A/N:
I wrote this looong before the release of Brisingr, I'm just now posting it. This is my version of Brisingr before Brisingr "existed". If you want me to continue, let me know. If you would like me to write a story of what Book 4 will be like, I might be persuaded to do so if enough people want me to :D So REVIEW! And tell me what you think!
Also, a shout out to Mrs. Merlin for editing my chapters!
And once again... the songs of the dead are the lamentations of the living thought Eragon as he once again walked among the dead bodies of the past battle. Why do so many have to die?
The sights he saw brought tears to his eyes. The smell was overwhelming. He could taste the smoldering peat underground. The sorrow that lingered in the air was reflected in the eyes of the wives and family members and friends.
How are you doing, little one? said Saphira consolingly.
I would be better if so many didn't have to die.
That is why we must return to Ellesmera and finish our training. To overthrow Galbatorix is our mission and we shall carry it out or die trying! This is why we were put here! Do you agree?
I do. And until we either prevail and overthrow Galbatorix or die trying, we will never give up! Then we will go!…
"Shadeslayer," murmured the large gurard by her tent, "what business have you with my Lady?"
"I have business between my Lady and myself of which I cannot reveal. If you would be so kind as let her know that I am here?"
"Of course, Shadeslayer," grumbled the large guard in his deep, bass voice.
"Thank you," he said as the guard turned and entered Nasuada's tent.
As the guard came out he said, "She will allow you to enter now."
As he entered her tent she gestured toward the chair. "Please sit."
It was evident that she had not slept for there were bags under her eyes and her signature glow and happiness was gone, replaced by fatigue. "Larose said that you wished to speak with me?"
"Yes, my Lady. Saphira and I have discussed this and we have come to the conclusion that, the way that we believe we can best serve the Varden would be to return to Ellesmera to complete our training… if it pleases you, my Lady."
Nasuada sighed with fatigue. "I had guessed that you would. I will not stop you because I know that you know your abilites and you limits better than I do. You believe that the best way that you can serve the Varden is to finish your training?"
"I do. It is only through more training that we may have a chance at victory… especially now that Murtagh is so powerful. We need as much training as we can get."
"When will you be leaving?"
"Next week… after we have retrieved Katrina from Helgrind."
"And when will you be leaving for Helgrind?"
"Tomorrow morning… at dawn."
"That soon? Well… I will have a new sword made for you and I will send one of my men down to your tent before you leave with provisions and supplies. And I take it that Roran will be going with you?"
"Yes, my Lady."
"You need to find Du Vrangr Gata and warn them that you will be leaving. Also…I would appreciate it if you would tell Triana that I wish to speak with her."
"Yes, my Lady. I shall go right away."
"Good. I shall meet you at your tent at dawn."
"Of course, my Lady."
As she put her head down and started reading scrolls, he recognized this as an obvious sign of dismissal