Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Fifty-Three

Bounty

Erys came to quickly enough. Her vision remained blurry so she couldn't see her assailant, but she recognised his voice as he spoke.

"I'm not dying for anyone, Erys."

Taerolan.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking you to Carvahall."

Her blood went cold so quickly it cleared her mind.

"You can't."

"I'd kill you myself but...I don't want to get my hands dirty. Carvahall can deal with you. Let's go."

He hoisted her to her feet. She struggled against him, but found herself helpless. He'd bound her tightly, both her hands and feet. Erys struggled as he hoisted her over his shoulder.

"I might've had you if they didn't want you so bad," he stated.

"I might've killed you if you weren't dead already," Erys retorted. "Du Thirr!"

With a laugh, Taerolan slapped her. Hard. She whimpered.

"You like it?" he mocked, slapping her again.

Erys bit to her lip to keep from crying.

"Don't bother with your dragons. We'll be gone by the time they get here."

Even as he spoke, Erys could feel their urgency, but something was wrong. It grew, sending fear pulsing through her every vein.

"No out," came her answer. "Doors locked."

Taerolan threw her over his dragon's neck and lashed her to the saddle. He mounted and strapped himself in.

"The guard won't let you leave," Erys yelled.

Taerolan sighed. He withdrew cloth and gagged Erys. He forced a burlap sack over her head.

"That's better. Peace and quiet."

Erys tried to repeat her warning but managed only a mumble.

"I swear. If you don't shut up, I'll beat you within an inch of your life."

She began to scream, the sound muffled by the gag. She quieted at the following blows from Taerolan. She winced at each that hit. Though gagged, it did not hide her whimpering. She whimpered past the gag, thankful Taerolan couldn't see her tears beneath the sack. He seemed contented enough by her cries.

"We're not using the front entrance," he said, stopping some minutes later, "if you must know."

Erys gasped for air. The stuffy interior of the sack suffocating her was bad enough; her crying didn't help. She schooled her breathing to deep, slow breaths, hoping he wouldn't beat her again. She couldn't tell how far they walked, but soon she heard Taerolan conversing in quiet whispers. Soon enough, they were on the way again. As they walked, what felt to Erys like hours, Taerolan made sport of tormenting her. Her back was covered with bruises and welts by the time they stopped. Erys moaned softly, shifting in and out of consciousness.

She felt sick as Taerolan's dragon took to the air. He landed softly. She heard shuffling, which she assumed was Taerolan dismounting, and then he lifted her from the saddle. Erys limped beside him as he guided her from the tunnels; angry welts rose on her the back of her legs, lower back, and buttocks.

"On our way!"

The call cut through her mind so sharply she stumbled. Taerolan let her fall and delivered a sadistic kick to her side. She shifted away, curling in as the pain took its toll. Her breathing hitched painfully. She coughed and tasted blood. She could not spit past the gag.