Hello people and happy new year! What I'm giving you today is more of a filler than a real chapter, just to put an end to the first book and begin Eldest.
Lizard4523 & piperw142: Thank you for the reviews, Eldest may (or not) be as long as the first book, we'll see about that.
George Edwards: I want to thank you too for your review and suggestion. I have a few things already planned for our little couple, don't worry about that. I'd love to say more about what's going to happen during their stay with the elves but I don't want to spoil.
Cya and good "short" reading!
Chapter 19
Eragon was floating into nothingness, completely lost, and paralyzed. Memories and experiences from the Shade's mind flashed before him, darkness surrounded him, forcing him to curl into a ball, fighting the shadows as best as he could. He used his memories of his own life to repel the evil; his friends, the adventures he lived since he found Saphira's egg. Then, the darkness around halted in his assault, then began to retreat.
«Come to me… »
Eragon looked up to see a figure dressed in white.
«Who are you… » he asked, almost whispering.
«The Mourning Sage but I'm also called the Cripple-Who-Is-Whole. Come, Eragon. I have all the answers you seek. »
«Where can I find you? »
«Go to Ellesmera with Arya, you'll meet me there. »
Eragon opened his mouth as his mind was full of questions.
«Be patient Eragon, the time for answers will come. » the figure turned his head to the side, as if he was looking at something only him could see. «You should be proud of what you have done. You have rid the world of a great evil. You've become more than just a pawn, you're an authority independent of any king or leader. You're your own master and belong to no one, always remember that. »
The youth nodded in understanding.
«There is one last thing you have to know: don't tell anyone about me. It'll be our secret. Now rest, Eragon.»
"Eragon…"
"Eragon, wake up!"
The young rider gasped, rising up but was stopped in his movement by a hand. Looking around him, he guessed he was in a chamber, probably beneath Tronjheim. Angela was at his side, sitting on a chair, an exasperated and tired look on her face. She was still wearing her armor from the battle.
"You took your time; I was going to strike you myself to get you up. How are you feeling?"
Struggling to not fall back, he stuttered. "I-I don't know."
The herbalist gave him a cup of water. It calmed his thirst and now, he could think more clearly. The duel with the Shade, the pain of the sword striking against his back and Saphira falling…
"Saphira!" he shouted, rising up again.
"Calm down. She is fine."
"Where is she? And the others?"
"They are waiting outside. I'll get them."
She walked to the door, opened it and ushered his friends inside. Arya and Murtagh entered while Saphira snaked her head in, too large to go through the door. She purred loudly when she saw her rider.
«I'm happy to see you well, little one. You made me worried. »
«Heh, sorry. I saw you breathing fire! »
«Yes » her chest swelled in pride as her purr redoubled in intensity. «The others wish to explain and I'll let them. »
Then, his friends told him what happened after Durza's death. Arya explained how she used the star sapphire to distract the Shade and give the opportunity to deliver the fatal blow. After this, the Urgals fought between themselves, obliterating their rank until they decided to fall back. Unfortunately, the injury Eragon received during the duel was still fresh, there was now a long and big scar beginning at his right shoulder and ending at the opposite hip.
Even if it was a reminder of his victory, the young rider still felt disfigured.
Then, he noticed something… rather the lack of something, or someone in that case.
"Wait, where's Alex?"
There was an awkward silence as Murtagh, Arya and Angela looked at each other. The latter sighed and shook her head. "When I found him, your friend was on the verge of death. Between you three, it was extremely difficult to keep you all alive. When Arya was well again, she took care of him while I was working on your case."
"We almost lost him." added the elf. "But he didn't give up. His injuries could have costed him his life if we didn't found him in time but fortunately, he's now out of danger and sleep deeply as we speak."
Eragon thanked her and Angela before laying back on his bed. The herbalist shooed the others out, saying he still needed to rest. The dragoness licked his cheek, adding she would come back to see him later. Once alone, the adolescent replayed in his mind what the figure said.
«Come to me… for I have all the answer you seek. »
Smiling, Eragon nodded to himself. «I will come. »
End of Part I