I actually wrote this a really long time ago, and here it is, being published, just because I feel like it. :P

Disclaimer: I don't own the Inheritance Cycle. If I did, Book 4 would be out already. This is the only time I'm writing this disclaimer. If anyone complains about me not having a disclaimer later, they obviously never looked at the first chapter. Cheaters. :P

AN: In case you didn't know, deloi is the Ancient word for earth. And for reference, a league is about 3 miles. I know this chapter is ridiculously short, but I have reasons. Enjoy.


To Win A War...

Eragon, Arya, and Nasuada stood around the large table of the war room, surveying an oversized map of Alagaesia. After capturing Feinster, the Varden had moved their base of operations to Lady Lorana's castle. The war was not going well. At first, it seemed that the Varden had finally gained the upper hand - shortly after Feinster and Ceunon fell, Aruoghs and Therisford surrendered, and the elves encountered no resistance in Yazuac and Daret. As the massive pincer movement continued, however, the elves were beaten back twice at Gil'ead, and the Varden had lost a quarter of its army assaulting Belatona. The battle map showed the terrible results in blood red ink. After almost a minute of somber silence, Nasuada spoke, "If we are to continue our march to Uru'baen, we must join with the elves' spellweavers. Without their support, we cannot take any city larger than this one. Unfortunately, they are in the same position. The only paths that exist between our two armies are through the Hadarac Desert or through the Spine," she traced the routes on the map with a finger. "The best course of action would be to have the elves come to us, since they are more likely to survive the journey. However, such an action would leave Du Weldenvarden totally defenseless."

"So were stuck," commented Eragon.

"Not necessarily, if we moved the-" Nasuada was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door. She sighed and called, "Enter!"

The heavy wooden door creaked open and an Urgal Nighthawk stepped in. "Lady Nightstalker, the elf queen wishes to speak with you. She says it's urgent."

Nasuada spent a moment deciphering the Urgal's accent then said, "Very well. Eragon, Arya, come with me." The three hurried to Nasuada's private quarters, where they had placed a seeing glass for private communication. Islanzadi stood impatiently as they crossed the room. Eragon and Arya touched two fingers to their lips and began to say, "Atra-" before the queen snapped, "Don't bother with formalities! This matter cannot wait any longer."

She continued quickly, but calmly, "Some of our more... innovative spellcasters have - purely by accident - discovered the existence of another world. The Menoa Tree contacted them about it, and in short revealed that she could send a person there, as a sort of... ambassador." At this everyone froze with shock, even Saphira outside, as Eragon's disbelief flew across their mental link. "Humans seem to be the only race on their world, but it is vitally important that Eragon and Saphira get there. Those humans can't use magic, but they have weapons that can devastate entire armies at once; we need all the help we can get to defeat Galbatorix. Arya, you must stay with the Varden. So must Eragon's guards. He and Saphira must fly as fast as possible to Ellesmera. Leave immediately and do not tell anyone about this." The glass darkened as Islanzadi ended the spell. Never had anyone heard the queen speak with such urgency.

At the first sound of the word "Go!" from Nasuada, Eragon snapped out of his astonishment, ran as fast as he could to the courtyard, and jumped onto Saphira's already-harnessed back. He knew that this was almost certainly the most important mission in the entire history of Alagaesia, and had a sense of urgency greater than that of a man whose house was burning to ground. The blue dragon leapt over the city walls and flapped her wings furiously to get them north. And hopefully, to a way to win the war.


If you liked it, review. If you really liked it, click that thing that says "Add to Favorites". If you think it was too short/not enough happened, wait for the next few chapters. If you hated it, don't review unless you have something useful to say. FYI, anything that means basically, "this story sucks" is NOT useful. Try to remember this was written a year ago and I didn't change it.