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[adrian6912]

"I think I will need some assistance..." he trailed off. He tried unbuckling a few things, but just got confused. As he waited for Elain to help him, he asked," So, how did you and the mighty Eridor come together? It's pretty rare that a dragon egg is randomly found. Were you one of the many children that went to Surda to get tested?"

He had know idea if the Surdans really tested children like the days of old, but he had to talk about something. He had a bad feeling, like someone was just waiting to spring on him...Too bad those feelings were normally right.

[Trinn]

Elaine walked over and began loosening the straps. Eridor was absently needing the sand betwen his talons, much like a cat might do. At Dragon Fangs' question, Elaine smiled. "I didn't really find his egg. I did save it from a theif who was about to take it to Galbatorix." At the tyrant's name, Eridor growled. "Eridor is hoping to deal with the king himself. Anyway, I was going to give the egg back to the Surdan king, but one of the generals insisited that I stay within the castle that night, with the egg. At the time I had no idea that it was an egg. Well, that night he hatched, and now here we are." Elaine, finished with the straps, stepped back to give Dragon Fang room to dismount.

Glancing at Eridor, Elaine found the dragon half dozing. His eyelids were nearly closed, and his head now rested on the sand. "Eridor loves the dessert," she commented to Dragon Fang. "I could do with-" Her words were cut short as something hard struck her in the shoulder, causing her to stagger forward. A quick glance down confirmed that she had been shot with an arrow. "What?" Dazed, she could only stare at it for a moment. An earth shaking roar brought her to her senses. Eridor, who is it?

The large dragon leapt up, sending Dragon Fang toppling off his back. He bounded over to Elaine and encircled her, protecting her with his body. He included Dragon Fang in the circle. Loud clings could be heard, arrows hitting his scales. A group of men. Elaine, your wound, Is it bad? Elaine shook her head.

No, just the shoulder. It could have been worse. Elaine looked to Dragon Fang. "Any idea who these attackers might be?" She grimaced as the pain from the arrow finally began to set.

[adrian6912]

Dragon Fang looked at Elaine's wound. An attack.'Great,' he thought. "Well, it could be just a group of Urgals or something, right? No, I know who it is. They have been following me for a few days, now." He looked over the dragon's body and saw a group of the Empire's men started to encircle the dragon. "Okay," said Dragon Fang as he unsheathed his two swords on his back. "You and the dragon can't fly because of the arrows, so you'll just have to do on the ground. At my signal, attack."

He said a little prayer to himself, then nodded and jumped over the dragon's back. An arrow flew past him, then another and another. He ran low to the ground, slightly stumbling on the dunes of sand. He reached the first solder and ducked under him, then spun and slashed his back open. The soldier only nicked him, a little cut on his arm. The another soldier came over and Dragon Fang went high and stabbed the man in the neck. Blood was now on the sands, and it was blood spilled by Dragon Fang.

Then the rest of the patrol reached him.'Great...,'he thought. He hoped that Elaine and Eridor would be there soon.

[Trinn]

Elaine was slightly panicked. Dragon Fang had left the protection of Eridors sheild, and was now in imminate danger. Also, this was the first real battle Elaine and Eridor had ever been in. Elaine, you have had much training. Do not panic. Take deep breaths. We will get through this. Just stay by my side. Elaine nodded. Thankfully, the arrow had taken her in the left shoulder. She could still use her sword. Unsheathing the weapon now, Elaine stood and prepard herself.

Eridor uncoiled himself, sending up a spray of sand. Elaine quickly moved to the side of his leg, affording herself some cover. In a few bounds they reached Dragon Fang, and the center of the attack. Eridor was a mass of destruction. He tore the enemy apart with his fangs and beheaded them with his talons. Beside him, Elaine was doing nearly as well. Her sword was a blur of action as she covered Eridors left side. One man with a heavy battle ax drew in close to Eridors back flank. His intention was obvious; to cripple Eridor's wing. With a shout of rage, Elaine rushed the man and took him through the back of the neck. She hardly noticed the blood that gushed through the wound as she pulled out her blade.

Careful Elaine. Don't stray too far. He had noticed his rider wandering away as she fought. If she wasn't careful, she would accidentally get herself surrounded. Eridor swiftly grabbed a man who was taking aim at Dragon Fang's back. With a powerful heave, he tossed the man a hundred feet through the air. Slowly, the soldiers began to back off.

[adrian6912]

Dragon Fang welcomed the sight of Elaine and Eridor. He attacked another soldier. The man slid on the sand and tripped Dragon fang. Dragon Fang fell to the ground, then got up and stabbed the soldier between the shoulder blades, before he could get up. The man dropped, made one last struggle, then stopped. Dragon Fang stopped as well. The attackers were retreating. He decided to take shelter by Eridor.

Once all of the attackers were gone, he sheathed his swords and walked over to Elaine. "Those attackers knew how to hurt Eridor. They might have been schooled in the ways of dragon killing." It seemed odd how they targeted his wings, not his head or legs. "Let's keep moving. We should probably go to Surda first. It's too risky in the Empire."

[Trinn]

Elaine watched the soldiers flee until they were all gone from sight. Only then did she drop her rapier. Something warm slid down her cheek, and when she swiped it away her hand came back bloody. But it wasn't her blood, but the blood of those she had slain. Their bodies were everywhere. With a shudder, Elaine sank down into the sand. A shadow came over her as Eridor came near. [/i]You did what you must. Do not mourn for them, they choose their fate.[/i].

Yes, but still. Who am I to take a life. Eridor growled.

You are a rider who had to defend herself and her dragon. Now get up, rider. There are more battles to come, some more fierce than others. I fear this is the least of them. But be strong. Bending his neck, Eridor bit the back of Elaine's tunic gingerly and hauled her to her feet.

Taking a deep breath, Elaine thanked Eridor. Her attention was then diverted by Dragon Fang. All he said made sense. "You're right. They new that his wings were the only vulnerable spot they could reach easily. They must have been soldiers of the king." Elaine grimaced at the thought. The varden council had thought Elaine and Eridor were unknown to Galbatorix. But it seemed that, somehow, he knew. Probably one of the spies Dragon Fang was hunting was to blame. "Yes, Surda is our best option. I don't think Eridor would be able to go about easily within the boundaries of Galbatorix's reign." Elaine looked to Eridor, "Do you have enough energy. Eridor rolled his eyes. Plenty. I only stopped so the two of you could get some sleep.

Good. "Allright, back in the saddle for us. Eridor says he's up to the flight." Once more, Eridor crouched low to the ground to allow Dragon Fang an easy mount.

[adrian6912]

"Ok, let us go," replied Dragon Fang. He walked over to the rider and hopped onto the dragon. "Umm, can you do the straps? I still have no idea how they work." He tried fumbling with them, but gave up and forced a laugh. "Maybe you should show me how to do these things on the way to Surda."

He reclined a little bit, then sat up again. "I know what those soldiers were. I heard of them a few weeks ago, in Tierm. They are specialized dragon killers. We must hurry, for they know how to bring down a dragon with ease."

[Trinn]

Elaine quickly did up the straps. She made a point of showing the mercenary each one. Dragon Fangs sudden announcment sent a surge of fear through Elaine. "Wonderful," she muttered sarcastically as she buckled down the last strap. Leaping into the saddle behind Dragon Fang, she did a sweep of the land with her eyes. As far as she could see, no one was around. But at this point, that didn't mean anything. Quickly, Eridor. Into the sky! "Don't worry about the straps, Dragon Fang, they get easier with time." And then speech was impossible as Eridor leapt skyward.

A torrent of wind whipped around her, and Elaine had to clutch tightly with her knees to stay in the saddle. As Eridor finally leveled out, she was able to speak. "Eridor will be moving a bit more rapidly this time around. Luckily its dark, so that may help with your heights problem. As if in answer to her words, Eridor flew forwards like an arrow from a bow. All Elaine could do was pat Dragon Fang's shoulder in reassurance. Thankfully, Surda was not far from the Haddarac. The morning would have them in the capital.

[adrian6912]

Once again, Dragon Fang's stomach lurched when they suddenly took off. 'I doubt I'll ever get used to this...,' he thought to himself. Suddenly Eridor shot foward, and Dragon FAng had to clench his teeth to keep his lunch down. It was all he could do to not throw it back up. "When will we reach Surda?" he shouted. He couldn't really tell if Elaine heard him or not.

[Trinn]

The wind carried Dragon Fang's words back to Elaine. Leaning forward, she spoke right into his ear. That was the only way she could be heard. "By the morning we should be in Abernon. Just relax, close your eyes, take deep breaths. Flying's really not so bad was you get accustomed to it." Leaning back again, she winced as the wound in her shoulder twinged in pain. The arrow was still protruding from it. I'll just leave it. I don't know what to do with it anyways. Sighing, she hunkered down, trying to keep out of the stream of air.

Elaine knew from the slowed flight that Eridor had reached Surda. Good job Eridor. You were great.

It was nothing. Although I must admit, carrying two people for such a stretch of time can be tiring. That Dragon Fang must eat a ton! Elain chuckled at Eridor's over statement.

Whatever you say. Elaine could now speak easily with Eridor's reduced speed. "We're in Surda, Dragon Fang. We'll be in Abernon in about another hour.

Indeed, in another hour Abernon was in sight. The castle sparkled in the dawn, and the streets were just beginning to fill with citizens. Eridor began a slow decent, and as he drew closer, people shouted up at him.
"The rider is back!", "Hail shur'tugal", "Make way for the dragon," and so on. Elaine was used to it by now, as was Eridor. He landed softly inside the castle courtyard, where a group of people were waiting for them. One man stood at the front. "Hello General, I've brought you a guest." The general eyed Dragon Fang critically, then broke into a wide smile. He walked closer to them, then stopped short when he noticed Elaine's shoulder.

"Elaine! What happened! Were there urgals still within Trojhiem?" Elaine, busy with undoing the leg straps, didn't answer at first. When she was finished releasing Dragon Fang, she slid of Eridor's back and landed before the general.

"No, not urgals. Dragon Killers in the haddarac."

[adrian6912]

Dragon Fang hopped off of Eridor once the leg straps were undone. He saw the general, then offered his hand in greeting. "My name is Dragon Fang, as Elaine said. I am a mercenary. On the way back from Trojhiem, we were attacked by Dragon Killers. There was no mistaking it. They knew how to attack Eridor. We must hurry to the king, for I'm sure he would very much like to hear those words."

[Trinn]

Taking the mercenary's hand in his own, the general shook it heartily and introduced himself. "General William Kell. You speak grave words indeed." Releasing Dragon Fang's hand, General Kell stepped back and crossed his arms. "First things first though. Elaine," he turned to stare at her, "get yourself to a healer immediately." He watched as the rider's face turned into a frown. "I know you want to come with us to the king. However, your wound could get infected, and I really don't want the varden left with an armless rider." Elaine looked to Eridor, and it was clear that the two were conversing. After a short moment, Elaine jumped back into Eridor's saddle.
"You're right, General. Let me know what the king has to say." She turned to Dragon Fang with a smile. "Its been a pleasure to meet you. And if I ever need help in a fight, I'll be sure to keep you in mind." With that, the great dragon leapt into the air, and in no time at all he was flying east, towards another are of the castle. Will braced his feet as the wind from Eridor's passage swept past him. "Amazes me every time." he muttered to himself. Turning back to Dragon Fang, he held out his hand in the direction of the castle gates. "This way please."

General Kell lead the way down the many twists and turns of the castle coridors, and up a few flights of stairs as well. At two large doors, guarded by two Surdan soldiers, the general spoke quickly to them. "General William Kell and mercenary Dragon Fang, here with an important message for the king." The soldier he spoke to nodded, then slipped through the doors. A moment later he was back. "This way General," he glanced at Dragon Fang, "sir." Opening the doors wide, he motioned for the two to enter.

The throne room was large and bright. Stained glass windows marched down the two walls, ending in one large one behind the throne. Seated upon the throne was the king, and beside him stood the varden leader, Nasuada. General Kell bowed low.

"Rise, General Kell, Dragon Fang," said the king. "Please, let us here your message quickly. Lady Nasuada and I are making plans for the Varden." General Kell glanced at Dragon Fang and whispered, "go ahead."

[taran]

Taran rode through the empty desert, cutting through the Haddarac from the Beor's to Du Weldenvarden. The day was nearly over by the time he found a suitable place to make camp. It was quiet and solitary, his only companion his horse. The sand was hot from the day's exposure to the sun, though it was rapidly cooling from the cooler temperatures of night.
They stopped alongside a large boulder, using its bulk for some protection against the elements.
"Ah, a nice little rock to put under our pillow, Narth." Taran told his horse. He laid out a blanket and pilled wood to create a fire. "A night out under the stars? Brisingr." The fire flared until the wood could sustain the flame. His long elfin hair reflected the orange glow of the flame, creating shadows across his face, on his cheeks. He took his Tachi from his back and laid it across his lap as he sat near the fire.
"I was fortunate to find this sword, wasn't I Narth? It may be old and ancient, but I still works just fine. And have you noticed, it doesn't dull. Amazing! Almost like a Rider's sword, but it isn't colored to match a dragon." Taran continued to talk to Narth, the horse occasionally answering. He laid down on the bedroll, looking up at the stars as he drifted off to sleep.

He woke the next morning to a bright and powerful sun, the light hurting his eyes. He wandered around the desert on foot before the heat grew to be too much. He chanced upon a span of ground covered in long tracks and blood, with a few arrows lying nearby. 'Dragon' he thought seeing deep impressions and a long groove in the sand. 'Looks like they headed southwest, towards Surda.' With a sharp whistle, Taran called Narth over to him, his equipment already packed. Mounting Narth, Taran set off in the direction the tracks led, though he knew there was no real way to track a dragon in flight.

[micaylah]

Elyria and Domia flew high over the Hadarac desert. Looking below she saw a figure on horseback. 'What do you think Domia? Friend or foe?' 'Too early to tell little one.' 'Go in for a closer look but be ready.'

Domia flew down closer to the rider on horseback. Gliding above they watched as he rode.

[taran]

Taran shielded his eyes from the bight sun, not bothering to look around him, but using his mind instead. 'Something is here, Narth, but I cannot locate it,' he thought, though he continued to ride on.