Chapter 22

A new routine was set for our merry band and since we left the roads for unsettled, untamed lands, neither Saphira or I bothered to hide, often flying right above or padding along with our friends. Brom and Murtagh had entered a small town early on in our trek and found out the Empire was under the impression that the 'Dras Leona' fugitives were fleeing to Surda instead of deeper into the Empire. Still, I refused to lower my guard and every chance I got, I tried to replenish my core. Eragon did ask me why so few spells and tricks even tired me, and my response had him and Brom lost in thought awhile after. "Even with me being able to manipulate the earth, nature as a whole doesn't like to be controlled. When you push there is almost twice the force pushing back and a lot of what I did needed me to push hard and hold off the pressure pushing back so I was actually exerting three times the energy. Once to perform the manipulation and twice more to hold back the returning pressure. Add to the rapid casting and the fact I had to manipulate objects created from the earth, which is harder to do. You can guess the outcome."

I tried my best but I doubt anyone in this world really understood physics or knew Newton's Law.

Nights were entertaining with Eragon and Murtagh dueling and, on a few occasions, Brom as well in a one versus one versus one or two on one bouts. Those became my favorite, even though he was old, Brom held both of the boys back with relative ease for a good while, but again, he was old and tired easily. Often backing out to let the youngbloods finish.

When they stopped for a break during the days, both Eragon and Murtagh practiced their archery and often it turned into a friendly competition of who could hit a target the farthest, loose the most arrows the quickest, or when in need to hunt, make the fastest kill. Saphira and I, unfortunately, were forced to stretch the length we could go without food and when the need hit us, we had to fly long until suitable prey was found. We took turns hunting for both of us and it helped ease our companions and ourselves to have at least one of us out on long patrols. It was one of these patrols that helped the others avoid the large military presence when we had to pass near Urû'baen. The temptation to mess with the king was great during that time but I resisted for my friends sake and we managed to reach this desolate stretch of flatlands.

We stopped and made camp two miles away from the city, if you could call it that. Most of the buildings and the walls were all made from logs with the only defensible structure being the stone fortress in the center but even that looks like it's barely standing.

"Alright, Eragon, you stay here with our scaly friends and Murtagh and I will go in. Murtagh, if you would kindly get us some supplies I'll see Dormnad about our letters to the Varden and Murtagh's relocation to Surda." Said young man gave Brom a thankful nod, which he returned then both urged their horses onwards while Eragon sighed, dismounted and picketed his own, then went about setting up camp. He sat there staring sullenly out at the distant city.

"Do not worry little one, they can take care of themselves." I heard Saphira say, laying down and resting her head next to him. Seeing them next to each other like that with their size differences made the 6 months feel rather like years. An innocent hatchling and a simple farmer were both gone and in their place was a deadly huntress and a warrior of the blade.

"They would've taken you with them, but our enemies know your face now from Dras Leona. Brom was never truly seen with you, and Murtagh is extremely adept at being inconspicuous. Also, almost everyone in there is a soldier." I added where I sat as my wolven illusion, my eyes and senses focused on the city. My mind was struggling to find a way to let Eragon get captured and still protect the others. I would ask Fiori but Brom had graciously and discreetly asked her to go with him in case they faced trouble and he needed her strength to cast spells to escape and she was happy to, even though I was against it. Hours passed until I saw two on horseback, coming down the road that would come close to us.

"They come."

Were my only words to Eragon and Saphira. We watched them going at an easy trot then turn from the road directly towards us once out of sight of the city and their sentries. Brom spoke up once they stopped and dismounted to join Eragon around the campfire. "Dormnad has agreed to send the letters but also wished to join us. Seems the tension within the Empire is starting to get dangerous and he wants out before it's too late. I know him and he's trustworthy, he has to finish his business here and tomorrow he will join us."

Murtagh spoke up next. "Just as well, the store owner didn't have what we needed but he promised he had more that should be arriving early tomorrow morning, so we would have to wait anyway." Eragon, Saphira, and I accepted the delay. So much had happened now that I had no idea what to really expect. That night, they chose not to spar or have the fire remain lit at nightfall. As usual I remained awake and kept my senses spread out around and within the city. Within I could vaguely sense two exceptionally powerful beings that had to be Durza and Arya and often they were in the same room. That made my blood boil more than it already did, he was torturing her and it took all my willpower to not turn him into a pincushion. When morning came again and we looked at the city's distant walls there was an addition. A severely bruised and bloodied man swung slowly from a noose.

"Well." Murtagh remarked when I reported what I saw.

"It's either someone who attempted to desert or a thief." Brom grunted, taking my bag once more then looked at us. "We should be able to find out when we get close. We'll meet back up with you at the chosen location you three." With a nod from us, he and Murtagh took off back to the city at a canter. I surreptitiously watched Saphira limber up and leap into the air to be our eyes, Eragon mounted Cadoc and went off in a wide detour around the city and I went the other way, toward the giant lake and along the bank. Both of them reached it before me and my fears became reality. There was an ambush waiting for us and I arrived at a run to see Eragon and Saphira fighting a whole band of Urgals and a few Kull. Eragon was doing decently well but Saphira had some of her wing sails ripped and a few cuts along her which made me furious. I leapt to her side with a roar of fury, crushing three when I landed and five more with a swipe of my hidden tail. Teeth gleamed and claws flashed so much that I lost count how many I killed. At hearing a bellow of victory, I whipped my head around and saw a Kull with a massive double headed ax raised and aimed right at Saphira's neck. I saw red. I grabbed the Kull with such force that he lost his breath and his grip on his weapon. I lifted him to my muzzle and roared point blank into his face. The fear was palpable from him and with a loud growl, broadcasted to all there. "No one touches her…" With my piece said and the menacing red glow of my eyes brightening, I sank the talons of both my claws slowly into his chest, taking great satisfaction of his face twisting in pain and bellows of pain before I yanked, ripping him in two and sending both halves in separate directions.

"Eragon?" I turned to see Saphira looking around.

"ERAGON?!" Her panic grew when her search failed to yield her rider or his response.

"Eragoooon!" She roared in anguish and I was immediately at her side, sending soothing thoughts and reassurance that we would get him back and worked to heal her injuries. Immediately Fiori contacted me full of alarm.

"Fledgling, what happened?! We heard your roars all the way here! The city is in chaos."

"We were ambushed, someone told them where we would be. I am healing Saphira but they captured Eragon."

The worry from her doubled and I could hear her speaking quickly with Brom for a minute before filling me in.

"Then it was Brom's contact. It was him hanging at the wall with a sign reading 'Traitor'. They no doubt tortured him into giving up the information but he remained loyal to us enough to not give descriptions. Brom and Murtagh are leaving the city now but we must be careful, a Shade is here. We will see you soon, little one. "

I sent my acknowledgement and held the depressed, frightened dragoness clinging to me all the tighter. A fury unlike any I felt, had suffused me and when I saw that Urgal about to strike Saphira, it was as if all my rage gained a life of its own. Then there was my mental voice… it sounded just like the other me in that nightmare of mine. I immediately wheeled on the other humans when they joined us, Murtagh coming up short when he locked eyes on my crimson glowing ones before they faded back to the gentle blue. I listened to their observations and after a few moments, released Saphira to turn to face them when they had dismounted. Stating my thoughts.

"I have a plan, but it'd be easier if Murtagh would let me talk to him directly. I know he wants to keep his mind unconquered but I do not need his full mind, just the surface." Brom hm'd then relayed my words.

"No, I will not allow anyone in my mind and I will not budge on this." Murtagh stood straight, his eyes staring straight at me with determination plain on his face, his arms at his sides with his hands clenched in a tight fist as if he expected me to attempt breaking in. Behind me, Saphira paced, snarling and every so often, slashed and snapped at any trees she passed. Well, I can play the stubborn card too, oh this is going to hurt. Alarm coursed through me from Fiori as she sensed my plan.

Ignoring her, I kept my eyes locked with Murtagh's and after lifting my left paw to rub my throat, widened my stance, locking my legs to keep myself upright. Once done, I took a deep breath… then spoke out loud to all in a gravely low growling tone. Saphira stopped her pacing to stare at me in shock, Brom went pale, Murtagh mirrored the dragoness and Fiori raged and begged me to stop. "Errry eel, hen Brrrom end oooh eel essskuuu Errrgone, hile eye-" Everyone watched in horror as blood started to gurgle and foam into my mouth before spilling over to splatter on the ground as my vocal cords proceeded to shred themselves. Brom made to stop me but I whipped my head to him and growled and he flinched. Not from the wheezing squeak that came out instead, but from his front having hot dragon blood thrown on it. After making sure he had stopped, I turned to lock eyes with Murtagh again, noting the shock and awe and some other emotion competing on his ashen face and doing my best to ignore the intense pain in my throat. I sensed Saphira try to move to stop me, but a hard slam of my tail against the ground in front of her made her stop as well.

"Eye eel bee eessstrrreckun. Eeek ul sssolurss-" Murtagh grabbed my snout, careful to keep clear of my boiling blood now steadily flowing from my red-foamed muzzle. "Stop! Please! Okay! Okay, I didn't expect you to… Why?! If you know who I am then why would you go to such lengths?!"

I smiled and he quickly shifted his feet to the side to avoid the brief rush of bloodied saliva the action caused. "Ooh errr aaht errr aahther. Ooh have aah ood aarrt." He let go to wipe the tears that tried to fall before staring sternly at me. "I told you to shut up already, I said you could contact me your way, you stubborn lizard!" I tried to flash a grin but only grimaced. Feeling I made a point, I flicked my left paw until a barely visible white spectral aura covered it then pressed it to my throat. I gave a sharp hiss that resolved into a sigh of relief as the healing spell mended the damage to myself while both Brom and Saphira looked on in amazement and slight anger.

Fiori was livid at my stunt.

To ignore her, I let loose a series of hisses, growls and lowered roars, testing the mended vocal cords. Finding them back to normal, I focused back on our group, grinning as Murtagh gasped at hearing my true voice for the first time.

"As I stated earlier, if you couldn't understand me, Brom and Murtagh will infiltrate the prison, rescue Eragon while I act as a distraction. The legendary 'Silver Wraith' should be more than enough to empty the place of soldiers and I hope the shade as well, My own ward should protect me from his spells and I am hoping he'll mistake me as just an oversized wolf. Once you have Eragon, make sure you're not seen and get out. I will create your entry and exit when I begin my part. Once out of the walls, Saphira will be waiting to give you an airlift. If it all works out then they'll never know it was a prison break." Brom nodded and went to pack Eragon's stuff away and it felt nice that he had come to trust me and have faith in my plans without questioning, although this time I just wanted to rampage. Once night fellI had Brom tie my bag holding Fiori to Saphira's saddle since she wasn't to take part in the actual fighting then laid down closing my eyes. When I next opened them, I was in a cell, the moonlight barely illuminating but was enough with my enhanced vision to see Eragon laying on a cot. Knowing I had little time with this kind of golem I shook him awake, earning a groan and a curse.

"Huh? Wha-" Eragon rose and looked around before spotting my golem. "Wrathion?" I made the golem nod, the anti magic drug keeping me from actually talking to him.

"Am I glad to see you! I got clubbed from behind when I turned to see what you roared at. Is Saphira ok? The others?"

I gave another nod

"Good, I saw how hurt she was. Listen there's an Elf here, an ELF! We need to get her too, when is the rescue?"

I had the golem point down and stomp it's foot.

"Now?! But it feels like it's the middle of the night!"

I just nodded and closed it's eyes then had the golem dissolve into dust. When I reopened them, I was back at the camp with everyone looking at me.

"It is time." With a determined look on all three I got to my paws, donned the glamour and stalked into the surrounding woods, fading into the darkness.

I watched the sentries from the gloom of the forest, if I could call them that. Not a single one was actually keeping watch, they were all talking to each other. I supposed from their view no one would attack this place. The fear of the king and the fact that Urgals are also working with them had made them lax. It was also apparent they never expected to get attacked by a firebreather, what with all this wood around. Well for now I'm a wolf and wolves aren't supposed to breathe fire. Lowering my head to line up my horns to the section of the wall that was also next to the prison, I charged. The thick timbers were large and stout, meant to keep any kind of wild predators out, but not me. They exploded as I rammed through and gave a savage grin as I heard the screams of the sentries that were shredded by the millions of wooden shrapnel. I kept my charge going until my head punched through the end of a hall within the prison block then backed out. By now there was yelling and alarm bells tolling from the fortress and I felt arrows clattering against my hidden scales. Giving my head a shake to free it of the few splintered pieces of wood hung or impaled on my horns, I turned my gaze to the fort and took off. These alarms were annoying and had to go. In my wake every soldier that didn't die by my entrance ran after me, leaving that entire block deserted for the cloaked figures that followed me in and into the prison.

I took a large leap and barreled through the belfry, slicing and ripping at the mountings for the bells until they went crashing down within the fortress. Now that that irritating noise was gone, I leapt into the courtyard and the dozens of platoons of pikemen and archers waiting for me. I snapped, slashed, hit, and pummeled anything that got in my way. At some point I had demolished a storage building or an auxiliary armory because there were dozens of shattered spears, snapped bows and arrows along with training dummies, sword racks in splinters with their swords shattered. Not to mention burlap bags and barrels of oil. I however, had to focus more on the fight, the mages had joined. The screams of terror, and cries for help filled the city while I moved in a slow circle back to my original entry. Brom had just told me they had Eragon and the Elven egg-courier Ayra, had retrieved their weapons and were leaving now when I was hit hard in my side and knocked into one of the many barracks. I held back a roar of pain as I was sure my right wing was now broken.

"So… you are this fabled 'Silver Wraith?' You're nothing more than an overgrown mangy mutt. I do have to agree you seem very hard to put down, perhaps I should make you my pet?"

I got back onto my paws and turned to face the owner of that voice. There standing in the middle of the street with his sword drawn… was Durza. The arrogant sneer on his face had me itching to just charge and tear him apart but I held back. Here was my quarry at last and he was very dangerous. I let loose a single, Low growl making the ground shake. Many of the infantry behind him lost their ability to stand but they were insignificant now, my eyes were only on the shade as I slowly stepped out of the hole I made. The teeth of the wolven glamour were bared, my head low, my now intense crimson eyes returning his gaze.

I saw he was intrigued with my showing and shifted his stance, raising his sword.

"Perhaps I was wrong. Seems you are more than a simple wolf. You should be still down and whining from the force I put into that. I suppose I need to be rougher, not too much. You will be mine!" He came at me then and I waited until he got close then leapt over him. As I passed over I gave him a swat of my own, sending him back the way he came and through a stone wall. He didn't give me much time to think as he came rushing back, mad with glee.

"Oh yes! You would be the perfect weapon! With you I could even take on the king! Submit Wraith!"

I managed to knock his blade away with my hidden talons and I smirked to myself at his surprised reaction.

"Are you warded?! Well it seems you're not working alone. Someone had to give you them. Perhaps that rider I captured, no, You haven't tried to find him."

He came at me again but at that moment something unexpected happened. The loud clang of metal on metal rang loud as Brom stood in front of me, The cold hatred on the old man surprised me just as much as his appearance. Old or not, his sword was stable and easily held the stunned shade at bay, sparks flying where they grinded against each other.

"YOU!" Brom roared, twisting his sword, knocking Durza's aside for a strike of his own but was parried. Brom didn't let up, He kept striking with such ferocity that I could only stand there and watch. "You are responsible for the elf's condition! A quick death for you would be far too merciful! I knew I should've killed you that time in Furnost!"

Durza's glare and his sneer told me this wasn't the first time these two crossed blades. Seeing the soldiers edging closer and were about to attack Brom while he was distracted made me trust in the former Rider's skill for the time being and charged the ranks that were reforming. You know if it wasn't such a serious moment I would've yelled 'strike!' On another note, Fiori's remark when we first met about my horns versus humans were answered now. Those that weren't impaled or crushed under my large feet were sent flying, their armor rent and chests caved in. Arrows, spears, polaxes, and swords were all brought to bear against me and a few managed to find my wings' webbing, tearing great holes and spattering the ground with my blood but it was nowhere the amount I was making them spill. My slaughterfest was instantly halted by a cry of pain. Instantly I zeroed in on it and to my horror, Brom was on his knees, a pool of blood slowly growing on the ground in front of him, Durza was standing over him, sword raised. I reacted instantly, a pillar erupted out of the ground, sending the shade back into the fortress through a higher level. I rushed to Brom's side and gently nudged him on his back. It was then that I saw the deep gash that ran from his right chest to his left hip. The injury was deep. If it wasn't for the fact that I was a dragon and had caused similar wounds, I probably would have lost whatever lunch I had, along with my sanity.

"No… Nononono NO! Brom, we can fix this, just stay with us, we can get you to Eragon and-!" I stared down through blurry eyes at his tired, saddened smile. His voice was already weak.

"No Wrathion, this is it for me. Eragon is too weak and still has the drug in him and Ayra is in a deep coma and currently weaker than him. I suppose when you rescue my Saphira, you'll tell her I tried. Take care of her… and take care of young 'ness traveling with you won't you? She is very serious about having you as a partner… Tell Fiori-elda I am sorry I can no longer reminisce about the old days with her anymore… that… I… I will…." Brom slipped into unconsciousness but I could still feel his heartbeat slowly get weaker. I knew now wasn't the time, I was still in the center of an enemy city, and the shade was still alive, watching from the hole he made, but none of that mattered. I saved him! He didn't die by the Ra'zac's dagger! I thought I changed that bloody fortune! No.. I refuse this outcome! I! Forbid! This death! HE WILL NOT DIE HERE! Deep within me laid a power I could only JUST reach. It allowed me to heal any wound any dragon could get and even let me use Brisingr though a candle's flame was bigger. That power now rushed through me, blending with me. My entire being burned with the power, I felt I had to do something and so as I created a small open-topped box of stone around the dying Brom, I leaned down and touched the tip of my snout to his brow. Instantly the magic flowed out of me like a tidal wave. So immense was it, My glamour was ripped from me, Revealing me in all my draconic glory right in front of the Empire and the shade amidst gasps and cries of fear. I didn't care. The old man and the stone crate blazed with such intense light, I felt heat from it and it was as if it was day. The event seemed to last ages but eventually it subsided. In front of me now was a capsule made out of a black diamond with specks of white and sapphires. My connection with the earth and the capsule told me that while Brom's heart had stopped, it wasn't from death, and the area immediately surrounding him was reading sub zero temperatures. I do not know how, but the wild magic within me somehow made some sort of magical cryopod. I stood there panting and staring at it. That is, until some sort of magical bolt hit it, making it rock, then a second. I snapped my crimson, blazing gaze up at Durza and saw he was about to do it a third time, rage dominating his face. His narrowed eyes moved from the capsule to my glare and then… all went black.

I woke when I felt something nudging me, that soon turned to nips and nuzzles.

"Please, please wake Wrath! It is dangerous here! The king could have seen that light! Wrath! Wake up!"

"Nngh, Saphira?" I opened my eyes and at first all I could see was fuzzy shapes but soon that cleared up into Saphira trying to push me onto my paws, there was an elf strapped limply into her saddle. Eragon and Murtagh were there. Eragon was bent over the capsule while Murtagh was looking around. He wasn't making a sound but I could see him mouthing 'It's gone' over and over again. I gave a large yawn that startled the two humans into looking at me. Once on my feet I looked around and froze. Gil'ead… was no more. Ash rained down on us, even piles of it where I knew bodies once were. The old stone fortress was scattered all over, some even far within the forest and there were dozens of fissures in the ground releasing steam and even magma in some. All around were footprints, draconic prints seared into the ground, a few still smoking. I knew I did this somehow but wasn't fully sure how.

I grabbed the capsule and placed it on my back. It had some weight but it was one I welcomed.

With a nod to the two boys, I draped a wing over Saphira then turned to walk away to where I sensed the horses and none said anything. All of my movements were stiff and tired.

My mentor chose then to talk, Her voice gentle and eased tension I didn't even know was in me. "Fledgling? I would ask if you were alright, but I can tell that's not true. Is.. little Brom…?" I smiled at the nickname she had for him.

"No.. not yet but he is grievously injured, I do not think he can be healed quickly, the wound was… not good."

That admission seemed to relieve her sadness somewhat.

"Your rage was both terrifying and amazing, little one… To think if all dragons back then had your ability, the land would be in complete ruins. We all witnessed it."

I sighed, glancing at the dragoness keeping stride with me even though her back spines barely reached my belly. She was using the fact that my wing completely covered her to press her muzzle against my shoulder and I could feel it slowly grow wet from tears.

"I killed innocents tonight m-teach… I know I did."

"You are wrong, little one. The moment you started your attack some of the soldiers took it upon themselves to evacuate the few civilians that resided here instead of picking up weapons to fight you. Unfortunately they all saw when you dropped your illusion and now the Empire knows there are two dragons, and that one is far more dangerous. We must leave here quickly."

Sending her my agreement I spoke to all three of my companions, making them all jolt from the sudden voice.

"Before we can talk about what happened here we must gain distance between us and this place. Knowing the entire Empire knows where we are and that we are hostile against them, we have two choices. Go directly south and attempt to get past the entire Empire the clear and safe way… or go East to South East across the desert to the Beor mountains, a life ending path but unexpected by the Empire. We need to decide now." I waited quietly as they mounted their horses and made their choice. With a unanimous vote for the desert attempt, we set out. I promise Brom, I will protect them while you sleep.

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Saphira

Gil'ead

Someone warned them! Saphira snarled, lashing out with her claws and snapping her fangs. They had waited until her partner-of-her-mind-and-heart had arrived and dismounted before attacking. They cleverly sent one in to distract her rider while the rest came up from behind her, a few were almost as big as her. Worthy opponents for me!

To her dismay, no matter how many she killed, more seemed to come and she started to feel worried. That is, until a furious roar announced Wrathion's arrival. The speed and ferocity of his kills and the absolute rage he was emanating sent pleasant shivers through her. Former human or not, he was acting very much like a dragon. So distracted by watching the large drake slaughtering the Urgals with ease, she didn't see the one that managed to reach her neck until he bellowed right by her ear canal. Too late she realized as the brute raised his ax, that she couldn't turn her head to get him. A large silvery claw reached over her back and grabbed him, his ax falling to the ground embedded into the ground. The roar and menacing statement that followed made her warm but she shook herself. There'd be time later for such thoughts, she had to check on her rider.

"That seems to be the last of them little one, are you alright?"

She started to look around at the carnage but she received no reply.

"Eragon?"

Saphira circled the area, flipping Urgal corpses over and her heart sped up.

"ERAGON?!"

She started to toss the bodies, hoping beyond hope he had just passed out but her search proved he was no longer here or awake.

"Eragoooon!" Saphira cried out, all her anguish, anger, and loss suffusing her roar then collapsed suddenly oh so tired. She felt a massive wing envelope her, and Wrathion's familiar presence filled her mind with comforting thoughts and gentle whispers of reassurance.

She jolted from her depression at the feeling of her injuries getting healed, only now aware of the pain she was in. With a mental sigh of relief, she huddled close to his bulk and took solace that he had saved her yet again.

When she heard the sounds of horses approaching, she turned her head and peeked out from under the wing covering her. Seeing that it was Brom and Murtagh, she felt Wrathion release her to face them. Deciding she needed to vent the anger that remained, her eyes settled on the trees and went to pace before them, imagining they were Urgals trying to take her partner while Wrathion talked to the others. She only partially listened enough to hear it was Brom's "friend" that was responsible for her loss. That got a snort from her, if he wasn't dead already then she would've used him to test the sharpness of her talons for his betrayal. An unknown deep, gravely voice that seemed to growl out a broken version of human speech grabbed her attention and apon looking in the direction of it, she looked on in shock. Wrathion? The drake was trading stares with Murtagh who was as shocked as she was while Brom was pale. Soon she too was horrified when blood started to dribble and platter on the ground. Brom tried to stop him but he abandoned his attempt as Wrathion snapped his head in the direction, coating the front of the old one in dragon's blood. The once shiver inducing growl reduced to a whispery wheeze. She decided to try stopping him but the moment she moved forward, his tail slammed down in front of her, sending dirt flying. She knew a warning when she saw one even if he didn't turn to look at her. Thankfully young Murtagh snapped to his senses, stopping Wrathion from further hurting himself and agreeing to let him into his mind. Really? That was what it was about? I am surprised Wrathion didn't just push himself into his mind, I know he could. Now that her stress relief was stopped, she listened to Wrath's plan. It surprised her how simple it was but she was a bit put out on not taking part in the attack. Only thing that kept her from protesting was her desire to make sure her partner was safe, and she felt nothing could beat Wrath. When Brom attached Wrath's satchel and saddle bags to her, she knew the drake meant it when he said he was done holding back.

Night had fallen when Wrath gave the signal to begin. Spreading her wings, she leapt into the air and with only a few downstrokes, was circling high overhead. She watched when Wrath rammed through the wooden walls and "Stumbled" headfirst into a building. He then ran down the center to the only stone structure where the faint sounds of bells were coming from. Her sharp vision made it easy to watch the enemy follow him and only once she was sure none remained, let Brom know he and Murtagh could enter. Brom kept her informed on their progress and was elated when they found her little one awake and waiting. A growl and jet of smoke escaped her muzzle once she learned he was given the same drug that blocked her and his magic and was surprised when they also found an Elf imprisoned. All while she kept track of Wrath's destruction, admiring how he moved with lethal precision. Saphira had to abandon her aerial observations after Brom told her they had gotten Eragon's weapons along with the Elf's and were getting ready to leave. Still, she made it back to the hole just as the group came out of the building. She gave a pleased hum when her partner embraced her muzzle while she told Brom he and Murtagh could put the Elf in her saddle to keep her in place. They were all making their way back into the forest when Brom stopped.

"You three go, I should help Wrathion, he's facing a shade and while Murtagh is skilled, without magic you'd be killed quickly, and don't you start Eragon, you're still under the effects of the drug and still learning magic." He glared at her rider who had opened his mouth in protest. Getting acceptance from both boys, Brom turned and ran towards the sounds of battle.

Saphira watched him go then nudged the other into getting on, once they were, she took to the sky. It was difficult and while she labored to climb, she resolved to ask Wrath to help get stronger.

They were at their hidden camp waiting anxiously for their friends to join them when the night sky above the city blazed with light and a roar so filled with hate and pain echoed. Nothing was needed to be said, she leapt to the sky and became a blur to reach the city. The sight that met her not only struck a primal fear in her heart but also filled her with awe. On the ground was a black dragon that was similar to Wrath. It had his runic markings and eyes though they blazed red, his unique horns although wreathed in flames, and his crest even if it and his black scales shined like polish black stones. His wings however were changed. Where the coal colored webbing once was now sails of roiling flames, likewise she could see every scale on him outlined with a yellow-orange glow of some kind of substance that sizzled and dripped from him. Her eyes, which was able to read air currents, could see the immense heat radiating from him. So much so that buildings caught fire just from his passing and any of the soldiers that remained, turned to ash upon getting close. Weapons seemed to melt and every step he made seared the ground. Large cracks had appeared and the same liquid dripping from him was seeping up and oozing out. Wrathion was thrashing about and it took her a moment to realize he had some man in his jaws. What he looked like she couldn't tell. He had most of his hair burned off and gashes all over in places not within Wrath's grip. The man's skin and face seemed to always move like it was trying to heal only to be instantly burned or torn again. Two large things moved and briefly got her attention. To her shock there were two other dragons there.

No…

She realized they weren't truly dragons. For one they had only hind legs and walked on folded wings, the second reason was they were made of some sort of black stone that shined in the fires, both had rubies for eyes that shined just as intensely as Wrath's and… , she shuddered, almost evilly. Only one was actively moving, ripping buildings to their foundations before moving on to the lone stone structure. The other was coiled around some large jewel, lashing out at anyone that got close. She remembered Wrath's lecture about his 'golems' and how he told her the strongest he made were dragon versions that turned the area they spawned in into deadland. Indeed they were too, all the grass was gone and many of the trees surrounding the city were dead or rotting before her eyes.

This was Wrathion's fury? This was his true strength?

That thought made her immensely glad she would never have to face him as enemies. There was one thought that took up the most of her mind however. I hope our hatchlings take after him.

Movement below her turned out to be her rider and Murtagh though they were still a fair distance away. Her eyes turned back in time to catch Wrath tossing the man into the air… then catching him again by the head. With a quick jerk, Wrath decapitated the man and she watched the corpse turn transparent then burst into multiple wisps of black that fled hastily south. Wrathion gave a loud victorious roar then made his way to the coiled fake which dissolved along with the other that now stood where the stone fortress once was. Upon reaching the curious jewel, Wrathion collapsed. Steam erupting from his body and the black coating falling away like soot to reveal his silver wings. His wings extinguished themselves, and she watched in morbid fascination as the coal webbing rapidly regrew. Cautiously she landed near him and approached. It was only when she got near did she see it was Brom within the strange jewel, her eyes spying the wound. Oh no… Brom… Eragon is going to be devastated.

As if summoned by thought, Her rider and Murtagh warily approached, their eyes wide and faces filled with shock and stunned amazement. Eragon looked at Wrathion the at her. "W-Where's Brom?" She cursed the drug's blockage and diverting her gaze from him, gently nudged him towards the gem. "Saphira? Wha-" Watching over him as his voice hitched upon realizing Brom laid within. He then crumbled on top of it, the near silent crying reaching her ears.

'It is not safe here, Wrathion must wake and we must leave now.'

That voice was silent for a long time but it was right as always, it wasn't safe here. She made her way to Wrath's Side and tried to shove him with all her strength but it was no use, he might as well have been a mountain.

"Please, Please wake Wrath! It is dangerous here! The king could have seen that light! Wrath! Wake up!"

Eventually he started to stir and she was relieved to hear his mental voice again. "Nngh, Saphira?"

She nodded and sniffed, giving his neck a happy nuzzle While he yawned. Once he was on his feet, he looked around. She had gotten used to reading his expressions during the time so it saddened her to see the guilt and shame that flashed in his eyes. Without a word he used his wings to grasp the gem encasing Brom and placed it on his back and with a nod to Eragon and Murtagh, he turned to leave. What surprised her, was when he draped a wing over her, not that she would complain. Taking her chance to mourn the loss of the old one out of the other's sight, she pressed her muzzle against Wraith's shoulder and let her own tears flow. No one said a word the entire way to where the horses were. Eragon and Murtagh had to ride them to follow her. Once they were in sight, Wrath spoke up again.

"Before we can talk about what happened here we must gain distance between us and this place. Knowing the entire Empire knows where we are and we are hostile against them, we have two choices. Go directly south and attempt to get past the entire Empire the clear and safe way… or go East to SouthEast across the desert to the Beor mountains, a life ending path but unexpected by the Empire. We need to decide now." She waited on the other's decision and felt Wrath reclaim his bags, Privately she was relieved, whatever he had in them was heavy, or in those saddle bags at least.

Eragon and Murtagh nodded to each other but it was her rider that answered Wrath. "It might be stupid and reckless, but we choose the desert." With the way chosen, they set off.

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A/N:

Geewillikers Batman!

This chapter.. It tried me. I just never felt satisfied with it. Since it's such a crucial point, I tried to do it well and after many variations written in my "SCRAPS" Doc, I finally felt I found a decent start of my divergence. Gil'ead played a MAJOR role in the story, I mean, The army that faces the Varden on the burning plains marched from there, and it was also where Murtagh killed You-Know-Who while Galby possessed his body so with it being gone now, who knows what ripples our drake had started. (Ra'zac's death doesn't count, with the parents still alive, it's very plausible another pair could be hatched and sent to attack Carvahall.)

Now with Brom out of the picture for the time being, our drake will have to step up, How will this change him? Well let's find out!

MASSIVE Thank you to all my readers, New and old. Your comments help me have strength to keep writing this no matter the trouble.

I'm a very happy drake.

As to Walkman's comment on previous chapter, I dialed her down exactly for that reason. She doesn't have to be the strong one and can relax, not on her own, and because Wrathion's mere presence and misplaced cues are constantly throwing her off. Don't worry, once the awkwardness gets resolved she'll be her confident self.

Thanks once more to my unofficial Betas, Jordan213123 & Undead

You two help ease a lot of the stress I've been having with this.