Empire; Book 4

So this is my version of book 4, I tried to keep as much to the other books as I could. First fanfic so constructive criticism would be appreciated. All characters are owned by Christopher Paolini, etc.

Chapter One

Eragon stretched; lifting his arms up above his head before dropping them. This was the first night he was able to sleep without encountering any nightmares. He searched his tent for some clean clothes and once he dressed he searched for Saphira in his mind. He found her mind easily.

Good morning.

Good morning, Eragon.

He was slightly surprised Saphira didn't call him little one anymore.

Does it bother you? Saphira asked, assessing his thoughts.

No. I only wondered.

Well, you have grown so much. Why I remember when we first meet. We were both hatchlings.

Eragon smiled while Saphira showed him her memories of their first meeting.

We've come too far to give up now. Galbotorix will pay.

Eragon felt Saphira's agreement through their mental connection.

Where are you?

Hunting. With all the war and conflict I have neglected feeding myself. I shall return soon.

Do not hurry yourself if you cannot. I shall be fine. I have to discuss matters of importance with Nasuada anyway.

Saphira said farewell and ended their conversation but not their connection. Eragon had grown so close to Saphira that he would feel distracted if he was not in contact with her for a long duration. The time he remained in the Empire still flashed in his mind. Snapping out of his thoughts Eragon left his tent and made his to way to Nasuada. Eragon was glad his Elvin bodyguards decided to use their time working on strategies and patrolling instead of following his every move. The Varden Camp held a gloomy atmosphere. Soldiers tried to appear brave but Eragon could see the fear their eyes held not to mention he could hear their melancholy secret thoughts. This was all because they knew they were getting closer to Galbotorix which was both an intimidating thought and it brought a sense of finality. The soldiers knew it was either life or death. Nevertheless Eragon appreciated the soldiers who bowed whenever he walked over. When Eragon reached Nasuada's tent he was allowed in straight away for the Nighthawks already knew him well enough to send him in right away. Nasuada was not alone. Arya was talking to her. They stopped when they noticed him.

"Ah, Eragon. Just the person I wanted to see."

Eragon's heart had fluttered when Arya had looked his direction. He was surprised though at how weak it had been. Normally he would have been thrilled but he decided that in these dark times happiness should be cast aside.

"I have something I wished to discuss with you as well." Eragon said, focusing only on Nasuada when he answered.

"I have matters I need to address as well." Arya said before departing from the tent.

"Now what is it you wish to talk about, Eragon?" Nasuada asked sitting down.

Eragon remained in his standing position when he answered.

"I've been thinking about…well everything and I have a suggestion." He paused, uncertainly.

Nasuada nodded.

" I have thought this though and I think that the only solution is for me and Saphira to go to Uru'baen to try and locate the third dragon egg."

Eragon waited for her response which would not be a good one he was sure of that. However he was mistaken.

"Eragon. I do not think that is a wise decision. You have to understand you and Saphira are the only hope we have without you the Varden will crumble." Nasuada seemed to be restraining herself from raising her voice.

"I realize that but if anyone has a better chance of freeing the last dragon egg then its us. I also know that it could years for us to find another rider but what other options do we have."

"We could find a way on how to separate Galbotorix and Murtagh from the dragons heart of hearts."

"That may take a while and if Saphira and I are in Uru'baen we have a better chance of finding the eldunari."

"Eragon," Nasuada could not restrain her self-control any longer and raised her voice saying, "Don't you see this could be a trap. Galbotorix knows we're getting desperate and this makes him even more dangerous."

"Galbotorix won't kill us. He needs Saphira to rebuild the dragon race, at least that's the story he's got Murtagh believing."

Nasuada stood up.

"Eragon, I have considered what you have said. I disagree…but I think we could use part of your plan. We should send spies into Uru'baen to try and get a look at what's happening."

"I don't think anyone-"

Cutting across Nasuada said, "I'm sure we'll find someone. Now get some rest, Eragon. Tomorrow we shall siege Belatona and we need to alert for Galbotorix is unpredictable."

Eragon took this as his dismissal and left somewhat disappointed. He found Saphira already waiting for him at his tent.

You heard everything, right?

Eragon asked already knowing her answer.

Yes. I have to say I agree with Nasuada. As much as I would enjoy tearing Uru'baen and that treacherous tyrant to pieces I have to use logic like Oromis and Glaedr taught us.

Eragon could feel Saphira's sadness when she mentioned Oromis and Glaedr names but she pushed those emotions away.

You know it's okay to talk about them, if you want. I'm here for you.

I know.

And for a moment Saphira let Eragon share in the pain she felt. He took it without saying a word. Once Saphira felt better she resumed talking.

I know you mean well , Eragon but it's best if we stay here and fight with the Varden.

I suppose you're right.

Eragon admitted.

I just wish there was something more we could do.

Eragon left that sentence there and did not continue. Instead he found a tree to sit beneath. He allowed his mind to wonder while he fingered Aren unconsciously. Saphira rested as well as the Varden did not need Eragon or herself at the time. The sun shone ferociously bright which served the Varden well for today they were using the time to plan and check on supplies and count casualties. Eragon felt his vision go blurry and his eyes start to close.

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A consciousness brushed against Eragon's. It seemed somewhat familiar but Eragon did not risk it and pushed up his barriers.

Eragon! Arya called out.

Arya, why are you reaching me in this manner? What has happened?

Nothing, yet. We are preparing for battle and you are sleeping.

Where is Saphira?

We are adorning her with the necessary armour. You best wake up and do the same.

She released the connection before Eragon could say any more. Eragon bolted up and looked around. He was still propped up against the tree as earlier the only difference was that it was still night. Only a few shining stars appeared in the darkened sky above. Moving with great haste Eragon scrambled to his tent to adorn his armour. With Beloth the Wise around his waist and Brisingr sheathed at his side Eragon left his tent in search of Saphira. He found Saphira outside Nasuada's tent ready and waiting. Nasuada was also waiting on her horse along with half the army.

"We shall move north to Belatona. The Empire's army has taken over most of the remaining territory now I advise everybody to be vigilant. There is no wall shielding this city so this should make our siege all the more easier."

Directly after Nasuada's speech was finished a horn was blown to proclaim the start of war. Eragon who had already adjusted himself on Saphira's saddle unsheathed Brisingr in preparation.

"Lady Nasuada, where would you have Saphira and I be?"

"I suspect that Galbotorix has a bigger plan that we just don't see yet. This is why I want you and Saphira to fly up ahead to check if there's anything happening. But if you see any danger that would harm and Saphira I want you to turn back immediately."

Eragon nodded. Eragon didn't see Arya before he and Saphira took flight upwards. They ascended up so high that they could hardly see Varden below.

Not too high. Just high enough so that they don't see us.

I understand. I hope the Varden can cope without us.

As do I. I thought the battlefield was where we were needed the most.

Perhaps but one can never be sure with Galbotorix as Nasuada so rightfully stated.

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