Well… good thing there were no complaints, so I guess that means everyone was satisfied with the battle? Yes? Good.
Answers to reviews…
Yubel578: Yes, epic chapter and explosion. Thank you. As for Murtagh… you'll just have to wait and see.
Halex00: Here is the aftermath and the trip to Helgrind… along with the events therein.
Without further ado, let's dive into chapter forty-two.
Morale seemed to be low after what happened to Stargazer, even though he was alive but just… faded. The ones hurt deeply by his absence were his family. Ancalagon, Almandine, Saphira, Eragon, Arya and Nasuada. For Ancalagon, he felt lost without his father to guide him, but knew that he had to step up and protect the family, protect his mother and the unborn hatchling within her womb. He will keep to his promise and protect them with all of his power.
Ancalagon and Almandine were laying in the nesting area Stargazer had chosen for them, allowing them to oversee the entire encampment. Ancalagon had his wing draped over Almandine's back, growling softly as he nuzzled her. She had been silent since Stargazer's body disappeared and he was worried about her, about how she'll take not having her mate beside her and it could send her into a depressed state that may affect her and the baby.
Don't worry about me, sweetheart. Almandine's voice, hoarse and raspy from the roaring of grief she did earlier, spoke in his mind and he looked to see her staring ahead blankly before she looked at him with the familiar look of love she always gave him. I'll be fine.
Forgive me if I have doubts, Mom. I know how loss can hurt people right to the core. Ancalagon said quietly, knowing the pain of grief quite well, the way he changed after the death of his birth mother.
Almandine reached over and nuzzled him gently, shifting his wing off her so she could drape hers over his and pull him close to her body. Ancalagon's body trembled, but he was trying to appear strong for her. Let it out, my little one. She said gently. You know what keeping it bottled up will do to you.
At her comforting words, Ancalagon broke. Tears began streaming down his face and he buried his head into Almandine's chest. The maroon dragoness hummed softly, even as tears of her own fell down her face.
I miss him, Mom. I miss him so much. Ancalagon sobbed.
So do I, Michael… so do I. Almandine whispered.
Ancalagon sniffled before chuckling a bit. Heck, I would kill for some of his snarky, sarcastic remarks right about now.
After ten minutes of crying, Almandine noticed Ancalagon's breathing pattern shift and looked to see he had fallen asleep against her. She merely pulled him close and curled around him protectively, wanting to ensure she did not lose her only son like she lost her mate and her first hatchling. Nothing will take Ancalagon or her unborn daughter away from her. That she vowed, and she will burn anyone who seeks to remedy that.
As she was about to drift off and join her son in slumber, as well as connect into his dreams so he didn't have to experience any traumatic nightmares alone, she lifted her head upon hearing footsteps and growled warningly at whoever was approaching their area.
Whoever is there, speak before you approach us. She demanded. Soon after, the familiar mind of Saphira brushed against hers.
It's only me, Almandine. Saphira said, approaching and felt her heart break at the sight of her mate, with obvious tear stains on his scaly cheeks. She glanced at the maroon dragoness who eyed her before gesturing for her to join them with a growl. Saphira did so, nuzzling her sleeping mate briefly before laying beside him. How… how are you both?
In pain. Almandine whispered quietly. Michael's trying to remain strong for me and the little one forming within me, but he can only do so much before he breaks.
He is stronger than that. Saphira said softly, looking at Ancalagon with faith and love. You and Stargazer should be proud of the young dragon he has become.
We are. Even without our guidance in the first few months of his time in this world, he has done well on his own… but I suppose that's because he had you in his life to keep him going. Almandine said with a small smile. He may not have told you but… he was enamored with you the first time he saw you.
Really? Saphira's eyes widened.
Mmmmm. Almandine hummed and nodded. When he first saw you, he thought that no other beauty could equal, surpass or be compared to yours. He may have resisted because of his human heart and beliefs, but he could not deny what his heart wanted and that was you. I would know, it was like that for me when I saw Stargazer. When I saw him… there was truly no other for me but him. I knew that he was the one. The dragoness chuckled warmly then. Of course, that was after twenty years of being a pain in his ass... yet he still accepted my advances.
Saphira was silent as that had been how she felt when she first saw Ancalagon. True, she had thought he would be the perfect mate, but she didn't fall in love with him just for the desire to continue her race, she fell in love with him because she loved him. She loved everything about him, even his human antics. And she knew, as she always knew when she became his official mate and he hers… there was no other male perfect for her but him.
What is the plan now? Almandine asked suddenly, breaking Saphira from her thoughts.
Eragon, his cousin Roran and uncle Garrow are intending to go rescue Roran's beloved, Katrina, from the Ra'zac. Saphira said.
Hmm. Almandine hummed. You will go?
Of course. Eragon is my Rider. Saphira said before glancing at Ancalagon. I'm not sure if Michael will go. Eragon thinks he will but… I don't want him to throw himself into something to get away from his grief and time of mourning. I miss Stargazer too.
Let Michael make his own decision on that. Almandine said gently, holding her son close. If he says no, your Rider must accept this. Grief can affect us in many ways, and I watched how it affected Michael after the death of his birth mother. He threw himself into anything in order to forget the feeling of it instead of properly handling it, but he had no one to support him or comfort him. Stargazer very nearly tore several galaxies apart in the pain Michael was going through, and I was close to breaking through to his world and showing myself to the humans in order to hold that grieving, hurting boy to my chest like I am right now. Even before his adoption, I felt nothing but motherly affection for him. You'll understand when you have your own hatchlings.
I know I will. Saphira nodded and looked at her sleeping mate. And I am glad they will be his. He will make a great father.
That he will, just as you will make a great mother, Saphira. Almandine said, causing the sapphire-scaled dragoness to hum at the compliment. Without another word, she curled up against Ancalagon's side underneath Almandine's wing, and Ancalagon instinctively reached his own over his mate's back and held her close to him.
Almandine smiled at the sight and laid her head down, holding her son and her daughter-in-law close to her.
No.
"What do you mean 'no'?" Eragon asked with a frown as he stood before Ancalagon who was laying down and not looking at him. It wasn't just them, Saphira, Roran and Garrow were also there. "We need to save Katrina."
And I am not going. Ancalagon said, glancing at him. You'll do fine without me.
"Actually. I think we'll have better chances of success with two dragons." Eragon retorted, though sent an apology to Saphira that she understood. "Would you let Saphira go-"
Do NOT use her against me, boy. Ancalagon snapped his glare to him, baring his teeth. Do not ever try to use her in an argument against me. Saphira can take care of herself, that we both know. I am not going. I am needed here, to be there for my mother. I just lost my father, Eragon, and now you want me to throw myself into something while I'm still grieving and mourning? No. Right now, my main priority is my mother and unborn sister. However… He growled. If Saphira gets hurt on this venture because of you, pray that I'm in a good enough mood to be merciful for what I'll do.
"Eragon." Garrow stepped forward when seeing his nephew about to argue. He gave him a look and shook his head before looking at Ancalagon. "We'll leave you to your mourning. But… it is good to see you again."
And you as well, Garrow. Now leave me, please. Ancalagon said, a slight note of begging in his voice.
Garrow nodded and guided Eragon and Roran away while Saphira stayed to look at her mate.
Do you disagree with my decision? Ancalagon asked, glancing at her.
No. Almandine told me I should respect it and I am… I know you don't want to leave her side, Michael. Saphira settled down next to her mate and licked his cheek lovingly. I just don't want to lose you in your grief. I know how affected you were from your mother's death. You threw yourself into whatever could make you forget about it and I… I don't want to see you like that.
Nor do I want you to see me like that. Ancalagon whispered and nuzzled her. I would come, Saphira, but… I can't. I just can't. I can't leave Mom to grieve alone.
I understand. Saphira said softly and nuzzled the top of his head. Ancalagon lifted his head and pressed his maw against hers in a kiss that took her breath away before she returned the loving action with her own, pouring her love for him into it and through their link.
When you come back… it'll just be you and me. Ancalagon mumbled as he pulled away. We haven't had the time to have a night to ourselves in a while, and I think I owe you a pleasant one at this point after everything. We're all hurting from Stargazer's… death. But I am more assured that I have my beautiful mate, as well as my mother, with me.
And we will never leave you nor will you ever leave us. Saphira whispered and the two shared another kiss. At least… see us off?
Of course. Ancalagon chuckled and got to his feet, following Saphira to where they waited for Eragon and his family.
It didn't take long for them to arrive, with Roran carrying a week's worth of food wrapped in leather satchels. He wordlessly handed them to Eragon as he fitted the packs to Saphira's saddle.
Together they walked to the edge of the Varden's encampment, Saphira keeping her flank against Ancalagon's the entire way. When they reached the low dirt wall that separated the camp from the rest of the plains, they stopped, no one really moving. Then, uttering a low growl, Saphira pressed her chest up against her mate and their maws met passionately. Ancalagon deepened the contact without hesitation, allowing her tongue to caress his in their odd draconic kiss. She pulled away, and pushed her forehead against his.
I love you, Michael, she said, soft growls escaping her.
And I you, my mate, he rumbled, wrapping her with his wings again. They stayed like that for minutes, unmoving, before he let go and she knelt down for Eragon, Garrow and Roran to climb into the saddle. Her sad eyes never left his, and they gripped each other all the tighter with their minds. Soon, Ancalagon reluctantly pulled away. Go. The sooner you get there and do what you need to do… the sooner you can come back to me.
Nothing will keep me from you. Saphira whispered to him. With one last croon of goodbye, she unfurled her wings and jumped into the air. She rose a small ways above the plains, and circled the male left behind on the ground, unwilling to look away. The dragoness roared balefully, and he answered back with a long, sorrowful lament of his own.
Then, steeling her heart and her mind. Saphira turned and flew north towards the lair of the Ra'zac, leaving Ancalagon to watch her form shrink smaller and smaller as she disappeared into the horizon.
The small, flickering fire cast a low, but comforting glow around their hidden campsite. Eragon was absentmindedly stroking Saphira's foreleg as he watched Garrow whittle a small piece of wood while Roran was sitting beside him. His older cousin was staring blankly into the flames, clearly thinking about his beloved Katrina. Being so close, yet feeling farther away than ever, and Eragon did not blame him.
They were hidden in a small clump of trees and bushes less than a mile from the base of the black peak that was Helgrind. Earlier that day, they had lain atop a small rise to observe a congregation of worshipers and priests from the nearby city of Dras-Leona that had come to pay homage and tribute to the vile peak...and the even fouler creatures that they knew to dwell within. Seeing the looks on the faces of the frightened slaves that were left as a meal...Eragon fought down a wave of disgust and pity.
"So… a lot seems to have happened the last time I saw you." Garrow said, breaking the silence that had stretched on for far too long. He glanced at his nephew then at Saphira. "A lot has changed."
Eragon gave a small smile. "That it has."
"If it helps you feel any better…" Garrow said to the silent dragoness who was staring into space but soon paid attention to his words. "I'm sorry you had to be away from him. You two clearly love each other."
He understands. Saphira said softly. Even though she was hurting, she would not leave her Rider to go about this venture alone, even when a part of her wanted to be at Ancalagon's side. He would be here but… he's grieving.
"Yeah, the big dragon with crystalized wings." Garrow nodded with a frown. "Who is he?"
Saphira was silent, her gaze turning to the campfire. There was nothing but silence for several moments before Saphira spoke. My father-in-law. One of the best things to have entered my mate's life along with his mate, Almandine.
"Was she the other dragoness that I saw?" Garrow asked, looking at Eragon who nodded. To get off the depressing topic, Garrow looked at Saphira and Eragon. "So, tell me everything that happened after I left you two, Brom and Ancalagon in the Spine. I especially want to hear how Ancalagon claimed the heart of the beautiful dragoness before me."
Together, Eragon and Saphira spoke of their journey. They left nothing out, from them hunting the Ra'zac to Brom's death at Gil'ead… as well as what Ancalagon ended up doing to the city in retaliation. When Saphira spoke of how the relationship between her and Ancalagon developed and grew, they could hear the love in her voice and the look in her eyes, which made Eragon smile. Then, they spoke about Stargazer and Almandine, how they were mysterious at first but grew to become like family to them, especially Ancalagon.
When they finally finished their tale, both Garrow and Roran looked amazed. "You guys have been through a lot." Roran said, looking between them. He sighed. "As have we all."
"Now, now, boys, we will get Katrina back." Garrow said firmly, looking between his son and nephew. "Do you hear me? We will get my future daughter-in-law back, and Saphira will get back to the drake she loves."
They nodded. Soon, the humans decided to turn in for the night. They had planned to infiltrate Helgrind after first light tomorrow, as to take advantage of the Ra'zac's slight weakness in sunlight. Eragon laid against Saphira's flank. The dragoness rolled onto her side, so she could curl around her Rider and drape a wing over him, covering him in a living tent. She hummed and nuzzled him again, before holding him close by resting her head in his lap. Eragon chuckled slightly, and scratched a spot under her chin, earning another hum and a slight purr.
They wrapped each other comfortably with a tender, mental embrace, before retreating to their respective states of slumber. The last thing Saphira pictured was the form of her handsome, black-scaled mate, and envisioned him laying beside her with his muscular foreleg draped around her chest. Her heart gave a small pang of sorrow, and she clung to the image like a lifeline, silently asking it to get her through another night, until she could feel his touch for real once more.
I miss you...
"Mind a little company?"
Ancalagon turned at the sound of Arya's musical voice, though in his silent, personal opinion it was nothing compared to Saphira's angelic voice. The elf stood a few feet from him respectfully, giving him his space and not approaching unless he accepted the offer for company.
No. Ancalagon said with a quiet sigh and laid down on his belly while Arya came to sit next to him.
"I'm sorry, Michael." Arya said softly, causing him to glance at her out of the corner of his eye. "About Stargazer."
Ancalagon said nothing and looked away. After a few moments of silence, he spoke. Do you want to know why my mother, my birth mother, chose the name Michael?
Arya glanced at him and shook her head.
On my world, the name Michael is well known for a figure in our mythology, Christianity. It's a religion. Anyway, the name Michael belonged to an archangel, a powerful warrior created by a being simply called God. Ancalagon explained before he sighed. Michael was one of the first few creations of God, next to his brother, Lucifer. However, when God created man, Lucifer grew jealous of his father's attention to them rather than his trueborn children. He began a rebellion against his father, and the one who stood against him in the front lines was Michael. There are many tales of the Archangel, that he was the greatest of his kind next to Lucifer, that he is humanity's sworn defender when the Apocalypse would come, so many, many tales about him. But my mother gave me the name because to her… I was the greatest thing in her life, her little angel she used to call me. He gave a fanged smile, his gaze turning distant as he got lost in the memories. And when I became Stargazer and Almandine's son, I couldn't help but feel like that name had been given more meaning. And yet… I couldn't protect my father from death.
"It's not your fault, Michael." Arya said softly and placed a hand on his foreleg that was close to her.
I was the one being targeted, Arya. If I hadn't been so distracted with Thorn, I could've seen it coming! I could've moved and… Ancalagon choked on his words, his talons digging into the dirt underneath him. He steeled himself and growled. Because of Thorn, I couldn't see what was happening and move to prevent it. All of them are going to pay. Every. Single. One.
"Stargazer wouldn't want you to fall into darkness for revenge, Michael." Arya said, her voice still soft but there was a stern quality entering it.
Indeed, he wouldn't. Almandine's voice said in their heads as she came to join them, taking the spot on Ancalagon's other side and she stretched her wing over him. Don't let revenge get the best of you, Michael. It never ends well. Ancalagon remained silent, saying nothing. And by the way… that is the cutest nickname I think I have ever heard. I should come up with my own for you, as I wouldn't dare take your birth mother's.
"How about your little dark terror?" Arya asked jokingly, causing the maroon dragoness to chuckle while Ancalagon sighed but his lips curled into a fanged grin, knowing they were trying to help. As a show of appreciation, he lifted his foreleg and placed it on Arya's chest, gently pulling her against the warm bulk of his chest while pressing himself against Almandin's side.
There is… something I want your opinions on. Ancalagon said, drawing the females' attention, especially when they noticed how nervously he was shifting. Um… would you both happen to know good names for children?
Arya and Almandine snapped their gazes to him, their eyes wide. "Don't tell me Saphira's…" Arya started.
No! No, she's not gravid, it's just… Ancalagon sighed. I want to have children with her one day, and I was just wondering if any of you know good names for dragon hatchlings, whether it be a boy or girl's name. Just so we have ideas.
Arya and Almandine shared a look before they nodded. Alright, there are many names fitting for a dragon, I'm sure some will be of great choice. The maroon dragoness said. How about…
"Remember, their breath can stun you at close range, and they are much stronger than they appear," Eragon muttered over his shoulder. Behind him, Roran and Garrow gave a grim nod each, and tightened their grip on their hammer and sword respectively. Eragon stroked the sapphire scales in front of him in a sign of comfort, but Saphira's only response was a snort. Once again, she and Eragon had closed their minds to each other as one extra layer of protection. The Rider quickly reviewed his wards about himself and his companions, before giving his dragoness a slight nudge with his heels, indicating he was ready.
A fan of golden light flared into existence as the top of the sun crested the horizon. In an instant, the full spectrum of colors enlivened the previously drab world: the mist glowed white, the water became a rich blue, the daubed-mud wall that encircled the center of Dras-Leona revealed its dingy yellow sides, the trees cloaked themselves in every shade of green, and the soil blushed red and orange. Helgrind, however, remained as it always was — black.
The mountain of stone rapidly grew larger as they approached. Even from the air, it was intimidating.
Diving toward the base of Helgrind, Saphira tilted so far to her left, Eragon, Garrow and Roran would have fallen if they had not already strapped their legs to the saddle. Then she whipped around the apron of scree and over the altar where the priests of Helgrind observed their ceremonies. The lip of Eragon's helm caught the wind from her passage and produced a howl that almost deafened him.
"Well?" shouted Garrow. He could not see in front of them.
"The slaves are gone!"
A great weight seemed to press Eragon into his seat as Saphira pulled out of her dive and spiraled up around Helgrind, searching for an entrance to the Ra'zac's hideout.
Not even a hole big enough for a woodrat, she declared. She slowed and hung in place before a ridge that connected the third lowest of the four peaks to the prominence above. The jagged buttress magnified the boom produced by each stroke of her wings until it was as loud as a thunderclap. Eragon's eyes watered as the air pulsed against his skin.
A web of white veins adorned the backside of the crags and pillars, where hoarfrost had collected in the cracks that furrowed the rock. Nothing else disturbed the gloom of Helgrind's inky, windswept ramparts. No trees grew among the slanting stones, nor shrubs, grass, or lichen, nor did eagles dare nest upon the tower's broken ledges. True to its name, Helgrind was a place of death, and stood cloaked in the razor-sharp, sawtooth folds of its scarps and clefts like a bony specter risen to haunt the earth.
Casting his mind outward, Eragon confirmed the presence of the two people whom he had discovered imprisoned within Helgrind the previous day, but he felt nothing of the slaves, and to his concern, he still could not locate the Ra'zac or the Lethrblaka. If they aren't here, then where? he wondered. Searching again, he noticed something that had eluded him before: a single flower, a gentian, blooming not fifty feet in front of them, where, by all rights, there ought to be solid rock. How does it get enough light to live?
Saphira answered his question by perching on a crumbling spur several feet to the right. As she did, she lost her balance for a moment and flared her wings to steady herself. Instead of brushing against the bulk of Helgrind, the tip of her right wing dipped into the rock and then back out again.
Saphira, did you see that!
I did.
Leaning forward, Saphira pushed the tip of her snout toward the sheer rock, paused an inch or two away — as if waiting for a trap to spring — then continued her advance. Scale by scale, Saphira's head slid into Helgrind, until all that was visible of her to Eragon was a neck, torso, and wings.
It's an illusion! exclaimed Saphira.
With a surge of her mighty thews, she abandoned the spur and flung the rest of her body after her head. It required every bit of Eragon's self-control not to cover his face in a desperate bid to protect himself as the crag rushed toward him.
An instant later, he found himself looking at a broad, vaulted cave suffused with the warm glow of morning. Saphira's scales refracted the light, casting thousands of shifting blue flecks across the rock. Twisting around, Eragon saw no wall behind them, only the mouth of the cave and a sweeping view of the landscape beyond.
Eragon grimaced. It had never occurred to him that Galbatorix might have hidden the Ra'zac's lair with magic. Idiot! I have to do better, he thought. Underestimating the king was a sure way to get them all killed.
Roran swore and said, "Warn us before you do something like that again."
Hunching forward, Eragon began to unbuckle his legs from the saddle as he studied their surroundings, alert for danger.
The opening to the cave was an irregular oval, perhaps fifty feet high and sixty feet wide. From there the chamber expanded to twice that size before ending a good bowshot away in a pile of thick stone slabs that leaned against each other in a confusion of uncertain angles. A mat of scratches defaced the floor, evidence of the many times the Lethrblaka had taken off from, landed on, and walked about its surface. Like mysterious keyholes, five low tunnels pierced the sides of the cave, as did a lancet passageway large enough to accommodate Saphira. Eragon examined the tunnels carefully, but they were pitch-black and appeared vacant, a fact he confirmed with quick thrusts of his mind. Strange, disjointed murmurs echoed from within Helgrind's innards, suggesting unknown things scurrying about in the dark, and endlessly dripping water. Adding to the chorus of whispers was the steady rise and fall of Saphira's breathing, which was overloud in the confines of the bare chamber.
The most distinctive feature of the cavern, however, was the mixture of odors that pervaded it. The smell of cold stone dominated, but underneath Eragon discerned whiffs of damp and mold and something far worse: the sickly sweet fetor of rotting meat.
Undoing the last few straps, Eragon swung his right leg over Saphira's spine, so he was sitting side-saddle, and prepared to jump off her back. Roran and Garrow did the same on the opposite side.
Before he released his hold, Eragon heard, amid the many rustlings that teased his ear, a score of simultaneous clicks, as if someone had struck the rock with a collection of hammers. The sound repeated itself a half second later.
He looked in the direction of the noise, as did Saphira.
A huge, twisted shape hurtled out of the lancet passageway. Eyes black, bulging, rimless. A beak seven feet long. Batlike wings. The torso naked, hairless, rippling with muscle. Claws like iron spikes.
Eragon had to admit, Ancalagon's description of the Lethrblaka was spot on. They did look like poor, rejected versions of dragons.
Suddenly, everything went black and the ground vanished. Stars wheeled overhead and the remaining Lethrblaka screeched as a foreign presence unified its mind with Eragon. Burning rage pumped through the Rider's veins and in turn he could feel Saphira's emotions running rampant. A voice thundered into their minds, melding them together.
End them, once and for all!
Saphira threw herself at the Lethrblaka with a roar, crashing into it and they went barreling out of the cavern. The presence disappeared from Eragon's mind, yet he still sensed it within his dragon. Saphira's movements were so precise and powerful, the Rider knew there was only one being that could do such acts. Only he was gone. Then how–
Eragon's thoughts were interrupted as a leaf-shaped blade narrowly missed his neck and he was forced to dodge, rolling aside. As Eragon, Roran and Garrow battled the two Ra'zac, the Rider noticed his wards seemed to have disappeared and there was a clarity within the trio's minds that had never been there before. The Ra'zac's movements seemed slow and sluggish, and the three men's strength felt as if it had been tripled. Eragon blocked an incoming strike to his ribs and Roran crushed the creature's head with his hammer.
"DIE!" Roran bellowed, giving chase to the final Ra'zac as it stumbled away with an arrow embedded within its shoulder blade, courtesy of Garrow.
A rage-filled roar from Saphira drew Eragon's attention and he whipped his head around to where she was battling the Lethrblaka, and he was shocked by the sight before him as his eyes widened. That same voice roared within their minds again, causing the men to drop their weapons and clutch their heads.
DESTROY IT!
Saphira became fury incarnate as she fiercely battled her opponent. Any restraint she had had been let go, forgotten at this point. Every strike her foe landed upon her seemed to only fuel her, give her strength and sharpen her focus. There was nothing but sheer bloodlust on her mind. Only one single thought on her mind: that if they kill these creatures quick enough, find what they're looking for, they'll be back to the Varden quicker… back to him. The men's jaws dropped as a lightning bolt flashed into the cavern, temporarily blinding them and the Lethrblaka. Saphira took advantage of her impaired foe and grabbed its neck in her jaws. With a savage shake of her head, a loud crack echoed within the cavern as she snapped its neck. The dragoness then planted a paw on the limp form of her opponent and unleashed an unearthly, primal roar of victory. Her cry of triumph resounded over the land, frightening wildlife for miles.
Eragon couldn't help but take a step back at the look of sheer lust for the kill in his dragon's eyes, and it very much reminded him of the look in Ancalagon's eyes on the night he destroyed Gil'ead and when Stargazer was wounded. The Saphira he knew was gone; there was no kindness, warmth or love in those eyes. This Saphira wanted to maim, kill, and slaughter any who got in her way, and kept her from her mate a moment longer.
Where are they? She screamed, and Eragon flinched from the intensity of her shout.
Saphira! Stop! The young Rider was forced to yell into her mind, lest she go on a rampage. Hearing his voice caused her to slow, and her eyes softened the slightest bit, though she still snarled.
Where are they? She repeated, the bloodlust still staining her voice. I shall rip them to pieces.
Eragon opened his mind slightly to her, and sent her any calming images he could. We killed one, but the other retreated further inside, he said slowly. You are too large to fit. Roran, Garrow and I must go. He flinched at the increase in her snarl, but she jerked her head at him as if telling him to stop talking and get on with the hunt. Knowing better than to argue, especially with her in this state where she may be very much unreasonable, the men proceeded in pursuit of their prey.
Step by step, Eragon led the way as they burrowed farther into the bowels of Helgrind. The tunnel slanted downward and often split or turned, so that Eragon would have soon been lost if he had not been able to use Katrina's mind as a reference point. The various knobby holes were low and cramped. Once, when Eragon bumped his head against the ceiling, a sudden flare of claustrophobia unnerved him.
After what seemed like an hour trapped in the darkness — though Eragon knew it could not have been more than ten or fifteen minutes — and after descending more than a hundred feet through Helgrind, Eragon stopped on a level patch of stone. Transmitting his thoughts to Roran and Garrow, he said, Katrina's cell is about fifty feet in front of us, on the right.
We can't risk letting her out until the final Ra'zac is either dead or gone. Roran argued.
What if it won't reveal itself until we do let her out? For some reason, I can't sense it. The Ra'zac could hide from me until doomsday in here. So do we wait for who knows how long, or do we free Katrina while we still have the chance? I can place some wards around her that should protect her from most attacks.
We free her now. Garrow said. The beast we hunt is injured, wounded. It won't attempt to take on all three of us unless it wants death.
They began to move forward again, feeling their way along the squat corridor with its rough, unfinished floor. Eragon had to devote most of his attention to his footing in order to maintain his balance.
As they neared the cell door where she was being kept, Eragon heard the faintest twang and he flattened himself, his cousin and uncle against the wall. Something flashed past his face, and he stabbed out with his magic on instinct. "Kveykva!" Bright, red light filled the tunnel, and they saw a lone Ra'zac scream and drop to its knees, shielding its eyes from the intense light. Without hesitation, Roran pushed past Eragon and swung his hammer mightily. The beast crumpled under the blow, but Roran kept swinging, shattering its carapace and staining the floor with its dark blood. Only after Garrow pulled him away did his son stop his rage-filled attack, his breath coming in deep gasps. Then, without a word, they turned to the cell door and Eragon cut the lock with magic, Roran bounding inside immediately afterward.
Sitting in a pale strand of light, was Katrina.
With a cry of relief, Roran surged forward and embraced her. At first she screamed and fought him, not knowing it was him until he lifted the blindfold off her, allowing her to see his face. Her face was white from lack of sun and streaked with filth, yet at that moment, a look of such wonder and tender love blossomed upon her features, Eragon thought he had rarely seen anyone so beautiful.
Never taking her eyes off Roran, Katrina stood and, with a shaking hand, touched his cheek.
"You came."
"I came."
A laughing sob broke out of Roran, and he folded her in his arms, pulling her against his chest. They remained lost in their embrace for a long moment.
Drawing back, Roran kissed her three times on the lips. Katrina wrinkled her nose and exclaimed, "You grew a beard!" Of all the things she could have said, that was so unexpected — and she sounded so shocked and surprised — that Eragon chuckled in response. For the first time, Katrina seemed to notice him, as well as her future father-in-law. She glanced Eragon over, then settled on his face, which she studied with evident puzzlement. "Eragon? Is that you?"
"Aye."
"He's a Dragon Rider now," said Roran.
"Aye, he'as been through a lot as well." Garrow said as he stepped forward and pulled his future daughter-in-law into a hug that she returned.
"We should leave now." Eragon said as he glanced out of the cell. His mind was troubled… especially upon feeling the mind of the one person Eragon did not want to know of; Sloan. Katrina's father and the one responsible for all of this. "Explanations can wait until we're all safe."
Plus, with the mood and state Saphira was currently in, he didn't want to test her patience.
Garrow and Roran nodded in agreement and quickly began getting Katrina out of the cell. Eragon took up the rear as he came out, glancing back in the direction he knew Sloan's cell was. When hearing Garrow and Roran stop, he told them to go on ahead with Katrina while he double checked to make sure there wasn't anything going to attack from behind.
When he was satisfied that they were far ahead, he turned and made his way to the other cell, and looked inside to find Sloan, his hands chained to the wall and… his eyes pecked out.
Eragon grimaced a little but he entered the cell regardless and silently stood, looking down at the man that was responsible for the destruction of Carvahall. He sold everyone out to the Ra'zac, it was because of him that Katrina was taken. He deserved to die for what he did….
But did Eragon have the right to pass such judgment on the condemned?
What should I do? Eragon sighed, really wishing Brom was here so he could get some advice, or even Stargazer, or Oromis, or Glaedr. Anyone!
Ancalagon's words floated into his mind about how Stargazer's prayers worked.
When you feel lost without hope, look to the stars. He will answer your plea.
Nodding to himself, Eragon left the cell and quickly jogged after his relatives, soon catching up to them as they made it outside where an impatient but concerned Saphira was waiting. She ran a quick eye over all of them, her relief being felt by her Rider upon seeing he was unharmed.
Eragon said, "Katrina, allow me to introduce you to Saphira. I am her Rider. She can understand if you speak to her."
"It is an honor, O dragon," Katrina managed to say. She dipped her knees in a weak imitation of a curtsy.
Saphira inclined her head in return.
As Roran and Garrow got Katrina onto Saphira's back, Eragon was busy healing Saphira of the wounds she sustained in her fight. However, he kept his thoughts private while glancing up at the stars that were just revealing themselves in the darkening sky.
Stargazer… The young Rider began hesitantly, unsure of if this would work but he trusted Ancalagon. I don't know if you can hear me from wherever you are, but I need your guidance. I don't know what to do about Sloan. After everything he's caused, he deserves to die but… do I have the right to be his judge, jury and executioner?
Seconds passed, then those seconds turned to minutes. Eragon was just about to give up when a blast of warm air slammed into the group, almost sounding like an exasperated exhale. A familiar voice rumbled into their minds with an amused tone.
Already need help, eh?
Saphira stood stone still, not moving or blinking. Shocked to her core, she knew her father-in-law wasn't dead, but it was still surprising to hear him once more.
Alright, let me see what kind of mess you got yourself into this time, Eragon.
Stargazer's focus then zeroed in on Eragon, his mind sweeping through the Rider's like a whisper of wind in the summertime. When he was done perusing the boy's memorie, he fell silent and withdrew for several moments. Roran and the others were snapping their heads in every direction, not knowing where the voice had come from. The presence returned and along with it came a certain conviction that Eragon shivered at.
The traitor must be dealt with, Rider. The dragon stated simply. Saphira, I do apologize, but this is a personal family matter. As Eragon is now technically the Leader of the Order and was asked by Katrina, he must pass judgment upon Sloan for the man's crimes. You must leave with the others. Send Arya in your stead.
Saphira made to argue but a force sent her sailing into the air, forcing her to open her wings while another gust of wind pushed her southward. Toward the Varden. Focusing on Eragon, the voice spoke in a much gentler tone yet still held the edge of a razor.
I will guide you, but you must come to your own conclusion, skorungr. Am I clear?
Eragon sent a feeling of acceptance and gratitude to the faded dragon and went to gather the butcher while releasing a sigh.
This was going to be a headache.
Another chapter gone and done.
