For Alagaesia: 38. The losses in a win

The city seemed grossly unprepared to counter a siege of the scale of the one the Varden had organised. Eragon couldn't quite believe it because the towns of Feinster and Belatona were very strongly protected and defended by the armies of those cities.

The four days of marching of the Varden must surely have reached the ears of the city's lord, Marcus Tábor in one way or the other. The empire was not so dumb as to not have patrols in their part of Alagaesia, as far as Eragon remembered. But as it stood, Marcus Tábor had literaly abandoned his city to be taken over by the Varden. If what Brom said of that ruler was anything to judge by, it might have been possible that he hadn't got any orders from Galbatorix (by virtue of the evil king's travel outside Uru'baen in years and that too alone) and hence kept quiet and did nothing. But as a fact Eragon knew that a ruler wouldn't be that dumb.

'Perhaps its a trap, Eragon', Saphira said. From his perch on Saphira's shoulders, it seemed so to Eragon too. But, he also knew that trap or not, they had to do this now or risk facing something far worse.

'Prepare to break the gates', Eragon said to Trianna who served as a link between him and Nasuada.

In the days leading to the siege that was underway, Eragon had explained the city of Dras-Leona to the Varden's war leaders as he had first hand experience of the city. When he had travelled with his father to Dras-Leona, he had ignored the various signs that the city threw at him. But now, after training under Oromis and facing a few battles, Eragon could guess all the potential dangers that the city could pose from the memories of his travels in the city's streets. It even made him wonder how he had missed all those signs, the first time around. It was probably, no wonder that Brom could find a lot about the seithr oil supplies while he could get nearly nothing about it. As it was, he had warned about the completely unpredictable and dangerous streets of the city and the giant cathedral from which nearly all movements in the city could be watched.

Unfortunately, the cathedral was the only place that was heavily guarded and hence no attack plans against that towering structure could be made. Eragon had even tried to use magic on the building. But it was quite strongly protected by wards. It didn't feel right.

'What if we walk straight into a trap, Saphira?', Eragon asked quite unnecessarily because the decision to attack had been made and the preparations were finished.

'Little one, don't worry about that now. If the people of this puny town think that they can catch me by tricking me, they are grossly mistaken. And we have a battle to fight and a victory to be had. So don't whine over what could be and do what you can.', Saphira advised.

'Shadeslayer, the siege rams are ready', Trianna said. Eragon acknowledged her with a mental nod.

'Shall we go`, Saphira?', Eragon asked Saphira who was sailing high above the cathedral of Dras-Leona that was nearly at the centre of the city. In response, Saphira flew away towards the Varden soldiers at the gate. As soon as, Saphira reached the gate, Eragon got down from the saddle and joined Nasuada at the back of the army. Cries of 'Shadeslayer' were heard all around the army, but Eragon paid no attention to it, focussing completely on detailing the defensive measures of the city to Nasuada. They already had a fair idea about the inadequate defences of the city through the scouts and were worried about trickery in play.

"This doesn't bode well for us. But whatever it is that Tabor plans to unleash on us, we can only be careful.", Nasuada said when Eragon finished his account.

"Looks like a trap to me.", Roran said, "In all my encounters with the empire, I have never seen such seemingly careless attitude."

"Fair enough guess, Stronghammer. But if it were a trap then I would advise Eragon to stay away from the fight.", Arya said. Before Eragon could differ, she continued, "But leaving him and Saphira out of the fight will not do any good to the flailing hope and confidence of the people. They need to be convinced that Eragon's capture was a one off bad occurrence that won't repeat itself. They have to see Eragon fight the battle with as much rigour and determination as he did before his capture. So I advise that Eragon should stay with Saphira always, no matter what happens.", Arya said.

"If I have to fight alone, then I will.", Eragon replied coolly.

"No. You shouldn't", Arya's voice had that edge to it when she wanted to be obeyed. But Eragon wasn't going to be treated like a child. He was tired of Arya seeing him as a young fool incapable of protecting himself.

'Little one...', Saphira tried to warn. "Please stay out of this Saphira.", Eragon voiced both through his mind and mouth.

Saphira pulled out of Eragon's mind. He could feel her contacting Arya but their conversation was hidden from him.

Strangely after a few moments Arya contacted him through her mind. He tried to look into her eyes and found that she was glaring at him. Afraid that he had done some damage, he hastily let Arya in. 'Nobody here thinks you a child, Eragon. Do you understand?', Arya's mental voice sounded like whispering through gritted teeth. Yet each word was accentuated showing the conviction, frustration and anger that were filled in Arya's mind. It didn't help that little parts of her emotion spilled over to Eragon through her mental link with him. Her eyes were boring at him and he knew then, as a matter of fact, that some other person who hadn't faced the maniacal experiments of Galbatorix would certainly have been overwhelmed by the enormity of Arya's action. As it stood, Eragon was paled and could only whisper back, 'I do.'

But something about the emotions and words of Arya made Eragon happy. She didn't consider him young anymore. Atleast that much was clear. Her words: 'Nobody here' included herself too.

"You are too important to lose, Eragon. You are the only hope left for all of Alagaesia.", Arya said out aloud.

"I stand by Arya, Eragon. You shouldn't risk your life in any way.", Nasuada said. Eragon could feel the slightest bit of hesitation in Nasuada's voice. He couldn't guess why Nasuada had to be hesitant.

'Your behaviour hasn't been the same as it was Eragon. People are bound to react to your change.', Saphira said.

'I understand', Eragon replied brittly but he stood silent without providing any answer to the demand of the two women.

"Eragon. They have a point. Without you we can't hope to win this war and losing you again..", Roran stopped mid-sentence, probably remembering his promise to behave as if nothing wrong had happened to Eragon made three days ago.

The anger that Eragon strived to keep at bay burst forth due to the increasing pressure he was put under. "Do you want me to keep me safe when I know that you are all in trouble? Is it fair?", he asked trying hard to put away his anger from his voice.

"It is not about what is fair and what is not, Eragon. It is about bringing down Galbatorix and giving meaning to the sacrifices of our ancestors. It is about doing what has to be done. There is no place for right and wrong. The only thing that matters is the greater good for all of Alagaesia.", Arya's words rang through the tent. Eragon felt like a thousand arrows had pierced his heart at the same time. He didn't want to hear those words from anybody although he knew them to be true all along and the last person he wanted to hear those words from was Arya. He knew that reason was precisely why he couldn't be with Arya. He had always known that their age gap and cultural differences were not lasting and sufficient reasons to keep his affections in check. The only thing that had kept him from showering his love was the 'greater good'. Oromis had made it clear to him, from the early days when Eragon fancied Arya.

'I wish he were here, now.', Eragon thought.

'Of course, he is here, Eragon. Glaedr is here.', Saphira replied although Eragon was not expecting a reply.

'But he is not helping me. He has abandoned me to this cruel world.', Eragon complained.

'I have not abandoned you, hatchling. Time has come for you to decide the course of your actions. I can't shield you anymore. The mantle of leadership has passed on to you.', Glaedr said calmly.

Eragon fell silent for he knew it to be true as much as he wanted to run away from it. He was the leader of the dying 'race' of dragon-riders and he had to stay alive whatever happened to his loved ones. He had to let them sacrifice themselves for his sake. It was his destiny to kill Galbatorix or die by the evil king's sword.

"I promise never to leave the side of Saphira.", Eragon said.

"Good", Arya responded, the relief in her voice palpable even through the trained regal tone. Eragon was broken on the inside. Here, she was, happy and relieved that Eragon had promised to stay safe whereas he, Eragon, couldn't even ask her to remain away from danger.

'I can't lose you, Arya.', he shouted in his own mind where only Saphira could hear him. She sent a soothing feeling into his mind urging him to calm down - the only creature in the entire existence that he could trust whatever the case maybe. And there was Roran. His cousin who would die to protect him from any danger. But Eragon wasn't allowed to do the same for his cousin. 'Is this what I have to do after all those lessons of nobility I took from Oromis?', Eragon lamented.

'Little one, do you forget that we are one? They wanted you to stay with me and you will stay with me and I will keep you safe. But do you think I will let Roran or Arya die? If anything bad happens to them, we will help them.', Saphira said. There was conviction in her voice which showed that she meant it genuinely.

"The soldiers are in position, Nasuada", Jormundur said as he stepped in the tent.

"So it is decided. We will follow our battle plans. But Eragon will remain with Saphira whatever the case.", Nasuada said. Arya and Roran nodded while Eragon remained silent. "Jormundur, I want you to coordinate our soldiers who are fighting alongside King Orrin's cavalry. Stronghammer, you can lead the Urgals. King Orik has promised to work on the locks and gates which seem to be the only defence of the city. Arya can lead the elves into battle. As for me, I will be riding with our warriors just behind the dwarves.", Nasuada said.

"No, my lady. I can't allow you to ride into war as much you wouldn't allow me to fight by my wish. You are the leader that the Varden looks to and if something is to happen to you, then the hope will be lost. I am just one dragon rider who is capable of fighting other riders, but you are the leader of this campaign. Your loss, at this point, will mean utter confusion and trouble for our rebellion. I request, as your vassal and as the son of the founder of Varden, that you stay behind in this battle.", Eragon said. He knew Nasuada wouldn't accept to stay back if asked simply and hence chose a more eloquent way to get his point across.

Nasuada looked at Eragon for a brief moment seemingly contemplating his words. She shook her head and Eragon thought she was going to rebuke his request. Then she said, "So be it. But if need be, I shall ride into war and no one shall stop me. As you said, I am the leader of this campaign and I don't want to be controlled by anyone."

'Your tone wasn't something that she could have resisted Eragon. You have grown a great deal, even if you don't know it yourself. I am so proud of you.', Saphira said pride brimming in her voice. Arya looked at Eragon and nodded as if appreciating his effort. Eragon wanted to make Arya stay away fom the war too. Even more so than he wanted Nasuada to stay away, but he knew as well as his own name, that Arya wouldn't listen to him. She was not one who could be bound against her wish which always put others ahead of herself. A sort of pride rose in Eragon's heart when he reminded himself of Arya's noble deeds. He was just proud to be Arya's friend, even though he wished with all his heart that he would be someone infinitely more dear to her than being her best friend.

The guards outside the tent announced the arrival of the dwarf king. Orik was inside the tent in moments and he said, "The gate is giving way. You all would be better of taking your positions." Then he saw the seriousness in the face of everyone and asked, "Is there any change in plan?"

"No, Orik. Its just that it seems too easy. So we fear that it might be a trap.", Roran explained. Orik nodded and said, "I have noticed. But this city wouldn't have enough soldiers to withstand our attack. Galbatorix is either mad or stupid to think that such ploys will work against our army." After a while of silence Orik added, "We have to be careful nevertheless."

'Come Eragon, it has begun. Another city of Galbatorix will fall to us today.', Saphira called. Eragon nodded to everyone in the gathering and left silently holding his head high and keeping his face proud. He checked if the wards he had placed on Arya, Roran, Nasuada, Orik and Angela were in good shape as he walked out of the tent towards Saphira where she stood waiting for him surrounded by Eragon's elven guards.

"Shur'tugal", Blodhgarm said and bowed.

"Blodhgarm-vodhr", Eragon greeted back and climbed into Saphira's saddle. "Help in the war, in whatever way you can. We will fight from the skies. If need be, I shall summon your presence.", Eragon said.

"As you wish, Shur'tugal.", Blodhgarm answered, "Fly well, Bjarstkular." Eragon was happy at the transformation in Blodhgarm and his company: they now looked as much a part of the Varden as himself. In the months since they had joined the ranks of the Varden as Eragon's personal guards, they had changed from the self-centered, human-doubting elves to integral part of the Varden's campaign. With the sort of experience that the twelve elves had, Eragon could almost sense the increase in strength of the Varden in places where they fought.

As Saphira took off towards the air, Eragon saw Arya leading the elves into the city through the small opening that the dwarves had created in the gates. She cut through three empire soldiers guarding the gate in a flash with a deft swing of her slender silvery elven sword, making way for the remaining elves to enter without much difficulty. The marching of the elves created so much confusion in the empire's ranks that the line of defence was broken. Roran was close behind the elves leading a group of men and Urgals into the city using the gap in the empire's ranks created by the elves onslaught.

As the group of elves, humans and Urgals broke through the defence lines, Eragon saw with increasing horror that more and more soldiers came in from who knows where to fill the place of the dead and injured ones completely closing away the rest of the Varden outside the gate. The battering ram suddenly seemed too slow in work. As fear gripped his heart Eragon said, 'We have to help them Saphira. Try to sweep those soldiers away from the Varden's way.'

Even as Saphira lowered herself, Eragon saw a large group of about 1000 soldiers converge on the elf-human-urgal coalition that had entered the city. He couldn't quite fathom how those many soldiers had escaped his eye when he flew over the gates earlier. It seemed like the soldiers had materialised out of thin air. However, it was that they had hidden themselves, Eragon didn't have time to think. Arya and Roran were in trouble and the Varden was in the peril of losing its elite soldiers.

He contacted Arya with his mind.

'Eragon!! Don't come here. These are the painless soldiers. This was what Tabor had been planning all along: killing off the Varden's best soldiers by luring us in by inducing a false sense of security.', Arya shouted into his mind.

In his indecision, Eragon sought out Saphira. Saphira just said, 'I am going down there, Eragon.' Eragon obeyed without a word because he saw in his mind what Saphira was planning to do and realised that he simply wanted to do just that. There was no way that he would abandon Arya and Roran to the vile abominations of Galbatorix. Saphira folded her wings and swooped down towards the large group of empire soldiers simultaneously letting out a deafening roar. The soldiers looked up stunned and stood still, unable to register the whole scenario around them.

A controlled stream of fire escaped Saphira's mouth and scorched atleast a hundred soldiers stationed at the outer perimeter of the empire soldiers who had formed a perfect circle-arrangement around the hundred or so Varden soldiers. The burned down soldiers moved with their charcoal-like bodies for a few seconds before crumbling into ash. It was completely unnatural that Eragon hated himself for ever thinking to do that on Varden's soldiers. He vividly remembered the time when he nearly died by the loss of energy when Arya had tried to put him out of his misery using the 'painless' spell.

The empire soldiers panicked by the death of a lot of their comrades in seconds. However painless they were, the sight of a man (and that too ones own friend) burning to ash would frighten even the strongest of men and in their mad rush the soldiers broke formation and ran in to attack the Varden without coordination.

Saphira beat her wings twice and rose up a little because she couldn't pick out the empire soldiers separately anymore. Eragon watched with bated breath as the painless soldiers fell upon the Varden. But the Varden were more than prepared to face them as the next few moments showed.

Arya, Roran and Garzhvog had taken up leadership roles and positions in the Varden's own circular formation. The Urgals, by virtue of their warring tendency made up a first circle which fought head on with the empire soldiers. The elves who were strong and magically capable took up a secondary and alternative line to the Urgals constantly moving to the front to confront the enemy in place of a Urgal who was too tired to continue. And they provided wards to the outer line hence protecting them from serious damage. The humans lead by Roran were at the heart of the formation mostly wielding a bow. They fired arrows at will caring only to make sure that the arrows crossed the circle formed by the Varden.

Eragon found the scene unfolding beneath him so unreal. It looked as if a mouse was beating up a lion. Nevertheless, the fighting went on for about an hour without success to any party. Eragon could see the arrows drying up and Urgals falling dead. The damage to the empire soldiers was too heavy when compared to the loss of the Varden but the painless soldiers proved too much for it took atleast the effort to kill ten men, to even render a painless one useless.

'What do you feel about changing the mouse into a mountain?', Saphira asked and flew back down. As she flew down Eragon felt her contact Arya and say, 'Get your men to shrink down the formation.' Astonishingly, even before Eragon himself grasped the meaning of Saphira's words completely Arya responded by shouting, "Get close to one another. Move in. Shrink the lines." The Urgals and elves obeyed her without question and in seconds Saphira landed where the Urgals had been just moments ago.

"Everyone, on your backs now.", Eragon ordered foreseeing Saphira's next move in his mind. Again there was utter subordination from the Varden soldiers to his order. He was nearly surprised to see even the Urgals obey him and Arya without any qualms. 'They respect us for what we have achieved, Eragon. Killing a shade isn't a simple thing to do and between the three of us, we have managed to do it twice.', Saphira said nonchalantly as she swung her whole frame around knocking over hundreds of empire soldiers. Some were thrown far away and some were brutally wounded by Saphira's tail-spikes and many were simply crushed under her enormous weight.

But the empire soldiers were never falling. Even the ones that were struck by the elven swords and Saphira's spikes came back and tried to hack Saphira's tail. Her wards protected her though and they were thrown away or crushed again. The front line of the Urgals was getting jittery in its moves. 'Looking at men fighting with spears and arrows protruding from their body would surely make even the war-hungry Urgals feel uneasy if not tremble with fear', thought Eragon.

No amount and manner of killing spells worked on the soldiers of the empire for they just kept coming at Saphira and the Varden even when Eragon and the elves tried all the spells of killing they knew. Galbatorix had indeed planned this well in advance seeing as the evil king himself wasn't at Uru'baen to order this assault.

"Die, you monster", cursed Garzhvog as he hacked a empire soldier who had already been rendered limbless by the Varden's attacks. It was almost amusing for Eragon to think that he actually found it quite agreeable when Garzhvog called a human as 'monster' for Garzhvog had the features of what a human would call a 'monster' - stout horns, sharp teeth and a giant build-up. Such was the state of the empire soldiers. Bloodied beyond recognition, the faces of the painless soldiers - combined with their maniacal laughter - had all the makings of the worst nightmare that anyone could face. Standing face to face against such abominations was in itself a testimony of the mental strength of the elves, humans and Urgals of the Varden.

"Eragon!!", called Arya and said, “We can’t outwit them for much longer. They have the strength of number which far outweighs our powers and talents considering that they don't die unless their heads are severed."

"I know that. But what can we do?", Eragon cried in return.

"Lend your strength", Arya said simply. Eragon couldn't understand why Arya was asking him for his energy reserves because he and her with the elves had already tried every killing spell they knew and succeeded in none. But he also knew that Arya wouldn't ask him of such a favour unless it was absolutely necessary and so connected his mind with Arya's hence providing her access to his considerable strength as well as Saphira and Glaedr's(who was unnaturally silent) immense energy reserves. Arya took her time and said, "Deloi", the true name for earth.

For a moment nothing happened. And then the earth beneath him shook. When it came to a standstill in moments again, he felt a lot of his energy draining. Fearing that the drain of energy might have been higher for Arya, Eragon redoubled his effort and spent even more energy. Slowly dust raised from the ground and Eragon could see larger particles that would never have risen because of air gather around the area. Arya was trembling from the loss of energy and Eragon poured in strength as much as possible into her. He felt Saphira expending her own reserves too.

The gathered dust began to swirl creating a effect akin to a sandstorm that was common in the hadarac. Except this storm did nothing to his eyes as would have a normal storm.

'Stop it, child', Glaedr roared into Arya's mind, 'You can't control this. It will kill you.' But Arya remained adament never letting her spell go. Eragon could only wonder how Arya could conjure such mayhem using just one word. Then it struck him: Arya was using the true name of earth to bend it to her whims. She was literally creating a sandstorm out of a calm landscape and was controlling each and every minuscule particle's movement, making sure that the particles don't affect the Varden's soldiers.

Soon enough, loud curses were heard from the painless soldiers who would have been blinded by the sand storm, even if they didn't feel any pain. Arya dropped the spell at last unable to sustain it any longer. And when the view cleared Eragon could see the effect Arya's work had had on the empire soldiers. Most had hacked each other to death(Eragon wouldn't even be surprised if many cuts on those soldiers were self inflicted given that they felt nothing)

Arya turned to Eragon and smiled weakly having lost most of her strength. The first line of Urgals that was battered by the wild swinging of the empire soldiers was still ready for battle as ever and made easy work of the already weakened empire soldiers. "Soldeirs, march forward. Give cover to the elves and Saphira.", Roran ordered. The humans under Roran, on his order, took lead pushing the elves, Eragon and Saphira behind their protected lines and entangled in direct conflict with the painless soldiers.

'Hatchling, I didn't expect this of you.', Glaedr admonished Arya in the most severe of tones Eragon had ever heard the great dragon use, 'you could have killed yourself and every one of us.' - implying all the those who had lend Arya their energy to support the spell - 'I had thought you had learnt your lessons from your experiences. But apparently you haven't. Still, taking such risks that would endanger your life.'

'Ebrithil', Arya called surprising Eragon who was privy to the conversation through Saphira and said, 'I had but one other choice. Leave our fortunes to time and wait for the empire soldiers to eventually fall due to loss of blood; time which we didn't have. They were gaining the upper hand and if I had waited even a few more minutes, those soldiers would have been upon us in their full force and we would have had not another chance to escape them. I had absolute control over the situation, ebrithil, even if I had underestimated the energy needed to manipulate the earth. Believe me, I didn't do it to prove anything but only to save our lives.'

Glaedr pondered her reply but didn't speak anything in return. Eragon was completely taken aback by such a conversation between Arya and Glaedr that he mentioned it to Saphira privately.

'It wasn't much like Arya, was it, Saphira?'

'Well, not for me. It was perfectly right along Arya's ways', Saphira replied coolly.

'What do you mean?'

'She is not as perfect as you think of her Eragon. She knows that. I know that and Glaedr certainly knows that. Your love hides the shortcomings of Arya from your eyes.', Saphira replied just as coolly as she had at first. Embarrassed and wanting to help in the battle further, Eragon left the talk with that and turned to the elves and Arya. All the elves had the same calm and cool demeanour and if they disapproved of their princess's action they never showed it. But Arya herself looked pale and shaken partly because of energy loss and partly because of Glaedr's severity with her. Eragon got down from Saphira and moved up to Arya and placed his right hand on hers while his left hand touched the belt of beloth the wise. He transferred energy from the twelve diamonds into Arya's body and colour returned to her face instantly.

"Thank you", Arya simply said looking Eragon straight in his eyes and moved away from him to stand at the forefront of the elves. She said to the elves, "My people, thank you for your help and trust in me. I want you to rest for a while and not take further part in this battle. In your weakened state it shall be dangerous for you and our cause."

"Eragon!!", cried Roran, "We can manage these ghouls hereafter. Go and get the gate opened for the remainder of the Varden before another such legion comes crashing down on us." Eragon acknowledged Roran's words and got onto Saphira's back. In seconds, Saphira was above the city gate that was guarded by a new set of soldiers from the ones that the elves broke through.

The Varden were trying hard to break the defensive line of the empire that was holding the half-shattered gate together. On seeing Saphira the Varden let out cries of "Shadeslayer!!" and "Brightscales!!"

Trianna contacted Eragon and said, 'Whare have you been Shadeslayer? This gate has been almost impossible to break ever since the first cracks and the elves entry into the city.'

'I was occupied.', Eragon said simply and after a minor pause, he added, 'We will try to create confusion among these soldiers. They are the ones who are holding the gate together.'

Saphira needed no more cues and she let out a tongue of flames that had its effect on the empire soldiers on the ground. They shouted out in agony as many of them were burned down to ashes. But surprisingly, there was resistance from the soldiers after the initial burst of dying.

'Magicians!!', Eragon said surprised because he had not expected magicians to be present so close to the gate that was not protected by any magical means. Arrows flew toward Saphira only to be deflected away by her wards.

'Well. Further proof that the attack by the painless soldiers was very well planned and executed.', Saphira said uncaring of the various darts and arrows flying around her. Her voice had a dangerous edge to it. She sounded far too angry than moments before.

'Except that Galbatorix has as usual, miscalculated the elves and the Varden's strength.', Eragon replied slightly mystified by Saphira's behaviour.

'I wouldn't put it that way. He wasn't expecting you to be here, remember?', Saphira said her mental feeling nothing like the mocking words she produced. She was burning with anger. Eragon smiled darkly reminding himself that him being here with Saphira was all a miracle.

Saphira relentlessly sent out flames and soon atleast one magician was overcome seeing as a large chunk of the remaining soldiers were burnt down to ashes. Eragon didn't have to be a mind reader to know that Saphira was venting her anger on the poor soldiers. But he didn't mind to interrupt her because she was doing just what was needed to be done and if it would help her calm down then it was fine with him.

'Shadeslayer!! The gate has crashed. Ask Saphira to stop that fire so that we could move into the city', Trianna contacted him. In all the angry yet magnificent fires that Saphira was letting out, Eragon hadn't even noticed the gate opening.

'The gate has opened Saphira. Stop the flames.', Eragon said. Saphira didn't seem to pay heed to him and kept on continuing her steady stream of fire on the already dead soldiers.

'Saphira!! Stop it.", Eragon shouted out the last part with his voice. Saphira roared out her anger that made Eragon tremble. The whole of the Varden and the city had their heads upturned. And Eragon could see why. If he trembled, hearing Saphira then how would the others feel. Frightened beyond compare. Saphira was indeed in uncontrollable anger. She flew higher and higher and higher until the city looked like a glowing lantern. She let out a huge stream of fire yet again, this time into the empty air.

'Hatchling!! control yourself. This is not the place and time to vent your anger.', Glaedr roared into Saphira's mind, 'After all your experiences, you should know better. My hopes are pinned on you now. You, my students. Eragon, you and Arya. The only remaining students of mine and Oromis.' His voice was close to breaking when he finished his sentence. Eragon was completely struck down by Glaedr's remarks. He had never ever heard Glaedr break down so much except maybe when Oromis died. Eragon could see that Saphira was moved much as himself. Hearing Glaedr's lament made even her anger fall away.

'What has happened Eragon?', Arya's urgent and worried mental voice asked.

'Its nothing, Arya.', Eragon replied hastily. When Arya's mental countenance remained suspicious and unconvinced, Eragon said, 'Its just that Saphira suddenly became too angry.' Surprise emanated from Arya's mind. But before she could enquire further and make him go through Glaedr's plea and the pain associated with it again he said, 'I will explain later.' Arya nodded mentally and left his mind. The last emotion that Eragon could detect before he lost contact with her was concern.

'I am really sorry, master. I got carried away by my anger. Thinking of all that Eragon went through, makes me angry always. But I was reminded of it in the wrong time and it has now distracted everybody from our aim.', Saphira apologised most earnestly to Glaedr. She then dived down towards the city.

'Only remember this child: never do anything to avenge something. Anything you do has to have a strong reasoning. Only then can you defeat evil and remain untainted.', Glaedr said a lot like his own calm, saintly yet ferocious way.

'I will master', Saphira replied solemnly.

As they flew down to a height from which they could deduce the happenings on the ground, Eragon saw that most of the Varden had entered the city. The only thing that worried him now was the thing he had expected and warned the Varden of already; the confusing and utterly dangerous streets of the city. He could already see regiments, even under capable captains of the Varden being divided just because of the baffling build-up of the city's streets. His mind told that Galbatorix who had taken advantage of the Varden's battle plans from their previous attacks on his cities - such as letting their premier and elite soldiers to create the much required impetus in breaking the first and hardest line of (real) defence - must surely take advantage of Dras-Leona's most natural protection: its street make-up.

He couldn't get any clear picture of that being the case anywhere in the city and after a quarter of an hour's examination left that suspicion to mere imagination of his and hence intended to assist in the battle as he did at Feinster. He asked Saphira to drop him in one of the streets where he saw the empire having the upper hand. In fact the battle occurring below them looked so gory and violent that Eragon had an urge to never even look at the scene except that men on his side were fast dying. Saphira after a mild revolt against his going into battle without her, let him go after seeing the losses the Varden had suffered in that particular fight.

Eragon felt the pommel of Brisingr with his hands and transferred some of the vitality from the blue gem attached to it to free himself from any remaining tiredness due to his efforts in bringing down the 'painless' army. As Saphira lowered herself, Eragon jumped from her back into the narrow street.

Saphira took to resting on one of the buildings that lined the street. To Eragon's immense surprise, he saw that it was Captain Tarlek's company that was being devastated by the empire soldiers. Captain Tarlek was one of the most respected commanders in the Varden's army for having not lost on any missions he had been on. Seeing such a person's company being destroyed spoke volumes of Galbatorix's plans.

"Shadeslayer!!", Tarlek cried on seeing him.

"Captain, how come this be possible?", Eragon asked even as he sliced his way through the soldiers of the empire towards the captain.

"I know not, Shadeslayer. These soldiers fell upon us from Angvard knows where and we have been stuck here without any further aid from any of the Varden.", the captain replied. Eragon nodded and concentrated on helping out the Varden soldiers as much as he could. He could see very well that the Varden was outnumbered two for one. So he took it upon himself to destroy the vast majority of the empire soldiers. He used killing spells and a fine arc of his blade to equal effect in extinguishing the life out of the empire soldiers.

The carnage around him made him want only one thing. Drag Marcus Tabor out of his marble palace and end the battle as soon as possible. But that didn't seem an easy possibility. The palace was thoroughly guarded. In fact, the only place were the defence mechanism of the city looked unbreakable was the palace. They had to work their way up the raised platform on which the palace was located and that meant killing these soldiers that were out on the streets. Having made his mind up, Eragon wanted to finish the business soon.

Just after slashing and cutting across and into a soldier's chest plate, Eragon crouched low like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey. The empire soldiers who having seen the unusually bright sword of his and the gracefully feline features and movements of his decided not to attack him and formed a defensive line to protect their leader: a tall, lanky man in his forties. That was all the calling Eragon needed and he pounced as fast as he could on the line of defence cutting his way through it to place Brisingr's point under the leading-man's chin. The man gaped and put his sword down in surrender.

"I am Eragon Shadeslayer. You will be spared if you drop your weapons and surrender. You will all be taken as prisoners of war and your fate shall be adjudged by the leaders. But if your allegiance changes, then you will be welcome with us. This I promise upon my honour as rider.", Eragon said. The empire soldiers, all of whom stood stunned at their leader's capture looked at each other for a few seconds. Then most of them put down their while a few charged at Eragon. The Varden soldiers stepped aside as they saw that it was Eragon's fight to fight.

Eragon with a flick of Brisingr beheaded the first soldier who approached him. His face remained calm and collected as the others who had tried to march stopped dead and started to curse him. "Monster.", they said. "Murderer.", they concluded.

"I gave you a chance and you didn't take it. There is still time for you. You can surrender. I have no liking to kill any of you.", Eragon said feeling calm but still bad for having killed the soldier.

"You kill us heartlessly and ask us to believe your empty promises. Why did you invade us if don't like to kill?", one soldier shouted.

"I have not invaded you. I have declared war on the tyrant that wants to control all of this land by evil means. I have no choice but to confront you if I have to defeat Galbatorix and free this land of his taint.", Eragon replied calmly devoid of any emotion. He was, in fact, stating the fact.

"We were perfectly alright with our lives before you invaded. Our King wasn't that bad. He may have levied heavy taxes but he didn't kill any of us.", one soldier shouted.

"Galbatorix would have killed any of you who tried to protest against the taxes levied on you. Touch your heart and tell me. Were you not burning to see the end of Galbatorix? Wasn't your family affected by the cruel rule of his?"

"Our family has never been in good state. We have always suffered. The King has nothing to do with it. It is just our misfortune.", the soldier replied.

"Go say it to your grand-parent. Ask them if they remember their parents and grandparents talking fondly of the times under the Broddring Kingdom and the riders. No, my friend, you have forgotten the riches we had during the times of the riders. In another hundred years, this land will be full of beggars if we don't stop Galbatorix now. And remember who those beggars will be: your sons and mine. And think of what they will say to somebody who talks of Galbatorix's rule as the reason for their downfall: 'we have always been thus.' You have a chance to change that future. To make your sons live like nobles. I offer you that chance. It is up to you to take it or to leave your children's life to even more misery than you are now in." Thus spoke Eragon.

"My family is here in this city. How can I not defend them?", the soldier asked, this time a lot more unsure and respectfully than before.

"Nobody who doesn't resist will be hurt. If you had a chance to look at Belatona, Feinster or Gil'ead, you won't be fighting us now for those cities are now far more prosperous than when they were under Galbatorix, even when war brews around them.", said Eragon.

"You lie.", the soldier cried. Saphira growled but kept her place. Eragon said, "I have no ill-designs to hide or lie.", with both his mind and voice in the ancient language. His words must have sunk into the soldier's head for he put his weapon down and surrendered. All his companions - who numbered about seven - did likewise.

"Captain Tarlek, bind them. But never abuse them. They will be good citizens of this city when it will be rebuilt.", Eragon said to the captain who stood calmly listening to Eragon's conversation with the enemy soldiers.

"As you wish, Shadeslayer.", the captain said. It was evident in his voice that his respect for Eragon had increased many-fold.

Eragon and Saphira assisted in few more places and helped bring down the empire soldiers. Their march towards the palace was steady and the first skirmishes between the dwarven army and the soldiers guarding the palace had already begun. Saphira was flying high over the palace in hopes of finding some opening in the defences so as to enter the palace when Arya contacted Eragon.

'I need you now, Eragon. Bring your guards with you.', she said. There was urgency in her voice and even a trifle amount of fear lurking in her mind. She sent a crooked and narrow street's image and cut the contact off.

Eragon panicked; so did Saphira.

'Saphira!! Find where she is.', Eragon said and contacted Blodhgarm. It took him a while to locate him for it was a while since he last contacted the elf and he had moved much farther away from his earlier position. When he found him, he said, 'Arya Drottningu calls for you. Now. Take your companions.'

'What is it about, Shur'tugal?', the elf asked. 'I know not, Blodhgarm-elda. But she wants us urgently.', Eragon replied and sent the image he had got from Arya to Blodhgarm.

Saphira had been flying around higher and higher so as to locate the street with the specifications that Arya gave them. The problem was that there were too many streets that fit the description and they weren't sure which was the one Arya meant for them to go. Then deciding on one Saphira flew down towards it only to find some foot soldiers fighting each other. Impatient, Eragon extended his mind to all directions. To his relief, he found Arya's mind quite near to him.

He contacted her. But she resisted him with the strongest of walls before realising that it was him and letting him in. Eragon asked, 'Where are you Arya? We can't find you.'

'To your right. About a quarter mile away.', Arya said and after a pause added, 'Eragon. Hurry.'

Eragon contacted Blodhgarm and gave him their location even as Saphira flew fast as an arrow towards the spot. Eragon spotted the particular street from above and asked Saphira to drop him on top of a building for she was too large to fit into the narrow street. He could see Arya fighting a horde of soldiers and magicians all at once and all alone.

His heart nearly jumped out of his mouth seeing the injuries Arya had sustained. She had deep cuts on her arms and blood was dripping from them. Eragon could barely control his anger. He looked on as a soldier sneaked past Arya's defences. Arya turned just in time to prevent him from killing someone else who also had sustained a lots of injuries. When Arya was turned, a soldier plunged a dagger into her shoulder. He was dead the next moment by Arya's blade. All these occurred before the situation sunk into Eragon's mind.

Unable to keep in check his anger anymore Eragon let out a roar and jumped from the building. He landed right next to Arya as the confused soldiers scampered away from her. Saphira snarled from above the building cursing her inability to help. Eragon turned to Arya. Her face was tired but her eyes shone brilliantly from the concentration and exercise required to fend off 20-odd soldiers and some 10 magicians. Her features showed how relieved she was to have him there. But when she spoke, all that was gone. "Where are your guards? Why did you come alone?", she said. After a pause, "Leave, Eragon.", she said, her tone conveying anger. But Eragon's anger was many notches higher than hers.

"Leave and let you die?", he thundered.

The empire soldiers had overcome their shock of hearing a dragon's snarl and the rider's roar by then and ran forward swinging their cursed weapons. In his anger, Eragon simply cut through, a soldier's chest plates with a neat swipe of Brisingr. The soldier fell to the ground with a loud thud. Eragon surveyed the ground. Arya had killed about ten-eleven men and about twenty more remained. But as he would discover soon, the magicians were the ones who were giving the biggest problem.

Only then did Eragon notice that Arya was actually defending another person from certain death. He turned to see the person and found that it was Jormundur. The wounded commander nodded with a slight bow. There was not a bit of fear in his eyes. Eragon admired the man for it.

Eragon and Arya took up positions  to defend Jormundur as the next wave of soldiers attacked. Eragon easily saw why Arya already hadn't killed off the soldiers: her sword was met with wards on the soldiers and she had to apply heavy force in her strikes to overcome them, a move that made her slow. But Brisingr didn't have any such inhibitions and hence the soldiers died one by one by his hands.

All of a sudden, a strong mental attack was forced upon him and he was distracted. Eragon was surprised at such a strong attack coming from the magicians because Galbatorix hardly ever sent down his strongest magicians out of Uru'baen and he was quite sure that this attack was made by one of the most talented and powerful of Galbatorix's minions. The effect of the attack was such that he couldn't concentrate wholly on the fight which led him to be more of a fender rather than the destroyer, he would otherwise be.

"Blodhgarm and others are on their way.", Eragon said mid-strike. Arya merely nodded. With her sword not working on the soldiers, she had to work twice as hard as Eragon. It didn't help that she was tired and injured. Eragon glanced at her worried.

'Saphira!! Ask Blodhgarm to make haste.', Eragon said.

'I have informed little one. The elves are almost here.'

A few of the spellcasters who were involved in the mental tussle with Eragon left abruptly and ran into a building that lined the street. Eragon could now handle the remaining spellcaster's attack fairly well. He could see relief across Arya's face too. With renewed vigour, Eragon struck back on the soldiers. The speed he had to sacrifice in order to save energy for the mental attack was back in him and soon many a soldiers fell down dead.

'They are here, Eragon', Saphira said. Eragon turned and saw the elves running towards them. He sighed in relief at seeing them. The next second though there was a disturbance behind him and when he turned he saw Jormundur falling to the ground, a dagger protruding from his chest. The spellcasters who had left the fight were standing behind him. They had somehow come in through the door of the house in front of which Jormundur had taken refuge from the onslaught of the soldiers and had done their vile job. Eragon knelt down and held the dying commander in his hands. The elves who had arrived by then held back the soldiers and the remaining spellcasters from causing any further damage.

Eragon could feel the life force leaving Jormundur fast. In a bid to save him, Eragon tried to heal the wound. He pulled out the dagger from Jormundur's chest and to his horror saw the edge of the knife brewing as if boiling in heat. In suspicion, Eragon cast the spell to check for poison on the dagger and it confirmed his worst fear: the knife was poisoned. Eragon cast the healing spell that would heal the physical wound sustained. Arya stood near him looking sad. When Eragon tried to lift Jormundur off the ground to take him to the healers, Jormundur caught his hands.

"Shadeslayer, Thank you for your care.", he said and tried to speak something more.

"No let me take you to the healers. Angela maybe able to heal you.", Eragon protested.

"I can't be saved, Shadeslayer. I have fought many battles. I know when not to hope to live.", Jormundur said. Eragon didn't reply. He knew Jormundur was right. The amount of blood that he had lost and the poison were killing him fast and Eragon knew it will be of no use to Jormundur to try to heal him. "Promise me, Eragon, that you will hoist the flag of the Varden in Uru'baen. You are our last hope, Shadeslayer.", said Jormundur. Eragon nodded and said that he would do his best. Then Jormundur inhaled the air around him and lay still for a while. He said, "This was where I was born. Dras-Leona was my home. Dying to get it back to its old glory is an honour." Then he closed his eyes as if he were going to sleep and his head dropped back on Eragon's hand. The commander of the Varden army had passed into the void.

"This is a terrible loss for the Varden. So close to Uru'baen. He was the best battle-strategist we had.", Arya said. Eragon placed the body on earth and stood by Arya's side. The elves had surrounded them to form a ring of protection. They had killed all the soldiers and magicians that remained and were on alert for any other attacks.

"I was running by the street when I noticed this group of soldiers engaging Jormundur's men. They were highly trained and as you saw had wards on them that only a rider's sword could penetrate. The spellcasters were unusually strong for Galbatorix's usual minions. This seems like some well-planned attack.", Arya said. She then went on to order the elves to do something. But Eragon's mind wouldn't concentrate.

Something strange was pulling him. Asking him to go to it. Asking him to help. He could feel the same uneasiness in Saphira's mind too. Eragon tried to shake it off and concentrate on Arya's speech. But it wouldn't go away. He shivered unintentionally as cold wave passed through his spine. Arya who was standing by him asked, "Eragon. What is it?"

"I..", Eragon started, but it struck him at that moment. "Roran!", he said and took off. He ran as fast as he could. He didn't know where he was going, but a feeling in his heart told him to go in someway. Saphira flew overhead and searched for Roran. They knew something was wrong with him. The ring had notified them and it was pulling them somewhere.

"Eragon!", Arya called. She had followed him. It wasn't right. She was injured. If what he was guessing was correct then she shouldn't be going with him.

'Don't follow me, Arya. You are injured. Get tended.', he spoke in her mind. Irritation was the only response he got from her.

'Where are you running off?', she asked.

'Roran is in trouble.', he answered. He spoke no more. With single-minded determination, he ran.

At a sharp turning on a street, he saw the scene: Roran was standing at the middle of a human circle with a bow in his hand. Some ten magicians were casting spells on him. But Eragon's wards were holding keeping Roran alive. Eragon could even deduce that some spellcaster was trying to break into Roran's mind from the taut unmoving expression Roran wore. The scene was too much similar to the one he had seen just minutes ago with Arya and Jormundur being the victims of the empire battalion.

He didn't waste any time in engaging the soldiers himself. Yet again Brisingr came into play, easily getting past the wards on the soldiers. Simultaneously, Eragon attacked the mind of a magician whom he doubted was trying to attack Roran mentally. The spellcaster put up a bold fight for a while, but Saphira combined forces with Eragon and life was being squeezed out of the spellcaster. It was not long before he gave up and surrendered his mind to Eragon. With the single word, 'deyja', Eragon killed the man.

This street wasn't small enough to keep Saphira away. She swooped down and picked a empire soldier in her talons and threw him away. Once Saphira entered the fight, the fortunes tipped in the favour of the Varden quite easily. The reason being the empire soldiers getting intimidated by Saphira's size and the Varden's getting confident by her presence. Roran swung his hammer to break the head of a soldier. Apparently he didn't have wards to protect himself from the simple blacksmith's hammer that Roran wielded or Roran had enough in his blow to break through the wards. Eragon thought it had to be the former for those wards had held even against Arya's graceful and powerful strikes.

The elves had arrived by then and soon the empire soldiers and mages were overpowered. Eragon glanced at Roran. He was injured on his arms and legs, but Eragon saw nothing in him to be a serious concern.

"The ring?", Eragon asked so that he could confirm that it was his ring that had notified him of the mortal danger in which Roran was. Roran nodded his head slightly and said, "I called for you. My soldiers were dying too easily."

They both fell silent for a while. Then Roran asked: "Where from did those monsters come, Eragon?"

"I know not. But this seems to me like a well-orchestrated plan of Galbatorix. He surely knows who are all the backbone of the Varden's campaign. He has Elva to find that from. This whole city has been acting like a trap. First kill the elite warriors and then the leaders and strategists. The war is finished and Galbatorix would have won even if he lost Dras-Leona.", Eragon said.

Everybody was silent for a moment. It seemed nobody could decide if they could accept what Eragon was proposing. "We have to warn Nasuada, Orik and Orrin.", Eragon said.

'Saphira. Please go ahead and warn them.', Eragon said.

'Come with me.', she said.

'No. I will stay with the elves. You know, you can trust them.'

'I will warn Arya not to let you run-off into danger. I trust only her to keep you safe.', Saphira said and contacted Arya. When Saphira had finished her conversation with Arya, she flew off. Eragon was left to wonder what Saphira had said to Arya. He didn't have to wait long to know for Arya said, "You have been ordered by Saphira to take orders from me, Eragon."

Eragon blushed slightly. Ever since he had come into the Varden he had fought independently. Everybody around knew that. This step by Saphira clearly portrayed the excessive care she was taking to ensure his safety. Eragon turned to Roran. His cousin had found nothing extraordinary in Saphira's words and he stood calmly looking at the fast receding image of Saphira.

"I propose that we take control of the army. It is too dangerous in this situation to allow Nasuada, Orik, Orrin and other captains, if they are still alive, to take further part in this battle.", Arya said. After a pause in which she waited to see if anybody opposed her decision, she said, "Good. Eragon. Ask Saphira to remove the three rulers from the battlefield." Eragon nodded and conveyed the message to Saphira.

"Blodhgarm, send six of your company to escort the monarchs away from the field. Saphira's assistance in the battle will be vital.", Arya said.

"Drottningu", the elf bowed and issued orders. Six elves were dispatched in minutes.

"Could you send word, Stronghammer, with one of your mounted soldiers to the elves who are resting asking them to join the battle?", Arya asked next. Roran without second thoughts asked one of his soldiers to do as asked.

"Perhaps, you could go instead. Anyway you won't be fighting further in this battle.", Arya said.

When Roran tried to protest, Eragon said to him, "It is for the best, Roran. They have laid their eyes on you. And as good a warrior as you are, you are no match for Galbatorix's magicians."

Roran kept his stance for a while and then said, "Fine. I will go." And he mounted Snowfire.

"Blodhgarm. Send one of yours with Stronghammer. He needs protection.", Arya said. An elf voluntarily came forward and said, "I will go, Drottningu. And I will bring back our kin to the palace."

"Good, Ganga. So be it.", Arya replied.

"Let us go, Stronghammer.", the elf-woman said. Roran turned to Eragon and said, "Be careful." Then he bowed to Arya and pulled Snowfire's reins. Soon Roran and the elf had gone.

'Eragon, the battle at the palace is on its end. The soldiers of the empire are overrun. The door has be opened now.', Saphira informed.

'What about the monarchs?', Eragon asked.

'They are safe.'

'Saphira, see if you can find any opening at the top of the palace. We will be there soon.'

Saphira acknowledged Eragon and concentrated on the palace.

"The leaders have been taken to safety. Now the army is leaderless. And the door to the palace has to be opened. Let us go there.", Eragon announced. Arya, Blodhgarm and the four of his companions took off running behind him. Soon they were in front of the palace.

'Welcome, little one. To the palace that is next in importance in the empire only to the citadel of Uru'baen.', Saphira said as soon as she spotted him. She was circling the top of the palace, breaking trebuchets and plucking the heads of archers once in a while.

'I see an opening here at the top of the palace.', she informed. Eragon assimilated her words and acknowledged them.

'As soon as I am able to open it for you, I will be there to pick you up.', she said and concentrated back on breaking the defences of the palace.

"Where had you all gone off to?", Angela shouted at Eragon. There was genuine anger in her voice; one that Eragon had heard only once or twice before.

"Your dragon took out the leaders and these soldiers have been afraid and confused ever since. Who do you think they fight for?", she screamed.

"They fight for themselves, Angela.", Eragon said through clenched teeth. "And the leaders were removed because their lives were in jeopardy. Jormundur is dead and there was an attempt on Roran's life. Galbatorix has sent down his best spellcasters to do the vile job for him.", he said, showing all his frustration and irritation at the abominable act by the evil king in his voice.

Angela made a surprised expression at his revelation and temper, but then collected herself back soon and said, "Ha!! So the protector of the good sent down his ambassador to save the best of the good. But who will lead the others now?" Approval for Eragon's action, mockery of their situation and questioning out of genuine doubt were all laced in her voice.

"Arya will lead the army.", Eragon said simply.

"Oh, well then. Open that door for us, will you?", she said and ran off towards the palace door.

"Shur'tugal!! There are magicians here too. They are hiding from us. What shall we do?", Blodhgarm asked. Eragon rubbed his temple. He couldn't decide what to do: to open the door and finish off Tabor or to search and destroy the vicious weapons of Galbatorix, his spell-casters.

"Search and kill them.", Arya said, "and Eragon, you can open the door, I suppose."

"Yes, Drottningu.", Blodhgarm bowed slightly and left with his company.

Only then did the soldiers notice that Eragon and the elves had joined them.

"Shadeslayers", they whispered. The whisper soon grew into enthusiastic cries.

Arya took stance in front of the soldiers and called out the names of the captains in a magically magnified voice and asked them to come forward. Eragon who stood silently by her was astonished to see Arya knowing each and every captain of the Varden's army, a thing that even he didn't know. Roughly about half of the people she called came to stand before her.

There were desperate attempts made by the empire mages hiding within the ranks of the Varden to kill the captains as they moved forward. But Eragon's guards who had anticipated such a move, were quick to place wards on the captains and track down and overpower the spell-casters who tried to kill them.

Arya ordered that the remaining captains take in their charge, the soldiers who had been under their dead compatriots.

"You will report to me for the duration of this battle. For reasons that can't be disclosed now I have taken charge of the leadership.", she said.

"Shadeslayer.", the captains bowed before her. Eragon could feel the reluctance of a few captains to pledge themselves to Arya. They still didn't trust her for being an elf however awed they were by her achievements.

Once the captains went away to reorganise the troops, Eragon swiftly went forward toward the door and broke every ward placed on it with a single swipe of Brisingr. Then the siege ram of the dwarves took charge of the door and soon the door started to creak open.

'Little one, these two-legged little weasels aren't allowing me to make anymore progress. They are flocking around like sheep and I suspect there are these vicious magicians with them.', Saphira informed.

'Saphira!! Don't take them lightly. Better yet, come here.', Eragon replied.

'Oh, don't be silly, Eragon. These men can do nothing to me. Be grateful that I shall keep them off you while you pull that puny man, Tabor out of his hiding place.', Saphira said nonchalantly. When Eragon tried to warn her again, she said, 'Glaedr is with me, little one. We can manage them easily. Finish this thing off soon. And take off the head of that horrible beast, Tabor. He has stayed in his palace and has let off Galbatorix's abominations on us.'

'Be careful, Saphira', Eragon said and concentrated back on the proceedings before him. The door was a strike away from breaking down. Arya stood at the forefront of the army ready to enter as soon as the door opened for them. Eragon stood a few rows behind her flanked by four of his guards.

A huge explosion was heard from the top of the palace all of a sudden. Eragon panicked and scremed out in Saphira's mind, 'Saphira?! What has happened?'

She was silent for a while. Then she said, 'Um, little one... I seem to have made a discovery that will save us time.'

'Save us time? What are you..', Eragon tried to say but was interrupted by Saphira, 'See for yourself.'

Eragon was pulled into Saphira's mind and his vision was tinted blue. The top floor of the palace was completely broken and in a room exposed due to the breakage, there were soldiers trying to fend Saphira away with their silly spears and arrows. They stood surrounding a stout and afraid man trying to protect him.

'Did you see that? He is Tabor.', Saphira said.

'How do you know?', Eragon asked.

'Well, I heard them speak. What do I do now?'

'Bring that man here. But don't kill him yourself.', Eragon said.

'Consider it done.', Saphira said.

"Stop everything.", Eragon ordered, magnifying his voice magically. Everything that the Varden were doing came to a standstill in mere seconds.

"What is it?", Arya asked.

"Tabor has been captured."

"What?", Arya asked, her surprise evident. After a pause she asked, "How?"

"Saphira", Eragon said simply. Arya nodded in a manner that suggested that she found nothing untoward in the idea of Saphira getting into a palace and capturing its owner (given her enormous size) and asked, "Where is he now?"

'Here.', Saphira said as she brought Tabor holding him in her legs. The soldiers of the city stopped firing arrows and dropped their swords in submission at the sight of the capture of their ruler.

Tabor, the stout and tall man had the most timid appearance, Eragon had ever seen in a ruler which made him despise the city's lord even more.

'That man has done nothing but follow Galbatorix blindly all these years.', Eragon commented to Saphira.

'Perhaps', She said and dropped him in front of Arya.

"This wasn't supposed to happen. Master said this war will end in my victory over these monsters. He promised that only the people of the city will be hurt. This isn't happening. It is all a dream.", Marcus Tabor murmured to himself. Eragon's anger had no bounds now. Tabor cared nothing for his people. His only need was a victory over the Varden however vicious a way it came. He would simply hide in his palace while his people die outside and Galbatorix's pet magicians do their heinous acts to destroy the Varden. Eragon moved toward Tabor and lifted him up roughly. He didn't deem it necessary to give Tabor the respect his station was due. The man who occupied the station was so undeserving that the title itself lost all its dignity.

"Let me go, you sinister monsters!! I won't let abominations such as you control what is my own. My master won't let you escape with this. You will pay if you hurt me.", Tabor almost roared. It seemed impossible to be coming from a man who was so obviously frightened to the core. But Eragon had to accept the fact that Tabor was too proud of his 'master' and his skills that he had the courage or atleast a of semblance of it to speak out against the Varden.

Arya moved forward to stand face-to-face with Tabor and said, "Let us see what Galbatorix comes up with after he has lost his most precious possessions in this battle." She waited for a while to get Tabor's unwavering attention and then said, "Yes, Tabor. The plans you and your King made have failed. Every magician of Galbatorix that was in this town have been neutralised."

Marcus Tabor was trembling from head to foot as he was chained: in anger or fear, Eragon didn't know. But he did't care what for Tabor was none of consequence now that the city had been brought under the Varden's control. He was just a prisoner of war who had to be tried for his crimes during his years as ruler of Dras-Leona which among others included the thing Eragon most despised in Alagaesia: slave trade. If Eragon had had his own choice, he would simply cut-off the man's head in the street. But for the sake of the goodwill of the people of Dras-Leona who, how much ever they hated their ruler, still respected him for his position.

"Eragon, the battle has been won. But the consequences of this hard earned survival have to be faced. Be prepared for a horrendous week ahead. The following four days will decide the fate of the Varden in the oncoming battles.", Arya came up to him and said. Then she walked away towards the palace that was to house the Varden's leaders. Saphira brought her head level with Eragon's and said, 'Let us rest, little one.'

Author's note:

I am terribly sorry for such a delayed update. And I only hope that the chapter was good. I haven't even read it. And the fact that it is so (darn) long makes it even more questionable. But I still hope that this is good. And there were many a things that happened during my long absence: India winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Wow!! Imagine it!! Sachin Tendulkar kissing the trophy. Oh!! I would die to see  the scene with my naked eyes.

And guess what, the fourth(and final) book of the Inheritance Cycle has been announced: Title: INHERITANCE Date Of Publication: Nov 08, 2011. I am thrilled. I will try to update more regularly... but no promises(sorry about that)