Reviewer: Are you EVER going to get to the battle?
Me: Yes, I'm getting there. But I wanted a tense/fluffy chapter or two leading into it, to build up the suspense. After all, ALOT of things go down in this battle, and not just what you're expecting either. (*wink*)
I'm debating whether or not to make another, small lead-up and have the battle self-contained, or just do it all in one.
Meh, lets see how far I get with these next parts. I'll decide as I go.
While Saphira and Auron rested behind Nasuada's pavilion to recuperate after their long flight here, Eragon sought out the tent belonging to the Varden's force of magicians; Du Vrangr Gata. He almost had a difficult time finding it, as it was well hidden from view behind a spur of rocks, and very few people actually knew its location. Although, for Eragon, he could simply extend his mind out and feel the touch of a number of people with magic. They were the easiest to spot; they were the ones who could sense his touch and quickly withdrew out of fear.
As he finally approached the black colored tent, the entrance flap flew open and he raised an eyebrow in surprise as Trianna stalked out, cloak rolled to her elbows to prepare to use magic. Clustered behind her was a group of frightened, yet determined looking spell-casters, some of whom he knew from Farthen Dur. The sorceress stopped in her tracks, and favored Eragon with the same shocked expression the others had at notice of his altered appearance. "Shadeslayer," she muttered, then regained her composure, lowering her arms. "You should have informed us sooner that you had returned. We had been preparing to possibly confront a mighty foe."
"I did not mean to upset you," Eragon said, "but the others and I needed to report to Nasuada and King Orrin."
"And why have you graced us with your presence now? Before, you never had anything to do with us," she said, eyes narrowing. The suspicion in her voice was evident.
Eragon took a breath. "I have come to take command of Du Vrangr Gata." Several spell-casters muttered amongst themselves at the announcement, and Trianna visibly stiffened. The Rider felt several of the magicians attempt to probe his mind, and instead of throwing up his barriers, he retaliated with a harsh jab of his own mind. The signal must have made its point, as two magicians noticeably flinched and averted their eyes, the probes disappearing.
"Who ordered this?" Trianna demanded.
"Nasuada," Eragon said, now fully aware of the confrontational tone. The sorceress argued that the leader of the Varden has no direct control over her and her fellow magicians. They helped the Varden of their own free will. "I'm surprised to hear that, after everything Nasuada, her father, and the Varden themselves have done for you." His adopted a slightly harder tone. "It might give the impression that you no longer wanted the support and protection that we offer."
Trianna straightened, and allowed a defensive tone to enter her voice. "You refused my offer, Shadeslayer. I thought you made it clear then you wish nothing to do with us." Trying to maintain his patience, Eragon simply claimed they were unable to do so at the time. Although true he, Auron and Saphira would be needed in the battle, he also felt it right to be in collaboration with the Varden's spellcasters. With his and Auron's help, they could become that much more effective.
The sorceress wasn't giving up so easily. She pointed out that Eragon and Auron had been practicing magic for less than a year, while she and the others have devoted their entire lives to their art. She asked him curtly exactly what his plan was. The Rider stated that he would get them to join minds and seek out enemy magicians. Once found, he and the Knight would add their combined strength to theirs, to crush the enemy's defenses and slay the troops they were protecting.
"It's a good plan," one the spellcasters interjected.
The look Trianna gave him could have frozen steam. "Since the Twins died, I have led Du Vrangr Gata. Under my leadership, we have provided the means to fund our war effort, sought out the assassins known as the Black Hand, and many more services to benefit the Varden. I do not boast when I say these have been no mean feats, and am sure I – we – can continue to produce such results. Why then does Nasuada seek to replace me?"
Several facts clicked into place now. She has grown accustomed to power, Eragon mused. More than that, she thinks my replacing her is a sign of Nasuada's criticism of her leadership. Realizing her had to resolve this quickly without further alienating the sorceress, he finally said, "I did not come here to cause affront. I came her looking for your help." His voice was level and steady, but he kept his eyes on Trianna. "Auron and I are strong, yes. Together with Saphira we could no doubt defeat many magicians in the Empire's army. But we cannot protect everyone in the Varden...we cannot be everywhere. And should the Empire's spellcasters join forces against us, then even we may be hard-pressed to overcome their attacks."
"You have done well, Trianna," he went on. "And I am not here to usurp you. But, as a fellow magician, I need to work with all of you. And – as a Rider – I may also need to give orders. You will retain your autonomy, and I will indeed need your counsel. But we need to work together."
The young woman paused clearly thinking about his words. Then, she bowed. "Of course, Shadeslayer. To have you lead Du Vrangr Gata would be an honor."
So, for the next few hours, Eragon talked with every member of Du Vrangr Gata, trying to learn just where they stood in terms of viability. Almost a whole third were specialized in healing, to which Eragon gave them a series of new spells to memorize and sent them on their way. The rest he organized in a clear chain of command under him and Trianna, whom he appointed his lieutenant. He tried to meld the collection of personalities into a focused, single-minded force...which was easier said than done. Nonetheless, he strove to make the best effort he could.
The sun began to sink low in the sky when a runner sent by Nasuada found him and informed him that the leader of the Varden requested his presence at once. After gleaning a promise from Du Vrangr Gata that they would be ready and waiting for him to call, Eragon strode quickly through the maze of tents to the command pavilion.
Overhead, flocks of gore crows and ravens began to gather over the no-man's land.
It took but a few short minutes for Eragon to reach Nasuada's pavilion. Pushing aside the entrance flap, he immediately saw the rest of his companions had gathered. Arya stood next to Nasuada, who was in conversation with Jormundur and several other commanders, Orianna included. Auron and Saphira lay with their heads and shoulders inside the pavilion, their gazes careful and guarded. They reached out and joined with Eragon's mind, and he could feel their unease about something. Before he could ask, the dark skinned leader of the Varden spotted him. "Ah, Eragon. Good."
"What is your bidding, My Lady?"
She hesitated slightly. "Our scouts have reported a gathering of some several hundred Kull that approaches from the southwest."
Eragon felt his blood go cold, and instantly knew this is what Saphira and Auron were uneasy about. Urgals! he exclaimed.
Its not quite what you think, little one, Saphira said, looking towards Nasuada as she did so. Eragon shifted his own gaze to his liege, curious.
"They are flying a white flag, and have asked to speak with me," she said slowly. The young Rider retorted that they were brutes, incapable of any type of diplomacy, and that it would be better for all if they were to eliminate the monsters here and now. Nasuada hung her head slightly at his words, whispering, "After all your training, you are still blinded. Indeed your tutelage is incomplete." Then, in a louder voice for all to hear, "I fought in Farthen Dur. I've seen the atrocities the Urgals have committed...and yet, have seen our men do the same. I will not ignore what has been done in the past, but neither can I ignore the potential for more allies against the Empire. No, in this, I am adamant. We will speak."
Say something, you two! Eragon pleaded in frustration.
No. Your mind is clouded on this issue, Saphira snorted irritably.
Not without good reason! They are nothing more than viscous animals.
And yet, she said in a defensive tone. Many believe the same thing about dragons.
Eragon looked at her in disbelief. Auron? he asked, turning to the silver male beside her.
The large dragon was silent for a few heartbeats. He too had witnessed the ferocity and savagery of the Urgals more than once. I am inclined to agree with you, Eragon, he said slowly. But...Nasuada's words ring true. He shuffled on his belly slightly. I think maybe we should see this through. Besides, with us, Saphira, and all these guards, meeting with a single Kull should be manageable.
The Rider grit his teeth in frustration, but held his tongue, knowing he had been overruled. Nasuada had made her decision, and signaled that she wanted the meeting. Her guards tied back the front and side panel of the pavilion, allowing all to see. Saphira moved closer to Eragon in a stance of protectiveness, while Auron rose and crouched around Nasuada's high-backed chair, showing his large muscular body to whomever looked towards them in a show of strength and intimidation. His broad snout came to lay under her right arm, and the young woman touched his brow in a sign of gratitude. Orianna stood next to her son's large head, whist Eragon stood at Nasuada's left hand. Jormundur and the other commanders arranged themselves into two parallel lines so that anyone approaching had to walk between them.
Less than five minutes later, a great uproar was heard as jeers and insults were directed at the hulking figure approaching the leader and her companions. A single Kull stalked towards them, eight-and-a-half feet tall and bearing the strong, proud features of his race. His thickly muscled physique and grand horns showed his brute strength, while his composed face spoke of temperance. The Urgal stopped before the eaves of the pavilion, and eyed the gathered beings before him. His yellow irises roamed over the two dragons, and his fangs bared slightly in recognition of a worthy foe. Nasuada felt the scaled skin beneath her right arm rumble lightly, as Auron let out a small growl. A gentle stroke from Orianna's hand to the side of his neck caused him to stop, but the silver's dragon's eyes never left the Kull, and his lips twitched, his own fangs showing partially. The leader of the Varden shouted for quiet from her warriors, and the camp fell silent, waiting for the Urgal to make the next move.
The Kull lifted his bulging arms and bellowed fiercely at Nasuada. Instantly, a menagerie of weapons were pointed at him, but he paid them no mind, and continued his roar until his lungs were dry. A stiff hand from Nasuada kept Auron's snout on the ground, the large male tensing and preparing to pounce. Then, the Urgal growled in his thick, guttural accent. "What treachery be this, Lady Nightstalker? I thought humans had more honor than this; I was promised safe passage."
Eragon wanted to bite his tongue, but his duty to Nasuada overrode his personal feelings. He leaned to her ear and whispered, "Do not take offense. This is how they greet their war chiefs."
"The elves taught you this?" she asked, never taking her eyes off of the Kull.
"Aye,"
"What else did they tell you?"
Eragon gave a small shrug, even though she could not see him. "A great deal," he admitted.
Then, she raised her voice and addressed the Urgal. "The Varden are unlike Galbatorix and the Empire. We uphold our word; you shall not be harmed. You may speak your mind and fear no danger as long as we speak under the council of truce."
The Kull grunted and raised his bony chin higher, exposing his throat. Eragon recognized it as a gesture of friendship; to lower one's head meant the Urgal intended to ram you. "I am Nar Garzhvog of the Bolvek tribe." He seemed to chew on his words before spitting them out. "I speak for my people." He told of how his kind thrived since the Fall, and now their numbers were so large, their land sould not support them. This was why a pact was made with Galbatorix. But the Black King betrayed them; left them broken and weakened after the defeat at Farthen Dur, and was responsible for the death of Nar Garzhvog's mate. "We are fewer now," he grunted. "But we will fight with you, Lady Nightstalker, if you let us."
"What are your terms? Surely you must want something in return."
Nar Garzhvog snarled. "Blood. Galbatorix's blood. And should his Empire fall, land for breeding and growing, land to avoid further conflict between our peoples."
By the expression on her face, and the determined look in her eyes, Eragon knew her decision even before she spoke. Jormundur quickly voiced his concern, but Nasuada waved him off. She asked Eragon if they would keep their word, to which the Rider reluctantly answered that they would. "Very well, Nar Garzhvog. You may assemble your people along the eastern flank of our forces, and we shall discuss the terms of our pact."
The Kull clapped his fists to his brow, and nodded slightly. "You are a wise Herndall, Lady Nightstalker. I look forward to see if you have the same fire in battle." With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the camp. Nasuada rose and proclaimed to the gathered Varden that anyone who dares attack the Urgals would be punished as if they attacked another human.
Eragon saw King Orrin approaching rapidly, an obvious look of displeasure upon his face, and he nearly shouted at Nasuada. "Is it true you just met with an Urgal? What is the meaning-"
His sentence was cut off by a sentry running forth and shouting that a messenger approached from the Empire. Forgetting his thought, the King joined Nasuada as she hurried towards the forefront of the army. Eragon leaped into pace beside her, while Auron and Saphira strode swiftly alongside, their heavy footfalls shaking the ground. When the group skidded to a halt at the ramparts, trenches and rows of pikes that protected the Varden's leading edge, Eragon glimpsed a lone soldier atop a black horse riding towards them.
The soldier came to a stop thirty yards from the gauntlet of defenses. "By refusing Galbatorix's generous offer of surrender," he shouted. "You have chosen death as your fate. There shall be no more negotiation! If it is war you wish for, then that is what it shall be. So flee, I say, or suffer the doom of your herald." From his rucksack, he flung the severed head of the Varden's messenger into the crowd of gathered rebels, and stood glaring at Nasuada for a moment more, before turning his steed around and galloping back to his comrades.
Eragon looked over at his leader, and felt a small chill run down his spine at the steel in her eyes. In a calm voice, she said, "Auron? Saphira?" Two gentle snorts acknowledged her, and Nasuada narrowed her eyes. "Give him our answer."
Planting their forepaws atop the ramparts, both dragons sucked in a deep breath and cut loose with a pair of long, ferocious roars. Like the Urgal, they bellowed loud and defiant at the top of their lungs, screaming their challenge to the Empire. The draconic war-cry made the hair on the back of Eragon's neck stand up, and he saw Nasuada shiver as well.
The messenger's stallion shrieked in fright, and jerked so hard it slipped and fell to the side. Both rider and mount disappeared into a flash of green fire that chose that precise moment to flare from the vent before them.
The Varden added their own cheers to the fading roars of their dragons, before Nasuada clapped her hands and drew their attention once more. "They will attack at dawn, most likely. Eragon, gather Du Vrangr Gata and prepare for battle. I will have orders for you and Auron within the hour." She turned and took King Orrin by the arm, and began talking fast about a plan.
Bring them on, Auron said icily, his claws kneading the ground as he snarled at the gathered army of the Empire.
Beside him, Saphira flashed her own fangs. They will all burn.
Night had finally fallen on the plains, and the cloud of thick smoke hanging over the land block out the stars and moon, covering the area in near complete darkness. The only exceptions were the sporadic glow of the peat-fires and the thousands of torches lit by each army.
Eragon fastened the final piece of Saphira's armor to her tail, and reached out with his mind to check in with the members of Du Vrangr Gata. Both he and the spellcasters had familiarized themselves with the touch of each others mind, so as to recognize it in the heat of battle. Next to him, Saphira lay with her head on Auron's now human shoulder whilst her mate gently stroked her bare chin. Neither said anything, simply communicating with thoughts and emotions as they waited silently.
"Hello Orik," Eragon said suddenly, and all three turned to see said dwarf climbing up the low slab of rock he and his companions rested on. The dwarf came to Eragon's side and favored him with a skeptical expression.
"How did you know it was me? I was keeping myself shrouded."
Auron spoke up from beside Saphira's large head. "The touch of friend's mind is hard to forget." He turned and offered the dwarf a wide grin, which was returned without pause. "What brings you here?"
"Thought you might appreciate some company," Orik shrugged, plopping down beside the two humans. "That, and I came to tell you you won't be alone out there. Mine kinsmen from Durgrimst Ingeitum and I shall fight alongside you, so that you three can concentrate on finding those blasted magicians instead of worrying about a sword through the gut."
Thank you, Orik, Saphira hummed. I worry enough as it is about these two. As if to punctuate her statement, she gave both Eragon and Auron a gentle lick on their cheeks. And it will be good to fight alongside family. He simply grunted in acknowledgment, the tip of his nose reddening at her warm words.
Then, Eragon piped up again, asking what the dwarf thought of Nasuada's pact with the Urgals. To his surprise, Orik was actually for the alliance. It may not be the most desirable situation, but he agreed with what their leader had said; they needed allies. After that, all four lapsed into relative silence. Eragon tried to distract himself by oiling Saphira's molded saddle, polishing his hauberk, and checking in with the members of Du Vrangr Gata, anything to take his mind of the anxiety of waiting for battle. Orik had dozed off, and he looked over to his other two companions.
Like Eragon, the dragoness and her mate with wrestling with their own worries and tension of the upcoming bloodshed. Saphira gently rubbed her muzzle against Auron's neck and jaw, trying to comfort him just as much as herself. Whatever happens, she whispered. Just promise you come back to me.
I promise, he said, turning to face her. Remember; it'd take a sea of fire to keep me from coming back to you. Unashamed of showing her affection to her mate amidst the gathered soldiers, she brushed her lipless mouth against his, and he softly returned the kiss. Saphira hummed, and pushed into him harder, enveloping him with every amount of love she could, feeling him stroke her cheek warmly. Auron let out a small hum himself, as he felt Saphira's tongue dart out and catch his lips, and he deepened the kiss. Thankfully, apart from Eragon, the darkness of the surrounding battlefield obscured their comrades' vision enough that he didn't give the open display of affection a second thought. It lasted a few moments more, before Saphira pulled her tongue from her mate's smaller mouth and licked his face a last time.
Funny, he mused. At one time, kissing a dragon might have sounded odd to me. Saphira chuckled and bumped her nose with his.
Come back alive and you'll get more than that, she growled. He gave another soft peck to her snout before settling back against her chest and she snuggled her head into his lap. Eragon suppressed a chuckle and rolled his eyes, but he did not berate their behavior, and came to sit next to Auron in Saphira's embrace, the dragoness snuggling him in close as well.
The three fell silent again until, over an hour later, they sensed someone approaching from across the divide that separated the two armies. To their surprise, they found it to be none other than Angela and Solembum, who darted and clambered over the multitude of defenses that protected the Varden's forefront. Eragon nudged Orik awake, and together the four approached the witch warily. "Out for a walk?" the young Rider quipped suspiciously.
The herbalist allowed herself a small chuckle. "Hmph, not bad, although rather predictable." She paused as Solembum shifted to his form of a human boy, and she handed him a set of clothes and a small dagger. "Can I do something for you?" she said, turning back to her welcoming committee.
"What were you doing out there?" Orik growled.
"Oh, this and that. You know how it is."
"Do we?" Eragon asked, clearly waiting for an answer.
"Hopefully," she jabbed. "Otherwise you obviously don't know me that well." Seeing that all four looked at her with a level and unamused expression, she sighed and rolled her eyes. "If you must know, I was doing my part to help defeat the Empire. Not as exciting as running around with a sword, but it should get the job done nonetheless."
"You can start making sense any time now," Auron snorted, but with a hint of a smile.
Angela noticed, and favored him with one of her own. "I could, but then I wouldn't intrigue you as much. Oh, and before you threaten do so, Master Dwarf, don't bother thinking of dragging me to Nasuada. She gave me her permission to do my little errand."
Gnashing his teeth, unamused, Orik challenged, "So you say,"
"So I say," a voice spoke up from behind them. Turning to face their leader, Eragon let a snarl of contempt cross his face as he saw the four large Kull standing with her, and made no attempt to hide it. Both he and Auron greeted her accordingly, as did Angela before she moved over to stand a small distance from Saphira.
Nasuada motioned for Eragon and Auron to join her off to the side. Looking more pointedly at Eragon, she said, "I need you to put aside your prejudice for a moment and hear what I have to say." A curt not from both and she continued. "Alright. I am doing everything I can to enure our victory in this battle. But any effort is in vain and worthless if you," she poked Eragon in the chest, "or you," another poke to Auron, "are killed. Do you understand me?" Both youths nodded again. "It is unlikely the Mad King should show himself here, as I doubt he considers us a big enough threat. But that does not negate the danger, and I can at least keep you two from meeting the wrong end of a sword. I heard what the dwarves intend to do and I thought of a way to improve upon it." She gestured to the Kull nearby. "I have asked Garzhvog and three of his finest rams to be your guards as long as they agreed – and they have – to allow you to examine their minds for treachery."
Eragon went rigid and Auron's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You can't be serious," the Rider retorted.
"I am," she said, her voice just as hard as her gaze. "I had hoped you could see past your hate. What else would you have me do in my position." When neither youth said anything, she sighed and gave them a slight look of disappointment. "If anyone has a right to hold a grudge against the Urgals, it is I. They took my father from me. But I cannot deny what may be best for the Varden."
I agree, Saphira snorted in their minds without prompting. You are being foolish, little one.
Foolish to not want a Kull to watch our backs?
No, but to refuse help, no matter its origin. What would Oromis say?
Between hers and Nasuada's words, both youths traded a glance of acceptance. "Alright," Eragon acquiesced. "But will you promise me that, after this battle, you won't make me work with and Urgal again?"
Nasuada shook her head. "Not when it might hurt you, or the Varden." She paused for a moment, and looked at her two vassals – her friends – carefully. "Oh, and one more thing."
"Yes?"
She favored them with a neutral smile. "In the event of my death, I have chosen you as my successor, Eragon. Should anything happen to me, I suggest you rely on Jormudur's advice – his experience and intelligence is an asset I myself have valued highly. And I would expect you to place the welfare of those underneath you above all else."
Her statement caught them both off guard. To offer Eragon what she valued most was the ultimate act of trust between them. The two youths dropped their misgivings and tension, awestruck by her confidence in them. "I could only dream to be as good of leaders as you and Ajihad," Eragon said solemnly. "Indeed...you honor me, Nasuada."
She reached out and cupped the young Rider's cheek gently. "Yes, I do." Then, she turned and rejoined the others.
Auron stared after her, astonished by her statement. Then, with a slight smirk, he turned to his friend. "If you are expecting me to start bowing or calling you 'sir', you can forget it." Eragon's only reply was a playful punch to his shoulder.
"We'll see."
Still slightly dumbstruck by her actions, Eragon and Auron slowly walked back to Saphira, where Nar Garzhvog and his rams waited. Privately, they conversed between them. You were strangely quiet about this whole idea, Eragon muttered to his friend.
Auron shrugged almost imperceptibly. There is not much more to say on the matter, is there? The decision has been made. Instead of trying to change what is already done, I'd rather worry about surviving past tomorrow. His words were uncharacteristicly pessimistic, yet they spoke the truth. Nasuada had made her choice perfectly clear, and as long as she had her iron will, there was naught they could do to persuade her otherwise. Eragon acquiesced with the mental equivalent of a small, accepting nod, and they began to examine the Urgals' minds.
Their prejudice and misgivings couldn't have been farther from the truth. What they found within the minds of Nar Garzhvog and his rams amazed them; their society, their culture...although different from their own, it still showed the two youths that Urgals may not be the monsters that previous knowledge had labeled them as. They had clashed with humans, yes, but under the command of Durza, or in effort to protect their people and land justly. The memories they came across, the experiences; everything new they learned, the more they saw just how wrong they were about Urgals.
When they had finished, both Rider and Knight gave a small grin and bared their throats in a sign of friendship. "Nar Garzhvog," Eragon said proudly. "We would be honored to have you fight by our sides against the Empire."
"Aye," Auron chimed in. "You may tell your Herdall that so long as you remain true to the Varden, we shall not oppose you, and would welcome the chance to taste our victory together."
The Kull touched their fists to their brows. "The honor is ours, Firesword. Silverfang."
Nasuada looked as if she wanted to know the details of their discovery, but she restrained herself. She told them to await her signal through Trianna for the time to act. With one last touch to Eragon's shoulder, she turned and disappeared into the darkness. The two youths retreated to the warm flank of their dragoness to await the dawn. Several moments later, the remaining dwarves joined them and Orik, and began running whet stones along the blades of their weapons.
As they rested, Auron reached out with his mind to search for the warm, comforting touch of his mother, Orianna. Since parting from her outside King Orrin's tent, he had not seen her due to their preparations for the upcoming battle. It pained him that the only time he would be seeing his mother after all these months would be on a battlefield.
Almost immediately, he felt her open up her mental barriers, as she acknowledged her son's contact. Yes, my son?
I just wanted to make sure you were alright, he said sheepishly.
He felt her chuckle. Ask me that tomorrow, love. A brief pause. You will be fighting alongside Saphira and Eragon?
Aye. My place is at their side, as it always has been.
Be careful, Auron, she whispered. I will be with Nasuada, as her father asked of me, but my thoughts will be with you. I...I could not stand to see you hurt.
Nor I you, he murmured. He allowed a small smile to touch his face. When this battle is over, I'm going to take you flying. Just you and me. We have a lot to catch up on.
I look forward to it, Orianna laughed lightly. Give my daughter my love.
I will.
I love you. With that, they broke their contact, the slight warmth of comfort lingering in Auron. He snuggled back into Saphira's scaled flank, and resumed speaking quietly with Eragon.
They conferred between themselves on the upcoming battle. Unable to stomach the thought of anything happening to those they cared about, Auron and Eragon set about placing wards around themselves and their companions. Eragon placed wards about Saphira, Auron, Nasuada and Arya, whilst the young Knight made his own arcane defenses around Eragon, his mate, Orik and his mother. The cost of protecting so many was rather high, but they would not settle for anything less. When they had finished, they, with help from Saphira, transferred what power they could into the gems that adorned their weapons and Eragon's belt.
The dull rasp of metal from the gathered dwarves was the only sound in the air for a long while, until dawn drew close. Nearby, Angela had garbed herself in her flanged green and black armor, and she spun her bladed staff weapon experimentally. When the cries began to echo across the wasteland, all her former cheer seemed to melt away. "Sounds like my efforts may have paid off," she said, but there was no humor in her voice.
Gritting his teeth at the inhuman sounding moans and cries from the men of the Empire, Eragon looked over to her. "You did this?"
"Aye," she said grimly. "I poisoned their bread, their water, and anything else I could manage. Some will die now, others later. The officers I slipped nightshade will hallucinate in battle, confusing their charges and opening opportunities for us." She tried to smile, but it came out a weak jerk of her lips. "Not a very honorable way to do battle...but better than dying with an over-inflated sense of glory."
Eragon nodded grimly, noticing similar looks on the faces of Saphira and Auron. Such deeds were necessary if they were to have any chance of winning. Of defeating the Empire. They gripped each other tightly, both physically - in the case of Saphira to her two youths - and mentally, to try and endure the sounds of slowly dying men.
Together, they waited for the storm to break.
Yeah...looks like I'm going to stop here, to give another sense of tension before the battle. (Which will be next chapter, I swear! :p )
Some interesting future foreshadowing in the next chapter, so be sure to look for it. I shan't give it away yet, but may make note of it at the end of the chapter, because it will be brief and easy to miss with the battle and whatnot. It will be important to the direction and development of my own twists to the plot, however, as we end off Eldest and head into Brisingr, which is why I prepare you for it now.
But enough teasing. I shall get to work on the long and bloody battle you all are waiting for.
Until next time!