Disclaimer: Usual...
A/N: Here is the next chapter. Thank you to all who have reviewed. I can't begin to express my thanks!Chapter Fourteen: Home
For the longest time all he could do was stare at her. She laughed and stared right back. A moment later his arms were around her. He breathed her in as he held tight to her. She wrapped her arms around him and ran her hand down the back of his head. He let her go and simply looked at her.
"How are you?" Anika asked him.
He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. She laughed and took his head in her hands, kissing him deeply. He kissed her back and pulled her into him. He kissed her repeatedly before pulling her away from him, staring at her again.
"Please say something." She told him.
He shook his head and kissed her again. "I've missed you so much." He told her.
"I've missed you too." She smiled and kissed him.
"Where have you been? What have you been doing? Where is Briam?" He asked quickly.
Anika laughed at him. "Slow down. Where is the rest of the family and why do I have a grave site in the embankment?" She asked.
His smile faltered. "After you left soldiers came and they had questions. I had to think of something fast. I had told my family that you were thrown from your horse and killed. The same lie was told to the soldiers. To make it believable we buried a coffin in that big hole." He explained.
"Why there though? Did they notice anything odd that could lead to Briam?" She asked.
"No. When I made the grave I made sure that any sign of him was gone." He told her.
"Okay." She nodded and hugged him. "Tell me the rest of the family is okay."
"They are." He smiled.
"Go get them. I want to see them." She smiled.
"Not tonight." He smiled. "Tonight I'm going to keep you to myself." He said putting his arms around her waist.
Is everything all right? Briam's voice asked her.
Yes. Keep out of site. I'll see you as soon as I can. She replied, staring at Balian, a smile on her face.
Don't leave me too long.
Never.
"Come on." Balian said leading her up the stairs.
He led her into his bedroom and closed the door. He pulled her against him and kissed her deeply. Over and over again. She fell into him as they kissed, his hands moving across her body. He gently laid her on the bed. He laid on top of her, kissing her all the while. She reached for the base of his shirt and pulled it off of him. She ran her hands down his chest as he undid her pants. She kissed his chest and smiled at him and he pulled her shirt off…
Anika was awake before anyone. She was used to going to bed late and waking early. The sun was barely in the sky. She sat and looked out Balian's window, drinking in the site, for she didn't know when she would see it again. Soon Balian stirred next to her and she smiled down at him. She made sure the sheet stayed against her as she laid back next to him. She smiled and kissed him gently.
"Sleep well?" She asked.
"The best since you left." He replied.
Her smile faltered and he kissed her again. "You know I can't stay long." She told him.
"How long were you thinking?" He asked.
"I don't know. I shouldn't have come in the first place." She replied.
"A few days at least?"
"At least." She said and kissed him.
He pulled her down on top of him. She rested her head on his chest and gently caressed it as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"I have to go check on Briam." Anika told him, only minutes later.
"Can I come?" He asked.
"Of course." She smiled.
Anika relished taking Onyx out and riding him to the embankment. Balian and his own horse racing her. She grinned at him and soon she and Onyx stopped at the embankment with Balian a few strides behind her. She slid from the horse's bare back and skidded down the embankment. Briam was no where to be seen.
Where are you? She called to him.
Look to the sky. He replied.
She looked up and he was coming through the trees. He landed in front of her and put his head down. She ran her hand up his nose and between his eyes. He hummed before looking at Balian.
It is nice to see you again. He said entering the man's mind.
"What?" Balian said surprised.
I can enter the mind of anyone I please. This is a rare event. Take pride it the fact that I don't just rip you to shreds. Briam told him.
"Boy I've missed you." Balian glared at the dragon.
Likewise.
"Knock it off." Anika said looking at her dragon. "How are you?" She asked.
I am fine. Already antsy from being here. We should leave as soon as night comes.
No, not yet. We won't stay long but we need to stay longer than a day. I need to be here for just a little while. Can you trust me on this?
I always do. He told her.
If you see or hear anything that may be a threat let me know. If danger should come we'll leave immediately. She told him.
I understand.
Okay than. She smiled and stroked his scales. Will you be all right on your own for a while?
You see me everyday. Come as often as you can. He told her. Are we agreed?
Agreed.
"Are you two talking?" Balian asked.
Anika laughed at him. "Yes." She told him.
They stayed only a short while longer before mounting their rides and headed back to the house. There was no doubt in Anika's mind that the family was awake and would be wondering where their son was.
When they returned to the house there was the sound of plates clinking and the smell of food. Anika and Balian put the horses back before heading toward the house. Anika couldn't help but pause before going in. She wasn't sure how they would react to her and she didn't want to draw any attention to the house. Balian finally took her hand and pushed open the door. Everyone froze in their tracks as they looked at her. She smiled and stood close to Balian.
"Hi…" She said softly.
"Ani…" Boric said and quickly moved toward her.
"Boric…" She smiled.
He smiled and pulled her against him, hugging her tightly. Soon Molly had her arms around her as well, both placing a kiss on her head. When they finally let her go Egan stood in front of her. She looked at him and moment before he too pulled her into a hug. She put her arms around his neck, holding tight to him.
"You're alive." He said airily. "Where've you been?" He asked letting her go.
"Everywhere." She replied.
"Why did you leave? Balian said that you had been killed." Boric asked her.
"I'm sorry. It's such a long story." She told him. "One that I can't tell you."
She looked at Balian and he kept a straight face. "She's back. That's all that matters." He said putting an arm across her shoulders.
"Only for a while." Anika added. "I can't stay long. Only a few days or so." She replied.
"Than we mustn't waste any time." Boric said taking her head in his hands. "There is much to talk about."
"Yes, although leaving the house is out of the question. I hear I'm rather dead these days." She smiled at him.
He laughed out loud. "Yes, yes you are." He smiled.
Soon they were all sitting at the table enjoying food, drink and stories.
Soon a few days had gone by and Anika had realized how much she missed the Small's. Briam grew more and more unsettled but she always found a way to comfort him and convince him that this was only temporary and that it needed to be done. She needed the small distraction and hoped that seeing them and spending some time with them would stop her dreams. That seeing them would put her mind at ease and she would be able to get a good night's sleep. Though no sleep could beat the past few days. So in her mind, it was working.
What about Brom? Briam asked Anika.
He'll understand. Anika replied.
No he won't. He's more than likely furious that you've left. Eragon too.
They are probably doing just fine. They were going to Teirm to see Jeod. They are probably with him and doing fine. The Ra'zac have yet to be found. We'll be back with them in no time. Anika told him.
You're wrong. This can only end one way…badly. He stated.
Anika couldn't help but feel a little unnerved by his words. She wouldn't deny that she wasn't worried about Brom and Eragon. She wanted to be with them but she needed Balian and his family just as much. She hoped she would be able to leave soon but the want to stay was powerful. She felt like she was being pulled in two. Half of her wanted to stay with the Small's and the other half wanted to be with Brom and Eragon. All of her wanted to be with Briam but even he was becoming cold toward her. She hated what being back home was doing to their relationship. They were as close as two beings could be but it was so strained that when she went to see him he'd lay on the ground in silence, never saying anything to her. He had blocked her from his mind and she did too most of the time. After another few days had gone by there was no question in the decision that it was time to go. She just wasn't sure how to tell the family again.
Anika was in the kitchen helping Molly with dinner. It had been heaven to not have to worry about being found. About Urgals or other followers of the King's, but she knew that it was short lived. She needed to return to Brom and Eragon. She had to mend what damage she had caused by leaving. The more she thought about it the more eager she was to tell the family that it was time. After dinner was her safest bet.
"It's been so nice have you here this past month. It means a lot to us that you returned." Molly told her.
"I missed you." Anika smiled at her. "It was hard leaving but it was for the best."
"I wish you could tell us why." She stated.
"The less you know the better. I think you all declaring me dead was just about the smartest thing you could have done."
"We didn't want to." Boric told her coming into the room. "Balian was the one who told us you were dead."
"What did he tell you?" Anika asked.
"You were here and then you weren't. He said that there had been an accident and that you were killed. We couldn't believe it but he showed us where he had buried you. He was so upset that there was no doubt in our minds that it wasn't true." He went on.
"I'm sorry I hurt you." She told them, tears in her eyes.
"You're alive and well. We couldn't ask for more." He said and kissed her forehead.
"I'm glad all of you are safe too. I was afraid that what happened in Carvahall would spill over here but it doesn't look like it did." Anika told them.
"No. Nothing has happened here. There have been a few soldiers questioning but no one has come here." Molly told her.
"There's talk of a Dragon Rider." Egan told her.
Anika looked at him before glancing at Balian. "Really?"
"Yes, but I don't know if it's true or not. It might be better if it isn't." He continued.
"Why do you say that?" She asked.
"If it's true that means more fighting is to come. More fighting means they are going to need more people. More people mean that they are going to dip into every village to find men." He explained.
"It would be worth it." She told him as they all sat at the table.
"What?" He said looking at her. "What do you know of it?"
"I know more than you think." She told him.
"Than impress me." Egan grinned.
Anika looked at him then at Balian. He shrugged. "All right." She grinned at Egan. "If I were you I would be honored to have my foot in the fight that's to come. Galbatorix has made everyone in Alagaësía suffer for longer than I can remember. The Dragon Riders were the greatest force in the world once and if there is said to be one out there I couldn't be happier. If there was the smallest hope that the King be overthrown sign me up. If we're playing the honesty card here than I can tell you that there is a Dragon Rider out there. I can say that the rumors you hear are no mere rumors. There is a Dragon Rider out there and I have met him. He is extraordinary and he may be the hope of this land. As we speak plans are being made to join the Varden in their fight against the king. If he makes it there and learns to control the power that comes from being a Rider than there is hope. There is hope that we will live free and happy in a land where it should have been that way to begin with. No more suffering. No more hushed words or fear. If our side wins the war that is to come than, Egan, join and fight for a cause worthwhile. Fight in this battle and you will be remembered. You will be remembered as the few who had the courage to fight for what's right. One of the few who fought knowing that this land can be better. We all have a better chance to live the life we were meant to because there is a Rider out there. The magic that be can wield. The dragon at his side. The stories that we've heard are all real. We are all better off having a Rider out there fighting for what's good and what's right. Shall I go on?" She finished.
Molly beamed at her as Boric laughed. Balian smiled and squeezed her knee under the table. Egan simply stared at her. "All right. You win." He grinned.
"Thank you." Anika said sitting back in her seat.
The conversation did go on through dinner. It took all of her not to mention Briam and the fact that she too was a rider. She had wrapped her hand up to hide the mark on her palm. Afterward, she knew that the time had come to bid them farewell. Balian seemed to sense this and asked her to take a walk with him. She agreed and followed him out the back door.
"Tonight then?" He asked her.
"I have to go. My friends are out there and I need to get back to them. Anything could be happening and believe it or not I have learned a lot." She told him, floating the pebble in her hand.
He grinned at her, slipping his hand around her waist. "I love you." He said and kissed her.
"I love you too." She replied.
Trouble! Briam's voice entered her head.
Where? Anika asked, freezing in her steps.
"What is it?" Balian asked.
"Sh." Anika told him sharply. What's happening? She asked her dragon.
Urgals in the village. What do we do?
Are you in the sky? Anika asked. It was getting darker out but there was still plenty of light left in the day.
Yes.
Stay close. I'll go to the village and take a look. I'll call you if I need you.
Be very careful.
You too. She told him. "Come on." She said taking Balian's hand. They ran back to the house and through the door. "Stay here and watch the family. Don't do anything stupid and don't follow me." She told him.
"What? What's going on? What does he see?" Balian asked.
"What does who see?" Boric asked.
"I need to go." Anika said grabbing a knife from the kitchen.
"Anika…what's going on?" Boric asked.
"Stay here." She told him, pointing the knife at him and left the house.
She ran into the city and heard screaming from the homes that were being looted. She slid up against the nearest building, moving into an alley. She moved through the village to access the situation. There were at least half a dozen Urgals roaming, leaving destruction in their wake. One stopped just in front of her, watching his comrades tear through one of the houses. Anika moved forward quietly before thrusting the knife deep into the monsters side. He fell to the ground dead. She saw a mother and daughter under attack ahead of her. She ran forward and stabbed one in the back. The other turned and hit her, sending her flying. She turned as he started to come down on top of her. She rolled as it brought its spear down on her. It barely grazed her side and she kicked the beast giving her enough time to get to her feet. She spun the knife in her hand and faced the Urgal. She turned the knife and held it back ready to throw.
"Brisingr!" She yelled and threw the danger. The blade burst with orange flame and struck the Urgal, killing it instantly. "Run!" She told the women and moved them behind her. When she turned Boric, Balian and Egan were standing there. "What are you doing here?" She yelled at them.
"What was that?" Egan asked.
"There's no time!" She yelled over the commotion.
Anika! She heard her name and when she turned around Briam had two Urgals in his talons, both of which he tore in half and threw aside.
"Briam!" Anika yelled, ecstatic to see him.
Hurry! Briam yelled and landing in front of her, hitting aside another Urgal with his tail.
Anika turned to her family, breathing hard. She locked eyes with Balian for a moment before running and jumping up onto Briam's back.
"Let's go!" She yelled and he launched himself in the air.
They flew overhead, eyeing where the Urgals were before swooping down and killing them. Anika grabbed a spear and thrust it through the chest of an Urgal as Briam fought three on his other side. It took only minutes to rid the village of the threat. Briam's roar echoing before he launched himself in the air, disappearing into the now dark sky. They flew overhead until everyone seemed to quiet and she saw the family slowly make their way back to the house. She and Briam followed from above and when she saw them all in front of the house, Briam descended, landing in front of them all. Anika slid from her dragon's back and faced them. All but Balian looked at her with such shock and astonishment that she was speechless.
"Is everyone okay?" She finally said.
"Are you?" Balian asked walking up to her.
"Yes, thank you." She said as he lifted her chin to look at a cut on her neck.
"Boric, Egan…?" She asked.
"Fine." Boric replied.
"You're the Dragon Rider." Egan stated.
"One of two." Anika told him. "Eragon is the other. My companion. I was traveling with him and an old man, Brom. Both from Carvahall. This is my dragon. His name is Briam. I had him here two months before the attack in Carvahall and I fled after Balian warned me of the danger. He alone knew of him before now. I'm sorry I lied but it's dangerous to have this knowledge. It's dangerous to know who I am. I just hope that few witnessed what happened. I'm sure they heard Briam's roar but I can only hope that I was not seen. It would ruin everything. I shouldn't have come." She told them. "And I must go again. Immediately."
"No…" Boric told her.
"Yes." She replied. "I'm sorry." She said turning to Balian. He just nodded.
She walked up to Boric, Egan, and Molly. She hugged each of them tightly before going back to Balian. She kissed him deeply, running her hand down his chest.
"Be safe. Don't do anything stupid." She told him.
"I'll do my best." He smiled.
She laughed and kissed him again. "Send word if you need help in any way. I'll be heading to the Varden as soon as I can. Find someone trustworthy and send word if you can. I can not risk doing the same. But I hope to see you again soon." She said kissing him one last time. "I love you all." She told them before mounting her dragon. "Come on Briam, let's go."
He let out a roar before taking to the sky. The ground quickly gave way as he soared high into the sky. She watched the family disappear before looking ahead. Briam quickly turned back toward Teirm and started flying, as fast as he could.