B.W.- Man, I can't believe we're near the end of the Eragon section of the story… and we're only nearly thirty chapters in! Think we'll be able to start Eldest off in chapter 30?
S.S.- I don't think so, unless we stopped this one at a good enough length.
Answers to reviews:
Dragomancer: Whether I am or not... it's my story. And I'm not saying anything. So you assume what you want to assume.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
"The reason you have been awakened this early and brought here is because the army of Urgals that Ancalagon warned us about… they have arrived." Ajihad informed grimly. "But thanks to us being warned days in advance thanks to Ancalagon and Lady Almandine's mate, we have better prepared ourselves for an assault but there are still things needing to be taken care of. Luckily, the army's about a day's march from here."
"Where are they attacking from?" Murtagh asked with a serious, hard expression on his face.
"From the tunnels. The Urgals are going to attack us from below."
"This is ill news." Orik said with a grunt, directing all attention to him. "There are hundreds of tunnels throughout the Beor Mountains, uninhabited since the day they were mined. The only dwarves who go in them are eccentrics who don't want contact with anyone."
Ancalagon looked at the map with a keen eye, just as Almandine was doing the same. They locked eyes for a moment but said nothing as they focused on the map. After several seconds of silence, Ancalagon spoke. Have the tunnels connected to Orthíad collapsed. That'll be where the army has amassed and is marching from.
Sound advice, young one. Almanadine commented with a hum. Collapsing the tunnels between us and them should cut off many entry points so we are not swarmed.
Jörmundur bent over the map, eyeing it carefully. "Do you know how many Urgals there are?"
"Enough to take this mountain perhaps." Ajihad said with a sigh. "And that's not counting Galbatorix's own troops among them. If Galbatorix has augmented the Urgals' ranks with his own men, we don't stand a chance."
"But if he hasn't, it's because he still doesn't want his alliance with the Urgals revealed, or for some other reason." Arya pointed out from where she stood at Almanadine's paws.
"It's possible we can win. Neither Orrin nor the elves can help us at this late hour. Even so, I sent runners to both of them with news of our plight. At the very least they won't be caught by surprise if we fall. But, with three dragons and a Rider on our side… I'd wager our chances of survival and winning the battle are great." Ajihad said.
Only Ancalagon and myself can breathe fire, Ajihad, Saphira cannot. Almanadine told him before looking at the others gathered. But, it's not just dragon fire that can win a battle. Now, as Ancalagon has suggested, we must contain the Urgals. Containment is the key to our victory. To do so, we must have them contained in three of the larger tunnels and channel them into Farthen Dûr so they don't swarm inside Tronjheim like locusts. Eragon, Arya, your task is to help the dwarves collapse extraneous tunnels. Two groups of dwarves are already working on it: one outside Tronjheim, the other beneath it. Eragon, you're to work with the group outside. Arya, you'll be with the one underground; Orik will guide you to them.
"Why not collapse all the tunnels instead of leaving the large ones untouched?" asked Eragon.
"Because," said Orik, "that would force the Urgals to clear away the rubble, and they might decide to go in a direction we don't want them to. Plus, if we cut ourselves off, they could attack other dwarf cities—which we wouldn't be able to assist in time."
"There's also another reason," said Ajihad. "Hrothgar warned me that Tronjheim sits on such a dense network of tunnels that if too many are weakened, sections of the city will sink into the ground under their own weight. We can't risk that."
Jörmundur listened intently, then asked, "So there won't be any fighting inside Tronjheim? You said the Urgals would be channeled outside the city, into Farthen Dûr."
Ajihad responded quickly, "That's right. We can't defend Tronjheim's entire perimeter—it's too big for our forces—so we're going to seal all the passageways and gates leading into it. That will force the Urgals out onto the flats surrounding Tronjheim, where there's plenty of maneuvering room for our armies. Since the Urgals have access to the tunnels, we cannot risk an extended battle. As long as they are here, we will be in constant danger of them quarrying up through Tronjheim's floor. If that happens, we'll be trapped, attacked from both the outside and inside. We have to prevent the Urgals from taking Tronjheim. If they secure it, it's doubtful we will have the strength to repel them."
"And what of our families?" asked Jörmundur. "I won't see my wife and son murdered by Urgals."
Rest assured, Jörmundur, I have not forgotten about the women and children, or the sick and elderly. Almanadine said. They will be evacuated into the surrounding valleys, where they will be safe. Should the worst happen, they have guides who will take them to Surda.
The second-in-command nodded, then looked at Ajihad. "Sir, is Nasuada going as well?"
"She is not pleased, but yes." All eyes were on Ajihad as he squared his shoulders and announced, "The Urgals will arrive in a matter of hours. We know their numbers are great, but we must hold Farthen Dûr. Failure will mean the dwarves' downfall, death to the Varden—and eventual defeat for Surda and the elves. This is one battle we cannot lose. Now go and complete your tasks! Jörmundur, ready the men to fight."
The room shook and the shadows behind Almandine shifted, revealing an enormous form that had wrapped itself around the table. A deep voice then spoke.
Not only will there be fire to contend with, but lightning as well. Twin orbs of a glowing indigo blue appeared from within the shadows. I feel a dark presence accompanying our enemy. It is an ancient and dark evil, filled with nothing but malice. Rider, you will face Durza and I will do my best to protect you from this evil. The crystal male lowered his head and angled it slightly so one brilliant eye bathed Eragon in its soft blue glow. Even if I fall, you must vanquish the shade. It is imperative that you stab him through the heart. Only then, will his black magic be lifted and set the Urgals free. Do you understand me, boy?
Ancalagon and Saphira were horrified. To hear this ancient dragon speak of giving his life so freely to allow others their rightful freedom. It was humbling to say the least.
What will happen if you do fall? Ancalagon asked, worried.
The large dragon looked to Almandine, who in turn hummed, before addressing the black-scaled dragon. Then you will inherit my knowledge. Everything that I have experienced for over two thousand years on this rock of a planet will be passed to you and Saphira. Almandine and myself have come to terms that we may very well lose our lives in this war, and we have planned contingencies for such events. Ancalagon looked down, saddened by the reality they faced. Young one. You, of all here present outside my mate and I, know the feeling of loss very well. I do not wish to leave you all to suffer these dark times, but alas if that is what fate has in store for me, then so be it. Now. Enough talking. We have work to do! To arms!
The doors flew open and the massive crystal dragon squeezed his bulk through ahead of everyone. Once out in the middle of the city square, he lifted his head and let loose a terrible roar. Almandine joined her mate and Ancalagon followed suit with Saphira. The four dragons let loose the call to battle.
Where is he? Ancalagon asked Saphira.
The black-scaled dragon had been searching for the crystal male for some time now, only to find nothing. No one seemed to be able to give him a clear answer.
It was beginning to piss Ancalagon off.
A gentle nudge from a certain blue dragoness calmed his nerves and allowed him to relax ever so slightly.
He said he would arrive after he handled some things, did he not? Saphira reminded her companion.
Aye. He did. Ancalagon let out a sigh. I am just worried. Worried that I may never see you or them again.
Shhhh let us not think those dark thoughts. Come. I need my comfort blanket. Saphira soothed.
As the young male draped one of his wings over Saphira, the pair noticed two men making their way towards them. As they got closer, the two dragons saw that the men were none other than Eragon and Murtagh. Ancalagon rose and walked straight to Murtagh, halting the youth who then looked up in confusion.
I, Ancalagon the Black, allow you, Murtagh Son of Morzan, to ride into this battle upon my back. May we fight, and even die, together. As one. The black-scaled dragon uttered in the ancient language and crouched low so the boy could climb up.
Everyone was shocked. Murtagh stood stone still, his brain completely fried. All of the soldiers who were assembled around the group, along with Eragon and Saphira, looked on in disbelief. Arya, who had been next to Eragon, was gaping like a fish while her mouth moved but no words came out.
Go on, little one. Came the urging from a soft female voice.
Every head turned to see that the two wild dragons had joined the procession. Ranks of dwarves stood at attention with extreme discipline beside them. Their postures were straight and their faces set in grim determination.
The crystal male stepped toward Ancalagon and Murtagh, who in turn watched him with wary eyes. The dragon nodded to Ancalagon before gently using his teeth to clamp down on the back of Murtagh's armor and lifted him to the black dragon's back where the human was released. The unnamed dragon kept walking until he reached the front lines, where the soldiers silently broke their shield wall to allow him passage through and then solidified the wall once more.
Almandine? Came the sudden inquiry.
Yes?
There was a slight pause before the reply came. You know the drill. Stay back and keep an eye on our lines. If need be, send in our artillery. Our guests might enjoy some flaming rocks dropped on their heads.
"What are your orders for the initial assault, my lord?" Came a question from one of the many commanders.
Stay back and remain out of my way. The dragon answered. Unless you wish to know how being electrocuted feels firsthand?
"N-no sir." Was the shaky response.
Ancalagon, Saphira. The two young dragons looked at the male. Since you two are smaller, I want you both running aerial reconnaissance paths every so often. Keep in mind that arrows hurt. Ancalagon. If you see any battalions who need aid, flame the bastards until the lines are reformed. The two nodded and looked toward the entrances where their enemies would come from.
Silence engulfed the soon-to-be battlefield.
No one talked unless it was the runners who were sent into the tunnels to monitor the advancing Urgals' progress. Then, a few hours later, they heard it.
The guttural roars of the armies of Urgals.
Hundreds of the beasts began pouring out of the tunnels before they closed ranks and grouped together. War horns sounded and it began.
The Urgals started their assault with a direct frontal charge.
Almandine, upon seeing the charge, readied her forces. Archers!
Hundreds of bows were drawn and arrows notched as the creatures charged forward, oblivious of their imminent doom.
Fire!
The twang of bowstrings being released was heard and a cloud of arrows arched up and over the lines of the Varden and dwarves before screaming back down and striking their targets. Urgals howled and screamed as they were struck down by the projectiles.
Saphira! Ancalagon! Feed Almandine intel!
The duo launched into the air as a sudden humming began picking up throughout the cavern. The crystal drake's body began glowing a brilliant bright blue and Almandine's voice cut through the noise.
Brace!
The crystal dragon let out a primal roar as an enormous dome of purple energy exploded outward from the male and struck the Urgals. The wave of energy swept through their masses, frying hundreds to ash in mere seconds before the dragon gave the one command that rallied their forces together.
VARDEN ATTACK! RUSH THEM!
Thousands of yells and shouts were accompanied by four primal roars of rage as the armies clashed. Weapons flashed, blood and gore splattered the ground and bodies fell in waves. Arrows continuously streaked overhead as Ancalagon and Murtagh began tearing into the Urgals.
A massive Kull struck Saphira's shoulder, denting her dwarven dragon armor, but the last thing he saw before he died were the teeth of an enraged black-scaled dragon. The tunnel shook and bolts of lightning flashed at random amid the sea of struggling bodies. Ancalagon could hear Almandine giving out orders and rallying their troops.
The humans from the Varden felt their courage boost and their fears be swept aside as the female dragon kept their minds cleared and focused. Ancalagon spoke to Almandine, letting her know that several hundred Kull were advancing toward their right wing in an attempt to break them and sweep through their army. Almandine acknowledged this information and gave the soldiers orders to lock shields and partner up with dwarves. The humans would strike above the waist and the dwarves would strike from below the belt.
As Ancalagon launched into the air for another run, Murtagh was suddenly knocked off his back from a dark beam of energy. Ancalagon whipped his head around to see him.
Durza.
The shade was wearing black armor and had a shield with his pale blade. A long scratch ran down its length from a duel with Ajihad.
The shade! He's here! Ancalagon called, hoping for someone to answer his plea while Murtagh remounted.
"So." The shade snarled. "You're the one that destroyed an entire city? You don't look like much of anyth- ACK!"
He was cut off as a crystal tail smacked against his chest, sending him flying. Eragon rushed forward to begin fencing with Durza, no fear in his eyes. Only determination. The crystal male roared as a Lethrblaka with heavy plate armor tackled him. The two forces clashed with inconceivable power and strength. The fighting paused and everyone, friend and foe alike, turned to watch the spectacle.
Eragon was on the defensive, yet there was no fear in his heart and mind. He wanted this battle to be done. To move on and live another day. This shade, this being of darkness and evil, was standing in the way of that goal.
And Eragon was going to remove him from that position.
No matter the cost.
The crystal dragon snarled as the Lethrblaka's long beak pierced his scales, shattering them, and plunged into his shoulder. He let loose a roar of anger and pain while grabbing the beast's neck with a paw and throwing it to the ground. He then leaped on top of the leathery creature and began tearing its armor apart piece by piece. The Lethrblaka, seeming to realize the dangerous situation it was in, went still for a second before wrapping its tail around the neck of the dragon atop it and squeezing. The dragon flexed his neck muscles and howled as he felt the beast's claws cut gashes into his legs and flanks. He plunged his claws into the beast's chest, bit down on its neck and ripped its head off.
Eragon stumbled as Durza punched him across the face and then screamed when the shade lashed out and sliced his back wide open. The Rider then, summoning his remaining strength, spun around and stabbed the shade through the heart. Killing him instantly.
Eragon collapsed and lapsed into unconsciousness while the Varden and dwarves routed the Urgals out of the tunnels and they fled toward the Spine.
Ancalagon and Saphira looked on in horror as the crystal dragon dragged his battered body over to the unmoving Rider and toppled over, blood pouring from his wounds.
Well done… Eragon… He whispered, pride coloring his thoughts and voice before he also passed out. Almandine and the two young dragons made their way over to the pair and Arya healed the dragon's wounds while Eragon was rushed to Angela.
The battle of Farthen Dur was over.
The battle for Alagaësia was about to begin.
E/N- To be 100% honest, I don't think I wrote the battle scene very well. It feels almost rushed, but at the same time it feels right. Dunno.