Nasuada, leader of the rebel group known as the Varden, sighed heavily as she idly listened the high ranking generals bicker like children wanting to play with the same toy.
They were currently in her tent, a large table and a dozen chairs being summoned to allow the generals and other high-rank members of the Varden to sit down and discuss what was to be done.
The past six months had taken a great toll of Nasuada, along with other members of the Varden and for good reason too.
Their Rider, their only Rider, defeater of a bloodthirsty Shade and defender of the rebels, had deserted.
Nasuada could only curse herself; she should have made more preparations so no one could listen in to the meeting that decided Eragon's fate, but she had been careless. Eragon had gone off somewhere after defeating the Red Rider, as the men called the newest Dragon Rider, and had assumed he was resting and certainty wouldn't be snooping around her tent in the middle of the night, but he had.
Nasuada had no clue on how Eragon had known a meeting about him was taking place, sure the boy was a curious lad but she never thought of him as sneaking around the camp in the middle of the night to listen to plans he shouldn't have known.
Because of her carelessness the Varden had been weakened horribly. Their Rider, who was the paperboy of the Varden, the symbol of hope, the reason why most of their men were ready to lay down their lives knowing and hoping that the boy had a chance to defeat Galbatorix and to free their land. But because of her actions Eragon had fled, and with good reason.
It had taken all of her power, along with the others, to hold the pieces together as the entire stability of the Varden was ready to shatter, decades of careful work making sure that the Varden's morale would stay infinite along with everyone's loyalty to the cause, it was threatening to crumble down before her.
Eragon was the key. The key to everything, the men were as loyal to him as they were to her, some even more loyal to the Blue Rider than the leader of the Varden. It was with good reason; sure she often joined the battle despite being a woman and had made a name for herself proving she was anything but a weakling.
But she wasn't a Dragon Rider, she wasn't the first person in many centuries to kill a Shade, the first human to do so too, she never killed hundreds of Urgals nor the King's men in a single battle, and she didn't have his magical prowess, even Trianna her most powerful human magicians prowess looked like dying candlelight compared to Eragon's bonfire of magical energy.
She may be the leader and held the men's words of loyalty, but Eragon held the men's hearts. He's the Varden's champion, or was.
She reached into her desk and pulled out a scrap of paper that had been read more times than she could count, just a small piece of old parchment, there wasn't anything special about the paper. It was the message on the paper that meant everything, I know, good luck fighting the Mad King with no Rider, outnumbered 2- 0. You should have trusted me, believed in me. Now it's too late. Have fun fighting against the Imperials alone. I'm no longer your friend, your protector, your weapon. We are now enemies.
Eragon Shadeslayer
Such a short message but even despite it only being a couple sentences it nearly destroyed everything she, her father, and the first leader of the Varden had worked for.
Once they realized what would happen they immediately sent scouts and troops after them, she only trusted the ones she knew could keep their mouths shut. But even despite everyone's attempts to keep the whole thing under wraps it slowly traveled through the camp.
Nasuada had come up with a cover story, she had told the men that he had returned to the elves home to continue his training, but seeing as during the battle Eragon had just returned from his training, even the most foolish and blind men could tell that something was amiss.
Nasuada had sent messages to every spy they had, every eyes and ears that heard and saw things that they shouldn't know, for any hint of sign of Eragon Shadeslayer.
But they had found nothing, not the slightest trace of the only free Rider and dragon, Eragon had wisely retreated and hidden himself so well that not even Arya could find him.
Thinking of the female elf just seemed to add on to her headache, Arya had no idea of the meeting; she didn't know why Eragon had left. The two shared a bond; both were hurt souls that had been affected gravely by this awful war and Galbatorix.
Eragon had lost his home and his entire life was ripped from him the second he found Saphira's egg that fateful night in the woods. Ill fortune followed him like the Reaper does a dying man, his uncle murdered and tortured only to finally succumb to his fatal and painful wounds. His village torched to the ground months later, his people killed and forced to leave the only place they had ever known. Brom dying and leaving the Rider to face his destiny alone with no one but Saphira for aid.
Arya was the same, even though the elf never showed it. She lost her companions and her lover at Durza's hands, captured and tortured day by day by a bloodthirsty shade. Driven to the near point of insanity she was saved by Eragon, the entire time, no matter the suffering she took she never revealed her home, the elven capitol, nor any of the smaller cities.
Arya of course knew that something was wrong. She demanded and practically threatened Nasuada to tell her where Eragon was or why he had left.
Nasuada couldn't tell her, to be honest she never wanted to banish Eragon but it was that or follow King Orrin's way, which was to kill him. She liked Eragon, whether for his bravery or his honesty Nasuada could tell that he was a good man.
But even the purest of souls could be tainted, look at Galbatorix. He once was a Rider who other Riders thought to be powerful for someone his age; he never showed signs of the cruelness he showed today. Only when a man's heart has been ripped apart from loss or even seeing something horrific could set them on the winding path of darkness. Especially since they were at war, Eragon has killed men before, hundreds of them, whether with magic, sword or arrows, he has killed. He was tormented by it as well, he couldn't stand to take an innocent life but when he has to he will for his friends, but that torment will still stay the same no matter how it came to be.
Nasuada had seen the eyes of old soldiers who could no longer fight due to their age, men who had killed for many years, from when they were mere boys who could barely swing a sword to old men who could barely move due to their age, they had a haunted look about them, as though seeing the men they had killed surrounding them, as though haunting their killers would avenge their own deaths.
It would be easy for Eragon, who had such an innocent soul even with his ill fortune, to go down the same path Galbatorix had gone down, if Eragon did so and somehow managed to kill Galbatorix he may have decided he should be king, and if he became cruel and heartless than they would have another Galbatorix on their hands, one even more powerful than the King right now.
Banishment seemed like the good idea, Eragon wouldn't have to be killed and peace could finally set in the war-torn continent of Alagaesia.
But Eragon had not seen it as a good idea, and so he fled with everything he owned, even taking the Varden's hope with him, though probably not intentionally seeing as he probably had no idea how much sway he had over the troops.
Recruitment had dropped dramatically when Eragon's disappearance became known to everyone, even the Empire.
Nasuada was certain the only reason why the Red Rider had not come to destroy them with the Imperial army was because he was busy trying to fend off the elves attacking from the north.
The Queen was furious with her, she had obviously did not tell the Elven Queen exactly why Eragon had fled but she was certain the Queen had an inkling that it involved her and the other leaders.
Even Orik, who had become the King of the dwarves was rather wary of them at the moment. Orik and Arya were both trying to find out what really happened, the two seemed to get closer as during the time in Farthendür a group of assassins paid by the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, a clan that was famous for its hatred of the Riders, to kill her for being close friends of Eragon, the leader of the clan had been promptly banished and was no longer an annoyance, but even despite the danger the assassination had proved an advantage as Orik quickly gained support from it.
With Orik king it made things more easier for the worn out leader of the Varden, despite Orik not fully trusting them because of the disappearance of his clan-brother, money had started to pool into the dwindling funds they so desperately needed to pay and feed the men.
They were currently camped out a dozen leagues or so from Aroughs, the muggy climate and swamps that littered throughout the landscape made it a hindrance for the marching army and its caravan.
Riderless, the Varden's only victories had been small towns that were barely guarded, Aroughs would be the first city to siege, even though it was a small city they would waste no chance at getting rid of their enemies before the marched north, they did not need to be surrounded during a major battle.
And despite Eragon's desertion Nasuada had found an interesting piece of the puzzle that was the Varden and its ways, to be more specific Eragon's cousin, Roran Garrowson.
The man had made quite the name for himself, even being called Roran Stronghammer by his peers due to his amazing skill with his hammer, the man had risen through the ranks quickly, he was a bit of a wild card. He had disobeyed orders from his captain but in good sense seeing if he had followed orders he and his men would have been killed, he led the men while the captain was surrounded by bloodthirsty Imperials and managed to kill over two hundred men by himself. Nasuada had him whipped for disobedience but had made him a captain; he would take up command of a small force during the siege of Aroughs.
But the man had been pestering and pleading with her for a long time, to save his love Katrina from the Ra'zac. Nasuada knew that the man couldn't wait for much longer and decided to allow the warrior to go to Helgrind in a few weeks time, of course he would have Arya go with him.
Fabled warrior aside, not even he, just a normal human, would be able to best all the Ra'zac who had acted as the king's dragon slayers back in the day. Those two combined with Arya's magic should be able to avenge Ronan's village, save his love, and more importantly get rid of a dangerous foe for the Varden and her people.
"I say we the main attack should be at the east gate, it will be less of a hassle to break down due to there not being many guards there!" General Tarvosk barked jerking Nasuada back to the present.
"They would expect that due to the fact we are coming from the east!" General Curoc responded back, "we should attack from the south gate!"
Nasuada rubbed her head tiredly as soon insults were thrown around and decided to intervene before the generals would fight each other and the war meeting would become a full out brawl.
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Bjartkoü's mighty wings beat against the air. On him was Ronan who was shivering despite wearing a thick wool cloak. Ronan's face was red from the numbing cold the chilling winds brought with the power to knock Ronan off of Bjartkoü's back had he not been using the saddle Eragon had made for him.
"Wow…" Ronan said in awe as he slowly approached the great Beor mountains. He had heard tales of the mountains before, both before Eragon had come to his small village, and during his training in the blazing Hadarac Desert.
The word gigantic would be of poor choice, the mountains stretched on and on, until neither he nor Bjartkoü could see where they stretched too. The mountains seemed to cut through the sky, the tips hidden forever in the high clouds. The clouds that Bjartkoü and he usually flew through only reached barely half the height of the mountains themselves. As they flew above the clouds, Ronan felt small and insignificant compared to the monstrous mountains that surrounded him.
As Bjartkoü's claws nipped the clouds below them Ronan felt as though the clouds was a blanket of fresh snow, and the only company the two had were the mountains that touched the heavens.
Even Bjartkoü felt small and insignificant to the mountains surrounding them. Not to mention that flying above the clouds so no one would see them, high up in the Beor mountains it was freezing. Hence the reason for Ronan's discomfort.
"Ei si fro ein yê." Ronan mumbled through chattering teeth.
It's not that cold, Young One. Eragon-elda instructed that you should visit the Beor mountains and to open your senses to the life around you. You may have done it in the desert but more life exists here than in the desert. Bjartkoü said.
Says the gigantic fire breathing dragon, 'course it aint cold for you. Ronan mumbled crossly.
A small hint of irritation crept into Bjartkoü's tone. I haven't breathed fire yet Ronan. He said angrily making Ronan cringe. He knew that Bjartkoü wasn't happy that he had yet to breath fire. Sure he exhaled smoke and a few times a couple ghost flames came, but it was nothing like Saphira's fire. It was a blow to the dragon's pride.
Ronan patted Bjartkoü's neck. Don't worry buddy. You'll breath fire soon enough. Remember, Saphira-elda only started to breath fire when they were fighting Durza. Maybe something like that will happen to us and it'll kick in.
Bjartkoü snorted. It could. But I'd rather not be able to breath fire for the first time while I'm trying to save you from a bloodthirsty shade.
Ronan grinned. What's life without a little entertainment?
If you went with that motto, then you won't have a life. Bjartkoü replied sarcastically.
Ronan laughed. Well that's true. Besides in the next couple of months life will get a little exciting.
Bjartkoü suddenly started to sink lower, this is a good spot. Eragon-ebrithil instructed that we find a good place to study that's far away from any dwarf, elf, or human.
Bjartkoü went in a steep dive, Ronan holding on to a neck spike. As they were fifty feet from become smears on the ground Bjartkoü opened his wings and glided before landing on the ground with a small thud.
Ronan slid off the saddle and groaned as his legs supported his weight. "Gah I was sitting there for so long my legs are asleep."
Bjartkoü nudged the boy with his snout. You're fine Ronan, come on we should set up camp.
Ronan nodded his head and started to unsaddle Bjartkoü. He placed the saddle on the ground and muttered a spell so the elements wouldn't harm the soft leather. He gathered some firewood and after saying, "brisingr" a small cheery white fire crackled to life. He quickly grabbed a large saddlebag and carefully placed it on the ground.
He slowly unzipped the bag to reveal five Eldunarì nestled together. Ronan felt thoughts that were not his own enter his mind; he did nothing to stop them. The largest Eldunarì was a white Eldunarì and was slightly smaller than Yaroc's. A black, green, blue, and a red Eldunarì.
They were the other five Eldunarì the two Riders had, the ones Eragon had given to Ronan saying that it was always good to be prepared incase he got in a fight. Ronan had spent the better part of the flight to the Beor Mountains conversing with each Eldunarì. They had slowly opened up to them, there was no doubt in Ronan's mind that the Eldunarì were still wary of everything after having their minds broken by Galbatorix.
Ronan zipped the bag up after making sure the Eldunarì were alright. Bjartkoü flew away to go hunting.
Ronan went farther into the woods before coming to a large boulder surrounded by plants and trees. He plopped himself on the boulder befor getting into a comfortable position before he calmly closed his eyes and saw.
He didn't physically see mind you, but with his mind and magic he saw the life surrounding him. Small flickering lights against darkness, from the smallest ant to the largest pine, Ronan saw and felt everything.
For several hours Ronan watched a worm dig tunnels through the hard earth. He saw the worm eat small molecules of nutrients that gave the worm energy to continue its life under the earth. He saw a colony of ants work as one to bring down a small spider, he saw them carry the carcass back the their ant hill. He moved to larger animals who's bright energy lights look like a fire compared to the small lights of the insects. He saw a sparrow call for a mate, he saw the sparrow fly through the dense branches of the gigantic pines. Saw the bird peck at the ground and flew away with a worm (not the one he had watched) before landing on a tree and gobbling it down.
For days and days Ronan would sit on the boulder and widen his range and listen to the life around him. He realized why Eragon would want him to do this, along with the reason why he should do it in the forest. Bjartkoü was right about there being more life here than in the middle of the desert.
Ronan had been in the Beor Mountains for several weeks now, he had learned the life style of nearly every animal he could sense. He felt enlightened knowing how different life was for everything but still the same. From humans to foxes to ants they had many similarities. They searched for food, protected their young and elders, defended their leaders or alphas, found mates and had offspring, fought others to expand or defend their borders and for food. Along with other things, Ronan could defiantly say why Eragon had wanted him to do this training.
Of course on some days he did not sit on the boulder, he would often practice his magic, going over his forms with his sword, he would talk with the Eldunarì and learn of lessons they had taught to Riders during their lifetime. He and Bjartkoü often flew together, though if they were low Ronan would have to use an invisibility spell that the Eldunarì would help keep up so no one could see them.
Finally Ronan knew they would soon have to return to the desert. So they packed up and headed back towards the desert.
Ronan was talking with Bjartkoü as the two flew through the mountains back home, he was sending out his consciousness so he could still practice before they got to the barren desert.
Ronan's eyes narrowed as he sensed something wrong in the valley directly below them. Bjartkoü take us down, I want to see what's happening. Bjartkoü didn't say anything but started to lose attitude.
Oh so that's what's happening. Bjartkoü said. Ronan scowled, hey I don't have your amazing eyesight, what's happening?
Bjartkoü showed the boy what he was seeing. A Narga, an incredibly huge boar, was attacking a female Shrrg, a gigantic wolf the size of a horse.
Judging by the blood seeping out of the Shrrg she was losing the battle. Her feet were wobbling but she seemed hell-bent on protecting something from the giant boar.
Ronan's heart broke slightly as he saw the wolf launch herself at the Narga, the boar swept its head upwards and its sharp tusks cut the Shrrg's stomach.
Ronan knew she wouldn't live soon judging by the amount of blood flowing from her wound. Ronan grabbed his bow and aimed, he let it lose by saw with dismay that it bounced off the Narga's thick hide like it was nothing.
Bjartkoü landed and Ronan jumped off, he put in another arrow, "brisingr!" he shouted as the arrow erupted in white fire, he let it loose. The Narga shrieked in agony as the arrow pierced its side, the wound and surrounding skin becoming charred.
"Uh oh." Ronan muttered as the Narga lowered its head and charged at the boy. Bjartkoü's tail whacked the boar in the side making it sail across the clearing, shaking its head and seemingly getting even angrier, it charged at Ronan. Ronan knew that Bjartkoü was too far away to attack the boar with his claws. He notched another arrow. He let it fly loose and it hit the boar in the head, but to his dismay the boar kept charging. Ronan braced himself for impact.
Through the mental link Ronan felt Bjartkoü's fear and anger, Bjartkoü's mouth opened and he roared as loud as he could, white hot flames coming out of his mouth.
A shriek cut of short, Ronan opened his eyes to see the charred body of the gigantic boar at his feet. Ronan grinned as Bjartkoü closed his jaw and the flames ceased. Ronan ran towards the white dragon and jumped as high as he could and hugged Bjartkoü's snout. "You breathed fire!" he yelled.
Bjartkoü rumbled in happiness, proud of his accomplishment. The two heard a whining, they turned to see the female Shrrg on the ground. Ronan rushed towards the dying wolf and saw that he could not save her. A minute passed and the wolf's eyes closed. Ronan heard soft squeaks and shuffles, he peered through the underbrush and saw a makeshift den.
It was very large so Ronan had no trouble going in, he stopped in shock at what he saw. There were six Shrrg pups. Despite being what appeared a day old and their eyes were still closed they were still roughly around the size of a normal half grown wolf.
So that's why she was fighting, she was protecting her newborn pups. Bjartkoü said.
What should we do? Ronan asked.
Ronan noticed that one of the pups were starting to move, Ronan held his breath as the puppy opened its eyes for the first time. Amber meet hazel and Ronan could tell from its affectionate thoughts the wolf didn't deem him a threat.
The other five pups, as though the first had issued some sort of signal, started to stir. They all looked at Ronan, hazel meeting blue, green, and brown.
The amber-eyed one gave a wolf grin and leapt at the boy, who was too surprised to move. Suddenly Ronan felt himself under six puppy Shrrg. They weren't attacking him, they seemed to be playing with him and were nuzzling him.
Ronan managed to get them off of his, then as one they all opened their mouths and whined and gave Ronan the worlds greatest puppy dog eyes known to any being.
Ronan could hear Bjartkoü laughing both in his mind and reality, what's so funny?
Bjartkoü merely kept laughing, hehe, sorry its just that you were the first thing they have seen in their short lives.
So what does that have to do with anything? Ronan demanded the still laughing dragon.
For many animals the first living being they see they instantly forge a bond with. Now it's usually the mother they first see so that makes you…
Ronan's mouth dropped open, he ripped his eyes off from the pups and instead concentrated on the conversation. Are you saying that these pups think of me as… You know? Ronan asked in horror.
Bjartkoü laughed again. Congratulations Ronan, you are now a mother.
Hey guys I decided to update this story even though I updated a couple days ago, since I haven't been giving this story as much attention as my other two I haven't updated it as much and I'm sorry for that. Please note that I will begin to update this more as more things become revealed, some things will defiantly surprise you and I'm pretty certain I'm the only one on Fanfiction who has thought of some of the ideas in my story, I probably made you mad because you want to find out about some of the things that happen, you will in the next chapter. Also I made some changes in the story, I decided I would not have the elves betray Eragon because it seems pretty stupid for them to betray them when they pretty much worship the Riders, they don't know about the meeting as I said in the earlier part of the chapter.
