Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts, the Characters, or any Game, Movie, or TV Show content that are mentioned in this FanFiction story. They belong to their respective owners and I honor respect their great works.
The day was gray and overcast with a cutting wind as Devon, Eragon, Brom, and Saphira began with their journey to the Varden. Eragon and Brom rode their horses on the ground while Devon and Saphira followed them from high above, flying often ahead to scout for danger. They traveled in silence, yet concentrated on speed, covering as much distance as they could. To help pass the time of the long travel, Eragon asked Brom more about the dragons.
"So what exactly can dragons do? You said you knew of their abilities." Eragon asks
Brom laughed with his sapphire ring flashing in the air as he gestured.
"Unfortunately, it's a pitiful amount compared to what I would like to know. People have been trying to seek answers for centuries, so understand that what I tell you is by its very nature incomplete. Dragons have always been mysterious, though not as much as the Keyblade, but not on purpose. Before I can truly answer your question, you'll need a basic education on the subject of dragons. It's hopelessly confusing to start in the middle of such a complex topic without understanding the foundation on which it stands. I'll begin with the life cycle of dragons, and if that doesn't wear you out, we can continue to another topic." Brom says
The old man explained how dragons mated and what it took for them to hatch.
"When a female dragon lays an egg, the infant inside is ready to hatch. But it waits, sometimes years, for the right circumstances. When dragons lived in the wild, those circumstances were usually dictated by food. However, when they formed an alliance with the Keyblade Wielders and the elves, a certain number of eggs, usually one or two were given to the Riders each year. These eggs, or rather the infants inside, wouldn't hatch until the person is destined to be its Rider came into their presence, though how they sensed that isn't known. People usually lined up to touch the eggs, hoping that one might hatch for them." Brom says
Eragon actually felt honored as he looked at the blue dragoness as she flew overhead with the Keyblade Wielder on her back. Of all the people in Alagaësia, Saphira had chosen him. He wondered how long she had been waiting, and shuddered at the thought of being cramped inside an egg, surrounded by darkness. Brom continued on with his lecture, going on about what and when dragons ate. A fully grown sedentary dragon could go months without eating, but during mating season they had to eat every week. Some plants they ingest could heal their sickness, while others made them ill. There was also various ways to care for their claws and clean their scales. Brom also explained the techniques of attacking from a dragon, what to do if you were fighting one, whether on foot, horseback, or with another dragon. Their bellies were armored, but not their armpits. Eragon constantly interrupted to ask questions, and Brom was pleased by the inquiries.
In the air, Devon had his own conversations with Saphira. He explained that he was also a dragon rider, but the bond between him and his dragon was different. His heart was connected to Luna, but his life force wasn't magically bound to her like it was for Eragon and Saphira, much to his great relief, so he didn't have to worry about her dying along with him. He also explained what kind of dragon Luna was, her size, how skilled of a fighter she was, her speed in flight, her blue fire breath, all of this she was compared to Saphira. The blue dragoness was very interested and curious to hear about another dragoness who was just as beautiful and strong as her.
"A Night Fury? Such a mysterious name for a species of dragon, yet it sounds fierce. Hmm... Well, I guess that explains how you know so much about dragons." Saphira says
"If it wasn't for Luna, I wouldn't have known about dragons as much as I do now. She was the first one I met when I started my journey as a Keyblade Wielder and she stood by my side ever since. I couldn't have asked for a better partner." Devon says
"The two of you sound very close. You must love her very much." Saphira says
"Heh. You have no idea." Devon says
"I would certainly like to meet your dragon someday, Devon. It would be nice to fly alongside a Keyblade Wielder and another female dragon." Saphira says
Devon smiled at the thought of riding Luna again. He missed her so.
"Yeah. That would be nice." Devon says
Hours later, the heroes traveled along a misty road in a forest when Eragon and Brom heard a noise from further up the road.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa." Brom says
Eragon and Brom slowed their horses to a stop and listened quietly. They could hear screaming and roars up ahead. The heroes were now on high alert.
"This way." Brom says
Curious to investigate, Brom leads Eragon off the road and up the nearby hill to their left where they could hide away in the trees.
In the skies above, Devon and Saphira could also hear the panicked screams. Glancing down, they could see something happening on the road below them. Cautiously, the blue dragoness descends lower to give themselves a better look.
Down below, Eragon and Brom hide their horses behind a rocky hill and climb up. Peeking over the top, they saw a group of Urgals ransacking a group of travelers on the road, tearing apart wagons, baskets, and tossing things everywhere as if they were looking for something. Devon and Saphira could also see this as they glided quietly overhead. It seemed as though Durza had sent them to find the heroes just as Brom predicted.
"Hey. You guys seeing this?" Devon asks
"Yeah. We do." Eragon says
The Keyblade Wielder stared down at the Urgals as they terrorized the travelers. If he had to guess, those must've been Urgals. At least now he knew what they looked like.
"Brom wasn't kidding when he said Urgals were violent monsters. I wish there was a way we could help those poor people." Devon says
"I do too, Devon, but we cannot risk revealing ourselves to our enemies." Saphira says
"Urgals. They're closer to us than we thought. We'd better stay off the road." Brom says
Brom climbs down while Eragon looks back at him.
"Why can't we take them?" Eragon asks
"Quiet!" Brom says in a hushed voice
Eragon climbs down and approaches Brom.
"Your not ready to take on anything yet." Brom say
A serious expression formed on Eragon's face and he grabs Brom by his right-arm, pulling him back to look him right in the eye.
"I've got skills. My cousin, Roran, and I. We've trained. With swords." Eragon says
The old man held an amused look as he could see the fire in his eyes. Maybe he was ready to learn some swordsmanship.
"Well, then, perhaps I've underestimated you." Brom says
With a calm smile, Brom turns and walks back to his horse with Eragon following him as they left to find some place more secluded.
Later on, the weather cleared and became bright and sunny as Eragon, Brom, Saphira and Devon met up near a small, rocky riverbed that flowed with a gentle stream. The Keyblade Wielder sat on a flat rock next to the blue dragoness, who was curled around him with her head over on his right, watching Eragon and Brom as they held a little sparring session, both wielding long wooden staves that were crudely shaped like swords.
"Right then. Let's see these 'skills' of yours." Brom says
"You know this won't be fair to you, old man." Eragon says
"Humor me." Brom says
Without thinking, Eragon attempts to hit Brom with a overhead strike, but the old man quickly dodges to the left and easily counters with a swift strike to Eragon's back, making him fall to his knees.
"Oh dear. I see the effects of your training." Brom says
"Here's a tip for you, Eragon: Never underestimate your foe, especially if he's an old man." Devon says
Eragon turns and looks up at Brom over his right-shoulder, then rises back up and swings at Brom with his stave. He was blocked by the old man, who parried his blow, but he manages to land a hit on the right-side of Brom's chest.
"Good. Good." Brom says pleased
Eragon goes for another overhead strike, but Brom parries the blow and counters with a right swing, causing the young teen to stumble forward. He spins around him and comes at Eragon with three more strikes.
"Don't... get... overconfident." Brom says with each strike
Eragon parries the blows, but he stumbles and falls backwards onto his rump. He quickly gets back up and comes back at Brom with a right swing, only to be parried. He then goes for his a third overhead strike, a low right swing at Brom's legs, and a left swing. The old man parries the first blow, moves back to evade the low strike, then blocks the third by holding his stave vertically, putting him and the teen into a blade lock. Brom held a satisfied expression. He was rather impressed.
"Mmm." Brom hums with a smile
Brom grabs Eragon by his right-arm, surprising him and holds him over the river with the back of his stave held at his chest.
"It won't be your cousin Roran you're fighting, and it won't be with wooden staves either." Brom says
The old man pulls the young rider back onto the river's shore and they nod their heads to a good training session. Suddenly, a blue blur flies past Eragon and Brom, much to their surprise. It was Soul Calibur, whose translucent crystal glistened brightly in the light of the sun. The Keyblade spins through the air and loops back around like a boomerang, flying past Eragon and Brom once more before it is caught by the right-hand of it's wielder: Devon, who stood from his rock with a smile ready for a challenge.
"Okay. Well, let's see how you fare against a Keyblade Wielder." Devon says
Brom smiled and nodded his head, accepting the challenge.
"All right, Devon. Let's see some of your skills." Brom says
The Keyblade Wielder and old man stood and faced each other while Eragon walked over to Saphira, joining her as they watched the sparring session. Devon spun his crystal Keyblade around in his right-hand and held it infront of him with both hands, while Brom held his wooden stave at his right-side with one hand.
Devon made the first move by lunging Soul Calibur at Brom with a thrusting strike. Brom evades the attack with a small jump to the left and counters with a right swing to Devon's back. Reacting quickly, Devon brings his crystal Keyblade over his head and vertically behind his back, blocking the stave just as it was about to hit him. He then whirls around and swings Soul Calibur with a right slash at Brom, who parries the blow. Devon follows up with a downward slash, a left-uppercut slash, and a reverse roundhouse slash. Brom blocks the first blow by holding his stave over his head, leans over to the left to dodge the second, and holds his stave to the left blocking the third blow.
Brom strikes back at Devon with a right and left swing, but the young teen jumps back, dodging both blows aimed at his stomach. Next, the old man attacks him with a downward and uppercut strike, which Devon parries both times leaning left and right. Aiming for his legs, Brom swings his stave with a low left sweeping strike, but the young teen jumps over the stave, then leaps back a few feet away just as Brom follows up with a right swing.
Devon leaps forward at Brom with a spinning jump strike, swinging Soul Calibur to the left, but the old man jumps back, evading the attack. Devon follows up with an right-uppercut slash and four left and right slashes. Brom leans his body to the right, dodging the first strike, then parries the rest with his stave.
Now, it was Brom's turn to attack. Advancing on Devon, the old man comes at the young teen with a downward strike, a left and right strike, and a roundhouse strike. Devon parries each of the first three blows, holding his Keyblade opposite of Brom's stave, and blocks the final one with a reverse roundhouse strike, putting both of them in a blade lock. The clash didn't last long as Devon leapt back away from Brom, landing crouched down a few feet away on the other side of the shore with the river's water to his back.
Already, Brom was impressed by Devon's skills. He was able to hold himself well against an opponent and he was fast in blocking his blows. Devon was definitely experienced with his Keyblade, and it was clear that he had excellent training in swordsmanship. Even Eragon and Saphira were impressed.
"Unbelievable! I never knew Devon was so skilled as a swordsman as he was a magician." Eragon says
"Indeed. Devon shows incredible talent, and he possesses great speed and strength, all gifts bestowed upon him by his Keyblade. Obviously, this little one has had lots of combat experience in his life." Saphira says
On his side of the sparring grounds, Devon rose and stood straight up on his feet. A grin formed on his face as he stared at Brom.
"Alright. Let's mix things up a little." Devon says
Devon stretches Soul Calibur out to his side and a bright flash of light engulfs the crystal Keyblade, transforming into it's Crystal Staff Form, surprising Eragon, Brom, and even Saphira, who let out an intrigued hum from her throat.
"That weapon truly contains incredible power." Saphira says
Devon twirls his crystal staff in his hand, spinning it around his body before bringing the weapon over to his right-side, gripping it in both hands with the head containing the crystal orb pointed at Brom. The old man raised his right-eyebrow with an amused expression before he got back into his stance.
Again, Devon attacked first as he leaps forward at Brom with a somersault before swinging his staff with an overhead strike. Brom jumps slightly to the left and blocks a right slash from the crystal staff. Devon twists his body around with a left and right strike, attacking with both ends of his staff, but Brom parries against the blows. He then follows up with an upward and downward strike, only to miss as the old man leans his body left and right.
Brom strikes back at Devon with a left-uppercut strike, but the young teen leans himself to the left and parries with his crystal staff. Then, Brom follows up with a left and right swing, and a downward strike. Devon evades the first two strikes with two small leaps backwards, then blocks the third by holding his staff horizontally infront of him, catching the stave with the right-side and putting the Keyblade Wielder and the old man in a blade lock.
A confident smile formed on Devon's face as he saw his chance. Swinging his staff to the left, he slides Brom's stave away, disarming him in the process, and trips the old man to the ground with a quick low sweeping kick from his right-foot, making him fall over on his back. Before he could get back up, Devon spins his staff around and points it down at Brom's chest.
Eragon couldn't believe what he saw. Devon, a young Keyblade Wielder, just defeated Brom, an old man, in a sparring session. Brom himself was most impressed and he had amused smile on his face.
"Hmm... Well done, Devon." Brom says
Devon smiles and de-summons Soul Calibur from his hand, then extends his right-hand down to Brom, who gladly accepts, and pulls him up onto his feet.
"It has been a very long time since I lost against a stronger opponent. You truly are talented with your Keyblade. The Varden would definitely benefit from your skills." Brom says
"Glad you enjoyed the show." Devon says
Brom extends his right-hand out to Devon, who accepts gladly, and they both shook hands to a well-fought training session. The old man smiles, and so does the young Keyblade Wielder.
Later that evening, Devon, Eragon, and Brom made camp and settled down in a forested area. Brom was preparing a fire using some brush of scrubs that was gathered. He held two stones in his hands, clacking them together to create a spark. Eragon sat and leaned against a tree on his left with his arms crossed, while Devon sat next to Saphira, leaning his back against her right-side.
"I could've beaten him. I just didn't want to hurt the old man." Eragon says
"Of course you could have." Saphira says
Eragon looked over at the blue dragoness and a thought crossed his mind. Ever since Saphira, but he hadn't seen her breathe a single flame. The question he wondered was why? Eragon turned to Brom, asking him if he knew anything.
"Don't dragons breathe fire?" Eragon asks
Brom looks up at Saphira for a brief second before returning back to his task.
"She's not old enough to sustain a flame." Brom says
The blue dragoness snorts a puff of smoke from her nostrils.
"Lucky for you." Saphira says
Devon chuckled and patted the blue dragoness' side twice with his left-hand.
"Don't worry, Saphira. I'm sure you'll get up to that point eventually." Devon says
After several failed attempts to light the fire using the two stones, Brom mutters a single word quietly under his breath.
"Brisingr." Brom mutters
A cascade of sparks appeared on the campfire and a small flame breathes to life. Devon notices what Brom did, as does Saphira, who growls gently, but they said nothing. Eragon noticed this as well and gets up, walking closer to the old man.
"How did you do that? What did you just do?" Eragon asks pointing to the campfire
"I started a fire." Brom says
The old man holds up the two stones in his hands, pretending like he actually lit the fire with them, but Eragon knew better. He felt like he was hiding something.
"He doesn't trust me." Eragon says
"Maybe we need to trust him first." Saphira says
"Now get some sleep. With any luck tomorrow, by the end of the day, we will have slipped through Theirnsford unseen. After that, there's the small town of Yazuac, just before we hit Daret. Then, it's the foothills of the Beor Mountains, and a straight shot... to the Varden." Brom says
First day of the adventure, the first stop was the town of Therinsford, located southwest in Palancar Valley. It was larger than Carvahall, but less organized with the houses aligned in no particular order. Even Brom said it was ugly, if nothing else. Saphira dropped Devon off with Eragon and Brom per his command and flies off to await them on the other side of the town. They didn't stay long and were soon back on the road again.
The countryside changed as cultivated fields yielded to wilder lands with tall slanted rocks, brambles, tangled weeds, and rosebushes. They soon came upon a black mountain that stood with craggy precipices deeply furrowed with canyons, like a giant monolith with a dark, ominous look that made Eragon and even Devon tingle. It's peak piercing the clouds and out of sight, towering over lesser mountains around it. It's name: Utgard. Between this and the line of other mountains formed in the east side of Palancar Valley was a deep cleft, the only practical way out of the valley.
Eragon and Brom rode their horses on the road, which dwindled into a skinny trail that skirted the base of Utgard. Their horses' hooves clacked sharply over gravel. As they went around the mountain, Eragon noticed something at the peak looming over him and Brom. Devon saw it too as Saphira flew close to the mountain. It was a steepled tower, which was crumbling and in disrepair.
"What is that?" Eragon asks pointing up at the tower with his right-index finger
"An outpost of the Riders, one of many that lasted since their founding. It was where Vrael took refuge, and where, through treachery, he was found and defeated by Galbatorix. When Vrael fell, this area was tainted. Edoc'sil, 'Unconquerable' was the name of this bastion, for the mountain was so steep none other than Dragon Riders could reach the top. After Vrael's death, the commoners called it Utgard, but it has another name: Ristvak'baen, the Place of Sorrow. It was known as such to the last Riders before they were killed by the king." Brom says
Devon and Eragon stared in awe. For them, it was amazing to gaze upon this tangible remnant of the Riders' glory. A legacy of tradition and heroism was now on Eragon's shoulders. The heroes traveled for hours around the mountain until they make camp on a rise, where they could see above the trees, to wait for first light to make the descent down the valley.
Day two the next morning, Devon, Eragon, Saphira, and Brom began descending down the steep slope. The ground was scattered with loose rocks that made the footing treacherous for Eragon, Brom, and their horses. It was midday when they reached the bottom of the slope, and stopped to fill their waterskins at the Anora River, which veered to the left, flowing northward. Devon, Eragon, Brom, and the horses drank as much clean, fresh water as they could, while Saphira took several gulps.
Once fortified, the heroes traveled southeast and started across a huge tan plain, like the color of dead grass, that extended from the valley to the distant horizon, which would take the remainder of the day and the next to cross.
Day three, a strong storm slowed the heroes down with waves of tremendous gales of wind that proved to be a formidable obstacle for their journey. It's wrath struck them like a hammer blow. Frenzied howls of the wind filled their ears and tore at their clothes. Devon and Saphira were in the air battling the storm until they were forced to land. The blue dragoness dives down and lands heavily only three yards away from Eragon and Brom, then crouches down, clenching the ground with her talons. Devon kept his grip on the rope reins of the makeshift saddle, squinting his eyes as the storm raged against them. The winds reached them just as Saphira tried to fold her wings, and unfolded them with an angry yank, dragging them into the air for a moment before the storm's force slammed down on the blue dragoness' back with Devon being tossed all around by the wind and Saphira's movements.
Lightning lanced through the dark grey sky flickering in and out with mile-high blue bolts that streaked across the horizon, followed by peals of thunder that shook the ground. Then, rippling grey sheets of rain sweeps over the heroes in a dark curtain. Grass fires were ignited by the lightning strikes here and there, only to be extinguished by the rain.
Eventually, Saphira lets loose a mighty roar and folds her wings against the powerful gale, tucking them firmly against her body. Devon hugged himself against Saphira's large body while holding the rope with his right-hand.
The wild elements were slow to abate, but the storm soon passes, revealing the setting sun which glowed with brilliance. Beams of light tinted the clouds with blazing colors, everything had a sharp contrast, bright on one side, deeply shadowed on the other. Devon and Eragon felt as if they were inside a painting. The rejuvenated earth smelled fresh, clearing their minds and refreshing their spirits. Saphira stretched, craning her head, and roared happily. The horses skittered away, but Devon, Eragon, and Brom smiled at her exuberance. They stopped for the night in a shallow depression and went straight to sleep.
Day four, by dusk, Devon, Eragon, Saphira, and Brom reached the small village of Yazuac, but it was not what they expected like at Theirnsford. There was small houses with smoke coming from dozens of chimneys, but no one, not a single inhabitant, was around. An abnormal silence filled the air.
"It's too quiet. No sounds of chatter or anything." Devon says
"No dogs barking either." Eragon says
"Doesn't mean anything, though." Brom says
"Someone should've seen us by now." Eragon says
"I'm not too sure about that, Eragon. This whole town looks deserted." Devon says
"What if this is a trap? The Ra'zac might be waiting for us." Eragon asks
"This is the main entrance to Yazuac. If there's an ambush, it'll be along here." Brom says
"Then we go around the side?" Devon asks
Brom nods and pulls out his sword. Eragon strung his bow and nocked an arrow. And Devon summoned Soul Calibur into his right-hand while Saphira growled. Cautiously, the heroes trotted quietly around the town. The houses were dark and foreboding with shattered windows. The streets were empty, except for a small fox that darted away as they came near. Many doors swung on their broken hinges. Soon, they came into the center of town and they were met with a grizzly, horrific scene.
"Gods above..." Eragon whispers in shock
"Oh no..." Devon gasps
Before the heroes stood a mountain of bodies, the corpses stiff and grimacing. Blood soaked their clothes and stained the churned ground. Slaughtered men laid over the women they tried to protect, mothers clasped their children, and lovers who tried to shield each other rested in death's cold embrace. Black arrows stuck out of them all. Neither young nor old had been spared. But worst of all, a barbed spear rose out from the peak of the pile, impaling the body of a baby infant.
Devon covered his mouth with his left-hand in shock and nearly threw up from nausea. He had seen death before, but nothing like this. Good thing he had a strong stomach, otherwise he would've blew chunks over Saphira's side. Both he and Eragon tried to look away, but the dead faces held their attention. Eragon stared at their open eyes, wondering how life could've left them so easily. What does life even mean when it can end like this? A wave of hopelessness overwhelmed him. A crow dips down from the sky and perches itself on the spear, cocking it's head and greedily scrutinizing the infant's corpse.
"Oh no you don't!" Eragon says
Pulling back the bowstring, Eragon releases his arrow with a twang. With a puff of feathers, the crow fell backwards, the arrow protruding from it's chest. Eragon fits another arrow to his bowstring, but nausea rose from his stomach and he threw up over his horse's side. Brom patted him on the back.
"Do you wish to wait for me and Devon outside?" Brom asks
"No... I'll stay." Eragon says shakily wiping his mouth
Saphira hissed and growled as her reptilian eyes gazed upon the poor, dead people before her.
"Such destruction of life... All these innocent souls murdered... I will tear apart the monsters that did this!" Saphira growls
"What happened here? Who could've done this?" Devon asks
"Those who love the pain and suffering of others. They wear many faces and go by many disguises, but there is only one name for them: Evil." Brom says
Devon knew only two dark beings who fitted perfectly in that category of evil: Lord Thanatos, and the Dark Lord of the Shadows himself, Teridax. They enjoyed inflicting pain and suffering more than any other person in the entire Universe. They were, by definition, evil incarnate.
As he stared at the corpses, Devon experiences another vision as a sudden pain shot through his head. He grunts, holds his head with his right-hand, and winces his eyes shut as everything is blinded by white.
Opening his eyes with a gasp, the Keyblade Wielder found himself standing in a ruined Starlight Town in his homeworld: The Celestial Realm. Fires burned all around him and screams of terror filled the air. But what Devon saw next made his eyes widen with horror.
"No..." Devon gasps
Ahead of him, he saw an Orc, like those he encountered in Middle-Earth, armed with a blood-encrusted sword approaching a helpless man, who crawled backwards away from him, whimpering in fear. Devon tried to summon Soul Calibur into his right-hand, but nothing happened, much to his utter shock. Soon, the Orc raised his sword over his head with both hands and brought it down on the man as he screamed in terror before he fell silent with the sword splitting his head in half.
Devon looked away and over to his left to see a nude female Hadrosaur saurian holding her young hatchling close to her in her arms while two large, hungry black-red demons with two horns, glowing red eyes, claws, and sharp teeth stalked towards them, growling menacingly with blood dripping from their mouths. The poor creatures whimpered in fear as they embraced each other. Soon, one of the demon lets out a screeching roar and they both leap at the two saurians with their claws stretched out to grab them while they screamed. Through claw and teeth, the monsters tore the two victims to shreds in a violent mess of blood and gore right before Devon's eyes.
Turning away to his right, the young teen saw a large green dragon down on it's right-side, all bloodied up and cut up with claw marks and teeth marks all over it's body. It was barely alive as it groaned in agonizing pain. It looked as though it had been through a vicious fight and lost. Then, a large pack of monstrous hellhounds stalks towards the poor creature, each growling, snarling, and looking hungry. The dragon didn't stand a chance against so much of their numbers, especially in it's weakened state. Within moments, the hellhounds pounced on the dragon, surrounding it, and they all sunk their teeth into it's neck, body, arms, legs, and tail, while it roared in pain. Two of the demonic dogs tore up the dragon's exposed stomach and all of it's internal organs spilled out in a big mess, instantly killing the dragon as it's body fell limp.
Devon turned away, but was soon surrounded by death as more innocent people and creatures were being slaughtered left and right. Humans, dragons, saurians, gryphons, unicorns, centaurs, satyrs, fauns, and other animals and mythical creatures. The Keyblade Wielder was right in the center of the carnage, unable to escape it all.
"No! Stop it!" Devon yells
The Keyblade Wielder winced his eyes and clutched his head in pain with both hands, trying to shut out the terrified screams, cries, and pleas for help, which echoed around him. Every second that went by they gradually grew louder and louder until it was almost deafening. After a full minute of resisting, Devon couldn't take it anymore and he let out a loud scream into the air, demanding all the bloodshed to cease.
"Stop!" Devon screams
Devon regains from his nightmarish vision and falls over on Saphira's back, panting for breath. Eragon and Brom immediately turned their attention to Devon. Saphira quickly craned her head around on her right towards the Keyblade Wielder with a worried expression clear on her face. She could feel the rapid pounding of his heart as he laid on her back.
"Devon?! What is it?!" Eragon asks
"Are you alright, little one?" Saphira asks in a worried voice
Devon pushes himself straight up and took a couple of breaths before he responds.
"Yeah... I'm okay..." Devon pants
"What happened?" Eragon asks
"I... I saw this... horrible vision... So many people... So much death..." Devon pants
"Was it this you saw?" Brom asks gesturing to the pile of bodies with his left-hand
Devon shook his head.
"No. It was a deadly massacre that took place on my homeworld, back when I was much younger." Devon says
Saphira spoke to Eragon through their link.
"I know what it is he saw, Eragon. I saw it through Devon's memories. He has experienced much pain and sorrow. Death is a poison, and it has troubled him for a long time." Saphira says
Eragon felt bad for the dead villagers, but even more so for Devon, knowing that he had suffered more than he did. The heroes gazed upon the slain victims once more, feeling pity that their lives ended in such a gruesome way.
"There is no understanding evil. All we can do is pity and honor the victims." Brom says
Brom dismounts his horse and walked around the mountain of bodies, inspecting the trampled ground carefully. Then, he looks at the spear which impaled the infant.
"This is Urgal work. The spear is of their make. A company of them came through here, perhaps as many as a hundred." Brom says
The old man kneels down and inspects a footprint intently before he soon got back up.
"These tracks are still fresh, which means that the Urgals might still be nearby." Brom says
Saphira lowers her head down and sniffs the ground for a few seconds before she growls.
"He is right. Nothing remains for us here. We must leave. There may be Urgals lurking about." Saphira says
"In that case, we'd better clear out of here and head for Daret as quick as we can." Devon says
Turning around, the heroes put the mountain of corpses behind their backs and left the town center, leaving Yazuac and returning to the trail, following it southward as they continued onward.
Finally, on the fifth day of their journey, Devon, Eragon, Saphira, and Brom reach the river town of Daret with the sun setting on the horizon, casting a magenta-orange glow on the evening sky.
Daret was a village settlement that stood upon the banks west of the Ninor River and south of Yazuac, home to only few number of villagers. It was small and wild-looking with huts made from sticks and thatch, bridges and walkways shingled together with wood with stick-like railings. There were fishing vendors and traders, but that was about it.
Devon met up with Eragon and Brom on the outskirts of Daret after Saphira dropped him off while she flew off to wait for them. He walked alongside Eragon and Brom as they were making their approach to the village. Suddenly, Eragon experiences a vision as everything turns white. He actually stood in the forest of Du Weldevarden and saw the elf princess, Arya as she stood against the Shade, Durza with the ring of flames surrounding them. The young rider stood outside of the flames, watching the whole scene. He then watched as Arya reaches inside her pouch with her left-hand and pulls out something. It was Saphira's egg! Was she the one who sent her to him? Eragon kept his eyes fixed on Arya as she holds up the egg and transports it away in a bright light, which blinds his vision. He was snapped back into reality by Brom, who nudged his right-arm.
"Eragon. Wake up. Come on. Wake up." Brom says
Eragon shook his head and blinked his eyes. He didn't know what to make of what he just saw, but he puts it aside for now and looks over at Brom on his right.
"We're at the village of Daret. We'll leave the horses here. Keep Saphira close." Brom says
Devon, Eragon and Brom enter the town of Daret and walk together along the wooden walkways. Wind chimes blew in the air, filling some parts of the town with their musical notes. The Keyblade Wielder looks around at the buildings and the people, but not too much since they didn't want to attract any attention onto themselves.
"So, this is Daret, huh? Looks very primitive." Devon mutters
The heroes soon stop and Brom gives Eragon some coins for him to use for provisions as he points down at a vendor up ahead.
"Buy some bread. Down there. You two come back, meet me here. I won't be long. Don't talk to anybody." Brom says
After saying that, Brom leaves the boys and walks off elsewhere in the village. Devon and Eragon went ahead to buy some bread as the old man requested when they looked back to see Brom talking with a smaller man. They wondered what the conversation was for, but went on to explore the rest of the village.
As Devon and Eragon walked along the walkways, they noticed a black cloaked man was watching them to their left from another walkway. He had locks of dark brown hair, fierce dark grey eyes that held a sharp gaze, a clean-shaven face, and a stoic, serious expression.
They were unsure whether or not he was friendly and they didn't want to linger around to find out or attract any unnecessary attention. To escape his gaze, Devon and Eragon both enter the nearby hut through a curtain of cloth and beads. The boys let out a relieved sigh, then glanced around at the hut they were in. Curious expressions were on both their faces.
Inside the hut were dozens of lit candles, which illuminated the dim building. Beads in an assortment of colors hung from the wooden beams around the hut. A colorful bird with wide tail feathers and a sharp powerful beak looked at the two boys inquisitively from it's wooden cage nearby. An old chandelier hung from the ceiling and on the floor was a large pot housing a yellow flower. A collection of mortars, pestles, metal bowls, and a clear crystal ball rested on a long counter. The wall behind the counter was covered with drawers of every size. Some no larger than the smallest finger, while others were big enough for barrels. There was a foot-wide gap in the shelves above.
Devon and Eragon gazed around at the room with much curiosity until their gaze was met by a pair of red eyes, which suddenly flashed from the dark space above the shelves, staring down at them. The eyes belonged to a large, fierce cat, who leapt down onto the counter. The creature had a lean body with powerful shoulders and oversized paws. A shaggy mane rounded it's angular face. It's ears were tipped with black tufts. And white fangs curved down over it's jaw. Altogether, it did not look like any cat that neither boys had seen before. Before Devon or Eragon could say anything, a voice speaks to them telepathically.
"Hmm... You two certainly are curious."
Devon and Eragon looked around in alarm while the cat simply licked it's right-paw.
"Who said that?" Devon asks
"Saphira? Was that you?" Eragon asks
No one replied. The two boys leaned against the counter with puzzled expressions. Then, they heard the mysterious voice again.
"I believe it was me."
The Keyblade Wielder and Dragon Rider turn their gaze to the cat, realizing that the voice in their minds was coming from it.
"You said that?" Devon asks in surprise
The cat yawned, then stretched and sauntered across the floor.
"Who else?" The cat says
"But you're a cat!" Eragon says
The cat yowled and stalked back at the young teen, jumping on his chest and knocking him down to the floor.
"Whoa! Hey!" Devon exclaims
The cat crouched down and looked at Eragon with it's gleaming eyes. Eragon tried to sit up, but the creature growled, showing it's fangs.
"Do I look like other cats?" The cat growls
"No..." Eragon says
"Then, what makes you think I am one?" The cat asks
Eragon was about to say something, but the feline creature dug it's claws into his chest.
"Obviously, your education has been neglected." The cat says
Devon approaches the creature and holds up his hands in surrender.
"Forgive us. We're not from around here." Devon apologizes
"To correct your mistake, I am a werecat. There aren't many of us left, but I think even a farm boy should have heard of us." The creature says
"I didn't know you were real." Eragon says fascinated
According to legends in Alagaësia, Werecats were believed to have magical powers, lived longer than humans, and usually knew more than they told.
"Knowing is independent of being. I did not know either of you existed before you bumbled in here and ruined my nap. Yet that does not mean you weren't real before you woke me." The Werecat says
"We're sorry if we disturbed you." Devon says
"I was getting up anyway." The Werecat says
The creature leaps back onto the counter and licked it's paw.
"Do you have a name?" Devon asks
"I go by many names. If you're looking for a proper one, you'll have to look elsewhere. However, you may call me Solembum."
"Thank you." Devon says
From behind the counter, a woman steps out from an open doorway and walks around to greet the two boys. Her name: Angela.
Angela was a witch and herbalist, who was incredibly adept in mysterious magic powers. She seemed to be eccentric, yet also witty. She had thick, curly brown hair and blue eyes. For clothes, she wore green and black leather flanged garments and was covered in bangles.
"He says you talked with him." Angela says
"You do too?" Devon asks
"Of course, but that doesn't mean he'll say anything back." Angela says
The witch looks at Solembum for a moment as he stared up at her with his red eyes, then glances back at the two boys.
"He likes you. That's unusual. Most of the time Solembum doesn't show himself to customers. In fact, he says that you both show some promise, given a few years of work." Angela says
Angela glances over at Devon, looking at him specifically with much interest, almost as if she knew he was a Keyblade Wielder, which more than likely she did.
"You especially, young one." Angela says
"Uh, thanks." Devon says
"It's a compliment from him. You two are the only people recently to come in here who has been able to speak with Solembum. The first was a woman, many years ago. The second was a blind beggar. And now you. Is there anything you want? Or did you come in here to look?" Angela says
Devon and Eragon shared glances with each other for a moment, then looks back at Angela.
"Uh, to look, I guess." Devon says shrugging his shoulders
"Would you like your fortune told?" Angela asks
"No. I'm afraid my fortune is pretty much unreadable." Eragon says
"And I'm sure mine is just as difficult." Devon says
"Besides, we have no money." Eragon says
"Did I ask for money?" Angela asks wittingly
Angela walks over to a low table and sits down on a stool with a leather pouch in her hands. She lays a thick cloth on the table, then turns it over and pours out a handful of smooth bones, each slightly longer than a finger. Runes and symbols were inscribed along their sides.
"Knucklebones of a dragon. Do not ask where I got them. It is a secret I won't reveal. Unlike tea leaves, crystal balls, or even divining cards, these have true power. They will tell me everything about you. They do not lie, but understanding what they say is... complicated. If you wish, I will cast and read them for you. But understand that to know one's fate can be a terrible thing." Angela says touching the bones gently
The two boys stared down at the bones with a feeling of dread. Before them was what once was Saphira's kin. And to know one's own fate... How could they make such a decision without knowing what lies ahead and whether they would like it? Indeed ignorance was bliss. Devon and Eragon shared glances with each other, then look back at Angela.
"Why do you offer this?" Eragon asks
"Because of Solembum." Angela says
Devon and Eragon glance back at the black werecat, then back at Angela as she spoke.
"The fact that he spoke to you makes you both special. He is a werecat, after all. I offered to do this for the other two people who talked with him. Only the woman agreed to it. Selena was her name. Ah, she regretted it, too. Her fortune was bleak and painful." Angela says
Emotion overwhelmed Eragon, bringing some tears to his eyes. His own mother came here, but why? Was her destiny so horrible that she had to abandon her son?
"Do you remember anything about her fortune?" Eragon asks
"It was a long time ago. The details have melted into the rest of my memory, which isn't as good as it once was. Besides, it was for her and her alone. It was sad though. I've never forgotten the look on her face." Angela says
Eragon closed his eyes and struggled to control his emotions. Devon noticed the pained look on his face, and places his right-and on his shoulder in comfort, gaining Eragon's attention. Devon nodded his head, and he nods back. The two boys glance back at the witch and agree to have their fortunes told.
"Alright. Cast the bones. We'll agree to listen." Devon says
The two boys sit down infront of Angela as she grasped the bones in each hand. Her face became grave as she held them. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved in a soundless mutter. Then, she powerfully spoke an incantation.
"Manin! Wyrda! Hügin!" Angela chants
Angela tossed the bones and they all fell jumbled together, gleaming in the faint light. The words rang in the ears of the two boys and they realized with apprehension that Angela must've been a witch. Her eyes slowly opened, revealing them now as milky. Minutes passed as she studied the bones. Solembum jumped onto the counter and settled there, watching the three people.
"You are right. This is difficult. It is the hardest reading I have ever done. Your future is nigh impossible to see. I will start here." Angela says
The witch points with her right-hand to a bone that had a symbol with a long horizontal line with a circle resting on it.
"Infinity or long life. Whether you will live eternally or an extraordinary long life, I do not know. Whatever this foretells, you may be sure that many years lie ahead of you." Angela says
That was no surprise to either Devon or Eragon, since Eragon was now a Rider. As he stared at the bone, Devon couldn't help but wonder. If a Dragon Rider could live a long life, might a Keyblade Wielder like him also be blessed with long life? These thoughts were put aside as Angela spoke again.
"The bones grow harder to read, the rest in a confused pile." Angela says
Angela touches three other bones with her left-hand.
"The wandering path, lightning bolt, and sailing ship all lie together. A pattern I've never seen, only heard of." Angela says
The witch looks up at the young rider.
"A young life so tangled and clouded, but you have been long awaited by many races. There are many choices in your future, some you face even now. Mighty powers struggle to control your will and your destiny. Countless futures await you, all filled with blood and conflict, but only one brings you happiness and peace. Great battles wage around you, some for your sake. You are one of few who choose their own fate. That freedom is a gift, but a responsibility more binding than chains." Angela says
"It can't be. I don't understand." Eragon says
"You have powers you do not acknowledge... but there is a doom upon you. A terrible omen. Part of it lies in a death that rapidly approaches and will cause you much grief." Angela says
Eragon shook his head and dismissed the reading. He had already lost Garrow. Who else could he lose to death? Devon was stronger than him, Brom, and even Saphira. There was no way he would die.
"No. It has happened already." Eragon says
However, as he looked back on it, there was one person he hadn't thought of: Roran. Was something bound to happen to him? Angela continued her reading, drawing Eragon's attention back to her.
"The rest awaits in a great journey upon a sailing ship. Your fate will be to leave this land forever. Where you will end up I do not know, but you will never again set foot on Alagaësia. This is inescapable. It will come to pass, even if you try to avoid it." Angela says
Eragon and Devon stared at Angela, frightened by her words. What could force Eragon to leave his homeland? Where would he go? If there were lands across the sea or to the east, only the elves would know. Angela breathed deeply as she came onto her next reading.
"The next is easier, more pleasant." Angela says
Eragon examines the bone and saw a rose blossom inscribed between the horns of a crescent moon. Angela smiled.
"An epic romance, extraordinary, strong enough to outlast empires. It is unknown whether this passion will end happily, but your love is of noble birth and heritage. Powerful, wise, and beautiful beyond compare. A girl. She calls to you in your dreams. She's part of your past and your future." Angela says
Eragon looked on in surprise. He was to fall in love with a woman of noble birth? How could that be? He had no more standing than the poorest of farmers. For the final part of her reading, the witch places her hands on two bones.
"Now for the last two, the tree and the hawthorn root, they cross each other strongly. Though I wish it not so, they only mean more trouble. A betrayal is clear, and it comes from within your family." Angela says
A troubled look came upon Eragon's face. Who would betray him? The only family he knew of after Garrow's death was Roran, but he would never turn on him. It just wasn't possible. Doubt wormed into his mind, but he tried to ignore it. Devon put his right-hand over Eragon's, comforting him.
Now, having finished with Eragon, Angela moves onto Devon next. Gathering up the bones into her hands, she repeats the process. Angela closes her eyes, mutters, and spoke the incantation again.
"Manin! Wyrda! Hügin!" Angela chants
The witch tosses the bones and they all jumbled up together. Only three stood out from the rest: The wandering path, the lightning bolt, and the rose blossom with the crescent moon. Angela stares down at the bones, then looks up at Devon.
"Your future is also difficult to interpret. Much of it lies clouded in shadow, but one thing is clear: a great conflict wages in your heart, within your very soul. Light and Darkness. Two elements that lie strong within you. Light which seeks to guide and protect you. And shadows that seeks to corrupt and devour you. Many greater battles lie ahead, some you face now, for your own sake, and for others." Angela says
"That I already know. Between Light and Dark, I feel like I'm getting pulled both ways." Devon says
Angela's face becomes grave as she told Devon her next reading.
"There is more you should know. A terrible doom lies upon you. An ancient evil entity trails your steps, lurking in your shadow since the very beginning. Even now it's gaze looms over you. Ever it seeks to claim your soul and control your destiny. Already, it has claimed one in your family. You have been marked for a sinister ritual, one intended to indict you into the ranks of a dark empire. Soon, that evil shall make it's presence known throughout all infinite corners of the worlds, including this one. And you will be trapped within it's grasp, bound in the depths of darkness and slumber." Angela says
An alarmed expression filled Devon's face. Even Eragon shared a similar look on his face. This new information was disturbing. No doubt the evil Angela spoke of was Teridax, and from what she foretold he must've had a sinister plot planned for him. But what? More importantly, how could he hope to avoid it? But it was what Angela said afterward that he really didn't understand. Who did Teridax take from his family? Was it someone he knew? His mind was taken off these thoughts when Angela continued with her reading.
"An ancient power lies deep within you. One you already possess, yet it's true potential slumbers deep inside, waiting to be awakened. There are others that too remain to be discovered, but in the end your power will determine the fate of countless lives, including those whom you seek. They are lost in the dark, waiting for you to guide them back into the light. They are part of your past, your present, and your future, and are the keys to your destiny." Angela says
Devon knew who Angela was referring to: Terra, Ventus, Aqua. But there was also Draxon and Roxas, the two Nobodies that returned to him and Sora. If there was only a way to bring them both back... Their help would be essential in the fight against the Dark Lord and his empire. For the third and final reading, a smile forms on Angela's face.
"And a great, extraordinary romance. Powerful, strong, yet beautiful. A burning passion like a bright flame glowing in the dark. Both of you share a deep connection and your destinies are intertwined. Already, the bond between you and her is strong, but ever shall it grow even stronger. Even now she waits for your return, but she will come to you in your greatest time of need. By your journey's end, that romance will bloom beautifully under the light of stars." Angela says
Devon already knew of who Angela was talking about: his female Night Fury, Luna. A smile forms on his face as he thought about her. With her fortune-telling finished, Angela gathers up the bones and sweeps them back into her pouch, then looks back up at Devon and Eragon.
"What I wouldn't give to see how the rest of your lives play out. You both have most interesting futures. What are your names?" Angela says
"I am Eragon."
"And I'm Devon."
The witch arches her eyebrows with much intrigue. She felt that these two boys were indeed more special than she realized.
"Now I'm all the more interested to see how your lives will unfold." Angela says
The Werecat, Solembum, padded down between Angela, Devon, and Eragon, and stared at the young rider specifically with unblinking eyes.
"Listen closely and I will tell you two things. When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power insufficient, go to the Rock of Kuthian and speak your name to the Vault of Souls." Solembum says
Before Eragon could ask what he meant, the werecat walked away, waving his tail ever so gracefully. Angela tilted her head.
"I don't know what he said, and I don't want to know. I'm sure what he spoke was for you, and you alone. Don't tell anyone else." Angela says
Feeling that they had stayed long enough, the Keyblade Wielder and young rider rise up to their feet and bid the witch farewell.
"Thank you for reading our fortunes, Angela." Devon says
"You're welcome, and good luck." Angela says smiling
Devon and Eragon nodded their heads and they turned and headed out of the hut.
It was now dark at night with the full moon glowing above the town of Daret. It's pale light reflecting off the river's surface. Devon and Eragon leave Angela's hut and go to meet up with Brom. But as soon as they exit the building, an Urgal suddenly appears infront of them, catching them by surprise.
"Whoa!" Devon exclaims
Devon was about to summon his Keyblade, but the Urgal grabs him and Eragon by their throats with it's burly, muscular arms and it's large hands. Before the creature could do anything to them, it lets out a grunt and a groan and releases it's grip on the two boys as it falls dead. Brom was revealed to be standing behind the Urgal, having stabbed it in the back with his sword.
"Do I have to do everything myself?" Brom says
"The fortune-teller. She-" Eragon says
"Did she tell you about him? C'mon." Brom says kicking the dead Urgal with his left-foot
Not wanting to stay any longer, Devon, Eragon, and Brom quickly began making their way through the village, which for some odd reason, was now empty and eerily quiet.
"Where's everybody gone?" Brom asks
"That's weird. They all just vanished." Devon says
"She told us our future." Eragon says
"The future is for the living, Eragon." Brom says
An Urgal charges toward the trio, roaring with a large sword raised to strike, but Brom strikes it first in the head with the back end of the wooden staff in his hands with an uppercut strike, making the creature flip over and fall onto it's stomach. More Urgals appear further down the bridge as they run towards the trio, each grunting and roaring eagerly for battle.
"I think we've out stayed our welcome." Devon says
"Come on!" Brom says
Devon, Eragon, and Brom flee from the Urgals and run down the bridge as the humanoid creatures chased after them. Brom stops a short ways up and turns to face the Urgals. One of them swings it's double blade at him, but the old man ducks down. The blow cutting through the stick-like railings with ease. Brom thrusts his staff at the Urgal, hitting it in the chest and sent it falling backwards into the other Urgals.
Devon and Eragon stop and look back at Brom as he fought off the Urgals until he was knocked down by one, who rams into him with his left-shoulder. The Urgal raises it's double blade to finish off Brom, but before it could get the chance Eragon takes his bow and shoots an arrow at the Urgal, hitting it in the chest and delaying it long enough for Brom to get back on his feet. Devon runs ahead to help Brom fend off the Urgals. Eragon was about to join him when an Urgal bursts up from underneath the bridge and grabs Eragon by his right-leg, making him fall forward onto the bridge.
Another Urgal charges to attack Brom. Reacting quickly, the old man grabs a nearby torch from it's stand on his right and whacks the Urgal on the right-side of it's head, and it falls over.
Four more Urgals run towards Brom to attack him all at once. But before they could reach him, Devon leaps over Brom, summons Soul Calibur into his right-hand, and thrusts it forward, launching four blue bolts of electricity down at the Urgals, which electrocutes them. The young teen lands and holds his crystal Keyblade horizontally infront of him, blocking an Urgal's double blade as it came down on him. Swinging it away to the left, Devon elbows the Urgal in the stomach with his right-elbow, making it lurch forward, then he knees it in the face with his right-knee and kicks the Urgal's head with a reverse roundhouse kick, making it flip over off the bridge and into the water. Another Urgal swings it's blade at Devon with a downward slash, only to miss as the Keyblade Wielder leans his body to the left. Devon counters the attack with a right-uppercut slash, hitting the Urgal's body, which made it stagger backwards, then he delivers a jumping kick with his right-foot to it's chest, sending the Urgal flying back into three others.
After dealing with the Urgals, Devon looks back at Brom and they both nod their heads. Then, they look ahead to see even more Urgals running in their direction. There were too many for them to fight on and they quickly run away down the bridge.
Back with Eragon, he kicks the Urgal that grabbed him in the head with his other foot and turns to reach with his right-hand for his bow, which was only inches away ahead of him, while at the same time he calls in desperation for Saphira.
"Saphira!" Eragon calls
Eventually, Eragon manages to grab hold of his bow and free himself from the Urgal's grasp. He stood up and faced the Urgals that chased Devon and Brom while they ran towards him. As he faced them, he felt a burning, fiery power within him, gathered from every part of his body. It was more than a desire for justice. It was his his entire being rebelling against the fact of death, that he would cease to exist. The power grew stronger and stronger until he was ready to burst from the contained force. Eragon stood tall and straight, all his fears gone, and raised his bow smoothly, nocking an arrow into the bowstring. He sighted down the shaft, as he had done hundreds of times, and aligned the arrowhead with his targets: the Urgals. One word came out from his lips unbidden as he fired his shot.
"Brisingr!" Eragon yells
The arrow hisses through the air, glowing with a cracked blue light past Devon and Brom, and strikes the lead Urgal, unleashing a large blue explosion, which outright disintegrated the Urgal, and destroyed the bridge with no way for the other Urgals to cross. Devon and Brom hit the deck as the shockwave from the blast passes through the air. Two Urgals were sent flying over the sides, three fell into the river from the collapsing bridge, and the rest were knocked back on the other side.
A wave of exhaustion immediately washes over Eragon and he collapses onto his back. He felt strange and feeble, as though he hadn't eaten in days. Devon pushes himself up and saw Eragon lying flat on his back. A gasp escapes his breath with a worried expression clear on his face.
"Eragon!" Devon exclaims
The Keyblade Wielder quickly got up to his feet and rushes over to the young rider, kneeling down to him. When he called him, Devon's voice echoed in Eragon's head.
"Eragon! Are you okay?!" Devon asks
Eragon couldn't respond. He was too weak to even talk. The two boys soon heard Saphira's voice in their minds.
"Devon! Eragon!" Saphira exclaims
The Keyblade Wielder looks up to the night sky on his left and sees Saphira flying down to them. Rising up, Devon waves to Saphira with his right-hand, calling her down to them.
"Saphira! Down here!" Devon shouts
As the blue dragoness slows to a hover over them, Devon looks back down at Eragon.
"Hang in there, Eragon. We're getting out of here." Devon says
Devon backs out of Eragon's view to the left as Saphira lowers down to him with her claws stretching out to grab him. Soon, everything becomes blurry for Eragon and his world turns dark as he passes out.
Author's Note: Devon, Eragon, Brom and Saphira are now on their way to the Varden. They travel for days across the land of Alagaësia visiting places like Theirnsford and Yazuac. Then, they reach the village of Daret where Devon and Eragon meet Angela, the mysterious witch, and Solembum, the Werecat. As they leave, the heroes are ambushed by Urgals. Eragon uses his first magic spell, but unfortunately, it drains him of his strength and he falls unconscious. Where will Devon and the others turn to now on their journey? And how long before the Ra'zac catch up with them? Let me know what you guys think. No flames please. Hope you guys like and don't forget to review!