Curse of the Phoenix

Ch.39 -Bloodlines

Iara~

At least we could be glad that it was summer. It was night-time, and I was standing on a recently constructed stone balcony. The skyblossoms had grown up to wind around the railing, their vines soft to the touch, almost lile velvet. They were still in bloom, but their throats were colored a deep purple, and it was beautiful sight to see. Marumen was somewhere inside, I didnt know where. Grimm was curled up on the grass below. The balcony was actually an extension, from my room. It wasnt just the wall of glass anymore, now there was a small door that led out to the platform. It was stone, smooth and without cracks, as if it had been melted into place. It was not such, rather, it had been made using magic and time. I had done the carvings on the railing myself. The railing was perfect, low enough to lean over on, but high enough so that there was no danger of falling off if one was too clumsy.

The night was still and silent, as if everything was asleep. The clouds were white and wispy, but few in number. Tonight was a full moon, my favorite of the month. I leaned on the railing. My sword was at my waist, but so far it had never seen battle or violence of any kind. And that was a thing to be thankful for.

Marumen~

I was in my bed, aimlessly reading a book on some sort of humanoid creature called an Urgal. Eragon had told me much, and had given me the novel as well. The remaining clouds that covered the moon dissipated, and I had a sudden headache.

I sighed and glanced over at Virtue's sleeping form. Her scaly sides rose and fell in a steady pattern. The headache got worse in a single second, and my head throbbed. Maybe I was dehydrated? I stood to make my way down to the kitchen, but my legs collapsed underneath me and I fell to the cold, stone floor. On my knees, my arms the only thing holding me up.

Virtue! At my panicked tone, her eyes shot open and she swung her head over to face me.

Marumen, whats wrong? Why are you on the floor?

I can't walk, I tried to get up but I just cant!

Hold on, let me get help, stay here and dont move! Virtue got to her feet. But she didn't take a single step before the thorns began to rip me apart. And I began to scream. I stood, but in an instant I fell back down, cracking the back of my head on the stone floor and my vision fading into blackness.

Iara~

I stiffened as my head began to hurt. Maybe I had a kink in my neck, or I slept on it funny. I straightened and stretched, yawning the whole time. And then I stiffened as Marumen's agonized screams met my ears. Down in the field, Grimm shot up and snarled, his focus on the room next to mine.

"Marumen?!" I yelled. I looked through the glass, but as he fell to the floor his screams died.

Eragon had awoken, and was to his feet. I could see him crouching next to my brother, trying to wake him. Then Marumen sat up. And opened his eyes. At the exact same moment a wave of mental energy destroyed what little walls I had up. The force ripped into my consciousness, and I felt limp.

It wasn't pain...just the feeling of nothingness, an empty abyss in the world.

Eragon~

As soon as Marumen began to scream. I knew something was wrong, terribly wrong. I slammed open the door to his room, and beheld him limp on the floor. Virtue was whining and pushing at him, trying to get him to awaken. He didn't seem injured, but there was a rash on his arms, almost like he had brushed up against poison ivy.

I shook his shoulder, seeing if I could.get him to wake. I tried to calm everyone down, panic would only make the situation worse. Suddenly Marumen inhaled loudly and sat up, coughing. I looked over at Iara, expecting to see relief on her face. Instead there was a look of horror, and then her face contorted in a look of pain.

Her arms flew up and shielded her head, like she was trying to protect herself. I didn't know what was happening, but I felt helpless. Marumen turned to face me.

His eyes were misted over, and dark, as if he was somewhere else. It gave me an uneasy feeling. I looked back over at Iara, and reached out with my mind.

Iara?

Eragon no run!!

I looked back at her as she lowered her arms from her head. We made eye contact for a single second. Her vision was sad..and misted over. I still was shocked for what happened next. In no way was I prepared for the sight of her tipping over the edge of the railing, and falling from her balcony. She dissapeared from view, and a yell left my mouth.

But it died as Marumen put his hands around my throat.