The Third Rider

My throat feels likes it's on fire. I think Eragon could hear me from the Spine. I know the whole village heard my screams. Brom has come to my room, sword in hand, to see if I'm in trouble.

"Lena . . . What's wrong?" He asks bewildered.

"N. . .Nothing," I'm still shaking as I say it, "a bad dream that's all."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No"

So he goes back to bed not before yelling out the window to say sorry to the neighbors. I don't know why he asked he probably knows what it was about already.

Durza, the Shade.

It's almost dawn, it's about this time that, five years ago, that I first came Carvahall. I remember the day so well . . .

I was ten and so happy. I had always been smart for my age but I was still ten and barely knew anything about the world outside the castle. My father had promised me I could ride on Shruikan before bed.

Yes that's right I am, or was, the daughter of King Galbatorix. My name is Selena. I didn't really remember my mother only that she was very pretty and loving. My nurse, Meehla, had been my mother's favorite servant and had love my mother and she loved me too. She often told me stories about my mother and her generosity. But, for some reason my mother's name (and sometimes it seems like my name too) was almost Taboo. My father never said her name or mine. I didn't even know her name. Lately Meehla had been telling me stories about my father, scary, disturbing stories, I kinda believed them (I mean I knew he wasn't always nice) but I did love my father. But I did love Meehla more.

As I skipped to my father's chambers, I heard him talking to someone. At first I thought it was General Durza. I didn't like him, he was always looking at me funny and followed me with his eyes. But they were both looking at someone else so I moved to see who it was because I was curious.

It was Meehla.

"Durza has informed me that you have been telling my daughter stories about me." My father said quietly.

"I have and they are not stories I tell her the truth just as her mother instructed me to." Meehla said proudly.

"Do the instructions of her dead mother mean more to you then your own life?" His voice soft and dangerous like an adder's hiss.

"Yes. I knew I was going to die today and I am ready for it. When my mistress died, her last wish was for Selena to see you for what you really are, a monster."

"Very well, Durza, you may kill her now." He paused. "I will enjoy watching you die."

Then I watched as Durza drew his sword and beheaded my favorite person in the whole wide world.

I ran...Everything she had said was true...He had killed her...running...He was no longer my father, now he was Galbatorix...running...I hated him...running... and would make sure Durza paid for killing her...Meehla.

I ran into Shruikan in the courtyard near my rooms. I loved dragons they were so beautiful and powerful. I let her speak to me mind to mind but just that. I didn't want her to see my thoughts.

Little One, would you like a ride now? Her voice was expressionless, and now I knew why. Meehla had told me that my father had made Shruikan hatch with dark magic. Now she was his slave and knew only rage and expressionless.

No...not now but thank you. I replied.

Very well she paused, your father wants you he is waiting in the throne room. He has good news for you.

Thank you Shruikan! I ran to the throne room trying to make myself look presentable on the way. I was good at hiding my emotions and clearing my mind. When I was all in order the guards let me in.

He was on his throne...Of course. I asked "Father what is the good news you must tell me."

"Daughter" He started "I have found a husband for you."

I was shocked, I was only ten, wasn't that too young.

"Oh" I was having trouble recovering from my shock, "Who...who is it?"

"You know General Durza, I believe?"

No...please not him.

"In return for his, present and future, services he has asked for your hand in marriage."

I grew pale.

He sensed my discomfort because then he said. "Of course he has agreed to wait until you are sixteen. This is a great honor for you and is the greatest way for you to serve me."

This pushed me over the edge I don't know how or when but I will escape.