Ismira leaned closer to Lenora. Since the day before she had been busy getting ready for her trip, so it was nice to be alone with her dragon on a peaceful journey to Nädindel. The sky was clear, and the wind was with them, and there were no obstacles on their course ahead.

She opened her mind to Lenora and enjoyed the peaceful presence of her thoughts rubbing against her own.

What is it, partner-of-my-heart? the dragon asked.

Oh, nothing. Just enjoying your company.

As I yours.

Well, off on another political mission, are we? Sometimes I wonder if Eragon really is trying to test our patience.

I think he might just be.

Ismira laughed, the musical sound filling their quiet surroundings. She loved flying, she loved anything that she could do with her white dragon. It had only been five years since Lenora had hatched for her, but now Ismira couldn't imagine life without her: boring, dull, and while she'd have her wonderful family, she wouldn't have that that she treasured the most.

So why are they holding the council in Nädindel? Aren't we all getting together to talk about a Rider's sword?

Yes, we are. And this particular sword, Arvindr, happens to be in Nädindel at the moment. There has been discussion over whose possesion it should be now that the last relative of its Rider was killed by a disease.

How is that possible? The last relative was an elf. Couldn't they have used magic to heal them?

Apparently is was incurable.

That's unfortunate.

Yes, now can we get on a lighter topic. We have no need to talk about Death.

Of course. So, why does Eragon want us there?

Ismira sighed. He wants the sword to return to the Riders.

What! Why?

Because it's a powerful weapon. He doesn't want it to fall into the wrong hands… And he thinks that because no heir has been named for the sword, it's only right for it to return to its proper home.

Which is with the Riders?

Yes.

I see. This mssion might be more interesting then it first seemed.

Maybe, but I don't see how that could be a good thing.

You're the one who wanted adventure.

So what? That doesn't make it a good thing.

Lenora made a gurgling sound that Ismira guessed was laughter.You're one of a kind, did you know that.

Yes, your just realizing that?

No.

Ismira laughed again. This conversation was getting nowhere.

Do you have enough energy to fly through the night? You'll never get anywhere on tired wings.

I'll fly tonight, but we can stop tomorrow, and you need not worry about me. I could fly for a hundred nights if necessary.

I doubt it, but we'll just leave it at that.

Fine by me. We should reach the Dwarven trading outpost of Hedarth by sunset tomorrow. We can spend the night there.

They stopped talking after that, flying together, quietly enjoying one another's presence. That night Ismira slept in the saddle, and the following day, they, following Lenora's prediction, reached Hedarth only minutes before sunset.

The dwarves and traders in the small trading outpost were more than happy to provide Ismira and Lenora with shelter for the night, however hard it was to accommodate the dragon's bulk: the pair was extremely comfortable that night. In the morning, they set off early, yet the inhabitants of Hedarth still managed to wake up in time to wish them farewell:

"Please come again!" one man shouted.

"Yes, we enjoyed your stay. Tell the Riders they are always welcome here," a woman said with a smile.

"I will," Ismira replied. Lenora got off the ground with a quick flap of her wings, and flew away towards the north.

If we fly swiftly and the wind remains under my wings, we should reach Nädindel within the next three days, quite possibly the next two. Lenora's thoughts interrupted the silence between them.

That's good news. Silence consumed them once again.

This time it was Ismira who broke the silence. Let's tell riddles to pass the time. I've been told that's what master Eragon did when he spent long days in the saddle during the battle against Galbatorix.

As long as you go first. I can't think of a good one.

Alright. Let me think… Oh! I'll tell you one I heard from another Rider. What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it?

I don't know anything that delicate. Couldn't it be anything if you said its true name?

Saying something's true name won't always break it. Most of the time it doesn't. Ismira pointed out.

Lenora thought for a moment. Alright, Lenora finally said. I give up what is it?

It's silence.

I should have thought of that.

Yes, but you didn't.

Alright, my turn. They come out at night without being called, and are lost in the day without being stolen. What are they?

Easy, stars.

How'd you know?

You already told me that one. The more you take of me, the more you leave behind. What am I?

How come you give me all the hard ones?

I don't.

Then how come I can't solve them?

That one was footsteps.

But technically, you leave foot prints behind, not footsteps.

Whatever. Your turn, Lenora.

Hmmm. What is harder to catch the faster you run?

I have to admit, I'm stumped.

Come on. That's an easy one!

For you! You know the answer.

I came up with it.

Just tell me the answer, Lenora.

Your breath!

I can't argue with that. Remember when I attempted to beat Eragon in a race, desperately failed, and passed out.

Yes, and he woke you up by dumping water on your head! Lenora laughed.

It wasn't funny.

Yes it was. It was HILARIOUS!

Oh yeah. I was laughing so hard.

No you weren't; but that doesn't mean it wasn't funny.

Ismira sighed. She could never win a fight with her dragon.

There's chapter 4! As always, I ask for reviews!