Unpleasant news.

[Trinn]

At the end of Einar's report, Galbatorix's smile was indeed wide. "Excellent!" He said in a booming voice. "You have done very well, Einar. I am most pleased with your performance. And you were correct in obliterating the witch's allies." Falling silent, he began stroking the slight stubble on his chin. He eyed his false son with a speculative eye. "While you are with the army in Surda, I've been thinking of a way to put your skills to better use." Dropping his hand from his ching, Galbatorix leaned forward in his chair. "I want you to try to sneak into the Abernon castle. Once you're in, elliminate the varden leader. While you're at it, you may as well go for the Surdan king too. If they are both out of the equation, Surda will fall to chaos." He held up a hand, then curled his fingers into a fist. "Then, we can step in, take control, give them order. The Surdan's will love us and welcom us with open arms. They will fall into the Alagaesian empire gladly." Satisfied with his orders, the crazed king sat back in his throne, crossing his legs.

"That is all, my loyal rider. Go forth, and may luck and fortune go with you."

[Max452]

Excitement filled him as he heard his new orders. Finally, something he was good at! Einar bowed low.
"I thank you, Father, for entrusting me with this task. I will not fail you. On my word as a Rider!" He bowed once more and rose. With his cloak flapping behind him, Einar exited the throne room.

Hope filled him as he thought about his assignment. This will bring us closer to the unity that Father has envisioned. I will not fail. I cannot fail. Then an surge of pain filled him as he thought about the Varden and his mother...

"They will pay for what they did to her...all of them..." He snarled.

As he exited he turned a corner in order to go to his room, where he would prepare for his mission. While doing so, he told Stigandr what had happened in the throne room.

We leave within the hour, my friend. Are you ready to face our task.

I will follow you to the end of the world. Came Stigandr's reply.

[Trinn]

Vana checked a large god father clock, positioned in a niche in the corridor, and noted that she had five minutes before she must depart. Well, Viel, are you ready? A feeling of energy and excitment washed over Vana's senses.

Yes, more than ready. I feel like we will definitely overtake the surdan capital this day! Vana smiled, but it was a small gesture. Nearing the courtyard Viel was in, she heard a sudden, loud bugle from the red dragon. Yes, Viel was ready to fight. Stepping into the fresh air of the yard, Vana strode to Viel's side. With a move of agility, she leapt onto the dragon's saddle. With quick motions she buckled the saddle straps around her legs. Allright, Viel. Into the sky. Raising her garnett wings, Viel pumped them downwards, sweeping herself into the sky. She began a slow circle above the castle, waiting for Stigandr to join her in the sky.

[Max452]

Einar looked around his room once more, making sure he had not forgotten anything. He secured his swords and daggers once more before hopping onto Stigandr.

Tonight, my friend, we are going to tip the balance back to the Empire.
With a loud roar, Stigandr took flight. Einar placed his mask back on as the wind blew back his hood, causing his hair to ruffle against it. He replaced his hood and the Dragon Rider meet up with his companion. He nodded to Vana, indicating that they were ready.
"To Surda!" He told Stigandr, his silver scales glistened against the sun's rays.

[Trinn]

Viel looked at Stigandr, then roared to him. Cupping her wings, she angled to the south, towards Surda. Vana hunched lower in the saddle, reducing the wind turmoil around her body. She cast her eyes to Einar, noting that he seemed oddly jubilant. What was it the king had wanted to tell him anyways? Viel's voice entered her mind, You should know. What is Einar best at? Vana narrowed her eyes, knowing the answer already.

Asassination. she replied. So, the king has a new mission for his false son? Vana shrugged. Better him than me. I wouldn't like sneaking around all the time. Viel barked a draconic laugh as she quickened her pace. By the end of the day, they should be with the army.

[Max452]

Feeling Einar's energy, Stigandr somersaulted over Viel and chortled as they picked up speed to Surda.
Einar stomach lurched and he held onto Stigandr's saddle tightly.
Ugh. I doubt I will ever get use to that.
You better, because we are going to do that more often!

Einar traveled with Vana until nightfall, where they meet the army of the Empire at the gates of Surda.

"And so it begins." Einar mumbled as he gazed down at the army and at Surda.

[Trinn]

At the sight of the two riders flying above them, the empire soldiers let out a wild cheer. Vana gazed at the assembled mass below her. They should be quiet, she thought angrily. Viel ignored Vana's irritated words, and released a roar of her own. Vana pounded a scale on Viel's neck. What are you doing?! Do you want the Surdan's to know we are here? Veil twisted back her neck to stare at Vana.

We are nearly to Abernon. But no one of importance will here us in these woods. However, what both dragon and rider were unaware of was the arrows shot earlier at two Vardan dragons. The noise really did not matter. The enemy already knew of their advance. So, it was with surprise when Vana looked ahead, and saw a mass of vardan and surdan soldiers lined up to meet them. Not only that, but two riders flew in their ranks as well. Vana's hand clenched into a fist at the sight. So much for the advantage of surprise. She looked to Einar and narrowed her eyes. She was trying to tell him that someone in the army below had acted foolishly to alert the foe.

Vana returned her eyes to the front, where the two stranger dragon's were flying. The first was massive, much larger than Viel. And it was gray. Viel! That is the dragon we were looking for earlier! Viel snorted out a trail of sooty smoke from her nostrils.
Yes. We will take her now! Vana felt a clench of fear as she stared at the gigantic beast. It would be hard to defeat such an opponent. However, the other dragon sent a flutter of fear and reluctance in her heart. This dragon was gold, and she had met him before. So, Viel. Who shall we go for? Viel stared at Goured.
We almost had Equinox and Goured before. We can have them again. Vana looked down, wishing it didn't have to be this way.
Yes, but remember, he was greatly weakened by his use of magic before. He will be full of energy now. Viel snarled.
Well then, lets let them decide.

~~~~

Oh, no. Elaine thought, dread clenching her heart at the sight of two dragon's circling abve Galbatorix's army. The mad king had gotten eggs to hatch for him, at least two. For all she new, the other twenty could be hatched as well. A thought from Eridor toughened her up. These dragons will not prove difficult. I am bigger than both. And your sword is as my fang. Your fist my talon. Your foot my tail. Have courage, dear rider. We will prevail. Elaine touched a gray scale.
Thank you. She cast her eyes towards the dark red dragon. That must have been the one to defeat Equinox. Looking down, Elaine spotted the flag bearer. Eridor, take me down there. First, I want to talk to these riders. Eridor narrowed his eyes.

As you wish. But they may not be honorable. Dipping his head, Eridor dove down, slightly at an angle. He pulled himself up just before the ground, then landed beside the flag bearer. "I need your flags." The man did not hesitate to hand her his bundle. Elaine shifted through them until she came upon a white one. She handed the rest back to the man. "Thanks." With that, Eridor flung himself back into the air. Elaine let the flag fly, letting the white of it show easily. At first, neither empire riders moved. Then, almost slowly, the red drew forward. Eridor flew to meet them.

The two dragons came to a hover, above the center of the two armies. Their seemed to be no wind now, and their voices carried across to each other easily. "Shur'tugal, why do you attack the Surda kingdom?" She watched the other riders face. The woman seemed to have no emotion. She replied with a strong, serious voice.

"We attack so that there may be a better future. Do you surrender?" Elaine scowled at the red rider.

"No. But be careful. You may find you are the one who wishes to surrender at the end of this." Eridor roared, sending a concussion through the air. He watched, satisfied, as the red dragon reared her head back. However, he was a bit taken aback when the female released her own nerve shaking roar. The two dragons snarled at each other for a moment. Come, Eridor, let us retreat. Twisting sharply, the large gray doubled back, towards his alies. The red dragon did the same.

[thefirsteragon]

Equinox watched the whole ordeal with slitted eyes. He yawned slowly, his sword hanging loosely from his hip. He opened his eyes fully, taking in the whole situation, then sat up straight in Góùréd's saddle as he saw the two new Riders. Góùréd! There's Vana and Viel! And someone new.' Equinox thought the last part darkly, as it meant that Galbatorix had got another egg to hatch for him. He reached out hesistantly with his mind, trying to touch Vana's and speak with her, but he found it under many more barriers than before. As Elaine talked with them, he gripped his sword tightly, ready to take on both Riders, because he was filled with energy, and ready to burst.

'Calm little one. I don't want to attack Vana or Viel, but if we must. We have a duty to do.' Equinox sighed laying his head on the golden dragon's scales. 'I know. I don't want to attack either, but we are Riders.' He gave another sigh as Góùréd flew up short of the enemy army, and gave a roar that sent the Imperial soldiers ears ringing in their helmets. "Harken soldiers! I am Equinox, of the house of Thandil. Turn back now, before I and my fellow Rider slay you all." His eyebrows slanted into a dark 'V' as the soldiers jeered back at him.

"We can take a little elf! All elf's are cowards, thats why the hide in the woods!" Equinox gritted his teeth down, and stared hard at the man. "Cowards? You dare insult my race?!" Equinox couldn't control his anger as he undid his straps and dropped from Góùréd. "Come fight me, alone. Let's see who the coward truly is!" Equinox gave a war cry similar to the one he first gave Vana, and summoned the man closer with magic. He stood a few feet from the man, his sword clenched tightly in his hand. Equinox rushed at him, his blade clanging heavily off of the man's. He then twisted, sliding his blade up his, sinking it deep in the man's chest. He turned to the enemy and yelled, "Fight us, and that will all be your fate!" His voice sounding hoarse, he stared deep into the army, where he knew something dark lay in wait.

'Equinox control your anger! You are just as worse as these humans!' Góùréd stared hard at his Rider, worried deeply. Equinox took a few deep breaths, then calmed down as he removed his sword from the corpse. 'Thank you Góùréd, I am fine now.' He smiled at the golden dragon, thankful for his advice.

[Max452]

Einar's eyes widened as he sighted the two armies together. What the...?I thought they didn't know of our advance, Stigandr? As if to address his question, he sensed someone trying to get into his mind. Putting up his barriers, he did not allow the presence to do so, until he realized that Vana was trying to contact him.

Someone below has acted foolishly by alerting them of our presence. She told him.
Einar clenched his hand and teeth; he preferred working in surprise, now they have lost their advantage, but it was too late to do anything about it. I will deal with the imbecile later. Einar tried to tell Vana.

Einar and Stigandr hovered over the Surda army, watching with dark eyes at the two Dragon Riders of the Varden. His eyes darted from the gold dragon to the gray.

They look like admirable fighters.
Indeed, especially the gray one. I look forward to this. Stigandr whipped his tail and let out a loud deafing roar.
Remember, my friend, we have our own mission to do. We must take out our opponent swiftly. Einar eyed the gray dragon's Rider. This will prove to be difficult. I am not skilled in the sky as much as I am on land.
Do not fear, my young Rider, I am with you. My strength will be your strength, my teeth, your sword, and my tail, your shield.
I am grateful to have such a friend. Together, you and I, will make them regret going against the Empire!

They continued to linger over the army as they watched Vana and Elaine meet. He tsked as he watched them revert back to their designated sides.
They are foolish to not surrender. Einar unsheathed his swords and twirled them in the air. My blades thirst for blood!
As do my talons! Stigandr roared again to support the cry of Veil.

Einar swooped over to Vana.
"Vana, I have a mission that Fath - King Galbatorix has instructed me to carry out. What is your plan on defeating these Riders? Will you be able to distract them later on in the battle, so that I may infiltrate their lines and enter Surda?"

[Trinn]

Vana looked over to Einar. He was going to leave her during this battle? Alone with two riders who would probably tear her apart easily together? The idea was so outrageous, she didn't catch how he almost called Galbatorix father. But, if the king had a mission for him... she was compelled to comply. "I do not like this, Einar. It will be difficult to deal with two riders at once. However, I understand your need. I will do my best." Her eyes flashed forwards, a glint of gold catching her eye. She watched, apalled, as Equinox dropped to earth before the ranks of Galbatorix's army. The fool! What does he plan on doing?! Viel snarled, her eyes trained on Góùréd.

As the soldier fell to the ground, slain by Equinox's blade, Vana nearly screamed. The fallen man's compatriots stared at his dead body, silent as they took it in. Then, one by one, they looked up, at the elf who had commited the deed. Suddenly, chaos broke out. The empire soldeirs rushed forwards, towards the elf and the waiting Surdan soldiers. NO! Vana shouted in her mind, although it did no good. This will ruin everything! An army in chaos is no good, even if we outnumber the enemy! She looked to Einar. "The battle has begone. Not on our terms, but now we must fight." At the end of her sentence, Viel lunged forward, towards Góùréd. The dragon was not as sentimental as her rider. She was ready for a rematch.
~~~

Before Elaine could stop Equinox, he had already slain the man. "Oh no." she said aloud. In a rush of shouts and screams, the enemy rushed forwards, converging on Equionx in a wave of humanity. Not all of them focused upon him, though. The soldiers in the back ran forwards to meet the Varden and Surdan soldiers. Allright, Eridor. Bring me low. Eridor clasped his wings to his sides, then dove down. He swooped over his allies. Elaine looked down at them as she unsheathed her sword and pointed it at the oncoming tide of empire soldiers. "Attack!" she shouted, hoping they heard. A moment later, as the echo of her command reached the front lines, the soldiers started running forward. Eridor pumped his wings down, bringing himself back up into the sky. Elaine watched silently as the two armies collided with a metalic clash. Screams of the slain and shouts of the living rose into the air. Elaine looked up, at the dragon closest to her. It was the silver. This one, she told Eridor, then slammed up her own mental barriers. She noticed that Góùréd was now occupied with the red dragon.

Eridor surged forward, opening his large jaws and spewing out a mass of fire at the silver dragon.

[Max452]

Einar sensed that Vana didn't like his idea of leaving the battle in its midst.

I will do what I can before I begin my initial mission. Do not fear. I will not leave my comrade to die. His voice was firm.

Einar, look. The golden dragon's rider has begun the fight!

Einar glanced down to see the Rider slaying one of the men. He has a death wish! He's eyes grew dark as he listened to the threat that came out of the Rider's mouth. His pulse began to race and he clutched his two swords tighter. He's an elf!

Indeed, and a rash one at that. Stigandr observed.

He's mine! Einar smiled. He had always wanted to see how well he would do against one, especially if he was a Rider. He is strong...I want to fight him... Stigandr could sense that Einar was getting excited about the battle.

Suddenly Stigandr lurched to the right, causing Einar to swear. He was about to yell at Stigandr, but stopped short when he noticed the trail of hot fire burst by them, singeing Einar's cloak. Einar stared at the spot where they were at just seconds ago. That could have been us...

Get your head out of the clouds! The battle has begun and our opponent has chosen us! Stigandr roared at the Gray Dragon.

Einar snapped out of his moment of panic when he heard his dragon roar. Bringing up his mental barriers, Einar and Stigandr roared at the same time as they charged at their adversary.

"FOR THE EMPIRE!" Einar screamed, bringing his swords up, and Stigandr created a large surge of fire and directed it at the large Gray-back.

[Trinn]

Eridor brought his fast path towards Stigandr to a halt as the silver dragon released a jet of flame at him. Elaine watched the flames spread out towards them. She held up one hand calmly, her gedwey ignasia burning brightly on her palm. Skolir nosu fra brisingr! she thought firmly. The fire from the beasts maw branched in two, avoiding Eridor's bulk. Elaine smiled inwardly and said a mental thanks to Sayu, the elf who had taught her such magic and controll. As the threat passed, Eridor resumed his attack. He bared his fangs as he came closer to the silver dragon, his talons outstretched, ready to graple with his enemy.

From Eridor's back, Elaine reached out with her mind, finding the conscience of the dragon's rider. As she attempted to penetrate into his mind, she came up against thick barriers. No good she thought. As Eridor converged upon Stigandr, Elaine braced herself for the impact.

[Max452]

Einar clenched his jaw as he saw the rider split Stigandr's flames in half. "Impressive." He mumbled with frustration. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well..."

In the heat of battle, Einar recalled one of his lessons with his father that involved the use of fire. He smiled devilishly as he remembered one of his favorite moves.

Use it later! Now is a good time to see if your blades are as sharp as my teeth! Stigandr brandished.

Einar snarled much like his dragon as he held up his swords, ready for the impact.

The sudden pressure of the two dragon's colliding, caused Einar to jolt upwards. He uttered an "umph" as Stigandr pivoted to grab the gray dragon with his talons. Einar growled at the Rider, who he found out soon that it was actually a she, as he brought down his left sword at the Rider's left shoulder and slid his right sword horizontally at the Rider's rib cage.

He grinned at the advantage of having duel swords, but also reminded himself of the disadvantage: to use magic he needed his left hand to be free, but it was also his strongest sword hand, so it was always a dilemma for him to relinquish the power he felt when he had his blade in hand.

His mind continued to keep up its mental barriers as he tried to find a weakness in his opponent's.

Whilst Einar was busy with the Rider, Stigandr clawed and snapped at the Dragon's neck, hoping to get a good bite to bring it down.

[thefirsteragon]

Góùréd snarled at the soldiers advance, and opened his maw to release a blistering, raging hot inferno which killed a dozen soldiers, liting another half dozen on fire. He opened his mouth to let loose another burst, when suddenly Viel lurched into him, sending him the other way. He growled at the challenge, the jumped in the air, observing her carefully, not wanting her to get the upper hand. 'Equinox, Viel is attacking me! Watch out for Vana.' Góùréd then charged at Vana, realeasing more fire from his mouth as he did so. His eyes were locked into hers as he flew straight at her.

Equinox recieved the message just as he was removing Du'turr from a soldiers stomach. He nodded calmly, then jumped in the air, twisting with the grace only an elf could achieve and thrust his sword into one soldier's back, and muttered, "Thrysta vindr." to send another soldier flying back into his allies. He continued to strike down soldiers, never faltering until he came upon Vana. He stopped suddenly when he saw her, his heart seeming to stop for a minute, and reached out slowly with one hand. "Vana..?" He stopped again, from a cut across his chest from a enemy soldier who saw him, and took the oppurtunity. Góùréd roared from the pain through their bond, but Equinox did not utter a cry. He thrust his sword into the soldiers chest, then grasped Vana's arm. As he did so, the world seemed to stop for him, his eyes falling to her chest, to see the necklace. He gave a weird smile, amidst all the chaos after he saw that it was still there. "Vana. Will you fight me?" He looked at her, sincerity on his face as he threw his blade on the ground.

[Trinn]

Elaine grimaced as the two dragons collided. The sound of their impact was like two swords clanging together and screeching. As the dragons tumbled in the sky, the silver dragon's rider came close. She saw with dismay that he weilded two blades, each going for a different attack. Her slim rapier wouldn't do well against those two blades. I need to get a better sword, she thought angrily. Acting swiftly, she twisted her body away from the onslaught, but could not avoid it unscathed. One of the man's swords slashed into her side. She shouted out in pain. Thankfully, Eridor twisted around, blocking the man from attacking further. The gray dragon beat at the silver with his macelike tail. His talons screeched against the other's scales as he tried to gouge the stomach. He constantly bit at Stigandr's throat and eyes. Elaine quickly looked at her wound. It was shallow, but long. She wouldn't waste energy to heal, as the blood was already congealing.

~~~

Viel gave a draconic smile as Góùréd came at her. She barrel rolled to the left, avoided his flame, then, as she drew alongside him, she twisted and came at his side with her talons. Viel really enjoyed a good fight.

Vana slashed open the chest of a man wearing the colors' of Surda. He grasped at the open wound as he fell to the ground. He should have worn a breastplate she thought darkly. As she chopped her way through the enemy, a hand suddenly grabbed her sword arm. She twisted around, a gauntleted fist swinging to punch the man in the face. However, her arm stopped short when she became aware of who the man was. She followed the gaze of his eyes, and was surprised to find the necklace swinging freely around her neck. It must have come loose during the fighting. As she looked back up at Equinox, the battle seemed to slow, the sound diminished. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart, and the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind. She had to fight him, there was no choice. No matter what feelings she might have, her alleigance was not to him, it was to the empire. She hated the hesitation she was feeling, as much as she hated the bloody slice across his chest. Her eyes glanced down at his abandoned sword. Stooping, she swept it up and tossed it back to him. With a swift motion, she tucked the necklace back underneath her armor. She then crouched, her sword ready. "We have a battle to fight, rider Equinox. Guard yourself." With a loud, throaty scream, she launched herself at him, sword aiming for his leg while her heart was breaking.