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The sky was a sick hue of grey as the cloaked man strolled down the ruined roadway of Urû'baen. His eyes were focused entirely on the castle far ahead of him, his mind filled with a sorrowful hatred towards the man who sat on its throne. Glabatorix had once been one of his closest friends, a man of honour and of noble courage. Now he was insane, his mind warped from the death of his dragon many years ago. And it was all thanks to Brand who had wanted to help Galbatorix become a small fraction stronger.

For years Brand had lived with this painful memory, the scene of Galbatorix walking up the steps of Doru Araeba his with his mind and body on the verge of death. The way his eyes, dried of tears, were red from the death of his dragon. The death Brand was responsible for. And so much more pain that followed, all because he sought to fix his sin.

And now finally, after so many years of hiding, of silent tears, Brand could finally right the wrongs he had made. He would go and face his old friend and stop him, whether to kill or to persuade he did not know. But Brand knew he has to stop the mad king for if he continued his reign then his beloved Saphira would fall prey to his past mistakes. This was something he could not allow.

Brand was shaken from his mindful determination when soldiers of the empire, the kings men, appeared from a alleyway. Upon seeing the stranger dressed in a cloak, his face hidden, did they draw there swords and the sounds of bows being drawn were heard.

"Surrender, under the name of the King!" A heavily armoured man in front called out with sword at his side, the shield bearing the kingdoms crest in front. Brand did not say a word, the men wearily beginning to approach the strange man.

"Get out of my way." Brand suddenly said harshly, the men stopping as he raised a bandaged arm towards them. "I swear to you now that if you leave me be none of us shall be harmed. I have come to face Galbatorix alone, I created him..." He swept his arm to the side, a empty husk of a building suddenly exploding into rubble. "And I shall end him."

The armoured man suddenly looked back and swept his arm forward. "Mages!" He called and Brand watched with cold eyes as several men in robes came forward. Within the moment he felt small ticks of pressure on the magical wall of his inner mind, each attack like that of a fly bashing against a window. No man could possibly touch his mind, his spiritual energy far greater than that of a normal man.

"I said..." Went Brand as he raised his arm, his face contorted in rage. "...get out of my WAY!" With a final roar he swept his arm in a wide arc once more, the stones of the building he had destroyed rising up only to shoot at the group of men. Blood splattered along the ground and each man went down to the ground, their eyes punctured by large pieces of stone and wood. However Brand had mercy and allowed the commander of the group live, the man trembling noticeably even in the heavy plate mail he wore.

His fist clenched tight against the hilt of his sword as Brand strolled forward, stopping just behind him. "Tell anyone you see..." He whispered threateningly. "...that no one must get in the way of Brand Orson." And with that he began to leave. However the knight finally broke and spun about to stab his blade into Brands exposed back. The blade bent in two mere inches from his skin, the blade bending over into a L shape like it was plastic.

The knight stared dumbfounded at his sword as Brand continued on, his eyes once more on the castle far ahead. *Im coming Galb...* he thought slowly as though his old friend could hear him. *...Let us end this...once and for all.*

After that silent vow, Brand continued on. As he went on more soldiers tried to hinder his progress but he disposed of them easily. This time though he did not kill, merely sent them into the darkness of unconsciousness. Soon he found himself going through the large double doors of the castle, now inside the main hallway.

It was here he stopped, his eyes scanning over another group of soldiers that stood before the archway that lead to the throne room. Looking down Brand noticed several floor tiles tainted with blood, bodies lying everywhere in a variety of traps. Shrugging it off he merely went on his way, easily avoiding the traps that did not go off by throwing his mind out and sensed for both magical and non-magical means.

On the other side one of the soldiers noticed him quickly approaching. "Who the 'ell are you?" The man asked as Brand stopped before the group. "No one allowed beyond here. We're 'ere to make sure 'o that!" The guard suddenly laughed. "Like anyone could anyways. The king sealed the door himself!"

"Then I'm sure he won't mind me busting it down." Brand said suddenly as he raised his hand up, the guards slowly turning to watch at a glow began to appear on his palm. "Especially once he knows that his old friend has come for a visit." He rushed forward, his hand glowing brighter and brighter until the men were finally blinded by it.

-/-

Eragon and Saphira, along with Arya and Elva, stood before the doors that would lead them to the final battle. At least, that is what they hoped. Standing before the door Eragon could almost feel the presence of Galbatorix, the great black dragon Shruikin and the many Eldunarí he had forced to bend to his will.

*Are you ready Eragon?* the young man looked up at his partner, the blue dragon staring at the beautifully carved door. With their mind link he was able to tell that she too was just as worried. It was either they win this fight or everything the Varden has fought for, everything Brom had fought for, everything THEY had fought for, will mean nothing.

*Let us hope that we are Saphira.* Eragon whispered as he turned to look at his companions. "Ready?" He asked only to place his hands on the door when both nodded. With a deep breath, he pushed it slowly open and the four walked into a room of blackness. Together they paused in the doorway, their eyes peering into the darkness only to spin around when the door slammed shut.

Lights flared to life in torches located on several massive pillars, each leading up into darkness. Far ahead was a platform, stairs leading up to a throne of the finest carved wood and gold. Upon this seat sat the mad king Glabatorix, dressed as though attending to men of court rather then men of war. His handsome black eyes showed years of age yet his body seemed as though he was only in his mid thirties. A long and wide mouth in a charming smile laid under a blade-like nose was almost hidden by a finely cropped beard and moustache, the same black colour as his hair and eyes.

"Welcome Eragon, Saphira." He greeted in a voice like pure honey, a voice they knew all too well was deceptive. "Welcome to my humble abode."

Eragon drew his sword, Saphira snarling while Arya hefted the green Dauthdaert, the spear said to have the capabilities to slay even a dragon. Elva meanwhile sunk herself into a dark corner, her mind ready to sense any mortal wounds her allies may endure.

*Eragon, remember what it is we must do.* the elf said to Eragon while her own eyes never left that of Galbatorix. *Be aware of our surroundings as well. I do not see the black dragon here.*

Eragon nodded once. "You know why we are here Mad KIng!" Eragon called out as he raised his sword to point its tip at him. "We have come to end your tyranny once and for all! For the people you have murdered, for the families you have destroyed, and for the riders whom you betrayed!"

Galbatorix only cocked his head in amusement as he leaned his hand against his head, his elbow on the arm of his throne. "Tyranny?" He mused with a chuckle. "That is not how I view it. Tell me Eragon, so you know why I did all of these?" He slowly stood up from his Thorne, his thick heavy black cape falling to the ground. He began to slowly step down from his throne.

"Years ago I made a discovery." Glabatorix began to explain, his eyes never leaving the four people standing before him. "The riders had become mad with power, they ruled with a grip over this land that they did not deserve. I believed that men of these land deserved a peace yet the riders did not give that." He gave out a handsome laugh. "Bandits roamed the land in shadows, urgals attacked villages, and men did not trust anyone. We became greedy so I ended it all." He suddenly shrugged at the bottom of the steps. "And then I realized there was one other thing, something that was exploited by all that used it. I will give you a hint: you, me, and that elf girl can both use it yet your brother and that of the leader of the Varden cannot."

Arya was the first to answer. "Are you..." She began slightly perturbed by what she may believe is the answer. "Are you speaking of magic?"

Galbatorix held his hand up. "Correct girl." With a simple whisper flames appeared in his hand and he held it up, his eyes looking at it as though a holy light. "Magic cannot be controlled, or more specifically, those who use it." With a simple flick of his wrist the mad king dispelled the fire. "After many long years I finally found the method to control it, something that no living mortal had learned of in hundreds of years." His grin widened as his hand clenched close. "The true name...of magic."

*Surely he is jesting Eragon.* Saphira murmured to Eragon. *there is no way possible that any man, even one such as him! can control it.*

Eragon nodded in agreement. "You lie Galbatorix!" He roared out yet a part of him did not believe he was lying. He remembered what the last Ra'zac told him mere moments before death, that he was close to finding it. Eragon began to think the creature was speaking of the true name of magic.

Galbatorix cocked an eyebrow. "Then come Eragon." He insisted. "Come and slay me. Come and show me that I am wrong!"

And that was exactly what Eragon did. Without a simple word, yell, nor breath he charged the mad king with his blade held high. Roaring out a "Brisingr!" His blade came to life, the blue metal surrounded in a cloak of blue flame. Mere feet from where he stood, Galbatorix suddenly whispered a single word and Eragon felt not only a tingle from within himself but also everywhere around him. The air, the stone, even the sword within his hands tingled and he suddenly fell to the floor.

"What?!" Eragon gritted as he began to lift himself up. It was painful to the young man, his body feeling as though Saphira herself had just sat on him managing only to get to his elbows, Eragon looked up at Galbatorix's grinning face only to look back and see his friends in the same predicament. Saphira pressed flat against the ground, Arya struggling to her feet, and Elva flat against the flooring.

*Eragon!* a heavy voice called within his mind, the mind of Umaroth merging with his consciousness. *you must not give up! If we fail then everything will fall! You will be bound to him!*

Eragon nodded, his body suddenly feeling a small bit lighter as the eldunarí he had taken with him aided him in his troubled state. Yet even then, Eragon only managed to get to his knees and no farther. "Come now Eragon." He looked up to see Glabatorix slowly walkng back up to the throne, the wall behind the seat beginning to move. It was at that moment he realized that it was no wall but Shruikin, his massive form appearing like the walls around him. "Did you honestly believe I was lying? If there is one thing I have done in many years was lie even to my enemies."

Eragon blinked when he heard the sound of deafened battle and he looked back at the door far behind them. It sounded as though an army was just outside his front steps!

"Don't think even for a moment that that door will open and help will meraculously come for you." Galbatorix laughed as he sat down, his hands interlocking before his face. "I sealed the door after you entered. The eldunarí I have under my care are keeping it closed for me as we speak."

At that exact moment, they all became startled when the door exploded into a cloud of dust and debris. The smoky remains flew high over Ereagon head, the massive black dragon covering its face with a wing as it smashed into its side. More fell around Eragon who had covered his head with his hands. Once it settled he lifted his head up to look back and see the door gone, nothing but black smoke in its place.

With wide eyes he watched as a soldier appeared, a crazed horrified look to the eyes behind the helmet he wore. "My lord!" The soldier screamed as he held a gauntleted hand out to the Mad King. "Help me! He is a demon!" And then he screamed, his hands grasping aimlessly at the ground for handholds as he was dragged back out of sight and into the smoke. He continued to scream but that was soon replaced by a loud crunch, silence soon after. Then footsteps were heard and Eragon felt his heart pounding deep in his chest as a cloaked man soon appeared his face hidden in shadow.

Galbatorix leaned forward on his seat, his one hand slowly stroking the muzzle of his dragon as he lowered his massive head down to his masters side. "Impressive stranger. That surprised even me." He said as the figure strolled across the large expanse of space, past the down dragon and elf. Galbatorix stood up once more when the man stopped before throne room. "Tell me who are stranger so that I may properly greet."

"Cut the crap Glab." The hooded man and Galbatoeix blinked at him. There were few men who called him by that nickname and he knew they were all dead. Save one. "Humph. Judging by that stupid grin of yours I'm guessing you know who I am now."

Galbatorix smiled, his arms going up in mock entertainment. "Why of course!" He exclaimed. "How could I possibly forget about you my old friend, my old mentor!" His face lowered into a smile of darkness, and his sweet voice turned into one of demonic origin. "Hello again...Brand."

At the sound of his name Brand removed his cloak revealing his handsome face, his emerald green eyes ever watching, and his neat brown hair tied in its ponytail. The first thing he felt was the joy of Saphira, her mind trying with all its might to merge with his but he refused her entry.

"Glab, I came here to stop you." Brand explained slowly as he began to step up the stairs towards his old friend. "Please, stop this madness! You've already harmed enough people!" He pointed his finger back at the four struggling with all their might to stand back onto their feet. "They don't deserve this Galb! If anyone deserves to be punished..." He held his hand against his chest. "...it would be me."

Galbatorix's eyes went wide, Shruikins as well. "Galb, it was my fault you lost your dragon. It's my fault why Jarnunvösk died and you damn well know she never would have accepted this path you chose." He took another step, his hands out wide. "Please, just stop. I know this isn't you, you were once a man of honour, of fierce courage. What happened to that man?"

Galbatorix trembled while his black gloved hand rubbed his neatly trimmed beard. "He grew up Brand." He replied coldly taking a step towards Brand. "I did this for the good of the people Brand and you damn well know that what I do I do for THEM!" He paused. "And it's been that way since her death Brand! I never blamed you for her death! By the gods Brand I found the true name of magic! We can finally place a law system on it!"

Brand shook his head sadly. "Galb, I agree it needs to be controlled but you went at it the wrong way." Tears filled his eyes. "The riders...they were all good people. They were our friends!" His face filled with rage. "Yes! They may have had too much power but they kept order! And what of Brom! Last I heard he was murdered by Ra'zac which you commanded! He was our friend!"

"He was a traitor like them!" Galbatorix held his finger out to point past Brand at Eragon and the others. "They must either join me or be forced to! Brand this land needs a man with the strength to rule it properly!"

"You're not that man!"

Galbatorix blinked, Shruikin eye looking wide eyed at Brand whose face went dark. "Galbatorix, look at yourself..." He whispered as tears fell from his face. "...you've gone mad. This kingdom doesn't deserve a man who has lost his very sanity. Please, come with me. I can help you..." He looked up at the black dragon who watched with blazing red eyes. "Both of you."

Galbatorix's face went dark as his dragon looked at him. He shook his head slowly. "We are done here." Words bursted from his lips and brand fell to his knees, the true name of magic forcing him to. The mad king began to slowly sit back on his throne. "Old friend, you left me no choice." He explained quickly. "I had thought you would have saw things my way especially after you told me of Vrael's location. And yes Eragon this man did betray him."

He suddenly clapped his hands and soon a red drake soon appeared, a man sitting atop his back. "Murtagh, take Eragon and Saphira away and seal them in one of our chambers. Kill the others." Eragon protested, his body fighting with every once of strength he had while Galbatorix's black eyes focused on Brand. "I will deal with our unexpected guest myself."

Murtagh nodded as he and his dragon, Thorn, began to slowly walk towards the four helpless people. His eyes showed sorrow, his heart wishing he could rebel but it was all hopeless. Galbatorix knew his true name and exploited it, enslaved him to fight those who were once his allies.

Halfway to his old friends however, Brand suddenly threw his arm to the side and large spikes shot up from the ground before him. Thorn barely had time to even avoid the barrage of spikes by leaping back. Galbatorix, Shruikin, Thorn, Murtagh, and everyone else the chamber stared wide eyes as Brand slowly stood back to his feet, his face a grim one.

"You have left me no choice Galbatorix..." He whispered as flames danced in his hands. "Upon this day, you will fall by my hand and no other." His face was brought up to reveal a face of determination.

Galbatorix slowly stood up and drew his sword, the same sword that once belonged to Vrael, The Lord of the riders from long ago. "How is it you broke even the true name of magic?" He hissed along with Shruikin. "No man has ever been able to do such a thing, to have broken even the binds of the Ancient Language. What are you?!"

*Forgive me Saphira.* Brand whispered quietly to the blue dragon who had slowly regained control of her own body. *But please deal with Murtagh. I will deal with Galbatorix.* he sealed his mind off.

*Brand don't! You can't fight him alone! He's has-* he cut her mind off once more as he slowly raised his left arm up to his right shoulder.

"I have committed only one sin that has come to be of good use..." Brand began to whisper as he slowly hooked his fingers underneath his bandages. "...and that is lie of what I was..." He began to tear the white cloth off, revealing his skin underneath. "...for I am not the son of mortals. I have of half blood, cursed. The son of a god and the son of a mortal. Behold the curse I have obtained as being such a thing!"

One quick pull and it was completely removed, his right arm slowly raised up high to show that which was not human. The skin was warped, blackened, like his arm was burnt yet parts of it jutted out to form more of a carapace like that of a beetles. His fingers were not rounded like traditional fingers of a human instead forming to appear like the pointed tips of a gauntlets, demonic and claw like. Yet the most disturbing of all was his palm, a small slit suddenly opening within to reveal a blazing red eye that darted around and looked at everything around it.

"This is my gift from my father, the king of gods. Yet..." He held his hand up to peer at the eye within his own hand. "...it is also my curse. I have been told that this arm is the embodiment of chaos, the god of destruction." He lowered his arm only to hold his palm out to Galbatorix. "These powers...prevent me from being effected by the Ancient Language directly but not from flames nor from physical means." His eyes narrowed and so too the one in his hand. "I've ran from these powers all my life and now...now I'll use them to stop you."

Galbatorix muttered in the ancient language and Brand jumped back from the steps when they broke and shattered under his very feet. Fury raged in Galbatorix's eyes and Brand threw his arm behind him, a red barrier suddenly surrounding the trio and separating them from the rest of the group.

"You know that I'm more powerful then before Brand..." Galbatorix growled, his voice no longer sweetened. "Even if you are a...Demi god. I have hundred of thousands of Eldunarí under my control..." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "...you can not defeat me. I will never be defeated."

And that was the end of their conversation, the mad king dashing forward with his blade pointed towards Brands chest. The man merely raised his hand up, deflecting the blow as his arm itself was made out of a rock hard material. Spinning about he returned his own blow with a quick punch with his left arm. Galbatorix merely leaped back and the large form of Shruikins hand came crashing down.

Side stepping out of the way, Brand barely managed to avoid the massive paw. However he ended up between two digits of the dragons and the ground cracked and trembled under his very feet, knocking him off balance. Using the momentum he leaped off to the side and flipped over one the dragons claws.

Meanwhile Eragon and Saphira along with Arya were busy dealing with Murtagh and Thorn. The two dragons were locked in a vicious fight of strength, their bodies continuously pressed against each other's in a fit of battle filled adrenaline. At one point Eragon and Murtagh had dismounted their nobles companions as their fight became far to dangerous for them to be on their back.

The first thing Eragon had noticed when their blades crossed was that they were now more evenly matched, The young man now with several more Eldunarí then Murtagh was given from Galbatorix.

Yet something was not right with Murtagh, his body and very soul feeling as though chains have been broken. It was then he noticed the large blazing red barrier surrounding his former master and Brand. An thought popped into his mind and, after kicking the Elven maiden Arya away, he leaped back. Looking down at his sword he suddenly tossed to the side.

"I...am free somehow." The man whispered incredulously before suddenly Turing to his red friend. "Thorn stop! We are free! Galbatorix's hold is gone on us!" Thorn leaped away from Saphira at that moment, both growling at each other before slowly relaxing.

Eragon however kept his mind aware and his sword up. "What do you mean?" He asked slowly and Murtagh grinned as he slowly began to leave, going slowly around his friend.

"I-I don't know." His eyes went to look up at the barrier. "But I think Brands barrier somehow cut Galbatorix's influence on us." Thorn quickly dashed past, scooping Murtagh up with his mouth and with a quick movement sent him onto his back. "But should it break I will take my leave! I leave everything to you Eragon!" And soon they were gone, disappearing through the shattered remains of the door.

Saphira though paid them no heed, her blue eyes solely on Brand who was still in a fierce fight against both Galbatorix and Shruikin. Words from the ancient language spilled from Galbatorix's maw like a waterfall while Shruikin used all manner of body parts to kill Brand. The 'Demi-god,' for that was what he was, dodged all of the mighty drakes attacks by only inches and somehow used magic without the use of words.

But even with his vast superior skills, Saphira saw that Brand was beginning to falter. Galbatorix had the powers equivalent to that of a gods and Shruikin was insane, his fighting that of a predator caught in a corner. *Eragon...* went Saphira as she looked down at her partner pleadingly. *We must help Brand. I don't know how long he can last against the might they both have.*

There was a loud crash and Eragon, Saphira, and Arya watched as a massive pillar began to fall and smash against Shruikin within the massive barrier. Eragon stepped closer to the barrier and touched it only to feel something like that of a solid steel wall. Taking his sword he slashed at the barrier only to have his blade bounce in his grasp.

"The walls powerful." He murmured before beginning to think. Meanwhile Brand barely managed to avoid the black flames of Shruikin by ducking under the now ruined pillar he had knocked over. The moment the flames ceased Galbatorix leaped high in the air made a downwards cut.

Brand tried to leap way but he barely managed to, the sword cutting through his short and leaving a trail of blood down his body. Stopping a short distance away he began to pant, falling to his knee while clutching his chest with his right arm. A soft glow emanated forth and soon his wound was gone and he stood back up.

Eragon suddenly had an idea and he turned to the elf. "Arya! The spear! We can use it to break through the barrier!" Arya nodded as she took a step forward.

"A good idea Eragon!" She said before raising the spear up high. With a quick and powerful thrust the elf stabbed forward and the trio watched as the red wall shattered, leaving a small opening. However the moment the spear left the vicinity the wall revealed and Arya looked to Eragon. "At the best I think you and I will be able to enter."

Eragon nodded. *Eragon...* he looked up only to be surprised! tears welling within Saphiras eyes. *...don't let him die. Please.* she lowered her head next to his own. *i...I don't know what I may do if he dies.*

Slowly the young rider placed his hand on her muzzle stroking it comfortingly. "For you Saphira." He whispered then turned to Arya. Stepping behind her he placed his hand on her shoulder and nodded once. "Let's go Arya."

Raising it once more Arya charged forward with Eragon directly behind her. Smashing through the barrier both arrived unscathed on the other side. Both looked up to watch as Brand leaped over the sweeping tail of Shruikin, Galbatorix rushing the man to slam his fist into the side of Brands head. With him down Galbatorix slowly approached only to raise his sword high into the air before slamming it down.

It stopped when Eragon was there, the blade of Brisingr countering Galbatorix's own. With a final push he shoved the mad king a few feet away only to shout out a simple word in the ancient language, flames shooting out to exploded where the king once stood.

"Eragon..." Brand murmured as Arya helped him to his feet. His eyes showed appreciation. "Thank you....both of you."

Eragon nodded but kept his eyes on Galbatorix. "Nows not the time Brand." He shouted before deflecting more blows from the king. Brand nodded as he aided him, moving to Galbatorix's exposed side and tried to throw a punch. Instead The man was sent flying from a blow from Shruikin. "Arya! Try to keep Shruikon busy!" He shouted as Brand slowly went back to his feet.

"Eragon...get back..." Brand wheezed as the young rider exchanged blow after blow with Mad King Galbatorix. Soon he stumbled forward and raised his hand, the king suddenly sent flying off his own feet Bly to be caught by Shruikins massive paw. "...this is my fight. I must redeem myself of what I've done."

Eragon turned to look back at his friend with a determined look to his elvish/human face. "Since the day Saphira hatched for me, my destiny and everything I had cherished had been brought to an end because of him." He turned completely to face Brand. "Brand, I have Eldunarí as well. Please, I can help you. We can end this together."

The man stared long and hard at the rider before sighing and turning to Arya. "Arya...trust me on this but deal with Shruikin. You are quicker and more nimble then us. Shruikin may be strong but he lacks the speed to keep up with an elf."

Arya lowered her head and glared at him. "Why should I heed the words of you Brand Orson?" She said in a heated voice. "Eragon may trust you but I do not. You once aided the king in his rise to power...what if you are doing the same for yourself as well?"

At that point the trio dispersed when the claw of Shruikin came crashing down. Eragon and Brand stood on one side, the rider sword ignited in blue flames while brand held his fists up and Arya to the other side, both hands on the Dauthdaert.

"One or three it does not matter." Galbatorix said calmly upon his saddle on Shruikins back, his eyes glowering at the foes below him. "All will bow to me."

"Like hell we are! Eragon!" Brand roared and he grabbed Eragon by the right arm and tossed him straight up. He landed on his feet upon Shruikins back and Galbatorix leaped up to face the younger rider. Brand leaped up as well, landing on the other side of Galbatorix.

As they engaged in their own fight Arya rushed the large drake only to narrowly roll out of the way of a crushing paw. Eragon and Brand fought to stay upright on the moving dragon while Arya dealt with Shruikin but in the end it was Eragon who fell first. Brand however knew the fight was not equal on the dragons back so managed to tackle the king off. Eragon was there on a flash and Galbatorix spun to deflect the blow, brand leaping down to face him once again.

Now aware her friend was clear of danger, Arya leaped up and slammed the spear into the shoulder of the beast. Shruikin roared in pain and tried to grab the elf only to watch as she used the spear as a handle and flip herself over onto his paw. Pulling the Dauthdaert out she ran up his arm only to grab a massive horn on his neck and spin herself up. The elf continued to use his horns as handholds while climbing up the massive trunk of a neck, the dragon shaking all about.

Without warning Sheuikin slammed another pillar, the stone breaking under his weight. Arya held on for dear life, narrowly avoiding the massive stones falling onto the dragon. She leaped up and continued her climb, the dragon continuing all it can to shake her off and finally, with a single roar, the elf was sent sailing high above his head.

Upon reaching the highest she would go, Arya looked down to see Shruikin open his maw to swallow her. Slowly starting to fall she brought the Dauthdaert up only to throw it. Blood splattered as it punctured his blazing red eye and yet before it had the chance to scream Arya slammed into the hilt, driving the tip deeper into his head.

From a distance Galbatorix managed to push both Brand and Eragon away only to watch as his ally fell to the Elven maiden. Cold rage came forth within his eyes. "Enough if this!" Calling upon the full might of his Eldunarí, Galbatorix broke the barrier and once again subdued Eragon and Arya. And this time he was ready for Brand.

Preparing to fight his old friend again Brand raised his fists. "I am done with you Brand." Galbatorix muttered as he turned to walk towards his now dead companion. "I shall let your old friends deal with you."

His eyes wide, Brand raised his mental barriers only to feel them shatter easily. Under the might of thousands of insane dragons, even the mental strength of a Demi god was powerless. Pain flared into his mind like nothing before thousands of voices screaming into his mind all the once.

"Traitor!"

"Murderer!"

"Liar!"

"Bastard!"

"Betrayer!"

More such voices screamed I to his mind and he in turn screamed in agony himself. Grasping at his skull he fell to his knees. "I'm sorry!" He screamed as he fell in two, his head shaking as though to free himself of the pain. "Please! I did not know! I am Sorry!"

And as Galbatorix, standing over his dragon, withdrew the spear from within Shruikon eye, Saphira watched. She had somehow escaped Galbatorix's use if the true name, had kept her own body. She kept to the shadows, awaiting the chance to strike down the mad king.

"I truly am sorry it had to come to this..." Galbatorix whispered as he held the shaft of the Dauthdaert up. "You were one of my closest friends. You understood me, taught me much. And now..." Saphiras eyes went wide in fear as he spun it in his grasp and prepared to throw. "...this is where we say good bye Brand."

With a simple movement Galbatorix threw the spear. Through the air it shot, straight and true, towards brand heart. His eyes opened for a single, final moment to watch as the green weapon streaked towards him. But then it was filled with blue, an inhuman scream of pain soon following and Brand felt his mind become devoid as he realized what had taken the death blow.

"No." He whispered as Saphira slammed into the ground, the tip of the spear poking out of her back between her wings covered in her red blood. Slowly, with a trembling body, he turned to watch as Saphira stared at him with sad blue eyes, a final fading breath escaping her maw before she closed her eyes.

*i...am sorry Brand....I...love you...* Brand heard her fading voice within his mind, the other dragons silent compared to hers. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he watched her form lie still, Eragons cry of pain and sadness muted to his ears.

Slowly his sorrow was replaced with anger as he slowly stood up and looked at Galbatorix. The mad king took a step back, impressed and horrified by how he did so even against the might of the Eldunarí. Taking a deep breath in he screamed to the world. "SAAAAAAAAPPPPPHHHHHIIIRRRRRRAAAA!" He screamed before throwing his arm to the side.

Energy enveloped his demonic right arm and he shot towards the king like a bullet, the air around him cackling with energy. In a final attempt to protect himself Galbatorix caused the the floor at his feet to rise into another wall. In a fit of rage however Eragon lashed out using his own Eldunarí and the wall crumbled, giving Brand freedom to strike.

"GAAAAAAALLLLLLLLB!" Brand screamed one last time before slamming his fist into his friend chest, bones snapping and breaking before finally even his flesh broke, his fist going right through. Impaled upon Brands arm Galbatorix fell forward against his old friends shoulder.

"Brand..." He whispered as death began to take him. "...you know...that everything I did...was because I thought it was right?" Brand slowly brought his other hand up to rub his friends black hair, tears streaming down his cheeks like rivers, the same for Galbatorix. "I'm so...sorry Brand."

"I know." Brand whispered I to his ear, removing his fist from the mans chest and slowly laid him down onto his back. Galbatorix shuddered, grasping his arm.

"Brand...promise me..." He begged. "Promise me....the next ruler...will be just. I did what I could..." His head fell back and a small trail of blood began to leak from his mouth. "...I did what I could..."

Brand knelt his head down, mourning his old friends death. But a moment later he stood up at the mournful cry of Eragon. Turning he watched as Arya stood over Eragon, the young crying in pain as he held his dragons head on his lap. Slowly he began to walk towards the dragoness, his eyes a blank stare. He still had one last thing to do before he was redeemed of his past.

"Eragon..." Order Brand as he walked towards them. Elva continued to watch from the shadows and took a step back when he looked at her. Eragon continued to cry while Arya took a step to block his way. "...stand aside elf."

Arya stared hard at him. "There is nothing you can do." She hissed at him. "You've already done enough. You killed Saphira, the last female dragon. What hope do we have."

Brand stared her down. "Saphira is not the last. Just ask Saphira..." He suddenly used his magic to shove her across the room. "...when I bring her back." He slowly placed his hand on Eragon shoulder, the young man not even stopping the flow of his tears. "Eragon listen to me. I can bring her back."

"NO YOU CANT BRAND!" Eragon screamed in rage and frustration, standing back to his feet to face the man. "No one can bring the sea back to life! She gone!" His eyes squeezed shut and he was about to fall to his knees. "Saphira is gone...she is dead."

Brand caught the rider before he fell, the young man crying into his shoulder. Brand stared with sorrow down at Saphira, his own beginning to water. "Brand...I know of a way to bring her back...." He whispered into his friends ear. "But you need to trust me."

Eragon continued to cry for several more minutes before finally pulling away from him. "Alright..." He whispered quietly, sniffing. "What do you need me to do?" Brand merely pointed to the side.

"Stand well away. This is something only me and the gods must know." He replied and Eragon nodded before running off to the side. Stopping next to a pillar he turned to watch as Brand removed his clothing, his arm still deformed. Slowly he toke a step forward and a barrier appeared around him and Saphira, this one a bright green.

Whispering in the ancient language, the Dauthdaert was slowly and carefully removed from within Saphiras might chest. Opening his mental barriers he bega. To slowly examine the wound from inside and out. He immediately determined it would take more then he realized to heal her wound.

Kneeling down he bent his head down and held his right hand out towards her. Then he began to whisper in the language he was born and raised to, his voice, mind and body fusing with his will.

*By my power, by my blood, by my flesh given to me by the king of gods...* muttered Brand in the ancient language, glowing glyphs forming around his naked form. *...I, Brand Orson, hereby proclaim the death of Saphira unfair and unjust. In return I shall give myself in her place so that she may live her life in fair glory. And my flesh will become hers, will save her. So say I.*

Then in common he whispered to her dead form. "I love you too Saphira." The he screamed in agony, pain flaring throughout his form. Yet somehow he managed to keep his arm pointing straight at the gaping wound within Saphiras chest. Through blurry eyes he watched as his flesh slowly was Roen from his fingers and hand only to go towards her flesh, fusing with her.

More pain flared from his leg and he lurched forward, his thigh nothing more then a bloody stump. More and more of his body as ripped from him, his flesh fusing with the wound Saphira had endured, replacing what she had lost. Soon darkness tugged at his vision and he knew it was time. Falling forward he allowed the darkness to take him, to give his flesh to Saphira and bring her back.

-/-

She stood in a midst of pure white, feathers falling around her. Squeezing he large blue paws she felt grass as soft of wool under her. Looking down however all Saphira saw was pure white. Looking up however she was surprised to see a large gateway standing before her. On one side stood a door of pure white, a woman with the wing of a bird holding her hand towards the center. Opposite of her stood a skeleton with the wings of a bat, his hand held out to the woman's.

"A fine piece of immortal work." Saphira jumped and spun about to see a familiar smiling face walking towards her, his body clothed in white clothing. Brand smiled as he stopped next to her, his eyes on the doorway. "It leads to my fathers realm. Or to my uncles depending on how you are judged."

Saphira looked back up at the doorway. *Is this...a dream?* she asked and she blinked when Brand laughed.

"Well that is a yes and a no." He replied with a bit of joy. "This gate only shows to those about to pass on." He looked up and slowly placed his arm on her foreleg. "I assume you know what that means?"

Saphira nodded yet was confused. *i understand that I am abut to pass on but...* she looked down at Brand. *...how are you as well?* Brands smile faded slowly and Saphira grew worried. *there is something you are not telling me.*

Brand lowered his eyes. "In order to save you Saphira..." Began Brand as the door slowly opened. Saphira looked up to watch horrified as black hands began to come for him. "...I had to give up my flesh."

Shira roared out and tried to leap on the many hands as they tried to grab Brand. She was prevented and she looked back to watch as white hands grabbed her and she struggled. Looking back she watched as Brand was slowly pulled willingly towards the door. She began to cry out as the hands grabbed her, her body soon covered in a mass of white hands. The final thing she saw was her own arm extended out to him, the door closing as he entered.

-/-

With a gasp, Saphira coughed and her stomach lurched. Within a moment she expelled her last meal before coughing and peering around her with blurred eyes. Soon her hearing returned and she heard Eragon, his form soon coming crisp and clear as he stood before her.

"Saphira!" He cried out joyously, wrapping his arms around her neck. "Thank goodness you are alright!"

Yet Saphira still did not hear him and instead looked around at the destroyed throne room. *Eragon...* she whispered weakly trying to stand only to have her legs fail her. She crashed down and looked pleadingly into Eragons eyes. "What of Brand? Where is he?*

Eragon's face grew gloom and she began to truly worry. *Eragon where is he?* She asked more furiously and he slowly began to step to the side, tears coming down once again. Saphira felt her heart sink when she saw what lay before her.

"Saphira...I'm so sorry...he gave his life to bring you back..." He whispered without looking as the dragon crawled slowly to what remained of him. Looking down at the blood soaked floor, her tears splattered around the small blood stained skull.

*no...* Saphira whispered to both herself and Eragons, their mind link showing the pain and sorrow she felt to him as well. *No...please no...* rearing her head up she roared at the ceiling. Arya, Eragon and Elva watching with sadness as she cried out in pain and anguish, her heart and mind knowing she would never again see Brand again.

-/-

Brand sat in the darkness, his eyes closed. At long last he felt peaceful, his mind finally released from the pain and sadness he had caused for so many years. All around him was darkness, peaceful and quiet. Soon though he felt something and he opened his eyes.

The darkness flared to life, large jagged cracks of light all around. Kicking his legs as though he was swimming, he began to slowly ascend to the light. His hand reached up and it was the. He noticed something. His arm was slowly changing and a voice was heard.

*Come Brand.* a voice he recognize as his fathers said. *Come. Your true retribution awaits.* and with his smile he continued on until the light surrounded him.

-/-

Ultavrek watched stunned as his palm lighted with a blinding hue of light, the gedwëy ignasia burned into his hand. Looking back down he watched as the silvery egg began to twitch and crack. Looking up he saw his Urgal elders standing before him, his chieftains nod father leaning forward to stare with his piggish yellow eyes watching him carefully.

"So you have been chosen Ultavrek..." His father whispered in his guttural language. "...chosen as the first of our people to be a rider. Within two years you shall be sent over the great sea to train with Eragon. Represent the Urgal race well Boy."

Ultavrek nodded as he knelt down and watched as a silver nose poked its way out of the shell. Slowly he raised his hand and aided the young dragon break free of the shell prison. He was the runt of the clan but now he was the strongest warrior amongst them. He would not disappoint them nor his race.

"Welcome, Iruk." Ultavrek whispered with a grin as the dragon rolled out of the destroyed egg. It peered up and cooed when he rubbed its still wet cheek. "Welcome, my dragon."