Chapter 1

Eragon and Arya had just finished their conversation after their sparring session. Eragon's pride was still wounded from being beaten so thoroughly by a woman but he had to admit that she was amazing and it was good to know that he had been able to help her in a time of need after he had rescued her from Durza. Suddenly, a flash of blinding blue light lit up behind them. Eragon was instantly reminded of when Saphira's egg had appeared in the spine, he looked to Arya knowing she must be thinking the same. The light began to dim and he heard a sharp intake of breath from Arya as his jaw dropped. Standing on the hill they had just left behind was a huge sparkling emerald green dragon, and just in front of it stood a maiden in a white dress with striking red hair.

How could this be?! Saphira was one of the last dragon eggs known to exist in all of Alagaesia.

Little one…

I don't understand it either Saphira, we will approach with caution. I'm sure Arya wants to investigate as well.

Eragon turned to Arya and they ran to the hill. As they did the maiden fell and the dragon slumped as if exhausted and dropped down to its rider and released a formidable growl towards Eragon and Arya. Neither paused but continued warily toward the pair. About a hundred yards out the dragons growling grew louder and Arya tried to speak with it.

Dragon, who are you and where have you come from? This is the Varden's land and those who are not friends are not welcome. How did you come to be here?

My name is Cahan and my rider Iris. She has asked that our story be hers to tell. I am worried for her health. We have traveled using magic that she came to understand by using a book. We heard stories of the Varden and wish to join your cause in defeating Galbatorix. We will cooperate with whatever tests you deem necessary. I ask that you take care of my rider little elf and I will come with you but not until you swear that her safety will be priority until we are able to tell our story in its entirety.

I am not ruler here and can make no such promise but I will do my best to ensure her safety.

The dragon let out a huff of steamy breath that Eragon could feel from the distance.

I understand, but if harm comes to her I will tear this place apart, make no mistake of that.

Arya answered nodding,

This is Eragon; he is also a rider like your Iris. Will you allow him to take her into the mountain where she can be cared for?

The massive dragon turned his attention to Eragon and then Saphira as she growled.

We have heard of this one. Yes, Iris came to speak with him most of all. Yes, he may take her and I will go wherever the ruler of this place desires though I am wary to leave her side. Be gentle with her, rider Eragon.

Eragon was still in shock on the discovery that he and Saphira were not alone, though he was suspicious as to this new rider pair. Saphira had to nudge him forward to break his concentration. Alone he walked toward Cahan. As he approached the dragon lifted his head and revealed his rider. Again Eragon saw the flash of red hair. But he also noticed how incredibly beautiful she was, even more so than Arya and he noticed her pointed ears. The second elf he had met in his short time as a rider. He also thought he saw a glimmer on her brow but dismissed it. Eragon looked up at Cahan and then reached down to lift her into his arms. The first thing he noticed was how light she was and then he saw the arrow. It had entered the back of her shoulder and was dripping blood down her dress and soaking into the grass. Eragon directed his thoughts to both Cahan and Arya and Saphira.

She's been shot! She is still breathing but will need a healer quickly.

Eragon picked her up, nodded to Cahan and ran quickly back to Arya. As he faced the practice field again he noticed Orik had cleared everyone from the field and was looking very pale and serious. Eragon climbed onto Saphira who took off immediately to the healing room. Eragon looked back and saw Arya and Cahan walking to a large stone room off the practice field. All the way to the healers he couldn't stop looking at her. Gazing at her face and longing to stroke her cheek or run his fingers through her hair. He saw that the glimmer from earlier was in fact a large teardrop diamond inlaid into the girls forehead, he considered it strange but so was everything else about her. His strong attraction for her made him pause, but not enough to stop his staring. He felt like one so delicate should be protected and was loath to leave her side.

At the healing room no one asked any questions but had Eragon lay the girl down on a secluded bed. They shooed him away and so Eragon stood outside waiting but not before he saw Angela the herbalist give him a wink and slip in to help. She always seemed to show up wherever interesting things were happening.

Eragon did not have to wait long before Arya returned with Ajihad, and Orik escorted the dwarf king. They all looked serious as Arya guided them to a room not far off where they could talk without being overheard.

Arya filled everyone in and as she told of the encounter on the training field everyone's eyes grew but no one spoke. Arya ended by telling everyone that Cahan was securely locked in a large room off the training field and Ajihad had guards send to the room she described to keep people away.

Hrothgar began the questions. "Where on earth could they possibly have come from? The only other dragon egg we know of is in Galbatorix's possession. We must assume that this new rider is working for him, she is not to be trusted!" Ajihad agreed saying, "You speak true. But I do think we should give them a chance to explain themselves, have someone go through her memories." The twins, in the corner of the room, perked up at this. Eragon grimaced knowing he did not want the girl put in as much pain as he had been through being tested by them. He told Saphira to remind him to bring that up once she woke. The debating and questioning ended with Hrothgar and Ajihad deciding to put her in a cell after the arrow was removed and to question her once she was conscious. Eragon had not liked the idea but had seen the necessity in their decision.

How could someone as beautiful as she be corrupted by someone like Galbatorix?

Eragon, do not let your thoughts be clouded by a passing beauty.

You are right, as usual. Even now I long to see her again, maybe she put me under a spell, teased Eragon.

Saphira snorted and Eragon laughed at his thoughts, but secretly wished to see her again.

Apparently the girl made it through the removing of the arrow, but was not allowed to recover for long and was moved quickly to a cell. Eragon, Arya, Orik and the leaders walked to the cell where the rider was held. As they approached Eragon could make out Angela using some rather colorful language at the guard in front of the chamber. "I cannot believe that you blubbering idiots would do such a thing! Chaining her up like that will rip out her stitches and she will be in horrible pain when she wakes up, especially like that!" She turned and met Eragon's eyes. "Please, please convince these fools to at least give her something for the world of pain she is going to enter when she wakes up. No innocent person should suffer like that." Eragon agreed and turned to the rulers. They turned to each other and Ajihad spoke. "I am afraid that until we are sure where her allegiance lies she must be kept locked up for everyone's safety. Arya has informed us that she may be able to wake her with a spell. You may administer the medicine then." Angela huffed but nodded, knowing that was as good as an answer she was going to get. Eragon was glad that someone was looking out for the other rider. Earlier in his arms she had seemed so fragile.

The guard moved as the company entered the cell. Eragon was immediately appalled by the conditions she was in. They had her arms chained to opposite walls and she hung there with her feet barley touching the ground and she was gagged with a filthy looking rag. Eragon opened his mouth to protest but was beaten by a furious looking Arya. "Innocent until proven guilty doesn't seem to work here. If she is to be tested I wish to look into her thoughts if she allows it. If you refuse I will leave and inform my queen that an elf is being held here against her will. Islanzadis fury will be upon you all. How dare you treat a mere girl like this?" She whispered the last part with pure hate in her voice, the leaders nodded to her looking abashed. She walked forward with Angela. Removing the cloth, Arya spoke a word in the ancient language and the girl stirred. She gasped, as in pain, and her head jerked up and revealed her brilliant green eyes. They met Eragons and he noticed that they perfectly matched her dragons coloring. In the distance the party heard a roar, apparently Cahan knew she was in pain. Angela moved forward offering her the medicine. The girl looked grateful and swallowed. Before she could speak Arya replaced the dirty rag. Eragon knew they had to take precautions in case the girl used a spell on them but he did not think that she meant harm to anyone. He longed to take her from those chains and hold her to him and protect her. His broodings were interrupted by Arya.

"Iris is it?" The girl nodded, looking terrified. "My name is Arya, I am an elf also. You are in the Varden; Cahan has already informed us that you were trying to get here. He is safe and not far away, he refused to tell us anything else saying that you wished to share your story. If you wish to stay here you must allow me to enter your mind and see if you have sworn any allegiance to Galbatorix or plan to do anyone here harm. Will you allow me to do this?" As Arya spoke tears spilled from Iris' eyes but she nodded and closed her eyes. Arya reached out her hand and touched the rider.

Tense minutes went by and still Arya did not move. Finally, after almost an hour, she pulled away and Iris sagged from exhaustion. Arya pulled the dirty rag from Iris' mouth. "Iris is of no threat to any of us. Unchain her and let her rest." The guards did so. Eragon was relieved to hear this but looked at Arya and saw that her jaw was clenched and she looked at him in concern. He returned a puzzled look and she sighed.

It was early morning now and again, the leaders of the Varden filed into the meeting room to hear what Arya had discovered. Once they were seated she began, "I ask you all to keep an open mind about what I reveal to you. Remember that while I was in her mind, Iris hid nothing from me. Many of you will jump to conclusions but hear me out until I finish." "Of course, Arya," spoke Hrothgar, "We value your opinion and believe that what you will tell us is true." Arya took a deep breath and spoke, "Iris is the daughter of Galbatorix." Exclamations were heard from around the room and Arya cleared her throat to get the attention back. "I did warn you. She herself does not know how this came about, only pieces of the puzzle that are her life. She knows that her mother was an elf but Iris never knew her name or if Galbatorix was ever married to her, she assumes not. Cahan hatched for her when she was 10. They have now been together for 8 years, she is Eragon's age. She grew up without any contact from outside UruBaen, she only in recent years has been allowed outside the castle. Iris grew up not knowing how to use magic but studied in secret this past year. Last month was when she finally understood her father's true nature. He announced to her that she was now betrothed to Durza, and she has been plotting to escape ever since. Last night she and Cahan planned to escape but Galbatorix know of their plan. But, she surprised the guards sent to stop her with her rudimentary magic skills. They fought bravely until Iris was shot. She then somehow used the same spell that I used to transport Saphira's egg to Eragon, and ended up here. It is a wonder she is not dead now, for the energy it takes to use such a spell on even a small object is enormous. There is one last thing, Iris was born with a diamond inlaid into her forehead. This may be something Galbatorix did to her as a child but it seems to have some power source in it that she is able to draw from. I believe that is how she was able to use such a powerful spell to escape. That is everything that is relevant to our current situation. She is fully dedicated to whoever is most willing to take down her father from his seat of power and she has no intention of claiming the throne for herself." Arya sat down and let the discussions begin.

Ajihad and Hrothgar talked with each other trying to figure out what to do with Iris and Cahan. While the discussion took place Eragon and Saphira thought on what Arya had said.

I cannot believe that something from Galbatorix could be so beautiful.

Still stuck on that little one? She is betrothed to Durza as well, Arya's torturer. Do you think he will return for her? Perhaps she put us in more danger than she realizes.

What a horrid thing to say! Anyone who needs a safe place from him should be able to come here, where would we be now without the help of the Varden?

I know! No need to be so short with me. I am simply giving my opinion; it's probably what the people in charge are talking about over there.

I wish to see her again, to talk with her.

You really are useless. Maybe she doesn't want to talk with you. She's probably sleeping anyways.

You have to admit you wish to speak with Cahan as well. The only other dragon in the world that isn't mad like Shruikan.

Well of course I do! But I don't know if it's really safe to be alone with either of them yet, not until we know more about them.

Do you not trust Arya's judgment?

I suppose she is smarter than you.

Eragon pushed her leg and she snorted smoke back. Eragon rose and announced that he and Saphira needed some sleep and to inform him if anything was changing. He and Saphira departed and took a quick detour to talk to Cahan, though they could not see him directly they reached to him with their minds.

Cahan?

Rider Eragon and dragon... Saphira, I am listening.

Iris is safe now. Our healers removed the arrow and she is resting. The Dwarf king and Ajihad are deciding what to do with you two now. Your presence has surprised everyone.

I am glad that my partner is safe. Thank you for looking after her when I could not.

Saphira spoke this time.

Cahan, even with all our strength we cannot protect our riders from everything. I know and understand the bond that connects you to Iris, for it also connects Eragon and I. I am sure you did everything to keep her safe. Eragon will inform you if anything in her condition changes or something is decided to happen to you. We are the last of the dragons and riders and we must stand together. We wish to help and support you in any way possible.

Eragon sensed how grateful Cahan was. Saphira and Eragon bid him farewell and continued until they reached the dragonhold. Saphira fell to sleep first and through their connection Eragon saw that she dreamed of Cahan. He smirked and submitted to his weariness and in turn dreamed of the beauty with emerald green eyes.