A Song From The Past

Evan arrived at their clearing ten minutes later and out of breath.

"Finally! Eragon is not well, Evan." Murtagh said.

"Yes, he keeps tossing and turning in a feverish dream, calling our names." Julius added.

"Well, I've got the antidote."

Julius sat Eragon up and tilted his head back while Evan knelt next to her and poured the antidote down his throat. Saphira and Murtagh intently watched the women work.

"Alright." Started Evan, "according to my cousin (she never said the name Arya. She could never forgive her for what she had done, or tried to do.) The antidote takes at least two hours to kick in. Once the poison is gone, we can get him to the Varden for professional healing. Even though it'll take a few weeks, we can help to heal him as well."

"We had better get started. The Gil'ead guards with be after us by morning, if they haven't already started searching for us."

I've always thought Murtagh very wise. Saphira said to Evan

Yes, Saphira, Murtagh is a great ally. Will you carry Eragon? He won't be able to mount a horse.

Yes, of course. A dragon will always carry her rider, but he will not sit right on my back. Ride with him, will you?

Yes.

"Julius, Murtagh, I'm to ride Saphira. She wishes me to. So I will take Eragon with me."

"Ride safe, Evan. We cannot afford to lose you." Julius paled, not that she'd gained much color since the breakout.

"Why the sudden concern, Julius?" Evan asked.

"Why not?"

Evan laughed softly. Murtagh helped Evan get Eragon mounted onto Sahpira. Evan followed behind. She looked down at her friends. "Ride hard." She said. Then she blessed them in Elvish, "Atra esterni ono thelduin." The two bowed their heads in thanks and respect.

"Thank you." They said in unison. And with that, Saphira took off.

Evan clasped Eragon across his breast and hugged him to her.

"Evan." Eragon gasped.

"Eragon, love, I'm here." She said, stroking his hair.

"Please Evan, sing for me." Eragon said, struggling with words.

Yes, please sing. Saphira said.

Evan began, her voice beautiful and strong:

Friendship is something we cherish,

Although most fade and perish.

It binds us to the ones we love,

With higher strengths then the ones of above.

It makes us cry; it makes us moan.

It makes us try; it makes us known.

Our friendship is stronger than any dragon.

Although, we met over a flagon.

We friends together make,

Something that no one can ever take.

Together we have faced and overcame,

Evils, shades, and Galbatorix's games.

My friends, my loves, my siblings,

Together we are the real queens and kings.

So one last time I say to you,

Let this be known, to you, I am always true.

"Evan, that song. I- I remember it. It was the one that brought us together." Eragon gasped. "I- I love your voice." He added, and then quietly said, "and you" Evan barely heard.

Your voice is that of angels.

"Thank you." Evan said aloud. "Eragon, I love you too." She said softly and slowly kissing Eragon on the cheek.

When Eragon seemed to be recovering and the antidote kicking in, he began gasping for breath and coughing. Then, he passed out.

Oh Saphira! I wish he well.

As do I, little one. He will be soon.

Yes.

They flew silently for a bit until Eragon became restless. He tossed and turned in Evan's arms. "Saphira!" he screamed, startling the dragon. "Evan, no! Please, not Evan. No, Murtagh! Please!" he was sobbing, "Julius, please no, no." He still remained asleep. "Help me." He cried, "please God, help me! Make them stop. SAPHIRA!" he screamed. Saphira whined.

"Shh, Eragon. It's all right, love. We're here; it's all right."

He awoke, startled, and stared into Evan's eyes. His own were filled in tears. Evan hugged him and he silently sobbed in to her shoulder. So much pain was contained in his body. He thought, surely one could die from this much pain. He just wanted it all to stop. Eragon was afraid to sleep. His dreams were terrible. Brom, Garrow, Marian, and the mother he'd never known, Selena stalked him, with crazed looked in their eyes. They kidnapped his friends and killed them off before him, one by one.

Yet again, he was captured by sleep, his head resting in the nook of Evan's neck. Peacefully, he slept. It pleased Saphira and Evan that he could rest, undisturbed by awful nightmares.