"I wonder if she will show?" Eragon asked.
Just because she agreed, doesn't mean she will show up. If she feels like doing something else, then that is what she will do. Niriada feels she owes you nothing.
"Yeah, I have gathered as much," Eragon said while swinging his arms around, loosening them up. He didn't want to be stiff if the golden-brown dragon did appear. "You think she's worried she will lose this time? Last few days were pretty close. She still wins but I think I am holding my own."
If anything, that would be the reason she does show up. She is very proud, almost as much as me. I would never let you get that close to winning, but if you somehow had, I would show up and make you regret it. Eragon looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. She loosed a small tongue of flames from her mouth at him.
Smiling, Eragon said, "You're absolutely right. I wouldn't stand a chance."
And don't you forget it.
The air around them reverberated with flaps of dragon wings.
"Looks like she is showing up after all."
As the sounds got closer, Eragon picked up another set of vibrations. Confused he focused his mind forward. He immediately became aware of all the energy around him but he pushed it forward to investigate the sounds. He noticed a large light of energy, as he was expecting, but there was another next to it, also heading to where he location. As the lights got closer he brought himself back to his body and looked above the tree line before him. The small dark dragon appeared first, streaking towards their position. With a graceful loop, he landed a stones throw away from Eragon and Saphira in the clearing.
He lowered his head towards Saphira. Hello, he said.
It was the first time Eragon had heard the young dragon speak. His voice was soft, yet deeper than he would have expected from such a youngling.
Before Eragon could address the dark dragon, the winds shook again. This time the newcomer was a male dragon with brilliant violet colored scales and the second hatchling. He coasted from the air and landed next to the dark dragon. He walked a couple paces away and plopped onto the ground. He didn't say anything but gave a slight nod to Saphira. Then, his eyes caught Eragon and he tilted his head slightly. Eragon couldn't tell if he was giving him respect, or surprised to find a human standing in his vicinity.
"So… I have an audience today?" Eragon asked Saphira.
Well, it answers your question about her probability of attending. No chance she ignores you with others watching. Eragon agreed and bent over into some more stretches.
After he was sufficiently limber, Eragon looked around. There was no movement above the tree line and nothing out of the ocean behind him. It was just him and three dragons standing, or sitting in their cases, in the clearing before the west cliff. Eragon cast a questioning look at Saphira.
She will show up when she wants to.
Eragon just shrugged and closed his eyes. He let his mind expand and take in his surroundings. If she was going to make him wait, he would at least figure out where she was.
Eragon's only warning was the wind shifting. Niriada swooped in so fast that he didn't recognize her. It was only the subtle change in the air as her enormous form fell from the heavens that alerted him. There was no time to get out of the way, no time to reach safety. She was a cat and he was her mouse.
Niriada's claw collided with his side and sent him sailing forward into the brush. Eragon was disoriented but was able to cast a wordless spell as he crashed into the roots of a larger tree. The impact would have probably killed him but his magically strengthened his body. After shaking his head clear, he pushed himself up. The only damage he really suffered was having the wind knocked out of him. Eragon looked back at where he had been standing moments earlier. Niriada stood there, ready. She showed no anger or emotion at all, as if that sucker punch of an attack was completely normal.
If it's going to be like that, so be it.
Eragon focused on his body, building up his strength. He jumped backwards and placed his feet against the trunk of the tree. Before gravity could pull him back to the ground, he released a spell propelling himself off the tree. He shot forward like he had wings of his own, heading straight for Niriada. The dragon braced herself for impact; no doubt confident she would win the clash with her enormous size.
As Eragon reached the dragon, he pointed to the ground at her feet. Sand and mud erupted before her, crashing into her face. She roared in anger.
Eragon pulled his sword up into his awaiting hands as he closed the distance to Niriada. He swung with as much force as he could muster and connected with the side of her jaw. His sword was magically dulled but the impact made her stagger. Eragon landed in the dirt less gracefully than he would have liked but came up to his feet quickly. Niriada shook her head clear of debris and roared at him, displaying dagger teeth cloaked in flame. He took a moment to cast the same spell he used on his sword to block her teeth and claws. Then, he looked her in the eye and smiled.
"You're not the only one with sneaky moves."
Niriada stomped the ground and charged. She thrust her wings down, propelling her massive form in a collision coarse towards Eragon. He jumped. Magically enhanced legs helped shoot him up into the air as she pasted underneath. He landed in a crouch and took off running after the dragon. Niriada turned as Eragon swung Brisingr in a wide arc to her shoulder. She spun reflexively, knocking Eragon away with her wing.
Eragon landed on the ground near the tree line. He stood up slowly taking in the dragon. She was stalking him, moving in a wide arc.
She's waiting for me to make the first move. Maybe I can take advantage of that.
Eragon lowered his sword to his side and strolled toward Niriada. She stopped moving, her whole body tense and alert. Eragon just smiled. As he leisurely made his way toward her he built up his magic, letting it swell within him. Eragon stopped about ten feet before her and gradually raised his free hand towards the side of the clearing. His mind expanded outward and focused on a close cluster of young pines. He willed his magic to obey his thoughts and the trees ripped from the ground and raced towards Niriada. As the makeshift arrows closed in on their target, Eragon ran towards Niriada's front.
The dragon roared and brought her tail around to the oncoming pines, swatting them away. At the same moment, Eragon swung his blue blade low. Niriada howled in pain when Brisingr connected with her foreleg. There was a resounding crack, and the golden-brown dragon stumbled. Eragon then spun around to dodge away before she could retaliate. He wasn't fast enough.
Niriada's jaws were around him in seconds.
It happened so fast that Eragon didn't register any pain. He was simply lifted up into the air, his torso locked between two sides of white daggers. The daggers didn't rip into his flesh, but the pressure was terrible. He vaguely registered a thundering roar in the distance but blood was pumping in his ears, sounding like war drums. There was a moment where the pressure let up and Eragon thought he would be released. Then the pressure came back in a terrible crunch, and Eragon screamed.
So this is what it feels like to be eaten…
The pain was blinding. He heard several snaps and could no longer get a full breath. Then, in the next moment he was thrown into the air and crashed hard to the ground. He forced his mind to focus. He needed to heal fast before he lost consciousness. His magic began working at his order, mending his torn lung and the broken ribs. He turned his head to the side and was filled with dread. Niriada was charging, broken leg and all.
Eragon could heal fast. He could heal faster than anyone he knew. But to heal faster than an enraged dragon sprinting towards him, that was a feat he hadn't learned yet.
Eragon's lungs were healed but his ribs were still broken. It didn't matter, he had to move. He tried to push himself up and yelled as the pain flared up. Niriada wasn't showing any signs of slowing, so he grunted and stood to his full height. Immediately, his head swam and his vision teetered on failing. He took a step and felt slightly better.
Then, he looked up at a blur of golden-brown.
Eragon imagined what it would be like to be hit by a stonewall. He figured it would be a little softer than Niriada. She slammed her head into him, launching his beaten and broken body into the air.
Eragon soared across the sparring field and crumpled to the ground in a puff of dust. His vision grew dark, and the thumping in his ears was deafening. The ground felt so comfortable, so safe. He could just sleep right here. No more fighting, no more training, just rest. Warm liquid was running down his face but he didn't mind; the warmth was soothing.
The ground shook as something closed in on him. He didn't care anymore. He heard Saphira roar, but she sounded so far away.
Saphira, its okay. I'm just resting.
Eragon get up!
Saphira, he said with a soft smile, it's okay.
Eragon! She burst into his mind, shaking him mentally awake. She showed him images of his home, of the land he left behind, of his friends, of his family, of the girl he was fighting for. Eragon, get up NOW!
Eragon's eyes shot open and his mind broke through to the wild energy. He rolled quickly to the side, dodging a slash from Niriada that would have been deadly. Eragon went into a crouch, his whole body at the ready. He felt alive. No, he felt powerful.
Niriada turned and crouched also. The two stared at each other waiting for the other to make the move. The raw energy coursing through Eragon's veins urged him on, but he forced it back. Niriada took a tentative step forward but faltered slightly with her broken leg. Eragon seized the moment, and launched himself forward.
He collided with her neck with the force of a dragon and tackled her to the ground. Niriada bucked and threw him off but he was moving with the power of raw energy, and was back on her in seconds. Eragon landed a punch to the side of her jaw forcing Niriada to stagger. She growled and snapped at him.
Not this time.
He twisted and caught her jaws in his hands. Then, he shoved her back and flipped out of her reach. Extending a hand, he compelled his blade back to him. Wielding his sword, he charged the dragon. She roared in defiance at his advance. Niriada slashed out with her claw but he stopped it with a spell in mid swing. With a spin, he slashed at the extended arm and was answered with a snap. Niriada bellowed in pain. With both forelegs broken, she sat on her hind legs and used her wings to balance.
Eragon ran in again, continuing his assault. Niriada snapped her massive jaws at his approach, but Eragon dodged out of the way at the last moment. The golden-brown dragon fell forward unable to stop herself. Her wings shot out at him but Brisingr neutralized their threat with two quick hits.
Eragon walked over to her head and rested Brisingr on her neck.
"I win," he said. Eragon then released his hold on the wild energy and waited for the withdrawals. As the energy left his body, he felt heavy but surprisingly didn't feel any dizziness or the feeling that he would pass out. A smile slowly spread on his lips. Niriada growled but didn't make any attempt to continue the fight. She admitted defeat.
Eragon focused on her wounds and let his magic heal her. Her legs twitched slightly and her wings jerked, but in a moment they were back to normal. With a casual thought, he undid the spells blocking her teeth and talons, along with his blade. Then, he stepped back to give the golden-brown dragon some space.
You used that strength again, Niriada stated.
"I did," Eragon said.
Yet you do not lie on the ground like last time.
"It looks like I have gotten stronger."
Yes, it does. You are a fierce opponent Eragon-partner-of-Saphira.
"You had me. I almost didn't make it."
And yet, you did.
"So I did."
Niriada gave Eragon a nod and walked past him to the cliff edge. A quick flap of her wings propelled her over the edge and she glided out over the water.
Once she was out of sight the grey dragon took off as well. The younger dark dragon was looking at Eragon. When Eragon gave him a questioning look, he dropped his head low, like a bow. Then, he too took to the sky.
Eragon turned to Saphira, who was no longer on the sidelines, but a short distance away from where the fighting had taken place.
I know you said to not interfere, but I was about to step in. She was now sitting on her hind legs looking a bit flustered. Her wings were partially extended, like she was about to take off at a moments notice.
"Thanks for the help. I was really close to giving in back there."
Too close.
"You're right. Too close."
Well it looks like the young one respects you now. The other still seems indifferent.
"That's okay. As long as I can prove successful against Niriada, I'll be fine."
She was right though, you should be passed out after using the energy for so long, Saphira said with a tilt of her head.
"I know. Maybe I am finally getting a better handle on it."
You should get some rest. Niriada wouldn't let you see it, but I noticed that she was moving slower as she left. She will probably rest for a while after that fight.
"I will, but I need to do some meditation first. My mind is all over the place right now."
Saphira nodded and left the clearing, while Eragon turned and walked along the edge of the cliff to a spot he liked to visit.
A few minutes later he arrived at an outcropping that extended forward over the ocean. He could look left and see down to the clearing he sparred in a little ways away. To his right the cliff ended in a rock wall that formed a part of the volcano. Here, he could sit and actually be above the water, some hundred feet up in the air.
Eragon sat down and closed his eyes. He focused on the salty air brushing past his face and the warmth of the sun on his skin. He started with his feet and focused on releasing the tension. As one body part relaxed, he moved to the next one, working his way up his body until he was perfectly relaxed and calm. Then, he calmed his mind. Thoughts came to him slower and slower until there was none. Instead, he was perfectly in the moment, no worries or stresses. He was neither happy nor sad. His mind had entered into its simplest state, and he was just there. He simply existed.
In this state, without thoughts flying through his mind, Eragon was able to finally relax. His subconscious would work out any problems he faced and present an answer in due time. For the interim, he simply had to be.
Eventually, after a few minutes or a few hours, Eragon's mind slowly shifted to an idea, a notion. He was presented with the barrier to the wild energy. This now familiar presence seemed different to him. Where it once was an imposing force made to keep out all, it was now merely a divider. It was just a separation keeping him on one side and the energy of the world on the other. Eragon extended his consciousness to the divider and was surprised how easily he passed through. Immediately, his mind was overwhelmed with power and Eragon retreated. However, once he was back on his side of the energy, he felt fine. His mind was back to normal with no sign of the onslaught of power. Eragon accepted that this was a change in his relationship with the energy and would figure out later if it was a negative or a positive.
Once again, Eragon let his thoughts pass him by until they no longer came at all and he was once again floating among nothingness.
His mind eventually moved to another thought. He was presented with the urgals and dwarves, two groups of beings in Alagaesia, both of which where no better or worse than the humans or elves. And yet, something bothered him. There was nothing inherently wrong with them, but they had their stigmas. The dwarves were elusive and usually stuck to themselves and the urgals were violent. But the dwarves were no worse than the elves and the urgals could seem tame compared to some humans. So what was it that bothered him?
As a Dragon Rider, Eragon had to be separate from the groups. Technically he was human, but now he was something more, something better. He was a representative of all, tasked with keeping the balance of Alagaesia.
Balance.
That was it. Alagaesia was out of balance. And it was because of the urgals and the dwarves. Not anything they did, but what they didn't do. Or more specifically, something that they have not had the chance to do. They have not been given the chance to be a part of the Dragon Riders. Alagaesia needed Dragon Riders that represented all four groups. To not have urgals and dwarves as Dragon Riders meant that the world was unbalanced. Eragon made the decision then and there that before he went to Vroengard, he would fix this problem.
Once the decision was made, Eragon's mind slowly came out of the meditation. He was brought back to his body and opened his eyes. He rose and stretched out his muscles. His mind felt rested and calm but his body groaned at the exertion. With stiff limbs, he made his way back to camp.
Once again, I'd like to thank you for reading my story. Leave me a quick message about what you thought so I know people are actually seeing this.
As an update, ch. 14 and 15 are both about this size so I will be combining them into one chapter in next weeks post. Should make for a bit longer read but it'll work out. We are very close to Eragon making his way back to civilization and I think you will enjoy seeing where his training is at next week. We will also get to meet the rest of the dragons on the island. And yes, we are getting very close to an Eragon/Arya reunion...