I am really sorry for taking so long to upload this chapter, I was very busy with school work. This chapter was a little hard to write, I hope you guys like it and that it was worth the wait. Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long.
Enjoy
Chapter 14
An unexpected request from Grace
So do you have a plan to get Grace back? Zizu asked Draco as they lay down next to Eragon's tent.
Yes, but it isn't that good. Grace was always the plan maker, she was the smart one. Draco said.
So, what is the plan? Zizu asked as Eragon jumped down from Saphira.
Well, I plan on using my power to stall enough time, so I can break into her mind. And hopefully break Galbatorix's control on her. Draco replied to him.
And what if that plan fails? Zizu asked somewhat concern in his voice.
Then I don't know what I would do. Unlike Grace, I don't have a backup plan. If this plan doesn't have some effect on her, then I fear that she could kill me. Draco said with tears coming to his eyes.
I am sorry; I didn't mean to make you cry. Zizu said looking down, a little sad too.
No, it isn't your fault; I blame myself for letting her go. Plus this plan is all I can come up with to save Grace. Since Nasuada won't let me go straight to Galbatorix and kill him. I have to try another way to free Grace. Draco said sadly, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt Grace real badly, or kill her.
Well, I hope that you do save her. I would hate to see such a nice dragoness die without a mate. Zizu said as he lay his head down and closed his eyes.
I hope that I can save her as well. Good night Zizu. Draco said a little sad as he watched Saphira move close enough to Zizu so he can drape his one of his wings over her. Saphira, would you mind if I sleep next to you as well? Draco asked quietly.
Yes, you may, plus this way if would be harder for someone to kill one of us without waking the others. Saphira relied as Draco walked to Saphira's other side that was open. As he lay down next to her he laid his head next to Saphira's. Zizu was already fast asleep.
Saphira, I wish you and Zizu luck in fending off Thorn and Murtagh. What I want you two to do is to just hold them off, not kill them. Draco said.
Why, Thorn is evil. Saphira said turning her head to look Draco in the eyes, she was confused.
Because I know that if they could they would happily kill Galbatorix in his sleep. They are forced to obey him like Shurikan is. I feel it is my duty to save them from the king's evil. The more help I can get the more of a chance we have against Marcilic and his dragon. Draco said.
Ok, but if Thorn attempts to kill me or Zizu. I will try and kill him as well. Saphira said moving her head back beside Draco's and Zizu's.
Oh, really. You would kill a male dragon that is going to have a mate soon after the war. I don't think that dragoness would like you at all if you kill him. Draco said laughing a little as he looked at Saphira's confused look on her face.
What do you mean? Saphira asked him.
There is another female dragon that Oromis and Gleadr were hiding from you and Eragon, and the rest of Alagaesia. Draco said to Saphira who was very confused.
So I wasn't alone after all, but why did they not tell us? Saphira asked the black dragon.
Because he didn't want Galbatorix knowing where she is. They didn't want her to get hurt. Draco replied.
Why did they tell you and not me or Eragon? Saphira asked him.
Because you two are not as strong minded as me or Grace. We were taught by Quent how to keep a small part of our being from being taken over by evil. See it as a back-up plan if me or her are ever take captive by an evil king and forced to serve him. Grace and me underestimated how strong Galbatorix's spellcasters are. That is why they could break into her mind, but when we are prepared for a mind attack. It would take a bunch of very strong Dragon riders to break into our minds. If only we have our strongest perfective barriers up Grace would be still here with me. Draco said starting to cry again.
Don't start crying again, Draco. One way or other we will get Grace back for you. Now get some rest, we will need all of our strength for tomorrow. Saphira said closing her eyes.
Ok, good night Saphira. Draco said closing his eyes as well.
At the edge of Du Weldenvarden near Ceunon
"I see, so Hecter wasn't very happy that Grace was captured." Queen Islanzadí said.
Yes, my queen, but that isn't the only reason why I want to leave the forest. Vigdis said looking at the confused elf.
"Oh, and what other reason could that be?" Queen Islanzadí asked the blue dragoness.
To free Thorn, and hope that he chooses me as his mate after that evil king is dead. Vigdis said.
"Well, then I am glad that you have come to help us. We will win this war; Galbatorix stands no chance against the Varden and us. Then this land will be under new fair rule." Queen Islanzadí said.
I can't wait until that time comes, but we have to focus on next battle in this war. Vigdis said.
"Go and get some rest. You must be tired after flying non-stop from Oromis to us." Islanzadí said a little tired herself.
Yes, I am tired, thanks for letting me help. I will not disappoint you. Vigdis said walking over to a small clearing to rest.
In Nasuada's tent
"Ok, you all know the plan, let's take Belatona." Nasuada said when Arya walked in.
"The Dwarfs are here to help us." Arya said.
"Good, we would have had a hard time without them. Ok, now I want you three to go on head. I had my army moved forward to Belatona, we are ready to fight when you three get there." Nasuada said looking at the three dragons.
Ok, I will try my best to get Grace back. Come on the sooner this fight is done the closer we get to Galbatorix. Draco said as he, Zizu, and Saphira pulled their heads out of the tent.
As the three dragons walked to a place set aside for them to land and take off from. They took off and flew toward Belatona, they soon saw Nasuada army close in on the city.
She wasn't joking they are ready. Draco said as he heard a familiar roar, one that he knew all too well.
Flying above the city was Grace and Thorn with Murtagh on his back.
Stick to the plan, do not, I repeat DO NOT try and help me. I am the only one who can do it. Draco said to Zizu and Saphira before he took off to Grace.
Take care of the pest, Draco is mine. Grace said to Thorn who started to fly to the other two dragons. What do we have here? You are going to try and stop me again. Grace said to Draco as he stops 20 meters in front of her.
I don't want to hurt you Grace. I know the real Grace is still in there. Grace would never do these things. Draco said with a small hint of sadness in his voice.
Well, like I said before the Grace you knew is no more. This time I will show you no mercy, Draco today is the day you will DIE. Grace said evilly. "NO, I have to help Draco, not kill him; I need to break through this barrier so I can help Draco. Grace said in her inner mind as she started to lash out against the barrier preventing her from talking to Draco."
No Grace you don't have to kill me, if you let me help you we can both take down that evil king. Draco said scared, this is what he fear would happen. He didn't want to hurt her, so now is the best time to see if his plan will work.
The king isn't evil he is soon going to rule the world with Marcilic, and I will be treated like a queen. You could never do that for me, so why should I let you deny me a life that you could never give me. Grace said as she moved closer to Draco.
I couldn't give you those things because of Marcilic. Please let me help you, I do not want to harm you. Draco said as Grace stopped moving, but was already within three meters of his head. Draco was confused, but he then felt Grace rub her head against his which confused him even more.
Draco thought that this was the right moment to try and help Grace, he lashed out against Grace's mind only to find it a little weaken. After several minutes he felt a mind that he has wanted to contact for a very long time.
Draco, thank god. I was wondering if you would take the hint the right way. The real Grace said.
Oh, Grace I have missed you so much. Draco said with tears in his eyes.
I have some bad news; I can only hold open this hold for a short while. The evil side of me, the one Galbatorix made is fighting me for control so I don't have much time. Grace said sadly.
No, Grace I can help you break the connection. Draco said fearful about losing her again so quickly.
I am sorry, Draco but I fear that you can't save me. Grace said tears coming to her eyes.
No I can, I will end Galbatorix's live myself to save you. Draco said scared.
No, that is the problem, I need you to KILL me. Grace said her voice breaking apart and crying.
No, I cannot kill you, that is the one thing that I don't want to do. Draco said crying as well.
I fear that Galbatorix might search my mind for the legend of our land. If he gets that information then no one will be safe. So please Draco, I am tired of being used like a tool, be a great friend and end my misery. I am tired of seeing that evil king use me against my will, I am tired of seeing you get hurt by my claws. I do not want to see you die; if you die I would kill myself. I cannot live without you, Draco I LOVE YOU. Grace said crying very hard, and starting to slowly lose attitude.
WHAT, you love me? Draco asked as he caught her before she folded her wings in.
I love you, I have loved you since the first day we met, back then I didn't know what love meant, but now I do. It is too late; Aiyana said that I should have tell you before it was too late. I waited too long to tell you, and now I will not be happy. I don't want the world to suffer under the rule of Marcilic and Galbatorix. Grace said sadly as Draco slowly placed her onto the ground.
What is wrong Draco? Saphira called out to him from her fight with Thorn.
Nothing, just stay focused on your fight. Remember what I said DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FIGHT EVEN IF I AM KILLED. Do you understand? Draco replied.
Yes, Draco. Saphira said.
Draco….I am so sorry that I waited this long to tell you. But sadly it is too late for you to save me. I need you to kill me before I lose control over my body. Just please make it quick. Grace said crying and not looking away from Draco.
It is never too late, I cannot kill you, because I love you too. Draco said in a sadden tone of voice.
Oh Draco, I am glad that you love me too, but I should have told you before then we could have been together. Grace said moving her head around to look him in the eyes.
Grace, it is never too late. You said so yourself a year ago, there is always a way to save someone. You could give me your hearts of heart then we could always be together even if we can't mate. Draco said hoping he could change her mind.
No, I am sorry, but if you fail in killing Galbatorix then he would be able to use my hearts of heart to aid him further in his plans. I have been thinking this over, and I have found that is the only way to save the world. We have to think about the world more than ourselves. If you don't kill me now, then you could lose the war against both Galbatorix and Marcilic. I am so sorry, but there isn't any other way. Grace said as she moved her neck to make it easier for Draco to get a clean shot at it.
No, I am sorry too Grace, but there is other way to save you and the world. I am sorry, but I will not, and cannot kill you. I would not be able to pull through, I would be miserable for as long as I live. Draco said sadly.
But I know more of the legend than you do, if Galbatorix breaks into my mind he will find it and use it for evil. I would much rather die than let that evil bastard know about the legend. Please just do it, it is the only way trust me. Grace said very sadly and annoyed that he is wasting time she cannot keep fighting for control she is slowly losing her grip.
Like I said before I cannot, but there is one thing that I can do. I can seal your mind off from the outside world until the war is over using some of the energy of the gods. Draco said still crying that he has thought of doing this. Her mind could end up trapped in herself without any to talk to if done incorrectly.
NO Draco, you know you will have to give something up. You cannot do this, I will not let you. Striking a bargain with the gods could end badly for you. Grace said surprised that he would even think of doing that.
I am sorry Grace, but I don't want to lose you. At least this I know your mind will be safe. Draco said as he called out to the god of dragons.
What is it that you want Draco son of Anvindr? Said an unknown voice,
I want you to seal Grace's mind off until after the war with Galbatorix so that Galbatorix cannot learn about the legend of our land. Draco asked the god.
Draco NOOO. Grace said but it was too late.
And what is in it for me? The god asked.
I….will take the challenge stated in the legend with Grace and accept my fate should I fail. Draco said sadly. Grace had told him of the legend and said that she was afraid that they would fail it like all the others.
Draco NOO, don't seal the deal. We don't even know what the challenges are. Grace yelled at him.
I am sorry Grace, but I would love to be with you more than me being alone. Plus I need you to help me fight Marcilic, it pains me to say this, but I don't think with my power alone I could win against him. Draco said looking at her.
Please just stick with my plan. I beg you. Grace asked pleadingly.
Sorry, but this way you and me will be able to be together. You do not have to die, you can't make me kill you. My heart will let me. Draco said as he turned back around to see a small man standing there.
How long will you wait to take the challenge? The god asked the black dragon.
When I am ready. Draco said.
Ok, then I can seal Grace's inner mind for you, but you will have to take that challenge soon or later or Grace will die. The god said.
Agreed I will take it that way me and Grace can be together. Draco said.
Draco Please NOO…. Grace started to say before she was sealed away from the outside world. The other side of her was slowing coming back.
It is done. Do not forget our deal. As soon as you kill Galbatorix and save Grace, her mind will be unlocked for you. But keep in mind you must take that challenge, there is no turning back now. The god said before he disappeared.
I will. Now I have to prevent Grace from killing me. Draco said as he was hit in the face with her tail.
Now, it is just you and me. Thanks for sealing her, now I can have full control of her body. Grace said evilly.
No, you may be Grace, but you will never have full control of her. Draco said as he hit Grace hard on the face with his tail, a tear dropping from his eyes.
No, why did you do that. That really hurt. Grace said hurtfully.
I am sorry. Draco said forgetting that the real Grace was sealed away, but it was too late. That was all the time that she needed, she slashed a deep cut into his neck making him fall down to his knees.
Ha, bow before me like the worthless dragon you are. Grace said as she whipped him again.
Grace, Please stop, I don't want to want to hurt you. Draco said as he got back up. Only to be hit again with Grace's tail.
No, I don't think that I will stop. I will slowly kill you, and make you suffer. Grace said as she picked him up with her talons and started to fly back to the city.
NOOO, Draco! Saphira yelled out before Thorn slashed at her Throat, leaving a big cut down it.
Saphira I said DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME. If you do you could get yourself killed. Draco yelled out to her before Grace dug her claws deeper into his back. AHHHH, Stop please. Draco yelled out in pain.
Look who I have, your all mighty dragon is under my power. Watch as your last hope is destroyed. Grace said as she heard yells of surprised and anger coming from the ground. She then dropped him only to catch him shortly after causing Draco to yell in more pain as her claws dug into him again. You all will watch as I slowly kill Draco, your last hope. She said evilly.
Then Draco used his superior strength to flip Grace around so she was upside down.
I am so sorry Grace. He said as he attacked her with magic using a spell to put her to sleep for a while. She slowly pulled her claws out of Draco and started to fall with Draco following close behind. Unable to slow his fall.
Grace NOOO. Thorn yelled as he left the two dragons alone to go and catch Grace. The last thing Draco saw before his eyes closed was a red dragon flying to Grace, and Saphira and Zizu coming to him.
An hour later Draco woke up in a tent big enough for him and Grace and a few other dragons
Thank God you are alright. Saphira said rubbing against his head.
"You don't have any idea how hard it was to heal you do you." Arya and Eragon said together which made Draco look at them.
No, where is Grace. Draco asked trying to get up, but Saphira pushed him back down. Saphira I think that I can stand at least, I have had worse wounds than this. Draco said as Saphira let go, he stood up feeling a little weak.
The last I saw of her and Thorn was them flying back to Uru'baen. Zizu said, but was surprised when he saw a smile on Draco's face. Why are you smiling you were almost killed. The green dragon said confused.
Because I know that Grace loves me and that we will be together after the war no matter what. Knowing Galbatorix he might not let Grace leave the castle anymore, so that he doesn't loss her. And another reason is that I made a deal with the God of dragons so that the real Grace will be sealed until after the war. All I have to do is kill Galbatorix and save her. Draco said a little happy.
What, why would you do that. That isn't something to be smiling about. Zizu said a little mad.
It is good, because if I didn't have the god seal her mind then Grace would have me kill her. Draco said.
Wait what? Zizu asked.
Draco then started to tell them what happened when him and Grace were on the ground. From Grace saiding that she loved him to his talk with the God of Dragons.
I see, I think you choose right, but you might regret it when you take the challenge. Well at least I know that I can have Saphira all to myself now. Zizu said as he moved closer to Saphira who nuzzled his neck.
Yes, I just might. I actually had a crush on Grace the first day we met, but I didn't show it at all. I guess I got that from my father; he was able to hid all of his feelings toward a dragoness. Making her think that he wasn't into her, that is until she asked or said that she loved him. That is what I did with Grace, because I didn't know if she loved me back. Draco said a little sad watching Zizu and Saphira nuzzling each other's neck.
I am sorry, is this bugging you. Zizu said seeing the look on Draco's face he stopped much to Saphira's protests.
In a way, yes because I don't have anyone right now. Draco said sadly.
I guess I can stop until you get Grace back. Zizu said which made Draco a little happier.
"Hey, did you three forget we are here?" Arya said tired of being annoyed.
No, why do you always act this way? Draco asked the little elf.
"Because I hate being annoyed, I don't care who you are you don't ignore me when I ask you a question." Arya said.
Ok, sorry Arya I will try and not do it again. Draco said as Eragon looked up.
"We had to use some of your energy to heal your wounds, I hope you don't mind." Eragon said.
I don't mind, it won't hurt me a bit. I have more than enough energy left right now. Draco said as Nasuada walked in.
"How are you feeling Draco?" She asked.
Fine, but I can't wait until after the war is over. Draco said.
"That is good, the city is ours. After they saw Thorn and Grace fly away they gave up. Now I want all of you to get some rest. Our next stop is Uru'baen." Nasuada said, she then walked back out of the huge tent.
Yes, I finally will get my chance to kill Galbatorix. Draco said very happy.
Ya, then we can have fun later. Zizu said looking at Saphira who was blushing.
Ya, that is good news, well Good night everyone. Saphira said.
Around 9:00p.m. 10 miles outside of Ceunon
"Are you really sure that attacking at night is better." Queen Islanzadí asked the blue dragoness.
Yes, I do. We can better save numbers if we attack at night when they are sleeping. Can your elves can well at night? Vigdis asked her.
"Yes, we can fight well, but can you?" Islanzadí asked.
Of course, I am a dragon, plus I can see very well at night. More so than you elves. I am stronger than Gleadr. VIgdis said as she moved forward a little very quietly which surprised Islanzadí.
"Ok quietly, we need to take out as many as we can before they found out we are here." Queen Islanzadí said quietly as they all moved soundlessly to the city.
It was so dark for the humans that they couldn't tell that a dragon was coming to them right in front of their eyes. Some of the elves moved around the city so they could surround the city.
Man, humans are so blind. Vigdis said as she stopped outside the torches' light around the front gate.
"Yes, they are. Now." She said quietly.
Vigdis blow out the fires, which made some of the soldiers curse as they now had to go back outside to light them again. The first came to the left one which is where Vigdis is hiding. She very quietly killed him without making a sound. Another one went to the right one which is where Queen Islanzadí was hiding, she too killed him quietly. Suddenly they heard a yell and an alarm was sounded.
Oh oh, the other elves must have got spotted. Vigdis said as she jumped up onto the wall ready to kill all of the soldiers. She jumped up and spread her wings out then fly down to a group of soldiers crushing them. She then moved to the gate and broke it open.
"I can see they weren't expecting a fight or they would have used magic to protect the door." Queen Islanzadí said glad that they didn't.
Good thing for us this will be easier than we thou… Vigdis started to say, but then roared out in pain. One of the soldiers had thrown a spear through her right wing tearing a three foot long cut in her membrane. She then whipped her tail around to hit the soldier, she sent him flying into the front wall killing him. Ahh, how dare he. Vigdis said trying to get the spear out.
"STOP, you are going to make it worse." Queen Islanzadí said as she jumped forward to pull it out herself.
Thanks, I will not let my guard down like that again. She then turns around and opens her mouth and burns two dozen soldier, killing them.
After what seem like hours all of the soldiers were dead. Vigdis didn't have any more wounds besides the one in her wing.
No really, it is fine. Vigdis said as Islanzadí started to heal her wound.
"No it isn't fine, you will hurt yourself more if you try and fly with that big of a cut in your wings. You dragons are so stubborn, if it wasn't for some of us you dragons would die from your wounds." Queen Islanzadí said as the membrane was slowly kitting itself back together.
Ya, well then it is a good thing we do have people like you. Vigdis said laughing a little.
After ten minutes
"Ok, how does that feel." Islanzadí said backing up from the dragoness.
Vigdis spreads her wings out and flaps them a little to make sure they were healed right. Better, thanks. Now where are we going? She asked the queen as they slowly walked out of the city to a place private so no one can hear their plan.
"Gil'ead, and we might meet Thorn and Grace there. So let's moved back into the forest so we can contact Oromis." She said as they moved past the magic boundaries of Du Weldenvarden.
Queen Islanzadí used a spell to contact Oromis and Gleadr.
"Nice to see you again" Oromis said as he preformed the eleven greetings. Queen Islanzadí did the same.
"We need to know if Grace is going to be at Gil'ead?" She asked.
"Aw, perfect timing I just finished talking with Draco five minutes ago. He says that after what happened at Belatona, he will keep her at his side. But I can't say the same for Thorn, there is a huge chance of him being at Gil'ead." Oromis said.
"That is good to hear, but we might still have to deal with Thorn." Queen Islanzadí said.
Oh, don't worry about him. I will take care of him if he does show. Vigdis said, she then thought to herself. I sure hope he does come. I just want to meet him.
"Ok, we need to now move south to Gil'ead." Islanzadí said.
"Oh, good I will join you." Oromis said.
Oh no you are not, I don't want to see my masters die. I can handle this; if you come there is a very high chance of you dying. No you are more useful where you are now. Vigdis said.
"But you will need my help?"Oromis said looking concerned.
No we do not. I have a plan to save Thorn from the evil king. So please stay there, you have taught me all you know. I think that I can handle myself. Vigdis said.
"Ok, me and Gleadr will stay here. Just be careful." Oromis said.
"Thanks Oromis, we have to rest now for the big battle to come." Queen islanzadí said bowing.
"Good luck in defeating Galbatorix."Oromis said bowing to her, then she ended the spell.
"Ok, now we rest for tomorrow Gil'ead will fall." Queen Islanzadí said as she moved back into her tent.
Good night, and we will win this war. Vigdis said as she lays down to fall asleep
What will our heroes do when they reach Galbatorix? The next chapter will be up as soon as I can.