Eragon's' journey in Alagaësia may have ended, but his legend has only just begun.
As Eragon, Saphira, Blödhgarm, and the other elves set sail into the unknown, fate intervened. Transported by a spell to another world against their wills, a dark force rises from even darker pits, and enemies thought long gone begin creeping back to haunt the innocent. The fate of two worlds rest in the bond of a rider, his dragon, and, of course, a couple of colorful ponies.
Set directly after the last book of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, Inheritance.
(Only the main characters of the story are in the cast) Takes place right after season 4
The sea was like an enraged Nïdhwhal, bloodthirsty and dangerous. The Talíta was like a childs toy to the angry sea. Waves bashed the hull, winds sliced the sails, and the sea seemed to moan like the undead. The sea itself was alive, and it craved the living. Lightning flashed nearby, Eragon found himself blinded for a moment, in the moment he was almost flung overboard by a huge wave crashing into the side opposite him. Blödhgarm and the other elves were attempting to take down the main mast, and dump out the water flooding the deck. A truly futile effort.
"Get those masts down!" Bellowed Blödhgarm over the torrential waves and the vicious winds that rocked and battered the Talíta.
The Talíta began to groan from the strain on its wood, and it seemed near eminent of it snapping like a twig in the way of stampeding Tornac's. Saphira was struggling to not be bounced around on the ship, she couldn't fly up to find a safe path through the storm without the immediate risk of being tossed in the air. Eragon gritted his teeth at the predicament.
Only seven hours ago, we were leaving behind our friends and family in Alagaësia under a beautiful nightsky... His heart throbbed a bit as he thought of his last moments with Arya. A single tear developed in his eye that was washed away by the torrential downpour going on around him.
"ERAGON! HELP ME!" Blödhgarm was starting to lose the sail to the wind. Eragon rushed over and grabbed the flailing sail, and began to wrap it up to a handrail so it couldn't blow away.
Suddenly a boom was heard in the watery depths, the waters parted and a titan stood, his waist above the waters, his head touching the storm clouds, that surrounded his head like a crown of destruction. His eyes were pure white and were likely blinding up close. His body was only noticeable in the mere seconds of lightning flashes.
Glaedr spoke, with such fear in his mind
"This...is a god..." Eragon's' eyes widened at the statement. The god pulled from the water, a giant warhammer that seemed to be made from diamond. It raised the warhammer up, and smashed it into the Talíta. All masts snapped, and wrapped around Saphira as the titanic warhammer smashed the ship. Saphira was unable to escape the fallen masts as the ship sank to the bottomless depths, Blödhgarm and the other elves were knocked out by the main mast as it fell and Eragon himself was blasted into the water by the force of the hammer. As Eragon sank into the dark, stormy depths, he saw the Edlunarí appear outside of his pocket space and begin to fall with them, they pulsed with a glow of magical aura, then nothingness overtook his mind.
Eragon felt his mind regain consciousness and he sent out his mind to check his surroundings. He sensed all the eggs and eldunarí were around him, in a circle. He sensed Blödhgarm and the other elves were scattered closeby, and that Saphira was directly ahead of him. He sensed he was on some kind of grassy plains. Eragon opened his eyes slowly to a clear blue sky, his sat up to see a serene plains that was not possible in Alagaësia, and to see his friends sleeping soundly. He turned to look behind him, to find the Talíta in shambles, its mast reaching to the sky like a dying man. It was an eerie, yet strangely pleasing sight. Eragon stood up slowly, his legs feeling weak and wobbly. He felt to his side and brushed his fingers on the hilt of Brisingr and he sighed slightly until he felt something on his waist. He looked down to find the belt of Beloth the Wise, the same belt he lost during the siege of Dras-Leona. He extended his mind to the belt, and brushed against the energy he stored before he lost it.
"Like a miracle..." He mumbled
Eragon then looked around to get a better view, instead of the quick look around from before. The plains went on as far as the eye could see.
"Reminds me of what the area looked like before the Battle of Burning Plains..." Eragon shook his head lightly before checking out the hull to see if the eggs and Eldunarí were alright. He forced an opening and found all the eggs and Eldunarí were safe and sound. He sighed relieved. He extended his mind out to Glaedr
"Glaedr."
The ancient dragon stirred slightly before responding "What is it Eragon?"
"Do you know where we are by chance?"
"That I do not, this land is foreign to me." Eragon frowned slightly, but quickly perked up at the possibility that they had found a place to raise the dragons! "
"Glaedr" Eragon reached his mind out to the golden dragon
"What is it now Shadeslayer?" Eragon wasn't able to express his thoughts in words, so he simply showed the images of what he saw while the ship was sinking.
"Yes, that was the other Eldunarí and I's doing. We couldn't allow our journey to end, so we tapped into our own magic reserves and forcefully took some from you, Saphira, Blödhgarm, and the other elves."
"What exactly did you do?"
"It was meant to be a spell to transport us back to the western coast of Alagaësia...however we are not on Alagaësia..." The golden dragon paused "or in our own world for that matter..."
"If we are not in our world...then...where are we?" Eragon gave a slight frown at the corners of his mouth.
"That, I do not know, but I do know for certain someone or something interfered with the spell."
"Is it someone amongst us?"
"No, but whoever it is, wanted us to come here to this world. The storm now seems to coincidental to have occurred at the same time someone interfered with the transport spell. Almost planned."
"So that means someone is pulling some sort of strings...should we wait and see what occurs for now master??
The castle was in an uproar, in the early dawn hours a giant beam of light appeared somewhere near Vanhoover, whatever it was, was definitely some sort of powerful magic. Magic so powerful, even in all my long years have nothing to compare it with.
Luna was already in the throne room when I arrived, racking my brain through countless books all morning long to find some sort of recording if a similar event ever occurred. My mane was a mess, it was similar to mornings for my dear student, Twilight Sparkle's' "late night study sessions".
Luna looked my way "Sister! Your mane is a mess! If it gets any worse I'll have to perform a ritual just to fix it!" That made me smile a bit, Luna always knew how to cheer me up a bit no matter the circumstance, a major reason why besides the Nightmare Moon incident, we got along so well.
"I know it is Luna, I was going over different journal entries of high-level magic phenomenon to see if something like this has ever occurred."
"And?"
I shook my head "No, nothing. This is a first-time occurrence."
"Then we should check it out ourselves."
"No, we need to remain here. I'll send a letter to Twilight and her friends for them to check it out. As much as I do want to see it, we both know this is best." A servant rushed passed carrying papers
Luna sighed "I know Tia, I know."
I nod and begin writing the letter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Golden Oaks- Twilight
"ACHOO!"
"Spike are you alright?" I walked out from one of the back sections of the library, to the kitchen was Spike was. Even though we had the castle library, I can't help but keep coming back.
"Y-yeah, its a letter from the Princess."
I hurriedly took the letter and opened.
Dear my faithful student Twilight,
In the early dawn hours, a magical phenomenon occurred just past Vanhoover. I am asking for you and your friends to investigate immediately. Luna and I are unable. The castle is in an uproar over it, its a mess up in Canterlot. Please hurry, nothing like this has ever happened before. We are unsure what to make of this.
~Celestia
Twilight was shocked. Celestia was clearly worried. She'd always known Celestia to be calm no matter what. It must be extremely serious. To add to that, they were clueless on how to handle it!
"Spike, we need to get everyone together immediatly at the castle. The Princess has a job for us to accomplish on a national welfare basis."
Spike blinked surprised
"Now Spike!" He shook it off and nodded and rushed out to get everyone as I rushed to the castle to get supplies we would need, and wait for their arrival
"Could that light in the horizon be the phenomenon? I thought I sensed magic...but there was so much in between here and there that I wrote it off as pure coincidence..." I reached my castle and zoomed around grabbing food, water, books on the area, and anything else I thought we might need.
Not much later, everyone arrived. It was time to get to work.
I walked into the throne room, where Spike and the others waited to hear what we had to do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Deepest part of Tartarus- Unknown
Two hooded figures speak in the utter darkness of the pits.
"So they have arrived?"
"Yes my lord."
"Good, good, all is going to plan."
"When shall we start?"
"Once our guest is done piecing himself back together..."
"You mean Tir-"
"DON'T SPEAK THE NAME! We never know who else could be listening."
"My lord this is Tartarus, who would dare venture here unless to throw a criminal in a cell?"
"My dear servant, you know nothing then. Eyes and ears exist in the most unlikely places."
"My apologies my lord."
"You are pardoned, don't make the same mistake twice"
"Of course."
"We won't start the plan yet however, begin making the necessary preparations. Once he is done, I want to start immediately."
"Of course." The hooded figure referred to as a servant disappears.
"Soon Eragon Bromsson, I will have rule over your life." The other hooded figure disappears.
The others woke up as the morning progressed. Linywë, one of the other elves, went in the wreckage of the Talíta for any surviving provisions.
"Esterni Eragon! All the provisions are usable." Eragon blinked in surprise. Not only were the provisions ok, nothing they brought with was damaged to any degree. Someone was keen on making us be able to survive, but to what are they planning? Eragon bit his thumb, a habit after his victory against Galbatorix, whenever he was deep in thought.
"Master."
The golden dragon huffed, well as close as a mind could
"What now Eragon?!" Glaedr was in no mood for idle chat. He was rather furious someone tampered with a spell he wove.
Eragon flinched a bit at the anger, it wasn't something he was used to from Glaedr anymore.
"I was wondering if you noticed the strange condition of our items. Especially after a god smashed the ship to pieces."
An eternity passed before he responded
"So I am not the only one who found it odd..." Glaedr composed his thoughts for a moment "I believe that the same force that interfered with the spell, wants to earn our favor Eragon. At this time, it is uncertain if this force is good or evil. Either way, we should be wary lest this force attempts to contact us. Though if there is, it likely shall be soon, if ever."
"Should we set up a shelter for now?"
"That would be wise. Use the wood from the Talíta to build it. It should be....around the size of Lady Nasuada's' throne room, and just as tall as it."
Eragon raised an eyebrow, even though Glaedr could not see it.
"That large?"
"We do have a dragon, multiple elves, eldunarí, and possible dragon hatchlings to plan for after all" Eragon laughed slightly.
"Of course, how can I forget."
"Well, shall we get to work?"
"Of course." Eragon and Glaedr then communicated the plan to rest of the group. Saphira began ripping boards off, and the elves began organizing them by size and sturdiness, Eragon began nailing boards together for the foundation. Today was going to be a long day indeed.
Eragon wiped his forehead of sweat and looked up to the sun. He noted it was early afternoon.
"Pft, there's no way I could forget! It's like we are on an adventure to find some mythical item, just like in the Daring Do books! We'll call it, "Daring Do and the Mysterious Light!" Heck yeah!"
"Y-yes...I remember..."
Twilight smiled at her friends, they'd done so much together. From their first adventure stopping Nightmare Moon, to stopping Discord, saving the Crystal Kingdom from the return of Sombra, to preventing the Changeling invasion, and so much more!
"C'mon egghead! We're losing daylight! If you girls weren't slowing me down I would be their investigating in ten seconds flat!"
"Aw now don't get so ahead a' yerself Dashie. I would beatcha every time."
"Wanna test that out?" Rainbow Dash pressed her head against Applejack's competitively.
"Don't chu know it." Applejack returned the pressure from Rainbow equally
"Oh come now, both of you. We have no time for such silly things." The train whistle blew stating is was getting ready to leave
"Omigosh Omigosh hurry! The trains leaving!"
"Ack! Come on girls, no time to lose!"
We all rushed onto the train, and barely made it on before the doors swung shut.
"Phew." I wiped the nervous sweat from my forehead. "That was a close one. The next train for Vanhoover wasn't till tomorrow."
"Wait, Twilight, where's Shy at?" Pinkie began looking under train cushions when I head a mumble underneath me, I look down to find myself sitting on Fluttershy.
"Oh my gosh Fluttershy! Are you alright?! I'm so, so sorry!"
Fluttershy sat up reorienting herself.
"Y-yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Ah Fluttershy, ever the adorable timid one of our little group.
The train lurched forward, and we all quickly took our seats. The conductor called over the intercom:
"Next stop, Vanhoover. We will reach the station in two days. Thank you for using Equestrian Railways."
With that we were on our way to the location of the phenomenon, and maybe a discover or two. That got me excited, science always is exciting from the transfer of energy via transfer of electrons from two combining elements to form an ionic compound to-
"What's up egghead, you got that dopey science look on you again."
I shook my head
"Huh?" I rubbed my mouth to find I was drooling over science...again.
Rainbow Dash began laughing as did Pinkie and Aj. Even Fluttershy and Rarity couldn't help but smile at the least.
I wouldn't trade these girls for the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New Carvahall- 3rd P.O.V.
Night eventually fell upon us. We got at least a tenth of the intended structure, though we did not start till around the early afternoon hours. Blödhgarm suggested around near dusk to build a small shelter for tonight. The shelter was just four walls and a roof, and when we all laid on the floor, none of us had much movement because we brought the eggs in with us, though it was better than outside in the cold wind that is currently blowing.
Eragon had trouble sleeping, as it happened, Saphira was as well
"Little one..."
"What is it Saphira?"
Eragon didn't need to ask, he knew what she was going to say. He always did. Eragon crept out of the shelter and when to the the Talíta and took out the harness and went to strap it onto Saphira. When it was on good and tight, he jumped up onto the harness
"Are you ready?"
Saphira purred from anticipation
"Always little one."
She spread her massive wings and launched up into the air, winds whipping at Eragon's' face.
Eragon couldn't help but smile. He loved flying with Saphira, and she loved flying with him. They zoomed through the airs, touched the heavens, and zoomed around the area.
"Lets explore a bit Saphira"
"Mmmm....lets."
Saphira began heading west for a bit, as they travelled they saw structures
"Are those..."
"Yes, a village"
It was late, and the village was silent. It made sense to Eragon. In a quiet town, during the very late hours it would seem it was deserted, but if you looked in a window, you would see sleeping families.
As they kept going east, a great city rose on the dark horizon, on a cliff was a gorgeous castle. It was a sight like nothing before to the pair.
"Beautiful..."
"Like a diamond..."
They hovered there for a few flaps
"Lets head back...morning will come soon, and we need to finish the building."
Saphira huffed a bit
"Alright, back we shall go little one."
It took an hour to get back to the shelter, and the first suns light was appearing as they landed. Eragon quickly took off Saphira's' harness, and then set to work on making breakfast. The previous day, they set up a schedule on cooking. This morning's shift was Eragon's'.
"What should I make?"
Saphira licked her lips.
"Some deer would be delicious."
Eragon smiled
"I don't think we have deer, but we do have cow."
Saphira purred her satisfaction at the option.
"Steak it is then."
Eragon got to work at making the fire. After a few failed attempts, Saphira blew a small ember at the firewood, igniting it.
"Thank you."
Saphira purred from the compliment before closing her eyes and going back to sleep.
Eragon cooked the meat for Saphira, and prepared the preferred vegetarian meals for the elves.
After another half hour or so, the elves were up and about, after another half hour everyone had eaten, and were ready to get back to work.
The first thing the group did was fully dismantle the Talíta. Once done, they all set to work on building the shelter. It was eventually decided to name the place "New Carvahall" as an ode to Eragon's' origins. With Saphira's help, they were able to build the same amount in ten minutes, that would take fifty men an hour. Needless to say, it was near sunset before the structure was finished. It wasn't colorful, but it was definitely well built, and had the beautifully elven carvings seen back in Ellesmèra, the Elven Capital.
We admired the structure for a bit, before fatigue washed over the group. Eragon laughed, and even the elves, who normally kept to themselves joined in, even Blödhgarm smiled!
"I don't believe I have ever seen you smile before Blödhgarm."
Blödhgarm shook his head
"Don't expect it much either, Shadeslayer."
Eragon smiled, the group had become a little more open.
I was passing back and forth in my room, Luna was laying on my bed, watching my pacing.
"Tia, if you keep pacing like that, you'll burn a hole into the floor."
I stopped and sighed
"I can't help it Luna! It takes two days for the train to go from Ponyville to Vanhoover! If I flew there myself, I would be there and back ten times already, and have investigated the phenomenon just as many!"
I was surprisng myself by my behavior. Usually I'm always so composed.
"Tia, calm yourself, eat the cake I know is hidden behind your painting and relax."
My mouth fell
"How did you..."
Luna giggled
"Oh Tia, I will always find your hiding spots."
Luna hugged me
"It'll be ok. Don't worry, have some faith."
Luna pulled away and smiled. I couldn't help but think of how our positions are reversed. Normally it is Luna freaking out, and I consoling her.
I repressed a smile, Luna had matured greatly as a ruler. When she came back, she was like a unruly teenage mare. Now she truly is a Princess.
"Now, lets dig into some of your cake Tia."
Luna took of the painting and took out my double chocolate cake.
"Oh Tia, Tia, Tia...you can't have this! It'll go straight to your hips!"
I blush embarrassed
"I may have to get rid of it." Luna taunts playfully
"D-don't you dare Luna!"
Luna ran out with the cake and called playfully:
"If you want it, come catch me Tia!"
I smile and shake my head before getting serious
"You'll regret taking my cake Luna!"
I chase after her, when a single thought goes through my mind; Just like old times... I smiled a bit and pushed my hooves faster, trying to catch up with Luna, brushing passed guards and servants as Luna and I were enjoying our little game of cat and mouse. I would play forever if it were possible, to just be having fun with my sweet little sister...
Eragon studied the structure for a while longer. As he did, his mind lingered to a time before dragons roamed the skies in his life. Where things were peaceful, and war seemed like a strange concept. A place where he lived poor, but happily with his brother Roran, of course they weren't related by blood, but they were close like brothers, and his Uncle Garrow. He smiled slightly as he remininced about life on the farm in Carvahall.
A simple path led straight through waist-high grass and up a knoll, almost hidden by the shadows of the protective elm trees. He crested the hill and saw a gentle light shinning from his home.
The house had a shingled roof and a brick chimney. Eaves hung over the whitewashed walls, shadowing the ground below. One side of the enclosed porch was filled with split wood, ready for the fire. A jumble of farms tools cluttered the other side
The house had been abandoned for half a century when they moved in after Garrow's wife, Marian, died. It was ten miles from Carvahall, farther than anyone else's. People considered the distance dangerous because they could not rely on help from the village in times of trouble, but Eragon's uncle wouldn't listen.
A hundred feet from the house, in a dull-colored barn, lived two horses-Birka and Brugh-with chickens, and a cow. Sometimes there would also was a pig, but they had been unable to afford one that year. A wagon sat wedged between the stalls. On the edge of their fields, a thick line of trees traced along the Anora river.
Eragon smiled that he remembered the house well, it would be saddening if he began to forget his life in his humble beginnings as some would call. To be honest, sometimes Eragon thinks he wouldn't have minded not finding Saphira's egg in the spine, to have just lived peacefully on that farm. However, when he thought of Arya or Saphira, the idea of not finding Saphira seemed wrong. No, he knew this was the way he would be happy.
Blödhgarm walked over to Eragon, and clasped a hand to his shoulder.
"Eragon, come. We are telling stories of events long past."
Eragon smiled
"Alright, give me a moment, and I shall join you all shortly."
Blödhgarm nodded and walked back to the circle the other elves had made. Saphira was laying near the circle, listening to the tale of a great elven mage named Erimmünder, who was a hero during a war. What war it was, Eragon didn't know, for the elf spoke too softly for him to hear everything. Eragon's mind wandered to his homeland, Alagaësia. He wondered what could be going on there since he left. Had any more assassination attempts on Nasuada occurred? Have anymore rebellions broken out? His stomach churned slightly from the worry, but Eragon deep down knew he was just homesick already. He kept listening to the elves tale as his mind wandered to someone it hadn't for a while. His father, Brom. When Eragon first met Brom, he only knew him as the town drunk, he had no clue of him being his father. When the Ra'zac attacked Carvahall, Eragon escaped with Brom. It was Brom that began Eragon's lessons as a rider. He taught Eragon his first magic, how to swing a sword, to fight, and to fly. Brom, Saphira, and Eragon tried to reach the Varden together. However, an ambush killed Brom just before they could reach Du Weldenvarden, the location of the Varden. Brom told him seven words of the ancient language he had yet to learn, just before he died. Later, his teacher and fellow rider, Oromis, who was the rider of Glaedr, told Eragon that he was infact Brom's son. Eragon and Saphira entombed his body into a casket of diamond soon after his passing. Shortly afterwards they reached the Varden. Of course, many other things occurred with Brom, from meeting Solembum and Angela, and then escaping the Ra'zac in Teirm. To rescuing Arya from the Priests of Helgrind in Dras-Leona. So many memories filled his mind of his time with Brom. A single memory came to the forefront of his mind.
"See this pebble?"
"Yes."
"Take it." Eragon did and stared at the unremarkable lump. It was dull black, smooth, and as large as the ends of his thumb. There were countless like it on the trail. "This is your training."
Eragon looked back at him, confused. "I don't understand."
"Of course you don't." Said Brom impatiently. "That's why I'm teaching you and not the other way around. Now stop talking or we'll never get anywhere. What I want you do to is lift the rock off your palm and hold it for as long as you can. The words you're going to use are stenr reisa. Say them.
"Stenr Reisa."
"Good. Go ahead and try."
Eragon focused sourly on the pebble, searching his mind for any hint of the energy that burned in him the day before. The stone remained motionless as he stared at it, sweating and frustrated. How am I supposed to do this? Finally, he crossed his arms and snapped, "This is impossible."
"No." Said Brom gruffly. "I'll say when it is impossible or not. Fight for it! Don't give in this easily. Try again."
Frowning, Eragon closed his eyes, setting aside all distracting thoughts. He took a deep breath and reached into the farthest corners of his consciousness, trying to find where his power resided. Searching, he found only thoughts and memories until he felt something different-a small bump that was a part of him and yet was not him. Excited, he dug into it, seeking what it hid. He felt resistance, a barrier in his mind. He tried to breach it, but it held firm before his efforts. Growing angry, Eragon drove into the barrier, ramming against it with all his might until it shattered like a thin pane of glass, flooding his mind with a river of light.
"Stenr reisa," he gasped. The pebble wobbled into the air over his faintly glowing palm. He struggled to keep it floating, but the power slipped away and faded back behind the barrier. The pebble dropped into his hand with a soft plop, and his hand returned to normal. He felt tired, but grinned at his success.
Eragon smiled at the memory, he enjoyed Brom's lesson, even if they frustrated him to no end. That was his first success with intentionally using magic.
Eragon's mind strayed to the memory of his first meeting of the herbalist, Angela and the fortune she gave him.
..."Thats not all I do," Said Angela with a grin. "The fool lords pay me for love potions and the like. I never claim they work, but for some reason they keep coming back. But I don't think you need those chicaneries. Would you like your fortune told? I do that too, for all the rich fool ladies."
Eragon laughed. "No, I'm afraid my fortune is pretty much unreadable. And I don't have any money."
Angela looked at Solembum curiously. "I think..." She gestured at the crystal ball resting on the counter. "That's only for show anyway-it doesn't do anything. But I do have...Wait here; I'll be right back." She hurried into a room in the back of the shop.
She came back breathless, holding a leather pouch, which she set on the counter. "I haven't used these for so long, I almost forgot where they were. Now, sit across from me and I'll show you why I went to all this trouble." Eragon found a stool and sat. Solembum's glowed from the gap in the drawers.
Angela laid a thick cloth on the counter, then poured a handful of smooth bones, each slightly longer than a finger, onto it. Runes and symbols were inscribed along their sides. "These," she said, touching them gently, "are the knucklebones of a dragon. Don't ask where I got them; it is a secret I won't reveal. But unlike tea leaves, crystal balls, or even divining cards, these have true power. They do not lie, though understanding what they say is...complicated. If you wish, I will cast and read them for you. But understand that to know one's fate can be a terrible thing. You must be sure of your decision."
Eragon looked at the bones with a feeling of dread. there lies what was once one of Saphira's kin. To know one's fate...how can I make this decision when I don't know what lies in wait for me and whether I will like it. Ignorance is indeed bliss. "Why do you offer this?" he asked.
"Because of Solembum..."
There was more conversation between them, Eragon knew. But for the life of him he was unable to recall anything except the fortune.
"Manin! Wyrda! Hügin! and tossed the bones onto the cloth. They fell jumbled together, gleaming in the faint light.
"This," she said, wiping her mouth, "is the hardest reading I've ever done. You were right. Your future is nigh impossible to see. I've never known someone's future to be so tangled and clouded. I was, however, able to wrestle a few answers from it."
Solembum jumped onto the counter and settled there, watching them both. Eragon clenched his hands as Angela pointed to one of the bones. "I will start here," she said slowly, "because it is the clearest to understand."
The symbol on the bone was a long horizontal line with a circle resting on it. "Infinity or long life," said Angela quietly. "This is the first time I have ever seen it come up in someone's future. Most of the time it's the aspen or the elm, both signs a person will live a normal span of years. Whether this means you will live forever or that you will only have an extraordinary long life, I'm not sure. Whatever it foretells, you may be sure that many years lie ahead of you."
No surprises there-I am a rider, thought Eragon. Was Angela going to tell him things he already knew?
"Now the bones grow harder to read, as the rest are in a confused pile." Angela touched three of them. "Here the wandering path, lightning bolt, and sailing ship all lie together-a pattern I've never seen, only heard of. The wandering path shows there are many choices in your future, some you even face now. I see great battles raging around you, some of them are fought for your sake. I see mighty powers of this land struggling to control your will and destiny. Countless possible futures await you-all of them filled with blood and conflict-but only one of them will bring you happiness and peace. Beware of losing your way, for you are one of the few who are truly free to choose their own fate, That freedom is a gift, but is also a responsibility more binding than chains."
Then her face grew sad. "And yet, as if to counteract that, here is the lightning bolt. It is a terrible omen. There is a doom upon you, but what sort of I know not. Part of it lies in a death-one that rapidly approaches and will cause you much grief. But the rest awaits in a great journey. Look closely at this bone. You can see how its end rests on the sailing ship. That is impossible to misunderstand. Your fate will be to leave this land forever. Where you end up I know not, but you will never again stand in Alagaësia. This is inescapable. It will come to pass even if you try to avoid it."
Her words frightened Eragon. Another death...who must I lose now? His thoughts immediately went to Roran. Then he thought about his homeland. What could ever force me to leave? And where would I go? If there are other lands across the sea or to the east, only the elves would know of them.
Angela rubbed her temples and breathed deeply. "The next bone is easier to read and perhaps a bit more pleasant." Eragon examined it and saw a rose blossom inscribed between the horns of a crescent moon.
Angela smiled and said, "An epic romance is in your future, extraordinary, as the moon indicates-for that is a magical symbol- and strong enough to outlast empires. I cannot say if this passion will end happily, but your love is of noble birth and heritage. She is powerful, wise, and beautiful beyond compare.
Of noble birth, thought Eragon in surprise. How could that ever happen? I have no more standing then the poorest of farmers.
"Now for the last two bones, the tree and the hawthorn root, which cross each other strongly. I wish that were not so-it can only mean more trouble-but betrayal is clear. And it will come from within your family."
"Roran wouldn't do that!" objected Eragon abruptly.
"I wouldn't know," said Angela carefully. "But the bones have never lied, and that is what they say."
As it had turned out, it wasn't Roran, but Murtagh, his half-brother he met on his journey to the Varden. Murtagh was tricked by Galbatorix and was sworn to his service.
Eragon winced at the many battles they fought over the past couple years.
Murtagh was also a rider, his dragon was Thorn. A massive red dragon a bit larger than Saphira. He then thought of how all parts of the fortune came true. He had a romance with Arya, Brom passed, many conflicts occurred, tragedy occurred in the form of Ajihad and King Hrothgar of the dwarves, and of course, he left Alagaësia and was transported to another world. There was no way back to his homeland.
Eragon heard Blödhgarm calling for him.
Eragon looked over and smiled, "Sorry, I'm coming."
Eragon walked over and listened intently to the current story of an ancient dragon rider named Raelden, and how he defeated a whole legion of soldiers, using only his sword.
Eragon enjoyed the story well enough, though much of it seemed exaggerated.
Blödhgarm looked to Eragon. "Would you care to share a story Shadeslayer?"
Eragon sat back and thought for a moment. "I may have one...this is the story my uncle Garrow told my brother Roran and I when we were very young. It's the story of a hunter of the Spine from before the fall of the riders." Eragon paused for a moment as he recalled the story.
"Hermaen was a hunter who lived deep within the Spine, at its heart. Hermaen was a gifted hunter, said to have no equal, for he could fire an arrow from any distance and hit his mark. One day Hermaen went out for his hunt, when he found a white stag. He pulled out his bow and took out an arrow from the quiver and notched it onto the string. Hermaen released the arrow, but it missed, or rather was deflected, a magical barrier had enveloped the stag, who looked at Hermaen. The stag approached Hermaen, who was in shock and was unable to move. The stag spoke to Hermaen, the stag actually congratulated him, for if it wasn't for the spell, it surely would have died. No hunter had been able to loose an arrow that could have killed it before. The stag glowed and changed shape to a tall man covered in various furs, on his head was the skull of a deer, and he wore a necklace of various animal bones. The man smiled at Hermaen, he said "I am Gardezin, god of the hunt. I congragulate you hunter for your ability." The god reached to a pine and pressed his hand upon it, the tree changed shape until in its place was a beautiful long bow. "I bestow upon you this bow, it is a bow that requires no arrow or string to be loosed. All you need is the desire to loose an arrow from it, and one shall be." The god handed Hermaen the bow. Hermaen took the bow and bowed to the god. The god transformed back into a stag and disappeared into a brush."
Eragon finished his story and looked around, Blödhgarm seemed rather unimpressed.
"That's...an interesting story Shadeslayer."
"Not up to expectations I take it? Well, I've likely forgotten parts to it, Garrow himself always said there was a second part, but he had forgotten it. It's likely why you don't much care for it." Eragon said a bit rudely
Blödhgarm simply shrugged, as if to say it mattered not one way or the other.
Blödhgarm and the others continued telling their tales while Eragon's mind began to wonder as it often seemed to do now, to his first entrance into the awful city of Dras-Leona, his first meeting with Mutagh, and his joining the Varden.
At Dras-Leona's enormous gates, they led the horses through the crush of people. Ten soldiers were stationed on either side of the gates, casually scanning the crowd. Eragon and Brom passed into the city without incident.
The houses inside the city wall were tall and thin to compensate for the lack of space. Those next to the wall were braced against it. Most of the houses hung over the narrow, winding streets, covering the sky so it was hard to tell if it was day or night. Nearly all the buildings were constructed out of the same rough brown wood, which darkend the city even more. The air reeked like a sewer; the streets were filthy.
A group of ragged children ran between the houses, fighting over scraps of bread. Deformed beggars crouched next to the entrance gates, pleading for money. Their cries for help were like a chorus of the damned. We don't even treat animals like this.
Just thinking of the wretched city nearly caused Eragon to throw-up. He quickly pushed the thoughts of the place from the forefront of his mind. Eragon instead thought a bit about being saved from surprise attack by the Ra'zac and his meeting his half brother, Murtagh.
For a long while, Eragon was aware of only the burning in his side. Each breath was painful. It felt as though he had been stabbed, not Brom. His sense of time was skewed; it was hard to tell if weeks had gone by, or only a few minutes. When consciousness finally came to him, he opened his eyes and peered curiously at a campfire several feet away. His hands were still tied together, but the drug must have worn off because he could think clearly again. Saphira are you injured?
No, but you and Brom are. She was crouched over Eragon, wings spread protectively on either side.
Saphira, you didn't make that fire, did you? And you couldn't have gotten out of those chains by yourself.
No.
I didn't think so. Eragon struggled to his knees and saw a young man sitting on the far right side of the fire.
The stranger, dressed in battered clothes,exuded a calm, assured air. In his hands was a bow, at his side a long hand-and-a-half sword. A white horn bounded with silver fittings lay in his lap, and the hilt of a dagger protruded from his boot. He appeared serious face and fierce eyes were framed by brown locks of hair. He appeared to be a few years older than Eragon and perhaps an inch or so taller. Behind him a gray war-horse was picketed. The stranger watched Saphira warily.
"Who are you?" asked Eragon, taking a shallow breath.
The man's hands tightened on the bow. "Murtagh." His voice was low and controlled, but curiously emotional.
Eragon pulled his hands underneath his legs so they were infront of him. He clenched his teeth as his side flared with pain. "Why did you help up?"
"You aren't the only enemies the Ra'zac have. I was tracking them."
"You know what they are?"
"Yes."
Eragon concentrated on the ropes that bound his wrists and reached for the magic. He hesitated, aware of Murtagh's eyes watching him, then he decided it didn't matter. "Jierda!" he grunted. The ropes snapped off his wrists. He rubbed his hands to get the blood flowing.
Murtagh sucked his breath. Eragon braced himself and tried to stand, but his ribs seared with agony. He fell back, gasping between clenched teeth. Murtagh tried to come to his aid, but Saphira stopped him with a growl. "I would have helped you earlier but your dragon wouldn't let me near you."
"Her name's Saphira," Now let him by! I can't do this alone. Besides, he saved our lives. Saphira growled again, but folded her wings and backed away. Murtagh eyed her flatly as he stepped forward.
He grasped Eragon's arm, gently pulling him to his feet. Eragon yelped and would have fallen if not without support. They went to the fire, where Brom laid on his back. "How is he?" asked Eragon.
"Bad," said Murtagh, lowering to the ground. "The knife went right through his ribs. You can look at him in a minute, but first we better see how much damage the Ra'zac did to you." He helped Eragon remove his shirt, then whistled "Ouch!"
"Ouch," agreed Eragon weakly. A blotchy red bruise extended down his left side. The red, swollen skin was broken in several places. Murtagh put a hand on the bruise and pressed lightly. Eragon yelled, and Saphira growled a warning.
Murtagh glanced at Saphira as he grabbed a blanket. "I think you have some broken ribs. It's hard to tell, but its at least two, maybe more. You're lucky your not coughing up blood." He tore the blanket into strips and bound Eragon's chest.
Eragon chuckled a bit at how his first meeting with him was him getting patched up. Oh how ironic later times would be to that. Eragon then thought of Brom, he died that night. He however refused to think of it. It was still too emotional for him. He teared up a little but wiped it away. Eragon thought next of his capture at Gil'Ead and his meeting of Arya.
Murtagh and him had arrived early into Gil'ead. The irony was Murtagh said to keep his head down, Murtagh was basically why they were captured to begin with. Someone Murtagh knew with a loud mouth had seen him. Things didn't go that well on that day.
The first things Eragon noticed were that he was warm and dry, his cheek was pressed against rough fabric, and hiis hands were unbound. He stirred, but it was minutes before he managed to push himself upright and examined his surroundings.
He was sitting in a cell on a narrow, bumpy cot. A barred window was set high in the wall. The iron-bound door with a small window in its top half, was shut securely.
Dried blood cracked on Eragon's face when he moved. It took him a minute to remember it was not his. His head hurt horribly-which was to be expected, considering the blow he had taken-and his mind was strangely fuzzy. He tried to use magic, but could not concentrate well enough on any of the words. They must have drugged me, he finally declared.
With a groan he got up, missing the familiar weight of Zar'roc on his hip, and lurched to the window in the wall.
Eragon's memory gets a bit hazy there, he remembered his conversation with the Shade, Durza. His escape from the prison with Murtagh and Arya and their continuation of the journey to the Varden. Of course many other things occured but Eragon could hear someone call him. It wasn't time to reminesce of the past. It was time to look to the future.
"Eragon, come help us with this, we are setting up the rest of the buildings." Eragon looked over, Blödhgarm, Saphira, and the other elves were already setting up the basis of a town. It honestly didn't surprise him. They would need at least several buildings to completely take care of the dragons. None of them would be rider dragons. Those eggs were left with Nasuada, Arya, Orik, and Nar Garzhvog. Eragon walked over and picked up a board and carried it over to one of the structures. One of the elves, Rayna, showed him all the plans the had drawn out. Eragon nodded and placed the board, and hammered it down. This cycle continued for all the buildings for several hours, by the time they finished, three small houses were finished, six houses were half-way done, nine houses had atleast a base, only two were yet to be worked on, a storage facility was built, Saphira created glass for a green house out of the sand and her firey breath, and a library, medical shack, as well as a animal pen were finished. None of the structures were in anyway impressive. All were incredibly simple and brown. Eragon sighed. They had been here two days and already built an entire town almost. He could easily guess they would be finished by tommorow afternoon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vanhoover Train Station 3rd P.O.V- Twilight Sparkle
"Ah, here we are girls! Vahoover." The town was quiet and a little sleepy, though considering how far north it was, she wasn't the least surprised. Besides she read half a dozen books on Vanhoover on the train ride alone!
Applejack got off and yawned "Well now, that was a good nap. So this is Vanhoover huh? A little cold ain't it?" she shivered.
Pinkie bounded out next "Well of course you silly willy! This is VANHOOVER! Its like...the snow capital of Equestria hehe!" Pinkie then plowed into the nearest snow bank. Rainbow Dash then smiled and got off the train looking around a bit followed closely by Rarity and Fluttershy.
Twilight looked at her friends for a moment "Well girls, we are here. Lets go investigate!" Pinkie jumped fforward wearing a detectives out fit and a fake mustache "Detective Pie is on the case!" She bounded towards the site. Twilight and the rest proceeded to follow behind Pinkie.
"Has he finished pieicing his mind back together yet?"
"Yes milord, he shows brain activity on the scanners as of ten minutes ago."
The tall hooded figure nodded. "Then it is time." He walked to a cell and opened it. A shape was under several layers of sheets, who or what is was, could not be distingushed. The hooded figure spoke a name, a name of pure power which all magic obeys the speaker of no matter what.
The hooded figure laughed "You are mine now, a slave to my will. Never forget that!" He walked out of the cell and closed it firmly. His plans were nearly ready to be inacted. Only a few pieces had yet to be put together now. "Gilland! How are the final pieces coming?"
The other, smaller figure approached "Quite well my king, quite well. They should be done with in a week if there is no delays in the creation process."
"And what about...it?"
"It is finished your highness. All is left is your power."
"Good. I need one again if my plan is to have any success after all. Let us go greet it." A loud bellowing roar rang throughout the prison as if to already greet the figure was heard. The hooded figure fazed through a wall and disappeared without a trace.
