Author's Note: Yeah, I drew the little Fae girl, now I just have to get my scanner to work… *pulls out hammer* It's hammer time! Mwahahaha! Sorry about the bad pun…
Chapter Five: Another Rescue?
What had woken her up? Veryn opened her eyes and was greeted by the sight of Eragon asleep on a blanket next to where she was. No. That wasn't it.
Whispers. Brom and Murtagh were conversing in whispers, though they sounded slightly harsh. Having suspected this from the rising tension between the two for days, she could only hope Brom wouldn't send Murtagh away. She caught some of the words.
"Father…not like him...saved you…would never…ask Veryn…" That was Murtagh.
"Asleep…still tired from healing…when would you reveal…keep secret for now…trust…for now…" Brom.
What on earth were they talking about? Veryn yawned and stretched, careful not to wake Eragon as she got up. Brom and Murtagh sat around a small fire, with the earlier smoking his pipe and the later just gazing into the flames.
"Hello." Veryn mumbled as she sat down by Murtagh, wondering what he was thinking while just staring at the flames. It was intense and sad.
"Feeling better?" Brom asked with a small smile.
"Yes. But I should be asking you that."
He patted his side. "I feel great, not an ounce of pain or even a scar. I owe you girl."
Veryn took a deep breath and looked around their current base. She wanted to tell them about the child, but no doubt they would see her as insane and ditch her as soon as possible. No one else but she had seen the girl, so she was starting to wonder if maybe she really was. Great, just what Alagaesia needs. Another dragon rider who has misplaced their mind.
Shuffling alerted them to Eragon's awakening and he soon joined them. "Morning." He mumbled, trying to stretch without irritating his ribs but failing horribly. "I had the strangest dream last night."
"Do tell." Veryn grumbled.
"This little girl who had leaves for hair told me that the elf from my previous dreams is in Gil'ead."
She nearly choked on the water she had just gotten herself, earning a glance from Murtagh in her direction.
"Is that so?" Brom asked thoughtfully, leaning back slightly to look at the cave's ceiling. "I suppose you want to save her?"
When Eragon nodded, she nearly groaned. How much trouble was he going to get them into this time?! Murtagh smirked at her distressed expression then looked over at Brom. "Are you sure this is worth pursuing?"
Veryn looked over at him. "You're going with us?" She asked.
"You really do think I tracked those Ra'zac for the fun of it. I knew they would lead me to the Rider and they did. Just think of it as my way to strike back at a king I despise. He needs a swift kick in the ass."
She blinked once, twice then giggled. She wasn't sure where it was coming from but it made her feel better. Better then she had since before Dras-Leona.
"Let it out Veryn. Don't think we haven't noticed how worried you've been." Brom said calmly as he began to prepare them all a meal.
Giggles turned into full blown laughter while tears began to run down her cheeks. "I'm…so sorry… I don't….know where it's coming from!" Eragon grinned over at her.
"Doesn't matter, it just shows that you care enough to be reduced to laughter and tears of relief when you are sure we are alright."
Nodding, she wiped at the tears and took the soup that was handed to her. "Thank you."
After their meal, Veryn was once again checking Eragon's side. "I might be able to heal this today." She said slowly as she lightly ran her fingers over the bruise, feeling the broken bones beneath. It wasn't enough to make him yell, but she could see he was wincing.
Brom looked over. "Are you sure you could handle the spell Veryn? You must have used a great deal of energy the other day to save me."
Veryn smiled. "I should be okay, I have Lorin there to back me up." She turned back to Eragon. "Okay, let's get your shirt off." And for the first time she noticed that Eragon blushed whenever she said that. "Are you okay?"
"Fine…"
"If you say so." Placing his tunic off to the side, Veryn reached out for Lorin. What shocked her was when someone else answered in her dragon's place.
Need to borrow energy? A voice similar to Lorin's but different responded.
Saphira?!
Yes, as you are healing my rider I should at least help.
Slightly alarmed by this new development, she took the offered energy and melded it with her own before starting the spell. "Waise heill." Eragon hissed in discomfort as his ribs began to move back into place and reattach themselves. It proved that sometimes the remedy is worse then the ailment.
"Well?" Veryn asked.
Eragon blinked then took a deep breath, a grin spreading across his face when it didn't hurt. "It worked! Thank you so much Veryn."
"That ability will come in handy if we are really going to raid Gil'ead." The two turned to look at Murtagh as he entered the cave, back from his scouting. He stopped before them and crossed his arms while Eragon pulled his tunic back on. The older teen seemed thoughtful for a second.
"Are you alright Murtagh?" Veryn asked slowly.
"Fine, just running over different plans in my head so I could include your unusual ability to heal." Veryn was about to protest when Brom spoke up.
"He's right, you may be horrible at almost every weapon besides daggers and sais but you are gifted in magic. It makes me wonder…" She waited but when the older man didn't continue she just shrugged it off as was her way. Today they were packing up their little 'base' and moving on towards Gil'ead to find an elf that may or may not be there. Veryn could feel the claws of her constant worry over her companions, which had now grown in number to include Murtagh, come back to nestle in her stomach. That damn elf better be there and worth this trouble! If I didn't have a past life and all that crap, I might have not believed him.
Picking up the paper with the words she was learning on it, Veryn focused on the one that kept jumping out at her. Vakna. The world around her seemed to shimmer while an icy feeling clenched at her heart that was pounding wildly. Her skin felt like it had taken on a life of it's own and was dancing while her back positively itched! It almost felt like someone was drawing on her back with a piece of rough wool.
She reached around to scratch at it, when everything but the itching stopped. Veryn blinked in surprise while she continued to rub at her back, making her discomfort noticeable to one of the group. He walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at her in curiosity.
"Are you okay Veryn?" Eragon asked, tilting his head slightly to the side.
"Fine, my back was just itching." Smiling she slung her bag over her shoulder and nearly squirmed at how it felt. It didn't hurt, it just felt weird like her nerves were more sensitive now.
Once everything was cleared, the group moved on and had been riding for several hours when Brom spoke up. "Veryn, I think you should try riding Lorin again."
And that was all it took for the cold sweat to break out and her heart to race. No! I've been through this! Lorin won't let me fall!
Of course I would never let you fall! You are my other half and I love you little one, even if you annoy me sometimes. Lorin sounded indignant.
I love you too Lorin. But getting over this phobia is going to take some time…and a LOT of hard work.
"It will help you overcome your fear Veryn." The older man said gently, offering her a kind half smile.
"What fear?" Veryn nearly fell off her horse when Murtagh spoke from right beside her, she hadn't noticed him riding up to her!
"Veryn's afraid of heights." Eragon supplied helpfully.
"A Rider afraid of heights?" He sounded completely shocked.
"Rub it in why don't you?" Veryn grumbled as she gazed down at a part of her horse's mane. "It's not like I'm not trying to get over it. You try being up that high and not be scared!" She finished that with a halfhearted glare and was going to go back to staring into space when he did something that made her forever believe that he enjoyed surprising people.
"Alright, I'll do it."
She openly stared at him which he shrugged off.
"I just think it would be amazing to fly."
Eragon grinned over at him and she knew that he agreed with the older teen. Oh no, they were going to gang up on her!
"Perhaps this is for the best. Veryn can ride, she just needs someone with her. Would you go with her Murtagh?" Brom asked, looking over his shoulder.
For a moment she thought he might refuse as he debated, but she could see the temptation to fly winning him over. A small grin broke out over his handsome face and he nodded. "Should be interesting."
Veryn cursed her luck and called Lorin down so they could tie on the saddle. Try not to think on it. Try not to think on it. Try. Not. To. Think. On. It! She chanted in her mind as she swung up into the saddle and strapped herself in before sniffing somewhat indignantly. "Well?"
Grinning, Murtagh jumped up behind her. Lorin didn't wait for anymore conversation, so once she was sure her passengers were secure she took to the air. Sadly, Veryn still had to bite back the scream that almost bubbled out. And clearly she was making it a flight to remember for Murtagh as she moved gracefully through the air. Show off. Veryn accused bitterly as she held on tightly to the front of the saddle, trying to relax a little more so she could as least free one hand.
Turning, she looked back at Murtagh's awestruck look as he gazed out. "This is…"
"Terrifying? Nausea inducing? Unbelievably frightening? Terribly scary?" She provided, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her with his smile once again in place. He would make a better Rider. Veryn thought miserably. At least he isn't scared of flying…
"I was going to say amazing, but I'm sure those words are how you feel at the moment. Do you know why you are so scared of heights?"
"Sadly no. I have always been since I was little, before I could remember actually. One time when I was in the capital, a gypsy told me that I must have fallen to my death in a past life…" It disturbed her how right that woman had been if what those brief memories proved true, and that she was suspiciously similar in appearance to the one who had given her the necklace she now wore. "But that is all superstition right?"
"Superstition has roots in the truth, almost all folktales are twisted versions of some story that has had the teller put their own spin on it before passing it on. As it goes along, it gets distorted from reality but it will always come from it. Sure it changes but one little piece will remain and people will always blindly believe in it."
Veryn chuckled. "That was deep Murtagh."
"Yes. When I'm not hunting monsters and dicing up my enemies, I'm a philosopher." Oh the sarcasm, it burned!
"You know my father is a scholar in the palace right? He really was a strict teacher." She asked in reply.
The two looked at each other, before filing that the other was a dangerous opponent in word battles in the back of their minds. Veryn relaxed a bit more once she did, dangerous he may be but he was a friend still.
Both were quiet for a moment while Veryn once again went over the few memories she had of her past life. Licking her lip, she slowly spoke. "Do you believe in past lives Murtagh?"
If it caught him by surprise, he didn't show it. Instead he paused as he thought about it, no doubt measuring his own beliefs and placing them to words. Veryn made sure to file away that he thought almost everything through in her mind as the information might be useful in the future. "There are many things in this world that cannot be explained but still happen. Not because we want them to but because they are to the whim of something greater then us. One of those is no doubt bringing a soul back to live again in a new life. It's possible and I am willing to accept that. Besides, it might explain my rotten luck since I probably did something quite horrible in a past life in order to be brought back as…" He trailed off, making her turn to look at him. He looked sad and almost pained.
"As?" She asked but he didn't answer. Sighing she glanced down where Brom and Eragon were riding, noting they were fine before quickly focusing on where Saphira was flying by them so her fear wouldn't kick in again. Progress, I can look down briefly without panicking. An idea struck her and she turned to look back at the silent male. "How about a trade?"
"Trade?" He repeated quietly, narrowing his eyes in slight suspicion.
"Yes, a trade. I tell you something I have told no one, not even Eragon if you promise not to repeat it. In return, you tell me what you were about to say and I'll swear not to tell a soul. On my honor as a Rider." She turned back to gaze out over the sky and nearly celebrated that it didn't cause her heart to beat as wildly as before.
"Alright, but only if you swear."
She nearly snorted but choose not to. "Right. On my honor as a Rider I swear not to repeat a word, unless you give me express permission. May I live on in shame if I do otherwise." Making sure she was gazing into his eyes, she gave him her word.
"I don't have anything to rightly swear on."
"You are a good man, your word will simply be enough as I trust you. Don't make me regret it though."
"I give you my word that your secret is safe with me."
Sighing, Veryn looked back over the scenery. "The reason I asked you if you believed in past lives is simply because I had one. I think my name was Aylin and I was Lorin's rider. I have a few disjointed memories I can never make sense of or remember in full detail when I awaken from them but one is clear enough, I died during the Fall. Somehow instead of dying with me, Lorin was locked into some kind of sleep in a tomb located in the Spine. I stumbled across it while looking for herbs and when I touched the crystal she was in she woke up. I became her rider again and then the dreams which she informs me are my memories have gotten worse. I can never seem to hold onto them though. On top of it, I can see things no one else can. When I healed Brom, I had help. Some child with leaves for hair helped me."
"That's why you reacted the way you did when Eragon mentioned her and why you inquired if I had seen anything then, correct?"
"Yes." She glanced at him over her shoulder. "You think I'm crazy, don't you?"
"No. As I said before, there are things that can't be explained. You are just one of them it seems. Besides, I would prefer that to what I have to tell you."
Turning in the saddle, Veryn looked back at him. His voice had taken on so much emotion that it nearly scared her. Murtagh was almost always calm it seemed!
"My father was Morzan, who nearly killed me when I was a child."
She blinked once, twice then twisted more to throw her arms around him in a sloppy embrace. He tensed while her back screamed at her, but she continued to hold him. Hell, she would need a hug if that were her case!(1) It also made sense, now she could piece together more of what he and Brom were saying at the camp. "I want you to know this changes nothing, alright? So you are his son, doesn't make you him. You saved me, Lorin, Eragon, Saphira and Brom, that isn't something Morzan would do. You have a good heart and are your own person, remember that okay?"
He looked surprised at first, but his face softened slightly. Letting him go, Veryn turned back to ease the strain of her back Grinning, she peered over her shoulder and asked something she has asked Eragon only a little while ago. "Friends?"
Murtagh smiled. "Friends."
(With Brom and Eragon)
Eragon looked up to see what he knew was Lorin and Saphira flying by the clouds. He wanted to join Veryn and Murtagh but they only had one saddle at the moment, something Brom was hoping to fix when they could disguise themselves and go to the nearest village and buy more leather.
"I wonder how Veryn's handling flying." He said.
Brom looked back at him. "No doubt better then before, we have not heard her screaming."
Eragon laughed. "That's true, I guess I'm more concerned about Murtagh. He seems like a good man but I hardly know anything about him."
"If you are concerned he will try to harm Veryn, your fears are unfounded. He can be trusted."
"But why? We barely know him! Why should we trust him?"
The older man sighed. "Always full of questions. I knew his father."
"So we can trust him because he's like his father who you knew?"
"No, we can trust him because he is NOTHING like his father. That is why we can trust him."
"So who was his father?"
Brom didn't answer.
"Fine, keep your secrets. See if I care." Eragon looked away from Brom's amused face and reached out to see what Saphira thought.
What is it Eragon? You seem upset. Came her answer.
Do you think we can trust Murtagh? I want to but I know I also shouldn't trust blindly. He asked.
Is that it, what upsets you? He saved us, Eragon, when he didn't have to. He has also shown that he has no ulterior motives. Lorin already trusts him as she tells me that his heart is in the right place. She isn't sure how, but she knows. Something holds him down but he is trustworthy.
(With Murtagh and Veryn)
"It looks like there is a village up ahead." Veryn turned and followed with her eyes to where he was pointing. She squinted and saw it too.
"Good, we need some new supplies. I'll tell Brom."
Brom?
What is it Veryn?
Murtagh and I see a village, it's about an hour or two away from our current position.
Alright, you two need to join us again. Tell Lorin she and Saphira will have to hide and wait for us a mile or two out from the village.
Sighing, she looked around one last time. She was slowly starting to enjoy the sights too! "We have to land now Murtagh."
"Tell Lorin I am thankful for this."
"She already knows. I should be thanking you for riding with me." Neither continued the conversation as Lorin landed so they could jump off.
"What did you think Murtagh?" Brom asked as they walked over towards them to get on their respective horses.
"Great, the view was very breathtaking. Like a little taste of true freedom."
Brom offered a small smile and nodded his head, she guessed that was the answer he was hoping for.
The group paused there so Brom and Eragon could disguise themselves while Veryn and Murtagh pulled their hoods up. Once they were sure they looked like an average group of travelers with Brom acting as their uncle and the rest of them cousins did they continue.
The village was a decent size but not big enough to have much activity from the empire. So no one bothered them when they rode in and dismounted.
"Remember what I told you, speak to no one unless necessary and tell them little." Brom said as they stood in a small circle after they tied their horses up at the local tavern where the older man tossed some coins to the man sitting outside to watch them as was his job. "I am going to purchase some leather for another saddle. Eragon and Murtagh, you'll go buy us more vital supplies. Veryn, go and see if you can find what you need to restock your medicine kit." In turn, he handed them some pouches of gold and sent them on their way.
Brom went down one side street while the two teen males went the other, leaving Veryn to her own chore. Sighing, she glanced around and flinched back from some of the looks she was getting from the patrons of the bar. Hurrying away, she swore she would either stab them or scream like a banshee if they came after her. Stopping a little boy, she inquired where the village healer was and rewarded him with a few coins before following his directions.
It was a cozy house. That was usually a good sign in her book, so she walked up and knocked on the door. An elder woman opened the door and looked her over. "Can I help you?"
"I'm in need of supplies for my kit." She went as far as to show her what had become close to being her best friend the past few days, the simple leather case gleaming in the light. It's contents though, had dwindled down to pathetic standards.
"Ah, one of those wandering healers then. Come in." The woman stepped out of the way and let her inside. "My name is Marilee, and yours?"
"Ryn." Veryn said quickly, using one of her childhood nicknames. "This is a nice place you have." It indeed was, the room was spacious and had well made furniture that had to have cost a pretty coin. On the shelves that lined one wall were jars that held the different requirements of the job they shared.
"Thank you. I try to make it as comforting to my patients as possible."
The two set to work, refilling bottles and packing away more bandages. Just as she was packing away more pain relief herbs and others to fight infections, she never knew with the crowd she was traveling with now and wanted to be safe rather then sorry, a series of hard knocks on the door nearly made her drop one of the bottles.
Marilee crossed the room and let in Brom and Murtagh, both looking tense and agitated.
"Where is…?" Veryn left the end of her question hanging, knowing her two companions knew who she was talking about. No doubt he was the cause of their horrible mood.
"Would you like some tea?" Marilee asked, looking at them curiously. When Brom nodded and sat at the table, the older woman turned.
"If you have black tea, that would be for the best." Veryn added. "Thanks for all your help." Marilee smiled and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Why black tea?" Murtagh asked as he slowly took a seat.
"It has a calming effect, one I think you both need right now." Veryn stated matter-of-factly as she closed and locked her medicine kit, satisfied that it could handle the treatment of emergencies now. "Would you both please tell me what is wrong now?"
Brom scowled. "A group of soldiers came into town and managed to capture Eragon."
A groan escaped her lips as she leaned back. "Please tell me you are kidding."
"Afraid not. Eragon and I had split to go into two different shops, I was walking over to the store he was in to meet him just as they were dragging him away unconscious. The only good news is I heard where they were taking him: Gil'ead." Murtagh supplied quietly. "Afterwards I went and found Brom so we could try and find you. Hoping you hadn't befallen the same fate, which is a great relief that you hadn't."
Marilee entered carrying a tray with a pot and a few cups before Veryn could answer. Smiling, she handed out the cups and poured the tea. "I will be in the back if you need anything else child."
Watching her go, Veryn ran over the group's new list of options. "So what do you have planned?" She asked quietly, leaning forward to lessen the chance of being overheard.
Brom took a sip from his tea while Murtagh glared at the contents of his own cup. "As much as we want to rescue him before they get too far, we have decided to follow then rescue him along with the elf from Gil'ead. Any sooner and they will raise security all around and I don't think Eragon will ever forgive us if we don't rescue that girl because we ourselves barely escaped."
Sighing, Veryn gulped her now cool tea down in a few gulps despite the odd looks she was getting. "So we wait or pursue immediately?"
"We wait for the night, it would be too suspicious if a group of travelers were following the soldiers." Murtagh said. "So we need to find a place to stay for the night."
Veryn grinned. "Leave that to me, I speak healer." She got up and went towards the door Marilee went through, ignoring her companions' amused faces. Leaning through the door, she saw the woman towards the back of what she guessed was the kitchen. "Marilee?"
She turned and smiled. "What is it child?"
"I was wondering if you knew a place my uncle, cousin and I could stay at that is relatively cheap around here?"
"I have room here child, your family can stay here."
"We wouldn't want to impose…"
"It's not a problem dear, it gets lonely in this house sometimes."
Turning back to the two men, she found Murtagh gone. "He went to go fetch our horses, that is if our host doesn't mind their presence in the stable we saw behind her house." Brom said.
"I don't." Marilee said as she came into the room to gather the now empty cups.
By the time Murtagh returned, Marilee had fixed them a nice dinner and had set up some rooms. They were all right next to each other but Veryn was the last to go to her room, where Marilee helped her brush out her hair after her bath.
"You really don't have to do this…" Veryn said quietly, gazing into the mirror so she could see the older woman who had the most serene smile on her face.
"I don't but I want too. I used to do this for my daughter you know, she's only a few years older then you."
"What happened to her?" Veryn asked, almost scared of the answer. She spoke of her daughter with such sadness that she would have been convinced she was dead if not for her talking of her in the present tense.
"She was dragged to the capitol to be forced into the harem for Galbatorix's court members. My daughter's beauty really turned into a curse, and all she wanted was to become the next village healer."
Damn that Galbatorix! He ruins so many lives! Veryn grumbled, feeling quiet agreement from Lorin. Saphira on the other hand, was still angry and sad from Eragon's capture, sent that she completely agreed with her statement. The two had been in contact since Veryn found out and she was trying her best to sooth the blue dragon.
That wasn't working out too much though.
Once the older woman was finished, she braided Veryn's hair and guided her over to the bed. "Sleep well dear." Then she quietly left the room, leaving the younger girl alone.
A chill seemed to pass through her body as she crawled under the blankets, laying on her side away from the window and gazing at the wall. Sending a halfhearted goodnight to the dragons, Veryn slipped into sleep.
"Aylin, what are you doing?" She turned to grin up at her father as he approached, a half smile on his face.
"Counting the stars!" She chirped, pointing up into the night sky. "Momma always said that if you can count all the stars in the heavens then they will grant you a wish!"
Her father laughed and sat beside her. "They also say that if you see a shooting star and make a wish on it, that it will be granted."
"Uncle Lune also told me that when dragons can no longer be with us here, they fly up to the stars and join them." She giggled as she was pulled into her father's lap. "It's no wonder the stars are so pretty then, right papa?"(2)
Veryn bolted up into a sitting position, gasping for breath. Sunlight was beginning to pour through the window so she tossed the blankets aside and got up. She dressed quickly in clean clothes and put her hair back into its normal ponytail before descending the stairs into the kitchen where Marilee was already making breakfast.
"Your cousin stepped out already, said he needed some fresh air." She said as Veryn went over to her.
Sounds like Murtagh. She thought as she helped set the table just as Brom came down. She was about to mention that the older teen was out to him when the door opened and said youth stepped in. Okay, never mind.
The group ate breakfast, with most of the conversation being between Marilee and Veryn. Finally, the two males set about readying to leave so Veryn found herself alone once again with the woman. She clutched her bag to her stomach, knowing that Brom and Murtagh were saddling up the horses, but still having one question. "Marilee?"
"What is it?"
"What is your daughter's name?" Veryn asked, needing to know for some odd reason.
"Aruna. My daughter's name is Aruna."
The two looked at each other and something clicked, Veryn knew she would be trying to save Aruna somehow just so she could truly repay this woman for her kindness. A few minutes later saw them bidding her goodbye and riding away to pursue Eragon and his captors.
When they stopped briefly, Brom made Veryn watch as he made the leather he had bought into a saddle for Lorin. Neither commented when Murtagh watched as well simply because they both knew that the rescue would be more difficult without him.
A day later found them outside of Gil'ead. Brom and Murtagh were talking of different plans to enter the jail where Eragon and the elf were no doubt being kept while Veryn sat between the two dragons, feeling left out. Though she understood why she was, simply because her talents laid in healing and that was her job. Brom said something to Saphira, which caused the dragon to snort indignantly.
"Here is what we are going to do." Brom spoke finally, making Veryn and Lorin look over at him. "Murtagh and I are going to sneak into the jail under disguise and free Eragon and hopefully this elf. When the guards change, we'll sneak up to the roof where Saphira will carry us to safety since she claims she can handle four passengers. Veryn, you will wait here as we cannot risk both Riders, even if the empire knows nothing of you yet."
Murtagh turned and began to get ready as Brom went over to Veryn. "I have something for you to think of Veryn, while we are gone." The shuffling to their left lessened lightly, and she knew the older teen was listening.
"What is it Brom?"
"When we escape here, the empire will be hunting ruthlessly now for Eragon and since you are traveling with us, you will be in danger. There is someplace safe I can take you two, but I won't force you to go. Eragon has already agreed."
Veryn raised an eyebrow. "What are you trying to ask?"
"Veryn, would you be willing to go to the Varden? They can offer you shelter, but you will have to join them. I want you to think this over while we are gone, and I will understand if we find you gone by the time we get back."
Staying quiet, she watched the two men enter the town while Saphira flew high overhead waiting for her time. Veryn leaned back against Lorin and thought, just as Brom had asked. If they went to the Varden, they would be expected to join them and fight. The only plus to that was that she would be staying with Eragon, Saphira, Murtagh and Brom. If she left, she risked being caught by the empire but if she made it to Surda, she would be free of all obligations. So, the easy or the hard way? She asked.
I can't make all your decisions for you Veryn. Lorin said softy, nudging her. All I can give is advice.
I'll take the advise then. Which do you think we should choose?
Do you remember what the witch Angela read from those bones? Lorin asked in return.
Veryn started as she remembered. The most difficult path leads to light while the other to death… I guess I know what I'm going to do then, better sit tight and wait for our friends to get back. I never did believe in taking the easy way out.
The two remained quiet for several hours, during which Veryn fell asleep.
Curious fingers glided along the bronze blade, looking over it and wondering how something so beautiful could be so dangerous.
"Aylin!" She jumped away, knowing she was caught. "How many times have I told you not to touch my sword, you could be hurt! I swear, I only turn my back for a moment…" Gazing up at her father she saw him run a hand through his hair before stooping to pick her up. "Must you be so curious about everything?"
"But it looked so pretty after you cleaned it! Like the stars!"
He smiled. "Jarnunvosk will be quite happy to hear that as he claims that the color does do his scales justice."
Said dragon cracked open an eye and released a snort before going back to sleep.
"Love you too grump." She laughed at her father's slightly annoyed expression which melted away after a moment, to be replaced by a grin while he joined her in her laughter.(3)
Lorin pitched her forward. Wake up! The others are coming!
Veryn landed ungracefully on her stomach and looked around wildly. Cursing, she got to her feet and made sure the horses were ready for a quick escape. Just then Saphira dropped heavily into the clearing, making Veryn stumble slightly and look on in alarm. Brom and Murtagh looked no worse for wear but wore matching looks of agitation, but Eragon and the female they had with them had both seen better days. "I take it didn't go completely the way you planned it?" Veryn asked, eyeing the elf as Eragon pulled her down from Saphira.
Brom seemed pleased to see Lorin and her still there but nodded. "There was a damn shade."
Veryn nearly paled as she crossed the clearing to look over the injuries. "Feeling okay troublemaker?" She asked Eragon as she set about healing the elf first as her fellow Rider just looked tired more then anything.
"I'm not a troublemaker! And I feel fine thank you!" He glared at Murtagh as the other laughed.
"Troublemaker, yes it does suit you." The older teen teased, unfazed by the Rider's glare.
"I will have to agree." Brom grumbled as he looked over Saphira's wing, not noticing the glare morphing into a look of betrayal. "Eragon!" He snapped, nearly causing said teen to fall over. "Get over here and help me heal your dragon."
Veryn shook her head as she worked, healing bruises and cuts. Once that was finished, she checked other vitals which made her notice one thing, the elf was poisoned. It was simple to see really, the fact she hadn't awoken and that her eyes moved rapidly, her skin a touch on the clammy side and her breathing slightly off. "Brom!" She called.
The older man instantly came over. "What is it?"
"This elf, I think she had been poisoned."(4) Pointing out the signs, she jumped as Brom cursed. Several minutes passed after that, but she waited patiently as she recognized when someone was speaking with their mind to someone else now.
"She has, we need to get her to the Varden." Brom said after a minute. While he and Eragon set out getting ready to flee she noticed that Murtagh had gone incredibly still. Veryn went over to him.
"Are you well Murtagh?" She asked quietly.
"I don't want to go to the Varden." His eyes locked onto hers.
"Why-oh. Oh!" Suddenly, she remembered what they had spoken of during their flight. Walking over, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand why you don't wish to go but I also understand that if you separate from this group now then you will be killed. You are my friend Murtagh I will live with your choices but I do hope you'll stay beside me."
A flicker of emotion went through his eyes. "I'll see you and Eragon to the Varden, that is as far as I go."
Smiling, she patted him on the shoulder and they joined the fray of activity that soon turned into a race for their lives with one goal in mind.
The Varden.
Next chapter: Race across the Hadarac desert and the truth behind 'Vakna'…
Author's Note: Did you think I would take them to the Varden this chapter? Originally I was but then as I wrote the chapter got longer and longer and STILL had a way to go to the Varden. So I stopped there and only mentioned the group a bunch of times to make up for the preview sentence thing I do at the end of the chapter saying they were going to the Varden.
(1) Come on, let's just admit now that all Murtagh really needs is one big hug! Seriously, that is what I thought when he told Eragon his story in the first book and quote: "Aw poor baby, he just needs a hug!"
(2) AND (3) These are Aylin's memories in case you couldn't tell. You'll be seeing these little things a LOT more, especially in the next chapter.
(4) I couldn't remember the name of the poison or the cure. DOES ANYONE KNOW? Please tell me if you do, so I can edit this to include the proper names.