In the time Eragon has been absent from Alagaësia, the riders have fallen to vices. Few have been able to raise to fulfill the roles the riders had originally been given, and a dark sect-reminiscent of the Foresworn-has risen to power. The cities...
I usually don't include these in my chapters because I feel like they distract from the story, but I have posted a new cover for my story and want to give full credit to the artist, Deviant Art user, Aqua-Spirit22. All right belong to her and the image may not be used by other users for any reason. Here is a link to her page for those interested in her work: http://aqua-spirit22.deviantart.com
Thank you for your patience and enjoy the story
The Capture
~Yazuac~
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A single scream ripped through the night, lighting it with terror. Erys would have let loose her own scream, but a strong hand pressed across her mouth. She fought the man holding her until she realized it was her father. She released a shaky breath and sat forward. Outside the night world glowed red with fire and blood.
"Father?"
"Come with me!" He pulled her into a closet and handed her a long length of cloth. "Wind this around your chest and get dressed," he urged, thrusting a pile of clothes into her hands. "Hurry."
When her father left, Erys slipped out of her nightgown and wound the cloth around her chest tight; she struggled to breathe as the cloth squeezed her body. What little breast she had disappeared. Though her heart hammered and she didn't understand what was happening, she slipped into the trousers and a shirt her father had provided.
Though the clothes were large on her small form no one would see the girl hiding beneath them. The thought stopped her in the middle of tightening the jerkin. She was a boy. She ran a hand over her chest, missing the small curve of her chest, and she understood. Even in the dark she knew. She had become her brother.
As she stood, the door flew open. He mother stood before her, wide eyed. Tears wet her face and her hair- usually smoothed down-sat upon her head looking much like a nest.
"We don't have time to cut your hair," she whispered. She pulled a tight hood over her daughter's head so her hair was smoothed down and hidden. She tucked away a few loose strands and pulled Erys into the room. "Help me!" She began pushing furniture towards the door.
Erys understood. She helped her mother block the door, then sat on the edge of the bed. Light reflected from a small mirror sitting on the table beside her. She glanced in the mirror. She looked like one of the page boys that ran messages around town. Except she still looked feminine.
Her mother remedied that fact. She smeared dirt over her face.
"Listen to me! Get out of the village! Don't answer to your name, not ever! And don't let yourself be seen!"
"Mother?"
"You have to be strong now...Ailden." Her eyes filled with tears as she kissed her on the head. "Go! Out the window! Hurry."
