The start of the Battle for Belatona. Though this is the beginning of Inheritance, I hate to say it but this story will soon be coming to and end with another two weeks or so if I keep on updating every day. There really isn't much to Inheritance because it is split between Eragon, Nasuada, and Roran. If I simply focus on Eragon, it would cut down on what I need to write. I'm still deciding how many more chapters this will take but I believe that I may be able to finish this story soon. Anyways everyone RR!
Placing his hands on the ground by Leona Lake, Eragon nodded to himself as his magic weaved through the dirt testing the soil underneath. It was soft and he could feel a sort of hollow underneath the ground. His prediction was correct thought Eragon somewhat smug that he had not been pulling at thin air trying to find a way into Belatona. He glanced up at the sky, it was rather dark and the sun was going to rise. His eyes darted from where he stood by the lake edge and the city, to transverse the distance it was going to take to reach Belatona. It was going to be a challenge. Magic or not, he was sure that it would be nigh impossible to hold one's breath for more than ten to fifteen minutes. Standing from his crouched position, Eragon made his way back to the Varden. He had a plan but if it did not go accordingly, he could end up being drowned by accident. He thought about it for a moment and shook his head.
He only hoped that Nasuada would agree to it. If she did, it would give the Varden an element of surprise as they tried to take Belatona. What they needed to do was to keep their numbers from decreasing until they could reach Urû'baen.
"And you believe that by taking this route, you can safely open the gates of Belatona and give us the upper hand in attack?" asked Nasuada as she stood before Eragon about the table in her command tent and hour later. Eragon nodded from where he stood by Arya. The others about the table were quiet since it was undoubtedly in the dead of night or rather very early morning. Eragon nodded crossing his arms over his chest.
"It is a risk but we need the surprise in order to take the city with ease," said Eragon determined for Nasuada to see things his way. He waited for her to deny his idea in taking the city but her silence surprised him. He could tell that she was seriously contemplating whether or not his route would give them any chance for survival. As he waited for her, he could feel Arya's emotions clearly within him. She was frustrated at the strategy and how easily it could go astray. However, he knew that she could not deny how it would be a great help to their forces.
His eyes returned to Nasuada as she nodded, her expression determined, "Very well, we shall proceed with your plan Eragon. I shall have our warriors waiting for you to open the gates. If all goes well, we shall be within the city gates in the next half hour."
"Of course," nodding to her, Eragon left the command tent making straight for the spot in the lake that he had investigated earlier that morning. Before he could make it by a few steps, a hand gripped his. It was Arya. Eragon stared at her in surprise, "Is something amiss?"
"I will be going with you," said Arya. She wasn't asking for his permission but she was merely stating the obvious. He could never win against Arya when she was determined. He sort of knew that Arya would not let him try to attempt a task that was so dangerous on his own and barely armored due to his need to remain stealthy. Eragon nodded. "Shall we tell the dragons?"
"I already spoke to Saphira before telling Nasuada about the plan, if one could call it that," said Eragon as they walked about the tents ignoring the looks sent their way from the warriors that were preparing to fight another battle. "Belatona is one of the largest cities in the Empire, if the guards are alerted of us we will no doubt be cornered. In any case, the moment we open the gates they will come for us and we will have to change into out armor. "
"Then let us be quick about it," said Arya as she followed Eragon to the spot where he was but two hours earlier. She glanced up at the dark sky, "The sun will rise soon. We must hurry Eragon." Eragon turned to her and met her lips quickly with his. When he pulled away, she spared him a slight smile. "This is not the time and place Eragon. Perhaps after we have taken Belatona."
"I shall hold you to that," said Eragon as he took in a deep breath, then with a jump he leaned forward bringing his arms to the front. Diving into the water, he opened his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the darkness underwater. There was a disturbance in the water beside him and he was glad that Arya had used her magic to make a werelight that illuminated the water's depth. He took a moment to admire her before he heard her words in his mind sounding rather exasperated. I would prefer not to drown to death, Eragon.
You think I can help the way I feel when I look at you? He shot back to her as he used his hands to adjusted his position. He found himself staring at the wall of dirt before them trying to find the hollow that his magic had felt earlier. His eyes darting about, he spotted a dark opening in the dirt before them. Leaning forward, Eragon easily used his arms and legs to propel himself through the water with Arya dutifully following behind. When they reached the space, Arya guided her werelight to the opening to cast its light into the darkness. He could tell that the route kept going and nodded to Arya. Satisfied that they were indeed looking at a route to Belatona, the two of them swam forward. I'm rather surprised that Murtagh did not argue to join us.
Arya on the other hand did not share the same sentiments, he is worried about Nasuada. Though she is going to be commanding the warriors from the rear, this will be her first time in battle since the Battle on the Burning Plains. He worries for her.
Nasuada is more than a capable leader, said Eragon nearly scoffing and releasing a great deal of air. To save him, Arya clamped her hand over his mouth knowing his reaction well enough. She shook her head at him as he sent her a grateful look. They continued swimming side by side through the darkness that was illuminated by her werelight. He was silent for a moment as he thought of Murtagh. It was growing increasingly obvious to him that his half-brother held a great deal of affections for the dark skinned leader. Do you think they will be happy together? After this war I mean? Nasuada might very well become the next Queen of the Empire.
Arya remained quiet for a moment and he could feel a slight change to her thoughts as they continued to swim. After a moment she spoke, did you ever think we would be happy together? As always, Arya knew how to back him into a corner. He was about to open his mouth to grumble at her until he caught himself once more. He was starting to dislike the fact that they were underwater.
That is different, said Eragon after a moment. He could feel her raise a brow rather than see her as she answered him.
How are we different from Murtagh and Nasuada?
For one, the both of us are Dragon Riders. You and I will live extremely long lives together because I am a rider and you are an elf, he thought about it for a moment feeling as if he was missing something with his explanation. Also, I love you.
He could feel a mixture of amusement and pleasure coming from her at his words as she replied to him, you are very forthright with your feelings in your thoughts than in your words. He rolled his eyes at her slight teasing. It was as if they weren't swimming to begin their siege on Belatona but were merely swimming underwater just to swim. However, I do believe that Murtagh and Nasuada can be happy after this war. Even if it is for a slight moment in time. Will you deny your brother happiness?
It is his decision if he wants to pursue his feelings with Nasuada, I will not stop him. I just want him to know that his feelings unlike mine have limits.
They continued to swim together. Pushing the thought of Murtagh from his mind, he focused on Belatona. They had reached the city two days ago and like Feinster, Belatona refused to surrender when an envoy was sent to them offering them peace. After a very rude rejection of the peace offering, the envoy was sent back and they had been preparing for battle since. He thought of Belatona, he had been to the city once with Bard and Desdemona to make sure that Lord Bradburn was doing his duties to his people. However, that was when he was Gabranth hiding behind his helm. Now he was returning as Eragon to disrupt the peace in their lives. They were no doubt going to rain curses and resentment down on his head.
As they swam, he felt his lungs ache at the need for air. He glanced at Arya to see that her lips were pressed tightly together to prevent any air from escaping. The darkness did not look as if it was going to end any time soon. Frowning, he propelled himself forward with more force. They continued to swim until Eragon felt his lungs burn and his chest ache, that was when he saw the light ahead. He exchanged quick glances with Arya. Without any restraint the two of them swam forward into the light the darkness about them ending as they emerged from the water gasping for air. Shaking his head as he floated in the cold water, Eragon glanced about the place. They were inside some sort of stone building that had to utilized the flow of water. After a long moment, Eragon realized that it was a sort of shrine that had the water flowing in to fill the statues and fountains. To think they would appear in such a place thought Eragon wryly as he swam over to the edge of the stone floor pulling himself up. He turned and reached out to help Arya up as well knowing that she was merely indulging him for she could easily pull herself up without his help.
Seeing that she was soaking wet and the water was clinging to her skin, Eragon felt his desire flare in him but instantly he stomped it out within him. This was not the place for such feelings thought Eragon knowing that Arya would be displeased that he would even consider such a thing while they had a battle to fight. Instead, the two of them dried themselves with magic. Eragon was about to turn and leave before Arya reached for him, "Eragon you must change your appearance," said Arya in a low whisper in case they were overheard.
"Pardon?" did he hear her correctly? She frowned at him repeating her words. Hearing her words once more, Eragon sent her a questioning look, "Why?"
"There will be guards about patrolling the city now that the Varden waits before their gates, we need to look human to at least keep up appearances for a while," Arya explained to him. He nodded and with his magic began to rearrange his appearance as she instructed. When he was done, he felt odd. Everything in his face felt off and his fingers constantly itched to touch his cheekbones which were lower than norm. His eyes were leveled and his ears round. How ironic thought Eragon bitterly, he was born human and yet he did not feel at ease looking like a human. It felt very alien to him. When Arya turned to him, he felt his breath catch at how beautiful she looked with her human features. It was not like how beautifully exotic she looked when she was an elf but there was a naturalness to her as she stared at him now. And he could see it as well in her emerald eyes as they stared at each other seeing each other and at the same time an alternation of each other.
Propelled forward despite the fact that they had a task they had to complete, Eragon reached out for her the moment she reached out for him. Their lips collided furiously. He reached up and tangled his hand in her silky hair always entranced by her hair as she gripped his tunic in her hands her lips parting over his. After a moment, they pulled away breathless as if they had just emerged from the water they had been swimming in earlier.
He stared at her and despite her calm expression, he could feel her want rising as she pulled away from him, "Later," she promised him. Eragon nodded glad that she was feeling the same as him. Reeling their emotions in, they took one last glance at the water before making their way out of the room. Opening the wooden door on the side with ease, he was glad when the hinges did not squeak. Walking forward, he spotted a pile of cloaks that seemed to have been washed recently. No doubt for the priests within the shrine. Grabbing one for himself, he threw it on tying the cloak at the base of his neck as Arya did the same with hers hiding Támerlein as he hid his swords. Covered well enough, the two of them made their way out of the shrine and onto the pavement of the city street. He saw a light across the dark sky meaning that morning was but a short time away. Extinguishing her werelight, Arya nudged Eragon and gestured towards the towers guarding the gate.
"Let us take the alleyways there," murmured Eragon as he made his way to a rather dirty and dark alley. "It is much safer from sight though I am not sure you will like what we might encounter in such places." It was true, the filth of the city usually lived in such dark alleys. He had his fair share of unwanted encounters in such alleys. Making sure that Arya kept close to him, the two of them traveled in the shadows of the alleys as the sun kept rising. Soon enough the city was going to be awake and bustling about with their own businesses. They did not have time to waste thought Eragon hurrying along between the imposing brick buildings. He could see the wooden houses at the distance meaning that they were closing in on the guard towers. As they nearly ran, he blinked when he heard the sound of voices. He pulled back putting his back flat against the wall as he heard the voices go on. He peaked his head outside slightly and saw a group of guards standing together.
When they made no move to leave he felt his teeth grind together. They were stationed there in case anyone suspicious came wandering out of the alleys towards the gate thought Eragon. So Bradburn wasn't a moron after all. If he killed them, he was going to leave evidence in the middle of the streets of a fight. Blood was not easy to mop up like water. But if they tried to sneak past and were discovered they were going to be cornered before they could reach the gates. As he was thinking he heard Arya move beside him quietly and then she was pushing Támerlein in his hands. He raised a brow at her as she leaned forward to whisper into his ear.
"Stay in the shadows until I lure them here," with that said, she made her way out of the alleyway and began to walk past the guards who did not realize that she was there until she passed. The lead guard turned to her with a frown as he spoke. He was young Eragon saw, no older than Roran. His companions Eragon could tell were around the same age. His grip on Támerlein tightened as Arya turned to face them and he could see that her beauty stunned the guards into silence. He could feel her annoyance at being so openly gaped and admired at. Eragon scoffed silently to himself at least he did not look like that when he admired her. Pressing his back to the wall, he heard the conversation clearly as the guards approached Arya one having the audacity to even let out a low whistle.
Not all the filth keeps to the alleys, thought Eragon with a frown as the lead guard reached out to brush a finger down her cheek. She did not respond to him but he could feel her discomfort and sparking anger. "What is a beauty like you doing out here so early in the morning?" Is this how one wooed a woman? Though Eragon suddenly distracted. He had never wooed Arya before not directly. She had always taken care of that for him when they became a bonded pair. He never wooed her like how Roran had wooed Katrina or how Murtagh seemed to be trying his best to gather courage to woo Nasuada. Now that he thought about it, if Arya had not been so forward about her feelings it would probably have taken him months if not years to realize the depth of his feelings for her. He could feel her amusement and her lips twitched but it did not go unnoticed by the lead guard instead, his finger continued to trail down her skin until it stopped on her lips.
That was when Arya pulled away slightly. She had led the man on and now he looked frustrated. Before she could move farther, the guard reached out to grip her wrist and she let him, "Not so fast!" he tugged her towards him and wrapped his arm about her crushing her body to him. He felt a flash of disgust from Arya and waited ready to kill those idiots. Barely putting any strength behind her struggles, she was half dragged, hall carried into the alley where Eragon was waiting. The moment the guards were not in the open, he stepped forward and rather than staining Támerlein, he killed them easily with one of the twelve words of death leaving only the lead guard who had released Arya and was staring at his companions in utter shock and fear. Looking as if he was going to turn tail and run, Eragon blocked his way as Arya blocked the only other exit. The soldier opened his mouth to scream but a slim hand reached out and wrapped about the crook of his neck before snapping the bone underneath with ease. The scream that was on the soldier's lips died in a low whimper as his body fell to the ground. He raised a brow at Arya before returning Támerlein to her. Then as much as they could, they hid the bodies in the shadows of the alley.
"Next time, let me handle it," muttered Eragon as they ran across the street before disappearing into another alley. He heard her light scoff.
"Are you that angered that a man has handled me so?" asked Arya her eyes gleaming at his emerging possessiveness. He merely grunted at her as they hurried along. It was more likely his agitated state that was causing them to move at such speed now between the alleys. "If you would just wait until later Eragon, you will see how slight that was to how you usually are." If that was an attempt to embarrass him and his actions when they were being intimate, it worked for his cheeks flushed. They quietly ran behind a patrol of guards and ducked in between the shadows of the wooden houses that occupied the less prosperous side of the city. When they reached the guard towers, Eragon could see the guards on top were patrolling back and forth glancing every which way.
"Can you maintain a spell to make yourself invisible?" asked Eragon quietly as he glanced at both towers and the large wooden beam that barred the doors. Arya nodded, "We need to be quick though for it will show our shadows. I will take the tower on the far side." She shot him a look as if saying she could have easily taken the tower but nodded. Taking a minute to wrap a spell about them to cloak themselves, he was glad that he had taken Arya's hand before then for the next moment as he stared at where she was crouched he could not see her. Squeezing her hand in his, the two of them sprung from the shadows running towards the safety of the large stone walls. The moment they reached the walls, Eragon reached for her mind so that they could remain connected in each guard tower. The moment they reached the one that Arya had to enter he released her hand and continued to run towers the other tower in the safety of the shadow cast by the wall. The moment he reached the door, he glanced about making sure no one saw him before pulling the door open to enter. He closed it quietly behind him. The tower was silent as it was still early morning and he was positive that the guards were starting to stir to switch shifts. Making his way up the stairs, he came across the room where the guards were sleeping and with his magic locked them in. When each door was done, he continued upstairs until he came across the turning wheel that opened the gates.
Arya are you in position? Eragon called to her as he gripped the handle that protruded from the wheel. He waited for her response. After a few moments, he heard her.
I am.
Let us open the gates, he felt her agreement and with ease, he began to turn the wheel causing a loud concordant of noise to erupt as the wooden beams were drawn back. Ignoring the loudness of the clinking of gears and metals, he continued to push as he heard panicked shouts in the guard tower as well as the rattling of doors when they realized they were locked in. He heard footsteps pound up the stairs and a soldier emerged onto the floor before his eyes widened in horror. Eragon continued to push going faster now.
"There's no one here!" the soldier screamed in a horrified voice. Eragon had forgotten that he was still maintaining the spell to keep himself invisible. When the wheel refused to move, he panted slightly his magic wearing him out. They had done what they came for. Shaking his head, Eragon removed the spell and before the soldier could shout for help, he killed him with a simple spell that snapped his neck. Removing the cloak, Eragon took a moment to return his face to its normal appearance before drawing Brisingr and hurrying down the stairs. As he ran down soldiers were running up spears at the ready. They shouted when they saw him. Ignoring them, he grabbed the nearest spear to him tugging it out of the soldier's hand before twirling it about in his fingers and stabbed the leading soldier in the gut sending him tumbling backwards onto his companions. Swords and spears ended up stabbing those they weren't meant to stab leaving a rather bloody mess on the stairs. Jumping over the bodies that were either dead or near death, Eragon exited the tower to find the entire parapet in a disarray as they began to let out cries of surprise at their gate suddenly thrown open. He saw Arya emerge from the other tower returned to her normal exotic appearance her cloak discarded as well. Immediately he made his way over to her as he saw the blood stains on her arms.
"Are you injured?" asked Eragon, she shook her head. There was a roar from above and he glanced up to find Saphira circling overhead. She let out another roar diving down to wipe an entire unit right off the parapet. Eragon glanced up at the sight of it raining soldiers. He and Arya stepped back as one soldier fell next to them his body letting out a violent serious of cracks and a squelch as his blood burst forth from his body spraying Eragon and Arya on their lower body. They turned away from the horrible death. Above it appeared as the dragons had made a perch of the parapet. Saphira was on one side sending torrents of flames to any soldier who dared to rush at her. Emerald lights danced on the pavement before them as Eridor landed on another side of the parapet throwing soldiers off or crushing them in his mouth. Then joining him was Thorn and on Thorn's back was Murtagh, holding Zar'roc above his head. "That is a sight to see."
"Indeed it is," murmured Arya as they stared up at the three dragons each of whom looked fierce and made the tall walls look small. They heard the thundering footsteps of the Varden before the gates were thrown open widely with Finny barging through and on his heels was Bard on his steed that Eragon gave him long ago. Catching sight of him, he rode over as the Varden poured through gates into the city taking all of Belatona by surprise. It was going to be a quick battle thought Eragon since they had surprise on their side.
"My lord," he reached down and undid a bag on his saddle, "Yours and Arya's armor are in there." He took the bag from Bard and turned to Arya. They made their way back into the guard tower that she had come from. Eragon was surprised to find it deadly quiet inside.
"I made quick work of everyone," said Arya as she opened the bag reaching in for her light armor. Though he should feel startled by her ferocity, Eragon merely smiled at the deadly warrior that was Arya. He easily tugged his tunic off and threw on his under armor. Then placing his swords to the side momentarily, he kicked off his boots and pants as Arya turned away more to control herself than to save his privacy. He tugged on his lower under armor and with Arya's help donned his silver armor. The last of which was his helm. He returned his sword to his waist and back. They made their way back out to rejoin the fighting to see Nasuada ride forward on her strong, dark charger looking for all the world a commander. By her side was Desdemona and Rosalie, Eragon was cautious of leaving his parents and Ella unguarded back at the Varden but he was reassured numerous times that they had a decent amount of Urgals guarding them. And after Eragon had asked, Elva had reluctantly agreed to guard his parents and baby sister. He was sure it was more for Ella than for him that Elva agreed to such a thing.
"Take to the streets everyone! Engage every soldier you see and push your way to the keep! Our families are waiting for our songs of victory!" cheers met her words as the men charged forward brandishing swords, spears, and shields. As she rode forward she paused by Eragon and Arya with an approving look, "I will be honest in saying so but I had slight doubts about your plan Eragon but as always you have proven me a worrywart. Shall we see which one of us shall be the first to reach Lord Bradburn?"
"I shall meet you there," said Eragon watching as she nodded before riding forward Desdemona and Rosalie keeping close to her. He turned to Arya drawing Brisingr and Vrangr. She drew Támerlein as the dragons gave a roar overhead diving towards the ground to join them.
"Shall we fight together?" asked Eragon remembering her words to him when they were reunited. She smiled fully, the adrenaline of battle blazing through her. Her expression was fierce and joyous as the battle surged to life around them. In battle, Arya's reserved demeanor vanished, replaced by an openness that she rarely displayed elsewhere. Well, an openness that she rarely displayed to others apart from Eragon and Eridor amended Eragon as Saphira and Eridor joined ranks with the soldiers on the ground. He did not dare reach out to touch Saphira's mind with his for they have yet to discover if there were any of Galbatorix's magicians about that could potentially harm them.
From above Thorn flew over head landing nearby with Murtagh. Eragon saw Blödhgarm and his companions rush forward as Murtagh landed on the ground ready to fight. He spared his half-brother a look raising Brisingr in greeting. He responded in kind. Without sparing another glance back he and Arya went to join the fighting in the main street which was large enough for Saphira and Eridor to maneuver about. The soldiers immediately backtracked at the sight of both dragons snapping their jaws and breathing torrents of emerald and sapphire on the streets scorching to death any enemy in their way.
There seemed to be no clean death by dragons thought Eragon as he rushed forward Arya moving by his side. This was going to be the first battle they would fight side by side with each other since their souls became connected. Easily reading her thoughts and movements through the feelings that he was receiving from her, he jumped forward as she gracefully jumped back as a thicket of spears sought to encircle her. Swinging Brisingr about, he rendered the spears useless and sliced four soldiers down before him. Behind him, he saw Arya dance away from a soldier skewering the man in the knee before snapping his neck. He saw one soldier make to bring his sword down on Arya and remembering his promise to Islanzadí he brought up Vrangr and looped the man's head right off his neck. Watching as the body fell to the ground, he shared a look with Arya as they charged forward leading the attack up to the keep slaughtering their enemies in their way.
Brisingr was used for the Varden thought Eragon his sword an extension of his right arm but Vrangr was used to protect Arya. In response to his thoughts, Vrangr's deadly glow seemed to grow as he slew another warrior that sought to injure Arya.
They had made their way into the breach and the battle for Belatona had begun.
There's not much I have to say here really. So I guess I'll just wrap this up and see you all tomorrow if I update which I probably will! See you all soon and to my readers worldwide continue to have a great summer! Side note* Recently been trying to get a grant to go backpacking through Europe can't wait!