I apologize, but there are two harsh words in here (the B word), but you will see why when you read it. Trust me, I am proud of this one :-)
Chapter 53: Fire in the Rain
It was morning again and all five family members were sleeping soundly in their bowls, until a loud clap of thunder woke all five up from their joyful slumber.
"What was that?" Draken quickly asked, lifting his head up to inspect the loud noise. Eragon and Saphira climbed to their feet, knocking Equinox and Covin'thra into each other as they stood up.
It sounded like thunder, Saphira informed. She and Eragon both padded over to exit their home. They looked up into the sky to see that it was completely covered with black storm clouds.
It was a clear day yesterday, Eragon muttered. How did this move so fast? Saphira shook her head and continued to look up at the dark sky. They both flinched slightly as a bright flash of light streaked through the clouds.
Pretty, Saphira said, as she continued to look up. It really illuminates the clouds.
It does, Eragon agreed. Come out here children. It is alright. He turned behind him to see Covin'thra cautiously approach behind him with Equinox following. Draken came out last.
"I have never seen the clouds this dark father," he said. "Is this normal?"
It is mid-April, son, Eragon explained. Storms can come up before the summertime. The family watched as a lightning bolt smashed into a tree in the forest, tossing sparks of burning wood up into the air.
"That was astounding," Draken said, as he slid down to his paws. "What was that?"
Lightning, my dear son, Saphira explained. When there is lighting…? She paused to here another loud crash from the clouds. The loud crack startled the two young sisters, sending them sprinting underneath Saphira. There comes thunder.
"Thunder," Draken said in thought. "It is loud."
It is dangerous as well, Eragon pointed out. Always avoid flying in a storm so powerful.
"Noted," Draken stated, lowering his head humbly. "Thank you for the explanation." Eragon padded over to his son and brushed snouts with him.
You are quite welcome, my boy, he said. He turned to watch Covin'thra dash out from underneath her mother with Equinox following her closely. Covin'thra squeaked as Equinox bowled her over yet again, pinning her to the grassy floor with her forearms. The silver dragonet used her wings to push herself forward, and quickly turned the tables on her twin sister to where she was the one on the ground.
They are such a cute group of hatchlings, Saphira admired. We have done well, husband. Eragon padded away from Draken and went over to his wife to lick her cheek.
I know, he replied lovingly. They continued to watch their children play and laughed when they stopped to listen to the thunder roaring overhead.
- - - - - - - - - - -
"I do not like this," an Elvin warrior said to his comrade beside him. "It is too quiet here! Where is everyone?"
"Quiet Royan," the older elf, Ebath, snapped. "Remember to stay alert!" They both looked behind them at the twenty other Elvin warriors who were marching as well, many on horseback.
"It does not feel right, father," Royan exclaimed. "Something is amiss here!"
"Then we wait for it to show up!"
- - - - - - - - - -
The sky began to grow darker as the family continued to play outside. Covin'thra had managed to pin Equinox to the ground over five times, but Equinox refused to give up. The silver dragonet attempted to roar, but only squealed, causing Eragon, Saphira, and Draken to burst into laugher; the small dragonet held her head down in embarrassment. Seeing her chance, Equinox charged her sister, plowing her snout into Covin'thra's belly. She squeaked in surprise and found herself pinned again by Equinox. The magenta dragonet chirped in victory and prepared to place a playful bite on Covin'thra's neck, but a small drop of rain landed on her snout before she could do so. Equinox yelped and shook off the water violently before letting go of her sister and rushing back to her mother. Covin'thra righted herself and cocked her silver head at her sister's odd behavior. Suddenly, the rain began to come down in buckets, splashing against Covin'thra's hide. She hollered loudly and rushed around the yard in a futile attempt to avoid getting any wetter. It seemed like the water landed everywhere she stopped, forcing Covin'thra to panic and run around faster in hopes that she could find a safe place where the water did not fall. To her demise, the water landed all around the yard, completely soaking her hide.
"Why is water falling, father?" Draken asked, as the rain ran off of his scaly forehead and body. Eragon tilted his wings to let the water that was pooling on them wash off to the ground.
This is called rain, Eragon explained. No one knows how or why, but it falls and nourishes the ground.
"I see," Draken said, as he watched Covin'thra squeak and attempt to run from the water again. "I wonder why it cannot be avoided."
These clouds are full of moisture, Saphira explained. Each cloud is over a league in length. When it comes down, all in it's shadow will be covered in its water. She turned to watch Covin'thra lift her wings up over her head to stop the rain from hitting her hide.
"You cannot hold your wing up forever," Draken called out to her. "Come here, sister!" Saphira showed Draken her teeth.
Yes, he replied to Covin'thra. I will cover you. Covin'thra dropped her wings and rushed madly over to Saphira, cowering underneath her large sapphire wing with her sister.
I suppose that they have learned a lesson about weather, Eragon pointed out. Saphira smirked at him and cocked her head.
Watch this, she said mischieviously. Suddenly, she tipped her wings and watched as the water from them cascaded down onto Covin'thra and Equinox's heads. They both chirped and rushed away from her to Eragon.
"I think they have had enough," Draken joked. "I will take them inside and dry them off."
Okay son, Eragon said, lifting his wings up as well so his two daughters could scamper off into their home. Draken followed slowly behind them.
The rain feels good, does it not? Saphira asked, as she leaned herself against her husband. Eragon bobbed his head.
It reminds me of Garrow every time when it does, he pointed out. It may have been awhile since his murder, but it still hurts to bring him back.
I understand, Saphira replied lovingly. Imagine how I would feel if I lost you.
With any luck, Eragon sighed. We would both feel no pain.
I sure hope so, Saphira sighed as well as they both watched the rain fall around them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"AMBUSH!" One of the elves screamed fearfully. Royan and Ebath turned their heads quickly to the left to see a vast army of almost a hundred men charge at them.
"I told you!" Royan screamed, unsheathing his sword. Ebath did the same. They locked blades with the men and easily cut them down. It appeared as if they were winning the battle, until a familiar voice came into the mix.
"BRISINGR!"
- - - - - - -- - - - - -
Oh God! Saphira suddenly shouted. Eragon…LOOK! Eragon turned his head over to the Southeast to follow his wife's fearful gaze and held his mouth agape at the menacing sight before him. Down near the town of Darat was a large pillar of bright green and yellow flames that was twisting around similar to a large tornado. It was over a mile high, considering how far Darat was from them. They both jumped as a lightning bolt streaked across it.
What is that? Eragon asked, obviously unnerved. Saphira growled.
I do not know, Saphira replied. They both stood silently as they watched as this fiery twister wound its way around in a sickening pattern.
"It was an ambush!" Murtagh shouted from above. Eragon and Saphira looked up to see Thorn and Murtagh both flying towards the tornado. "The bloody demon knew where we were headed!"
Where? Eragon asked.
"Darat!"
Oh no! Saphira cried. The warriors are in that?
Yes, Thorn replied. We must get to them! Eragon quickly rushed into the home to see Draken licking Covin'thra dry with his tongue.
Draken! Eragon shouted. Stay here and keep them safe! Guard them with your life if you must. Something has happened and we must go to battle!
"I will go with you!" Draken shouted back. Eragon shook his head.
Murtagh and Thorn are already coming, Eragon explained. We have no one to watch the daughters. Stay son.
"Very well," Draken said, lowering his head. "Be safe, father."
I will!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Royan watched with fear as the fiery tornado roared towards him and Ebath.
"Fight bravely son," Ebath told Royan as they sliced into the large army with the eighteen other warriors behind them. Two had already fallen. Royan locked his Elvin blade with a man's two meat cleavers and pushed him away to cut open his stomach.
"How can one man have the power to summon a tornado of fire?" Royan asked. Ebath looked up as it began to approach them.
"He must be possessed, son," Ebath explained. "Fight for your life, child! We must overtake them!"
- - - - - - - - - -
There he is! Saphira cried, as she looked down at a cloaked figure who had his hands raised near the river. If we distract him, perhaps this monstrosity will stop?
I shall do it! Eragon exclaimed, flying beside her. She watched as Eragon dove straight towards the man, tossing a large jet of fire from his mouth as he did so. The figure merely looked up at Eragon and smiled menacingly.
"I live in Hell," the figure said. "Do you truly think that fire will destroy me?" Stave let out a frightening laugh as he tossed his hands up towards Eragon. The flames that came from his mouth split and crashed beside Stave, torching everything around him. "I am invincible!" Eragon suddenly bellowed, as Stave gripped him with his magic, pulling him from the air and tossing him to the ground. Eragon rolled painfully and caught his hind leg on a large stone, twisting it to the point of shattering
ERAGON! Saphira shouted. It suddenly clicked in her head that her rider did not have his weapon, or any clothes to go with it. She watched as Stave began to casually walk forward to her fallen husband.
"You could have ended this early," Stave said, as he withdrew his saber. "You should have killed me when you had the chance in the forest so long ago. Look where your pride has gotten you!"
If you kill me, Eragon groaned, my daughters would die as well as Saphira. You will be dragon-less for the rest of eternity.
"You should have just relinquished Draken to me!" Stave exclaimed, raising his blade.
If you were a father, Eragon huffed, you would know how impossible the task would become. Eragon attempted to move, but the fall broke his left hind leg. He was powerless. My love, I am sorry. He watched with hurt eyes as Stave lifted his blade up, preparing to bring it down
NOOOO! He heard Saphira cry. He looked up to see Saphira diving relentlessly towards him, but he knew that she would not reach him. He closed his eyes.
I love you, he whispered, as the sword came down. Suddenly, the sword stopped, just an inch from his scaly neck. Eragon opened his eyes to see Murtagh holding Stave's wrist firmly with his marked palm.
"It is you that will die!" Murtagh shouted, as he tossed Stave back from his brother. Stave brought his blade down in an attempt to slice Murtagh, but he pulled up Zar'oc to parry the blow.
Thorn! Murtagh called. Get Eragon out of here! He slid his blade off of Stave's and swept low in an attempt to cut Stave's thigh. The demonic man leapt backwards to avoid the cut, and swung upwards towards Murtagh's chest. He blocked it again, and placed a nick kick to Stave's stomach. Sparks flew from the two blades as they clashed against each other in a desperate fight for blood.
"How can you kill a demon like me?" Stave asked, while his blade was locked with Murtagh's.
"I will send you back to Hell," Murtagh screamed. "If I must die doing it!"
"As you wish." Stave suddenly broke the parry and sliced his saber across Murtagh's midsection, leaving a shallow cut across his waist.
"You are going to pay for that!" Murtagh spat, as he brought his blade to his side. Stave rushed at him again, but Murtagh leapt into the air and swung his blade behind him, slashing Stave diagnolly across his back. He let out a demonic scream and quickly turned to swing his blade towards Murtagh, but he parried the blow with ease. He watched as Thorn hoisted Eragon to his paws with the help of Saphira, flying him off to safety.
"You are quite a fool, Murtagh!" Stave shouted, facing the tip of his blade towards him. Murtagh shrugged and used the hand that was not holding Zar'oc to wipe a lock of hair away from his eyes.
"You are just like a shade," Murtagh growled. "You try to invoke pity on me. Well today is your day to die…not mine!" Murtagh rushed towards Stave, but suddenly slid to a halt. Stave had disappeared from his view.
"Where did you go?" Murtagh asked, spinning around to keep his composure. Losing his nerves could cost his life.
"I am beside you," the evil voice of Stave spoke. Murtagh turned and swung, only to smash his blade against Stave's. "If someone has to die, it will be you."
"No!" Murtagh screamed, as he took his hand off of his blade to punch Stave square in his nose. The hit he had taken forced Stave to stumble as Murtagh slid his blade off of his enemy's. "I will not die by a demon!" With that said, Murtagh thrust Zar'oc into Stave's heart, driving it deeper with every muffled scream he made. He watched with a satisfied smile as Stave disappeared from his blade. He was shocked to see that Stave's blood was not on his sword.
"You are going to come back huh?" Murtagh spat. "Son of a bitch!"
- - - - - - - - -
Eragon! Saphira cried. My love, are you alright? Eragon opened his eyes to see Saphira staring worriedly at him. Thorn was at his left side.
What happened? Eragon asked. Saphira shook her head.
It is bad, she said. Your leg is broken and it is too bad for you to change and mend it yourself. Murtagh will have to heal it for you.
Where did he come from? Eragon asked.
He saw you attack him, Thorn explained. Somehow he knew that you were going to need his help. What impeccable timing, yes? Eragon let out a painful laugh and slowly lifted his head up towards his wife.
I thought I was going to lose you, he told her. That was the scariest thing I will ever encounter.
- - - - - - - -
Royan and Ebath continued hacking away at the enemy. Their force of twenty had been knocked down to twelve; most deaths were caused by the fiery tornado that Stave had created. Royan looked up to see the terrible twister dissipate into the sky and pointed it out to Ebath, who was slicing the throat of one of Stave's men with his blade.
"Father!" Royan called. "Look!" Ebath looked up as well and smiled.
"Come on warriors!" Ebath screeched. "We can win this!" Suddenly, there was a loud shriek in the air above them.
"NO!" Royan screamed. "Slide…he lives!" Ebath looked up to see the emerald dragon and his rider bank down towards them.
"Archers!" Ebath ordered. "Take positions and shoot them from the sky!"
- - - - - - - - -
"How is he?" Murtagh asked Saphira, who was lying her head on Eragon's chest.
His hind leg is broken, she replied worriedly. He cannot heal it himself.
"Then I suppose I will do it then," Murtagh exclaimed jokingly. "Must the big brother do everything for the younger one?" He heard Eragon let out a choppy growl. "Let us see it." Eragon gently lifted his hind leg, but roared at the feeling of excruciating pain from it. He had a bone literally sticking out of his flesh, and some pieces of it were shattered inside of his leg.
"I am not going to lie to you," Murtagh muttered, "but this is bad. I will do all that I can." Saphira lowered her head while Murtagh placed his marked palm over his shattered hind leg.
"Waise Heill!"
- - - - - - - - -
"FIRE!" Ebath shouted. He watched as the arrows loosed from the elves' bows. The arrows flew up to greet Slide and his rider, but the emerald dragon did a lazy roll to the left to avoid all of the shafts.
"Blast!" Ebath shouted. "Reload! Keep shooting!" He followed Slide's movements and pointed them out in the stormy sky. Suddenly, Slide swooped down towards the elves.
"Get out!" Royan screamed in horror. There was no time, and all of the elves knew it. All they could do was watch as their fate was sealed. Slide grew closer and opened his mouth, but he suddenly clashed with another dragon…Thorn, who was riderless.
You will not recover from this one, traitor! Thorn growled, as he attempted to chomp down on Slide's throat. Slide quickly rolled to avoid giving Thorn the chance.
If I recall, Slide mocked, you were once a traitor as well, correct? Thorn roared furiously at Slide's harsh comment and smashed his head against the emerald dragon's side.
"You bloody beast!" Trianna shouted. "Why must you…ugh!" Saphira, who slammed herself into Slide's back, cut out her comment.
"Shut up!" Eragon shouted over to her. He was clothed in Murtagh's tunic and was holding Zar'oc in his hands. He leapt off of Saphira and placed his feet firmly on Slide again. "Let us see if you have learned your lesson, traitor!"
"Let's!" Trianna mocked, unsheathing her sword as well. She leapt up from her saddle and gingerly walked up Slide's back towards Eragon.
"I see that you have been practicing," Eragon admitted, "How are you with swordplay and concentration?" Trianna smirked and swung her sword at Eragon's chest, but he quickly parried it with Zar'oc. Instead of faltering, Trianna held her own, and struck again, forcing Eragon to actually back away from her.
"Good," he huffed. "You are going to make me work to kill you." Eragon stepped forward and swung at Trianna with all of his strength, sending hot sparks into the air as she parried his blow.
"I will make it difficult, Eragon," Trianna growled. "You may be wise, but I am far stronger than you will ever be."
"Is that so?" Eragon laughed. He held firm as Slide flew through the dark clouds. "It appears that your dragon has forgotten an important detail." Trianna swung at him again, but Eragon took a slight step back to avoid the attack. "I must admit that you have improved, but Slide has sealed your fate before I can."
"What do you mean?" Trianna huffed. Eragon smirked.
"You will see," Eragon hissed. He brought Zar'oc down against Trianna's sword, shattering her blade as he struck. She groaned and fell backwards onto his spine, impaling her leg on one of his spikes. Slide roared and bellowed as he felt his horn penetrate through her skin. "It saddens me to see one of the last riders fall like this." Eragon shook his head and leapt off of Slide's back.
"Slide!" Trianna screamed in pain. "Go down!" The emerald dragon nodded his head and slowed his wing beats in preparation to dive, but his wings collapsed on him. He found himself spiraling downward in an out-of-control spin. The G-force from Slide ripped his horn from Trianna's leg, which caused her to scream in agony.
I failed you again, Slide told Trianna. Saphira told me of this. It is a death-spiral and we cannot escape! Eragon watched as the two spiraled down to Earth, while he held on to Saphira's forearm. They fell closer and closer to the ground until they smashed into it, tossing Trianna from Slide during the impact. Slide had collided with the ground head first, where Trianna was tossed into a nearby tree.
I want to make sure, Eragon told Saphira. Let us go! Saphira roared while Eragon climbed onto her back. She tucked in her wings and dove forward with blinding speed.
They arrived to see that Slide had created a rather impressive crater and was not moving. Trianna was not far in the same state. Suddenly…
Eragon, Slide told him weakly. I am sorry for what we have done. My lust destroyed the trust that could have been between us. Please know that I…I did not want things to end this way. The impact has not killed me, but Trianna is dying. I was young and foolish, master. This is the fate I deserve. Eragon sighed and turned to Saphira.
Eragon, she said. I know that we both have anger burning in our hearts over these two, but we must forgive him. He speaks the truth.
I know, Eragon muttered. "Slide, I forgive you of what you did against this family. It is hard, but if my wife can forgive, then so can I."
Take care of her, Slide said softly. I can see that you love each other dearly. Be aware of Stave.
We already know, Saphira replied.
No, Slide said, struggling to lift his sore head up. You do not understand. The only way he can surly be killed…is if you take his head. Shades die if pierced though the heart, but Stave does not have one. If he does, it is as cold as Trianna's heart, if not colder. Decapitate him and he will never return to…to harm you or your family.
Why must we trust your word? Eragon asked.
I shall betray the one who made us betray you, Slide replied, obviously growing tired. It is the only wise thing I could come up with. My foolishness has killed Trianna, and I wish not to live after doing so.
She is not dead yet, Saphira pointed out.
Kill her for me, Slide told her pitifully. I do not want either of us to suffer anymore.
Eragon, Saphira beckoned. If you save them, then Ellesmera would carry out their sentence. They truly are doomed.
Slide, Eragon told her. I will do as you have asked. Know this…what you have done could have been averted. You have brought shame upon your mother and father, and I hope that your rider rots in Hell with Stave.
Eragon, Slide said. Please do not say so. Stave has marked us already. We are both destined for Hell after what we have done…who we have served. May I at least receive a rider's blessing? Eragon looked up to Saphira, who bobbed her head slowly.
May your eternal soul be guarded and protected, Eragon said through gritted teeth. May no shame be brought to your name.
Thank you, Slide replied solemnly. End it. Eragon unsheathed Zar'oc and walked over to the unconscious body of Trianna. He raised the tip up, and sent it through her right breast…into her heart. Trianna jumped up from her consciousness and looked down to see Zar'oc through her chest. She grabbed the blade and held it there for a few moments, before letting her grasp grow weak. Eragon watched as her hands fell limply to her side.
It is finished, Eragon, Slide said weakly. Thank you. He lowered his head to his paws and shut his eyes for a final time.
It was a noble death, my love, Saphira comforted. He has provided us with useful information.
He has, Eragon agreed, as he withdrew Zar'oc's bloody blade from Trianna's limp form. I wish things were different with him. We waited for quite some time to find the final rider. Now Murtagh and I are all that are left.
After we kill Stave, Saphira replied, there will not even be a need for you and Murtagh to be considered riders.
I look forward to that day, dear, Eragon said, as he reached up to place his hand on her side. He turned to look once again at the emerald dragon who passed away with his rider. If only he would have waited for his mate. This was the cause of a historic misunderstanding.
It was, Saphira agreed. Still, he chose his path, which ended his life. Come, my love. Our children are hungry…and Draken must be worried.
DING DONG THE BITCH IS DEAD! I apologize for the language used in this chapter again but it is so deserving! Hope that you all liked it
PEACE!