Thanks for the reviews! I've started another story and my mom is really pissed that I have a B- in LA. So I have to type some stuff up really fast on the computer after school; updates will be scarcer. Hopefully I'll be able to bring my grade up soon!
And haha. I got my first flame. Was wondering how long it would take. if you REALLY want to see what it said in the flame just look under 'reviews for A New Hope.'
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize.
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They'd been flying for a couple hours now, and the passengers had fallen asleep. The Riders were contemplating the fierce battle that was soon to come.
Illera leaned forward, against Amira's neck. I love flying. It'd only be better if we were flying above the ocean…
Amira flapped her wings once and she was next to Saphira. Spitfire had been on the other side of Saphira, steadily maintaining his pace.
I can sense death; the battle is occurring very soon. We must hurry. I would warn the other dragons. I will.
Amira dove downwards; Saphira and Spitfire were caught by surprise but followed suit. Suddenly, a downpour of rain crashed down on them, effectively waking Arya and Orik who swore.
I saw it coming,Amira said smugly. Illera cracked a smile as the dragons pulled out of the raining area.
They drew closer and closer to the battle site; they could see smoke, Varden, and Empiric colors. There was no fighting yet. Saphira landed first, then Spitfire, then Amira. Nasuada looked up from the clump of officials and Arya joined them. The Riders and Orik joined them after the dragons had settled into a more comfortable position.
"Riders! You are back!" Nasuada greeted them, passing rather cold eyes over Illera.
She shrugged it off and kept quiet.
Eragon didn't notice and smiled warmly. "Nasuada."
She turned her back on Illera and to Eragon. "Eragon. You have arrived just in time; the battle has not started yet."
He bowed his head. "Yes. We however, are prepared for the battle. So-"
Eragon was cut of as a horn blew and a messenger galloped over on a dark horse, staying a good distance away.
"You have received the attention of King Galbatorix the Lord, Emperor of Alagaesia, Rider for the Crown, etc etc. He has given you the opportunity to be forgiven for your insurgency, and your men will be spared! You should feel grateful and humble that he has given his attention to the likes of you!" the messenger shouted scornfully.
Nasuada spoke, her eyes flashing. "Tell you liege I have no wish to back down. We will fight to the death!"
The messenger spat on the ground. "Very well then. You have sealed your own fate."
He turned to gallop back to the Empire, but Spitfire hissed and lashed his tail, knocking the soldier out of his seat. Amira opened her maw and roared, breathing fire upon the unfortunate man. He gave a horrible cry, and then crumpled into ashes.
Nasuada nodded and all the troops, human, elves and dwarves alike were armored and grim, waiting for the battle to begin.
The Empire blew their horn that signified the beginning of a battle. Illera and Eragon flew above and their dragons roasted hundreds of soldiers who died with cries. They had agreed to Ryan fight with Vanir and Arya; the enemy still thought the green egg hadn't hatched.
Illera nocked an arrow and aimed it at a soldier who was shouting orders. Loosing it, she watched with satisfaction as it hit her target and the figure crumpled.
Arrows flew at both Riders as enemy archers noticed them. Eragon and Illera's wards held firm, and drained their strength only slightly. Good thing I have energy stored in Aie's hilt. And on the scabbard. Murmuring, "Ora, hlaupa, tauthr du vrangr ono thelduin uni." (A/N, Arrows, run, follow the path of which you came. Couldn't find a word for 'came' so made one up.)
The barbed arrows reversed directions and returned to the archers, killing nearly all. Eragon grinned and glanced at her before separating to the other side of the troops to burn them.
Illera surveyed the many Empire troops against the dwarves, Varden and Elves. We'll be fighting for awhile yet Amira…better prepare ourselves. Okay. Let's go down. Kay.
Amira landed in a space the elves had hastily cleared and spotted Saphira and Eragon at the other side. Ryan, Vanir and Arya sidled closer to Amira.
Illera slashed at anyone who came near or tried to wound Amira, though her wards held firm. One soldier swiped at Amira's chest and stood stupidly when the ward wouldn't let him through. Vanir decapitated him with a swing of his sword easily enough. Illera was forced to raise her shield as a flurry of new arrows swarmed at her.
They fought long and hard into the afternoon. Soon, Nasuada called for exhausted or severely wounded troops to rest, eat and be treated. Illera sighed and asked Amira to survey the battle. They rose and registered the thousands of Empire troops wading towards them, and the Varden's command paled considerably. Is Spitfire still waiting? Lending Ryan his power? Yes. I do believe Saphira and I should go burn many of the troops, it'll help much. Yes. You go, I'll fight with Eragon. Are you sure? Yes.
Illera slid off of Amira and contacted Eragon, telling him of the plan. He agreed and they met, carving a path of dead enemies before them.
"So Eragon, how many Empiric troops are there?" she asked, and lopped off someone's head.
"Around a hundred twenty thousand. The Varden number ninety thousand, including elves and dwarves," he stabbed someone through the chest.
"I see."
"Where is the Red Rider? Do you feel his presence?"
She gave him a look and dodged an ax flying towards her. "Yes, I can completely sense one mind among two hundred and ten thousand soldiers."
"Well I was just wondering."
They were separated as the troops flew between them, and Illera lost her sword. About to retrieve it, she stumbled and a sword was swung to her neck as a face leered at her. Her heart just about stopped. Baen!
--
Murtagh followed Baen through the throng of twisting bodies. This was a good plan. I can get close to Illera without anyone seeing. Wha-Where's Baen going? Oh my-ILLERA!
He got close enough to hear Baen say, "The King Galbatorix again extends his hospitality to you…even though you took most foul advantage of it. Join us. We shall make Alagaesia great again, rebuild the Riders, and regain all of the glory we once had. Join us, and you will revel in that glory, in the power."
Murtagh was close enough he could hear Illera spit out, "Never! I'll never follow that cursed-"
She was cut off as Baen's sword edged into her armor, and she choked.
Murtagh lunged forward and sliced Zar'roc through Baen's armor and the mutilated body collapsed.
Illera stood in shock, and bent and retrieved Aie, which had been under Baen's boot.
"You ought to be more careful," Murtagh murmured in her ear, "you owe me one. I see you've got a new sword…elven made?"
She nodded.
"You have a nasty cut there…" he roved his hand over where Baen had cut her, and it healed. "Midnight, in the forest," he ended and disappeared.
--
Amira! Did you hear?Yes. Thorn should be there as well…how is the crash and burn going? We've killed at least a thousand troops by now. Good, keep doing that, I know it's not fair…but it has to be done. Ok. I'll target the officers, with Eragon and the rest. See you later, and keep safe!Yes ma'am, Amira answered dryly.
Illera slashed a path back to Eragon, Vanir, Arya and Ryan.
"I think we should target the commanding officials. It'll wreck chaos on the troops; they won't know what to do."
"Yes, and afterwards we can ask the men if they will fight with us or not. They hold no love for the Empire," Eragon added.
Vanir nodded. "I and Ryan will take out the minor officers, say the ones near the cannons, wearing red. The major officers are wearing black no?"
"Yes, I, Eragon and Illera shall kill them. Once you are done, return to destroying troops," Arya contributed. Illera winced as her wards took their toll on her energy, and she reduced many of them. At this rate, I won't have any wards left.
They nodded. Vanir and Ryan dashed off, and the three of them edged closer and closer to where several officers stood shouting. They nocked their arrows, aimed at the officers, and let loose. Three of them fell, and another was dispatched from behind by a Varden soldier.
"Great. That was four. There are…eight more. And as for the minor officers, there are eleven of them," Illera said.
Eragon grunted and snuck closer, and killed two with a spin of his sword. Arya stabbed another through the chest, and Illera sliced off another's head when he tried to rally themselves against the three. They destroyed the others with several bolts of magic and Vanir and Ryan appeared.
"Done?" Illera asked, wiping off Aie on an enemy's leggings.
"Mph," Ryan grunted and stabbed someone.
"I guess so. Eragon and I should really-" Illera was cut off as she heard something from Amira. Her face paled. She spun around and carved a path, dashing towards her dragon. Amira!!! You must pretend to battle Thorn! And he you!! Have you—Yes, no need to worry little one. I'm sorry, I just have the natural instinct to. Where's Eragon? He's over—ILLERA! Murtagh!!! You know he cannot control his actions! And Eragon cannot hold his own against Murtagh! He is fresh! Yes, yes!!
Illera dashed towards the side part of the battle where Murtagh had Eragon at sword point, driving it closer and closer to his body. Drawing Aie, she reached them just in time to slide Aie underneath Zar'roc.
She turned to Murtagh. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that." Just a show for Eragon…
She reached out to touch Murtagh's mind. He let her in warily, and she unconsciously soaked up his experiences from when she left. How long has it been since I left you? She asked. About a year and five months. Is the 'I'm afraid I can't let you do that' thing a show for Eragon? Yes. Do you still trust me? With my life. Illera felt a surge of happiness with those simple three words. With my life. He only trusts Thorn, and maybe Eragon like that. His life is what he values most with everything… She didn't notice Murtagh register the flow of feelings that swam over to his mind. Ok, if your done…we should put on a convincing show for Eragon. Wha-oh, yes, of course.
Murtagh's amusement slithered over to her mind, and she struck, and he parried. I'll leave your mind now; we have to make this convincing. Like a spar…but with blood. What?! I don't want to hurt you! It's necessary Murtagh! And with any luck I can heal it quickly.Fine.
She could tell he wasn't too satisfied but relented anyways; he knew the stakes. They were playing a dangerous game, that would only finish when they killed the king.
He swung at her side, and she danced away, aiming a blow at his arm. He raised his shield and stabbed at her stomach, but she rolled away. Murtagh frowned and cut Zar'roc across her arm, drawing blood, wincing as he did so. Illera didn't flinch, though she let the wound bleed for several minutes, ensuring Eragon saw before healing it.
Illera reached out with her mind and touched Eragon's. Go, slaughter some more people.But! I cannot do that, leaving you-GO! I can deal with Murtagh by myself! Her voice was so strong he winced and obeyed, albeit reluctantly.
He tore away, back to where Varden officials were.
"The Empire will retreat," Murtagh spoke softly. "We are done here…though I am not."
"Midnight, the forest, no?" Illera asked him.
"Yes. The troops will retreat…most of them, unless they desert. Which is a very large possibility. I will fly to the forest. Until midnight, Illera."
"Until then…Murtagh," she offered him a crooked smile that hid all of her love for him.
He sheathed his sword and disappeared among the throng of bodies. A trumpeting horn rang out and the Empire began to retreat. Illera returned to Amira's side and saw a ruby blot disappear into the mountains. The purple dragon began her ascent into the sky and she saw the Empire troops turn back and flee, though around a fourth broke away from the mass and returned to the site, and a group of horsemen went out to meet them. And that would be the deserters.
After the battle, Islanzadi sent out several of the unexhausted elves to find out who was dead or injured. The rest of the elves worked overtime healing the wounded. Nasuada announced that the fourth of the Empire's army that had deserted were fresh, and hadn't wanted to fight. They were now collecting bodies along with the elves and dwarves.
--
The elven body count numbered 13, the dwarves a hundred twenty-three, and the humans numbered too many to keep track of. Not one elf or dwarf had been captured.
The day passed by quickly, with the Varden harvesting useable weapons, shields and armor. By the time they were all done, Arya had to push Illera into her tent to sleep.
--
Hours later, Amira woke her gently. Illera, it's close to midnight. You might want to wake up. Huh wha…Oh midnight!
Changing into better clothes, she ran her fingers through her hair to get it neater.She slipped out of her tent and climbed onto Amira, her veins drumming with adrenaline and excitement. Ready Amira? Definitely.
The dragon took off silently, and winged off towards a line of dots which as they got closer, proved to be trees.
Illera reached out with her mind to test if there were anyone who followed either her or Murtagh. No one. She lightly brush against his conscience, and slid off of Amira. Go with Thorn, I'll tell you anything important. Treasure this chance while you have it. Spoken wisely.
Amira took off and flew off into a clearing where Thorn was. Murtagh stood wearing black, leaning against a tree. Murtagh. Illera started running and when she reached him pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Murtagh!"
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His breath caught in his throat. She came! Well no duh…she wouldn't skip out on you.
"Illera!" he breathed, and held her tightly. She rested her head on his shoulder and he drew his fingers through her hair.
"You came," he murmured softly into her hair.
She raised her head and
gave him a slight look. "Did you think I wouldn't?"
"No.
I'm just in shock…from…from everything."
She understood, and he kissed her softly. She shivered as a harsh wind bit at her uncovered skin.
Concerned, he looked down at her. "Cold?" he asked quietly.
"Just a little."
He moved closer into the forest, where the trees provided shelter, and turned her so that his back was the one facing the wind.
"Thank you."
He held her closer, and she inhaled his scent, her arms around him.
"How long can you stay?" he asked her softly, and kissed her again.
"Mm, I don't know…Just not too late…"
"Okay, good."
She responded to his kiss, and he swiped his tongue around her mouth, tasting her.
Murtagh's hands slid under her shirt, to the back where he played with her shift.
Reluctantly, she pulled away from his kiss and took his hands out from behind her tunic.
She rested her head on his chest.
He asked her, "Are you tired?" staring down at her with intense eyes.
"Yes, definitely."
"Were you hurt?"
"It was nothing I couldn't heal. Thanks to my training with you."
He smiled.
He played with her hair, and started lightly massaging her shoulders. Illera leaned into him, sighing softly.
"I want this war to be over…" she said, frustrated. "So many people have died, just because the Rider's couldn't defeat Galbatorix! There were hundreds then! And now…only I, Eragon, and you. Is that possible? What would have happened…if Galbatorix had never become a Rider?"
"Neither of us would be here," Murtagh said, trying to soothe her.
"…I guess…maybe…then I shall work harder then ever to end this damned war."
"Everyone is. But the only way for you to survive is to destroy Galbatorix. I...I'll die. He had me bond in so many ways that even if he was killed, I would die 'defending him'," Murtagh spat bitterly.
Illera started, and stared at him, shocked. "You…you won't die. Don't talk like that…you'll survive. I know you will…and if…just if you don't…" she trailed off, her eyes betraying her emotion.
"I just wish sometimes that I could have escaped or something, and like I could have done something to prevent everything Galbatorix had done to me."
"You couldn't change it. It would've been worse, if you had tried to do something, and I know you know that."
He didn't answer, but tightened his hold around her waist slightly. Illera turned around in his lap and kissed him reassuringly.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered and brushed his lips against hers.
She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and they stayed like that for several hours, before she reluctantly decided she had to go. Amira and Thorn had come back some time ago and were lying next to each other.
"Murtagh…"
"Hm?"
"I have to go. I'm sorry…but if I don't get a move on they will notice and most likely send a search party out for me."
He chuckled quietly and loosened his hold on her.
"Be careful…and good luck," he said softly.
Illera hugged him again and said, "Gods Murtagh you make this so difficult. It's the third time I've had to leave you, and I hate it."
He smiled grimly and kissed her one more time before she reluctantly broke away.
"Take care Murtagh," she whispered before padding to Amira's side. Illera is so torn over this; she could go with Murtagh easily and they would be happy. But she won't. She's too proud, and she wants…no, needs to defeat Galbatorix. Amira sighed silently as Illera scrambled up, and suppressed the feelings before they could transmit over to her. That wouldn't do…she hates people who pity her.
Amira turned to Thorn and saw her anguish reflected there. I must go…Tread carefully Thorn. As will you I hope. Of course…and take care of your Rider. Illera would die if anything happened to him. And Murtagh would likely commit suicide if she died. Humans…Indeed,Thorn chuckled. We shall meet soon. It is written in the stars.
Amira snorted and took off. Both males, Rider and Dragon, watched as their lovers flew farther and farther away, and wondered when, or if they would ever meet again.
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How was that?? I wrote it awhile ago.
Review Responses:
Titanar: Thanks! Will definetly keep posting :)
Cyber viper42: Thanks!! Will do :)
Valinor's Twilight: Thanks!!
Arya 4 ever: Hehe. Lol, I'll probably put that in soon! As soon as Thorn gets back into the picture.
Jeslie-saheia: Thanks!! Wish me luck on the next one!
EragonPeep: Thanks!! Yes, Illera used trickery to win the match, sorry if it was a bit confusing :) Wish me luck!