Eriel dismounted and looked at the dragon, "Wow... would you look at that, teethmarks along the main ridge, it seems broken... crumpled by a great weight... Muscles torn, bare to the bone, bone spintered and shattered." Eriel turned to Sloane, Morda and then Faefnir, "I will need alot of energy to heal this... My dragon and I can't do it alone, not even with faefnir. I need all your energy reserves. Faefnir look at Eriel, "You are young elf, but your heart is true, I will merge my mind with yours. I just hope the rest will agree."
Sloane nodded. "Okay...How do you know so much about the injuries?" she asked. "I'll give you my energy, though. I should've been able to heal this on my own. Something is shorting my magic. Something from my home, I think..."
Don't worry. Your heart will tell you what is right... Nysia nudged, Sloane's arm.
She nodded slightly. Muttering a quick prayer for everyone, she set her hands on Nysia's injured wing and watched her magic do it's work.
Eriel's eyes never left her.
Sloane watched as Fury and Morda disappeared again. Who was she? That was so strange...
Nysia growled and Sloane realized that she'd pressed down on her wing. Jerking her hand away, she whispered, "I'm sorry Nysia. My mind is wandering..."
"I understand, but can it wander to my wing, please?"
"Yes. Sorry..." Sloane looked to Eriel, hoping for someone to see that something was terribly wrong in Alagaesia at that moment.
Reb groaned as Zantya relinquished control over their shared body and left Reb to feel all the pain. She rolled over Songar's back and on the ground on her stomach with another louder groan. Reb pulled herself up with the help of a stirrup and looked around with glazed eyes.
"Something troubles you right?" Eriel asked. She looked into the sky, Dragons! Emrhyst roared with delight. "No Emrhyst" Eriel said, "Their Lethrblaka." Turning her attention to everyone, she said, "There is something wrong here... something very, very, wrong."


Faefnir watched them, with his far sightedness he could easily see them gradually descending. He thought to himself, "What could they possibly want that is there..." Then he suddenly remembered, "Star gazer!" With a mighty heave, he thrust himself into the air and landed between the descending Lerthrblaka and stargazer with her injured rider. He let out a roar.

Galbatorix could wait no longer, his army started marching towards Sloane and Eriel. They chanted a war cry as they marched; a war cry that shook the very foundations or the earth.

With her mind, Eriel said, “Sloane, let me help you, Galbatorix is coming fast." She released the spell she put on their encampment. The mud wall fell to the ground; she waited for Sloane's reply.
"Okay..." Sloane nodded to Eriel. "Thank you."
Nysia took in a shuttering breath. "Hu-hurry..." Her eyes clouded with mist.
Wil. I hope this works, Sloane thought. She looked over toward the approaching army. "Mage, Marox, you know what to do." She returned her attention to her Dragon. "Hold in there." She rubbed her hand over Nysia's belly scales. She laid her hand on Nysia's wing and Eriel's fell next to her's.

Faefnir could see Galbatoricx and his army getting closer. Star, can you fly? If you want me to, I can get Reb to the safe place where we can heal her. Then you can be strong again. Is that OK, young one?
"I can fly, and we have been over the young one thing many times. "Star Gazer said with amusement but then shot up into the sky. Shedo, Letra, and Songar bolted away from the army into the trees. They would find their way back to Reb some how.
"Let's do it." A green glow appeared under her hand. "Vindr." The wing started to fill with air. "Brisingr." The wing started to expand rapidly. Nysia started to roar in pain. Sloane looked at Eriel with doubt in her eyes. Eriel returned the look with one that said, ‘You doubt me?' "Adurna." Blood started to rush into the wing, making it look livelier {sp}. Eriel turned to Sloane, “Heal her wounds please.. You just need to fix the bones and the teeth marks. I've already fixed the blood vessals and muscles." She slumped onto the grass, desperately trying to regain some energy.
Faefnir didn't want to brag, but he knew he could easily heal all of those wounds. He stepped forward. Step aside Sloane. I know exactly what to do. Faefnir rumbled deep in his chest, spoke some ancient words in the dragon tongue, then set his snout against the wounds. Both of their bodies started to glow a golden color. The dragoness lifted slightly off of the ground, with Faefnir's snout still touching the wound. As the glow started to fade and she lowered slowly to the ground, her wounds seemed completely healed. Faefnir only hoped that it wasn't too late.
Star Gazer landed next to Faefnir and watched him work. She was careful not to get to close. She breathed black fire and she didn't know what would happen if she accidentaly breathed it while he was doing his magic. She didn't want to find out so she just stood far away with her rider mounted on her back.
Are we home?, Nysia asked. Where is Galdor?
Sloane stroked the Dragonesses scales. "No. We're in Alagaesia with our friends, remember?"
Nysia's eyes clouded over a bit. "Where is Galdor? Zenith?"
"Zenith is back home with her hatchlings." Sloane paused. Why couldn't she remember? "Galdor..." She could feel everyone's eyes on her. She licked her lips. "Galdor is dead."
Nysia lowered her head again. "Oh..."
"I'm sorry. You guys can go ahead. Help Wil and Karagain. We'll be there in a moment." Sloane turned back to her Dragon. "Can you still help me? I can talk to Ava about-"
"I remember. Let's go." She climbed to her feet. Sloane watched her apprehensively. She turned seeing Eriel still standing behind her.
"Thank you", she said apprecaitively. "Our Kingdom will not forget this...and neither will we."
Sloane looked to Nysia and saw Glaice at her feet. We have restored her as best we can, Milady. Then she dissipated into fog.
Nysia stretched her wings. "Let's go. Your friends need you", she purred.
"They need us", Sloane said.
Then they were in the air, racing toward Wil. Nysia grunted with the effort, but made it along all the same.
Eriel stayed where she was and used the hill to her advantage. She drew her bow and nocked afew arrows, "Vindr." The arrows flew straight into the army, leaving armoured corpses in its wake. Emrhyst stood beside her, breathing fire upon the soldiers attempting to climb to hill. I need to help will "Okay then, just come back soon, i can't hold them off forever." With that, Emrhyst flew into the battle. Suddenly, Galbatorix appeared behind Eriel and put a wall of fire around the hill. Eriel threw her bow aside and unsheathed her sword.
Wil saw the fire wall go up around the hill. He'd just been lucky enough to sprint up the hill before the wall appeared. He saw Eriel and Galbatorix. He ran toward them at the top of the hill. He saw Galbatorix magically teleport himself behind Eriel. Wil barely got his blade out and between the two before Galbatorix's blow killed Eriel. He kicked Galbatorix back and saw that the knife wound was still there. Blood was streaming from it as water from a waterfall. Galbatorix paid no attention to it at all. Wil decided to make it worse. He rushed up to Galbatorix and swung his sword. He knew that the blade would be easily blocked. That was his plan. He locked blades with Galbatorix and pushed himself toward the man. He slipped his knife out of his tunic, where he'd put it after stabbing Galbatorix the first time. He stared Galbatorix down, waiting for the right moment. "You can forget about that, " Galbatorix said, swiping at the knife. Wil anticipated the movement and pulled it back. He then lunged forward, driving the knife into Galbatorix' throat. He drove the knife deeper, feeling it crush his voicebox, then going through his throat, then, with a sickening crunch, piercing the front of his spine. Wil felt Galbatorix immediately freeze up. He knew that the man was evil but seeing the look that had been paralyzed on his face was almost unbearable. Wil retracted the knife, letting the blood flow. Then, Wil watched in amazement as the wounds on Galbatorix' throat magically healed. His face unfroze. "You almost killed me. Now, I fear, you must die." Galbatorix said simply, setting his face in a cold, hard stare. Wil noticed that Galbatorix had overlooked the wound below his heart. "I hope you choke on those words." Wil retorted. He saw in relief that the fire wall had dissipated from the surprising blow. He backed up and waited for Galbatorix to do something.
" Reb jump!" Star Gazer called as Shrukien slammed into her side. Reb fell to the ground, right near Galby. She shot fire at him then turned her head to the sky.
Star Gazer spun in the air as the wind was knocked out of her, but she soon gained her composure. The black body slammed into her once again so hard her vision blured. She roared and bit at his neck. She mavuvered herself onto his back and bit down below his neck spine, making his roar in pain. He landed a blow to the side of her head with his tail spike. She fell off of him and plumeted to the earth. He slammed her into the ground with a force full shuv and then bit down on her head. His mouth filled with black fire and he backed off spitting blood. She stood and shook herself and he flung himself back at her. She slammed her tail spike into his chest, drawing blood.
Nysia roared. I can't! My wing! A lethrblaka slammed into her side. Her wing crumpled. Jump! You can still make it! Sloane stayed on her DRagon's back. I said, Go!
"Not without you!" Nysia roared and spiraled, trying to dislodge her rider. "Stop!"
The lethrblaka slammed into them again and Nysia fell. I'm...so-sorry...., Nysia gasped.
She hit the ground on her back. She skidded across the dirt. Sloane tumbled off her back. She looked up at the hill where Wil, Eriel, and Galbatorix stood. "He's the keeper of those beasts!", Sloane snarled. She climbed to her feet and stood, numb, looking at Nysia's crumpled body. Then, she drew her sword and charged the king. She missed and dug her heels into the ground. Fire and Ice overtook her and she lost control. Her body caught fire and the ground around her was alight with blue flame.
Faefnir roared at Shruikan. He plunged downward towards Nysia, then caught her before she hit the ground. He used a light misting with his ice breath to get rid of the flame, then set them down, far away from the battle. Faefnir stared at the two black forms of Star gazer and Shruikan battling each other. Then he saw Wil and Galbatorix about ready to square off. He knew this was a hopeless fight, for they were tired, and Galbatorix was at full strength again. He hatched a daring scheme to get them all out of there alive.
Eriel went numb with shock when Galbatorix appeared behind her again, he forced her to tilt her head and put his sword to her throat. He said, " Now, I’m going to kill her, painfully slow." Eriel winced as the blade cut her arm. A tear rolled down her cheeks as the blade cut deeper. And then he took out a knife and stabbed her, right below the heart where Wil stabbed him. Blood streamed down her mouth as Galbatorix threw her onto the ground and left her to die. Emrhyst tried to attack Galbatorix then but was caught in the air. Her eyelids got heavier as her rider's life seeped away. "I'm sorry Emrhyst." She paused, and then said, "I will at least kill that mad man before i die." She leapt up and lunged at Galbatorix. The blade found home in the right lung. "A life, for a life." She collapsed to the ground. Her heart pounded against her chest and then, silence. Emrhyst roared one last time and then, with her rider, started making the journey to the nether world.
Star Gazer and Shruikien stepped away from eachother, eachone roaring a challenge. Then they both lunged for eachother and Star Gazer and him took flight locked in battle. He grabbed her neck, but she wormed her way out of his jaws and clawed at his underbelly. He howled in pain and and knocked her away with his tail. " Your to weak dragoness." Shruikien said angrily.
" I doubt that. How come I am still alive if I am to weak, because you always kill the ones who apose you." Star Gazer asked.
" Good point." Shruikien said and body slammed Star Gazer and the two of them plumeted from an amazing hieght. She hit the ground with such a force it cracked underneath her broken body. Shruikien snorted his disgust at her and stalked away.
Faefnir turned towards Eriel and Emrhyst. He saw Galbatorix brandishing his blade and chortling maliciously with his victory. Faefnir roared mightily, then lunged at Galbatorix. He tried to slice Galbatorix with his talons, but Galbatorix dodged it with inhuman speed. Faefnir swiftly blocked a blow from his sword with one of his talons, then turned around to swipe Galbatorix with his tail. Galbatorix dodged this also, but he didn't expect the hind leg coming at him to kick him away. Galbatorix was knocked away from Eriel, and before he could recover, Faefnir was already in the skies with Eriel's limp body dangling from his claws. Faefnir set him down next to Nysia and Sloane. Faefnir knew Eriel was almost gone. He summoned all his energy to heal the wounds, but it was too late. The damage was done. As Eriel drew his last breath and Emrhyst roared loudly, Faefnir summoned the spirit of the Great Dragon, his ancestor. O Great One, don't let Eriel pass into darkness. She is of noble stature. Please, give me the strength to bring her back. The Great Dragon then appeared behind Eriel, semi-transparent and more glorious than any other dragon in the entire history of the world. It is done Faefnir. The Great Dragon lowered his head and breathed what appeared to be a white fire onto Eriel. The flame engulfed her body and Faefnir also noticed some of it pass into her mouth and nostrils. When the Great One finished this, Eriel started glowing as bright as the sun, as did Emrhyst. They both rose off of the ground high above the battle. Everyone stood in awe of this sight and fighting stopped for a time. Beams of light then shot out of Eriel and Emrhyst, temporarily blinding everyone. They were as bright as the sun. As the glow started to fade and they lowered back to the ground, there was a noticeable change in both of them. For Eriel, not only had color returned to her cheeks, but she looked more... beautiful. Her features were finely proportioned and her face was definitely more angular than it had been before. She also looked a little bit younger and didn't seem to carry any worries whatsoever. In Emrhyst, the change wasn't as drastic, but there was definitely a hint of white and gold in her scales now. The Great Dragon bowed his approval, then faded away. With the scene ended, fighting resumed again.
Sloane screamed and crawled back to Nysia. She tore off the saddle and threw herself over the Dragon. "Please, Nys. Don't die... Please..." When Nysia didn't respond, Sloane wailed and dug into her mind.
Fyrius! Glaice!, Sloane roared. Help me! No one was there. She opened her eyes and looked down at the bleeding beast that had been her closest friend.
"I...I-lov-love...you...", Nysia croaked.
"And I you! Stay with me!" She felt all alone. Nysia was going to leave her. "We're going to go home and...and see all our friends and we're going to fly...Nysia Donais Haven!" Sloane looked around. She felt someone behind her, but she didn't look to see who it was.
Wil approached Sloane. "Do you not have the healant? If you use that and i attempt healing her, we may just be able to save Nysia." He said. He'd gotten away from Galbatorix when he felt Nysia's life force draining. "Ready?" he asked. He put his hand on Nysia's neck. "Waise heill" he said, fusing his mind with Kagraign's. Nysia's body glowed emerald as Wil waited for Sloane to do something to help save her.
"It's all wrong! Everything! I shouldn't have let her be wounded in the first place!" Sloane sobbed. "I'll go in her place..." She lay her hands over Nysia's heart and forced her entire being into the Dragoness. Her memories, emotions, and thoughts, burst into the Dragoness. Nysia's body jolted and her eyes opened. Sloane fell back.

She was lying on ice, black roses lay on her body and scattered all over the ice. "You shouldn't have done that. It is too soon for either of you!" Sloane knew the voice, but couldn't identify it. A cold hand touched her brow. She jolted upward and was consumed by darkness.

"Little one...Princess..." She blinked up into the light. Nysia was looking down at her. Karagain and Wil were right behind her.
Sloane sighed, then rolled onto her side. "Am I dead?"
" Star!" Reb screamed as she saw her dragon lying there. She ran past galby, wil, sloane and Faefnir at a speed generated by fear. She fell on her knees by star and lifted her great black head. But she was pulled away by Shruikien who had his jaw clamped down around her ankle. She screamed and threw magic at him, but he threw her away and hurried to finish star off. Reb screamed at him and all of a sudden something caught his eye and he looked away from star just long enough for her dragon to use the last of her strenght to knock him away unconcious. Star was struggling to her feet. One wing hanging on the ground and a foot bleeding.
"Woah! That was weird..." Eriel suddenly remembered the fatal stab and then twisted around. "It's not there... All of them... execpt the scar... Oh well.. I'll have to live with it." Then she looked at Emrhyst and was amazed at her scales. Emrhyst noticed it too and with one accord they turned towards Faefnir. "Thank you."
O ho, don't look at me. I didn't lay a single finger on you two. This is the work of the Great Dragon. Then he saw Sloane fall limply to the ground. Faefnir reacted quickly, then brought her back into consciousness. As she stared up into the light, she asked if she was dead. No young one. You are still amongst the living, as is Nysia. Then Faefnir turned around to see Star fall as well. Reb was rushing towards her. He growled at Shruikan. He quickly rushed towards Star. Star, Star, are you alright?! He looked at Reb. Can you care for her? It's time to finish this once and for all. As Reb nodded her head in agreement, Faefnir lunged at Shruikan with inhuman or indragon speed. Shruikan flew above him just before Faefnir ran into him. As he did this, he spoke ot Eriel, Sloane, and Reb, along with their dragons. All of you, it's time to finish this. Attack Galbatorix with all strength you have now. It's time to end this battle! Charge!!!! Faefnir swooped up and turned around to face Shruikan. You, menace to society. Your hour has come! Your demon of death hearkens to you this day! He lunged at Shruikan and collided with him in midair, the golden and black forms forming a fantastic display as they fought for the future of the Empire and Alagaesia.
Sloane looked wearily at Faefnir. She closed her eyes. She remembered the strength she had on the last battle in her homeland. She called to all of her friends and troops. All of them seemed to reach out to her and give her strength.
Snatches of voices and memories flashed through her mind. She opened her eyes, feeling the strength in her bones. "Nys..." She touched the Dragoness and saw the strength flood through her as well. Mage and Marox sprinted toward her.
"They need life forces!" Marox cried.
"What?" Sloane watched as Marox's red pelt flashed and Glaice stood in her place. Mage went through the same transformation and before her stood Fyrius. Glaice cocked her head and her tail lashed back and forth. Fyrius stood and his pelt caught fire. His appearance startled Sloane. Once again he looked like a Werewolf Knight.
He looked down at his paws. "Free...?"
"Sloane the Goddesses...take their strength", Glaice urged. Her blue fur bristled as Sloane's scars came back.
She hunched over as the fire took her. She looked wild. The blac streak in her hair fell across her eye. Her clothes were torn and stained with blood. Faintly she felt something prickle along her back. She reached out and felt-wings! They flittered on her back.
"Wha-?"
"'Your mother was a Fairy Queen", Nysia said. "I can feel the presence of my ancestors..." Sloane laid a hand on Nysia's back and waited for the others. The power seemed to grow stronger with every second.
She stared at the King. Her rage intensified.
Emrhyst roared out her thoughts at Shruiken, Traitor! Usurper! Die! Eriel walked towards Galbatorix and saw that the wound was not fatal enough to kill him. "Now, we will and this, HERE and NOW" They rushed each other, sparks flying in all directions. Eriel started a complicated series of stabs, slashes and parries. She cought him on the hip and attempted to end his life but galbatorix saw what was coming and parried the blow and kicked Eriel in the gut. What he didn't expect though was a runed dagger coming down on his leg as he kicked. He grimaced in pain. Afew meters away, Shruiken roared with pain as the pain felt by Galby travelled across their mental link. "Die!" She plunged her sword into his heart and did an upper-cut, sucessfully cutting it into half. She looked at Shruiken and expected him to die too but he did not. 'Oh right... He did not choose him.'
" Star you are to weak to fight. Stay here." Reb comanded and then whistled. Cobalt trotted out of the forrest saddless. " Zantya it is your time to shine." Reb said and she was transformed into the beautiful shade. Cobalt turned into the fire steed and whinnied loudly. Zantya launched onto his back and then kicked him towards the fight.
Star snorted at Reb. She would finish Shruikan off first. She said the healing words and then her wing and leg were restored to their former glory. She took flight and launched herself off the ground and infront of the black dragon. She roared at him and he roared back and swept her off her feet with his tail. She grabbed his neck and took him down with her. She snarled and bit down hard.
Star gazer! NO! This is a me-and-him fight. This is personal. Get down there and help kill Galbatorix! Faefnir swooped down and rammed into Shruikan's side, knocking him off of Star. Faefnir then grabbed Shruikan's underbelly and started biting down hard on his neck.
Sloane lashed out at Shruikan's mind. She was forced back with a strong barrier. He's strong. She gritted her teeth. Nysia stay here!, she ordered, seeing the Dragoness rise. She watched Star and Faefnir fighting the huge black Dragon with brute force. Sloane struggled to keep her ind shut and Shruikan's open.
Wil blocked Galbatorix's sword once again. He slashed at his midsection. Galbatorix blocked it and stabbed at Wil's heart. Wil dodged and swung his blade straight down on Galbatorix' leg. He felt the blade sink in and pushed harder, looking to cut the bone straight through. He pressed harder still until Galbatorix' leg was pinned to the ground. As Wil continued to pierce Galbatorix' leg, he used one of his own legs to kick the evil king right in the mouth. He pulled the blade out, flipped it around quickly, and caught Galbatorix under the arm, pulling him up and over Wil's body. This time Wil's blade went all the way through. Galbatorix' arm lay limp on the ground with him staring horridly at his bloody stump. Wil pointed his blade at Galbatorix' throat. "Why won't you die?" he asked simply. He kicked Galbatorix in the stomach and walked off, figuring that not even that man could save himself from bleeding to death.
Eriel stared at Wil, and then she had a flash back. A sword cut into her arm, straight into the bone. A knife flashed and stabbed her in the back. Her breathing grew laboured as she returned to reality. She found herself on the ground hugging her knees and what's more? She found herself crying for something she couldn't remember.
Sloane's concentration broke and Shruikan's barriers flew up. She stumbled and fell on her back. She remembered laying like this only a few years ago. Weak and exhausted.
Feeling the grass of the valley under her fingers made her smile, despite her discomfort and minor pain. Then the valley fell away and she was lying on the rocky ground by the Brink of Death.
Steven stood over her. He crouched, pushing the hair from her face. "Forgive me..."
Then she was back lying on the ground in Alagaesia. "Wil? Eriel?"
Eriel was not far away, sitting on the ground, looking as though she was in emense pain.
Is it over?, she wondered.
Faefnir took advantage of Sloanes attempts to break into Shruikan's mind to bite down on his neck and pin him in such a way that Shruikan couldn't escape. As they plummetted towards the ground, Faefnir spoke to Shruikan to the dragon tongue. "How does it feel to die like this, Shruikan? Not exactly the way you imagined it, did you?" As they got close to the ground Faefnir let go of Shruikan, causing him to fall into the ground. Faefnir swooped up, then landed behind Shruikan. Faefnir stalked around Shruikan. Without even thinking, he tore off Shruikan's wings with two great swipes of his talons. Believing him incapacitated, Faefnir walked over to the rest of the group.
" I could have taken him." Star said to Faefnir as he walked towards her. She took her claws off a soldier and let him run from her. " But I guess you took care of him." She added then turned away towards her rider angrily.
"Sloane!" She looked up. Morda and Fury were landing behind her.
"What are you doing here, Morda?" Sloane asked, running toward her friend.
"We have word of Dezlen and Steven", she purred.
"Really?" Sloane bounced on the balls of her feet. "I need to tell Wil and the others that I'm going home, then!"
Fury dipped her head to her. "I'm sorry. I thought you were in danger. I saw something and-"
"She just wanted to protect you. She's sorry that her means were so dangerous", Morda interjected.
Sloane nodded. "I understand. I'll be right back." She darted off toward her friends. "Wil! Wil!" She skidded to a stop before him. "I'm glad to have helped. I hope to see you soon. I have to go home though...I have my own calling."
Eriel looked up with a start and blinked away tears. She asked herself, "Why am I crying? I'm not dead." She jumped to her feet and examined the rock where she left Galbatorix. With a cry she noticed he was gone. She hit the stones around it and rushed back into the battle, killing the soldiers in an attempt to vent her anger.
Faefnir charged back into the battle. He saw Eriel and Emrhyst fighting several soldiers and were getting overwhelmed. He charged into a huge circle around them, then noticed Galbatorix was no longer there. Curses! He and the others gradually managed to push the soldiers back towards the castle. They were weak without their leader. As Faefnir reared up and roared, he saw something that he thought could never happen.
Star whirled around and spat black fire at all the soldiers. " Zantya, take control and control this blaze." Star called. Reb launched her self from star's back and as soon as she hit the ground she was zantya. Zantya drew her sword and spun it in a circle and the blade turned into fire. She then motioned the blade towards the fire and it shot up.
" Fine, but since Cobalt can change so can you." Zantya said and the blade of her sword smashed into Star's scales. All the fire surged at her dragon and it engulfed her. Her black body disapeared under an inferno of fire. Then it exploded and bits and pieced of Star's black scales rained down upon the soldiers. When Zantya removed her arm from infront of her face she gasped. Star Gazer stood there. Red eyes examining the soldiers. Her black scales were replaced with firey red and black ones that were hot to the touch. Star threw her mighty head back and roared.
The scene the soldiers saw gave Eriel enough time to kill some of them. She was covered in both the soldiers and her own blood, her quiver was empty and her sword, bloodied. Her cloak was tattered and torn, her robes were stained red. The cry that came from the dying soldier alerted the rest of them. They turned around and aimed for Eriel's head. There were too many blades for her to withstand and she found herself with one knee and one foot on the ground and her sword above her head. Emrhyst roared and rushed towards her rider.
Star Gazer watched as Eriel was surounded by urgals. She watched her swing out and miss, and she also watched an axe burry itself in her back. Another in her leg. Eriel fell to the ground beneath the feet of the relentless urgals. They pulled back their axes and swung again but Eriel moved out of the way just in time. Star Gazer watched as her dragon began failing. Star Gazer swooped low and took out three of the urgals but not in time to save her from the arrow that burried itself in her chest and peirced her heart. Then another axe hit her in the back as she fell. Star Gazer roared for someone to help her and watched as both Eriel and her dragon died. Reb ran in and killed two of the urgals but didn't come out unscathed.
Sloane covered her mouth with her hand. "Eriel!" she cried.
"No..." Nysia whispered. Suddenly, Sloane forgot about going home. "This isn't good...Darkness is flooding this place."
Sloane drew her sword, she tried hard to hold back her blinding tears. "Someone else to fight for", she muttered. She ran into battle, hacking down soldiers and urgals. "They turned on us..." She ran past Emryhst's crumpled body and sighed. "More loss..."
Eriel and Emrhyst, despite being several kilometers away heard each other's screams and roars of pain, as they fell, they smiled and then closed their eyes in submission.

They made their way to the Vault of Souls. When Eriel looked down, she saw her dragon under her, flying happily in what seemed to be a room of stars so bright and of so many different colours. Her dragon looked up at her and roared happily. Eriel remembered this trip, but instead of smiling, she was in pain and extreme sadness. To her relief though, she was pulled out of it before it became too unbearable.

They approuched her father, tears welled in her eyes as she thought of the years she had spent with him, then, she looked down and saw his dragon whom she immediately realised as Emrhyst's mother. Emrhyst let out a roar of joy as she confirmed it. Eriel thought to herself , "So... this is what the after life looks like, I wonder if i can find Vreal here."
Faefnir suddenly felt a life extinguished, someone very close to him. He broke from the fighting and took flight. His eyes widened as he saw Emrhyst and Eriel lie dead. Faefnir first felt sadness for the loss of one of his closest friends, then he felt anger. He lunged down towards the soldiers from the sky and breathed fire on them. The flame rose in intensity with his anger. He shed several tears until, like every other time he lost his temper, his eyes turned a blood red and he took on a very different appearance. Nothing could be done now.
Zantya let tears blind her vision as she faught with effort that would have had a grown man on the ground crying out in pain. She was to busy to help Star Gazer control her anger now that she had transformed. Star Gazer was seeing only blood.
Star Gazer spotted Faefnir in the sky, but it felt like she had no control and for some reason she felt the urge to hurt him. She slammed into his side before she knew what she wad doing. Her new look had done something to her. She tried to fight for control but she could do anything as She slammed Faefnir into the ground.
Eriel's mind tingled as she felt Star gazer being overwhelmed by an unknown concious. She couldn't do anything though, for she was in the Vault of Souls. Emrhyst roared as she tried to break through a barrier seperating the netherworld and the material one. Eriel reached across the barrier and lent Star Gazer some of her strength to resist whatever was making her do that.
Faefnir turned just in time to see the different Star gazer speed towards him. He couldn't react fast enough though. As he recoiled and escaped from Star, he answered her challenge with a roar. He sped at her and slammed into her. He breathed intense fire into her face. As she tried to escape from it, he grabbed her front leg, swung her wround, then, just before he let go, bit down hard on her neck. He didn't know why, but he smiled as she roared in pain.
"Nysia!" Sloane leapt onto her Dragon's back and raced toward Star and Faefnir. Morda and Fury came up behind her. Nysia slammed into Faefnir's side, while Morda kept Star Gazer back. Fury hovered in the middle and her eyes seemed to cloud over.
"Stop this!" Sloane yelled. "You two are friends!"
The darkness that had always lurked with Star Gazer ever since she was little had finally won her internal battle. Since she was a black magic Dragon black magic was in her heart, and her heart had finaly burst when she felt Faefnir bite her. The new star rammed past the other dragon and grabbed Faefnir's right wing and pulled on it. She put her hind legs on his side and tried to seperate wing from dragon. She felt muscles tear under her onslaught.
Faefnir roared at the top of his lungs as Star gazer started pulling at his wing. Since that wing was immoblilized, he and Star kept plummetting towards the earth. Very soon afterwards, he felt a huge tear in his muscles as his wing and shoulder muscles came apart. He fell, helplessly, as Star gazer let him go. He slammed into the ground and as he struggled to get back up, Star gazer landed in front of him. In his weakened state, the anger left and his eyes turned back into gold. As he looked upon the face of death, the one who he most cared for, he decided not to bother anymore. He simply gave up. The last thing he saw was the dark and evil face of Star gazer, leering over him. When he woke up again, he was floating in the Vault of Souls with Eriel standing next to him and Emrhyst trying desperately to escape.
Star Gazer looked down upon Faefnir and let a tear roll to the ground. A tear was all it took. The darkness subsided and she looked down at Faefnir's limp body. His wing lying on the ground. She shrieked. She put her nose to his and said the words of healing. All it did was fix his wing. He still lay there dead.
Eriel turned and looked at Feafnir. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. Then rushed up to him and put a hand on his scales. She let out a cry of despair as she realised he was dead too. Emrhyst flew over to Feafnir and roared. Eriel looked at him angrily yet calmly said, "You left them." She paused and let the words sink in. "You left them to die!" The last word resonated through the entire vault. Conversations stopped as people and dragons heard this. They murmured, "Well this is a sight, an elf seething with anger and showing it."
Faefnir reacted quickly to Eriel's statement. No no! Let me explain! It was Star gazer. She... she killed me. She tore off my wing. I knew I was at my end, so I decided that simply giving up will bring her good side back. Letting her kill me would only fuel her bloodlust and maybe would have killed the real Star altogether. I was dead either way. Trust me, I didn't leave them to die. I believe in Star gazer and Reb. They will lead the others and we shall be back in our own bodies. Trust me, it's what had to be done. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a father I must meet. Faefnir slowly and majestically walked away from Eriel and Emrhyst, preparing himself to at last meet his ancestor, the Great Dragon.
Star Gazer was overwhelmed with grief. " I think you know what we have to do. It's time to pull out the big guns. We are going to pull their souls back from the vault if it is the last thing we ever do." Star Gazer said, sizing up. She was a large dragon, but to Reb she was larger than life right at that moment.
" Inferno?" Reb questioned.
" Inferno." Star Gazer agreed. Reb slid down from the saddle and put her hands out infront of her. A fire snake crawled it's way up her arms, emanating from her hands. She threw the fire up into the air and Star gazer launched into the air. She hovered above the fire ball and then spit her own fire ball into it. She flapped her wings in a rythem, that soon Reb follwed with the fire. It began to spin and spin and soon opened up into a funnel that ******** Reb, Faefnir, Eriel, and Emerhyrst into it. Star Gazer was at the top making the air spin the fire, and Reb was in the middle keeping the fire from falling or burning anyone. Some strands of the fire wound it's way around her legs and her arms. Her eyes clouded over and she was lifted off the ground in a red halo, as were everyone else in the cyclone. The fire slowly covered their bodies, healing as it went. But it could only heal one wound on each body at a time, but slowly ever so slowly Reb could feel their lives being restored. She had to grit her teeth against the pain that shot through her limbs. Her energy was great but even this task was daunting enough that it drained her quickly, but she didn't quit. " Not until they are back." She said to her self. She could barely see through the pain, but she could see. She saw star hovering above. She had long quit rotating the air, and now Reb was the only one making it spin. Star was melding their strenght. But Reb didn't know how long she could hold it. Not much longer with as many people as she was trying to heal.
Eriel gasped as her body started to heal. She felt herself being drawn into it. Emrhyst looked at Eriel with awe in her eyes. It's Reb. She's the only one who can control fire so well. Eriel looked at Emrhyst quizzically then understood. "Let's help her them then!" They merged their minds, "Waise Heill." She passed over her body's flesh injuries.
Eriel and Emrhyst felt themselves being drawn back into their bodies. For a moment, they saw two things, the Vault of Souls, and Reb healing their wounds. Then everything went black. When they awoke, they found themselves hovering in the air with Reb below them, already about to faint. Rider and dragon started to merge their strength with Reb's in an atempt to restore Feafnir to the world of mortals.
Faefnir suddenly panicked as he felt his spiritual self being drawn out of the Vault. He tried to claw away from the force at first. He still had so many questions for his father. Then he heard a voice, one that he somehow recognized. Faefnir, don't fight it. All will be well soon. Go back. They need you, now more than ever. At hearing these words, he simply gave up and let the force take him out of the Vault. He looked at himself fading, his golden scales nearly see-through. Faefnir gently closed his eyes and sighed as he felt his spirit being transferred from the Vault to the world. As he blacked out, his final thought was relief.

Faefnir started breathing slowly and gently. His wings, now fully repaired, hung limply from his back. He moved his front legs a tiny amount, restoring strength back to them. As he slowly opened his eyes back up, the first thing he saw was Star gazer, her face now benevolent and peaceful. Seeing her upon his return to the world caused something inside him. One large, golden tear went down the side of his face. He suddenly leapt up and held onto Star gazer, letting the tears continue to fall.
Star smiled at Faefnir. " I'm glad your back. Can you forgive me?" She asked horrified at herself.
Reb watched her friends come to life, but with their life went her energy. She blacked out and the vortex shut down completely. And all that she saw as she colapsed to the ground was the blue sky. Then all went black.
Eriel quickly ran to Reb with Emrhyst in tow. She shaked her gently then put her hand on her brow. She sighed in relief. "Exhausion and nothing more. She could've killed herself!" Eriel noticed with a jolt. Emrhyst looked at Feafnir and Star and smiled then turned her attention to Reb. I hope she's okay.
Faefnir smiled at her and was about to embrace her, when she suddenly collapsed. Faefnir reacted quickly. He mumbled several words, hoping that he could bring Star gazer and Reb back.
" Don't waste your healing magic dear. I'm fine. Just a little tired from the marathon fly and fighting you. I'm strong but not wonder dragon. And Reb is fine. She does this faint thing alot. I've learned not to move her and an hour later she should be up." Star told them all.
Eriel sighed with relief, "Okay then, let us leave her be and take turns watching her." Emrhyst snorted, "Galbatorix is as good as dead, Alagaesia is free at last." Eriel looked at her dragon in amusement and sat next to Reb, careful not to touch her.
Faefnir rushed over to Star and wrapped his neck around hers. " I'm so glad your okay." He said and then unwrapped his neck and then touched noses with her then looked her over to make sure she was really okay.

" I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to hurt you. I don't know if I can ever forgive myself." Star said sadly.
" Don't worry about it. I don't hold a grudge." He said to her.

Eriel sighed and looked at the carnage around her. The most of the soldiers were dead. The others were wounded. "Let's head for Teirm. I believe our part here is done. Eragon can do the rest." Emrhyst nodded.

" I agree. We are through here. Eragon and Saphira must do the rest on their own." Faefnir said and then lifted off the ground. He looked back at the people and soldiers. " A pity so many lives had to be taken." He said shaking his head.
Star jumped into the air as well. Reb resting on her back. She also hated that many lives had been taken. She shook her head as well then did a dive and then lifted farther into the air.
Eriel sighed and laughed as they saw several elves and ships all ready to leave. "Looks like we're all going. But... It seems some of them are staying..." Emrhyst looked on and laughed, Lets not care about them. They will leave, eventually. She landed on the shore and smiled.
Faefnir landed next to Emrhyst to watch the elves depart then he looked back at Star who had stayed in the air. “What is wrong?" He asked her and then launched back into the air.

“Nothing is wrong. I'm just not liking the smell of death. It smells... well like death." Star said shaking her head
Wait," Wil said, finally showing himself after the battle. He'd been sulking about it the entire time. He and Kagraign flew back to Gilead, one last time. You know what we must do. Kagraign told him. Wil nodded. He hopped off Kagraign and closed his eyes, imagining all the bodies that lay before him. He molded minds with Kagraign. They mumbled something. A bright light filled the entire castle, the entire city. Suddenly, people who were long dead woke up, looking toward the bright futures that lay ahead of them. Soldiers stood up, no longer under Galbatorix' control, and went home to their wives. Wil and Kagraign smiled as they passed the Urgal Chieftain that had allied with them. "You are a noble youngling. Your story will be sung about for years to come in the Urgal camps." the chieftain said. Wil smiled as he and Kagraign passed into the Vault of Souls, ready to rest their weary bodies after the battle. Suddenly, he stopped, staring ahead. His father was standing in front of him, looking at him with admiration. "You have become a hero of this land. Even though you disobeyed me by keeping Kagraign, you have saved all of Alagaesia, and for that, I am proud of you." he said, smiling. A tear slid down Wil's cheek. He knew he would be happy in the afterlife.
Faefnir then noticed Kagraign and Wil. He smiled lightly. No Star, I can do this. As he summoned all of his strength, he lightly breathed on the pair. Fine gold dust seemed to emanate from his nostrils. He mumbled a few words; the smiled as he felt another life suddenly reappear.
Star gasped as she saw Wil. “Welcome back." She said happily and then walked over to Faefnir and nudged his shoulder with her own then smiled at him. “Good job." She commented and then sighed and looked around her with sad eyes.
Eriel laughed lightly as she welcomed Wil back. She stepped onto the ship and held on to a rope as a huge breaker crashed onto it. She spat some salt water out and asked, "Well, you guys coming or..." She looked back and saw several elves boarding the ship. She had a quick conversation with them before turning back to her friends. "The ship will leave soon. Get on before it does." Emrhyst roared sadly as she saw some of her friends remaining on the shore before taking off and circling the ship.

Wil looked toward the ship. He saw a future on this ship, a place where he and Kag could be free forever from troubles. He looked back and saw all his childhood memories. He saw his mother's face, his father's proud, adoring smile. Wil closed his eyes as he remembered everything. A tear rolled down his cheek. He opened his eyes and looked at all his friends: Kagraign, Lucia, Eriel, Reb, Star, Faefnir, and all the others who'd come to help in this final mission. They were all reminiscing as well. A cocky glare then replaced the tears in his eyes. "Kagraign, Lucia, let's find a new future across the sea!" he said, running up the planks onto the ship. He looked at everyone once again. They had changed as well. Everyone was trying to help on the ship, to make ready to sail across the unknown sea. Wil looked out across the shining blue water. He watched the sun sink into its murky depths. At last, the ship set sail in the pitch black veil of night, never to return.
Faefnir silently looked at the sea as the white ships departed the shores of Alagaesia. He looked at Emrhyst, Eriel, Reb, Star gazer, and the forever-loyal Stag, the only friend's he had in the entire world. Come you guys. There is still much work that needs done here. Our destiny remains in this world, where there is still much strife and anarchy. Then his eyes took a strange, glazy look. I must go now. Take care my dear friends. Then Faefnir took off and flew into the golden sunset, off to do more deeds worthy of legend. The White Stag started running behind, loyal companion to a mighty hero.
Star let a tear roll down her face as she looked at all her friends. “Farewell to all but I too have deeds left to tend to. This world needs protectors. We will see each other again. But Reb and I are needed here. See you in awhile or maybe tomorrow. Only God can tell." Star said then waited for her rider to mount. She watched Faefnir fly away and let tears stream from her eyes. Tears of a dragon are rare.
" All I think that needs to be said is that I will see you again." Reb said and they flew off followed by her wolves and Cobalt.