Disclaimer: No Characters, plot lines, places, or anything else from The Inheritance Cycle belong to me. I simply played with them and warped them to my own twisted imagination.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the rings or any of its characters.
A/N: I would like to thank my Beta 'Sharnorasian Empire' not only for all the work she did in editing this chapter but more importantly the Battle Scene she wrote for this Chapter. She took pity on me and helped me out. So for that I thank her greatly. I also want to take a moment to talk about the direction of the story. When I started writing it I never dreamed that it would become this long or this...involved. It has certainly taking on a life of its own. I can't begin to guess how many chapters are left, but I will tell you that I am going to be pulling it back to its original intention. Which mean there will be a lot more romance and less action. Just thought I would warn you.
Beta note from Sharnorasian Empire to PF and readers: Well my apologies for taking so long on this chapter and helping out Phoenix Fire. Now I have played both a lot of Heroes III and V of Might and Magic and Lords of the Realm 2, so I can assure you that I have seen and directed palisades both hasty and castle level to hold against thousands of enemies with a lighter 4-6 to one odds against my garrison; and held them. So trust me I know of what I speak.
Chapter 34
Eryana observed the battlefield as she and Arya arranged their forces for battle. Eryana came up with an interesting strategy; she ordered two lines of troops armed with shields and swords backed by a line of spearmen, the longer spears would extend over the shoulders of their comrades and allow for extra attacks on the enemy troops. It was hoped that this strategy would help even the odds into the Varden's forces currently here, considering the 6 to 1 odds.
Archers were kept to the rear of the assault force; these would fire at decreasing angles, until the enemy force was too close to fire upon any further before joining the melee.
Already the enemy forces were about 30 minutes from longbow range; some quick smallish wooden palisades had been erected as bottlenecks for the enemy forces.
The plan was to hold the palisade barricades for as long as possible, fallback points had been pre-arranged. Much like the forward line, palisades as well, except these were set up in such a way with a deep ravine on both sides forcing the enemy at the final line along said ravine pass directly with no chances of flanking without a day's journey. A final set of traps would hopefully allow the Varden's forces to retreat and form a full battle line at the plains before the ravine. Time passed as the Empire's forces advanced.
"Prepare to fire." Eryana called out to her troops. "FIRE." She called a few seconds later, bows fired in response to her orders as over 1,000 arrows were launched at the enemy. Not long afterwards the enemy return fire came at the Varden, which thankfully had the advantage of cover. Already the enemy forces were approaching the battle, both sides forcing to break while the archers were resupplied with arrows.
Things were progressing well for the Varden, the terrain and defenses were proving difficult to surmount for the Empire's forces. The small and crags were hampering the Empire's maneuverability; Eryana watched as the empire's forced put pressure on her from lines, some were bringing up axes to hack away at the palisades, but pots of boiling water were poured on them. The front lines continued to hold, what bothered Eryana and Arya was the fact that the enemy's officers cruelly sent their men to the slaughter. Bodies were piling up in front of the palisades and for some of the crueler soldiers of the empire used the corpses as crude ramps to attack the top of the palisade barriers and the men on the makeshift walkways.
"Pull back the first line, second line provide covering fire from the archers." Arya ordered. The line obeyed, falling back as a hail of hundreds of Varden arrows suppressed pursuit. The enemy angrily tore down the palisade barricades and continued after the fleeing lines, watching and becoming more enraged as comrades fell around them. That is not to say the Varden were not taking losses as well, already the enemy cut down as much of the retreating force as possible with their own archers.
The Varden managed to escape to the second line of defense before the enemy caught up with them, again the process repeated itself. Enemies threw themselves at each other, one side outnumbered but protected by barricades, the other by just their numbers and armor. However due to both the changes in terrain and the first line of defenses it took over an hour to breach the Varden's lines and force them to retreat to the final lines before the small hastily constructed fort made by the Varden at the bottleneck. The hiss and hum of arrows, the clashing of all sorts of melee weapons, but the worst of all the screams of the dead and dying. Eryana shook her head in despair, so many lives snuffed out by the will of a tyrant and those who fought against him.
Eryana just watched as the Varden held the lines, the enemy assault breaking like water on rock. Already the empire left almost half their forces dead or dying against the first defense lines. Their morale was shattered almost completely now, Eryana then decided to show herself with a strafing run on Saphira before she and Arya joined the battle. The two lovers mounted Saphira who carried them while unleashing her terrible fire breath before both lovers pulled a minor aerial insertion into their forces. Both lovers joined and began hacking at the empire's forces, each covering the other as much as possible.
Eryana swung Brisingr around and dispatch the empire soldier behind her. A surge of pain through her link with her mate caused her to jerk around and search for the elf. She found her ten feet away on one knee and trying to fight of a soldier. Eryana could feel the pain centered in her leg and knew that Arya had been injured. She couldn't seem to be able to get her leg beneath her and was trying to get up while avoiding the man bearing down on her.
In one swift movement she pulled a knife from her boot and sent it end over end into the Soldier's chest. At the same time she was moving towards her mate. Are you all right, Arya? She asked as she knelt in front of her, aware that their guards closing ranks around them.
I'm fine, my love. Arya took the moment to catch her breath. He just caught me off guard. She smiled slightly as Eryana automatically reached down and healed the wound. Thank you, my rider. Standing up she reached for her mate and pulled her up. It's almost done. Let's finish this.
Always, my love. Eryana reassured her. It's just cleanup work finally. Stay close my love, please. We have both made it through another day without major injury. I want to keep it that way.
Of course, my rider. Arya reassured her while adjusting her grip on her sword. Come on let's work our way to the middle and meet up with mother and Nasuada.
Eryana nodded her agreement before turning her attention to the Empire's dwindling numbers. She was more than ready for this day to finally come to an end. It was nearing sunset on the second day and they had been fighting for over twenty-four hours. With the arrival of Nasuada and the rest of the Varden they had finally managed to turn the tides, but she knew the price would be high.
They had arrived an hour before noon the previous day and took up positions to wait for the Empire's troops to arrive. The moment they were far enough from the river's banks Eryana had given the order and they watched as Saphira and Eridor swooped down and set fire to the rear ranks. At the same moment Arya ordered the attack from the front.
The two mates had stuck close to each other as they worked together with both magic and swords to steadily deplete the enemy numbers. While the rider's fought on the ground their dragons worked together in the air to thin the numbers as much as possible. It was difficult for them because they had to stay about the range of arrows but they made sure to help where they could.
As Eryana and Arya feared and hoped to Empire soldiers inside the city of Dras-Leona came to their brother's aide. Within six hours the Riders' men found themselves fighting a battle on both sides. Once they had spotted the signs of battle the General in Dras-Leona had ordered his men to ready themselves. It had taken them time to marshal together, but once they had they had exited the city in force. For a short time Eryana feared that the sheer numbers they were facing would overwhelm them, but her men were the best there where and managed to hold their own until the Queen arrived with her elves.
Even though the Vardern's troops were making headway the process was slow. They fought all night and into the late hours of the afternoon until Nasuada arrived to turn things soundly to their favor. When the main body of the Varden arrived the Empire ordered a retreat back into the city walls. Unfortunately for them Nasuada was faster and part of her men were waiting. They managed to stop the retreat and enter the city. It had split the battle onto three fronts but in the end it had worked. The city was falling and the Empire's troops were retreating back to Uru'baen.
The moment they found themselves free of men to fight Arya turned and launched herself into her mate's strong arms. She didn't care who was watching as she captured the taller woman's lips in a deep kiss. We did it She exclaimed through their link. We actually won.
Eryana didn't respond, but she didn't need to; her joy was obvious through their linked minds. Instead she focused all her attention on showing her princess just how happy she was that they were both alive. They continued to kiss until the sound of a throat clearing broke them apart. Eryana set her mate down but Arya would not release her grip totally as they both turned to face the new arrivals.
They found themselves face to face with Queen Islanzadi and another elf. The Queen was smiling at them in true joy while the other elf was obviously angry. She stood nearly 6 foot tall and had long blond hair. When Eryana felt Arya's grip on her hand tighten she knew immediately that this was General Eowyn. She could tell from the blonde elf's glare that she wasn't happy at all, but she studiously ignored her and turned her attention the queen as she heard Arya greet her.
"Mother." Arya said placing her fist over her sternum and bowing her head in greeting. She tried to hide her surprise at her mother's public display of emotion as she greeted in the traditional elvin fashion, before adding in the ancient language. "I am glad to see that you are unharmed."
"Arya, I'm so glad to see you and your mate are well." Islanzadi declared before stepping forward and pulling her daughter into a tight hug. Arya stiffened briefly in surprise before releasing her mate's hand and returning her mother's hug. She didn't know what had changed in her mother, but she wasn't going to question it. This was the mother she had always dreamed of knowing. She could feel her mate's love and support flowing through her mind and that of their dragons that were landing close behind them.
The queen pulled back and turned to her daughter's mate. Stepping forward she opened her arms and wrapped them around the tall rider. "Thank you Eryana." She whispered in the ancient language.
"For what my Queen?" Eryana asked quietly as her mother-in-law pulled back.
"For making my daughter happy." The queen told the young rider in the ancient language. "For loving her, supporting her, and protecting her." The queen was aware of her daughter stepping up and taking Eryana's hand. She smiled and stepped back slightly. She nodded to them both and they knew that the conversation was not over, but that this was not the time.
Islanzadi turned looked at the two dragons. Greetings Queen Islanzadi. Saphira spoke first, her voice only carrying to her fellow dragon masters and the queen. It is good to see you well.
"And you, Saphira." Islanzadi turned to her Daughter's dragon. "Greetings, Eridor."
Greetings, My Queen. Eridor responded. I am pleased to finally meet my rider's mother.
"And I you, young dragon." The queen smiled before looking back at the waiting group. Turning she motioned for the general to join them. When the tall blonde stepped next to her the queen turned. "General Eowyn, you remember my daughter."
"Of course, my queen." Eowyn's voice was strained but when she looked at Arya she smiled, "Arya. How are you?"
Eryana stiffened at the informal greeting, but didn't say anything when Arya's hand squeezed hers gently. "General Eowyn." Arya returned the greeting, stressing the elf's title."
The queen turned and gestured to Eryana. "And this is Eryana-elda. Leader of the dragon riders, Shadeslayer, and Arya's Eternal Mate."
Eryana bowed her head slightly in politeness, "General Eowyn. It's nice to meet you. Arya has told me much about you." Eryana's voice stayed polite and light, but the context was clear.
"Eryana-elda." The blonde elf forced out in greeting, but didn't say anything else.
Eryana ignored the elf and turned back to the queen. "My queen, shall we try and find Lady Nasuada? I believe she should have the casualty estimates for the Varden."
"Of course, Eryana." The Queen said stepping up next to her daughter. The queen's guard and the Rider's guard which had been waiting on the sidelines closed ranks immediately. "How faired your men, Eryana, Arya?" She asked as they made their way towards where the Varden Leader's were congregating. Eryana was pleased to see her cousin's tall form among them.
"We lost nearly 200 men and almost another 50 elves." Arya answered her mother. "How did you fare, mother?"
"We lost less than a hundred and another 30 or so are injured." The Queen answered. "Not as bad as I feared."
Eryana nodded, "I feared to losses will be higher once all of the dead are accounted for, but it could have been much worse."
"Lady Eryana, Lady Arya." Roran was the first to greet them. "I'm glad to see you both well and relatively unharmed."
"And you, General Stronghammer." Eryana said with a smile. "General Stronghammer let me introduce you to Queen Islanzadi of the elves."
Roran turned and bowed to the queen and surprised her by greeting her with the traditional greeting of the elves. "It's a pleasure, my queen."
"And you, General Stronghammer." The queen bowed in return.
Eryana was going to say something else, but at that moment Nasuada and Orrin approached and greeted Islanzadi. She was happy to stand back and allow them to converse. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to find someplace she could be alone with her mate. They had been going nonstop for nearly two days and she knew that even the elves had to be nearly out of energy. There was so much to be done, wounded to be seen to, dead to see to, and the loyalty of but all she wanted to do was get some sleep with her mate in her arms.
Are you alright, Eryana? Saphira asked noticing her rider's silence.
I'm fine, Saphira. Eryana assured her dragon. Just tired. It has been a long day.
Just hang with me for a little longer, my rider and I will find us a nice warm bed to crawl into. Arya assured her rider.
I know, my princess. Eryana smiled down at her, there's so much to do, but I can't think of anything but being alone with you. She looked around at all the other leaders who were still talking and making plans. She caught the burning eyes of the tall blonde elf. She doesn't look very happy. Eryana said mentally to her mate as she looked down into deep green eyes.
Arya moved closer to her lover, not even sparing a glance at Eowyn, She will get over it eventually, my love. Perhaps while we are going to Du Weldenvarden she will come to terms with our status as mates.
We can only hope, my princess. Eryana agreed, Because I'm not going to allow her to hurt you, Arya.
Nor I you Arya assured her mate. Nor, I you, Eryana.
"My Ladies," a new voice interrupted their conversation. Both women turned to find a smiling Cat.
"Cat, What are you doing here already?" Eryana smiled at their page. "I thought that you were coming with the supplies in the group coming after the main army?"
"I knew that you and, Lady Arya would want your own bed and space once the battle was over." She explained to the two riders. "I got your things packed and loaded with the rest of your guards." At their surprised look she laughed, "We all wanted to be here as soon as possible. The rest of the army is coming but your things are available."
"Bless you, Cat." Arya smiled. "How soon will the tent be set up."
"They are finishing it as we speak." Cat smiled brightly in pride, obviously happy to be able to please the two riders. "I have already ordered a warm bath and food for you."
"Thank you, Cat." Eryana smiled, "Where are you staying?"
"I have a tent that will be set up not far from yours." The young woman told her. "I will be close if you need me. I'll go and see to your things." She turned and pointed to an area where both riders could see activity. "Your camp will be there."
Arya nodded, "Before you leave, Cat I want you to meet someone." Arya turned and looked at the group. "Mother." She called gaining her attention. When the Queen turned she waved her closer. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but there is someone we want you to meet."
"Of Course, daughter. We are finished anyway." The queen turned to look at the young woman standing near the two riders. "And who is this?"
"Mother, this is Catlin, She is serving as our page." Arya informed her mother and then turned to the young woman, "Cat this is my mother, Queen Islanzadi of the Elves."
Cat dropped to one knee and greeted the queen in the traditional fashion. "My Queen, it is my honor."
"And you, Cat." Islanzadi greeted the woman, "I wish we had more time to talk now, but soon I want to hear more about how you came to be here."
"Of course, my queen." Cat smiled rising to her feet.
Islanzadi smiled and nodded before turning to Eryana and Arya, "We are retiring for the rest of the evening. They are posting guards in the city and we will meet in the morning to make plans from there."
"Very well. Where are you staying, my Queen?" Eryana asked.
"They are setting my tent next to yours." The queen told them, "It will allow us time together and let them protect us easier."
"Good." Arya nodded, "Then would you join us for dinner?"
"Of course, Daughter." Islanzadi smiled.
Eryana smiled at the two and looked at Cat. "Then if you would lead the way?"
Cat just bowed deeply and indicated them to follow her.