Hi everyone. I am so sorry it took me this long to update, I have had a really bad case of writers block. I know it's not a very good excuse, but I will really try to be more consistent with my updates from now on. I really hope you enjoy this chapter.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed as well. I really do appreciate it. now... at long last, I give you chapter 18!!! Enjoy.
The moon shone brightly in the cloudless sky over Du Weldenvarden as the four riders and their dragons sat beside the campfire chatting happily while they prepared to begin their training. Eragon and Murtagh were placing spells on their swords to blunt the edges to decrease chance of injury while they sparred and Arya was beginning to teach Zyana how to explore the land around her with her mind.
She had found it difficult to leave her body at first, but once accomplished, it was no hard task to survey the minds and consciousness of those around her, from the smallest ants to the dragons that were happily talking between themselves to the slow awareness of the plants and trees.
Although she found the exercise entertaining and interesting, the drain on her energy hindered her ability and she was forced to stop after what seemed like a few short seconds.
"It's alright," Arya said happily. "You have done so much better than I did when I was first taught this exercise, I am surprised your energy has lasted this long." Zyana smiled at her sisters encouragement. "I'm sure that's not true, you are just as strong minded as I am, if not more with all the training you underwent as a child."
Arya laughed. "The amount of training has naught to do with it Zyana, you have a mind even stronger than our mothers. I don't doubt you possess something that no one else does, and it has nothing to do with Ohrana hatching for you."
Zyana looked at Arya, confusion written all over her features. "I don't understand what you mean Arya."
"Don't worry about it," Arya said. "It is getting late and we need rest to complete the last stretch of our journey tomorrow. It will be good to finally reach the capital."
Zyana's bright blue eyes sparkled with delight. "Indeed it will. I wonder how much has changed since I was last there."
"Not much at all. It will be exactly as you remember, that I am absolutely sure of." Arya replied happily as she turned her attention to Murtagh and Eragon who were still sparring eagerly, encouraging each other with taunts and teasing. It was hard to distinguish who was winning the brawl, being at similar levels in their training, each seeming to struggle to get the upper hand. Small beads of sweat lined their foreheads which were creased in concentration, their eyes focused, not leaving the other for a second.
"They have been sparring for hours," Arya said. "It is no surprise that they are two of the finest warriors in the land. They could have already defeated half an army."
"Indeed, and they are both so persistent and set on winning I'm afraid this could go on for many more hours yet." Zyana laughed. "Maybe it would be best if someone decided it was time they rested." Arya nodded her agreement and turned towards the two larger dragons who were watching their riders with interest, seemingly fascinated by their training.
"Ahem," She said aloud to get their attention, but neither seemed to notice. "Thorn, Saphira." Arya said, again in vain. Rolling her eyes, she poked their minds quickly with her own. The dragons mental barriers flew straight up in defence, but immediately lowered once they sensed the familiar mind signature.
Yes young elf? Thorn said, keeping one eye on the brawl, only half paying attention to her. Do you not think it is time your riders finished their training for tonight? It is late and they will have no energy to even haul themselves onto your backs in the morning. Arya said, slightly annoyed.
Do not worry Arya, Saphira said. We will make sure they get to the capital even if it means we have to carry them in our talons. A large toothy smile found its way onto her face, her eyes dancing with humour. I do believe that will be quite interesting, don't you think Thorn?
The bright red dragon turned towards her and mimicked her smile. Indeed it will. I wonder which of them will have enough fight in them in the morning to protest being flown that way.
Saphira chuckled. There is only one way to find out. What do you think Thorn?
I think we should leave them to it a little longer. Something tells me they would not wish to be disturbed in the middle of their training.
Indeed. Just relax and watch the brawl Arya, it is quite entertaining to watch. Saphira said as she turned her attention back towards the riders.
Sighing in frustration, Arya walked over to Zyana and seated herself beside her. "Neither of them wishes to stop them, they are enjoying watching the battle."
Zyana smiled and pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to wait for them to get bored or collapse from exhaustion. Which do you think will happen first?"
Arya looked over to the two men who both wore proud smiles, still mocking each other happily. "I would say collapse from exhaustion, neither of them look like they will tire of this game anytime soon."
"It certainly seems that way doesn't it." Zyana laughed before turning her attention from her sister to the two riders. Both looked exhausted, but their neither was willing to put their pride aside and allow the other to become the victor.
"You are very lucky Eragon," Murtagh started, an amused smile on his face. "That Thorn and I went easy on you on the burning plains. You and Saphira would both be a part of the Galbatorix's forces if we didn't feel the need to be rid of the evil tyrant."
"Oh really? I do believe we were holding our own in that battle quite well brother. If I remember correctly, Saphira held Thorns life in her teeth once we landed. We could have finished the both of you if..." Eragon quickly ducked under Za'roc and rolled out of its way, rising just behind Murtagh. "we didn't feel sorry for you being bound to the King."
Murtagh raised his sword which clashed with Brisingr, echoing throughout the clearing.
"You wouldn't have even had the guts to kill us, even if you had wanted to." Murtagh taunted. "It has nothing to do with you feeling sorry for us."
The pair skirmished with just as much ferocity until the sky turned to a faint pink over the tree tops. Zyana and Arya had fallen asleep despite the noise Murtagh and Eragon were making with their dragons beside them, their small snores lulling the elves. Saphira and Thorn happily watched the fight until both had finally drained themselves of energy and collapsed on the soft forest floor.
"Good... fight... brother." Murtagh panted, his chest rising and falling quickly. Eragon turned to look at him, his own breaths short. "Aye... Good fight..."
Saphira and Thorn exchanged a quick glance before nudging Zyana and Arya, waking them from their sleep.
Come, young elves. Saphira said. The mighty warriors have finally grown tired. It is time to leave if we wish to make it to the capital soon.
Arya was the first to rise and looked over to the now sleeping riders, small beads of sweat still lined their foreheads. How long have they been like that? She asked Saphira who's eyes were full of humour.
Not long, but Thorn and I agree it is time to fly. They will have time to rest properly when we arrive.
Arya nodded and poked Ilian in the side to wake him. He blew a small cloud of smoke from his nose in displeasure and curled his wing around himself as a shield for another jab he knew was coming. Ilian. Arya said firmly, Get up, it is time we were off.
The young dragon ignored her request, not even battering an eyelid. Sighing, Arya poked him again, this time more insistently. Not yet Arya, he grumbled. We have all day. Those two kept me awake all night with their infuriatingly loud game which I am sure was completely pointless in the end.
It was not pointless, they were training. if we stand any chance of defeating the king we need all the practice we can get.
The emerald dragon snorted. If we stand a chance of defeating the king we need to be well rested. I ought to bite their knees for keeping me awake.
Arya smiled. You will do no such thing. Now get up, you will have plenty of time to rest when we arrive.
Ilian moaned quietly in displeasure as he slowly picked himself off the ground and glared at his rider. There will be no time for rest when we arrive. You are the queen's daughter and duty will call from the second the elves see you.
Not if I request a few hours of peace, which my mother will gladly grant me. Now stop your complaining and be grateful the journey is almost at its end.
Ilian sighed in annoyance and made his way to where Ohrana was curled up beside Zyana, small clouds of smoke escaping her nostrils as she snored quietly. He quickly jumped on her nipping her neck playfully. She awoke with a start and rolled to the side, pushing Ilian off her and onto Zyana who let out a small cry of surprise. "Ilian," she moaned. "You are not a hatchling anymore, you are getting quite heavy. Get off me."
Ilian obliged, looking slightly offended, but turned his attention immediately back to Ohrana who was glaring at him.
What was that for? I was having the most wonderful dream and you just ruined it. She protested.
It is time to go apparently. Thorn and Saphira want to leave now. Ilian reproached, mimicking her tone.
The amethyst dragon looked as if she were going to argue, but looked over to her rider who was slowly picking herself off the ground.
You better not have hurt her. I will not be happy if you did.
You are never happy when you just wake up. Ilian pointed out flatly. It is quite infuriating at times.
Well maybe if I had a nicer wakeup call I might be more cheerful. Have you ever thought of that?
Thorn growled and put one of his large feet in between them. Stop your bickering the both of you. Go to your riders and get yourselves ready. We still have quite a few hours ahead of us.
Glaring at each other once more the small dragons made their way to Arya and Zyana who had begun packing up the camp and filling the saddlebags with the remaining berries from the previous night's dinner.
"Do we have everything?" Zyana asked Arya who nodded. "Aye, I think that is all. We just need to saddle the dragons then we will be ready."
"Excellent. Do you want to saddle Saphira and I'll do Thorn. Then we can be on our way."
Arya nodded and walked towards Saphira, Ilian close at her heels.
Zyana picked up Thorns saddle and made her way towards him with Ohrana walking carefully behind her, careful not to displease her mentor again. The large crimson dragon looked over at Ohrana with a hard look in his eye and nudged her with his tail in a gesture saying he didn't mean to snap at her. Ohrana pulled back her maw in a small toothy grin and hummed quietly at being forgiven.
Within a few short seconds Zyana had Thorns saddle tied firmly in place and began to douse the remainder of the campfire before waking the sleeping riders.
She casually strode over to the pair and stood between them, her skirts blowing slightly in the small breeze, and shifted her gaze between the two of them. Smiling to herself she cleared her throat and said, "Sleeping time is now over boys. We have a city to reach before sundown and lying in the grass drooling won't get us there any faster."
She waited for a response from either of them but to no avail. Both riders lay still in the vegetation on the forest floor their chests rising and falling slowly. Rolling her eyes she nudged Murtagh in the side with her foot, a small moan erupting quietly from his mouth.
"Are you getting up?" She asked, slightly more persistent. Murtagh groaned, slightly louder this time. "Well? Ellesmera certainly won't come to us!" Purposefully raising her voice slightly.
Heavy footsteps came up slowly behind them and Zyana turned around and saw Saphira and Thorn approaching, Arya sitting happily in Saphira's saddle.
Thorn gestured to her to mount his own which she obeyed immediately. Once she was comfortable both dragons spread their wings and took to the air, finally arousing the sleeping riders. Before either knew what was happening they were being pulled through the air in their dragons talons. Screaming loudly and yelling obscenities towards their dragons, both Eragon and Murtagh immediately forgot about their lack of energy.
Saphira and Thorn chuckled to themselves and threw the humans into the air, both gliding in synchronisation, landing awkwardly in their perspective saddles before increasing their speed dramatically, finally jolting their riders into a state of complete awareness.
Murtagh and Eragon, both thoroughly displeased, glared at their dragons harshly. If you wanted us to get up you could have woken us nicely. Eragon complained.
Saphira chuckled. Oh, but then where is the fun in that? Besides, if you did not wish to be woken so rudely you should have slept for at least a few hours last night instead of fighting with Murtagh, then you may have been able to get up by yourself.
Eragon glared at her again, half heartedly this time, and looked over to Murtagh who had just gotten himself comfortable after showing his displeasure to his own dragon and was slowly beginning to doze off in the saddle. Feeling his own eyelids growing heavy, he allowed himself to fall into his waking dreams, the wind blowing through his hair lulling him slightly.
A few seconds later he was awoken again by loud cheers and applause coming from beneath them. Alarmed, he started and reached for Brisingr, before looking behind him at Arya who had a small smile on her lips. She shook her head at him and gestured him to look down.
There were dozens of elves standing below them, some waving and crying out in jubilation at the riders return and others staring into the sky in awe. Thorn and Saphira roared loudly, followed by the smaller crys of Ilian and Ohrana which made the crowd grow even more excited. Eragon waved back at them, smiling. "Ellesmera." He whispered in confusion. "I only fell asleep seconds ago."
"No, you have been asleep for a few hours now," Arya corrected, her emerald eyes shining as she looked over the other elves. "And we have not yet reached Ellesmera, we are in Kirtan. We still have a few more leagues to go."
As the dragons passed over the small village, some of the more excited elves began to run with them, keeping pace easily. "They will run with us to Ellesmera," Arya explained. "And help celebrate our return. Seeing us has given them a new sense of hope, especially seeing Thorn, Ilian and Ohrana. They believe the war is almost over; that Galbatorix now doesn't stand a chance."
"Why are they not screaming and reaching for their weapons now they see Thorn? Don't they believe he is still an enemy?" Eragon asked. Arya shook her head.
"I contacted my mother a few days before we left and told her that both Murtagh and Thorn would be accompanying us. She was a bit sceptical at first, but once I told her of all that has passed, she was more then welcoming to them. It seems she has told all of Du Weldenvarden by the lack of terror they are showing."
Eragon nodded and continued to wave as they reached the outskirts of the city. Small bursts of green and purple sped past them as Ilian and Ohrana showed off their air acrobatics to the admiring crowd below.
"How much do they know of Ohrana?" he asked.
Arya shrugged. "I am not sure. Mother knows of her and her powers, but I don't know if she has told the people of her abilities yet. They won't have to wait long to find out though. We begin training tomorrow and all will be revealed then."
Eragon turned towards the red dragon flying beside them and bade Saphira fly closer alongside so he could speak to Murtagh and Zyana.
Zyana spotted them first and yelled over the wind to Arya, "How much longer do we have?"
"Not too much longer, an hour or maybe even two. We will be there soon."
Zyana smiled widely and looked down on the running elves. "They seem happy to see you Zyana." Eragon said cheerfully. She shook her head. "I don't even think they recognise me. They see Arya has returned and that makes them happy in themselves, but then they see three more dragons then expected and they are elated. My return has nothing to do with this. I am just eager to see my old friends and mother again."
Lets speed up the process then. Ohrana said as she landed on Thorns back in front of Zyana. A large gust of wind appeared, propelling the four dragons forward at almost twice the speed. Ohrana hummed, seemingly happy with herself. You can thank me when we arrive in half the time. I am growing tired of all this travelling, it is quite tiresome after a while.
Not half an hour later Ellesmera slowly came into view. The running elves began screaming and calling, alerting the inhabitants to their arrival. More and more elves came into view, the exhilaration at seeing the return of Arya and Zyana unmistakeable. As the dragons flew overhead, they joined the running crowd until the forest floor was completely disguised under their footsteps. Once again, Thorn and Saphira roared loudly, earning more excited screams from the crowds.
Zyana could barely contain her excitement at seeing her home again and searched the city, her bright blue eyes wide with wonder. It was just as Arya had told her, nothing had changed in the years she was gone, being just as green and lush as she had remembered.
After passing several of her favourite childhood hiding places and play areas, she sighed in contentment. Ohrana flew beside her, sharing her riders excitement. We finally made it Zyana! she said, her amethyst eyes shining. We're here!
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