Disclaimer: I own nothing as usual. Do not sue me.
The night passed slowly for all the soldiers. Eragon rested his back against Saphira's stomach and watched as Arya twirled Zar'roc above her head. "Should you be wasting your energy like that?" he asked. "Roran wants to fight today."
"I know…I just—" Arya stopped.
"A little frightened?" guessed Eragon softly.
Arya nodded. "I feel the need to be more careful because of Trinity," she explained. She sat next to her mate.
Eragon put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He inhaled her intoxicating pinecone scent. "I understand," he murmured. "And I want you to be more careful. I will be more careful too." He kissed her brow lightly.
Orik walked up to them. He sat across from them. "We are going to start soon," he informed.
Arya's face went hard. Galzra, warn our allies, she instructed.
We heard, said Brom.
About time we get some action, added Elvira. I want Trianna's head on my platter.
I will fight Galbatorix, growled Murtagh 1.
No, I want the Black King, argued Vrael.
We should work together, murmured Eragon.
The horns trumpeted through the air. "You should get in formation," growled Orik.
Saphira, we need to find Angela, said Eragon. He looked at Arya with a thousand words in his eyes. He pulled himself away from her and marched to Angela's tent.
"You are late, Shadeslayer," mocked Angela. Solembum stood in his human form behind her. He smiled, baring his pointed teeth.
"Sorry…I was speaking with Arya and Orik," murmured Eragon.
"Well, here you are…these stones will amplify your ability to shield anyone you wish," said Angela. She handed him ten, perfectly round red pebbles.
Eragon bowed and thanked her, placing the pebbles in his belt. He focused his shield primarily around Arya and Brom. He mounted Saphira 2. Take us to Roran, he ordered unnecessarily.
Saphira 2 stopped next to her Rider's cousin. "What are your orders, King Roran?" Eragon asked.
"You and Saphira keep to the ground. Take command of the left flank. Go around the pass and attack from behind. Arya will do the same from the right," informed Roran. And she told me about the allies…tell them to wait until the battle has tilted either way. We do not want the enemy to know about them too early.
Eragon did not have the heart to tell his cousin that they probably already knew about them, or that Galbatorix and a number of the Forsworn were probably back too. He nodded. Saphira 2 walked down the front line, sure to keep out of rang of archers that shot rogue arrows toward them. Eragon unsheathed Silbena mor'rana and twirled his father's sword above his head…his father; the thought of Brom being his father instead of Morzan brought a little peace to his heart. "We are here to fight!" he bellowed so that the soldiers in the back could hear him. "Defend your lands, defend your loved ones! Whatever it is that motivates you, let it drive you to victory! Swords will clash! Shields will be broken! But today, those who continue to support Galbatorix's evil reign will know that it was because of our courage and sacrifice that a better life may be realized! When the enemy strikes, we will not run! We will fight!"
Saphira 2 roared into the air. It was such a sound that Eragon was sure would make the enemy in the mountains tremble with fear. She reared up and when her front feet came back down, the earth bellow their feet shook. Galzra answered the call from the other side of the ranks.
The horns on each side blew. Trianna's soldiers marched forward. Eragon pointed his sword forward, signaling his men to move forward.
The sound of swords clashing and spears breaking vibrated the air. Eragon stabbed down at whatever soldiers were stupid enough to try and attack Saphira 2. Saphira 2 tore through them with her claws and teeth.
How did Trianna gather this many men? Eragon growled as he stabbed through another.
Probably the same techniques that Galbatorix used, answered Saphira 2.
We can't get to the rally point that Roran wants us to get to, snarled Eragon. He clenched his jaw. Arya, are you able to pass by these soldiers?
Not without exposing Galzra to enemy arrows, growled Arya. I think that your cousin seriously underestimated Trianna's forces.
Eragon, Arya, King Roran's orders are to fall back! Angela bellowed.
"Fall back!" yelled Eragon. Saphira 2 cleared a path for their fellow soldiers. They met Trianna's army where they fought against Roran's and Orrin's ranks. He leapt off Saphira 2 and cut down his enemies. "Roran! We are seriously outnumbered!" he growled.
"Wait until Tasha and that other Rider show up before calling on our allies!" snarled Roran. He smashed an enemy soldier's skull with his hammer.
Saphira, what do you think? Eragon asked during one of his short breaks, before he fought off another ten soldiers.
Roran is right, answered Saphira 2.
"Eragon, fly on Saphira and scout the battlefield," ordered Roran.
Eragon nodded. Saphira 2 trampled any soldier who was stupid enough to get in her way. Eragon jumped up and landed in the saddle. He looked at the battlefield. All ranks were broken up, fighting much smaller battles.
Eragon! Saphira 2 cried, just before dodging a jet of flame.
Amestat and Tasha launched through the air, aiming for Eragon and Saphira 2.
---
Arya looked up as horns were blown. A small dragon's shadow loomed over them. The silver adolescent dragon came crashing down on the battlefield. Its Rider was clad in silver armor and had a full face helmet. It snarled at Galzra before charging on foot. Galzra, lets take this battle to the air, suggested Arya. Galzra effortlessly got them in the air. He spiraled up until they were far above the main battle. The enemy Shur'tugal followed them.
Galzra dove down at them and snapped his jaw at the silver dragon's neck. The smaller dragon dodged each advancement.
Claws interlocked. Galzra had the advantage of bulk. He directed the Shur'tugal team to the ground. The silver dragon snapped down on Galzra's neck. Galzra cried out in agony. Arya flinched when the pain reached her. She reached out and stabbed with Zor'roc. The rival Rider blocked her blade.
Galzra, get this fight on the ground! Arya ordered desperately. I will kill this Rider and with him his dragon!
Galzra brought the dragon to a piece of soil where no fighting was taking place. He dislodged his talons and broke free of the dragon's teeth. He landed several meters away from his enemy. He bared his teeth and snarled. Traitor!
Arya dismounted with care. She paced back and forth, waiting for her opponent to meet her. He did and both dragons circled around their opposing Riders. "You did not have to pledge your allegiance to Trianna," growled Arya.
The Rider said nothing. He twisted and leapt for Arya. He slashed his blade at her left hip. Arya blocked him and parried the blow. She smirked at his basic swordsmanship. If he were not a Rider, he would indeed be a simple opponent. She twisted away from him.
"You are going to have to be much better than that," mocked Arya. "Especially if you hope to have a standing chance against Shadeslayer."
The Rider grimaced. He stabbed at Arya. Sparks showered down as Arya twisted the blade away with Zor'roc.
"Brisingr!" bellowed the Rider. His sword suddenly had flames shooting out from the blade.
Oh, so he is going to play this way, laughed Arya.
Arya, be careful…he is stronger than he's letting on to be, replied Galzra cautiously. He is a Rider.
"Malthinae," murmured Arya.
The Rider stopped moving. He ground his teeth together in irritation.
"Now…you will—"
The silver dragon launched toward her. Galzra protected her and pinned the smaller dragon to the ground. Stay still before I end your life, Galzra growled.
"As I was saying…you do not have to work for Trianna," continued Arya as though there was no interruption.
"Losna kalfya iet!" He charged at her. His attacks were more fierce than before.
Arya parried each attack, but only barely avoided being cut to pieces…or burned by the fire. "Gath un reisa du rakr!" The mist united and rose, killing the fire on her enemy's sword.
That little distraction is all he needed to catch her off guard. He stabbed through her right thigh and struck the earth with his sword so that Arya was stuck. The elf screamed out in pain.
Galzra roared in agony. He leapt forward, but the Rider used the ancient language to hold the emerald dragon in place.
The Rider removed his helmet. Gloned's face twisted into a smile as he saw Arya's look of horror and shock through her pain. "Hello, Queen Arya," he sneered.
"You!" gasped Arya. Eragon, the other Rider…it's Gloned!
"And so the proud elf lost to a mere human," laughed Gloned. He unsheathed a dagger and knelt down. "Last time I saw you, you were pregnant, but I suppose that was more than a year ago. Where is Shadeslayer's spawn?" He held the tip of the dagger close to her neck.
He was suddenly thrown back. Arya lost consciousness after that.
Shruikan tackled Blade and bit down on the dragon's neck while Erador kicked Gloned away from his daughter. Galzra arched his back and snarled at Gloned and Blade. Thank you for coming, he growled grudgingly to Shruikan.
"Malthinae!" bellowed Gloned. That gave him just enough time to escape with Blade before Erador released himself and the two dragons.
The older elf leapt to his daughter and pulled the sword out of her leg. He healed her with a spell and carried her to the deserted battlefield.
---
The war went on for years. The fields were stained with the blood of those who could not be healed with magic. The Riders of Old, Arya's parents, and Hrothgar joined in the campaign to get rid of Trianna's influence. Eragon, Arya, and Murtagh 1 continued their training when time allowed. Galbatorix had also made his presence known to everyone. Shruikan kept mainly to himself as none of the soldiers trusted the black dragon.
After twenty years, Murtagh 2 and Trinity joined the military ranks. Katrina had died from an epidemic that swept through the empire. She had had two sons and a daughter with Roran. Roran left the ruling of the land to his eldest son, Curt, while his younger son, Victor. His daughter, his oldest child was set to be married off to a merchant from Tierm. Joed had died a few years prior from a battle wound.
Eragon stood on a cliff top. After so many years of bloodshed they had finally gained some ground. Brom and Arya stood with him. Their dragons stretched out their necks to the sun.
"We might be able to end this war this year," commented Brom.
Eragon chuckled hollowly. "You say that every year, Father. I do hope that you are right though. I hate seeing Trinity grow up in an era of war. And she is so young…even by human standards."
"She is strong," murmured Arya.
"I see qualities of both of you in her," replied Brom. "Eragon, your hotheadedness, and Arya, your ability to analyze a situation. And she seems to have taken on a fondness for Murtagh 2."
Eragon frowned. "They're cousins!" he spat.
"They only share Selene's blood, Eragon," Brom reminded him.
The horns rang through the air. The three Shur'tugal mounted their dragons and went to Roran. "What is it, King Roran?" demanded Brom.
"Trianna's soldiers are surrounding us," informed Roran.
Vrael ran between Roran's soldiers and stopped before the Empire's king. "Let us Shur'tugal handle this threat!" he offered.
"It seems that I have no other choice," murmured Roran. "I want Trinity and Murtagh 2 as guards though."
Eragon nodded. Trinity…King Roran wants you and Murtagh 2 to report to him immediately, he commanded.
On our way, replied Trinity. Her voice rang melodically in Eragon's mind.
The young human-elf hybrid stopped in front of them. She bowed before her father's cousin. Her hair was held back in a braid that went down to her shoulder blades. Her ears were pointed, but had just a hint of roundness to them; her only human trait. Her face had very angular features, similar to her mother. She wore dragon skin armor. An Elvin crafted long sword was belted to her left side.
Murtagh 2 stood next to her. He was a mirror image of his father, only with darker skin. A claymore was strapped to his back, and a long sword rested on his right hip. "You called, King Roran?" he said.
"Stay here while the Riders get rid of the threat that Trianna and Galbatorix sent to us," ordered Arya.
Trinity turned to her mother. "Arya, Narí-elda requests to see you when you get back."
"Thank you, Trinity," replied Arya. She unsheathed Zar'roc. Galzra, Saphira 1, and Saphira 2 took flight with their Riders. The other Shur'tugal joined them in the air, all but Shruikan.
Where is Shruikan? Eragon asked.
He said that there was something that he needed to do before the next battle started, answered Vrael.
Keep your mind in our job, Vrael, murmured Oromis.
Saphira 1 and 2 and Galzra, follow us, ordered Glaedr.
Valinor, Thorn, Braim, follow us, ordered Jura.
You forget your place, Jura, growled Braim.
Braim, calm yourself, snapped Vrael. Delta formation. Glaedr, which way are you taking them?
From the west, answered Glaedr.
The attack was quick and precise. Eragon was surprised at the efficiency that the Shur'tugal had gained with the numbers.
---
Trinity listened and watched for her parents dragons. She rested her hand on her sword. Murtagh 2 stood only a few feet away from her. "Nervous, cousin?" she teased.
"Not at all," grumbled Murtagh 2. "I know that the Shur'tugal can handle whatever threat arises."
"Sure…whatever," murmured Trinity. She saw her grandmother walking up to her from the corner of her eye. She bowed slightly. "Islanzadi," she murmured her greeting.
"Trinity," replied Islanzadi. She turned her attention to Roran. "The Shur'tugal have successfully removed the threat that your scouts found."
"Thank you, Islanzadi," murmured Roran. He dismounted his horse. "Trinity…Murtagh 2, you are free to go, but stay within the boundaries that have been set up."
Murtagh 2 bowed and hurried off. Trinity walked away from the group of soldiers. She sat alone in the little cave that she had used at night. Her thoughts wondered away from the war and bloodshed to how her life should have been. She took off her overly tight armor.
You will need to make new armor.
Trinity jumped at the sound of Shruikan's voice in her head. Most of the dragons avoided talking to her unless orders had to be carried out. Only Shruikan seemed to be able to hold a poor excuse of a conversation…outside of her parents dragons of course.
There is little time to craft new armor, she replied.
Have the dwarves help, suggested Shruikan.
Shruikan-elda, I am an outsider in this army…you know that, growled Trinity. She sighed heavily. I never fit in….
Trinity…I know how you feel, replied Shruikan. Not many here accept me…but the only reason that they have allowed me to help is that they do not want me to go back to Galbatorix.
Father said that you killed your Rider at the end of the first war, commented Trinity. Why?
Galbatorix had finally lost his control over me, explained Shruikan. I never wanted to be his dragon. I would have preferred to die with my true Rider.
Can Galbatorix ever gain control over you again? Trinity asked curiously.
I am afraid so, answered Shruikan. However, I would like to try something…climb to the top of the cliff.
Trinity stood and climbed all the way to the top. She was eternally thankful that she had inherited her mother's elfish abilities. She landed lightly on her feet. The sun was setting behind her, bathing her in the last light of the day. The light reflected off Shruikan in a surreal way. "What did you wish to try, Shruikan-elda?" she asked in the ancient language.
Hold out your hand, young one.
Trinity did as she was told. Shruikan touched her right hand with his nose. She recoiled as a burning sensation ran up her arm. She looked at her hand. The mark of the Shur'tugal…the gedwëy ignasia shined brightly on her palm. She gaped up at Shruikan.
Disclaimer: Ok…I am really sorry about some of the confusion…if it makes any of you readers happy…I just made some notes on who is connected to who and everything. I am planning on wrapping it up in the next two chapters.