Okay, this is a nine-page chapter here and I pray that it is sufficient. After this, because I am halfway to 100 in chapters, I am going to allow those who have not read it to catch up. It will only be until Saturday or Sunday, so do not freak out and try to organize an angry mob after me. I just do not want to move too quickly, you know? Well here it is, and it is pretty huge!

Chapter 50: The First Offical Battle

Eragon and Saphira quickly returned home with Draken close behind them.

Stave has gone way too far, Eragon told Saphira, who was curled up in her bowl with her two eggs nestled beside her.

We must be reasonable, darling, Saphira replied, lifting her head up to stare at him. Who will watch them when we leave?

We? Eragon asked, as he paced the floor in front of her. No! I will go with Draken and you will stay here with our children.

That cannot happen, Saphira muttered.

It must, Eragon replied to her. We cannot leave them alone. Thorn and Murtagh are going, and I am positive that our Draken will want to get involved as well…?

Have you forgotten? Saphira said in a seemingly harsh tone. Has our bond of husband and wife clouded your memory of our bond of dragon and rider? My duty is to protect you, Eragon.

Your duty will change, Eragon snapped. I cannot trust our children to mere humans anymore. We may leave and return only to discover that our daughters are gone. Do you want that?

I want what you do, Saphira sighed. Revenge. I still find this irrational to get involved like this. We are safe…?

But for how long? Eragon asked, stepping over to her. We do not know how many of Stave's followers are here in Ellesmera. We may only have a few days before we lose everything.

"Father," Draken said after walking into his home. "The elves are forming for the attack. Is this what you want?"

"War is never what I want," Eragon replied, "but it is necessary."

"I understand," Draken murmured. "They plan to march around the borders. With luck, we may be able to encounter this man and bring him to justice."

Eragon, Saphira whimpered. Do not leave me…please? Suddenly, Eragon snapped his fingers.

"Fine," he agreed. "Take our children to the Elvin Hallway and give them to Nasuada. She has guards who are checked regularly for any unusual marks, so they would be safe there." Saphira nodded her head and gently scooped the egg of Covin'thra in her mouth. She climbed to her feet and picked up Equinox's egg with her forearms.

I shall return, she said, as she began padding towards the home's exit. Wait for me?

Of course, Eragon replied. Be careful and trust few.

I shall, love, Saphira said. Eragon watched as she leapt off into the sky.

"Well father," Draken asked. "Do you suppose that I am ready for such an attack?"

"Son," Eragon told him. "I have seen you tackle a dragon with enough force to snap a human's neck in two hundred places. You have killed quite a few men already in the name of our family. You have been ready for this moment. Tonight, you fight alongside your mother and father…the dragon riders."

"I look forward to the taste of our enemy's blood!" Draken said energetically. "Stave will fall today!"

"I hope so," Eragon said with a grim smile. "Keep your head clear, youngling. If you let rage consume you, your abilities shrivel."

"That was how I was able to attack Slide, father," Draken explained happily. "Rage is an advantage to me, and a disadvantage to those who oppose me."

- - - - - - - -

Stave walked in front of the large line of his two hundred new followers.

"Remember what I promised," Stave yelled out. "All of you standing here will see glory and never suffer again. When I rise to power, those left standing will become generals in my new army. You took my mark willingly, now it is time to show me why I chose you. On the inside, they are planning an offensive against us. They may have Eragon and Murtagh as their leaders, but we also have a great ally." Stave paused to point to an emerald dragon with Trianna sitting astride him. "Fight, servants!" Stave shouted. "Show me that you are willing to die for your master!"

- - - - - - - -

There were five hundred elves lined up perfectly in formation with Eragon and Murtagh in front of them. Eragon was on top of Saphira and Murtagh was astride Thorn.

Many will die, love, Eragon told his wife. I have a terrible feeling about this.

Just make sure you are not one of the fallen! Saphira replied hesitantly. We must fight with our hearts, dear. If we lose the anger for this villain, we may lose the battle altogether.

"Father!" Draken shouted, as he flew over the two. "I saw them! Around two hundred men line the outside border…Trianna is with them!" The warriors behind Eragon began to converse among themselves, but Murtagh held up his hand to silence them.

"These men are mere humans!" Murtagh shouted. "We still overpower them. One elf is strong enough to battle five humans at once, am I correct? Tell me what chance they have against five hundred of you?" The warriors tossed up their swords and speared, cheering loudly to Murtagh's intelligent words.

"Brother," Eragon said. "Stave is a rider of old. He is very powerful as well and there could be a chance that he has passed a few traits to the slattern. We must be cautious."

"What do you suggest, Eragon?" Murtagh asked, turning to look at him.

"Why not do what we did in Furthen Dur?" Eragon asked. "We even out the troops. Have an even number of soldiers clash with the enemy force, while the remaining soldiers circle around and attack their weakest flank."

"What would that be?" Murtagh asked. "Left side or right?"

"There is a clearing to their left side," Draken spoke up. "Their right side is covered by dense forest. If you are to flank, the right side would be their weakest."

"Then it is settled!" Murtagh shouted. "Two hundred elves will clash with the enemy on sight, while the remaining three hundred circle around to flank it on the right side. Can this be done?" The elves shouted joyously, clicking their swords and spears against their shields.

"We will defend our savior!" Murtagh shouted. "We'll save Ellesmera from tyranny! We will free Alageasia once again!" He raised his blade and pointed it out in front of him. "Forward!"

- - - - - - - - -

"Do you remember what I have taught you?"

"I have, master," Trianna replied to Stave. "We will do it as soon as the battle begins."

"Not one second after," Stave growled. "If you are late, we will fail. I taught you and your dragon much over the past few hours. Use your training wisely."

"Yes, master," Trianna replied. "I will not let you or your servants down." Stave reached out and grabbed her unmarked hand.

"Will you follow me?" Stave asked.

"Always, my lord," Trianna replied. Stave pressed his palm hard against her own and a searing heat pulsed through the young rider's veins. He removed his hand to show a carved 'S' shape.

"You are now mine."

- - - - - - - - - -

The large force of elves marched through the forest with their leaders, Eragon and Murtagh, astride their dragons. Draken flew high above as a scout.

Stay sharp, love, Eragon told Saphira, as they crept through the forest.

Father, Draken's voice clicked in. I see them! They are in the plains near Ceunon Village. Slide is among them! Eragon motioned for Murtagh to stop the troops.

"What brother?" Murtagh asked.
"Draken says that Slide is waiting," Eragon explained. "They are not far from here; just past the trees."

"Then we will set up the attack!" Murtagh replied. Thorn and Saphira bobbed their heads underneath their riders. "Archers! Ascend the ranks!" Eragon looked behind him as a count of fifty well-trained archers pushed from the rear of the formation to the front lines.

Are you ready? Thorn asked Saphira. She snorted and looked up to Eragon.

Only when he is, she replied calmly. This is going to be a hard battle, scarred one.

What? Thorn asked. What did you call me?

That is what Draken calls you, Saphira said. It suits you well. If you do not like it, I shall only call you Thorn.

No, Thorn sighed. Scarred one works well. I hope that you and your rider make it through this fight.

You do the same friend, Saphira replied. If my husband and I fall, take care of our younglings.

We shall, Thorn replied.

"To war!" Murtagh suddenly shouted. The elves behind him began screaming as they rushed forward through the forest. Saphira was sprinting beside Thorn while Eragon and Murtagh held on tightly to their dragons.

I love you, Saphira, Eragon told her.

Do not say that, Saphira replied. Wait until after we win!

Very well, Eragon chuckled, as he unsheathed his bronze sword. Murtagh did the same with Zar'oc, which was returned to him by Nasuada herself. They pushed forward together, toppling any tree or shrub that stood in the dragons' way.

"Slide is moving!" Draken shouted from above. "Be careful down there!"

Do not let him out of your sight, son, Eragon informed him. He could be up to something. The elves pressed on until they came to the clearing. All stopped and quickly reformed into their original ranks. The enemy force was only a quarter mile from them.

"Archers!" Murtagh screamed. "Take positions! Fire on my mark!" Eragon and Saphira turned to their left to see the Elvin archers march forward and take to their knees.

Murtagh has something planned, Saphira told Eragon. He may need our strength to do it. Eragon closed his eyes and concentrated while the Elves lifted their bows to the sky.

"NOW!" Murtagh shouted. At once, all fifty archers loosed their arrow into the air. Murtagh lifted his hand and stretched out his palm to show his shinning gedwey insignia.

"BRISINGR!" Eragon watched as all fifty arrows turned into fiery red balls of fire. He pushed his energy forward to help his brother as they watched the lit arrows crash and explode in the front ranks of the enemy troops. The blast tossed several men into the air, bringing them down to the ground with a sickening thump, while those surrounding the explosion caught fire and burned to death. The painful cries forced Eragon to cringe.

Now Saphira! Eragon called. Saphira roared and jumped into the sky while Murtagh remained in front of the Elvin troops with Thorn below him.

"Good luck brother!" Murtagh called. He turned to face the soldiers that he was commanding. "For Argetlam!" He screamed. "CHARGE!"

- - - - - - - - - -

Slide was circling the battlefield high above with Trianna holding on tightly to his saddle.

They are charging, Slide explained. Just as Stave predicted.

Are you ready? Trianna asked, drawing out a white saber that her new master bestowed her.

We must wait for his command, Slide said. When he gives the word…we strike.

- - - - - - - - - -

Saphira climbed up high into the sky to meet up with her child.

"Slide is circling over in the North," Draken explained. "I saw the arrows hit the men below. That was a wise battle tactic."

"It was your uncle's idea, son," Eragon replied. "You are to stay here and keep Slide away from our troops. We fear that Stave may have them do something."

"Okay father," Draken murmured. "Be safe down there."

We will son, Saphira replied. We have fought many battles. Now stay firm and fight hard. We must return to the battle!

"Very well mother," Draken said. "I shall see you when this is over?"

"You will!" Eragon shouted, while Saphira quickly dove down through the clouds to rejoin in the battle below.

Smoke began to fill the air, along with the blood curdling war cries of the foot soldiers below them. Saphira dove faster, tucking her wings in tightly behind her to gain more speed. They broke through the smoke to see that the elves had converged on the enemy while the three hundred other troops were making their way around to their right flank.

We must get in there! Saphira said worriedly. I cannot see Murtagh. Do you? Eragon looked around the bloody field to see Murtagh swinging Zar'oc madly while still being strapped to his dragon. Despite his violent hacking, he was outnumbered.

"Saphira!" Eragon shouted. "We must get to him!" Saphira touched down on the field and swung her spiked tail, impaling one hapless man in his chest, while Eragon sliced at the enemy troops that were near him. Suddenly, all of Stave's men began retreating back into the small village.

Slide is diving! Draken clicked into their minds. He is heading straight for the front line! Eragon looked down at his wife.

Slide is too young to sustain a flame, is he not? Eragon asked worriedly. Saphira shook her head.

I do not know Stave's teachings, Saphira replied. They both looked up to see the emerald dragon diving straight for the main line of Elvin soldiers. There was a small stream in front of them, but there was also a half-mile of dry tinder brush before it.

"Get the men out of there!" Eragon screamed, while he watched Draken dive after Slide in hopes to catch him. Slide opened his maw, and spat out a large jet of flame, instantly igniting the brush in front of the elves. The heat of the flames alone caused ten elves to fall dead into the fire, but the others that were close by were caught on fire. They ran helplessly, catching the brush aflame as they rushed past.

"NO!" Eragon shouted. Saphira shook her large head.

I knew that this was a bad idea, Saphira said in a mournful tone. She watched as Slide turned towards the forest where the three hundred other soldiers were waiting, but Draken was close behind him.

"Get him son!" Eragon shouted. Sadly, Draken was not close enough, and had to watch as Slide spat out another jet of fire into the forest, incinerating many of the Elvin troops. Murtagh had no choice but to order the elves to fall back. After all, a large wall of fire now blocked the way into the city.

- - - - - - - -

"You are going to pay for that!" Draken shouted to Slide. The emerald dragon simply rolled away and changed course to fly across the river into Ceunon.

You stupid fool, Slide told him menacingly. Stave knew of all of this! He sees everything before it happens now, and we have his protection! Draken roared and quickly beat his wings to catch up.

Son! Eragon suddenly came into his head. He breaths fire! Avoid him or you will suffer the same fate as the elves!

I want revenge! Draken replied harshly. I can do it, father! Let me…?

No son, Eragon replied. We must retreat. We pushed them back, but we have suffered much as well. Out of five hundred, we only have two hundred remaining.

What about our enemy? Draken asked.

His forces are down to a mere twenty, Eragon replied. With Slide, they still can outnumber us.

Then I will kill him to even the odds, Draken snapped.

No! Eragon retaliated. Let me and your mother handle them. We have more experience then you do!

But…?

Now son! Eraogn shouted.

Very well, Draken replied humbly. It was hard, but he banked away from chasing Slide and returned to find his uncle.

- - - - - - - - - - -

"Let's do this!" Eragon shouted to Saphira, who roared in agreement. They took off into the sky to go after the dreaded dragon rider that had caused so much grief. After only a few moments of flying, Saphira spotted Slide flying low over the river.

There! She pointed out. Eragon looked at the emerald dragon and smirked.

Just like old times, love, Eragon told his wife. I want to get them up higher. Can we do that?

We can certainly try, Saphira replied. Suddenly, Eragon's dragon turned belly-up and dove down after Slide and his rider, while Eragon held on tightly to his blade with one hand and the spike on Saphira's spine with the other. She began to pick up speed in her dive, and Trianna was rapidly approaching.

- - - - - - - - -

Return to me, Rider!

- - - - - - - - -

Saphira straightened out from her dive and stretched open her talons to prepare for the battle, but was forced to change tactics after Slide made a quick bank to the right.

What is he doing? Saphira asked. Eragon watched as Slide began to flap his wings to gain speed.

"He is running," Eragon said out loud. "Come on, love! Let us end this!" Saphira roared again and followed the evasive dragon. Slide was cunning and sly, avoiding any chance for Saphira to attack him by maneuvering through certain areas that would give him bursts of speed. He would plow through updrafts and wind currents to gain more momentum, but Saphira was still hot on his tail. After a few moments of dodging, Trianna looked back from her saddle and showed Eragon a sadistic grin.

"I see you are back for more of me?" Trianna asked.

"I am only back to smite you!" Eragon shouted back. "You die today!" Slide suddenly climbed upwards in an attempt to evade Saphira, but she quickly followed him.

Come on, Slide, Saphira taunted. I invented this trick! Saphira pushed herself faster until both dragons collided into each other. Eragon used this opportunity to try and stab Trianna, but she parried his blow with a white saber.

"Stave taught me what you wouldn't!" Trianna hissed. "I do not need magic to kill you, Eragon! I will just pierce your heart!" The dragon's broke apart and began to climb again.

Saphira! Eragon called to her. Get above Slide somehow. You must trust me!

I do, Saphira replied. Hold on! Saphira suddenly looped, hoping that Slide would follow her. It worked. Your chance is near! Saphira exclaimed. She slowed down so Slide could gain on her, but she quickly climbed upwards which caused him to overshoot his attack and be directly below his enemy. NOW! Eragon quickly threw himself off of his wife's side and fell onto the narrow back of Slide.

"What the…?" Trianna asked, as she quickly turned her head to see him.

"Has Stave taught you how to be one with your dragon?" Eragon mocked. "Stand wretched rider! This is your judgement!"

Slide, Trianna pleaded, do something!

I cannot, Slide replied nervously. His weight is already throwing me off balance from where he is standing. If I attempt to roll him off, it could injure me.

Oromis taught you that didn't he? Saphira clicked into Eragon's mind.

There is a spot you can stand to stabilize a dragon's flight, Eragon told her. Stay close. This is a first for me.

I will not let you fall, Saphira replied. Eragon smiled and pointed his blade's tip at Trianna.

"Get up from your saddle!" he ordered. "Let us see if you and Slide are truly one!" Trianna hesitated, but slowly climbed up to her feet with her blade in her hand. Eragon held firm while Trianna inched forward cautiously. "Do not look down," Eragon mocked. "It is quite a long fall."

"Is this some sort of trickery?" Trianna asked. "How is this even possible?"

"Stave was not one with his dragon," Eragon explained. "If he was, this would have been the first thing he taught you." Eragon lunged at her, but she quickly parried it.

"Dragons equal power!" Trianna mentioned, while crossing swords with Eragon. "It has brought me fame and glory!"

"Power comes with arrogance!" Eragon shouted. "You have no fame! You are the most despised dragon rider in all of Ellesmera! As for glory…that only comes with a victory!" Trianna attempted to swing at Eragon's feet in an attempt to knock him down, but he jumped up and avoided it easily.

"If you keep doing that," Eragon continued to mock, "you will fall off before I am able to push you!" He turned his gaze away to see Saphira flying just below him.

Now! He called out. Saphira suddenly climbed upwards and slammed her head against Slide's belly. The blow caused him to buck and roll over, knocking both Eragon and his rider off of him. Trianna could be heard screaming as she fell, while Eragon remained silent falling beside her.

"This is where trust comes in," he yelled over the fall. "How much trust do you have in your dragon?" Eragon took a small glance down to see that the ground was still a few thousand feet away. Come on, love! Eragon called to his wife. He looked up to see that both Saphira and Slide were diving to come to their riders' rescue. Eragon reached out his hands and waited, while Trianna began flailing her arms madly as if she were attempting to fly. They reached terminal velocity (A/N 200Mph) and they both could hear the roars and growls of their dragon's that were diving above them. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek from Slide. Eragon looked up to see that Saphira had chomped down on his neck and was refusing to let go.

Eragon, she told him. Change! Eragon smirked and muttered the word to morph him into dragon form. He changed quickly, ripping off his tunic and forcing his blade to fall towards the ground. Within moments, he was flying instead of falling.

SLIDE! Trianna called out in shear terror as she began to make out the dead bodies on the battlefield far below. She was helpless. Saphira had injured Slide too badly for him to dive after her without killing himself and Eragon was nowhere to be seen either.

I am sorry, young one, Slide told her. I…cannot…reach you! She closed her eyes and waited for the fatal impact.

The ground was getting closer and she could smell the scent of the burning bodies left on the battlefield; she knew that she was about to become one of them.

"Master!" she mouthed. "Save me!" She was only feet from the hard ground, but she suddenly stopped inches before impact.

"What happened?" Stave asked. "How could you not defeat him?" Trianna gasped and struggled to regain her nerves. After a fall for ten thousand feet, no one would have any composure left to rebuild.

"What does it mean to be truly one?" she asked breathlessly. "How did you stop me from my doom?"

"Letta means stop," Stave pointed out. "That spell stopped your fall. As for being one, I know not of it."

"Eragon does," Trianna pointed out. "He has complete trust in his dragon, and he was able to engage in combat on Slide."

"How so?" Stave asked, intrigued.

"He knew a point on Slide that would prevent him from moving," Trianna explained. "I have never seen a man so calm when we were fighting so high up."

"Well then," Stave replied. "It appears that we have far more work to do."

"Did we win?" Trianna asked. Stave shook his head.

"We lost many today," he replied. "Only twenty of my followers remain. As for the elves, they suffered heavily as well."

"Will they attack again?" Trianna asked. She watched as Slide came in for a hard landing with blood flowing freely from his wound on his neck.

"Most likely," Stave assured. "Heal your dragon and meet me here for more training."

"Yes master."

- - - - - - - - - -

"Murtagh?" Eragon asked, as he walked up to his brother. His face was stained with the blood of the enemy, as well as some blood from his allies. "He knew our plan. He knew that we were planning on flanking their ranks!"

"I am aware," he said coldly. He looked to see Thorn lying underneath a large oak tree with Draken at his side. "He has suffered a few wounds, but I have healed them. We lost many today."

"We have," Eragon assured. "It was worth it though, brother. We have proven that we will no longer stand for his tyranny. Soon, he will surrender…?"

"How many more elves will be lost before that?" Murtagh asked worriedly. "Nasuada placed me in charge of this army, and I almost failed her. Many that left to battle can never return home."

It is hard to command an army, Saphira came in, as she padded over beside Eragon. We were still victorious and pushed them further back.

"What of Trianna?" Murtagh asked.

"We know not," Eragon replied. "The last time I saw her was when she was falling to the Earth. I do not think that she and Slide live."

"I hope not," Murtagh sighed. "If they do not, hope will be easily renewed."

This was a tragic day, Eragon, Saphira told him. Many elves gave their lives for our namesake.

I know, Eragon muttered. This was just the beginning, dear. Stave has the power somehow to command vast armies. We may have many wars to come before it is all over. Saphira rested her head on Eragon's shoulder.

We fought bravely, Saphira sighed lovingly. It feels good to get back in the fight sometimes.

This took me all day to write so I hope it is good! Here is a brief about what makes Stave so powerful:

I got the mark idea from the idea of the 'Mark of the Beast' Antichrist . If the man is demonic, perhaps he could be a lot more…even more powerful than a Shade.

I had a question on how he was possessed so I thought of this: For his inhumane act to not take care of his dragon during battle, he was tortured inside by his dragon's soul and those others who fell because of carelessness. After Galbatorix's death…which was caused because of his way of running the Kingdom…he also invaded into Stave. Consider him a channeling point for spirits and demons. When Galbatorix entered, he completely lost his mind and went on the hunt for a quick rise to power. Hope this all clears things up.

PEACE!