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Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
Eragon and Brom lunched at Fasaloft, a bustling lakeside village. It was a charming place set on a rise overlooking the lake. As they ate in the hostel's common room, Eragon listened intently to the gossip and was relieved to hear no rumors of him, Saphira or Ancalagon.
The trail, now a road, had grown steadily worse over the past two days. Wagon wheels and iron-shod hooves had conspired to tear up the ground, making many sections impassable. An increase in travelers forced the dragons to hide during the day and then catch up with Brom and Eragon at night.
For days they continued south along Leona Lake's vast shore. Eragon began to wonder if they would ever get around it, so he was heartened when they met men who said that Dras-Leona was an easy day's ride ahead of them.
Eragon rose early the following morning. His fingers twitched with anticipation at the thought of finally finding the Ra'zac. The two of you must be careful, said Saphira. The Ra'zac could have spies watching for travelers that fit your description.
We'll do our best to remain inconspicuous, he assured her.
She lowered her head until their eyes met. Perhaps, but realize that I won't be able to protect you. I will be too far away to come to your aid, nor would I survive long in the narrow streets your kind favor. Follow Brom's lead in this hunt; he is sensible.
I know, he said somberly.
Will you go with Brom to the Varden? Once the Ra'zac are killed, he will want to take you to them. And since Galbatorix will be enraged by the Ra'zac's death, that may be the safest thing for us to do.
Eragon rubbed his arms. I don't want to fight the Empire all the time like the Varden do. Life is more than constant war. There'll be time to consider it once the Ra'zac are gone.
Don't be too sure, she warned, giving him a warm nuzzle, then left with Ancalagon to hide until night.
To pass the time and to distract Saphira who had begun to fret and worry about her Rider while he was in Dras-Leona, Ancalagon decided to see if Saphira could mind sense, or as he privately liked to call it 'Becoming one with the Force'. Yeah, it isn't exactly like that but the elves' meditation is so similar to it. They had to start small though, this close to the city and any of the magic users within could sense them. Instead, Ancalagon had her focus on their immediate area and shockingly, she was met with some success. It took her a bit to get her to lay still enough to concentrate but only after allowing her tail to swish back and forth in a slow rhythm, did she calm down. In hindsight it was a given, dragons were creatures of motion and to remain still would drive the most disciplined to madness so it was best to have some part in motion, thus her tail.
She managed to pick up on the various insects, small rodents and the flora around them but had trouble focusing on them. Still, Ancalagon considered it a great start. When he concluded their lessons done for now, Saphira nuzzled him and thanked him for helping her. There didn't seem to be awkward tension after what nearly happened at Leona-Lake several nights ago, but Saphira and Ancalagon occasionally took glances at each other, and Saphira still slept beside the black dragon, making sure his wing was draped over her because 'it was a very warm blanket'. The male had rolled his eyes when the dragoness told him this, amused.
Saphira soon came out of her meditation, her eyes focused in the direction of the city, telling the dragon next to her she was talking to Eragon. Once she was done she looked at him, grinning wolfishly. Eragon and Brom are drinking, and they plan to spend time here gathering information on the happenings and supply lines of the Empire. I will not envy them in the morning.
Ancalagon perked his head up at this and a mischevious idea began to form in his head, just to mess with their human companions. I have an idea, but we'll have to wait until morning for me to go through with it.
May I ask what this idea is? Saphira asked curiously.
Ancalagon chuckled. Let's just say it'll add to the headache they'll have thanks to their hangover.
When morning came...
WAKE THE HELL UP, YOU LOUSY HUMANS! Ancalagon roared loudly in the heads of Brom and Eragon, which got the reaction he wanted as Brom writhed then tumbled out of his bed, and Eragon curled into a ball, hands over his ears.THIS IS NO TIME TO BE SLEEPING ON THE JOB! WHO GETS DRUNK IN A CITY THAT SCREAMS DANGER?!
Oh, you bastard! I'm going to skin you, then flay you then I'll-! Brom started cursing then trailed off into a pained groan as the shouting did not help with the hangover.
Eragon groaned and asked. Was that really needed, Ancalagon?
Yes. Saphira was all for it and she's laughing so hard she's rolling around. Ancalagon said with amusement, glancing at said dragoness who was laughing so hard that she rolled onto her back and even pounded the ground. Ancalagon then turned serious. Next time you enter a wretched town like this, hunting for a pair of dangerous beasts... don't get drunk. You could've done something to give yourselves away and the enemy would've murdered you in your sleep. Now shake it off, and stop whining like hatchlings.
Would you treat your own hatchlings like this? Brom grumbled.
Ancalagon snorted. If I had kids, and they decided to get drink like you two, I'd do worse than shout in their heads... I'd roar right in their faces to wake them up. Plus they#d have to be old enough to drink, and I'd make sure they have more restraint than you two.
If. Brom chuckled. You'd need to find a female to have kids.
Ancalagon stiffened at Brom's implied meaning, glancing towards Saphira who was still laughing too hard to notice. The black dragon growled. Well played, old man.
Saphira! Ancalagon! The Ra'zac found me! Eragon's panicked voice rang through the dragons' heads, waking them from their sleep the following day. The two had been bored and decided to sleep until they were called upon or contacted by their human companions. Needless to say, this is not what they expected.
But they did snap up at what Eragon had said, Ancalagoin growling. Keep running, Eragon! I'll contact Brom! Exiting Eragon's mind, Ancalagon spread his senses to the city for Brom's mind and soon found it, connecting to it instantly. Brom! The Ra'zac know you're here, and they are chasing Eragon! You need to leave, now! I'll direct Eragon to you!
The black dragon felt Brom's acknowledgement and turned to a worried Saphira who was ready to go charging into the city but Ancalagon got in front of her, blocking her with his wings.
Saphira, you can't! He said.
My Rider is in danger! Now move! Saphira growled at him.
You'd only make it worse!
B-but-!
Do you trust me, Saphira? Ancalagon gently grabbed her head and held her still, his eyes locked on her. She returned his gaze with her fear-filled ones, but she gave him a pulse of acceptance.Then trust that I will get them out of there. He turned to the city and connected to Eragon's mind. Eragon, Brom will meet you at the meetup point. There should be a door recessed in a vestibule to the left of the altar. Go now, do not stop, destroy the door and go down the hall. Once out, do not look back and make your way to the south wall in the garden, You'll need to scale the wall.
What?
Do not question! Go! NOW!
Ancalagon kept his mind locked with Eragon's until he was sure he was safe, retreating when he saw the young Rider meet up with Brom. Now, he turned his attention to the enemy and spread his mind towards one of them, forcing his way into his mind and dominating it without mercy, controlling his movements. Controlling the guard like a puppet, he had him attack his fellow soldiers, pushing them off the city's walls, cause chaos and disorder before retracting his mind once Ancalagon saw Eragon and Brom escape Dras-Leona.
Must go! Now! Ancalagon said to Saphira and the two dragons flew off into the air to meet up with their human companions.
Once they meet up with Eragon and Brom, they moved quick and fast until they were sure they were far enough away from the city, passed Leona-Lake, and had hopefully outran the Ra'zac and the King's soldiers. Soon darkness forced them to stop. With only the stars to guide them, they left the road and made camp behind two boulders. It was too dangerous to light a fire, so they ate cold food while Saphira And Ancalagon sheltered them from the wind.
After the sparse dinner, Eragon asked bluntly, "How did they find us?"
Brom started to light his pipe, but thought better of it and put it away. "One of the palace servants warned me there were spies among them. Somehow word of me and my questions must have reached Tábor . . . and through him, the Ra'zac."
"We can't go back to Dras-Leona, can we?" asked Eragon.
Brom shook his head. "Not for a few years."
Eragon held his head between his hands. "Then should we draw the Ra'zac out? If we let Saphira be seen, they'll come running to wherever she is."
"And when they do, there will be fifty soldiers with them," said Brom. "At any rate, this isn't the time to discuss it. Right now we have to concentrate on staying alive. Tonight will be the most dangerous because the Ra'zac will be hunting us in the dark, when they are strongest. We'll have to trade watches until morning."
I will go hunt for Saphira and myself, make sure we have a fill to last us for days. We should keep moving without letting anything to delay us. Ancalagon said, standing.
"Right. But be careful." Brom warned.
Ancalagon nodded and made to leave but a worried whimper from Saphira made him stop and look at her. She was looking at him, worry in her eyes and etched on her beautiful face. To ease her worried, he leaned forward and gave her a gentle lick up the snout. I won't be gone long.
You better or I'll hunt you down myself. She said, dead serious.
Ancalagon snorted in amusement before he flew off into the air. He flew until he was a little far from the camp, his gaze darting to the ground in search of any good prey to hunt but the only thing he found were rabbits and foxes. No deer or anything that could fill himself and Saphira to where they won't need to eat for a few days. He growled in annoyance at this and was about to fly further when Saphira's panicked voice rang through his head.
Ancalagon! Those monsters are here!
Freezing like he had been frozen in ice, Ancalagon whirled around and flew back with purpose. I'm coming, Saphira! Hold on!
He flew back to camp and saw his companions captured. Eragon and Brom drugged, Saphira restrained. Fury welled up in the black dragon when he saw one of the Ra'zac fit a muzzle over her jaws to keep her from biting them. The fury grew as he watched her writhe in her restraints, defenceless and unable to help. But there was one advantage that he had, along with the element of surprise.
The Ra'zac didn't know of his existence.
He flew down, trying to be as quiet as possible, but there seemed to be a strong wind with the sounds of it covering up his landing and he slowly approached with the intent to kill in his eyes, mouth opening to lick his chops.
"Let'sssss jussst kill the dragon." One of the Ra'zac suggested, gesturing to Saphira. "It'll make the boy more cooperative."
"Yessss..."
Seeing one of the Ra'zac draw it's blades and walking towards Saphira, Ancalagon burst into action. He jumped and landed in between, roaring furiously at the surprised Ra'zac as his tail and wing coiled around Saphira protectively and he raised his head, chest puffed, his other wing stretched out in an intimidating display while showing his long, shap claws that would rip apart anything.
"Another?!" One of the Ra'zac hissed in surprise.
Ancalagon didn't give them a chance to do anything else as he snatched one up in his teeth, slammed it into the ground repeatedly before tossing it aside then whirled around and tail smacked the other, sending it flying away through the air from the force behind the tailsmack. He pinned the other Ra'zac to the ground, growling lowly before deciding that he needed a message to be sent.
Give your master this message from Ancalagon the Black... I am coming for him.
"W-What are you?" The Ra'zac asked with fear in it's voice.
I am fire. I am... Ancalagon leaned forward until his teeth were inches away from the Ra'zac's face. Death.
And he proceeded to grab the Ra'zac in his jaws and chuck it far after it's companion, enough force to put javelin players to shame and to outdo a baseball being smacked by a baseball bat. Either they'll die on impact from wherever they landed, though it'll be pretty far away with how strong Ancalagon's throw was. And if they survived, they'll have a message to send back to the King. It was risky, but Ancalagon really didn't care in the moment.
Turning back to his companions, Ancalagon carefully sliced a talon through Brom's bonds, getting thanks from the old man before he went over to help Eragon while Ancalagon approached Saphira, growling at the sight of the contraption over her muzzle. He slashed at the chains holding her, his sharp talons cutting through them like a hot knife through butter then he ripped the muzzle off her. The instant she was free, she leapt at him, hugging, and nuzzling. Ancalagon didn't reject her, he held her close and nuzzled her back, feeling how much she was shivering and doing what he could to put her at ease.
No words could describe the relief he felt that she was safe, They they were all safe.
Ancalagon saw Eragon and Brom smiling at the scene and snorted at them before he snapped his gaze to the trees, narrowing his eyes as his sense of smell picked up another presence. There's someone there.
Brom grabbed his sword and shouted. "Who's there? Show yourself! Our black-scaled friend knows you're there, so come out or he will burn the area!"
There was silence and no movement, but eventually the person stood and shuffled out, a bow slung over him as he shuffled into the firelight, his face looking down at the ground. then he stopped at the edge, fidgeting on his feet awkwardly.
"Well?" Brom asked after letting silence fall for a moment. "Lift your head boy, let us see your face. Our friend says you were about to jump in and fight those Ra'zac."
The young man fidgeted a bit more before slowly raising his head, his expression seemed resigned to his fate.
After a sharp intake of breath, Brom roared.
"YOU?!"
And I'll end it there. So yeah, Brom's still alive and survives the encounter with the Ra'zac thanks to Ancalagon, who made sure that he wants a message sent to Galbatorix.