Before The Fall {An Eragon Fanfiction}

Chapter 26- Approaching Storms

Hey guys, hopefully this chapter shows up this time! Don't know what's going on but.... Hopefully it works now that I reported. And to those that could see it in the first place... Well here it is again! Haha. So please enjoy! Also, if you still cannot see this, then comment below so I can try something different. Then again, if you can see any writing then you wouldn't be able to read this message I am writing now.... Ok never mind then, hopefully everyone can read this and you can enjoy the chapter!

'Talia! TALIA!' a voice shouted in my mind.

I was slow to wake, but as my senses started to return to me, I began to realize things. I was laying on the ground, which I did not understand since I knew I was strapped into the saddle. Also, I could feel something, I didn't know what, on my face. It was rough against my skin, yet gentle.

My thoughts moved slowly, as if they were held back by some force. I could sense my surroundings, yet I could not move, or respond in any way. Slowly, a sound reached my ears. One that did not fit my current location.

The clang of metal was prominent, as was the shouting of voices both male and female. The faded image of a scene played in front of my closed eyelids, but I was unable to make out anything more than the silhouette of a figure, gesturing towards something. That was all I saw before the scene disappeared completely and my eyes flew open.

As the actual sounds around me reached my ears, only one made my heart stop and blood run cold. One that also did not belong in my present situation.

"Be prepared," a breath of wind whispered in my ear moments before every sound near me crashed against my eardrums. My eyes flew open and I was able to take in where I was and what was going on.

My chest heaved as I looked up into Galbatorix's face looming over me. His dark eyes glittered brightly as I noticed his hand on my cheek. He visibly relaxed as he saw me conscious and moved his hand to my neck to help me sit up when I was ready. I was disorientated and still could not focus on things clearly, but he did seem larger than before, more muscular and radiating an aura of power, not that he didn't before, but it was more prominent now. Something one could notice by just glancing at him, whereas before I would have to study him closely to discern the strength in both mind and body.

"Oh Talia, thank the gods you're alright," he said, a relieved smile creeping across his face.

I opened my mouth a few times before the words finally croaked out. "You..."

"Yes?"

"You look bigger."

His slight smile grew until all of his teeth showed. I could tell he was trying not to laugh at my comment due to the current situation, but I beat him to it. A low chuckle echoed up my throat as my weariness began to slip away. He joined in shortly, laughing softly, but we were both cut off by a sharp, quick growl.

Galbatorix looked upwards and nodded before helping me sit up. As I did, I was met with the large blue eyes of Vascar. I could usually gauge his emotions, but at that moment, I found it impossible. Even his mind seemed distant and blocked off from me.

'Oh Talia,' he finally said and embraced his mind with mine. I immediately sensed his worry, relief, and his ever prevalent curiosity. I smiled warmly and rubbed my hand against his nose, pushing on his orange scales. He began to him loudly, and despite what had just happened, I almost felt the happiest I'd been all day.

Feeling better, I got to my feet and looked around me. The square had cleared out and only a few stragglers remained. None noticed me, and that was how I liked it. I didn't need people thinking I was some weak girl who collapsed at the ceremony. In fact, I realized not a single person left in the square realized what had happened.