Thanks to the people who reviewed. As always this chapter takes off directly where the previous chapter ended.
Chapter Seven
However I do not think Galbotorix would place all his 'prized possessions' in one place in plain sight.
Eragon said and resumed searching for a way to access the chamber.
You think he has some of the eldunari here and rest hidden somewhere in Vroengard.
Saphira said, understanding.
Eragon attempted to penetrate the wall using his mind. One by one the barriers were coming off. It tired him out though. As he stopped to take a break he saw Blodhgarm and a few other elves approaching him.
"Good, you're here," Eragon said, panting, "I need help in removing the barriers around this wall that prevent me from accessing this chamber."
"What is in there?" Blodhgarm wanted to know.
The eldunari
Saphira said.
Now hurry, I fear we may not have enough time.
The elves obeyed Saphira and helped Eragon. To their surprise the wall caved in after they had removed the many magical enchantments that were cast around it. There; in the chamber; were at least a hundred eldunari.
"I don't believe this!" Blodhgarm cried out.
"We need to hurry. Grab as many you can. Load them into Saphira's saddlebags and get as far away as you can. We can meet back at the Varden." instructed Eragon to the shocked elves.
The elves moved with great speed and Eragon felt better once he and Saphira were in the air.
I can believe we actually did that!
Eragon said, overjoyed.
Neither can I. Only now the King's wrath will be twice as more as it was before.
Saphira said, although she too was happy she was being cautious and thinking of the future.
Saphira, before we go to Vroengard I have to find out what my true name is and we have to make sure the elves take the dragon eldunari to Du Weldenvarden.
Saphira agreed and increased her speed. Eragon took this time to come in contact with Arya.
Arya, are you alright?
Eragon asked.
Eragon, I am well. A few wounds but nothing serious. Thorn has been badly injured. Eragon, I think-
What?
Eragon urged, she sounded reluctant to continue.
I think Thorn is dying.
WHAT?!
He attacked Beroan and Beroan is very skilled for one so young. And Thorn still hadn't healed properly from his neck wound. There was so much blood…
Eragon closed his mind from hers. There was no need to tell Saphira for she had already heard.
Eragon, we knew this was a possibility. Thorn, dying.
I know.
Eragon felt sick to his stomach. He knew the time would come where he would have to kill Murtagh or Thorn or even both. That was the problem Eragon what this would do to Murtagh. Eragon remembered Brom, his father, who always looked like he was suffering from physical pain but it was mental pain. The pain of losing a dragon to a Dragon Rider is unbearable; unimaginable. Galbotorix went insane for he could not deal with his pain. Eragon felt sorry for Murtagh. He didn't want to see his half-brother in so much pain despite what had happened, Eragon had a heart and he didn't want things to end up this way. When Eragon reached the Varden there was a huge crowd of people circling something. Eragon climbed off Saphira and went to investigate. People were paying no attention to him as he pushed through to get to the middle. In the massive clearing in the middle of the crowd laid a dead Thorn and a weeping Murtagh. All that fierceness and fearlessness had vanished the moment Thorn had passed into the void. Murtagh looked helpless and his face resembled that young boy who had accompanied Eragon on his adventures previously. Eragon saw Arya and Beroan away from the crowd. He didn't want to leave Murtagh who didn't even seem to notice his presence.
Eragon, Nasuada and the others are looking for you.
Saphira said.
Reluctantly Eragon left Murtagh and went to address Nasuada who was with Arya and Beroan.
"Eragon, I heard you were successful in your journey to Uru'baen." Nasuada said.
Eragon nodded and lifted the top of the saddlebag to show Nasuada the eldunari'.s.
"Excellent. We are one step closer in taking down Galbotorix."
Nasuada must have seen Eragon's gaze in the direction of where Murtagh and Thorn were for she commented on it.
"Eragon, we can find help; healers who can help him in dealing with his pain and lose." Nasuada offered gently.
There came a gasp from the crowd and people started to disperse. Eragon soon saw the reason why. Murtagh had gotten up; his black hair flew violently around as he came sprinting forward holding Zar'roc out. Eragon knew what Murtagh intended to do and Eragon jumped in front on Arya just in time making Zar'roc collide with Brisingr. Eragon could easily feel the difference in Murtagh's strength. Brisingr knocked Zar'roc to the ground.
"Murtagh. Stop this. It wasn't her fault." Eragon tried to explain but Murtagh was too far gone.
His eyes were blazing madly as he scrambled to get Zar'roc. Two elves were able to hold Murtagh to keep him away from Zar'roc.
"Please keep an eye on him and try to find something to calm him down." Eragon instructed the elves.
Just at that moment everybody's eyes went to sky. For there was a sight that instilled fear into the bravest of soldiers heart. In the sky riding a black dragon was none other than Galbotorix himself. He didn't stop but flew onwards north away from Uru'baen.
No need to guess where he's off to.
Saphira said to Eragon.
Vroengard. We need to go now Saphira.
Eragon said, starting to feel anxious.
Alert Nasuada of what we intend to do, Eragon.
Eragon obeyed and told Nasuada everything.
"…we know he's going to Vroengard to check on the other eldunari." Eragon finished.
"Beroan and I are coming." Arya said.
Beroan nodded as Arya said this.
"Very well. You need to find the other eldunari while Saphira and I distract Galbotorix."
Arya mounted Beroan. Nasuada stopped Eragon just as he was about to climb on Saphira. Eragon saw Roran and Orik rushing to him.
"I wish you the best of luck, Eragon. You are the most honourable and loyal person I have ever met." Nasuada said and hugged Eragon.
Roran was next to say something;
"Fight well and don't hold anything back."
"I know you'll defeat him. Why you're part of my clan and we are warriors until the end." Orik said.
Eragon thanked everyone for believing in him before climbing onto Saphira. Vroengard was a great distance away but Saphira and Beroan only made one stop to recover. Eragon was certain the King would not rest for he was desperate now especially since he knew the Varden what his source of power was. That night Eragon counted the stars in the sky to pass time. His body ached but he tried to ignore it. At least the other eldunari were free, Eragon thought to himself. Arya seemed awfully quiet that evening, Eragon noted.
Why do you not talk to her then?
Saphira asked.
There's not much to discuss. And…I do not want her to know how afraid I really am.
Eragon admitted, feeling ashamed.
There is no shame in being scared, Eragon. You are not made of steel.
Saphira said, trying to comfort her Rider.
I wish I was.
Nonsense. Then how would you be able to feel the emotions that make you who you are. I am proud of you and together you and I and Beroan and Arya are going to defeat Galbotorix.
But, I still do not know my true name. And Solembum said-
Well, ask Arya about it then.
Encouraged Saphira.
There was once again a small crackling fire which divided Arya and Eragon who sat opposite each other.
"Arya, may I ask you a question."
"Certainly."
Eragon hesitated.
Go on.
Saphira urged.
"Well, I knew you were not able to answer me before but what do you think my true name is."
"This is a very challenging question for I have not known you that long."
"No matter." Eragon said.
His thoughts turned to Murtagh and their last battle in which Arya and Beroan had also participated in. He recalled Murtagh's words;
"Eragon, I don't think you'll ever change. Here you are again, putting your life at risk. And for what? To come back as the Varden's hero.," Murtagh had said, "You would die for her, wouldn't you?" he jerked his head in Arya's direction.
Murtagh let out a humourless laugh, "You would give your life for someone who doesn't even return your love."
That had been the last straw. Saphira plunged forward and Eragon aimed Brisingr for Murtagh's arm. He had missed it just by a few inches.
"You know what your problem is; you're too loyal. Always trying to please other people."
Eragon closed his eyes briefly. The end was near and he could feel it. Arya got up and climbed Beroan. Eragon climbed Saphira and soon they all in the air with both dragons flying as fast as they could. The sun was rising when they reached Vroengard. Saphira and Beroan stopped midair high up above.
This is where we part ways.
Eragon told Arya.
We will meet up here once more after everything is taken care of.
Arya said to Eragon.
Then she did something so unexpected Eragon had to hide his shocked expression. She held his left hand and said;
Be safe.
She then released his hand and Beroan descended until Eragon could neither of the two. Saphira flew further and they found Galbotorix waiting with Shruikan on a high rocky ledge upon which you could see the entire Vroengard. Saphira landed on the ledge and Eragon dismounted her. Galbotorix was old, his face had a few scars, he had grey hair and his eyebrows were knitted together as he surveyed Eragon with piercing black eyes. He wore little armour and his sword was still sheathed.
"So this is the Rider who has been causing a stir within my Empire." Galbotorix seemed calm and confident as he spoke.
He walked back and forth comfortably never moving towards Eragon or Saphira. Eragon wasn't sure what to say. Galbotorix continued.
"You know I tried to do the right thing. The honourable thing any Dragon Rider would do."
"And what was that?" Eragon asked, surprised at how the words came out. His voice sounded strong and brave.
"I gave you a chance. A chance to join me and rebuild the dragon race. But you refused. And Murtagh had to pay the price."
"Don't you dare say anything about that. Murtagh wouldn't have lost Thorn if you hadn't forced him in swearing fealty to you in the first place."
Eragon seethed with anger. Galbotorix looked unperturbed.
"And now it is really unfortunate that I have to do this." Galbotorix unsheathed his black sword.
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