Wyrda
(A/N: There will be spoilers for Eldest. Now that I have finished reading the book, I might add more stuff in later chapters. Just keep in mind, that it's still and AU. So, events will be handled differently. That's all I'm gonna say for now . . . )
Ch. 7
(Carvahall)
The three sat at a table in the middle of the kitchen. It was dark out now and it had began to rain. The large drops pitter-pattered on the roof-top.
"So, what news of the war?" Brom asked conversationally.
"More of the same really," Eragon answered. "What's left of the Varden has had to seek refuge in Surda."
Brom grunted in annoyance at the information.
"The Varden were once a powerful bunch of rebels, able to make one hell of a dent in the King's army," he said, moodily, tearing off a piece of bread and dunking it in his bowl of stew.
"Is there no one else who would stand up to King Galbatorix?" Phoenix asked, daringly.
"You should know, there isn't?" Eragon told her.
"I know," she said shrugged. "I think someone should."
Brom and Eragon looked over at Phoenix with interest, as she ate.
The dinner table had been cleared, Brom had went outside on the porch and watch the rain pound down on the ground, and Eragon had led Phoenix to the bedroom. Eragon had wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. Phoenix savored the opportunity to hold him close to her, absorbing all of him in.
(Farthen Dur)
With the news of Ajihad's death, Eragon and Arya were whisked away to meet the Council of Elders. Leaving Phoenix in Murtagh's hands.
Phoenix was getting worse. Her fever wouldn't relent, and her wounds from the battle were very close of getting infected, despite the medicine that was applied. As her fever spiked, Phoenix jolted from side to side. Unfortunately, there was nothing Murtagh or anyone else could do to help.
As the Dark Magic further infected her mind, a nightmare arouse in her mind:
(Beor Mountains)
Eragon laid in Phoenix's arms, breathing with great difficulty. Aiedail and Saphira were a distance away, both Dragons dead. It was dark, and evidence of a great battle surrounding them.
Phoenix had caressed Eragon on the cheek. She tried to heal him, but was too weak from the battle. Choking back tears, placed a hand on his heart, feeling his life slowly drifting away from her. Until finally, he couldn't hold on to life any longer. Eragon took one last look from the women he loved and had finally died in her arms.
Phoenix wailed as the tears streamed down her face, holding onto him tightly, refusing to let go. Now, unaware of the burning trees around her, cried herself to sleep that night.
When she awoke the next morning, Phoenix barely managed to walk for a few minutes before becoming exhausted. Careful not to overwork herself, she magically created a tomb for the Dragons and Eragon. Phoenix kissed each of their tombs goodbye before traveling to Surda.
(Surda)
Surda was filled with the survivors of the battle. Phoenix had dodged many people through the city. She didn't feel like talking to anyone and she didn't want to tell anybody what had happened unless it was completely necessary. Nasuada and Roran were the only two that she needed to tell what had happened. Even when that time would come, she wasn't looking forward to it.
"Phoenix!" a familiar voice she hasn't heard in weeks called out to her.
When she turned around, she had to squint in order to see who it was.
"Roran?" she asked.
He moved forward, closer to her.
"You look awful," he told her, taking a closer look at her. "Come to the house. We can talk privately, there."
She merely nodded silently. And followed him to his home, just off the main road.
Katrina greeted them when they entered. She kissed her husband and hugged Phoenix warmly. Katrina guided the other woman to a chair next to the fire.
"What of the Ra'zac?" Phoenix asked Ronan.
"They've been chased out of the city. Once Galbatorix was defeated, that made the fight balance out," Roran told her, as Katrina passed cups of tea around.
"That's good news," Phoenix said feebly.
"Where's Eragon?" Roran asked.
"He, Saphira, and Aiedail didn't make it. I barely made it myself," she told him softly, new tears trickled down her face.
Roran put his face in his hands at the news. Katrina sat down next to him.
"Murtagh and Thorn are missing. I'm assuming that they fled as soon as Galbatorix and Glaedr were defeated," Phoenix continued, trying to remain calm. She than asked, "Is the egg still safe?"
"It is," Roran looked up at her. "Murtagh will pay for his treachery." he spat.
"We may have defeated Galbatorix. But, I'm afraid Murtagh will take his place," Phoenix said. She sipped her tea before saying softly, "I never had a chance to tell Eragon, either. We both had our minds on the battle at hand."
"It would not have changed anything if he did know," Katrina told her, gently.
"Still," Roran said, with a gentle voice. "It would have made him happy, if only for a short time, that he was going to be a father."
Phoenix nodded.
"You may stay with us, for a while. If you wish," Katrina spoke up, looking at Phoenix's weary face.
"Thank you," Phoenix said.
(Farthen Dur)
"There was movement," Murtagh told Eragon and Arya. "But, it was violent, like she convulsed."
Arya bent down to Phoenix, now limp body.
"Her fever has gotten worse, as well," she told them
Eragon suggested, "Perhaps we should take her to Ellesmera with us. The elves there might know of something."
"I see that that may be the only option. She will get even worse is she stays here any longer," Arya agreed.
Eragon bent down on the other side of the bed and put a cold cloth on her face and neck.
To be continued . . .
(A/N: I will be on vacation for the next week. I will be writing during that time. I just won't be updating. Let's hope my family doesn't drive me insane during that time . . . )