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The Last Scion
By : RotSeele
Category: A through F > Eragon
Views: 5098 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Eragon. I do not make any money from this story.
Chapter List
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Field of Sorrow

Yurich wasn’t surprised that the King Orik wished to see him. The stout dwarf didn’t stop in his work, hammering out metal when the king appeared. Orik was alone, something that surprised Yurich, but the young dwarf just kept working. If he stopped now, he knew this masterpiece would be ruined.

“Yer serious about trusting him then?” Orik asked, not demanding for Yurich to stop his work.

“I am.” Yurich replied over the din of hammer and metal. “Saved mine own life, saved the lives of those horse-lovers, sacrificed his own needs fer the needs of those around him. Murtagh’s a true Rider.”

“Would ye forgive him the murder of Hrothgar?”

The water hissed as the red hot metal slid in. “Forgive him?” Yurich asked. “Hasn’t he suffered enough for his crimes? No, he’ll ask to serve a sentence for Hrothgar’s life. Knowin’ Murtagh like I do, he’ll expect some sort of physical punishment. I’d forgive him; make him sit for our artists as punishment. But I’m no king.” Yurich turned to his forge and pulled out more metal.

Orik watched the young dwarf for a moment longer before he retreated. He found Eragon standing in the field, eyes raised to the sky as he watched Saphira and Thorn. Orik’s eyes rose as well, watching the two majestic dragons twist and turn in the air. “Thorn’s even changed.” Orik said softly.

“Yes he has.” Eragon replied. “He’s teaching her things Glaedr didn’t even know.”

“Yer thinkin’ Murtagh didn’t tell everything?”

Eragon thought back to yesterday’s meeting, where Murtagh explained everything, even showed his maps of Urû’baen and his Rider’s sword, the iridescent blade Celeb’sûl. Though he’d explained the sword’s creation, Eragon knew Murtagh was leaving out something important. “He’d have told us if it were relevant.”

“Would he?” Orik asked. “Yurich knows Murtagh’s unspoken secret. Assan knows. Probably Katrina, Elva, and Saïle. But they won’t tell.”

“Thorn won’t either.” Eragon replied. “They’re protecting someone.”

“From us?”

Eragon didn’t reply. Orik nodded slowly. “I’ve been thinkin’ about absolving yer brother of his crime. Releasing ye from yer oath.”

Eragon looked sharply at Orik. “Are you serious?”

“Seems to me that yer brother, despite his lineage, has a good head on his shoulders.” Orik replied, stroking his beard. “Of course, the clans won’t be too happy about that decision, especially since you vowed to kill Hrothgar’s murderer.”

Eragon frowned and looked away from Orik, back to Saphira and Thorn. “Perhaps in a display of valor and courage, that stain of being a king-killer was erased.”

“Are you suggesting the day he saved you?”

“Without me, Saphira wouldn’t fight. The Varden, for all their allies, would be facing not only an enemy on the ground, but one in the air should Galbatorix bring out Shruikan.” Eragon lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “And if it weren’t for that, all of us would be dead.”

Orik nodded absently. “I’ll discuss this with my wife. If she agrees with ye, then I can argue the case with the Dûrgrimst and Murtagh’ll be absolved.”

Eragon gave a slight nod and watched Thorn break from Saphira to land gracefully before Murtagh. Swallowing and gathering his courage, Eragon strode toward the pair and felt relieved when Saphira landed as well. Murtagh glanced at Eragon and gave the younger man a slight smile. “I see you escaped.” Murtagh said upon Eragon’s arrival.

“I got kicked out, actually. We’ll be told our role in the war, it seems.”

Murtagh rubbed Thorn’s nose and sighed. “It’d be better if the To-Ga-Ir were used as the cavalry instead of the front attack. Their ponies are built for quick attacks, not charges.”

“Are you saying Nasuada doesn’t know what she’s doing?” Eragon asked, surprised.

Murtagh shrugged. “Does she know what she’s doing? Yes. Does she know how to do what she’s doing?” Murtagh shrugged again. “By now, news has reached Galbatorix of this latest development. He’ll be sending a force against us, but the question is when. We’re disorganized. We have civilians and trained soldiers. What we need to do is make a battlefield of our choosing, where our soldiers are most effective.”

“You’re suggesting deposing Nasuada as leader of the Varden.” Eragon warned quietly.

No. Saphira said. He’s suggesting we let Nasuada know she’s making too many mistakes. She hasn’t asked for the input of Kaucha nor us. She’ll undoubtedly kill many before the war is over.

Our goal is to preserve as much life as we can. Thorn added. He raised his head from Murtagh’s hands and looked back at the bustling camp. With a battlefield of our choosing, he would be able to protect those who can’t fight and the wounded.

“Nasuada and the others went on the offensive only a few times.” Murtagh added. “The defeat at Gil’ead put them on the defensive and allowed Galbatorix the chance to bolster his forces.”

Eragon blinked and felt Saphira’s approval as he began to understand. “The longer we sit here and wait the more of a chance Galbatorix has to create a battlefield that suits his victory.”

“Exactly.” Murtagh, Thorn, and Saphira said at the same time. “The only problem is convincing Nasuada, Orrin, Orik, and Islanzadi.” Murtagh added.

“Orik won’t be a problem.” Eragon said. “And I can talk with Islanzadi. As for Nasuada and Orrin,” Eragon shrugged.

“We’ll hold a council.” Murtagh suggested. “As Riders, they’ll have to attend and listen, or they’ll shame us.”

-Not to mention themselves.- Thorn added.

Eragon nodded and eyed his half-brother with a new respect. “How soon should we do this?”

-As quickly as we can.- Saphira rumbled. -Every minute we dally is another minute Galbatorix can use for himself.-

“All right.” Eragon nodded. “I’ll talk to Orik and Islanzadi. You can talk to Kaucha and the other To-Ga-Ir. With any luck, we’ll pull this off before anything horrible happens.”

Murtagh nodded and reached out to squeeze Eragon’s shoulder. Then the pair separated, leaving Thorn and Saphira alone on the field. Eragon found Orik with Roran, both gazing at a small babe in Roran’s arms. Eragon grinned and approached them, leaning over Roran’s shoulder. “She’s a princess.”

Roran chuckled. “And if it weren’t for Murtagh, I wouldn’t be holding her in my arms now.”

“Katrina told us the story.” Orik told Eragon at the young man’s stare. “Seems yer brother saved her from the clutches of Galbatorix and kept her safe on the way here.”

“And I tried to kill him.” Roran muttered sadly.

“Good thing Thorn stopped that.” Eragon smiled. Then he looked to Orik. “I need to speak with you.”

“Speak away.” Orik said, obviously including Roran in what was supposed to be private.

Eragon told his clan-brother and king the story, Murtagh’s ideas and that Saphira most of all agreed with him. Orik nodded and stroked his beard and kept silent until Eragon had finished. “He makes a good point. For all the good she’s done, she’s about to do worse now.”

Roran grunted. He didn’t have to explain what Nasuada had done to him for disobeying orders and saving many lives. Eragon glanced at his cousin, then back to Orik. “So you agree?”

“Telled ye before, Eragon. I’m fighting fer ye.” Orik said with a slight grin.

Eragon nodded. “Now I just have to convince Islanzadi.”

But Eragon never got the chance. A horn blared, an outrider’s horn for the To-Ga-Ir, giving warning. Cursing, Eragon looked at Roran. “Defend the defenseless!”

“Count on me, Eragon.” Roran said as he rose, calling for Katrina.

All around Eragon and Orik there was activity, soldiers pulling on armour as quick as they could, grabbing weapons and falling into their lines. Eragon saw Saphira being outfitted by the dwarves, but of Murtagh and Thorn he saw no sign. The To-Ga-Ir, to Eragon’s surprise, were standing at the front, mounted on their horses and wielding bows, pikes, and swords. The shamans stood behind the warriors, preparing spells and blessing the warriors. Eragon met Arya and his guard, meeting Arya’s eyes. She must’ve heard for there was approval in her eyes. He pulled on his armour and felt the protection spells fall into place as he pulled on Brisingr and his belt.

-Saphira! Where’s Thorn?- Eragon called as Arya fitted his helmet.

-He’s ready.- Was all Saphira said. -Hurry, the outriders have returned. It’s a force of ten thousand, and a score of them are Immortals.-

“Eragon,” Arya whispered. “Be safe.”

“I will.” Eragon replied. “You as well.”

The elf maiden gave him a smile and led him to Saphira who stood proudly in her dwarf-made armour. He climbed into the saddle and with his guard walked to the front lines, standing as a dividing force between the To-Ga-Ir and the Urgals. Behind, the elves lined up, readying their bows, and then the soldiers of the Varden and Surda filled the gaps. Eragon looked around for Murtagh and Thorn, but he only spotted Elva standing with Saïle, Assan among the shamans, and the dwarf Yurich standing beside Orik. He saw, too, Islanzadi, Nasuada and Orrin on the back lines.

-They’re coming.- Murtagh’s voice sounded in Eragon’s head. -Take to the air. We’ll surprise them.-

-Where are you?-

-Look up.-

Eragon raised his eyes to see Thorn floating easily in the air, a dark shadow high in the sky. Eragon looked to Saphira. “You heard him.”

-I did. Will they be all right?-

-Kaucha knows what to do. The To-Ga-Ir, the Urgals, and the elves that follow Saïle know what to do.- Thorn answered. -Come up.-

Saphira spread her wings and tamped down her hind legs, shooting straight up. Eragon looked down and saw Saïle leave Elva’s side to fill in Saphira’s hole, ten other elves following him. Eragon recognized Vanir and shook his head.-Surprises.- He thought.

Saphira leveled off beside Thorn and couldn’t contain her surprise and admiration. Thorn wore armour made of thick layers of tiny rings, his head, neck, and chest covered by it. The armour even covered his belly, making sure the large dragon would be protected. Murtagh simply wore his normal clothing, though only he and Thorn knew it was stronger than the armour Eragon wore.

-Yurich made it.- Thorn said proudly.

-We can explain later.- Murtagh said. -Here they come.-

Eragon focused on a black mass quickly coming toward the waiting Varden. Ten thousand soldiers, some Immortal, converged on the land between them and their enemies. Eragon saw Murtagh raise his hand, felt Thorn begin to gather air in his lungs, and felt Saphira do the same. In an instant, Eragon knew Murtagh’s plan and grinned.

-Saphira, you know what to do. I’ll concentrate on healing if need be.- Eragon told the blue dragon.

-Just hold on tight.- Saphira replied with a laugh.

Below, Eragon watched as the To-Ga-Ir warriors led by Kaucha began to trot out of their places. The Urgals were quick to follow and Saïle and his line readied their bows. He could imagine Nasuada’s anger, but she couldn’t do anything now. He looked back to Murtagh and saw that hand drop.

Bellowing a roar that could shake the earth, Thorn suddenly dove for the Empire soldiers. Saphira let out her own roar and plummeted right behind the larger dragon. Below, the horns of the To-Ga-Ir and Urgals sounded and the counter-charge began. Just before the Empire and the combined forces of the To-Ga-Ir and the Urgals clashed, they separated like a wave crashing around a stone, and Thorn and Saphira blew through, unleashing their devastating flames. They climbed up again and wove around in the air, going higher than arrows could reach them. The To-Ga-Ir warriors and Urgals crashed into the leading lines of the Empire soldiers and a hail of arrows came from the elves. Thorn banked and scanned the lines of the Empire, falling into a diving spin as he unleashed his fire at the rear guard. Saphira performed the same trick on the opposite sides, the two passing so close to one another Murtagh and Eragon could’ve reached out and brushed hands.

The human portion of the Varden soon entered into the fray, followed by Islanzadi and her elves. The spell-casters of the Du Vrangr Gata focused their efforts on healing and aiding offensively when the opportunity arose. Eragon twisted in his saddle and thought he could cheer – They were winning!

-Eyes ahead!- Murtagh barked suddenly. -Never think you’ve won until you have your enemy at your mercy! Fight with all your heart!-

Eragon saw Murtagh glaring at him from Thorn’s back, and then watched as the elder Rider put an arrow into an Immortal’s head. He simply nodded and Thorn let out a bugling call as he fell into a dive and unleashed his fire again. Saphira banked and caught a thermal, hovering as she caught her breath. So many were dead already, on both sides, wounded being dragged to safety by comrades. Eragon felt Saphira gather herself, then dive to unleash her fire in defense of several To-Ga-Ir. They were going to win – already the back lines of the Empire were retreating. The weakened chargers too retreated only to regroup and charge once more. The Empire was scattering now, routed for the time being. Eragon thought he could relax. Then he heard an anguished howl and it took him a moment to realize it was Thorn vocalizing Murtagh’s pain.

Both Eragon and Saphira watched as Thorn dove for Kaucha and Saphira let out a roar of warning. But Thorn’s wings snapped out, sending him soaring, Riderless, over the retreating soldiers. On the ground, Murtagh unsheathed Celeb’sûl and went into a frenzy. He was vicious in his movements, but graceful all the same. That iridescent red blade cut and slashed flesh, and Thorn banked to clear the area around his Rider with a great torrent of fire. Eragon felt empathy for the elder Rider in that moment, for Murtagh had been too late to save Kaucha. As the sound of victory came from the Varden, the To-Ga-Ir and those who knew Murtagh became silent. Saphira landed beside Thorn and butted his neck gently with her snout, trying to comfort the younger dragon as he felt the pain and anguish his Rider did. Eragon dismounted and moved to Murtagh’s side, placing his hand on his half-brother’s shoulder.

“He should’ve stayed back.” Murtagh whispered. “But he was too proud. He died in a way befitting a warrior of the To-Ga-Ir and I…” Murtagh trailed off and clenched his fist tight around the hilt of Celeb’sûl. “I attacked in anger.”

“You avenged him” Eragon said softly.

-Yes.- Saphira added. -You did what any son would do for his father.-

Murtagh looked up at Saphira, then to Eragon. He nodded and sheathed Celeb’sûl, moving to Thorn and removing a beautiful black horn from one of the saddlebags. He brought it to his lips and blew. The note that escaped was long and mournful, but it brought the To-Ga-Ir warriors to the Riders. Murtagh didn’t have to say a word; the warriors moved to their chieftain and lifted up that torn body, easing it into the saddle of a pony, as though the man were still alive. Then the group, along with the two Riders and their dragons, moved back to the Varden lines, a slow procession that sang out what sounded like a dirge of praises. When they reached the place the dead were placed until burial, Murtagh stopped and turned to face Nasuada.

“Look well, Nasuada,” Murtagh said in a cold voice. “Look what defense is costing you. If you want victory, you must act and act decisively and swiftly.” He was gone before the young woman could protest. The To-Ga-Ir gathered their dead and went with him.

Eragon looked then to Nasuada. “He’s right, you know.”

“He deliberately disobeyed orders.” Nasuada replied. “Those that died, their blood is on his hands.”

“That blood is on all our hands.” Arya said sharply. She stood beside Vanir, supporting the young elf for his left leg wouldn’t take his weight. “Murtagh is right. We must go on the offensive now.”

Seeing the fight about to happen, Eragon raised his right hand. “We’ll hold council.” He said. “We’ll discuss this and we’ll reach an agreement.”

Arya looked at him sharply but nodded. Nasuada nodded as well. Eragon let out the breath he’d been holding and hoped he was doing the right thing.
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The Last Scion	By : RotSeele Category: A through F > Eragon Views: 5098 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Eragon. I do not make any money from this story.

The Last Scion