Chapter 14. Deadly Revelation

The war still raged throughout Alagaesia between Dragons and Elves. It was a bloody long war that cost both sides dearly. Over 35,000 Elves had been killed in last four years, compared to 917 Dragons. This number did not include hatchlings and eggs destroyed. Of the Elven warriors no one had killed more Dragons than Akir. Who carried a belt with notches in it representing how many Dragons he killed in the war. He had three hundred scratches on his belt. They called him the Dragon slayer and he wielded his Dauthdaertya he called Dragon's Bane. Akir had even cut the right paw off, of the huge Dragon they often referred to as the Silver Demon. Akir walked through the city wearing his armor made up of Dragon Scales. He made his way to the archives to update his scrolls on Dragons. As he was walking through the D section he spotted a book titled Dragons Volume 1. By: Eragon He sneered plucking the book from the shelf and began reading. As Akir read he became dumbfounded at the information inside. It contained things in there that he himself had no knowledge of and Akir knew more about Dragons than anyone.

Akir slammed the book down wondering how could someone who had never fought against the Dragons know so much? He took the book, leaving his scrolls behind to go and find Eragon. He wanted to question him about the book and how he was able to write such dribble. Eragon's book painted Dragons not as monsters but as misunderstood animals who could think and reason like Elves, Humans, and Dwarves. Akir made his way to Eragon's tree house and knocked on the door, but he didn't answer. So Akir decided to wait until he returned, he waited until sunset and decided to leave a note. As he walked he ran into one of Eragon's closest friends, an Elf named Jurin.

"I just saw Eragon he was headed towards the garden I think." Jurin informed him.

Akir went to the garden and when he arrived the Elves there said that Eragon was not there. Akir left the garden and as he did he ran into another Elf named Xena. She told him that she saw Eragon on her way back from the Menoa tree, but she didn't speak with him. When Akir arrived at the Menoa tree he found several Elves listening to poetry, but Eragon was nowhere to be found.

("Something really weird is going on around here!") He thought to himself going to a stream.

He tried to scry Eragon, but all he saw was darkness. "ERAGON!" Akir screamed when he returned to the city as he spotted him entering Tialdari hall. Akir cursed to himself when he didn't stop. He ran all the way and when he entered, there was no Eragon. He went to Kouleth's suit to look for him.

"I'm sorry I haven't seen Eragon in months." Kouleth said holding his mate Loel who was five months pregnant.

Akir searched Tialdari hall for hours looking for Eragon and found no one. He decided to go and see Laetri to help him solve this mistery when he saw Eragon again walking towards the gardens. He ran after him and when he reached the garden there was no one. When Akir walked back towards the path he saw something shiny on the ground near the steps to an Elven Armory. He bent down and found a small ruby the size of a baby's fist.

"There are several spells on the jewel-" Laetri said examining it, "The energy in the jewel is powering the spells-I have identified the three spells on the jewel-There is a spell of illusion, a spell used to turn sunlight into energy to keep the jewel filled and a third spell-A command spell that is connected to other jewels hidden in the city." Laetri handed Akir the jewel back, "Tell me where did you find this and who does it belong too?"

"I have yet to learn that." Akir said lying.

Two days later Eragon was walking back to his tree house when Akir confronted him. Eragon smiled, "Can I help you?"

Akir dropped the jewels at his feet, "Would you care to explain yourself?"

As Akir spoke to him Bid'Daum touched his mind, ("I am with you Eragon-Link your mind to mine.") Bid'Daum said in the ancient language. ("I know my friend, but I can hadle Akir.") "I have a plan to end the war with the Dragons and I needed to come and go as I please without worrying anyone." Akir just stared at Eragon and Eragon wondered if he was trying to decide whether or not he believed him. ("Do you think he believes you?") Bid'Daum asked. ("Akir is a hunter-It doesn't matter to me whetherhe believes me or not-Our secret will come out soon or later.") Bid'Daum snorted, (Yes, but I would rather it came out on our terms. If he becomes a problem you may have to kill him.")

Akir finally sighed and showed Eragon his book, "And how did you become so knowledgeable about Dragons?"

"When I began my work I read your memoirs and books on Dragons-I found them to be one sided-So I went out in search of the Dragons to study them and make my own observations-I was able to study them by using the invisibility spell." Akir could tell Eragon was hiding something-he touched his mind in an attempt to breach his mind and discover the truth. Akir gasped at the great ocean that was Eragon's mind, it was vast and yet familiar at the same time. Erago pushed him out and looked down on him as he fell to knees. ("No Bid'Daum I am fine!")

("I wish to rip him limb from limb!")

("He didn't get anything-Peace my friend!") It took all of Eragon's might to try and convince the Dragon not fly to Ellesmera. "I am not the same Elf you kicked in the ribs a year ago-I am stronger now and I know my destiny-Do not triffle with me again Dragon Slayer!" Eragon scooped up his jewels and went into his tree house.

It took an hour for Akir to recover from his mental episode with Eragon, "I will not forget this Eragon I swear it-I swear it in this language!" Akir was a hunter by nature and his prey was an Elf. As Supreme Commander of all Elven forces Akir wielded a lot of power. He was also referred to as the Hand of the Elves. Akir had two of his best stalkers watch Eragon.

Three days later Eragon left the city, but unbeknownst to him he was being followed. A week later Akir appeared before Queen Tarmunora with his two stalkers. "Your majesty-a crime has been committed against all Elves-by Eragon Ahmarsson."

"Eragon is the most upstanding Elf I know!" Laetri said speaking up.

Akir sneered, "With me are Astar and Xhaen-My best warriors-They each have killed over two hundred Dragons-Touch, their minds and see the crimes of which I speak and judge right."

The two Elves stepped forward and said at the same time in the ancient language, "We-bota-sweara-" They stumbled the words out of their minds in the ancient language because they could not speak it or use magic, "-int thissa language tat we are speak tha truth."

When Tarmunora and Laetri touched their minds they Eragon running at an incredible speed towards the mountains ad he was greeted by a white Dragon. Eragon climbed onto the Dragon's back and they flew up to the top of the mountain. Two days later Eragon rode the Dragon with a saddle on its back. The two flew for hours before returning to the mountain. Three days later the two Elves left to return to Ellesmera. When Laetri and Tarmunora withdrew from their minds they looked at each other. ("Lord Gilderian!")

("Yes my queen.")

("Eragon-Be on the lookout for him-He has left the city.")

Gilderian's confusion touched the Queen, ("I didn't see him leave-How is that possible?")

("Lord Gilderian please keep a watch for him.")

("I shall my Queen.")

When Eragon returned ten heavily armed Elves were waiting for him at his tree house. ("I will be fine Bid'Daum stay away-let me handle this.")

"Eragon by order of Queen Tarmunora you must come with us."

("If they harm one hair on your head I will burn that city to the ground and the streets will run red with Elf blood.")

Eragon poured all his adderation into his next words, ("I love you too-but for both our sakes stay away-because if they harm you I will tare this city down with my bare hands-Besides I have a plan.")

Eragon peacefully followed the Elves to Tialdari court where hundreds of Elves were gathered. Eragon bowed to Tarmunora, "Eragon Ahmarsson-you have been brought before me because you have been consorting with Dragons-or at least one Dragon-We know this is true-Speak Eragon-what do you have to say for yourself."

Eragon sighed and addressed the gathered Elves in the ancient language. "I address you all in this language that you may know the truth of my words-Both my father and mother have died in this war-My beloved Ileai has died as well-In the sorrow of my heart I left Ellesmera seeking death by the Dragons-I walked for many days and death did not come-Finally I stumbled and when I sat up I found a Dragon's egg-At first I felt a desire to destroy it-but something withheld my hand and I could not-So I waited there for death to come by the Dragons sleep came over me and I dreamed of my father and mother-My father spoke to me and told me not to let it end like this-His words gave me strength and tried to walk again and again I stumbled. The egg hatched and something strange happened-The Dragon and I bonded in mind and spirit-some strang power intertwined our souls-I decided that this was an opportunity for my race and the Dragon race-By observing-" Eragon hesitated, "-Bid'Daum I was able to write a book about Dragons-It was my full intention to tell you all of this, but for selfish reasons I procrastinated in speaking up-That is the truth of the whole matter-Judge me if you wish-But if you are wise we can use my connection to Bid'Daum to communicate with the Dragons."

"Do you here the filth of his own mouth-He is possessed by that white demon."

Tarmunora stood up, "Be still Akir!" Akir just stared at Eragon, "Eragon-I have always had great respect and aderation for your family, but this is a bit much-Bonding with a Dragon."

Eragon sighed, "The bond was not intentional on my part…"

Akir interrupted him, "Then the Dragon is controlling you!"

Eragon ignored him by keeping his eyes on Tarmunora, "His name is Bid'Daum-and he is not controlling me-A part of me believes that Bid'Daum's egg was left behind on purpose-At any rate I have given much thought to our bond and I believe that through him I can communicate with the other Dragons to develop peace."

Tarmunora looked at Laetri and he nodded, "Do you believe the Dragons will listen?"

Eragon hunched his shoulders and looked at Akir, "I am sure that as we have a few closed minded Elves here-There are Dragons who will not agree to peace, but peace is possible."

"I have longed to see an end to the war-If you can convince the Dragons Eragon then as Queen you have my blessing."

"GUARDS!" Akir screamed pointing his Dauthdaertya at the Queen.

"AKIR! Have you gone mad?" Laetri asked.

"I have not gone mad Laetri-It is you and the Queen whose minds have gone mad-This-this Dragon Rider has bewitched you with his elegant words-but I see the truth! Dragons are monsters incapable of anything beyond their beastial nature and I will die before I allow this Elf Dragon to betray our people." Two of Akir's guards pointed their Dauthdaertya at the queen along with Akir. Eight guards had their Dauthdaertya pointed at Eragon.

"Stand down Akir-I command you!" Tarmunora said.

"You are not fit to be queen-Therefore as Supreme Commander I am taking charge until a proper King or Queen can be chosen." Akir pointed his Dauthdaertya at Eragon, "As for you Dragon Rider I judge you guilty of betraying all Elves and consorting with Dragons and I sentence you to death! To be carried out immediately."

Before anyone could move Bid'Daum touched Eragon's mind and Eragon unleashed a mental blast that sent everyone to their knees. He snatched Akir's Dauthdaertya and swept his legs from under him with the other end of the Dauthdaertya. Then he stabbed the weapon into the ground, it vibrated next to Akir's face. "Jierda!" Eragon screamed pointing his hand at the wall. He ran from the palace and was comfronted by fifty heavily armed Elves. He leapt over all fifty Elves and ran through the city towards the forest. Gilderian appeared and started throwing balls of fire at him, but Eragon leapt from tree to tree avoiding the attack. ("BID"DAUM!") He shouted with his mind. The white Dragon zig-zagged through the tree line descending towards Eragon, and glided twenty feet off the ground. Eragon ran parallel to Bid'Daum and leapt onto his back. The Dragon leapt onto a tree branch like a cat and climbed into the air heading west.

"I am declaring martial law throughout the city." Akir said walking with his second in command.

"Milord-what about the Elf lords and ladies?"

"Send a spellcaster loyal to me and see which ones wish to join us."

"What about Queen Tarmunora?"

"The new King or Queen will judge her-In the meantime send out the skylords-Hunt down Eragon and his white Dragon."

Laetri had been placed in the Queen's private suit along with Tarmunora and the twenty-four Elf Lords and Ladies. "I knew Akir had hatred in his heart-but I never thought he would betray us like this."

Tarmunora sighed, "Hatred has blinded him to many things-This war with the Dragons has weakened us as a people."

Just then the doors opened and Rhunon was shoved into the room, "Lady Rhunon-why did they bring you here?" Laetri asked.

She sighed, "They say I allowed Eragon to manipulate me into creating him a sword-Is it true he bonded with a Dragon?"

"Yes it is." Tarmunora said taking a seat.

"Akir will hunt Eragon and his Dragon down and he will kill them." Laetri said in a prophetic voice.