The Age of the Dragon 4: On Silver Wings

Chapter 21

It was late at night when Fang woke to the sound of clanking chains. She lifted her head, and Nasuada emerged from the tent, her guards springing to their feet.

"Fang..."

"I hear, Nightstalker," the dragon flicked her tongue out, scenting the air.

Eventually, the sound of great hulking footsteps echoed out across the night, drowning out the sound of alarm horns as the Varden roused themselves.

Then the dragon appeared, a black shape that blotted out all light. Fang clambered to her feet, a low growl escaping her even as the other leapt into the sky. He flew around, roaring and breathing fire over the camp.

Sensing the dismay of those around her, Fang threw back her head and roared in defiance.

She was not afraid.

She pitied her egg brother, but she would not be cowed by him.

The dragon seemed to consider turning back and attacking before he wheeled back to the city.

She heard another roar, one that had been disguised as Saphira's as Suledin joined her.

So long as the dragons allied to the Varden showed no fear, she hoped the Varden would not lose faith.

"I think we should begin preparations," Nasuada said. "Send for my war council."

A soldier darted away, and Fang settled again.

Soon enough it would be time.

When the morningstar began to rise, Fang stirred, feeling the touch of Suledin's mind as he confirmed his role in the battle. Fang stood, watching as Nasuada emerged, barking orders to the soldiers as the camp became a hub of activity.

As the groups moved towards the city, alarms were raised, and Fang felt her heart quicken. How she wished to reach out with her thoughts and see if Fallyn was still herself. To know if her partner-of-heart-and-mind was in grave danger. As it was, their connection only told her that she lived, but nothing more. Her thoughts returned to the extreme agony that had passed across their link, even at so great a distance.

"What suffering has he done to you, vhenan?" the dragon wondered.

When the battle was commenced, Fang noticed the elves charge from the east.

Suledin rose, as Shehar - disguised as Eragon - climbed up onto the saddle. Spreading his wings, disguised from his snowy white to the dazzling blue of Saphira's wings, he loosed a stirring roar and leapt to the sky. Fang did likewise, and the two landed near their designated group of soldiers. Three more horns.

Fang's lip curled, as her claws kneaded the earth below her. Savage fury coloured her vision red and her heart raced.

"I am coming, vhenan!" she thought, a tinge of desperation in her thoughts.

The battle commenced, the two dragons soared towards the wall.

Fire left Fang's maw, as she roared in fury.

"Come, hatchlings! You have provoked my fury now!" she issued her challenge, in thought and snarling roar.

But the red hatchling did not appear, nor his pitiable rider.

Suledin pitched to avoid a volley of arrows, while Fang bathed the archers in fire.

"The red one comes," Suledin warned, and Fang lifted her head to see him drop from the overhang, like a drop of ruby blood before he spread his wings.

Furious, she leapt from the bodies she had been tearing apart and roared at the red dragon. They collided, and she tore at him with renewed fury.

Her violence seemed to surprise Thorn, who squealed in pained surprise as she bit into his flight muscles near his shoulder, her claws tearing at his soft belly.

She ignored the pain of his own claws and teeth, hissing in fury when she saw Zar'roc flash out towards her. Releasing the red, she spiralled away from them, then beat her wings rapidly to build altitude.

"We shall make the switch," Suledin informed. "Revas is in position."

Fang snapped her jaws in his direction, acknowledging his words.

"You must calm yourself, Fang," he said, a growl in his thoughts as he disappeared behind clouds.

First, an apparition of Saphira appeared, as Elven spellcasters conjured the phantom.

Then close behind, two new dragons appeared, and the battle slowed as attention fell on the white and silver beasts that dove towards the city.

A cheer erupted from the Varden, who fought with renewed vigour as they realised that allies had arrived - Shruikan may have been devastatingly large, but where Galbatorix had two dragons, they had four.

Thorn gave a distressed roar as he tried to twist out of the way.

Revas snarled, her jaws snapping towards him, even as Fang and Suledin swarmed towards him.

Fang was vaguely aware of Saphira appearing over the city but paid it little mind. Even if Murtagh realised he was being tricked, he could not escape the three dragons harassing Thorn. Shehar and Alrahd exchanged blows with the Rider as they came in close, the dragons and Riders working together in a mental battle with Thorn and Murtagh and their Eldunari.

"The spell containing Isana must still be in effect," Shehar communicated with Fang.

"Then Fallyn must have a reason," Alrahd added. "But if we can get this whelp to unleash it, it should give Eragon a better chance at victory."

Fang snarled, her teeth catching a spine near Thorn's head. The red snarled and attempted to pull his head free, but she forced him to the ground. The three dragons kept Thorn from taking off again, the Riders keeping Murtagh busy while Fang herself forced her will upon the red.

Murtagh turned, his sword raised, and Fang caught the scent of something on the Rider. She noted the feathers that had always been present on her Rider. Both now remained tied to his armour, like a charm or a memento.

Adjusting her teeth, she caught Thorn's neck, and held it there, putting enough pressure to cause the human to pause. She growled, her intention clear.

"I will speak with you, human," she growled.

She felt his mind give a little, and she took it, but no more.

"Where is she?" she snarled.

"If you had only waited..." the human's thoughts were desperate.

"You will bring her to me, da'len," the dragon snarled, her teeth tightening around Thorn's neck. The red dragon whined in pain, his tail lashing violently.

The other two dragons watched with impassive expressions, their Riders patient.

"You will bring her to me, or I will tear you apart," she hissed, before releasing Thorn. The three leapt into the air, circling overhead while Thorn shook himself.

Murtagh's eyes locked on the black dragon, who snarled then flew towards the walls.