B.W.- Well, look at this… I'm doing the intro now!
S.S.- Do you want a medal? I'm still annoyed you made me do the intro and outro in the last chapter because you were too busy crying your eyes out!
B.W.- Don't judge me, man! I get emotional at times. You should've seen me when I watched War Horse in 2011… *Sniffle* Dear God…
S.S.- Oh for fuck's sa- DON'T START CRYING AGAIN! I JUST HAD THE COUCH CLEANED!
B.W.- Shut up! Let me cry!
S.S.- Just answer the people's damn reviews and get to work..
Answers to reviews:
Yubel578: Well, we're not gonna reveal that right away, are we?
the metaphysical god of heroes: Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
Ancalagon was the first to awaken the next morning, though he had no choice after the 'dream' he just had. He opened his eyes and looked around, seeing Eragon, Murtagh and Saphira were still asleep, and the barest signs of daylight were starting to become obvious in the sky. It wouldn't be long before the sun began to rise and they would be on their way to the Varden.
Which reminded Ancalagon that Eragon needed to get directions from Arya herself.
The black dragon's thoughts returned to the mysterious, confusing dream he had. Mainly the mysterious dragon that appeared around the end of it. So many questions boggled the young male's mind. Who was he? How did he know him? What importance was he because there was no dragon like him in the Inheritance Cycle story? How did he know where they were going and what was to come?
Ugh… this is hurting my head. Ancalagon groaned, lifting a paw to his head and rubbing it tenderly to soothe the headache forming from the amount of questions piling up.
Ancalagon didn't know how long he lay there, lost in his thoughts, but he was snapped out of them when feeling a nudge on his right flank. He whipped his head that way, startled, only to see Saphira awake and looking at him with concern. Ancalagon blinked and looked around, seeing quite some time had passed while he was lost in his thoughts as Eragon and Murtagh were awake, and daylight was more obvious in the sky as dawn broke.
Are you okay? Saphira asked softly, her sapphire eyes gleaming with worry as she stared into his orange-yellow eyes that she always found so handsome.
Ancalagon blinked and shook his head a little, clearing his throat. I'm fine, Saphira. I just… he was hesitant to bring up the weird dream that he had, not sure if what he experienced was just a figment of his imagination, another form of a nightmare to torment him for what he did at Gil'ead. However, he recalled the mysterious dragon's words.
Warn them of what is to come.
Softly, he sighed. I had a dream. He started, then extended his mind to Eragon and Murtagh, catching their attention as he proceeded to explain the dream, not mentioning the part that was basically a nightmare. He knew he deserved it for what he did, for foolishly giving into the rage and anger he had felt. The trio listened intently as he explained the mysterious dragon and his words.
"And you don't know who he is?" Murtagh asked with a frown, getting a head shake from Ancalagon. "Could it be a trick that the King set up?"
Ancalagon leveled him with a look. I've been nowhere near Galbatorix for him to place some trick in my head, nor will I ever. We're far enough away from Gil'ead should he have arrived there after what happened.
"What does he mean by 'what is to come'?" Eragon asked, frowning.
War. Ancalagon said darkly. War is coming, for all of us. This land may already be at war, but we aren't… and it won't be long before we're brought into it and forced to pick a side.
"Are you saying we have to join the Varden?" Murtagh asked with a dark frown. "Because I won't be going."
Do you not trust that I would keep you safe from them? I know who you are, Murtagh, and have I held that against you since we met? Ancalagon retorted, causing Murtagh to look at the ground while Eragon and Saphira looked confused. But Ancalagon didn't elaborate to them, that was Murtagh's story to tell. Not his.
"I trust you, Ancalagon." Murtagh said quietly, getting a nod from the black dragon.
I will try and get you to Surda as Brom intended, you have my word. Ancalagon assured, getting a nod from Murtagh. The black-scaled male looked to the sky and snorted before he directed his attention to Eragon. Eragon, I'm afraid we will be wandering without directions to the Varden. You need to enter the elf's mind and ask her for directions to the Varden. When you do, be warned to stay focused. An elf's mind can be dangerous and you can become lost. I would do it but I fear the shock of a dragon's mind might do more harm to her. When you do, I suggest doing the elven greeting, did Brom teach you it?
At his wary nod, Ancalagon continued.
Good. Then tell her you are a rider and a friend in the ancient language. She'll trust you enough then.
After the boys ate a cold breakfast of bread and water, Ancalagon left Saphira in charge and flew off to hunt for food. Fortunately, he managed to find two dead horses not too far away from where Gil'ead had been. He had to be careful, for the Empire was already swarming the area and would no doubt be setting out to track them down. He was thankful there was no sign of the King.
He returned to the group and dropped one next to Saphira and making the other horses jittery from the sight. By then, Eragon was done contacting the comatose Arya.
"She isn't doing well, Ancalagon. Not counting the physical torture she endured, there were multiple attempts to forcibly break her mind and the the poisons." The young Rider told him, with this news catching Ancalagon off guard, specifically one different detail.
Poisons? There's more than one in her system?! He asked in alarm, getting a nod. Then we must move quickly. With more than one poison in her veins, she'll be closer to death than we anticipated. Was she able to still give directions to the Varden?
"Yes, but she said she could only last another eight days without treatment." Eragon replied.
Ancalagon sighed. Then we'll have to push ourselves hard to make it to the mountains. We will go at a decent pace and I already found a hidden well. It'll be our first step so we won't have to deal with thirst for a bit. Once there and we all have a drink, I want you two to douse yourselves with water. Being wet might help with the heat somewhat. Arya will be fine, it is cooler up in the currents.
"So we're in a race to get an elf healed." Murtagh acknowledged before grinning a little. "I always did like races."
Eragon laughed. "And now we are in one for our lives!"
Murtagh swung into Tornac's saddle and trotted out of the camp. Eragon followed close behind on Snowfire. Saphira jumped into the air with Arya tied to her, Ancalagon taking up the rear to ensure his companions were safe and so there were no surprise attacks.
Keeping a brisk pace, the days began to pass by the companions as they made for their destination. Saphira flew with Arya tied to her belly, but Ancalagon would join the humans and horses on the ground at night. Cadoc was lashed to Tornac, who was lashed to Snowfire, who was in turn, tied to the spikes of the male dragon's tail. With Saphira being the eyes in the sky or at the rear. The only time they stopped was for food, water, or when Saphira requested rest.
Days flew by and the only exciting things to happen were sighting the Beor mountains on their third day on the sands and a run-in with a group of tribesmen. That was another point to this being different. Instead of them being slavers, like in the book, these were simply a group of travelers who politely and cautiously traded with Eragon and Murtagh for some of the hides the humans had from the few times the dragons brought back kills to them.
It was on the sixth day that events somewhat returned to normal… as far as Ancalagon thought at least. Their group had finally reached where sand gave way to grass in the early morning and everyone, save for Ancalagon, were taking a moment to enjoy the cool softness of it and letting the horses have something other than scrag offerings. Ancalagon watched them, wanting to let them enjoy it if only for a few moments, but he couldn't allow them to delay as they had an army pursuing them about four leagues away and steadily marching in their direction.
Rest for a few moments, then we will continue. Ancalagon announced, causing the humans to groan.
"Come on!" Murtagh groaned.
"Have mercy on us!" Eragon added. "We're tired! Let us have a few hours to rest at least!"
Ancalagon rolled his eyes and faced them. Not with an army nipping at our tails. As much as I would like to see you well rested, I'm afraid we can't risk it. A legion of Urgals marches to the west of us, and if we delay they will catch up. I would rather live to see another sunrise over dying in a few hours, wouldn't you?
Eragon and Murtagh shared a look before they leapt to their feet, and quickly tied Arya to a confused Saphira before remounting their horses.
Having now reached the Beor Mountains, with them bathing the group in their shadow, the group made their haste in the directions Arya gave Eragon, hoping to find a waterfall and soon. It didn't help that the army of Urgals were catching up to them.
The forest grew denser the farther in they traveled. The lack of space forced Saphira to take off with Arya, and Ancalagon had to do the same. Without a clear trail to follow, the tough underbrush slowed Eragon and Murtagh. The Beartooth River wound next to them, filling the air with the sound of gurgling water. A nearby peak obscured the sun, casting them into premature dusk.
At the valley's mouth, Eragon realized that although it looked like a slim gash between the peaks, the valley was really as wide as many of the Spine's vales. It was only the enormous size of the ridged and shadowy mountains that made it appear so confined. Waterfalls dotted its sheer sides. The sky was reduced to a thin strip winding overhead, mostly hidden by gray clouds. From the dank ground rose a clinging fog that chilled the air until their breath was visible. Wild strawberries crawled among a carpet of mosses and ferns, fighting for the meager sunlight. Sprouting on piles of rotting wood were red and yellow toadstools.
All was hushed and quiet, sounds dampened by the heavy air. Saphira and Ancalagon landed by them in a nearby glade, the rush of their wings strangely muted. Saphira took in the view with a swing of her head. We just passed a flock of birds that were black and green with red markings on their wings. I've never seen birds like that before.
The Urgals are gaining speed on us. Ancalagon said seriously. How much further?
"The Varden are hidden at the end of this valley. If we hurry, we might get there before nightfall." Eragon replied, receiving a nod from the male dragon.
Let that thought drive you. We may get a well-deserved rest by tonight, without having to worry about Urgals attacking us in our sleep. Ancalagon said, trying to reassure his companions. He didn't want them to be cornered by the Urgals, but it appears that may end up happening with the speed the Urgals were pursuing them at.
He sighed and nudged Eragon and Murtagh onward. Keep going.
With the thought of being able to rest hopefully by tonight, it set off a determined drive within Eragon, Murtagh and even Saphira. All of them, even Ancalagon were exhausted, but if there was hope for them tonight… then they'll push themselves to their limits.
The valley darkened as the hours slipped by. Without the sun to provide warmth, the sharp bite of frost crept into the air and the ground mist froze on the trees, coating them white. Night animals began to creep from their dens to peer from their shadowed hideouts at the strangers trespassing on their land.
When the end of the forest came, Ancalagon bound ahead, using his sense of smell and hearing to pick up either the sound or the smell of a waterfall. However, that became the last thought on his mind when the sound of a horn sounded far behind them, causing the companions to whip their heads around in the direction it came from.
"They're gaining on us." Murtagh breathed.
Move! Run! Ancalagon ordered, nudging them forward, ignoring the whines the horses let out. We're nearly there!
Keeping a hurried pace with Ancalagon in the lead, the male dragon picked up the roaring sound of a waterfall which set relief off in his heart. Salvation may be at hand.
The waterfall throbbed dully ahead of them, drowning out the sounds of the night.
The forest ended, and the humans pulled the horses to a stop.
They were on a pebble beach directly to the left of the mouth of the Beartooth River. The deep lake Kóstha-mérna filled the valley, blocking their way. The water gleamed with flickering starlight. The mountain walls restricted passage around Kóstha-mérna to a thin strip of shore on either side of the lake, both no more than a few steps wide. At the lake's far end, a broad sheet of water tumbled down a black cliff into boiling mounds of froth.
"We made it." Murtagh said with relief.
We're not out of this yet! Move! Ancalagon said sternly.
Eragon took the lead and picked his way along the lake's left side. The pebbles underfoot were damp and slime covered. There was barely enough room for the dragons between the sheer valley wall and the lake; they had to walk with two feet in the water.
They were halfway to the waterfall when Murtagh warned, "Urgals!"
Eragon whirled around, rocks spraying from under his heel. By the shore of Kóstha-mérna, where they had been only minutes before, hulking figures streamed out of the forest. The Urgals massed before the lake. One of them gestured at Saphira and Ancalagon; guttural words drifted over the water. Immediately the horde split and started around both sides of the lake, leaving Eragon and Murtagh without an escape route. The narrow shore forced the bulky Kull to march single file.
Ancalagon snarled and lunged at the first Urgal that was closest to him, snatching it into his jaws and crushing it under the force of his sharp teeth. He then spat the corpse out and roared challengingly at the Urgals.
Eragon! Say the phrase! The door must open! Ancalagon called out before preparing himself to fight the Urgals in a battle of tooth and claw.
As the Rider desperately hollered the opening phrase and pounded his fist against the stone, Ancalagon and Saphira felt a sudden force push them back to shield the humans and that was when all hell broke loose.
An indescribable thundering roar of pure hate and rage pierced the air, causing the advancing forces to clutch their heads and fall to their knees while screaming in pain. After a few heartbeats an enormous blue sphere streaked from the skies and hit the ground in front of the Urgals, sending a massive dome of blue and purple energy exploding outward from the impact. Urgals and Kull were sent flying through the air, their bodies charred and smoking. When the light dimmed, the group could hear an enraged roaring, the clash of metal and the screams of the Urgals as they died to whatever had dive bombed them. Dark clouds began gathering above the valley and bolts of lightning struck the ground at random, killing dozens of the beasts with each impact. Thunder boomed and the ground shook as if the world was tearing itself apart.
After several tense minutes, everything fell eerily silent.
What is- Saphira began before the dust cleared and she lost her voice.
There, standing proud in the middle of the carnage he had just wrought, was the dragon from Ancalagon's dream. His indigo eyes burned with a controlled hate, yet waves of safety and assurance rolled from him. Small bolts of lightning would occasionally flicker across his scales and Ancalagon blinked as the dragon before them looked the black dragon square in the eyes and nodded.
Without a word, their mysterious savior spread his majestic wings and took flight, disappearing into the night sky.
"W-What was that?" Murtagh breathed in a mix of awe, shock, fear and disbelief.
That… That was the dragon from my dream. Ancalagon said quietly in their heads, as stunned as his companions were. He thought the dragon had just been a figment of his imagination, but… all of them saw him with their own eyes. Even if it was just for a few seconds. Ancalagon glanced up at the sky, at the stars, feeling like there was another presence looking back at him.
One word whispered within their minds.
Go.
The sound of rock scraping against the ground filled the air, causing them to whip their heads around as they spotted a piece of the wall open… like a door.
Inside was a tunnel where only solid rock had been just moments before. Out of the opening streamed a dozen or so archers, cautiously regarding the dragons, though some stared at where the Urgals had been. Or at least what was left of them. Charred and smoking bodies floated in the lake, wisps of smoke curling from their burnt flesh. Mounds of dead Urgals littered the ground along with massive craters but what shocked everyone the most were the trees.
The trees were stripped of their leaves and the bark had been seared smooth.
From inside the tunnel, a short, broad man wearing mail and brandishing a war axe furiously waved at them to come inside.
Inside. Now. Ancalagon ordered firmly, and took up the rear while his companions entered. Once he was inside, the stone-wall doors closed behind them, echoing with a loud boom.
They had made it to the Varden.
E/N- Well that happened. An outside force has intervened with the powers within but whose side is he on? Only time will tell.
Alright. Enough of this sappy shit. Onward!
I have a couch to clean… again. Fucking bastard…
B.W.- Get over it. It's just a couch.
S.S.- I'll remember that the next time I "accidentally" spill my Starbuck's frappuccino on your blankets. *smirks*
B.W.- Do it and I'll end you quicker than CM Punk's UFC career!
S.S.- Listen here little man. You don't even reach my chest. *pins to the ground with one paw* Hatchling.
B.W.- Oh? You wanna go, you overgrown lizard?! I'll gut you like a fish, ready for a fat man's crunchy tempura sushi!
S.S.- Big words coming from the small mouth of a dragon currently pinned to the ground.
B.W.- Ever heard the phrase 'size doesn't matter'?
S.S.- *sends a lightning bolt crackling down next to your face* You were saying?
B.W.- *Rearranges face like Daffy duck* You're despicable. *Storms away*
S.S.- *clears throat* With that fun sponge gone, please remember to leave a review! Thanks.
B.W.- Your couch is on fire! *Runs away laughing maniacally*
S.S.- *sighs and launches a bolt up your ass, shocking you* Now you owe me a $900 couch. Hurry up before I up the voltage and paralyze you for 24 hours.
B.W.- …Dick. *Faces the readers* That's all for now, folks!
S.S.- *throws Bladewolf out of the window* And remember to leave a review!