Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Thirty-Five

Justified

Erys sat up straight, as air scorched her skin, and the ropes burned away; all that remained was ash. Pain bubbled up inside her like her blood had turned to fire, and scars rose on her skin where the heat traced her veins. A second blast emanated from her skin, the heat was trying to escape through her sweat.  At the climax of the second blast, the air cooled so suddenly gooseflesh rose on her arms and the air misted where she breathed. She felt cold and dizzy at the absence of heat and strength of the blasts. She collapsed against the wooden frame and shivered in the confines of her prison. 

The walls were covered in soot from the flames and frost clung to the corners. Erys stood and pulled the gag from her mouth, leaving a handprint streaked on the blackened walls.  She rubbed the spot between her fingertips.  What sort of spell was capable of such a thing?

When enough of her sense had returned, she realised her spell might have atracted her captor's attention and hoped she hadn't been heard. She gave a laugh as she realised the woman's warding, meant to keep her concealed, had protected her from discovery.

"I'm coming for you, bitch."  Erys pressed her palm firmly against the door. She set her jaw, straightened her back, and relaxed her shoulders. "Jierda."

The lock didn't just break; it shattered. A crack appeared on the inside of the door and splintered, almost withering. The wood imploded where she'd set her hand, leaving a concave indentation.

Erys pushed her ear to the door. She didn't know if the sound warding worked both ways, but she had to be sure she wouldn't walk out into the arms of the shopkeeper. When she heard nothing, she opened the door and stepped free of her prison.  Her legs shook from fear and exhaustion.  Outside she was met with only silence. She looked around the room. Her things were missing, but she caught sight of the Hûthvír set in its stand, behind a glass case.

"Jierda."

The glass shattered. Erys retrieved the weapon, careful to avoid the glass where she could. If she must part with her weapon, then she would claim another. Staff in hand, Erys crouched and made her way to the front room. She peaked out. Empty. Erys dashed into the front room and frantically looked about; leaving the Eldunarí was a last resort. She found her items within a few minutes, Eldunarí included. Erys held it, a slight sense of relief calming her.

"Khyiana!"

"Where are you?"  She tore through her mind violently.  "Get out now!"

She packed her things, taking one last look around the shop for fear she had forgotten something. With everything accounted for, she turned to the door and a book caught her eye. It chronicled all known words in the Ancient Language, from what she understood—a useful tool—should she ever have need of it. She flipped through a few pages and—knowing it might be useful—slipped it into her bag and crept outside.

"I can't let you do that—"

"Brakka!" Erys barked, relying on what she's only just read.

The floor upon which the woman was standing was reduced to rubble and weariness raced through Erys' body like poison. The woman fell forward.

"Wait! Please, I'm not your enemy!"

Erys disregarded her entirely and took the opportunity to dash outside. She had no idea if the woman was behind her, and didn't wait to find out.

"Khyiana?"

"Where are you?"

"Some shop near the square."