A Worthy Heir

AN: I am so sorry for not updating for so long. I've been far too busy with school and had some health issues and family crises, not to mention writers block. Promise to update much more from now on. It's just been ridiculous this year.

Review: Maia has escaped Galbatorix with her dragon, Drystan. Murtagh remains at the castle and mourns the death of Kaleb. Thorn has convinced Maia that Murtagh is dead instead of the child to insure that the never try to return and is not overcome by the same grief he has felt from his rider. Meanwhile, Maia resides with the Varden while Murtagh is ordered to bring her back accompanied by the Raz'ac and their mounts.

Edit: I rewrote some aspects of this chapter, specifically Maia's section since the first rendition, looking back, was complete crap and anti climatic.

Chapter 8- The Unexpected Child

Thorn shook his wings, his entire body sore from the fall he had taken. His throat sore as well, given the scene he had made. Maia had been gone for a full night, he had been extremely cautious up til now to even breath when she could see him. He not allowed her to see any movement from him, and was quite proud. Rolling over, fallen trees scratched at his stomach and cut his legs. Though he was injured, he was still able to take to the sky and disappear quickly above the Beor Mountains.

Murtagh, He reached out to his rider when he became close enough to brush his mind, Maia is with the Varden, I'm returning home.

There was no response for half an hour and Thorn was growing annoyed at his rider with each passing minute. The clouds were thick and dark, and Thorn was flying high to feel the moisture in his scales when Murtagh's response finally came. I'm headed your way with the Raz'ac not far behind. Fly low, and be on guard.

Thorn gave acknowledgment, but nothing more before he dipped out of the clouds. It was not long at all before he saw two black figures in the distance, and hid in the lower layer of cloud above him. The red dragon's vision was much sharper than that of the Lethrblaka and their riders together. He could see them and Murtagh in the trees below, but they could not see him. You are still a good distance off, though I can see them.

Keep hidden and be careful. I've been given orders but I need time. Murtagh kept riding hard, remaining emotionless, not to draw attention to himself or his dragon's presence while he sent the scene between Galbatorix and himself to tThorn's mind. There must be a loophole, damn it.

Maybe... Thorn snorted as he shook his head. With the Raz'ac gone...

It's unlikely, but worth a try, Murtagh thought. Tornac's body rippled between his thighs with every stride. Murtagh was pushing him full speed, hoping to catch up with Thorn soon. It wouldn't bother me having them gone in any case.

Thorn gave silent acknowledgment to the plan once again, and pushed his wings to increase to full speed. He let out a ferocious roar from the back of his throat as he dove out of the clouds right on top the the Raz'ac. Screeches and howls came from both the Raz'ac and their mounts as Thorn sunk his teeth and claws anywhere he could reach. He flung his tail and sent one of the Lethrblaka flying 30 yards to the north and grabbed the other by the neck with his teeth. It's screeching filled the air, and it's rider drew a black sword.

Murtagh had pulled Tornac to a stop below and strung his bow. He watched for an opportunity to help the battle above his head with an arrow already knocked. Tornac snorted and paced the ground, making it difficult to keep aim.

The Raz'ac dismounted and easily swung his sword at Thorn, gashing the scales above and below his right eye. The Raz'ac was close enough for Thorn to see it's pit like eyes. He let out a frightening roar, having to let go as the Lethrblaka he'd sent flying gouged at his back with it's claws. It's jaw had been broken by Thorn's tail, but it still had claws. An arrow flew past Thorns nose and right into the hood of the Raz'ac who had drew his sword, knocking him off his mount. Thorn kicked and thrashed at the three remaining enemies in the sky, able to once again grab hold of one's neck. This time he thrashed his head to the side breaking it's neck and threw it at it's partner.

Watch out, I'm coming up. Murtagh warned his dragon and secured his bow on is back. I'll need a boost though. Using all the trees around him but one, he used the ancient language to manipulate their matter, "Waíse néiat!" Converting their mass into his own energy he climbed the remaining tree to the strongest looking branch. It was hard to steady himself, and he tried to keep his attention on the battle above at the same time. Zar'roc at his waist and his bow on his back, Murtagh used his magic again, "Thrysta Kvistr!"

The branch thrust Murtagh into the air with alarming strength. Thorn had managed to get far enough away from the remaining Lethrblaka to catch his rider in his front talons. Murtagh felt the extra energy draining from him as he climbed up Thorns side. He settled between the joints of his wings and the base of his neck, then pulled his bow. The creatures flew north towards the Beor Mountains, trying to loose their enemies. Chasing them, Murtagh aimed another arrow at the remaining Raz'ac, "Brisingr!"

The arrow hit the creature in the chest lighting it, and it's mount into flames. Thorn was injured from the fight, and Murtagh could feel his own blood dripping down his hip and leg. His side had been gashed as Thorn had caught him. They circled the area for a moment listening to the screeches of the creatures as they fell to what used to be the forest floor. It was now a clearing with nothing but dirt and few fallen, burning trees.

At least we know our training has paid off, Murtagh laughed, but grabbed his side in pain.

We've chased it to the site where I landed last night. Thorn landed carefully after the fire had been put out by Murtagh. It's reduced to nothing but ash.

. . .

"Please, you must tell me... You must have some news of Murtagh?" Nasuda placed her hand on Maia's shoulder with a desperate tone in her voice, "Is he safe?"

"I..." Maia could feel her eyes get hot with fresh tears. The knot in her stomach that had been building up all day twisted and turned around her core. She couldn't tell what kind of answer the woman wanted. Eragon didn't seem to trust him, or even like him, as far as he could throw Saphira. This woman, the leader of the Varden, seemed to be concerned for him and not about the threat he imposed to her cause. Her stomach flipped and threatened to jump into her mouth. Exhaustion that had built up in her system since she came to the camp made the rush of panic and pain that much harder to handle. ". . . Why-"

"I just. . . cannot help but- A few of our gaurds saw Thorn flying over the mountains shortly before you were found. It is unusual for him to be so far away from Galbatorix's reach."

"No. I mean why do you care so much?" Maia's knees weakened, she dropped herself to a seat not far behind her but never looking away from Nasuda's face.

"He was. . .," Nasuda represed a smile, though not nearly fast enough to escape notice. She looked to the ground for a moment, taking a steady breath before continuing. "a person of great intrest to me while he resided with the Varden. His importance to me- to the resistance. . . is much greater than he percieved then."

"To you. . ." Despite her weaknes and the pounding in her chest, Maia stood up not loosing eye contact with Nasuda. "What was he to you?"

The dark woman stepped back, startled at Megs unexpected and almost angry response. "I did not mean to say- I do mean- the Varden. . . and the war between these people and Galbatorix."

"No. . . If you were concerned about his role in this war you should see him as a threat, just like your rider does." Maia staggered, loosing eye contact with Nasuda. She was still calm, though her insides were shaking. The feeling rising in her chest was rare; anger and jealousy did not come easily and her body was just short of convulsing from the exhaustion and physical toll she felt already. She reached out her hand, leaning most of her weight on the center post of the tent.

Nasuda backed away, only slightly, cautiously offering a hand to help Maia regain her balance. Maia put her face in her hand and nearly sank to the soft ground, breathing short and heavily. Overwhelmed and tired she let tears spill over, stinging her cheeks and lips. After a long silence aside from the footsteps of soldiers outside, she took a deep calming breath, finally deciding to honestly answer Nasuda's question. "As far as I know. . . my husband is dead." Without dragging the conversation further, Maia pushed herself up from the post and turned away, quickly leaving and letting the tent flap violently behind her.

The camp was full of people, soldiers, women, children, elves, and dwarves. The soldiers were nothing more than common men who had volunteered their services to the resistance, but they carried themselves like they had been through war as many times as the forces of the Empire. Maia continued to cry, not trying to hold anything back. It was the first time she had let the emotion she kept locked up behind a mask of bravery be expressed completely infront of everyone in the camp. People walked by, some whispering to their neighbor, others just staring as they passed her. Nauseated and dizzy, Maia's chest began to tighten and her stomach to burn.

"Maia?" Eragon's urgent call was the last thing she heard before she hit the ground, unconcious.

. . .

POP! A loud noise like a firecracker came from outside, waking Maia up. She had no idea how long she had been asleep, or who's tent in which she resided now. Angela could be heard outside, fretting over what ever had made the noise, "Damn cauldron, never works."

Maia pulled the blanket away and got out of the cot she was laying in. The dirt was mildly cold and went in between her toes. She felt sore and heavy, looking around the tent for a moment only to realize it was too dark to see. Angela began to talk again outside, "Oh don't worry, dear, it won't hurt you any!"

Maia walked outside, pushing the tent flap out of the way and still in the night clothes she assumed Angela had dressed her in. A fire was burning in a dirt pit and over it a brass cauldron was bubbling. Angela was waiving a hand at Drystan, backing him away from the sparks. The sparks didn't come from the fire, though, but the liquid inside the cauldron. Drystan stopped and jumped when he saw Maia, he was possibly ten pounds heavier than the last time she saw him, which couldn't have been more than a few hours. Angela didn't look up from the pot. "I may have let you wake up, but you really should have stayed in bed."

Maia held her stomach, nausea and terror rising as she felt her body. Her heart racing, she fell against the tent post, looking down at the swollen mass that lay beneth her robe.

"I've been monitoring you for about a week. Gave us quite a scare..." Angela frowned at Maia's swollen belly, "Still are, if I'm to be honest with you."

"Angela," Eragon strolled up the path, "I haven't been able to come and check on our other ride-r. . " The rider stopped, mouth slightly open in shock when he saw Maia out of bed. He had not seen her since he brought her to Angela's tent when she fainted, and at that time her stomach had been quite. . . flat.

"Yes, it's easier to watch her when she stays in bed." Angela coughed and sputtered through a puff of smoke the cauldron blew out with a CRACK! "Of course, it's a hard case anyway. She's been out for a week and looks as if she's been pregnant for months."