21. Enemy
The king moved as silently and swiftly as the wind through the forest toward Carvahall. He had learned earlier that day through a one-way scrying spell of the Urgal traitors that the Dragon Riders had returned. He didn't care that there were only two dragons this time, and they certainly hadn't flown anywhere near Anghelm in that brief time. But the blue one belonging to the human called Firesword was there, which was all that mattered.
After his rams had returned from the most recent attack, Kulkarvek had been furious to learn that the insolent human drajl had dared threaten him, the mighty king of the Urgralgra. No human would ever defy him again. The first human Dragon Rider whom he had hated beyond expression had ensured that would be the case.
The king would have dealt with Firesword sooner if the coward hadn't flown away only two days later. And why hadn't Kulkarvek just run to the village near Lake Fläm, where the accursed Garzhvog ruled as war chief? Kulkarvek had often wondered why, and he finally admitted the truth to himself. Because she was there—his only daughter. And though he despised the ram who had taken Myrintuk away from him, the king now regretted his harshness in denouncing her. Yes, Myrintuk was the reason he had not crushed the traitorous clan working so hard to undo all the good Kulkarvek had established during his reign.
Kulkarvek sometimes scryed Myrintuk. All he knew was that she had been sad for many years and was more recently happier again. He guessed she had many children, but he had never met them, so he couldn't see them when he scryed her.
Kulkarvek pushed thoughts of his daughter out of his mind. His task tonight was simple—strike at the human Rider by attacking his bonded dragon. The king knew how painful such a loss was and that it would do more harm than simply killing the Rider himself. Kulkarvek had profoundly intimate experience of how devastating it was to lose one you loved more than your own life.
The first dragon Kulkarvek had killed died from an arrow wound in its heart, and he guessed the blue dragon—his target tonight—had many wards protecting her. But he no longer needed weapons and was almost certain she wouldn't be protected against the kind of attack he had in mind. And he knew her Rider wasn't with her, not that it would make a difference. The dragons were trying to remain hidden. The traitors only knew of them because the beasts were staying outside the city wall.
Kulkarvek reached his destination quickly, running more swiftly than the elves with his enormous height, strength, and endless stamina. He slowed as he neared the location where the two dragons slept, feeling their presence with his mind. Once he had identified their position, he ended the contact so as not to alert them.
He cast the spell that would render him invisible and crept silently through the trees until the dragons were within sight, the light from the moon aiding his yellow eyes in seeing his target. He wondered which Rider the pink dragon belonged to. Not one of the Urgralgra. Their dragons had been first black and then gold. The color seemed feminine. Maybe the dragon was bonded to another human scum. Kulkarvek didn't care. The time would come for him to eradicate dragons, Riders, and humans from Alagaёsia, but that time was not now.
He would fulfill his purpose to show the human male that the Urgal king was not a force to be trifled with. Perhaps Kulkarvek would be lucky and this Dragon Rider would also go insane.
Kulkarvek moved forward until he was standing right by the outstretched neck of the sparkling blue beast. In the moonlight, her scales glittered like sapphires. Disgusting creatures, he thought to himself, bending his knees until he was in a low squat. Even if his next movement awakened the beasts, it would be too late. He coiled his muscles, jumping straight up and forward only enough that his full thousand pound body landed on the dragon's neck.
The satisfying crunch under his boots reassured him that his earlier guess had been accurate. She might have been protected from swords, arrows, and all manner of other weapons, but not the huge feet of a furious Urgralgra king. The dragon's neck was crushed under his crippling weight, and the king leaped away as the beast let out an agonized roar and began to convulse in her fight for air.
The king unloosed a maniacal laugh, walking slowly away as the pink-orange dragon lit up the night with a river of flames in his direction. The fire engulfed Kulkarvek, but he only laughed louder, for it caused him no harm as it surrounded his body, revealing the shape of his invisible form.
-:-:-
Eragon thrashed awake with his hands to his throat and was running before he knew why. Then he knew. Saphira! he screamed. No! Saphira!
He was out the door and down the hall to Willow's and Varhog's room before Arya was even aware he had left. Her anxious voice was then in his mind. Eragon! What's happening?
Saphira's dying, Eragon replied shortly, blocking further communication from Arya so he could focus. He pushed open the door to Willow's room and was by their bed in the same second, vaguely grateful he had put on his pants the first time he had awakened, otherwise he would be completely naked without even caring.
His only coherent thoughts were of Saphira and the agonized pain she was feeling. Eragon knew he only had minutes, if that, before she suffocated, and Willow was his best hope of healing the injury.
Eragon scooped up the sleeping Willow and had almost lifted her out of the bed when Varhog's deep voice reached his frenzied mind, his vice-like grip closing around his arm. "Firesword," he demanded. "What are you doing?"
"Let go!" Eragon shouted. "It's Saphira! She's dying! Somehow her throat has been crushed and she's suffocating. Willow's healed an injury like this at least three time. I need her, Varhog! Let go!"
"She's naked, Firesword," Varhog said in a dangerous tone. "I won't allow you to take her like this."
"Varhog!" Eragon cried in panic. "I've seen her this way before. I wouldn't have even noticed. Saphira's dying!"
"Let him go, Varhog," Willow pleaded, awakened by the struggle and shouting. "Bring me some clothes. I'll keep the blanket around me. Please, sweetheart. We can't delay!"
Varhog reluctantly released Eragon's arm, and Eragon was immediately running again, Willow in his arms. Tears streamed down his face, and his breathing was strained, though he wasn't winded from exertion. Saphira's injury was affecting him through their link. In a strangled voice Eragon choked, "Sorry, sister. Saphira . . ."
"Don't apologize, Eragon," Willow insisted. "Don't worry about my comfort. Get me to her as swiftly as you can."
So Eragon did. When he came to the wall, he used magic to fly them over it and was by Saphira's side only two minutes after she had been injured. Her neck was broken and flattened where it had been crushed, and her huge body flailed around helplessly as she fought desperately to fill her lungs.
Eragon, Saphira moaned weakly. Help me.
Saphira, he cried as he knelt by her face. Hold still if you can. Willow's here to help and I'll sustain her with energy, but she has more experience healing this type of injury than I do. We don't have time for me to fumble around.
Saphira did her best to still the convulsions of her great body, which were already weakening the nearer she got to death. "No," Eragon cried, curling over her face, his tears raining down. "Don't leave me."
-:-:-
Willow knelt closer to the injury and immediately began her work. The injury was so much larger than the similar ones she had healed, covering nearly two feet of Saphira's neck. "What happened, Sunset?" she asked aloud so her dragon would know to communicate with Eragon too. "How did she get such a large injury?"
I do not know, sunshine! her distraught dragon replied. We were peacefully sleeping, and I was awakened by a horrible crunching sound and hysterical laugh. I breathed fire in that direction and saw nothing but what looked like the form a huge Kull Urgal ram. But taller by far than any I have ever seen. And my flames did nothing to harm the figure. He continued to move away and only laughed louder, as if amused by my efforts. Maybe it was the Urgal king.
"Why would Kulkarvek attack Saphira?" Willow wondered anxiously, continuing her healing magic.
-:-:-
By then Arya and Varhog had arrived. Arya knelt unbidden opposite Willow on the other side of Saphira's neck and began assisting her, funneling air through the gap Willow was widening to assist Saphira in filling her lungs. She knew that if Eragon's dragon died, he might very well never recover, and Arya couldn't bear the thought of losing her husband to a fate worse than death.
"Maybe to strike at Firesword," Varhog suggested, surveying the scene. "I don't sense him anywhere nearby with my mind, so he is either somehow hiding his presence or has moved far enough away."
"But the attack was totally unprovoked," Eragon muttered. "What has Saphira ever done to Kulkarvek? If he has a problem with me, why not take it up with me?"
"What could be more personal than this?" Varhog asked. "After killing Jarnunvösk, Kulkarvek knows what losing their dragon does to a Rider."
A loud voice suddenly filled the night air, derisively shouting, "Is that you, Firesword?"
"That's Kulkarvek," Varhog warned quietly.
"Sorry about your dragon, drajl," the king taunted. "But not really. Has she died yet? What's this? Some of your little Rider friends are helping you heal her? Is that your wife? And she's pregnant? How sweet. A target for my next attack."
"He must be scrying," Varhog said, more quietly than before. "And he can only see those closest to Saphira since he has never met you or the women."
"But he's still close enough that we can hear him when he's magnifying his voice," Eragon said through clenched teeth.
Arya sensed Eragon's intentions a split-second too late. She reached for him just as he sprang up and sprinted away. "Eragon!" she screamed. "No! Eragon!" She also rose but only took one step before stopping. "Varhog!" she cried. "He doesn't even have his sword! He'll be killed! And I couldn't keep up with him before I was pregnant."
I will take you, Varhog, Sunset offered for all of them to hear. We need to catch up to him before he reaches this king.
"Yes," Varhog agreed grimly. "Or he will be killed. If Kulkarvek is invulnerable to dragon's flames, who knows what else will have no effect on him." He leaped up to Sunset's shoulders, and the dragon jumped into the air.
-:-:-
Varhog cast the spell to make himself invisible. If he had been on Black Thunder, he would have done the same for his dragon because the king would surely recognize the black color, though Black Thunder was immeasurably larger than when he had first met Kulkarvek. He said to Sunset, I can't let the king know I'm helping Firesword. If Firesword has caught up to Kulkarvek by the time we reach him, we need to create a distraction long enough to swoop down and snatch him up.
I understand, Varhog. I know my flames will not kill him but maybe they would distract him. Do you think it would work?
We'll try that first. There they are. Kulkarvek was close.
I do not know if I can get down through those trees, Sunset worried.
I'll move them. Firesword's already in danger. Varhog muttered a few spells to fell several trees and open up a pathway for Sunset.
-:-:-
Eragon ran faster than he ever had in the direction of King Kulkarvek's voice, his reason and judgement completely swept away by the red haze of blood lust clouding his vision. Once Willow's healing work had reassured him that Saphira would survive, all he could feel was a terrible, uncontrollable fury. Saphira, he thought. Why attack Saphira? Because he knew it would be worse than attacking me.
Eragon, Saphira's voice said in his mind. Come back, you fool. What do you think you will prove by getting yourself killed? Then I will be facing the same dilemma you just were.
He nearly killed you! Eragon thought angrily. I won't just lie down and take that. I'm not afraid of him. There must be some way to stop him.
Sunset's flames did nothing to hurt him, Saphira wearily reminded him. You do not have your sword. What if he is more skilled than you with magic? He is nearly four feet taller than you and almost three times larger than Varhog. I saw the outline of his form while Sunset breathed fire on him.
Saphira! I can't live in constant fear that you, Arya, or the baby is in danger!
Then we will leave, Saphira said. Right now. Come back. Arya is beside herself. Think about your duty to her and your child. If you get killed, where will that leave her?
Eragon stopped. Saphira was right. They still didn't know enough about Kulkarvek for him to foolishly confront him like this, completely unarmed and unprotected, without so much as a shirt on. He turned around to retrace his steps when Kulkarvek suddenly materialized not ten feet in front of him, having maintained his invisibility spell until that moment, apparently waiting for Eragon to run right into him.
Eragon instinctively dodged as the massive, towering Urgal lunged for him, opening his mouth to cast one of the killing spells, which had no effect on the king.
Kulkarvek jeered, "Your magic won't hurt me, Firesword." He once again spat the nickname like a curse. "And I don't even need wards. You won't be able to undo my protection with the name of this, the ancient language. I know my enemy accomplished his goal of discovering the name and that you also know it. But your knowledge will do no good against me. Galbatorix cursed me through the magic of the dragons that I would never die, thereby making me invincible. Nothing will ever change that."
Eragon continued to dodge the king's aggressive attacks, realizing he was completely outmatched without magic. Even with a sword, he would never have been able to stand against an enemy so much taller and stronger than himself. He felt like a puny child next the impossible size of King Kulkarvek. And apparently, if the king wasn't lying, it didn't matter anyway. This curse he mentioned included dragon's flames and magic. It must also include weapons.
Eragon knew he would never be able to outrun the king. He briefly thought of trying to subdue Kulkarvek like Willow always did Varhog, but he knew in the same moment that it wouldn't work. The king would most likely immediately crush his arms, as Garzhvog had attempted. If he then evaded the blow, Eragon would be right back where he was right now, dodging lunges. He felt a pang of fear that he really would die and leave Arya and the baby alone.
Eragon suddenly felt a ward take effect over his body, followed immediately by an inferno of blistering flames the color of Sunset's scales. Had Willow come to his rescue? No, he could sense through his link with Saphira that Willow and Arya were still there with her. Had the dragon come alone? She wouldn't have been able to cast a spell, so it must be Varhog.
Eragon saw what the dragon had meant before—the flames did nothing to hurt Kulkarvek. He simply basked in them as if enjoying the warmth of a mild spring day. But the fire, along with the falling of several huge trees in his direction, distracted the king long enough for the dragon to swoop down and grasp Eragon around his arms with her talons.
The king jumped up after her, but Varhog sent another tree crashing down on him, and Sunset rose out of reach. Eragon hadn't heard Varhog say anything, so he must have cast the spell silently, and Eragon guessed that Varhog's magic only worked because he hadn't tried to attack Kulkarvek, just distract and hinder him.
As Sunset flapped away, the king's enraged voice followed them. "Next time we meet, drajl, one of us will die. And it won't be me because I can't be killed!" His fanatical laughter once again filled the night air.
Eragon began shivering as the cold wind rushed around his bare-chested body, but he barely registered his discomfort. Saphira, can you fly?
Yes, little one. I will fly.
Please take Willow and Arya and begin heading for Ceunon. Varhog and I will go back for our things and be right behind you.
Fírnen will be arriving shortly so we can bring Angela with us, Saphira told him.
The king might be running back for you right now! Eragon exclaimed.
I know, little one. I will take Arya and Willow. Fírnen is close and flying quickly. I have already communicated with Solembum. They will meet you at the castle.
Will Fírnen fly with me and Varhog? We can change arrangements once we have put some distance between us and Carvahall. Angela and Solembum are more used to Sunset.
Yes, of course he will, little one. He understands the urgency of the situation. And he is inexpressibly grateful to Willow and Varhog for their service tonight in saving me and you.
Eragon said, Yes, I can't imagine if they hadn't been here. Is Willow doing all right?
She is tired but otherwise fine. Arya helped her, and Fírnen has been replenishing her energy more and more the closer he gets. Please open your mind to your wife. You have been blocking her since you first left your room. I told her you are fine, but it would help if she heard you.
Eragon immediately did as Saphira suggested, feeling Arya's anxious concern fill his mind as he lowered his defenses. I'm so sorry, my love, he said with deepest remorse.
Eragon! Arya cried. I was so worried! I'm so relieved you are well, but what if . . . what if you had died? The baby!
I'm sorry, Arya, Eragon said again. It was completely foolish of me to run off like that. Are you and Willow safely in the air?
Yes, darling. When will I see you?
I feel it would be wise to fly until we need to stop for someone. Was Willow able to get dressed? Are you warm enough to continue until dawn? Then we might stop for breakfast.
Arya said, Willow is dressed. We have the blanket you carried her in and some from Saphira's saddlebags. We're warm enough. It's amusing for two pregnant women to ride together, but we'll manage. She's tired and hungry, but we'll eat what we can reach in the saddlebags and carry on until we need a break. Dawn isn't far off, if that's when you think it will be safe to stop.
I wish it didn't have to be like this, Eragon said. Inform me of anything we should know. I'm sure Willow and Varhog are doing the same as we are. We'll see you soon. I love you, Arya.
I know. I love you too, Eragon. Be careful. I can't bear the thought of losing you.
Sunset reached the hill whereon Roran's castle stood. Before Varhog had even dismounted, she was joined by Fírnen. Angela and Solembum were ready and waiting. Eragon instructed Angela and the werecat, "Get on Sunset right now. Let me and Varhog pack your things. You need to get in the air immediately. Sunset will fly after Saphira, and we'll meet you at dawn far from here."
Angela nodded gravely, making no other reply and promptly complying with Eragon's directions. Sunset took to the skies less than three minutes later.
Eragon asked Fírnen to remain in the air while he and Varhog retrieved their belongings from the castle. As the two male Riders went back inside, Eragon quietly said, "Thank you for coming after me, Varhog. You saved my life."
Varhog shrugged. "It's no more than you would have done for me or any of the Riders, Firesword. I'm glad I could and that our rescue attempt worked. It could have gone wrong in so many places."
"Yes," Eragon agreed. "And it if had, I would be dead. The king told me that Galbatorix cursed him to never die. He can't be killed by dragon flames, magic, and I'm assuming weapons. I don't understand why Galbatorix would have done such a thing. It seems he made an enemy even he wouldn't have been able to vanquish."
"It doesn't make any sense," Varhog agreed. "Could a dragon not just tear him to pieces? How would he survive that? I really don't want to think about it. Let's get back to our wives. It sounds like they might not be any safer with us near, but I still hate thinking about them being alone."
"Sorry I barged in like I did," Eragon said, following Varhog into his room. Varhog shouldered the two packs that had already been prepared for their departure, and they continued down the hall to Eragon's room.
"I'm glad you're sorry," Varhog said. "I understand why and I forgive you, but I didn't like it."
Eragon pulled on his other clothing before grabbing his and Arya's things. "Let's go tell Roran we're leaving."
They quickly made their way to Roran's sleeping quarters, and Eragon knocked on the door. Roran answered after a few moments, the sleepy look immediately clearing when he saw the two Riders dressed and carrying their packs. "We're leaving, Roran," Eragon said. "Right now. Saphira was attacked by the Urgal king and we don't feel it safe for us to stay. The Urgals outside the wall are already vaguely aware that something happened, but inform them of the gravity of the situation. Add some men to the watch and pray the king doesn't return. I hope his urge to kill wasn't so frustrated that he attacks again."
Roran asked a handful of questions, which Eragon answered in short, clipped phrases. Before they left, Katrina appeared behind Roran and asked, "Will you return after your baby is born?"
"I don't know, Katrina," Eragon said. "You'll be busy with your crops. If we do, it will be for less than a day. We can't risk continuing to bring trouble to Carvahall every time we're here."
"Even a day would be better than nothing," Katrina insisted. "Or we could meet you in Therinsford. It's a little farther south, but not so far we couldn't make the journey with the children for a brief time."
"I'll communicate with Roran when the time comes," Eragon promised. "Until then, we want to act as if we were never here and hope it's enough to keep the king and his rams away from Carvahall. I worry for you, Roran."
"We'll be fine, Eragon," Roran reassured, though Eragon could see the anxiety in his eyes. "Thank you for saying goodbye. Safe travels."
Eragon and Varhog swiftly left the castle, stowed their things in Fírnen's saddlebags, and took to the skies.