A/N- Special shout out once again to SerpentTongueSorceror for helping me out with my story. It's a little hard to believe I'm at 20 chapters but yay, I made it. So please, read and review, and I hope you can enjoy the chapter. Any advice or ideas you can leave in a review or P.M. me.
Arya gazed down upon the vast road below the mountain clearing she currently resided at. It had been two days since Eragon and herself departed from the Varden, and today was the day they intercepted the Empire's caravan. The pair of riders were hiding amongst tree's at a clearing, nearby the point of intersection.
The elven princess sighed, the caravan was an hour overdue and the elf found herself uncharacteristically inpatient. The truth was Arya loved being on the road with Eragon, both nights since their departure from the Varden the pair slept in each others arms peacefully, away from the public eye where they were safe. So Arya wanted to get this caravan ordeal over with as soon as possible, so she could return to solitude with Eragon. Also Arya did not like the idea of putting Eragon in danger. She knew Eragon could handle himself in almost any situation imaginable, yet the worry was still there.
Arya's thoughts were quickly interrupted when her eyes caught sight of movement about a league or two away...the caravan had arrived. Arya looked over at Eragon to see a hint of doubt in his facial features, and the elf knew exactly why. The caravan that was approaching was far larger then the Varden expected, for two people to take on such a large force was suicide, even for riders. Arya looked around the entire area hurriedly, searching frantically for some sort of environmental advantage, when a thought suddenly sprang to her mind.
"Arya, do you think we can take on so many?"
The elf turned her head so she was looking straight into the eyes of Eragon. "As we are now, maybe. However I have an idea."
Eragon took on a look of curiosity, urging Arya to continue. "Eragon, do you remember when we sparred and you created that large imposing wall, by shifting the earth with magic? Perhaps we can literally divide the caravan in two, by separating them with a wall of earth. Once their divided im sure we can take on both halves of the caravan without incident."
Eragon smiled, Arya could tell the idea made Eragon's blood boil with anticipation. "Perfect, let us wait for just the right time. Once they cross a certain line, I'll use my magic to create the wall."
Arya nodded her head, gazing down at Brisingr which hung at her waist. "Hey Eragon, do you want Brisingr back? I mean neither of us really noticed but I've been using your sword for a while now, if you want I can take Zar'roc."
Eragon looked deep into Arya's eyes thoughtfully. "Nay, you can use Brisingr. Zar'roc was my brothers blade, and thanks to Galbotorix my brother is now dead." Eragon paused, allowing some of his anger and passion to enter his voice. "Im going to make sure that Zar'roc is the blade that ends Galbotorix's reign. Besides, you need a riders sword and Rhunon won't be making any new ones."
Arya nodded her head before responding. "Thanks." Arya paused, realizing the time to fight was very near. "Before we enter this fray I want you to know that I love you Eragon Bromsson."
Eragon smiled lovingly. "I love you too Arya Drottingu." Once Eragon finished speaking he raised both of his arm's and concentrated on the earth below. Arya stood back as Eragon casted his spell. After a few moments of time passed the pair of dragon riders watched as the soldier's below searched around them in utter confusion, as the earth trembled beneath their feet, then ultimately rose up and divided the caravan in half successfully.
In perfect unison Arya and Eragon Shadeslayer drew their blades and rushed with inhuman speed to the scene below. Arya smiled, she would be the first to strike down one of Galbotorix's men. Once the elf was close enough she gracefully leapt forward and easily decapitated a soldier in front of her. The poor man was unaware of her presence and fell to the floor lifelessly, however his death alerted all the surrounding soldiers to herself and Eragon's presence. From here on in, was a test of survival Arya thought.
Arya took one step back as a large group of soldiers recklessly rushed her, weapons drawn. The elf easily dodged one of the soldiers sloppy strikes then quickly struck out with Brisingr, killing the soldier instantly. Then Arya quickly spun away from two oncoming attacks and swung Brisingr horizontally, easily disposing of two more soldiers. The next soldier rushed Arya from behind, with impressive speed for a human soldier. The elf simply kneeled down whilst spinning around with Brisingr in hand, Arya grimaced as she felt her blade dismember the poor soldier. Arya truly did wish she did not have to end so many lives, yet she knew it was necessary.
Breaking herself away from these thoughts Arya quickly killed yet another soldier then gazed to her side to find that Eragon was dealing with soldiers at an impressive rate. Arya smiled inwardly, she was not going to be out done. Gracefully Arya began leaping from soldier to soldier, quickly lashing out with Brisingr and beheading them with ease. Whenever a soldier seemed too close Arya would simply cast a death spell, as to not waste too much energy or put her body in danger. Arya frowned as she caught sight of one particular soldier with an impressively large scythe like weapon. The soldier took a confident step forward, brandishing his large weapon, then with great effort the soldier swung the scythe directly at Arya's body.
The attack itself was incredibly slow, but the scythe was so large that the only way Arya could evade such a strike was to jump backwards. Once Arya did so she quickly raised her left hand and screamed Brisingr! Arya almost laughed as a magical ball of fire was sent hurling towards the scythe wielding soldier, who was hit square in the chest and fell to the floor lifelessly. The elf's brief moment of humor was interrupted as yet another wave of soldiers closed in on the elf.
Moving quickly Arya continued to dispatch of soldier after soldier, it became a routine to the elf, a fiery dance of death where any mistake made could cost you your life. Yet Arya continued to fight flawlessly. The eleven ambassador had no clue how long she had been fighting, but Arya knew that sooner or later the soldiers had to let up. As if on cue Arya killed one more soldier and caught a clear view of Eragon, who had just finished off the last soldier anywhere near him. Deciding to join him Arya gracefully sidestepped then struck out towards the last few soldiers surrounding her, who all fell before her might.
Once the area was clear Arya breathed a sigh of relief, till she remembered that they had just defeated only half of the soldiers. Eragon too seemed to remember because Arya could see disappointment and worry in the riders eyes.
"Shall we Arya?"
Arya nodded her head, it was now or never. Arya watched silently as Eragon casted yet another spell, to reverse the effects of his last one. The once solid and imposing wall of earth crumbled before the pair of riders eyes, and behind a wave of angry soldiers who could do nothing but listen to the deaths of their brethren rushed forward to attack the pair. Thinking quickly Arya moved herself closer to Eragon, and the pair of riders went back to back, and opened their minds to each other, so they could fight in perfect unison.
Together Arya and Eragon fought the oncoming waves of enemies. Whenever Eragon would strike out Arya would cover his backside, and whenever Arya struck Eragon would protect her weak side. They ducked, rolled, dodged, attacked, slashed, and sliced together in perfect harmony, partly because their minds were merged, but also due to the fact that they had been fighting together for such a long time that they knew each other's style. The once large and daunting squadron of soldiers was now dwindled down to a few soldiers that Arya quickly took advantage of, utilizing her elven speed the elf finished off the last of the caravan.
Once it was all over Arya turned around to look at Eragon. "We made it Eragon."
Arya watched as Eragon smiled, seemingly getting ready to respond until they both stopped moving. Arya's heart stopped as her enhanced hearing picked up on the sounds of wings beating against the wind. Eridor and Saphira were with the Varden, so that could only mean one thing. Dread quickly filled Arya's mind and worry instantly coursed through her veins. The elf could feel Eragon's presence, standing parallel to herself so she looked over to see a stunned facial expression plastered on Eragon's face.
Arya knew Eragon and herself were strong, and together they were formidable by any measure, but there was no way they were ready to face Galbotorix. Not now, not after fighting so many soldiers and especially not without Saphira. This is the end Arya thought dreadfully. Oh how she wished Eragon and herself could survive. Arya looked over again at the man she loved unconditionally, the man who had given her another chance at life. Even though it was probable to end right here and right now, Arya wouldn't change a thing, because she had met someone worth living for.
Eragon's deep brown eyes connected with her's, and she could tell he was thinking the same thing. Arya raised Brisingr diagonally to her body, as Eragon raised Zar'roc as well. Together we stand forever, even if it meant death. The sound that plagued both of their thoughts proved to be true as they caught sight of Shruikan. The ebony dragon was a horrifically beautiful sight, the dragon was massive in size and incredible in presence. On the dark dragon's back sat King Galbotorix, garbed in complete black armor. He wore a black helmet with the empire's insignia tattooed to the front.
Just as the massive dragon was getting ready to land Arya heard a voice say her name from behind, and both Arya and Eragon turned instantly to see who arrived. Arya cursed silently unsure of what to do about the new arrival. Walking towards them stood the mysterious elf who had attempted to murder Arya on two different occasions. The elf walked forward confidently and harmlessly towards Arya and Eragon.
Completely ignoring Eragon the mysterious elf looked crazily at Arya, yet the elf did not feel threatened, for unexplainable reasons.
"Arya, you must leave now. Take your rider and go! I will fight this fiend, for your life must not end here, it must end by my sword in a fair fight. So leave now, and know that you live on borrowed time Arya Drottingu."
Arya's mind could barely fathom the elf's words as he spoke them, everything was moving by so fast. It seems just moments ago Eragon and herself were fighting simple minded soldiers, now the threat of Galbotorix was extremely close, yet they had a way to escape thanks to an unlikely help. Arya was in no mood to ask questions, she knew time was of the essence and Eragon's safety was the most important thing at this very moment.
"Fine, I wish you luck elf." Arya then began sprinting in the opposite direction, opening her mind to Eragon's. "Eragon, follow me! The elf is going to hold off Galbotorix we must leave now." Arya felt rather then saw Eragon begin to run, and together they sprinted back in the direction of the Varden without looking once.
ExAxExA
Meanwhile...
The crazed elf smiled mischievously, seemingly unaffected by the presence of the strongest dragon rider on the earth.
"Ah, the dark king of Uru'baen himself... Or perhaps another victim to my blade? Will the great king fall easily before my might? Or will he satisfy my search for a worthy opponent? Will you sate my blood lust, almighty king?" The mysterious elf smiled crazily, as the veins on his head expanded with his seemingly increasing anger. "I have no qualm with you King, but I simply can not allow you to lay a finger on Arya Drottingu. It is my birth right to fight her, not yours! My name is Rexus, and I will ensure you never forget it."
Read & Review Truly yours, Elvin Blade.