DISCLAIMER: I do not own Eragon or any other related characters. They belong to Christopher Paolini.

Chapter 4

Eragon and Saphira ascended high into the clouds. Eragon could feel the pounding against his face mercilessly. Saphira, how far away from Helgrind are we, Eragon asked.

I would say about 2 days, maybe 3.

It's getting late Saphira, Eragon said. I think we should set up camp. There is a good spot below us. Saphira mutely descended from the clouds into the opening. Eragon got out some fruit and ate silently. Saphira contacted him. I am going to hunt, Saphira said.

Okay,Eragon replied. Do not be too late. You will have to be on watch.

Eragon unrolled his sleeping mat and set up his tent. After a bit of tossing and turning, he finally got to sleep. Saphira returned to camp shortly after her rider fell asleep with blood all over her teeth. That was one of the best meals I have ever had, she thought. Assuming Eragon was asleep, she took watch over the camp.

Eragon sprung out of bed and got dressed and had some cheerios for breakfast (A/N: I wasn't joking!). Good morning Saphira, he greeted.

Shut up, Saphira said, annoyed.

What is up with you? He asked, slightly taken aback.

Oh nothing, she replied. Apart from the fact you made me take watch all bloody night!

Oh, right, he replied guiltily. Sorry.

You should be, she retorted. Saddle me up, she continued. We're leaving now. Eragon placed her huge saddle on her back and jumped on. Saphira took off.

VARDEN POV

Arya sat in her tent silently, contemplating on the past events. A servant walked into her tent. "Lady Arya," she addressed. "Lady Nasuada wishes to see you now."

Arya left her tent and walked towards Nasuada's quarters. She walked in. "Hello Arya," Nasuada greeted. "I have come to talk to you about finding Roran Stronghammer's attacker."

"Roran was attacked?" Arya asked, her face showing a hint of surprise, although she concealed it quickly. "Geez," Nasuada said, sounding bemused. "Does word EVER get around here? Well anyway, I brought you here because I want to start an investigation on his attacker. Could you please help?"

"It will be done my lady," Arya answered. She bowed and left the room. I should get this started right away, she thought. I'll go and see Angela. She's probably looking after him.

She headed towards the witches tent. She knocked on the 'door'. "Angela?" she called.

"Who is it?" Angela asked.

"It is Arya," Arya declared. "I have come to see Roran."

"Come in," Angela replied, sorrow in her voice. "But he is in a very bad way. He is dying fast.

ERAGON POV

I can see Helgrind, Saphira said quite loudly. I think I can get there in half an hour.

Excellent, Eragon replied. We will finally be able to rid Alagaesia of the Ra'zac. Saphira sped off toward Helgrind. After some hasty flying they landed outside The Gates Of Death.