|
|
Post by andowen on Aug 16, 2008 0:54:37 GMT -5
Sayus eyes shot up to see Thorn and Murtagh diving toward the city. Kiona let out a deafening roar at them and raised her wings. Get on! She barked at Sayu. Elaine was already in the sky with Eridor, Sayu was slightly destrated by how quick the giant dragon got the the sky. She climbed onto Kionas bare back. Dont get too carried away. Sayu said as she gripped with her knees ready for Kionas take off. Kiona pushed hard off the ground and pushed her wings down hard, following Eridor, but not getting too close.
~~~~
Murtaghs hair wipped around his face and Thorn dove, he was about to start turning away from the city when the grey dragon started flying towards them, shortly followed by the smaller red one. Great. Just great! Murtagh yelled at Thorn. Thorn snapped his jaw. They fly a white flag. Thorn flarred his wings and began a hover. He roared at the grey dragon but made no move to attack. Murtagh looked at the rider, she was human, there was no doubt about that, though the bond with her dragon had started to change her. "It was very foolish of you to come and engage with me rider. You know I could have you dead in a second?" Murtagh called to the female rider. Thorn hissed at the grey dragon, the sound seemed to go on forever.
|
|
|
|
Post by Max452 on Aug 16, 2008 2:20:25 GMT -5
Faolan watched as Elaine and Murtagh meet in the sky. His elven eyes not missing anything between them. "Go, my friend and protect her." He whispered and set Jade off after Elaine before Sayu took flight.
Jade swooped over to Elaine, hovering above her and eying Thorn with much caution. With Jade in place, Faolan cast a quick spell that allowed him to see and hear what Jade saw and heard. Within a moment, his elven eyes mixed in with that of the hawks.
Immersed with Jade, Faolan now saw in black and white and heard the wind that was high above him. He even saw himself through Jade's eyes as she gazed down at him. Jade squawked as Sayu and Kiona were now in the air nearby.
"Let me see Murtagh and Elaine." Faolan whispered, knowing the bird would hear.
Now, before his eyes, he watched and listened as Murtagh addressed Elaine.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 16, 2008 16:03:40 GMT -5
Eridor drew within speaking range of Thorn, stopping his flight with flared wings. He hovered before the sinister red dragon, who's growls did not intimidate him. In return, his lips curled slowly over his teeth and he released a stream of low snarls. Elaine sat upon his back, her brown eyes upon Murtagh. She was unware, as most of the varden were, that this was Eragon's brother. The man's eyes seemed slightly crazed. Unlike the sibling fact, Elaine did know that Murtagh was with the empire against his will. For that, Elaine felt sympathetic towards him. "I would be careful who you call foolish. After all, aren't you the one who is cornered by two riders?" The sound of feathers caught her attention, and she looked to see the hawk Jade hovering nearby. That had better be one lucky hawk. If this turns into a fight... "Lets get to the point, Murtagh. Why did you come here?"
|
|
|
|
Post by andowen on Aug 19, 2008 4:15:42 GMT -5
Murtagh looked at the rider with mild intrest, she seemed rather bold. "Why I am here is really nothing for your to worry your little head over." Murtagh said to her with a sneer. Thorn looked from one dragon to the other, watching their every move, ready fo action if need be. Murtagh glanced at the other red dragon and a the grey one. It will be a tough fight if this turns for the worse. Murtagh said to Thorn. "See, I was under the impression, that King Orrin ruled the land of Surda. Not the sky." Murtagh said to the rider while looking at his nails. I dont like this, lets get out of here. Thorn said to Murtagh. Murtagh rolled his eyes at Thorn. You got us into this mess! So you can wait. Murtagh said.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 19, 2008 10:49:28 GMT -5
I don't like his manner. Too arrogant. Elaine said, her face set in a glare. Eridor growled his agreement. "The sky is as much his territory as the lands below it. You would do well to keep that in mind."
We could take him now! Eridor nearly shouted. Against Kiona and I, he would have no chance! Elaine continued to glare as she thought of Eridor's words. He spoke truly. Allthough filled with powerful magic, against two riders even he would have trouble. Casting a quick glance to the castle below, she spotted Elva.
We can't, Eridor. I told the girl I would not harm him unless he attacks. Eridor growled.
You're right, I suppose. It would be dishonorable to fight him in such a way. His words were reluctant, even bitter. Elaine patted one of his gray scales, calming him.
"Unless you wish to join the Varden, you must leave Surda now."
~~~~
Nasuada gazed up, her eyes fixed upon the red dragon she had only heard about from Eragon. She only wished she could see the rider that sat upon him. Murtagh, taken against his will, now forced to be the enemy against his allies. Her throat constricted, and she had to use all of her will not to cry. Covering her emotions, Nasuada stood tall, her head held high. A leader could not show any weakness.
|
|
|
|
Post by Max452 on Aug 19, 2008 11:08:02 GMT -5
With Nasuada by her side, Arya watched the Riders interact. Tension flowed through her, but her body language stated otherwise; she appeared calm and confident. She could sense some sort of anguish from Nasuada, but would not address it, for it was not like her to pry into her affairs, unless they inhibited her ability to rule.
Faolan, through Jade's eyes, sighted Murtagh for the first time. So this is the boy that is tormented by an evil oppressor. He too did not know of Murtagh's true identity, for that was one thing that Arya had not told him; she would remain silent as long as possible to protect Eragon and the Varden. Do not attack first... Faolan kept mumbling, hoping that the Riders would not be chided into a fight.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Aug 19, 2008 16:34:57 GMT -5
Elva continued to stare up at the sky. She knew that unless the large red dragon and his Rider left soon, a fight would break out. She desparately hoped that it would not happen. She gritted her teeth and stared at the sky.
Just leave, Thorn! she thought, though she did not speak to him directly. She continued to watch they sky.
|
|
|
|
Post by andowen on Aug 20, 2008 0:52:14 GMT -5
Sayu watched Murtagh with as much contempt as she could muster. "Murtagh, you and your dragon have no business here, either leave by choice, or we will force you." Sayu barked at him. Kiona followed it with a snort. A small jet of flame erupted from her nose. Sayu forgot that Murtagh was even there, she looked at Kiona with shock. You just blew fire! She said to the dragon. Kiona shook her head and blinked a few times. Ha! Kiona said with delight. Sayu quickly turned her attention back to Murtagh and Thorn, she could celebrate Kionas achievement later.
Murtagh looked at the elf and raised an eyebrow. "Force us will you? There will be no need for you to die today I don't think." Murtagh said. Thorn jerked suddenly with the other red dragon blew fire, he snarled at the red dragon as a warning. Come on, we will come back tonight. Murtagh said to Thorn. Murtagh raised his hand in a mock salute. "I bid you all farewell. Until next..." His words caught in his throat when he looked down and saw Nasuada starring up at him. He clenched his jaw as Thorn began to turn away.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 20, 2008 1:08:35 GMT -5
A flash of regret rushed through Nasuada as the red dragon turned away. Regret for what, she was not certain. If had did not leave, a fight would be inevitable. Still, it would have been nice to see his face again, to walk with him through Trojhiem, to have another conversation as they had before. She wanted to raise a hand and wave to him, to have some sort of contact. Unfortunately, as a leader of the varden, she did not have that luxury. Clenching her hands into fists, Nasuada turned to Arya. "Our riders have done well. He is leaving, for now." Her eyebrows rose in warning. "Yet, it may not be over. He may return. We will need to post extra guards, give them a description of Murtagh. If he shows up, we need to capture him." Quickly, Nasuada cast one more look to the sky.
~~~~
Eridor looked at Kiona, his eyes slightly scolding. He was unaware her flames were unintentional.
Elaine's eyes narrowed dangerously. She disliked such arrogance from any man. You would think, since he used to be of the varden, that he would have a more respectull tone for us. Eridor's stony voice came to her mind.
Perhaps. I suppose he must feel bitter. Perhaps he tries to make it easier for him to be our enemy by being rude, to estrange himself from us. Elaine nodded. His words couldn't be argued. Again, a sting of pity touched her. Elaine was surprised when Murtagh's speech suddenly halted. She followed his gaze to the courtyard below. What had he seen to quiet him? Frowning, Elaine looked back to Murtagh and Thorn. Instead of answering the empire rider, Elaine simply inclined her head, acknowledging him. "Thank you," she said sincerely.
|
|
|
|
Post by andowen on Aug 22, 2008 6:11:56 GMT -5
Murtagh and Thorn flew off into the west. They flew for about half an hour before Thorn landed in the middle of nowhere. That went well. Murtagh said to Thorn sarcastically as he jumped down to the sandy ground. Thorn swung his head around to face Murtagh. What would you have me do? I don't know these people as you do, I am only bound by the oaths I was forced to take. On one hand I am forced to hate these people by the king, and on the other I am forced to feel pity from you. Thorn snapped. Murtagh took a step back from Thorn, he looked the dragon in the eye and felt immense sorrow. Here was a dragon of old, being forced to do what nature tells him not to. I am sorry. Its not fair that you hatched for me. I wish that you had been hatched a free dragon rather be stuck in this hell. Murtagh said as he lay a hand on Thorns neck. Come on, we need a plan. He told the dragon.
~~~~
Sayu and Kiona flew back down to the courtyard, when they touched down Sayu leapt off Kionas back and gave her a hug around her huge neck. You breathed fire! She said with a smile. Kiona lifted her head up high with pride and blew another jet of flame from her mouth. Sayu could feel the heat on her face, her smile grew even bigger. She turned to Nasuada, Arya and Faolan, "We will need to strengthen the guard for the night, Kiona and I can patrol the sky if you like. I have a feeling he will be back." Sayu said looking grave. "I just don't understand why he would show himself during the day like that. It doesn't make sense to me." Sayu looked back at Kiona with pride. Now she had the power to take on such enemies as Thorn.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 22, 2008 13:51:10 GMT -5
After Thorn and Murtagh had flown from view, Eridor dove back down, his massive wings clutched tight to his sides. He flared them open to land with a loud thud in the courtyard, his talons gouging the soft earth. His mace-like tail swung back and forth in agitation. Calm yourself, Eridor. He is gone. Elaine told him softly. Eridor growled.
He will not be gone for long. I think it is as Sayu says. He will be back. Elaine frowned as she dismoutned the gray dragons wide back. Walking over to the others, she stopped beside Sayu, noticing the look the elf rider gave Kiona. Her confusion melted away with sudden clarity. The fire Kiona had released in the sky must have been her first! Before she could congratulate the red dragon, Elaine first had to address the main dillema. "I agree with Sayu. There is no point for Murtagh to have come this far for nothing. He is up to something."
~~~~
Nasuada nodded. She had assumed as much as well. Her eyes took in both Elaine and Sayu. "Both of you will patrol the skies tonight. We will take all precautions." Her attention turned to Arya. "Arya svit-kona, if you are to accompany our troops to the locations of the dragon slayers, than I would like for you to begin as soon as possible. I will rouse more of the guards. General Kell can get them in order." Glancing back up at the sky, Nasuada nodded. "That is all we can do at present." Bowing her head, she turned and walked back into the castle, her escort of soldiers flanked around her.
Back in her room, the General Kell was waiting for her. He was always an intuitive man. "Thought you would call me anyways." He said in his strong voice. Nasuada nodded.
"Indeed, General. I was going to. Thankfully you saved us time." Quickly, she related the prevoius events to him, which he took in the calm and optimistic manner of his. At the end, he stood and placed a fist over his heart in salute.
"I will see to the defenses immediately. By your leave." Bowing, he left the room, readying the defenses. Nasuada sat back in her chair and sighed deeply. Events were turning quickly, and if she wasn't careful, they would carry her, and the varden, away in one catastrophic wave.
|
|
|
|
Post by Max452 on Aug 23, 2008 2:00:36 GMT -5
Faolan released the magic connection between himself and Jade. Afterwards, Jade swiftly landed on the elf's gentle arm.
Arya and Faolan both agreed with Sayu's assessment. Murtagh would indeed return; that was certain. However, what concerned Arya was why Murtagh had allowed himself to be seen. Was it a diversion or was the young Rider conflicted with himself? She hoped it would be the last.
Arya nodded at Nasuada's plan. "I will do what is needed. Faolan and I will depart as soon as the troops are in order."
In the courtyard, Arya and Faolan awaited the guards that were going to accompany them. Arya addressed her elf comrades as they decided a tactical approach against the dragon slayers. Faolan stayed close to her and listened carefully. He would be ready to serve his Princess at any cost.
|
|
|
|
Post by Trinn on Aug 23, 2008 13:19:54 GMT -5
General Kell walked to the courtyard where Arya and Faolan awaited. Twenty guards, dressed down in civilian clothes, marched behind him. He stopped before the elven princess and bowed low. "My lady, here are the guards that will accompany you on he scouting trip." Straighting, he guestured to the soldiers behind him. They all saluted with fists over hearts. "I decided that, since they would be entering villages to spy, it would be best for them to look the part. In the packs they carry is everything they need, including armor if the need arises." He smiled wryly. "Don't worry. Although they don't look like much, they were all hand picked. The best of the best, if you will." He looked at the men behind him, all of whom were smiling in amusment.
~~~~
Eridor flew in high circles over the city, his eyes taking in everything. Elaine copied him, trying to look everywhere at once. They both were on edge, waiting for an attack.
|
|
|
|
Post by andowen on Aug 24, 2008 7:33:20 GMT -5
Sayu went back to her room to collect Kiona's saddle. When she returned to the couryard General Kell was there with 20 strong looking men. Sayu approched Arya and Faolan. "May the stars watch over you" She said to them both in the ancient language. She then went over to Kiona to put the saddle on her back, she stood waiting still, but as soon as Sayu got on her back, Kiona took to the sky after Eridor and Elaine.
Once they drew level with the other two Sayu said to Elaine "You did well before, that was quick thinking. Dont forget when you are up here to search with your mind as well and your eyes." Kiona snorted in agreement and a small jet of flame escaped her nostrils again. Show off. Sayu teased. Sayu scanned the sky looking for any flicker of movement. "Kiona and I will scout the western side of the city, if you two would like to scout the eastern side?" Sayu said to Elaine. She looked towards the west. I dont think he will come from there, but I have a feeling something isnt right in the west. Sayu said to Kiona. I too have that feeling, better to be safe than sorry. Kiona agreed.
~~~~
Murtagh rummaged through his rucksack looking for some old clothes and rags he could wear. I will need you to carry this with you. Murtagh said to Thorn. They had a plan figured out, but it would have to wait till just on sunset. Murtagh got himself dressed and covered his face, he checked Zar'roc to make sure it couldnt be seen. Alright, I will let you know when I am ready. Murtagh told Thorn, Thorn dipped his head in agreement. Be careful, I will be in there at the first sign of trouble. Thorn said. He then crouched down so Murtagh could tie his rucksack onto the saddle. Once it was secure, Thorn curled up on the warm sand. Go now, I will wait for your sign. Thorn said. Murtagh gave the dragon a hug then started walking back towards the city. He needed to find some sheep or goats or something, or the plan would never work.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tismri on Aug 26, 2008 21:18:46 GMT -5
Elva sat quietly in the castle, far away from the others. She needed time to think, and she couldn't do that around the others because most of them were feeling some sort of pain at Murtagh's sudden arrival. She sat back against a wall.
"What are you planning, Murtagh?" she muttered to herself. He would return, she knew that. And she also knew that his next appearance would cause more pain, though she was unsure of what form it would take yet. It could be emotional pain, physical pain, or some other kind of pain. She flet it coming. Now if noly she knew exactly what was to happen.
|
|
