Chapter Three

Carmen

Carmen soon noticed Murtagh inspecting her. She relaxed a little when he leaned back into position. The wind was intense at the speed they were flying on the dragon's back. Carmen winced as Mesari's hilt dug into her skin under the folds of her dress. She smiled as she looked down. They were high enough that the archers had given up and they were gaining ground towards Surda where the Varden were currently living.

(How are you?) Carmen smiled. Diam was being protective.

(I'm okay Diam.) She heard Diam breathe a sigh of relief in her head. From what she could see, he was staying out of the other dragons sight.

(I thought they had hurt you.) She laughed silently at her dragons worry.

(I'm okay, really.) He rolled his big eyes at her.

(Who's that your with? He looks cute.) Carmen shook her head. Diam never ceased to amaze her.

(It's okay. Nasuada sent them.) He seemed happy with her answer.

(Where shall I meet you?) He asked. Before she could reply, however, Murtagh tapped her on the shoulder, startling her out of her conversation.

"Eragon told me to ask you what happened to the egg you were carrying. Nasuada assumes it was taken back. Was it?" She saw his eyes were wide with concern. For her or the egg she did not know. His question sparked something in her.

(What are you doing?)

(Making a decision.) She replied casually.

(Real vague.) Her dragon criticised. She smiled at his comment.

"It was lost." She confirmed, feigning sadness. The mans face fell a little. He looked down at his dragon then and left her alone for the rest of the trip. This news must have devastated him. She went back to talking with Diam and glancing around. It wasn't too long before the nation of Surda came into view. As the dragon below her and the one next to her started to descend, she started to see little bits of detail in the vague outline of civilisation. The majestic palace of King Orrin loomed in the distance, as they landed in the familiar town square. She saw in her peripheral vision that the town was gathering around them as the other rider and the elf named Arya descended from the sapphire dragon. Pressure released her waist as Murtagh slipped off the saddle. She turned to see his hand outstretched towards her. She glanced at it before taking the help off the blood red dragon she had been riding. She and Murtagh caught up to Eragon and Arya and soon overtook them. Soon Carmen could see the town forming a lane for all of them to get through. Up ahead she saw Nasuada and King Orrin waiting to greet her. Murtagh peeled off and then Arya and Eragon followed suit. She was left walking towards the steps of the castle alone, glancing at the faces around her. Eragon, Arya and Murtagh were weeding through the still gathering crowd towards the small podium on the doorstep of the castle. Carmen slowed her pace and swallowed hard as she reached, and started climbing, the marble steps in front of the place where Nasuada and King Orrin were waiting to welcome her. She stopped not three feet from King Orrin and curtsied.

"It's an honour to meet you King Orrin." She stated as she rose from her curtsy. He nodded and she moved to face Nasuada.

"It's good to see you again Nasuada." She stated plainly as she rose from another curtsy. Nasuada smiled before replying.

"You too Carmen." She managed before hugging Carmen tightly. Nasuada's face-hardened slightly as she changed the subject.

"What has become of the egg?" Carmen smiled grimly.

"It was retaken." Nasuada nodded slightly.

(Are you sure about this?)

(If I weren't would I be doing it?) She replied to her worried dragon. Diam was always worrying now adays.

(As I should.) He stated matter of factly. She would have rolled her eyes but King Orrin was announcing what a great honour it was to have her here. When the makeshift ceremony was finished, Nasuada showed her to her sleeping quarters.

"It's the same as the last time you were here." Nasuada informed her. Carmen glanced around before turning back to Nasuada. She smiled and hugged her.

"We really must catch up." Carmen said forcefully. Nasuada grinned.

"I missed you." She whispered, her eyes on her feet. Carmen smiled.

"I missed you too, Nasi." Nasuada smiled at Carmens nickname for her.

"Why don't you go acquaint yourself with your rescuers." Nasuada suggested hopefully. Carmen nodded thoughtfully.

"I think I will." She said before walking out the door.