Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Forty-Three: Radiant

"Keep safe your heart, Saphira, Alethea, and mine as well," Glaedr said when we finally made to the point where we would go our separate ways.

"I will, Master," Saphira and Alethea replied.

"Fair winds to you both, Eragon, Saphira! When next we meet, let it be before the gates of Urû'baen." Oromis shouted.

"Fair winds to you as well!" Eragon called in return. Then Glaedr turned and followed the line of the forest westward—which would lead him to the northernmost tip of Isenstar Lake, and the lake thence to Gil'ead.

Three days into our journey, hours after dusk, Saphira and Alethea wobbled and dropped several feet in a single, sickening lurch. Eragon and I made the two dragons land so they could rest.

We waited in silence until the first signs of dawn appeared, Eragon quickly slipped into his armor, and I wrapped a scarf around my mouth before pulling my hood up. We launched back into the sky and continued our journey.

We finally made it to our destination.

"Shall we announce our arrival?" I asked, projecting my thoughts to Saphira and Eragon as well. Saphira and Alethea didn't waste any time and let out roars that made my teeth chatter. When they both roared, it was almost deafening.

Below, the Varden at the foot of the city and the defenders upon the ramparts paused, and for a moment, silence enveloped the battlefield. Then the Varden began to cheer and bang their spears and swords against their shields while great groans of despair wafted from the people of the city.

"That did the trick," I said with a grin.

"Trianna said that Arya needs help..."

"Then let's help them!" Saphira and Alethea dove for a section of the wall. The two dragons landed on parapets and started snapping their teeth and tail at the enemy. I leaped over Alethea's side and landed on the ground below, taking out several men in the process.

I twirled around, whipping Islingr until there were no more men to kill. My eyes connected with Arya's, her eyes were wide. I sent her a smirk before kicking at an incoming man and sending him flying back.

"Eragon! Mal!" Arya cried, running up to us. "Mal, what are you doing?"

"Our days of hiding are over Arya. Alethea and I will no longer hide in the shadows."

"Welcome, Bjartskular. Welcome, Shadeslayer," purred Blödhgarm from Arya's side.

"Are you hurt?" Eragon asked.

Arya shook her head.

"A few scratches, but nothing serious," Blödhgarm responded.

"What are you doing here without reinforcements?" Saphira asked as she and Alethea lumbered over, kicking men stupid enough to try and take them on.

"The gates," Arya said gasping. "For three days, we've tried to break them, but they're impervious to magic, and the battering ram has barely dented the wood. So I convinced Nasuada to . . ."

When Arya paused to regain her breath, Blödhgarm picked up the thread of her narrative.

"Arya convinced Nasuada to stage tonight's attack so that we could sneak into Feinster without being noticed and open the gates from within. Unfortunately, we encountered a trio of spellcasters. They engaged us with their minds and prevented us from using magic while they summoned soldiers to overwhelm us with sheer numbers."