When Eragon returned to his tent, having departed from Nasuada's pavilion, he was surprised to find Grimmr lying on his cot, in cat form.

I came to finish our conversation, Shadeslayer.

Yes, of course. I do wish to know what Solembum was talking about. Eragon admitted, but we did figure out what he meant by finding a weapon under the Menoa tree.

Indeed. Yet you wish to know where the Rock of Kuthian is and what to do to open the Vault of Souls.

Eragon was surprised, but he concealed his reaction under a blank mask. Yes, that is what I need to know. He said cautiously.

Grimmr starting licking his maimed paw, then stopped and said The Rock of Kuthian is one of the most powerful sources of magic known. It was discovered by some wayward traveling scholars from Kuasta, who recorded what they had observed before they continued on their return to their city.

But if such a powerful magic exists, then how come the Dragon Riders did not know of this? Eragon interrupted. Or even the elves?

The elves knew, for a time, but soon it was forgotten by all but the werecats. Even Galbatorix does not know for sure.

Eragon interjected, How is this possible? And what was the reason for this?

Grimmr looked directly at Eragon and said with a flash of annoyance. Do you want to know where to look for it, O great Rider, or will you simply interrupt with meaningless questions about the past?

Chastised, Eragon murmured, I am sorry. Please continue Grimmr.

Grimmr took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and for a while it seemed he was asleep. Then,

I will answer both of your questions Shadeslayer. Before the fall of the Riders, every Dragon Rider, and quite a few elves, as well as those scholars in Kuasta, knew where the Rock was. However, while they could detect the presence of an enormous source of magic, they could not access it, for they had neither the strength nor the skill to do so.

After the Fall, we werecats realized that Galbatorix would try to capture the Rock's power, or that he would try to take it with him. Knowing this should never happen; every mature werecat was gathered in my father's company, for I was little more than a kitten at the time. Then we went out in the land, finding and destroying every last copy of books regarding the information on the Rock. We only kept fragments acknowledging its existence, but no more.

Wouldn't that be quite difficult to do? Eragon asked between pauses.

Yes, although since Galbatorix had managed to burn so many books and their writers, he accidentally destroyed most of the texts himself during the early days of his newly formed Empire.

Eragon said, But wouldn't those who read—

Have remembered? Yes they should have. The humans, we did not have to worry about, for they would die in a matter of years. The elves were far more difficult. However I do not have the time or patience to explain how we fixed that. Just know, Grimmr said before Eragon could protest. Just know we left one person to study the story of the Rock.

Who? Eragon wondered.

Think Eragon. Who has ceaselessly searched for the answers to the 'questions'?

Eragon thought for a moment, and then said with a sudden realization, Tenga, the lone man living near Melian! Has he figured out the answer yet?

Grimmr said nothing, merely got up from Eragon's cot, stretched lazily then lithely walked towards the exit.

Perhaps he has. You will need to go ask the right questions. My role in this is complete. Goodbye, and good luck Eragon, and you too as well Brightscales.

And with that, Grimmr departed, leaving Eragon to digest what had transpired.

What do you make of this Saphira? Will we ever meet him again? Eragon said with a sigh.

I think if we are to fight Galbatorix, we must try to find the Rock as soon as possible. And if we need to contact the hermit to find out, then it is absolutely necessary. I do not know about the werecat, he could turn up at any given moment.

Eragon slumped into his cot and folded out a map of Alagaësia. I agree, but look. From here to Melian is just as far as from here to Feinster. It would take two whole days to fly there, and we still might not know anything about it.

It is a far distance, Saphira agreed, but we need this in order to defeat Galbatorix. We need to discuss this with Nasuada, and perhaps even Angela.

Of course, Angela trained and was taught with Tenga! Eragon realized. She might know some things about him that could be useful.

If we are to take action, we must consult with them at once.

Eragon, anticipating what Saphira said, was already exiting his tent towards Nasuada's pavilion.

Meet me there. I'll only slow you down.

Eragon nodded, then broke off into a brisk jog, which thanks to his elf characteristics, was still faster than most men could sprint. He arrived just as Saphira was beginning to land, her huge wings billowing the canvas of the surrounding tents.

Do you think we can enter? Eragon asked.

Go and find out.

Eragon hesitated, and then entered the tent, the Nighthawks letting him pass. Nasuada looked up from a scroll she was studying, having finished conversing with Orrin, and greeted Eragon with a faint smile.

"Eragon what brings you here so suddenly?"

Eragon thought of the right words to say, and then told Nasuada about his meeting with Grimmr without revealing too much. After he had finished, Nasuada was quiet for a moment, then sighed deeply.

"Do you think this is the only way to defeat Galbatorix?"

Without hesitation, Eragon answered, "Yes. If what Solembum and Grimmr said is true, then this is the only real way I can become strong enough to defeat Galbatorix."

Nasuada sighed deeply and rubbed her temples. "How long will you need Eragon? We march in two days, and will probably take another two days to reach Belatona. There I can hold off fighting for maybe another day, two at the most. Will that be enough?"

Quickly calculating in his head, Eragon said, "That should be enough, I believe. We estimate at least two days flying to where the man is, perhaps a day at most to learn what we need, and then we shall fly directly to Belatona which should be another two, maybe three days."

Nodding, Nasuada said "That should be good. I only hope this trip goes well."

"Me too," Eragon replied, hesitating at what to ask next. "Have you decided who will go to Teirm?"

Nasuada, caught offhand by the question, said slowly, "Yes, I have already decided who to deploy. The leader of the expedition will be Jeod as he has lived in the city for a long time." Eragon nodded at this, it was expected. He was only mildly surprised when Nasuada said "I will also send Angela as she was a resident of the city as well and she could be helpful to the scheming of the attack."

Eragon asked, "So she will be in charge of the attack? I am also aware that you have not been to Teirm to know what it's like there."

Nasuada nodded "She will play an integral role, though how important will depend on how well she performs the tasks I have assigned her these past few days. Yes, but I have had Saphira share some of her experiences of the city, especially from up above. It is very well designed against an attack; I fear we may need more troops than I had anticipated."

Growing nervous, Eragon ventured a wary question, "Do you plan to send Roran or the Carvahall villagers there?"

Sensing Eragon's anxiousness, Nasuada said "I have not decided on Roran yet. He would be a great leader for them, but he is also needed here as well."

Nodding slowly, Eragon said "I agree, and I would enjoy having him here when we march on Dras Leona."

Nasuada looked surprised at this. "You would not be upset if I deployed him to Dras Leona?"

Eragon considered this for a moment, then replied "If it is necessary, then I won't be as upset. I would feel more comfortable to know how he fares during battle than somewhere faraway."

Nasuada nodded thoughtfully then said, "You have indeed matured since the mission to the dwarves, Eragon. I shall consider what you have said about this matter." There was silence after, which Nasuada broke saying, "What is your opinion on me sacrificing more men than necessary to take Belatona?"

Eragon replied thoughtfully, "I know the people won't like it, but you're right, we aren't short on wealth necessarily, but we are on things that are sorely needed for an army on the move. Feinster has a good store of supplies we could use but yes, it isn't enough for Dras Leona. Will we keep soldiers in Feinster as well in order to hold the city? The citizens remain loyal to Lady Lorana, who is still under oath by Galbatorix."

Nasuada appeared relieved by his answer and said "Thank you Eragon. I wasn't sure if it was the wisest decision. Yes, I will keep the wounded and any other soldiers who wish to remain to guard the city. If there isn't enough to keep watch, I will keep the villagers of Carvahall here as well. Many residents of the city have already fled for fear of retribution by the King. I also planned to search the city to root out and eliminate any magicians who could cause havoc. That was what I had planned for you, Arya, Blödhgarm, and the other elves to do before you came to me just now. I suppose they can do it without you; I highly doubt there will be that many powerful ones left."

Eragon nodded, that was what he would have done if he didn't have to leave. He thought keeping the villagers in the city would be a good idea. Do you like what she has said, Saphira?

She has become a very wise leader. Saphira answered. I'm sure if Roran gets sent he will do just fine. And Arya and the other elves are more than enough to empty the city of stray spellcasters.

Before Eragon could respond, Nasuada asked "Eragon how has Glaedr been so far? Has he recovered?"

Eragon was surprised at this, but then answered "I checked on him yesterday; he is still unwilling to talk." Eragon shuddered when he remembered how Glaedr roared and wailed, Gone. Gone! GONE!

"I understand. It's just that, as we get closer to Urû'baen, we will need his guidance and wisdom more and more."

Eragon nodded, and then said "We must depart. Next time I see you, it shall be at the gates of Belatona."

Nasuada nodded. "Indeed. Good luck, both of you, and may your trip be speedy and fare well."

With a small bow, Eragon exited the tent and said to Saphira, I'll get some of my gear in my tent, and maybe say goodbye to Arya and Roran.

I do not wish to leave our companions so soon.

I don't want to leave either. Especially not from Arya.

Let us make it quick then.

Eragon quickly ran into his tent, packed all his main armor into a haversack, organized his remaining supplies in an orderly fashion, and then left to get a sack of food supplies for his journey. At the cooking area, he collected what he deemed necessary, and spent the rest of the hour collecting energy from the slaughtered animals into Brisingr as well as the Belt of Beloth the Wise. Then he climbed onto Saphira's back, saddlebags tightly secured, and the two flew to where they sensed Arya was located, who happened to be near a makeshift sparring arena. As Saphira landed, everyone took heed and gave her space. Arya trotted over to greet him with a jovial expression, but then, noticing his saddlebags and all of his armor, she grew serious and asked,

"Eragon, what are you preparing for?"

Through their mental link, Eragon quickly explained and showed all the events that transpired the past few hours. Arya's brow furrowed when she heard him talk about Tenga.

"Do you really think he has the answer? I did not think Grimmr and indeed the entirety of the werecats would do what they did."

Eragon nodded, "Yes, I was a bit surprised myself. I think he knows. He has scrolls and manuscripts not even Oromis had… Arya I just came to say goodbye and I apologize for having to leave so suddenly. If you could join us, I would be greatly happy, but our duties separate us from doing so and—" Eragon bit back what he was going to say next, fearing he would again reveal his deeper feelings towards her. I cannot jeopardize our friendship he thought to himself. Arya considered him for a moment, then said,

"I shall miss the company of you two as well. I think if we both fulfill our duties to the Varden, fortune may smile upon us and we may be reunited sooner than you think."

Eragon smiled at this, but thought, Yes. On the fields of blood and gore.

The cacophony of swords clanging had returned as the warriors resumed sparring with each other. Bowing slightly, Eragon said, "I think I must now depart if I am to return on time."

Arya nodded "Of course Eragon. May good fortune rule over you Saphira. And a successful journey from both of you."

Eragon bowed again, then gave her a small smile and said. "You as well Arya. We shall be like the wind."

Then Saphira craned her neck so her eye was directly in front of Arya. After a short silence, Arya smiled and said "As you wish Brightscales. I will be fine."

Saphira then unfurled her wings and slowly began to rise. Eragon turned towards Arya and gave a small wave, before Saphira gave a powerful flap towards the direction of Melian. Before long the Varden encampment was but a tiny blur, and Eragon and Saphira were once again alone on their own journey.

A/N: Edited 11/26/13