Disclaimer: If you've seen it somewhere else, I don't own it.
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The Blue Rider ran through the camp, looking for the obviously distraught Ryan Williamsson. Saphira searched as well, roaming through the camp as she tried to track the Sage Rider's scent, which she had found to be difficult, considering the vast amount of people in the Varden camp distorting Ryan's trail. The two had searched through food tents, the arms tents, even the almost deserted prison area. They found nothing.
Any sign of him, Saphira? he asked.
It is still as I said two minutes ago, Eragon, I have found no trace of him yet. came Saphira's irritated response.
Eragon sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration, They have to be around here somewhere. And why can we not detect their minds? I have been combing the entire camp mentally ever since we started searching and have not found any trace of them.
Blödhgarm did mention that Ryan showed some evidence of training with the elves, maybe that is why…
Perhaps…but why would he run? Eragon asked, deep in thought. Silence reined over the pair for a moment as they pondered this. Theories drifted between them, yet all were quickly discarded as too unlikely. Suddenly Eragon felt a sense of accomplishment from Saphira.
Of course… Saphira said. Eragon could feel her rolling her eyes through their link.
What is it? came Eragon's impatient question.
Eragon, do you remember how you felt when you killed your first man? Do you remember how, even now, you despise taking another life if it can be avoided?
Yes…What are you getting at, Saphira? Eragon, asked, his tone changing to one of curiosity.
Now imagine if you never had to take a life before. Then suddenly it was required of you. I'm sure you remember how you felt when you made your first kills, at least you had some time to prepare yourself for it. Ryan, however, has not had nearly as much as you did, that must be the cause of all this.
Eragon thought over the suggestion for a moment, and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. He had occasionally seen some of the newer Varden soldiers balk at the idea of killing another human being. Sadly, the only cure for it was to be exposed to the very thing causing the problem. Fight or die became their training and it soon becomes apparent that a threat to one's life will inspire even the most squeamish of men to kill another. In that regard, the theory made perfect sense.
I agree with your theory, Saphira, but that still doesn't help us find him. Wait…Eragon said, his voice betraying his concentration, those who are affected by the feeling usually go to someplace familiar…you don't think?
There is only one way to find out. I'll meet you there, little one. Saphira replied, her tone radiating with amusement. With scarcely an acknowledgement, Eragon took off in the direction of one of the living areas, specifically the one in which both he and Ryan resided in. The trip took only a couple minutes with Eragon arriving only a few moments after Saphira.
Shall we? Saphira asked. Eragon sighed and stepped in front of the entrance to Ryan's tent. He took one last deep breath then entered to find both Ryan and Samanya inside, obviously deep in conversation. Eragon moved off to the side so that Saphira could stick her head in to see. They waited for a few minutes for the other pair to notice them before their patience began to wear out. Eragon cleared his throat while Saphira let out a short, low growl to announce their presence. The Sage Rider and dragon appeared disorientated for a moment before turning their gaze towards the cause of the noise.
"Are you both alright?", Eragon asked with genuine concern.
"Yes," Ryan said, his eyes dropping to the floor, "we're fine. I just need a moment to go over what happened. I'll be alright."
"Good." Eragon replied before quickly stretching his mind out to find Arya and Blödhgarm. We found Ryan. He is alright. If you want to ask questions, you might want to get here…
NO! a mental voice shouted into his head. It took Eragon a moment to recognize that it was Ryan who spoke.
The questions you intend to ask, and the answers we shall give are for you and you alone, Shadeslayer and Brightscales. Another voice said in a distinctly strong and feminine tone.
It must be Samanya, Eragon thought with a small frown, but she shouldn't be able to speak yet. Eragon inspected the form of the sage green dragoness before him, nor should she be this size either.
Ryan and I have discussed this matter and neither of us has uncovered the reason for her explosive development. We only surmised that the symbol on her chest had something to do with it. Saphira added, sensing her Rider's confusion. Eragon quickly sent an acknowledgement to her before turning back to the matter at hand.
And why should I not have Arya and the other elves present? Eragon asked, directing his question at the other Rider pair.
Because we shall not answer your questions otherwise, the information you seek is very precious to us and we have both already agreed on who we would reveal the information to. Samanya replied.
And who might that be? Saphira asked.
The Riders and no others, and even then we shall not tell you everything. There is much that we know that you will not understand, along with many secrets that are better left hidden. came Ryan and Samanya's unified answer.
Why only the Riders? Eragon asked incredulously. Do you not believe the Varden or elves, or even us for that matter, trustworthy?
You will understand in time why we have done this, as for now shield us from listeners and ask your questions. We shall answer what we can. came the slightly wary reply.
Eragon turned to Saphira, What do you think?
They obviously have made their choice and from their tone I doubt that they would consider any compromise. Saphira locked their gazes for a moment, If we want answers, it appears we must acquiesce to their request.
Eragon sighed, Very well. The Rider quickly told Arya about the arrangement before cutting the connection and mouthing the words to the spell that shield them from any wayward ears before turning back to Ryan and Samanya. "Alright, I have done as you asked, now explain yourselves."
Ask and we shall answer. came the pair's reply.
"What were those metal beasts from inside our illusion?"
The two stared at Eragon, both their eyes seeming to light up with some inner fire, We shall say this again, nothing of what we speak shall leave this tent, do you both understand? If you do, we will be forced to take measures that would not be pleasant for either of us.
You would be wise to be aware of who you are speaking to, young ones! Saphira snarled.
And you would be wise to realize who and what you are dealing with, yet you are not. came the equally forceful reply. Do not presume to lecture us, Saphira, neither you nor your Rider have any clue of the truth behind what you seek. You are not our teachers and you are ignorant of the things that we speak of, so we shall speak to you in that manner. If you do not like it, then you do not need to have your questions answered.
We will have answers, Eragon said with barely restrained anger, regardless of your feelings on the matter.
And that would matter, if you were speaking to any other person in Alagëasia, however, you are not, thus we shall entertain our preferences. Now either listen to our words or leave us alone. We also wish to warn you that we would die before giving up the information that you seek. Even if you were able to seize control of our minds, we would easily be able to destroy them, leaving no trace of the things you seek and effectively killing us so you could not ask later. Now will you do as we ask or not?
We will. Eragon and Saphira replied.
Very well, the pair paused for a moment in contemplation before continuing, the beasts you saw are not beasts, they are machines centuries more advanced than anything Alagëasia can hope to produce. They consist of specially crafted metal that I doubt exists in this land. The armor on them is designed to take absorb things much deadlier than a catapult round. They are specifically designed as weapons of warfare in a land far beyond this one, a land in which such things are commonplace.
Machines? the Blue pair asked incredulously.
Correct.
What about those soldiers? What were they?
They are just as human as any other, however, they are Marines, soldiers known throughout my land as the best conventional military forces my nation possesses. They are my people's first responders if a war crops up and are very well trained, equipped, and many are battle-hardened.
Eragon felt a sense of elation. Maybe we could get the people of that land to help us overthrow the king! he thought. Where is this land? And how do you know of it? he asked.
Ryan's voice separated from Samanya's for a moment, I know of it because I come from that land. Sadly Eragon, I do not believe that they can assist us and even if they could, I would not allow harm to come to my people.
But they could help us easily topple the king's rule!
If only it were that easy, regardless of what you think of the matter Eragon discard it, as far as I know it is not possible for me to return or even contact my home. A sigh of disappointment escaped Eragon as he accepted what Ryan told him.
So you come from another land entirely? Saphira asked.
Yes.
Is there anything you can give us that could help?
Silence reigned for a few moments as Ryan mulled over the question, Yes…but I have to be extremely careful with what I give you. Some of the things from my world would bring nothing but death and misery to this land if revealed.
Could you, perhaps given time, manufacture some of those weapons or beasts that we saw? Eragon asked eagerly.
No I cannot, Ryan replied, and even if I could, I would not.
Why not! Eragon angrily demanded.
You have no idea what you ask for, Eragon Shadeslayer. Samanya's voice responded, her voice neutral although Eragon and Saphira felt as if there were a slightly deadly edge to it. The weapons and machines of Ryan's world are not toys to be used by those who do not understand them! As their technology advanced, Ryan's world has fallen into many wars, each more deadly and destructive than the last. Millions of both soldiers and innocents alike fell in those conflicts! she yelled at the Blue Rider and dragon
What do you mean, millions? Eragon timidly asked
In my world's First World War, the total military casualties were estimated at around 37 million and that's not even counting civilian deaths. That war occurred about a full century before my time, now imagine how more deadly our wars are now with that much time to advance our technology and refine our strategies. Ryan softly replied. Eragon and Saphira stared dumbstruck at Ryan as they processed the information.
Eragon shortly cast aside his shock and angrily asked, But what about the thousands that are dying because of this blasted war? Do you not care for them?
Rage flowed from Ryan and Samanya at the question. You cannot comprehend the destruction that my people could cause with the weapons you saw us wield! We use them because we understand their usefulness and their costs at the same time! We know the consequences of using them for evil. We will certainly not give such information to anyone who does not comprehend their potential. Plus some of these weapons should never have been discovered because some of them wield enough power to kill millions with only a single one of them. Even some of the more 'common' knowledge of my land is very dangerous because that knowledge can lead to the creation of such weapons. As the Sage Rider and dragon said this, their minds merged and shot out to the blue pair, sending them images and words as they callously displayed the horrors of war in Ryan's world. From the killing fields of Ypres and Verdun of the First World War to the death camps of Nazi Germany, it all flowed into them, shocking the two with the pure death and destruction contained in the stream of memories. The flow stopped after a few minutes, leaving Eragon and Saphira breathing hard as their hearts raced in their chests.
Saphira took another moment to recover before taking a deep breath and asking, You said it was your world 'first' world war, were there more?
Yes, Samanya replied, there was one other that took place almost thirty years after the first, again with a death toll in the millions.
By the Gods, Eragon softly thought, why does your land fight such wars? What end are they trying to accomplish?
Even as knowledge and technology advance, Samanya began, the reasons of war seem to never change. Many of their wars were fought over territory, beliefs, even simple national pride. The minds of men do not change as the world around them does, no matter how many times these things occur, history is doomed to repeat itself unless we take the lessons of our forefathers to heart and always hold them close to us. That is the reason why Ryan's people show restraint on the battlefield and try to avoid war if possible. It is because they have experienced the consequences of such actions and the wastefulness of war. They may not like to fight, to kill, but they realize that sometimes it is necessary for the preservation of freedom.
Ryan and Samanya's minds joined once more before continuing, This is why we do not wish to spread our knowledge to this land. The people here are not ready for it. They have not learned the lessons that Ryan's people have. They ignorantly believe that such weapons would mean the instant overthrow of Galbatorix. If only it was that simple… the pair paused for a moment, lost in thought, the king is much more powerful than you can imagine, Eragon and Saphira, his twisted mind has accomplished things that even the Riders of Old could not do. Even with my people's weapons, it may not be enough. There is much more knowledge than what we have let you see from Ryan's world, most of that, however, we shall keep close to our hearts as it could lead to Alagëasia's destruction.
We understand, Eragon and Saphira soberly replied, we may not like it, but we understand.
Good, came the quick reply as Ryan and Samanya's minds separated. I will tell you of one more thing. The source of Murtagh's power is a mystery to you is it not? Ryan asked.
Eragon's mind ground to a halt at the question, Yes, it is. What might you know of it? he asked suspiciously.
I cannot tell you everything, it is not my place, but I can tell you that the answer lies in the hearts of dragons. Ask the Mourning Sage about it when you see him next, he shall answer any questions you have. Eragon felt as if a sword had stabbed him in the chest
They know about Oromis and Glaedr? he thought, shocked.
And how might you know of these things? Saphira asked, picking up from where Eragon left off.
How I know of it is another secret I shall hold…and preserve at all costs. That, Eragon Morzansson and Saphira Vervadasdaughter, is the most precious secret I hold and as long as it holds true, I shall preserve it. Ryan said.
How do you know of our parent's names? Eragon and Saphira asked, astonished. We have not told you of them and no one in the Varden other than Nasuada and Angela, along with a select few outside the Varden, know of our heritage!
We will say nothing more of the matter. If things change, then we will reveal the secret, but not until certain criteria are met. Ryan replied.
And what would those criteria be? Saphira asked suspiciously.
Exactly what they said it would be, that things must change if we are to reveal it. We will tell you both then if it happens and not a moment before. Now, I believe that is enough questions for now. Nasuada has been waiting outside to speak with you almost since you entered, I believe it would be prudent to stop this for now and see what she wants. Ryan said.
Very well, Eragon tartly replied, turning as if to leave, get some rest, Yamula still plans to leave early tomorrow morning and she does not you to sleep the entire trip away.
I understand. Ryan responded.
This conversation is far from over, Ryan. We will speak about this later. Eragon added, his tone determined.
Be careful where you step Shadeslayer, lest you do something you may regret. came Samanya's voice, wary and carrying a hint of a warning.
Eragon spared one last glance at the pair and said, his voice softening, Regardless of how things stand between us, thank you for your help and for explaining this to us, before he left the tent along with Saphira.
We should proceed very carefully, Saphira said, speaking only to Eragon, those two have proven themselves far different from us. They speak as if we are equals and not as if they are the junior pair, which means they either know far more than they are revealing to us, which is very likely, or they simply do not care to recognize our authority.
I believe it is a combination of both, Eragon said after thinking for a few moments, regardless, they have agreed to help us and we do not have the luxury of choosing only those agreeable to us as allies. We shall see how it goes. Saphira hummed in acknowledgement before walking over to where Nasuada stood.
"What do you need?", he asked.
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The damp and dark hallways of the citadel of Urû'Baen would be described by most as foreboding and oppressive. The dimly lit corridors and tapestries depicting many a bloody battle gave the place a ghostly feel. The stomping steps of the nearly constant patrols of Red Guard could be heard throughout the entire structure, only adding to the sense of uneasiness that the haunting walls seemed to give off.
Deep inside two figures, one human, one dragon, made their way towards the inner sanctum, where the king resided. Murtagh and Thorn still displayed many of the signs of their trip from the battle, as exhaustion crept through their limbs. Four Red Guard soldiers posted by the door snapped to attention as the Red pair moved to enter the king's chambers. The door creaked open with an ominous keel, revealing the throne room behind it. The Murtagh and Thorn approached the throne, Murtagh kneeling and Thorn bowing his head before the dark silhouette resting upon it.
"Rise, Murtagh son of Morzan and Thorn Crimsonfire. What do you have to report?", the unmistakable voice of Galbatorix said. The Red Rider and dragon returned to their normal stances at his words.
"We failed in the task you gave us, my king.", Murtagh replied.
"I surmised that when I did not see a second dragon with you when you returned.", Galbatorix began, his voice dripping with disdain. "What I wish to know is why you failed."
"Eragon was not alone. There were several others assisting him, elves if I am correct."
"And you could not defeat a few elves even with the Eldunarí I gave you!", Galbatorix said, anger beginning to seep into his tone.
"They were not all Eragon had with him, my lord. There were two others, another dragon and Rider, who also helped Eragon against me. These two did something I have never seen, nor heard of in your lessons. They created an entirely new mental world around Thorn and I. Then they attacked us with an army the like of which I have never thought possible. The weapons their army wielded tore through my forces like they were cattle for the slaughter. The forces fought like they were extremely proficient in the art of war and its prosecution. They fought as one and their weapons killed as if by magic yet the weapons had no trace of magic on them. I do not know what they were, my lord, but they almost singlehandedly defeated me, and if not for the Eldunarí I would have fallen to them very quickly. Thorn and I were lucky to escape before we were overwhelmed."
"Another Rider you say," Galbatorix began, his voice reflecting his thoughts, "this changes things. Can you tell me anything about the two of them other than what you have already spoken of?"
"I can tell you that the Rider is a human boy and the dragon is female and young, but I did not find out anything else about them.", Murtagh replied, his tone business-like and indifferent. Silence reigned over the chamber for a few moments as Galbatorix became lost in his thoughts. Murtagh and Thorn stood unmoving in front of the throne, waiting for the king to give them an order.
Suddenly Galbatorix turned his head towards Murtagh and spoke, "Lower your barriers, I wish to see what occurred first hand." Murtagh obediently bowed his head and did as asked. The king dived into his memories and was soon rifling through the entire battle, minute by minute. The memories flowed quickly until Galbatorx reached the part when the new Rider and dragon began their attack. He slowed the stream of images and sat by in silent contemplation as he watched the massive metal beasts and oddly equipped men tear through Murtagh's forces. He a sense of intrigue came from him as the new Rider's forces mercilessly shot down any who lay in their path. He looked on with a slight smirk as predatory looking beasts swooped down from the sky almost faster than the eye could follow, releasing some odd explosive arrows and decimating the red dragons below. After watching the last few moments of Murtagh's defeat, Galbatorix withdrew from Murtagh's mind, his demeanor betraying his concentration.
"You are both dismissed. We shall discuss this more tomorrow.", the king said, his face still lost in his thoughts. Without another word the Red pair left the throne room, the door clanging shut behind them as they blessed their luck that the king had not yet seen fit to punish them for their loss. The king looked towards one of the corners, staring into the shadows it contained.
"Shade.", he simply said. A man cloaked in black robes stepped out of the shadows. His figure was covered in knives, swords, and other weapons. After all, the leader of Andlát Datia must be prepared to fight at all times.
"Yes, my lord?", the man known as Shade said in a confident tone.
"I want you forces to focus their attention on this new Varden Rider. Find out everything you can about him. Who he is, where he's from, why he's fighting with the Varden, anything you can tell me about him, the Black Hand shall provide you with whatever information or material you need for this. I want that Rider either persuaded to fight for me or captured and brought to me, understood?"
"It will be done, my lord.", Shade replied, his tone unwavering.
"You leave immediately," at these words Shade began to leave, just reaching the door as Galbatorix spoke one last time, "and Shade," Shade turned to his king attentively, "do not fail me."
"I shall not, my king.", Shade said before turning and leaving through the door.
Haha, Shade chuckled to himself as he walked down the citadel's corridors, this shouldn't be too hard. A new dragon and Rider should be easy to take, no matter how well guarded the Varden have him. Shade hauntingly laughed on last time, This shall be fun…
…Long live the Empire…
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Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!