Authors Note: Sorry for the delay everyone. Life has been pretty hectic for the past few weeks, and I just haven't had much time on my hands. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and hopefully the next will be published faster than this one.

Chapter 2

Strange Discussions

Eragon walked into his tent and saw Roran waiting for him.

"So, what happened?" his cousin asked.

"I removed the curse that I put on a child."

Roran whistled. "You can do more than I would have ever thought possible."

Eragon didn't answer him, but instead climbed into his bed. He didn't even bother to take off his boots.

Roran looked at him. "I thought we were going to rescue Katrina," he said. Eragon heard a hard note enter his voice.

"Roran, I know that I promised and I will help you. However, I am tired and there is no way I can go right now. I can barely even walk let alone fight the Raz'ac."

Roran looked at him angrily but said nothing. Eragon could tell he saw the sense in what he said. "When do we leave, then?" he asked.

"As soon as we can. I have to talk to Nasuada and we need supplies, but once those things are taken care of, we can go."

"How will we be traveling," Roran asked.

"We'll fly on Saphira. It will be faster than any other means of transportation that I can think of."

As he said these words, Roran turned green. "I hate heights," he said weakly.

Eragon looked at him in surprise. "I never knew that."

"You wouldn't have. Was there any reason for me to go up to really high places when we lived in Carvahall?"

"I guess not. Even so, we have to take Saphira if we want to get there with any speed."

Roran nodded reluctantly. He still looked green.

Eragon awoke with someone shaking him awake. He sat up, bleary eyed and reached for his sword.

"Wasgoinon?" he asked.

"I'm sorry sir, but Nasuada has to speak with you urgently," said a voice.

Eragon looked over and saw a young boy. "Who are you?" he asked while putting his sword back down quickly. The boy looked a little scared.

"My name's Thor, sir."

"Thank you for coming to wake me Thor. Tell Nasuada that I will be at her tent shortly."

Thor bowed and walked out of the tent. Eragon swung his legs out of bed and saw Roran sitting on his. He nodded to Eragon.

"Awake at last. You must have been tired," Roran said.

"How late is it?"

"I would saw about one o'clock."

Eragon swore and threw some clothes on. "Why didn't you wake me sooner?" he asked furiously.

"You needed to sleep."

Eragon finished dressing and turned to leave. "I won't take long. When I get back, we can discuss leaving."

Eragon pushed back the tent flap and stepped out into the open air. Saphira came up to him. She did not look happy.

Do you know how worried I have been? You slept half the day away! I couldn't get into that tiny little tent to save my life; how was I supposed to check on you? You nearly died when you reversed the spell you put on Elva. If your not careful, you're going to do something really huge and kill yourself!

Eragon was nearly thrown backward by the force of her mental onslaught. There's no need to be so angry; I'm perfectly alright, he said, confused by her anger.

Saphira let out a sigh. Sorry little one, she said. I am worried that the mission to rescue Katrina will prove to much for us.

I know it's going to be hard, but we have to do this for Roran. I have caused him so much pain; besides, he is my brother.

I know we have to. I just wish we didn't.

I do too. Eragon jumped onto Saphira's back. By unspoken consent, they took off and headed toward Nasuada's tent. Saphira seemed to be deep in thought.

What is it?, asked Eragon.

I have been thinking. Do you remember how we combined ourselves during the battle?

Will I ever forget?, asked Eragon, smiling at the memory.

Well, I don't think that Galbatorix can do what we did with his dragon. If he can, it will be just an imitation of what we did. This is a weakness that he has; he does not have a proper bond with his dragon. We should try to remember this when we face him in battle.

Eragon's eyes widened. I never thought of that, he said in amazement.

They flew in silence for several minutes before Saphira said, Eragon, promise me if I'm ever killed that you will never do what Galbatorix did. Also promise me that you will not waste away mourning for me. You have much to offer the world; I would hate to see you throw it all away.

Why are you asking me this?, asked Eragon, shocked that she had even brought up this topic. Has something happened?

No Eragon, she said. I just wanted to make sure that I could rest in peace, knowing that you would carry on with your life.

I promise.

Thank you little one.

Disturbed, Eragon thought over her words as they landed. It had never occurred to him that he would do what Galbatorix had done. If Saphira hadn't made him promise, would he tried to re-create what he had with her?

He was jolted from his thoughts by Nasuada's voice saying, "Are you coming in or not, Eragon?"

Eragon shook himself and replied. "Sorry Nasuada. I was thinking."

Nasuada nodded. "I understand. I often get that way when I'm thinking about the Varden; I'll forget everything around me until someone asks me what's wrong."

Eragon walked into the tent and was surprised to see a table with lunch for both of them. The sight of the food made his realize how hungry he was.

"Sit," said Nasuada, gesturing to one of the two chairs. Eragon sat down on the edge of his chair; he was still worried about an attack.

"Now, Eragon. We have much to talk about. The first thing that needs to be done is Hrothgar's funeral. There is no way you could skip that."

Eragon nodded agreement; he was chewing and thought it would be impolite to speak.

"After that, I propose that you go back to Du Weldenvarden to complete your training."

"Actually, Nasuada, there is something I must do first. Roran's fiancee was captured by the Ra'zac and is currently being held in Helgrind. I know that she is still alive. I promised him that I would help rescue her."

Nasuada looked surprised. "That will be dangerous, Eragon. I won't stop you from going, but I will remind you that the Varden are counting on you. Don't let us down."

Eragon looked at her, pleased and surprised. He hadn't expected to be able to convince her so easily. "Thank you for understanding, Nasuada. I will be careful."

Nasuada nodded. "You'd better be. Now, please go. I'm sure you have much to do."

Eragon stood up and bowed before walking out of the tent. Saphira!, he called with his mind.

She came swooping down from the sky, a giant blue mass obscuring the sun. Eragon marveled, as always, at her beauty.

Where did you go?, asked Eragon.

I went to talk to Arya about what you're planning to do. She says to meet her in her tent.

What will you do while I'm talking?

I will go hunt.

Eragon hugged her. Be safe, he said.

Saphira hummed deep in her throat. I always am little one.

Eragon watched as Saphira took flight. When she was no more than a blue speck, he looked away and started to walk to Arya's tent. It took him several minutes without Saphira, but he finally reached his destination.

Standing in front of the tent, Eragon called, "May I come in?"

"You may," said Arya.

Eragon pulled back the tent flap and walked into Arya's tent. "Hello," he said ackwardly.

Arya nodded to him. "Grettings, Eragon. Saphira told me what you are planning to do."

Eragon knew that she was waiting for a response; he had a feeling that he would be judged based on his answer. "I know it will be dangerous," he began, "but I have to do it for Roran. He is my brother in everything but blood; I will do anything to help him. Besides, this whole mess is partly my fault. I have to try to make things right."

Arya looked at him for a long moment before saying, "I understand your reasons; however, you have to consider the good of the Varden. What will they do if you're killed?"

"Well, if I am, at least I will have died for a worthy cause. This mission won't be as dangerous as the battles I have fought in. If I succeed, the Raz'ac will most likely

be killed. That will rid the Varden of a deadly enemy."

Arya seemed satisfied with his answer and remained silent for several minutes. Then she spoke. "I wish you well. I will not be able to accompany you, however much I think I should; my duties here are very pressing."

Eragon wasn't surprised by her answer. After all, they weren't on the best of terms right now, due to the way Eragon had made a fool of himself while trying to woo her.

"Eragon, there is something you should know," Arya started hesitantly. "When I was captured by Durza, I had two companions with me; they were both killed when we were attacked. One of them, Faolin, was my mate."

Eragon's jaw dropped open. Of all the things she could have said, he had never expected this!

"Why didn't you tell me before?" he asked weakly.

"It wasn't necessary," Arya said. "I only say this now to explain further why I haven't responded well to your courting. Part of it is just that the circumstances are not right and another part is that I am still in grieving for Faolin. I will not be ready to take another mate for a long time, if I ever do. I know that you will want someone long before the time comes for me."

Eragon looked at her; he knew that she spoke at least part of the truth. He would want someone before she was ready; was he willing to wait that long for her? Yes!, said part of him. But is that really true?, he wondered. Am I willing to wait that long?

"You are right Arya," Eragon said heavily. "As much as it pains me to admit it, you might have a point about me not being willing to wait."

"If things were different, Eragon, I might have considered you. You have much to offer a girl; I wouldn't want you to waste yourself waiting for me. Someone will be lucky to have you."

"Thank you Arya. It is easier to accept your answer now that I know why you're doing it."

Arya looked at him for a moment. "Goodbye, Eragon. I will see you at Hrothgar's funeral."

It was a clear dismissal. "Goodbye, Arya."

Eragon walked out of the tent. Whatever he told Arya, it was still hard to accept her choice.

Saphira, he called.

I just finished hunting. I will be there shortly.

Eragon was relieved that she was coming back. He still couldn't shake off the worry of another attack and he felt better knowing that she was by his side.

After several minutes, he saw he coming toward the camp. He watched as she landing in one of the only open spaces, her blue wings barely missing the sides of the tents nearby. He ran over to her and hugged her.

It's good to see you, he said.

It's good to see you too, little one, she replied, humming deep in her throat. How did the talk with Arya go?

It went fine, but I am confused. Can we go flying for a while? I need to think.

Saphira seemed pleased at his request. Of course little one.

Eragon climbed onto her back and settled himself as they took off. They quickly gained height until they were well above the Varden's camp. Up in the sky, Eragon was able to clear his thoughts a bit. How complicated everything is, he said with a sigh. Saphira laughed in her dragon way.