Chapter 55: Up in Flames
"Greetings, Eragon," Ebath said, issuing the friendly Elvin gesture. Eragon repeated it.
"Thank you for inviting us," he replied. "I hope you do not mind me bringing my family along."
"Not at all," Ebath said with a soft smile. "I did not know that you had children. Speaking of which, where is Saphira?" Eragon smiled and motioned for his wife to walk in. She was in human form with her blonde hair tied back in a formal ponytail.
"Greetings," Saphira said, placing two fingers to her lips. Ebath did the same with a massive look of confusion on his face.
"I saw you two fight," Ebath struggled to explain, pointing over to Eragon. "Eragon, you were human and she was…?"
"A dragon?" Saphira asked with a chuckle. "You are perhaps the only person who is unaware of our new ability."
"What do you mean?" Ebath ask politely. Eragon shook his head.
"We can change forms," he explained. "She can shift from dragon to human…and I can do the same."
"So your children are…?"
"Dragons," Saphira said politely with a smile. Ebath smiled and motioned for them to step forward into their home.
"So the dragon race has been rebuilt now?" Ebath asked.
"Care to see them?" Eragon said, as he looked behind him to the doorway. Ebath nodded and Eragon called in all three of his children to enter. Covin'thra and Equinox bolted into the room and slid to a halt in front of their father, while Draken walked in proudly with his chest puffed out.
"These are your kin, Shadeslayer?" Ebath asked. Eragon nodded.
"Allow me to introduce my family, friend," Eragon said with pride. "Draken is the tall purple one. He was our first child."
"Well met, Draken," Ebath said, bowing his head. Draken did the same. "I am Ebath and I owe my life to your father."
"Well met Ebath," Draken said, causing Ebath to drop his mouth in shock.
"He speaks?" the elf said to Saphira.
"Yes I do," Draken answered. "So do my sisters, Covin'thra and Equinox." The two dragonets bobbed their heads in confirmation.
"Well," Ebath said with a nervous chuckle. "I suppose it is time to introduce you all to my family." They followed Ebath into the kitchen of his house and saw his son, Royan, setting the table for them. He had jet-black hair and was quite muscular for an elf, standing at an unbelievable height of 6'2. The table was decorated elegantly with a red tablecloth across it and a vase that was centered in the middle with six white roses inside of it. "This is my son, Royan," Ebath explained.
"Well met," Draken, Eragon, and Saphira both said in unison.
"Mother?" Covin'thra asked below her. "Why do humans greet each other so strangely?" Saphira looked down to see the silver dragonet flap her wings curiously, while Eragon chuckled at his daughter's question.
"So," Eragon said to change the subject. "How long have you two been warriors?"
"Many years, friend," Ebath said. "I have trained Royan in fighting ever since he was walking on his own."
"I see," Eragon replied kindly.
"Come!" Royan said, clasping his hands. "Sit at the table. Food will be ready shortly." Eragon pulled out a large chair that was carved out of Maplewood for his wife to sit down first, before he pulled out his own beside her. Draken padded over to the side and sat down on his haunches at the table's edge. Covin'thra and her sister were too small to sit up like their brother, so they hopped up into two other chairs on the right side of their mother and sat down on their haunches as well, just barely looking over the table. Everyone but Royan had a seat at the table, so Eragon offered to stand to give him a spot.
"No, friend," Royan replied kindly. "I prepare the meal while you enjoy it." Eragon turned to look at Ebath, who had a sad look on his angled face.
"We would have his mother do this," Ebath explained, "but we lost her tragically a few months past." Covin'thra and Equinox whimpered at the sadness in Ebath's voice.
"I am truly sorry," Saphira said. "I know how much that hurts. If I am not intruding, how did she pass?" Ebath wiped his brow with his head.
"It was before you killed Galbatorix," Ebath explained. "She left on a journey to Surda, but she was discovered with an arrow through her back."
"Wait," Eragon said. "Why did she leave anyway?"
"That I will never know," Ebath said sadly. "She refused to tell me. All I heard was that she had a plan to make things better. Instead, she made matters worse."
"I understand," Eragon replied softly. "So after her death, you two joined in as warriors, correct?"
"Nay," Royan stated, as he began setting the quince pie on the table. "My father and I have been warriors long before her death. She was a brave woman, but no one could understand why she left to Surda. She wouldn't even tell us."
"We are sorry for your loss," Draken spoke up, inclining his head. "Her death has been avenged, friends."
"Not quite," Ebath spoke up. "We discovered that the arrow that killed her was not used by an Urgal or any of the king's soldiers."
"That makes no sense," Eragon said. "Who could…?"
"Please," Ebath said, raising his hand. "May we discus different matters?"
"Of course," Eragon replied. "I apologize."
"No need," Ebath said, placing his hand back onto the table. He looked to see Covin'thra licking her chops at the food in front of her. It had no meat in it, but it did have a savory scent. "Tell me, what does it feel like to know that you two have rebuilt the dragon race?"
"It is absolutely wonderful," Saphira said, as she reached her hand down to scrub Equinox's brow. The magenta dragonet began flapping her tail, thumping it against the back of the chair.
"I will be honest," Ebath said. "I have never heard of a rider and dragon becoming mates."
"There is always a first for everything," Eragon said with a chuckle. "I must admit that the bond between us as dragon and rider increases the love we share together. It is indescribable."
"I believe you," Ebath said. "I knew that Brom felt the same way about his dragon, but they came to terms on how impossible the task would be." Eragon smiled and picked up his fork, along with Saphira. They began serving their children, placing large chunks of the tasty meal onto the metal plates that were in front of them. Equinox sniffed at it cautiously, while Covin'thra looked at it with great anticipataion.
"Is it safe to eat it?" Equinox asked worriedly. "It smells good, but where is the meat?' Saphira let out a kind laugh.
"It is safe dear," Saphira replied. "This is quince pie…the first non-meat meal I had when I was here with your father so long ago."
"In short," Draken said, showing his teeth. "This meal will not kill you."
"Well put, son, " Saphira said, as she slid him his plate. Draken bowed his head in thanks and slowly lowered his head to 'politely' devour his meal. Covin'thra dove face-first into her food, tossing some of it in different directions.
"Covy!" Draken said harshly. The silver dragonet looked up to her brother with parts of her meal hanging off of her muzzle. "That is not proper, sister! Eat slowly and with pride. You may be wild like me, but we must have dignity!" Covin'thra looked back down at her meal and growled. She turned to see Equinox attempting to eat like her brother, but she lost her balance on the chair and fell face-first into the pie, splattering it over her sister beside her. Covin'thra licked her muzzle clean with her tongue and showed her teeth to her sister.
"Seconds," she said happily. "This is good!" Equinox took her muzzle away from her meal and looked up to her sister. She growled and tried again to eat in a civilized manner, this time with more success. Suddenly, Equinox lost her balance and fell over to the side. In an attempt to stop her from hitting the ground, she reached out with her talons and gripped the tablecloth in front of her and her sister's tail with her other hand. Covin'thra squealed in pain as the cloth gave way, sending her and her sister to the floor with the ripped tablecloth and the food that was on it. Eragon and Saphira both screamed in anger as they watched the food and the plates fall with the dragonets. The tablecloth fell over the two dragons, covering both of them completely as they growled and hissed at each other underneath it. Draken moved in quickly and lifted the cloth off of the two.
"You…?" he struggled to say without raising his voice. He watched as both of his sisters looked up at him with their eyes wide. The large tray of what was supposed to be supper was dumped out over them, and they were completely covered in it. The cloth was covered in the food as well, along with a large tear through the middle.
"No!" Royan shouted. "That was my mother's! It was the last thing she made."
Oh no, Saphira told Eragon mentally. Eragon, this is not going well.
"What happened?" Covin'thra asked innocently. Draken snorted, tossing thick black smoke from his nostrils.
"I am at fault," Equinox said sadly. "It was accidental."
"I know," Eragon said to her. "You tried and that is all that matters." Equinox hobbled up to her feet and looked at the mess around her. She looked up at the angry faces of Royan and Ebath, and whimpered.
"I did not mean for this," she tried to explain. "I can help clean it up." Eragon stood up from his chair and inspected the cloth. Sure enough, the tear was extremely large. He lifted it up to show Ebath.
"Get out," Ebath ordered Eragon. "Your lizards destroyed the only thing we truly held dear!"
"I can fix it…?"
"It will never be the same," Royan replied. "Just leave us and take those…things with you."
"I beg your pardon?" Saphira asked. "They may have done something wrong, but it was obviously accidental. Now, I remember that elves show respect for the dragons they serve, do they not?"
"Things change," Ebath said. "That was something we held close, and now it is gone. I wanted to thank you for what you did in the battle, but now I only wish that we were killed instead."
"Father," Royan said. "Do not say that!" He turned to Eragon. "We can make arrangements to fix this issue. As for now, can the little ones go elsewhere?" Eragon and Saphira both looked over to their children, who were sitting with their heads lowered.
"Draken," Saphira called out. "Walk them home. Your father and I will stay and clean this mess up."
"May I return?" Draken asked. Eragon shook his head.
"Find Murtagh and see if he will watch them first before you do," Eragon explained. "They are too young to be left alone."
"I understand," Draken replied. He looked back down to his sisters. "Out…now!"
"We are sorry mother," Equinox said solemnly to her. "Do you forgive us?"
"It is Ebath and his son that need to hear the apology," Saphira explained. "It was just an accident. You are not to be scolded for this one."
"We know," Covin'thra replied, as she stood to her feet. Draken nudged them both forcefully with his snout.
I sense a long lecture for them, Eragon joked. Our son is not happy. Saphira smiled and turned to Ebath.
"We are sorry," she said. "They are only trying to be like their brother. I will clean up this mess and Eragon can tend to that tear if you wish."
"No," Royan said. "We will just make some fresh food and enjoy the rest of the night. Your daughters are rather adorable, but Draken is mature and well-trained in home manners."
"Our daughters will be the same soon," Eragon explained. "They are only a few days old."
"The sooner the better," Royan laughed. "I do not mind cooking for dragons, I just mind seeing my meals on the floor instead of on the plate."
- - - - - - - - -
"Brother?" Covin'thra asked. "Are you angry?"
"Nay," Draken huffed. "I am upset over what transpired there, but, as mother said, it was accidental." Covin'thra lowered her head as the two began walking back home. She was to the right of Draken, and her sister was to the left.
"It is hard to be 'proper,'" Equinox murmured. "How come you were able to do it and not fall down?"
"I was not sitting in a chair," Draken laughed. "Come sisters, I shall teach you the proper way to be dragons." He turned to his right to see Equinox flap her wings excitedly. "First thing is first: Keep your wings folded on your back. If you let them hang, it ruins posture." Covin'thra bobbed her head and turned around to stare at her silver wings. She flapped them both and tucked them to her sides.
"Like this?" she asked. Draken nodded his head and turned to see Equinox doing the same thing.
"Okay," Draken said with a snort. "Next we work on walking." Draken stopped and motioned for his sisters to pad in front of him. They obliged and sat on their haunches in front of their brother. "Now, walking tells a lot about your personality and your respect. When you walk, make sure to keep your head up and your chest out. It makes you look confident." Covin'thra lifted her head up high and puffed out her chest, but she lost her balance while she was sitting, and fell down to the floor. Draken refused to cover up his laughter as she climbed back up to her feet.
"This is difficult," she complained. "Is there no other way?"
"No Covy," Draken replied kindly. "Balance will come with age. As for now, just worry about walking in that pose. Come, we still have a long ways until we reach our home." Draken puffed up his chest and lifted his head to walk through the woods with his sisters beside him. They mimicked him and let out an occasional growl while they walked.
"Brother," Equinox asked. "How did you get so wise?" Draken turned to her and growled.
"Father has taught me many things," he explained. "My wisdom is because of him."
It took a an hour for them to reach their home, but Equinox and Covin'thra now had the knowledge of manners thanks to their brother. Draken watched as his sisters bolted for the final bowl in their home. They hopped in it quickly and began wrestling inside of the bowl. Draken shook his head and padded upstairs. He looked out the one of the windows and noticed Thorn flying outside with Murtagh on his back. Suddenly, Thorn swept down and tossed fire from his maw, splashing on the ground below.
"Wow," Draken said in astonishment. "I wonder if I can…?"
DRAKEN! Thorn came in loudly in his mind. Stave's men draw near. Where is your father?
Away, Scarred One, Draken replied. I must watch my sisters.
Forget about them, youngling! Thorn replied harshly. If we do not get help, all will be lost!
- - - - - - - -
"That was a great meal, friend," Eragon said in satisfaction. "It has been awhile since I have had something that good."
"You are quite welcome," Royan said proudly. "I suppose you must return to your children now?"
"Yes," Saphira replied. "They may be worried."
Mother! Draken's voice rang through her head. Stave is near. Murtagh and Thorn are the only ones fighting them too. I must help. Return home quickly to watch my siblings. If I do not help, then this place may be overrun.
Where are they? Saphira asked impatiently.
It looks like they are on the edge of our property, Draken replied. They may be farther, but I can see the flames from the window.
We are on our way! Saphira shouted. She turned towards Ebath and Royan. "Stave is attacking again!" she told them. "Get soldiers together and prepare for another battle." She quickly stood to her feet and rushed out of the home with Eragon behind her. She muttered the word to change into her true form and motioned for Eragon to mount her.
What is it? Eragon asked.
Stave is close to our home, Saphira replied worriedly. Our son cannot watch our children and must help Thorn. She leapt into the air and climbed into the sky to get a clear view of the battle. To her demise, she could see Thorn blasting away at the forest just below their home.
"No."
- - - - - - - - - -
"Sisters!" Draken called. "Get down and stay here."
"Where are you going brother?" Covin'thra asked worriedly. Draken quickly grabbed a blanket and covered them with it. Both dragonets chirped and squeaked at their brother's odd behavior.
"I am scared," Equinox said. "What is going on?"
"Silence sister," Draken advised. "An enemy draws close." He silently padded away from the bowl and positioned himself at the door. "Do not make a sound, you understand? Not one peep." Draken used his claws to turn the doorknob of the house and stepped outside. The smell of smoke was very strong, and the flames were shooting higher.
This is no time to look, boy! Thorn cried from overhead. They are moving towards your home! Draken shook his head violently and leapt into the sky after Thorn.
"How many?" Draken asked.
"More than enough," Murtagh exclaimed. "We must push them back." Suddenly, Draken watched as two men cloaked in black charged up the hill to his home.
"NO!" he exclaimed. "You go! I must save my brethren!" Draken swooped down and flew with all of his might towards the home. The two figures opened the door and stepped inside, causing more fear to creep up in Draken's heart. He touched down and rushed inside to see two elves cloaked in black tunics standing in front of him with their hands on their swords that were sheathed beside them.
"Show me your hands," Draken ordered. The two elves willingly turned their palms over to reveal no mark. "Who are you?"
"Your parents sent us," a familiar voice said. Suddenly, the two figures unsheathed their swords and placed them to their sides. "We dined earlier, remember? Go help Murtagh, friend. Your brethren will be safe."
"What about the army you two command?" Draken asked wisely. They both shook their heads.
"We cannot get one together in such a time," to shorter one replied. "We volunteered to do this instead."
"Ebath and Royan, correct?" Draken asked. Both of the cloaked figures nodded. "Thank you dearly for this." He looked over to the covered bowl.
Stay hidden and quiet sisters, he told them through mental link. I will return shortly. He turned and walked out the door yet again, only to run into three swordsmen with an 'S' carved into their foreheads. He stepped backwards into his home and the three men followed him in with vicious smirks across their faces.
"You know what we want," the oldest and ugliest looking man said with a sick grin. "Give us them and you will be allowed to live."
"If I refuse?" Draken asked, stepping further back.
"We kill you and take them," the second man replied. Draken sneered and hissed, swishing his tail madly. Suddenly, the two cloaked figured leapt forward and clashed swords with the three other men, tossing sparks into the air.
"GO!" Ebath shouted to Draken. "We will handle this!" Draken snorted and quickly rushed to the exit. He slid to a halt after he heard the scream of one of the men who fell to the blade of either Royan or his father. He turned around and looked down the hill to see even more men approaching the home.
"That is it!" He screamed. He puffed out his chest and marched forward to face the troops that were approaching. "I have had enough!" Draken roared as loud as he possibly could, causing some of the soldiers to tremble and retreat. He took in a deep breath, but he could not understand why. It was as if he was breathing through a different lung. He opened his mouth and exhaled. Draken could feel immense heat rising from his throat and looked down to see a large blast of fire spilling out from his maw, splashing against the troops that were approaching.
"Did I just…?"
We saw it son, Eragon suddenly clicked in. Did Royan and Ebath arrive on time?
They are defending them as we speak, Draken replied. If I had left before, Stave would have gotten them.
Take to the sky son, Eragon told him. We can use your flame. Draken looked at the torched bodies of the soldiers, some of whom were still running in an attempt to put it out.
"Serves you right," Draken laughed out. "I am on my way."
Remember that their home is at the edge of Du Weldenvarden, so an attack there could happen. More action to come.
Okay, time for another poll here. I have a certain reviewer that wants this to merge with modern day America. I have no doubt that I can pull it off, but I want to make sure that you all would enjoy that. To put it in simple terms…he wants Eragon to take his family and evade Stave by moving to U.S. I can think of some good add-on plots if I do this and it would keep things a bit more interesting considering that I could find more fun things for his family to do (can you picture Eragon taking his driving course?). Now the problem is this: I have set this up to be in line with Dragon Heart, which is way before America. I can switch the plot, but it has to be a majority vote. So click that funky blue button and write out your opinion. I have about 20 constant reviews so I need about 13 who are for it to make it a majority vote. (Pardon my political stuff). Let me know before next post! So Far 4 are against it and one is 'on the fence' (doesn't really care what topic). Finally,
PEACE!!!!!!!!