B.W.- So… we good?
S.S.- We're good. I won't apologize for tossing you out the window though.
B.W.- Meh, wouldn't be the first time I had to go through a window. Man, this story's at 24 chapters, huh? Nearly at 30! Sweet Jesus!
S.S.- I know, tell me about it.
B.W.- But anyway, shall we begin?
S.S.- First, answering the reviews, then putting the disclaimer down… then yes. We can begin.
Answers to reviews:
notsofrilly: Thanks.
Laplase: Read the chapter where he destroys Gil'ead, that should answer your question even if it's just a brief use.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
There was a tense standoff as the group stared at a bald man in mage robes who was scowling at them. They had been escorted somewhere in the tunnel, entering an arched doorway while the horses were led down a different tunnel. Their path led down a narrow corridor after the bald man. The warriors kept their weapons pointed at him. They swept past a sculpture of a peculiar animal with thick quills. The corridor curved sharply to the left, then to the right. A door opened and they entered a bare room large enough for the dragons to move around with ease. There was a hollow boom as the door closed, followed by a loud scrape as a bolt was secured on the outside.
Eragon slowly examined his surroundings, Zar'roc tight in his hand. The walls, floor, and ceiling were made of polished white marble that reflected a ghost image of everyone, like a mirror of veined milk. One of the unusual lanterns hung in each corner.
"There's an injured—" he began, but a sharp gesture from the bald man cut him off.
"Do not speak! It must wait until you have been tested." He shoved Murtagh over to one of the warriors, who pressed a sword against Murtagh's neck. The bald man clasped his hands together softly. "Remove your weapons and slide them to me." A dwarf unbuckled Murtagh's sword and dropped it on the floor with a clank.
We don't have time for this. Ancalagin growled. While he knew this was the Varden, and were somewhat the good guys, it was the bald mage and his twin that were not. And he had no patience to deal with them and their attempts to make him and his companions out to be the enemy.
The bald man scowled at him. "Listen, beast! I'm in charge here and if you value your friends you'll behave. No one enters without having their mem-"
The mage was swept off his feet by Ancalagon's tail, then pinned by the black dragon's foot. His sudden move caused the men to aim their arrows and tighten their grips on their bows, while Eragon, Murtagh and Saphira tensed.
Any man here dare to challenge me? Let the Rider speak! Ancalagon dared, his eyes narrowing at the men around them, easily smelling their fear of him. Their apprehension came as Ancalagon lined a talon with the bald man's head, then he growled angrily and snapped his gaze down to the mage. Try and enter my mind through force again, wizard, and you will be my next meal. Now, is there anyone here more civilized than this pest?
Ancalagon stared at the soldiers, watching them shuffle nervously, until a dwarf stepped forward. The one who had waved them into the tunnel. Upon his head was an iron cap with a hammer surrounded by twelve stars. Which means, this was Orik.
"Aye, I believe we can be civil, dragon. What do you want?" Orik asked cautiously.
With his tail, Ancalagon pointed at Saphira who moved her wings to show Arya. We have a sick elf named Arya. She's been poisoned and will die soon if she's not given the antidote. I'll let my companion and his dragoness, Saphira, hand her over and inform you of what has poisoned her.
Gasps and surprised mutterings erupted and the yet unnamed Orik muttered a few dwarven curses as Saphira and Eragon approached, revealing the comatose Arya strapped to her belly. 'Orik' assigned five of his group to take her, quite reluctantly, from the faintly growling dragoness. Ancalagon did not blame them, Saphira is quite fearsome. After Arya was removed from Saphira, several men were sent away to get the list of poisons and the cure for the most deadly of them, then rushed her away.
"What be your names?" Orik asked, directing his question to all of them but had been looking at Ancalagon.
I am Ancalagon. I have already introduced Eragon and his dragon, Saphira. Behind me is Murtagh.
Orik nodded. "Mine name be Orik, son of Thifk, dragon, and let me be the first to say how much it means to see not one but two new riders."
Ancalagon snorted a little in amusement. The only Rider here is him. He pointed to Eragon with his tail. And his partner, Saphira. Murtagh is a friend traveling with us.
This news made the humans tense, some gulping nervously as they realized the black dragon was bound to no one… a wild dragon. "So y-you're a…"
Wild dragon? Yes, I am. I am bound to no one and answer to no one but myself. Ancalagon said with a measure of pride at his status.
Orik cleared his throat. "Well… you seem friendlier than the stories told of wild dragons."
Ancalagon's lip raised and a fang showed as he smirked a bit. Oh I can assure you that I am very much an unbound, wild dragon. I just have personal morals that I uphold and I will not tolerate anyone forcing themselves within my companions' heads. The black dragon glared down at the bald spellcaster below his paw, seeing the color drain from his face. Attempt something like that again and I will rip your arms off and eat you from the toes up so that you can feel true agony before you die.
The mage, who was shaking and sweating profusely now, vigorously nodded his head and Ancalagon allowed him to stand.
Now, I believe that concludes our pleasantries, so let us be on our way to meet your leaders. Ancalagon deadpanned.
"V-Very well." The mage nodded quickly and was quick to be the first out of the room.
Orik glanced at the group and gestured for them to follow. Ancalagon moved first, and was followed by his companions, but slowed his pace so that he'd have Eragon and Murtagh between him and Saphira, as a form of protection.
As they walked, Eragon connected his mind to Ancalagon, who briefly glanced at him when he felt the connection. Did you have to be so hostile there? The young Rider asked.
Ancalagon withheld a scoff. They would've shown us the same treatment, especially the bald one. I can smell their fear and apprehension of us… which increased tenfold when they found out I'm a wild dragon. Besides, would you want a stranger going through your memories?
…No. Eragon admitted after a moment of thinking about it. The bald man just set off an uneasy feeling in the young Rider's gut. Do you think Arya will be fine?
She'll be fine, little one. Saphira assured him, leaning her head down to nudge him in reassurance. But we should be careful. Brom did warn us of what would happen should we go to the Varden.
You'll be fine. Ancalagon said, his tail lightly brushing against Saphira's in an attempt of reassurance. They won't do anything. If they do… then they'll wish it had been Galbatorix and his pet that got to them first when I'm through with them.
Murtagh sighed, unaware of the mental conversation. "Can't wait for when we'll be allowed to sleep and rest. My back and feet are killing me." He muttered loud enough for them to hear.
"Here here." Eragon chuckled.
I could sleep for days. My wings are tired and I hope we can get something suitable to eat here. Saphira said with a sigh.
Ancalagon inwardly chuckled and gave the dragoness a nudge. Aww, I thought you liked flying? And what about the great outdoors? It was fun running from an army of Urgals that would skin us alive and rip us apart. I don't know what you're grumbling about, but I had a great time!
Saphira shot him an annoyed look. I do not 'grumble'.
Then what was that, just now? Ancalagon retorted, lip curling into a fanged grin that made some of the soldiers shift nervously when they saw it.
I think it would be classified as a 'statement'. The female replied, her eyes narrowing.
The black dragon snorted and winked at Saphira. I think you mean to say that you were complaining. He quipped before adopting a childish voice that made Murtagh crack a stupid grin. Oh no. Don't tell me the great dragoness is tired after a little flying and running.
Be mindful of your tongue, Ancalagon. The sapphire female warned, anger present in her tone. Lest I remove it from your mouth.
"I'd be careful, Ancalagon." Murtagh said with that shit-eating grin still plastered on his face. "She'll do it."
Nah. The male said, his eyes dancing with amusement. I think I'll take my chances, Murtagh. She's got nothing on m- OOF!
The black dragon was too busy talking to notice the low growl that came from Saphira before she launched herself at him. The guards yelled in terror as the dragons went at it in the corridor, their growls and snarls echoing in the empty tunnel. Eragon and Murtagh just sighed and shook their heads in amusement before looking up when a certain female yelped in surprise.
Ancalagon had successfully pinned Saphira beneath him and was now casually sitting on her as she struggled to free herself.
Let me up! The sapphire dragoness demanded.
Nope. You get to stay here until you settle down. Came the calm reply. Go on ahead, Eragon and Murtagh. We'll catch up with you later.
Unsure, the two shared a look and glanced around at their escort who had stopped and were glaring warily at the dragons. However, Ancalagon sent them a look that assured them they'll be fine. And by 'they', he was meaning the two humans and the dragons.
Eragon looked at the bald man and gestured for him to continue on. "Just leave them to it."
Ancalagon emphasized this by adding a warning growl when some humans remained too close for his liking, causing them to hurry on after the humans and dwarf.
Shouldn't we go with them? Saphira asked worriedly, glancing after her Rider. She did not want him out of her sight while they were here, not until they could be assured the Varden meant them no harm.
Have faith in them, Saphira. Ancalagon coolly replied, leaning down to give her a friendly, assuring nuzzle on the neck. Besides, I think we have other… matters to speak about. Yes? He looked her straight in the eyes.
Saphira looked at him with surprise, but slowly sighed, knowing what he was talking about. They had to address the change between them. They couldn't ignore how close they've gotten… nor could Saphira deny what she was feeling for him.
Yes, I think we do. Saphira nodded. Ancalagon made to say something else, when he noticed a few soldiers still remaining in the corridor and gave them a dark glare accompanied by a fierce growl that sent them scampering off before he got off the dragoness and allowed her to get to her feet.
Things have changed between us, haven't they? Ancalagon asked softly.
That they have. Saphira nodded.
Ancalagon was silent. Looking to the floor and shifting nervously. God, he was acting like a shy teenager in front of his high school crush. His mind flashed to the close moments between him and Saphira, especially at Leona Lake, their swim under the moonlight and their near kiss before they snapped out of it. His heart sped up at the thought of kissing her…
Saphira, I'll go ahead and admit that I like you. I think you're the most beautiful creature I've ever met in my entire life, holding a beauty no other female can have. Ancalagon said strongly, showing how sincere he was in meaning that, which made Saphira's heart skip a beat as a red hue came onto her cheeks. But… I am afraid.
Saphira inched closer to him and whispered. Of what?
He looked her square in the eyes. Of if this will destroy our friendship… or if it's just our instincts demanding us to be like this because we're the only male and female dragons around. And… my mind is in such turmoil and confusion with everything that's happened lately.
I understand, Ancalagon. Saphira said, glancing away from him as she swallowed a lump in her throat. You have come to mean so much to me in the time we've known each other. You mean so much to me just as Eragon does, and I can't bear the thought of losing either of you. These feelings… I know what they are, to deny that is unwise. But… I don't think I'm ready for that.
Nor do I, not with so many things going on. Ancalagon said and sat down on his haunches, Saphira joining him. I'm not saying that I don't want to stop thinking of you in that regard, but for now… it's best we remain close friends.
Out of everything he was expecting Saphira to feel after his words, relief was not one of them. I agree. She said in a happier tone. Just close friends and then... maybe we can see where this leads from there.
Agreed. Ancalagon stated. And besides, nobody can rush us into making a decision.
Not that it's anyone's business. Saphira agreed, then she hesitated a small knot forming in her stomach. But,…Ancalagon? Saphira asked, hesitating. She didn't want to push things, but she couldn't help herself. Her feelings and emotions for him were too strong to ignore. Do you think that we could still be... close? She shuffled shyly, fearing what he would say. I mean... if that's okay with you?
She stared down at the ground, not wanting to see his reaction to her words, to her request, fearing he would say no and try to keep things formal between them. She was stunned, shocked, relieved and happy when he leaned forward and brushed the end of his snout against her neck, giving a soft, comforting growl.
Of course, Saphira. He said softly to her. Saphira sighed in content and growled back just as softly as they stayed like that, softly nuzzling each other and sending waves of warm feelings and affection to the other. After a few minutes, they pulled away. Now, I think we better catch up with our human companions before trouble finds them.
Agreed. Saphira nodded and they set off in the direction the others had gone, the smallest of space between them and their tails lightly brushing against each other.
Following the same path the humans had taken, it didn't take long for Ancalagon and Saphira to make it to the doors that would lead them out into the city of Tronjheim. As the pair of dragons got closer to the doors, they could see a large group of people surrounding two individuals. The two looked at each other and raced toward the mob, but before they took more than five steps, Ancalagon pushed Saphira behind him as a small army of dwarves pushed them back at spearpoint.
"Leave! We will not let you go further!" A voice bellowed above the commotion.
Before Ancalagon could reply, the entire mountain shook. Dwarves were shaken off their feet as dust and debris rained down from the ceiling and a dark voice boomed into everyone's minds.
YOU DARE.
A pillar of blue light flared into existence under the dwarves' crown jewel, the Isidar Mithrim. All eyes turned upward as two figures formed. The clattering of weapons being dropped could be heard as the light vanished and left something that no one thought possible.
Standing before the crowd were two dragons.
The blue male from earlier stepped forward with his eyes blazing and his muzzle fixated in a snarl, but a crimson wing stopped him. He looked over at the maroon dragoness beside him and she just shook her head and looked over at Saphira and Ancalagon. The blue dragon nodded and sat back down, yet those glowing eyes still burned with malice. As she stepped forward, a presence pressed into the minds of those present and a soft yet firm female voice entered their minds. It was a tone that held authority and compassion, demanded respect but showed forgiveness.
Release those two humans and allow our kin into your hearts and home, dwarves. Or I will boil you all in your own blood.
A dark skinned man stepped forward and knelt at the feet of the dragoness before speaking.
"They would not allow their memories to be looked into. We will not all-"
YOU IGNORANT FOOL! The female snapped, silencing the man. You should be thankful for their mere existence! Long have you all waited for an edge over your opponent. Now that you have that edge, you mean to tell me they must prove themselves? That they must share their secrets when they know nothing of yours? My my Ajihad. How far you have fallen. Need I remind you of who saved you from the shade, Durza?
The man visibly paled but wisely remained silent. After receiving a nod from the maroon female, Eragon and Murtagh were freed and the young dragons stepped forward until they were next to them. The maroon dragoness walked up to the group and began analyzing Saphira and Ancalagon.
Well built shoulders, strong neck muscles, all of your spinal tendons are in line working in harmony, sharp claws and pristine teeth. Overall? You'll do fine for now. You're not fighting another dragon yet, so those skills are moot at this time.
Making her way back over to the watchful male, she pressed her head to his chest and ran her snout up and around his neck while walking around him before sitting down beside him. The fires within his eyes dimmed slightly, but still burned. The point was clear to all those present.
One wrong move and it will be the last you ever make.
The male stepped forward and his voice thundered into everyone's minds.
All hail Ancalagon the Black and Saphira Brightscales! All hail Rider Eragon and his friend, Murtagh Son of Morzan! Murtagh may be Morzan's child, but his heart is pure. Judge him for who he is, not by his father's choices. He is not his father. Murtagh is not the heartless bastard Morzan was. Eragon will face many trials and hardships, but that is the path of the Riders. Saphira, Ancalagon, my mate and I will be watching you closely from afar. I know you will both make us proud.
The male paused and walked up to Saphira before bowing his neck and pressing his forehead against hers. Ancalagon felt the dragon transfer memories into her mind and then the dragon pulled away and spoke.
Your mother would be proud of you, Saphira. You have a long road ahead of you, and I know you will doubt yourself. When you are lonely in the sands lost to time facing a darkness poisoning the lands, remember that your mother loved you until her last breath. You were never a mistake.
Addressing the crowd once more, he took his place next to the dark red female and the pair began to glow.
Farewell champions. Do not lose hope. When hope is gone, you have already lost. Oh, and Ancalagon? Do remember to look at the stars. They are beautiful from these tall mountain peaks.
The pair disappeared and left everyone in silent shock.
The man who was kneeling stood and faced the group of four friends. A smile broke through his stoic face and spoke to Orik. "Take them to the dragonhold. They'll tell us their stories tomorrow after they have rested."
Orik nodded and ushered them toward a massive door that led to a staircase.
I'm never going to fit through that… Ancalagon groaned. Saphira and I will meet you at the top. Let's go Saphira.
Spreading their wings, the young dragons took off with a gust of air following the flap of their wings. Coming to the dragonhold, which was a section of caves and large rooms for Riders of old with their dragons, Ancalagon went around looking for the best one as there's no way he was taking an… adequate room.
With it not taking long for him and Saphira to find the one to their liking, Saphira was instantly padding over to the cushioned dais that would serve as a bed for her and Ancalagon. She let out a content sighed as she laid down and stretched, taking the chance to finally relax. Ancalagon watched her with amusement as he came over.
Comfortable? He asked her teasingly.
Hmm… could use my favourite blanket. Saphira teased back. Ancalagon chuckled and joined her once she shifted to let him have space. As soon as he laid down and was comfortable, he raised his wing in invitation and she instantly cuddled up against his side, humming and nuzzling him before laying her head down as he draped his wing over her back.
However, even though the dragons wanted to rest and sleep, their human companions weren't willing to let them do so as they arrived, talking all the while. Saphira opened her eye and saw through Eragon's memories that he had been questioning Murtagh about his past, being Morzan's son, and why he didn't tell them.
But it was understandable why Murtagh wouldn't reveal that to anyone, but it seems only Brom and Ancalagon knew.
"Ancalagon!" Eragon called once he looked over at the black-scaled male, getting a huff of slight annoyance as he cracked an eye open to regard Eragon. "Why didn't you tell us you knew Murtagh was Morzan's son? And who were those two dragons?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Murtagh nodded.
Saphira lifted her head from where it had rested on her crossed front paws. I too am curious as to who they are and how they knew us. Especially the male. He was there to save us from the Urgals, and he matches the descriptions of the mysterious dragon you mentioned in your dream.
I am as lost as you are. Ancalagon said, sighing while lifting his head. I've never seen them before nor have I heard of them. But whoever they are… they're powerful. If they can appear and disappear as they do, that means they are capable of watching us and we may never know it.
Murtagh hummed before grinning a little. "That female one was scary though. She practically put everyone in their place. I wouldn't want to mess with her."
Of course, we female dragons are known to have fiercer tempers than the males. Saphira said with pride, lifting her head proudly.
Ancalagon nudged her gently. Is that right?
Don't challenge me on this. Saphira growled playfully and they lightly nipped at each other.
"You two seem close all of a sudden… well, closer than usual." Eragon said, eyeing them.
The dragons paused in their actions and shared a look before Saphira looked at her Rider. We've just had a talk about some things. But we assure you, if they are important and I feel the need for you to know, I will tell you.
Eragon smiled and patted her on the chest. "Hey, whatever's going on between you, that's between you and him. But… if things are going the way I think they are, do tell me as soon as it does."
"Or they might be too 'busy' to do so." Murtagh added with a smirk, only for it to fall as Saphira and Ancalagon leveled him with unamused looks. "What?"
Eragon chuckled and shook his head. "I think we should all turn in. It's been a long day and we need the rest after the journey getting here."
"I'm going to find my room, there is only one bed here for one person." Murtagh pointed out, getting a nod from the others before he walked out of the room.
As Eragon climbed into bed, Saphira and Ancalagon laid down and let themselves drift off to sleep.
B.W.- Oh boy, the readers are going to be hounding us on who the mystery dragons are, you know that, right?
S.S.- Fuck me sideways. Ima just… *flies off*
B.W.- Wait! Wait! Come back! Come back! Come back! COME BACK! I'M NOT BEING LEFT TO DEAL WITH HORDES OF QUESTIONS!
S.S.- *disappears from sight*
B.W.- Asshole. Oh well, better skedaddle before the hordes come barging me for answers *Shifts to wolf form and runs off… then comes running back* Don't forget to review, favorite and follow! *Rushes off again*