I'll be keeping this author's note brief because there is a lot going on in this chapter.
Answers to reviews:
Bladewolf101- You'll see what happens to one of them in this chapter. I hope you approve.
MaximusKahn1994- I know of your story, Outlander, and to see you genuinely enjoying my work means a lot. I hope I surpass any expectations you may have about me and/or my work.
I got nothing else to say aside from, "Enjoy the chapter."
Chapter Eighteen
"You will not go any further!"
The dragons froze upon seeing a bald headed man in robes holding Murtagh, a knife pressed against his neck.
Stargazer made to take a step forward, but his right foreleg gave out, sending him pitching headfirst into ground. Cries of alarm and panic came from the surrounding warriors as the dragon crashed onto the cold, hard stone, but that same dwarf from before spoke up over the commotion.
"Who is that tied to the dragon's back?"
"That is the egg courier, Arya." Eragon said, sending a loathing look at the robed man. "Let our companion free."
The bald man laughed rather maliciously. "I think not. Your minds must be examined before passing through to the Varden. This isn't negotiable."
A growl echoed throughout the room from Saphira as she had finished gently propping the crystal dragon's head on her back. His eyelids were nearly shut, his exhaustion evident, but he still held an air of defiance that radiated from his mind.
You try entering our minds, and I will rip the flesh from your bones! The dragoness snarled, her lip curling upward before a pained wheeze came from the male. She immediately disregarded the human, who looked rather pale, in favor of turning her attention to her scaled counterpart. Star? What's wrong?
Lifting his head off of her back, he leveled the spellcaster with an indigo colored glare. No words were spoken, but the knife suddenly clattered to the floor a minute later as the human froze, his eyes wide in fear. Murtagh quickly joined the others, beginning to untie Arya from the male dragon's back. When she was free, he gently carried her to the waiting soldiers, telling them what treatments she required in a hushed voice before returning to the group.
Your arrogance knows no bounds, traitor. The male dragon growled for all to hear, venom dripping from his words as the robed man began shaking. And now, you will die. Do not worry about being alone, as I will soon be sending your brother to join you as you both rot in your eternal hell.
As shouts of anger, doubt and protest erupted, the dragon's head darted forward and he snatched the mage in his jaws. With a sickening crunch as bones were crushed under the titanic strength of the dragon's bite force, the pest was no more.
After swallowing his rather disgusting snack, he addressed those still present rather politely in the silence that followed. I apologize for my violent actions, but I will not tolerate that vermin or his other half souring any experiences I may have here. We have traveled far and I am too tired to be dealing with the likes of them.
A dwarf stepped forward, putting on an outward display of courage, and spoke to the crystal male. "Aye, I believe we can be civil, dragon. I am Orik, son of Thrifk. May I inquire as to who you four are?"
I am… The crystal dragon began until his body swayed and he collapsed, his legs finally giving out under the exhaustion he was facing.
Watching as Saphira surged toward the other dragon, Eragon cleared his throat, gaining the soldiers' and Orik's attention. "I am Eragon, this-" he motioned to Murtagh. "-is Murtagh. The sapphire dragoness is mine, I am her Rider and her name is Saphira. As for the male dragon…" The Rider sent a concerned look toward their fallen scaled friend, seeing the female fretting over him as she scolded him for being an idiot. Smiling, Eragon finished his introductions. "That male dragon is Stargazer. He is a wild dragon and our friend. A great one at that, too."
Flatterer. Came the exhausted remark, but the gratitude that was conveyed within that one word weighed heavily on Eragon, causing his eyes to burn with emotion.
Excuse me, Orik. Saphira's voice cut through into everyone's minds then, and the dwarf looked at her curiously. Stargazer has completely drained himself of energy with what he unleashed outside. Would it be possible for him and I to stay the night here? You can come collect us tomorrow morning so we may meet your leaders, but I cannot move him. He is far larger and much heavier than I.
The six or so dwarves present stroked their beards, deep in thought. Finally, after some time thinking it over, a different dwarf answered with a thick, guttural accent. "Me thinks there won't be any issues with such a simple request. After all," he looked at the male dragon, who was barely awake as it was, with his head draped over the female and breathing heavily. "I wouldn't want to move him either. He's losing the battle to fight off sleep. Come, Eragon and Murtagh, we will show you where you four will stay."
Turning toward Saphira, the young Rider gave her a questioning look. Are you sure about this?
The blue colored female only hummed warmly. Yes. I trust you two will be fine, but I do not trust that someone wouldn't attempt something when Stargazer is in such a vulnerable state. Go on, little one. I shall see you on the 'morrow.
Murtagh walked toward the now sleeping crystal dragon, patting his nose as the human walked past the two dragons and followed the soldiers. "Rest well, my friend."
-x-
When the two dragons awoke the following morning, the male half of the pair immediately noticed his energy was barely replenished even after a full night of sleep.
I do not think it is wise for me to take up residence, no matter how temporary, within these tunnels underground. Stargazer remarked as the two walked through said tunnel systems, leaning on his female companion. I need direct starlight.
Shooting him a concerned glance, Saphira caught on to his meaning as they followed the large, winding corridor at a slow pace. We'll see if something can be arranged with the leaders when we meet up with Orik.
Speak of the devil, and he shall rear his ugly head. The male dragon chuckled, bringing her attention to the aforementioned dwarf, who was waiting for them with a wide grin on his face.
"Good morning lovebirds!" The dwarf laughed, clapping his hands together as the embarrassed female dragon buried her face into the neck of her male counterpart, who was giving the dwarf a fanged grin.
And good morning to you, master dwarf! Stargazer responded in kind, his rumbling laugh shaking the tunnel slightly.
Calming himself, although that grin never left, the small two legged continued as the pair of dragons walked beside him through the waiting gates that were wide open and into the city beyond. "Ajihad, the current leader of the Varden, and Hrothgar, the reigning king of us dwarves, have emptied the central area of Tronjheim–"
The great dwarven city of eternal twilight. The crystal dragon suddenly interrupted while the dwarf nodded, not looking upset for being cut off. The male dragon was looking up at the stalactites that reached for the ground from the ceiling high above in awe. Saphira was also admiring the massive gem that hung suspended above the city's heart.
"Ah, yes. That is the city's informal name as a whole, due to where it is situated under the dormant volcano that is Farthen Dûr, but–"
That gem up there, Saphira intervened, stopping Orik's speech once again. What is it called and why is it suspended above everything?
"Isidar Mithrim, the Star Sapphire." The dwarf answered with a twinkle in his eye. "It is the finest work of art created by us dwarves and is our pride and joy. That is also where the dragonhold is located."
Dragonhold? The blue dragoness asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Yes. The jewel acts as the floor while there are many caves differing in sizes up in the walls." He smiled while describing it all, but Saphira's mind was focused on the cave portion. "We constructed it for the Riders, to house them and their dragons while they would stay here. There is a bed for both a dragon and their partner in each cave, no matter the size."
As the trio continued on with their walk, conversing all the while, they didn't fail to notice the countless number of eyes turning their way.
It seems we have caught the attention of most people around us. The crystal dragon remarked, winking at a group of children whose mouths were hanging open. Several of them started smiling at that, beginning to talk excitedly amongst one another.
Extending his mind out to envelope everyone, the crystal dragon spoke to all. While I don't mind being admired, weren't you all taught that staring at your guests is rather rude and impolite? After giving the people several seconds to think it over, he finished as the two dragons and their dwarf guide made it to their destination. I look forward to fighting alongside you all, but please, for the future, do not ogle at us. Thank you, that is all.
"Over here." Orik said, guiding the dragons into the city's center. Ranks of armed men and dwarves stood three rows deep around the perimeter, their eyes never wandering to the dragons as they stared straight ahead.
A tall, ebony skinned man stepped toward the dragons upon noticing them, spreading his arms wide as a sign of acceptance. "Welcome! I am Ajihad. Welcome Saphira, partner of Eragon. Welcome to the Varden and Farthen Dûr! We also welcome you, Stargazer, King and Alpha of the Wild Dragons!"
When the crystal dragon raised an eye ridge, the crowned dwarf beside the man chuckled. "It seems this one is rather intuitive." Clearing his throat, the dwarf stepped forward, planting the head of his massive hammer into the floor. "I am Hrothgar, King of the dwarves in these lands. If you, Stargazer, are wondering how we know such things, we have already been told much about you two. We know what titles you hold, Storm Wielder." A crack of thunder shook the entire volcanic basin then as the dragon's eyes blazed white before settling to a light lavender hue.
Those titles mean nothing to me. The male dragon bluntly spoke, his tone holding the edge of a razor. This change in behavior did not escape the female, for she nipped his shoulder, earning her a low grumble of acceptance. We gratefully accept your welcomes, however.
Before we continue, Saphira butted in as Ajihad opened his mouth, to which he shut immediately. I am afraid Stargazer cannot remain in the dragonhold alongside us.
"Why is that?" The dwarf king politely asked, leaning on his hammer while tilting his head slightly.
My strength cannot return in full without direct starlight. The crystal dragon answered lowly, as if annoyed with this new discovery. I am next to useless underground, and am extremely vulnerable in such environments as I was born for the open skies.
Ajihad stroked his chin, deep in thought, before answering. "I see no issue with allowing him to rest outside, if he so chooses." He looked down at Hrothgar in question. "Does this pose any issues if he were to sleep atop the mouth of the volcano?"
The dwarf shook his head, smiling. "Nay. No one resides in that area, so he will not encounter any issues with anyone to my knowledge." Turning to the dragons, he continued. "If that is fine with you–"
That is perfect, thank you. Stargazer interrupted, spreading his wings and launching himself toward the gemstone above to rest and regain his former strength.
Once his glittering form disappeared, Saphira turned to the two standing before her. If I may ask, where are my Rider and his companion, Murtagh?
"In the hold was where I saw them last, which was about four hours ago." Ajihad replied with that same straight face.
Thank you. The female hummed before flying up to the dragonhold to find her human partner.
While everyone dispersed, nobody noticed the bald headed man wearing a spellcaster's robes watching the events unfold with fury.
-x-
The issue regarding the Twins will be addressed next chapter.
May the winds be at your back.