Chapter 4: The F-L-Ight (Flight and Fight).

I updated as soon as I could, so here's the next chapter.. :) It's kinda short but...hope its good enough...


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ERAGON'S POV.

Eragon came out of his tent and suddenly someone bumped into him. He glanced around, and found himself face to face with a scruffy young boy. He had a note in his hand. He must be the messenger, Eragon thought.

The messenger muttered apologies and bowed carefully. Eragon noticed that he was trembling; he did not know if it was because of the chilly weather or because he was in a presence of a rider.

Since he had been acknowledged as a Dragon Rider, Eragon felt that people seemed to feel intimidated around him. To be honest, he was still surprised at the fact that he could even be intimidating. The boy looked about fifteen years of age, the same age he had been when he first found Saphira. Truthfully, he still couldn't believe what had transpired in his life. One moment, he was a farmboy, the next, he became one of the Legendary Dragon Riders.

"I bring a message from Lady Nasuada, Shur'tugal. She wishes to see you urgently." The messenger informed him.

Eragon nodded. Then a smile formed in his lips as the messenger caught sight of Saphira who was examining her huge wings. Aware of the observation, Saphira turned her head in his direction. She bared her sharp teeth. The messenger trembled and actually whimpered. He gripped his dagger so tightly that his knuckles turned a visible white.

"I will see her soon." Eragon told the messenger.

"Yes- yes…sir." The messenger stumbled off to another direction and Eragon turned to Saphira.

"Nasuada wishes to see me. I will be back soon." Eragon made a turn to leave but he cocked his head sideways and chuckled, "You weren't really planning to eat him were you?"

Saphira snorted. Fortunately, I've just had a meal. I had no interest in that one. He was far too skinny for my liking.

-x-

There was a soft knock on Nasuada's tent, and she called out, "Come in."

Gracefully Eragon stepped in and bowed, shifting Brisingr's hilt downwards. "Lady Nasuada, I received your message." Eragon said and looked up. Nasuada sat behind her still-messy-desk.

"Eragon," Nasuada said softly, "I have received news from Arya. It seems that she is doing well in her mission."

Eragon's face flickered with interest and concern then returned back to its polite countenance. Nasuada thought that Eragon reminded her of Arya's behaviour. They would express a feeling for a moment then briefly cover it with a blank facade. Eragon was becoming more and more like an elf. Nasuada kept that observation to herself.

"How is she doing? Is everything going well?" Eragon asked eagerly.

"She is doing quite well. She has set up camp near your village; Carvahall." Nasuada replied, observing Eragon's reaction.

Eragon twitched as Carvahall was mentioned. He hadn't been there for quite a while. He had promised to return, and now he could fulfill that promise.

"Has she located the egg?" He asked curiously.

"No. Hopefully, she will get a hold of it soon. However the progress of acquiring the egg would be lengthy. Two hooded magicians have attained the egg and she believes they are also skilled fighters. No doubt that they are Galbatorix' new pets. She also gleaned that these so-called magicians are travelling from village to village, hoping that the egg will hatch for someone," Nasuada explained, "It is an effective method. So if they are doing this, they must be the egg-couriers, which means they must be powerful enough."

Eragon processed the information. He was torn between the duty to stay with his liegelord and his heart to follow and help out Arya. She could be in trouble. As powerful as she was, he couldn't, wouldn't risk the chances. He knew he must get to her.

Suddenly aware of Eragon's altered behaviour, Nasuada asked, "What has got you agitated, Eragon?"

"If they are powerful magicians, or some new species Galbatorix has created himself, then Arya..." Eragon trailed off. His throat constricted. No way in any hell he was going to let her get captured or killed. He made a decision, "I must get to her before dawn. I can't scry or contact her, I will ride Saphira and we will try and get to her before she intercepts them."

As Nasuada heard Eragon's explanation, her forehead crinkled. "I don't let you go lightly, Eragon. If Murtagh should come, we might be defeated. But hearing from your account last week, they suffered greatly against Oromis and his dragon." She sighed, "I would appreciate it if Blodhgarm and the rest of the Elven spellcasters remained here. So, if you must, then go."

Eragon nodded and bowed. Swiftly, he stepped outside. He hastily told Blodhgarm their plans and received a hesitant submission. Eragon was the only Rider left, both in the Varden and the Elves'. If he should die, then there would be no hope for them. Blodhgarm told him this through their link but Eragon assured him that he wouldn't be captured or killed, so finally, but reluctantly, Blodhgarm had accepted his orders and bode him luck for the journey and mission. Eragon thanked him for his support.

...

Eragon explained to Saphira his conversation with Nasuada as they were flying. Saphira flew as fast as she could, her wings flapped vigourously. His own tredipitation fired hers and Saphira had to withdraw somewhat from their link. Eragon's emotions were too fierce and overwhelming. She only hoped to alleviate his anguish by enduring a part of his.

Saphira found her speed after a few minutes and at that moment she was the fastest moving creature in the whole land. Eragon could sense the amounts of energy Saphira used, and was slowly transferring some of his energy to her.

They were halfway, still quite far from Carvahall but they were making great progress. Not once they had stopped for rest or a break. Eragon's concern was profound and Saphira felt her rider's worry creep through their link. Eragon, calm down. If you were any more nervous, you'd alert any nearby magicians or maybe even Galbatorix himself. Saphira warned. She had kept the same speed throughout their journey and was still going on strong.

Sorry, Eragon muttered and guarded his mind barriers tightly. He transferred some energy from Beloth the Wise to Saphira's strength during the journey. Then he doubled his concentration on flying and no more than four hours later (just after midnight); the sight of Carvahall came into view.

Sadness washed over him when he glimpsed the ruined remnants of his childhood. Garrow's farm; the very plants he had sown and fences he had diligently worked for was nothing more than a giant mound of piled compost. The burnt-down buildings had slowly rotted, and now covered by overgrown grass and moss. As for the rest of the village, it looked so grey and dull that he found it hard to believe that it had even been inhabited at all. Broken doors swung open and shattered windows creaked and rattled as the wind blew against them. Knowing the fact that he had been the one that had destroyed the village Eragon wanted to beat himself. He ruined their lives.

Eragon... Saphira murmured, soothing him. Eragon sent her his reassurance and looked ahead.

Beyond the village, the Spine looked ominous and gloomy, as if awaiting their return. Eragon shuddered at the thought that the forest might be alive and was watching them right now. But he knew he was being paranoid. His distress for Arya made his heart ache with an almost intolerable burden.

Summoning the knowledge of the surroundings, and amalgamating his memories of the woods with Saphira, together they searched for Arya. It took no more than a minute for Saphira to fully remember her way around the woods.

-x-

If it were not for Eragon's elven senses he wouldn't have seen the small visible fire on the ground. Smoke was slowly rising out and Saphira turned towards the direction. She looked like a big black shadow in the sky. A minute later, they landed close to the fire which now Eragon sensed was put out. Arya was aware of their presence. She has an acute hearing, Eragon thought.

Eragon leapt off Saphira's saddle and wobbled slightly as he landed to his feet. They had been flying for hours; they didn't even stop for a rest. Gathering his bearings and thoughts, Eragon inhaled slowly, acquiring his composure.

Wait here. Eragon told Saphira as he crept behind a bush. He took a few more steps and disappeared from Saphira's view.

Although it was eerily dark, Eragon could see his surroundings. He crouched behind a wild plant; he didn't want to frighten Arya in some way, so he figured approaching her slowly would do the trick. Eragon sniffed. A waft of crushed pine trees filled his nostrils. It was an unmistakeable scent. Arya. Eragon stood up, trying to follow the smell.

Suddenly his breath was knocked out of him as he was brought down to the floor by a swift kick on the leg. Eragon's first thought was that it was an animal, but who could kick that hard and so quickly? Eragon tried to shake off the figure that was now on top of him. Eragon felt slim hands on his shoulders and realized that it was a human person.

Maybe a spy or a soldier! Eragon thought. Eragon blocked jabs and punches aimed at his face but he was defintely not in a good position to protect his body. He is quick! Eragon thought as the hand shot up and grabbed him on the neck. The hand tightened, squeezing his air supply.

Choking, Eragon rolled to the side and managed to be on top of the soldier but only for a few seconds. He barely managed to assault the stranger, but he on the other hand recieved hard punches and jabs that would sure to leave bruises. A strong blow struck his right hip and immediately he was on the bottom again. It was like two animals wrestling, but theirs was more deadly. One could gain the upperhand in seconds and finish the other. But they seemed to be equal in abilties, and Eragon had to rely on his instincts to protect himself.

The only sounds they both produced were grunts and the rustle of leaves beneath them. Eragon muttered a spell "Light!" He gasped. What he saw stunned him. He never thought the person could be a she.

Arya.

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CJ.x