Notation.
Someone had brought up an essential point that was omitted. In my stories, all dragons are portrayed in the classical western style, with four legs and wings. I prefer something other than the Wyvern style of dragons with bat-like wings for front legs. While biologically most likely to be realistic, I do not find the appeal to them. Also, in Skyrim, I was unimpressed with the size of the dragons you were fighting, and I understood that it was for size and data constraints. Odahviing and such are much, much larger than in the games.
Second.
I contracted the flu about two weeks ago, which devastated me on the 12th, requiring a trip to the hospital. That took at least a week to recover from. Then come, this Sunday, I learned I was terminated from my job, and my childhood hero, Jason David Frank, died on 11/18th, or 19th, 2022. It's been a rotten month for me.
Rise of the Dragons
Chapter 2
Battle Preparations
There was little time to spare as Saphira and Odahviing would be needed to help mount defenses. Having listened to Arya's appraisal of Eragon's skills with sword and magic. Leonde used a simple restorative spell on Eragon and Saphira. This ensured that their strength and stamina would be fully replenished. Leonde also had explained to him the complex nature of Murtagh and Thorn.
Being the Son of Morzan, the first and last of the forsworn. Son of the King's favored servant. To which Orik said by Dwarven rights, King Hrothgar could demand his blood for repayment for the wrongs his father committed. Leonde countered how long Morzan had lived and how old Murtagh had been at his death. The Dwarf, however, said, "That did not matter, he was the son of Morzan, and now he was a rider."
Leonde countered, "Then I will send him to Tamriel, forever out of your reach."
As Arya stepped in as Orik got all riled up at that. "Enough, both of you. We have a clash of cultures; it was agreed that Murtagh's fate will depend greatly on my opinions."
Sadly for Leonde, he spoke before thinking. "Then his fate is indeed sealed."
That one comment pushed Arya past her patients. "That is enough. I now understand and believe that you are telling me that my kin caused great harm in your lands. But their culture is not mine, nor are these lands yours. The dragons hold great importance to my people. Saphira is the last known female dragon, Thorn, the dragon of Murtagh, the last free male besides Shuriken, who has been bound to Galbatorix, who slaughtered them. And you need to understand your situation as well to my people. The fact that you are a dragonslayer, yes, it will be abhorred."
Leonde had years to understand body language, and even elves as duplicitous as he had come to know when angered were more expressive and truthful. Staring into her eyes as she continued. "Not since the first Eragon found the egg of Bid'Duam has a wild dragon joined with anyone. Much less a human. Never before have I heard of a wild dragon allying and befriending someone, Elf or human. Especially considering you are a dragon slayer. To have a wild dragon work with you... If you can control your attitude and temper. You will realize that you and Odahviing will be honored guests of my people." His own eyes held no emotions other than contempt.
Swallowing his pride was not something Leonde enjoyed doing, but her opening statement made him do so. "I stand corrected and will do my utmost to restrain my..." he had to pause. "Opinions, though I can not promise they won't slip out here and there. But I will not allow this Murtagh to be judged for the crimes of a man; he could not influence.
"You mean you would deny us our right to justice?" Orik nearly screamed, reaching for one of his axes.
"I have already made the position of the elves in this matter clear to both Ajihad and King Hrothgar. If I deem them no danger to the Varden, Thorn and Murtagh will accompany us to Ellesmera. It will then be decided how to deal with this issue."
Orik was almost in fury as Leonde said, "Enough, Orik. Whether you believe it or not. I do understand the desire for revenge and justice, but right now. You have an enemy ready to attack your doorstep. Eragon and Saphira have already befriended Murtagh and Thorn; now you wish to kill them both."
Eragon looked conflicted as Saphira seemed unsure of what to say. "Eragon, who is your father? What crimes has he committed that I can judge you for and ensure you are punished for them harshly."
Caught off guard but understood where Leonde was coming from. "I don't know who my father is. My mother came home to Carvahal one day dressed like a rich lady of some noble court. After she gave birth, she begged my Aunt and Uncle to take care of me." Leonde nodded.
"So, for all you know, you could be Prince Eragon. Son of Galbatorix." Leonde said, shocking both Orik and Arya. Saphira was also aghast. All Odahviing could do was laugh. His laugh resounded throughout all of Tronjheim.
"Your cunning has only grown with time, Dovahkiin."
"You are the only one here who can protect Murtagh and Thorn both. From what I have been told. Murtagh had many opportunities to abandon you, to leave you at the mercy of the Empire, at the hands of Galbatorix hands. Yet throughout all that time, he had stood fast beside you as a true friend. He cared for you when your ribs were broken. He rescued you from Durza. He has shown his friendship and loyalty. Are you going to let him stand alone now? What if they do execute Murtagh and Thorn for his father's crimes. What if you learn your father would be someone the Dwarves or Varden would want dead. How could you trust them with your safety if they find out? Am I not right, Ajihad, King Hrothgar?"
Turning behind him, Ajihad and Hrothgar were approaching. Looking at the smaller Dwarf. He had a massive hammer; he carried himself with an air of authority. He wore an ornate crown on his head, and behind him was a precision of guards. Leonde, of course, brought his feet together as Eragon noticed his heavy boots made no sound on the hard stone floor. Leonde brought his right hand up to his chest and began a formal bow to the Dwarven King. Leonde, however, never took his eyes off of the King.
After a few moments, Hrothgar Said, "At least your etiquette is not lacking. You have arrived at a most inopportune time."
Lifting from his bow Leonde said, placing his hands on his armored hips, "I thought I arrived just in time. And I did not arrive empty-handed." Coming over to Odahviing, Leonde had prepared for this and figured that this might be of help. The dragon put out his massive legs and lay on his belly. The scales scraped and scuffed the floor as Leonde took hold of an enormous chest of fine steel and iron. The trunk looked like it could easily hold the armor and swords Leonde wielded twice over as Hrothgar watched him set it down. Pulling out a key, he began to unlock the chest, and then, turning it around and presenting it, he lifted up the massive lid.
The light sparkled on Leonde like a mass of stars as he stood back and showed a chest full of precious gems. Looking at them, even Arya was taken aback. "Precious gems, amethysts, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Garnets, pearls. Both cut and uncut gems. My arrival was no accident. My Gift to you, King Hrothgar, and to you, Ajihad. With the destruction of your suppliers, I imagine you are strapped for Gold and Silver."
Coming to take three chests from the back of Odahviing, he opened up the chests and showed one to be full of gold ingots, the other silver ingots. And the final one, full of Gold and Silver Coins. "Part of my fortune. Twenty years of adventures and military service, one-tenth of my absolute fortune."
"One-tenth?" Finally, Eragon looked Leonde over, and despite the appearance of his armor, the black and curved style reminded Eragon of a monster, "Are you a prince or king?" It made sense to Eragon. Leonde carried himself as a noble, a leader.
Lowering his head, Leonde said, "No, But I am a man of considerable influence. Much of my treasure is from adventuring, some plunder from war. The rest from crafting and commissions from other people, such as nobles desiring a suit of Daedric armor. The other chests contain the items and materials I will need to forge the armor and swords for the new riders." Having addressed Eragon.
"Daedric Armor?" Arya asked.
"The armor and weapons I wear and wield are called Daedric, Armor forged with a magical ritual. So strong not even a dragon can bite through Daedric armor. When the ritual is complete, the armor is infused with magic, and as it hardens, it twists and turns. Kings will pay a fortune for a single Daedric weapon or armor. But we are off-topic. Your Highness, When did Morzan fall to the agents of the Varden? How old was Murtagh?" Leonde looked to King Hrothgar as he ran his hand through the gems holding them up and allowing them to fall. His hand had dug deeply into the chest to see the level of Gift he had been presented with.
Hrothgar looked to Leonde, then Ajihad, who said, "Murtagh was three when Morzan fell to Brom."
"How old was Morzan when he died?"
"Over a century," Hrothgar answered; both knew where Leonde was going. "He was still raised in the empire!"
"And Eragon wasn't? Carvahal is not part of the empire?"
"Carvahal is part of the empire. At a distant region, but part of the empire." Arya said.
"Has Murtagh committed any crimes against the Varden or Dwarves? I do not include his birth as part of it." Hrothgar and Ajihad knew that answer; they also knew they could not dissuade him. "You have one Rider and dragon. Eragon and Saphira, convincing Murtagh and Thorn to help will add to your strength. I am convinced the third dragon's egg will hatch soon. Adding yet another rider to your ranks. Then you have Odahviing and me. Are you willing to throw all that away over one petty act of revenge if you can not accept him? Let me take him away. Let me take him to Skyrim. He will never bother you again; he will never return to these lands. And never need to fear his father's legacy again. If it was not for Murtagh, as I understand it. Eragon would never have reached this place, nor would the green dragon egg. Both, perhaps the red egg may have fallen into Galbatorix's clutches. There were plenty of times Murtagh could have betrayed Eragon; you owe him that much." Leonde was utterly committed; both Hrothgar and Ajihad could see that Leonde was protecting Murtagh.
"Why did you come here? You said you used this Elder Scroll to travel here. Why. Have you come to take the Throne in Uru'baen?" Hrothgar asked.
Lifting up and exhaling, Leonde closed his eyes and opened them. "No. There is no title, no material that I came here for. I came here to be healed." He said and walked over to a wall.
"To be healed by war and conflict?" Ajihad asked.
"To be healed from anger and rage. The Aldmeri Dominion launched a war against the Imperial Dragon Empire. They did not like that a human hero, Tiber Septim, according to legend and lore, had ascended to godhood, and the eight divines became nine. The Empire was forced to sign a treaty outlawing Talos worship at sword point. " His eyes filled with rage and hatred; he looked at Arya as if he expected her to challenge him.
"Allowed free reign over the empire to stamp out Talos Worship. I saw... I saw so many horrors before the second war started. A human woman whose beauty was compared to an elven princess. She was charged with Talos worship and taken for re-education. The Elves placed a hot red iron mask on her face, trying to gain a confession. A young boy of 15, a sculptor, was said to create sculptures equal to the elven masters. He was arrested and charged with Talos Worship. They broke and shattered his hands to gain a confession."
Eragon looked to Arya as if to question if he might have been speaking the truth. Daring to touch his mind to hers. /~Can what he says be true?~/
Her reply came with great sorrow; /~It saddens me to say yes. Odahviing spoke with the same venom in his voice as Leonde. Across Alagaesia, humans in various regions have different customs and lifestyles. It is more than possible that my kin across whatever oceans they came from became more arrogant. He was right about one thing, my kin do carry themselves with an air of arrogance, but it is tempered with wisdom and culture.~/
"To make an overly long story Short, The Aldmeri Dominion helped stir up rebellion and entice dissent, often by arresting people like the sons of counts or others. Eventually, it broke out into a second war. A war that lasted nearly fifteen years. When we forced them into retreat from Skyrim. The Elves Salted fields and destroyed cities. Human captives were sealed inside temples of worship, inns, and taverns and then burned to the ground. The Mage College of Winterhold collapsed, and all the texts inside burned. The City of Solitude sat high upon a massive stone arch that stretched over ten miles long and two miles wide. They destroyed the arch collapsing the City and killing thousands in the capital of Skyrim. I witnessed acts of barbarism I dare not repeat."
"Are you implying you are without similar crimes, for I know war breeds butchers on all sides." Ajihad accused.
"The Imperial Legion does use torture which I abhorred, and I did all I could to abolish that practice. I had other ways of obtaining useful information from captives. But enough of this, I gave you my answer. It may be Arya's people who can heal my spiritual wounds. Eragon, what is your choice?"
Turning to face Eragon, eyes dead set. "Does Murtagh have your protection? How can you trust the Varden and Dwarves when they want to execute Murtagh and his dragon for his father's crimes? What if you find out that your father is guilty of similar crimes?"
Leonde noticed many things at this point; Eragon's eyes glanced to Saphira, and the two were having a private conversation. Leonde took in how the subtle movements came in; the conversation was only a few moments. "Leonde's is correct. What if we find out I am someone who has committed terrible crimes or a general that inflicts horrible losses on the Dwarves in our fights against Galbatorix. What protection would I have that I could trust? Saphira and I owe Murtagh our lives and freedom several times over."
Arya also spoke up. "There had been many times that Murtagh could have betrayed Eragon. The Twins did not expect Murtagh to ever show up here; they were as genuinely surprised as you were, Ajihad."
Realizing that Eragon had valid concerns and that Leonde was highly skilled at manipulating this situation. Both Hrothgar and Ajihad knew that Leonde would not allow Murtagh to be harmed and had turned this against them. Now, if either of them moved against Murtagh, they would risk alienating Eragon and Saphira. "If he harms my people or the Varden, I'll have your head and the head of your dragon friend," Hrothgar said coldly.
That got a dark chuckle from Odahviing. "You vastly underestimate the power of the Dovahkiin and my power."
"Now that that is settled. Where are Murtagh and Thorn? Furthermore, where is the Green Dragon Egg?"
"Murtagh and Thorn are being held this way." Leonde caught the tone of annoyance in Ajihad's voice, but he would address it later. "The Green Dragon egg is being held under guard."
"Arya, go to the egg. I am very sure it will hatch for you."
"I carried the dragon eggs for fifteen years; why would one hatch for me now?" She asked.
"Intuition. Instinct." Leonde said. Arya looked at Leonde, then at Ajihad, and finally, she moved away from the group.
"You will have much to explain if your... instinct proves correct," Hrothgar said.
"We shall see." Was all Leonde's Reply.
The pair had not been poorly treated despite being in a cell with Thorn across the hall. Thankfully the two of them had been allowed to stay together until Arya could meet with them. A safety precaution, both for their safety and the safety of those around them. They had been told they would be treated well if they caused no trouble and did not try to escape. If not for the bars, the place might be comfortable. He had been surprised that the bed had been improved, that he was brought three square meals daily, and that Thorn was feeding well. The fact that he was allowed to read surprised him. As he wondered when he would meet with Arya, he could hear a thumping echo in the area. He also noticed that the ale he was drinking produced rings similar to what he expected to come from a stone thrown into the water.
Finally, the door to the area began to open up; finally, a dwarf and a man came inside. The jailers said. "You and Thorn are being released. You are being expected outside." Coming over to the cell, It was opened up as Murtagh took hold of his shirt and put it on. Murtagh and Thorn looked at each other and nodded. Slowly the pair began to make their way through the door.
Turning the corner, Murtagh and Thorn first saw Eragon and Saphira, but something else drew their instant attention. Murtagh and Thorn were left surprised. A man with black hair stood before them. Running down the left side of his face was a jagged scar that cut deeply into his face running from his scalp down over his left eye and trailing down his cheek. His sky-blue eyes shined with power and strength, and his tanned complexion was hard and chiseled. Murtagh recognized the soldier's stance.
His armor had red highlights across much of the armor. The blood red and black formed a fearsome contrast to each other. The jagged pauldrons, the tight form-fitting chest piece, and the gauntlets reached down to his fingers, creating clawed tips to his hands. The greaves protect his legs and boots. The armor was befitting any of the forsworn. For a brief moment, thoughts of his father came to mind as he realized what was next to him.
As thick as a tree truck were the legs of a red dragon. Claws almost the size of a man tapped and clicked on the ground. The dragon's scales were thick and robust as Murtagh and Thorn looked up ten feet, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five feet before he reached the bend of the leg. Another ten feet before he could see the massive scaled chest. Expanding and contracting with each breath as the enormous chest came up to a long next.
Finally, at what Murtagh had to guess was perhaps nearly seventy-five feet, maybe more. He could see the massive dragon looking down at him. White teeth were shown in his maw as smoke left the nose of the mighty dragon. Thorn and Murtagh held their place as the head of the massive dragon came down, showing two blood-red eyes. His features were as solid and feral, a far image from Saphira's graceful flowing form. He said to Murtagh and Thorn's shock, "Drem Yol Lok, Greetings. Dovah Zeymah."
Then the dragon instantly looked at Murtagh and turned to face him as he inhaled through his nose deeply. The force of the Inhaled scent very profoundly filled his lungs as Murtagh expected a massive gout of fire to be exhaled. Lifting his head up. And in a deep booming voice, he said. "Dovahkiin, Nust kos Zeymah ov Sus!"
Turning to the dragon, the armored man said, "Zeymah?!" And at that point turned to look at Eragon; Murtagh watched him turn and look back and forth between Him and Eragon. And after a few moments. He said, looking at Murtagh. "Yes..."
"What did he say, Leonde?" The soft voice of Arya came to Murtagh and Thorn's ears as the pair looked over to see her holding a small emerald-green dragon in her arms. That surprised him as Leonde placed his hands on his hips. The fact that she had a green dragon hatchling in her arms only shocked Ajihad and Hrothgar.
"Eragon, you said your mother left you in Carvahal in the care of your aunt and uncle. Do you know the name of your mother?" Leonde said, and when Eragon started asking why, Leonde noted, "Her name, now!"
Giving in, Murtagh listened and was shocked when Eragon spoke the one name he never expected to hear. "Her name was Selena." Even Ajihad was forced to recoil. As Leonde turned to face Ajihad.
"You know the name?" Leonde asked Ajihad
Inhaling deeply, "Yes. Selena was also the name of Morzan's Black hand and the wife of Morzan, Father of Murtagh!" Ajihad was clearly tense and looking between Murtagh and Eragon now.
"Odahviing said, They are brothers of blood." Leonde explained, "Odahviing's senses are strong enough to smell the kinship in their blood." Orik and Hrothgar seemed reasonably upset.
As Eragon could only look at Murtagh, they were shocked at the possibility of kingship. It was Ajihad who snapped them out of their recovery. "Arya, Do you know any magic that can prove or disprove this?"
"I do, but I would need a drop of their blood to cast the spell."
"I will get it," Leonde spoke sharply. "Right now, I do not trust anyone near either Eragon or Murtagh."
Murtagh watched as Leonde came and approached Murtagh, presenting a steel dagger handle first to Murtagh. Looking at Eragon, he swallowed as he took hold of the dagger. To Murtagh, it made sense why his mother had died. She had discovered she was pregnant and chose to leave. And after giving birth, the stress and her rapid return took a toll that cost her her life.
He ran the edge of the dagger along his right palm, which was surprisingly razor sharp along the blade; it sliced, leaving a trail of blood on it, and gave it back to Leonde. Leonde brought up his left hand as he healed the injury on his hand, casting a spell without words. Which surprised Murtagh even more, but it was lost on him as he could feel emotions boiling within him. His mother had whisked Eragon to safety and left him.
It was Thorn who tempered Murtagh's emotions. /~Murtagh, Morzan rarely allowed your mother to see you. Morzan never gave her a chance to take you to safety. And I am positive if she had been able to, she would have rescued you as well~/
Murtagh's temper was abated and held in check, but if it was true...
Bringing the blade to Eragon as he hesitantly cut his left palm. As Leonde healed Eragon, he handed the dagger with some hesitation to Arya. She lifted her right hand, which held a silver mark identical to his own and Eragon's.
.
The blade lifted as she worked a spell that spun the knife mid-air. The words she spoke with incredible softness and then with some composure. "They are brothers." And that made everyone recoil. Even Eragon and Murtagh stepped back from each other.
At that point, Saphira stepped in, mentally and physically roaring out. /~No! Eragon is not the son of Morzan! He is the son of Brom~/ It made everyone recoil as they looked at Saphira. As she glared at Leonde. Approaching Saphira, Leonde said.
"Dovah Saphira. Would I put all this effort into ensuring Murtagh's protection and not be willing to protect Your rider? But you knew of this; you and Eragon held a private council. You are the one who encouraged him to offer his protection to Murtagh."
She opened her blue eyes in shock and surprise. "How long have you known Murtagh was Eragon's Brother? Speak openly and truthfully." Murtagh and Thorn glanced at each other, and then Murtagh spoke up.
"When I was forced to reveal my identity as Morzan's son in the valley to you. You knew, didn't you, Saphira?!"
Her eyes turned to Murtagh, and then she relented. /~Brom made me take an oath not to reveal it unless Eragon's life was in danger.~/ She explained.
/~Yes, I suspected strongly. Brom said that he had fallen in love with Selena, and she bore him a child, Eragon. Knowing she was the wife of Morzan, and when I realized you were the son of Selena, it was the reason... I did not kill you when I discovered you were Morzan's Son. When Eragon found you are his brother, he would never have forgiven me. And it's why I encouraged him to protect you.~/
Leonde had asked for a summary on Brom and when he learned that Brom was a rider with a sapphire blue dragon, who was also the founder of the Varden. The man who killed Morzan First and last of the Forsworn and father of Murtagh. It made Odahviing and Leonde Laugh aloud. With Odahviing saying, "Orin brit ro!"
A look to Leonde, who translated. "A fully beautiful balance, the dragon phrase for irony. This could only be more ironic if Saphira had hatched for Murtagh and Thorn for Eragon."
Murtagh was a bit overwhelmed. Thorn was almost as confused as Murtagh was, and Finally, Murtagh asked, "Will someone explain to me what the hell is going on? I know that Thorn and I have been released and that you," Murtagh pointed to Leonde, "Somehow arranged it. Now apparently, it turns out that Eragon and I are Brothers? Or half Brothers?"
With that, Arya explained to Murtagh roughly what had happened with Leonde and Odahviing's Arrival, including the Twin's treachery. And the apparent support of Leonde and his Dragon ally Odahviing. When Murtagh realized that he had failed to Kill Durza. "I knew it; somehow, I hadn't killed him. If I had known, I would have aimed for the heart."
Ajihad spoke up. "Galbatorix has made knowing such things very difficult. With the Urgals baring down on us, Are you willing to help us fight?"
Looking at Ajihad with a bit of a glare. "I don't really have much choice, do I?"
"Yes, you do. With the same power that helped me arrive here, I can try to send you and Thorn to Skyrim. If that is what you want. Never again will you need to fear being judged for the blood in your veins. I can give you writs of passage. I am a person of considerable influence there."
"The same land where your people kill dragons; how could you be sure that both Murtagh and Thorn would be safe?" Arya asked.
"Not entirely, but I could ensure his safety in the Hold of Whiterun. The Jarl's Palace there once held a dragon; it's why it is called Dragonsreach. Presenting my letter to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, my reasons, I am very sure that he would allow Thorn to roost in the Palace.
So long as Thorn does not attack without justification and Murtagh obeys the laws of the hold. He would be able to settle in nicely. I would even gift Murtagh with my home there. Breezehome and all property therein. However." After turning away from Arya, she gestures to Ajihad to let him speak.
Listening to Leonde, Murtagh was breathing heavily as he could live as he wanted. But it sounded far too good to be true, "What's the catch?"
"The catch, as you so eloquently put it. Is threefold. First, I may not be able to send you to Skyrim. Second, if you leave now, you will be betraying your younger brother when he may need you the most at his side. Finally, if I succeed in sending you to Skyrim. In that case, there is a real possibility you may never return to Alagaesia, and the power of the Elder scroll is not precise in its use. But I am asking you for the time being to stay."
"Given that everyone here wants to kill me. Anyplace would be better than here."
Odahviing simply laughed out loud as Leonde bit his lip. "There are the Planes of Oblivion. Imagine a sea of fire dotted with small islands inhabited by rocky islands where the local inhabitants will constantly try to hunt you down and kill you. Such as the Deadlands of Mehrunes Dagon. The Endless libraries of Apocrypha realm of Hermaeus Mora. So yes, you could end up in a place worse than here. But I would be going with you to ensure you get where you want. But I would be returning to Alagaesia. Attempting to use artifacts in these ways is not always successful. I could have ended up in Galbatorix's Throne room."
Coming up as Thorn showed no fear of Leonde as the young red dragon asked. /~You had asked us to stay; why?~/
"Thorn, I know your riders owe these lands nothing but his scorn. I am asking you to stay. To fight beside your rider's brother at least one last time. To journey with us to learn about being a Dragon Rider. If you leave now, those are skills and abilities you and Murtagh will never get a chance to learn. You also have to have questions for Eragon. Questions you will never have answered and may regret for a long time. Once your Rider training is complete, I will come back here with you and Thorn if you still desire to leave. And do my best to send you to Skyrim. And in the course of your training, you may find a reason to stay and fight, Or maybe convince Eragon and Saphira to join you."
Listening to Leonde, Murtagh could only think of the words. Running them through his here as Leonde turned to Thorn. "And you, Thorn, how long did Galbatorix hold your egg before you were snatched away? How many of your kin died at his hands, the hands of the Foresworn? How many eggs were smashed and destroyed? Are you going to let them go unavenged?"
"I am asking you both to stay for the time being," Leonde asked.
Thoughts and emotions ran through Murtagh's head as he listened to Leonde. With bated breath Murtagh finally said. "Alright, I'll stay and fight beside Eragon once more. But once my training is complete by the elves. Beyond that, I make no promises. But I want something. Zar'roc. Brom stole it from my father's corpse. Eragon has no right to it. It's my inheritance, not his."
Taken back by Murtagh's demand as Leonde said, "It is his by right of Blood Eragon, But you don't want a butchery tool as your weapon Murtagh." Coming over to Odahviing, Leonde pulled down from a wrapped brown cloth. Eragon, with some reluctance, began unstrapping Zar'roc from his belt, handing the sheathed blade over to Murtagh.
"These are the weapons you three will use for the coming battle." And Leonde began to unfold the cloth and pulled out Three silvered blades. Handing one to Murtagh, who was surprised, To Eragon and Arya.
"They will serve you will until I can form you three weapons befitting your status. The enchantment on them is very deadly."
Leonde said, "Made of a unique Silver and Steel alloy blend, they are much much stronger than either metal is separate. The Enchantments are standard to what the Imperial Legion uses. A Dispel Magic and a Disintegrate Armor enchantment. It allows the swords to penetrate armor and strike through magical protection. Unlike the magical Jewelry I give you, there is a limit to the magic power. They can strike for up to two hundred and fifty strikes. Once the magic is depleted, it will take three to four days to fully recover." It was at this point that Leonde pulled out some Jewelry.
He produced Two gold rings with Rubies, a gold amulet with rubies, and a circlet with rubies in his right hand. And in his left hand made a set with emeralds. And Leonde explained, at that point, the protective spells on them. Murtagh donned immediately. Leonde had told Arya he took his craft of forging and enchantment with absolute seriousness. That was the one thing that was more important to him.
Drawing the blades, Murtagh could feel it was a bit heavier than Zar'rok, but the silvered blade was intricately wrought. The grip was designed with depressions and grooves in the metal. Rounded and polished. Raised bumps helped provide a grip on leather or bare skin without needing a leather wrap around the handle. Although that could be placed if desired. The cross guard was perfectly forged, curved upward to the blade, and then folded over, an intricate design of veins and lines, all wrapped together in an intricate pattern. The scabbard had a beautiful silver mouthpiece the length of a man's hand and a blade protector of finely wrought silver. The same silver designs were on the material, providing a perfect match. The main body of the scabbard was of a well-aged black hardwood.
Drawing the blade, it shimmered with a reddish glow before it faded almost entirely. Only a slight hint of it was there, as Leonde said. "When it glows like that, you know it still has a charge to strike with the enchantment." the blade had a delicate balance with the balance just in front of the guard. The sword rested on Arya's finger and balanced perfectly.
"A masterfully crafted blade." Arya said, "Indeed, you do take your craft seriously."
"Wait until I craft good swords befitting your stations. Then you will see my true skill." Leonde said.
"Why would you give us such gifts?" Eragon asked finally.
"You are no good to anyone if you are dead besides being an unexpected guest arriving with such an intrusion as I had. Baring gifts is a good way to soothe frayed tempers."
Hours passed, and as time passed, the Dwarves and Varden prepared for battle. At some point, Leonde had gotten word of a Dwarf running out of the tunnels, giving confirmation on the invasion. It was estimated that they would be arriving in less than six hours. For the most part, Leonde had insisted that Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira, and Thorn rest for three to four hours. With the aid of Odahviing and Saphira, all but three of the tunnels into Farthen Dur had collapsed. Arya had gone with Murtagh and Thorn to help dig areas where they would put spikes. The Dwarves were hard to impress, but more often than not, Odahviing simply used Bend Will to cause the caves to collapse in on themselves. A few more, he walked past, and with his tail collapsing, the tunnels with a slam from the massive tail.
Now that Farthen Dur was readied, Leonde rejoined Eragon and Murtagh. They were coming down from their rest and recuperation. Thorn was half the size Saphira was, and it concerned Leonde, who did not want the small young dragon injured in the fight. Thorn could carry Murtagh's weight, but unlike Saphira, there was no armor for a dragon of Thorn's size. He had tried to convince Thorn to remain in the Dragonhold with Arya's young dragon. But Thorn said he would not cower and hide and would stay by his rider's side.
It made Leonde comment, "You are as stubborn as Odahviing." It left Leonde in a challenging position. In front, Thorn could be cut down by a hail of arrows. Leonde had taken council with Ajihad and Hrothgar. Alongside the riders themselves. And Leonde said that he had fought beside dragons before and freely offered his council. Leonde gave his advice on the three fronts. Ajihad and Odahviing would stand there; he, Saphira, Thorn, Eragon, Murtagh, and Arya would focus on the middle. Eragon and Saphira would be up front beside Leonde, Arya, Murtagh, and Thorn would hang back tangling with those who funneled around him and Eragon and Saphira.
Hrothgar would take the third area with his force of dwarves.
When the Suits of Armor arrived for Eragon and Murtagh courtesy of Hrothgar. Leonde began to inspect them both, pointing out the strengths of the light suits of armor and their fine construction. Admitted, He would be eager to learn some dwarven secrets of the forge. Perhaps sharing his own in return. The compliments had pleased Orik and Hrothgar. Then came the armor for Saphira. Leonde was very critical of it. Odahviing seemed amused that the Dovah would wear such contraptions in these lands. Leonde countered, "If the Dovah of Tamirel wore similar, chances are that many of the dragons I felled would still be alive, and chances good I would be dead."
"Not when you have the power of Dragonrend at your command."
When questioned on Dragonrend, Leonde said simply, "That is my secret. Leave it at that." Going into more details of the battle plan, Leonde said he would summon another dragon to the battlefield. This instantly drew the attention of everyone else. When asked about this dragon and why the dragon wasn't here already. Leonde simply smiled to explain.
"When Alduin was banished from the face of Nirn, his brethren turned on each other, battling each other for control of various areas. Without his strength to rule them. They began killing each other. One dragon, Durnehviir, chose to delve into the forbidden and ancient art of Necromancy."
The talk of Necromancy made Arya deadpan. She was horrified and shocked that a Dragon would delve into such forbidden magic. "So he traveled to the Soul Cairn, a realm of the walking dead. There he struck a deal with the lords of that land. The Ideal Masters would grant him the ability to summon armies of the undead; in exchange, he was to keep a woman, Valerica, until her death."
Odahviing laughed at this point as the sheer cruelty behind his laugh was clearly evident. Even Leonde's smile made everyone uneasy. "They neglected to tell Durnehviir that Valarica was immortal, undying. So he spent centuries, if not thousands of years. Until the flesh of his body rotted away, and he became Dur Neh Viir. Curse Never Dying."
Arya looked even more horrified at the implications. Everyone looked shocked and horrified, although Thorn and Saphira were the most shaken at the idea. Still, Arya asked, "You mean he is," Leonde interrupted her and said.
"Cursed with Undeath, " he said with an almost casual smile. "He fears nothing if he is destroyed; his spirit and body reform in the Soul Cairn, awaiting my next summons. He is a powerful ally."
"How can you control such a creature? Much less assure us it won't possess you and transform you into a shade?" Ajihad demanded to know.
"He is forever bound to the Soul Cairn. If he remains apart from it for too long, he will truly die." Leonde Explained. "So, in exchange for the few hours of freedom, I can grant him. He has agreed to serve me. And as for my trust in him, I don't trust him. I told him I would grant him the freedom of the skies but expected his total obedience. And if he ever betrayed me, I would ensure he would never leave the Soul Cairn again." Leonde said harshly.
"I find more than a little difficult to believe such things exist." King Hrothgar said.
"Would you like a demonstration that there are being and realms out there you have not yet encountered?"
"Aye, that I would."
Thinking for a few moments before selecting his chosen spell. His right hand was enveloped in a purple swirling mist of energy. Collecting his magic before casting his spell at the ground, a figure in armor similar to what he wore appeared. Red and black skin with horns upon his head appeared, and a massive two-handed greatsword rested on his back.
"How dare you summon me, worm! Lord Dagon will feast..."
"Silence," Leonde commanded in a soft voice which instantly shut up.
The presence of the being allowed everyone to watch and study the being, as Arya recoiled in fear after touching its mind. "What is that thing..." she demanded.
"That is a Dremora. One of the servants of the Daedric Prince Mehrune's Dagon, Lord of the deadlands. Daedric Prince of destruction, change, revolution, energy, and ambition. There are more things out there than you can imagine." With a wave of his hand, the being vanished in a burst of purple energy leaving those shaken.
Lifting his helmet up and placing it upon his head, Leonde said, "Enough, now we must prepare for the coming battle." The black chain mail from the helm slid into the armored back as he secured his helm. After the discussion, Leonde was intent on getting them ready for battle.
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Replies from old story.
RE: Eragon95159 - That would be interesting but I already did something similar with Inheritance of Skyrim. As for the concept, not entirely my thing. I had thought of Akatosh granting Thorn the ability to speak in that, but realized it would make him far far too powerful at the start. In Alagaesia, Dragons are magic incarnate, it would be like starting a level 1 character in skyrim with all magic schools at 100, with every perk in them bought along with every spell.
RE: Ghost Dragon Master - Thank you for your continued support. And yes, my Grammar was pretty bad, let's be honest (I do know we are our own worst critics too).
RE: Selet - You have all kinds of people when it comes to fans, at one extreme end, Those who adhear to strict canon, IE you should only have the cross over character as a passenger who stays out of the way and never becomes more powerful than main characters. And has no effect on the over all plot or growth of the character, and especially the outcome. To the other end, To those who believe that such an inserted character should utterly dominate the story and control everything. As far as your point on their powers I even stated such at the beginning of the story Leonde is at the height of his power. You are very correct, especially on Alduin. You can not so much as harm him without him being under the effect of the Dragonrend shout. If Alduin arrived in Alagaesia when Eragon found Saphira's Eggs, Durza would be an Hors d'oeuvre (keep in mind, Alduin consumed souls in Sovengard). Durza wouldn't survive that. And a fight between Galbatorix/Shruiken and Alduin would last only so long as the fight amused Alduin. And I do not feel Alduin would be amused for very long.
Replys from Revised 2.0
RE: Clown2107 - I am intending to completed it. I just need to adjust things a touch in later chapters, to avoid being written into a corner at the end. I wanted to make him a bit more diplomatic (have matured irl, before I have to admit I was writing what seemed cool, not what made sense), even if the only progress he has in speech craft is to get the intimidation perk. They are four legged dragons. I said I was never a fan of Wyvern style dragons that holds true.
RE: XxKurouxX - Thank you. Now that my life has settled down I hope the writing bug will stay.
RE: Fyr RedNight - Thank you very much.
RE: IcelandicDragon217 - Thank you, that means alot to me.
RE - Thank you.