Chapter 14
Eragon slowly made his way back to Feinster as Arya supported him; his right arm was slung around her neck. Even though his wound had been healed he was still weak from it. Saphira flew overhead with Roran and Katrina in her saddle. Eragon winced with every step.
He looked at Arya and smiled, "Guess I'm not wise enough to ignore a simple taunt."
She smiled back as she whispered, "You and Faolin are so much alike. He was as rash as you once upon a time."
"You knew him well did you not?"
"We were the closest of friends... and more. He was someone I could share my thoughts with, not unlike you. We traveled far and wide along with Glenwing."
"I thought so. Everyone needs someone to confide their thoughts and feelings too."
"You were right. You and Brom seem to be one and the same. Both of understand us so well."
"Brom taught me well."
"That he did."
"Enough. We're here. You would do well to hide your weakness in front of the Varden." said Arya as she stepped out from under him.
Eragon limped his way through the city to his tent. He ignored the stares of the soldiers he passed. Sweat gathered on his brow from the effort. Arya walked by him the entire time. He drew strength from the mere fact she was around him.
The moment he stumbled into his tent he collapsed. Arya caught him just before he fell onto the ground. She gently lowered him onto his bed. Eragon smiled weakly as she poured him a glass of water from a pitcher next to his bed. He coughed as he drank.
"Sleep Eragon. You are weak enough as it is. The Varden need you rested. Alagaesia needs you rested. Saphira or I will keep watch." At her words Eragon nodded and closed his eyes.
Saphira's head snaked its way into the tent. She saw Arya sitting next to a sleeping Eragon. Arya's eyes betrayed her true emotions. Eragon could not tell what it was but Saphira knew exactly what it was; confusion, to Saphira it was clear as day that Arya's heart was torn. She snorted and withdrew her bejeweled head.
Eragon woke early the next morning, refreshed. He sat up on his bed to find Arya, asleep next to him. He smiled as he gently shook her. She stirred and sat up as well. After a second she realized what had happened. Her face flushed with embarrassment, as she ducked her head. The sight was so unusual that Eragon could not help but burst out in laughter. After a few seconds Arya smiled as well.
Eragon was still grinning as he threw a new tunic on. He belted Blodhren back to his side. He left his tent to find Arya and Saphira waiting outside. He smiled as the sun's rays hit his face.
"We are attacking Belatona. The Varden needs us." said Arya. Eragon nodded as he climbed onto Saphira. Arya pulled herself up after him. She her arms around his waist as Saphira took off. Specatators watched as Saphira became nothing more than a speck in the sky, then... nothing.
It was midday when Saphira glided over Belatona. The Varden had catapults set up outside the city. Belatona's walls were in bad shape. Eragon could tell that it would only take a few more shots from the catapults to completely dismantle them. The Varden's troops waited like hungry wolves at a feast. Ready to attack the moment the walls were destroyed.
When the walls were completely obliterated the Varden let out a cheer and charged forwards. However the Varden advance was soon stopped by a phalanx of heavily armored troops with tower shields.
"If they don't keep advancing the Varden will get massacred. Our only advantage is our numbers and if enough of us die we lose it."
"Don't forget about yourself Eragon." snorted Saphira.
"Arya, Remember what we did in Feinster?" a small smile spread across Arya's face as she nodded. "Let's do it again." said Eragon as Saphira glided down. When she was low enough Eragon and Arya lept off and landed behind the Empire's soldiers. Eragon and Arya danced through the crowd of soldiers killing as they went. A thick coat of blood covered Blodhren. With each kill the blade seemed to thrum with even more energy.
"Eragon. You can use me now. There is enough blood on me to last a good two minutes."
"Very well."
Eragon and Blodhren danced faster than even Arya's eyes could see. The only sign that Eragon was still there was the flash of red here and there. Whirlwinds of blood appeared everywhere as Soldiers died without even knowing what had happened. After a full two minutes not one soldier of the Empire stood. The Varden gave a rousing cheer as they surged forwards. Eragon nodded to Arya before the two of them ran as well.
As the Varden slowly advanced the empire offered more and more resistance; they were determined to hinder the Varden as long as possible even when it became clear that they could not win.
"Why do they fight after they have lost?"
"They must be waiting for reinforcements... or a Rider."
The Empire let loose a cheer as Thorn and Murtagh descended from the clouds above. Zar'roc gleamed clearly against the blue sky. Thorn let loose a roar the same time Saphira did and the two glared at each other. Eragon hefted up Blodhren in anticipation of the coming battle. Arya glanced at Eragon with worry but quickly returned her gaze to Murtagh.
Eragon climbed onto Saphira and the two flew up to meet their foes. Arya stood in the middle of the battlefield watching as the two left. The wind blew through her hair as she felt a surge of emotions that willed her to join Eragon and Saphira in battle. Arya shrugged these emotions aside as she rejoined the Varden. The rest was up to Eragon and Saphira.
"Be safe Eragon."