Chapter 26. Worldwide Rebellion

Despite the Emperor's wrath people all over the world were starting to fight back and rise up against his tyranny. Farmers, merchants and even Nobles took up arms against the Empire. Those who swore allegiance to the Nu'VArden received weapons made of Star Metal. But eventually Katrina convinced Evander to give weapons to Imperial Rebels no matter who they fought for. Rebel groups broke out all over the world, but the most powerful was the Nu'Varden. The other Rebel factions did coordinate their attacks with the Nu'Varden. Because of these rebel actions the Emperor had the remaining Riders under his control publicly kill themselves for the Nu'VArden's defiance.

Fortress of Edoc'Sil

"Let all the world cower before my might! Unleash my armies let them march across all lands and slay all people! Let the world tremble! For I am the Shapeshifter King!"

Massive armies gathered in Alagaesia, Shynendar, and the Island country of Matalia. In Shynendar the Rebel groups banded together forming an army of 113,000 troops and they marched on the Imperial Academy of Eastenmoore. The battle was long and bloody, and the victory cost them 60,000 fighters. It was Katrina's father had lead the campaign as he was leader of the Nu'Varden forces in Shynendar. He also lead attacks on Imperial outposts and garrisons all over the countryside.

As a base Orsan Strong used the same cave Eragon did when he first visited the lands of Shynendar. "Sir!" His squire said entering his office.

"Yes Dan what is it?"

"There is a woman here to see you-She carries a Rider's sword-She arrived by magic-Vanner scanned her mind and he says she is a Rider and not a spy or name slave of the Emperor."

He turned to face the young man, "Does she have name?"

"She refuses to tell us, but Vanner says that she can be trusted."

He sighed, "Send her in!" When the young woman entered the office Orsan gasped, because it was Katrina. He ran up to her and slowed, because she had pointed ears and smooth perfect face. Her hair was more orange than red and her eyes were orange as well. "KATRINA-you look..."

"I know..." There was a moment of awkward silence, she smiled, "Well I may look different, but I'm still your daughter." They hugged.

"How are what have you been up too?"

"Much-I am a Rider, but you already knew this-didn't you?"

He sighed, "I always knew you were meant for greatness-I didn't know what the Nu'Varden were up to until that day when I spoke with Sol and Tiana-They revealed our heritage to your mother and I that day."

"Where is mother-I have longing to see her."

He turned away to hide the pain on his face, "Your-mother-" He spun around to face her. "Your mother is dead Katrina."

"No!" She whispered as she fell to her knees. Orsan rushed to her side and helped her up to a chair. He stepped away and leaned on his desk. "How did she die?" Katrina asked after a while.

"The Emperor's troops came to our village and burned it to the ground-this happened a week after you became a Rider-I know this because Evander told me through his mind."

She jumped up, "Why didn't he tell me!" She demanded in anger.

"Don't be angry with him-I asked that he keep this from you because it would only distract you-Agents of the Nu'Varden lead many refugees to this cave-After you killed the Elf Shade I formed the Nu'Varden of Shynendar and because of you and my association with Evander I was able to get star metal weapons. In that short period of time other rebellions have started as well-Like the Vauncar and the Unruled-It was Evander who convinced them to ally with us."

She grabbed his hands, "What about Arron's family?"

"Arron's father died in an attack on the village-His brother is a general with the Unruled-His sister died in the assault on Eastenmoore Academy."

"The world no longer wishes to be ruled by the Shapeshifter King. Now I must find a way to kill him." She looked at her father and smiled taking his hand. "There is someone I wish you to meet."

Katrina spent the next year with her father and she even helped him to plan a few raids and attacks against Imperial strong points, but Evander forbade her from doing any actual fighting. It was bad time all over, but the people of the world would not submit no matter what threats were thrown at them. Freedon was no longer a dream, it was a reality, but the price was 1.9 million deaths, not including the executions ordered by the Emperor. In retaliation the Emperor created Shades to soread chaos throughout the world. Katrina, Evander, Tala, Aiedel, Elva, Eragon and Solombum formed the Shade Hunters and they personally hunted each and everyone created by the Emperor.