(A/N) SO! Yes, if you didn't realize it before, I am a Morzan fanboy. In the process of writing him I just really fell in love with his character. But the Morzan flashbacks (Morzback . . . flashzans? Yeah, Flashzans.) The Flashzans will reveal more about the history leading up to Galbatorix's rebellion. Some other news . . . An artist has agreed to collaborate with me to illustrate one of my story pitches! It is a manga-styled comic taking place in Japan. Also, if any of you are artists and want to work on a new concept with me, don't hesitate to ask. I'm really looking for talented artists to bring some ideas to life. So if you want to do something like that and have at least an hour a week to commit, feel free to message me! Even if you're just curious about some of my ideas, go ahead and message. Anyyywho , like I said I will be adding Brisingr. So the rewrite trilogy is in fact now a cycle. Also! I will be working on making the chapters longer, so that the amount of chapters people see isn't too huge. I know some people wanted me to make a new thread, but I have 32k+ views on this one and I loathe to let all those views go to waste. Anyway, enjoy!)
The battle was lost. Lorgainne pressed his spurs into the sides of his horse, panting heavily as streams of fire fell around him. They exploded into the ground with violent wroth, sending shards of rock-like shrapnel into the eyes of men who wore no head coverings. Gusts of wind tainted with flames licked at his back, while his two companions were huddled to his chest. Lorgainne steered his horse with one hand on the reigns, the hard rope wrapped around his wrist.
Roran. What happened to you, Roran?
He had left with Morzan after the battle began. They were losing steadily when the Forsworn had returned. Morzan turned the battle quickly into his favor. Newlyn was burned alive within his bone armor. Fields of men were turned into smoking pools of blood so hot it thickened into a wet and rubbery substance that halted any survivors from fleeing as their boots stuck into the sanguine mire. Lorgainne could feel the heat gaining on him. Screams beat at his ears as he rode, the horse that carried him whinnying frantically as hooves dug against the earth. He could see the township of Gil'ead now: Far away and untouched by the battle that had destroyed their last defense, their last hope.
The North was lost. The only thing that stood between the Empire and complete conquest was Pike's hold; a well-defended but isolated fort that could not withstand Morzan's onslaught.
I need to find Katrina. I owe Roran that much. Lorgainne hardened his gaze towards Gil'ead with newfound resolve. Fellow routing men rode past him, faces haggard with hollow eyes. For now, Morzan's rage seemed to be directed on the hundreds of men still on the battlefield who were slowly burning to death; their skin turned into black crisps over dried muscle and bone. Lorgainne traveled over a steep hill, and crossed a wide plain. He splashed across a small torrent, the water giving him a quick and cooling respite. Soon, the sounds of battle were faraway memories, a horrid dream from another age.
But Lorgainne knew what was coming. He lashed his reins harder as the horse bobbed its head underneath him, mane waving in the wind as they ran in unison. He came upon the gates as he saw a sentry poke his head from underneath the roof of a turret.
"Sound the alarm! Everyone must flee!" Lorgainne cried. The man nodded quickly as he ran across the wall's battlements, ringing bells that were at the four corners of the stone barricade. The iron portcullis was drawn open agonizingly slow, while the few scattered survivors rode up on Lorgainne. His eyes passed over them all: They were of varying ages, true distinguishing features distorted by smut that covered their faces. They all had a look of confusion and bewilderment to them, while they panted to catch their breath.
"Magebane, what happened to Magebane?" One of them cried.
"I saw him carried off by Morzan." Another with blonde hair stained by ash noted.
"Roran Magebane is dead." Lorgainne said as he turned his head to see the gates fully opened.
"Gather your families and flee." He sped off without a second word. News of the defeat spread around the town quicker than the fires that decimated Lorgainne's armies. Lorgainne watched as women, children, and old men ran in the streets, packing food stuffs and other supplies onto carriages and wagons. Town guardsmen attempted to regain control, but there was no chance of that happening. Gil'ead was ablaze with fear. Some people rushed towards the castle, only to find the gates closed to them.
They are better off running into the forest. Any fool who locks himself within that stone crypt will be cooked alive.
Lorgainne wheeled his horse around and traveled down the dirt roads that laced between humble dwellings. He came upon Roran's home quickly, dismounting and gently placing his fox and badger onto the ground. Their fur reeked of fire, but they looked at him with brave determination as he racked on Roran's door.
"Katrina! KATRINA!" Lorgainne bellowed. Soon, the door opened and Lorgainne regarded Katrina with frenzied eyes.
"What has happened . . . " She began as she noticed the people running about on the streets. She placed a protective hand on her stomach.
"The battle was lost. Morzan has defeated us. He is occupied now, and we have only this small window of escape. Even if we get away, I am not sure if our continued survival is guaranteed." Lorgainne glanced behind him as two young men beat an older woman to steal her donkey.
"There is little time." He pressured. Katrina stepped backwards into her home.
"What . . . where is Roran? Where is Roran, Lorgainne?" Katrina's eyes grew a veil of water, and eventually drops of tears marked her fair face with dark impressions.
" . . . He was taken by Morzan. The Forsworn then returned to the battle alone. I am sorry, Katrina. Roran was killed. No doubt he fought bravely." Lorgainne bowed his head as sadness took him. Roran had become a friend to Lorgainne, and the bloodmage would miss him dearly. But he dare not take time to mourn the man now- not when he could save the woman Roran had loved.
"No . . . no! Roran he promised me he would be safe, he promised!" Katrina attempted to shut the door on Lorgainne.
"He is dead, Katrina. He died protecting you. Do not let his sacrifice be in vain. You must gather what you can and come with me. Come with me and live." Lorgainne looked at her as he could see a thousand thoughts racing through her head. Finally, with tears streaming down her face, she nodded.
"I need a moment." She whispered as she turned into the wooden home. Lorgainne turned his attention back to his horse.
Two men were attempting to steal it.
"Hey!" Lorgainne screamed as one of them tried to calm the animal as it reared. A second man clung to the saddle of the horse, bouncing about wildly. Lorgainne stretched out his hand towards the two thieves.
"Stenya Atal!" He cried as the men were lifted into the air and thrown down the street. They were nearly trampled by oxen, narrowly scrambling out of the way as the man that drove the beasts swore. At that moment, Katrina materialized out from her home, a small bag in her arms.
"I'm ready." She said quietly. Lorgainne soothed his steed, who stilled to his touch and words. He clambered up on the saddle, and gave a hand to Katrina. She climbed up behind him, hugging his waist as he fled Gil'ead. As Lorgainne crossed the plains, he lowered his head in concentration.
Roran's brother is in Du Weldenvarden. That is the safest place in the realm right now. I only hope I can make it there alive.