Hi guys, Agretlam here. Hope you guys like the fanfic but it's unlikely as it's my very first fanfic. Review me, flame me, do whatever you wish. I'm hoping for some criticism to improve my writing! Thanks :)

Chapter 1

Breaking Point

A small light dimmed the room, reflecting over the man's face, his once handsome features were scarred and broken. The only untarnished piece of flesh on the man's face were his brown eyes, coursing his hopelessness and broken spirit throughout the night.

Eragon was sitting forced up in chains, encircling each arm and leading to the ceiling. His tunic and shirt were at the side of the room, bloody and Eragon was left in nothing more than a pair of leather trousers. Blood was seeping from each cut, each bruise tormenting him with more pain, all contributing factors to his already weakened mind.

The first week wasn't too bad, Eragon just had time to get used to his position and adapt but after a few weeks, Eragon concluded that their was no rescue team. He was alone, destined to be here…forever. Tears began to course down his face, wetting his dry face and falling to the stony floor.

I just need to think of happy memories, Eragon told himself optimistically. A mind interjected his own and Eragon realized he had lowered his barriers too much, Happy memories? No, you are destined to stay here forever; Shadeslayer. Eragon could feel a cackling laugh course through his mind before he blocked it out, trying to focus on one object, which happened to be a fairth he had made of Arya and Saphira, both their green and blue eyes dazzling back at him.

The mind retreated, seemingly annoyed that he had not fully broken Eragon. I need to get out of here, Eragon concluded before it all went dark, and he dipped his head, unconscious from the lack of blood as his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

Arya and Saphira were huddled around a campfire, Brisingr shining in Arya's hands, anger and despair emanating from their eyes. Eragon had been missing for two weeks and no one in 100 leagues, knew who or what took him and where he was. Arya had tried everything within her power to find Eragon but to no avail. Saphira was not like she used to be lately, constantly mournful, doubtful of their resolve and when Saphira thought Arya was sleeping, would quietly keen sadly.

Arya herself however, was not untouched. I will find Eragon, he is my best friend, Arya kept telling herself doubtfully. The wavering flames in front of them brought out the utter anger from the two beings surrounding it. How could I have let this happen? To him of all people? The last hope in Alageasia and I let him fall! He's gone, GONE! The same thoughts tore down Arya's spirits minute after minute, before Saphira interjected. Arya we will find Eragon and if he is hurt, well let's just say that I won't be holding back. Arya found Saphira's statements comforting but remained with an impassive look upon her face.

Before long Saphira and Arya agreed it was high time they attempted to scry Eragon. The only reason they had waited this long was due to fear of what Eragon might be, their worst fear being that they see nothing which would mean that Eragon is either dead, or in Galbatorix's clutches. Arya looked at Saphira fearfully who nodded, It's time Emerald Eyes. Arya left out a soft whimper over the water she had dug from the ground, "Draumr Kopa."

The water stopped reflecting the beautiful flares of the fire to the right of them and reflected a dungeon, depicting Eragon in chains, his once handsome face torn and body broken. Eragon's scars were dripping blood from more places than Arya had feared yet his brown eyes remained vigilant but lost. Eragon's once optimistic, serene glare was replaced with a loss, like the fire in his eyes had been extinguished.

Arya remained impassive as small tears coursed down her face, her cheeks reddening and forcing a small hiccup out of her, so soft that even Saphira did not notice. Eragon remained untouched for several minutes before a voice enveloped the room, a dark, booming voice, as a dwarf came into view. The dwarf's eyes were grey, his clothes consisted of black robes and his stout beard, pitch black to suit them. "Shadeslayer," he spat. "You're awake, good. Time to test our next treatment," the dwarf finished as he looked inside his robes and picked out a small vial. The vial looked as if it encased a small green liquid with a red tinge. The dwarf poured the liquid onto a knife which had old dwarf signs engraved onto it. Arya recognized them, her eyes flared with anger and her fist hit the ground spitefully, "Az Sweldn rak Anhuin". Saphira let a small jet of blue flame erupt from her mouth as her jaw twitched in hate. Arya and Saphira turned their attention back to the water, horror filling their eyes as the dwarf plunged the knife into Eragon's stomach and the rider let out a loud scream. Eragon shivered for a moment, screaming throughout the dungeon then went limp for a small while as tears grew in his eyes, the pain apparently coursing throughout his whole body.

The dwarf merely sat there and laughed, "That was part of the poison that coursed through your little elf friends body when you brought her to the Varden, although a little different." He smiled wildly and looked at Eragon with a proud chuckle, "I added a few adjustments to it, for it will not kill you, no. Just send you to the depths of madness that even our dear King Galbatorix would envy." Arya let out a loud gasp and screamed at the water, "Eragon!" Arya closed her scrying session, so as to preserve energy, not to mention guard her mind from watching the dwarf inflict anymore horrors upon the rider.

Arya sat for a small while, her body shaking as Saphira let a wing fall over Arya warming her body and she gave a thankful smile before resting against Saphira, sobbing more quietly. Before Saphira fell asleep, Arya announced, "Tomorrow, I will search the ground while you search the skies Saphira. Is that agreeable with you?" Aye, Emerald Eyes, and with a nudge of her head, comforted Arya. I, too, miss the little one. Without another word the two lonely souls fell asleep, strengthening their resolve for the next day.

Eragon awoke to gut wrenching pain. The poison works, he thought bitterly to himself as he tried to grab his stomach in an attempt to soothe his pain. Nothing worked, it didn't kill Eragon but nor did it ever leave his system. Eragon would be writhing on the ground for hours just from one attack of pain, gasping, hoping for it to go away, wishing for someone to save him.

Suddenly the dwarf returned to the room, his grin growing evermore. "Up for a new session, Eragon?" Eragon dipped his head, feeling nothing but the hopeless desire to die, right here, right now. "Just kill me…" Eragon told the dwarf softly. "Oh I will but first we are going to have some fun," the dwarf replied evilly. Then Eragon looked at the ground, and there was a scuffle and a bang as Eragon looked back up, the light in the dwarf's eyes was gone, his last evil smile etched upon his face as a knife penetrated through his chest.

A green cloaked figure walked towards Eragon and looked at him closely before placing their hands on his cheeks. It was a woman, her touch was familiar to Eragon and without a word she released him from the chains and helped him down to the ground softly. "Who-" but the figure interjected, placing a finger at his lips and whispering, "Slytha." Eragon smelt the air one last time, the fresh scent of pine cones engulfed his senses instead of the usual scent of the stone cold filth of the dungeon. With one last word, Eragon saw two bright emeralds staring back at him as he fell into the dream world, "Arya…"