Osilon was attacked?!?

[Brenton]

The boy walked through the leafy corridors of the city where his family ruled as the highest family in this city but he was still unsure of whether or not he should be here. In the short time that Drayden had been back in contact with his father Brenton, he had learned he was related to Castien Amrothsson as well as Eragon Shadeslayer. Eragon was his uncle and Arya Svitkona was his aunt while Castien Amrothsson was the second prince of the elves and was his cousin. Surprisingly, Brenton had no idea who some of these people were but he knew that Brenton Bromsson was his father and had done something wrong recently. That bothered him more than anything else because while he never truly agreed with how Brenton had left him he still loved his father enough to know this as going to be bad for the elves.

It was then that Naerien decided to make it known she was nearby and wouldn't let anything happen to him by swooping down and blocking the elven prince from running into a tree that he had missed in his lapse of concentration. With a grateful nod toward the dragon that he was bonded to, Drayden walked on around and looked at the skies, knowing something was wrong with the forest. He could feel it more than anything, in his blood and in the way the wind spoke to him while the animals spoke to each other. This was not magic but all elves were able to connect with nature more than humans or most other races so they could sense trouble especially in their ancestral home under the trees.

Something isn't right with Du Weldenvarden and her outlying cities but what could it be that bothers the wind and animals so? If only there were someone from a city who was experiencing trouble that I could speak to and gather information from then maybe I could report to my father. Well there is bound to be someone around here somewhere who knows something about what is going on with the nature around me right now.

[Dragonkin]

Saphone was gazing outward towards the Crags of Tael Naer as he approached Ellesmera to meet with the Elven King when something or "someone" nudged his mind. "If you keep quiet any longer im gonna worry about you upsetting yourself" said Tintaglia, Saphone's best friend and partner for life, as she noticed her rider was pondering on something."Sorry for not saying much I was just thinking about Oromis" said Saphone as he started to converse in a game of riddles with her.

Within minutes Ellesmera was below them. They landed in front of Tialdri hall and were greeted by a man of great power and an aura of respect and a crown upon his brow.

Saphone gazed at him then remembered his manners and said "Atra du evarinya ono varda" said saphone while kneeling

[Brenton]

(Brenton wears a crown of gold and gems with silver in it. Drayden doesn't wear a crown. Castien is too busy being self centered and breaking hearts to wear a crown. Sorry I don't think anyone wears a crown of leaves.)

Brenton's black hair was curly enough to hide the fact that he wasn't paying much attention as he walked out of Tialdri Hall to feel the sunlight on his skin. It was supposed to be warm but for some reason it felt normal and the king only felt a slight difference in temperature as his blood sang about something being wrong as well as right in the forest. So the king looked up and saw the dragon and rider descending from the sky to land in front of him. He stood taller and brushed the black hair out of his face to reveal golden eyes that seemed to pierce straight to the heart and soul of anyone he looked at now that he was learning more about his cruxis crystal.

He'd even gotten into he habit of wearing a simple leaf crown upon his brow instead of the gold, silver, and gem encrusted crown that he normally bore on his head. This was to show he was more of a scholar at the time and while he knew how to fight, being one of the best fighters of his race, he chose this life for himself. Too many people could get injured if he got angry and started fighting again so instead he tried to keep from fighting, even opting to only wear Undbitr and Argetadurna instead of having his yew bow and arrows as well across his back. Even now he was walking with just the swords because they showed his status in life, a former rider and the king of the elves who lived in the forest.

Good morning, rider, I am Brenton Bromsson of this city Ellesmera where I rule as king. I assume you come here bearing news that concerns me since you flew straight to Tialdri Hall instead of walking around the city first so what may I help you with today? Do know that I will not fight unless it is the king or one of his riders just as well as I will not assist with a war against any one person or people because my strength can get too many innocents injured. So now that that has been said, please rider, tell me what your name is and what your business is here.

[Emiryal ♕]

"So the rumor is true," Lyserg whispered to the black raven who sat on the branch next to him. the boy had taken up a position in a tree, one with enough cover to hide him but still had a good enough vantage point. He watched as he saw two riders, one of them being Brenton himself. He wouldn't make a bad target to take out, that would please the king or he hoped it would. You never knew with Galbatorix.

"Lyserg, don't be an idiot! They'll crush you," Dithel complained. Dithel was his other half, the half that was another spirit forced into him when he'd been made into a Shade. He hated that term, a shade. But he didn't really have any way out of this now did he. Unless...

His only hope was to find his father and hope he know a way out of this. The problem was he didn't know who his father was or if he was still alive. He brushed the thoughts aside, he'd pondered that very thing many times and never come up with answers. The problem now was if he got distracted and wasn't careful these two riders would find him and if they did it would mean trouble. Dithel was right he couldn't take them on, he wasn't strong enough. For now he'd just wait and see what happened.

[Dragonkin]

Lord Brenton my name is Saphone Mareksson and this is my dragon Tintaglia Istalri we came here with evil tidings from the Varden

I and my dragon were headed to Osilon to help enhance their defenses but when we arrived we were forced to flee because the flag of the empire now flies in the city.


We arrived too late and rushed here and i hate that it was my burden to be the bearer of these evil tidings to one as great as you. We would have fought but they were too many and Murtagh was there as well.

But as i fled i heard a voice in my head telling me to fly straight to Ellesmera and i thought i was being summoned so i obeyed., but if not you? then who did? and why?

[Brenton]

Brenton listened to Saphone as the rider spoke of trouble brewing in Osilon and how the Empire was flying their flag in one of his cities close by. This angered the king for he knew not of what Murtagh would be doing exactly in the forest but if a city was housing Empire troops then they were close. Just then a strange feeling came over the king, one of sudden knowing, not really exact locations but he could sense a spy watching them from within the city. If anyone was so bold as to watch them from within the city of the elves then they were dangerous and an enemy to his throne. Silently the king spoke to Vaentr who agreed to search mentally for the person watching them while the king continued to discuss with the rider in front of him.

So Brenton turned back to Saphone and spoke softly, a deep and regretful note to his words as they spilled from his mouth. I'm not certain but I know that Murtagh is not someone to lightly take a challenge such as this without knowing what he is doing. Your coming to me was probably done by the Menoa Tree who speaks to the elves in times like this through the nature such as the wind. Our blood sings to us when there is danger in a way that few can understand without knowing what they feel. Elves can understand what animals are meaning by how they act and the wind speaks just like a mortal so you probably heard this saying to come to me. I am known by the Empire not just because I am the king of the elves but also because I was once their ally and fought side by side with Murtagh. Most people would go to me for help in this situation because I can tell you what is most likely going to happen but there is little chance that...

Brenton was suddenly interrupted as his eyes changed to blue just for a second and the cruxis crystal flashed bright long enough for Vaentr to speak aloud through Brenton's body. There is a shade watching us as we speak but he is unwilling to attack us because he knows who Brenton is. Brenton has a reputation that stops such attacks and this shade is watching to see if Saphone is a good target for attack. I suggest not attacking though because it would be bad for anyone nearby if Brenton got angry. With that Brenton's eyes changed gold again and he was back to his own self barely able to comprehend what had just happened, only knowing he was breathing heavily. Someone was watching them but why would they spend the time to send a shade who wasn't going to attack if the need called for it?

[Dragonkin]

My king shall we go inside so that we....

Just then Drayden bumped into Saphone, Naerien was right behind Drayden,and they fell to the ground and Tintaglia jumped at her rider hitting his head on the ground becoming dazed

[Emiryal ♕]

Lyserg couldn't hear what was going on below, it was just far enough away that he couldn't hear their words. At times like this he wished he knew some magic to aid him in eaves dropping. Dithel knew magic and had used it through him before but he'd never taught Lyserg how to do it himself. Alone and without Dithel he wouldn't last even a moment against someone half as talented as Brenton. His specialty was more to get in and out without being noticed and avoid fights. He had to know what was going on though. He shifted slightly to get a better stance before climbing down the tree a little ways to get closer. Unfortunately for him, he did notice the change in Brenton and that distraction was enough to make him loose his footing and he crashed to the ground in a heap.

Fear shot through him realizing he'd be seen now and maybe even killed. He stumbled to his feet and collected his spear that had fallen off of him. His stance was uncertain and it was obvious he wasn't really trained to fight. The young boy was only around 16 years old. He backed against the tree watching them and looking frightened. "You are such a wimp once your cover is blown you know that?" Dithel betrayed him. Lyserg ignored it. If Dithel was so concerned why didn't he take over and do something about it. Dithel would last much longer against them and certainly have a chance knowing shade magic.

The black raven flew down to him and landed on a branch just above his head. "Opacho," Lyserg called and the raven flew down to land on his shoulder in response to it's name. "Please don't kill me," he pleaded in a soft voice.

[Brenton]

Drayden fell to the ground, a heap of limbs and white tipped black hair, oaths coming from his mouth about vengeance and taking the life of whoever had made him fall to the dirt in such a manner. Yet when he looked up, his red eyes glaring at all around him, he noticed it was a rider who was talking to his father and immediately his head bowed in apology. I am sorry, rider, for I did not see you there talking to my father as you were. Please don't think less of the elven royal family because of my mistake in paying attention to my surroundings while walking through the city. My name is Drayden Brentonsson, heir of the throne after Arya Svitkona if she chooses to take the throne or not.

Drayden was still learning to act like an elf so he did not know the traditional elven greeting but he did know the Ancient Language which is why everything was said in the language of the elves. This way none of it could be a lie unless he tried to word it to where it could mislead someone into thinking one thing but he meant another. At the moment, the boy was busy apologizing but he heard a crash behind him and immediately swung around, Arget Brisingr in hand, to see the other boy against the tree picking up a spear. He was begging for forgiveness but Drayden looked at him with a determination and it dawned on him who this was.

The boy against the tree was a shade, probably employed by Galbatorix or someone like that to keep tabs on Brenton while he wasn't expecting it. With speed that Drayden was proud of, the elven prince was at the boy's throat, his sword pointed at his heart and an evil smile on his face that showed he did not forgive easily. You spy on me and my father, fall into our ranks, hide behind your puny human self, and then dare to ask for forgiveness? Do you no know who Brenton Bromsson is or even the name Drayden Brentonsson? Only a few people in history have escaped the Empire and unfortunately for you two of them are right here while the third can easily be called in a heartbeat by any of us in the city. Do not think you can ask for mercy when you have no chance of...

Drayden! Stand down and let the boy move closer to us so I can look at him. He is not a danger to us as a human and if he lets the shade have control then Vaentr will know and will protect us from his magic. We are safe as long as you don't anger another shade such as Bristven who is not as weak as this one appears to be. As for Emiryal, do not dare to call him unless I say so because he does not follow you or even me. He is free and chooses who to listen to and do you really think you have earned the respect of Emiryal Nyteshaed at all?

[Dragonkin]

Saphone looked at Drayden with such kindness and said it was ok and that everyone doesnt pay attention at times.

Anyway may we go inside my king said Saphone as he brushed himself off as Tintaglia nudged him asking if he was ok with a hint of concern from her thoughts.

Ok ok i get it ill be more careful in the future and Brenton is a king so be respectful Tintaglia

[Emiryal ♕]

Lyserg felt like his heart skipped a beat when he found Drayden's sword at his chest right at his heart. Opacho had cawed in warning and flew off his shoulder startled by the elf prince. The bird circled near by watching the scene unfold. The raven was simply a raven and was not exactly special by any means. It was just Lyserg's friend after he'd saved it. And Dithel had found a way to use Opacho as a medium to channel shade magic through when needed.

Lyserg wasn't sure what to do and for once Dithel was quiet and not offering to take over and handle it. His eyes grew wide in surprise when Brenton called Drayden off. He didn't move though not wanting to upset Drayden nor had the prince lowered the blade yet. "I-er ahh!" he started to say but it was too late to stop it as Dithel, his other half and the shade came out. The expression on his face changed and he smiled at them. A flash of light shot up between him and Drayden and remained there as a translucent barrier. It was only a shield and the shade had not attacked or moved from the tree. He glanced at Brenton his expression serious. "I'm not here to harm you or anyone else Brenton, though your attack dog is quick," he said. "...Lyserg has little knowledge of the ancient language. I wasn't going to say anything but it seems the opportunity has presented itself. When Lyserg was made a shade, his nature changed, his old oaths no longer bind him. We don't have to answer to Galbatorix any more, but we need help to flee him. You yourself escaped so you might be the only one who can help us."

He hesitated a moment. "I swear I am not deceiving you," he said in the ancient language. "As a show of faith, we were sent ahead to scout and were supposed be undetected if possible. The attack on Osilon is a trick, Galbatorix intends to draw you out so he can kill you Brenton and any riders you bring with you. Murtagh is with them. His forces are holding captives they got from taking the city and intend to use their lives as bargaining chips against you. Will you help us? Help my other half, help Lyserg?"

[Brenton]

Brenton saw the change in the boy as he turned into a shade, already drawing his own swords and getting ready to stab this shade through the heart. Then the shield came up and the king smirked, a very cruel twist of his lips before he spoke three words in the twisting language of the Nether to appear right at the shade's side inside the shield. He had just opened a portal using energy from Inferno to fuel the spell and language of the Nether to channel the energy before he went through to be by the shade.

This is my land and my forest that I rule over as the rightful king of the elves. Do you really think some upstart shade like you can shield yourself from me when in my domain just because you know how to use ancient magic? My son is youthful and therefore doesn't know as much about magic as I do but be assured, that little trick to get here was nothing. Now then, you will stay here with Drayden who is powerful enough to take you if need be, and Saphone who is a rider, as well as whoever else I choose. While they help you figure out how to escape the Empire, I am going to take care of this pompous Murtagh who thinks he can take prisoners and hold them against me. Drayden, deal with this scum and if need be, Grazael is nearby as is Saphira so they will help you in your endeavor to fight the shade.

With that, Brenton walked away and started a run toward the edge of the city where he could get to Osilon quickest and save those captives from their tyrant slave drivers. Emiryal! Meet me at Osilon, we have trouble but be ready to deal with Murtagh who seems to think he can kill me and any riders who come with me. Oh if I fall then retreat to Ellesmera and protect Drayden. Trust me I'll be back if that happens but please get there as soon as possible.

With that he sprinted faster and started feeling the wind hit his face with a certain will to harm him but the blurring trees weren't affecting him so why would the wind. Brenton could see the land ahead and suddenly he saw Murtagh and his encampment of people who expected to kill him right here and right now. Well no better place to make a stand than to do it somewhere where you knew you could get the home field advantage.

Mutagh Morzansson! You dare to call me out and threaten these innocent people but you can't show me the common courtesy of being prepared for my entrance? Well, why do you think you can beat me now if you have never been able to do it before? I am on my land and this is my home so this is where I am...

An Empire soldier attacked Brenton and it was a rather quick death for him really, but certainly satisfying for the king. The half elf king swung his arm around and grabbed the Empire soldier by his throat before ripping him in half and tossing both halves to either side. Brenton grinned at Murtagh and looked at his arm to see a cut on his forearm that he quickly healed. No pain but still possible to kill his body before he had made his point.

That attack set fire to the powder keg, so to speak, and more Empire soldier raised their weapons to attack but Brenton was prepared. He raised his arm and felt the bracelet from Inferno slide down as he gathered energy before crisping all of the soldiers where they stood. The rest of the soldiers looked around nervously but Brenton wasn't interested in them at the moment.

Still want to fight me after seeing all of your men get ripped in half or burned to a crisp without harming me? Maybe you can join them in the eternal death hat awaits you if you go down this path, Murtagh. Or you can turn around and run out of here with your tail between your legs like a scared puppy dog. What's it gunna be?

[Dragonkin]

Saphone just stood there dazed until Tintaglia nudged him making him jump. "So im Saphone and i guess you have already met Tintaglia, who was at this moment licking her scales, but i didnt quite get your name even though your father told me who you were as well as your dragon too and how long have you been together and what are we gonna do about this shade? No offense but i dont feel comfortable around them jestering toward the shade.

[Emiryal ♕]

Dithel was somewhat startled by Brenton's quick breach of his shield, he was ready to defend himself if needed but wasn't going to make any offensive moves against Brenton if left unprovoked. He wanted to get the elf king's help and he couldn't do that if he made an enemy of him, or more so of one. He allowed his shield to drop after Brenton finished speaking. He remained where he was making no attempt to escape nor attack either of those who had remained. "I can hear you rider," he said glancing at Saphone. "And I don't feel any more comfortable than you do. What more can I do to prove that I'm on your side? I've told you all the empire plans about the attack on Osilon, if I go back now to them and they find out I'll be killed as a traitor. I have no reason to harm you," he said.

"Of course Brenton," Emiryal answered promptly after hearing Brenton's words. The elf quickly raced for Firern who had been out hunting. They met in a meadow and Emiryal climbed onto the dragon's back just as the dragon took off. Firern wore no saddle as he'd been hunting but it would be a short flight anyways. The scene soon came into view and Emiryal jumped from the dragon's back to land near Brenton, he took out two soldiers and moved to stand behind Brenton. He said nothing but gave a nod to Brenton. He'd watch his back so he could handle Murtagh without interruption from the soldiers. In the mean time Firern had taken to landing on top of a group of soldiers and was causing havoc crushing and biting at them. His wards protecting him from their attacks. He didn't dare risk fire here in the thick forest.

Murtagh was watching calmly as Brenton slew the soldiers. He seemed even amused by it. Thorn sat behind him watching as well."You give yourself too much credit Brenton. Of course I was ready for your entrance. From what I heard you have some kind of new power, even so you've already lost quite a number of what did you call them...innocent people?" He snapped his fingers and three soldiers brought out three citizen's and held a blade to their throats. "If you want them dead Brenton then please continue. And don't think you can save them before they die, the blades are not the only threat on their lives right now. There are more ways to kill than with a blade." A few of the soldiers that had appeared to be dead now got back up, they weren't alive not really but now were animated with magic and they rushed forward again. Unattended weapons also rose seemingly on their own as they swung themselves at Firern and the two elves. "You really didn't bring much of a show Brenton, just you and Emiryal?"

A sword caught Emiryal in the ribs as he failed to parry the blow but his wards absorbed the damage and he quickly downed the soldier who had attacked, which involved hacking him to bits as he was already dead. "Brenton!" he shouted freezing and looking horrified when he spotted the prisoners. "That's my father," he said worriedly. One of the men being held prisoner and who was nearest Murtagh, was Laetri Nyteshaed, Emiryal's father and an elven noble. He'd never had his family threatened before, and now that he saw his father standing there he felt panic. He didn't want his father dead but they couldn't let Murtagh do what he wanted either.

Murtagh smiled hearing Emiryal. "I have your mother as well," he said his voice cold and uncaring. "So what will it be Brenton. Want me to slaughter Emiryal's family along with the others I have. These three aren't the only captives," he said still not having moved from where he stood.

[Brenton]

Brenton watched the scene unfold, carefully dodging or parrying attacks, while he examined every angle there was to this situation in front of him. Emiryal was busy being attacked and didn't have the ability to live forever like he did but his family was captive as well. The king saw no ways out of this so he muttered a few words in the Ancient Language and the cruxis crystal disappeared from the palm of his hand, going to rest in the only safe place. Now it was in the caves of the Training Grounds and no one aside from himself and Feanaro knew where those were and what they meant.

Leave them out of this, Murtagh Morzansson, for you are here for me. This is quite sad really, using prisoners to get to me and Emiryal who has nothing to do with this anyhow. With another spell he sent both of his swords to the caves as well and then turned to Emiryal, speaking quietly. Go back to Ellesmera now and do not stop for any reason whatsoever. I cannot protect everyone and myself at the same time when they do not have the same advantages as I do so please go back to let Drayden know what has happened.

After speaking, the king walked toward Murtagh and smiled, raising his hands to show he hand no weapons in them to harm the rider. This was a one shot move, either working or not, and he would not get a second chance so he had to do everything just right. As Brenton stopped his lowered his hand to his belt and quickly drew his dagger, plunging it into his own heart to end his own life.

This was an assault on his forest and if the Empire thought he was dead then they would more than likely make mistakes with what they would do. As he died, Brenton's body disappeared and turned to energy before all that was left was the dagger that had killed him and the hope that everyone would do what he wanted them to. Now it was in Murtagh's court.

---

Drayden looked at the shade with disgust written all over his face but he nodded in content when his father left him in charge. At least something would get done while the king left to deal with Murtagh and maybe this would be helpful in some way. You are so certain of your innocence and want us to trust you so leave us with your human host instead of the shade. You yourself have already said that he cannot use magic like you can and since our best magic user has left then so should yours, you. Now if you want my help then do as I say, shade, or I will send you away with the power that I have as prince of this land.

[Dragonkin]

"Drayden be nice to him or else you will regret it." Saphone said and the 2 dragons agreed with him as they heard what he had said. " Now if you would be so kind umm I didnt quite get your name Saphone said speaking to the shade now I would like to hear a full account of how you got here and why you decided to defect as well as how you were able to break your oath to the king

[Emiryal ♕]

Emiryal hesitated a moment not wanting to leave Brenton in the hands of Murtagh, he wasn't sure what the king had planned but he didn't want to leave. Brenton's words confused him, the same advantages? What was he talking about. Regardless he found soldiers forcing him away from his friend as he was forced to retreat. But what of his family? Would Murtagh kill them if he left. He downed a soldier and turned quickly to see Brenton, unarmed walking towards Murtagh. "BRENTON!" he yelled not wanting to see his friend killed. It happened so quickly he didn't have a chance to do anything as he saw Brenton die. The soldiers cheered in victory a rise of shouts growing ever louder.

A laugh echoed across silencing the cries of victory. "Idiots, he's not dead" Murtagh said sounding more amused than anything. "Go then Emiryal, deliver the message, your family is safe...for now. I got what I wanted." Then Murtagh and Thorn vanished, just one minute there and one minute not. Emiryal had seen no spell cast but it was obvious they were gone...but where. "UGH! FIRERN!" he cried and darted away from the soldiers his dragon taking flight in pursuit. Questions filled his mind, what was going on? Murtagh had said Brenton wasn't dead but he'd seen the king kill himself? Racing through the forest he didn't stop or slow for a moment, when a meadow opened up Firern swooped down giving Emiryal just enough time to jump onto his back.

-----------

Dithel smiled and seemed ammused by Drayden's words. "As a sign of my honesty I'll do as you request but do not mistake it as me taking orders from you. I only answer to myself," he said. He glanced at Saphone holding up a hand to Drayden indicating for him to wait. It would be rude of him to leave and not introduce himself wouldn't it? Saphone had asked his name. "My name is Dithel, my other half is Lyserg. Since your attack dog is baring his teeth I think it best to let my other half explain the rest of your questions." With those words a change swept over him as the shade allowed Lyserg control. The boy looked up startled at Drayden. "I honestly don't know what this is about...Dithel never told me about defecting or breaking an oath, he's never lied to me before though...I can ask him about it," he said. "Please don't hurt me."

In that moment Emiryal dropped from Firern's back landing near Drayden shockingly light as though he'd fallen only a foot or two. Obviously magic but such things were certainly not uncommon in the kingdom of the elves. He glanced at the shade only briefly. "Drayden, Brenton killed himself he told me to tell you what happened, I ....here,"[/b] he said then relayed the rest of it in images and memories. It was faster than explaining.

[Brenton]

The caves of the Training Ground were still just like they had been the last time Brenton had been there with Feanaro so long ago, dry and perfect for hiding stuff away. Except this time a new gem-like crystal and two swords were there on the floor as well as the eggs and eldunari next to the tomes of histories. Dust and dirt began to swirl around in a mini cyclone with the wind that shouldn't have existed in the enclosed space filling the storm. It swirled and formed into a body much like what Brenton had looked like before, but younger, now as he was when he escaped the Empire the first time. He was smooth skinned again with shorter hair and a devilish grin but when the king stood up he had more muscle tone and a more human-like structure to his face to where black stubble was on his jaw.

Dressed in the royal attire, Brenton put the crown back on his head and picked up his swords as well as the cruxis crystal from the ground. With a small motion he placed the gem back in his right palm and then buckled on his belt that he sheathed the swords in. With a sigh, the king walked over to the wall and touched it before whispering his true name, changed from before because he was changed, as well as saying he was a dragon rider. The wall opened into a door leading outside and when Brenton stepped outside it closed up again, leaving only a Gedwey Ignasia on the rock to mark where it was.

Brenton changed into Vaentr, taking to the skies and flying to Ellesmera where he would set this straight because obviously problems would arise. Better to let them know he was still alive then think he was dead somewhere near Osilon. This had after all been a planned move for Emiryal to see what he could do exactly for if he ever needed help in a fight.

---

Drayden was getting ready to reply when he saw Emiryal drop to the ground next to him and then words filled his head. Of course he's going to appear dead like that. Did you not notice the swords disappear and the slight flash of light from his right palm before he walked over to confront Murtagh to start with? He knew if he attacked again then people would die so he had to "die" for it to end properly. Brenton will be back here in about half an hour to an hour depending on how long the reforming takes and I'll let him explain what happened if you haven't figured it out by then.

The elven prince turned back to Lyserg and nodded sagely at the boy who now stood before him begging not to be hurt. This was not a threat to him if the boy couldn't keep from begging. Dithel said nothing to me about defecting but said to my father he needed his help. Brenton left to deal with another issue that had arose just before that and left me in charge of dealing with you since I have escaped the Empire as well. Emiryal he can help if he so chooses but he does not follow our orders so that will be up to him. I'll let you explain yourself now though. Why did you become a shade if you do not wish to use that power to learn all that you can when you have the opportunity to learn? Heck learn from Bristven who is a very great Empire shade.

[Emiryal ♕]

A look of relief washed over Emiryal as Drayden explained that Brenton wasn't dead. He knew nothing of the cruxis crystals so the flash and swords vanishing had meant nothing to him. The situation was a bit perplexing but as long as Brenton was alright details could be filled in later. For the moment they had other concerns. As far as he knew Murtagh still held the captives. He hadn't seemed surprised or shocked either when Brenton had killed himself and hadn't he told his men Brenton wasn't dead? Did Murtagh know something more about this than he did?

"I'm not so sure Murtagh is convinced Brenton is dead, but I just hope Brenton knows what he is doing," he replied. After all his family was in still in danger. Why had Murtagh wanted him to go back and give the message though? He could've used his family as a means to take him captive as well.


Lyserg glanced at the new comer who'd literally dropped in. He didn't know much about magic, elves or riders but it was obvious there was something going on. Maybe they were talking or something or some sign language he didn't catch. Then Drayden's attention was back on him. He glanced at Emiryal who was watching him as well now with a look of something like disgust. He was used to getting reactions like this when his status as a shade was found out so it didn't phase him. "I was forced to become a shade, it wasn't my choice. When Galbatorix's dragon eggs failed to hatch for me he wanted me to be a shade so I'd be useful to him. Another shade summoned the spirits and forced them on me to make me into a shade. I would've died if not for Dithel, he saved my life and protected me. Unlike other shades I have only one other spirit within me, not multiple ones. Dithel is a powerful spirit. Bristven did offer to teach me...us, Dithel accepted her offer," he explained seeming to grow only slightly less nervous as he spoke. "I was told that Galbatorix took interest in me in the first place because my father was a rider and a grey folk descendent. I was never told more than that. I don't want to serve the Empire, I never did but I never had a choice in it. All I want to do is find my father, surely he can help me... maybe undo me being a shade. I have no idea who my father is though." He was only 16 years old so surely his father had to be alive that was only 16 years ago and the fall of the riders was before that.

[Dragonkin]

(I am skipping my turn in this just so you know Brenton and Emiryal)