Disclaimer: As usual, I own nothing. Here's the long awaited battle scene that took me FOREVER to come up with in my mind.
The horns of war sounded into the thick dawn morning. Let's end this war! Eragon cried out mentally. Arya, Galzra, stay here! Saphira lets burn them!
Saphira let out a barbaric roar. She reared up and took flight. And this time, this ends! She soared above the low clouds to provide better cover.
Eragon felt the familiar sensation of wind ripping against his face. He held Silbena mur'rana tightly in his right hand. He joined minds with Saphira and no longer knew who was whom. He felt wings beating hard against the wind, and a sword in his hand. Everything became mixed for him. Then he felt fire jetting out of his maw and saw a large group of soldiers burning beneath him. He separated from Saphira's mind. Fly higher, he ordered.
Saphira circled higher, out of any archers' range of fire. Two more times they dove and burned any who were unlucky enough to be in the front lines. She landed back at the Keep next to Galzra. There is a horde of soldiers! She cried so that all could hear.
"How could they get those numbers?" questioned Nasuada.
"Trianna is behind all this," Eragon reminded her.
"Aye…she could be controlling the army…but how she is powerful enough to do so is beyond my own knowledge," murmured Angela. She frowned. "This is going to be a long battle either way."
"We need to cut off their ranks…separate them," said Arya.
"We do not have those numbers!" cried King Orrin.
"Then let Eragon and myself handle this," replied Arya. She turned her eyes to her mate. Are you ready?
Eragon did not like the idea of Arya staying through this battle, let alone joining him in combat, but he saw no other way around that. It was too late now for her to retreat. He twisted Selbena mor'rana in his hand. The sapphire sword glowed in the light of the destruction. Saphira?
Let us plummet these traitors into the abyss, Saphira roared so that all may hear. Galzra, stay above me, she ordered.
Aye, murmured Galzra.
The two dragons took flight, Galzra keeping several feet above Saphira. They raced off to destroy as many numbers as they could before the armies collided in battle.
The collision was loud as spears broke against shields and the clanging of swords battering swords rang through the air. Saphira and Galzra flew back to the safety of the Keep. Eragon leapt to the granite floor and knelt down before King Orrin. "The armies have made contact, King Orrin," he reported, though unnecessarily.
"Good," murmured King Orrin, though his tone revealed his disgust at such a battle. "Bring me my horse…I will join my men in battle. Shadeslayer…I want you to join forces with the left flank…there are several ally Urgals and magic users who have agreed to aid you in battle. Queen Arya…I want you to fly above and report any changes to the magicians around the battlefield. Angela…come with me. Nasuada…take your horse to the right flank and take command." He mounted his horse when it came, as did Nasuada.
Eragon remounted Saphira. His adrenaline was reaching its peak. Be careful, he warned Arya before Saphira took flight.
The battle was a knot of chaos. Mini battles took place in the much larger one. Saphira landed, and as she did, she ripped apart as many Loyalist soldiers as she could with her fangs and talons. Eragon battered away at all who were brave enough to stab at Saphira. He jumped out of his saddle and fought alongside his partner. Blood and guts covered his sword and armor. Grime smeared across his face.
In the few seconds he had to look around, he saw many dead and dying bodies around him, and had no time to heal the wounded. It was just a part of war…people died in battle and there was nothing that could be done about it.
He grimaced when he stuck his blade into an unlucky soldier, and felt sick as he felt the life leave the man's body. He forced himself to ignore it. He could waste no time worrying about the many lives that he spent destroying. It was either kill or be killed. That was the reality in the world in which he lived. He had learned that lesson long ago with Brom.
Brom. If only he were here. Eragon cried out in agony as he killed soldier after soldier with his inhuman speed and grace. Brom would know exactly what to do.
Eragon, focus on the present! Saphira cried. She tore apart another soldier. Arrows and spears had pierced through her armor. There were several punctures where blood oozed out. Her jaws were also bleeding from eating the soldiers as armor and weapons got stuck in her teeth.
Sorry, groaned Eragon. He decapitated a head and moved on to the next soldier. The only thing that he could do to prevent himself with being disgusted with himself was to dehumanize his enemies.
Several Urgals fought alongside him. They grunted as they battered their way through the soldiers.
--
Arya looked at the chaos raging below her. Worry and terror gripped her. The Loyalists greatly outnumbered the Surdan warriors. She felt helpless and powerless. Galzra, we have got to do something!
Galzra could feel her anxiety at the situation. He too scanned the battlefield with a sense of longing to join and contribute as much as he could. There is nothing that we can do, Arya, he replied, broken.
Land somewhere!
Galzra had no choice. Arya was being as persistent as ever. He chose a deserted rock. You realize that we're going against King Orrin, right? He asked.
Arya leaped off the saddle. I know, she growled. But he should know better than to order me around…I am a queen in my own right…and also a Rider…a Shur'tugal. She sighed heavily, holding Zor'roc off to her side. Stay close to me Galzra…I may have to retreat.
She ran into the edge of the battle. Galzra ran along side her. They tore through any Loyalist that dared themselves to get in their way. Their fighting was like a dance. Arya's movements however were sluggish and hesitant. She also could not move as flexibly as she used to. Damn, this pregnancy is really getting to me, she told Galzra.
Maybe we should fly from above, suggested Galzra.
No, replied Arya stubbornly. Something about this battle doesn't feel right….
Battle horns blew off in the distance. The battle seemed to stop for a moment altogether. Everyone looked around. Then from the sky, a massive shadow covered them. It was the shadow of a dragon.
Arya! Galzra shrieked.
Arya knew what must be done. She leapt into the saddle and leaned down as Galzra launched them into the air. Several arrows punctured his wings, but those would have to be ignored, at least for now. Arya flinched from the slight pain, but pushed the uncomfortable sensation to the back of her mind. Recognition hit her with a wave of shock.
Amestat and Tasha. They had returned, clad in armor, and Tasha held a sword. Amestat shot himself at Galzra.
The force of the blow nearly sent Arya falling to her doom.
--
Eragon! Saphira cried when the dragon arrived.
Eragon looked up for only a brief moment. His eyes widened with shock. For a moment, he thought that he saw Murtagh and Thorn, but then as he realized that they were dead by his hand, he saw Amestat and Tasha. The next thing he saw astounded him. Amestat attacking Galzra. Without a moment's hesitation, he jumped into Saphira's saddle. Saphira leaped into the air and spread her wings. Tasha, why are you doing this? He demanded harshly. He was in no mood for petty rivalries between Tasha and Arya over his affection.
No answer came. Instead, Tasha grinned at him maliciously. Your fight is with Queen Trianna, Shadeslayer, she said coldly.
"Shadeslayer!"
The voice was too familiar, and it did not please Eragon at all. It sent chills down his spine. He looked down. Trianna stood alone, away from the main battle.
Saphira, what should we do?
There was a long moment of no answer. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. It seemed as though Galzra and Saphira were having a private conversation. We fight Trianna, was all that she said.
Arya…be careful, he pleaded as Saphira descended.
The two dragons interlocked their talons and snapped at one another's neck. Amestat appeared to be very small, especially compared to Galzra. Arya and Tasha clashed swords every opportunity that they got. Galzra looped above Amestat. He forced the other dragon left, right, down, right again. The larger, older dragon snapped at Amestat's tail, and catching the flesh in his jaws, yanked Amestat back.
A painful scream escaped Tasha's lips as the sensation reached her through their mental link. She turned around in her saddle, swaying a bit to keep her balance. She stabbed at Galzra's nose.
The green dragon released them. He flew at Tasha. Amestat rolled in the air. The maneuver nearly sent Tasha falling to her death, yet she clung with her life to the saddle. As the two dragons battled, Tasha and Arya were forced to just hang on and hope that they didn't end up falling.
--
Saphira landed several feet from Trianna. Eragon jumped off the saddle and snarled at the sorceress. "It was a mistake coming here today, Trianna," he growled.
"Was it?" Trianna sneered. "I see that your army will not last much longer…so where is the mistake in that?" She unsheathed a long, thin blade.
Eragon recognized the weapon. It had been months since he had seen it…Elvira's sword. He paced back and forth, waiting for her to attack him. "There is a price for your head, traitor!" he snarled.
Be careful, Eragon…it is clear that she got to Tasha first, warned Saphira. Her lip was pulled up in a dangerous snarl, and her teeth were bared.
Then we will kill her, replied Eragon calmly.
"I am not that easy to kill," chuckled Trianna. She charged at him with a blur of movement, the speed that could rival the elves.
Eragon barely raised his sword in time to block the thin blade. Sparks showered down on him. He twisted away and slashed at her back. Trianna ducked and twisted her sword to meet his. Eragon barely kept up with her increased speed.
Saphira, help Galzra and Arya!
What about you?
I can handle this traitor, just go!
He sprawled out of the way of a stab to his gut and rolled back to his feet. He watched briefly as Saphira took flight. The beat of her wings sent a cloud of dust around the mini battle.
They met and separated in short spurts, testing their strength on one another. Eragon could find no way around her defenses. It was strange to him. She was only a human after all, and yet she had the speed of an elf. He wondered faintly how that could be.
The battle dragged on, making him weary. To his surprise, she threw her sword to the side and looked at him with such a hunger in her eyes that it made him shudder. He stopped in mid-charge, unwilling to fight if his opponent had threw away their weapon.
"This swords play is pointless, Shadeslayer," murmured Trianna softly. "We shall fight with magic now…."
--
Saphira launched herself at Amestat, yelling, Traitor! Oath breaker! Murderer! Egg killer! Disgrace to dragons! A jet of flame shot out from her maw, which Tasha stopped with magic.
I am not a traitor, replied Amestat, his tone almost pleading.
Galzra tackled Amestat in mid air and the two dragons tumbled to the ground bellow. Tasha screamed in pain as she felt her arm break under the pressure. Kill Arya and be done with this pointless battle, ordered Amestat.
The two Riders jumped from their dragons and faced one another. Saphira landed next to Galzra and snarled at Tasha and Amestat.
"Tasha, it's not too late for you," murmured Arya softly. "You can still rejoin us."
"It has always been too late for me, Arya," replied Tasha stiffly. "If I don't kill you…Queen Trianna will be angry with me. Sorry, nothing personal." She paused for a brief moment, as if debating what to say next. "Actually…it is personal…you see, I want Eragon for myself. You stole him from me, Arya." Her face twisted into a dark, maddened smile…much like the one that Galbatorix used to have. Amestat, make sure that Galzra and Saphira do not interfere, she ordered.
Arya sighed heavily. "Very well," she muttered to herself. "If it has to be this way, Tasha…." She moved into a defensive stance, ready for Tasha to charge at her at any moment. The baby inside her kicked defiantly. 'I have to be quick about this,' she thought.
The younger Rider jumped toward the elf. The swords clashed and sparks showered down on them. Arya leapt away and into the air. Her extra weight held her back. She slashed down at Tasha. Tasha blocked the assault. She threw Arya off of her.
Arya had to admit that Tasha had gotten much stronger in such a short period of time, unless she had always been holding back just to try and gain the trust of Eragon. Arya held nothing back. She fought for the kill, knowing that Tasha wouldn't stop until she had Eragon for herself.
The three dragons circled them, occasionally snapping at each other.
--
The battle raged on through the afternoon. Many of the soldiers were growing battle worn. A lake of blood soaked the soil. It was impossible to step anywhere without getting blood on your feet.
Crows, ravens, and vultures circled high above the battlefield, waiting for when the fighting would stop and they could take their long awaited feast.
--
Eragon stared at Trianna, trying to best determine what he should do. His honor forced him to sheath his sword. "Fine, we fight with magic," he glowered.
A grim smile crossed Trianna's lips. "Böetq istalri!" A fire surrounded them, preventing any soldiers from helping them or their escape.
"I see that you have become more powerful in the uses of magic," commented Eragon darkly. "Malthinae!"
Trianna struggled for a moment to move. She frowned at Eragon's smug expression. She muttered something in the Ancient Language and before Eragon could react, she launched herself at him, and it all happened so quick.
Pain was all that Eragon felt in his gut. He looked down. Trianna had already escaped, and a dagger was thrust into his gut. Red liquid began to soak his tunic. He fell to his knees, shock shooting through him. He heard nothing, only felt the shock of his failure. The darkness took him almost at once.
--
Arya grimaced as she felt her mate's life ebb away. She watched as Saphira took flight to try and rescue him. She gained the upper hand on Tasha. "Jierda theirra—"
"Hljödhr!" shrieked Tasha, silencing Arya. She took the opportunity of Arya's shock and twisted Zar'roc out of her hand. Galzra jumped to his Rider's aid, but Amestat tackled the much larger dragon. Tasha held the point of her sword at Arya's neck and smiled with victory. Blood dripped from the blade's point, down Arya's neck. "That was too easy," she muttered in the Ancient Language, disappointed. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Eragon, the way that you didn't."
Arya took advantage of her hesitation and with all the concentration that she had, she said mentally, Jierda theirra knífr! She thought as clearly as she could about Tasha and Amestat. They crumpled at the spell's effect.
Galzra, we have to hurry! She leapt onto his saddle, feeling the fetus kick hard.
Galzra freed himself from Amestat and launched himself into the air. Why did you just break their calves when you could have so easily killed them? He asked.
There will be more blood yet to spill on their behalf, answered Arya. Just get us to Eragon before its too late.
He landed next to Saphira. The sapphire dragon snarled and snapped at them like a wounded animal that didn't want to be touched.
Arya approached timidly. She stopped short of Saphira, and found that the dragon's mental barriers were impossible to penetrate unless she wanted to cause harm to Saphira. She sighed heavily. "Saphira…let me heal Eragon." Her voice was soft with tiredness.
Saphira snorted and let her past. Eragon lay in his own pool of blood with his eyes peacefully closed. If it weren't for the fact that Saphira was still alive, Arya would have thought him to be dead. She collapsed on her hands and knees next to him. Galzra…take Eragon and myself back to the castle when I'm done. With careful hands, she removed the dagger and healed her mate with what strength that she had left.
--
Tasha cried out in agony and rage. Her legs were broken, and so were Amestat's. Arya is going to pay for what she's done!
"You failed."
Tasha did not have to look up to know who it was. Trianna's shadow loomed over her. The sorceress knelt down and healed the Rider. "I won't fail next time," she grumbled, full of bitter resentment.
"We're retreating…you need more training," informed Trianna. "Now heal your lizard and return to the mountains."
Disclaimer: There you go, another chapter. Sorry if the chapter is a bit rushed and it took forever to get it out. I had another small writer's block on this battle. I must admit that I'm not that great at battle scenes and this one was particularly hard to write. The next chapter will reveal any deaths as a result of the battle and there will be a small time skip within the next two chapters. I own nothing…apart from the original characters.