Author's Notes: Thanks to minihouse, Macsek92, The Shadeslayers, and beneath the menoa tree for being the first 4 to review my story. I really appreciate what they had to say, and it inspired me to get the 2nd chapter done sooner. I also forgot to mention that at the end of every chapter there will be a quote that is inspirational/deep. Thanks to Fate(Cody) again for reading it, correcting errors, and supplying me with the quote. Enjoy!
Second Chapter: Rising Sliver
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Eragon and Arya walked through the city as Saphira flew overhead. The two of them couldn't realize that the city, even if under the Empire's control, was bustling with life and that people used to live here. The shear carnage of the battle that had ensued hours ago was much worse up-close than it was on the walls of the city. Bodies of the guards from Feinster were still being gathered up and moved out of the way, along with Varden soldiers, and even the women and children that couldn't make it out of the city in time to escape the siege. Some buildings were still on fire, and slowly collapsing. Most of the buildings had fallen during the siege, and only rubble remained where they once stood. Many things that families had tried to pack in a hurry lied in the streets. Varden soldiers were quickly hustling around the city to count casualties and find anything that may be salvaged.
I can't believe that I caused all of this Saphira, it just seems so unreal that one person could cause so much damage.
I know how you feel little one, but remember, it wasn't just us that caused all of this destruction. The Varden were here, and almost all of their forces were involved in the taking of the city. You can't put all of the sadness of the people in the city on your shoulders. It was necessary to take the city. You did all that you could.
No Saphira! I didn't do enough! I could have spent more time trying to persuade these soldiers to join the Varden, instead of just cutting all of them down as if I was a butcher preparing my meat! I'm sick of having to do this! The Varden only see me as a weapon! Nothing more, and nothing less. It is my job as a Rider to promote peace and stop chaos, not to start it, but to end it, and I did the exact opposite today. I can't live with myself if I go on like this.
I'm sorry little one. I know it's hard for you, but we must go on until we kill Galbatorix, then we can stop all of this bloodshed.
I know Saphira, but....it's just so hard to do all of this. I'm too young to be able to handle all of this, and I myself am surprised I have survived this long.
Eragon, for your age, you're very, very mature. I know that you and I, and Roran, and Arya can get through all of this. Together.
Thank you Saphira, and......
What is it?
I'm sorry for yelling at you.
It's okay, I know you're stressed.
"What are you and Saphira talking about Eragon? You have a sad look on your face." Arya said to Eragon
"I'm sorry Arya, but I really don't want to talk about it right now, maybe later when I've had time to think to myself."
"Are you sure Eragon?"
"Yes." He said bluntly.
"Okay, but don't forget about me. I will always be here if you need me. We're friends, and I want us to stay friends. I don't like seeing you this way. You weren't the Eragon I met when you saved me. You've changed. For the better, and don't you ever forget that.
Eragon slightly nodded in agreement.
"Well....." Eragon said as he sighed. "We're here. Let's see what Nasauda wants us to do now.
Eragon and Arya walked into Nasauda's tent while Saphira put her head through the opening in the tent that was made for her.
"Ahhhh, Eragon, Arya, Saphira. I see you recieved my request." Nasauda said to them. "I requested you here for an urgent mission. I know we just took the city of Feinster, but if we want to conquer the other cities, you three must embark on a small journey to a Empire caravan that is taking a large amount of supplies to Belatona. These supplies include more food to last a siege, more drink, and more soldiers. A scout reported that the caravan was around 2,000 strong, around 300 of those 2,000 being magicians, and we can't let the city get these provisions. Stopping the caravan from reaching the city is crucial to our success in taking Belatona and Dras-Leona and finally Urû'baen where we will attempt to kill Galbatorix, or die trying."
"What?!?! You expect Saphira, Arya, and myself to be able to take a convoy of that size by ourselves? Are you insane?" Eragon yelled.
"No! You will be assisted by Roran, along with a group of 1,000 soldiers! It would be a suicide mission if I sent you in there alone! We cannot afford to lose you, Saphira, or Arya. You are essential to our victory against the Empire!" Nasauda replied ostentatiously.
"Of course Lady Nasauda. Forgive me. I have just been very stressed about the death of Oromis and Glaedr, among other things. I believe I just need some quite meditation time to clear my thoughts." Eragon said softly.
"I understand Eragon, and I forgive you."
"How long do we have to prepare for the trip?" Arya inquired.
"Well, scouts reports indicate that the convoy is approximately a weeks march from Belatona. That means that we have 4 days to prepare before we set off to intercept them." Nasauda replied.
"Three days rest may not be enough for some of the soldiers, including Eragon, Saphira and myself." Arya replied.
"I'm sorry, but that is all that I can offer, else we risk not being able to take Belatona."
"Eragon, what are your thoughts on the matter?" Nasauda inquired.
Eragon didn't notice that he was being spoken to, he was to busy thinking about all the loved ones he had lost, and what he had caused throughout Alagaësia.
"Eragon, are you alright?" Nasauda asked him.
"Hmmm? Sorry, I was thinking......" He trailed off.
"About what?" Arya asked him.
"Nothing. Nothing at all, I'm fine." He replied.
Little one, we both know what you were thinking about.
Yes, but I don't want to tell either of them at the moment. Maybe in the near future I will tell them.
"Alright then Eragon, please pay attention so that you know what to do." Nasauda said to him. "You and Arya are going to ride Saphira, and take the convoy by surprise. I want you to use magic to conceal yourself and to also make yourself inaudible. I first want you to find the magicians, and attempt to kill them first. They are our top priority. Roran and his men cannot succeed if you don't get rid of the magicians. After which Roran and the other soldiers will move in and attack the Empire's forces while they are somewhat distracted by you. After Roran moves in, the rest should go fairly easy. Make sure to help your cousin by thinning out the amount of Empire troops on the ground after disposing of the magicians."
"Is that all Nasauda?" Eragon asked.
"Yes, that is all. Simple yet effective. I believe we can take the convoy and it's supplies with ease. If any of the Empire's troops surrender, bring them back here so we may examine their minds and possibly find useful information. You are dismissed." She said.
This is just great Saphira. Another mission just hours after we have taken the city. When will Nasauda learn that we aren't just weapons, we are living beings that need rest.
You are getting three days of rest little one.
Yes, but that may not be adequit........
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Author's Notes: Alright alright! That chapter was a bit longer than the lost one, as I promised :) ! Next chapter may not be up for a day or two, for I have school tomorrow! Booo! I will do my best to get the next chapter up before Friday, so I can get two done in the weekend! Well, until next time!
