Prologue
First things first, this is my first story ever so any critic, misspelling, sentence structuring you see then let me have it
The Inheritance Cycle and all the characters within Are not owned by me.
OC and dragon elder Eldunari which joins him oh! and the grey folk person Are made up and made by me.
Without Further Ado..
Mt. pleasant, Texas 2020
My name is Jason Maxton but many just called me Jay or JJ for short. I was nothing special, I wasn't pudgy, fit, muscular, just your average Seventeen year old. Nor did I stand out with my dark brown almost black hair, brown eyes and a height of five feet and eight inches. What I was, however, was an orphan. My mother died of an Illness three years ago and my father.. well he left before I was born so yea he was already dead to me. Anyways, with the passing of my mother I really had no one else to turn to in our family or this small mountainside town and so after getting kicked from my home, I made my way to the mountains themselves. It was the second week there I came across an abandoned cabin where I gradually reworked. The process was fairly easy, I've watched plenty of "How To" YouTube videos so I knew what I was doing, the only issue was getting tools. I had little money besides what I gained from doing odd jobs for the residents of the town so the best I could do was old rusted, discarded or semi broken ones that were cast out. Slowly I managed to have a semi safe place to keep my belongs which wasn't much, just my old phone which has long since been out of service, my MP3 player, a solar charger and a white pill box speaker I had lucked out in finding in the bins behind an electrical store where it only had a crack in the bottom right corner of a panel on the charger and a piece of the plastic casing on the pill missing, a picture of my mother and me, and the complete collection of the Inheritance Cycle which was the last birthday gift my mother got for me.
Time passed and I grew familiar with the mountain trails, the animals that called it home, and the flora. Eventually gaining the nickname "Goat" by the townsfolk on account of how easy it was for me to traverse the rocky slopes and forests. I also changed, learning to hunt food when I wasn't given any from the residents or when I couldn't nab any that was left unguarded. Sure Life wasn't easy, The other kids were weary of me, some even scared, adults were cautious and a little bit respectful with how well I've managed to survive and evade capture from the government who wanted to catch me and put me into a home, I WAS home and I was content. Day after Day my schedule was Pretty Relaxed, waking up from the makeshift hammock, eating any food left that hasn't spoiled, walking trails to check traps then head into town to ask about any work that was required, re read my favorite and only books for the umptenth time then go to bed. But today.. was the day it all changed for me. It started the same, waking as the sun broke through the trees and into the glassless window to shine on my face, nature's alarm clock everyone! Followed with three granola bars the local store owner gave me for helping stock his shelves, then a quick jaunt down the eastern game trail to a river to freshen up for today I had promised to help Ms. Janice at her restaurant waiting tables. Grabbing my old school bag that held all of my belongings, I walked out of the crude door and off down the trail whistling a wordless tune. It wasn't until I was within viewing distance that I noticed how quiet the forest had gotten, no birds, no insects, no animals. At first I thought a predator was close, either a mountain lion, wolf, or bear but the longer I stood there the more I felt some kind of charge begin to build, the wind picking up heavy with the scent of ozone. Panicking, I looked up at the bright blue and cloudless sky then all around me, I tried to move, really I did once bright thin bolts of lightning began to jump from the ground and between the trees but it was as if something had a hold of my legs. I could only watch as some unknown Symbol and writing started to glow under before flaring a bright white with a very faint echo of some chant mixing with the crackle of the bolts. Then all I knew.. Was darkness when my strength left me, a scream passing my lips as I left the only world I knew.
Vroengard- Vault of Souls
Outside on the surface a great storm raged and battered the desolate island but down in the hidden sanctuary, all were calm and quiet, The Heartstones called Eldunarí of various dragons, both Bonded and wild alike nestle comfortably in their alcoves overlooking the multitude of eggs that were their hope of survival. Many were in a deep sleep like slumber to pass the ages while they waited while others were watching the realm of Alagaësia hoping for some sign that the darkness shrouding the lands would end. Umaroth, partner of Vrael, leader of the riders during the fall, was one of those observing. Just as he was slipping into what accounted as slumber, the vast chamber shook and what looked like a briant golden bolt of lightning struck the dead center of the chamber revealing a thin figure completely draped in what appeared to be a grey threadbare wool cloak.
Dead silence filled the room then havoc broke out, Various dragons cried and roared in fury and fear with their mental voices, Cuaroc, who was an Eldunarí within a giant metallic man with a dragon's head surged to his feet. With a flash he drew his blade and charged the invader, but the stranger wasn't concerned and raised his right hand towards the guardian. Immediately Cuaroc was halted in his tracks by some unknown force while the stranger spoke in a loud whispery voice. "Peace, I mean no harm to you or the future of your race. Like you, my people are lost, but mine cannot be saved." The room Gradually quieted down upon seeing the intruder make no move from whence he appeared, going from loud furious roars to growls and the occasional Hiss and snarl. Umaroth mentally asked for calm and Cuaroc to wait before directing a growl at the stranger. "Who are you and how did you find this place?! No one should know it exists! Or how could we trust you? Speak Strange one!" The various Dragons gave their mental growls of agreement as their protector lowered his blade but still stood poised to strike if he must. Ending the spell holding him, the being reached up and lowered his hood revealing a taunt ashen grey face. His ears were angled almost like an elfs while his eyes were sightless causing the Eldunarí to break out and curious rumblings. Raising his voice he spoke in the ancient language "Eka eddyr aí fricai, eka mulabra né mïnen" or 'I am a friend, I mean no harm'. The room quietened, letting the words sink in, Everyone knew that you couldn't lie unless you told half truths. They remained cautious of this outsider but grew curious of why he was here.
Umaroth rumbled "You say you mean no harm yet you haven't introduced yourself stranger, we demand your answer." The being gave a nod, answering "Who I am, is Furu, what I am, well, we're called many names. Once a race well known, now naught but a memory. Elves, Dwarves, even humans call us Grey Folk. I am the last of the old blood, last of ones who have some of our powers still available to us. It is that power that brought me here, A vision of hope for this land" Once more all Eldunarí erupted in mutterings, louder now with those of the wild dragons. "You claim to be one of the lost ones, that is impossible!" one of the others called out, others agreeing with them that then grew into chaos when the wild and old dragons entered the conversations with their emotions and seemingly random images. Wanting to keep the interrogation on track, the White dragon roared "ENOUGH!". After the quiet returned he continued "Many have their doubts, as do I but for now let's move on, you mentioned a vision? Of what?" Furu Dipped his head in respect towards where Umaroth's white Eldunarí rested. "A vision of the light, A young farm boy whose blood runs with your order, bonding to to a dragon who will bring about the end of the mad king"
Every dragon fell silent as the implications set in before every dragon reached out hoping to get glimpses of his vision making Furu Wince until they realized what they were doing and withdrew to discuss it between themselves. Continuing, "Yes, I can understand what this means for your future and these younglings" he waved his hand at the two hundred and forty-three eggs. "I spent four days examining every detail, but in order for it to come to pass, you must intervene at key points, and to make sure events happen as they need to, a guardian of sorts could be sent to protect them." Umaroth sent a mental snort to Furu "Who? None of us are in any position to leave save for Cuaroc and he is needed here to protect the eggs, and we can trust no one from the mainland"
"What if the protector wasn't from here?" Furu offered
"What are you suggesting?" Umaroth rumbled curiously, the other dragons falling quiet to listen.
"What if the protector came from another place entirely? Far from Alagaësia and the influence of the mad king"
Eldunarí began to give out loud growl-like coughing sounds in his mind, it took Furu a moment to realize they were Laughing at him then another dragon confirmed it. "You mean from another world?, you are mad! No such place exists!"
"Oh make no mistake, they do and i intend to stake my entire life on bringing one here, even found the perfect being" This statement made them fall silent, shock, skepticism, denial emanating from various dragons allowing him to continue "But they will need a new body to survive the coming challenges which brings us to the second reason for my arrival in your sanctuary, I hope to ask to draw on your energy to create a dragon body in order to survive, much less leave this island. What say you?" mental voices rose as everyone either called him a fool, claiming he was madder than the king himself, or curious of the outcome before Umaroth brought order back and responded "That would require a great amount of energy."
"It would" Furu agreed "Energy that will be gained from the spell consuming my body."
Silence once more reigned, the dragon all realizing this being was serious.
"Why?" A wild dragon asked "Why do you feel the need to end yourself to give us hope?"
For once, Furu expressed an emotion of his own, a soft sad smile graced his withered face. "Repentance, for allowing a great mistake that later ruined your race. Allowing a weak magician to live out of pity who later taught a boy that then became a shade"
The dragons withdrew to a hushed conversation between them, the debate lasted for several minutes then grew silent again with Umaroth agreeing to the attempt. Then the wild dragon from earlier spoke this time, her voice held steel "This is a fools errand but if you must then us unbonded will support our brethren If they intend to pursue this farce"
With a nod, Furu drew some white cylinder rock from his robs and began to draw out a diagram, while muttering inaudible words. Cuaroc, upon the agreement to assist, sheathed his lade then returned to the carved seat ment for him. After four hours of drawing, checking, and correcting his work Furu moved to the center and addressed the Eldunarí.
"Now, all is prepared, I will lead the spell to the candidate, lock onto them, then pull them here. At that point, It will be on you to create his body. The spell will shape it, you just need to tell it what they require."
He started to activate it but quickly paused. "One more thing, the egg courier will eventually try to send the egg to the old rider, Brom. You must make it appear in front of the boy called Eragon. It is crucial" The dragons began to speak up asking questions but Furu ignored them and activated the ritual, the vast amount of magic coming from him and seeping into the sigil was similar to their wild magic but felt restricted as if it was locked away from him. It was then they realized it was the result of the ancient language and thus proving his earlier claims. Calming themselves, they reached deep within to reach for the elusive wild magic and easily grasped it, perhaps due to the ancient one's spell. So focused were they, not one noticed Furu drawing a dagger and slicing his leg and letting his blood add to the spell nor hear his mutterings of "I give my gifts and life to you, o' shadow hunter, bring light to this land"
The sigil pulsed, first slowly then growing rapidly, all Eldunarí humming a tune in perfect harmony rising with the surge of magic only to condense into an orb which hovered over the sigil, and a pile of wool that was quickly turning to ash. Just as suddenly as it appeared the orb condensed to an blazing egg shaped light about thrice the size of the other eggs in the chamber, pulsed a final time then shattered revealing a small silvery mass in place of the arcane ritual, nor it or the pile of ash remain, the stone wiped clean from the spell's completion
Du Weldenvarden
The Skies was clear tonight, letting the moonlight reflect off the massive bulk of a golden dragon, Glaedr, one of the last living dragons of flesh and bone Jolted awake and struggled to his feet, the door to a small cottage opening as Oromis, Glaedr's partner of his hearts and mind looked quizzically at his lifelong friend and called out. "What is it, old friend?"
Glaedr's head swiveled from side to side observing the vast forest and answering slowly as if unsure himself "I felt as if a great change had happened, Something deep inside felt the world shift. Almost like something that isn't, Is." Oromis pondered those words, and would continue to do so.
Urû'baen
The great Black dragon Shruikan was slumbering behind the throne of his forced rider's throne, body occasionally twitching from his crazed dreams. He reveled in the death filling them, blood ran like rivers, these pests that constantly approached his enslaver, making noise from their mouths and interrupting his dreams. It didn't matter, all would burn, those insects called humans, his partner-not partner, even himself will burn, though this moment what caused him to stir from his bliss and caused him to growl wasn't the pathetic being making noises at his rider though the enslaver thought otherwise from the glance he gave. No, what woke him was the feeling deep within, a feeling that felt like.. Yess, death. Curling his upper lip in a silent snarl as he shifted his bulk and closed his brilliant glacier blue eyes to return to his desire. Death has come and he'll welcome it with tooth and claw.
Vroengard- Vault of Souls
Only sound that was heard within the Chamber was the faint bubbling of the magma pool and the steady breath of a sleeping dragon fledgling. The Eldunarí were stunned, the ancient one was successful, not only had he brought another being here, but proved there were other worlds. Here in their sanctuary was an other-worlder though now that they were successful, how will this.. "Protector" handle being essentially ripped from their home and all they know to a foreign world? Sensing movement, they would soon get their answer as with a pained groan, the dragon began to shift, uncurling its body and then with a young male voice matching the month old body mentally muttered "Tha 'ell happened? Note to self: double-check leftovers from now on.." The dragons muttered and gasped as the young being revealed more of himself, his scales was a dazzling silver with the wing membranes appeared charcoal in color, what really started the hushed conversation was the slightly glowing blue runes going leading from his hind paws up to his flank, then down his tail as well as from his front paws to up the sides of his neck with what looked like a large one on his chest with smaller ones on his head. His horns were unique as well, instead of backwards facing, his came an inch out on both sides then curved towards his nose similar to a bull's. And instead of bone-like spikes tracing his spine he had a crest of some sort. From the back of his head down the neck and ending to a tapering point between his shoulders and wing joints leaving the length of his back bare before the crest returns at his hip. There it took on a row of densely packed spikes trailing down the tip before doubling back on the underside of the tip. Various smaller spikes ran under both eyes, along his lower jaw joint with a singular horn jutting downward from the peak of the jaw. Of course not a single dragon there couldn't help but focus on the two massive tusk-like fangs angled down from his upper jaw, every dragon there thought the same, this new drake would be a terror on battlefields. The silvery scales, bluish runes, ebony horns, crest, and spikes seemed to make his eyes almost mesmerizing with the black slit sitting on a field of blue so light it was almost white and had their own glow.
They watched as this newcomer sat up then went to rub his head with a paw only to prick himself on his horns.
Then the screaming began.
Vroengard- Vault of Souls- Jason's pov
Slowly I came too with a pain groan and what I thought out loud "Tha 'ell happened? Note to self: double-check leftovers from now on..", it felt like countless superheated needles covered my whole body and a headache of all headaches was pounding away in my skull. I tried opening my eyes but the brief crack was far too bright and my head told me how it liked that idea by pounding twice as hard. I heard a loud hiss and thought 'ooh great, there is a snake near me as well' and decided it can wait to finish me off until I can see it coming and reaching for my head with my still strange feeling hand to ease the hammers ringing my bell when I felt two sharp pricks on my palm. First thought was 'that fudger bit me!' until I tried to open my eyes again that is, ooo boy, first I was confused with everything was blurry shapes then as focus returned I saw some sort of silver scaled muzzle in front of me then a glance up there was two horns and lastly was a claw with same color of scales with ivory talons pressed palm side to the tip of the horns. A minute passes, then a second. Slowly beads of hot, crimson blood dripped down past my…muzzle… "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I flopped backwards and my wings made themselves known by involuntarily flapping in fright making me then roll on the floor. Ever see an insect with a messed up wing spinning in circles? Yea that was me right then. I vaguely remember what sounded like laughter but it was hard to tell. To top it off everytime I tried to get on my belly my tail, yes I have a friggin' tail!, decided it wanted to roleplay as a banana peel by getting under my.. Back feet? Sure lets go with that and send me back in stranded turtle position. About that time I simply gave up and laid my head back on the strangely warm stone with a groan and for once looked at my surroundings. I froze when my eyes locked onto what appeared to be various sized and colored marbles made out of precious gems. Managing to roll onto my stomach I never took my eyes off of them. I knew what and who those were but I couldn't believe it "No fridgin' way.." I managed to Think out, my mouth hanging open in shock.