Prologue
The egg in the large room wobbled, startling the dark shape besides it. A crack formed in the shell, and the elf quickly looked around before snatching the egg up. She shoved it in the large bag hanging by her waist and looked around the room again. It was imperative to leave the Eldunari; Galbatorix would notice the loss of one, though the Varden needed Eldunari greatly. The egg, however, was a different matter. They weren't as closely guarded as the Eldunari were.
Arya had been sent by the Varden to rescue the last egg from King Galbatorix. Eragon had wanted to come, but she just waved him off. He was just too loud, clumsy, and lovesick. She couldn't work with someone like that right next to her.
Something rustled outside the door. Arya jerked her head over to the door, using her sharp eyesight and acute hearing to sense danger. A few minutes later, she was gone.