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.
After escaping Lord Drazor and Durza from Gil'ead and Brom's funeral, Devon, Eragon, Saphira, and Arya had made camp in a barren area filled with dead trees and began making preparations for their journey to the Varden. Eragon sorted through Brom's bag and found clothes, a few odd items, and a small pouch of coins. Devon stood by the two horses, checking their saddles and bags, making sure they were ready for the trip. Saphira stood tall nearby like a watchdog as she scanned the trees and surrounding environment, keeping vigil for any sign of danger. And Arya wrapped her robe in a bundle and held it in her left-arm as she made her way over to Devon and Eragon. In a few minutes, they would be out on the road and on their way to the Varden.
Far to the north at the fortress-city of Gil'ead, Durza and Lord Drazor stood near a fire pit, moving onto the next part of their plan. Durza holds his right-hand over the fire pit and a single drop of black poison falls out of the black fingernail of his index-finger, causing the flames sizzle and burn furiously. A sinister smile crept upon the Shade's face. Even if the heroes reached the Varden with Arya, his poison would slowly make it way to her heart.
Back in the barren forest, Arya suddenly feels faint and clutches her heart with her left-hand, dropping the things in her. Saphira looks over at Arya, immediately sensing this, and calls out to her rider and the Keyblade Wielder.
"Devon! Eragon!" Saphira exclaims
The two boys turn around and watch in shock as the elf princess falls and collapses onto the ground.
"Arya!" Devon exclaims
Devon and Eragon rush over to Arya and kneel down to her. The elf princess was shuddering and gasping as she breathed frantically.
"What happened?" Devon asks
"The Shade has poisoned her." Saphira says
Saphira looks off to her left and senses something in the distance.
"Someone's coming." Saphira says
With a flap of her wings, the blue dragoness flies off to investigate the disturbance while Devon and Eragon check on Arya. Eragon pulls down the neck of her shirt and they saw a black mark on her chest with infected, black veins showing under her skin.
"We need to get you to the Varden. How do we find them?" Eragon says
Fighting the poison inside her, Arya places her left-hand on the right-side of Eragon's head and reveals to him the path through a series of vertigo-inducing which flashed through his mind. Eragon found himself riding along the Beor Mountains travelling many leagues eastward. He did his best to memorize the route as craggy mountains and hills flashed past. Eragon was now heading south, still following the mountains. Then, everything wheeled abruptly, and he entered a narrow, winding valley, which snaked through the mountains to the base of a frothy waterfall that pounded into a deep lake. Hidden behind the waterfall was a cave. Then, the images stopped as Arya took her hand away, having used up much of her energy. Eragon blinked his eyes as he snapped back into reality. Devon places his right-hand on Eragon's left-shoulder, concerned about him.
"Eragon? You alright?" Devon asks
Before Eragon could answer his friend, a young man falls to the ground behind them, dropped by Saphira as she swoops down. It was the same stranger that had helped the heroes back at Gil'ead. Devon turns around and summons his Keyblade: Soul Calibur into his right-hand, while Eragon draws Zar'roc from its sheathe. The two boys glance back at Saphira as she touches down and lands on her feet.
"This one's been following us." Saphira says
Returning their gaze to the stranger, Devon moves closer and points his crystal Keyblade down at him, ordering him to rise to his feet.
"Stand up." Devon says
The young man rises to his feet and dusts himself off with his hands and a calm smile on his face as Devon and Eragon got a good look at him. He had black hair and light green eyes and wore battered black clothes.
"All my life, I've dreamed of dragons." The stranger says
"Who are you?" Eragon asks
"And why are you following us?" Devon asks
The young man bends down and grabs his yew longbow, then introduces himself.
"I'm Murtagh. And you two need me."
"Thanks, but we'll be fine without you." Eragon says
Devon de-summons his Keyblade and Eragon slides Zar'roc back into its sheathe, and the two boys turn away and walk back toward Saphira.
"You seek the Varden." Murtagh says
Hearing that made the heroes stop right in their tracks. They look back at Murtagh, curious as to what else he had to say.
"I know these lands. Every mountain, every valley and stream. She'll suffer if you go astray." Murtagh says
Devon and Eragon look over at Arya as she shuddered coldly from the poison in her body, then look back at Murtagh.
"Why would you help us?" Eragon asks
"My family was slaughtered by the king's men when I was only a boy. I heard rumors and whispered tales. They said a Rider and a Keyblade Wielder had appeared." Murtagh says
"What do you think, Saphira? We don't know is past, but he seems honest enough. Can we trust him?" Devon asks
"We do owe him our lives. But even if it weren't so, he has seen us. We should keep him close, so he doesn't furnish the Empire with our location and descriptions, willingly or not." Saphira says
"If there was ever a time for retribution, this was it. Besides, I've no better place to be, and interesting things are bound to happen around a Rider, and even more so around a Keyblade Wielder." Murtagh says
Devon and Eragon shared glances with each other and wavered, both unsure whether to accept help from this stranger. But given their current situation regarding Arya's survival, they had no other choice. Every moment they delay hastens her demise.
"If you can show us the quickest way to the Varden, then you will have earned our trust." Devon says
Murtagh nods his head.
"To the Varden it is then." Murtagh says
Murtagh starts walking back to fetch his horse when he stops and looks back at Devon and Eragon.
"You'll learn to trust me." Murtagh says
Saphira growls, drawing the boys' attention, and she bared her fangs in a threatening manner, giving Murtagh a warning should he try anything.
"We're not the only ones you need to convince." Eragon says
With Murtagh joining the party, the group travels across the wilderness, relying on Murtagh's experience to help guide them in the right direction. Devon, Eragon and Murtagh drove their horses down on the ground while Saphira flew high above them, scouting ahead as she kept Arya safe on her back. Devon rode Brom's black stallion, Eragon on his brown horse, and Murtagh sat mounted on his grey war-horse. Together, they rode over open hills and plains, covering as much distance as they could. During their travels, the two boys spoke with their new companion.
"You have a beautiful horse. What's his name?" Eragon asks
"Tormac, after the man who taught me how to fight. He was given to me when he was just a foal. You'd be hard pressed to find a more courageous and intelligent animal in all of Alagaësia, Saphira excepted, of course." Murtagh says patting his horse's right-side
"He is magnificent beast." Eragon says
"Hey. Watch it, Eragon. Saphira might get jealous." Devon says
The three boys laughed at that and continued on with their riding. Eventually, they stop on a tall hill and gaze out at the stretches of land around them, admiring the view. As they did, Devon looks over at Murtagh on his right.
"Murtagh, you risked your life for us. Thanks. We probably couldn't have escaped on our own." Devon says
Murtagh nods his head.
"I'm just glad I could help." Murtagh says
"From what we know, the Varden is somewhere in the Beor Mountains to the south. Know any routes that can get us there?" Devon says
"Well, Gil'ead's soldiers will be hunting for us now. And with so many men searching for us, travelling these lands is going to be much more challenging. The only thing we can do is leave the Empire. The few safe places within it are far from here, and they are difficult to reach without being caught or followed. There's nothing but forest to the north of Du Weldenvarden. Only the Empire and the sea lie westward. To the south is Surda, but to go there would mean traversing most of the Empire, avoiding every town and village." Murtagh says
"Too dangerous. There are too many people between us and Surda to get there unnoticed." Eragon says
"What about the east?" Devon asks
"To the east lies the Hadarac Desert, and whatever lands exist in that direction. The Varden are somewhere across it, but without directions, it could take us years to find it." Murtagh says
"That's the kind of time we don't have, especially for Arya." Eragon says
"What do you know of the desert?" Devon asks
"Only that it's hot, dry, and full of sand. It fills the heart of the Empire and it's filled with poisonous inedible plants, venomous snakes, scorpions, and a blistering sun." Murtagh says
"Yeah. That about sums it up." Devon says
Devon took out the map of Alagaësia from his horse's right saddlebag and unrolled it. The parchment had a musky smell to it. The Keyblade Wielder studied the map, inspected the plains, and shook his head in amazement.
"No wonder the Empire ends at the desert. Everything on the other side must be too far away for Galbatorix to control." Devon says
Murtagh rides his horse closer to Devon and sweeps his left-hand over the blank part of the map.
"All the land, which is blank on this map, was under one rule which the Riders lived. If the king were to raise up new Riders under his command, it would allow him to expand the Empire to unprecedented lengths. But that aside, the Hadarac Desert is vast and contains many dangers, our chances of crossing it are very slim. It is a desperate path to take." Murtagh says
"We are desperate." Eragon says
"If we rode through the belly of the desert, it would take us well over a month or two to cross it. But if we angle southeast, toward the Beor Mountains, we can cut through much faster. Then, we can follow the Beor Mountains further into the wilderness. It should take us perhaps four, five days to reach it." Murtagh says
"I guess we really don't have much of a choice." Devon says
And so, Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh traveled south. The days went by unnoticed as the small group traveled in isolation. For the first day, the three boys sped through the land, ignoring discomfort and fatigue. They drove the horses as hard as they could without killing them, stopping only twice to allow the horses to eat and drink. Dusk softened the countryside as evening drew a black cloak across the sky. The heroes traveled through the night, pacing out the miles and heading southeast toward the Hadarac Desert. The ground beneath them rose to form cactus-dotted hills.
Eragon was pleased to know that he and Murtagh shared many same interests such as archery and hunting. However, they avoided discussing their pasts. Eragon didn't explain how he had found Saphira, met Brom, or where he came from. Murtagh was likewise mute. Devon shared a few bits of his past like the Invasion of the Celestial Realm, how his parents were murdered, and how he had lost everything to the Forces of Darkness, his friends, his family, all of it. Murtagh actually felt sympathetic toward the Keyblade Wielder when he heard everything, never realizing how horribly Devon had suffered. Slowly, Devon and Eragon began to establish a bond between them and Murtagh.
After three hours, the heroes saw the yellow-straw lanterns of Bullridge, a town which they had to bypass. Guards patrolled between watch fires scattered around the town. Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh carefully dismounted and led their horses in a wide detour around Bullridge, listening attentively to avoid stumbling onto an encampment. Soon, the town was behind them and Devon and Eragon relaxed slightly.
Daybreak flooded the sky with a delicate brush and warmed the chilly night air. The three heroes halted on the crest of a hill to observe their surroundings. Their second obstacle, the Ramr River, was in sight, five miles to the left, but also to the right, continuing south for several leagues until it doubled back on itself in a narrow loop before curving west. They had covered sixteen leagues in one day. When nightfall came, the heroes made camp at a small stand of juniper trees. Devon and Eragon made sure to check on Arya, ensuring she had nourishment to survive the journey, while Murtagh and Saphira kept watch. Eragon took a rag, soaked it with water, and squeezed the cloth so water dripped between Arya's sculpted lips as she laid in her blanket. He did it several times and dabbed above her straight, angled eyebrows. They were soon on the move again to avoid losing a hard-won lead. The heroes traveled through the hills, avoiding the tops out of fear of being spotted by sentries. Saphira stayed on the ground for the same reason. Despite her bulk, she was stealthy. Only her tail was heard scraping along the ground like a thick blue snake.
Eventually, the morning star Aiedail brightened the sky in the east as the heroes reached a steep bank covered with mounds of brush. The waters of the Ramr River roared as it tore over boulders and sluiced through branches. Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh stood before the river, gazing out at it as they held the reins of their horses.
"We have to find a place to ford safely." Murtagh says
"There is no need. I can carry you across, no matter how wide the river is." Saphira says
"What about the horses? We can't leave them behind." Eragon asks
"As long as you're not on them and they don't struggle too much, I'm sure I can carry them. If I can dodge arrows with three people on my back, I can certainly fly a horse in a straight line over a river." Saphira says
"Perhaps, but let's not attempt it unless we have to. It's too dangerous." Devon says
"We can't afford to squander time here." Saphira says
The blue dragoness clambers down the embankment with Devon and Eragon following her, leading their horses. The bank ended abruptly at the Ramr, where the river ran dark and swift. White mist wafted up from the water, like blood steaming in winter. It was impossible to see the far side. Murtagh tossed a branch into the torrent and the heroes watched as it raced away, bobbing on the rough waters.
"How deep do you think this river is?" Devon asks
"I can't tell." Murtagh says
Devon stares out across the river and ponders how far it was to the other side. He then turns around to Saphira behind him, asking for her assistance.
"Saphira? Can you see how far across the river is?" Devon asks
The blue dragoness nods her head and takes off with a gust of air, soaring over the Ramr. It wasn't long before she contacted the Keyblade Wielder and her Rider.
"I'm on the other bank. The river is over a half-mile wide. You couldn't have chosen the worst place to cross. The Ramr bends at this point and is the widest." Saphira says
"A half-mile!" Eragon exclaims
"Hmm... That's gonna be a slight problem." Devon says
Devon and Eragon relayed this information to Murtagh and told him of Saphira's suggestion to carry them and their horses across the river.
"I'd rather not try it, for the horses' sake. Tormac isn't as accustomed to Saphira as your horses. He might panic and injure them both." Murtagh says
"Then, we'd better find shallow water where we can swim across." Devon says
"If we can't find any within a mile in either direction, then I suppose Saphira can ferry us." Murtagh says
Devon glances over at the blue dragoness on his left.
"Saphira?" Devon says
"I'm on it." Saphira says
With a jump and a flap of her wings, the blue dragoness takes off and flies ahead to search for a ford. While she explored, the three boys hunkered down and ate dry bread. It wasn't long before Saphira returned as she landed on the embankment.
"The water is deep and strong, upstream as well as down. I could not find a ford anywhere along the river." Saphira says
"Guess that means were flying over." Devon says
Devon and Eragon relayed the news to Murtagh again.
"I'd better go over first, so I can watch the horses." Murtagh says
Devon and Eragon walk over to Saphira and removes Arya from her back, placing her gently down onto a bed of blankets, allowing Murtagh to scramble up onto the dragoness' saddle. Murtagh places his right-hand on Saphira's side, gaining her attention.
"Please. Be careful with Tormac. I've had him for many years. I don't want anything to happen to him." Murtagh says
"I will, but that will depend on him." Saphira says
"Don't worry. Saphira says she'll be gentle." Devon says
Saphira takes off, ferrying Murtagh across the river. She returns and Eragon led Tormac over to her, ignoring his low whinnies. Saphira reared back on her haunches and gently grasps the horse around the belly with her forelegs. Eragon made sure to reposition Tornac's saddle blanket, strapping it under the horse's belly to protect his soft underside. Tornac snorted in fright and tried to bolt when Saphira's forelegs clamped around his side, but she held him tightly. The horse rolled his eyes wildly, the whites rimming his dilated pupils. Eragon tried to calm Tormac with his mind, but the horse's panic resisted his touch. When Eragon failed, Devon tried next. He stretches his right-hand out towards Tormac and sent soothing waves in the form of light blue mist and sparkles flowing from his open palm. The mist envelops the horse and the sparkles swirl around the animal for a few seconds until it finally calms down and stops it's struggling. Then, Saphira jumps skyward, her hind legs thrusting with enough force to gouge the rocks underneath with her claws. Her wings strained furiously, struggling to lift the enormous load. For a moment, it seemed she would fall back to the ground. Then, with a lunge, the blue dragoness shoots into the air.
"You'd better hurry, Saphira. There's no telling how far away the soldiers are." Eragon says
As they stood and waited, Devon and Eragon listened for soldiers, scanning the inky landscape for telltale flash of torches. They soon saw a line of horsemen sliding down a bluff almost a league away. Saphira returned and Eragon brought his horse to her. She gripped the animal and carried it off. Several minutes later, she came back and Devon led his black stallion over to her. Saphira grasped the horse and flew off across the river. The two boys watched her go, waiting in the night. The horsemen were now only a mile away. Finally, Saphira came for them, and they were soon on firm ground once more with the Ramr behind their backs, resuming their journey toward the Beor Mountains.
The air filled with the calls of birds waking to a new day. Eventually, the ground became soft and gave way underneath their feet. The sun was high overhead. The Ramr River no more than a fuzzy line behind them. The heroes had reached the Hadarac Desert. A vast expanse of dunes stretched out to the horizon like ripples on an ocean. Bursts of wind twirled the reddish gold sand into the air. Scraggly trees grew on scattered patches of solid ground. Rising in the distance was a line of purple crags. The imposing desolation was barren of any animals, except for a bird gliding on the zephyrs.
Before they would push on, the group decided to rest and recuperate, laying in the shadow of a dune. Devon and Eragon settled down into the sand, Saphira coiled up next to them and spread her wings over them, offering shade.
"This is a wonderful place. I could spend years here and not notice the passing time." Saphira says
Eragon closed his eyes.
"It would be a nice place to fly." Eragon says
"Not only that, I feel I was made for this desert. It has the space I need, mountains where I could roost, and camouflaged prey I could spend days hunting. And the warmth! This heat makes me feel alive and full of energy." Saphira says
The blue dragoness craned her head toward the sky, stretching happily.
"You really like it that much?" Devon asks
"Yes." Saphira says
"Then once this is all done, perhaps we can return..." Eragon says
Saphira felt pleased and hummed gently while the two boys under her wings and Murtagh rested.
On the fourth day, the group continued their journey, covering thirty-five leagues. They had slept long enough to clear their minds and rest the horses. There were no soldiers at the rear, but that didn't lull them into slowing their pace.
"Couriers must've carried news of our escape to Galbatorix." Eragon says
"Yeah. Not to mention the Ra'zac. Surely, they must've heard of what happened at Gil'ead." Devon says
"We'd better be ready for them in case they decide to show up." Eragon says
"Hopefully, they shouldn't be able to follow us past Bullridge. The Ramr was an effective way to lose pursuers." Murtagh says
At sunset, the group arrives at the crags they had viewed from afar that morning. The stone bluffs towered over them, casting thin shadows. The surrounding environment free of dunes for a half mile. And the heat assaulted Devon and Eragon like a physical blow. The back of their necks and their faces were sunburn. Their skin hot and feverish. They picketed the horses where they could nibble on sparse grass and Murtagh started a fire.
"Note to self: Always carry sunscreen." Devon says
"How far do you think we went?" Eragon asks
"I don't know." Murtagh says
Murtagh's eyes were red, his eyes bloodshot. He picked up a pot and muttered a curse.
"We don't have enough water. And the horses need to drink." Murtagh says
Eragon pondered over their current predicament. They had been unable to acquire supplies before entering the desert since Gil'ead and they couldn't refill their water skins at the Ramr River due to the raging waters. Maybe magic could help resolve their situation, as long as it didn't drain too much of his energy.
"I have an idea." Eragon says
Rising to his feet, Eragon strides over to Saphira and asks her for assistance.
"Saphira, can you dig a hole for me?" Eragon says
Saphira nods her head and digs a hole with her right-paw.
"Deloi moi." Eragon chants
The icy magic rushed through Eragon, absorbing a bit of his strength. He summoned forth moisture that was already in the earth and lifted it up. With a faint trickle, water rushes into the hole. The liquid was cool and pure, perfect for drinking. Although the ground was parched, there was enough moisture for the plants to live on and enough for Eragon to refill several times over. Murtagh smiled with relief and refilled their water skins as the water pooled into the hole, then stood aside for the horses to drink. The thirsty animals quaffed gallons, forcing Eragon to draw more liquid from ever deeper in the earth to satisfy their desire. When the horses were sated, Eragon looks over at Saphira on his right.
"Saphira, if you need a drink, take it now." Eragon says
The blue dragoness snaked her head around her rider and took only two long droughts. Eragon gulped down as much as he could to regain his strength. Then, Devon came up and gulped a couple handfuls of water. He even splashed some onto his face and hair to cool himself off.
"Ahh... Praise be the sweet nectar of life." Devon sighs
Once everyone had their fill, the water melts and flows back into the dirt. For Eragon, holding the water on the surface was harder than he had expected, but at least it was within his abilities.
It was freezing when the heroes rose to the next day. The sand had a pink hue in the morning light, and the sky was hazy, concealing the horizon.
"Do you think it'll be long before we leave the desert?" Eragon asks
"We're only crossing a small section of it, so I can't imagine that this journey should take us more than two or three days." Murtagh says
"We've already come this far." Devon says
"All right, maybe it won't. All I care about now is crossing the Hadarac as quickly as possible. It's hard enough without having to pick sand from our eyes every few minutes." Murtagh says
Soon, the group left camp, and a line of dark smudges became visible on the horizon, indistinct in the hazy air. At first they thought they were distant hills, but they could make out any details. During their travels, Arya's plight filled Eragon's thoughts. He knew something had to be done to help her or she would die, though he knew not what that might be. Devon and Saphira were just as concerned. The Keyblade Wielder used his Power of Healing to help ease the pain of the poison every once and a while, despite the magic sapping every little bit of his strength, but he was strong enough to resist.
At midday, the heroes stopped for a brief rest. When they resumed their journey, Eragon noticed that the haze had thinned since the morning, and the distant smudges became slightly more clearer. No longer were they indistinct purple-blue lumps, but rather broad forest-covered mounds with clear outlines. The air above them was pale white, bleached of it's usual hue. Eragon stared puzzled. The more he tried to make sense of it, the more confused he became. Eragon blinked and shook his head, thinking it must've been an illusion of the desert air. And yet, when he opened his eyes, the annoying incongruity was still there. He was about point it out to his friends when he realized what he saw. What they assumed to be hills were actually the bases of gigantic mountains, scores of miles wide. The peaks stretching up into the sky until they faded from sight. Narrow, jagged valleys with ridges that nearly touched split the mountain like deep gorges, a ragged, toothy wall linking Alagaësia with the heavens.
Devon and Eragon stared at the Beor Mountains in wonder, surprise, and amazement. Even Saphira was awestruck.
"There! That must be them! The Beor Mountains!" Devon says
"There's no end to them." Eragon says
"I feel like a hatchling again. Compared to them, even I feel small." Saphira says
"We must be getting near the edge of the desert. It only took us two days, and already we can see the far side!" Devon says
"Yes, but considering the size of those peaks, they could still be fifty leagues from here. It's hard to gauge distance against something so immense. A perfect hiding place for the Varden." Saphira says
"You could hide more than the Varden. Entire nations could exist in secret there, hidden from the Empire. Imagine living with those behemoths looming over you." Eragon says
"I knew the Beor Mountains were large, but that monstrous size." Murtagh says
"Let's hope the animals that live there aren't in proportion to that size." Eragon says with a smile
"It'll be good to find some shade and spend a few weeks in leisure. I've had enough of this forced march." Murtagh says
"I'm tired too, but we can't stop. Not until Arya is cured." Eragon says
"Agreed. We'd better keep moving." Devon says
And so, the heroes continued onwards across the desert. As the day went on, the Beor Mountains seemed to get no closer, but the landscape changed dramatically. The sand slowly transformed from loose grains of reddish hue to hard-packed, dusty-cream dirt. In place of dunes, there were ragged patches of plants and deep furrows in the ground from flooding. A cool breeze wafted through the air, bringing welcome refreshment. When evening came, the mountains were a mere league away. Herds of gazelle bounded across lush fields of waving grass. Saphira eyed them hungrily. The group made camp and settled down near a stream to rest, finally relieved to be out of the punishing Hadarac Desert. They had covered roughly sixty leagues in five days, which was an impressive feat for Devon and Eragon.
Later that night, the heroes sat around the fire fatigued and haggard, but with triumphant smiles. Saphira crowed jubilantly, startling the horses. Eragon stared at the flames, thinking about all that has happened since Carvahall. It was a strange feeling, being outside the Empire. He had been born in it, lived his entire life under Galbatorix' rule, lost his closest friends and family to the king's servants, except for Devon and Saphira, who had been with him through it all, and had close calls with death within his domain. Now, he was free. No longer would they have to dodge soldiers or avoid towns. It was a bittersweet realization, for the cost had been the loss of his entire world.
Eragon looked up at the stars in the gloaming sky, thinking of building a home in the safety of isolation. Although the idea had appealed to him, he had witnessed too many wrongs committed in Galbatorix' name, from murder to slavery. No longer was it just vengeance for Brom's death as well as Garrow's that drove him. As a Rider, it was his duty to assist those without strength to resist Galbatorix' oppression, just like Devon and his duty as a Keyblade Wielder to protect the Universe from the Forces of Darkness like the Dark Lord of the Shadows: Teridax, and his evil empire. Eragon looks over at Devon on his right as he laid on his back with his hands behind his head and his legs up on the log they sat on, gazing up at the stars. After all that they had been through together, he still found Devon's destiny impossible to believe. His best friend, a teenage boy only one year younger than him, was expected to save the entire Universe and every innocent soul from an ancient, evil entity who was supposedly the most powerful being in existence, feared by all. The fate of countless lives were in his hands. That was a lot of weight for a Keyblade Wielder like Devon to bear on his shoulders.
Suddenly, a sharp hiss from Saphira attracted the attention of Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh. The boys followed her gaze westward and their faces paled.
"Demons above and below!" Murtagh curses
A league or so away, parallel to the mountain range, was a column of figures marching east. A line of troops, hundreds strong, stretching for nearly a mile. Dust billowing from their heels. Weapons glinting in the dying light. A standard-bearer rode before them in a black chariot, holding aloft a crimson banner.
"Urgals!" Devon exclaims
"They've found us... but how?" Eragon says
"They must've followed us." Devon says
"Devon is right. Those are indeed Urgals. That flag bears the personal symbol of an Urgal chieftain. He's a ruthless brute, given to violent fits and insanity." Murtagh says
"You've met him?" Eragon asks
"Once, briefly. I still have scars from that encounter. These Urgals might not have been sent here for us, but I'm sure we've been seen by now." Murtagh says
"Which means that they'll follow us all the way to the Varden." Devon says
"Their chieftain isn't the sort to let a dragon or a Keyblade Wielder escape his grasp, especially if he's heard about Gil'ead." Murtagh says
Eragon hurried to the fire and quickly covered it with dirt, extinguishing the flames. He gathered his belongings and saddled his horse. Devon did the same for his. Then, he and Eragon picked up Arya and placed her onto Saphira's saddle where she would be safe.
"Saphira! Take Arya! Watch us from above!" Devon says
Saphira nodded her head in understanding, then fanned her wings, took off in a rush, and circled above, keeping guard over Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh as they left camp.
"What direction shall I fly?" Saphira asks
"East. Along the Beors." Eragon says
Stilling her wings, Saphira rose on an updraft and teetered on the pillar of warm air, hovering in the sky above the horses. As they rode through the night, Eragon wondered about the Urgals.
"Why are the Urgals here?" Eragon asks
"Durza must've sent them. To follow us to the Varden. Probably to attack them." Devon says
"Then, we need to warn them." Eragon says
"Right. Let's waste no more time." Devon says
"I'll lead the way." Murtagh says
With haste, the three boys rode their horses past half-visible obstacles, riding through the night. As it deepened, the Urgals faded into the gloom behind them.
Morning came and Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh continued onwards with their journey. They had alternated sleeping in their saddles throughout the night, which allowed them to outdistance the Urgals, but neither of them knew if the lead could be retained. The horses were exhausted, yet they still maintained a relentless pace. The rate they rode was fast as if wings were attached to their feet, making leagues melt away before them. They turned south between two outstretched arms of the Beor Mountains. The arms were shaped like pincers about to close, the tips a day's travel apart. Yet the distance seemed less because of the mountains' size. It was like being in a valley made for giants.
Despite the progress the heroes were making, the Urgals were able to keep up with them. Somehow, they were faster on foot than the heroes were on horseback. With newfound determination, the group struggled to distance themselves from the Urgals as they continued to creep nearer. They angled east toward the foothills and circumnavigated an especially broad mountain, looking for the valley that would lead them to the Varden. Soon, they came into a narrow valley, tucked against the far side. So restricted it could easily be overlooked. The Beartooth River flowed out the valley and looped carelessly across the land.
"We'll have to go by foot from here." Murtagh says
Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh dismount their horses and grab their things.
"Saphira, keep Arya safe until we call you." Eragon says
Saphira flies above the heroes over the mountains with Arya resting on her saddle, scouting for the Urgals that followed them. She soon soars above the line of creatures as they made their own way through the valley.
"I will, but hurry. The Urgals are closing in." Saphira says
Proceeding the rest of the journey on foot, Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh follow the river, running along the right of the shore. Eventually, they arrive at Lake Kóstha-mérna, a rough bowl formed at the head of the valley, standing on a pebble beach. The pebbles underfoot were damp, and slime covered. The water gleamed with flickering sunlight. The mountain walls restricted passage around the lake to a thin strip of shore on either side, both no more than a few feet wide. And before them was the waterfall that matched the one Eragon saw in his vision, a broad sheet of water tumbling down from a cliff into boiling mounds of froth. The noise was overwhelming, like an avalanche. The white wall of water gushed down the cliff, pounding the lake with fury that sent mist spraying through the air.
Suddenly, an Urgal jumps down from a rise above them and attacks. Murtagh grabs Zar'roc, turns around, and kills the Urgal with a single strike as it came down.
"Thanks, again." Eragon says
"Don't mention it." Murtagh says handing Eragon his sword back
Devon, Eragon, and Murtagh turn and face the waterfall infront of them.
"Tell me your vision looked something like this." Murtagh says
Eragon looks into the waterfall, and he saw something past the water. Behind the thunderous curtain was an opening into the mountain, hidden behind the waterfall. It was he exactly saw in his vision.
"Yes. This is it. Come on." Eragon says
Eragon jumps into the lake and swims underneath the waterfall. Devon immediately followed him and jumps in. Murtagh looks behind to see the Urgals, less than a league away and closing in. He soon jumps in and follows Eragon. The three boys swim through the lake, fighting the tremendous weight of the waterfall as it crashed down on their shoulders with backbreaking force. The water's mindless roar filled their ears. Eventually, they surface on the other side of the cascading waters, gasping for air, and stumble onto the pebble beach. Then, they heard marching footsteps infront of them. Looking up, they saw several warriors wearing gold and blue clothes and half masks covering their mouths, armed with spears pointed at them.
And standing in the center of them was a diminutive man, no taller than their elbows, with his arms crossed. It was a dwarf, probably the leader or captain of the warriors. He had brown hair and a long-braided beard. His chest was stocky and wore a chain-mail jacket cut off at the shoulders, revealing his muscular arms. A war axe hung from a wide leather belt strapped around his waist. An iron-bound oxhide cap, bearing the symbol of a hammer surrounded by twelve stars, sat firmly on his head.
"Uh... Heh heh... Hiya, fellas. Any chance you got towels?" Devon chuckles nervously
Far to the northwest, in the capital city of Urû'baen, Lord Drazor and Durza met with their masters in Galbatorix' throne room. The tyrant king stood infront of his gold, winged dragon-shaped throne with the Dark Keyblade Master, Lord Thanatos, on his right, gazing down at the Shade and the Dark Knight who stood seven steps down below them.
"The task was simple. Bring the boys to us." Galbatorix says
"There were complications." Durza says
"Yes, so we've heard. Complications do tend to happen. But fortunately, your incompetence may work in our favor. The boy and the Keyblade Wielder have led us directly to the Varden." Galbatorix says
Lord Thanatos and Galbatorix slowly began walking down the stairs toward Lord Drazor and Durza while they backed away calmly.
"And so, the task falls upon you, Durza, to remind those who resist our rule that as long as I am king of this world, and as long as the Dark Lord lives. Disloyalty will be punishable... by death. Gather my army and follow them." Galbatorix says
"LORD DRAZOR, YOUR TASK REMAINS THE SAME. BRING US THE KEYBLADE WIELDER. DEAD OR ALIVE. KILL THE BOY AND THE DRAGON. SHOW NO MERCY. LEAVE NONE ALIVE. LET THERE BE BLOOD." Lord Thanatos says
"As you wish, my Master." Lord Drazor says
A guttural grow echoes in the cavernous room, making it's monstrous presence known to all.
Back in the Beor Mountains, Devon, Eragon and Murtagh were pulled by the warriors into a broad, large, cavernous room nearly thirty feet tall. Flameless lamps illuminated the cave with a yellow-orange light. The three boys found themselves surrounded by a grim mixture of men and dwarves. Then, they were brought before a man who awaited them. His name: Ajihad.
Ajihad was a male human warrior and leader of the Varden. His skin gleamed the color of oily ebony. His head had long, black hair. Strong features shadowed his face, and grave, intelligent eyes lurked under his brow. He had a closely trimmed black beard that covered his chin and upper lip. His shoulders were broad and powerful. Ajihad bore himself with great dignity, exuding an intense, commanding air. For clothes, he wore a tapered red vest embroidered with golden thread, clasped over a rich purple vest.
Also, standing with Ajihad on his right was a dwarf, who had a grim, weathered face, hewn from many years of experience. This was Hrogthar, the King of the Dwarves. He was the forty-second dwarf king, as well as the leader controlling the thirteen dwarf clans in Alagaësia, including the Clan of Master Smiths and Metalworkers, and theDûrgrimst Ingeitum. He was considered to be ancient, even by the dwarves. Hrogthar had deep set flinty eyes, white hair, a powerful chest, and a long white beard. He wore a shirt of white mail and held the ancient war hammer, Volund as his weapon.
As soon as the heroes were brought forth the dark-skinned man stepped forward and spoke with a strong, confident voice.
"Which one of you is the rider?" Ajihad asks pointing to the three boys with his right index finger
Eragon steps forward and introduces himself.
"I am. My name is Eragon."
"I am Ajihad, leader of the Varden. If you are the rider, call your beast inside."
"If it attacks, you will die first." Hrogthar says
Devon held up his hands in surrender as he took a step forward.
"Don't worry. She won't. She's quite tame." Devon says
Devon looks over at Eragon on his left and nods his head. Eragon nods back and calls out for Saphira with his mind.
"Saphira, we found the Varden. Bring Arya." Eragon calls
"But be careful. The Varden expects you to be gentle." Devon says
The sound of flapping wings fills the air, and soon Saphira flies through the waterfall and lands in the cave with Arya on her back. Once the blue dragoness was inside, the cave opening behind her closes shut with a loud boom. Ajihad, Hrogthar, and all the humans and dwarves in the room stared in amazement while Eragon and Devon walk over to Saphira. The blue dragoness lowers her head down to the boys as they approach, and the Keyblade Wielder pets her with his right-hand.
"How is Arya?" Eragon asks
"She's holding on. Her heart beats faintly." Saphira says
Eragon walks over to Saphira's left-side and reaches up to Arya with his right-hand. The elf princess takes hold of his hand as she continues to shudder from the poison. The dwarf, who the heroes had met first, takes a step forward and his eyes widened with astonishment. His name: Orik.
Orik was Hrogthar's adoptive heir and nephew. He was a member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. He was also kind, loyal, likable, and level-headed.
"By my beard... It's the dragon-courier, Arya!" Orik says
"We need help. Arya's been poisoned by Durza, the Shade. She needs medical attention. Right away." Devon says
"Our healers will make her well." Ajihad says
Ajihad snapped his fingers and pointed at Arya. Two human warriors sheathed their swords and hesitantly approached Saphira, who watched them steadily. The men carefully remove Arya from the dragon saddle and carry the elf princess out of the room.
"Thank you." Eragon says
Ajihad stares at Devon intently with much scrutiny as he stood alongside Eragon and Saphira, studying him with an unwavering gaze. He soon notices the crystal Kingdom Hearts sigil on his necklace, which really caught his eye. He recognized the symbol on Devon's necklace. It was the mark of a Keyblade Wielder.
"You, boy. What is your name?" Ajihad asks
Devon straightens himself up and introduces himself to the leader of the Varden.
"Devon, sir."
"I assume that you must be the Keyblade Wielder I've heard rumors about?" Ajihad says
Orik looks over at Ajihad for a second, then turns his gaze over to Devon with an even more astonished expression. The young teen nods his head with a smile.
"You heard right." Devon says
As proof for the Varden's leader, Devon stretches his right-hand out and summons his Keyblade: Soul Calibur in a flash of blue light. The human warriors and dwarves in the room gasp and murmured in amazement.
"So it's true... The Keyblade Wielders still live!" Orik says
Ajihad felt renewed hope as he gazed upon the crystal Keyblade. To have a Keyblade Wielder in the Varden. This was indeed a hopeful sign.
Outside, two human sentinels who were out patrolling the valley were suddenly ambushed by two Urgals. One grabs a sentinel and throws him into the walls of the valley, then onto the ground. The other grabs the second sentinel by his throat and throws him against a large rock before breaking his neck with his grip, killing the human.
A third sentinel, a dwarf, had witnessed the whole thing and saw the army of Urgals as they marched through the valley. He disappears into the caves to inform his king as the Urgal army continues to search for the Varden.
Inside the cave, the dwarf sentinel walks up to Hrogthar and whispers into his right-ear, bringing grave news.
"Urgals. They're scouring the mountain as we speak." Hrogthar says
Ajihad looks back at the heroes.
"Time is short. I must know if your with us. We'll be greatly outnumbered." Ajihad says
Devon and Eragon look over at Murtagh on their left, then shared glances with each other before giving Ajihad their answer.
"We've come to join you." Eragon says
"And assist the Varden in the fight against Galbatorix and his madness." Devon says
Ajihad nods his head with a smile on his face. He was very glad to have the Keyblade Wielder and the Dragon Rider on his side. Then, Ajihad turns his gaze over to Murtagh. As soon as his eyes laid on him, a frown formed on Ajihad's fface.The dark-skinned man walks over to Murtagh and stares at him for an uncomfortable long minute. Eventually, Ajihad snaps his fingers and points at Murtagh.
"Seize him." Ajihad says
Devon and Eragon watched as the warriors moved to apprehend Murtagh, then quickly move to stop them as they stood infront of their friend.
"No!" Eragon says
"Whoa, whoa! Wait a minute!" Devon says
Saphira lets out a loud roar, which stops everyone dead in their tracks.
"He's with us. He saved our lives." Eragon says
"We'll vouch for him. Murtagh is our friend." Devon says
"He is the son of Morzan, the traitor." Ajihad says
Eragon and Devon stared at Ajihad with surprised expressions. They were speechless. Saphira's own shock reached them a second later. Immediately, disbelief filled their minds. But then, the two boys slowly turned around to face Murtagh.
"You're Morzan's heir?" Devon asks
"Is it true?" Eragon asks
"A son doesn't choose his father." Murtagh says
With anguish in his face, Murtagh pulls his arms away from the two guards who restrained him, turns around, and lifts up his shirt, revealing a scar across his back. It went from his right shoulder to his left hip, and was white and silvery, like scar tissue. Devon, Eragon, and Saphira stared at the scar in shock.
"This was the only thing he ever gave me." Murtagh says
The young man pulls his shirt back down and faces his friends and the others in the room.
"I hated that man until the day he died." Murtagh says
"Why didn't you tell us?" Devon asks
"You wouldn't have trusted me if I did. I'm sorry." Murtagh says
Devon and Eragon couldn't believe it. Murtagh, their friend, the one who had helped on every step of the journey to the Varden was the son of the man who betrayed the Keyblade Wielders and the Riders. The Forsworn never had any children, least of all Morzan. Yet, here was Murtagh, heir to Galbatorix' favorite servant.
"Lock him up! Bar the door securely! If he tries to escape, kill him!" Ajihad says
The two men who grabbed Murtagh earlier, take the young man by his arms and dragged him away while Devon and Eragon watched helplessly.
"Ajihad, must you be so harsh on Murtagh? Sure, he may be Morzan's son, but he's committed no crime. He's our friend, and he's helped me, Eragon, Saphira, and Arya on every step of the journey here. You can't expect to keep him imprisoned forever." Devon says
"I'm sorry, but we can't give him his freedom without being sure that he won't turn against us. Innocent or not, he's potentially dangerous to us as his father was." Ajihad says with a hint of sadness in his voice
The heroes watch as Murtagh is dragged away into a tunnel and out of sight. Then, they look back at Ajihad as he spoke.
"We've no time to take chances. The Urgals' presence here can only mean that the king's men is not far behind." Ajihad says
"Then, we'd better get ready for a fight." Devon says
Ajihad smirked with a smile as he admired Devon's spirit, but he knew that the heroes must have come a long way to reach the Varden. The heroes would be no good to the resistance if they were tired. Thus, he offered Devon, Eragon, and Saphira sanctuary in the mountain for them to rest and recover.
"Your journey must've been long and hard. Come. I'm sure that you'll appreciate rest." Ajihad says
The dwarf hurried over to his leader as he is called.
"You will act as Devon, Eragon, and Saphira's guide for the duration of their stay. You are to ensure that they receive comfort and amenity we have to offer. Until their rooms are prepared, they shall stay in the caves." Ajihad says
Orik bowed low.
"Aye, Ajihad. I will do everything I can to accommodate them." Orik says
The dwarf beckons the three heroes with his right-hand to follow. Devon, Eragon, and Saphira follows the dwarf as he leads them out into the tunnels.
After leaving the entrance hall, Devon, Eragon, and Saphira followed Orik as he led them through the tunnels of the mountain. Echoes of their footsteps filled the tunnels, the sound amplified in the passageway.
"Thanks again, uh..." Devon says
"Orik, heir to Hrogthar. And don't mention it, lad. It's truly an honor to accommodate a Keyblade Wielder, and a Dragon Rider. Come, I'm sure you are both hungry. We'll get you and your dragon settled."
Saphira hissed.
"Her name is Saphira." Eragon says
Orik stops for a moment and made a small bow to the blue dragoness.
"My apologies. I'll be sure to remember that." Orik says
The dwarf takes an orange lamp from the wall and continues leading the heroes down the hallway.
"Now, there are many caves you both can stay in. Or, if you wish, you can stay with Saphira in the dragonhold above Isidar Mithrim, the Star Rose." Orik says
"If it's alright with you, Orik, me and Eragon would prefer to stay together with Saphira." Devon says
"If that's what you wish, lad, it will be done. But for now, you three will have to remain down here in the caves until we can prepare it for you. The dragonhold lies at the top of Tronjheim. I'm sure Ajihad has people making arrangements for it now, so it shouldn't take too long. For now, let's get some food in your bellies, huh?" Orik says
"Right. It has been a while since we last ate something." Devon says
Soon, they approached a doorway. entered a bare room large enough for Saphira to move around with ease. The heroes slowly examined their surroundings. The walls, floor, and ceiling were made of polished white marble that reflected a ghost image of everyone, like a mirror of veined milk. One of the unusual lanterns hung in each corner.
"Here we are. It may not be much for a temporary room, but..." Orik says
Saphira walks into the room and settles down on the floor on the far side while the dwarf and the two humans watched in amusement.
"This cave is satisfactory enough. Though, I am curious to see this dragonhold they have here." Saphira says
"It'll do." Eragon says
"Aye. Just a few minutes, lads. I will have food brought to you right away." Orik says
"Thank you, Orik." Devon says
"My pleasure, lad." Orik says
The dwarf nods his head and closes the door, leaving the two boys and the blue dragoness alone together. Devon and Eragon walked over to Saphira and sat down next to her, slumping against her curled left-side, tired from their forced march. As they sat there, they pondered over what they had just learned about Murtagh.
"I still can't believe that Murtagh is Morzan's son." Eragon says
"Me neither." Devon says
"I wish there was some way we could help him." Eragon says
"I do too, but there's no way we can do that without endangering him and ourselves." Devon says
"Devon is right." Saphira says
Eragon sighs as he slumped against Saphira's side. Then, he looks down at Zar'roc, the blade that belonged to Morzan. He felt oddly bound to Murtagh. He had been carrying his father's sword which would've been Murtagh's inheritance. They had been alike in many ways, yet their upbringing was totally different. Eragon thought of Murtagh's scar and shivered.
"What man could do that to their child?"Eragon asks
"I really doubt that Morzan was anything like a father. To give his son, Murtagh that scar, he sounds more like a monster. Even Murtagh said he hated him." Devon says
"But that doesn't make Murtagh a monster." Eragon says
"Still, there's nothing we can do to help prove he's innocent. It seems like Ajihad's mind is made up." Devon says
Eventually, the doors open to reveal Orik and two other dwarves with food in their hands. Orik held two wooden bowls of stew in each hand, a second dwarf with two loafs of bread in one hand, and a third dwarf who held a hunk of meat for Saphira.
"Here you go, lads. Courtesy of the cook." Orik says
The dwarves walk into the room and give the heroes their food. Orik handed Devon and Eragon their bowls of stew, and the other dwarf gave them their bread, while the third lays down the meat at Saphira's paws.
"Thanks, again." Devon says
"Ajihad told me that the dragonhold shall be ready for you lads and Saphira by tomorrow. So for now, enjoy your rest." Orik says
Having said that, Orik and the dwarves left the room to leave the heroes with their food. Devon and Eragon enjoyed their stews while Saphira snaps up the meat in her jaws and swallowed it whole. Once they were finished, the boys set their empty bowls aside and laid down next to Saphira. The blue dragoness curled her long neck around them, like a cat wrapping its tail around itself, and laid her head alongside theirs. Her left-wing extended over them like a blue tent, enveloping them in darkness.
"Sleep well, little ones. Tomorrow shall prove to be most interesting for us." Saphira says
A small smile lifted Eragon's lips, but he and Devon were already asleep.
Elsewhere, in a large rocky field, Durza gives a speech to Galbatorix' army of imperial soldiers while Lord Drazor stood alongside him. Having regenerated himself after the confrontation at Gil'ead, the Shade became more deformed with his skin more pale than ever, and red-black marks around his eyes and mouth.
"These cowards will hide no more! Soon, we will destroy the resistance!" Durza says
The soldiers cheers.
"Annihilate!" Durza shouts thrusting his right-hand into the air
The soldiers cheers even more loudly. The two villains gaze down at their army until Lord Drazor spoke.
"Now, we destroy them together." Lord Drazor says
"Yes." Durza says
Author's Note: Happy New Year 2022! Finally! We've arrived at the Varden. After coming a long way on their journey, and ours too, the heroes join the resistance, and meet Ajihad, the leader of the Varden, Hrogthar, the dwarf king, and Orik, his heir. Next, we explore the glory of Tronjheim. But how long until the Battle of Farthen Dûr commences? Let me know what you guys think. No flames please. Hope you guys like and don't forget to review!