I was so impressed by the numbers of reviews I had received. They really made my day, and thanks to you guys, I finished another chapter, even if I had to stay until 3 AM to finish it. It is the least I can do to reward such an enthusiastic crowd. Without further ado, here's chapter 7. It's more of a filler, but the action returns in the next chapter. Or at least partially.
"What if he doesn't…"
"He is going to," Arya cut in abruptly, ending Erian's stutter. Her two exhausted companions had an alien look on their faces, mainly attributed to the toll the magic had taken on them. Arya felt drained herself, and she could only imagine just how weakened they were, after healing both Eragon and her earlier this day.
Still, staying here was not an option, not when the crowds of people would flee the safety of their hideouts and inspect the aftermath of this battle. If the Varden were to find Eragon laying here in his state, panic and fright would sweep upon the rebellion forces, devouring their courage and will to fight from the inside.
After a short glance at each of the two elves, Arya finally opened her mouth as she got up, "We cannot let Eragon rest here." Blodhgarm nodded, while Erian stared blankly at her, like he didn't even grasp the meaning behind her words. Attributing his lack of focus to exhaustion, Arya repeated her message with more details, "If people find out what happened here, panic and cowardice will taint their hearts. You must hide him in the deeper parts of the forest."
The two elves nodded in unison and picked the sleeping rider by the arms and legs, and prepared to move where Arya indicated when Erian stopped, "What about you? Aren't you coming with us?"
Arya shook her head, "I need time alone to meditate and clear my mind." She felt slightly relieved when Erian did not ask her for another explanation again. As soon as they began moving towards the west, more remote side of the forest, Arya sighed and looked forward.
The serenity of the forest at dusk lulled her like a beacon of unknown yet fascinating power. As she silently walked through the trees, her mind wondered like a free bird, soaring through her recent thoughts with difficulty and reluctance. As much as she tried to refrain from tormenting herself with dark thoughts, it was an inevitable obstacle that she had to pass in order to bring peace to her heart.
She felt lost and confused, more than ever before. The mind barriers, the almost impenetrable walls that only strengthened with each painful moment she had experienced began to shake under the light of the recent events. What could she do, if her being couldn't resist this relentless assault?
With the pressure transferring out of its mental confines, Arya increased her speed and maintained an icy cold look as she jumped over a boulder that blocked her path. Her facial expression could trick anyone with its impassiveness, but she couldn't trick herself this time. No previous methods of calming the inner volcano work, and ignorance was seldom an excuse to put her worries aside. This time, she had to face them, or she risked going mad with pain and confusion.
What tormented her the most was the brutal defeat when she fought Galbatorix. The image of her dead companions still lingered within her mind like a curse that could not be dispelled, and the feeling of powerless she felt when the King ruthlessly killed them felt like a boulder pressing onto her mind.
The blame was hers to bear, for she wasn't strong enough to protect them. The King blew her away like a powerless and innocent leaf that hoped to conquer a hurricane, and that was the price of failure. What made it worse was the fact that she was the one to instruct her companions to use the spirit wolf tactic instead of fighting defensively and wait for reinforcements. Together with Eragon they could have made it, but it was hatred and anger for the man she spited the most that interfered with her judgment when she needed a clear mind and cold calculations.
No… he was… too strong, she tried to reassure herself, but to no avail. It was obvious that it was her doing, and this was her penance. A crystalline tear rolled down her cheek, but it was immediately blown away from her face when she burst into a run at top speed.
Nasuada suddenly appeared in her mind, repeating the words that she refused to accept, these kind of sentimentalisms are what is dragging us down. What seemed like an insult before was now transformed into a cold truth, one which Arya still couldn't accept, despite the facts lay before her.
All she wanted was scream, so all the forest could hear her pain and help her remedy it. But trees and plants could not comfort, not provide a most needed advice to her. She was all alone, without anyone to guide her. When she stopped into a glen, Arya dropped on a fallen log, wiping the tears from her face.
It's feelings that destroyed everything, she thought with revulsion, a sickening feeling threatening to take over her. Still weakened after the fight and the healing spell she used to save Eragon, the least she needed was to berate herself, yet this was not in her power. If the truth wouldn't reveal to herself, then more of her kin, more friends of hers would die because of the mistakes she made.
"I must…I have to break…any connections…" she murmured with a trembling voice, but the rest refused to come out. She was aware of her mistake, she wanted to fix it so much, but why couldn't she? If emotions were to blame for everything, why was it so hard for her to make this decision?
Perhaps this was a sickening game of her mind, meant to torture her even more. Her fists clenched and were brought down upon the log, releasing a faint thud. The pain coming from her hands reflected the harsh reality, and Arya couldn't care less about it.
While she sat there like a statue, a perched owl that she didn't notice before began its sinister chant. It stood there for a moment before it unfurled its wings, flying into the dark blue sky. Her head began throbbing again, and her body threatened to collapse right on that spot. She was tired; too tired to think properly anymore.
When she jumped off the log and lay her body on the ground layered with grass and leaves, Saphira entered her mind while she blankly stared at the sky. Where could she be? As much as Arya tried to find the answer to this question, there was no easy answer. Perhaps she was now with Eragon, comforting him after the recent defeat.
Involuntarily, her mind drifted towards him. The previous achievement she felt when she encountered him was now reduced to nothingness. She healed Eragon, but there was no one who could hear her in return. Or was it so?
Arya immediately erased the senseless thought which was sprinkled with false hopes. She could not fathom the reason behind her irrational act. How could she even appear before Eragon, when it was because of her that he lost the battle?
No, Eragon is not like that, Arya tried to comfort herself. A cold breeze that swept across the forest seemed to carry away this thought, like it was a distant memory. Eragon was her friend, but she failed on him.
Unexpectedly, Arya felt a familiar conscience. She knew who it belonged to, and because of it, she immediately jumped to her feet, Saphira, where are you? When the dragoness opened her mind, Arya was almost crippled by the wave of mixed emotions that hit her. As much as she tried to fight against it, Arya couldn't win.
Saphira, Eragon is safe, I healed him, she barely confessed through her mind. After a short moment of waiting, Saphira's raging emotions died down, returning her to the dragon Arya was used to. Still, she was surprised that Saphira could descend into such primitive state because of emotions.
Where is he? A bellowing roar was heard from the distance. Arya's eardrums vibrated heavily, and she wasn't even that close to her. Truth is, even she did not know where exactly Eragon was, but telling that to Saphira was like pouring oil onto a fire.
He is safe, I took care of it. The first thing she felt after saying that was a big wave of relief coming from the tense dragoness. Curious as to what had driven Saphira to that point, Arya asked, Saphira, what happened? She obtained no answer, but shortly after, the faint sound of flapping wings reached her ears.
The blue dragoness majestically descended with a loud thud, her powerful muscles trembling from the impact. As soon as she was on the ground, Arya walked next to her and patted her neck to calm her down. She could feel how tired and troubled Saphira was, but dared not to ask too many questions.
The Egg Breaker! Because of him, I couldn't care for my little one! Saphira hissed with anger. The soothing touch of Arya whose hand continued to run across her smooth scales diminished the fury of the inner beast within her even more. Arya knew how temperamental Saphira could get at times, but even she was surprised by just how angry the dragoness was when she encountered her.
You will care for him shortly, Saphira, I… Arya suddenly trailed off, remembering the reason she came here in the first place. If Eragon was confused, angry and mad at himself like Saphira, then who would help a disabled man up and put him back on the right track? Saphira was the partner -of his- mind- and -soul, but she was also his friend, and friends were supposed to be there for each other, just like Eragon was for her in the past.
I wasn't there for him, she thought to herself. A shook of Saphira's powerful neck stopped Arya from her musings, who backed away after her role had been fulfilled. After exhaling loudly, Saphira sat on her belly and fixed one sapphire eye on Arya, watching her intently, as if there was something else she wanted from her.
For the first time in the past few days, Arya's lips contorted into half a smile as she headed towards the dragoness. Slowly, she crouched and rested her back against Saphira's neck while placing a hand on the scaly surface.
The traitorous kind forced me to swear in the language of power that I wouldn't get close to Eragon until the light ends. It was the only choice I could make, Saphira said, sadness embed in her once joyful thought alone of such cruel doing made Arya cringe when the picture of Galbatorix appeared in her mind. He was a cunning wicked man, and the reason for his attack on Feinster was still unknown to her. Still, dwelling on that particular thought would do no good, at least not for the time being.
You did the right thing Saphira. Thanks to you, Eragon is still among us, Arya added soothingly.
Saphira growled in protest, your intervention is what saved him, and I will make sure he understands that right after I am done with him. With uncertainty, Arya gazed down at the grass below that swung majestically in the evening breeze. She appeared calm to Saphira, but in reality, she was almost as troubled as she was.
Sensing her weakness, Saphira approached her, what's done is done. We cannot let the past consume us with its vile flames. Arya nodded with half reluctance as her gaze drifted back to Saphira.
I don't want to talk about it, she confessed, pushing herself from Saphira. The dragoness growled in surprise at her actions, but tried not to stop her. After Eragon, Arya was the only one who understood Saphira, and even if she wanted to ask her more, she felt like it was plain impossible.
You should go check on Eragon, she said, looking upwards. The sun had long left the sky, and darkness almost claimed the land. After getting onto her feet, Saphira looked at Arya one last time before she unfurled her wings and let out a mighty roar that shook the forest before launching into the air.
Who will look after you, pointed ears? This question took Arya by surprise, but she maintained her apparent indifference pretty well.
Unlike him, I can look after myself, she teased. In reality, it was not so, but the least Arya wanted was to burden Saphira with her own problems after her Rider was almost killed. Alone, with only the forest to keep her company, Arya lay down and closed her eyes, immersing herself with the sounds of nature at night. Such peaceful it was, but this serenity would never be hers during these troubled times.
Eragon groggily opened his eyes and groaned slightly as he tried to picture where he was. Through his blurry vision, there was little he could understand, and his sore body was not making it any better. Everything was dark around him, and warm. Using his arms as means of understanding his surroundings, Eragon groped around until his palm met a warm and scaly surface. Suddenly, the creature brought the tail to her side, blocking Eragon next to her side.
Try to leave and I might reconsider the thought of licking you from head to toe later, a calm yet slightly threatening voice entered his mind, but Eragon shrugged it off in an instant. He did not even know where he was, and Saphira wanted to play games with him? With an angry tone, Eragon expressed his disagreement.
Saphira, I cannot leave because I don't even know where I am! The dragoness craned her long neck and reached with her snout towards his torso, nuzzling him with love. Unable to resist such display of affection, Eragon placed his arms on the sides of her snout and leaned his head against her nostrils that expelled warm air with each exhale.
Y-you did the right thing to flee. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you, Saphira, Eragon cooed, scratching her on the snout with his fingers. Being one of the things that irritated her because of the ticklish sensation, Saphira withdrew her snout and shook her heard. For the first time after the battle, Eragon could gaze into her sapphire eyes that were as soothing as the ocean for him. However, this time, her eyes were anything but full of serenity. Out of a sudden, the tail that supported his weight withdrew and Eragon fell on the ground face first.
That's what you get for saying such stupid things, little one. If you think that I am just a flying lizard that can only transport and not protect you, then I will make sure to prove you wrong, Saphira growled menacingly. After he got up, Eragon brought his arms in a defensive position to protect himself against an eventual attack, but the wounds prevented him to do so. Whimpering slightly, he clenched his teeth and searched for Saphira's side to lean his body against her.
Saphira, I love you too much to form such a wrong image about you. It's just that… Eragon trailed off as his dizziness started to subside and the memories of the past events returned to him. The fight with Galbatorix was still vivid in his mind, like it just happened moments ago. The skill his opponent displayed was remarkable, and Eragon never thought that the King could be so strong.
Eragon, we cannot alter the past. Let it rest, for it's the present that matters, Saphira growled softly, concern lacing her voice But was it so? Eragon smiled with half a mouth at Saphira and then gazed downwards, lost in his thoughts. As he kept reliving the fight, a feeling of powerlessness started to grow in size, along with an anger he could not control.
I can not. Because of my weakness, the Varden could have lost the war. I know not why Galbatorix came here, but I couldn't stop him. Saphira said nothing, but Eragon could feel her disapproval through their link. Still, not even the partner of his mind and soul could stop him from berating himself. He had to do this in order to understand what had gone so wrong.
Is this what Brom, Oromis and Glaedr trained me for? I failed to avenge them…I failed everybody who relied on me. Their hopes have been for naught. Just as his anger increased, so did Saphira's. Even if he cherished the moments spent with her, this time, in one of the dark corners of his mind, Eragon wished that he was alone. Why couldn't Saphira understand him?
Stop this nonsense, or I will have to grind some rightfulness in you, the dragoness roared and brought her tail to her side, constricting Eragon as she added pressure. Feeling the air being drawn out of his chest, Eragon coughed loud enough to let Saphira notice that she was not helping it.
Instead of reproaching her anything, Eragon continued to dwell on the same thoughts as before. One particular part of the encounter infuriated him good enough so that his fists clenched involuntarily while blood rushed to his bulging temples. Galbatorix insulted him, he reduced him to nothingness with just words, but that was not all. How was he daring to insult Oromis, even after he died?
Maintaining his composure well enough as to not trigger another reaction from Saphira, Eragon asked, What did Galbatorix mean when he said that our master has taken a secret with him?
Saphira snorted a puff of black smoke, he was playing with your mind. Do not take to heart any of his poisonous words. Sulky as he was, Eragon didn't even look at the dragoness. She wasn't helping him. If anything, she proved to be more of an obstacle in his search for the truth. With anger clouding his judgment, Eragon attempted to do one very irrational try.
You are not helping me, Saphira. If we are one, then why do we think as two? Eragon said on the calmest voice he could muster and tried to get up, but the resistance he met from the dragoness was not something he could fight.
I understand how you feel, but do not forsake the only one who loves you because of a mere defeat, Saphira growled menacingly before she approached her mouth to Eragon's face, opening her maw into a threatening snarl. Eragon did not even flinch from his tail prison.
You do not understand. I was weak. I am still weak. How can I win this war if I cannot get stronger? Eragon screamed in her mind, releasing the volcano of raging emotions that had been building up inside him. His eyes were wide with anger and his breath accelerated.
Unexpectedly, Saphira removed her tail, allowing Eragon to move as he wished. By forgetting the bonds you share with the others, you will not get stronger, Saphira said as she moved away from him. Eragon stared at her blankly, and did nothing to prevent what was obvious. Without even looking at him, Saphira roared and launched herself into the air, flapping her wings as fast as she could.
I can't expect her to understand me, when she wasn't there to fight, Eragon thought with bitterness and began moving towards Feinster with slow steps.
Oh my, Eragon is really suffering from the previous defeat. Arya is not faring well either, but at least she did not just chase off Saphira with her recklessness! I will try to finish the next chapter the day after tomorrow.
I kind of need your help with Arya. Her character is the one I am having troubles with, and I want you to rate her based on how she behaves. While you are at it, can you give a rating to the story until now?
What I am looking for are opinions about plot( rate it!), how are the battle scenes,( rate this too!) and character development. You can do like this. Plot-8, Battles-9, characters-3. It's just an example, but you get the hang of it. Hope to hear from you all through reviews.