Chapter 4. Albreich

Albreich rode up the road with a heavy heart, ("How could he just run away like that…") He thought to himself. Eragon had run off after the death of his uncle. So many unanswered questions like what made those strange tracks around Garrow's farm? What blew apart the house? Who were those men in black robes and what was Brom's connection to all this. Gertrude had said that Brom had left a letter for Roran urging him to stay away from the black robed men.

As Albreich neared the bridge to Therinsford a fat man appeared blocking his path. "You have to pay the toll…"

Albreich knew a scam when he saw one and rode past the man who unleashed a stream of curses at him as he rode away. Albriech rode strait to the mill and found Dempton hard at work with a young man who was not Roran. "Excuse me…"

"Albriech!" Dempton frowns, "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for Roran…Is he around?"

Dempton scratches his head, "He left…two days ago…"

"What…Where did he go…Why did he go?" Albriech asked shocked.

"He left with a strange man…Didn't give me his name…But he offered Roran a better job…As for where they went…Neither of them said…" Albreich shook his head, "Is everything alright?"

"No not really…Something has happened and Roran is needed home…" Albreich looks up at the sky it is getting dark. "Is there somewhere I can spend the night until morning?"

"Yeah I have an extra room…"

Albreich would have gone after Roran but he was no tracker and there were dozens of places Roran could have gone. One of the big cities or a nearby village like Yauzac or Daret. Early the next morning Albreich left Therinsford. A thousand reasons ran through his head as to why Eragon and Roran did what they did, but until either returned and explained themselves the truth might never be known. Then there was poor Katrina who had given Albreich a message for Roran.

Soon Carvahal came into sight, Albriech went strait to his father who was in the forge. "Albreich!" Horst frowned as Roran was not with him. "Where is Roran?"

"He was not in Therinsford when I arrived…Dempton said he left to pursue another job for more money…"

Horst frowns, "That doesn't sound like Roran…Did he leave word?"

Albreich shakes his head, "No father…"

Horst called the town council while Albreich spoke with Katrina, "I am sorry he was gone…"

Katrina held her peace not wanting to cry in front of Albreich, "If Roran left I am sure he had a good reason…"