I apologize for my mistake in the previous chapter, where Eragon and Nasuada were talking, it wasn't suppose to be in italics. Thanks for the reviews.
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Two
Once they had passed Belatona they came to Dras-Leona. Eragon and Saphira descended lower to get a better view. It was there where Eragon and Saphira saw it. A huge wall blocked any entrance to Dras-Leona. Empire soldiers were positioned at stations all over; by guarding the wall, keeping watch and some armed just waiting. It seemed Galbotorix was indeed prepared for battle. Resting by the enormous Dras-Leona Lake was Murtagh and Thorn seeming in the least worried about the war. Upon seeing a glimpse of Murtagh Eragon burned with a rage so strong he had to pause to control himself.
I think we've seen enough.
Saphira said, who had felt the surge of hatred as well.
Unfortunately it was too late. Either Murtagh and Thorn had sensed Saphira and Eragon's presence of the Empire soldiers had noticed another dragon and rider in the sky. Eragon and Saphira did not pause to consider which one was correct instead Saphira flew with fleeting speed away from Dras-Leona. However within seconds Murtagh and Thorn were airborne and chasing them.
Saphira, stop! We're leading them straight to the Varden.
Eragon thought frantically.
What do you suggest?
Saphira asked just as anxious.
Change your flying course . Just ascend until I can get a better aim at Murtagh.
Following Eragon's instructions Saphira started to ascend in the opposite direction of Belatona. Thorn followed until Saphira stopped. Eragon tried not to look down as to see how high up they really were instead he focused on Murtagh's face.
"This getting ridiculous," Murtagh said, "Eragon, you could save many lives if you just surrender peacefully."
"Lives that would not be free. Galbotorix would still take control despite me getting out of his way."
"True, but at least we could rebuild the dragon race. Surely you don't want Saphira to live an incomplete life. She needs a mate, Eragon."
"And she will get one." Eragon said, confidently.
Murtagh laughed mirthlessly.
I can buy the Varden more time to figure out their plan if I keep Murtagh distracted long enough.
Be careful though. Murtagh is still stronger than us.
Saphira warned.
"How? All the male dragons have hatched and there are no other free male dragons for her." As soon as Murtagh said this he looked as though he regretted it.
"What do you mean? There is another dragon egg that's yet to be hatched in Galbotorix's possession." Eragon said, his heart started to race.
Murtagh didn't reply. He merely smirked as he unsheathed Zar'roc. Without warning Thorn flew forward with Murtagh swinging Zar'roc over his right shoulder. The blow would have decapitated Eragon had Saphira not dived under to avoid the blow.
"Brisingr!"
Directly on command Eragon's sword set itself ablaze. Murtagh looked surprised if only for a moment. Eragon gave Saphira instructions on what attacks to manoeuvre. Saphira charged forward and Zar'roc and Brisingr collided causing sparks as well as a loud sound of metal meeting. Murtagh pushed Zar'roc against Brisingr with more force but Brisingr's flame burnt through Murtagh's leather glove before burning the exposed flesh beneath the glove. Instantly Murtagh's pressure on Brisingr decreased and Thorn backed away from Saphira. Murtagh held his burnt hand tenderly. He threw down the half burnt leather glove.
"Murtagh, what did you mean? About all the eggs being hatched." Eragon asked.
Instead of answering Thorn sprang forward catching Saphira and Eragon off guard. Saphira was doing her best to avoid Thorn's attacks while Eragon struggled to hold a steady position on Saphira and fight off Murtagh. Eragon missed Zar'roc's blow just by inches. Murtagh took this opportunity to try and thrust his sword in Eragon's chest. At this exact moment Thorn's teeth missed Saphira's neck but collided in Eragon's arm. Saphira bit Thorn neck which immediately made him release Eragon's arm. Both dragons and riders retreated in opposite directions. Murtagh and Thorn back to Dras-Leona and Saphira and Eragon to Belatona. Both Eragon in Saphira were in immense pain and they barely landed as they reached the ground. Eragon remembered seeing the Elvin bodyguards circling him and Saphira. Nasuada was approaching on her horse next to Roran and Arya looked worried. The rest he didn't remember only that a darkness overtook his sight.
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Eragon's dreams were troubled with death, war and blood. As he was waking up Eragon heard voices around him although he kept his eyes closed.
"…and how is he doing?" the voice sounded vaguely familiar.
"We do not know yet. It's amazing his arm is still intact." a woman's voice said.
"He'll need a dose of herbs when he awakes. Let him drink this." this was definitely Angela's voice Eragon thought.
At the mention of his arm Eragon recalled the fight with Murtagh. Thorn had bitten him but Saphira had bitten Thorn's neck. Eragon's body felt strangely numb which made him reluctant to open his eyes.
Saphira…
You're awake! I thought I lost you. How do you feel?
Like a dragon nearly ripped my arm off.
Saphira didn't sound amused.
I should never have let him get so close.
What? No, Saphira. This is not your fault. We fought well today and you are not going to blame yourself.
Saphira remained silent and Eragon knew despite what he said Saphira would still blame herself. Eragon then recalled why they had to go on the trip in the first place.
Saphira, have you told the Varden what we've seen and what Murtagh said.
Yes. I can still your pain, Eragon. You should drink the herbs Angela left.
Eragon agreed and slowly opened his eyes. He turned on the makeshift bed and was surprised to find Arya sitting on a stool staring straight ahead. She appeared to be thinking rather deeply Eragon noted as he sat up. Her eyes flickered onto him when he did so.
"You're awake." She said.
"Yes. Do-" A sharp pain throbbed through Eragon's left arm. He found it had been bandaged when he looked down to inspect it.
"Does it hurt?" she sounded concerned.
Eragon nodded unable to speak. Arya handed Eragon a wooden mug from a table a few feet away. Eragon gave a small grateful smile of thanks as he forced himself to drink. He nearly spat it out the minute he took the first sip.
What were you expecting it to taste like?
Saphira asked in her normal playful tone.
Eragon didn't answer but focused on forcing the mixture down his throat without regurgitating it. There was a somewhat awkward silence between himself and Arya which he found odd since there had never anything like that before.
"So…how are the Varden coming along? I mean was the siege successful?" Eragon asked rather uncomfortably.
"Yes. We were not that much surprised when Saphira relayed the news of what you had seen."
"What about the last dragon egg?" Eragon asked, hoping Arya would have a better opinion than Nasuada had.
"Eragon, it is an impossible task. It was purely by luck that Saphira hatched for you."
"I believe the last dragon egg already?"
Arya sat up a bit straighter; Eragon had her undivided attention.
"What do you mean?" Arya asked.
"I thought about what Murtagh said and I think he said that, by accident. Galbotorix has already found another rider."
Arya was quiet for a moment before she responded.
"It's highly unlikely. For one if Galbotorix had another rider would he not let this rider fight alongside Murtagh."
"True, but maybe he doesn't want us to know. That would give him an advantage which would make us think he still had the egg that hadn't hatched."
"Nay, I think that he would want to make his power known. I have seen this tyrant rule for many years and Galbotorix is not afraid to show us how much power he has. Think about, Eragon. If Galbotorix had another Dragon Rider he would send that Rider to help Murtagh bring you to him."
Eragon stopped to think about Murtagh's words.
"No, Murtagh said all the male dragons were hatched and he spoke in the ancient language."
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Sorry for the abrupt ending, the thing is I've already finished this story and I'm finding it hard to put it into chapters. Take the time to review because I got like 54 hits but only 1 review.