Jace
The fight… wasn't much of a fight. The Shadeslayer and Brightscales had the force of many dragon hearts behind them, and Shroud and I had been such sure fools that we'd refused the Eldunauri that we usually would draw power from before battle.
With the strength of the dragons in their strike, they easily pierced any barrier that had previously concealed our minds. I drew back into myself, quickly barring my most personal memories and knowledge with a steel wall. But a steel wall can easily be melted by a dragon's fire.
I lost control of my body as they took over, and when Shroud began peacefully flying towards the destroyed palace, I knew he'd been taken over also. For the first time that I could remember, I was vulnerable. I was naked, open for the world to see. It was a feeling I hoped never to feel again.
When Shroud had landed and I had leapt off his back, both of our doings forced, we were immediately restrained. Two elves took me by the arm, more forcefully then the usual calm and peaceful elves I'd seen (though their change in demeanor was likely caused by the death of their Queen) and Shroud was held onto by mind.
Eragon took my black blade and its sheath from me, and he held them at his side as he walked to the Varden leader, Nasauda. She had a cloak covering her emaciated body, but she still managed to look like any Lady of the court, standing regally.
The main of the dragon's presence was released from my mind, but it held on the fringe, just enough that I couldn't rebuild my barriers. At regaining my will, I immediately wrenched my arm from the elf holding my right arm. Or tried to. He regained a grip on my forearm, tightening his hold.
"Stand down, daughter of Vrael!" Nasauda said, and I froze. My father… was a personal subject, you could say. It wasn't a secret, definitely not, but to be the tyrant daughter of the man that was seen as a god for all of his good deeds isn't exactly everyone's dream.
"My allegiance is not owed to the likes of you, yellow-bellied scum." I spat, wishing she were close enough so that it would reach her face. Yells went up in the crowd stand behind us, and my wards stopped stones from hitting my back.
"You are right, you do not owe anyone your allegiance. If Shroud and you are willing to pledge yourselves to me, I will allow you both a chance at beginning anew. The killing you will do will now be with cause, instead of for nonexistent reasons." She said, her smooth, strong voice echoing.
"I'm not like you moral folk." I hissed, turning my glare on her, "I kill because I desire to. Unlike you, taking lives has never once haunted me. I am fine with the way in which I live. I don't need any reason to kill." I didn't bat a lid, and she held my gaze steadily.
"The way in which you live is the only way you've ever lived. Do you wish to spend the remainder of your life, trapped behind bars because you were naïve and didn't want to change your way of life? This is a new era, Jace, and with a new era comes new chances." She said, her words cutting into the small cracks of my already battered resistance.
I stayed silent, looking past her.
"Come. I'd like to speak with Jace and Shroud someplace more private. Eragon, Saphira, Blodgharm and Arya, please come with me." She said, and the two elves holding me along with the others she'd requested nodded.
I walked along with no struggling, until we were outside the gates.
"The only things stopping you know is your pride, Jace. Let it go, and build it back up on well-earned accomplishments." She said, and I stayed silent for a few moments, bowing my head.
Just when she was about to speak, I shook my head, signaling for her to stop.
"I give my consent. I will not give you my allegiance… but I will give you my word." I was stiff as I said those words, my voice dry and monotonous. I inwardly cringed as I let my words sink in, my pride smarting with each passing moment.
"I will agree, but only on certain terms. I want you to train with the elves, to learn what they have to teach you. Though their rider is gone, the many scholars and magicians there can teach you things that Galbatorix didn't. I also want you to be enlightened… I don't want your forced agreement, but I want your whole hearted agreement." She said, and I glanced at Shroud.
A small amount of his free will was back, and he was looking at me. His eyes were enough to show his agreement. I'd always know some part of him wanted freedom, but… I didn't expect this. I wasn't angry or disappointed though, just sad that I'd missed something in my partner's character.
I nodded, and she raised an eyebrow.
"That is… a yes?" She questioned, and I felt the urge to rebel act up. Everything in me, everything and everyone who I was, didn't want to do this. My nostrils flared and my fists clenched as I struggled to keep the curses in.
"Indeed it is." I said, staring at the slightly clouded sky.
"Then there are arrangements to be made." The elf woman, Arya I presume, said. I couldn't tell by her tone if she was annoyed or disgruntled with the decision, and it was unsettling.
"First, give your oath to not attack. Both of you." Eragon spoke up for the first time, my sheathed blade still in his hand.
"I swear on my word as a Rider that I will not attack anyone unless they attack me or I have a just reason to." I swore in the ancient language, and Shroud repeated it with some adjustments.
"Very well. You will leave with the elves when they go back to their home." Nasauda said, and I swallowed as the elves released me.
What have I done?
A/N
I reread this, and I noticed the whole scene seems a bit rushed. Also, sorry for the late update. It's partly out of laziness and partly out of returning to school. I'll try to get onto a more organized updating schedule, but I'm making no promises.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll looking forward to any feedback you have so I can improve – even if you don't really think it's that important.
Judging off of the number of you who put this story on alert, I know it's not just one person who'll be reading this, but still, it's nice to know that you care enough to review. I'll cherish each and every one!
Happy late Martin Luther King Day!
-Ash Colored Wings
