(A.N.) Based on the reviews I'd say this story might have some promise, and btw I'd just like to thank all of you people that reviewed! Dessert Maniac, Elemental Dragon Slayer, Korungr and d-saintssation-b! Your reviews are greatly appreciated! :)
P.S. : I added Arya's POV near the end. I will probably be switching between Eragon and Arya throughout the story with a possibility of Saphira as well. Let me know if you guys would like that or not.
Ok, onwards; here's chapter two, hope the length is good, enjoy!
Disclaimer – I don't own the inheritance cycle or any characters affiliated with the story apart from my own OC characters (if I add any :P)
The Empire: Book IV
Chapter 2
[Eragon]
"Is he…is he dead?" Roran asked as he slowly walked over to Arya.
"No." Eragon replied, "He's just sleeping."
Roran relaxed and put his hammer through the side of his belt. "Oh, I see. Well, that's good, I suppose."
Eragon merely nodded and sheathed Brisingr.
Arya did the same with her sword and walked over to exit the room but stopped just before the doorway and turned to face Eragon, "Grab Lord Talus. We'll need him as proof of our victory."
Eragon nodded and looked at his cousin, "Roran, go with with Arya. I'll ride with Saphira."
"Alright." Roran replied simply. He and Arya turned and ran off to exit the Keep.
Eragon searched out for Saphira and found her circling the tower.
Eragon chuckled, "Keeping an eye on me?"
"If I don't then who will?" Saphira replied smugly.
Eragon laughed lightly, "Think you could meet me at the top of the tower? We've got a guest."
"Finally! I was wondering what took you so long. I need to go hunting soon, all this fighting has made me hungry." Saphira replied impatiently.
"I know you're hungry Saphira, everyone is tired and hungry. We just need the rest of the soldiers to lay down their arms and this will all be over with." Eragon said
"Indeed, I intend to take an extra-long break this time." Saphira stated.
Eragon laughed, "And what a well-deserved break I will be."
He made it to the top room of the keep with Lord Talus slumped over his shoulder. But Saphira was nowhere to be found. Frowning he called out to her,
"Saphira…where are you?" He asked, looking outside the window.
She didn't reply.
All of a sudden a large gust of wind swept past Eragon through the open window and he raised his right arm to block the oncoming dust from hitting his eyes.
"Hey, you could have given me a warning!" Eragon cried as he backed away from the window as she got closer.
"Oh, stop complaining and get on!" Saphira replied.
Eragon muttered something under his breath but it was lost by the flapping of Saphira's large wings. He jumped from the window onto Saphira's back and landed gracefully on Saphira's back before strapping himself in and placing Lord Talus in front of him.
"Now, my lovely dragon, let us show these soldiers what has become of their leader." Eragon said with a grin.
Saphira smiled, exposing all her teeth, and pushed her body away from the tower with heavy flap of her wings and then dove downward until she was just low enough for the soldiers to see Eragon and Lord Talus.
Eragon cringed at the site below him. There were so many dead bodies, so many buildings and homes destroyed; so much unnecessary death. He quickly pushed away those thoughts and focused on finishing this battle.
"Soldiers of Belatona!" Eragon yelled, increasing the volume of his voice with the aid of magic. Everyone stopped fighting and looked up at the Rider.
"This battle is over! Behold, you're leader refused to accept our offer of a peaceful surrender and so we have taken him captive!"
Many of the soldiers gasped and then began to shout, "Murder! He murder Lord Talus!"
Eragon lifted his hand and all were silent. "You are mistaken! Your leader is very much alive, and we shall keep it that way. We do not mean to cause unnecessary harm to others. That same treatment shall be given to you if you but lay down your weapons and surrender."
Many of the soldiers looked at each other and then, realizing their defeat, they dropped their weapons. Others did not comply; instead they grew even angrier.
"Curse you dragon rider, we shall no sooner surrender than die by our own hands!" One man spoke out. He pulled out an arrow and aimed directly at Eragon's head. He released it and grinned as it headed right for its mark, however it stopped about a foot short of Eragon's head.
Eragon frowned, "It does not have to be this way, please, surrender now and all of your lives will be spared. I give you my word!"
Many more men dropped their weapons after what they just saw, but there were still a few that refused.
"It doesn't matter," Eragon thought to himself, "The battle is over, we won."
The Varden men went to gather the dropped weapons and led the Empire soldiers to a closed off section of the main campsite. They were prisoners now, but once everything had been settled within the city they would be allowed to return and live normally, under martial law of course. Eragon felt a gentle tug on his mind and he relaxed his defenses.
"Eragon." Arya's voice echoed in his mind. She sounded tired, only this time her voice was a bit more relaxed than before. No doubt since the siege was finally over.
"Arya, where are you?" He tried to look for her while Saphira flew over the city, but he had no luck finding her.
"I am currently in Nasuada's tent," she said a few seconds later. "She requests your presence." She replied.
Eragon gave a mental nod. "We are on our way." And with that he severed their connection.
"I'm sure Nasuada would understand if you wanted to rest." Eragon said to Saphira.
"It is fine little one, I should be there. As your dragon it would be improper of me not to show up." She said reassuringly.
Eragon nodded as Saphira dipped low over the Varden camp and landed in a large clearing outside of their leader's tent. Two guards walked over to Eragon as he got off Saphira and they carried Lord Talus away.
Eragon and Saphira were greeted outside of Nasuada's tent by two members of the Nighthawks. They bowed respectfully to Eragon and Saphira as they made their way into Nasuada's tent - Saphira going to the back as there was a large opening for her to stick her head through.
Eragon entered the tent to find that several people were already there; Arya and Blodhgarm stood near the entrance flap while King Orrin, Nasuada and Jormundur were all huddled around the large round table that sat in the center of the room.
A large map of Alagaesia covered the table and there were markings everywhere. Blue and red flags were placed on various cities along with red "X" markings on others. Nasuada looked up from a large pile of papers as Eragon made his way across the room. He bowed respectfully when he reached Nasuada, but she shook her head and ushered him to stand up.
"I'll have none of that Eragon, remember you are above us now." Nasuada said, looking into Eragon's eyes.
Eragon looked shocked for a moment but soon resumed his usually calm persona. He had forgotten what Nasuada had told him the last time they had a one-on-one talk.
[Flash Back…]
Eragon stood just outside of Nasuada's tent. It had been two weeks since the siege of Feinster and he had hardly seen Arya. All Eragon could think about was that day on the Cliffside; how different she had acted. It had shocked Eragon how open Arya had been that day, and perhaps that was why he hadn't seen much of her over the past few days
After the battle, Nasuada had allowed everyone to have a week to themselves and allowed Eragon, Saphira and Arya two weeks to themselves after their tragic loss. It was still hard for Eragon to grasp the fact that he would never see his former master again. Through their powerful connecting Eragon could feel the sadness rage through Saphira as well and it hurt him to know that there wasn't much he could do tell take away her pain. Ironically Saphira had felt the same way. At least, in that aspect, both the rider and dragon took comfort in the fact that they had each other.
As such, Jormundur sent Jarsha to summoned Eragon to Nasuada's tent. Apparently she had something very import to discuss with him.
"What do you think Nasuada wants to talk to us about?" Eragon asked Saphira as he absently twirled a stray twig in his right hand.
Saphira was lying down in a large area bathed in shade just outside Nasuada's tent with Eragon resting against her large belly.
"I know not little one. Whatever it is, it had better not be a mission; I told her that you are to be left alone for the time being." Saphira grumbled, a small plume of smoke exited her nostrils.
Eragon sighed, "I know Saphira, but I am her vassal. I cannot ignore her orders, and besides…" he paused as the twig fell from his fingers and onto the soft grass. He picked it up and studied it carefully. For some reason the simple twig had reminded him of Ellesmira. To him, there was no other place he would rather call home besides Carvahall. The twig had brought back memories of his last visits to the Elf capital, to all the lesson's he had with Oromis. A pang of sadness hit him hard, but he remained composed, they couldn't mourn forever. Evil wouldn't wait for them.
"but we can't mourn forever Saphira." He continued. "The Varden need us…Alagaesia needs us. We must be strong for them, and for ourselves."
Saphira hummed in agreement, "You have grown up little one, I am proud."
Eragon smiled and patted Saphira's belly. A guard soon exited from Nasuada's tent and called for Eragon. He nodded and stood up, brushing the dirt from his clothes. He looked at Sahpira before walking off, "Would you like to come?"
"You go on, I will listen through our connection." She replied while remaining still.
Eragon nodded and then followed the guard into Nasuada's tent. When he entered, the first thing he noticed were the large piles of papers that littered the large round table in the center of the main room. Nasuada was currently reading something that Eragon couldn't quite make out, but he noticed the wrinkles on Nasuada's forehead and her slanted eyebrows. He figured it must have been something important and hoped that it wasn't something that required his attention.
After a moment Nasuada finally looked up at Eragon and greeted him with a smile. "Eragon! it is wonderful to see you. I hope that you are doing well."
Eragon bowed respectfully, "I am, my lady. Saphira and I are grateful for the time you have given us to relax."
Nasuada's face turned from a look of happiness to a look of sadness. "Of course Eragon, I cannot imagine what you have been going through. You have lost much to this war, but at the same time have gained so much."
Eragon could do nothing but nod; he had lost the ability to speak.
"Please, sit." Nasuada said, motioning to two chairs close by.
Eragon obliged and took a seat next to Nasuada. They were both silent for a few minutes and Nasuada was staring intently at Eragon, apparently trying to get a read on him. It was difficult now that Eragon had spent so much time around the elves and around Arya; he was able to mask his emotions well.
After a few minutes, Eragon decided to speak."My Lady - " he was cut short by Nasuada raising a hand to silence him.
"Please Eragon, there is no need to speak like that to me anymore."
Eragon looked completely confused, "I…don't understand. What do you mean by 'any more'?"
Nasuada sighed, "It is the reason why I had you summoned. I cannot have you as my vassal when you are so far above my rule."
Eragon was still confused. He understood that dragon riders stood above others, but he had sworn his fealty to Nasuada in front of the entire Varden. So what was this? "I am afraid I still do not understand, what is it that you speak of?"
"I have recently spoken with Queen Islanzadi and she has expressed to me the seriousness of your new position." Nasuada replied calmly.
Eragon blinked twice in confusion. "My new...position? I'm afraid I do not understand."
Nasuada sighed and stood up. Walking over to a table in the corner, she placed two cups side-by-side and then grabbed a nearby pitcher; filing the cups with water. She handed one to Eragon.
"Thank you." He said while taking the cup.
"Forgive me for saying this, but it is now my understand that since the passing of Oromis and Glaedr, you and Saphira are now the only two free riders left in Alagaesia, correct?"
Eragon winced involuntarily. "You are correct."
"Then as the last Rider you are now the Lead Rider of the new order, are you not?
Eragon looked at Nasuada with wide eyes. "She has to be joking. Me the leader of all free dragon riders?"
"Well, it makes sense does is not? After all, we're all that's left…" Saphira said with a slight hint of sadness at the end.
"But Saphira…I'm only seventeen! How could I possibly become the leader of the free dragon riders?" Eragon exclaimed.
"Eragon, you may be only seventeen, but you have witnessed so much in this world, even some elves would be amazed at how much you've seen and learned in nearly two years' time." Saphira said; her voice laced with pride.
Eragon gave her a mental smile. "I know Saphira, thank you, but I feel that I have not yet earned this title. It has only being given to me because we are all that are left. How can I accept something like that?" He asked her.
Saphira grumbled in annoyance, "Forget about that Eragon, it matters not how you receive this title but rather how you use it to better yourself and the races of Alagaesia. Do not think of yourself as the normal farm boy any more, remember that it was I who chose you. Yes, it is unfortunate how things have turned out, but it is as you said, we cannot afford to sit and mourn we must act. And so you must take up the title as lead rider and fight for all that it right in this world. If not for yourself then do it for Oromis and Glaedr. Make them proud."
Eragon was shocked at Saphra's words; they had a profound effect on him- as they almost always did.
Eragon chuckled, "How is it that you are always so wise?"
Saphira snorted, "I am not, you just need to think more."
Eragon chuckled again and looked to Nasuada, "I understand now, so what does this mean?"
"It means that you are no longer under my control, Eragon Shadeslayer, I release you from your oath."
[End of Flash Back…]
Eragon nodded and looked to Arya. A blank expression covered her face, as it almost always did, but she gave Eragon a small smile when he met her eyes. It was brief, but it was all Eragon needed. He noticed that Arya was more herself when she was in battle, she was the only woman he knew - personally - that fought, and fought well. It was one of the many things that he liked about her.
"Eragon, Arya good work capturing Lord Talus. The battle may have much more complicated if he were to have been killed." Nasuada said.
Eragon grinned, "Don't look at me, it was Arya who put him to sleep. I only carried him back to the camp."
Arya's lips twitched in amusement but it was covered up once again by the mask she so frequently wore.
Nasuada nodded and then turned to Orrin. "I thank you as well, King Orrin, for providing your troops to assist us in the fight. Truly, you and your men were a great to help to us."
King Orrin's face could not have been brighter at the compliment. "Of course Lady Nasuada." He replied in his deep voice. "I am always happy to provide my troops to aid the Varden."
Eragon's eye twitched and he clenched his jaw. King Orrin rubbed everyone the wrong way, always looking for attention and making things more complicated than they needed to be.
"For now we shall focus on keeping all the Empire soldiers confined to one location and several guards, along with spellcasters, will surround the area until we can search through Belatona. Hopefully we will be able to find something useful." Nasuada said to everyone.
Eragon shrugged, "Something tells me we will not. I don't think Galbatorix would keep anything important so far away from him. But then again, Brom and I did find some usefully information on the Ra'zac in Dras Leona."
"Well in either case Belatona is a currently a pile of rubble, we'll have to rebuild the city." Nausada replied, looking from Eragon to everyone else.
"My men I and I will return to camp. We are all weary from battle." King Orrin spoke. Everyone noticed his attempt to escape from giving assistance but no one objected, perhaps they would get work done faster without him around.
"Yes of course King Orrin, please take ample time to rest." Nasuada said to him with a smile. She turned and looked at everyone in the room. "That goes for all of you as well. We will have to work on our next plan of attack soon but for now you should all rest. There will celebrations going on throughout the Varden camp this week, I encourage you all to join in."
Eragon cringed as a sick feeling erupted in his stomach. He was hardly in any mood to celebrate, but he nodded in spite of himself. "Maybe it would be a good thing, after the men at least that much."
"And so do you, little one." Saphira reminded him.
Eragon gave her a mental nod, "We could all us the rest."
Everyone nodded and Eragon gave a slight bow before he dismissed himself.
Arya shifted slightly as Eragon exited the tent.
[Arya]
Once Eragon had left, Arya gave a slight bow, almost mimicking Eragon's movement. "I shall take my leave as well, Lady Nasuada."
Nasuada nodded and Arya turned on the spot and exited the tent, following Eragon's invisible footsteps.
"Eragon, please wait!" Arya spoke just loud enough for him to hear. He wasn't walking fast so it didn't take her long to catch up with him. He turned around slowly and faced her. It was almost as if he knew she wanted to talk to him.
"Arya…" His voice was soft and soothing. There was a question in his eyes, one she almost didn't pick up on.
"I am fine Eragon, thank you. Forgive me, we have not spoken for some time." Arya gave him a weak smile.
Eragon returned her a smile, "It is fine Arya, we have all been busy and much has happened. I do not blame you for attending to your duties."
"He has changed so much…" Arya thought to herself.
"How is Saphira doing?" She finally asked.
Eragon laughed. It reminded her of when she first met him, sometimes he sounded too much like the seventeen year old boy he was, but it was very rare now.
"You can ask her yourself." He finished with a grin.
Arya blinked twice and then turned around to find Saphira looking down at her; the dragon's large head loomed over her. She jumped in surprise but soon returned to her composed self.
"Forgive me Saphira." She with a short bow. "I did not see you there." Arya spoke, smiling up the great sapphire dragon.
"It is quite alright little elf, I am glad to see that you are well." Saphira blew a puff of smoke as she greeted Arya.
She winced as the hot air hit her cheeks before she turned to face Eragon once again. "Perhaps we can meet again sometime later in the day? I would enjoy the chance to catch up with my friend." She gave Eragon a rare smile, for some reason she liked how it always caught him off guard. However, recently, Eragon had been showing less and less if his emotions. It made Arya slightly sad and a bit worried that he had started to wear that mask she had been so accustomed to wearing herself. She would miss the days when Eragon was so, innocent, and showed his emotions freely; she liked that about him.
Eragon smiled back, "I would love to catch up with you Arya. I think I need to bathe first though." He said, wrinkling his nose. "We can meet at my tent when you are ready. Is that acceptable?"
Arya nodded, "Indeed it does. I shall see you soon, Eragon." With that, she waved goodbye and walked off towards her tent.
As she walked through the Varden campsite she couldn't help but think about Eragon and how much he truly had changed. In a span of almost two years he had seen and accomplished more things than even some Elves could not. Somewhere in the back of her mind she hoped that Eragon would never change, that he would always be that carefree and innocent farm boy he used to be not so long ago.
She sighed as she entered her tent - which, ironically, wasn't far from Eragon's - She grabbed the necessary items she needed to bathe before leaving and making her way to a secluded area outside the camp where a small lake sat peacefully behind the tall brush.
(A.N.) It's a little longer than the last (hope that's alright). Also, I apologize if not a whole lot happened in this chapter, it's still the beginning and I'm still in the planning stages of the main plot and what I want to do with the characters. As always please review! I greatly appreciated the reviews I got for the first chapter
Next update should be sometime this weekend!
- Demonzmagic