OK, here is another chapter. Just so you all know I am doing a lot of writing at the moment. I am trying to get a lot of chapters for other stories wrote before posting them. I will try to get a chapter written for this story and added as much as I can with what little time I have, but I am trying to fix a story that I am having to rewrite due of all the mistakes.
The six leaders all headed for the defensive Burm to look over the Empire's army that had just arrived. By the looks of things, it was as big, if not bigger than they all feared. Eragon was not all that worried.
He figured if things went close to the same King Hrothgar would arrive soon. He also figured that his father would not be that far off by now. Eragon expected the villagers of Carvahall to arrive soon. While they would not be able to join the battle, his father would. Giving them three dragons.
"It will take them time to all arrive. They will need to set up camp and defenses before we need to worry about them attacking." Jormundar told them. "They will also need time for their troops to rest before they attack."
"I figure it will be a day or so before they send an envoy to demand we surrender. Probably another day or so after we reply for them to respond to our refusal." Eragon told the group. "I'll send the dragons out to scout the area and see if we can locate the dwarfs."
"OK, Eragon. Let me know if they are close enough to be here in under 3 days. Because that's my best guess. Maybe 4 days at the most before the battle starts." Jormundar asked the rider.
"Blodhgarm I want 3 elves on the berm at all times. Put one on the left flank, one center and one right flank. That way we can keep an eye out to make sure that the Empire can't try to send any assassins in camp."
"It will be done Shur'tugal."
"Thank you Blodhgram."
All the leaders headed back to the command tent to continue with planning. It was the next day that the Empire sent it's envoy. He gave the expected speech about how Galbatorix was the rightful ruler and that the dragon riders needed to turn themselves over to him as he was the leader of the riders.
When the envoy was finished Eragon stood on top of the Burm "Galbarorix is the traitor and oath breaker. It is he who needs to surrender. Standing before your army are 5 of the 6 races of Alagaesia, all standing united. Go back and tell your generals we will not surrender and if you insist on this fight then we end the lives of your soldiers. We will hate taking their lives but we will not summit to the mad king who cares for no one but himself. Now go."
Saphira and Firnen let out a mighty roar and shot flames in the air. The envoy's horse turned around and ran for its life with its rider holding on for dear life.
Eragon climbed down from the berm to see Arya staring at him like he was crazy. "While I liked your speech, don't you think telling him no would have worked just as well. Did you need to stand in the open for so long?"
Eragon just shrugged his shoulders. "It was funnier this way. Plus, the look on his face was priceless when I demanded Galbatorix's surrender."
Arya just shook her head. "Come on we have things to do."
They both headed off into the camp to finish with some tasks they started before the envoy from the rider came. It was two days later that another came and basically told them that they would all die since they refused Galbatorix's generous offer. Saphira fried him on the principle he was an idiot.
"They will attack tomorrow, we will start our attack a couple hours before sunrise. If we move slow enough and quiet enough, we should be able to get close to there lines before spotted." Jormundar told the others.
E/A
It was a few hours till the time to attack was to happen. Eragon, Arya and all the elves were sitting next to each other with their eyes closed. They were all saying the same words over again in the ancient language. Out near the Empire's line a fog started to come off the river. It moved across the whole front line of the Empire's army.
When they stopped Arya spoke. "That should keep till the sun burns it off. We should be able to get almost all the way to their lines. Hopefully they will not have time to properly form up before we reach them."
"We can hope. Everyone try to get some rest. We will have a long day tomorrow."
Arya went and sat beside Eragon as he used Saphira to lean on. The two just sat there holding hands leaning against each other. Both of them with their eyes closed. It was not long before the pair was asleep. The elves sat around them to keep everyone else away.
E/A
When the time came Eragon and Arya sat atop of their dragons. The elves lined up on either side. When the word was given to move forward Saphira was the first threw the opening in the berm. Firnen was second and moved about 10 feet from Saphera. Oric and his dwarfs moved between the two dragons with some of the elves. The rest of the elves formed up on either side of the dragons. They all would be the spearhead of the attack.
"Remember work in your pairs. Together you can do more and last longer. I want to see each of you still standing at the end of the battle" Eragon told his group.
Once the whole army was out and formed Eragon signaled for a slow march forward. All the commanders were to keep their men lined up with the dragons as they would set the pace.
E/A
Brom and Jara were flying to join up with Eagon. He had spoke to his son and learned the battle would be happening this morning. Eragon suggested that Brom join them since the Dragon Wing was in safe waters.
When Brom and Jara reached them they were to stay out of site till the battle started. Once it did then they were to hit the rear of the Empire's army. Eragon hoped this would cause more confusion and maybe draw Murtagh and Thorn out sooner. Eragon wanted to take care of them before he could kill Hrothgar.
Brom notice that the battle had not started yet. He could see were the Varden were advancing at a slow pace. He also notice the lite fog in front of the Empire.
"Looks like Eragon and the others added a little cover for their advance." Jara stated.
"Yes, they should be able to get closer then Eragon said they did in the old timeline." Brom answered back.
E/A
They were closer then last time when the alarms from the Empire started going off. As soon as they did, Jormundar signaled for King Orin and his Calvery and the Urgals to attack the Empire's flank and pinning them against the river. As soon as they charged Eragon yelled out for the main body of the Varden to attack.
The Empire was not fully formed when they were attacked from both their flank and the front so caught off guard as they were. It was not even 5 minutes in the attack when Jara attacked their rear. Burning the command tent and most of the siege weapons.
Eragon and Arya both were on their dragons looking with their minds for the Empires magicians. When one would find one they all joined their minds and attacked the magician then killed all his troops.
They both also had their bows out looking for enemy commanders. As the elves and dwarfs fought with the dragons the troops attacking them.
After a while the two jumped off their dragons and paired up. They joined their minds and attacked. Anyone who saw the two would describe it as a dance of death. No enemy could come close to killing the two. Those who approached were soon killed. They were moving ahead of the Varden's line too much that Blodghram had to call to them so they could let the others catch up.
Brom and Jara had landed on the eastern front to help keep the Empire pinned against the river. Blodghram sent 4 of his elves to help support them. They had not spotted Thorn but felt he was close.
E/A
The battle had been going on for several hours now. The Empire had rallied enough to push the Varden back some but were barely able to do that. They still held the greater numbers but the Varden were better organized and had 3 dragons to help them.
Then out of no where someone yelled that the dwarfs had arrived. The Empires soldiers were losing more hope as the hope of the Varden only grew.
Eragon mounted Saphira and headed towards the dwarfs. He got his bow out and notched an arrow as he heard some drums sounding off in the rear of the Empire. As expected Thorn and Murtagh rose from the rear of the Empire's troops.
When Eragon saw Murtagh start to raise his arm to fire a spell at Hrothgar, Eragon aimed his arrow for his brothers chest and fired. His arrow was one that was made like the elves and would pierce any wards.
The arrow struck a few seconds after Murtagh's spell hit Brom's shield. Brom had moved to be in front of Hrothgar just in case. The old man struggled for a few seconds when the spell ended. Several dwarfs moved to guard Brom while he recovered. Jara let out a stream of fire that roasted any Imperial troops in her path.
E/A
Murtagh staggered back as the arrow hit him in the right side of his chest. It had gone threw his wards and armor and pierces his lung. He was having trouble breathing. On top of that he saw a large Saphire dragon charging him and Thorn.
'Thorn fall back. I got an arrow stuck in my long and can't breath properly.' Murtagh sent to Thorn mentally since he could speak. The red dragon flew higher and back from the battle area.
Murtagh was trying to dislodge the arrow when Saphira reached them. Thorn was trying to fight her off so it was making it hard for Murtagh to dislodge the arrow.
'We can not fight them while you are injured. I am leaving so that you might heal yourself before you bleed out.' Thorn told his rider.
He sent a stream of fire towards the sapphire dragoness to give himself some space. Once he had space, he fled the battle and headed back to the black king.
E/A
Eragon and Saphira let them go. They had more important things to deal with. So the two turned around and attacked the Empire's army from the rear. It was not much longer before the rest of the Empire's soldiers started surrendering. Eragon knew that these would mostly be those ripped from their homes and forced to fight.
E/A
Arya and the elves started moving among the wounded and would heal them enough that they would not die and could be moved to the rear to fully be healed. Blodgrahm had sent a few of his elves to the rear to help the Varden and King Orrin's healers.
She also kept an eye out for Eragon. She saw Saphira a ways off and making her way towards them. She figured Eragon was doing as she was.
When they finally met up she hugged him. When she let go she looked him over for injuries.
"I am fine. Just tired and dirty. We probably should return to the command tent and see what comes next."
"We have a lot of work to do. Brom and Jara will also need to leave soon to join up with my mother and the elves before they start their own attack on the north."
"Come on. I also have a family reunion that I want you there for."
The two mounted their dragons and headed back to the Varden camp. Blodghram said he would send a few elves back but the rest would help out here till they were no longer needed.
E/A
Eragon and Arya walked in the command tent to see they were the last to arrive. Eragon went up to his father to see how he was fairing.
"I'm fine. Just tired." Brom told his worrying son.
"Just checking."
Eragon took his spot next to Arya as Jormundar started going over the battle. "As of right now we don't know how many dead or injured. My understanding is that due to the elves and riders help partially healing some of the more sever injuries before they are sent back to the healers tents that we will not lose a lot of men we would have. So Eragon if you can pass on our thanks to the elves."
"I will. What is the plan for the empire's injured?" asked Eragon.
"We are not the Empire. We will see to their injuries. Those who were conscripted and want to join the Varden will be allowed. We will need the elves help in determine if their joining in sincere. For those who don't want to join will be allowed to leave. We don't have the ability to hold prisoners."
King Orrin then spoke up. "I know everyone will want to know what comes next. As of right now, we will concentrate on recovering our dead and tending our injured. Where we go from here can be discussed in a few days"
Nasuada added. "We have achieved a great victory and will need to keep moving forward. Like King Orrin said we have things to deal with at the moment. In 4 days we will meet to discuss our next move. I ask that all the leaders remain for a minute but the rest of you are dismissed."
Arya and Brom nodded to Eragon and left. When everyone left it was Just Eragon, Nasuada, King Orrin, King Hrothgar and Nar Garzhvog.
King Orrin spoke. "I would like to thank each of you. Had each of you not stepped up and helped then my country would have been invaded."
"We are all in this together King Orrin. While my kin have mostly stayed to our mountains, we do realize that to be truly free we will have to venture out and help. No thanks are needed."
"All the same King Hrothgar. I will be the first to admit I was not sure about this council that Eragon suggested. It seems that is has a real chance of becoming something that hopefully will help maintain the peace once this war is over."
Nasuada spoke. "We all have a lot to do but if there is any urgent business that needs to be addressed at this moment? If not we can meet again in a couple days."
"I believe we are all good for the moment Lady Nasuada. I will say that Murtagh while injured, will be able to recover in a short amount of time. We need to be on guard for the Empire to retaliate. Even if they can't defeat us in a large-scale battle at the moment doesn't mean he will not try to weaken us some."
They all agreed and said they would keep a watch out. Though they believed they will have a little time before the Empire tries anything. After that all the leaders went about their own duties.
E/A
When Eragon exited the tent Arya was waiting for him. "Blodghram and the others have finish on the battle field. He has half of them getting some food and rest. The other half are helping the healers. He will switch them out every couple hour."
"Good, this should help improve the relationship between humans and elves. We should also be able to save more lives this way."
"Also, you should know that the villagers from your village are unloading now and will be setting up near our area. Brom has them setting up there since we have more space near us."
"That's because people are still nerves of the dragons. I guess that also means I will need to speak with my mother."
"Yes, you will need to clear the air with her. Get your answers you have had all these years. Also since the elves will need to rest so they can help the healers, Orik and his dwarfs will stand watch so they can rest."
Eragon just nodded to Arya before leading her to their little corner of the camp. Their area had just been them and the dragons, elves and Orik's dwarfs. Now it seemed they were going to be a little more crowded.
Well, he hoped the villagers of Carvahall could keep their beliefs of what lies they have heard about the other races to themselves or Eragon might need to step in, and nobody will like how he might handle it.
Eragon and Arya reached their tent and went in. They both cleaned up from the battle and laid down to get some sleep. Orik said unless it was an emergency he would not let the pair be disturbed for the few hours Eragon asked for. Arya also placed more wards around the tent so the noice from out side would not wake them.
E/A
Brom lead the villagers to the corner of the camp where the dragons were located. He showed Horst and Garrow where the village could set up. He advised them to keep enough space between where Eragon's group was set up and the villagers, so the dragons had plenty of room to take off and land without knocking any of the villagers' tents down from the wind gust.
He then set his tent up near his son's tent. Giving Jara plenty of room. He saw Selena heading his way. She had her own tent since He would not be staying but he knew she was coming over to hopefully see their son.
"Brom, how long will you be able to stay before you have to leave?"
"A couple days, Jara will need to rest for a bit then go hunting before we leave. I also need to talk with Eragon about what comes next."
"I was hoping to speak with him now that the battle is over."
"Selena, you will need to wait. My guess is he has got to sleep. He has been fighting all day then helped heal some of the soldiers injured. He is I'm sure exhausted."
"I know from my talks with the others that I will have a lot of explaining to do but I just want a chance."
"He will give you the chance just give him time. He has a lot going on at the moment. I don't know how long he plans on resting or what he has planned after but maybe we can ask Orik if he knows."
"Orik?"
"He is the dwarf sitting outside Eragon's tent. My guess the dwarfs you see are keeping an eye on things while the elves that are not with the healers are resting. Normally there are several elves standing guard."
Brom lead Selena over towards Orik. When the dwarf saw them coming, he stood and met them halfway."
"Brom, what can I do for you?"
"Orik, this is Selena, she is Eragon's mother."
"Lady Selena, we are well met."
"Thank you, we were hoping you would be able to tell us when Eragon will be available."
"He and Arya asked not to be disturbed outside of an emergency for at least 4 hours. I know he then plan on helping the healers. It maybe tomorrow before he has a minute."
Brom seeing Selena disappointed spoke. "Thank you, Orik. If you could when he wakes let him know I need to speak with him for a second."
"I will Brom."
Brom lead Selena to her tent with the villagers. "I know you want to see him right away but like I said give him time. He will be busy as Orik indicated for a bit."
"I know, I just want a chance to explain why I left him with Garrow."
"I know just be patient."
Selena nodded her head and went to help the villagers finish setting up. Brom returned to his tent and got some rest himself.
Hope you all like the chapter. It has been the longest chapter of this story so far and I hope to be able to have just as long of chapters in the future.