My latest update, beloved readers. Please enjoy this chapter. Thank you so much for your precious encouragement and reviews. I never tire of expressing my appreciation over your continued readership and support.

Thank you!

Regards,

Karldin.

CHAPTER 16

King Palencar drummed his fingers upon his chair, and knew that the anxiety was visible in his eyes. It was far too much to hope that the Urgal mobilization would take time his own forces would require, foolishly optimistic at best. For news had been received at Illirea confirming every General's suspicions: Urgals had been glimpsed marching towards Carvahall.

He sombrely looked at the large map upon his wall with all its information and highlighting, and sighed. The Urgals had made their opening move at last. He supposed it was too much to expect for a real peace that lasted for centuries…history had taught him otherwise. Carvahall's safety now rested upon her soldiers and Eragon. Perhaps Nuada would arrive there to assist in time, he certainly hoped for that.

The door creaked open, and his advisor Barden let himself in with a solemn look. Palencar glanced at him for a moment, noting the tenseness of his friend's eyes, and the way his hands shook. He had an idea of what the news was about.

"Barden, my friend", said Palencar in a low voice. "What news?"

Barden stared at him pensively for a moment, adjusting the high collar of his ceremonial attire. Palencar could certainly sympathize with him; robes of state were almost unbearably hot, and the elves refused to become common weavers for anyone who wanted comfortable clothing. So Barden would have to bear with it.

"Bad news I fear, Majesty. Three thousand Urgals have been sighted marching towards Therinsford, all in a forced march. Our magician at Therinsford is certain that the Urgals will begin the siege in a matter of hours. They have apparently been massing at the edges of the forest for a long time, behind their wards of concealment". Barden sounded worried at the news he brought, and he kept staring hard at the huge map of Alagaesia on the marble wall.

"Damn it all", cursed Palencar fervently. "Their general is clever. We expected them to go for Carvahall; the passes there are reportedly much more navigable than Therinsford. How much longer will Nuada's force take to reach their destination?", he questioned intently. The war had begun in earnest and as expected the first plan had shattered.

Now, all they could do was improvise.

"They left but two days ago, Majesty", said Barden in a defeated voice. "That division of the army is numerous but will take at least another three days to reach Daret, even on a forced march. Then they will need at least one day of rest if they are to fight effectively. The main army you will lead is only now fully mobilizing…if this continues, we may have to fight the beasts in the plains of Alagaesia!", exclaimed Barden, and began to pace around agitatedly.

"We do not want to fight them on the plains", murmured Palencar quietly, hiding his turmoil from his friend. It would not do for him to lose control openly in front of his subjects, definitely not. They looked to him as a pillar of support none could replace. Plans and scenarios ran through his head as he drew upon his considerable experience with issues of warfare.

I can see only one answer now, he thought as he rubbed his chin. "Stop pacing around, Barden. It annoys me", he said shortly. The advisor stopped immediately and turned to Palencar. The King got up and strode over to the map slowly, taking in all possibilities.

"This is not a game of strategy, Barden", he said quietly as he laid his hand upon the dot that represented Therinsford. "It is a game of mind. I need something done immediately, my friend. I need you to hasten the mobilization of my division, so that we will be able to go to the others' aid as soon as possible."

Barden looked at him with wide eyes. He knew that look: it meant Palencar had a plan. His faith in the King was unbending…truly he had met no finer strategist or monarch in his life, and he hurried to do his liege's bidding with a bow.

"Oh, and Barden", said the King quietly, still staring intently at the map of Alagaesia. Barden stopped and turned back to the King.

"I need you to contact the Kingslayer. I did not expect for them to attack Therinsford now, not before Carvahall. We must be synchronized in our moves, and attack as one unit in different places. You may go now", said Palencar and Barden bowed once more as he rushed out, already opening his mind.

The drums of war were sounding in Alagaesia again, and once more it was mankind against Urgals. Palencar smiled grimly as the idea crystallized in his mind, and patted Carvahall's dot with satisfaction. Once again, it would all rest on the shoulders of Eragon Shur'tugal. And at this critical juncture Palencar found there was no other person he would trust more fully with the safety of his beloved Kingdom.

…

Cool wind blew through the trees, causing leaves of a rare gold colour to drift down to the loamy ground with a whisper. On the slopes of Utgard mountain grew trees of a beauty of etherealness that would not be out of place in Du Weldenvarden. The once bare mountain was now a place of heart wrenching beauty, the beauty of the souls of Eragon and Laetri given form through their magic.

Two white blurs seemed to rush through the forest like a pair of mirages, and the trees stirred joyfully once more as clear sounds of mirth resounded through the forest. Eragon laughed freely as he chased Laetri through the forest, scaling trees and moving with such grace and speed that it was as if he did not touch the ground at all.

Laetri sped up the green slopes of Utgard mountain, towards the tower of Ristvak'baen like an arrow shot forth from a bow, her long silver hair whipping around her face as she bounded forward using the tall trees as footholds. The elven strength within her glowed brightly as she rushed through like a spectre, and looked back to see Eragon a slight distance behind her.

Her eyes shone with determination as she saw Eragon wink at her, and she seemed to blur into movement. Within an instant she scaled the last slopes of the sheer mountain to appear on the summit, below the hewn tower of Ristvak'baen.

"Eragon-elda, that was not fair", she said as she saw Eragon standing in front of her with his eyes full of a merriment she had not seen in him for a long time. Eragon smiled widely even as their Dragons descended from the skies, casting enormous shadows over the ground.

He looked affectionately at his close companion of one hundred years and more, feeling grateful for this small respite they had received in Utgard. The utopian beauty of the mountain was something that they had created all by themselves, and that to him was truly special. It was something that only he and Laetri could share and understand…the resonating blessings of magic and soul had deepened the bond between them even more.

"It is good to see you so free and unreserved, Laetri…I often have a habit of immersing myself in my own cares and forgetting about others'. It makes me truly happy to see you like this. You should laugh more often", he said quietly to her.

Laetri smiled a full smile, and her beauty struck Eragon deeply. Even against her bright silver hair, her skin shone pale and lovely. She was a beauty over which kings would fight and wars would begin, as Brom had once said in his stories.

He had always known there lay something extraordinary in her, even during the war when she was introduced to him first as a member of the twelve guardians. His infatuation with Arya had in his youth blinded him to everything else but he eventually saw her;

Arya he had desired greatly as any human would have done…indeed, that desire was amplified a hundred-fold when he was gifted elven qualities by the Dragons at Agaeti Blodhren. He had loved her fiercely, so much so that every moment without her became a physical torment to him. In Aiedail, the remnants of that love had stabbed the chasms of his loss like cruel swords and his suffering had driven him to the edges of insanity.

He started as Laetri came to him, all the while meeting his gaze with hers. He needed not the confluence of minds to understand her, just looking into her eyes was enough. He knew what she wanted to tell him.

I am here.

As he took her hand in his, he reflected. In more ways than one, she had become a part of his soul. He had sacrificed Arya's love to save her and the others, and she had shared her Rider's bond with him. The Eldunari had always impressed upon him the incalculable power of a noble sacrifice, made with selfless heart.

Sometimes, Eragon, said Saphira with a trace of resignation in her voice as she landed beside them with a great thud, Sometimes I feel she is bound to you even more closely than I am.

Only you can judge that for yourself, beloved, he replied as the first light of the morning stole over the plains majestically. Sahloknir landed beside Saphira, and the Dragons and Riders faced each other solemnly. Strange and magnificent patterns seemed to drift through the crystal stairs crafted by Silvari the enchantress, and the way up to Ristvak'baen appeared like a stairway of heaven itself.

Every day that dawns here reveals new beauty. We wrought something inexplicable here, Eragon-elda, said Laetri through all their joined minds. Eragon could not help but agree…even he could not fully understand the significance of healing Utgard. Sahloknir's voice resounded through them and it was filled with a tense graveness.

Our morning flight revealed to us interesting happenings, Ebrithil. We did not wish to interrupt your sport…but I believe you must see this now, said the golden Dragon. Memories rushed through their links, and Eragon gripped Laetri's hand tightly and felt the action returned.

I see, said Laetri as she exchanged a grave glance with Eragon. Thank you for your consideration, Sahloknir and Saphira. We have seldom had time for leisure and we both needed it.

I know, snorted Saphira as she puffed out a large gust of smoke. Eragon here has a curious ability of worrying even me to death, and I am a dragon! But now I fear our hiatus is ended. The Urgals have made their move, and they have chosen to fall upon Therinsford.

From your memories, I could count three thousand Urgals with an even distribution of Kull and commanded also by a Kull general, observed Eragon. He felt Laetri's mind touch his and also reach out, the lyric strains of ancient song soothing him gently. A moment later she turned to him.

The earth is disturbed near Therinsford. The Spine is burdened by thick emotions of war and iron, and I can sense several Urgals. I reached out lightly so their magicians would not detect me; they are protected by multiple magicians, Eragon-elda. They are skilled, she said.

They cannot enter this place, said Eragon calmly. Malice cannot enter Utgard while we are alive. We may leave this mount free of fear of assault. Saphira was right…this will be a haven to us in the days to come.

As for our next course of action…

He waved his hand and willed the magic into a shape of his liking. Two portals of scrying appeared with a slight shimmer, and through them he could see rooms in Carvahall and Illirea. His cousin and Grand-nephew jumped in surprise as they saw the crystal-clear image of Utgard's summit appear before them and at Illirea, Palencar heaved a sigh of utter relief.

"Eragon-elda. Thank Gokukara! Barden reached you then. I think you should know that Therinsford is being targeted by the Urgals" said Palencar immediately. Eragon and Laetri nodded as one, and the ground shook as their Dragons growled. Laetri too waved her free hand, and completed the triangle as she linked Palencar with Carvahall.

Thank you, Laetri, Eragon said to her. He had great knowledge and power indeed, but his companion possessed a subtlety and experience that only came with great age. I have trouble visualizing that spell even now. It is like seeing a dream of a dream, he said to her softly.

Even you cannot do everything, Eragon-elda. You do not have to. she said to him as they immersed themselves in their link. Palencar had finished exchanging greetings with Roran and Holcomb, and Eragon could see the alarm and horror on Roran's face as he received the news.

Neither would I, said Eragon to Laetri as they faced Palencar.

"King Palencar, we have just become aware of the situation. Barden did not contact us as you have assumed, but we have to discuss this development", stated Eragon. Roran paced around in his grandson's study agitatedly, and Holcomb looked at gravely at them through the scrying mirror.

"Majesty, Eragon, I must first thank you for this timely warning", he said gratefully to their nods. He flicked his eyes for a moment towards Eragon, and turned to Palencar.

"Majesty, Therinsford will fall unless we ride out now from Carvahall. The garrison there is only a thousand and five hundred strong and may need support. I request permission to do so immediately", he said in a brisk tone. Turning to Roran, he barked: "Grandfather, please settle down. The noise is distracting."

Eragon smiled faintly as Roran stopped dead in his tracks, and sunk down on a chair with an abashed expression. He had made the right decision in returning his cousin to Carvahall…it was more home to Roran than it ever would be to him.

"What do you suggest, Eragon-elda and Laetri-elda?" questioned Palencar curiously, and Eragon saw him controlling his anxiety and impatience. An admirable quality in a king, he thought as he laid out his thoughts calmly.

"Carvahall is under our protection. I will not let it fall. I believe Holcomb can empty Carvahall of its soldiers and ride out to thwart the threat to Therinsford", he stated simply. He remained silent as Palencar threw him a doubtful look, evaluating the situation just as he was doing.

"Will you come now, Eragon?" asked Holcomb with a hint of desperation. "Therinsford is also in my demesne and I cannot forsake them. You have promised protection, and we need it now. I will mobilize my army within the hour and we will ride out today noon. Keep Carvahall safe for me."

"Worry not", said Eragon serenely. He turned to Palencar who had remained silent during this exchange. "Where are the others and their armies?"

"Leya is at the mouth of the Woadark River", said Palencar. "Nuada is near Gil'ead with his army and Ildarien is very near to Utgard, somewhere near Yazuac I believe", reported Palencar dutifully. Eragon nodded thoughtfully…it was enough to throw back this first assault. The real war would begin when both armies clashed in earnest throughout the spine, when the Urgal Riders came out of the mountains to battle and met with their counterparts.

I agree, he said in response to Laetri's thoughts. I do not like it, but it will help keep them safe. Ildarien is not yet experienced enough to take on more than one Rider at a time.

I do not like being separated from you either, came Laetri's reply to him, and their fingers became interwoven. Then she turned to Palencar, "I will go to Therinsford as well, King Palencar. The defenders must be protected against magic and Riders, and Eragon-elda will be at Carvahall. Baron Holcomb, I will ride with you. Perhaps my presence will convince the Urgals not to attack you when before we reach Therinsford", she said.

Silence pervaded the conference as Holcomb, Roran and even Palencar stared at the two Riders.

"Lady, are you certain?", asked the King with worry. "I would not be able to live with myself if something were to befall you in this battle. Perhaps it would be best if-"

Sahloknir roared angrily, cutting off Palencar's monologue even as Laetri's face showed a slight amusement. Eragon glanced once at her, and turned back to Palencar.

"You must not doubt her", he said calmly. "She is wiser than you can understand. She has defeated Formora in a contest of magic and is more skilled than you could imagine with weapons. Queen Arya would be disappointed, Palencar", he said gravely and Palencar's face fell.

"After all, Elven women are not helpless like human ones", said Laetri as she shot Eragon a merry glance. Eragon shook his head as he was reminded of the chastisement Arya had given him at the battle of Farthen Dur so long ago.

"So be it. I still cling to the human view of females, I fear", said Palencar apologetically. Holcomb bowed his head towards Laetri with gratitude, and even Roran looked somewhat heartened. "It shall be a pleasure to have you with us, Laetri Shur'tugal. It will hearten my men greatly to have a Dragon Rider fight alongside them", stated the Baron.

"Saphira says that the Urgals will be upon Therinsford within three-fourths of a day", said Eragon as he raised his hand in preparation. "Inform the others, Palencar. We will leave for Carvahall immediately."

"Very well", assented Palencar. Eragon let both mirrors dissipate with a thought, and turned to Laetri with a troubled face. Something gnawed at him…something was not quite in place. He felt Laetri's mind embrace his own, and felt her pulse quicken slightly as he held her wrist.

"We have not been separated in battle for more than eighty years now. This troubles me", said Eragon with a frown. Saphira's snout nudged him gently and Laetri looked towards the ground sorrowfully. They had always, always fought together…it was something that was never under question.

"I am troubled too. I do not like this, but the humans must be kept safe", said Laetri as she held up her other hand for him to take. A bright indigo light flashed around them, and an instant later the Riders and Dragons had disappeared from Utgard.

…..

He is doing well, Arya. The hatchlings show exceptional aptitude as expected. Belgabad takes to the skies just like Saphira did, in fact he seems suited for the sky more than the land, came Firnen's voice. Arya smiled with satisfaction as she saw her young charge reach out with her mind in all directions.

Memories of a sixteen year old Eragon sitting on the same stump flashed in her mind, learning meditation under the watchful gaze of Oromis. Even she felt tranquillity in this place, a rare calmness she found nowhere else. Is it possible that you feel so at ease because Eragon created an entire Valley of flowers here, just for you?, came Firnen's innocent question along with images of Belgabad trying to outstrip Firnen in flight.

It brings me joy to see this place, replied Arya, unruffled by her Dragon's questions. Firnen had developed a sense of humour much like her own, dry and sarcastic. But he could see her heart plainly, even as she could see his. There was nothing she could hide from him.

The Crags were a place of solemnity for the Elven race for centuries now, first as a symbol of Oromis' mourning and later as a symbol of their mourning for Oromis. Firnen, what do you think prompted Eragon to go to Alalea?, she asked her partner, as she caressed a blooming flower beside her and simultaneously keeping an eye on Varda.

I know not, Arya. But my instincts tell me it was not out of curiosity he went there…but then, there is very little we know about him.

That is true, agreed Arya, satisfaction blooming in her as she felt Varda's mind envelope the entire valley and its inhabitants. Gently denying the young Rider entry into her own mind, she looked over the vast fields of flowers shining in the light of the sun. No matter how many verses her people sang of the beauty of nature she had come to believe certain joys only had to be experienced.

She had come to love her Valley of Flowers so much that she had abandoned her traditional bower, choosing to live in Oromis' hut amidst the scenic valley. That more than anything had conveyed to her people of the choices she had made: She would be a Rider here forth.

Her eyes narrowed as she felt Varda's mind shuddering and the trees behind her rustled gently to reveal Yaela walking towards her. Her fellow Rider's lovely features seemed to exude anxiety as she glanced briefly at Varda, and then at Arya.

With a few words, she shielded them from intrusion and spoke: "Eragon-elda contacted me just now, Your Majesty. I believe matters are beginning to simmer near Carvahall and Therinsford."

"Can you open a scrying portal to Eragon?", asked Arya immediately even as Varda came to stand beside her. Yaela nodded and pointed her hand at a space in front of them, causing a large window-like surface to shimmer into existence. Arya felt Varda's hand slither into her own, and gripped it gently.

"Eragon-elda", they greeted him together with clear voices. Arya took in the ranks of armoured men standing in orderly files outside Carvahall's walls, their pikes and pennons lifted high in the air. At the head of what seemed to be the entirety of Carvahall's garrison stood a magnificent golden Dragon, bearing his Rider clad fully in white.

"Arya, Yaela and Varda", greeted Eragon in return from his position on the battlements overlooking Carvahall's army. "You have contacted me, excellent. The Urgals are a few hours from besieging Therinsford, and we have decided that without Carvahall's and Laetri's support Therinsford will fall."

"She is leaving you all alone?", exclaimed Varda in shock. Arya glanced down at her, intrigued by the tone of her voice. Even Yaela seemed surprised at the fact. Eragon looked troubled for a single instant, but the calmness returned just as quickly.

"No, Varda. She will protect Therinsford the way I will protect Carvahall. The matter of the Urgal Riders cannot be ignored", said Eragon calmly to them. He turned as Sahloknir roared to the skies ferociously to the cheers of Carvahall's army, and Arya sadly watched as the two thousand men surged forward even as the golden Dragon soared into the sky.

She saw through the mirror as Eragon raised a hand in farewell, a solitary figure of white upon the empty walls of Carvahall. Carvahall's soldiers seemed to be well-trained, moving forth as one unit, thundering towards Therinsford upon their horses. Eragon turned back to them slowly, the men of Carvahall riding towards Therinsford with their customary fanfare.

"Where is Saphira?" asked Varda curiously. Her face was filled with awe as she saw her first army in action, and all three Riders smiled indulgently. Eragon glanced to the skies for a moment, and turned back to them.

"Saphira is busy stalking deer", he said in a merry voice. "This is where she hatched, after all. Carvahall holds a special meaning to her as well, thanks to Arya", he inclined his head to Arya. Arya said nothing, instead observing the empty and undefended state of Carvahall.

"Eragon, you do realize Carvahall is vulnerable to attack do you not?" she asked him in a clipped voice. Eragon smirked mischievously, and for an instant she could see the sixteen year old boy she remembered him as. Yaela sighed and her face took on an understanding expression as she gazed at Carvahall as well.

"You are dangling Carvahall as bait, are you not?", she asked him disapprovingly. Varda's hand shook in fear and Arya grasped it firmly. Her emerald eyes flashed angrily at Eragon, and her face showed a hint of frustration as Eragon's smile widened.

Remember what he is capable of! Came Firnen's voice to her before she could utter anything scathing. She calmed herself, smoothing the sides of her dress of blue silk as she stared at Eragon. "Eragon, I will send a force of Elven archers through the post of Ceunon. Ultimately the Urgals will want Carvahall more than anything else, and you are there with no support!"

Eragon nodded slowly.

"Yes, that is the purpose after all. The Urgals will come at Carvahall thinking it to be an easy picking, but they will sense me here. I am expecting quite a large force to assault this place", he said casually. "Perhaps three or four thousand Urgals", he added to Arya's consternation.

"I am coming there", said Arya suddenly in a hard voice as Varda shed a silent tear. "I will postpone the succession for now, and we will come. Together we can drive into the spine and bind the Urgals to remain there for eternity."

"Your majesty-"

"No, Yaela", said Arya firmly as she saw Eragon's calm face unchanging. "Eragon, as the Elven Queen I ask you to leave Carvahall and come to Ceunon. We can begin our campaign from there!"

Eragon sighed as he looked at Varda's distressed expression, and Arya's anger.

"Arya, I have gone to a great deal of trouble to arrange this situation", he said patiently. "I can defend Carvahall. Do not worry about me. A plan has been devised for now…we have been working on it from the moment Laetri and I appeared in Carvahall today", he said in the ancient language. Arya looked at the ground for a moment, and when she looked back up an expression of worry identical to Varda's was upon her face.

"Please be careful", she requested him softly. Eragon nodded firmly, and fixed his gaze upon Varda.

"How is Ellesmera, my young Rider?", he asked her gently and both elf women smiled as Varda launched into an enthusiastic description of her experiences. Warmth filled Arya's heart as she saw Eragon listen attentively to Varda.

I still worry. Firnen, do you think I should simply send-

No, Arya. However it would be prudent to keep watch over Carvahall. If Eragon requires aid we can alert Ceunon to respond immediately, came Firnen's voice. Arya agreed hesitantly, looking through the scrying mirror even as the last of Carvahall's armies went past the horizon along with Sahloknir.

You must not worry, Yaela spoke to her gently. I am not worried about Eragon-elda, but about how the Urgals will react to his might. It is possible that they might label him a second Galbatorix and pursue the war to its bitter end.

What? Whispered Arya as shock ran through her at Yaela's words. Her face remained calm, but her mind descended into turmoil. Is that even possible?

He is different, said Yaela distantly as she withdrew her mind from the contact. Arya simply watched even as her mind thought grim thoughts, watched Eragon interact pleasantly with Varda. Her mouth twitched as Eragon made Varda laugh with a dry jest, and Varda herself was giggling without pause.

He is Eragon, she thought as she looked at him with a fond expression. No matter what happens to him, he will remain Eragon.

Her mind reached out towards the center of Ellesmera, brushing the minds of several subjects until it found that of Lord Berentain. Eragon might be capable but she would not leave him without any assurance of support. Eragon was far too precious for her to chance with, especially against an entire army of vicious Urgals.

Lord Berentain, a grave matter has arisen.

…..

Beloved, if you could stop scaring those poor deer and come back to Carvahall I would be grateful. There is better prey for you today. thought Eragon dryly. He smiled as he felt Saphira's indignation at his quip, watching as Roran climbed to the walls and made to join him. Carvahall resembled a ghost town, with its cobblestone streets empty and its large structures devoid of occupation.

"Are the women and children safe?", asked Eragon as Roran stood before him. His cousin nodded firmly, a look of pride crossing his face for a moment. "They are safe, Eragon. I had several safe houses built within the city for this very purpose to withstand a long and protracted siege. We are also well stocked with food and beverage, and sufficient amounts of preserved game. The houses can hold out against all but the most powerful magic", he finished.

Eragon clasped Roran's forearm tightly for an instant, appreciation written all over his face. He could not help but be sad at the fact that his old home had been torn by such conflict that these measures had been necessary…perhaps if he had negotiated better with the Urgals, this could have been prevented.

Idle thoughts. He shook his head, for he knew that Urgals would have to be controlled periodically.

"Do you think Ismira will come?", questioned Roran suddenly in a pained voice. Eragon felt pity and compassion welling within him as he turned to his cousin. If Varda were taken away from him like Ismira had been from Roran…he shivered slightly. Just the suggestion of it had sent him into a terrible rage.

"If she is I can stop her, Roran", he assured him. "Do not talk with her. Do not acknowledge her. She will cause you pain even if she does not mean to do so", he cautioned. Roran took a deep breath and released it, sinking into his own dark thoughts.

Laetri, are the Urgals within sight?

In response, the vision of the land from high in the skies filled his mind's eye and he saw Holcomb and his men charging through the land at a swift gallop, the hooves of their horses thundering upon the earth. Therinsford was also visible, a walled town with soldiers thickly ringing its perimeter. To the west he could see the mountains shaking as Urgals poured down its slopes and through its passes in their thousands.

We will intercept them, Eragon-elda, said Laetri calmly by mind and Eragon could see Holcomb shout out and draw his sword. Two thousand swords were drawn behind him in a dirge of death as they charged towards the Urgals who had begun to surround Therinsford smoothly, hefting their weapons and shouting their war cries.

Through Laetri's eyes Eragon could see the battle imminent below as the cavalry of Holcomb pushed their horses to cover the distance between them and the Urgals who had begun to attack the walls and soldiers of Therinsford. They were still quite a ways from the town as it was simply a vast plain near Therinsford, perfect for battle.

Laetri, please remain safe, said Eragon to her softly. For my sake.

I will be safe, she promised him in the old tongue as Sahloknir shot through the air like a golden arrow and far outstripped the cavalry. I will bolster the defense of the city from within, Eragon-elda, she said as Sahloknir smoothly flew over the besieging Urgals and floated above Therinsford.

Be safe, Laetri, he repeated with a heavy heart and let go of Laetri's awareness and opened his eyes in Carvahall, the last thing he saw being the sight of the Therinsford army breaking into massive cheers at the appearance of Sahloknir. The play had been made now.

"It has begun", said Eragon distantly. Roran got up hurriedly and looked at Eragon with anxiety, and Eragon closed his eyes once more. "Holcomb has entered the plains, and will meet the Urgals outside the walls of Therinsford and will break the siege with his armies. Laetri has landed at Therinsford now, and will make the city impregnable from within", he said and Roran stared towards Therinsford with a hard face.

Eragon reached out once more, this time towards the town of Yazuac. Ildarien, he called gently, feeling the call rush through the mountains and villages. He could feel the elven mind of the Rider Ildarien respond, more powerful than it had any right to be. A small brush against it revealed to him that Ildarien had melded his mind with the minds of all fifty of his magicians.

Ebrithil?

Yes, Ildarien. Laetri and Holcomb's army has made contact with the Urgals at Therinsford as planned. Laetri will keep that army occupied, and Holcomb will prevent them from turning towards Carvahall from without.

He could feel realization rush through Ildarien and his group mind like a wave. You want them to attack Carvahall, then?

Indeed. You have new directions, Ildarien. Are your men tired?

We are fine, said the Nighthawk magicians together, causing him to smile in satisfaction. He brushed briefly against the group mind once more, and could feel them retract in wariness of his own mind.

Then make towards Carvahall, my friends. Intelligence thus far gathered indicates that Urgals have been massing behind their wards throughout the spine. The wards are powerful indeed…my and Laetri's studies of it reveal that they have been constructed over the course of many years, quietly.

What are you saying, Ebrithil?

That your presence will be necessary in Carvahall as soon as possible. Can you arrive at the earliest? And Ildarien, try to circumvent the conflict at Therinsford. Veil yourself with Gramarye, he instructed them. He heard the whispered and rushing discussion of Ildarien and his men, feeling them travelling rapidly towards Carvahall.

We will come, Master, their combined voices resounded in his head. He opened his eyes to Carvahall once more, and saw Roran shaking his shoulder repeatedly.

"Roran, I think it is time to begin", he said calmly. Roran's face seemed to glow with excitement as he hefted his hammer. Their plan had survived first contact today, thought Eragon as he turned his face westwards towards the mountains that loomed above Carvahall.

"Eragon, are you sure you can do it. From what I understand those wards they have around them are very strong", asked Roran. Eragon nodded and his silver hair grew still so as to not obscure his vision. His indigo eyes seemed to shine with excitement and power and he laid his hand upon Brisingr's hilt.

"I can do it", he said quietly. Let us break their wards, Beloved, he said to Saphira. Saphira's exultation skyrocketed as they joined their minds, its force building like that of the ocean as Eragon brought forth pure strength. The air around him rippled slightly as his mindforce kept on building like a storm, and he quested towards where the enemy wards lined the spine.

Do it.

The world rippled like water disturbed by a stone as Eragon spoke the Name of names quietly, bolstering it with strength and power. He could feel magic itself crying out as the Urgal wards near Carvahall were torn into pieces and unmade effortlessly, unable to stand in face of the ultimate name. He smiled grimly as he felt several Urgal magicians fall unconscious as they tried to counter his strength and the Name, and he felt the utter alarm of the Urgal generals as their concealment was torn down completely.

He pointed above at what had once been only plain mountains, mountains that had sat uncaring and innocent to the Villagers of Carvahall. Roran looked and gasped with surprise. Now that the concealing wards were gone, what met his eyes stunned and scared him.

The mountains to the west side of Carvahall was crawling with Urgals…he estimated several thousands of the beasts. "By the powers, you were right!", breathed Roran. Eragon only inclined his head solemnly as a great cry of rage rent the air from the invading Urgals. Carvahall vibrated with it, but there was no one to respond to it except Eragon.

"Those wards existed for a reason", said Eragon calmly as the Urgals thundered down the mountains with their ear splitting war cries. "They wanted to sneak up on Carvahall, and use Therinsford as a diversion. What they did not count on was our presence here", he stated.

"Eragon…", whispered Roran as he pensively saw the hordes of Urgals pouring towards Carvahall, they would be upon his home within minutes. "Eragon, do something!"

Saphira, called Eragon and three thousand Urgals roared loudly in fear and surprise as the massive sapphire Dragon floated out of the mountains and made towards Carvahall. The ground beside the walls thudded and shook as Saphira landed on it…she was of a level with Eragon who stood upon the walls themselves.

Eragon ignored the now cautious Urgal force, and raised his hand slowly. Saphira arched her neck, and the Urgals stopped their charge as they saw the absolutely massive Dragon prepare to unleash fire; guttural murmurs ran through their ranks in a hushed wave.

"Brisingr", intoned Eragon as Saphira opened her jaws. Roran covered his eyes as a deluge of blue-white flames surged forth from her mouth, nearly blinding him. From the corner of his eyes he could see towering walls of flame several metres thick encircle Carvahall, protecting it completely.

"Saphira's fire is far too hot for them to pass through", said Eragon conversationally as he loosened his sword in its sheath. The angry challenges of the warlike Urgals were barely audible over the roar of the enormous flame wall, and Roran could not help but admire his cousin's cleverness.

"Do you want to fight?", Eragon asked him calmly. Roran nodded emphatically and Eragon gripped his shoulder, and leaned over the wall to lay his other hand on Saphira's snout. He looked at his cousin solemnly.

"Carvahall will be safe for now. We can pay attention to those Urgals without worrying about defending this place. Now let us go", he said and Roran felt pure indigo light consume everything for an instant. Another instant later, the light cleared completely and he opened his eyes.

Behind him lay Carvahall, ringed and protected by walls of flame that completely obscured over the Village. Beside him stood Eragon and Saphira, staring calmly at what lay beyond them. He summoned his courage and raised his hammer as he saw ranks upon ranks of Urgals arrayed a mere thousand yards in front of them, bearing traditional Urgal scimitars and swords.

Saphira will attack from the air, came Eragon's serene voice to him. I will deal with them from the ground. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or are in danger, move into the protection of Carvahall's flames. They will let you pass, but any Urgal will be burned to ash.

Roran nodded to him, and winced as the Urgals' roar rent the air deafeningly. Saphira lifted off into the air gracefully, and Eragon calmly drew his sword with a steely slither. Roran found himself once more puzzled with the streaks of white that ran through the sapphire sword, and the events at Utgard came to his mind.

His thoughts fled as a gentle and powerful voice echoed throughout the mountains, and it took him a moment to see the Eragon was speaking.

"Urgals, I warn you only once. Flee or die."

The jeering Urgal army grew silent at this sally, and Roran stared at them apprehensively. "Perhaps you shouldn't have said that", he whispered to Eragon. Eragon only smiled and glanced at him as Saphira dove downwards like an eagle falling upon rats.

This time the Urgals roared so loudly that the very trees shook from their exertions, and surged forward as one. Stay close to the fire, whispered Eragon as he began walking towards the Urgals as if he feared nothing in the world. Roran himself shouted his war cry and prepared to meet the Urgals who were falling upon them from every direction.

At least it is a good last stand, he thought sardonically to himself as he watched Eragon simply stride forward, mere yards away from meeting the Urgal horde. To the right he could see a conflagration of white-hot fire burning through a battalion of Urgals, and Saphira tearing them apart like they were helpless prey.

The first of the Urgals had reached him, and he knocked aside a scimitar and pivoted to crush its chest with a swing of his hammer. This is just like old times, he thought whimsically as he bashed another Urgal's head and turned to see Eragon glowing with a nimbus of white fire.

I hope you can save us today, Eragon. I hope you can save us.