Chapter 21: The Ra'zac Reborn
The next few days passed by quickly for our heroes even if it didn't for the rest of the Varden. During this time Jack taught Eragon swordsmanship, Bladedancer taught him magic along with a few of the elves such as Blodhgarm and Arya. Glaedr pitched in by teaching him how to hone his mind. Lessons that were also taught to Saphira as she herself needed to learn more about protecting her mind as well. However her training was having some side effects on her. The more she trained with Paarthurnax and Nightwing the more she began to develop strange sounds in her throat. Whatever that meant no one really knew. However Paarthurnax and Bladedancer had their suspicions but for the time being they decided to keep their predictions to themselves. Unfortunately Eragon was still nowhere close the level of power he needed to be in order to fight Galbatorix. At most they had about three months before the marched on Uru'baen. Jack and Nightwing offered their help in the final battle and that was reassuring for everyone. However Bladedancer said that he wouldn't fight against such a fool for it would corrupt the powers he already had. He didn't elaborate on the subject but Jack and Nightwing understood.
However little did they know what kind of trouble they would get into once they reached Dras-Leona. During the steady march all spies in the city suddenly stopped giving information a bad omen if anything. However the city was still in their way and it needed to be taken. So despite the feeling of uneasiness they pressed onward. Even when they sent new spies to the city they never heard back from them. This could mean a one of two things… One the whole city is on lock down and not allowing their spies to send word. Two all spies were captured and they were detaining anyone not originally from the city. They proceeded hoping it was situation one. However on the morning of the third day of travel Roran along with Serana, and Odahviing returned with their weary soldiers from the battle of Aroughs. Because of the assistance of the Brash dragon and the vampire royal the battle went fairly well. As they met up with Nasuada in her pavilion the three of them recounted the battle and how it went surprisingly fast when Odahviing literally shouted the walls down allowing their troops to attack in the midst of the chaos caused by said shouting. Upon hearing this Nasuada permanently gave them their ranks and gave them one of the Varden's battalions. They weren't ecstatic as some would be but instead accepted the position gracefully.
Eragon accompanied his cousin back to his tent where his wife Katrina was waiting for him after staying for some dinner they left seeing how tired his cousin was and also seeing how Katrina wanted him as well. When leaving the tent they were greeted by a friend of theirs named Jeod. He was a scholar and merchant who had helped them a while back. His role in the Varden was to look at old documents and find secret passages into cities. Of course most of the time there were none so his excited face showed promise. His hope was rewarded when he told them he found a hidden tunnel that led right into Dras-Leona. Not waiting for anymore explanation they mentally contacted the others and ran to Nasuada. After some heated discussion and through some carful calculations and corrections on Bladedancers part they were able to discern an exact location to inside the city. Now all that was left would be to figure out who would be going to investigate. Their thoughts were broken by Bladedancer as he quickly gave his idea on who should go into through this way.
"I would love to go and investigate this. After all I'll be near the fighting and that is what I'm good for nowadays." Nasuada looked at him wearily as if frightened that she might offend him
"I would prefer if we sent some normal soldiers to go and investigate. After all you might cause unwanted attention." After explaining she could tell by his posture that he wouldn't relent. "Nothing I say will change your mind will it?"
"Nope besides I'm taking Eragon, Arya, Blodhgarm, and the vampire girl with me." There was a very audible "hey!" heard from Serana at the saying of his last words.
"I'm fine with you taking Serana but why the need for Eragon and the other two?"
"Well my thoughts were to test him on his new skills inside the city. The best way would be for him to be near either me or Jack in such a way that he wouldn't get himself killed for getting one of my spells wrong."
"Even if I told you no you would still capture them and take them with you. So I guess I really don't have a choice here."
"No you don't but know that I'm doing this for another reason as well."
"What do you mean another reason?"
"I don't know about Jack but I've been feeling something very odd now for quite some time. The feeling is coming from the direction we're heading in I want to know what it is."
"Yeah to honest I too have felt it. It feels almost dark like in nature while also having conveying pulses of chaotic energy. But hidden amongst it I feel a sense of calm. The only way to find out what it is would be to sneak into the city undetected." Nodding his head in agreement Nightwing decided that both men were right as he too was also sensing the disturbance.
"Well then I guess it's settled the five of you will infiltrate the city through the tunnel if there is one and then open the gates from inside. If things go right we'll be able to take the city with little trouble."
"If things go right as if they truly ever do. You and me both know that if anyone else would to try and attempt what we're doing that they would most assuredly die"
"Listen something isn't right about this dimension and that city is our biggest clue to finding out what is going on. Besides no doubt Jack and Nightwing know what it is and both of us aren't going to ask him to answer our questions."
"Yeah I still hate his inner organs but then again I feel a real fight coming on. Those always can put us into a better mood so I say let's go for it!"
"You do know we already decided on doing that right?"
"Oh shut up and let me feast on more souls when you get a chance. After all I'm ever hungry and you are to."
"Yes but unlike you I can control that hunger until battle which is why I'm in charge now run along and come up with a new technique or something."
"You can always find a way to piss me off can't you. I'll do what you said but remember this body is also mine."
"I'll never forget that… Not for as long as I live." Turning his attention back to the meeting he finalized the plan and left to go get ready. He knew that this would be a battle that would test the limits of the Varden. As for him though he was bored of fighting weaklings so this would be enjoyable for him. Back with Nightwing and Jack they were discussing Bladedancers recent behavior.
"Jack do you notice how Bladedancer sometimes spaces off like he did back there earlier today? It's strange because he reminds me of you every time you communicate with Chaos and Elemental. Do you think he has an inner soul as well?"
"To be honest that guys always wearing a mask. Both figuratively and literally; there hasn't been a single time that I've seen his face and seen what he could really truly do. As for an inner soul I don't really know it is possible considering how strong he's become. But we still need to remember he enhanced himself with cybernetics during the war. So it could be a number of things from and inner soul to even communicating to someone across dimensions. What I'm worried about though is if he is catching on to us."
"Why would that worry you? He after all helped fight against the W.D.O. that manifested itself on your world and practically carried the whole war effort himself. Who better to have by our side than a man devoted to fighting them?"
"Listen by the look in his eye he seemed content with the fact that he killed the W.D.O. "Leader" however we both know that wasn't the real leader. He gave everything he had to killing a fake. If we told him I just don't know how he would act."
"I see you're worried about what he might do if he learned everything he did was for naught." Jack could only nod his head sadly. After that they sat in silence waiting for their orders to begin preparations to march onto the city. A few hours before night the ones going inside the hidden passage gathered together to wait for the ok to go when Angela the witch walked up to them. Bladedancer looked at her curiously wondering why she was doing out here only for her to snap at him.
"What?! Do I have something on my face why are you staring at me?" The first time the two had met was when he first came to the Varden. Of course they weren't properly introduced as a battle was going on but latter when he found the cursed child Elva he was able to have a formal introduction after using the Kyne's peace shout on the girl in order to make her feel calm for once in her life. When doing so Angela's face was shocked to say the least but she quickly composed herself and demanded the Dragon blooded to come by as often as possible.
Not wanting to get on her bad side he agreed. After a few meetings he became friends of a sort with the strange woman and even exchanged knowledge with her. He found it most useful when she gave him the basics on how to freeze time for a few seconds. She could only do it for a few seconds before collapsing but with his magical reserves he could go on for at least a minute. Snapping back to the present he raised his arms in defense at her sudden outburst.
"No you have neither gnats nor flies on your face but rather I'm curious to see you here." Smiling at his unique choice of words she answered him with her own explanation which was to say not much of one at all.
"Well I have a grudge against the priests of Helgrind and I'll leave it at that." Helgrind were black spire like mountains that overshadowed the entire city. A while ago it was home to creatures called the Ra'zac. A being not plant or animal but had a desire to eat human flesh. Seeing the superiority of the Ra'zac the priests of Helgind worshipped them and often offered pieces of themselves along with slaves as tribute. Galbatorix used them as his personal hit men in order to cause trouble among the general populace to even assassinating other figures who defied him. That was until recently when Eragon and Saphira along with Roran went and took them out in a desperate attempt to rescue Katrina from their clutches. Whatever "grudge" Angela had on them wasn't Bladedancers concern so he shrugged it off. After a few words of advice along with some orders he led the group now consisting of six into the night.
Using a werelights they slowly made their way towards the supposed cave was supposed to be. Upon seeing it Eragon felt joy at learning how Jeod was right. Upon gathering at the entrance of the tunnel they all conjured their own Werelights except for Bladedancer who just casted a night vision spells. Everyone muttered cheater before going inside. Everyone tensed as Eragons boot hit the side of a rock making an echo that followed both up and down the tunnel. Just as they were about to continue he caught two gleaming eyes. Grabbing Brisingr's handle he realized it was just Angela's constant were cat companion Solembum. He berated himself for not thinking he would not come along. After all where ever Angela was he would surely be there as well. Continuing on they met a fork in the path. After a little exchange between Angela and Eragon they decided to go right. Or left depending on where you were standing from. After a while of turning "right" at every fork Angela let out a sound of surprise while looking at the ceiling. Looking at the ceiling they found some very old runes in the language of human. As it turned out it was the full history of Tosk the first one to ever offer up prayers to Helgrind. Among the current priests he's considered as some sort of Prophet. Taking an interest both Bladedancer and Angela stopped to read the runes. This left everyone else to sit around and wait for them to continue.
Out of all those waiting Serana was the most fidgety. After what seemed like hours the two scholars finally stopped reading. Figuring they could read it latter they motioned for everyone to move on. After a while they made their way to a locked door. Arya approached the locked door and murmured "Ladrin" or open in the ancient language and proceeded to open the door carefully. Following the path they made their way along until they reached another door. Opening it carefully they came out into a large room filled with pews and an altar.
It took a bit but Eragon finally remembered that it was he church he came to when he first went to the city. Last time however he was ambushed by the Ra'zac and was forced to flee despite being there to kill the Ra'zac in the first place. However this time it was night and the Ra'zac were dead. They quickly exited the building to follow the streets of the city towards the gate. Breaking Eragon from his thoughts Bladedancer held up his hand to signal them to stop.
"Hold on something isn't right here. It's too quiet and there are no lights whatsoever." Looking around they found what he said to be true. Gripping Brisingr's pummel Eragon voiced his opinion.
"Perhaps they were ordered to keep off the streets and have no lights because of a lockdown?"
"No even if that were the case people are still people and there would be some bound to break the rules. Even if there was a lockdown; however I see and hear nothing defiantly not a good sign."
"You are correct." They all turned towards the eerie voice behind them to see two figures clothed in long cloaks that hid their faces. One was bigger and taller than the other but both still looked intimidating. However despite this Eragon recognized them.
"It cannot be!"
"It's good that you remember us Shadeslayer. We would have been insulted if you didn't." Arya looked at Eragon and asked if he knew these two creatures. She could tell they meant harm and didn't feel natural.
"They're the Ra'zac. But that's impossible! I and Roran killed them while Saphira took out the Lethbrblaka their parents." The Ra'zac just made a high pitched cackling sound that was assumed to be laughter and the smaller one snapped its fingers. All around them strange creatures started to appear before them. Then the smaller one spoke to them.
"You're once again correct. However Galbatorix's new allies have many powers and with that power they brought us new soldiers and a chance at revenge against you." The demons were humanoid in shape but were as large as urgals and had bat wings protruding out of their backs. Their heads were reptilian like but also had human features. The demons all had scimitars and wore purple armor that was mostly likely banded steel. Looking around them they looked to Bladedancer to identify the strange creatures all around them.
"I don't know exactly what these things are but my guess is that they are the ones responsible for turning this place into a ghost town. However I do feel a similar energy from them almost as if they are…" Bladedancers eye widened as he figured out what these things were. Panic was evident in the way he was moving making the others nervous.
"WELL!" Angela shouted at him. "What are they?!" Regaining his composure he looked them and gave them his answer.
"Demons… what kind they might be I don't know but these are definantly demons." Drawing his sword he turned to face the enemy.
"None of you are ready for this get to the gate and open it. Make sure to warn everyone before entering the city. I'll stay here and hold them off for as long as I can."
"We can't just leave you here!"
"You don't have a choice these creatures are beyond that which you think is possible. You might be able to kill them but that won't mean a thing if we're over whelmed. Get to the gate as fast as possible then return to back me up now GO!" With that he swung at the nearest demon. He caught the demon off guard by the sudden attack and with one horizontal slash cut the creature in two. However this prompted the others attack. Seeing no alternative Eragon and the others cut their way through and ran towards the gate. However not wanting to lose again the Ra'zac followed them in pursuit. As they neared the gate they could see the dead and half eaten bodies of the once citizens of the city. Eragon called out to Saphira and explained what was going on and told her to tell Nasuada what was happening. He also told her to contact Jack and tell him to attack the city with the other dragons to begin the fight early.
Don't worry Eragon I'll do this quickly then join you.
"Yes I would appreciate that seeing how the Ra'zac are on our tails and these demons are coming out of the houses. One might see how being fast was important."
He could practically here Saphira snort I think Bladedancer is rubbing off on you. He couldn't really deny that but continued running instead. When they reached the gate house they quickly opened the gates outside they could hear the sounds of the trumpets from the Varden. Up in the sky though he could see Murtagh descend through the clouds on the back of thorn. He was relieved when he saw Nightwing and Jack engage them. He was even more so when he Saphira landed beside him after leaving the gate house. Seeing everyone with him he turned towards the two resurrect Ra'zac and prepared to fight. Behind them he could see the demons start to advance. He gave it five minutes before the rest of the Varden stormed in to take the city hopefully he would be able to kill the Ra'zac again within that period of time. Eragon with a battle cry charge the creatures. Last time they fought he had only an enchanted staff and was inside an enclosed space. This time he had more allies to fight them with and was much stronger than before. Not to mention his new sword would be easily cut through their thick hides.
The rest of his group followed suit only to learnt that the Ra'zac were even faster than before. Eragon almost didn't see the slash at his face before it was too late. Luckily the Ra'zac was just faster and not stronger so he was able to hold his ground with his opponent Blodhgarm and Arya engaged his opponent with him while Saphira, Angela, and Solembum took on the other one. While trying to push each other back Arya flanked the creature and struck at his head only for it to duck letting the blade sail over its head. He then kicked Eragons legs out from underneath him while turning around and bringing up his sword to block another attack from Arya. He let the downwards slash glide down his blade making Arya slide past him. It quickly brought its curved sword once more to block a follow up attack from Blodhgarm. The creature was to skilled and fast for them to successful land a hit but luckily with the three of them pressing on it the creature couldn't attack either. But still they now had two minutes before the Varden arrived. Once they did the Ra'zac could break off their attack and kill any normal soldier that happened to be close by. Even with a hundred men they wouldn't be able to kill these newly enhanced Ra'zac.
Eragon having regained his footing struck at the Ra'zacs exposed back. Only to have it move out of the way and let Eragon run right into the elf it was previously engaging. Giving a quick apologizing the three warriors stood side to side and watched to see what the creature's next move would be. Arya took the lead in the offensive followed by Blodhgarm and Eragon. However the Ra'zac backed up from her downwards stroke turned around a full three hundred and sixty degrees and struck back with a quick stab aimed at her heart. If it wasn't for Blodhgarm who managed to block the blade she would have been dead. However Eragon taking advantage of the Ra'zacs current lack of momentum managed to cut it along its arm. Hissing in pain it back up from them holding its injured arm, the limb would now be useless. Seeing that it was close to losing it shouted out to its sibling
"We need to fall back for now!" However turning around it could see its nest mate being burned alive in hot dragon fire. Taking advantage of the creatures shock Eragon gave it another slash along its back. Screaming a high pitched noise the creature fell to its knees. However they wouldn't be able to finish the creature off because at that moment one of the demons appeared and attacked the group. Taking this opportunity to escape the Ra'zac limped off in pain. After disposing of the demon with some difficulty the Varden army finally showed up and they had to put on hold the hunt for the last Ra'zac. Running up to Saphira Eragon jumped on her and flew towards Jack and Nightwing were currently engaging Thorn and Murtagh. Looking at his two new opponents Murtagh grimaced seeing how he was already outmatched by the mysterious rider and his talking dragon. When he first heard Nightwing speak he almost fell off Thorn in utter shock. Even more so than when he heard the two legged dragon Durnehviir talk at least he looked different and looked old, but seeing a black dragon that looked no differently than his own well it was really surprising for him. Looking at his opponents he talked to them.
"Well now that I have to deal with two dragons and two riders I guess I'm done for. We couldn't even keep up with your friend here brother. But now I see this is the only way for you to kill."
"Sorry to burst your bubble kid but I'm now leaving. I'm sure that with Eragons new abilities and training he'll be able to take you now. So I'll you four at it but as for me and Nightwing there are demons to kill." With that the two of them left the shocked riders and dragons and flew off towards the rest of the battle. There was an awkward silence between those left behind until Eragon cleared his throat and spoke first.
"Um… Should we fight now or just stare off into space?" Snapping out of his daze Murtagh answered him by having Thorn fly right to him with a snarl on his face. Fight it is then Eragon! Yelled Saphira in his mind and so the battle between them began once more.
The battle below was going badly for the Varden. While they had the support of the Urgals and twelve elven spell casters, plus our strange group of heroes. They just couldn't take on a demon without at least 5 men taking on one at a time. Luckily they outnumbered the demons from two to one. As Jack descended near a perfectly unharmed Bladedancer he got off his black dragon and told him to help elsewhere. Complying Nightwing took off and Jack walked up to his used to be subordinate.
"I see that you've barely taken any damage that's good to see."
"I'm glad to see you didn't either. After all I'd feel embarrassed if you lost to those two up there. That would mean that I'm weaker than them as well."
"Same as always I see."
"Well Ne'zelog what do we have here?"
"Well Kel'thuzad I do believe they are the ones we've been looking for." Jack and Bladedancer turned around to see two smaller demons. The one named Ne'zelog had blue armor and a single blue horn on his white head, while the other had red armor and had three red horns protruding down his head going all the way to the very back of his head. Their wings were also the color of their armor however both of them were outlined in bronze coloring. Jack questioned them first.
"Judging by your appearance and power I would have to assume you two are the ones behind these demons?" he was answered by Ne'zelog
"Yes and no you see we're just following orders given to us by Galbatorix. Despite him being nothing but a pathetic human he has merit and is quite useful to us." Bladedancer pulled out his second sword and pointed it at them before they continued the conversation.
"I assume he isn't your true master then. If not I demand you tell me who so I can chop off his head." They just laughed at him.
"What's so funny? Do you doubt my skills? I would have you know I took out the Old one a demon more powerful than you two are." Kel'thuzad having become annoyed with him stopped laughing along with Ne'zelog.
"Oh we know of all your exploits including how you stopped the W.D.O. from taking your world the first time they invaded."
"What do you mean the first time?"
"Oh you didn't know? How interesting I was sure Jack would've told you how we came back years later and took it with relative ease thanks to our new commander." Bladedancer stared at Jack then back at the two demons.
"Jack we'll talk about that later after this fight but first I'm going to behead each of them. Are you with me?"
"Consider it a pleasure."
"Ne'zelog it seems we need to teach these fools what demons from the twisted Nether can really do."
"I agree you can take Bladedancer I'll take Jack of Doom." Nodding their heads the two demons attacked their opponents and the battle begun.
Back with Eragon and Saphira in the sky they realized that their training really had paid off. Eragon could read Murtaghs moves much easier while Saphira could dodge any attack sent at them. This however frustrated the red duo to no end seeing how they were being outmatched once again. It was worse than with Jack. At least with him he they didn't know what he might do or knew how strong he was. However he thought he knew Eragons strength and weaknesses perfectly. So now it came to two things for Murtagh. Either he was holding back the other times they fought or they received intensive training. He was hoping it was the latter seeing how if it was the first that would just be blood boiling. It would mean Eragon didn't see him and Thorn as a real threat. However he got a nasty shock quite literally when Eragon launched a lightning bolt him his hand hitting Murtagh square in the chest. The spell was nothing like he's seen before what's more is that Eragon didn't even utter a single word it just happened. He didn't know what was going on but he knew if he didn't retreat for now he would lose. That meant being taken prisoner or being executed. Either one didn't really seem like a fun idea to him. So using a light spell he temporarily blinded his enemies and had Thorn turn tail and run. However what he didn't expect was Saphira making a low noise and having her just appear in a flash right in front of him.
Back with Eragon he felt a bit sick after having been on Saphira as she used the whirlwind sprint shout. By no means was it perfect yet but she was getting there. Unfortunately both of them still weren't used to going so fast and took advantage of Murtagh and Thorns shock to recover a bit. Yelling to him he offered them a deal.
"Murtagh you can't win against us anymore turn yourself in and we'll take you into custody."
"Eragon you know we can't do that! Our oaths to Galbatorix in the ancient language binds us to him we can't willingly give ourselves up like that!" Sighing Eragon knew he had a point. Despite wanting to try and save Murtagh as along as Galbatorix was alive, Murtagh wouldn't be able to go without a fight. But perhaps he could try and knock them both unconscious. So giving a plan to Saphira through their thoughts they attacked Murtagh again. This time however they used the whirlwind shout once more but aimed it directly at Thorn. Unable to follow what was going on the red dragon took a hit in the chest from Saphira's right shoulder knocking him unconscious. Saphira quickly grabbed him while Eragon shot two more lightning bolts at Murtagh rendering now the both of them unconscious. Taking the victory the landed and continued to bind them so they couldn't do anything in case they woke up. To the both of them things were looking pretty good however the battle was still raging on and Jack and Bladedancer were in the fight of their lives.