None of the characters are mine, only the ideas

Chapter 1

The sun crept out from behind the horizon, deeply shadowing the tents arranged there. The camp was lively with mid-morning activity. Many people looked fatigued and exhausted.

Nearby, a dragon stirred.

I lifted my head off the ground and turned to see my Rider sleeping serenely, unaware of the activity taking place around him. He had his shield placed over his torso and his bow lying on the ground. As I started to get up, he stirred.

"Good morning, little one," I said.

"Good morning, Saphira," Eragon said with a yawn. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. "What's going on?" he inquired.

"The Empire has agreed to not attack if both sides move away from the Jiet," I said.

"And Nasuada has accepted?"

"Not at first. First she made the Empire promise to take its army back to Uru'baen," I stated, watching as Eragon put his bow and quiver on his back.

"And then?" he asked, gathering up some arrows.

"Then the Empire alleged that that would take much too long and said that they would only move back as far as Belatona. Nasuada tried to object again but Jomundur and Arya made her accept," I said.

He scowled. "Why would they accept that? They should know that doing this will only allow the Empire to reorganize and for Murtagh to swear further oaths to Galbatorix."

"Well I don't think they have any alternative," I said. "The Varden couldn't stand another attack now, as frail as they are. They also need time to regroup."

Eragon was silent for a while as he finished putting on his bloodstained armor. Then a lady seated upon a proud white stallion approached them

"Greetings, Lady Nasuada," said Eragon with a bow. I growled a friendly hello.

"Greetings! Rider Eragon and Saphira," she replied in turn. "I know this might not be the best time to ask, but I must know: Have you decided what you are to do? I know that you have many things which might need answering to, with Roran and your village showing up, but the Varden may need you in the approaching weeks."

"May I have a moment?" he replied.

"Of course."

Eragon walked to the other side of the tent, motioning for me to follow. Once we were both there, he said, "What are we going to do, Saphira? I promised Roran that I would help him free Katrina from the Ra'zac, yet I can feel that this is not what you want to do."

"You're right. This isn't what I think we should do. Sure, you promised to Roran that you would help him, but we also promised to Oromis and Glaedr that we would return and continue our training."

"I know we promised," Eragon said, frustrated," but Katrina will die if we don't rescue her."

" So will many other people if we aren't adequately trained! Eragon, look at this rationally! I know Roran means a lot to you, but he is just one of thousands of people who need a Rider's aid. We can't abandon Oromis, Glaedr, and the Varden just to go off and rescue one girl."

"But what should I tell Roran. And Nasuada. We'd still be leaving the Varden."

"Tell Roran to wait here and join the Varden's army. I'm sure he would be appointed at least a general after the cunning and strength he showed in the last battle. As for Nasuada, tell her about the elven spell casters that are to arrive soon. She would be appreciative for their assistance."

Eragon sighed. "All right," he said in an acquiescent tone. "But you'll have to answer to Roran."

We went back around the tent to where Nasuada was waiting.

"You have made a decision?"

"Yes. We will travel to Ellesmera to rally the elves and to train. As for my assistance… Twelve elven spell casters sent by Islanzadi will arrive shortly. Tell them to take control of the Varden's magicians, as I did."

"Yes. That seems like a good plan. You have my encouragement for your journey."

"Tell her that we'll be leaving in an hour,"

"I'll be there to see you off," she promised. Then you turned her horse around and rode away.

I hope you liked it! Again, this is my first fanfic so please R&R!