The Inheritance Cycle: Getting My Wish Fulfilled (Eragon)

[2,835 words]

Eragon, Brom, and Saphira stood silently beside the rushing river. The Varden soldiers and dwarves stood clustered near the entrance to the cave where the waterfall had just receded, revealing the hidden passage into Farthen Dûr.

The tension was thick in the air, almost tangible as it coiled around the two opposing sides. The only sound was the steady roar of the falling water behind them, a stark contrast to the charged silence between the men, dwarves and dragon.

Brom, defiant and stubborn as always, stood his ground, his chin lifted as he stared up at the bald man who had dared to challenge them. There was no fear in Brom's eyes, only a quiet, simmering anger as if daring the man to make a move.

Eragon's grip tightened around Zar'roc's hilt, the familiar weight of the blade grounding him in the moment. Beside him, Saphira growled low, the sound rumbling deep in her throat like distant thunder. Her wings twitched, muscles coiled and ready for action. Both rider and dragon were prepared to strike at the first sign of hostility.

Eragon's gaze shifted from the bald man to the archers who had their arrows trained on them. 'What a bunch of fools,' he thought. The arrows were no threat to him or Saphira. He personality deployed the protective wards around them, shimmering like an invisible shield. If they dared release those arrows, they would shatter against the magic wards before they even came close.

His eyes then flicked back to the bald man, his expression hardening. 'Mmm, what do I do with this one? Initially I wanted to deal with the twins at the same time, but now he's the only one here... If I kill him, will his brother snap and kill Ajihad?...' he thought, suppressing a surge of irritation. The stakes were too high to risk a misstep now.

During this all week he had plenty of time to think on how to proceed once the reached the Varden, and he already had a rudimentary planned. He knews he isn't strong enough at the moment to do as he pleases and screw with future events completely, so he needs to keep some events on course, for now.

'Even if this incident here can be resolved amicably, should I reveal my knowledge about the twins true allegiance? If I push them too hard and revel they are spies, I will change everything. I can't afford to alert Durza, not until the Urgal invasion and Durza's attempt to lure me to Farthen Dûr alone...' He thought to himself as he wanted to keep events aligned with what he remembered.

'Durza needs to be there during the invasion, so I can end him once and for all. But for that to happen, the twins have to stay in place as spies within the Varden—at least for a little while longer.'

'It is crucial to keep the timeline as intact as possible, ensuring that events unfold the way I remember them. At least until I'm strong enough...' Every choice, every word, needed to be carefully measured to maintain the delicate balance. The story was already messed up as it is with Brom staying alive and them reaching the Varden much earlier then in the books, he didn't want anymore deviation then absolutely necessary.

Not out of fear, but from a strategic perspective it was the best course of action.

Eragon clenched his fist, forcing himself to stay calm, his mind racing as he contemplated on how to defuse the situation.

He'd always despised the twins when he read the original story, their smug superiority and slimy demeanor. No, Brom would have to wait his turn—he was definitely killing the twins personally.

"Enough!"

Just as the atmosphere seemed ready to explode into violence, a shout broke through the tension. Orik, the same dwarf who had ensured Arya's safe passage to the healers, stepped forward again, his voice ringing with authority.

Orik's voice echoed off the stone walls. "This is madness! No one would be foolish enough to send a Dragon Rider as a spy. If you're so adamant they might be spies, why don't we imprison them until Ajihad can decide their fate? What can possibly happen in a single night? They already knew the way here to the secret passage and the password anyway."

The bald man, face twisted in fury, turned his venomous glare on Orik. "Orik! This is the second time you're speaking against your direct supervisor! Do you think there will be no consequences for your actions?!"

Orik didn't flinch. He met the bald man's gaze with unyielding resolve. "Consequences or not, I will not stand here and let you drag my people into a meaningless battle. We have no reason to fight if we can just wait for orders from above, and I refuse to obey foolish orders. Also, you may be in charge here, but don't forget this is Farthen Dûr and that I am still a dwarf under King Hrothgar's command!"

The bald man's face contorted in rage as he looked at Orik, then to the dwarves standing behind him, axes and hammers at the ready. The dwarves stood firm, their expressions cold and unwavering. It was clear to everyone present that the dwarves would not follow any order from the bald man to attack Eragon's group.

"Ajihad and King Hrothgar will hear about this!" the bald man spat through gritted teeth.

He turned to Eragon, Brom, and Saphira, his eyes narrowing with barely concealed malice. "You will be placed under guard until Ajihad decides what to do with you."

Without another word, the bald man whirled around and stormed back into the cave, disappearing into the darkness.

Orik sighed and turned back to Eragon's group with a much friendlier expression. "Come," he said with a small smile. "I'll take you inside. There's no need to worry; you'll be treated well."

Eragon nodded, sheathing Zar'roc as the tension in his muscles eased slightly. Saphira stopped growling, though her eyes still glowed with a fierce light. They followed Orik and the dwarves into the cave, the towering walls of stone and the soft glow of distant torches welcoming them into the hidden sanctuary of the Varden.

The entrance behind the waterfall was vast enough for Saphira to pass through comfortably. As they walked further in, the sound of rushing water began to fade, replaced by the echo of their footsteps. Once everyone was inside, a mechanism was activated, and the waterfall resumed its flow, hiding the entrance once more.

"Come, it's this way." Orik led them deeper into the tunnel. The air grew cooler, and the light from the torches flickered against the rough-hewn stone walls. As they walked, Eragon couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer size of the passageway. This was the gateway to Farthen Dûr, a place that had only existed in books and movie until now.

After a few moments of silence, Eragon turned to Orik. "Thanks for speaking o n our defense, but you won't get into too much trouble because of us, I hope?"

Orik glanced back at him, shrugging nonchalantly. "Trouble comes and goes, I've faced worse. That bastard got on my nerves long before you came anyway."

Eragon smiled, amused by the dwarf's calm demeanor. "Yeah he doesn't seem to be missing a few screws in the head hehe. My name is Eragon, and this is Saphira. You already know Brom's name."

Orik chuckled, glancing at Brom, who remained silent, his expression still stormy from the earlier confrontation. "Well met, Eragon, Saphira. I bet you've got yourselves quite the stories to tell already, getting here with Arya in hand and all."

"Hehe you betcha we do, I won't mind sharing some with you if you want." Eragon chuckled.

Saphira's mind brushed against Eragon's, and he turned to look at her as she conveyed her message. Eragon nodded before turning back to Orik. "Saphira asked me to thank you as well for what you did. She says we're all allies against the Oath-Breaker, and there's no need to fight among ourselves."

Orik blinked in surprise. "Dragons can talk?"

Eragon glanced at the sulking Brom as he replied "Not all of them, some dragons are more... rough. But dragons bounded with a rider can. Such as Saphira here."

Orik's eyes widened as he glanced at Saphira, who was now watching him with a steady, intelligent gaze. "That's… remarkable. I had no idea."

Before Eragon could respond, Orik led them to a side passage that opened into a spacious chamber. "This is where you'll stay for the night," Orik said, motioning to the room. "It's not much, but it'll keep you warm and comfortable until we can sort all this out tomorrow morning."

Eragon looked around the room. It was simple but clean, with enough space for Saphira to curl up comfortably. There were a few cots and a small table with some basic provisions.

Brom finally spoke, his voice low and controlled. "Thank you, Orik. We appreciate your help."

Orik nodded, sensing the deepness in Brom's tone. "I'll leave you to rest now. I'll make sure you get something to eat soon. If you need anything else, just ask the guards outside. They'll be keeping an eye on you, but they won't bother you unless you try to leave."

With that, Orik turned and left, the door closing behind him with a soft thud. Silence settled over the chamber, heavy and reflective, as Eragon, Brom, and Saphira each became lost in their own thoughts.

After a moment, Eragon broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "That could have gone so much worse. I knew you had a temper, old man, but what I just witnessed was on a whole other level hehe."

Brom let out a breath he'd been holding, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Sometimes, when you're backed into a corner, you have no choice but to push back with equal force. It's just the way things are. But at least for now, it's over. Tomorrow, we'll meet with Ajihad, and this whole farce will be cleared up."

Eragon nodded, understanding that Brom's connection with Ajihad likely ran deep. They had come so far, and now, at last, they could rest.

Saphira stretched out on the stone floor, her massive body taking up much of the room. Eragon could feel her presence in his mind, a comforting reassurance they are together.

'We can finally rest, little one,' Saphira's voice resonated softly in Eragon's mind, carrying a sense of deep contentment. 'We've come a long way from that small village, and saving Arya was no small feat. That's something we can be proud of.'

Eragon's expression softened as he looked at her, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and affection. Her presence, both comforting and supportive, was a source of happiness he hardly felt in his past life. 'I agree,' he responded silently, his thoughts warm. 'You've pushed yourself far beyond your limits this past week, Saphira. You've earned this rest more than anyone. What you've achieved is nothing short of incredible.'

As he spoke, he reached out mentally, allowing his emotions to flow through their bond—gratitude, admiration, and an unshakable sense of unity. 'We both did...' Saphira's scales glimmered in the low light, and she let out a quiet rumble of contentment, settling more comfortably on the stone floor next to him.

Knock~ Knock~

Just as they were beginning to settle into the quiet of the room, a knock echoed from the door. It creaked open, and two dwarven guards stepped in, carrying trays laden with food and drinks. One of them nodded respectfully to Brom and Eragon as they set the trays down on the wooden table. "We've brought you something to eat," one of the guards said gruffly. "There's meat for the dragon as well."

Eragon offered a grateful smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. The guards nodded in acknowledgment before turning to leave, the door closing behind them with a muted thud.

Eragon smiled.

"Well, let's eat!" The smell of the food filled the chamber, rich and savory. There was roasted meat, fresh bread, and a steaming bowl of stew that promised warmth and comfort after their long journey. Saphira's portion was a large slab of raw meat, still fresh and bloody, just as she preferred.

Eragon and Brom sat at the table, their movements unhurried, as the weight of exhaustion settled over them slowly—not the physical kind, but a deep mental fatigue. For Brom, who had ridden on Saphira's back throughout the journey, the physical toll had been minimal. However, the strain of constant vigilance and planning had worn on his mind.

Eragon, on the other hand, had run tirelessly for days with Arya in his arms. Though his powerful physique and Fatigue Resistance made the physical exertion manageable, the relentless monotony of the journey, combined with the pressure of their mission, had left him weary in a different way. The endless running, day after day, had begun to wear on him, not in body, but in spirit.

Sometimes he wandered why he didn't receive a mental fatigue resistance skill, but he didn't have an answer for that.

They ate in companionable silence, savoring each bite. The food was simple but hearty, exactly what they needed after days of hard travel and tense encounters.

Saphira, meanwhile, tore into her meal with relish, her powerful jaws making short work of the meat. 'This is exactly what I needed,' she murmured in Eragon's mind, satisfaction evident in her tone.

Eragon chuckled softly, sending a wave of affection her way.

As they ate, the tension in the room slowly dissipated, giving way to a sense of camaraderie and shared relief. For the first time in what felt like ages, they could rest without the relentless pressure of time bearing down on them.

"Rest well, Eragon, Saphira," Brom said quietly as he finished his meal. Shooting Eragon a meaningful glance he added "Tomorrow will bring its own new challenges."

Eragon nodded slowly, signaling he understood the hidden message. "Never let your guard down. I remember why you didn't want us to get come here initially..."

"Good" Brom, satisfied with Eragon response, settled down on one of the cots, exhaustion finally overtaking him as he drifted into sleep.

Eragon and Saphira exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them.

Eragon got comfortable next to her soft belly as his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. The Varden, the looming threat of the Urgals and Durza, the fate of Arya etc. All were swirling around in his mind as the plan he had in his mind for what was about to come next became clearer.

Anticipation bubbled within him, a mix of excitement and determination. He was no longer just a simple factory worker or a farm boy. He was a transmigrator with powerful abilities, a Dragon Rider—and with that came a new sense of purpose and confidence.

'Menu'

He summoned his system panel, the translucent display materializing before his eyes with a thought.

[Pain Resistance Level 171]

[Radiation Resistance Level 195]

[Fatigue Resistance Level 224]

[Abrasion Resistance Level 152]

[Heat Resistance Level 181]

[Blunt Force Resistance Level 122]

[Oxygen Deprivation Resistance Level 87]

[Vertigo Resistance Level 79]

[Irritant Resistance Level 23]

[Cold Resistance Level 153]

[Poison Resistance Level 45]

[Sleep Deprivation Resistance Level 166]

[Alcohol Resistance Level 12]

[Cut Resistance Level 66]

[Hunger Resistance Level 78]

[Pressure Resistance Level 21]

[Dehydration Resistance Level 85]

[Sickness Resistance Level 21]

[Virus Resistance Level 3]

[Sensory Overload Resistance Level 54]

[Magic Resistance Level 105]

[Mental Invasion Resistance Level 91]

[Electrocution Resistance Level 21]

He reviewed his progress over the past week with a sense of satisfaction.

The two skills Magic Resistance and Electrocution Resistance stood out, glowing softly as if in recognition of the painstaking effort he had put into honing them during the long nights.

Each night, while Brom and Saphira slept, Eragon had pushed himself to the brink, subjecting his body to controlled doses of magic and electricity. It had been grueling, though not painful thank god, and the results were undeniable. He now had a heightened tolerance to electricity, and by extension to lightning—a skill that could prove invaluable against certain enemies.

But his focus was on his Magic Resistance Skill which had improved by 4 levels. Soon, his fight with Durza will hinges heavily on this skill after all.

'It's all been worth it though, the sleepless nights are or slowly accumulating into something awesome.' he thought to himself 'And soon enough, I won't need to skip sleep anymore. Once this Varden saga ends I will sleep blissfully in the elves forest with no worries.'

With that pleasant thought, Eragon finally allowed himself to close his eyes. The tension in his body eased, and with Saphira's comforting presence in his mind, he let himself drift, for the first time this week, into a well-deserved, peaceful sleep.

A/N: sorry for disappearing on you guys like that, so not cool of me, I know... But hey, hopefully we can now continue where we left off.