Answers to reviews:
Halex00: To answer your first question: no. And thank you for complimenting the battle. I personally wrote Arya's POV/scene and I hope I didn't disappoint. I took into consideration many theories in the Paolini archives on how Galbatorix was able to amass the amount of soldiers he did, and I came to the conclusion that he cast a spell over simple farmers and such to discover their true names and bind them to him. It only makes sense.
Yubel578: Almandine will not be lashing out at her son. Far from it. Michael is her and Stargazer's official son and she will not harm him in any way. As for what she'll do… just watch. You'll see.
mango363: Thanks. And to address your concern… you'll see in this chapter.
DarkDragon: Indeed.
darkclunatiic: Welcome to the party. A bit late but welcome.
Seran58: *inhale* Alright mister/miss "I know everything", let Wolf and I make something very clear to you. This, this is FANFICTION. Yeah. Things can change very drastically in regards to content. I'm sorry that you can't wrap your smooth pea-sized ant of a brain around that concept, but this is WOLF'S story. NOT yours. Think you can do better? Go right ahead because we don't want or need assholes like you shit talking work of ours that we spend days working on to get right. So if you wanna leave, fine. Leave. Take your shitposting elsewhere. If you're offended by what I said then it means I did something right and hit you where it fucking hurts. You just shit all over Bladewolf's story and you should be praying to whatever gods you believe in that you're the type of childish brat to cower behind a screen and talk down on others, thinking you know everything, when you know absolutely nothing. So get the fuck outta here and don't come back. I, wolf's editor Stryker-Stargazer, simply brought up the idea of adding the two dragons into the story. He seemed to like the idea because, here we are. Twenty or so chapters from when I dropped into the story, and we are going strong. Take your trash talk elsewhere. If you have concerns, then PM us like a big boy/girl instead of making a scene. Get out and STAY out.
With the reviews finished, let's wrap up the Battle of the Burning Plains!
"Battle of the Burning Plains"
Part II
YOU! WILL! BURN!
Ancalagon's roar, full of bloodlust, anger and revenge, rang through the heads of just about everyone as his chest lit up, traveled up his neck, and he unleashed his fire on the Empire's soldiers without mercy. The screams of the men filled the air next to the smell of burning flesh, which became stronger this time as Ancalagon held the torrent of fire for the longest time before he snapped his jaws shut and angled around for another pass.
There was no sign of common reason or humanity in the black-scaled dragon's eyes. There was just rage. Great, furious rage and pain. The desire to cause nothing but death and destruction on the ones responsible for his father's state. And he will not rest until he has done just that. He will not rest until he's destroyed the ones responsible for his father's demise!
Growling, Ancalagon snapped his gaze to a group of archers firing on him and he mentally willed their shadows to shoot sharp spikes out, impaling the men on them through the chests or their heads, and then had the shadow spikes explode in order to destroy their corpses and send blood, guts and organs everywhere, some of it splattering onto their fellow soldiers who screamed in complete, total fear.
And Ancalagon took such utter pleasure in the smell of their fear.
The sky darkened and rumbled with a boom of thunder, followed by lightning striking furiously across the sky as Ancalagon's neck sparked, which went up his neck as he hovered over a battalion of soldiers whose eyes widened as they saw what was about to happen.
One of them gulped. "Oh shit-!"
With a screech, Ancalagon unleashed a devastating beam of lightning on the soldiers, taking them out, as well as several catapults and other machines of war. With a roar, Ancalagon spread his wings out and lightning shot from the tips of them, lighting up the sky, before he brought it all down on the soldiers below him, lightning striking the ground and the sky looking like it had come alive.
Ancalagon flew in and landed with a growl that was full of bloodlust, the desire to spill blood. Soldiers ran at him foolishly and hacked at his scales with their swords, which merely bounced off his scales. Growling, Ancalagon swept a few off their feet with his tail, then whirled around and caught one in his jaws.
The soldier let out blood-curdling screams as the sharp teeth sank into his flesh and his blood spilled out like a fountain, staining Ancalagon's teeth and dripping to the ground. The black-scaled dragon then proceeded to chew on his meal before spitting out the remains, then lashed out with his claws, with one impaling a soldier through the chest.
He lifted the soldier so he would be eye-level with him, then proceeded to clench which ripped the human's body apart. Tossing the mangled corpse aside, Ancalagon stomped, slashed, clawed and feasted on the soldiers, their screams filling the air as the soldiers of the Varden looked on in horror at the massacre the black dragon was committing.
Now they knew why so many were afraid of Ancalagon after what he did to Gil'ead, but this… this was ten times worse than what he did to the city of Gil'ead.
Ancalagon brought his tail down and crushed more men like pancakes, then caught a trio in his jaws and clenched his jaws shut, his teeth sinking into their flesh again before he spat them out. Inhaling, Ancalagon burst out more fire on a tenth group, then spun in a circle. The fire surrounded him, and he lifted his head to roar at the sky.
With the darkened sky, and the fire surrounding him, Ancalagon's silhouette looked like something straight out of a nightmare.
Eragon and Saphira stared in horror at the massacre Ancalagon was committing. They had only seen him like this once, and that was at Gil'ead after Brom was injured and dying. They knew… that the darkness in him had taken over once again. And it seemed he was willingly indulging in it. But considering it was because his father had been hurt, neither could really blame him for this.
Eragon's attention shifted to the unknown Rider and the red dragon as they landed before them.
"Well, I can see why the King is so interested in him." The Rider said, looking at where Ancalagon was destroying countless lives. The Rider then looked at Eragon silently, before he reached up and removed his helm to reveal his face.
"Murtagh?!" Eragon's eyes widened in shock, as did Saphira's. "But… but you died!"
"No, I didn't." Murtagh shook his head. "It was the Twins, Eragon. They were in the cave that day. Almandine may have banished them, but they were waiting. When the Urgals converged, they spirited me away… to Galbatorix himself."
Eragon shook his head, unable to comprehend what had happened. "But why did you agree to serve Galbatorix? You told me you hated him. You told me—"
"Agree!" Murtagh laughed again, and this time his outburst contained an edge of madness. "I did not agree. First Galbatorix punished me for spiting his years of protection during my upbringing in Urû'baen, for defying his will and running away. Then he extracted everything I knew about you, Saphira, Ancalagon, and the Varden."
"You betrayed us! I was mourning you, and you betrayed us!"
"I had no choice."
"Ajihad was right to lock you up. He should have let you rot in your cell, then none of this—"
"I had no choice!" snarled Murtagh. "And after Thorn hatched for me, Galbatorix forced both of us to swear loyalty to him in the ancient language. We cannot disobey him now."
Pity and disgust welled inside of Eragon. "You have become your father."
A strange gleam leaped into Murtagh's eyes. "No, not my father. I'm stronger than Morzan ever was. Galbatorix taught me things about magic you've never even dreamed of…. Spells so powerful, the elves dare not utter them, cowards that they are. Words in the ancient language that were lost until Galbatorix discovered them. Ways to manipulate energy…Secrets, terrible secrets, that can destroy your enemies and fulfill all your desires."
Eragon thought back to some of Oromis's lessons and retorted, "Things that should remain secrets."
"If you knew, you would not say that. Brom was a dabbler, nothing more. And the elves, bah! All they can do is hide in their forest and wait to be conquered." Murtagh ran his eyes over Eragon. "You look like an elf now. Did Islanzadí do that to you?" When Eragon remained silent, Murtagh smiled and shrugged. "No matter. I'll learn the truth soon enough." His gaze shifted to something else. "Looks like your cousin and uncle have joined the battle."
Following his gaze, Eragon saw the Twins standing at the front of the Empire, casting balls of energy into the midst of the Varden and the dwarves. The curtains of smoke made it difficult to tell, but Eragon was sure the hairless magicians were grinning and laughing as they slaughtered the men with whom they once pledged solemn friendship. What the Twins failed to notice—and what was clearly visible to Eragon and Murtagh from their vantage point—was that Roran and Garrow were crawling toward them from the side.
Eragon's heart trembled with fear for them. He nearly lost his uncle once, but was relieved Ancalagon had saved him. He didn't want to lose both him and Roran on this day, not when they've possibly lost Stargazer and Murtagh has been revealed as a servant of Galbatorix.
Ancalagon's roars in the distance caused Murtagh to look over in the black dragon's direction, watching the carnage he was inflicting on the Empire's men. "At first glance, one could see why they'd confuse him for Shruikan." he muttered, having seen Galbatorix's dragon for himself.
Eragon watched as Roran and Garrow battled the Twins, and his heart sagged with relief when they managed to kill them.
"What now?" demanded Eragon, turning away from the battlefield. "Are you here to kill me?"
"Of course not. Galbatorix wants you alive."
"What for?"
Murtagh's lips quirked. "You don't know? Ha! There's a fine jest. It's not because of you; it's because of her." He jabbed a finger at Saphira. Then he pointed at Ancalagon. "And him. After all, they are mates, right? And Galbatorix is looking forward to ensuring they spend some alone time together, whether they are willing or not."
Disgust welled up inside Eragon, and it was shared by Saphira. No doubt, if Galbatorix had Ancalagon and Saphira captured, he'd have them mate repeatedly to breed more eggs, and have a new generation of Riders under his control.
"If they breed, they will be the mother and father of their entire race. Do you see now? Galbatorix doesn't want to eradicate the dragons. He wants to use Saphira to rebuild the Riders. He can't kill you, either of you, if his vision is to become reality…. And what a vision it is, Eragon. You should hear him describe it, then you might not think so badly of him. Is it evil that he wants to unite Alagaësia under a single banner, eliminate the need for war, and restore the Riders?"
"He's the one who destroyed the Riders in the first place!"
"And for good reason," asserted Murtagh. "They were old, fat, and corrupt. The elves controlled them and used them to subjugate humans. They had to be removed so that we could start anew."
A furious scowl contorted Eragon's features. He paced back and forth across the plateau, his breathing heavy, then gestured at the battle and said, "How can you justify causing so much suffering on the basis of a madman's ravings? Galbatorix has done nothing but burn and slaughter and amass power for himself. He lies. He murders. He manipulates. You know this! It's why you refused to work for him in the first place." Eragon paused, then adopted a gentler tone: "I can understand that you were compelled to act against your will and that you aren't responsible for killing Hrothgar. You can try to escape, though. I'm sure that Arya and I could devise a way to neutralize the bonds Galbatorix has laid upon you…. Join me, Murtagh. You could do so much for the Varden. With us, you would be praised and admired, instead of cursed, feared, and hated."
For a moment, as Murtagh gazed down at his notched sword, Eragon hoped he would accept. Then Murtagh said in a low voice, "You cannot help me, Eragon. No one but Galbatorix can release us from our oaths, and he will never do that…. He knows our true names, Eragon…. We are his slaves forever."
Though he wanted to, Eragon could not deny the sympathy he felt for Murtagh's plight. With the utmost gravity, he said, "Then let us kill the two of you."
"Kill us! Why should we allow that?"
Eragon chose his words with care: "It would free you from Galbatorix's control. And it would save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Isn't that a noble enough cause to sacrifice yourself for?"
Murtagh shook his head. "Maybe for you, but life is still too sweet for me to part with it so easily. No stranger's life is more important than Thorn's or my own."
As much as he hated it—hated the entire situation, in fact—Eragon knew then what had to be done. Renewing his attack on Murtagh's mind, he leaped forward, both feet leaving the ground as he lunged toward Murtagh, intending to stab him through the heart.
"Letta!" barked Murtagh.
Eragon dropped back to the ground as invisible bands clamped around his arms and legs, immobilizing him. To his right, Saphira discharged a jet of rippling fire and sprang at Murtagh like a cat pouncing on a mouse.
"Rïsa!" commanded Murtagh, extending a clawlike hand as if to catch her.
Saphira yelped with surprise as Murtagh's incantation stopped her in midair and held her in place, floating several feet above the plateau. No matter how much she wriggled, she could not touch the ground, nor could she fly any higher.
How can he still be human and have the strength to do that? wondered Eragon. Even with my new abilities, such a task would leave me gasping for air and unable to walk. Relying upon his experience counteracting Oromis's spells, Eragon said, "Brakka du vanyalí sem huildar Saphira un eka!"
Murtagh made no attempt to stop him, only gave him a flat stare, as if he found Eragon's resistance a pointless inconvenience. Baring his teeth, Eragon redoubled his efforts. His hands went cold, his bones ached, and his pulse slowed as the magic sapped his energy. Without being asked, Saphira joined forces with him, granting him access to the formidable resources of her body.
Five seconds passed….
Twenty seconds…A thick vein pulsed on Murtagh's neck.
A minute…
A minute and a half…Involuntary tremors racked Eragon. His quadriceps and hamstrings fluttered, and his legs would have given way if he were free to move.
Two minutes passed….
At last Eragon was forced to release the magic, else he risked falling unconscious and passing into the void. He sagged, utterly spent.
He had been afraid before, but only because he thought he might fail. Now he was afraid because he did not know what Murtagh was capable of.
"You cannot hope to compete with me," said Murtagh. "No one can, except for Galbatorix." Walking up to Eragon, he pointed his sword at Eragon's neck, pricking his skin. Eragon resisted the impulse to flinch. "It would be so easy to take you back to Urû'baen."
Eragon gazed deep into his eyes. "Don't. Let me go."
"You just tried to kill me."
"And you would have done the same in my position." When Murtagh remained silent and expressionless, Eragon said, "We were friends once. We fought together. Galbatorix can't have twisted you so much that you've forgotten…. If you do this, Murtagh, you'll be lost forever."
A long minute passed where the only sound was the hue and cry of the clashing armies. Blood trickled down Eragon's neck from where the sword point cut him. Saphira lashed her tail with helpless rage.
Finally, Murtagh said, "I was ordered to try and capture you, Ancalagon and Saphira." He paused. "I have tried…. Make sure we don't cross paths again. Galbatorix will have me swear additional oaths in the ancient language that will prevent me from showing you such mercy when next we meet." He lowered his sword.
"You're doing the right thing," said Eragon. He tried to step back but was still held in place.
"Perhaps. But before I let you go…" Reaching out, Murtagh pried Zar'roc from Eragon's fist and unbuckled Zar'roc's red sheath from the belt of Beloth the Wise. "If I have become my father, then I will have my father's blade. Thorn is my dragon, and a thorn he shall be to all our enemies. It is only right, then, that I should also wield the sword Misery. Misery and Thorn, a fit match. Farewell, Eragon."
Then he retrieved his helm from the ground and pulled himself onto Thorn. Not once did he look at Eragon as the dragon crouched, raised its wings, and flew off the plateau and into the north. Only after Thorn vanished below the horizon did the web of magic release Eragon and Saphira.
Saphira's talons clicked on the stone as she landed. She crawled over to Eragon and pressed her snout against him worriedly. Are you all right, little one?
I'm fine. Eragon responded, hugging her snout before he looked towards the massacre Ancalagon was continuing. By now, the Empire's army was in shambles and dwindling. But he might not be! We have to stop him!
Get on! Saphira barked, her tone brokering no argument. Eragon didn't hesitate as he climbed onto her saddle and she took off, flying for her mate with determination. She will not allow him to fall to darkness and be consumed by it, to become something he wasn't.
However, Ancalagon hovered in the air, looking over the destruction he caused, before he snapped his gaze to the downed form of Stargazer and flew straight for him. He landed sloppily and crawled over to his father.
Dad! Dad! Wake up! Please wake up! Michael shouted desperately, nudging Stargazer's form and shaking him slightly. C'mon dad, get up! Get up! DAD! But he did not respond to Michael's pleas. Tears started to run down his face before he stretched his mind out for another, his worry growing at the thought of her being hurt. MOM!
The silvery white liquid that was Stargazer's blood was pouring from the six massive holes torn through his body, pooling beneath the dragon. His once vibrant, glowing eyes were half-lidded and dark. Not a speck of light to be found.
Almandine, responding to her son's distress, as well as her worry at having seen her mate falling from the sky and landing, was there in seconds.
No, no, no! No! No! The maroon female shouted frantically as she came to her son's side and prodded Stargazer, trying to rouse him.
Honey… wake up… Almandine whispered, choking on the tears streaming from her eyes. Y-you promised… you promised to be there for me… for our son and… and our daughter on the way. Don't you dare break your promise. Don't… don't go… The dragoness then let her forehead press against her limp mate's flank, thick orange tears trickling down from her eyes and sizzling on the grass beneath her.
As the Varden started to crowd around the scene, they were stopped by a warning growl from Ancalagon who eyed them dangerously as he took a protective stance between them and his parents. However, when Arya stepped forward, he growled and allowed her to come near, but to everyone else he snarled at before directing his attention to his father's unconscious form.
"Let me through! Let me through dammit!" He heard Angela's voice as she pushed through the crowd and cautiously approached, well aware she was under the gaze of the black-scaled dragon. "Please, I can help him. Let me check on him."
Ancalagon growled before glancing at Almandine, who met his eyes, glanced at Angela for a brief second, then reluctantly growled. Ancalagon looked at the herbalist. Be quick about it. He said in a snappish tone.
Angela nodded and quickly approached Stargazer, standing next to Arya who was also checking on his condition. Angela reached his neck and started running her hands along, trying to feel for a pulse. Everyone held their breath.
Finally, Angela sagged with relief. "There's a pulse!" She announced to everyone.
Heal him! Almandine snapped. He's bleeding out!
"Arya," the elf snapped her head over to look at Angela. "Only you can wield the magic necessary to heal him. You were named Dragon Friend and their magic is at your disposal. I don't have the power, but I can supply the words. Can you trust me?"
Arya responded with a short nod without hesitation and the herbalist guided her hands onto two different places: one on his chest the other on the underside of his neck while Angela placed her hands on the dragon's temples. Then the elf began to sing in the ancient language while mother and son looked on in concern and anxiousness. As the two worked, a sudden pillar of white light exploded outward from the dragon, sending the elf and herbalist sailing back several yards onto their backs. When the light faded, gasps and weapons falling from the hands of the warriors were heard.
The body was gone… and a group of stars and swirling galaxies resembling the shadowy form of a massive dragon stood where Stargazer once laid.
The figure looked out over the crowd gathered around it before locking its gaze on Almandine and Ancalagon. The stars forming the break in the dragon's muzzle curled into the semblance of a smirk and a grouping of stars and galaxies in the shape of an eye winked.
Hey kiddo. A soft, rumbling male voice said in Ancalagon's mind. I will return. I just need some time. Remember my story yesterday and remember your promise to me. I am not truly dead. I am... faded. My body is broken and I have taken my celestial form, but I will eventually reform in a few months. Make no mistake: I will come back when I am able to. A low rumble sounded and several galaxies within the dragon tore themselves apart before reforming, a cluster of stars forming a paw moved up to its chest. That hurt a lot too. Take better care of yourself, kid. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times so I hope this was a lesson well-learned for you. Yes? Good.
The shape's head turned to regard Almandine, whose body was shaking like a leaf. The starry form dropped its smile and bowed its head to the dragoness. Almandine nodded slowly, then began to smile while her tears evaporated. The figure then jumped into the air where it exploded into a swirling vortex that surrounded Ancalagon and Almandine. That soft male voice whispered one last time into Michael's mind.
Do not mourn me, my son. You are MY son and are thus eternal. Just don't do anything stupid from now on and I'll call us even. Take care of my Alma while I am away and do not hesitate to call upon me from the stars to ask for guidance when you are lost. I love you, Michael and Ancalagon the Black. You two are one in the same now and are both my sons. Be seeing you.
With a white flash, it was gone and the field was left in awestruck silence.
Ancalagon's mind, overloaded with events and emotions, shut down and his world tunneled as he fell onto his side and blacked out.
The last thing he saw were two pairs of draconic eyes looking down at him with concern: one pair was sapphire blue and the other was a reddish-orange.
Then the black-scaled dragon knew no more.
B.W.- And that concludes the Eldest storyline. Which means we are moving onto the third book, Brisingr. Why does that sound like Bazinga from the Big Bang Theory?
S.S.- Iouno… but drop reviews on me killing off a main character. I think I did a spectacular job in creating an open loop for an endless number of future possibilities. Wolf? Thoughts?
B.W.- I say you have done just that. No doubt there will be questions, especially with the sudden appearance of Stargazer's younger brother. Don't worry, that won't be the last time we see him.
S.S.- We may or may not switch POVs to Infernicus soon in the Brisingr and Inheritance installments until the battle in Uru'baen. There will be many… many painstakingly different POVs in the final book installment to write. Nasuada's abduction, Murtagh's mental battles after being told Almandine could help him, Infernicus… we have our work cut out for us. And by the way… the discord server will be up and running as a celebration for the publication of chapter 50. I look forward to interacting directly with many of our loyal readers.
B.W.- Now, to answer something I know some of you may have concerning Ancalagon. You thought he was protective before this? You ain't seen nothing yet. But why tell you when you can look forward to it? Also, I hope somebody caught the Hobbit reference at the beginning. Smaug has always been a favorite dragon of mine, which is why I chose his design for Ancalagon but with black scales.
S.S.- Listen here you asshole, you just like Smaug cuz he has epic one liners. Be honest.
B.W.- He's voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. That's all that needs to be said… plus his design is AWESOME! Better than those three idiots from Game of Thrones.
S.S.- Alright fanboy… anyway. Remember to leave a review cuz I love reading them oh so much, leave a follow and favorite the story! Stay sharp ladies and gentlemen.