B.W.- "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men."
S.S.- What are you doing? *Sees a mannequin of Donald Trump* And why is there a mannequin of Donald Trump here?
B.W.- Because I hate him., I'm reciting the bible to him.
S.S.- The bib- Oh God… what passage?
B.W.- Ezekiel 25:17.
S.S.- Knew it… *Sigh* Knew we shouldn't have watched that movie the other night. Get on with it then, we have work to do. *Walks off*
B.W.- Don't get comfortable! After this, we're going to perform a shakedown on somebody…. Pulp Fiction style!
Answers to reviews:
Fang2201: Hey, it was over at least 3,000 words. Give me a break, we're trying to make them long.
DarkDragon: Never insult a dragon to their face.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
With a well deserved rest after the last few days they've had, it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the group of Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira and Ancalagon slept well through the morning and into the afternoon before they rose to get the day started. Although, someone did come by and try to rouse them up earlier… only to be met with a growl and flash of teeth from Ancalagon who did not move from his curled position around Saphira.
If Ajihad, Hrothgar or anyone else in the Varden wanted to see them… it'll be later when they're recharged. Not before.
As soon as they felt re-energized from their long trip, the group rose. Eragon was in the midst of yawning and stretching when Murtagh walked in.
"Afternoon." He greeted, getting similar responses back. "I feel as good as new. You?"
"Yeah." Eragon nodded then smiled as Saphira licked Ancalagon on the neck as a greeting. "I'm glad we were not disturbed, even though I know we'll be questioned by Ajihad today."
Someone did come around. Ancalagon said, standing onto all fours and stretching with a groan, sighing in satisfaction as he felt his joints pop and extended his wings in and out a couple of times to get rid of any stiffness. I sent them away. It was too early… in my opinion.
"Least we know we can rely on him to prevent our sleep from being disturbed, eh?" Murtagh asked with a grin, getting a chuckle of agreement from Eragon. "Shall we go?"
"Yes." Eragon nodded, grabbed Zar'roc and soon left with Murtagh walking beside him, Saphira and Ancalagon behind them. However, both boys did not see the dragons exchanging a sly look and nodding… then they scooped Eragon and Murtagh respectively into their paws, getting startled yelps of surprise from them before they yelled as the dragons took off from the dragonhold and flew down.
Once they landed, Ancalagon having spotted Orik and flown in his direction since Orik will no doubt be escorting them to Ajihad, the dragons placed the boys down and watched them stumble slightly before shooting them dirty looks.
"You couldn't have warned us?" Eragon grumbled.
Where's the fun in that? Saphira asked in a cheeky manner, getting a chuckle from Ancalagon.
Afternoon, Orik. Ancalagon greeted the dwarf as he came up to them.
"Afternoon." The dwarf nodded at them. "Hope you all had a good night's rest."
"We did." Eragon smiled.
"Well, come on. You'll be meeting with Ajihad and mine king Hrothgar today." Orik said, turning and walking onwards. Eragon and Murtagh followed, the dragons sticking close behind them, not even going to let them out of their sight this time after what happened yesterday. They could still see some looks directed at them from several dwarves around them, looks that made them tense.
Orik led them through the city, either not seeing some of the looks his kin were shooting the group or ignoring it if he did. Soon, they went the same way that Ancalagon remembered being described from the book; down a series of hallways that they walked down for several hundred feet, then entered a smaller corridor.
After four sharp turns, they came to a massive cedar door, stained black with age. Orik pulled it open and conducted everyone inside. The room they stepped into was an elegant, two story study paneled with rows of cedar bookshelves. A wrought iron staircase wound up to a small balcony with two chairs and a reading table. White lanterns hung along the walls and ceiling so a book could be read anywhere in the room. The stone floor was covered by an intricate oval rug. At the far end of the room, Ajihad stood along with another dwarf that was dressed like royalty, which meant he was Hrothgar.
Ajihad nodded at them as they approached. "Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira, Ancalagon. Welcome. I do apologize for yesterday's… mishap."
Saphira growled a little at that. Pointing weapons at her, or threatening her Rider was anything but a mishap in her opinion. Ancalagon draped his wing over her to keep her calm, even though he was still a little bit pissed at seeing weapons pointed at her yesterday.
Ajihad gestured to the dwarf beside him. "This is Hrothgar, king of the dwarves."
Hrothgar nodded at them with a grunt. "Welcome to Farthen Dûr. I trust the dragonhold was to your liking."
"It was, thank you." Eragon nodded politely as he sat in a chair, Murtagh taking the one beside him. Saphira and Ancalagon settled down behind them protectively.
"Now, if you may be so kind as to recount the events that have brought you here." Ajihad said, looking at Eragon. "Starting from the beginning, please."
Actually, why don't you two tell us a bit about yourselves and most importantly who those two dragons were? Ancalagon countered before the Rider opened his mouth.
Hrothgar looked offended and opened his mouth, but before he could utter a retort Ajihad raised his hand. Never breaking eye contact, he replied, "And why should we answer your questions before you answer ours?"
Ancalagon scoffed. Hmmm, oh I don't know. Consider it repayment for falsely arresting our human companions and turning your weapons on Saphira and I.
Ajihad and Hrothgar looked at each other before turning back to face the four who were expecting an answer.
"Very well." Hrothgar sighed. "Ask away. We will answer your questions to the best of our ability."
Ancalagon nodded. First, was the hostility really needed the other day?
"You must understand, there's been a violent history between the dwarves and dragons… not all of us have moved on from age old grudges." Hrothgar explained. "Although some hate dragons, and still do-"
Yet the two who appeared yesterday didn't seem to have earned such hate. Ancalagon said, cutting the king off with little care for doing so. His eyes narrowed. Who are they?
"Two that everyone supports." Ajihad said vaguely, which did not make Ancalagon happy as he growled.
Tell me. He growled lowly.
Ancalagon… Saphira nudged him, trying to calm him down. She could feel his frustration at being denied answers mounting.
Ajihad looked at Hrothgar before sighing. "The female is our patron… and only Brom knew her and her mate's identities."
Of course he did. Ancalagon grumbled with an eye roll
"Brom knew two other dragons were alive?" Eragon asked with surprise. Why didn't he tell them? Saphira and Ancalagon could've been well assured they weren't the only free dragons around. "But… why didn't he tell us?"
Brom would've had his reasons, little one. Saphira pointed out.
Ancalagon looked at Ajihad and Hrothgar. What can you tell us about them?
"Only that the crystal male isn't normally seen around people. Seems to prefer the company of his kin, actually." Hrothgar said with a small chuckle. "However, his mate, the female, she seems to be more in-tune with the races and creatures of the land, and she's the more reasonable of the two."
Saphira sniffed. I doubt that. She looked like she was about to rip everyone apart if you said the wrong thing.
Yet that male was ready to skin us all within the first few heartbeats upon their arrival. Ancalagon pointed out.
"The two of them… seem to balance each other out." Ajihad said, trying to explain it. "She's reasonable, despite how she appeared yesterday, while he's not as much. From what we know, he guides dragons using dreams and mindscapes whereas she guides the 'two-leggeds' as she calls us every now and then in person."
"You should be amazed the male actually made an appearance yesterday." Orik piped up, causing them to look at him, "That one… he hasn't been seen in over three hundred years. Just the fact that he physically appeared before us all speaks volumes. I do not believe that it was mere chance he decided to show himself."
What are you getting at Orik? Ancalagon asked while everyone else gave him confused looks.
The dwarf crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the two dragons. "What I am saying is that she hasn't appeared in decades. Not since Brom left the mantle of the leader of the Varden. Her appearance? That's serious enough. But both of them appearing here when the first two free dragons in the land since the Fall walk through our doors? That is not a coincidence. I refuse to believe it. There is something at work here. Those two are giving you, Ancalagon and Saphira, a chance at freeing this land from the tyranny it has been suffering."
The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop before Hrothgar cleared his throat and addressed Ancalagon.
"Ancalagon," the dwarf king spoke and the black dragon's head turned to face him. "Have you had any… well… strange dreams lately? Anything out of the ordinary?"
Yes. Came the immediate reply.
"Do describe the dream for us please." Ajihad said politely.
It… It took place at twilight, on a cliff overlooking a silver ocean. Ancalagon began. There were dark clouds over the water, but they were far away. There was a large dragon in front of me, the exact same one from yesterday. He told me things. Told me to warn the others of what is to come. I thought he simply meant war. Since I don't see…
Ancalagon trailed off as a gear seemingly clicked into place within his mind. The Urgals! They were going to attack in a few days! The dragon's words repeated themselves again.
Warn them of what is to come.
"Well if that is all-" Ajihad began before he was cut off by Ancalagon.
Wait! His warning. I know what he meant. He looked Ajihad and Hrothgar in the eyes with his orange orbs. There is an army of Urgals massing somewhere in a nearby dwarven city. They will attack Tronjheim in a few days in an attempt to wipe out the Varden. I believe I was meant to warn both of you to prepare your armies and citizens for what is coming.
In an instant, Ajihad and Hrothgar were alarmed as Eragon, Murtagh and Saphira looked at Ancalagin in shock that he knew this.
"Had you been anyone else and told us this, we'd have thought you mad." Ajihad stated seriously. "But considering this news comes from the crystal dragon himself, and he has told you to warn us… then we must heed his warning."
Hrothgar nodded. "I will have the men begin preparing for battle. We'll need to start planning strategies for the battle, Ajihad."
The ebony-skinned man nodded at him before looking at Ancalagon. "You've done us a great service warning us about this before we could discover it for ourselves, Ancalagon."
The black dragon bit his lip from revealing that they wouldn't have found out until the Urgals were practically on their doorstep. But now that they've been warned a few days in advance, they should be able to be better prepared. So, he simply inclined his head, his mind turning to the matter of the mysterious dragons as Ajihad asked Eragon to recount the events of their journey, and learn the news of Brom's fate.
Once Eragon, and Murtagh recounted everything, and Ajihad assured Murtagh he wouldn't be locked up for being Morzan's son… because they got a verbal lashing from the female dragoness yesterday which was enough to make them halt with such thought, the group was now leaving Ajihad's study and making their way back the way they came.
"That went well." Murtagh remarked as they followed Orik.
"Indeed." Orik nodded, glancing at them. "I'm pleased the twins weren't there. Never liked them, and I doubt anyone does… but they do their job well."
Most likely scared after my little threat yesterday. Ancalagon said with a curl of his lip into a fanged smile.
"Oh most likely!" Orik laughed.
They entered one of the four main tunnels that divided Tronjheim. Clusters of dwarves and humans strolled through it, voices echoing loudly off the polished floor. The conversations stopped abruptly as they saw Ancalagon and Saphira; scores of eyes fixed on them. Orik ignored the spectators and turned left, heading toward one of Tronjheim's distant gates.
"Where are we going?" asked Eragon.
"Well, I assume either you want to return to the dragonhold…" Orik trailed off, waiting to hear what they'll be doing next.
"I'd like to explore, actually." Eragon said.
"Is there a library anywhere?" Murtagh wondered with a hopeful glint in his eye. "I do enjoy reading."
Ancalagon snorted. Don't read too much or you'll be a fat scholar.
"Hey!" Murtagh cried, getting laughs from the group.
Once they came out into the open air, beheld by many people, and were starting to make their way forward, Ancalagon stopped when he felt something cling onto his tail. On instinct, he whipped his head around to see the cause only to stiffen, his eyes widening in surprise at the most unexpected sight.
A human child, a girl, possibly five years old, was giggling as she held onto his tail. Nearby, her mother stood, frozen with fear for her child as she looked from her to the dragon who her daughter had decided to cling onto.
Oh boy… Ancalagon muttered, surprised at this. But as the child started to try and climb up using his spikes, he lifted his tail slowly, making the child squeal excitedly as he brought her up and gently dropped her onto his snout. Gently, he brushed his mind against everyone's present. You should be careful there, little one. I might've reacted on reflex.
The girl merely giggled, unbothered. Ah, to be that age again… when children were ignorant to the harsh realities of the world. But still, Ancalagon couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the girl lay on his snout.
Up ahead, Saphira noticed the lack of Ancalagon at her side and stopped, turning around and her jaw dropped in surprise at the sight of him with a human child laying on his snout.
Slowly, Ancalagon lowered his head towards the worried mother until he had his chin pressed against the ground. I believe this little one belongs to you, madam.
"T-Thank you, sir." The woman said, reaching forward and taking her daughter off the dragon's snout, much to the disappointment of the child as she frowned and started to look sad… which tugged at Ancalagon's heart.
Oh, even as a dragon, the sad faces of children made him feel bad. He couldn't remember the last time he interacted with a child… though, he was certain it was one of his friend's niece or nephews who was younger than this girl.
Feeling small hands press against his side, Ancalagon shot his head up. What the- oh. He blinked as he saw children surrounding him, of various ages between five and twelve.
Giving the children a fanged smile, Ancalagon flopped down, shaking the ground a little. Well? Come on then. I won't bite.
As if they had been waiting for those exact words, the children did not hesitate in starting to climb the black dragon who laid there and allowed them to do so, often helping the younger ones by using his tail or paws to lift them onto his back or neck. He was careful to ensure they would be balanced, last thing he needs is an accident.
Seeing some trying to get to his wings, he softly sighed in amusement and spread them out, allowing the children to crawl onto the wing membranes and use them as a type of slide. The 'weees!' and laughter of children rang through the air as they got to experience something no other would've ever been able to experience: playing on a fire-breathing dragon.
A crowd started to form around the scene, a mix of the parents of the children playing on the dragon and those who were not. Everyone was staring wide-eyed at the scene. Never had they thought that a dragon, a creature of legendary power who can burn cities, rule the skies and unleash terrifying fury… would reduce himself to being a playground for children.
It helped to ease the people's wariness and caution, since that heightened when the children got too close to Ancalagon. Some even started to laugh and cheer when Ancalagon would gently bounce some of the children in the air with his wings, or his tail. Although, some had their hearts leap to their throats when he flicked his tail a little too much and the child went a little higher than expected… only to land on Ancalagon's snout safe and sound.
Saphira sat on her haunches as Eragon and Murtagh stood beside her, watching the whole scene unfold. The dragoness' gaze started to turn distant, thoughtful. She could see Ancalagon was good with children, showing such care and protection… not to mention an endless amount of patience.
She laughed softly as one child hung onto his scaly eyebrow, making him close one eye and tilt his head slightly so he can ensure the child would land safely onto his snout. He then snorted, letting out a puff of air that blew the child's hair up, causing her to giggle and clap her hands.
As she watched, the scene started to change in her mind. She saw Ancalagon, in the position he was now, but the human children were replaced. In their places were several hatchlings, some with black scales and sapphire-blue eyes, some with blue scales like hers and orange-yellow eyes. All of them happily playing with the older, massive dragon that was their father.
She shook her head, wiping the image away even as her heart fluttered at the thought of hatchlings, her hatchlings… Ancalagon's hatchlings. Their hatchlings.
"Looks like somebody's having fun." Murtagh said with a small smile.
Eragon nodded with his own smile. "He's good with them."
"Think he'll be as soft as this when it comes to his own kids?" Murtagh asked while grinning, causing Eragon to laugh, both of them sneaking glances at Saphira.
Deciding to play along with their antics, Saphira smirked and replied. Without a doubt.
Alright children, Ancalagon started after about thirty minutes of being a personal slide for the little ones. Lowering his wings, tail, and whole body to the ground. Time to get off.
He got disappointed groans from them, which made him chuckle as he watched them reluctantly slide down his tail or neck. If he hadn't ended this now, the children would've probably fell asleep on him… and he really did not know what he would do while being used as a pillow. Although, maybe he'll do that for next time… because the sad looks on the children's faces practically ensured there will be a next time. Ancalagon just couldn't say no to children.
Even as a dragon, Michael… you don't like to see children sad. He chuckled to himself. It warmed his heart to know there was still humanity within him, that he wasn't becoming some kind of monster after what happened at Gil'ead. A phrase from his dream floated into his mind.
Life is lonely and nearly pointless without a partner to share eternity with.
Getting to his feet, Ancalagon walked over to where Saphira, Eragon and Murtagh waited for him.
"You know… I think Brom would've called you a softie." Eragon commented with a grin.
The black dragon rolled his eyes. It would've been worth it. Children are precious, and I couldn't stand the sight of disappointment on their faces had I sent them away. So, I entertained them.
"Oh the mighty Ancalagon the Black, destroyer of Gil'ead, who instills terror in the hearts of men… reduced to playing with children." Murtagh snickered. "What's next, you going to tell them bedtime stories?"
No. But I was thinking of something along the lines of a giant pillow. The black dragon hummed while walking away.
"Wait, really?" Murtagh quickly hurried after him.
Eragon and Saphira looked at each other, then shook their heads before following after them. But, along the way, Saphira's mind conjured the image from earlier again.
Wanting to earn some sleep, especially after becoming a playground for the kids, Ancalagon had returned to the dragonhold, while Saphira, Eragon and Murtagh did their own thing. He couldn't be with them all the time. However, upon entering the hold, laying down on the cushioned dais, curling up and closing his eyes… a weight settled onto his head.
He opened his eyes, only to see a fluffy tail over his right eye, followed by the sound of a cat purring. Snorting, the dragon that was once a human in another world was unable to help himself with reciting a lyric from a song, not that anyone here would get it.
What's new, pussycat?
E/N- *shoves Blade out and locks the door* Ok. My turn for the outro. We had a lot of stuff going on this chapter didn't we? Yeah. Names, faces, other stuff. Now, about Elva… Blade and I have both agreed that she would be an extreme liability and headache sooooooo we decided to just outright ignore her existence. She won't happen. At all. Crazy right? That's why fanfiction is so great. You can just zap certain characters out and have a whole lot more fun!
*pounding on the door*
SHUT UP YA LIL' MUTT! I'M HANDLING IT THIS TIME! NOW BE A GOOD DOG AND GO TAKE A NAP OR SOMETHING! Jesus Christ…
Now where was I? Oh right. Remember to leave reviews cuz Blade and I love seeing them. I know what you're probably thinking: An author and editor who care about what their audience says? No way! Crazy- *more pounding* - I gotta go handle the mutt. Drop your reviews and remember to favorite and follow the story or I'll eat you from the toes up.