Chap 6 Nineteen Years Of Hell
Part 1
"Mummy! Mummy, look at this!" A two-year-old girl ran up to her mother. Both of them looked the same except the mother looked in her early twenties.
"Hey, Kali, what do you want to show me?"
"I can do fire!" Kali squealed, "Look!" she opened her hand and it was engulfed by fire. "Look, look! Mummy, look!"
"I can see it, sweetie. It's very good. Just don't show daddy," her mother said, "Why don't you go to bed? You know that daddy doesn't like it when you don't do as he says."
"Ok. I love you," Kali gave her mother a kiss before skipping down the hall. She entered her room and saw an old woman waiting for her. "Miliani!"
"And where have you been, little missy?" she asked as she hugged Kali.
"I was showing mummy that I can do fire! You want to see?!" Before Miliani could say anything Kali opened her hand and it was engulfed with flames again. She closed her hand and the fire disappeared. "Mummy doesn't let me show daddy," Kali said sadly.
"Good. You shouldn't show your father what you can do!"
"Why not?" Kali asked curiously.
"I'll tell you another day, alright? Now, go to sleep!"
Kali got into the bed. Miliani tucked her in and kissed her forehead. She walked out of the door, closing the door behind her. Kali stayed looking at the window. The full moon shone though the curtains.
I wonder who that boy was, she thought. I wonder why no one was with him. She threw back the covers and climbed out of the bed. She quietly opened the door and peeked out. No one was in the hall. She silently crept down the corridor until she reached a door. She knocked on it quietly. She waited a few minutes before the door opened a crack. A piercing blue eye looked at her before the door opened wider, revealing a boy of four.
"Come in," he said. Kali slowly came in. She looked around and realized it was the same as her room minus the personal possessions. He was alone in the room.
Strange, no one else is in this hall except for me. I would have thought that he would stay near his parents. "I'm Kali," she said.
"Murtagh," he replied. "No offence, but shouldn't you be in bed?"
Ah, he doesn't know who he's messing with. "I know but if I don't introduce myself now, I won't be able to. You see, my daddy doesn't let me go by myself and my mummy doesn't let me meet new people. I don't know why; maybe it's because everyone hates my dad and because he's the king." She felt Murtagh stiffen before she realized what she said. "I-I shouldn't have said that," she said horrified.
"I won't tell anyone if you don't tell anyone I'm Morzan's son," he said quietly.
"Y-you're the one that daddy was talking about then. You're staying here, right?" she asked. Murtagh nodded his head. They started to talk and before they knew it, the clock struck midnight. "I have to go," Kali said quickly.
"See you tomorrow," Murtagh smiled.
"See you," Kali opened the door and raced down the corridor to her room. Before she reached the door, she heard racing footsteps coming the opposite way. Kali quickly hid behind one of the stone pillars, her small body easily slipping out of view. She peeked out and saw her mother running, heading towards her room in panic. Her clothes were slightly torn, her lip was split and she had a bruise forming on her left temple.
"You can't run from me forever, Andra!" Galbatorix shouted as he rounded the corner, sword in hand. Andra tried to open Kali's door but found it locked. She started to run again but Galbatorix caught up with her quickly and pinned her to the wall. "Do you really think," he started as he grabbed her neck, "that I would let you take my daughter away from me?"
"You don't...love...her," Andra choked, "She's just...a child."
"That doesn't mean she's useless, my dear," he taunted.
"Your temper will be the death of you, darling," she spat, "She won't let you manipulate her...neither will Miliani."
"Kali's only two. She listens to everything I say. And as for Miliani, she's old and can be replaced, but I'll let her live for now. After all, I'm busy all day and someone will have to take care of her while she mourns for her mummy," he sneered.
Andra's eyes widened as he drove his sword towards her. Before she could move, the sword was imbedded in her stomach. She didn't make a sound but looked at him straight in the eye, "I'll see you in hell," she said evenly. Galbatorix pulled out the sword, letting Andra crumble to the ground. He turned and stormed down the corridor, leaving Andra dying on the floor.
Once she was sure Galbatorix had left, Kali ran over to her mother. "Sweetie," Andra whispered as she took one of her hands, "Stay here with me."
"Mummy, please," Kali cried, "Don't go, please!"
"Do you remember the little...blue music box? The one that you like?" Kali nodded her head as the tears cascaded down her cheeks, "When you're sad...open it. I'll be in the little music box...when you need me. But only open it when you think...you should. ...I...love...you," she whispered before her hand when limp.
"Mummy! Mummy, come back!" but her mother stayed still, "Mummy! Please," she whispered. She broke. The tears came down in full force. "MILIANI!! HELP!!" she roared. The call echoed everywhere. After a minute or two, a stampede of people came down both sides of the corridor. They stopped when they saw Kali bent over her mother's lifeless body. She looked up at all of them before she spotted him. Galbatorix bent down next to her.
"Kali, why don't you go back to your room?" he suggested as he took her hand.
Kali wrenched her hand away from him and slapped him. Everyone gasped at what she did. "Don't touch me," she hissed, "Murderer." She quickly made her way to her room, everyone watching as she slammed the door shut.
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"Kali! Open this door!" Miliani shouted.
Kali was lying on her bed staring at the ceiling. The new sun was shining brightly through the window, mocking her. Her cheeks where tearstained but she had no more tears left to shed. Her father had taken her mother away from her. Why should she open the door? So that Miliani can come in to take that place? To have people ask her how she had found her mother? To have people say 'I'm sorry'? "GO AWAY!" Kali shouted.
"Kali, please. Look, I'm-"
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY YOU'RE SORRY!! I DON'T NEED YOUR PITY, MILIANI!!" Kali screeched. The quilt she was lying on caught fire, but she didn't move. She smiled slightly as she felt the fire around her yet it didn't burn.
"Kali! If you don't open this door, I'll-"
Kali stood up fast, the fire on the bed spreading to the walls and engulfed her body. She threw her hand out towards the door. A jet of fire shot towards the door, blowing it off its hinges and crashing to the corridor wall. "YOU'LL DO WHAT?!" she screeched as she stepped out of the room, the fire around her body making a trail as she walked. Miliani cowered as Kali made her way towards her. The servants in the corridor rushed away from her. Kali may just have been two, but she was very powerful; the fire showed that.
She turned when she felt someone watching her. She turned and saw Murtagh. He was leaning against the pillar she had hid behind the night before. He smiled at her slightly. She smiled back and the fire slowly disappeared. She turned back to Miliani. "Alright, what do you want?" she said though her teeth.
"How do you feel?" she asked quietly.
"I've just lost my mother; how would I feel?" she shot back. Miliani didn't answer. "I thought so. I'm going to the training field," she stated. She walked back in her room and opened the chest at the foot of the bed. The fire hadn't done any damage to the room at all. She took out her bow and arrows before walking back out. Miliani was standing in the same place staring at her in shock. "See you later, Miliani." She sidestepped the old woman and made her way to the training fields.
"Kali, wait up!" She turned as Murtagh came down the stairs she had just come. He had a bow in his hand. "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," she said as they walked side by side. They reached the training fields and walked over to the shooting practice. Only one of the targets where free.
Murtagh looked at her, "We'll share?"
Kali nodded, "Yeah, that's fine." Murtagh strung his bow and aimed at the target.
"Oh, look. The little children are trying to act like big adults!" said one of the guards. All of them started to laugh. The one who had started talking was laughing the loudest until he yelled in pain. An arrow was imbedded in his shoulder, very near his neck. All of them looked at Murtagh, but his eyes were on Kali.
Her bow was in her hand. "Opps," she said as she started to walk towards the man. She grabbed the arrow as they stared at her in shock, "I missed." She yanked the arrow out of his shoulder. The man yelled in pain. Her eyes flashed. They looked like a dragon's eye before turning back to normal gold.
She headed back to Murtagh, a small, embarrassed smile on her face. He just smiled and took a shot. They spent the rest of the morning practicing archery. Although they were small, they hit the bull's-eye every time. They made their way to the kitchens to have something to eat. "So, what would you like to do later?" he asked as they sat down.
"I don't know. I was thinking of going to...err one of the places I like to go to," she said, "It's in the forest, hidden so well that no one can find it unless they know where it is. It's very nice there. Very pretty."
"Do you want to go?" Murtagh asked.
"Well...I want to go, but not by myself. No one knows of it and I don't want to tell a lot of people. The only person that I went with...well, mummy can't come with me," she replied quietly, "But I want to show you. You'll like it."
Murtagh just nodded. They ate and left their stuff in their room before making their way to the fields again. They passed it and went into the surrounding trees. Kali took his hand and they made their way through the trees. They jumped over a low wall and carried on, this time going uphill. Once they reached the top they turned right. "Do you know where we're going?"
"Of course! If not I wouldn't have brought you here," she replied as she pulled his arm.
"Brought me where?" They passed through the trees and stood on the edge of a small, clear pool, fish swimming and dancing in its depth. Water flowed into the pool from a small waterfall on the far side of the clearing. The trickling of water and songs of the birds where the only sounds around them. Murtagh was at loss for words.
"It's nice, isn't it?" Kali said as she let go of his hand and started to climb a tree.
"Very. Where are you going?"
"Wait a second." She grabbed something from the tree jump down with a small eagle in her hand. One of the eagle's wings looked damaged and was bandaged. The eagle stood on her hand that was covered with a leather glove. "This is Marlon. I found him a few days ago and I brought him here. Something had attacked him."
Murtagh hesitantly held out his hand to stroke his undamaged wing. My king, you need not be afraid of me, Marlon said.
"He speaks?" Murtagh asked, "Wait, what do you mean, 'my king'? I'm not royalty."
"I don't know, he said that to me as well."
Both of you have powers people do not understand, correct? They both nodded. Those powers are not human, nor elven, nor dwarven. Not even that of a Dragon Rider. Those powers are powers of demons.
"Demons! We are not demons!" Murtagh yelled.
Oh, but you are. And you are not just any demons. You are the lost line of royalty of the demons. Both of you, from your mothers' side. They did not show power but it was in their blood.
"I've never heard of demons," Kali stated, "At least none that are real."
Your majesty, they are very real but the world will destroy them if they are out in the open. Elves, dwarves, humans and Dragon Riders alike were afraid of them, Marlon looked at both of them, Long ago, they killed anyone in the villages that were thought to be demons and so they hid, in the Spine, but no one knows where they hid. The birds, mammals, replies, any creature that lives in the wild know what happened in the past. We keep it alive while humans, elves and the rest made sure that nothing was ever told about them. We all knew we had to keep it alive, especially when the royal family disappeared. So many generations have died; none ever finding the other half therefore none able to claim the thrones of Aquila, until now.
Kali and Murtagh looked at each other. She smiled slightly before looking away. "You know, we should really get going."
"Yeah," Murtagh agreed.
Kali placed Marlon back in the tree. She quickly climbed back down and they started to make their way back to the castle. "Incredible," she whispered, "At two years, I'm royalty."
"You're already royalty, Kali. You're the king's daughter."
"But I never really have been told I have a whole lot of people to rule over," she stated, "What about you? You took it rather well."
"I think I'm in shock. My mother always used to call me a prince. I guess now I know why," he laughed, "So...what do we do?"
"You know what? I'm going to have a life and when I'm older, I'll see what I'll do. I don't get it when Marlon said none ever finding the other half."
"I don't either," Murtagh stated, "We'll find out eventually."
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The next three years flew by, Murtagh and Kali getting closer together. Miliani was found dead two years after Andra's death. She had taken care of Murtagh and Kali and refused to keep them apart for longer than necessary even went the king had forbidden them to be together in the same room. Once Miliani has died, Murtagh was under Tornac's care and Kali was under the care of so many she had lost count. The reason why she had lost count was that she had a different nanny almost every day. They were lucky if they survived two and it didn't stop Kali and Murtagh from trying to meet whenever possible.
Half a year before Miliani's death, Kali and Murtagh had been hiding in the poor parts of the city so that the guards wouldn't find them. That day they had made many new friends, who called themselves Street Rats and whenever they got the chance, they took money and food to them so they wouldn't starve. Kali had noticed that there was a crack in the city walls near the square of Rock, as the street rats called it. The square was exactly that; rock.
When Kali had found the crack she had gone into it and arrived outside the walls, very near the forest. It was big enough to lead a horse through as long as the horse walked slowly and didn't panic from the enclosed space. She and Murtagh went every time possible to go hunting and brought their catches through the crack. They knew that bringing them through the gates would cause a lot of suspicion especially if they brought five or six deer each.
It was night, the only time they could meet. Tornac knew that Kali and Murtagh met in his room; he had once caught them asleep on the bed in the morning. They knew that they would be in trouble if any of the nannies's caught them together in Kali's room. Tornac understood why Miliani had kept them together. They could calm each other down in seconds if the other was angry, they knew what was wrong if the other was down and most importantly, they were happy when they were together. He could see the differences when they were apart.
There was a soft knocking on the door. Murtagh quickly opened it and let the five-year-old Kali in. She tumbled inside in her rush to get in and fell. The door was slammed shut. Murtagh helped Kali off the floor, "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Fine," she replied as she rubbed her side, "Have you ever noticed the floor is very hard?" they looked at each other before laughing. After five minutes she choked, "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever said!"
"Yeah, well I think you went nuts since you started to get a nanny a day," Murtagh laughed as he sat on his bed. He patted a space beside him and Kali sat down.
"Well, it's not my fault that what's-her-name can't handle me. She's the one who's doing a bad job," Kali huffed playfully, "It's alright for you. Tornac understands you and can teach you everything you want. My nannies think I need to act like a lady. As if I will! I like myself as I am. I like to be comfortable and able to defend myself!"
"Hey, I don't blame you. I've see the ladies of the court faint because of what they wear," Murtagh said as he wrapped an arm around her waist, "And I don't want that to happen to you."
Kali giggled slightly, "Remember Lady Parrie?"
"Yes," Murtagh laughed, "Poor thing; very embarrassing if you ask me. Dead to the world, in the middle of the court. I don't know how she could just stay in the court."
Kali was laughing by now. She laughed so much that she fell of the bed. Murtagh helped her back onto the bed. "I miss this," she said.
"You know, your father hasn't managed to find anyone to take care of you tomorrow. Do you want to come with me to the market? The street rats want to see you and they want us to go hunting again. Tornac can't come."
"I don't know. I mean daddy might find out and get angry," she looked at him with a smile, "But, then again, we'll be in the forest. What's life without a risk?"
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Murtagh and Kali saddled their horses. Murtagh rode on Tornac and Kali on her black horse, Shadow. They quickly passed the castle gate and onto the busy street of Uru'Baen. "You know, I was wondering what would happen if your father did find out," Murtagh said quietly as they made their way east, to the poor part.
"The worst he can do is kill me," Kali replied evenly, "But I'm too valuable for him to kill." She gave him a sideways glance.
"Catch that thief!"
Murtagh and Kali turned and saw a small three year old running towards them. She was dressed in rags and soldiers were running after her. Damn it! Kali thought as she turned her horse around into a dark alley. She quickly pulled up her hood so that it hid her face and circled the house. She galloped beside the soldiers and made Shadow bump into the other horses. Kali pushed the soldier off his horse, then another and another. Soon, all the soldiers were thrown off and she galloped after the little girl. She picked her up by the collar and placed her in front of her, while Shadow galloped after Murtagh. Soon they reached the Rock Square where they were greeted by everyone.
"Storm! We were wondering when you were going to come!" yelled a boy.
"Yeah, we would have come earlier if we hadn't gotten sidetracked, wouldn't we, Luka?" Kali looked at the little girl in front of her. She nodded slightly.
"But, I was hungry," she whispered meekly, "Mother didn't let me eat."
"Don't worry; we'll get you something to eat," Murtagh said as he dismounted, "We came here to get food for you lot anyway. One more mouth is hardly going to make a difference."
Kali and Murtagh made their way through the crack and went into the forest quickly. After a few hours, they came back with eleven deer in total. Everyone cheered as they saw what they had caught; everyone, except Luka. She was staring at the wall, hunched over her knees, silently crying. Kali made her way over to Luka. "What's wrong, sweetie?"
Luka looked up but didn't move position, "Mummy and daddy are going to leave me in the forest tonight. That's why they didn't give me anything to eat. They said that they can save the food for themselves, like that they don't go hungry."
Kali was horrified. WHAT IN THE NINE LEVELS OF HELL ARE THEY THINKING!! How could they leave her?!
Because they don't want a cursed child, another part of her mind said.
Cursed my arse, Kali thought bitterly. "Don't worry, Luka. I won't leave you. You won't be by yourself."
"Really," Luka asked hopefully.
"I promise." What am I saying? Kali looked at her up and down, "But first, you need to eat something. I know you're not going to like what I say but you have to go back to your mummy and daddy. They need to leave you in the forest so I can get you. I can't take you now because then your parents will think that you've been kidnapped and if they find me, I'm going to be in big trouble. Do you want me to get into trouble?"
Luka shook her head, "No. I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Good, now let's get you something to eat." Kali took her by the hand and led her over to where the deer were being cooked. While Luka waited for the food, Kali took Murtagh to the side and told him what Luka had said.
"Kali, are you insane?! You can't take care of her!"
"Watch me," she turned back to Luka and helped her with the food. Once they knew that they weren't needed anymore they said their goodbyes. Everyone complained, as usual. But they said that if Kali didn't get back, her father would be very angry. They all knew who Kali's father was so they stopped complaining, but they were unwilling to said goodbye.
They rode back quickly to the castle and left their horse at the stable. Kali quickly made her way to her room. Just as she reached her door a page boy appeared at her side. "Milady, the king would like to speak with you in the throne room."
"Alright." 'Would like' sounds like I have a choice. It's more of an order than a choice, she huffed as she made her way to the throne room. She opened the doors and walked in. Just as she stepped in, the doors slammed shut behind her. She jumped and looked around the room in panic.
"Where were you today?" She jumped as her father placed a hand on her shoulder.
"N-nowhere!" she turned around quickly.
"Really? Then why did my men see you in the market?" he asked as he sat on the throne, "Or was it just their imagination?"
"I wasn't there," Galbatorix looked furious. Kali felt his mind brush against hers and quickly raised her shields. He attacked her mind but her shields didn't falter. "No, daddy please," she panicked as she clutched her head in pain, "Please, I didn't go." She felt him disappear from her head but did not lower her shields.
He stood up, sword in hand, and walked closer to Kali. The aura surrounding him was menacing. "If you weren't in the market, where were you then?" he said coldly.
Kali looked at her feet and mumbled, "I was with M-Murtagh." Technically, it's not a lie, she thought.
"And what did I tell you about being with him?" he asked.
"To not to," she replied, "But he's my friend."
Galbatorix looked enraged, "What?!" Kali started to back away in fear as he stormed closer to her, "You will never say that again, do you hear me?! He is not your friend and he never will be! He's dangerous!"
Something inside Kali snapped, "Why?! Just because he's the son of Morzan?!" she yelled back, "Well you know what?! I'm your daughter, the daughter of Galbatorix! That's worse than being Morzan's son!!"
Kali saw him snap as well. Galbatorix swung his sword at her, aiming at her neck. Kali ducked but the sword caught her temple and the sword slit all the way to her chin. She closed her eyes but didn't make a sound. Galbatorix looked horrified as she straightened and opened her eyes, the blood from the wound dribbling down her cheek. Her eyes were filled with sorrow and betrayal but mostly fierce determination. She stared at him for a second before running out of the throne room. She ran down the corridor to her room. She kept running and running until she crashed into someone.
"Kali, what happened?" Murtagh asked. He saw the blood trickling down her cheek and soak her top. "Who did that to you?"
"Not here," she said quietly. She dragged him to his room.
"Sit," Murtagh demanded as he pointed to the bed. Kali sat down obediently as Murtagh placed a basing of water on the bedside table. He soaked a cloth in it before gently cleaning her cheek. He placed the cloth back in the water, making the water turn pink. Once the wound was clean, he opened one of the draws and pulled out a small medic bag. He opened it and pulled out a few herbs and a needle and thread. Murtagh started to sew the wound close. "You're lucky you even taught me how to do this," he said quietly as he finished the stitches. He started to make a paste with the herbs.
"It was dad," Kali stated. Murtagh gripped the bowl in his hands tightly until his knuckles turned white. Kali saw what he was doing, "Murtagh, stop."
"I can't help it, Storm," he said. She smiled slightly remembering that was what the street rats called her. Murtagh started to apply the paste over the stitches before he asked, "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," she replied quietly, "But I'm not staying in the castle. Maybe I'll go to the forest around the city. Like that my father can't catch me and I can still be close to see you. And I'm sure you would give Tornac any excuse to go hunting."
"Well, that's true. Anyway if anyone can escape this castle and Uru'Baen, it would be you. You're number one for being under someone's nose without them knowing it's you," Murtagh smirked.
"I was thinking that maybe if I take enough, Luka and I can stay in the city with the street rats. If not, I'll take Luka out to the forest and we'll live there. I'm not going to let her live on the streets by herself for something that isn't her fault," Kali replied solemnly, "Then again, with the other kids we won't be by ourselves."
"When you find out where you are going to stay, send Marlon," he said. Kali was silent, staring at the window. Murtagh quietly stated, "Don't worry. With you, Luka will be fine. She needs you."
Kali laughed bitterly. "I'm not an adult, Murtagh. I'm five, soon to be on the run from the king and having to take care of a three-year-old. Not that I mind, because Luka is like my little sister that I never had, but it's the fact that her family is going disown her and is going to leave her stranded in the forest alone, just because she's cursed! It's not even a real curse!" she yelled, standing up, "We're the ones that are cursed, having to live like this; everyone wanting to kill us because of our fathers! No child our age should have to feel like this, have to worry every night that you might wake up with a knife in your heart," she said quietly. She looked up at him for a second. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
"Don't. It's the truth whether we like it or not. Even Miliani used say that we don't act the age we should be because of what we are."
"Our carer was always the one to notice everything. Eyes of a hawk she had," she added quietly, "I miss her."
"So do I," Murtagh replied. They stayed in silence for a second. "Come on, we should start packing your things so you can leave."
They made their way out of the door and down part of the long corridor before stepping into another room. Eragon guessed it was Kali's. They started to look everywhere, putting anything they thought would be useful on the bed. They were almost done when they heard a knock on the door. Murtagh looked at Kali in panic. She held a finger on her lips, telling him to keep quiet. "Who is it?" she called.
"It's me, Tornac," came the reply, "I know Murtagh's in there." Murtagh rushed forward and dragged Tornac in before slamming the door shut again. He looked around the room quickly. "What's going on in here?"
"Kali's leaving," Murtagh stated as Kali was busy putting the things she needed in a bag. "She's going to help Luka but she might not leave the city. If she does, we've agreed that she will stay near the forest."
"What?! And how will you escape the castle, Kali? Both of you know, as well as I do that every gate has at least four guards and that any magic can be detected by Galbatorix. How are you going to take care of Luka? You are only five."
"Don't you think I know that, Tornac?!" she exploded. She turned around and let him take a good look at her face. The scar was covered by the paste but he could tell what lay underneath it. "I know I'm five! I know Luka is three! But, damn it, I am not going to let her die in the forest nor am I going to let my father carry on slicing me to pieces! I have bloody had it with him! I can hunt for myself and take care of myself and Luka, just as I have been doing for the past year and a half with the Street Rats! While I'm free from my father, I can help Luka; if I don't, she will die," she whispered fiercely, "She's like my sister, Tornac and the street rats can only do so much for her. If I'm there, they won't go hungry and I'm with my family."
Tornac looked at them both for a second, "Alright, fine. But totally disagree with you running, Kali. I know Murtagh would want to go with you but that is something I can't let happen. He is under my care until the king says otherwise. I wish you luck, though. And if by any chance you do go to the street rats, make sure to tell us. We'll visit you and I'm sure Murtagh wouldn't mind being with everyone either."
"Thank you, Tornac," she said solemnly. Murtagh helped Kali pack as Tornac walked out the door. Outside the sky was darkening quickly.
"You should go," Murtagh stated as he opened the window, "Now, before your father calls for you."
"Thank you, Murtagh, for helping me," Kali said quietly. She was quiet for a moment, "My father will find out soon. He will be sending soldiers out to the city thinking I won't get far. It will be a while before I can come back. I'll have to hide whilst they search everywhere."
"Where are you going to hide?" he asked.
"I was thinking the Spine. I can get there fast, even with Luka, and after the army vanished in there I doubt father will willingly send more to find me."
Murtagh knew that Kali meant that she was going to find Aquila. Outside, a bell struck, "I have to go." She climbed up on the window ledge before she turned back to look at Murtagh. She smiled before quickly kissing him and jumping off the ledge.
She quickly climbed down the wall into the courtyard. She pulled up her hood and silently made her way through the courtyard avoiding any guards that passed. She made her way to the stables and took Shadow out of his stall. She saddled him up and silently led him out and joined a group of servants that were making their way back to their homes. She led him through the gates, the guards not giving her a second glance as she passed.
She quickly mounted Shadow and cantered eastward towards the square. A few of the street rats were sleeping on the stone, no other shelter left for them to sleep under. No one stopped her as she dismounted and made her way through the crack in the wall, leading Shadow behind her. The tunnel was dark, but Kali knew the tunnel like the back of her hand. Once out of the tunnel, the moonlight helped her make her way into the forest.
She quietly rode Shadow in the trees, slowly searching with her mind for Luka. After a few minutes of searching she felt the minds of two people; one child and an adult. The child she knew was Luka and the child was scared. Kali galloped in the direction from where the thoughts were coming from. She galloped onwards as she saw a man raise a knife. Luka tried to run from him but tripped over a tree root.
Kali was horrified and angry. She pulled out her bow and took an aim. She loosened the arrow; it sailed towards the man and went straight through his throat. He fell to the ground, dead. Kali stopped the horse and dismounted. Luka stared at her before backing away from her. "Luka," Kali lowered her hood, "Luka, it's me. Kali."
Luka stared at her. "You came," she whispered. She sounded so happy, Kali had to smile.
"Luka, we are not going to go back to Uru'Baen, at least, not yet. I want to go and find a...place first. But I think that we have to go somewhere else first." She handed Luka a cloak and helped her up into the saddle.
"Where are we going to go?" she asked as she stifled a yawn.
"If you're tired, you should go to sleep," Kali stated, "As for where we're going, we're going to Carvahall."
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The journey to Carvahall took them a week. Kali had removed the paste and stitches the next day she had found Luka, leaving behind a monstrous scar. They had gotten Marlon who had gotten the hang of flying after three years of being grounded. Luka had asked too many questions so Kali had said that she would answer them when they were safe. Luka didn't understand; Kali hadn't said why they were going so far away from home.
Kali and Luka made their way through the small village. "Kali, what do you need to do here?"
"I need to find someone. I need to ask them a question," Kali replied as she dismounted. She spotted a small boy and made her way over, "Hello. What's your name?"
The small boy looked up, "Hello, I'm Eragon."
"I'm Kali. Eragon, could you tell me where Brom is?" she asked.
The boy thought for a moment, "He's in his house, over there," he said as he pointed to a small shabby house.
"Thank you." She made her way over to Luka, "I have to go in that house for a moment. Do you want to stay here or come with me?"
"Can I stay?"
"Yes, but make sure you stay here. I'll be back as soon as I can." She tied Shadow to a post and made her way over to the house. She knocked on the door quietly. An old man opened the door, "Are you Brom?"
"Aye, what do you want?"
"I need to speak with you, in private." Brom opened the door and let her in. He closed the door with a sharp snap. Kali turned, "I need the book of Aquila."
Brom's eyes widened, "WHAT?! What makes you think I have it?! And even if I did, why would I give it to you?!"
"First of all, you are not denying it and secondly because I have more use for it than you do," Kali stated. She looked at him directly in the eye, "I need that book. It's the only way I can live. The Varden would kill me even before I step ten hundred thousand miles near the Beors and I can't go back to the Empire; I don't have a death wish."
Brom looked at her sharply, "Apart from surviving, why should I give you that cursed book?"
Kali nodded slightly, looking out of the window. "Look out of the door, Brom. Tell me what you see."
Brom flung the door open, "All I see is Eragon playing with a little girl," he said as he sat down opposite her after closing the door.
"Exactly. I'm not doing this for me; but for her. I ran from the Empire and in doing so I stopped her from being killed by her own father. She has been disowned because she is supposedly cursed. I have been helping that little girl for one and a half years and she is like a sister to me. I helped her and I'm the only one who can help her, but I can't help her if the Empire is after me. I need a place to hide and I know that the Varden won't help me," she stated.
"Why are you running from the Empire? You're only five...more or less."
"Yes, I'm five, Brom, but I have seen thing that no child, older or not, should ever see. I have seen so many people killed; I've seen my own father, the king of all people, kill my mother! And I saw a friend almost die if I had not stopped it! Don't you see, Brom?!" Kali started to shout getting louder and louder with each sentence, "I need to get that book! Not for me but for her! For my sister, Luka! So that she is safe! She's three for god's sake! I don't give a damn what happens to me! ALL I CARE ABOUT IS THAT, THAT LITTLE GIRL, THAT IS PLAYING WITH YOUR SON, IS SAFE!!!" Kali looked horrified, a tear falling down her face, "I shouldn't have said that," she whispered, "I'm sorry; I'll leave," she quickly ran out of the door, "LUKA! We're going! NOW!" She quickly untied Shadow from the post. She turned and saw Luka staring at her.
"But I want to play! I want to stay with Eragon!" she protested.
"No Luka! We're going!" Kali shouted.
"I don't want to go!"
"FINE! You don't want to come with me?! That's fine! Where are you going to stay?! On the streets?! If you want to, that's FINE! JUST DON'T COME LOOKING FOR ME WHEN YOU'RE HALF DEAD!" She quickly mounted Shadow and galloped out of the village into the trees.
She galloped for an hour before she crashed into a branch. It threw her off Shadow and she collapsed in a heap on the ground. She started to sob. Shadow stopped galloping and plodded to Kali. He nickered slightly. "Ok, ok," she said as she rubbed his neck, "I'll go back." She slowly got off the ground and remounted before heading back to the village.
Once she reached the outskirts of the village, she stopped. She saw Luka playing with Eragon again, this time supervised by two adults. Kali hid behind a house and watched them playing. She looked so happy. She realised that she was wearing different clothes.
"You know, she loves you." Kali jumped and turned. Brom stood behind her.
"I know," she sniffed.
"You've been crying," it wasn't a question but a statement.
"First time in three years," she said quietly. Brom looked at her sadly. Kali turned back and saw Luka looking her way. She gave a small yell, before she ran straight at her. "I'm sorry," she said as Luka hugged her.
"I know. I missed you."
"I've only been gone for an hour or two," Kali laughed quietly, "But I missed you too."
"Don't leave me," Luka begged, "Please."
Kali looked up at the adults then back down at Luka. "Maybe it's best if someone did take care of you. Someone that is not me; someone who knows how to take care of you."
"NO! I'm staying with you! I want my sister! I want to stay with you! I don't want a mummy and daddy! They hurt me! They don't love me!" Luka cried.
"Lukie," Kali was at loss for words. She looked around again, before looking at Brom. "Ok," she said looking back at her, "But if I say run, you run as if a dragon is running after you. If I say hide, you do it and if I say we're going, we go, alright?"
Luka nodded quickly, already mounting Shadow. A woman came up to her. "Dear, I'm Eragon's auntie. I gave her some clothes but there's some left in the house. I want you to take them. No listen," she said as Kali was going to interrupt, "I have two boys and they are most certainly not going to fit in them. They are boy's clothes so Luka can move about easier and she won't catch a cold."
"Ok," Kali said quietly. The woman walked into one of the houses and came out a few minutes later with a small bundle of clothes. She handed them to Kali. "Thank you."
"It's nothing, dear. If you ever need a place to stay, there is always room."
"Thank you, but we really need to get going. I have a feeling that the Empire's soldiers will be here soon and I don't want them to see me. A five year old girl alone; I don't even want to think of what they'll do," Kali replied as she mounted. She started at a brisk trot out of the village. Before she could reach the outskirts, Brom blocked their way.
He stood beside the horse and pulled out a small red-leather book before passing it to her. "You need it more that I do."
"Thank you, Brom. And don't worry," she whispered as she leaned over the saddle do Luka couldn't hear, "I won't tell anyone Eragon is your son or that you were a Dragon Rider." She winked.
"How do you know?" he whispered fiercely.
"The eyes show one thing, but the nose says a different story," she looked back at Eragon, "He smells a lot like you and Selena. I'm guess she's his mother?" Brom nodded slowly. "Thought so. Anyway, we should go. You should be proud of him. After all, not everyone's son will one day be a Dragon Rider." Shadow started a slow trot, leaving Brom to stare after her.
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Two weeks went by before Kali and Luka reached the Woadark Lake. Every night Kali would put Luka to sleep and then read the book Brom had given her. She found the book very biased. It said all demons where evil and they should be rid from the world. Kali scoffed. She was a supposed demon and she wasn't exactly evil.
The book indicated that their sanctuary was near the Woadark Lake but they were not the only ones who lived in the Spine. It said that the races that were on the verge of extinction found sanctuary and lived there with the demons where they all helped each other.
"Kali?" She looked up from the book and saw Luka sleepily trying to get up. The moon was gone and the fire illuminated the clearing they were staying in for the night. The Woadark Lake on their left; on the right side of the lake was a meadow that was blocked by a mountain and other mountains clustered behind it.
"Sweetie, go back to sleep. It's very late." Luka nodded sleepily and lay back down on the blanket, falling asleep within seconds. Kali smiled slightly. Marlon? Is it true that there are more extinct creatures that are in fact in the Spine with the demons?
That is true, your majesty, said Marlon, and you rule all of them.
What?!
All the creatures could not live together, he explained, so one of your ancestors made suggestions and they were set. All the creatures lived together, helping each other if necessary and they appointed him ruler. After that any that have his lineage will take place as ruler.
But I don't want to live as royalty!
Calm down, child! Although it is your title you are not treated as royalty if you so wish. In fact your ancestors never made a palace for themselves. Every generation lived in the biggest oak in the Spine. They hunted and dressed as regular people; they were like you, not wanting to be royalty or let people help them but helping anyone and anything, Marlon stated, Now, go to sleep!
Kali did as she was told and lay down on her blanket. Soon she was half asleep. Something rustled in the bushes. She quickly reached for her knife, now wide awake. She looked at the bush, her knife held ready for an attack. She saw a pure white horn emerge from the bush, closely followed by a white horse's head, neck and then body. Kali gasped.
Your Majesty, he said with a nod. The horse turned his head to Shadow, Pegasus, he nodded again.
"Pegasus! What the heck?!" she turned to Shadow, "What does he mean and don't you dare say you don't know!" Shadow looked accusingly at the unicorn before there were two bumps growing on his sides. They kept growing until they became beautiful feather wings. "Oh my..."
Milady, please do not be upset that I did not tell you, said Shadow.
"No, it's not that," Kali whispered, "You're beautiful," she reached out a hand and stroked his wings, "And soft," she laughed. She turned to the unicorn and asked, "What is your name? And why are you here?"
I am Azra, said the unicorn. I am here because I felt one of royal blood near the gates of Aquila. I was not the only one; everyone in Aquila has felt you coming but we did not want to risk coming in daylight for your companion is human, he replied as he indicated to Luka.
"She may be human but she is my friend. Where I go, she goes and I am going into Aquila; she will come with me," she said fiercely, "If anyone harms her they will have to go through me."
Of course, your majesty.
They heard a little giggle. Kali turned and saw Luka sitting up. "He looks pretty," she said as she looked at Shadow and the Azra. She got up and touched Shadows wing, giggling again.
"She won't do anything," Kali stated.
Very well, said Azra, if you wish, you do not need to sleep on the ground. I can take you into Aquila and you may sleep in your home. The human will not be harmed.
"Thank you. Come on, Luka," she said as she picked up her blanket.
"Where are we going?"
"To sleep in my house," Kali replied. That felt so strange. I'm five and I have my own house. Incredible! Kali and Luka mounted Shadow, after his insistence, and they had their way around the lake. Luka was dozing in the saddle. They reached the other side of the lake and stood in front of the mountain. Azra placed the tip of his horn on the flat of the mountain. The face cracked and swung inwards. They walked through the tunnels and the doors slammed shut. They walked into the cave and a man stepped out of the shadows.
"Milady, I am Faro, guard of Aquila. You must realize that any human, elf or dwarf will be killed if they pass the gates. She-"
"Do not finish!" Kali shouted, "I am not leaving her! She will pass with me and she will not be harmed! If she is harmed, I will leave!" Her eyes flashed gold again.
Her Majesty is tired, guard, said Shadow, it would go you well to open the gate and let her sleep. The child is three; she cannot do any harm.
"Very well. But mark my words, when very creature hears of this, there will be an instant uproar," Faro stated as the side of the cave opened. Shadow trotted through with Azra beside him.
I will leave you now, Milady, he said. He trotted off, going west. Shadow headed south. Soon they were in front of a huge oak tree. Shadow nickered and Kali dismounted, taking a very sleepy Luka with her.
Sleep well, Kali.
"You too, Shadow." She opened the door after finding the concealed handle. She dragged Luka in, looking around before finally finding a bed. She placed her on it and covered her with the thick blanket. Luka snuggled into the warm and was instantly asleep. Kali climbed into the bed too, not wanting to leave her by herself. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, she thought before she fell asleep.
N/A: 14 pages! I thought I had better leave it at that coz I know some people don't like reading very long things. (my friend being one of them) Anyway, I was thinking of putting the rating up, just to play safe. Part 2 is not graphic but still I don't really want to risk it.
Also, you will notice that Kali doesn't act her age because of her dragon side. Dragons mature faster that people.
I know that the chap before this has Latin in it. I didn't want a language Eragon knew.
For Naruto's biggest fan: Soz I didn't email it but the site is: .