Back to Normal (Brenton and dragonkin)

[Quetzal]

Isrydia jumped when Saphone shouted out of the blue, and Eragon was quick in sidestepping his attacker. "Why didn't you see the soldier?" Isrydia asked Arlyn, who was still on the lookout above. He seemed upset by his failure.

"I don't know. I should have seen him. I have no idea how, but it's possible he used some magic. Attacking four Riders and three dragons is suicide, though, so they definitely have something else up their sleeve. Don't underestimate him," he was quick to analyse the situation and was still dejected at failing to see the danger.

Isrydia drew Nettle as Eragon drew Brisingr. Saphira reared onto her hind legs, beating her wings as she roared and let loose a brilliant burst of flame, trying her best to intimidate the soldier. Isrydia and Eragon were both tired from healing Saphone and Tintaglia, especially Eragon as he'd healed a more tricky and serious wound, but they would fight all the same. They were about to run in when another shout came from Arlyn, this time into everyone's minds. "Someone's been cloaking them, making them invisible! You're surrounded, and they'll be at least one sorcerer out there!" and with that warning, the glimmer of off-white blue became a streak against the sky. The dragon folded his wings in, diving strait at the ground. He pulled out of the dive at the last moment, claws colliding with a couple of soldiers. They were killed by the impact, and a few more he bathed in flames. As he was only just old enough to breath fire he could only manage a small burst with a large pause to recharge.

Saphira joined Arlyn in the air, and Isrydia and Eragon rushed in to defend the injured Tintaglia. Isrydia knew Brenton could not die in this state. She passed that information onto Eragon through a weak and brief mental connection. The first soldier to reach them aimed for Isrydia, thinking she would be an easier target as a female and a human. They were wrong. After being trained by Brenton and Konner and sparring with elves and other Riders, the soldier's movement seemed clumsy. She found it almost worryingly easy to parry a blow, step neatly to one side to avoid attack from a different soldier, then flick the first one's blade out the way and dig her own through his armour right into the tough muscle of his heart. Nettle dripped red when she pulled it out, and she gasped in shock.

"What's wrong?" Eragon asked to her right, not looking at her as he was too busy concentrating on killing the Empire soldier before him.

"I... I've never killed anyone before. He must have had people who loved him. Friends, family..." she felt dizzy with disgust at herself as her blade cut through an artery in another man's neck and sent him twitching to the ground. He fell still after a moment of flailing.

Eragon gritted his teeth. He'd thought similar things with his first kills. He had seen each soldier as an individual person with feelings and ambitions, but over time he'd had to change his mentality. Now he blocked those thoughts. They were just the enemy. "It's like that at first. I would talk to you more about it, but now's really not the time," he killed another soldier. She cut back one that had aimed for the back of his neck, and he dealt with another in front of him. Surrounded from all ends, at least by standing back to back no one would attack them from behind and they wouldn't get lost.

They hadn't let Tintaglia get out of their sight, and Saphira had picked off any soldier trying to attack her while Arlyn flew over searching out the spellcaster and biting at any soldier who looked especially tough. The same couldn't be said of their defence of Saphone. They heard a shout go up, and Arlyn followed the sound of the hubbub. He sent everyone an image of Saphone being dragged off in chains, unsure of who would have seen. Eragon and Isrydia exchanged glances. "We have to go after him," Isrydia decided, and Eragon nodded in agreement. They both called their dragons.

With a leap boosted by magic, the two Riders found themselves on their respective dragons' backs. Verbal communication would be difficult while flying, so instead mental contact was needed. "I'll run after while Saphira goes back to defend Tintaglia. I'm faster than these soldiers," he told her. She nodded. It wasn't long before Saphira reached the edge of the soldiers, at which point Eragon jumped off her back and broke into a sprint after Saphone. Saphira flew back to guard Tintaglia. Luckily most of the soldiers had moved off to help contain Saphone, but there were still a few around after the injured dragon. Arlyn and Isrydia flew ahead of Eragon, reaching Saphone sooner.

[Dragonkin]

"Help me" Saphone said weakly bordering on the edge of consciousness as Isrydia reached him.

"please its my fault that they attacked and you shouldnt have to suffer for my mistakes go while you still can and leave me" with that the drug took effect and Saphone fell unconscious which emanated a roar from Tintaglia

(srry that it was short but i was pressed for time in the future it will be longer i promise)

[Brenton]

Brenton was busy being surrounded by soldiers when he saw Saphone pass out from the drugs they had put into his system and instantly the king felt rage fill him. Yet instead of letting it turn him into Vaentr he directed all of the rage into a forward attack with magic straight at the soldiers who were getting in his way. Only a few of them fell to the fire that sprung up in their midst but it was enough to let him see the sorcerer who was protecting them start to weaken. So he wasn't able to keep them all safe was he? Great weakness weak human.

Brenton cast his mind toward the sorcerer and the mental battle lasted a whole minute before the king broke the human and killed him with a spell that he didn't recognize. Now all of the soldiers could be seen and there were a lot of them this time instead of what he had thought were there. Well no better way to die then to die fighting with friends. So the king jumped into the air over the soldiers and landed next to Eragon and Isrydia who were protecting Saphone.

Good to see I'm not the only crazy one of us all here today. What's the plan Eragon, you are the one who has fought these likes before? As Brenton spoke, he let Argetadurna snake out and take a soldier in the throat to sever the carotid artery and fall to the ground dead. Next two soldiers would die with their hearts impaled and the third after that would die with his head completely gone. Wonderful way for these men who used to be good men to die but it was the way of the land now and Brenton wouldn't contradict the ways of nature.

[Quetzal]

Isrydia shook her head at Saphone. "Learn from your mistakes, but if there's a chance to make them right, by all means take it. You should never just give up, and I'm not giving up on you. There's no way I can just leave you here for the Empire," she said firmly, adjusting her grip on Nettle. She and Eragon stood on either side of Saphone's unconscious body, cutting down any soldier who tried coming near. They swarmed around, but thankfully the two Riders easily outmatched the soldiers in their skill with a blade.

Saphira was sympathetic to Tintaglia when the other dragon let out a roar of anguish. "Don't worry, my Rider is experienced. He'll keep your Rider safe. Brenton's a good fighter too, and Isrydia looks like she can protect Saphone as well. If not, once you've got your strength back, we'll tear apart the Empire until we get him back," she meant that completely seriously. Should Eragon be kidnapped, she would stop at nothing to try and retrieve him.

Arlyn couldn't attack the soldiers around Isrydia, Eragon and Saphone as there was too great a risk he might hurt his allies by accident. Instead his brief plumes of fire were directed at the gatherings approaching from the edges, the ones on the outside who had yet to reach to reach the fighting.

Eragon gave Brenton a nod of acknowledgement and a small smile. Isrydia was too busy trying to keep her cool around men dying at her own hands to do more than look at her friend. "These are pretty standard Empire soldiers. They just keep coming and seem to be without fear. There's no use hoping they'll break; the only way to stop them is to kill them. The Empire often keeps its best soldiers towards the back. The less skilled ones at front tire their victims out, then the better soldiers come forwards and cut them down with far less difficulty. We just need to be able to keep going and watch out for tricks," he could have given more information, but he needed to brief given the situation.

[Dragonkin]

Saphone is still unconscious so my turn is skipped just so you know quetzal and brenton

[Brenton]

Brenton nodded and grinned at the words about stronger soldiers being at the back waiting to kill them with ease after these weaker troops died. So that was their plans now and Brenton despised it because at least when he was an Empire rider they still took time planning attacks on the enemies. This just seemed way too reckless for Galbatorix since there were four riders here and three dragons as well as the fact that Brenton had intimate knowledge of the Empire. If there were riders here then he could give the weaknesses and strengths of them but this was just not like them to attack and so the king was at a loss.

Then you two stay here and don't die. I'm going to thin out their better soldiers from behind and then join you again but I don't want to see my friends dead. Brenton hesitated at the word friends, wanting to say that Eragon was his brother, but knew that the younger rider didn't acknowledge him as such so he stopped himself. After finishing, Brenton jumped in the air and flipped over a few troops to get to one of the stronger soldiers that he had helped train back in Uru'baen. Such talent should not be wasted but he couldn't let the man flee either.

Without a second thought, Brenton beheaded him and moved on to one of the commanders, marked by their red half capes over their right shoulders. He stood toe to toe with the commander and grinned evilly at the man who's eyes registered a slight fear just barely before the spell regained control. So the Empire still remembered Brenton and this particular human commander knew he was a strong swordsmen who was wielding not one but two swords that he had trained equally with since taking the throne.

Brenton swung Argetadurna and felt it hit steel but he was prepared, moving at speeds unregistered to the human eye, as he kicked the commander in the gut. His next move was to swing Undbitr at his head but the blue blade bounced off of another blade that appeared from nowhere seemingly to block his attack. The king looked to the side and saw an older elf who had been corrupted almost right after Galbatorix took the throne, wearing a commander's cape as well.

Of course this group would have more than one and they would have elves if they were attacking riders so openly on such a battle field to begin with. This elf helped train Brenton in the Empire though and that posed a problem if it came down to a brute force attack in the near future. Brenton swung Argetadurna again but this time at the elf who blocked it while Brenton stabbed the human in the throat dispatching him in the process. Now it was down to a semi fair fight with one on one and elf against halfling. Yet Brenton had no blood to deem him as elfling anymore so he was faster if he tried to be and he was far more aggressive if he accepted Vaentr into his mind but refused to change.

So that's what Brenton did. He felt the anger fill him once again, coursing through his veins like pure molten fire that burned his mind just slightly on the way through. Vaentr glared at the elf that stood in front of them and suddenly Brenton's vision matched Vaentr's, all blues and reds in a rainbow of sensory overload. All of the hairs on the elf's arms could now be counted while his breath could almost be seen in the air in front of him. This was how a fight should be, with all that could be seen already out in sight.

Brenton swung Undbitr and his speed increased with the anger and aggression which caused the elf to jump back in shock yet he showed no sign of fears. This elf was definitely someone who would not give up even if it meant he was destined to die from the beginning. The elf swung his sword and Brenton easily sidestepped, sending a roundhouse kick to his chest. He watched as the older elf flew into the air and Brenton ran to where he would land, swing Undbitr up to cleave him in half. Yet the elf was prepared and blocked the sword stroke like their was nothing more to do than lift a finger.

Brenton scowled and an animalistic growl escaped his lips past a snarl which was so unlike the king yet he refused to change into the dragon. Instead he released another kick, this one being a front kick, toward the elf which knocked the poor sap back on his rear a good ten feet away. Still he didn't give up and Brenton's swords were parried once again with a look of pure hatred on the elf's face.

Brenton nodded in respect as he sheathed Undbitr and then swung his right fist out, connecting with a full force cross which led to an upper cut with the left fist holding the pommel of Argetadurna. The elf once again flew in the air, blood flowing from his mouth much similar to a waterfall, but he landed on his feet. This elf was one tough opponent, evading or taking every blow that Brenton sent his way and that made the king realize that he was glad the elf trained him personally.

Yet the king would win so he slammed his fist into his gut once more and the elf fell onto his back where Argetadurna was already swinging down and removing his head from his shoulders. A bellow of victory erupted from his throat and Brenton threw his head back in pure anger mixed with something akin to joy. Such a fight had never been presented to him and he won it at the end even though he was younger and should've been more inexperienced. Brenton watched as the soldiers began to turn to him and then they all started to look at the figure who was covered in their commander's blood howling in triumph.

[Quetzal]

Saphira still stood by Tintaglia. While she may have been unable to control her magic and heal the wounds, she could still feed the other dragon small trickles of energy. That wouldn't take away the pain or damage, but should at least give her the strength to carry on standing as the attack continued. Most of the soldiers were deterred from the two by Saphira's snapping jaws, reaching claws and whirling tail. Capturing Saphira would be nigh on impossible for them, but Tintaglia was in their reach as she was so wounded. With Saphira there, however, the prize seemed less attractive than an unconscious Rider. The crowd surged around Eragon, Isrydia and Saphone.

Isrydia and Eragon noticed that the soldiers knew they could not best them individually. That was true, but when there were so many of them it was more than adequate challenge. The two were standing guard over Saphone, both of them against about ten or so at a time. The soldiers didn't just wait their turn; that would be foolish. They attacked relentlessly from all ends, forcing the pair to constantly turn on the spot. Eragon let the weaker hits pass through his wards, since he needed to keep his strength and wards up in favour of any life-threatening blows. Should he not allow weak hits to strike him, his wards would have worn down rapidly, leaving him completely open. Isrydia had no such wards at all. As such, both Riders were bruised and bleeding in several places, though luckily the worst was always avoided. There was no way they could block three blows at a time each, so their movements were light, quick, and very tiring.

Arlyn had no need to think as quickly as Isrydia and Eragon, so had more time to contemplate their enemy's actions. He could see that while many kept the Riders busy, more were trying to reach to grab Saphone. With Isrydia and Eragon distracted, it would be all too easy for them to quickly slide Saphone away from them and make a run for it. He saw Brenton's fight as well, but there was time to be impressed later. There was no point pausing at a critical point in battle for something unnecessary like praise when it could be said after. An arrow shot through the sky, he couldn't see where from, and he had to shift his wing to avoid it. That completely threw his balance and he dropped to the left but soon recovered. "Saphone," he found Saphone's mind as he dove at a few soldiers, "SAPHONE! You need to wake up, they're trying to take you away!" he hoped he would be able to pierce his unconsciousness with a good mental shout, but it was down to Saphone really. The soldiers were packed in too tight now, he couldn't see whether they had succeeded in capturing Saphone any more.

[Dragonkin]

Tintaglia had reached the mind of her unconscious partner and joined Arlyn in a mental shout to jolt him awake and were rewarded with a death defying battle cry as Saphone jolted awake grabbed his sword and slashed like a mad man to any who came close to him.

minutes became an hour and eventually Saphone felt a rush of humongous energy surge through him and opened himself to it.

"I Saphone Mareksson have had enough of this and declare that you shall not win" Screamed Saphone toward the Empires soldiers

"JIERDA" Saphone barked at 50 of the remaining soldiers and stood his ground but still very weak but still concious but very tired and saw the rest of the group staring at the young elven boy with awe as he still stood awake and the rest of the Empires soldiers fled at what Saphone had done because they had enough sense to flee (even Brenton was shocked at the young Rider)

Everyone even the injured Tintaglia ran towards him as he was starting to fall but Isrydia beat them all and reached him first.....

[Brenton]

Brenton saw the soldiers begin to run away and even heard the slight tremble of terror in one man's words as he screamed for the new commander to wait for him. The elf king collapsed to his knees, Undbitr and Argetadurna falling from his grasp to hit the dirt, while he panted for breath. Never before had he gone up against so many people and wasted so much energy on just one person. Well he had come close with Nandon back in Helgrind but that was different because he knew that the rider was innocent and shouldn't have been a captive in the first place. Yet now he was on the ground trying to gain energy just to see straight and it was a chore to do even that.

You should have let me get us through that fight. It would have taken far less time and far less energy as well in the long run. Yet no you had to do this on your own and show how strong you've become. Vaentr spoke to Brenton as the dragon's spirit gave energy to him just enough to help him stand up. Yet Vaentr was also weakened and so didn't have much to spare. When Brenton was on his feet he looked around and saw Saphone, Eragon, Isrydia, Tintaglia, and Saphira all alive. His face went gray and then white as the blood flooded from his skin and the king hit the ground unconscious on his back. He'd done too much and now he would have to get more energy.

[Quetzal]

((Dragon, little bit of powerplaying there! Brenton gets to decide whether or not Brenton is impressed by Saphone and myself or Brenton say if our characters caught Saphone))

From the skies, Arlyn noticed Brenton was tiring and flew closer, ready to protect him if necessary. Below, he noticed Saphone was awake once more and back on his feet, fighting with Isrydia and Eragon. Saphira was still standing strong beside Tintaglia.

Eragon and Isrydia both had stamina, and it helped that Arlyn would swoop down and pluck the most troublesome soldiers from their midst. All in all the dragon killed quite a large number, helping significantly. The two Riders kept going, glad Saphone was bad with them. It made the fight that bit easier. After an hour's fighting, Isrydia had surprised herself with how well she was coping while for Eragon this was a more common occurrence. He'd grown used to this a while ago. When Saphone finished the struggle with a final burst of magic, they both turned to look at him in shock. They hadn't got the impression he was capable of such power. They both anticipated his collapse, however - that much energy was a risky thing to use. Isrydia caught him and laid him gently on the ground.

"That's strange. Usually they don't flee, they just keep fighting until they die," Eragon observed with a frown, watching them run. He could chase after them, but no one was making any move to do so. Arlyn landed beside Isrydia, and Saphira followed Tintaglia towards the group. It would only cause them unneccesary strain to follow their attackers, and they were tired enough already. The soldiers nearest them had all been killed by Saphone's spell, but a fair few further out were getting to their feet and running off. Eragon watched them go warily.

Saphira suddenly veered off course, having noticed Brenton's collapse while the others were too busy being unconscious, in Saphone's case, or watching the soldiers take their leave. She nuzzled him gently, worried by his pale face. Deciding he would need proper medical attention, she gripped him carefully and gently in her jaws by his armour and lifted him onto her back. She returned to the others then. "We could just give Brenton and Saphone energy, but I think it would be best they had some proper medical attention. The Varden camp's not far, we should head back," she suggested.

Isrydia, Eragon and Arlyn nodded. "That seems like the best option. I don't think it'd be a good idea to give out any more energy since we're all tired as well and someone will have to fight if we're attacked again," Isrydia commented. Arlyn looked at Tintaglia then. "Can you carry Saphone? I can do it if you can't," he offered.

[Dragonkin]

"I can carry my Rider just set Saphone in the saddle on my back and we can get him and Brenton to safety" Tintaglia said to Arlyn

"Sooo weak can barely move" Saphone started to moan from the pain and could barely stay awake. "Eragon I am sorry about what happened with the ambush." "It was my fault they attacked as they were after me because of my actions by atacking the Empire out of anger for the deaths of Oromis and Glaedr. I was foolish and nearly got my partner Tintaglia killed. I dont even deserve to be called a Rider after what i have done and now i dont know what to do because Tintaglia is the only family I have left and I have no where to go" Saphone started to cry at his failures and mistakes and started to doubt that he would ever be a true Dragon Rider....

[Quetzal]

Arlyn nodded to Tintaglia, lifting Saphone onto her back and trying to set him down in a position that wouldn't cause him any additional pain. He sat the boy down at the base of Tintaglia's neck so that he could lean against her neck.

Saphone woke up not long after they had begun walking. Eragon and Isrydia walked together in front of the three dragons. When Saphone began to speak, they both moved to walk closer to Tintaglia so they could hear him better. Eragon had to admit, he thought it was a little ridiculous how much Saphone seemed to cry. Riders didn't usually cry much at all, so it was an odd sight. He also thought the boy was acting young, which was understandable considering he was young. He was blaming himself far too much, almost to the point it was just annoying. He tried to by sympathetic, though, since he wanted Saphone to feel better and knew that if he were feeling that bad about himself he'd want someone to say kind words to him, too. "I agree that you shouldn't have attacked in retaliation for the deaths of Oromis and Glaedr, but I wouldn't say you didn't deserve to be called a Rider just for this one thing. Tintaglia still hatched for you, so you must have intelligence, strength, bravery and kindness in you somewhere. Different Riders have them in different amounts, but they're always there. There's no need to jump to such a dramatic conclusion from one mistake. We all make mistakes and have our flaws. You can learn from this, but don't beat yourself up about it," he said sincerely.

A voice that did not speak very often spoke then. "Saphone, my student, however angry you may have been at my and Oromis' deaths, you should always think critically about a situation before choosing violence. You need to be confident in your chances first, and avoid any pointless conflict. Revenge never achieves anything, often not even justice. When you make a mistake like this, you may well be upset and annoyed at yourself. Yet you should look for what can be learned, and never let it eat at yourself. Know the consequences, of course, but never blow things out of proportion. Of course you are still worthy of the title Dragon Rider. I'm not denying that you made a mistake and did cause problems for Eragon, Saphira, Isrydia, Arlyn and Brenton, but you helped solve them. You are worth more than you seem to think," Glaedr spoke kindly and softly, but made no attempt to hide any truths or to sugar coat anything.

[Dragonkin]

"Yes ebrithil and thank you for not sugarcoating the truth" Saphone said to Glaedr's eldunari with his mind

"Thank you to all of you for helping us" Saphone said then was silent for a few minutes

Then a thought came to Saphone and he asked:
"Eragon Oromis was my master as well as yours and now i have no teacher to help guide me would you be kind enough to be my new teacher and help me learn more of being a dragon rider?"

Tintaglia had remained silent through this and then nudged Arlyn with her mind and then said: "Thank you for helping my Rider survive that ordeal i dont know what i would do without him."

Then she nudged Saphira's mind and thanked her for defending her as well.

[Brenton]

Brenton stirred as Saphone spoke about it being his fault for the attacks but consciousness was just at the edge of his capabilities, up until Eragon spoke. Everyone made mistakes but some were greater than others. The king blinked his eyes open and spoke wearily to the young rider. You are too harsh on yourself Saphone, so much so that it hinders your advancement in battle and often times can get you killed. Think not of what you are doing wrong but of what you are doing to help the situation. Focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses but never forget what they are because that is just as detrimental. Finally, mistakes are made many times and they can never be undone even with magic like some have tried but what it means is you learn from those mistakes. Honestly do you think Eragon didn't want revenge for Brom's death or me for Islanzadi's? We all have things that drive us but don't let the urge for revenge control your life.

Brenton began moving on his own, making sure he was still in one piece and able to function properly with his daily life functions. So far he had not found any problems with his behaviors or body so it must be a good sign. The king sighed and let his mind relax as he realized he was safe for the time being. Yet he was still really tired from that battle with the old elf master.

[Quetzal]

Glaedr's Eldunari emanated approval at Brenton's speech. It was true that Saphone was too hard on himself; he needed to learn that even when he made mistakes, he was still worthy. Eragon had something to say in response. "I did indeed want revenge from Brom's death. In fact, I was far too angry about that for a long time, even once the Ra'zac were dead. I blamed myself in some ways, and you can't get revenge on yourself aside from putting yourself down, which just makes you more angry... it wasn't good for my judgement," he agreed.

After a silence, Saphone asked a question that made Eragon smile. "Of course I'll teach you. I teach any Varden Rider or gifted soldier who asks. I'm afraid I'm busy a lot of the time, but I'll give you lessons whenever I have the chance. You can learn a lot from the other Riders with the Varden as well, and our best soldiers and spellcasters can teach you a lot about their preferred forms of combat," he agreed happily.

"I will still train you as well, young ones. I may be limited to my thoughts, memories and words, but I can still pass on advice and wisdom," Glaedr reminded Saphone and Tintaglia.

Arlyn bowed his head respectfully when Tintaglia thanked him. She was polite, which was nice to see. "You're welcome. I could hardly have stood for just letting them attack everyone without doing my best to help," he replied.

Saphira didn't bow or nod her head since she didn't want to disturb Brenton on her back. "We know how unimaginable it is to think about losing your Rider. Us dragons need to help each other and our Riders out," she considered their species valuable for protecting the land and all its vast diversity.

Isrydia wasn't feeling so proud or happy. She couldn't forget all the men she'd just killed. She couldn't help but think about how they were all individual people, not really all that different from the seven of them. "Can you ever shake it off? All that killing. I hate it. I can't help but think about how each of those guys was a person, but we just went in and killed so many of them as though they were lambs for the slaughter," she voiced her troubles, frowning at the ground. While Eragon tried to think of a good answer, she turned to Brenton and asked, "Also, how come you're so tired? I didn't see who you were fighting, but they must have been strong to give you a challenge."

[Dragonkin]

"Thank you Eragon for the kindness that you have shown us" Saphone said then he looked at Isrydia

"I believe I know what you are feeling Isrydia especially since we are both elves and all life is sacred to us but they chose their fate to serve Galbatorix now i klnow it may seem cruel but it was their choice so try not to dwell on it as i have learned to deal with it." Saphpone said this trying to comfort her not make it ok saying they had reason to die but he knew nobody except maybe the evil king deserved to die

[Brenton]

Brenton looked away from Isrydia for a second as he remembered the old elf who he had been fighting. Finally he spoke softly to the rider with a pained expression. He taught me when I was in the Empire, treated me like a son when I was upset about being turned away by Brom when I visited him. That elf was the only person I went to when I had a problem and he was always so happy and carefree when in dangerous situations. To have to kill someone like that who taught you and raised you is the worst thing ever but the fact that he was able to predict my attacks was worse. I had to draw upon Vaentr and use strength that makes me tired. It doesn't last long but I will be okay soon enough.

The king was trying to calm down when he spoke again to Isrydia. No, it never goes away, the feeling like you kill innocent people even though they are against you. The best thing is to remember what the situation was and not to dwell upon their families missing them. They wouldn't feel remorse or regret for killing you but that doesn't mean you should let yourself get so hard that you look to kill for fun.

[Quetzal]

Eragon listened the advice of the other two, then added his own input. "I'm a human too, or at least I was until the Blood-Oath celebration in Ellesmera. I know that our mentality on life is somewhat different to that of the elves, since our lives are normally a lot shorter. We normally think more practically because we have less time. It's hard thinking you've ended lives that may have otherwise gone on to achieve hopes and dreams. I'd agree, don't dwell on it. Put it behind you. Over time, I've come to be able ignore those feelings," he told her, thinking his words through. It was never a pleasant thing to kill someone, as it should be. The world would a terrible place if killing wasn't so upsetting.

Isrydia wasn't convinced. For one, she couldn't just shake off the terrible guilt and feeling. Saphone had said it was their choice, but it wasn't always - Brenton and Emiryal never chose to join the Empire. Ragdar was in the Empire when she had first met him, and he was all right, although he had since managed to leave the Empire. Murtagh had seemed like a decent person when she'd met him, and he was definitely firmly planted in the Empire. She also thought the people she'd just killed deserved more than to be dismissed simply because she didn't like what she'd done. To her, that seemed like not accepting it. "I can't not think about them. They deserve better, and I can't really help it. I hope I don't have to do much killing in future," she mused sadly.

The Varden camp was in sight now. It would not be long before they would arrive, where they would be able to find medical care for Saphone, Tintaglia and Brenton. Isrydia, Eragon, Saphira and Arlyn were tired as well, and the two Riders were peppered with small bleeding wounds and bruises.

[Dragonkin]

"sooo weak can barely stay concious" Saphone mumbled weakly and began to pass out
"stay awake Saphone please we are almost to the varden now" Tintaglia tries to keep her rider from passing out again
"Saphira can you get eragon to help me keep my rider from passing out again i dont want to lose him" Tintaglia was frantic now
"Saphone stay strong we are almost there please hold on just a little bit longer" Tintaglia was almost scared

[Brenton]

Out of the midst of deep thinking, a female dragon's voice rumbled in the minds of those who were still present and conscious enough to hear what was said. She was old but not as old as Glaedr, young but nowhere near as young as Arlyn, and connected deeply to Eragon, Saphira, and Brenton. There is no reason for dwelling young Isrydia but it is not as if I can say that my own rider did not do much the same when he killed for the first few times. He was human just like you are and like Eragon is so it is reasonable to assume that the human heart is more caring that then elven or any other race. Still Brenton is right when he speaks about it never going away. Think about it as what he said to Saphone just a little bit ago. You should not think only as to what you are doing to the families of these people but remember that you are protecting yourself. Focus on your defense and remember only that they were like you once the battle is after. If need be then have a small mourning ceremony and grow some flowers for them to remember who they were before the Empire.

The dragon, being female and connected to three of the members of the group, was none other than the original Saphira who flew with Brom. She was wise for her years but remembered what it was like to be young and worried about petty things such as death. Silently the dragon thought about Brom and how they had flown together and had much the same discussion years past.

Brenton sat up further and as they slowed down even more, the elf king looked over to see his horse next to them. With little effort, the man leapt from Saphira and landed in the saddle of his own mount who responded by picking up the pace to stay next to them. The king tapped his left heel against the horse's flank and the stallion moved up next to Isrydia. Isrydia...have you heard from Rella lately? I stay away from Ellesmera as often as possible and so don't know what happened to her since the cruxis crystal was created. All the king was really doing was changing the subject to try and get the rider to think of something else instead of those soldiers.