Vervada Stormcleaver, have overthrown Eridor, and as such, I hereby claim his throne and title as my own!
Though she was battered and bruised with a dislocated wing, the midnight blue female held her head high and let out a victory roar, which was echoed by the other dragons present.
Moments later, Iormûngr descended from the sky. Atop his back was his elven Rider, Thuviel.
The grey male ran to his mate's side.
Vervada! You are hurt! he exclaimed.
I'll live. replied the blue female. It's done. Eridor has been defeated.
It was reckless of you to run away like that! Iormûngr chided. You could have been killed!
Thuviel climbed down from his dragon's back and examined Vervada's wounds.
"You're really something, Vervada." the elf said as he begun to heal her injuries.
Thank you, Thuviel. She replied, flattered by his remark.
.
.
.
Eridor fled to the east, seething with anger over his defeat. All he could think about was getting revenge on those who he felt had wronged him. The Dragon Riders, the wild dragons who sided with Vervada over him, and most importantly, Vervada herself. Days passed and still, all he could do was fume with rage.
One night, Eridor landed in a forest glade to tend to his wounds. Eridor suddenly caught a strange scent. Growling, he looked around and out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement.
Who are you? Show yourself! demanded the dark blue dragon.
"And just who are you to make demands?" replied Galbatorix, emerging from the woods.
You! You're him, the one the Riders have been after! exclaimed Eridor.
"Correct. You seem to have stumbled across our humble abode. And who might you be, dragon? I suggest you answer carefully because your answer will determine whether you leave here alive or not." Galbatorix replied, surveying the wounded dragon.
I am Eridor.
Eridor studied the fallen Rider carefully. As the most wanted fugitive in Alagaesia, this man was known even to the wild dragons.
"The king of the dragons?" Galbatorix replied, somewhat surprised.
A cold chuckle emanated from the darkness nearby as Durza materialized.
"I'd say he's the former king judging by the looks of him!"the Shade said with a smirk.
What do you want with me? growled Eridor.
"Well, I find myself in need of a dragon to assist me in my cause." Galbatorix answered.
Eridor suddenly hatched a plan.
What if I could offer you something even greater? I can offer you power beyond your wildest dreams!
"Ha!" scoffed Durza. "I'd like to see what the fallen king has to offer!"
Shooting a glare at Durza, Eridor then turned his attention back to Galbatorix.
I know about you. I know that you lost your dragon, and that you want revenge against the Riders. I want them all dead too. Perhaps we can work together.
Galbatorix folded his arms, pondering the offer.
"I need to infiltrate Ilirea and obtain a newly hatched dragon. I will need someone from within the order itself to help me achieve that goal, so I doubt you would be of much use."
Perhaps I can help you capture a Dragon Rider then. Eridor explained. You see, I am a wanted fugitive, just as you are. We could set a trap and I can lure a Rider into our midst.
"I see where you are going with this. "Galbatorix said, intrigued.
"What about this great power that you promised?´ interjected Durza, still clearly skeptical.
"Yes, do tell." Galbatorix said.
First, you must promise that neither you, nor anyone who serves you, will use this information against me. Eridor said.
Galbatorix was reluctant to make any promises, but his curiosity got the better of him.
"Very well." He said.
After Galbatorix and Durza had both sworn in the Ancient Language not to betray Eridor with the information he was about to share, the blue dragon explained his proposition.
The Wild Dragons have betrayed me and cast me out. I want revenge against them, and particularly my daughter, Vervada. By helping me achieve my goal, you can stand to gain a great deal of power.
"Get on with it!" snapped Durza.
Eridor growled, bearing his teeth.
I was getting to that, you fool! You see, we dragons have an organ in our body called an eldunari, or our heart-of-hearts. We can store our consciousness in our eldunari at will. Anyone who possesses a dragon's heart-of-hearts can bend that dragon to their will. Not only that, but the eldunari itself is said to contain a vast amount of magical energy. Anyone who possesses an eldunari may wield its power as their own. Should a dragon transfer their consciousness to their eldunari, their soul will live on in their eldunari even if their physical body has been killed.
Galbatorix raised an eyebrow. "Why are you telling us this?"
Because I want you to hunt down every wild dragon you can find and take their heart-of-hearts.
"I don't understand." Durza said. "You're willing to sell out your own race?"
The wild dragons are weak. They need to be purged. Eridor said coldly.
"I have no quarrel with the wild dragons." said Galbatorix.
Ah, but you do. You see, my good-for-nothing daughter is a close ally of the Riders. She is also now the queen of the dragons. If you go to war with the Riders, she will stand against you.
Galbatorix pondered the offer. The idea of being able to wield the magic of dragons was certainly enticing, but he wasn't sure if he could trust someone so willing to wipe out their own race. Eridor would have to prove himself.
"If you can capture a Rider for me, I will help you." He said.
Eridor grinned. Excellent!
To be continued...