The Continuation

Chapter One:

Healing Elva

Author's Note: This is a continuation of the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. It starts where Eldest left off.

I hope the first chapter isn't too boring; I have to start somewhere. As the story progresses, it will get more exciting. Thanks in advance for sticking with it!

I do try to write often, but my life is very busy and I don't have as much time as I would like. I will try to get out chapters regularly, but I can't promise anything. I won't be abandoning the story though.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. If I did, would I really be putting my stories on this website?

Eragon rolled over on his bed and groaned. It was the day after the battle on the Burning Plains and he hurt all over. He could tell that Saphira was also in discomfort.

Good morning little one, she said as he walked out of the tent.

Is it really?, he asked. With so many dead, the Varden will have a hard time recovering.

Do not lose hope, she told him gently. You forget that all of Carvahall will now help the fight.

Eragon winced. He had tried to forget that fact. He would have preferred that all his old friends remain safely in their homes. I wish that they hadn't come. I will feel guilty if anything happens to them; it will seem like it was my fault.

Saphira looked him straight in the eye. Even now, Eragon marveled at how blue they were. Eragon, she said, you must stop blaming yourself for everything. If you hadn't found me, do you think that Carvahall would have escaped notice forever? Galbatorix is taking over everywhere. If nothing had happened, your friends would have all faced the same choices that they are going through now. That is not your fault; all you did was speed things up a bit.

You're right, said Eragon, sighing. I just wish that I could have protected them, especially Roran. He has been through so much.

Roran would have faced troubles anyway. He made his choice when he chose to be engaged to Katrina. He knew what would happen.

I know. Eragon sat up from the slumped position that he had been sitting in against Saphira's side. There was work to be done. He had to fulfill the promise he had made to Elva.

Sensing what he was planning to do, Saphira grew concerned. Are you strong enough to do this right now?, she asked. You are still weak from the battle.

I think together we can manage it, he replied. I cannot let her suffer any more that necessary. She must be in great pain with all these soldiers wounded.

Saphira still seem unsure, but she didn't say anything. Eragon was relieved; he didn't have the energy to argue right now.

He walked through the tents, hearing the moans of injured soldiers who had been wounded in the battle. He wished he could help them, but he had other things he had committed to do first.

Once we have helped Elva, we might want to come and heal some of the soldiers, Eragon suggested.

Maybe…

He walked through the Varden's camp for some time before he spotted Nasuada's tent. It was much the same as all the other tents, and Eragon respected her all the more for denying herself comforts that her soldiers did not have. He walked into the tent.

"Hello Nasuada," he said when he saw her. Her hand immediately jumped to her dagger, but she removed it as soon as she saw who it was.

"Hello Eragon. What brings you here at this hour?"

"I have come to fulfill the promise I made to Elva. Where is she?"

"I am here."

Eragon looked at the small girl. Her voice, so much like an adults, still made him flinch.

He looked directly at her. "I have come to fulfill a promise that I made to you before the battle," he said to her gently.

For a second it looked like she might cry, but then the moment passed. "Thank you Eragon," she said softly, her voice more like a child's than ever before.

Eragon walked over to her slowly; he hoped that he was strong enough to do this. He placed his hand over Elva's forehead and murmured the words that would free her from the curse he had put on her.

The drain on his energy was so sudden, he hardly had time to react. Saphira!, he called with his mind. I need you!

I am here, Eragon, she said as she combined her energy with his. New power suffused his body, and he waited for the spell do finish its work.

It took several minutes, but it was finally complete. Eragon sagged against the side of the tent.

He stiffened as he saw what his spell had done. Elva was on the floor, a baby once again. It was obvious that his spell was the only thing that allowed her to grow so fast.

Nasuada's jaw dropped. "I didn't know that the reversal would have that effect," she said weakly.

"Neither did I," Eragon said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"Her caretaker must be summoned at once," Nasuada said. Eragon could tell that she was trying to hide the shock that she felt. "Can you go, or should I?"

Suddenly, Eragon's knees collapsed. "I'm sorry Nasuada, but I don't think I could even walk."

Nasuada looked at him with concern. "I will do it myself then," said Nasuada.

Once Nasuada had left the tent, Eragon pulled himself to a standing position. He hated the way he had been so helpless in front of Nasuada.

Saphira growled outside of the tent. You should have waited until you were stronger, she told him angrily. What would have happened if I hadn't been able to lend my energy in time? You could have died!

I know, said Eragon crossly. You don't have to remind me.

You need to be more careful, said Saphira, a little more gently now. What would the Varden do without you?

Eragon didn't answer that one. He knew the Varden would be in a tight situation if he died.

Just then, Nasuada walked back into the tent. Behind her came the old woman who was taking care of Elva. She took one terrified look at the baby and then turned to Eragon.

"What have you done to her?" she asked in a voice cracked with age.

"I have removed the curse I put on her," Eragon replied wearily.

The woman seemed satisfied with his answer and bent over to pick up the baby.

"Wait a moment," Eragon told her, stumbling over to where she stood. He placed his hand on Elva forehead. Saphira, I'm going to need some help.

Are you sure you know what your doing?, Saphira asked.

Of course! Will I ever forget what I did?

Just be careful.

Eragon drew upon Saphira's strength as he said, "May the coming years bring you great happiness," in the Ancient Language.

The old woman and Nasuada both looked at Eragon fearfully. Eragon smiled at them both. "I have learned a lot since I last blessed someone," he said. "Those words will not bring any harm."

The woman gave Eragon a short bow, and then shuffled quickly out of the tent.

"Nasuada," started Eragon, "I know that you need to speak with me; however, I must rest. May I come back tomorrow morning?"

Nasuada looked at him and nodded.

Eragon left the tent and went to Saphira, stumbling on the way. Together, they made their way slowly back to the tent, the cries of wounded soldiers ringing in their ears.