I own NOTHING. Glad I got that over with. Hey! Before I forget, would you guys mind reviewing my story, I Fear What I Have Become? Thanks! This chapter is set to the song, "Collide" by Howie Day.

Chapter Four

"Blaril, you are missing my point!" a very frustrated Arya explained to one of her councilors. "If we do not send scouts to investigate this new threat, it will grow larger and larger; finally resulting in an uncontrollable mess! I trust you have not forgotten Galbatorix so quickly."

"Your Majesty! Listen to reason. If we immediately challenge this new threat, they will assume we mean to have open war! This would demoralize OUR people. We cannot risk them overthrowing you."

"If I am not mistaken, Blaril," Arya said, annunciating each word with careful precision, "a sovereign's highest calling is to serve his people. I will not be intimidated by this new threat. Until we discover otherwise, we will treat them as an enemy. Our scouts leave tomorrow at dawn. This is my FINAL word. You are all dismissed."

Seven elvish men filed from the dimly lit chamber that was Arya's council room. Each, especially Blaril, wore a frustrated look upon his face.

Eragon, who had previously been standing discreetly by a side window, moved towards Arya. He opened his mouth to speak, but Arya cut him off.

"Under no circumstances are you to go with my scouts. Your place is here."

The corners of Eragon's lips turned to a frown. "How did you know what I was going to ask?"

Arya smiled. "When you have been in the world as long as I have, certain facial expressions become recognizable. You are NOT to go!"

"But, Arya, it will only be for a week or so. Besides, as a rider, it is my duty to go. I know Saphira would agree with me. If the reports about this new threat are true, that they burn villages and enslave the citizens, then we must act! And what better way to force them into submission than to bring a dragon and rider along?"

"You are not going. There are plenty of excellent soldiers to take your place. Why do you seek more fame and glory? Is there not enough here?"

Eragon did not answer her and instead stalked off ahead.

"Eragon!" Arya called out. She caught up to him and looked him in the eye. "I want what is best for you, surely you must sense that."

"Do you?" he questioned cynically. "Goodnight, Your Majesty," he said in an angry tone. He locked himself into his chamber. Ralnnik was there to relieve his post.

Late that night, Arya paced in her study, trying to reason with herself. Why should I care if Eragon goes? He is just a guard.

He is also a friend, Arya, reminded her inner voice. You worry for his safety, but, more than that, you want him here with you. You enjoy his company. I suppose that you now regret turning him down all those years ago.

Oh, shut up! Arya growled to herself.

Well, you know, her inner voice continued, you could send him along, he would be fine. And you could go with him. Haven't you just been dying for a spark of excitement? Aren't you bored of sitting around her? This trip would be just what you need.

It's impossible, Arya said firmly to herself. Who would rule in my place?

Well that's simple. Appoint your mother as regent. Old though she may be, she will not mind stepping in for you.

Why do you always have to make so much sense? Arya thought for a momentAha! I've found a flaw in your plan. The council will never let me go. They would deem it too dangerous for their queen.

You said the magic word, Arya, "queen". Remind them that you ARE their sovereign. You may do as you wish.

Alright! You have won. But if anything goes wrong, I'll blame it on you.

Fine, her inner voice said smugly. But seeing as I'm a part of you, blaming everything on me would be potentially problematic.

I said to Shut UP!

A quiet knock sounded on Eragon's door. He rose and called out, "Who's there?"

"It's me, Arya."

"What do you want?" Eragon asked grouchily.

"Open your door, and I will tell you," she whispered.

Eragon growled, thinking wistfully about the last thirty minutes of sleep he would miss before daylight. He wore only breeches and, due to his groggy senses, did not think to dress.

"Yes?" he said curtly as he opened the door. If Arya was surprised to see him with no tunic, he was even more surprised to see her dressed for travel.

His mind snapped into overdrive and he quickly asked, "What's happened? Is it Urgals, Shades?"

"Eragon," Arya smiled, eyeing his muscled frame approvingly, but discreetly,"relax. I have recently decided to accompany my scouts to the Spine to hunt out this new threat. As my guard, you are obligated to accompany me. Dress quickly and meet me at the north entrance to Ellesmera."

Before Eragon could do more than nod, she was gone.

He dressed quickly and saddled up Saphira.

Upon arriving at the north gate, Eragon came upon Arya embroiled deeply in an argument with her chief councilors.

"Barill, I will be fine. Why do you doubt Eragon's abilities?"

"I don't doubt him, your majesty, but accidents do happen. It would be especially tragic if you were to die leaving no heir to secure the throne!"

"You could choose someone else, Branil."

Branil sighed. "You have your mind made up. You're just like your mother. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn." He walked away muttering.

Eragon strode towards Arya. "You know how to get your way, don't you?"

Arya looked at him with an exasperated expression. "It has taken many years of practice, but yes, I believe I have the procedure down."

"My lady, are you ready?" the lead scout called out.

"Yes, Frederic. Let us go." Turning to Eragon, she said, "I believe it would be best if I rode with you on Saphira. Is this agreeable to you?"

"Of course, my lady."

"It's Arya."

"Of course, Arya.

Eragon mounted Saphira first, then extended a hand to help Arya on behind him. Instead, she swung herself up, positioning herself in the front.

Eragon groaned inwardly. "Saphira, what am I going to do? She's taunting me!"

Saphira let amusement seep across their mental link before answering, "I doubt she is taunting you, little one. Perhaps she really does want you to hold her. Notice that she hasn't strapped her legs in."

"Fine," Eragon said. "But if this goes wrong, I'll blame it on you."

"Little one, blaming it on me would be potentially problematic. If you remember, I am a part of you." She chuckled. Eragon cursed mentally.

Deciding to take a chance, he placed his arms around Arya's waist and smiled when he felt her move ever so slightly towards him. This flight wouldn't be so terrible after all.

How was it? Reviews please. I hate to sound like I'm begging, but, who cares? I want reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!