Disclaimer: I don't own, in any way, anything in this story

Disclaimer: I don't own, in any way, anything in this story. (With the exception of OCs.)

Author's Note: The reason I am writing this story is because I had to draw a paper out of a hate for English at school and you had to write a fanfic of the story you got. Luckily for me, I drew Eragon.

Note: This takes place after book 4.

Jaded, chapter I

Cruel Fate

It was steadily growing darker as Eragon Shadeslayer glanced out the window to his right. Nasuada had called yet another meeting involving the future of Alagaesia and this one was just as boring to him as the last. In order to sort out the mess that Galbatorix had created, several persons had been chosen to govern a certain part of the former empire. Though Eragon had been offered a job on several occasions, he always turned it down. At the moment, his future wasn't what was on his mind. Ever since Shruikan and Thorn's deaths, Saphira had become very depressed, for good reason. Now there were no possible mates for her.

"Eragon" Nasuada said, staring at him from across the large, circular table.

"Oh, sorry, my mind was drifting off."

"Indeed. We were just talking about who would rule in Uru'bean."

"My lady, it is not my will to become a ruler."

Nasuada sighed before getting to her feet and walking towards Eragon. "Eragon, we all know how Saphira feels, that we cannot help."

Anger filled Eragon's thoughts and he clenched his fists in rage. "None of you know how she feels!" he yelled, jumping to his feet.

Without another word, Eragon walked passed many of the unfamiliar faces, still fuming. He quickly exited the room and walked down the stairway before pushing the large doors open and strolling out into the courtyard. He needed not call Saphira. He knew where she was.

After several minutes of walking, he reached the hillside where Saphira had dug out a small dais that served as her bed. He approached her slowly and placed his right hand on her snout. She opened on eye slowly and peered up at him. Good morning little one.

Saphira, it's nearly an hour after sundown.

Oh…sorry…I've been here all day and lost track of the time.

Upon looking her over, he noticed almost at once how thin she had gotten. When was the last time you ate, Saphira?

Last week…

Saphira! You're starving yourself!

No…I just don't have the energy to fly…

Fine, I'll go get something for you.

No…you don't need to…

Eragon didn't respond. He knew that she wasn't joking about not having the energy to fly. He normally had huge amounts of energy stored from Saphira. Now he felt nearly nothing.

It didn't take long for him to find a group of deer. Normally he wouldn't hunt using magic, but Saphira's situation was serious. With one swift spell he killed five of the largest bucks and lifted them above his head. The trip back was a hard one since he didn't have the energy he used to have.

As he approached, he noticed that she had fallen back asleep. Eragon quickly woke her and placed the group of deer next to her snout. Saphira, you must eat.

She gave him a long look but eventually began to nibble at the meat. After she had finished the first, it was clear that she was regaining some of her strength. Thank you Eragon.

It only took Saphira a few minutes to finish the meal and she seemed a bit more lively than before. Eragon…why did he have to destroy the emerald egg? Galbatorix knew my race would die without it.

He was an evil man Saphira. It's a good thing we're rid of him now.

What are we going to do now?

I am going to keep my promise to you. We are going to leave Alagaesia and search for more dragons.

Eragon's answer shocked Saphira slightly. She wasn't expecting him to leave all of the people he cared about for her. Are you sure?

I've never been less sure. This land has been ravaged by fire and pain. The elven forests have been nearly burned to the ground and thousands are dead.

When will we leave, little one?

Late tomorrow. You'll have plenty of time to regain your strength. I should probably be heading back, I'm already in enough trouble with Nasuada.

Eragon gave Saphira one last look before turning to leave.

Little one?

Yes, Saphira?

Eragon yelped as he felt himself being lifted into the air. Saphira carefully place him in the center of the dais and curled around him protectively. You can sleep here tonight.

Eragon chuckled to himself and rested his head against her underbelly. Night, Saphira.

Sleep well, little one.

Far Away:

So, they think they can leave without fulfilling their promise? Well, the one that caused me harm will pay dearly for this crime. I am the wisest being in the land and I shall not be ignored by Eragon and Saphira. They will not get away without giving me what they owe.

Eragon/Saphira

Several hours had past since Eragon and Saphira fell asleep. Little did they know that they were being watched by several shadowy creatures that were closing in on all sides.

Eragon! Wake up!

Saphira's instincts had kicked in at the last moment as she felt something beginning to slip around her neck. Unfortunately, one of the creatures had been able to tie a knot of what looked like roots around her snout, preventing her from scorching them.

Eragon jumped to his feet but was quickly grabbed by one of the monsters and had his arms pinned behind him. Saphira!

For their size, the creatures seemed to be extremely strong. They had now successfully tied Saphira down. What appeared to be the largest creature slowly approached Eragon and began to speak. Consider her as your payment to the great Menoa Tree.

Without another word, the creatures, along with Saphira, vanished into the darkness.

Author's Note: I'm back with my infamous cliffhangers! Please Review!