(A/N: It seems that a growing amount of people are allergic to lemons, if you know what I mean. So I finally decided to write a fic that doesn't contain any, on a new account. However, this fic will contain violence, language, gore, and character death. If any part of the following offends you DO NOT READ IT. As usual, almost all flames and reviews will be ignored, unless they contain reasoned statements. Okay, that's my rant for now. Enjoy my version of Book 4!)

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Stranger

Somewhere in a dark room

"Where can I find the Varden?"

The bloody and beaten man thrashed about in his bonds, and replied.

"I can't tell you, I have sworn an oath in the Ancient Language not to reveal that information unless under explicit information from my superi- ummph!"

The man thrashed around even more as a mental probe ripped though his mind, seeking the desired information. After going through some particularly disturbing memories, the location was discovered, and the man stopped thrashing around. A figure rose from beside the corpse and sighed. He sent a message through the mental bond he shared with only one other.

I have the location. Finish up your feeding and prepare to leave.

A thought-pattern-picture, rather than words, answered him.

Location-target is where-whatplace?

A city called Feinster, apparently. That is where we shall find the… hatchling-rider.

Is there food-meal-prey there?

It's a port city. I'm sure there will be enough fishermen to feed you. Let us be off.

Feinster

Saphira, I've been thinking…

That is always dangerous, little one. But continue.

We will have to face Galbatorix within around a year. Now that we've taken Feinster, we have committed an open act of warfare against him. He won't ignore us like a fly buzzing around him anymore. Now that we have bitten him, Galbatorix will feel obliged to try to swat us, so to speak. We will have to-

-find a way to destroy him, little one. Which will involve separating him from-

-the Eldunari, yes. And before he decides to destroy us, first. I'm concerned that we can't make it in time.

Saphira snorted, causing plumes of smoke to erupt from her nostrils.

That kind of thinking will get us no where, Eragon. I believe there is someone, something, or somewhere that has the answer. If there isn't, we will die. Well, just about everyone except us, that is. Galbatorix will probably keep us alive, you to show the penalties of insurrection, and me to breed new generations of dragons.

Saphira… thank you. We should get back to Nasuada. She's probably already begun to plan things six months in advance.

Still being young, Saphira could not resist the chance to shoot off one more barb.

I see your thinking, little one. If Nasuada is making plans, then both you and Arya will be there. Are you so anxious to see her again?

Eragon scowled.

If it were anyone but you, I would punch you in the face. As it is, I would feel the pain too.

Saphira merely gave a low dragon chuckle, and adjusted here body to give Eragon access to the saddle.

If it were anyone but me, you wouldn't break your hand trying to punch my scales.