Chapter 5: Two Lovers Doomed
The scarlet dragon rested beneath the shade of a large tree lost in his thoughts. It was a warm and sunny afternoon in spring and by all accounts this should have been a wonderful day. Ragnarök and his Rider had just completed the first phase of their training and Morzan had been gifted with a magnificent ruby sword which he had dubbed Zar'roc. However, a great darkness hung over the young Rider and Dragon. They knew that war was coming. The traitorous Rider Galbatorix had forced them both to swear unbreakable oaths of loyalty to him, and they both knew it was only a matter of time before he called upon them to aid him in his plan to destroy the Dragon Riders. The sound of flapping wings caught Ragnarök's attention and he look up just in time to see an aquamarine dragon, a female, land nearby.
There you are, Ragnarök. Saphira said, her voice cheerful as always.
Ragnarök felt a sense of dread overcome him as their eyes met.
What do you want, Saphira? the red dragon inquired. He wasn't in the mood for her antics.
Rag, there is something I've been wanting to ask you.
Ragnarök raised an eye ridge. He already had a feeling what it was, and the sense of dread worsened.
We've known one another for years. Though we've had our disagreements, I've always enjoyed your company and your friendship. I've been thinking about this a lot and I was wondering…
Saphira's aquamarine eyes met his crimson eyes. Will you be my mate?
Ragnarök already knew what she was going to ask, but his heart still almost skipped a beat. He wanted to say yes. Though Saphira could be bullheaded, stubborn, and downright self-righteous at times, Ragnarök had grown fond of her over the years and had come to cherish their friendship. He knew in his heart that he loved her, but there was only one problem. The oaths that Galbatorix had forced himself and Morzan to swear would always come between them, and she would be in grave danger.
No, Saphira. Ragnarök answered flatly, diverting his gaze away from the cyan female.
Saphira cocked her head, a look of confusion in her eyes.
But why not?
I don't want to be your mate! Ragnarök snapped, snorting and lashing his tail. It was a lie. A terrible, terrible lie. All he wanted more than anything was to be with her.
But… I… Saphira seemed more confused.
What don't you understand, Saphira? I don't love you! I never did! You're just an empty-headed, spoiled sow! Now go away! hissed the crimson dragon, growling and gritting his teeth.
Saphira's eyes widened and she backed away, startled by Ragnarök's sudden hostility. He could see a look of hurt in her eyes at his cruel rejection.
Go on! Get out of here! roared the crimson dragon.
Saphira's jaws hung open. She panted hard and shook her head, completely bewildered by Ragnarök's hostility toward her. Without another word, the aquamarine dragoness spun around, spread her wings, and took off into the sky. Ragnarök stood and watched her fly away until she disappeared from sight. He then lowered his head and sighed. He felt the presence of his Rider. Moments later, Morzan stood beside the red dragon, having witnessed the entire spectacle.
I did what I had to do. Ragnarök said to Morzan. Perhaps it's better this way. Maybe if she stays away she'll be safe.
"I know you were fond of her." Morzan said in barely a whisper, placing a hand on the side of his dragon's face.
I love her. Ragnarök said. I didn't want to hurt her like that, but we just can't be together. It just wasn't meant to be. His body shuddered as he struggled to hold back tears. I wish things could be different.
As the two returned to Illirea, they spotted Saphira sitting by a fountain just inside the city's main gate. Brom sat on a bench beside the aquamarine dragon. He held her in an embrace, trying to comfort her and Ragnarök could see that Brom's shirt was wet with tears. Saphira was crying. She glanced in his direction as he padded by and Ragnarök quickly averted his gaze, unable to look her in the eyes. His heart burned with guilt.
It's for the best. Ragnarök kept telling himself.
.
.
.
Three years later, Ragnarök soared through the skies over Vroengard with Morzan riding on his back. A battle raged all around them. The Forsworn had staged a surprise attack on Doru Araeba in an attempt to destroy the Dragon Riders once and for all. Smoke rose from the burning city below and the sun cast an orange light over the land. Ragnarök soared above the flames, clad in a set of dragon armor. Off to the right, he heard a loud roar. Turning his head, he was greeted by the sight of Saphira flying toward him with Brom riding on her back. His heart sank. Neither Saphira nor Brom wore any armor.
You traitors! bellowed Saphira, punctuating her words with an enraged roar.
"How could you! How could you betray us to him!" roared Brom, his voice amplified using magic.
"You wouldn't understand!" Morzan retorted. "Don't do anything foolish, Brom! Flee now while you still can!"
Ignoring Morzan's warning, Brom drew his sword. Saphira flew alongside Ragnarök and Brom leaped from the saddle, landing on the back of the crimson dragon. He swung Undbitr downward and Morzan quickly countered with Zar'roc. The aquamarine blade met the crimson blade as the two Riders clashed in midair.
"Stand down, Brom!" Morzan demanded. "You can't possibly hope to win this!"
"Never!" the young man shouted.
They exchanged a few more blows but a quick maneuver from Morzan sent Undbitr flying from Brom's grasp. The aquamarine sword vanished into the smoke below. Now unarmed, Brom turned and leaped from Ragnarök's back. Saphira swooped down and caught him in midair before vanishing into a rising column of smoke. It appeared as if she was retreating. Then, without warning, Saphira reemerged, soaring straight toward the crimson dragon. Ragnarök rolled to the side to try and avoid the incoming attack, but he was weighed down by his armor. With no armor, Saphira was lighter and faster. The two dragons collided in midair Saphira unleashed a series of brutal blows upon Ragnarök. The crimson dragon was forced to defend himself. He lashed out with his claws, striking Saphira cross the face. Saphira dug her talons into the plate armor that protected Ragnarök's neck and ripped it away, exposing his crimson scales beneath. Then she clamped her jaws around his throat. Ragnarök roared in searing pain as Saphira's teeth tore into his neck. He thrashed about trying to pull free but it was no use. Morzan screamed, feeling his dragon's pain through their mental link. Saphira was intent on killing Ragnarök for his perceived betrayal. Finally, desperate to end the situation, Morzan lunged with Zar'roc. Saphira gasped in pain and opened her jaws, allowing the crimson dragon to pull himself free. Morzan clung Ragnarök's saddle with one hand. The other grasped the hilt of Zar'roc, which protruded from her chest. Morzan pulled the sword from the wound and Ragnarök broke free of Saphira's grasp. As they flew away, they lost sight of Saphira and Brom among the smoke and fire. Morzan's primary concern was tending to the grievous neck injury Ragnarök had sustained.
.
.
.
Hours had passed and the sun now hung low in the sky. The battle had ended in a crushing defeat for the Dragon Riders. A massive explosion had rocked the island and leveled what was left of the once great city of Doru Araeba. The Forsworn had all departed for the mainland. However, Morzan and Ragnarök had chosen to remain behind. Presently the pair flew above the blood soaked battlefield that lay beyond Doru Araeba. Below the, the bodies fo falled Riders and Dragons littered the landscape.
"You're not going to like what you find." Morzan said flatly.
I have to know… Ragnarök replied.
Something shiny caught Morzan's eye. "Look down there!"
Ragnarök circled around and landed on the scortched ground. Dismounting from the saddle, Morzan was surprised to see an aquamarine blade gleaming among the ashes. He reached down and picked up Undbitr, brushing the ashes from the blade. Tucking it under his belt, he looked around. Ragnarök climbed a nearby ridge to get a better look around.
Morzan! Ragnarök called to him.
Without waiting for an answer, Ragnarök bounded off down the hill. Morzan reached the top of the hill and looked down into a small hallow. He saw Ragnarök standing over something. Making his way down the hill, he finally realized what it was, and he felt a horrible sense of dread as he stepped forward. Ragnarök stood silently gazing down at the lifeless body of Saphira. She lay splayed out on the ground where she had fallen, having succumbed to her injuries. There was no sign of Brom anywhere, though Morzan assumed he was dead as well somewhere on the battlefield.
"Dammit, Saphi!" Morzan cursed, trying to hold back tears. "You just had to try and be a hero! You were always too stubborn for your own good!"
Ragnarök let out a faint whimper as he cradled Saphira's limp form in his front paws. Tears streamed from the crimson dragon's eyes as he held her head to his chest, embracing her.
I'm so sorry, Saphira. Ragnarök sobbed. I never wanted this for you! Despite what I said, I really did love you! Please forgive me…
He knew his pleas were in vain. She couldn't hear him.
Morzan frowned and bowed his head. Despite the animosity between them, he had always considered Saphria a friend, and Brom was like a brother to him. For a while, Morzan just stood there, allowing Ragnarök to grieve for the dragoness he once loved. The dragoness who could have been his mate if things had turned out differently. Finally, Morzan stepped forward.
"Rag…" he said softly. "We should go. There's nothing more we can do."
Can't we at least give her a proper burial?
Morzan sighed. "I wish we could. I haven't the strength."
The ammount of energy needed to create a hole large enough to bury a dragon was greater than anything Morzan possessed. A tear ran down Ragnarök's face as he looked at Saphira's body one last time. Morzan looked down at Undbitr which was still tucked under his belt. He briefly considered leaving the sword with her body, but decided against it. It would be too easy for one of the other Forsworn to come back and steal it.
"Let's go." Morzan said softly, climbing into his saddle, and the crimson dragon flew off into the darkening sky, leaving his broken dreams behind him.
To be continued...
Ok so I decided to continue this after all. The chapter is named after one of the chapters in Brisingr.