Chapter 2

Eragon woke from his waking dreams early, as he usually did everyday out of a source of habit learned long ago from his life in Carvahall. He turned in his bed placing his feet on the intricately designed carpeting, which was the color of moss with gold and silver patterns bordering the outside in the design of interlocking tree limbs. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he smiled as he noticed that Saphira was still asleep and continued on his way towards the large teardrop portal to watch as the sun rose over New Vroengard.

As Lead Rider and Dragon his and Saphira's rooms were by far the largest of all the riders and were placed at the top of the citadel, a place that was only reserved the elder Riders and other dignitaries. However at the moment Eragon, Orik's ambassador Gumeria, as well as Nasuada's ambassador Tellen were currently residing within the citadels walls. Murtagh, as the Riders ambassador spent most of his time in Alagaesia unless he was called in order to aide in the training of the new Riders. Arya as the queen of the Elves usually found it difficult to leave the forests of Du Weldenvarden, though occasionally she would leave the forests for the Riders home in order to receive training, though Murtagh liked to joke that her visits were meant to spend time with Eragon and not to learn.

The view from his rooms was by far one of the greatest the whole island had to offer unless one was on the back of a dragon. The citadel had been built into the side of a mountain, while slightly to behind and to the side of it were three waterfalls all differing in size. One of Eragon's favorite things about his rooms was the view that they held of the sea, from there Eragon could see the approaching ships, and on occasion a Dragon and its rider.

Besides the three main building that were lined up together on the plains many other structures littered the land. Gigantic structures made of stone granite as well as tree houses dotted the landscape. Small forges were placed here and there that were manned by members of the Ingeitum, though the largest one stood on the outskirts of the city, and was home to Rhunon who in the eighth year after the completion of Dras abr Shur'tugaler had left Du Weldenvarden in order to as she put it aid in the restoration of the Riders. While she still viewed her vow as true, she had once again found a way around it by believing that she was no longer creating weapons to destroy but tools of peace. Tools that in the hands of the Riders would be used to keep the lands safe.

A dot off on the horizon soon caught his attention and with a start Eragon realized that a dragon was approaching. He squinted trying to discern the dragons color, not sure if it was Thorn and Murtagh that were approaching or Firnen and Arya as they were the only two Riders and dragons not currently on the island. Turning quickly Eragon rushed into Saphira's large cave pressed his mind against the blue dragons in order to wake her. Her head slowly raised and she stared at him through slit like eyes, annoyed that she had been awoken. Saphira, someone's approaching on dragonback.

Her eyes widened and she stood quickly shaking the sleep from her head. She indicated for him to quickly jump onto her back and he did so, casting a quick spell that would protect his legs from damage. She sprinted for the caves entrance and spread her wings as she jumped out, flapping her wings quickly to gain altitude. Who is the that approaches Little one? Blood-Red-Thorn or Green-Mate- Firnen?

Eragon squinted once again as the shape had become more distinguishable the further they had gone and the closer the figures got. A glint of red caught his eye. It is Thorn and Murtagh. He said simply.

Saphira nodded and once they were a good quarter of the way apart stopped and balanced on the thermals as they waited for Murtagh and Thorn to near them. Reaching out with his mind Eragon probed Murtagh's mind hoping that he would inform them as to why they where there, but he shook his head and said Not now, your questions must wait.

Eragon nodded and replied We can go to my study, unless your reasons for being here has need for more privacy?

It does. Though the Eldunari should be privy to this conversation. Murtagh replied. Eragon nodded, slightly shocked at this bit of news though quickly masking the emotion. The two dragons quickly made for the largest of the faces of Helgr Falls and the hidden vault within. They landed just at the edge of the falls pool and dismounted their dragons. The two brothers glanced around to make sure that no one was within range to listen to the four of them then spoke their true names. A moment later the rock face behind the falls let out a grating noise the walls began to slide out causing the water of the water to spread. Dragons and Riders quickly made their way into the mountain and the doors to the vault closed with a clang.

They quietly made their way down a chamber, the torches on the walls lighting as they passed. They walked in silence for close to ten minutes through the chamber until they came upon a large circular room, groves were cut in the walls to place the Eldunari. Cuaroc, the Eldunari's protector sat upon a stone thrown in front of a large stone basin.

Greetings Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales, Leaders of the New Order of Dragons and Riders. And Greetings to you as well Elders Murtagh and Thorn. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit. Umaroth said in greeting.

Umaroth-Elda, Murtagh and Thorn have brought new which they believed you should hear. Eragon said, then turned to look at his half brother, and with a look of questioning asked. "What news have you brought that would require such measures?"

Murtagh ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "The Mages that Nasuada recruited to watch over the land, they have become too enamored in their power, too sure of themselves, they've become too powerful. Trianna, the leader of the Mages has made it clear that they no are no longer loyal to the Empire. King Orrin is taking advantage of the situation and has announced that Surda would no longer answer to Nasuada or the united people of the land. He has yet to do so, but its only a matter of time before he declares war on the Empire and begins a march on Ilirea."

Eragon scowled. "To do so would be madness. Surely Orrin must know that every single race in Alagaesia would rise up against him?"

If the Mages are on the side of Surda it could give Orrin the courage needed to go about a revolt against the Empire. Cauroc said.

Murtagh nodded. "There's word of something lurking the lands again, the Dwarves have seen it, or him we're not sure at the moment. Nasuada doesn't want another war, but from what we've seen there will be no way of stopping one from occurring."

Eragon looked troubled as he starred at the far wall of the vault, not wanting to believe what Murtagh was saying. He knew that Nasuada's relationship was strained, he had known from day one, and from what he had heard over the years things had only grown worse. But had it really gotten to the point of war.

"You're sure that nothing can be done?" Eragon asked.

"At this point, no nothing can be done to stop it." Murtagh declared.

Eragon nodded and then turned to Saphira. I had hoped that we would not be needed for something like this so soon.

Saphira blinked at him and lowered her massive head in order to look him directly in the eye. Aye, I had wished that there would not be a need to do battle again. But it is our duty Little One, as Riders and Dragons to preserve the peace that we fought so hard to create.

Eragon nodded and with a small smile said. As always Saphira you are right. Hopefully our presence will dissuade Orrin from going through with his foolhardy plans.

And if not I shall remind him of why it is that he should fear us Dragons. Saphira said with the dragon equivalent of laughter.

Turning back towards Murtagh Eragon said. "Get something for the both of you to eat and rest to replenish your strength. Tomorrow the Riders return in full to Alagaesia."

And we shall follow you. Glaedr said, making his presence known.

I feel that you shall need our strength if you are to overcome what ever it is that blankets the land in darkness. Umaroth added.