IX

Hail To The King

Eragon's POV:

I managed to, with Saphira's help, flee back to the camp site. With a snapped right wrist, I knew I was a danger to everyone, a liability. So, I was prepared to grab Arya and Brom and flee on dragon back. I knew that Erik and Allister would order me to do so, as they would buy us time, but the cost was not acceptable.

Have faith little one, Erik is long of tooth and sharp of claw. We have seen him in combat against much larger numbers, alone, and he has won Saphira said, her rumble reassuring me and bolstering my faith in the enigmatic man.

For whatever reason, Erik liked me and treated me like how Garrow did, except that it was a lot kinder. He would always seek me out and pass on bits and bobs of knowledge. Like getting me to learn the Ancient Language, grammar, syntax and even diction.

So much so, Arya said I sounded like an uneducated backwoods elf whose mother might have come from Ceunon.

I think that that was a compliment.

I was planning on using something else he taught me.

Never use the Ancient Language to speak in absolutes. Except for those I trust completely. This concept extended to spell casting.

As I prepared a spell chain designed to blind multiple targets, I suddenly felt this presence.

It was massive.

Then we landed and saw what was happening.

Brom, Allister, Arya and the Urgal pack were all trapped in a purple fog and Erik was floating in it.

"Now….kneel before me, your once and future King!" he roared, his voice shaking with rage.

The lead Urgal roared back, saying "We only recognize His Majesty, King Galbatorix! Not you, you weak, mewling runtling!"

Abruptly, the purple fog receded as Erik landed on the ground in a crouch. And he spoke, his voice filled with a dark, cold menace.

"Oh, you did not just say that, did you? Because you're making me angry" his head snapped up, his eyes glowing red, purple lines tracing his face in a forgotten script.

"You won't like me when I'M ANGRY!" he bellowed as his swords appeared in his hands in twin flashes of light and he blurred.

This wasn't the same Erik. The Erik I knew was cool, calculating and could have killed the entire Urgal party of twenty by the time I had landed and undid the buckles. But, he was now being powered by rage.

Pure, blinding, rage. Which, the Urgals were using to lure him into a trap.

I knew he needed my help.

You know that that's a stupid idea, right ? came Saphira's voice as I leapt off of her saddle in a somersault, landing on the tip of her tail.

Do it! I order fiercely, my focus on saving my mentor. I unsheathe Zar'roc, as I feel Saphira's tail tense and she launches me into the enemies.

I let out a maniacal laugh, of pure exultation and savage joy. I ready the spell that would knock them all back.

"Thrysta Vindr" I snarl, slamming my right hand down, ignoring the flare of pain, causing an explosion to blow the Urgals back and up. I then focus my energies on the pebbles I could sense in the ground and snarl out the next command.

"Thrysta" I growl out, the pebbles flying up, shredding them up. All but one fell in a rain of blood, guts and body parts.

The leader fell on the ground, completely winded, his strange sword staff landing point first into the ground. I walk over to the weapon, sheathing Zar'roc. I grip it with my left hand and heft it, dragging the tip as I walked. I walk over to the recovering Urgal, who has just enough time to widen its eyes in fear before I slam the sword into its guts. It lets out a ululating howl, which I abruptly choke off with my stepping on his throat.

"That" I pant out in pain, anger and exhaustion "was for attacking my mentor" I then unsheathe Zar'roc, which catches fire, responding to my fear and anger at what could have been and never will be.

"And this" I say, raising the sword in both hands as I point the blade down towards his head "is for trying to harm my family" I smile grimly "Give my regards to the Forsworn when you meet them"

I then thrust my blade down into his head, smashing his skull open.

I then walk away, collapsing on my hands and knees and throw up.

I smell crushed pine needles and know that Arya was next to me, followed by Saphira's comforting presence enveloping my mind.

I feel an onrushing blackness overcome me as a bone deep weariness causes me to fall.

Next up: Erik explains his past.

R&R!