Chapter Seventeen

Ravana's Destiny

It was searingly hot. Galbatorix opened his eyes. He was lying on the river bank, his damp robe steaming gently in a blaze of sunshine. He felt groggy and bewildered.

He sat up, trying to remember how he had got here. What did he remember?

The memories came rushing back almost instantly. The arrival, the reunion with Skade, his confession, and finally the encounter with the ghosts in the mist.

He looked around sharply. It was a sunny day, probably some time after noon. There certainly wasn't any sign of mist – on the contrary, the air was hot and dry. The river was lower than he remembered, and full of suspended leaves and other debris. Had the ghosts been a dream, then? He didn't remember going to sleep, but the memory was vague and distorted and very dreamlike. And how could he have been talking to Laela? She was dead. Like so many others. But the memory of her was so strong that it brought a lump to his throat. What had she said to him?

In the dream… or whatever it was, he had used magic of some kind. He had cast it toward the river. He glanced at his hands, and frowned in confusion. The red scars that had been on the palms had faded to silver, and now the gedwëy ignaesia was a lot clearer than before. He didn't remember that.

Almost automatically, he glanced over at the river where he had sent his magic – or dreamed of sending it. The riverbed consisted of many large round stones, each one a slightly different shade of brown or grey. But, he noticed, there was one that stood out from the others. While they were dark, it was light, its outline wavering with the ripples in the water. He stood up, feeling a little shaky, and limped to the water's edge. There he crouched and splashed his face. The icy water helped revive him a little. When he looked up, water dripping off his beard, his eye was caught again by the pale rock. It looked like it was just within his reach. He thrust a hand into the water, stretching his hand toward the rock, but he couldn't quite touch it. He leaned forward as far as he dared, suddenly determined to get it, which was a mistake. He overbalanced, and fell face-first into the water.

The river was deeper than he'd expected. He surfaced, coughing and spluttering, and stood up, his wet robe weighing him down. The water was waist-deep, and he could feel the current tugging at his legs. Feeling annoyed, he looked around for the stone and found it again. Well, no point in returning to the shore without something to show for it. With this irrational thought, he bent and picked up the stone, and waded back onto dry land with it in his hand.

The stone was bigger than he'd thought. Like most of those in the river it was smooth. Its shape was basically oval, and it was about the right size to cup in both his hands. Its surface was ivory white, and with the water still clinging to it it looked as if it had been polished. It reminded him very much of a dragon's egg, little different from the dozens of others he had seen in his life. But it was a dead weight in his grasp, and he knew it was nothing more than a river-stone.

He regarded it for a time, feeling its smooth surface and wanting to throw it away. But something rebelled, and against all common sense he stowed it away inside his robe.

There was the sound of running footsteps from among the trees behind him. He turned, and saw Skade running toward him. The undergrowth snagged at her hair and gown, but she ignored it. 'Galbatorix!' she cried, seeing him.

'Skade!' said Galbatorix, his heart lightening at the sight of her. The silver elf emerged into the open, and threw herself into his arms.

'There you are,' she said. 'I was so worried about you.'

Galbatorix kissed her forehead. 'I'm sorry I went off,' he said. 'I needed to be alone.'

Skade pulled away from him. 'Have you been here all along?' she asked.

'Yes,' said Galbatorix. 'How long was I gone?'

Skade hesitated. 'I don't… I'm not sure,' she said. 'I think I slept for a while.'

Galbatorix frowned. 'But why come after me?' he asked after a moment or two. 'After what I did… I thought you'd never want to see me again.'

'I didn't want you to die,' said Skade.

'But I killed-,'

'I don't care,' said Skade. 'It's in the past, Galbatorix. We have to put it behind us. We've both made mistakes, done things we're not proud of. No matter what you've done, I can still see that you're worth something. To me, you're worth everything. Forget the past.'

'I can't,' said Galbatorix. 'I want to, but I won't. Not until I've done what I have to do.'

'There's nothing you have to do,' Skade said sharply. 'Stay here with me.'

'I'm going back to Alagaësia,' said Galbatorix. 'I left it to be ruled by a pair of Shades. People who trusted me will suffer and die. I must stop Rangda and Durza. What happened there is my fault; I have to undo it.'

'But why?' said Skade. 'Haven't you done enough? Will you ever have done enough?'

The dream came back to Galbatorix, and his expression became hard and determined. 'I have to redeem myself,' he said. 'And then I can rest.'

'Then I'm going with you,' said Skade. 'And don't say I can't!' she added fiercely, before he could reply. 'I'll fight by your side. Alagaësia was my home too.'

'I won't stop you,' said Galbatorix. 'You're not helpless, you're a fighter just the same as I am. I couldn't stop you anyway, could I?'

'No,' said Skade, baring her sharp teeth in a grin. 'When shall we go?'

Galbatorix hesitated. 'What about Skandar? We can't take him with us. Who will look after him?'

Skade's grin faded. 'Oh-,' she began, but then she broke off and looked up sharply. Galbatorix did likewise, and even as he did so the sun suddenly went dark.

It was Ravana. The black dragon was flying down toward them, looking larger than ever, like a piece of moving night in the day. He was flying straight toward them, bearing down on them, and they could see his terrible eyes fixed on them.

'Run!' Skade shouted. She grabbed Galbatorix's arm and hauled him toward the shelter of the trees, and he pulled himself together and ran.

But his lame leg was stiff and sore from disuse, and it suddenly buckled under him. He fell awkwardly, and lost contact with Skade. She reached the trees before she realised what had happened, and as she turned to come back for him as he struggled upright, they both knew that it was already too late. Ravana landed. One huge hind paw smashed into the surface of the river, demolishing a portion of the bank. The water, unable to flow over it, backed up in a mass of white foam. The black dragon's front paws landed among the trees, crushing them into woodchips, and his head immediately swung around to where Galbatorix was trying to limp away.

'Father!' Skade screamed. 'Stop!'

Ravana ignored her. He knocked Galbatorix over, pinning him down with his snout. Galbatorix lay on his back, utterly defenceless, feeling his bones cracking inside him. If Ravana decided to press any harder, he would be pulverised.

The black dragon's voice sounded in his head. So you have come back for her, human.

'No!' Skade shouted again. The silver elf came running out of the trees toward her father. She took hold of Galbatorix's arm and tried to pull him free, her other hand beating uselessly against Ravana's snout. One enormous golden eye swivelled downward to look at her. Enough, Skade, Ravana's voice said, echoing in the minds of both elf and man.

'Let him go!' Skade demanded.

Ravana watched her a moment longer, and then lifted his snout. Skade hauled Galbatorix to safety, or at least some semblance of it. He managed to get up, wincing at the pain in his chest and stomach.

Ravana made no move to stop them. Galbatorix looked up at the dragon. I am sorry, my Lord, he said, using mental speech as a form of respect. I don't intend to trespass on your land much longer. I came to see Skade.

So you love her, said Ravana.

I do, said Galbatorix. He and Skade reached the base of a large tree, and there he collapsed, clutching his chest. Skade tried to pull him away, but it was too late. Ravana's head shot forward, jaws open wide. But he was not aiming for Galbatorix. He was after Skade. The silver elf dodged, and Ravana's teeth snapped shut mere inches away from her. Skade ran for it, and he went after her, roaring so loudly that the ground shook with it. The black dragon struck out with his claws, flattening a huge area of forest. Completely ignoring Galbatorix, he stomped forward after the fleeing Skade, his head darting toward her like that of a heron aiming for a fish. She barely managed to avoid his teeth, and he made it quite clear that his intent was murderous when he breathed in and blew a stream of pitch-black fire straight at her. This time Skade only escaped by throwing herself to the ground, and Ravana instantly slammed his front paw down, trapping her in a cage of black talons.

But he got no further. A length of shattered wood broke on the black dragon's scales, and Galbatorix was there. The human, ridiculously small, threw aside the remnant of the piece of wood he'd grabbed, and began to pull at the nearest of Ravana's talons, trying to free Skade. It wouldn't move, so he tried magic. But Ravana easily deflected it. The huge dragon brought his head around so that he was face-to-face with Galbatorix.

Galbatorix gave up his pointless struggle, and confronted Ravana. 'Let her go!' he shouted.

Ravana bared his teeth. Each one was ivory white and longer than Galbatorix's arm. Then the black dragon spoke, out loud. 'You fight me?' he said. His voice was deep and growling, but he spoke slowly, the words childish and badly-formed.

'If you won't let her go, then yes,' said Galbatorix.

Ravana stared at him. Galbatorix stared back defiantly. Skade looked on in terror. 'Get out of here!' she implored. 'He'll kill you!'

Ravana glanced at her, then at Galbatorix. Then he lifted his paw and let Skade go. The silver elf scrambled upright and ran to Galbatorix's side, clasping his hand and standing by him, facing her father.

Ravana lifted his head, looking down on the two of them. A strange sound came from his throat. It was a coarse, hacking noise that at first sounded like a cough, but then Galbatorix and Skade realised what it was. Ravana was laughing.

So it's true, he said, reverting to the silent speech. You do love her, human.

I would die for her, Galbatorix replied.

Ravana inclined his head slightly. Just as I would have died for my Silarae, he said. I am satisfied now. You were prepared to fight me to save Skade's life, and you have proven your courage to me. You are part of my family now, human though you be.

Galbatorix was dumbfounded. He bowed to Ravana. Thankyou, my Lord Ravana.

I have made my decision, Ravana went on. My time of waiting is over. Skade, do you wish to see your brother avenged?

Yes, said Skade.

What are you going to do? Galbatorix asked.

It is time for me to fulfil my destiny, said Ravana. I am going back to Alagaësia. I will destroy those who killed Shruikan, and I will set Kullervo free. Alagaësia rejected me once, but it is still my birthplace. I shall make it mine.

Let me help you, said Galbatorix.

You, human? said Ravana. You are coming with me. And you, Skade, will come as well. All of our family will go. Now, return to your campsite. Gather your children and grandchildren and bring them to me. I shall wait for you at the clifftop.

Yes, Father, said Skade.

It did not take long for Skade and Galbatorix to prepare. They hurried back to Skade's camp, where Valdyr and Lifrasir were waiting. They had the dragon hatchlings with them, and Skandar as well. Skade wrapped her small son in blankets and lifted him into her arms, her bag of belongings already packed. Galbatorix slung that on his back, and picked up White Violence. It was good to have the sword back.

Valdyr and Lifrasir listened as Skade told them about the encounter with Ravana. Valdyr immediately departed to find his brothers and sisters and bring them the summons. Galbatorix and Skade climbed onto Lifrasir's back with Skandar, and the dark blue dragon flew them up to the clifftop where Ravana was waiting. There they settled down to wait under the black dragon's shadow, and Lifrasir left to help Valdyr gather the rest of their family. As for the hatchlings, they had followed Valdyr, having taken a liking to the one-eyed warrior.

It took an hour or so for Lifrasir and Valdyr to return, but they brought the other dragons with them. Skirnir, as cheerful as ever, who was very glad indeed to see his father again. Balisong and Katana, his two sisters, who were both shocked to see Galbatorix for the first time, but who greeted him warmly enough. And then there were Skömm and Dreyri, overjoyed to see their father and brother alive and well.

It was a large family, but an incomplete one, and all of them were acutely aware of it. Once they had gathered and the reunions were over, Ravana stood tall and began to speak.

My family, he said, his mental tones almost warm. Balisong. Katana. Skirnir. Lifrasir. Valdyr. Skömm. Dreyri. Skade. And you, Galbatorix. And the hatchlings, human and dragons both.

They acknowledged his words with smiles or bowed heads, and Ravana looked on them with a stern, almost paternal expression. The black dragon turned his head to look over at the landscape below. The soft grey-green of the forest, the silver thread of the river, the white sand of the beach and the distant slate grey of the sea, dark with storm far out from the shore.

My country, said Ravana. And my home for more than a thousand years. But I was not hatched here. I was hatched in Alagaësia, which some of you have never seen. But my son Shruikan and my daughter Saphira both died there. And my son Kullervo is still there, and in danger. I have been gone a long time. Now I shall return. Now all of us shall return. Our time is come.

The dragons glanced at each other – none of them had known about this until now. Balisong in particular looked uneasy. Why? she asked. This is my home, right here.

Ravana growled. Do not question me, he said. I am the Night Dragon; my word here is law. We shall go back to Alagaësia. Today. Now. All of you will come with me. My fight is not over yet.

But what about Skandar? Skade broke in. We can't take him with us; it's too dangerous. And he's too young to be left on his own.

Ravana's head swung around to glare at her. Show the hatchling to me, he said.

Skade hesitated, but held up Skandar for her father to inspect. Ravana stretched his snout toward the child, who stared innocently at him. The black dragon's eyes narrowed, and suddenly Skandar was lifted out of his mother's arms. Skade cried out and tried to pull him back, but a strange lassitude enveloped her and she stood and watched uselessly as Skandar floated into the air, drifting up toward Ravana.

'What are you doing?' Galbatorix demanded.

Ravana ignored him. The child continued to rise until he was hanging in the air right at the tip of the black dragon's snout, and there he stopped. He didn't seem overly bothered by this; in fact he reached out a chubby hand toward Ravana, his tiny black talons already curved and sharp. You, little one, will not stand in my way, said Ravana, but he sounded thoughtful rather than angry. No, I have a different destiny in mind for you.

'Stop it!' Skade cried. 'Give him back, Father!'

Ravana didn't look at her. Both she and Galbatorix started toward him, but the black dragon touched them gently with his magic, easily rendering them helpless. None of the dragons there made a move to help – they knew better than to interfere with Ravana.

Ravana eyed the tiny bundle of life as it hung there before him, his ancient eyes taking in the pale skin, the silvery hair, the black eyes. Skandar looked back at him, unafraid, and Ravana felt a strange fear strike at his heart. He opened his mind to the child's, touching its simple unformed consciousness with his own. I know what you are, little one, he said, knowing but not caring that the child wouldn't be able to understand him. And I know what you must become.

He felt the child's mind respond, not with words but with a feeling of strange acceptance. Grandfather and grandson were still for a few brief moments, and something unspoken, some stillness, lay between then. Then Ravana sighed and unleashed his magic. It passed from him and into the child, wrapping its fragile body into itself. Faint silver light glowed around the child's hands and feet, then brightened and spread. Within moments neither Galbatorix nor Skade could see their son at all. Where he had been there was only a glowing ball of light, but from within it they could hear his voice, cooing with wonder.

'Stop!' Galbatorix shouted. 'What are you doing to him?'

But once again he was ignored. Ravana stayed utterly still, unblinking, his whole attention bent on completing whatever spell he was weaving. Galbatorix didn't dare to try and interfere, knowing that if the spell was interrupted it could kill the child. He glanced at Skade, as if hoping she would know what to do.

'I don't think he's hurting him,' she said quietly.

Ravana's wings twitched slightly. The dragon shuddered and then lowered his head and closed his eyes. The light faded away.

'What have you done?' Skade cried. 'Father, what have you done?'

The child was gone. Where he had been there was only one thing – a silver dragon egg. Skade stepped forward as the egg gently descended toward the ground, and plucked it from the air, clutching it to her chest. Galbatorix ran to her, and the two of them examined the egg. It was much larger than an ordinary dragon's egg, and its silver shell was patterned with black veins. Holding it in her arms, Skade turned on her father, her eyes full of horror and accusation.

Ravana settled down on his haunches, looking rather tired. Your son is not hurt, he told her. He is safe inside the egg. He will stay there for a time, and when he is ready he will hatch. In the meantime you are free to fight.

You didn't hurt him? Galbatorix said, torn between anger and fear.

He is my grandson, said Ravana. I could not hurt him. Keep the egg with you, Skade. The shell will not break unless the hatchling chooses to break it. And now we must go.

Are you going to change me back? Skade asked, holding the egg close.

No, said Ravana. Skade, Galbatorix, climb onto my back. I am releasing you from your oath, Skade.

Galbatorix and Skade exchanged glances.

Do as I say! Ravana snapped. He crouched as low as he could, resting on his elbows and laying his head and neck on the ground. Skade and Galbatorix didn't dare argue. Skade packed the egg into the bag on Galbatorix's back, carefully padding it with clothes in spite of what her father had said, and the two of them climbed onto Ravana's back. It was easier said than done. Ravana was so massive that it was like climbing a scaly foothill, and it was just as well that his scales were rough and that there were ridges in his skin. They climbed slowly and carefully, helping each other up, and finally reached the hollow between the dragon's shoulderblades. It was huge, of course, more than big enough for them both to sit in. Valdyr or one of his siblings could have joined them without much difficulty. Once they had settled into place and found handholds to anchor themselves, Ravana spread his wings, tensed like a cat preparing to pounce, and took off. Skirnir and Lifrasir followed, and so did the other dragons. The hatchlings came too, some perched on their elders, some riding the slipstream, and together they flew up and over the forest toward the sea, and away from the land of the Night Dragon. Ravana, flying well ahead, reached the storm first. Rather than fighting against it, however, as an ordinary dragon would do against an ordinary storm, he let the storm return to him. The dark clouds merged into his wings, the lightning crackled among his talons, and the wind gathered behind him and propelled him forward. His family rode on the storm with him, and together the clan of black dragons flew off over the sea, back toward Alagaësia's grey shores.