Trinity opened her eyes groggily. She felt weakened both on a physical and mental level. She had no idea how her mother had survived months in worse conditions under Durza's torture. Her head lolled to the side. She heard the clicking sound of metallic boots on the hard, cold concrete bricks, coming closer to her cell. She silently prayed to whatever deity that was out there, if there was one that they would spare her by ending her suffering. Tears streamed down her grime covered face. She raised her head when the person approaching her cell stopped in front of the door and unlocked it.
Galbatorix stepped in. He knelt down at Trinity's level and gazed at her with a twisted, mad smile. He was clad in armor, fully prepared for battle.
They must be at the doorstep, Trinity thought weakly. The end is near. Her eyes narrowed at him. They were glazed over with the famine that she was experiencing. "What do you want?" she rasped. What more can this man take from me?
"Only what is rightfully mine," Galbatorix sneered smugly. He reached out to touch the gedwëy ignasia on Trinity's palm.
Trinity stiffened, knowing what he was about to do. Shruikan, help me! She cried.
The twisted man touched her palm. Bright light flashed from the point of contact. Trinity felt like fire was burning through her veins. The young elf-hybrid flailed around from the pain. Her brain did not register the scream that echoed off the walls as her own. She heard Shruikan's own outburst of pain in her mind. She begged for it all to end. Just like it started, it ended. She was left gasping for breath. Her eyes rolled back in her head. She went in and out of consciousness.
Galbatorix stood from his crouched position, a smug grin on his face. He strode out of the cell and through the dungeon. He only stopped when he came across Shruikan, struggling pitifully against his chains. The black dragon snarled at him.
What have you done with Trinity? Shruikan demanded in a threatening voice.
I took you back from her, my old servant, replied Galbatorix as though he were greeting an old friend. You are mine, Shruikan…do not ever forget that.
I refuse, snapped Shruikan.
You have no choice in the matter, Shruikan, chuckled Galbatorix menacingly. You belong to me, remember?
I killed you once before, I can kill you again, snarled Shruikan. The dragon glared at Galbatorix loathingly.
You would die, and therefore put your dear Rider's life in danger, retorted Galbatorix. He smiled widely, enjoying Shruikan's wrath.
She would rather die than see me under your control, spat Shruikan. Neither she, nor myself are afraid of death. I have experienced death before…and she has no fear of dying.
"Come now, Shruikan, you honestly cannot tell me that you have forgotten all that we accomplished over the years," sneered Galbatorix aloud. He chuckled to himself. You will see things my way again in time. It will not be long now before those old fools knock on these doors and you kill your kin once again. He walked away, his chainmail boots clicking on the stone floor.
Shruikan continued to struggle against the chains holding him down. Do not lose hope, Trinity…I will find a way to get us out of here alive.
---
Eragon's thoughts were clouded as Saphira flew east. Evandar rode with him. The dragons flew in a tight delta formation. Their movements were tightly coordinated.
The previous night, Eragon had had a nightmare concerning his daughter. It was similar in detail in the ones that he had had years ago when he first saw Arya. When he had spoke to Brom about this, his father had frowned and told him that it was likely that if his dream showed reality that Galbatorix was likely working on some crazed plot to get Shruikan back under his control and that they had to hurry to Trinity's aid.
Arya's thoughts were also clouded with worry. Her mind was blocked off to everyone else, including Galzra. She could not help but to wonder if they were heading into some sort of trap. Niamh had been hired by Trianna…but Eragon had assured everyone that the girl was no threat.
Niamh rode with Eragon's half-brother with a disgruntled look on her face. She glared at all the dragons around her.
You know, dragons are not as bad as you think, murmured Thorn.
Stay out of my mind! Niamh screamed loud enough that everyone could hear her. They all flinched at the screech.
"It's how dragons communicate," explained Murtagh 1, loudly because of the wind ripping at his face. "They cannot help it!"
"I have no intention of ever speaking to those beasts of burden," grumbled Niamh.
I resent that comment! Thorn growled, abashed. Hey Murtagh, how about we dump her here and leave her?
Eragon would never allow it, replied Murtagh 1.
Thor huffed. That's no fun, he complained.
Murtagh 1 chuckled mentally. And you are supposed to be the responsible one, he laughed.
There are exceptions to that rule, countered Thorn.
Murtagh 1 smirked. Once we get Trinity back, he compromised. Then we can have our little fun.
---
Several days passed since Niamh had unwillingly agreed to travel with them and they landed just on the outskirts of the permanent camp that was set up in the valley of the Beor Mountains. It had seemed like a lifetime to Eragon and Arya, as well as their parents. Eragon dismounted Saphira 2 as soon as Evandar was on the ground. He immediately went to Arya's side as they led the procession into the camp. Islanzadi, Evandar, and Brom followed in a row, then in a straight line, Murtagh 1, Elvira, and a disgruntled looking Niamh. The dragons went off to hunt.
Roran approached them, the king clad in full body armor. Orik followed closely behind. They both looked pale and weary from lack of sleep. "What happened, Eragon?" demanded Roran. "Brom told us that something had happened! Where is Trinity and Shruikan?"
Eragon looked up at his cousin with a haunted look in his eyes. "Morzan took them," he growled, careful to keep his voice low so that no one could eves drop. He sighed, the sound came out haggard. Arya stepped closer to him and took his hand, squeezing gently to comfort both him and herself.
Niamh grunted, but understood their worry. From her understanding, this Trinity was their daughter. "I believe that they are being kept in Farthen Dur," she stated calmly.
Roran gazed at the girl apprehensively. His eyes narrowed at Eragon curiously.
"Her name is Niamh…she is with us," Eragon explained.
The human king nodded, accepting the answer. "Then we prepare to march into Farthen Dur! Tomorrow, we spill the blood of Galbatorix for good!" He sighed. "Oh, and Oromis wanted to see you alone, Eragon."
"Very well," murmured Eragon. Keep an eye on Niamh…don't let her contact anyone, he instructed Arya.
"See you back in our tent," whispered Arya.
Eragon left with his dragon at his side. Once away from his comrades, he searched out Oromis with his mind. He found the ancient elf sitting on the outskirts of the camp with Glaedr curled up behind him. They exchanged formal greetings in the ancient language.
"So…you've had a run in with a dragon slayer," inquired Oromis, not bothering to look up at Eragon.
"Yes, Oromis-elda," Eragon confirmed. "And we have her working for us instead.
"She cannot be trusted," replied Oromis.
"I am aware of this."
"Have you found Trinity? I was devastated when I found out what happened." Oromis finally gazed up at Eragon.
"We have reason to believe that Galbatorix is keeping her in Farthen Dur," informed Eragon. "The dwarves seem apprehensive about going back home."
"Everyone is, Eragon," corrected Oromis.
I can feel Shruikan's presence in the hallowed mountain, rumbled Glaedr.
"Is he alright?" blurted Eragon. "What about Trinity?" He was pacing back and forth now.
"Eragon, did I not teach you patience all those years ago?" chided Oromis sternly. "Calm down and think things through before you commit yourself to any actions. If you are rash tomorrow, Trinity's and Shruikan's lives could be in jeopardy. Focus on your fight with Galbatorix.
"Which brings me to discuss strategy for tomorrow's battle. The rest of us will be either distracting the Forsworn or helping the army. You have to find Galbatorix and kill him for good."
Eragon's jaw hardened at the thought of facing against Galbatorix again. He stopped pacing. His arms shook as realization hit him like a ton of bricks. After all these years, he still had nightmares of when he joined the war effort to bring down the tyrant king of Alagaesia. Another thought crossed his mind, with the help of Saphira bringing it up. "What about Tasha and Amestat and Glonned and his dragon? And what about Trianna?"
"Tasha, Glonned, and their dragons are part of the Forsworn, Eragon," explained Oromis briskly. "As for Trianna, that is for Arya to take care of."
"Oromis!" groaned Eragon. "Let me handle her!"
"No, Eragon!" growled Oromis. "Your hands will be too full with Galbatorix! Stick to the plan and that is an order from your superior!"
Eragon, now is not the time, murmured Saphira 2.
The younger man grunted. "Forgive me for being disobedient, Oromis-elda," he murmured his apology. "Is there anything else?"
"No, you are free to go," Oromis granted. "Report to Roran's tent at dawn."
Eragon bowed slightly before leaving. Saphira 2 took flight, saying something about hunting before she left. Eragon walked all the way back to the tent that he shared with Arya without looking up at the soldiers…so many of them doomed to day the following day.
He walked into the tent and collapsed on the pallet that he shared with Arya. His mate was nowhere around. He searched her out, instantly finding her to be speaking with Angela just a few meters away.
As if sensing his discomfort, she walked in and lay down next to him, wrapping her arms around him tenderly. "It won't be long now," she whispered.
Eragon closed his eyes, contented by Arya's mere presence. "Be careful tomorrow," he murmured, trying hard to keep his voice from cracking with emotion.
"You too, my love," replied Arya. She kissed the back of his neck softly. "We will get our daughter back…together."
Disclaimer: I am sorry for the delay. This took me longer than expected to write out. The next chapter should be way longer and much more epic if it goes as smoothly as I hope. Please give me your ideas and I will consider them. BTW, this wasn't mentioned in this chapter, but Niamh is under Angela's watch right now.