In the words of King Theoden from Lord of the Rings…
"And so it begins."
Answers to reviews:
Yubel578: Thank you kind sir. Now I hope I did some justice for the shitty Farthen Dur battle here. It was honestly more of a large-scale skirmish in my honest opinion.
Nastadoa (chapter 4): Oh yeah. I wasn't around for that part but yes. Funny business.
Nastadoa (Chapter 37): It was meant as a learning curve and to show how Ancalagon has reshaped the world and the people within it. Arya isn't a bitch and her language is… well… yeah you saw.
With the reviews outta the way, let's dive in.
"The Battle of the Burning Plains"
Part I
Night had fallen on the Burning Plains. The roof of opaque smoke covered the moon and stars, plunging the land into profound darkness that was broken only by the sullen glow of the sporadic peat fires, and by the thousands of torches each army lit. Brief flashes of lightning crawled across the black clouds that swirled around the battlefield. Thunder rumbled nonstop in the distance.
Eragon fastened the final piece of Saphira's armor to her tail, as Ancalagon laid next to her with his tail gently caressing hers. Neither said anything, simply communicating with thoughts and emotions as they waited silently.
"Hello Orik," Eragon said suddenly, and all three turned to see said dwarf climbing up the low slab of rock he and his companions rested on. The dwarf came to Eragon's side and favored him with a skeptical expression.
"How did you know it was me? I was keeping myself shrouded."
Ancalagon snorted in amusement. The smell of a dwarf is easy to recognize. What brings you here, Orik?
"Thought you might appreciate some company," Orik shrugged, plopping down beside the male dragon. "That, and I came to tell you you won't be alone out there. Mine kinsmen from Durgrimst Ingeitum and I shall fight alongside you, so that you three can concentrate on finding those blasted magicians instead of worrying about a sword through the gut."
Thank you, Orik, Saphira hummed. I worry enough as it is about these two.
Hilarious. Ancalagon said dryly, rolling his eyes.
Then, Eragon piped up again, asking what the dwarf thought of the pact with the Urgals. To his surprise, Orik was actually for the alliance. It may not be the most desirable situation, but he agreed with what their leader had said; they needed allies. After that, all four lapsed into relative silence. Eragon tried to distract himself by oiling Saphira's molded saddle, polishing his hauberk, or just sharing emotions with Saphira and Ancalagon through their link.
Saphira lifted her head and placed it on Ancalagon's shoulder. Promise me, Michael. She whispered. That you will come back to me.
Ancalagon looked at her with loving, soft eyes. Then he leaned in and gave her a kiss on her lipless mouth. I always do, but I promise.
Saphira hummed and kissed him back as hard and passionately, which he returned quite as eager as her. But it lasted about ten seconds before they pulled away and just nuzzled each other, both of them knowing they were afraid of the coming battle… where anything could happen and end their lives in a second.
Eragon smiled as he watched the two, before he paused as he sensed two beings approaching from across the no-man's-land. Angela? Solembum? Puzzled and alarmed, he woke Orik—who had dozed off—and told him what he had discovered.
The dwarf frowned and drew his war ax from his belt. "I've only met the herbalist a few times, but she didn't seem like the sort who would betray us. She's been welcome among the Varden for decades."
"We should still find out what she was doing," said Eragon.
Save it. Came the rumbling voice of Stargazer as he made his way over. She was doing some... less than honorable acts within their camp, yet it will give us a slight edge above the army massed across from us. My son knows what she was doing.
Eragon, Orik and Saphira looked at Ancalagon who nodded to confirm his father's words. He looked to the side and then held his tail out as Angela came running back, using his tail to swing to the ground as Solembum ran up the male dragon's back and perched himself on top of his head… before Ancalagon huffed and lowered his head so the werecat can jump off.
He was not some cushion… unless it was for Saphira.
"Ah, a welcoming committee!" Angela grinned. "How thoughtful."
Did you do what had to be done? The crystal dragon politely inquired.
"Sure did." Angela nodded, bending forward to catch her breath.
"And what exactly were you doing?" Orik demanded with a suspicious tone.
"Oh, this and that."
"I think you better tell us," said Eragon.
Her face hardened. "Is that so? Don't you trust Solembum and me?" The werecat bared his pointed teeth.
"Not really," admitted Eragon, but with a small smile.
"That's good," said Angela. She patted him on the cheek. "You'll live longer. If you must know, then, I was doing my best to help defeat the Empire, only my methods don't involve yelling and running around with a sword."
"And what exactly are your methods?" growled Orik.
Poison. Stargazer answered in a flat tone.
"Poison?!" Eragon's eyes widened.
While an unconventional method… this is war. Ancalagon said in a hard tone. In war, you need to be willing to do what is necessary to win. Or however that fancy talk goes.
Hey kid. Speaking of strategies... remember how the Romans had their archers positioned in layers behind their shield wall?
Yeah?
The crystal dragon smirked. Why wouldn't that work here? Pot shots from long range volleys and close range supportive fire to cover our melee troops' backs.
Hmm, true. And a good plan of attack. Ancalagon mused. Now that he thought about it, they could try and use attack strategies done by armies of his world such as the Spartans or the Romans, both of which were the greatest armies of their time. The only other army he thought of as just as great would be the hordes of Genghis Khan. Though they were more horseback and struck in small numbers. We should suggest that plan of attack to whoever is commanding the archers.
That would be your mother... Stargazer replied with a grin. Then again, she'd probably be butthurt that she didn't come up with the idea herself.
Ancalagon chuckled in amusement.
Time flew by as they waited for the storm to break, every soldier gripping their weapon. The smell of fear and anxiety was heavy in the air for the dragons to notice, and Ancalagon couldn't really blame the warriors. For some… they wouldn't be surviving this. He glanced at Stargazer, as that thought took him back to what Stargazer said about seeing his… 'death'.
That wouldn't happen. Not if Ancalagon had something to say about it.
For Eragon, dawn was greeted with a nudge from Ancalagon followed by his voice. Wake up, Eragon. It's time. A surge of energy erased Eragon's sleepiness. Jumping to his feet, he shouted the word to everyone around him, even as he clambered into Saphira's saddle, pulling his new bow from its quiver. Ancalagon, the Kull and dwarves surrounded Saphira, and together they hurried down the breastwork until they reached the opening that had been cleared during the night.
The Varden poured through the gap, quiet as they could be. Rank upon rank of warriors marched past, their armor and weapons padded with rags so no sound would alert the Empire of their approach. The dragons joined the procession when Nasuada appeared on a roan charger in the midst of the men, Arya and Trianna by her side. They acknowledged each other with quick glances, nothing more.
During the night, the mephitic vapors had accumulated low to the ground, and now the dim morning light gilded the turgid clouds, turning them opaque. Thus, the Varden managed to cross three-quarters of the no-man's-land before they were seen by the Empire's sentries. As the alarm horns rang out before them, Nasuada shouted, "Now, Eragon! Tell Orrin to strike. To me, men of the Varden! Fight to win back your homes. Fight to guard your wives and children! Fight to overthrow Galbatorix! Attack and bathe your blades in the blood of our enemies! Charge!" She spurred her horse forward, and with a great bellow, the men followed, shaking their weapons above their heads.
Ancalagon stretched his mind out to Saphira, his parents, Eragon, Arya… his family. Be safe, all of you.
You too. They responded and went off into battle. Ancalagon spread his wings and took to the sky, his chest glowing with the building fire. As he descended on a row of the King's soldiers, he inhaled and then exhaled, unleashing the fire from his mouth and burning the row of soldiers before breaking off to go for another round.
A few seconds later, archers were firing up at him, but the arrows bounced harmlessly off his scales as he dove in and used his tail to batter the soldiers like bowling pins. As he ascended into the sky, he got a good look at the battlefield and peered in on how his companions were doing.
They charged into the Empire's flank, pinning the soldiers against the Jiet River and distracting them long enough for the Varden to cross the remainder of the distance between them without opposition.
The two armies collided with a deafening roar. Pikes clashed against spears, hammers against shields, swords against helms, and above it all whirled the hungry gore-crows uttering their harsh croaks, driven into a frenzy by the smell of fresh meat below.
Wrinkling his nose at the smell, even as his hunger slightly gnawed at him, he shook it off and got back to the battle. His plan was to try and burn as many of the soldiers as he can, at least the ones at the rear, try and make the number drop by taking out the archers since the infantry was occupied by the Varden's forces.
However, the Empire began to recover from the combined assault of the Varden and the dragons as they began to man their machines of war: catapults that cast round missiles of hard-baked ceramic, trebuchets armed with barrels of liquid fire, and ballistae that bombarded the attackers with a hail of arrows six feet long. The ceramic balls and the liquid fire caused terrific damage when they landed.
Woah! Ancalagon exclaimed as he rolled in the air to avoid being struck by the hailstorm of arrows from a ballistae. That was close. Okay… my turn.
Tucking his wings in, Ancalagom dove straight for the soldiers around the ballistae that shot at him as they set about loading another barrage of arrows into the machine. However, they didn't get the chance before Ancalagon came in and shot his wings out, his tail coming down and colliding with the machine of war, reducing it to nothing more than broken remains.
Take that, assholes. Ancalagon smirked and swooped off to take out another battalion of soldiers.
The Empire's machines of war continued to fire, even as Ancalagon took out some of them. One ball exploded against the ground not ten yards from Saphira. As Eragon ducked behind his shield, a jagged fragment spun toward his head, only to be stopped dead in the air by one of his wards. He blinked at the sudden loss of energy.
The engines soon stalled the Varden's advance, sowing mayhem wherever they aimed. They have to be destroyed if we're going to last long enough to wear down the Empire. Ancalagon can't do it on his own. realized Eragon. It would be easy for the combined might of Saphira and Ancalagon to dismantle the machines, but before he could suggest Saphira fly to him, Ancalagon's voice broke through to his thoughts.
Don't, Eragon! I can handle this myself! His voice said with reassurance before he retracted his mind from his to focus on what he was doing.
Breaking through the Varden lines, eight soldiers stormed toward Saphira, jabbing at her with pikes. Before Eragon could draw Zar'roc, the dwarves and Kull eliminated the entire group.
"A good fight!" roared Garzhvog.
"A good fight!" agreed Orik with a bloody grin.
Returning to himself, Eragon became aware of dozens of the Varden collapsing around Saphira; one of Du Vrangr Gata had been overwhelmed. He uttered a dreadful curse and flung himself back along the trail of magic as he searched for the man who cast the fatal spell, entrusting the welfare of his body to Saphira and his guards.
For over an hour, Eragon hunted Galbatorix's magicians, but to little avail, for they were wily and cunning and did not directly attack him. Their reticence puzzled Eragon until he tore from the mind of one spellcaster—moments before he committed suicide—the thought, …ordered not to kill you or the dragons…not to kill you or the dragons.
That answers my question, he said to Saphira, but why does Galbatorix still want us alive? We've made it clear we support the Varden.
Before she could respond, Nasuada appeared before them, her face streaked with filth and gore, her shield covered with dents, blood sheeting down her left leg from a wound on her thigh. "Eragon," she gasped. "I need you, both of you, to fight, to show yourselves and embolden the men…to frighten the soldiers."
Her condition shocked Eragon. "Let me heal you first!" he shouted, afraid she might faint. I should have put more wards around her.
"No! I can wait, but we are lost unless you stem the tide of soldiers." Her eyes were glazed and empty, blank holes in her face. "We need…a Rider." She swayed in her saddle.
Eragon saluted her with Zar'roc. "You have one."
A lightning bolt roared from the heavens, vaporizing several dozen soldiers near them and leaving a crater ten feet deep.
Afterwards, a dark voice thundered into their minds. YOU WILL ALL PERISH AND BURN!
Eragon and Saphira, as well as others, looked up in time to see Stargazer descend upon the soldiers with great destruction in mind. Lightning crackled across his scales and a brilliant blue sphere erupted around the dragon.
Almandine shouted to the warriors one word and they locked shields. BRACE!
When Stargazer's attack landed, men were sent flying into the air, their bodies charred, smoking corpses in seconds and the smell of burning flesh filled the air once more. It was truly terrifying and awe-inspiring to witness.
"Wow…" Eragon whispered with wide eyes as the dome of energy emitted from the blast pulsed and faded. Stargazer is truly powerful, huh, Saphira?
Yes… and he also happens to be my father-in-law. Saphira snorted in amusement.
Eragon was too high on Saphira's back to strike his enemies below, so he dismounted and positioned himself by her right paw. To Orik and Garzhvog, he said, "Protect Saphira's left side. And whatever you do, don't get in our way."
"You will be overrun, Firesword."
"No," said Eragon, "I won't. Now take your places!" As they did, he put his hand on Saphira's leg and looked her in one clear-cut sapphire eye. Shall we dance, friend of my heart?
We shall, little one.
Then he and she merged their identities to a greater degree than ever before, vanquishing all differences between them to become a single entity. They bellowed, leaped forward, and forged a path to the front line. Once there, Eragon could not tell from whose mouth emanated the ravenous jet of flame that consumed a dozen soldiers, cooking them in their mail, nor whose arm it was that brought Zar'roc down in an arc, cleaving a soldier's helm in half.
The metallic scent of blood clogged the air, and curtains of smoke wafted over the Burning Plains, alternately concealing and revealing the knots, clumps, ranks, and battalions of thrashing bodies. Overhead, the carrion birds waited for their meal and the sun climbed in the firmament toward noon.
Arya was having fun. No wait. Scratch that.
She was having an absolute blast.
Arya brought Silver Fang to block an incoming sword, parrying it away with a flick of her wrist, before slashing the holder's throat open and moving on to another group clustered around some dwarves.
The elf was a whirlwind, her cloak billowing around behind her as she effortlessly cut down soldiers in droves. After a couple hours, she noticed that most could barely lift their swords, as if completely untrained. And that's when it hit her.
These weren't soldiers.
They were name-slaves.
Upon discovering this, she was horrified as she was essentially slaughtering innocents… before realizing they had no choice and will kill her without a second thought if given the chance.
Almandine! Arya cried out to the maroon dragoness who was at the rear of the army, fortifying their allies' minds. A flicker of recognition flashed to the elf through the dragon, letting Arya know the dragoness had indeed heard her call. Arya batted a sword away and retaliated with a vicious elbow smash into the man's face, dropping him instantly. Almandine! A good third of these enemies aren't soldiers! They're not even trained to hold a sword properly!
Almandine swept into the elf's mind, allowing her to see what the she-elf did through her eyes as Arya waded through the Empire's ranks, sowing mayhem and carnage. Why is this important, elf? The dragoness asked. I don-
They're name-slaves! Arya cried, causing the dragoness to go silent as she continued using Arya as her eyes. To see what the elf was seeing in the fray.
As Arya was an elf, she could spot things no human ever could in mere seconds. She could see how many soldiers did not grip their weapons correctly, how their swings threw them off balance and that there was no real want or desire in their eyes for this conflict. There was no hate in their eyes unlike the flames of war that burned in the eyes of the true soldiers.
Galbatorix wants to simply drown us in body counts and numbers. Almandine snarled when she realized what the King had done. He cares nothing for his people… he is no king. He is a rat. A coward. We cannot dwell on this now, Arya. Continue fighting, and after this is over, I will see what I can do to counter this spell the madman in Uru'baen has concocted.
Arya sent the dragoness the feeling of agreement and understanding before focusing once more on the hordes of soldiers in front and all around her. Feeling a sudden tingling sensation, the elf thrusted her sword into the air with her left hand, blade pointed straight up into the sky. Silver Fang glowed white hot and a massive lightning bolt thundered from the sky and reflected off the metal… and struck every soldier surrounding Arya in a twenty meter radius, frying them to ash. The elf staggered slightly, feeling quite drained after that, but she didn't have to worry about picking her guard back up as Stargazer bound forward and crashed into the enemy lines. Lightning was flickering across his scales and blood coated his claws and muzzle.
Let's dance, elfling! The ancient male playfully teased.
"Let's!" Arya agreed and the two dove into the fight.
And then he showed up.
A terrifying roar shook the battlefield and everyone looked to the skies and saw a massive black and red dragon drop from the sky and land in front of Stargazer. The two snarled at one another and began circling. Both the Empire's soldiers and the warriors of the Varden stopped fighting, clearing a large space around the two dragons.
Hello… brother. The smaller, yet still large dragon snarled.
Infernicus. Stargazer spat, hate lacing the name.
It's been a while, eh? Infernicus smirked as the brothers continued their circling.
I had hoped you'd stay knocked for a little while longer. Stargazer admitted, eyes zeroed in on his new opponent. Why did you come here? Of all worlds, why this one?
The black and red dragon sighed and came to a halt before slowly walking over to the crystal dragon and sitting down in front of him.
Honestly? I didn't want to be here. I still don't. Infernicus revealed. I was happy on the planet I had chosen to make my home. The beings there are nice and they work alongside me beautifully. I've helped them build their cities and make technological breakthroughs… but I was dragged here against my will. The black and red dragon looked into his brother's eyes and the crystal dragon could see he spoke the truth. He has imprisoned us. Stargazer's eyes widened at what his brother was hinting at. You know what I speak of. And I was brought here to serve him… although he cannot guess my name. Only you, your mate and myself know it. Infernicus closed his mind to all those around the pair and spoke only to Stargazer while his eyes darted around nervously. That black-scaled monster he has enslaved… he is not what he seems. I can tell you that he is not normal, nor is he one of us. I will do what I can to slow the progress of his research, but you cannot tarry. I can give you eight to ten months. Anything more than that I cannot guarantee. He is searching for the Name. The name of magic. I know we have had our disagreements, brother, but I know how much this world means to you and he will destroy everything we once stood for in the blink of an eye if he succeeds. The older brother stared into the fiery blood red eyes of his younger brother, seeing his pleading look and that he was being truly genuine.
Brother… I forgive you for what happened in the past, as that is behind us. Stargazer replied before narrowing his eyes. But... how can I trust you?
The younger dragon looked down at the ground beneath them. He killed my mate, Stargazer.
Stargazer then lunged forward, causing everyone to inhale sharply, only to make their jaws drop open and eyes widen.
The crystal dragon was embracing his younger brother as he cried into his chest.
Determination burned in the older male's eyes and heart. We will stop this madness, brother. He vowed. Get me the time and I will give you the final blow to end that rat's life in return… and you can be united with us, your family, with open wings. Just like old times before that corruption bullshit. What do you say?
I… Infernicus couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was being given a second chance. One he thought he would never receive, and that was the reason he stayed away. He looked up at his older brother and nodded slightly. I… I can live with that. Thank you, brother.
Thanks for coming back. Now get out of here. I don't need to fight my brother again over a petty bastard's temper and madness.
And with a smirk, the younger dragon disappeared in a dark red flash and the battlefield was silent as everyone tried processing what had just happened.
Another roar cut through the silence and Saphira launched herself into the air to meet the oncoming red dragon that had appeared.
Ancalagon immediately recognized Thorn and Murtagh on his back. The Red Rider raised his hand an orb of red energy left his palm and smote Hrothgar's breastplate. The dwarf king staggered and fell as the magic killed the spellcasters that supplied his wards. A wail from the dwarves rose up as their king fell and the armies clashed once more with renewed vigor.
Ancalagon and Saphira, who had an enraged Eragon on her back, flew up to meet the newcomers and the trio began flying in a circle.
A dragon! The King got another dragon to hatch! Saphira said with a tone of fear, as they did not know the capabilities of this unknown.
Stay on your guard, Saphira. He may be one, but he is as vicious as the King would make him. Ancalagon warned as his eyes locked with Thorn's. He understood that Thorn was not doing this willingly, that he had been born to be used for war, that he and Murtagh were being used. But right now… they were the enemy, and Ancalagon's instincts rose at the sight of an enemy male.
Thorn roared a challenge and Ancalagon responded at the same time as Saphira before they flew in. They soon collided in a frenzy of red, black and blue scales, claws slashing and teeth biting. However, Thorn was quick to untangle himself from the other two dragons, knowing he can't take the two of them head on.
Deciding to try something different, Ancalagon extended his mind to the red dragon. Thorn! Listen to me!
But the red dragon rebuked him and shut him out. He was clearly not interested in talking.
Fine. Two can play that game. Ancalagon grumbled to himself and his sights settled on the iron-clad warrior on his back. Unifying his mental strength with his mother's, Ancalagon smashed his way into Murtagh's mind and the five figures froze in the air.
Murtagh! Can you hear me?! Ancalagon called, hoping the Rider would respond compared to Thorn.
Ancalagon? Murtagh's voice, which Ancalagon had not heard in months, soon responded after a moment. The Rider was surprised at the intrusion, but he wasn't practically hostile… for now. However, the surprise soon shifted to a tone of anger. Get out of my head.
Listen to me! You and Thorn! Ancalagon growled, able to sense Thorn was connected as well. You two have to stop! You're being forced to do this!
We can't. Thorn said this time. His voice was young, showing his age. The only reason he looked the way he does is because of what Galbatorix had done to him.
Galbatorix knows our true names. We couldn't fight against him even if we wanted to. Murtagh said sadly before his tone hardened. We have to do what he says. I won't risk any harm to come to Thorn!
What if I told you I knew someone who could help you in the process of changing your true names? Ancalagon asked, no more than a whisper, and their would-have-been enemies paused. They wanted to hear more and Ancalagon gave it to them. Remember Almandine, Murtagh? She can guide you through your mental maze. You as well Thorn. As my mother, she will help you and… knowing how she is, she would not hesitate to do so. Please… give it some thought. You might not be able to go against Galbatorix directly, but there are always ways around rules and restrictions. Right?
Murtagh and Thorn were silent. But Ancalagon could tell they were thinking it between themselves. They didn't want to serve Galbatorix, but they had no choice right no. the King had twisted their minds, and it was lucky Murtagh still had some form of who he used to be. Soon, Murtagh reached out to Ancalagon.
We'll… give it some thought. But we have to be careful. Our thoughts are heavily watched. They're unsafe, especially around the King.
Ancalagon nodded. That's all I ask. I will try and help you two. I don't want to fight you both any more than you two want to be in this war. I-
Ancalagon was cut off as a roar of despair thundered into his mind and into those around him.
SON! WATCH OUT!
The dragons in the air whipped their heads down to the ground… and saw three ballistae bolts hurtling towards them. Ancalagon kicked Saphira away, twisted in the air, grabbed Thorn by his tail and tossed him away. The black-scaled dragon turned to face the bolts…
Only to find himself on the ground below while the sound of shattering crystals could be vividly heard above the clamor of the battle. Ancalagon, Saphira, Thorn, Arya, Eragon and Murtagh watched in horror as the three spears ripped through Stargazer, punching through his chest and neck.
A heart-stopping wail pierced the air from Almandine, while the large portion of Ancalagon's mind he shared with Stargazer went dark as the limp form of his once mighty father fell lifelessly through the air. The dragon's body crashed to the ground, kicking up a large dust cloud as he landed in a heap.
Stargazer, King of the Wild Dragons, Mate of Almandine, Father of Ancalagon the Black… had fallen.
Ancalagon turned his attention to the soldiers of the Empire and his world went black.
B.W.- And that's it for this chapter. And… I really got nothing else to say.
S.S.- That's a first. Ok folks, you know what to do. Leave a review, favorite and follow the story. We're outta here early cuz we gotta plan my funeral.