"And this time, I WANT IT DONE RIGHT," Galbatorix shrieked at Murtagh. He fought back the urge to cower in fear. Thorn tensed behind him, sensing his fear. He fought back a snarl. He hated this snake-eyed, dragon killer of a king.
Murtagh bore his rant for a few minutes more, and then was dismissed. He went to his chamber, locked the doors, sat on his bed and buried his face n his hands. Damn his conscience! It just wouldn't let him do what he was told. He steeled himself. "Next time, he thought, "Next time I'll take them." Little did he know, there was quite a surprise waiting……
A few weeks earlier…
Eragon sat on Saphira's back, enjoying the sunlight. The landscape was spread before him. The Jiet River was like a silver ribbon, the red tents of the Varden like a bloodstain. Eragon shook those thoughts from his mind. He must concentrate on peace.
Saphira banked suddenly, and Eragon cried out, surprised. "What is it?" He asked his dragon, Saphira, with his mind. "What's wrong?" Then he felt the touch of Arya's mind. "Come down quickly Eragon. Lady Nasuada needs to speak to you urgently." Saphira turned, and then dived. He landed outside his tent, jumped off, and ran to Lady Nasuada.
Arya guided him with thoughts. When he reached the clearing he was lead to, he stopped still, frozen in surprise. For there, behind Nasuada, stood a dragon. A white dragon with a hint of pink and bright blue eyes. He blinked. Then he saw its Rider, a thin, tall girl with long blond hair.
She and Nasuada were talking, but upon his arrival they turned to face him. "Wh-who is this, M'lady?" he asked Nasuada. "This is Icefire, and her rider, Stella," Nasuada replied "They have come to help us against the king." "Why did you not tell me this before?" he asked. "I had just learned of their presence minutes ago. That is why I called you."
Eragon looked to the girl. She was young, perhaps his age or a bit older, and pretty. Her eyes were a soft, icy blue, but they were warm. "Shadeslayer," she greeted him. "I have heard much about you. Your reputation precedes you." He nodded, and returned her greeting. Then the white dragon turned. He felt her consciousness touch his, an icy touch.
"Shadeslayer. I will fight alongside you, but woe betide you should you attempt to harm Stella." "Peace, great dragon. I mean your rider no harm. And the odds shall tip in our favor with your assistance." he answered. "If any harm should come to her, it would be from the king or Thorn and Murtagh." "Yes," she mused, "the name slaves. We shall break their bonds, but I will kill them if any permanent harm befalls Stella at their hands." "I don't doubt it," Eragon replied.
Nasuada clapped her hands. "Come, "she said. Let us find food and drink, then lodgings for you." "Thank you, Lady Nightstalker. We have not had a safe place to sleep for quite a while, so your kindness is greatly appreciated." Stella said, then followed Nasuada when she went to leave. Stella turned to face Eragon. "I shall see you soon, Shadeslayer. I must learn what I can." Eragon nodded, then mounted Saphira and took off, snared within his own thoughts.