The Age of the Dragon 4: On Silver Wings

Chapter 20

It had been not too long after the arrival of the two dragons that Nasuada found herself flying back to the Varden. Fang flew with the woman in her claws, for without a saddle it would be most uncomfortable for her, and along the way, they came across Eragon and Saphira.

They paused only long enough for introductions, with the promise of explanations on both sides to proceed once they reached the Varden.

Fang was eager to move, citing concern for her Rider, whom she had sensed extreme distress from not many days prior.

And so they flew until they reached the city. Magic was cast to hide the three dragons - though Suledin blended in well with the clouds around him - and they reached the hill indicated by Eragon, where they waited.

While waiting, Eragon chose to speak with the two new Riders.

A quick run down was given on what had happened since Nasuada's impromptu escape, and Eragon assured the woman he would explain all once the other leaders arrived. When they did, there was much happiness at the return of the original leader of the Varden, and once all were gathered, Eragon explained the truth of his trip - after obtaining oaths of secrecy from all present.

After the revelation of the Eldunari was made, the final surprise was brought forth - for Revas and Suledin had chosen to circle overhead while the meeting took place, and upon their riders revealing themselves, they too appeared.

There was new hope now - where there had only been Eragon, Saphira, Glaedr, and Fang, now there were hundreds of Eldunari, two more dragons clothed in flesh, and their Riders.

But it was the strange, unsettling power that seemed to emanate from Alrahd that bolstered their faith more than any other.

Eragon shared his plan - the armies would lay siege to the city, while he, Saphira, the spellcasters assigned to protect him, and a child called Alva, would sneak in and try to find and defeat Galbatorix. They would also try to secure the last egg and as many Eldunari as possible.

Arya insisted on joining, and while a small disagreement broke out between her and her mother, it was quickly settled with a furious snarl from Fang.

"Do not bicker while my Rider remains in the clutches of the egg-breaker!" she snapped her jaws for emphasis. "Arya shall go, for there are no others I will trust more deeply to bring Fallyn back to me."

At the declaration of a dragon, the elf-queen could not argue, and the plan began to take shape.

Alrahd and Shehar communicated among themselves for a time, before the golden-haired elf seemed to come to an unpleasant decision.

"How far spread is Fallyn's cryptic message of a god on silver wings?" he asked.

"I have heard no such thing," King Orrin claimed.

"Fallyn's visions have not steered us wrong before," Arya said softly. "What has she said?"

"Before you continue," the silver-haired elf warned. "I will ask that all present swear the oaths of secrecy. Such knowledge is dangerous, and such knowledge should not spread. Especially if you seek to keep peace in this land long after Galbatorix has fallen."

Grudging oaths were given before Nasuada spoke.

"The night of the attack and her capture, she came to me with a message she warned was cryptic," Nasuada explained. "She told me she could not say more, but that in Tevinter, a land far to the west, there were once old gods, old even before she had come into the world. The worship of which had fallen out of favour hundreds of years before, during the corruption of the first of them. She claimed that one of them, the old dragon god of unity, chains, and slaves, had been reborn in mortal flesh and that he approached rapidly upon silver wings."

"It was meant to be a safe way for her to tell Nasuada that allies were coming," Fang added. "But it is not entirely untrue. During a catastrophe in Thedas that threatened to destroy the land, Clanes was involved in a battle. Fallyn would know more of the details, but a ritual was performed, that was believed to protect the father of Shehar and Alrahd. It failed, but it also succeeded, for the old god Andoral was forcibly reborn..."

"In my flesh," Alrahd said slowly. "His soul provides me power far beyond even Fallyn's. I despise his connections to slavery and chains..."

"Then we should remake him, even as Clanes has had him reborn," Eragon said, a sudden spark of inspiration in his eye. "Unity was among his aspects, right?"

"Aye," Roran seemed to catch on. "So let the word spread that a dragon of Unity comes, as a breaker of chains, he who frees slaves."

A look of satisfaction came to his eye. "That, I would prefer over godhood. Andoral, as powerful as he was, was not a god. Just a very cunning and powerful creature."

Orrin nodded. "Yes, I can agree with that."

"Then spread the word," Eragon said. "A Unifier flies on silver wings, He who breaks the Chains of Slaves."

He taught the others how to speak the words in the ancient language as well so that the "prophecy" would carry more weight.

"I will return to the camp, with Nasuada," Fang said. "I have one request. As those who took Fallyn had come with the intention of killing Nasuada and creating discord, she will remain close to me. I will guard her, and so it shall be until the battle commences."

"I will remain beyond the horizon," Alrahd said. "For that dramatic entrance."

His playful tone sent chuckles through all present, even King Orrin.

"And I shall also remain hidden," Shehar said. "For Suledin and I shall disguise ourselves as Eragon and Saphira for the battle - so none shall suspect you as you sneak into the castle."

Eragon nodded.

"Let's kill Galbatorix."

The group all nodded in agreement, while the physical dragons gave low growls, baring their teeth in savage anticipation.