Chapter 28

Eragon spoke an encantation in the ancient language, placing a ward around himself and Saphira. Next, he put one around Nasuada and Barzul, just in case.

The torchlights below showed brightly as they flew. When they neared the city, the lights disappeared, giving way to darkness.

Looks like they put their torches out, Eragon thought to Saphira.

Yes, we are close. Saphira said. Faint glimmers of light could be seen in the distance. Guards would be on duty all around the city walls.

Suddenly, with a loud flapping of wings, Barzul came up next to them.

I thought you and Nasuada would be fighting on the ground, Saphira said curiously.

Barzul snorted, but it sounded more like a pant from keeping up with Saphira's fast pace. Jormundor doesn't want anyone to know I exist. He thinks I'm too small to be of much help in the battle and that I'll just be a big target for attacks.

Saphira gave a sympathetic nod in mid-air. I'm sorry, Barzul Knurlar. It is a shame you cannot fight. Jormundor's reasoning is flawed. He does not think you are strong enough to withstand the attacks you will undoubtedly receive, being a dragon. And, since you are small in his eyes, he doesn't think you would be any better than a horse. But he underestimates the power of our kind.

Barzul hung his head, dropping low in the air for a second before catching up once more. I will listen to the human for now, but when Galbatorix comes, no one can stop me from protecting my Rider.

Of course not! Exclaimed Saphira, You would not be a dragon and Rider if you did not stand up for each other in times such as that.

Eragon shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Saphira, don't encourage him. He might get hurt!

Better to die protecting your Rider than to be a coward of a Dragon, she argued.

Please, Saphira. If you continue like this, he might get the idea to defy Jormundor now and fly off to his death immediately. At least remind him to stay clear of this battle.

She reluctantly returned to her conversation with Barzul, saying, But do not think, young one, that you should join this battle. No, you should let us fight this one and then let out your fury on Galbatorix. Imagine how shocked he will be that his own dragon egg has hatched for the Rebel leader!

A wave of self confidence and even smugness radiated off of Barzul as he fought to keep up with them. Yes… that's what I'll do! It will be such a dramatic announcement to the world: another dragon has arisen!

Saphira chuckled inwardly. Eragon too, was amused by the young dragon's confidence.

I should go to Leona Lake and polish my scales so that they shine all the brighter when we meet Galbatorix, Barzul said excitedly. I'd hate to show up at the Evil King's lair with dirty scales…

Eragon snorted with laughter, but he was kept from dwelling on the young dragon's vanity; for, at that moment, he felt energy draining from him. Someone was putting pressure on his ward around Nasuada.

He contacted Arya.

It has begun, she said simply.

Saphira warned Barzul to leave immediately and then broke into a swooping dive. They had arrived at the city gates and all the defenses were gathered there, fighting to keep the Varden out.

Eragon opened his mind and searched for the magic user who was attacking Nasuada. The person was easy to find, for they were putting up such strong blocks Eragon could sense it from the skies. He spoke in the ancient language, testing their ward. It was strong enough to be a challenge.

As he fought inwardly with the mage in a battle of strength, Saphira dropped low to the line of guards stationed on the wall. With a mighty breath, she cast fire about them, scorching several.

There came another pressure on Eragon's strength. One of the guards was trying to use magic to kill Saphira. Unfortunate for the soldier, he was not very bright. Against Eragon's strong shield, his spell could not complete itself and all the life was drained from him.

Eragon continued his battle with the first magician; the one who was attacking Nasuada. His spell of death pushed against the person's ward with increasing strength until, at last, it broke through and the magician fell to the ground, lifeless.

Below, the Varden were fighting fiercely with the guards, pushing their way to the city gates. Eragon, his mind open to the minds below, sensed the elves combining their energy into a spell that would open the gates. He put his own mind into the mix, aiding as best he could. There were, of course spells against such an attack, but not one strong enough to withstand a band of elves and a Rider. It broke free and the Varden charged through, fighting like warriors.

Another group of magical attacks hit Eragon and he was forced to deal with the magic users one by one while Saphira flew over the enemy, scorching them with azure flames.

It was early in the morning and the few early-rising citizens who were in the street quickly sought shelter. This helped the Varden greatly, for they did not have to distinguish friend from foe. All who remained were soldiers of the Empire.

Guards from all corners of the city joined the fight against the Varden, but they were far outnumbered. One by one, their magicians and sorcerers were eliminated, leaving their men prone to magical attacks.

At long last, the remaining troops were forced to retreat into the palace of Marcus Tabor, ruler of Dras Leona. Saphira circled the building, offering her assistance when possible. They had barricaded themselves inside and there wasn't much else to do but wait for the foot soldiers to break the door in.

Nasuada pulled back the string on her bow and released an arrow. It soared through the air and went in through a window of the palace. She knew not if it had reached anyone, but felt better knowing it had gone inside.

All the fighting was going on at the entrance. A group of their largest men was pushing hard against the dark door. Another group, invisible to her eye, was pushing back with full force from the inside. After just two hours, they had reduced the defenses of the city to retreat. They were fortunate.

The adrenaline in her veins was beginning to die down and she grew exhausted. Waiting around for another burst of fighting was the worst part of a battle.

Arya came up next to her. "They will break through in time," the elf said, sensing her impatience.

"I just wish it could go quicker," Nasuada lamented. I wish Dathedr could be here—he always has something smart to say about battle strategies. He'd probably say something like 'just use all your advantages, Nasuada!'

She looked at the men fighting at the door. "Can't we use magic to open it?" she asked.

"The spells on that door have been examined. Apparently this Tabor character is very superstitious. There are strong spells guarding against magical attack. We could combine our energy and open it, but that would be a waste when our men will obviously break through without such measures."

So much for our advantages, Nasuada thought dismally. I hate waiting around like this. She fingered her sword anxiously. What other advantages do we have? We have Riders… but I can't do much. Wait…! An idea came to her and she looked to the skies, reaching for Saphira's consciousness.

The dragon paid close attention to her proposal and agreed. With a showy swoop, she alighted in front of the gates.

Soldiers of the Varden scattered as Saphira burst through the doors and breathed a mighty breath of fire over the soldiers behind it.

Nasuada and the others poured in through the arched doorway, meeting the guards head-on. She thrust her sword into one soldier without a fight and clashed blades with another. She lifted her leg and thrust her boot into his chest, swinging wildly at his head.

He blocked her weakly, clutching at his stomach with his left arm. Before he knew it, she had thrust her sword into his heart.

The next soldier lasted a bit longer, but he soon fell under her blade. As his body sank to the floor, she spun around, ready for the next attacker, but there was none. Members of the Varden were rushing here and there, taking prisoners and searching every room for more guards.

Saphira was still in the entry room, crouching low to keep her scales from rubbing the ceiling, but Eragon was nowhere to be seen.

With everyone inside the castle and the sky still grey, no one was witness to the ruby colored dragon land just outside the city.

Nasuada glanced back and saw Eragon and Vanir leading a bearded man across the room. He fought their grasp fiercely, but to no avail.

Eragon caught her eye and explained mentally, Tabor, the owner of this lovely home.

She grinned. They had won.