Serena and Edoc'sil

By: Jeannie Boulè

The air in the Burning Plains was unbearable by the time Eragon had finished his meeting with his cousin, Roran. It was filled with the foul stench of blood, sweat, and—worst of all—death. Stumbling out of his tent with Roran beside him, Eragon made his way to Nasuada's tent of purple silk.

As he passed by his dragon, Saphira, she struggled to her feet and walked with him.

Are you quite all right, little one? Her voice was comforting to Eragon's mind.

He smiled. Yes. And how are you? Eragon looked to her bloodied leg and tattered wings. A Rider from the Empire had attacked them, and the Rider's dragon had mutilated Saphira's leg and wings before Eragon could protect her.

I will live, was her response. The three of them made their way to Nasuada's tent. Why are we going to Nasuada?

I plan to finish my training with the elves. Eragon could sense Saphira's astonishment.

Do you think it wise, after we barely defeated the Empire this time, to go and leave the Varden unprotected?

That is exactly the reason I intend to go back. His voice was quiet, and it quavered. We didn't defeat the Empire, Saphira; we just postponed the inevitable.

Don't say that, Eragon—

"No, Saphira!" she was shocked to hear him use his actual voice. "Our struggle is in vain. Galbatorix now has a Rider on his side and worst of all, it's Murtagh!" Eragon's heart lurched at his own mention of Murtagh. Murtagh had once been Eragon and Saphira's ally ever since Brom had died. He had fought alongside them in the battle of Farthen Dûr. But now, Murtagh was the first Rider of the new Forsworn, no doubt their leader.

"And not to mention that Murtagh and I are brothers, born under Morzan, the first of the Old Forsworn!" Saphira lowered her head.

You have suffered much, little one, but we cannot abandon the Varden at a time like this, nor can we let any thought of failure cloud our judgment.

Eragon suddenly felt ashamed. I'm sorry, Saphira…I just…I feel so helpless.

Saphira nuzzled his face with her snout. As do I, Eragon, as do I. Her voice was soft and gentle. When she pulled back, Saphira said, I believe we should leave soon if we are to get to Ellesmèra and train before Galbatorix decides to become impatient. Eragon's heart leapt with joy.

Thank you, Saphira. I could never do this without you.

And you do well to remember that. He chuckled at her comment.

"Eragon?" Eragon turned to see Roran staring wildly at him, utterly confused.

"Oh," he suddenly felt embarrassed. I must have looked like a fool, talking to myself like that, thought Eragon. "Sorry, Roran…Saphira and I—"

Roran held up his hands. "No, no. Don't let me get in the way of a lovers' quarrel." They both laughed together and Eragon punched his cousin's shoulder playfully.

Right then and there, Eragon's heart sunk.

Lovers' quarrel…Katrina… Eragon looked away, ashamed. How could he have forgotten Katrina and the Ra'zac after only just talking about them with Roran?

Saphira…we can't leave Katrina out to dry. I promised Roran that we would help to rescue her and avenge our father's death.

Yes, my thoughts exactly. But we must complete our training, or at least partly complete, for we are far behind the Ra'zac in skill.

How shall I tell Roran?

Saphira snorted. He is your cousin, Eragon, not mine. You must find the way yourself.

Oh, some help you are! He scolded. Saphira snorted again and trudged off to clean her wounds until Eragon gained enough strength to heal them with magic.

Eragon, dread shrouding his face, turned his attention back to his cousin, who was yet again confused. "I…" Eragon had no idea where he should start. "Saphira and I have decided—" Saphira gave a grunt at his suggestion that she had been involved in his decision. "—that we should resume our training with the elves as soon as possible."

Roran's smile faded. "But…you just got done telling me that we were going to find the Ra'zac, rescue Katrina, and kill the Ra'zac to avenge our father! Are you daring to go back on your word!" he accused.

"Of course not, Roran! I loved Garrow like a son would love a father, and Garrow cared for me as a father would for his son! He will be avenged soon enough." Eragon looked away. "And I have my reasons for deciding to go back to Ellesmèra."

Roran laughed mockingly, folding his arms. "And what, pray tell, would those be?"

Eragon sighed. "Saphira's and my battle skills pale in comparison to that of the Ra'zac and their steeds, the Lethrblaka. If we were to resume our training, we could take down the Ra'zac and Lethrblaka without any strain at all."

This made Roran think. After a while, he asked, "How long would this training take? Remember, the Ra'zac won't keep Katrina alive for long."

In a hushed voice, Eragon answered, "One month, maybe two."

"TWO MONTHS?" Eragon winced at the tone of his cousin's voice. "The Ra'zac will never keep Katrina alive for two whole months!"

Actually, Roran, Saphira butted in. I believe they will.

Roran grunted. "Explain yourself, Dragon."

Saphira glared at Roran with her icy blue eyes but continued, nonetheless. Galbatorix needs both me and Eragon alive, and he knows that you and Eragon are very close. And he also knows that the Ra'zac took Katrina, your fiancée, to Helgrind.

"So? What does that animal of a king got to do with this?" Roran's tone was harsh, and Eragon could sense Saphira growing impatient.

Don't you see it yet? The Empire has set a very complex trap for us! If we go into Helgrind with only the training that we have, Galbatorix's men will be ready and waiting for us! But if Eragon and I complete our training, or at least resume it, we will be ready for all of them.

"But how do you know Galbatorix would wait two months for you?"

If Galbatorix wants me to produce more dragon eggs badly enough, he will not kill Katrina, for she is the bait.

Eragon knew from his cousin's expression that Roran would cooperate. There was a sense of helplessness in his eyes as he nodded.

"Do not think that you can take your time in Ellesmèra. I still hold you to your promise."

"I will be back in, at most, two months, but I assure you that I shall do my best to come back sooner than that."

Roran nodded and clapped Eragon on the shoulder. "Be safe, Brother."

Eragon smiled. "I will. Now I must go to Nasuada and explain. After that, Saphira and I shall leave for Ellesmèra."