I own nothing of the Inheritance Cycle!
Thoughts over bond.
David was standing in the center of his room, preparing for the party that was being held in the castle this evening; although, most of the preparing had been done by some of the castles servants.
That afternoon he had been roughly woken and dragged into his rooms en suite to be stripped down and shoved into a bath. The cold water had immediately woken him up but he could not open his eyes because the strip around his eyes had been taken off.
Any and all of his protests went ignored as–what sounded like a group of women–he was scrubbed until it hurt. Unable to speak he listened to the women above him as they gently reprimanded him for sleeping in so late on such an important day, and how the King won't be pleased.
He was perfectly fine with allowing them to wash him until one of their hands wandered a little to low for his liking.
"Enough!" His mind automatically melded with the woman who had froze at the sharp command. "You will leave me." His voice was cold and demanding. With the women's minds under his control they had no choice but to leave the room.
David relaxed into the basin and peeked open an eye to make sure he was alone before he blinked them fully open and finished the bath.
Aquila what did they mean by today being important?
He felt her disapproval at his method for getting rid of the women but said nothing about it Today is the party Galbatorix is throwing for the nobles of the castle. It also happens to be the day that you are going to steal the dragon eggs.
David paused in the process of magically drying off his body That's today?
Yes and you still haven't told anyone how your going to steal them if your at the party.
That's because I don't quite know myself.
David!
Hey calm down! It's alright I have the beginnings of a plan ok? David walked into his room no found that clothes had already been laid out for him.
A pair of black knee high boots sat at the end of his bed. With the boots was a pair of royal blue cotton breeches, and a matching royal blue tunic with gold lining. To go over the tunic was a black leather vest with the Empires insignia stitched onto the left shoulder. Attached to the vest was a black, velvet, hooded cloak.
David was finishing buttoning on his vest when he looked over and saw Eldunarí sitting on his desk. He smiled at the memory of finding out who it belonged to.
Flashback
They were sitting on the bed, waiting for the Eldunarí to tell them their identity. (Although Murtagh didn't actually know what it was, he just figured it was a dragon trapped inside of a colorful stone).
I am known as Saphira.
Both boys stared down at the Eldunarí for two different reasons
"Saphira? How–what are you doing here? Why aren't you with the elves?" Murtagh asked the question.
I haven't been with the elves for years child, even before I was killed. Why would I be there?
"What do you mean you were killed?!" Murtagh almost seemed to be on the verge of hysterical.
"Murtagh! Murtagh, calm down," Davids voice was soothing, "This is Saphira, yes, but not Eragons Saphira."
"What? Then…" Murtagh seemed to realize that this was, in fact, Broms Saphira. But how her Eldunarí was with Galbatorix, David didn't know.
Who is this other Saphira? And Eragon? His dragon was Bid'Daum, and that was centuries ago.
"Not that Eragon. You see…" David struggled to explain, "Do you remember how the vault you were in had three dragon eggs in it?"
Yes. They could hear the displeasure and sadness in her voice for the eggs.
"Do you remember how around ten or eleven years ago one of them was stolen?"
Happiness coated her next words no. I hadn't known any were stolen. But who stole them? And why only one of them? Her questions were guarded.
"Brom had organized a group to oppose the Empire called the Varden. The group had set a task for someone to sneak here into the castle and steal the dragon eggs. Nobody knows why the man was only able to steal one of the eggs, but he did. And when he did he fled."
That wretched human being. How dare he come to only steal one egg and then flee like a coward!
"But it's okay! It's okay! Brom found him and the egg before anything bad happened, and he took the egg and brought it to the Varden. They had been trying to get it to hatch for about ten years."
Had been?
"Er, yeah, uh well it hatched for a farm boy named Eragon."
I see. And now we have two free riders in Alagaesia. Her voice was fierce and hopeful.
"Not exactly." Murtagh broke the moment with his dry tone.
Oh?
"Nobody knows about David being a rider but me."
You have been hiding? Saphira didn't sound happy about that knowledge.
"I wanted to hide until I knew we would be needed most." David defended.
And how would you know when you were to be needed?
"I wouldn't even question how or when he knows something. It's just fact that we have come to accept."
You just know things?
"Yea. Like future things. But I will not know for certain anymore because I have changed certain events already."
I see. Saphira sounded pensive. And who is this we you spoke of, Murtagh?
"Me, Brom, Eragon, and Saphira." Murtagh rushed to finish, "The other Saphira, not you."
I know what you meant little one. Her tone was amused, but her next words were hesitant My little one, Brom, he is alright?
David answered, "Yeah he's alright. Last time we saw him anyway."
And when was that?
David was a little worried to answer this question but answered anyway, "Several months ago?" It didn't come out quite as confident as he wanted it to.
Months ago?! Anything can happen in months! He could be dead!
Do not yell at my rider for something he does not know! Aquila defended her rider You should be thankful that he may be alive at all! With out David Brom would have died long ago!
"It's alright Aquila she is just worried."
Is it true Saphira was speaking, mostly to David Brom would have died, yet you saved him?
"Yes, I saved him. I couldn't let the old man die after all." David tried to wave off the feelings of gratitude coming from Saphira.
I am in your debt.
David felt decidedly uncomfortable, "Yes well," he cleared his throat, "I'm going to head off to bed now." David put Saphira's Eldunarí back inside of the glass box.
When he closed the box Murtagh decided to speak again, "You should probably know, Saphira, Eragon is Brom's son.
They felt the happiness coming from Saphira Who is the mother?
Awkward silence followed between Murtagh and David. David turned to Murtagh, "You brought up the topic you finish it."
David crawled into his bed and listened to how Brom had met Murtagh's mother, who just so happened to be Morzan's wife.
When she heard that Brom had a child with the wife of Morzan she withdrew her conscience back into the Eldunarí, and no coaxing from Murtagh's part could get her to come out.
End Flashback
David looked out his bedroom window and realized it was no longer the afternoon, but quickly setting into the evening.
Crap, I should have been thinking up plans, not the past.
A sequence of knocks sounded on his door before Murtagh casually strolled in. "Alright, sir Prince, what's the plan?"
"Er, there isn't one."
"What do you mean there isn't one." Murtagh demanded.
"I kind of have one."
"Well then let's hear it."
"Are you going to be serving at all for the party?"
Murtagh thought for a moment before he shook his head, "No, why?"
"Alright good, then I need you," David picked up the glass box containing the Eldunarí from his desk and handed it to Murtagh, "to take her out of Urû'baen, and bring her to Aquila."
He shoved Saphira into Murtagh's unwilling arms. "And don't drop her either. Don't want her breaking on us."
"Wha–David I'm not going to leave you here to steal the eggs alone!"
"Murtagh do not argue with me. This is my plan and I need you to bring Saphira to Aquila. Preferably unnoticed. When you reach each other I want you two to fly above Urû'baen."
David you should not be doing this alone.
Don't worry Aquila, I will be just fine.
And if your not? If Galbatorix finds you and sees who you really are?
Then you will leave with the knowledge that you were able to get Murtagh and Saohira out of here.
Saphira broke into the conversation Aquila, little one, as stupid as this 'not plan' is, it would be better for Murtagh to get out of here while he still can so at least one of them will still get away.
Aquila wanted to argue more, to protect her rider, but she didn't. If he is captured I will leave. But I will not just leave him to the whims of the Mad King!
Alright but if you do have to come back to save me, come back with a plan.
David followed Murtagh out into the hallway, closing the door behind him with a slightly nostalgic feeling I'm never going to see another room as nice as that one.
They were halfway down the hallway when Murtagh stopped him, "Can't you hide this thing?"
"I suppose I can try." Stringing a few words from the ancient language together David created an illusion to make it look as though Murtagh wasn't carrying anything, and his arms were at his sides. "There."
"But you didn't do anything." Murtagh protested.
"You can't tell because it's an illusion to other people."
"What's the illusion?"
"To others it would look as though you aren't holding anything at all."
"Why don't you just make it so I look invisible?"
David paused, "You know I hadn't thought of that." He turned to Murtagh again and twisted it so that it was as if Murtagh wasn't even their.
"You will have to be careful though. People will still be able to hear or feel you." They made it to a split in the hallway. David took the left hallway towards the throne room but was stopped by Murtagh's voice from behind him.
"Be careful please. If not for Aquila then for me. I can honestly say that I really do see you as a brother."
The words made warmth spread through Davids body. "I will be careful for both of you Murtagh. I see you as a brother as well." And with that David quickly strode through the corridor.
Entering Gakbatorix's study David quickly scanned both the bedroom and the study. He let out a relieved breath when he found the rooms to be empty.
He quickly walked up to the bookcase and examined the books carefully. He removed the strip from around his eyes and looked at the books again before finding the right one and removing it from the shelf. He was rewarded with the bookcase opening to reveal the passageway that led to the chamber holding the eggs.
He rushed to the end of the passage and stopped before the blank space of wall. He pressed his hand to the wall and pushed his magic into it. He broke out into a huge smile when the wall melted away to reveal the chamber.
David walked up to the eggs, ready to remove the wards placed over the eggs to protect them. His brows furrowed, however, when he found that there were no protections over them.
He blanched when he heard steady footsteps sounding in the hallway. Looking at his outfit he realized he was dressed like the prince. Thinking quickly David put an illusion over his clothes, and removed the magic that had changed his features.
With a hand on each egg he listened as the stone door fell away. He didn't have to turn around to know Galbatorix was the one standing behind him. He took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. "Well well. If it isn't his majesty himself." He looked over his shoulder at the King and raised his eyebrow. "Isn't there some kind of party you should be hosting?" He shrugged his shoulders, "But if you wish to honor me with your presence instead of your guests, well, I'm not stopping you."
"So," the burning rage in the Kings eyes betrayed his calm words, "you are The Shadow?" David breathed an internal sigh of relief when he knew his magic had worked. What Galbatorix was seeing was Davids auburn colored hair, along with his elvish features. The illusion on his clothes showed he was wearing a leather riding outfit. Oh how he missed that outfit.
"Yes, I am The Shadow. I've heard you wish to meet me?"
Galbatorix ignored his question, "How did you discover this chamber?" Galbatorix was almost spitting in anger.
David turned around, scooping the eggs up into his hands as he did so. He tucked the red one under his arm as he held the green in his hand. He lifted his other hand in a placating gesture, "Now now there's no reason to get so angry–" Davids concentration broke as a spike of pure agony drove against his barriers. Aquila!
His defenses were strengthened with the combined abilities of both rider and dragon. Yet it was still not enough to keep the pain away.
He began to feel another presence joining theirs, but when he realized it was Saphira he stopped her.
And why not? You are in need of help and I can give it to you!
But if he senses your presence he will find out I am actually Neil. He didn't listen for a reply as he searched his mind for any kind of magic that could help him out of the situation. It was hard to focus when he could feel the twisted and enraged minds of dragons pushing against his shields. He and Aquila were strong, yes, but not that strong.
David saw his twin swords leaning against the wall next to the door of the chamber. His next words were a mere whisper that grew into a defiant shout, "You've been wanting to meet The Shadow Galbatorix? Well, I'll give you a shadow!"
"Súndavar, eom eka!" The shadows of the chamber spread throughout the room and slowly crawled up Davids body and seemed to seep into his head. With each passing moment the pain of Galbatorix's attack was ebbed away until the pain fell away completely.
"What is this?" David looked into the eyes of Galbatorix and saw nothing but madness and hate swirling in their depths. Nothing like the kind front he would show his 'son' Neil. "What magic is this! I cannot find your mind in that accursed darkness."
He smiled when he realized the shadows had done exactly as he wanted them to do. They surrounded his minds barriers like a second wall and made it impossible for Galbatorix to get through. After all, yor can't see through darkness. Take blind people for instance.
Alright Aquila I need you to start attacking the city.
What do you mean attack the city?! Your still in the city!
I didn't say decimate it! I just want you to make a distraction while I make my way out of the castle. Then you can swoop down and grab me alright?
Alright.
"Look Galbatorix this talk was wonderful, really,but I think–" David was cut off by the unmistakeable roar of a dragon that he knew came from Aquila. "Ah, my ride is here."
Galbatorix paused for a second in the shock of hearing the roar, but that second was all David needed to swoop around Galbatorix and swipe his swords. He allowed the shadows from his mind to be released and they filled the passageway, blocking David from sight and protecting him from any of Galbatorix's magical attacks.
He broke free of the passageway and shoved himself into the darkest corner of the room, where he allowed his shadows to wrap around him and shield him from sight.
He stood stock still as Galbatorix burst out from behind the bookcase and stormed out of the study, his expression was murderous.
When he no longer heard Galbatorix he release the shadows with a breath of relief. He looked down at his hands and realized he was holding the eggs. Elation coursed through him at the sight of the eggs. He had successfully stolen the eggs, although now he had to get out of the castle.
Casting his mind out in front of him David left the study. He checked the throne room and found Shruikan was still inside; this time though he was awake. Aquila must have woken him.
David thought of what he looked like as Neil and pushed his magic so it would make him look like the blonde haired human boy. He dropped the illusion on his clothes and retied the strip around his eyes. He figured it would be easier to get around looking like the Prince instead of The Shadow.
…I really cannot get a name that I like can I? I'm a Shadow then a Prince!
David concealed the eggs consciences with his as he shoved the eggs down the back of his shirt (He had to put them somewhere!) before he rushed to leave the throne room, hoping to get by Shruikan without notice. No such luck.
As he opened the throne room doors Shruikan gave a low growl. David turned and feigned relief. "Shruikan! Thank goodness. Have you seen my father?" David would have looked the dragon in the eye had his eyes not been covered.
Hearing another roar come from outside made Shruikan remove his wing/curtain and poke his head further into the room. David no longer had to feign his anxiousness, "Please Shruikan, which way did he go?!" But Shruikan didn't answer.
Throwing his hands up in defeat David decided to choose his own way and hope Galbatorix went the opposite. He ignored any attempts at the servants calling his name, begging him to hide and be safe. He would just throw the excuse of needing to find his father over his shoulder before continuing his way out of the castle.
He was lucky that he didn't run into any nobles, or Galbatorix himself, on his way out of the castle. Probably all cowering in the ball room he thought with a small amount of disgust.
He heard another roar only louder this time, accompanied by the muffled sounds of panicked screaming. He turned another corner and found what seemed to be a side entrance to the castle. He ran towards the door, and just as he reached the handle he heard his name called from behind him.
David turned as if to look for the one who spoke, but his mind told him that it had been Galbatorix. He slumped his shoulders as if in relief, "Father I have been looking everywhere for you! But I couldn't find you and I know I can help so I just–" Galbatorix cut him off.
"No! I will not have my son out there with that dangerous beast still flying around!"
"But father–"
"No Neil! No," his voice became much calmer. It seemed that the conversation from inside the chamber was still affecting him, "My men are out there taking care of it. Just return to your room."
David took a deep breath through his nose, "I just wish to help you!" And with that David yanked open the door and ran into the chaos outside. He ignored the Kings yelling as he made it farther into the chaos.
Aquila where are you?
He received an answering roar in return that threatened to turn him deaf. Great. Add deaf onto blind. His thoughts were wry.
Where are you little one?
I am coming to you. Do not land just, I don't know, pick me up.
In this pandemonium? It will be impossible!
I did not come this far for you to refuse to pick me up from the ground. Just do it! And please tell me you have Murtagh.
You would worry about him wouldn't you? But yes I have Murtagh.
David saw Aquila fly overhead, and he watched in awe as she released Aqua blue flames onto the castle, with little to no effect.
David began yelling out "Dragon!" And "Beast!" Trying to get Aquila to see at him.
Are they calling me beast?! Aquila sounded offended.
No you idiot that's me!
No need to be rude David. She replied with mock anger.
She spotted him in the panicking crowds and dove for him. The people around him seemed to just melt away as he was picked up from the ground. He let out a distressed scream. After all if someone gets picked up in he talons of a dragon they would scream right?
Aquila let loose another roar as she flew into the sky before spiraling back towards the ground. She set another torrent of flames at the castle before leisurely flyining around Urû'baen.
David pretended to put up a struggle as Aquila flew around with him still in her claws. Yelling down at the people below for help. Of course nobody did help him.
I feel like such a damsel in distress.
You are.
Hey! I take offense.
He heard exclamations from people recognizing that he was,mim fact, the prince. But did anyone do anything about it? No. They stood around and pointed at his flailing body as he flew over their heads.
Let's get out of here Aquila.
When they flew over the castle in the general direction of the Varden, David saw Galbatorix on the roof yelling at the archers for inability to down a dragon. David smirked and decided to do a little more acting.
As they flew overhead he allowed the strip of leather to fall from his eyes, keeping his eyes firmly shut as he did so. He drew in a deep breath and yelled and a distressed and panicky voice, "Dad!" Make it a little more heartfelt right? Or was that to far?
I think it was a fine performance.
David took great pleasure in Galbatorix's face as he realized just who was stuck in Aquila's talons. He rushed to the edge of the castles roof and it almost seemed as if he was going to jump.
"Son?" Galbatorix's voice seemed break mid-word and it made David feel a little bad, "Let go of my son, beast!" Until he called Aquila a beast.
Aquila flew up into the sky until Urû'baen was no more than a dot on the ground. David watched for any signs of Shruikan coming out of the castle but he didn't see anything. It gave him some relief that they weren't being followed.
Are you going to carry me like this all night.
Well if you don't like it… Aquila released him from her grip.
Instead of being terrified like most probably would David just let out a care free laugh. Laughing a little harder when he heard Murtagh scream at the fact Aquila just dropped him.
Said scream was taken by the wind as Aquila dove down and leveled herself beside David. Allowing him to grab onto the shadow saddle with ease and sitting in front of Murtagh. When he was situated Aquila snapped out her wings and flew back into the night sky, carrying them as fast as possible to put distance between them and Urû'baen.