Eragon Du Islingr – Eragon the light-bringer

A/N: Hello fellow inheritance fans. I would just like to say that the ending of inheritance was just plain wrong. Doesn't CP know that the hero always gets the girl. It's like he wants us to wait another 2 years for the next book. So here is my intepretation of what could be in store for Arya and Eragon next. This is my first EVER fanfic so be gentle. Characters may seem a little OOC so if you can refer to a good beta that would be great!

Se onr sverdar sitja hvass - may your swords stay sharp (in this case your pens/typing fingers)

Disclaimer: Any references belong to CP even though he left so many readers hanging *cries in a corner*

Note: Spoilers from the ending of inheritance and must have a grasp of the cycle so far.

Chapter 1: Journey to the New World

A man sat hunched over a gleaming marble table that supported the many scrolls and parchments that seemed to lay forever fixed. A stream of light fell from the glowing witchlight above as it descended onto the table, illuminating the script that he was perusing. The room was spartan in design as the man looked up to survey his office. It was a quaint, white marble domain with the elven lights burning like little suns, casting a spectral shadow over the room. Stars twinkled like little jewels outside the window as the man fixed his gaze back on what had become the bane of his existence. He pushed a lock of brown hair from his face, tucking it neatly behind his pointed ear. It had grown longer over the years but he kept it to no longer then his shoulder.

How long has it been? He mused as he stretched out his conscience to the edge of his limit. A great many minds touched his but they didn't shy away. His conscience seemed to quiet them and grant a brief interlude of peace. As he began to withdraw, he felt the touch of his ever constant and loving companion. His partner of: heart, mind, body and soul. He let a smile grace his face as he stood from the curved mahogany seat. Muscles stretched and bones popped back into place. A sigh escaped his lips as he left the many pieces of written responsibilities behind.

Fifty years. Fifty long years since I have been back. Since I have breathed the air and revelled in the forests. Fifty long years since I have seen her. Turning away from the thoughts that would only bring him pain he gazed into the glittering night sky. Dark objects flew through the night blocking the stars as they soured with nothing to challenge them. A roar cut through the quiet night as many others soon followed. The sound vibrated the ground the man stood as the noise echoed across the valley he had made his home. Even in the night, his eye sight was still a lot sharper than a human. He could vaguely make out the shape of the ring of mountains which served as a barrier. More buildings lay spread in the valley. Each so wide and tall that he felt like an ant compared to its size.

The man shook his head as the smile never faltered. He listened to the roars of triumph as the majestic creatures performed feats that would be impossible to other flying creatures. Again he surveyed his home which he had built from the memories of the elders and older generation. The golden and white stones, that were always in close reach, helped him shape the land to what had once been. It is now truly finished. I have built this with my blood sweat and tears. From the memories, I have rebuilt what was once destroyed. Casting a questioning glance around, a sense of unease welled up inside him.

His brows frowned as he bit the inner side of his lip. What is this feeling? I feel that this everlasting peace we envisaged is coming to a close. He turned as a glittering blue star streaked out of the sky. He thought it was a meteor as the blue trail glittered like a nimbus. As it came closer, the man saw the powerful wings that carried the creature. The two strong hind limbs followed by a long spiked tail which acted like a rudder. The front consisted of the two forelimbs each clawed and ready to tear and eviscerate. A long neck appeared from the body, cast in sapphire scales that caught the light. In front was the snout like face with two blue eyes that captivated his attention. The dragon, for that is what is was, descended gradually from the turbulent speeds and landed with a gigantic, earth quaking thud.

"Hello little one. How has your day been? Has there been more of the two legged creatures bothering you again?"The query brought a spring of mirth to the man as he leant out a hand and patted the snout of the dragon. The dragon hummed in contempt pleasure as she enjoyed the bond they shared. "No Saphira," the man said, "all is well here in New Vroengard." Saphira again hummed as she raised her head and blinked her large blue eye at the man. "Eragon, come fly with me tonight. Let loose your stresses and enjoy the night as we forge a path through the shining stars." Eragon could not complain as he enjoyed the times they winged through the skies. "Yes Saphira, lets fly." Eragon retreated backwards before taking a running leap. He leapt onto Saphira's shoulder before jumping once again to the saddle above.

The fifty years since they had last set foot in Alagaesia had seen to the growth of Saphira. She was nearly double the height she was when they departed. However, even though her shape had increased, her amazing flying potential had never diminished. Letting loose a roar that echoed in the valley, Saphira hunched her hind legs. With the grace of a feline she leapt from the platform they were on and carried Eragon into the night. The tower they had just leapt from was taller than Vrael's house in Ellesmera.

Wind whistled and howled as it pounded against Eragon's now broader chest. He relaxed his tense limbs as the breeze felt like a cool bath against his exhausted body. A wiry grin crossed his face. This is the life. No worries and responsibilities. Here I am free and the world can be put in perspective. Eragon still remembered the flight to the ruins of Doru Araeba where he learnt the world was curved. It still amazed him the many mysteries this world contained. The many adventures and trials he had faced played across his mind as he reminisced about what was. "Little one, remember we are not alone. You have rebuilt the order after that journey to the east. You have accomplished so much so dwell on the present not the past." Saphira said as she interrupted his dark musings. Sometimes when he delved too deeply, he remembered and his heart would clench.

When he remembered, sorrow would clench his heart. However Saphira gave him drive and purpose as he helped her as well. Still, the memories haunted him; jeered at him as it tried to convince him to defy fate and the premonition. "Go back, return to her, claim her and take what is yours." The honeyed words filled with poison would always try to claim his mind. The slick words sent a shiver down his spine as it sounded like the voice of the king he had killed so long ago. The dark words promised him his darkest desires and ignored the consequences. The words of: the oath-breaker, traitor and tyrant, Galbatorix. He would always awake in cold sweat as his heart beat rapidly against his chest as if ready to explode.

Shaking his head from his thoughts, Eragon tried to not dwell but his memory of Arya still left a scar on his heart which time would not heal. He remembered the faith that he made the time before his departure to the east. His true and honest representation of Arya. The faith that captured her character; her being as he perceived her. The faith that depicted both her dark and light. He remembered her intent gaze as she stared with deep green eyes at his work. The wind blowing gently against the dark raven hair. The wind also took to him the scent of crush pine-needles. He remembered how he had learnt her true name and in turn she learnt his. His true name captured the depth of his love for her. She did not shy away from it that time.

He remembered asking "Arya, what is to become of us?" The response from her was again to question the depth of his love and devotion. "Again, you are still young, and humans often change their minds. In ten years, or even five, you may no longer feel as you now do." In response he had tried to convey his depth of devotion and the undying love which would outlast empires. The response he composed was simple yet carried so much promise. "My feelings won't change," he had said with utter certainty. When she had said "perhaps in time," he had felt a hope rise but that was soon dashed away as he remembered his purpose and goal.

He remembered asking if she would join him on his quest but he had already known the answer. For as long as Eragon had known her, Arya at her core was an individual driven by duty. That was her being. She now had a duty to her people as queen, to Alagaesia as a dragon rider and to Firnen as his rider. She had a duty that would come ahead of his selfish desires. He remembered the film of tears that had gathered in her eyes as she clutched the faith so hard that he thought it would shatter. He lastly remembered her departure after speaking their true names. "Farewell, Eragon Shadeslayer." was her goodbye as she was swept away by Firnen. Eragon let loose a heart wrenching wail atop Saphira as he released his turbulent memories into the cold night.

Saphira soothed his heart and mind as she projected her love for him. In turn he just lay atop her body as he felt the vibrations as she hummed. "All is well, little one. We are not alone and perhaps one day we will see her again."

"Perhaps," repeated Eragon tentatively as he thought about the strange sense of foreboding which he had felt. 'I feel as if a storm is on the horizon, ready to once again envelop Alagaesia and cast it into darkness. However this time we can't come ourselves and protect Alagaesia." Saphira only nodded her head as she let out another roar as a stream of blue flames erupted from her maw. The blue flame dazzled and blinded Eragon for a second before he regained his composure. I thought we would now have everlasting peace but nothing is ever simple. I just hope that everyone precious to me will be safe. If not, I will have to send some of the riders to assess the situation. With that planned, he returned his thoughts to the relaxing comfort of flying with his partner for life.

Eragon awoke with a start as cold sweat drenched his masculine frame. A slow gasp of air escaped is trembling lips as his hand clutched the small metal hammer that he was given long ago. "Little one, are you alright. Your conscience was muddled and I only caught glimpses of vague images while I was dreaming."

Eragon let out another sigh. "I dreamt again of two figures that sailed across a lake. The sky was streaked red like it was burning. The ground bled like the burning plains as I saw two winged creatures soar overhead. The water bubbled as if boiling from the heat. I… saw…I don't know what I saw. It was a shadowy figure with broad shoulders, but he flickered like he was made of smoke. Then I heard the laugh of Galbatorix." He shivered as the shades of his past began to creep around the edges of his mind. "Saphira, he's dead isn't he? We killed him right?" Eragon's tone seemed unsure as he looked to where Saphira lay. A big blue eye stared back at him as it blinked once. "He is dead." That was enough for Eragon but he couldn't go back to his waking dreams.

Stretching his muscles, Eragon began the advanced steps of the rimgar. The past fifty years, Eragon had practiced until he had finally mastered the rigorous steps of the form until his body was flexible enough to perform great feats of acrobatics. As he practiced Eragon thought over what had occurred to him the past fifty years.

Flashback

It started as they sailed across the water. Eragon rode Saphira as they flew across the crystal clear water. The duo dipped under the water and surfaced a little later. The elves that accompanied him gazed with reverence as the water droplets shimmered against Saphira's scales. Cuaroc stood his ever stoic stance, statue like, on the prow of the ship. Some of the dragons gathered their conscience together and began to try and help the mad eldunari. Glaedr did not speak much on the journey as he spent most of his time communicating with the eldunari. Umaroth also contributed little as he too helped Glaedr speak with the damaged eldunari. With nothing else to do Saphira hunted and found many wondrous types of fish in the sea.

The other elves had many provisions they had gathered at the port of Silthrim. During this time, Eragon's heart would ache with longing but he kept his goal in mind. The voyage across the sea took a week as the cool ocean breeze sprayed drops across the ship. Eragon cast a spell which protected against the drops as he didn't want any damage to the ship or eldunari. The elves sang many songs on the voyage as Eragon listened. He soon joined in and practiced they art of song with the elves. He would also spar with Blodhgarm and the other elves. They bonded beyond what they had been in the war. Eragon soon became friends with the elves that accompanied him. The war had left him little time to get to know them. Now, he welcomed the different personalities and the vast amount of experience and history they possessed.

One of the most trying experiences was the battle against the Nidhwal. It seemed to be the same one they had met on the way to Doru Araeba. When Saphira swam close to the water one bright day, Eragon had sensed a presence below. Also his gedwey ignasia signalled a coming danger. He quickly signalled to Saphira and she managed to ride an up draft away from the water. The steep incline upwards made the wind push back forcefully onto Eragon. He clutched the closest spike as the force nearly tore him from the saddle. Eragon saw the gaping maw of the Nidhwal with its rows of sharp teeth. It missed the tail of Saphira by mere centimetres as she crested clear of danger. Turning, Saphira released a torrent of blue fire onto the Nidhwal. It let out a piercing roar like screech as the flames burned the sensitive skin. Steam rose from the intense heat as the water evaporated.

Brisingr lay on the ship as over the past few days Eragon had grown complacent. Eragon manipulated words in the ancient language as Brisingr flew towards him. Eragon caught the blade by the handle. Saphira flew rings around the Nidhwal as it snapped at the air. The jaws making a clink noise as it closed on nothing. "Brisingr!" Eragon exclaimed as his sword became alight. The blue flames licked wickedly around the blade as he stabbed it into the eye of the Nidhwal. It let out another screech as it swung its head violently from side to side as if trying to throw free an invisible object. It then smelled Saphira and turned one black obsidian eye with no whites towards Saphira's position. It lurched forward and lunged once again at Saphira. She performed a spinning backward corkscrew which took her away from the Nidhwal.

With a furious screech, the Nidhwal landed with a crash into the ocean. Water sprayed like an explosion had gone off as the ship that carried the eldunari lurched. The elves aboard cast spells to try and stable the craft. "No!" was Eragon and Saphira's combined roar as they streaked towards the Nidhwal. Fire once again scorched the creature as it tried to get free from the inferno. Saphira got too close and the sleek body grazed her wing; throwing her off balance. Saphira tumbled towards the sea. The force was too much and flung Eragon free from the saddle. He righted himself with the use of the ancient language. Hovering; Eragon launched himself through the air at the Nidhwal. He lunged forward and struck the beast through. Brisingr pierced to the guard. As Brisingr was still alight it burnt the inside of the Nidhwal. The Nidhwal screeched and thrashed wildly.

Eragon held on with all his might as the beast tried to free the literal thorn in his side. Gritting his teeth, Eragon beared a scowl, as he held on harder. He felt a muscle strain and rip from the bone. Letting the ancient language guide him he glued himself to the body of the Nidhwal. With a yell he ripped the flaming sword from the side of the Nidhwal. Reducing the air resistance around him Eragon pelted up the long neck of the Nidhwal. With greater urgency he pelted upwards, heedless to the movement of the Nidhwal. It craned its head and gazed down with its non-ruined eye at Eragon. "Eragon!" He heard Saphira mentally shout as he leapt towards the giant head in front of him. Time seemed to slow as Eragon plunged the blade deep into the forehead of the Nidhwal. A loud screech echoed but died down as it hit the crescendo. The Nidhwal then began to fall back into the ocean.

A tug later, Brisingr withdrew from the head of the Nidhwal. "Saphira! Catch me!" Eragon mentally shouted as he leapt from the head of the Nidhwal. The creature fell in the background as Eragon made to maneuverer himself over the saddle of Saphira. He landed with graceful ease on the saddle. "You reckless idiot," Saphira snarled which turned into a toothy grin, "that what makes you my courageous, fearless rider." Eragon let a grin come upon his face which then morphed to panic. "Saphira, go faster!" He exclaimed as the aftermath from the death of the Nidhwal sent a tsunami toward the dragon and her rider. "Kingkiller!" cried the elves on the ship as they saw the tsunami hit the dragon and rider.

Out from the wall of water burst forth the figures as majestic as ever. A cry of jubilation elated from the elves as Saphira soared onto the deck. He shook her scales like a dog and the droplets created a rainbow in the air. Eragon fell to one knee as he huffed. The energy it took was immense to shield from the wall of water. It helped that Umaroth and Glaedr channelled some of their pools of energy. Blodhgarm came up to Eragon. A wicked smile graced his blue fur covered face. "What next Kingkiller? You have slain a shade, a king and now a Nidhwal. Not many beings can attest to that, even riders." Eragon let the smile come to his lips again as the some of the eldunari mirrored the sentiment. He now felt ready for the challenges ahead.

Flashback End

His reminiscing ceased as Eragon once again beheld the twilight room. He felt magic from the mirror he used to sometimes scry Alagaesia. He once used to scry every day but the pang of sorrow engulfed him so he slowly withdrew. The only communication with the people of Alagaesia came in the form of the stacks of paper on his desk. He set a neutral expression on his face. The years had been kind to him. His face had matured to a degree that now mirrored more of Brom but was lessened by Selena's softer features. His deep hazel eyes gazed at his reflection before accepting the message.

A beautiful elf's face appeared in the mirror. Black raven locks tied into a bun which was held back by the diaphragm that adorned a soft white forehead. Green piercing eyes gazed back at him taking in the face she saw. With a small gasp the female elf recognised Eragon. She was about to speak before Eragon curtly started "Astra du evarinya ono varda" the elf replied and they completed the formal greeting. In front of Eragon was the figure of his love, his source that tormented him many a night, long ago. "It has been many years Arya Drottning. How fairs Alagaesia?" A frown marred Arya's beautiful face.

He sensed anger buried deep inside Arya. He watched silently as she fought to control it. "Fifty years Eragon? Fifty years and these are the first words you speak with me. I thought that we meant more to each other." Eragon released a gentle sigh and stared at Arya's accusatory gaze. He met it unflinchingly as fifty years had dulled his yearning for her. However, still the sight tore at his heart strings but what could've been was no more. They chose differing paths – her with her duty and his with the goal of preserving the peace of Alagaesia.

"I'm sorry," replied Eragon after a moment of silence. He plastered a happy expression even though inside he felt cold and alone. "How are you Arya, I have missed your pleasant companionship." She cocked her head as if not entirely recognising him. Eragon no longer shelved his feelings for what was the point. He and she could never be together. The time for caution had long since passed. His heart began to beat rapidly again as he watched the many emotions play across her goddess like face. Most of them were: confusion, hurt, gladness and he thought he detected a sense of pleasure at his compliment. Eragon quickly discarded that thought as wishful fancy. He continued as she had not deigned to reply to his comment.

"The years have been kind to you Arya. You look as radiant as you always have." Now he did see a very faint shade of blush come upon her porcelain visage. This quickly disappeared as she remembered her anger at his withdrawal from her life. "Eragon, you have changed greatly. Your silver tongue has sharpened." Eragon simply nodded at the statement. His face returned to a neutral one. "For what have you called for Arya? You could have sent a message with one of the riders you send." They had been conversing in the ancient language. Again a frown creased her royal face. "Why now do we speak face to face?" she shot back.

A grim smile came to his face. "I've been very busy and so have you. We did not have time for idle chatter but now I have completed my task." She simply nodded.

"Arya, again I ask. What do you require?" Eragon watched again. The eldunari had taught him to be observant. He could see that she struggled with the response as if weighing the many options and consequences. In the end she came to a formal answer. "Eragon I feel there is trouble brewing. The half century you have gone has been peaceful. Now we elves sense something dark and malevolent ready to spring from the soil of Alagaesia. I have called to hear your opinion and ask your advice as lead rider of our order."

Eragon simply thought. "I too sense something foreboding on the horizon. Of what, I am still uncertain. Stay vigilant as you always have. Oh and send my blessings to everyone in Alagaesia. Also send Saphira's best wishes and knowledge to Firnen as she has laid a clutch of eggs from his mating."

A smile came upon Arya's face before the scowl soon came back. "Eragon, half a century has passed. With your plans you set in motion Alagaesia has flourished. Why not come back for one day or more. Come back and greet your people. They still sing your name in many a hall and us elves would love for you to return to Ellesmera."

Eragon smiled but it was one filled with regret. "I wish I could return. Return to my home, return to my people but fate has ordained I not return so who am I to challenge that." A thought of the Menora Tree returned and its message to go.

"Eragon I need you by my side at this time." The forward statement confused him. This time it was him who cocked his head. "What for Arya, we chose separate paths a long time ago." A sheen of liquid glazed over her emerald eyes causing it to shimmer. The liquid formed into a tear which soon paved a glistening trail down her white cheek. Eragon look startled for he had never seen her weep so openly except for the one time.

"Eragon, I am to be wed and sire an heir. I…need you to be with me and resolve what still lingers between us."

He said Arya's true name in the ancient language as a fresh set of tears rained down her face. Eragon could say no more as the beginning of the sun crested over New Vroengard.