Chapter 6. Galbatorix
Part 1. The Battle of Urubaen
Eragon and Saphira found a quiet place to speak with Glaedr about his plan to defeat Galbatorix. ("Saphira! Eragon! The time has come for me to tell you my plan to defat Galbatorix…But first…the two of you must swear in the ancient language not to share this plan with another soul…")
("Why master?") Saphira asked.
("Because…Galbatorix is very powerful and a master of breaking into people's minds…He has defeated foes more ancient than I both Dragons and Riders alike human and Elf…If during the battle Galbatorix breaks the mind of Roran or even Arya he will be able to counter the spells I have in mind to destroy him…")
Both Eragon and Saphira said at the same time, ("We swear in this language never to speak of Master Glaedr's plan…")
("Very good…Now as the two of you know Galbatorix's power is enhanced by Eldunari he has stolen…Unlike you two legs we Dragons are not bound by the rules of magic…We do not need the ancient language…We can make things happen on instinct or by will…From within our Eldunari we can will the world around us…As such I intend to harness all the power of my Eldunari and destroy Galbatorix in one magical attack…")
When Glaedr finished explaining his plan both Saphira and Eragon were horrified, "No!" Eragon said, "No! There must be another way!"
("Fine you have until we reach Urubaen to tell me one…") Glaedr replies, ("Now here is the spell you will need to control the power we will unleash…")
Two days later the allied forces march out of Dras Leona. As they travel both Eragon and Saphira try to come up with alternative plan for defeating Galbatorix. On the fifth day of marching when they were making camp Eragon goes looking for Solembum. He is in human form sitting in a tree staring into the distance.
("I need to speak with you…") The Werecat remains silent but just stares at Eragon, ("Before! In Angela's shop she told my future…You advised me about the Menoa Tree…You also said that when my power seems insufficient I should go and speak my name to the vault of souls…Well I am need…Please tell me where is this vault of souls?")
Solembum didn't answer immediately he just kept staring at Eragon. He returns his attention to horizon. ("Do you know your name?") Solembum finally asks touching his mind.
("Of course I know…") Eragon pauses as Solembum looks back in his direction smiling, ("Oh! My true name…No I do not…")
("Does your power seem insufficient?") Eragon sighs, ("I thought Glaedr came up with a plan…")
("He did I do not agree with his plan…")
("Why do you believe it will not work?")
Eragon hunches his shoulders, ("it sounds like a plan that will work…")
("So what do you want from me? You don't know your name…and you have a plan albeit a plan you don't agree with…but will have a favorable outcome…")
("I want you to tell me where the vault of souls is!") He said yelling with his mind.
Solembum leaps out of tree turning into a cat, ("My powers don't work like that…and as you know we cats love speaking in riddles. Didn't you learn your lesson with the tree…Stop searching for answers to questions that haven't been asked yet…")
Eragon watches disappointed as Solembum walks off, ("Well?") Saphira asks when Eragon returns to her.
("He wasn't much of a help.")
Saphira snorts, ("I told you!")
Eragon shakes his head, ("I have lost my father, my mother…My brother is a slave to a madman…Hrothgar…Master Oromis…and now Master Glaedr…When will this be over…")
("When Galbatorix lies dead at our feet…I do not agree with Master Glaedr's plan…But I think it will work…Remember what Elva said…")
("I do!") Eragon replies keeping his thoughts on Elva's words hidden.
After weeks of marching the allies finally reach Uruaben. Nausada holds up her right hand and makes a fist. "The gates are open!"
"A trap of some kind…" Islanzadi says from her side.
"We should make camp." King Orin says.
Nausada shakes her head, "No…we will attack…" She looks at Jormunder, "Tell everyone to get into position…"
Islanzadi looks at Lord Dauthdr, "My Elves will begin the process of circumventing Galbatorix's wards…"
As the Elves began singing in the ancient language the allied forces got into position. The Elves would lead the charge into the city. Then the Urgals would follow and then the Dwarves. Humans would enter last. King Orin would lead the calvary forces made up of humans and Elves. By the time the allied forces were in position the Elves had circumvented the wards protecting Urubaen.
Nausada looks at Jormunder, "First wave attack!"
A thunderous roar erupts from the Elves as they enter the city scaling the walls and running at inhuman speed. Then a wave of Urgals follow and next the Dwarves and humans. Eragon touches Nausada's mind, ("I do not sense Murtagh or Thorn…")
Nausada mentally acknowledges him, "Second wave attack!"
In the same order as the first another wave enters the city joining their comrades in fighting Galbatorix's forces. "ARCHERS!" Jormunder screams. Human, Elf, Urgal and Dwarven arches take the walls of the city and shoot down enemy forces in the streets and on the rooftops. "My Lady look!" Jormunder points to Calvary forces charging from the north.
She nods toward King Orin, "LANCES! CHARGE!" following King Orin and his guards the combined human and Elven Calvary forces attack.
("Eragon!") Glaedr says touching his mind, ("It is time…let us be off…")
Eragon, Arya, and Elva climbed onto Saphira's back Glaedr's Eldunari secured in the saddle bags and Arya carrying the Dauthdaertya. They fly off towards the palace to face Galbatorix and end this battle and the war.
As they fly overhead Roran looks up and smiles with his foot in the throat of a soldier. He crushes his neckand attacks another man with his hammer in hand. After two blocks Roran is joined by Queen Islanzadi and Lord Dauthdr who salute him out of respect for his prowess in battle.
The citizens of Urubaen hide in large underground structures while the fighting is happening. A few hide in their mansions or stables. A few bolder people take to stealing precious jewels left unprotected by nervous nobles.
"WHO ARE THESE VERMON THAT DARE OPPOSE THE MIGHT OF THE GREAT GALBATORIX…NOW BEHOLD HIS MOST FAVORITE WARRIOR I AM LORD BARST!"
His voice rang out across the city shattering windows and causing Elves to cover their ears. He wielded a four sided spiked mace and a broad sword. Barst's armor was black like coal with the red twisted flame of Galbatroix's sigil on front. Dozens of men, human, Elf, Dwarf, and Urgal fell before his powerful blows.
Jormunder grabs a horse and charges the inhuman man. Barst grabs his spear and with Jormunder still holding it he throws Jormunder into the wall of the palace. He leaps toward Jormunder raising his mace and finishes him. Islanzadi rides up on a white stallion and casts a spell at him, but her magic has no effect. Blodgharm and the other Elves combine their power and still it has no effect on the monsterous man. Lord Dauthdr runs up to him and they fight. Dauthdr holds his own for a short while but eventually Barst smashes his shield and knocks his sword from his hand.
"NO!" Islanzadi screams leaping off a wagon.
Part 2. One Word
Saphira lands on one of the old towers of the palace. They enter a rundown suit that once belonged to a member of the Dragon Rider's council. "And why are we entering through here?" Eragon asks.
"The inside is gutted out and goes down to the main lobby of the palace…" Elva replies.
Saphira dives strait down the gutted tower and lands in an opening to a large hallway.
When they reach the halfway point of the hallway the hollowed armor on the walls comes to life and attacks them. Arya and Eragon fight desperately to smash the bodiless armor. Saphira uses her tail and front left claw to fight as Elva hides beneath her body. Then the paintings of the wall come to life and start fighting as well. That is when Saphira bathes the walls in fire from her mouth. Both Eragon and Arya use magic to protect Elva and each other from harm.
Eragon looks at Elva, "Why didn't you sense that?"
"I don't know Shadeslayer maybe because they weren't that great a threat…"
"Come let us continue…" Arya says.
They cautiously walk up the hall then Elva pauses, "Wait!" she senses Islanzadi's death.
"What is it?" Arya asks.
"Nothing keep moving…" She points, "That way!"
They pass through another hallway and after a few feet Elva pulls a torch on the wall revealing a secret passageway big enough for a Dragon. They go down into the passage and come up in the main foyer that leads to the throne room. "Get ready!" Eragon says looking at Elva, "Stay with Saphira she will protect you…"
The doors open as if they have a will of their own. The marble floors are so shiny that a clear reflection can be seen. The pillars holding up the ceiling of the throne room have gold decorating it in elaborate designs curving the pillars. The ceiling has a golden candle chandelier hanging from it. And sitting on a raised step throne is Galbatorix with Murtagh standing at his side.
"Come in my friends don't be shy…" His voice echoes in the throne room. Behind him smoke billows from a strange looking object behind Galbatorix. As Eragon gets closer he can recognize what it is. It is the Black Dragon Shruiken. One eye opens and observes Eragon and the people with him. The eye finally settles on Saphira and the throne room echoes with a growl. Saphira returns the growl defiantly.
("Eragon! Now do it now!") Glaedr says touching his mind.
Just before Eragon speaks Galbatorix says a strange word in the ancient language. A word he never heard before but sends a chill through him. He looks at Arya who felt it as well. The word sounded like gibberish. Eragon gasps because Glaedr's Eldunari is no longer in Saphira's saddle bag it is now sitting on the arm rest of the throne above an elaborate Rider's sword.
"Glaedr it has been a long time!" Galbatorix said rubbing his clawed finger across the golden Eldunari. Galbatorix returns his attention to Saphira and Eragon who along with Arya and Elva are unable to move. His lifts his finger and everyone including Saphira slides across the floor until they are all eight feet from the bottom step. "Saphira Brightscales and her Rider Eragon Shadeslayer…Welcome both of you and Arya daughter of Evander and Islanzadi. Elva far seer you have caused me much grief…But I forgive I forgive you all…"
Fear took hold of Eragon not only could he not move every spell he tries is useless because he cannot access the energy of his body and call on the magic. "Have you come to pledge fealty to me?" Galbatorix asks.
"We came to take your head…" As he speaks with Galbatorix Eragon holds another conversation with Glaedr.
("Keep him busy I will find a way out of this…") Glaedr says.
"That is rude Eragon especially since it was I who healed Saphira when Lord Bradburn attacked Saphira with the Dauthdaertya."
Eragon sneers but it is Saphira who says, ("One good deed does not erase a century worth of evil…")
"I will give you all this one chance to bow to me…My patience has its limits and all of you especially you Eragon and your wretched family has cost me dearly…"
Saphira unites her mind with Eragon's and he speaks with an echo on his voice, "SAPHIRA AND I ARE ONE OATHBREAKER…We shall resist you with our dying breath…"
Galbatorix laughs as Shruiken snorts fire from his nose, "It won't come to that my little Rider…" Galbatorix stands and starts walking down the steps.
"My Lord!" Murtagh says speaking up. Galbatoriz pauses with one foot on the forth and third step from the throne and looks back. "May I fight Eragon…One on one no magic…"
Galbatorix just stares without saying a word, "Why?" He finally asks.
"Because he is the son of Brom and I the son of Morzan…Brom always favored him because I was never really his son…In all our confrontations Eragon held his own with help from the Elves or Saphira…Let us fight now no magic and see who is the better Rider…" The whole time Murtagh spoke his head was down.
Galbatorix looks at Eragon then back at Murtagh. Then Shruiken stirs and Galbatorix looks at him. He nods his head yes, "I must admit I am curious myself…So be it!" Galbatorix gestures with his hand releasing Eragon.
He looks up as Murtagh walks down the steps. Murtagh winks at Eragon touching his mind, ("Play along, but make it a good fight…")
Eragon looks at Saphira and realizes that she had spoken with Murtagh as well, "I will not fight you brother!" Eragon bodly says.
Murtagh pauses, "You don't have a choice! Isn't that right my King?"
"If you do not fight Eragon I will kill the pretty little Elf…Or I may make love to her right in front of you since I have never been with an Elf before…"
"I will kill you! You bastard!" Eragon replies enraged.
"Save that rage for the fight!" Murtagh reaches Eragon drawing Zarroc. "BEGIN!" Galbatorix's voice booms.
Murtagh makes the first move swinging high, Eragon blocks and spins around aiming for Murtagh's ribs. He blocks and counters the attack. As the fight progresses the swordplay becomes more elaborate and precise. Two well skilled honed masters battling each other or supremacy. Eragon leaps over Murtagh's head and as he lands he kicks him in the back of the head.
Murtagh rolls forward and stops on his knees he slashes Zarroc across the floor creating sparks an showering Eragon with them. Temporarily blinded Eragon relies on his hearing which has been reduced to normal instead of the enhanced hearing of an Elf. He manages to block a few moves.
"ERAGON DUCK!" Arya screams.
"Stay out of this!" Galbatorix barks using the strange word again. Now Arya cannot speak.
Murtagh makes noise to throw Eragon off and attacks again, but Eragon is not fooled. He shoulders Murtagh and swings. Murtagh ducks and comes up with an uppercut knocking Eragon to his back. Eragon tries to defend himself, but Murtagh knocks Brisinger from his hand and points Zarroc at his throat.
"You are beaten little brother and I the son of Morzan bested you the son of Brom…How is that for an inheritance?"
Galbatorix stands up clapping, "Well done Murtagh…Your father would be proud of you!"
Murtagh touches the mind of Eragon Saphira, Arya, and Elva. ("Get ready!") Murtagh bends down and grabs Eragon by the collar, "This loser is all yours my King!" He says forcing Eragon to his knees. When Galbatorix reaches Murtagh he surprises everyone especially Galbatorix. The same word Galbatorix had been using erupts from Murtagh's mouth, but it also sounds like gibberish.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" Galbatorix screams as Murtagh slashes with Zarroc striking Galbatorix across the neck, the wound is not fatal, but it does wound Galbatroix enough so that he cannot speak anymore spells. Then he leaps up sticking out both his feet and kicks Galbatorix in the chest. He stumbles back and hits his head on the steps.
As blood pours out on the steps Shruike raises his head and roars shaking the throne room. Murtagh says the word again and adds slytha to it. Shruiken's head falls back to the ground with a great thud.
"Restore them!" Murtagh says and immediately magic returns to Arya, Elva, Eragon and Saphira.
"How did you?" Eragon asks in amazement.
"No time for that time to go!"
Murtagh waves his hand at the ceiling and it crumbles. Murtagh redirects the falling debris and covers Galbatorix in it. "That will hold him for a little while…" Murtagh grabs Elva and looks up. Thorn is hovering in the air above the hole Murtagh made. "REISA!" Murtagh flies up holding Elva with one arm. "Move your ass Eragon its time to leave!"
Arya climbs up onto Saphira, ("Eragon! Snap out of it!") Saphira says crouching low. He leaps up from the floor onto her back and they take off joining Murtagh in the air.
Eragon and Arya look at him in disbelief, "Watch this!" Murtagh says the word again. There is a rumbling sound and the palace collapses burying Shruiken and Galbatorix. Then Murtagh raises his hands above his head and starts singing the word that sounds like gibberish. A ball of light forms ten feet above his hands. The ball of light gets bigger and bigger. Everone on the ground stops fighting to watch the great ball of light in the sky.
Murtagh winks and Thorn flies into the ball. Saphira follows and then the ball of light swoops down the city scooping up Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Urgals. The wounded, the dead, and those encamped nearby who can't fight like the cooks and such. Then the red ball of light flies off to the west away from Urubaen.
"Cowards!" Lord Barst yells, then he notices the palace, "My Lord Galbatorix!" He runs to the rubble and when he arrives the ground begins to shake. Then Shruiken and Galbatorix burst out from beneath the rubble.
"Where are they? Where is that traitor that pretender? Where is Murtagh?"
"They are all gone my lord…" Barst replies. "All of them…They escaped in a large ball of light and flew off towards the west…"
Galbatorix leaps onto Shruiken's back and off they take. They search for many days and scry the countryside, but Murtagh and the Varden are nowhere to be found.
