A/N: Right about here is where the story takes a different turn, Maethor. And about Trenrod, I couldn't think of a way to fit him into the story. He's not alone, I cut Celio out too.
Edit: Good idea, Tallacus.
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"Good to see you again, Eragon and Saphira" Oromis clasped his hands and smiled, welcoming his students back to Ellesmera. Behind him, Glaedr dipped his head and rumbled a greeting.
We have good news, master. My father has returned from the grave, and is doing quite well. He is with the Varden now, in case they get attacked during our absence. said Saphira happily, then noticed the tense faces that overcame Oromis and his dragon. Glaedr growled, and looked for a moment at his missing forelimb. Saphira gasped.
He didn't…
He did. explained Glaedr. Just before the fall, he and Ruidrik were still friends with Galbatorix, and didn't think he should have to live without a dragon. Obviously they changed their minds about such matters later. Because of his friendship with the Forsworn, we thought Ruidrik and Iormungr as one of them. During one of our attacks on the Wyrdfell, I plucked Ruidrik from your fathers back and he went berserk, trying to get his rider back at any cost. This is the result of that conflict, that act of self-defense. I don't like him for what he did, but neither will I condemn him any more. Now, let us move on to different matters. Come with me Saphira, for I have much more to teach you.
Stunned for a moment, Saphira and Eragon went with their respective masters to continue their training as dragon and rider. The elder dragon and his student touched down in an open field not to far from the crags.
Now I imagine that you have alot of questions for me, Saphira, said the gold dragon. What I had said back there was the bulk of it, and I have forgiven him for what he has done to me.
Have you ever met my mother? Asked Saphira, wondering what else she could learn about her parentage.
Aye, I was one of the elders on the council who had recomended to Iormungr that he and Vervada should dispatch one of their eggs to the riders. Your mother was there and she was very subjective about it. Only after much persuasion from your father that she finally decided to give in and gave up your egg. A few days later, Vrael met her at Du Fells Nangoroth and collected you after Vervada enchanted you with the binding spell.
And I'm very glad that happened. said Saphira, trying to remember the only time her mother spoke with her. Amused, Glaedr waited until his student finished with her ponderings. After a while, the great golden dragon said what he knew Saphira wanted to hear.
You are her daughter in so many ways, Saphira.
She looked up at him, beaming with pride. Thank you master.
Glaedr nodded, then replied And now, on with our lessons.
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The noon sun shone high in the sky as Eragon and Saphira flew above the Hadarac. A week has passed since they returned to Ellesmera to complete their training with Oromis and Glaedr. The elves were successfully taking control of many cities in the north. Even the last Ra'Zac and Lethrblaka, for the other have been killed by Eragon and Saphira when they rescued Katrina from Helgrind, posed no threat to them. The sapphire dragon and her rider were heading back to the Varden, in case Galbatorix or Murtagh decided to pay a visit to Surda.
"Now that we have mastered every known facet of magic and swordplay, I feel we can take on and defeat Murtagh, maybe even Galbatorix." mentioned Eragon to his dragon.
Aye, and with my father on our side, victory will most definitely be possible. Saphira's attitude toward the war shifted slightly after she reunited with Iormungr. She now wished to end it as quickly as possible, so she could spend more time with her father, then find a mate in order to rejuvenate their race.
"We mustn't become overconfident, Saphira" cautioned Eragon. "Our enemies most likely have become even more powerful since our last battle." He expanded his mind to detect anyone that meant Saphira or him ill will, and found a strange presence closing in on them. That presence quickly became an overwhelming force, threatening to crush Eragon's defenses had he not cast a unique ward Oromis taught him to use in such situations.
What on earth was that? exclaimed a worried Saphira, pausing in midair to look around.
"Galbatorix" cursed Eragon, drawing Aiedail, the sword he found under the Menoa tree which once was wielded by the original Eragon. While quite different from Zar'roc, he felt as if the sword was made for him. After all, both Eragon's were the first riders of different ages. He watched grimly as a massive black dragon burst forth from the clouds and charged toward them. Saphira roared in defiance, then slammed into her foe. They grappled as gravity pulled them downward, while their riders struggled to gain control of each others minds.
Shruikan kicked Saphira off of him, then flew over her with is jaws open. Eragon saw what was about to happen, and sliced the black dragons soft nose with Aiedail. Suddenly fire coursed along his body, incinerating the saddle and throwing him off Saphira. And with a flick of his mind, Galbatorix broke the chain of Gannel's necklace, so it would irritate him no longer. Alarm coursed through his mind as he struggled to use magic, but found out that his mind was blocked off by Galbatorix. Eragon could no longer sense Saphira or anything around him. Despair came over him as he fell farther and farther, then slammed into the ground. A wave of pain erupted in his head, then fell into the dark depths of unconsciousness.
Saphira watched in horror as her rider fell into the desert sands. She attempted to go and assist him, but her way was blocked by Shruikan. Roaring again, she flew toward the black dragon, intending to exact revenge. Galbatorix laughed, then raised his hand and muttered a few words. The sapphire dragon felt her mind being invaded, and tried to block the king's presence, but was too late. She cried out as Galbatorix crushed her defenses, forcing her into a deep sleep. Smiling victoriously, the king struggled to bring Saphira's unconscious form back to Uru'baen.
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Many hours passed since the ambush by the king, though Saphira couldn't remember how many, for she kept drifting in and out of consciousness. She vaguely remembered being taken over a great distance, then blacked out again. When her thoughts came back to her, Saphira heard two people talking faintly; one of them seemed very familiar. She felt magic course through her body and mind, constricting her very being, then all was silent.
Eragon whispered the sapphire dragon, yearning for her rider's presence. Struggling to wake up, she found herself bound with chains and locked in a dark room. Weakened by an unseen force, strength alone failed her when she attempted to shatter that which bound her. Fire, as well as her mind, was blocked so melting them off was out of the question. Saphira closed her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek, followed by feelings of despair. Those feelings quickly turned to anger when Galbatorix walked into the room.
You! she hissed, attempting to lunge toward the king but was stopped by his overwhelming power. Galbatorix forced her to her knees as the sapphire dragon cried out in pain, for the chains binding her were digging into her scaly skin. Eventually releasing his hold, he grinned with satisfaction as Saphira stood up on wobbly legs, staring at him with hatred and horror in her eyes.
"That's no way to speak to your new overlord, Skulblakae Nassiance" Saphira shrunk back against the dungeon wall as she heard what she knew to be her true name. Her head drooped and tears flowed out of her eyes as intense hopelessness came over her. All was lost, for the Varden would be crushed, the elves exterminated, and she would be forced into slavery, working for the man who nearly killed every member of her race.
Though a faint glimmer of hope still shone in her mind. Even though she could no longer sense him, she knew Eragon must still be alive. And then there was her father. Saphira knew Galbatorix was very strong, but perhaps Eragon and Iormungr could defeat him together. Her thoughts were interrupted when Galbatorix forced her to look him in the eyes.
"I know what you are thinking, Saphira, that your father will come to save you. He will not, because I will slay him before your eyes. He fell by my blade long ago, him and his mate. They were no match for me, and Ruidrik was even weaker. Now as for you, the last female dragon, no doubt you still remember Murtagh telling you about my wish to resurrect the riders. To do that, I need more dragons. You have but five days to make your choice, Saphira, or I will choose for you."
And with that message, Galbatorix strode out of the cell, leaving a distraught Saphira crumpled on the ground. She wept for Eragon, she wept for Iormungr, and she wept for all those who would die by the Empire's black fist. Much time passed, and her tears stopped flowing. Saphira could not move, because she was frozen by fear due to the fact that she had lost control of her future. Then someone different entered her cell, and took off the chains constricting her feet and wings. Turning her head to see who it was, the sapphire dragon gazed upon Murtagh. Saphira slumped back down in to her corner, utterly devoid of all hope.
What do you want, Murtagh? Has Galbatorix sent you to torture me? she said, not even looking at the rider.
"Thankfully, no." replied Murtagh, leaning against a wall. Concern emanated from his voice as he continued.
"All I want is to speak with you. I don't like seeing you this way, Saphira, and believe me, if I could, I would do everything I can to get you back to your riders side." He looked over the sapphire dragon, who didn't reply just yet. Murtagh assumed she was still wary of him after their last encounter.
"I know how you feel, Saphira. This is not how any being should live. Being forced to kill those that took you in and cared for you, and to condemn the last remaining member of one's family to such a fate…" Murtagh clenched his teeth, and stared at the hard, stone floor as Saphira turned her great head toward him, eyes whirling with despair.
You didn't kill Hrothgar of your own free will, then. she said, all traces of emotion absent in her voice.
"Yes. My body was but a tool used by Galbatorix, and he will most likely do the same to you eventually. Be thankful that he has given you a choice in certain matters, for those are rare. The road ahead will be tough for you, Saphira, yet I hope you will take comfort in the fact that there are those that are willing to talk with you: Me, and especially Thorn." Murtagh paused as the king contacted him, then returned his attention to Saphira.
"I have to go now. If you wish to speak with Thorn, head out of this cell, take a right, and go straight. There you be out of the castle. On the other side are the dragon holds, and not to far from those are the fields where Thorn is hunting. Be well, Saphira."
Saphira watched Murtagh leave impassively, then returned to her previous position. Eventually hunger clawed at her belly, so she left her cell and exited Uru'baen. Flying carefully around the castle, for her wings were quite sore, she easily found the hunting fields. There was no sign of the crimson dragon, so Saphira dined alone. Soon she was joined by Thorn, though she did not know he wished to become more than friends with her.
Saphira
The sapphire dragon looked up form her carcass and looked her foe in the eye.
Has Galbatorix forced you to mate with me? she snapped, glaring at her foe. Thorn looked away for a moment, then returned his gaze to the dragon before him, intending to show all the respect and understanding he could muster.
No, he has not. He has given us choice. and time to get to know each other, which is how it should be.
Saphira shied away as concern for her rider welled up within her. Thorn sensed her feelings, and bravely edged closer to her, but yelped and jumped back when Saphira snapped her jaws inches from her face.
Don't think your lies will work on me, Thorn. Galbatorix probably made you say things like that. I know how all this works, and believe me, things won't go as the king planned.
And with that, Saphira kicked the deer corpse toward the red dragon and leapt from the ground, showering him with dust. She headed back toward Uru'baen, leaving Thorn to watch her go with concern. Back in her cell, Saphira laid down with her back to the door. She was depressed and angry at those choosing for her what she should have to choose herself. Eventually she slept, oblivious to the eyes of a passing Shruikan.
The next day fared no better. The continued visits by Thorn were getting more often, and Saphira didn't like this at all. She was worried that he would soon be forced on her by Galbatorix, and she didn't like the idea of being forced to mate at all. Saphira knew it wasn't good to put off the inevitable, but she couldn't help herself. She didn't even feel anything toward Thorn when he tried to talk with her. Instead her unstable emotions caused her to violently retort against the red dragon, sometimes even tearing his scales with her claws and teeth.
Thorn could not understand why Saphira was acting like this. Could she not see that he meant her no harm, and that he was truly in love with her? He sighed, crestfallen, nursing the latest set of gouges the sapphire dragon left on his side. Shruikan wisely stayed away from Saphira. He watched her from afar, knowing full well that she would be his by the end of the week.
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Eragon whispered Saphira hopelessly, staring at the walls of her cell.
What am I to do? Being forced to mate with the enemy, to have my future children used as tools of war…
She sighed, her mind once again reeling with thoughts of despair.
He may be your enemy, but he truly does love you.
Who are you? Saphira's head snapped up and looked around, but she could not see or sense anyone nearby.
An acquaintance of your father. My name is Lifis, and I have watched your sorrows from afar, and decided to tell you this before it's too late. Thorn cares for you out of his own will, not his riders or Galbatorix's. At least talk to him without biting his head off.
Saphira snorted at the humor in Lifis' tone, then turned her thoughts toward Thorn. After reviewing the past two days, Saphira shuddered. She could now see that his intentions were true, and wondered how she acted like that toward the ruby dragon.
Perhaps you are right. I will talk with him tomorrow replied Saphira.
Excellent. I'm sure you two will get along fine. Now if you'll excuse me… Lifis was about to withdraw, but stayed in contact with the sapphire dragon, for she wanted to talk further.
What is it, Saphira?
What are you, and how did you know my father, Lifis? asked Saphira, intending to find out more about the source of this voice, and possibly about Iormungr. Moments of silence occurred while Lifis thought of what to say.
I am bound to the Du Weldenvarden. My true form was lost long ago, but I have made myself one with the forest, and thus I continue to live on. I, along with the elves, though they don't know of me, keep the forest healthy. Like my namesake implies, I enjoy seeing life flourish under my watchful eyes.
And as for how I know of your father, I have been watching him and Ruidrik for most of their lives. I did that because there is a terrible force locked deep within Iormungrs soul, and if released, it could destroy all of Alagaesia. That force is a Shade. Long ago, two of them were at war with the dragons of this land. They were defeated, but left a curse upon ou… your great race. Their souls would be bound to any two dragon hatchlings, and would be released when the dragons died. Your father is one of those dragons, Saphira, and as for the other, she was well before my time, and I do not know what has become of her.
Saphira sat up, horrified. Now she knew why Iormungr and Ruidrik were persecuted in their past. The riders of old must've known somehow that her father was carrying the spirits of a powerful shade. She shuddered to think what might happen if he died. She also noted the pause in Lifis' explanation, but her mind immediately turned to more important matters.
If my father is killed…
Then the shade will once again walk the plain of existence, and his first target will be the dragons. I fear it will be a slow and painful death for your kind… But enough about such morbid topics. Your father is strong, and I will make sure that shade does not consume his very being. Now get some sleep, Saphira. You've a long day ahead of you.
Thank you, Lifis. Saphira laid her head down to rest as the spirit began to depart. Before Lifis returned to the Du Weldenvarden, she cast a simple spell upon Saphira so no one but themselves and Eragon would be able to read her mind and find out the truth about the elven forest.
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Why doesn't she listen to me! exclaimed an aggrieved Thorn, shifting uncomfortably as Murtagh healed his wounds. They were sitting on the highest terrace of Uru'baen, overlooking the surrounding area, with only two days until Shruikan was forced upon the sapphire dragon.
"She's been through a lot. It's not surprising she's acting that way, after all she was forced into Galbatorix's command, and Eragon… may be dead…" replied Murtagh. He and Thorn stiffened as a familiar presence landed not too far from them. Murtagh looked at Saphira and could tell from her sparkling eyes that she was willing to talk.
"I'll leave you two alone." Murtagh smiled, then got up and walked into the castle, leaving the dragons on the terrace. Saphira sighed, then looked up at the red dragon apologetically.
I'm sorry, Thorn. You opened your heart to me, yet I struck you down, thinking that it was Galbatorix's doing. Yet you persisted, and I kept denying you a chance to talk with me. I admit I've not been myself due to certain events, so can you forgive me for the wrongs I've committed against you? Saphira kept her eyes level with Thorn's, knowing that the dragon would forgive her.
I will. Your recent actions are perfectly understandable, and I know how you feel, Saphira. It is a terrible feeling to be forced away from the one you love. Often has Galbatorix shut off all contact between Murtagh and I. So lonely were the times when I could not be with him…
Saphira looked up at the red dragon, surprised at his current state of emotion. This was not the bloodthirsty beast she fought above the Burning Plains. No, Thorn seemed much more caring, and very capable of being a good father. Saphira laughed silently. She barely knew him yet here she was, thinking the ruby dragon was the perfect mate for her.
I suppose there's no harm in talking with him. After all, there's not much else to do here.
Saphira sighed, wondering what became of Eragon. She probably would never find out, and she very much wanted to be by his side once again.
Do you want to go flying, Thorn? I find that doing so eases my mind. Wind coasting underneath one's wings can be very relaxing.
Of course. Tis a fine day for it. Thorn accepted her offer happily, glad for the chance to fly with Saphira and not have to fight her at the same time. He waited for her to take off, then followed suit and flew right beside her. They couldn't go too far beyond the castle's sight because of the restrictive wards, but their trip was enjoyable nonetheless.
You're an excellent flier, Saphira. commented Thorn, still amazed at the way she flew gracefully through the air. But something was not right. He knew his saying that would cause her to remember the many fond times with her rider, and he hastily apologized.
I'm sorry...
Don't be. I know you meant no harm, and I appreciate your compliments. Suddenly veering toward the red dragon, Saphira flew around him playfully. Grinning, Thorn played along with this game, and accidentally clasped onto her. They gazed into each others eyes, and disengaged a second later.
You know, on the chance we do become mates, Galbatorix will most certainly enjoy torturing us. Though I've noticed lately he seemed to be bored with such actions. Once while he dug through my mind, I sensed deep sorrow within his soul. His heart may be black, but it is also broken. He gets angry if anyone mentions it, but I'm sure he still longs for his original dragon's presence. said Thorn with a touch of grimness.
That's a sorrow I can understand.
They continued flying together long into the evening, until darkness forced them to return to Uru'baen. Thorn showed Saphira a cave far enough away from Shruikan so she wouldn't be disturbed by the insane dragon. She took one look at Shruikan and shivered in revulsion, for the black dragon was a lost soul, devoid of all emotion. She was glad Thorn was there for her, for at least there was some color in his personality and voice.
Together, Saphira and Thorn spent as much time together as possible. Galbatorix rarely interrupted their courting, for he was busy plotting against the elvish attacks in the north. She began to enjoy his presence very much, and only sorrow she felt was the lack of Eragon. On the evening before the day on which Galbatorix would force Shruikan upon Saphira, the two dragons sat on top of a cliff, watching the setting sun. Their wings overlapped each other, and they playfully entwined their tails. Other than Eragon, Saphira had never been this close to another being, and she liked it very much.
I truly hope this war ends soon. I don't want to see the elves wiped out. Murtagh and I were hoping to learn from them, and maybe even train under train under that rider who is hiding with them. said Thorn, dreaming of things that may not happen.
How did you know about Oromis? Wait, Galbatorix probably searched my mind… replied Saphira sadly. Thorn shared her sorrow as the colorful sun dipped further beneath the horizon.
Tomorrow, Galbatorix will choose for you. I do not want to see you in the clutches of Shruikan, he'd tear you apart. So before that happens, shall we?
We shall.
Saphira looked into her mate-to-be's eyes lovingly, then leapt off the cliff and flew high into the sky. Thorn quickly followed her, and together they danced throughout the night. They flew for hours around Uru'baen, barreling through clouds and diving throughout the night sky. Thorn had a hard time keeping up from her, for Saphira was the larger dragon and a more experienced flier. They were both energized by the mating flight, and the fact that they were soon going to be mates.
He struggled to keep up with Saphira, and with a burst of adrenalin, caught the sapphire dragon. They fell to the earth, loving each others embrace. The feelings they felt during this brief time were awkward, but they knew they were natural, and they knew it was right. After he caught her and the mating flight ended, they slept in Saphira's cave. Thorn had a wing draped over his mate and Saphira was curled protectively around the new life beginning to form in her womb.