Over a hundred years ago, among the twisted, gnarled woods of the Spine, dragons and their Riders fought a horde of Urgals to the death. Upon the death of his Rider Aerin, Solustenr, a proud, arrogant orange dragon far larger and stronger than his years, lost himself to grief. The wild current of magic rushed through him, turning everything in that bloodbath to pure stone. Soon after, the Rider War broke out, and in the ensuing chaos, everyone forgot about the petrified dragon. It took an inquisitive young Rider, Eragon, and his blue dragon Saphira, the first new Rider and dragon in a century, to stumble upon the still-smoldering site of that battle. Like what had happened long ago, magic rushed through a dragon, and Solustenr awoke.
Maddened, the grief-stricken copper dragon attacked the two, Eragon and Saphira barely managing to escape with their lives. When he had regained himself, Solustenr looked around to find himself in a world he neither recognized nor understood. He howled his fury from the mountaintops, only to hear a voice he thought long dead echo back at him, that of Galbatorix, urging the dragon to find him in Urû'baen. The dragon was attacked on his way and arrived at the city gates nearly dead from his wounds. The king carried him inside, healed him in the blink of an eye, and asked him to join his quest in freeing Alagaesia, still embroiled in battle. Galbatorix told the large dragon that the Riders betrayed him, and even more, all the kingdoms of Alagaesia had joined against his cause.
Solustenr, swayed by the king's entreating, happily agreed, grateful to have a purpose beyond Aerin's death. During his stay in Urû'baen, he briefly trained Murtagh and Thorn, a Rider and his dragon serving underneath Galbatorix. As weeks progressed, the dragon grew suspicious, and felt something was being kept from him. He barged into the throne room and came close to threatening the king for answers, when the massive form of Shruikan, the king's new dragon, awoke and pinned the sunset dragon to the ground. A glimpse of the king's true nature was revealed, and Solustenr was reluctantly cowed into submission. Once Galbatorix had asserted himself, he ordered Solustenr, Murtagh, and Thorn to Gil'ead, to defend the city against the oncoming storm of the elves, led by Queen Islanzadí, who had fully allied with the Varden, and had finally brought her army into the fray.
Still swayed by Galbatorix's promise of a renewed Rider Order, Solustenr chose to fight, and unleashed his flame, trapping many elves inside Gil'ead against the full might of the city's garrison. At Gil'ead, Solustenr was shocked to see yet another dragon and Rider alive, and even more, they were Glaedr and Oromis, his old mentors. Thorn and Glaedr locked claws, and the orange dragon's heart was torn. Unable to decide, he hung back, until the tortured screams of Thorn drew him into the fight. A sudden force gathered up the fighting dragons before he could reach them, drawing them high into the sky. Galbatorix took over Murtagh's body and spoke with Oromis for a time, but unbeknownst to him, Solustenr had followed the group and had hidden amongst the clouds. Unknowingly, Galbatorix revealed his true nature, and revealed what he had done. They clashed once more, and Oromis suffered a fit, a permanent disability gained during the Rider War, and Galbatorix prepared to end the last true Rider of the old Order. Just as the black king brought down his blade, Solustenr, furious at Galbatorix's betrayal, revealed himself, and crashed into the suspended group. The full fury of the large dragon broke the spell holding them, allowing Oromis and Glaedr to escape. Enraged and maddened with bloodlust, the orange dragon fought against his former allies, tearing the red dragon Thorn near to pieces. Just as he was about to end the red dragon, Galbatorix held Solustenr up with a spell, before sending him crashing into the earth, seemingly to certain death.
When Solustenr came to, he had been taken prisoner by the elves. His actions at Gil'ead had resulted in the deaths of elves, and their queen wished him executed for his crimes. His fellow dragon and Rider had interceded on his behalf, and a great trial was to be held to determine his guilt. The night before his trial, Lord Aeron, the father of his Rider, arrived, dearly wishing the dragon would be put to death. However, during the trial, Solustenr's honesty proved his innocence, and he was freed by a narrow margin, the queen herself coming to understand his pain. Finally believing himself free, the dragon flew for the first time in weeks, but when he landed, he was challenged to a duel by Lord Aeron. The battle lasted long, both parties suffering grievous injuries, but Solustenr proved himself the winner.
He prepared to end his foe, but in looking at him, realized that the old elf was far too similar to himself, and the two came to an understanding by their shared grief. Lord Aeron revealed he was an Eld Neita, one who had been unwillingly bonded to a dragon, existing in the world. The pair parted, never to meet again, with Solus emerging energized to at last end the war with Galbatorix and free Alagaesia.
Deer and elk softly walked through the dense underbrush, hooves brushing against green ferns and soft grass. A gentle wind whispered through the wood, branches and leaves swaying in the breeze. Birds circled overhead, trilling songs. In this nature, one could be forgiven for failing to remember that war raged through these lands.
Far above, a dragon drifted among the clouds. Orange scales, polished to a shining gleam, glittered in the sun. Massive wings beat against the air, and a long, sinuous tail whipped back and forth. The copper dragon's bright orange eyes scanned the ground, before narrowing as he found his target. Tucking in his wings, Solustenr dove to the ground. Claws outstretched, he grasped a large bull elk in each foreleg, before quickly pumping his wings to take him into the sky once more. Startled, the herd took off into the woody forest, quickly disappearing into shadows. Carrying his prey proved tiresome, and Solustenr looked around to find a safe place to feast. Seeing Marna Mountain, the dragon tilted a wing and banked toward the peak. Once he had located a relatively flat surface, the dragon heavily came to a halt, before leisurely enjoying his feast.
Once he had finished, the dragon drifted down to Isenstar lake, and carefully bathed himself, using the sand on the shore to scour each scale to a highly polished finish, and delicately cleaned between his claws with his forked tongue. As soon as the last bit of gore had been removed, he stood up shook himself like a dog, the water rippling off the dragon. Ambling into a run, the orange dragon leaped once more into the sky, before turning in the direction of Gil'ead. In the weeks since that fateful fight, the elves had shed their tents and took up residence inside the partially destroyed walls, with Queen Islanzadí herself taking the demolished fortress as the strategic headquarters. Daily, elves flooded in and out of the city, and even as Gil'ead was once used as the staging ground for the Empire, it now was utilized to galvanize the elves' war effort.
The orange dragon carefully glided between buildings and towers, before coming to a soft landing in the courtyard, beside the cage he once rested in. He eyed the enclosure, before snorting and heading to the fortress's largest tower, the sole one that remained intact following the battle. The few elves that walked around the courtyard quickly parted before the approaching dragon. Far removed from the once angry faces that glared at him, the elves now seemed…uncertain, as if they no longer knew quite how to feel. Solustenr ignored them and continued prowling forward. He found Glaedr resting close outside, his head turned sideways to peer inside. The golden dragon turned to his former pupil, offered a low chuff in greeting, and resumed his regal pose. Solustenr carefully crouched outside the tower, before squeezing his head through the open door, his snout barely managing to fit through. Inside, a group of elves stood, watching over a miniature wooden map of Alagaesia. The tiny map was a work of beauty, with wooden ridges forming the peaks of mountains, rippling valleys creating lakes and rivers, and beautifully carved letters naming towns and cities. Atop the map, figurines were arranged to show the best guess the elves had at enemy and allied positions. At the head of the table, Queen Islanzadí, armored in golden scales, stood with her arms crossed before a bright, highly polished mirror. Lord Däthedr stood close by to her, the tall silver haired elf likewise armored in battle worn, dull, grey plate. Oromis stood at the mouth of the tower's entrance, garbed in the same armor he had worn at Gil'ead, but this time wearing heavy blue-green robes over it. Solustenr carefully rested his head on the hard stone, and breathed in deeply. Each elf had distinctive smells. He could still smell the blood and grime of the battle on Dathedr's plate, even though weeks had passed by, the lilac and pine of Islanzadí, others smelling of mahogany, chestnut, aspen and juniper.
When the dragon entered, the elves quickly turned to look at him, momentarily startled, before hastily composing themselves and returning to examine the map. Solustenr huffed, before questioning Glaedr. "Have the elves managed to form a coherent plan, or do they continue to quote poems and songs?"
"The elf-queen wishes to push forwards towards Bullridge. She is eager for revenge, and yearns to join the Varden at and kill the king" The dragon grumbled back.
Oromis' mind sounded within his head, the ever-calm elf continuing where Glaedr had left off. "Lord Däthedr and I have cautioned against this. The elven kingdom is truly mighty when angered, but we have yet to full assemble our forces from the farthest reaches of Du Weldenvarden. Lady Naesala has ventured back to Osilon to gather more support, and Lords Lifaen and Narí have assured us a larger contingent of their archers will arrive within the fortnight."
"What of this…Varden?" Solustenr queried. "How has their fight progressed?"
"They were just about to discuss it as you arrived. Islanzadí Dröttning had grown impatient at the lack of an update and was about to scry one of the elves we had sent to protect Eragon" Oromis replied. Glancing at the elves in front of him, then back to the copper dragon, the elf quirked a rare smile. "As always, you have an uncanny knack for arriving just as things get interesting."
The orange dragon snorted, a brief plume of smoke streaming from his nostrils, before settling back upon on his haunches to rest. The queen, seeing the dragon deciding not to interrupt, decided to continue what she had been speaking about. "As I was saying, the Varden needs our might if we are to overthrow the king. The longer we dawdle about this city licking our wounds, the longer the Varden will continue to fumble through this war. The sooner we join with them, the sooner this war can be won."
Lord Däthedr interjected. "My Queen, we are not yet ready. We lost many at Gil'ead, and many more are yet still wounded. If we join with the Varden, weakened as we are, those still recovering from the siege will not be able to join with us for several weeks. They may not make it to Urû'baen before the Varden attacks. We have already sent Blödhgarm and the others to guide them. They will ensure the right moves are made."
"Enough, Lord Däthedr" the elf queen sighed. "I will scry Blödhgarm. Once you witness the Varden's attempts at war firsthand, you will agree with me that our course is set." Islanzadí uttered several long phrases in the ancient language and gestured toward the mirror, and soon the image of a blue-furred elf filled the once reflective space, several gray and white tents behind him. Seeing the queen and lords gathered in front of him, the bloodstained elf quickly bowed his head before twisting his hand over his chest.
"Atra esterní ono thelduin, Islanzadí Dröttning" the furred elf half-growled.
"Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr" the queen replied.
"Un atra du evarínya ono varda" Blödhgarm finished. "How may I serve you, my queen?" he questioned.
"How does the Varden fare in the war? How goes their effort?" Islanzadí stated. "We need to know what steps must to be taken, Blödhgarm-vor."
"The Varden have taken Belatona, but not without great loss" he carefully replied.
At this, the elven queen's eyes slightly widened, and what would seem at a normal pace for a human, but far too quick for an elf, she questioned, "Did…did any of our kin perish in the siege?"
Blödhgarm stared at her and slowly blinked his eyes, before he purred "No, my queen. I apologize if my words caused confusion. The loss to which I referred was suffered solely by the humans. During the battle, a tower in the central keep exploded and crushed many. One of the Empire's fool spellcasters collapsed a wall near the keep, and almost crushed Eragon Shadeslayer's cousin. Fortunately," the elf bared his teeth in a smile, "I was there to heal him. But far more interesting than that, there yet remains one of the Dauthdaertya in the world. The lord of Belatona's son nearly slew Saphira Bjartskular with it."
At the male elf's words, those within the tower reacted violently. Looks of shock, surprise, and anger flitted across the faces of many, and the orange dragon could swear he heard more than one curse under their breath. Outside the tower, Glaedr bristled, and snarled in disgust. Solustenr briefly narrowed his eyes, before angrily growling "How many more of those blasted things still exist in this world?" Flickering flames spit from his maw.
At the sight of the flames, Blödhgarm's eyes snapped over to the source. Seeing for the first time the ferocious bright orange dragon, he murmured, the words barely audible "And the world seems fit to bestow another interesting sight today."
"More? What do you mean by more?" Queen Islanzadí snapped. She gazed at the grumbling dragon. "What do you know, Istalrihvitr?"
The dragon leveled an eye at the queen currently glaring daggers at him. "On my way to Urû'baen, as you know, I passed by Dras Leona. The city used a Dauthdaert that nearly managed to slay me. Loivissa, it was called."
"And why," the elf-queen uttered through gritted teeth, "did you not think to inform us of such a thing? Such a weapon like that would be incredibly useful in our efforts against the king's dragons."
Solustenr stared at the queen. "I cast it into the Ramr. It is lost to us, likely swept out into the sea. I thought not to raise your hopes only to dash them."
The queen exhaled through her nose, her lips so firmly pressed together they were nearly invisible, before composing herself and turning back to the elf in the mirror. "Blödhgarm, continue."
The blue-furred elf glanced at the sunset dragon, before stating "the Varden spreads itself thin, and its leaders grow desperate. Lady Nasuada has been forced to leave large contingents of her forces at the cities they have already captured, holding up a sizable portion of her army. Aroughs remains under siege, but Nasuada means to assail Dras-Leona within the week. She has been in talks with the Surdan king all day discussing it."
"They move too quickly," Lord Dathedr said. "Dras Leona will require everything that they have, and even still, I worry that it will not prove enough. The dwarves have united behind their new king Orik, but they move slow. I am uncertain that they will reach Dras Leona, much less Urû'baen in time. Assistance must be sent their way."
Oromis dismissed the idea. "No elven force sufficient could reach them in that time, and any that would be able to travel that fast would be far too small and still diminish our own strength far too much. Glaedr and I could join them, but that would leave our own force woefully deficient." The elves continued to discuss varying levels of support that they could offer, but all proved to fall into one of the two categories. Lord Dathedr was about to suggest something, when a low rumble penetrated the elves' minds.
"Send me" a voice growled. The elves turned to see the orange dragon growling and his eyes glittering. "I will join this...Varden's efforts and ensure their war effort does not fail. If you grant it, I will fly hard and make it to Belatona in several days' time."
Lord Dathedr looked at the map for a moment, before inclining his head. "That…could work well and would allow our forces more time to assemble. If you are seen striking at the Empire deep south, the king could divert more men to you, allowing us to delve deeper into his territory. Your existence is well-known to the Empire, but many may assume you to still be on the king's side."
Oromis agreed. "He likely believes you dead from that fall, and had we not healed your wounds, you most assuredly would have been." He looked to the queen. "What say you, Islanzadí Dröttning?"
The queen walked toward the seated dragon, each step measured and graceful, much like a cat. Stopping in front of the dragon's head, Queen Islanzadí gently placed a hand on his snout. Solustenr slightly flinched at the touch, before holding himself still. She stared deeply into one of his flaming eyes with her own eyes of dark jade. The queen's mind brushed up against his, and hesitantly, he allowed her in. He had always preferred elven minds to humans. Not to say the minds of humans were dull, but in comparison, an elf's mind was so much more...interesting. Aerin's mind had felt light, airy, like a clearing in a forest with a cheery melody playing off in the distance. Islanzadí's, in contrast, felt overgrown, dark, like a once proud oak brought low by time. A song still played, but it was a sad tune full of melancholy, more of a dirge or an elegy. "Do not abuse the trust we have given you" she whispered in his mind. "Promise me that you will do this. You are to my people a double-edged sword. Sharpen the side that protects us, and let the other grow dull and blunt."
"I swear it" Solustenr replied, and truly, he meant it.
Turning to the assembled elves, the gold-clad queen replied "I agree. Solustenr will be sent to Belatona to aid the Varden, and we will reform our troops here in Gil'ead. Solustenr Istalrihvitr, I charge you to assist the Varden in their efforts. How do you answer?" Backing out of the tower, the dragon stood on his back legs. The orange dragon unfurled his wings and let a hot torrent of flame racing toward the heavens. "Well," the queen wryly remarked, "I believe he has conveyed his opinion on the matter. Blödhgarm," she said, now turning to face the elf in the mirror, "Alert Nasuada of Solustenr's imminent arrival. This war may yet be won."
Blödhgarm's narrowed, and the elf bared his teeth in a smile. "I believe she will welcome the help" he purred, his eyes lidded. The elf queen ended the spell, and one by one, the elves filed out of the tower, each bowing and twisting their hands over their chest when they passed Glaedr, but honored Solustenr with nary but a slight bow. Unlike the others, Queen Islanzadí stopped next to Solustenr. "Solustenr, when you reach Dras Leona, show them no mercy. We have long watched that fetid city wallow in its filth for centuries, and those flesh worshippers are an abomination upon this world. Alagaesia would be greatly improved if their numbers were pared down, and blessed beyond measure if they were wiped from existence." Nodding in assent, Solustenr prepared to take flight but was stopped by Oromis.
"Solus, if we could have a moment to speak before you go." Solustenr, about to take off, gently lowered his wings and tucked them in against his body. He followed Oromis and Glaedr through the streets, before they took flight, and came to rest on Marna Mountain, on the same rocky plateau he had once feasted upon. Finding a rock to sit upon, Oromis composed himself, before looking at Solustenr. "First, I must ask that you keep our survival a secret. Apart from my kin, precious few know of our existence, and until the time is right, it must stay that way."
"The black king knows you live, Ebrithilar, what point is there in hiding any longer?"
"This war is a game, Solus, with every resource valuable and scarce beyond measure. If we are to win, I would not discard such an advantage, however fleeting it may be. Now Solus, if we could speak plainly, I must ask you about your Eldunarí."
Deep within him, Solustenr felt his heart-of-hearts quiver, and he bowed his head. Looking at Oromis, the orange dragon responded, "What of it?"
The elf paused and pursed his lips. "Glaedr has given his Eldunarí to Eragon for safekeeping. I would recommend you to do the same."
At this, Solustenr felt rage and fury build within him. Snapping his head back to face the calm elf. "Why would I give something so precious to him?" he spat. "I do not know him, I have not seen him fight. That Rider is a hatchling by human standards, far less than a hatchling by elven standards! How would I know that he would keep it safe, that he deserves such a gift? Such responsibility?!"
"I simply ask that you consider it when you meet him," Oromis gently responded. "He is a good Rider, and he treasures his dragon. He is young and foolish at times, I know this better than most, but if anyone were to be chosen as the first of the new Riders, he would be my choice." Still spitting with anger, the orange dragon paced back and forth. Glaedr stood up and strode over to the furious dragon. "As Oromis told you, we are fighting a war, youngling. Oromis and I know that surviving this struggle is unlikely and have come to terms with it in order to ensure that the Riders can continue, that my strength will not be abused. Come to terms with this as well. Put aside pride and ego in service of the greater good."
Shaking his head, Solustenr stopped walking, and held still. Carefully, he replied "I cannot promise that I will do this, but I will consider it."
"Thank you, Solustenr. I know this must be difficult, but I thank you" the elf replied. "Now, before you go, I would ask if I can place wards about you." Withdrawing a light silvery stone set inside an extremely thick, pale silver band, the elf waved a hand, causing the band to enlarge in size but shrink in thickness, until it was barely able to fit around one of the spikes that ran along Solustenr's spine. "I know that with Aerin you refused any manner of protection, but from seeing you fight at Gil'ead, I would think you would be vastly improved by them. I can craft the wards to allow them to draw upon your strength. If they bring you close to unconsciousness, a certain word can be said to release the ward, and another to reactivate it when needed. I have also included a spell which when triggered, will grant you some measure of concealment. I imagine you can see how useful such a thing would be, especially if you fought Thorn once more." At this, Solustenr begrudgingly acquiesced. Oromis carefully fitted the band around the spike closest to Solustenr's head, then taught Solustenr the activating and deactivating words for his wards. Inclining his head, Solustenr thanked his teachers, then leaped into the sky.
The dragon flew in lazy circles, climbing higher and higher into the sky, before he had found a thermal angled in the way he wished. Furiously beating his wings, the dragon struck out southwest. He did not wish for any of the Empire to see him flying, and began his journey across the Empire's borders at dusk. He barely made it to Woadark Lake as morning light began, and counted his scales that none of the fishermen on the lake seemed to have seen his massive bulk fly over. Finding the same location that he had once slept so many nights ago, the dragon gingerly circled around himself, and closed his eyes to sleep. He quickly clambered to his feet as the last rays of the bright-hot-sun reached him on the mountains of the Spine. The dragon dove off of the ledge, angling his wings downward to allow for as little resistance as possible. As he built up speed, he now began angling his wings upwards, before flapping them strongly. Solustenr climbed into the sky until he was nearly upside down, and twisted himself midair to right himself.
Taking care not to repeat his past mistakes, the dragon carefully followed the southern half of the Spine, gliding along the western half of Leona Lake to avoid both the cities Kuasta and Dras-Leona. Near midmorning, the dragon finally saw the end of Leona Lake, and had arrived at Belatona. Far from the blended architecture of Urû'baen or the narrow, crowded streets of Dras-Leona, Belatona was an example of the more ordered side of the Broddring Empire. Neat, paved streets were arranged in parallel and perpendicular lines, with much of the city made of hard, dark gray stone. As he winged toward the city, Solustenr could see the signs of battle. Rubble littered the roads, and smoke still billowed into the sky from houses scattered around the city. One of the walls of the keep had crumbled down, and the tower overlying the keep's gate had been blasted apart. A short distance away, the Varden were encamped, and men, Urgals, and dwarves were milling around, breaking down the pale gray tents and some odd wooden structures. The city's central keep had been cleared out, and was the neatest portion of the city, despite a chunk of the gatehouse and wall looking blown apart. The dragon dove down, piercing the clouds like a comet. When he was a short distance from the ground, he snapped his wings out, and gently descended to the ground. Screams began to sound within the keep, and figures rushed to and fro. Even an arrow or two winged his way, and the dragon lazily drifted out of its trajectory.
Seeing the ruckus, the dragon quickly dove toward the ground, landing heavily in the courtyard of the central keep. Around him, the Varden, Urgals, and dwarves within the castle quickly scattered back, many brandishing shields, swords, and spears, whilst others gathered behind them. Amidst the crowd, he heard yells and shouts.
"It's Thorn!" one voice screamed. "The dragon has come to kill us all!"
"No it's not you dolt!" another yelled back. "Thorn's red as a ruby. This one shines like the bloody sun!"
The dragon chuffed at the cowering soldiers and stood proud. He flexed his limbs and set his head high, allowing all to inspect him and his gleaming scales. While the orange dragon had been humbled by his embarrassing defeat, he had refused to not set an example for his race. "All that they have seen of dragons was the little she-dragon and that hatchling Thorn," he reasoned. "All the better to give them a proper show." His show had the opposite effect, and many began inching closer, gripping their weapons, and preparing to charge. Solustenr's eyes narrowed, and he roared in displeasure. Before the men could attack, a high voice from the keep rang out "Stop this madness at once!" and the men immediately backed down.
At last, a small green-robed figure quickly emerged from the ruined keep, flanked by equal numbers Urgal, men, and dwarf. The figure stopped a short distance before him, far closer than any of the soldiers, and for that, Solustenr respected her courage. The figure, a woman, opened her mouth to speak, when the beating of wings cut her off.
Solustenr looked overhead to see a brilliantly sparkling blue dragon flying toward them. The soldiers around him let out a cheer at the sight, and Solustenr realized this must be Saphira. The dragon gracefully came to rest nearby the woman that stood before him, a far tighter and neater landing than Solustenr would have been capable of. Sitting in the saddle on her back was a human male and a female elf, the elf gripping the human, whom he assumed to be Eragon, around his middle to remain seated on the dragon. The deep blue dragon came close to the orange dragon, her fangs bared, but when he did not attack, she hesitantly sniffed the air around him. "You no longer reek of madness, mad-claw" a husky, yet feminine voice sounded. Solustenr stood still, but his eyes carefully watched the she-dragon. The sapphire dragon began to wind around him, still sniffing, and grew close to his tail. When she reached out to sniff underneath it, Solustenr had had enough, and growled, snapping his jaws at her side.
"Back off" he snarled. "I am not some common mutt for you to smell." Not backing down, the she-dragon roared right back. What Saphira lacked in size, she more than made up for with ferocity. The two dragons sized each other up, both bristling, and began circling one another. The forces around them scattered, and at once Solustenr felt several minds battering against his defenses at once. With a mental snarl, he batted them away, and saw several in the crowd recoil. Finally, surprisingly, it was Saphira who backed down, after the female elf laid a hand to her blue scales.
"Oh?" Saphira replied, inclining her head back to peer back at the she-elf, her voice low, and still carrying an undercurrent of resentment. "Arya tells me you you are now somehow our friend?"
"An ally, yes" Solustenr replied. "I did not arrive here to fight you."
"But perhaps I mean to" the she dragon replied. "You forget, mad one, you nearly burnt my Rider and I to ash."
The orange dragon dipped his head slightly. "And for that I must ask your forgiveness. I was not myself when I attacked you," and dipped his head toward Eragon, "and your Rider. Grief can do terrible things to a mind." The brown-haired Rider's eyebrows raised, and he opened his mouth, but then closed his mouth and nodded his head briefly. Saphira snorted. "Do not think that I will absolve you of madness so easily."
Solustenr ignored her and turned to face the dark-skinned human female surrounded by her guards. "I was told to seek Nasuada. I assume you to be her."
The dark-skinned woman lifted her head to stare down Solustenr. "Indeed I am. Welcome to Belatona, Solustenr. Blödhgarm informed me of your coming, though I did not imagine that you would arrive so soon. From my understanding, Queen Islanzadí feels your talents would be well served aiding the Varden in battle."
The copper dragon slowly blinked his eyes. "You are correct."
Nasuada grimly smiled. "Then we are gladdened to have you with us." She turned to the side and beckoned an arm in the direction of the ruined keep. "Come. We have much to discuss, and little time to discuss it." At that, Nasuada turned fully, and began walking once more, this time back to the keep. Snorting a black plume of smoke from his nostrils, Solustenr waited, then began walking after her. As he passed Eragon, Saphira, and the female elf, the sunset dragon rumbled "Come, hatchlings. We have a war to win."
Inside Nasuada's chambers, she, Eragon, King Orrin, Jörmundur, Arya, and a half dozen other high-ranking members of the Varden and Surdan forces stood around a parchment map of Alagaesia. Saphira and Solustenr were far too big to fit inside the keep, much less Nasuada's chambers, and were forced to remain outside. Saphira delicately crouched atop one of the towers of the keep, whilst Solus remained on the ground, craning his head up to have an eye peering in on one of her windows. Nasuada began speaking in a measured tone. "Now, on to our plan. I believe- "
"No more planning!" a voice interrupted. Amadán, one of the commanders of Orrin's calvary, slammed a fist onto the table. "We should attack at once! Let Dras-Leona continue to wallow in its filth. We should press the advantage, burn Urû'baen to the ground." he cried, a light in his eyes. "We now tie with Galbatorix in the number of dragons. This new one even seems bred for war! We should use it to-"
A low growl sounded outside, and Solustenr allowed his mental presence to thunder against the minds of all present. "Take care how you refer to me, human. Dragons are not simple beasts of burden for you to use as you see fit." Perched on the tower above them, Saphira roared in agreement.
Amadán trembled. "They…they can talk?" he whispered, gulping.
Nasuada stared the man down. "Captain Amadán, you are new to our company. I would refer to the dragons in a more respectful manner. I do not yet know Solustenr well enough to judge him, but Saphira I know would happily take off a limb for such an insult."
"Idiot," King Orrin muttered, swirling a glass of wine in his hand. "Amadán, shut your trap and let more experienced minds talk."
Inclining her head in thanks toward Orrin, Nasuada delivered her plan. "The addition of another dragon to our side does increase the options that we have and the ways by which we can achieve our objectives. Aroughs still must be brought under our control, but Dras Leona must remain our next target before Urû'baen can fall. I propose sending Eragon and Saphira to Aroughs to swiftly bring it under control. The addition of the troops tied up there will bolster our forces in time to besiege Dras Leona, and once Eragon and Saphira return, the city will be significantly easier to conquer. Hopefully, the dwarves will arrive in time as well to aid us in assailing the city. Eragon," she said. "Has Orik contacted you yet?"
Eragon shuffled around and glanced at his feet. "Not yet. Let me contact him now." Walking over to Nasuada's mirror, he uttered a long string of phrases very similar to what Solustenr had heard the elf queen make several days before. Within the mirror, the bearded and dusty face of Orik snapped into existence. The dwarf appeared tired, but hearty. He was lightly garbed with a shirt of purple silk, a long brown traveler's cloak fastened back over his shoulders. Behind him, Eragon could see thousands of dwarves marching, the trail stretching back over a mile long. "Orik!" Eragon grinned. "How goes the march?"
Orik laughed and ran his fingers through his brushed and curled beard. "Long and dusty. We knurlan have been marching for near a week, and with how much dust and rocks have seeped into my boots, I feared I would return to the stone before my time!" His eyes saw the others grouped around the table. "Nasuada, how good to see you!" he exclaimed.
"Orik. I am happy to see your face once more. But we must dispose of the pleasantries. How far away are you from Dras-Leona?"
The dwarf scowled and stroked his beard once more. "We are encamped outside Cithrí now. Provided we keep at the same pace, Dras-Leona may be reached within a week, perhaps two. I cannot promise anything sooner."
A frown appeared on Nasuada's face, and she appeared deep in thought. Solustenr wondered at the thoughts that must be swirling in her mind. Finally, she refocused back on Orik. "Thank you, King Orik. We will eagerly await your forces at Dras-Leona." Turning to the men gathered around the table, Nasuada laid a single hand on the parchment map of Alagaesia. Pointing directly at Dras-Leona with a finger, the dark-skinned woman eyed everyone. "Our target lies before us; the path is set. We must go to Dras-Leona and join with the dwarves. Eragon, you must lift the siege of Aroughs. As you know," she said, "I sent Roran to take over command several days ago. Fly fast, and once you arrive at Aroughs, join with him, take the city, then rejoin us at Dras-Leona. You have a day in which to arrive at Aroughs, a day to take it, and a day to return to us." At this, the female elf's eyes flitted up to very briefly stare at Nasuada, her eyes flashing with some unknown emotion, before quickly resuming their prior position staring at the map.
"May any of the elves accompany me? Saphira cannot bear them all, and even with their speed, I am not certain we would be able to return to Dras-Leona in time to join with the dwarves. However, with their strength, we would capture Aroughs all the faster." the brown haired Rider questioned.
"No, I think not." Nasuada replied. "With you and Saphira gone, we need their strength to safeguard the Varden. We have precious little magical strength at our disposal."
Solustenr slowly blinked his eye. "And what am I to do, hmm? Sit around and blow smoke rings? I was told I would be useful to you little humans." he replied.
Nasuada turned in the direction of his eye. "You are to be our secret weapon. If Eragon and Saphira make themselves noticeable in the south, and we are seen moving to Dras-Leona, Galbatorix may believe us vulnerable, and will be tempted to divert his forces to us, and we spring the trap. I would have liked, however, for you to have made your entrance a bit more secretive. There are no doubt spies within the Varden."
At this, Orrin piped up. "What if he fully commits, and throws everything at us? Say the black king himself arrives to finish this rebellion? What happens then?"
Nasuada paused, as if in deep thought. "If he leaves Urû'baen, the elves will easily storm the capitol. At best, he may send Murtagh and Thorn, thinking us without a dragon. Arya?" she asked, now staring at the elf leaning against the wall. "Do you believe you and the other elves would be able to support Solustenr if need be?" The she elf stood up straight and walked over to Nasuada. Solus' eye tracked her as she moved, and hesitantly sniffed the air.
"Hmph" he thought. "Pine needles...lilac. This one must be the elf-queen's hatchling."
Arya seemed to pause for a moment, her lips moving silently. "Queen Islanzadí did provide the elven spellcasters to defend Eragon and Saphira. They were initially rather reluctant to abandon their charge, but after relaying your plan, they do seem amenable to it." Her lips moved silently once more. "I believe so," she said, her voice far quieter, but still similar to her mother's. "We should be capable of managing it, albeit with a fair bit of difficulty. Istalrihvitr is far larger than Saphira."
"It will have to be enough." Nasuada replied. "By spreading Galbatorix thin, it also allows the elven spearhead to drive deeper into the Empire. From the north, south, and east we will form a trident that pierces the Empire." Nasuada looked around the room, meeting the gaze of each and every person. " If we are all in agreement, we have our marching orders." At this, everyone nodded, bowing slightly before Nasuada and King Orrin, and filed out of the room. King Orrin stepped forward, as if wishing to speak to her, only to see Solustenr's eye, which looked in his direction and blinked slowly. He paused mid-step, before turning around and swiftly walking out of the room, leaving Nasuada alone. She turned to Solustenr's eye that still watched her from the window and drew closer. "Tell me, Solustenr," she questioned. "Eragon and Saphira told me your story, how you came to be in the Spine, and how you emerged from it. They did not lie, but I could feel something missing to the tale, as if they had left something out."
"I am certain they spoke truth. The little Rider does not yet have a liar's bone in his body" Solustenr replied.
"Indeed, he does not, though he certainly has been doing his best to improve" she smirked. "I have heard quite a bit from Arya and Blödhgarm about your battle at Gil'ead, as well as several rumors circling in from around the Empire. They all seemed to say that you fought off Murtagh and Thorn yourself, even forced Galbatorix to flee when he controlled Murtagh. Impressive" she said. "Even Eragon and Saphira had quite a bit of trouble with them. Pouring a cup of wine, she innocently added "He and Saphira have become quite strong though, especially for the short period they spent in Ellesméra. Did you know who trained them?" she asked, swirling the liquid in her cup as she spoke. The copper dragon's eyes narrowed, and his mind whirred trying to find out what she was searching for. "They have not told her of the Ebrithilar." He chose his words with care.
"In my travels since I awoke," he boomed. "I have not once been to the elven capital. But I am certain they had fine teachers. Teaching a Rider in the ways of the Order would have required the best."
"Yes," she muttered. "I think it would have. I was rather surprised when Queen Islanzadí elected to send you to us. I had not expected the elves to give up their sole dragon, especially so when a race such as yours is so few these days."
"The elves are a powerful and ancient race. They have power enough to manage without me."
"Well then, I thank you for indulging me, but enough idle conversation" she said. "We have a city to lay siege to, Eragon and Saphira do as well. I wish you well."
He stared at her for a moment. In the short time he had known her, she had already impressed him. Rare were those amongst the two-leg-humans that possessed a mind quite so beguiling or keen as she did. Slightly inclining his head, he wished her well, and left.
The dragon climbed swiftly into the air, reaching far above Belatona. Finding Eragon and Saphira on a slow glide, he beat his wings and swiftly joined them. "Young ones," he greeted them. "Fly fast for Aroughs. I will keep your little Varden intact until your return."
Eragon's youthful voice sounded in his mind. "We shall, Solustenr-vodhr." Saphira's mind brushed briefly against his, the she-dragon only using the brief contact to sarcastically question as to what he had thought that they had been doing until this point. He was about to dip his wings to dive back down, when he sensed the Rider's mind fill with trepidation, before Eragon added, "If possible, please keep Arya safe."
"I cannot promise you the world, but I shall attempt to keep her out of harm's way." He cautiously replied. Nodding his head in goodbye, the dragon dipped a wing low, and turned his bulk back down to Belatona. "At last," he thought. "Battle awaits."
Eld Neita-The Denier
Istalrihvitr-Whiteflame
Du Weldenvarden-The Guarding Forest, The domain of the elves
Atra esterní ono thelduin, Islanzadí Dröttning-May good fortune rule over you, Queen Islanzadí
Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr-Peace live in your heart
Un atra du evarínya ono varda- And the stars watch over you
Dauthdaertya-Deathdarts
Niernen-Orchid
Vor-honorific for a close male friend
Bjartskular-Brightscales
Loivissa-lily
Eldunarí-Heart of hearts, more accurately, what is essentially the soul of a dragon
Knurlan-Dwarvish for dwarves
vodhr-honorific of middling praise for a male
Not a lot of fighting in this one. Quite a bit of talking though. I'm trying to spread out the fights a bit. The Inheritance Cycle is chock full of fights, which I love, but I don't want to make it all just people hitting stuff. Spread it out a bit, add a little exposition, keep it fresh. A lot of people in this chapter don't quite know what to make of Solustenr. Islanzadí's metaphor for Solustenr pretty much sums up how people feel about him. To the elves, he is both a killer and savior. To Eragon and Saphira, he is an unknown entity. Eragon's honorific at the end helps with understanding that, and the next chapter may as well. Conceivably, he could certainly put up quite the fight against Saphira in a fight if the two were to lock claws, as Solustenr, while slightly smaller than Glaedr, is still far larger, stronger, and more experienced than Saphira. If you want to imagine him, just picture him as a younger, orange Glaedr without the missing limb. Solustenr has changed quite a bit from that first chapter, but he still hasn't shed everything about him. In Brisingr, when Glaedr gives his Eldunarí, Eragon understands the gravity of what he has just been assigned protector of. If an Eldunarí is a dragon's soul, asking Solustenr to give up his so casually to someone he barely knows is...a bit much. Oromis is a caring person, but logical to the extreme. What Oromis asked of him was going too far. If anyone is wondering why Nasuada is still unsure of Oromis and Glaedr's existence, she has not been told of them. Even though Oromis and Glaedr revealed themselves, the only people in the Empire not imprisoned or killed at Gil'ead were Galbatorix, Murtagh, and Thorn. Really, until they share this (And why would they?) they are still technically hidden, though they may not choose to hide themselves quite so much as before.