Chapter 2: Rematch
Eragon sat upon Saphira's back, just behind one of the neck spikes. They had decided to take a short flight at sunrise to observe the new day from up in the sky. The giant-flame-ball-sun, as Saphira called it, was beginning to rise and it bathed the plains around Feinster with a golden glow.
Saphira roared and released a jet of fire as she did a corkscrew above the Varden. Eragon smiled at her exuberance; there was no experience that could rival the joy of flying with a dragon.
He glanced down and noticed many of the Varden beginning to move towards the designated sparring area for their daily practice. I think I'll visit the training grounds.
Saphira snorted, irritated that her Rider would be leaving her back. In an attempt to keep him with her she said, I'm not going to land, I'm too lazy.
Very well then, my queen of the skies, Eragon teased. He unhooked the leg straps and jumped off of his dragon as she soared over the sparring grounds. On the way down he contacted Blodhgarm and informed him of his new location.
Below Eragon could see the Varden looking up at him with shock and fear, their symbol of hope was falling to his death. When he began to near the ground he whispered, "Letta."
He only fed a small portion of energy into the spell at first, which he added to as he neared the ground. The result of such regulation was that his fall slowed at a comfortable pace and he touched down on the ground without the slightest discomfort. And, because he had used Saphira's own energy for his spell, he wasn't tired out at all.
I'll get you back for that later. He knew that she didn't mind the energy loss, but he also knew that she wanted to fly and was endlessly disappointed by Eragon's decision to abandon her for lesser humans.
Eragon had to attempt to save himself from future retribution from Saphira. The result of such attempts was, Oh just enjoy yourself up there, now you can do what you want without fear of knocking me off. She snorted and proceeded to engage in complicated aerial maneuvers to show off.
Eragon tore his gaze from her, a small smile upon his face. It was then he realized that the entire training ground was looking at him, wonder plain on their faces. And, standing apart from the crowd, was Arya.
Her sword was drawn and she held it pointed downwards at her side. A slight smile showed on her face, and in her eyes he noticed anticipation. Eragon had wanted a rematch of their fight in Farthen Dur for a while, but he had never gotten around to asking Arya. Now, however, they were both in the right place at the right time.
Just then Eragon's guards shoved their way through the crowd and formed a protective perimeter around Eragon and Arya, smiles on their faces as they saw the expressions both of them held.
Eragon unsheathed Brisingr slowly and held it by his side, mirroring Arya. The field had grown deathly quiet, most of the warriors, including the elves, had either witnessed or heard about their duel in Farthen Dur. Everyone knew that Arya had already defeated Eragon once, but that was over a year before.
In unison he and Arya raised their blades and guarded the edges, despite all their self control and strength they knew that it would be easy for someone to get injured in the fight that was about to occur.
By then over half the Varden had crowded around to watch the fight of the Shadeslayers. Eragon was surprised to see Nasuada and King Orrin standing near Roran, surrounded by Nighthawks.
I bet you weren't expecting this when you jumped off my back. He was surprised at Saphira's words, but he smiled through it and ignored the glee in her voice.
No, I didn't. But I can't say that I'm disappointed, this is going to be fun! Saphira landed on the outskirts of the field and snaked her head over the Varden to watch the fight.
Nobody looked at the dragon above them; all eyes were focused on the two motionless warriors staring each other down on the field of battle. As if they could read the others' mind, both Eragon and Arya leapt forward at the same time, putting their full strength behind their first strokes.
Their swords collided and sparks erupted from collision. Their strengths were equal. The Varden gasped as they saw that their swords were crossed perfectly between them, neither one with a millimeter of advantage on the other.
After a moment of attempting to overpower Arya Eragon jumped back, allowing the force behind Arya's stroke to suddenly push forward. She wasn't expecting him to retreat and she stumbled forward slightly. Eragon seized the opportunity and slashed crossways at Arya's side, but the slash was dodged as Arya rolled behind Eragon.
Just as Arya raised her sword to strike Eragon in the leg he sprang up and back, doing a flip over Arya and landing softly behind her. Arya spun around and slashed at Eragon's chest with supernatural speed. Eragon blocked the blow smoothly and once again their swords were crossed between them, this time not with the force that they had before.
Upon unspoken consent they both stepped back for a brief moment. Eragon stole a glance at the elves and noticed them watching the two with amazement, which was enough to make Eragon feel tingly inside. To amaze an elf was to accomplish a great feat.
Without warning he charged at Arya again. He slashed crossways, which was blocked, and followed with a quick slash to her head, which she ducked under. Eragon knew that Arya would target his legs, as they were the most open spot for her to attack from her position.
In anticipation of her attack he sprang up, dodging the sweeping blow Arya had launched, and at the same time landing behind her. He swung his blade at her head from behind but was surprised as she reached over her shoulder and parried the blow.
They proceeded to slash quickly, sacrificing power for speed, and together they danced before the Varden. At times their faces would be inches apart, both struggling to overpower the other, and an instant later there would be a large gap between them as they stepped back for a slight breather.
They blocked, parried, jumped, ducked, and rolled for over half an hour without either of them scoring a hit on their opponent. When at least they stepped back the Varden and elves cheered enthusiastically. The battle was easily at least a hundred times more intense than their duel of epic proportions in Farthen Dur.
"You've improved," Arya said loud enough for most of the Varden to hear her.
Eragon grinned. "Of course. Shall we get back to business then?"
Arya gave him a nod of affirmation and the crowd redoubled their cheering as they realized that the fight had only begun. This time it was Arya who charged at Eragon. She seemed to have more intensity than during their first round as she was able to slide past Eragon's defenses in only a matter of moments and slash him across his right wrist, breaking the bone.
Before she could take advantage of his weakness he used his other arm to grab her sword arm and he kicked her away. Brisingr had been tossed off a good thirty yards from the impact of Arya's blade. The Varden gasped as they thought the battle was over, Eragon had his fighting wrist broken.
He smiled at Arya through the pain, surprised by her ferocity and strength. Eragon raised his left palm and intoned, "Brisingr, gath un lam iet!" The sword wiggled on the ground and suddenly flew towards Eragon's outstretched palm. He caught the flaming sword gracefully and spun it by his side, getting a feel for his new situation.
The Varden cheered once again as Eragon regained his weapon. He cut the flow of energy to the sword and attacked Arya, this time holding nothing back. Arya was caught off guard by Eragon's change in style, for a left hand style of fighting was far different than a right hand. In only a few minutes he managed to slip past her guard and smash the flat of his blade against the hilt of her sword while she was in the process of a two handed blow. She yelped softly in pain as Eragon's sword broke eight of her fingers and both of her wrists, rendering her unable to fight.
Not wishing to prolong her pain Eragon flicked Brisingr up to her neck, officially ending the match. The Varden roared with approval, shouting words of encouragement to both of them and telling them how great they both were. Saphira roared and released a bright jet of flame over the heads of Eragon and Arya. Eragon noticed little of what the Varden said; he was only focused on Arya's wounds.
In his left hand he grasped both of her broken hands. He muttered a complex spell that would heal both his and her wrists. Eragon felt somewhat guilty about hurting her so badly, even though she did break his own wrist.
The spell was over almost instantly, but it still hurt as the bones snapped back into place and the joints were healed. Eragon handed Arya her sword and she accepted in gracefully, returning it to the sheath on her belt.
She gave him a wide smile and he laughed, despite all the people around them. Eragon noticed Nasuada, Orrin, and Roran approaching them. Before they arrived Eragon whispered, "Sorry for hurting you that badly."
"It is fine, I wasn't exactly gentle to you either," she replied. He was glad that she wasn't angry with him. To his surprise she added, "Thanks for healing me."
"Anytime," he said, pleased that she was grateful for his assistance. Just a few months before she would have been angry at him for, as she would have called it, 'treating her like a human woman'.
Nasuada, Orrin, and Roran reached Eragon at that point. Roran clasped Eragon on the shoulder and said with awe, "I was thinking about asking you to duel, but I'll pass after watching that fight."
"It was truly incredible," Orrin added, grinning like a child who had gotten what he wanted from his mother. Nasuada smiled at Eragon and Arya as well, but didn't say anything.
Saphira pushed her way through the crowd towards where the group was standing. Before anyone could say anything else Saphira swiped at Eragon's legs, knocking him off his feet. The dragon pinned him to the ground and started to lick him mercilessly.
Embarrassment flooded Eragon's cheeks as everyone that could see started laughing, including Arya and Nasuada. Through his elven hearing Eragon noticed Nasuada whisper to Orrin, "And that's why I'm thankful that I don't have a dragon."
Saphira instantly released Eragon and snaked her head over to Nasuada. Eragon almost rolled over laughing at the horrific expression Nasuada had as she realized what was coming her way. Orrin carefully edged away. Saphira had a wide grin upon her massive chops.
Eragon walked over to Arya as Saphira swung her tail across the ground, knocking Nasuada over. He noticed the Nighthawks attempt to come to Nasuada's aid, but the elves blocked them. The elves knew Saphira wouldn't hurt Nasuada, only embarrass her.
The crowd watched with open mouth amazement as Saphira started licking Nasuada as she had been doing to Eragon. Nasuada started laughing and yelling at Saphira, begging her to stop, which only brought more laughter to Eragon and Arya who were standing off to the side.
He beckoned to Arya and she followed him as he walked over to Nasuada. He knelt beside her and said with a wide smile, barely containing his laughter long enough to talk, "And that's what happens when you make a joke at Saphira's expense.
"I promise I wo-" her words were cut off as Saphira's tongue slid over her face once more. Eragon heard Arya start laughing again from behind him, and he was tempted to join her. He had never expected to get such an opportunity with Nasuada; he would have to thank Saphira later.
Alright Saphira, that's enough, he said to the dragon. She backed away slightly and the sounds of stones grinding against each other filled the field as the dragon laughed.
Eragon grabbed Nasuada's hand and helped her up, trying not to laugh at her mortified expression. He was a little surprised when she said good naturedly, "I suppose we all need a bit of embarrassment every so often. I didn't expect it to come in that form…ah no matter. Eragon and Arya, well done in your duel this morning. I have an optional mission for you if you wouldn't mind."
"What's the mission?" Eragon asked, growing serious. Arya looked on with an impassive gaze, apparently considering Nasuada's words carefully.
"You and Arya would leave today or tomorrow and you would run ahead of the Varden and scout the area. Roran and his company are leaving today to go raid a supply train. If you want, I will put you in command of the mission and Roran will be your first officer."
"Why?"
"You should get some experience with commanding troops, and this is as good a time as any. Since you didn't have any plans for the next few weeks you wouldn't mind helping me out every so often, would you?"
Eragon glanced at Arya, uncertain if she wanted to embark on a mission such as that with him. She nodded ever so slightly in affirmation. Even so, he still hesitated. Going on a scouting mission with Roran would leave him away from Saphira for a few days, that wasn't something he wanted.
Go, Saphira said. It would do good to placate Nasuada and the Varden, especially so soon after being released from your oath. I'll be fine.
With a long sigh Eragon nodded his and Arya's acceptance. Nasuada smiled and gave them the precise details of the mission. They were to leave at midday; he and Arya would meet Roran at the north gate and proceed from there.
When Nasuada had finished going over the details of the mission with Eragon and Arya he jumped onto Saphira's back, eager to take to the skies. Saphira waited for a moment, glancing expectantly at Arya. The elf hesitated; she glanced around and then shrugged. With a single graceful movement Arya jumped onto Saphira's back and took a seat behind Eragon.
"I thought you might want to fly with us before we leave," Eragon whispered to her. He recalled that she seemed to enjoy flying, even if it was only during battles in which it usually happened.
"I couldn't think of something I'd enjoy more," the elf replied, wrapping her arm around Eragon's waist as Saphira reared in preparation for take-off.
Saphira launched herself into the air, battering all the onlookers with powerful gusts of wind, and climbed high, far higher than Arya had ever gone. Before Saphira did anything that would scare Arya Eragon told her, "I'll warn you now, before she does something fun, that flying with us today will be different than any previous experience you have had. When people aren't shooting arrows at us we enjoy doing a wide variety of tricks and maneuvers." He felt Arya stiffen slightly against him and a hint of regret entered his thoughts as he realized that he should have told her about that before she had gotten on.
"Well, nothing too fancy," Arya murmured, apparently now a bit afraid. As if in response to her fear Saphira stopped her ascent. Eragon looked down to see a slight dot below them, Feinster. Saphira had climbed so high up that the city below them had shrank to only a barely visible dot on the plains below.
Eragon saw Arya look down as well and as soon as she realized what she was looking at her arm instantly tightened around Eragon, almost making it impossible for him to breathe. Without giving Arya any time to try and collect her bearings Saphira snapped her wings shut and plummeted downward, gaining speed with each passing second.
Arya frantically wrapped her other arm around Eragon and held on for her life. She did something Eragon had never expected to hear from her, she screamed. He hadn't thought that there was a thing in the world that could elicit such a strong reaction from her, but apparently he had found it.
Saphira continued to plummet towards the ground below. By then the city had become clearly visible and Eragon could make out the people scurrying about within its walls. He almost laughed as people started to look up and their expressions changed to awe as Saphira dived towards the city at full speed.
Arya stopped screaming as she realized that she was safe while holding on to Eragon, but that didn't change how afraid she was. At the last moment Saphira snapped her wings open and flapped three times, slowing their fall. She locked her wings and rotated her body so that she was parallel to the ground, using all of the speed that she had developed through the dive to skim over the top of Feinster at a speed that she and Eragon rarely dared to move at. One single error in Saphira's flying could cost them their lives and result in Galbatorix's victory.
Eventually, after several passes over the cheering Varden, Saphira began to fly back up into the sky, but this time she stayed at a reasonable altitude so as not to scare Arya too much. Eragon felt Arya loosen her grip slightly as Saphira leveled out and began to fly leisurely once again. She let out a small sigh, apparently relieved that she was alive to tell the tale of the epic dive she had just experienced.
Finally finding the words to speak Arya said, "That was insane, never do that to me again!" Saphira barrel rolled to the left and Arya let out a slight shriek in surprise, tightening her grip on Eragon once again.
Eragon started laughing, unable to control himself any longer. The sheer amount of emotion Arya had been displaying had overwhelmed him, it was completely uncharacteristic, but he liked it. He enjoyed finally being able to talk to Arya as a person and a friend.
His thoughts were interrupted as a hand struck his face. The impact caused Eragon to lean sideways for a brief moment before he regained his composure. He turned around and looked at Arya with a questioning face. She had slapped him, hard.
"That wasn't funny," she said, as if that explained the entire situation, which it did. She never liked anyone laughing at her. He knew it made her very self conscious and uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry," Eragon said truthfully. "It's just your reaction was so unexpected…and worth it."
"Eragon!" she exclaimed, raising her hand threateningly. He quickly raised one of his arms as if to fend off a blow, but lowered it when he realized she was only teasing him.
"Now that isn't funny," he grumbled as Arya started laughing. He looked down and saw that there were several men scurrying about at the northern gate, apparently getting ready for some mission.
Realizing that time was short he had Saphira head towards Arya's tent. When she inquired as to their change in course he said, "Our time is running out, Saphira is headed to your tent so you can pack for the mission. We'll be back as soon as I grab my things."
"Ah," was Arya's only response. He wasn't able to tell if she was pleased or angry about their mission, but he was put at ease as he remembered that she agreed to it, so it wasn't him forcing her to do something.
Saphira landed softly in front of Arya's tent and she immediately jumped off. The elf waved at Eragon as Saphira jumped back into the air, leaving her standing alone in front of her tent. To Saphira Eragon said, Why do you think she agreed to this mission?
She would never bother to go on such a petty errand unless she had a personal interest associated with it, Saphira said, leaving Eragon to figure out what exactly she meant.
Me? he asked. She is going to keep an eye on me?
He felt Saphira mentally sigh, obviously annoyed by how oblivious he was to something she considered to be obvious. With a slight snort she said, Not to keep an eye on you, Eragon. After what Islanzadi said to you last night I would think it's because she wants to spend time with you, I doubt you will even do anything but travel on this mission. From what I saw in your thoughts you plan on tagging along in case Roran gets in trouble, not actually interfering or commanding on your own.
That's true, he murmured. He had decided that he would leave Roran in command and he and Arya would just follow him. Eragon wanted to spend some time with his cousin, and he wanted to make sure he was safe. This way he accomplished both, and he didn't have the extra burden of commanding to deal with. Whether Nasuada knew it or not, he was fully capable of commanding troops if the occasion arose.
Saphira glided down to a smooth landing before his tent. Eragon hurried inside and gathered the few things that he would be bringing on his little journey. He decided to travel light; his pack contained only his armor, a bedroll, some food, and a few small items. He trusted Saphira and the elves to keep his tent safe while he was gone, and to move his possessions while the Varden marched.
He walked out of his tent with a pack slung over his shoulders. Saphira had a strange look on her face and she was staring at him intently. He knew why she was upset; only once before had they been separated for any period of time and during that period she had been extremely displeased.
Eragon walked up to Saphira and touched his forehead to her snout affectionately. She hummed softly and said in his mind, Don't be too long. If you are not back in one week I'm coming after you. I won't allow us to be separated by some volunteer mission.
You can always contact me, he reminded her, pleased that she cared so much for him. We won't be that far away, it shouldn't be a problem to contact each other.
Take my Eldunari, Saphira insisted.
No. Eragon was shocked by her demand. It's too great a risk. We will be fine. Don't do something that you know you will regret in the future.
She eyed him carefully. Eventually she snorted and said, I would regret losing you without speaking to you for as long as possible more than I would regret not having my Eldunari, but under the circumstances you are right. We will be fine.
Yes, he said encouragingly, pleased that she didn't force him to take her heart. In an attempt to further placate her he said, I have Glaedr with me. I will not be short on energy, nor will I be without a dragon to offer advice if necessary. And I also have Arya, she will watch over me. Do not worry, Saphira, I'll be fine. Her only response was a slight nudge, urging him to go.
Before he hopped onto her back Eragon gave Blodhgarm a few instructions on what he was supposed to do while he was gone. Satisfied that all was in order and that he had solved the problem of him and Saphira being lonely, he jumped onto his dragon's back. Saphira roared and took off instantly, heading towards Arya's tent. As soon as she landed Arya walked out and hopped on behind Eragon, signaling Saphira to take off again.
Saphira took to the skies one last time and angled towards the northern gate. She didn't say anything more to Eragon or Arya as she landed next to Roran's group and dropped them off. Apparently she didn't wish to prolong their parting as she immediately flew west, presumably to hunt or bathe in the river.
He and Arya walked towards the group of humans gathered around Roran. All of them were on horses and a smile came to Eragon's face as he saw Roran's steed, Snowfire. Snowfire struggled against the reigns in Roran's hand as he saw Eragon, eager to be reunited with an old friend. He eventually managed to break free from Roran's grasp and gallop towards Eragon. It was then that Roran turned around and noticed the new arrivals, a hint of wonder on his face as he saw the horse charge straight at Eragon, yet somehow Roran seemed to know that Snowfire would never harm his cousin.
Eragon waved to Snowfire. The horse slowed and skidded to a stop before him. He eagerly nuzzled Eragon's side, pushing him into Arya. The elf laughed slightly at Snowfire's eagerness, for she had never really gotten to know the animal.
Snowfire calmed slightly as Eragon stroked him behind his ears and spoke a few words in the ancient language, instructing the horse to behave better. Eragon finally snatched the reigns up and guided Snowfire back towards Roran's group, where all the men were watching him with strange expressions. It wasn't often that a horse would behave so well or act so attached to anyone.
He ignored the stares the men were giving him and said to Roran, "I know that I am supposed to be in command of this mission, but I do not wish it. Arya and I are simply going to follow you and keep an eye out. You will proceed with your mission as if we weren't here and we wouldn't offer you assistance. Although," he hesitated. "If you need it, we will offer it."
Eragon noticed Arya giving him a barely noticeable smile; she knew what he was doing. The men murmured among themselves for a moment before Roran took control and shouted, "Enough daydreaming! Now that Eragon and Arya have arrived we will depart at once. Let's go!"
Roran hopped onto Snowfire's back but before he set off one of his men asked, "What of them?" He motioned to Eragon and Arya. "They have no horses, how will they keep up?"
Eragon almost laughed as Roran gave the man a strange look, and then shouted, "Ride!" All of the men, Eragon counted about thirty, immediately followed his orders and began riding north. Arya nodded to Eragon and they started off at a leisurely jog, easily keeping pace with the horses.
Eragon smiled as he saw four of Roran's men eyeing them oddly, as if in disbelief of their abilities. He surmised that they must not have been at the sparring field that morning, for anyone that was there wouldn't bother to doubt the abilities of an elf. For the remainder of the day they rode on at a constant pace. Many of the men chatted to one another as they rode, and Eragon exchanged a few words with Roran but in general he and Arya didn't say anything, except to each other. They simply observed.