In the morning, I woke Aeryn and we went downstairs. A large plate of food was waiting for us. We took it to the table and ate before Cyla arrived. "The couriers are leaving." She said. "Come."

Aeryn and I followed her, moving quickly. Illia was tying Rose to her horse's saddle, and I went over to her. "Give her to mother, will you?" I asked.

"Of course. She is in good hands, Mariya." Illia said before mounting the steed.

I pet Rose. "I'll miss you, girl." I said before stepping back.

The horses took off then, and we waved until they were gone. "Come now, your lessons will not wait any longer."

After our archery lesson, Cyla escorted us to Rhunön's house. Rhunön immediately tossed us stick-swords. "Begin." She muttered.

I attacked Aeryn, but she blocked it easily before attacking back


"Dead." Aeryn huffed.

"Your improving Mariya." Rhunön said. "Now go again."

Arya's POV

It was dark when I escorted Catherine from the castle. She wore a dark cloak and looked back at the castle. Fírnen landed and crouched in the courtyard, eager to take off again. I helped Catherine climb on before looking back in case of attackers. I then climbed on myself, and once I was situated in the saddle Fírnen took off.


Nasuada awaited us when we landed in front of the castle. I helped Catherine down and we walked to her. "Welcome, Queen Catherine." Nasuada said.

"Thank you." Catherine said.

Nasuada took her hands. "Arya told me of the situation. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."

Catherine hugged her and Farica appeared. She curtsied. "Come, Queen Catherine, I will get you settled." She said.

Catherine nodded and followed her.

I looked to Nasuada once she was gone. "Keep your eyes and ears open, Nasuada. If ames gets worse…I will have to take action."

"I was afraid so." She said. "It is hard to believe he is the same man who had such horror in his eyes."

I nodded.

"How goes Mariya's studies?" Nasuada asked.

"Very well. Another egg has hatched to a young elf girl." I said. I looked to the tarp that covered the statue of Eragon. "Is it on schedule?"

"A bit ahead, actually." Nasuada said. "But the date remains the same, just incase something should occur."

I nodded.

"Does Mariya know about this?" Nasuada asked suddenly.

"I did not tell her why I was leaving. All she knows is that I am on an errand." Arya said. "I will tell her on my return."

"Tell her gently, she is still just a child." Nasuada said.

I nodded and went to Fírnen.

"Be careful Arya." Nasuada said.

"The same with you, Queen Nasuada." I said before Fírnen took off.


When I arrived back in Ellesméra, Mariya and Aeryn were practicing their archery. They looked up and Mariya's eyes met mine.

Fírnen landed and Mariya and Aeryn ran over. "Welcome back, Arya-ebrithil." Mariya said.

I looked to Aeryn. "Welcome and congratulations, Aeryn, the couriers told me of Ophelia hatching."

"Thank you, your highness. Ophelia is with Briam back at the tree house with Briam." Aeryn said.

Rhunön and Cyla approached.

"How go the lessons?" I asked.

"They both excel in archery." Cyla said.

"Mariya's improving, and Aeryn is doing well." Rhunön said. She then left for her forge.

"Mariya, may I speak with you alone?" I asked.

"Of course." Mariya said.

Mariya's POV

I followed her into Tialdarí Hall. "Mariya, my errand was in Aberon…with your mother." Queen Arya said

"I thought so." I said.

She leaned down. "Mariya I took your mother to Ilirea as she feared for herself." She paused. "And your yet-to-be-born sibling."

I gasped. "Mama's pregnant?" I asked.

Arya nodded. "I thought you should know."

"Thank you Queen Arya- ebrithil." I said before walking off.

Are you alright, Mariya? Briam asked

I'm not sure. I thought to him. I'm glad she's pregnant, but now that she's left, Father may end up going mad.

I hope for Alagaësia, he does not. Briam said


"Elves do not marry?" I asked when Arya began teaching me about their race.

"No, we only take mates from time to time."

"Hmm." I said.