"New World"
Ch. 7
(Midlands)
It had taken another day to reach their destination. They now hid behind the trees, just on the outer edge of the tree line. Ahead of them stood the temple where Phoenix had sensed Eragon's presence.
"Eragon is in there, somewhere," Phoenix informed them, peering from behind one of the trees.
"Is there any way for you to sense exactly where he is?" Kahlan asked.
The pregnant woman turned to her.
"No," she answered. "Normally I could. But he's so weak and the more he is in there, the more of him is fading away."
Phoenix, we are in position, Aiedail mindspoke to the Rider.
Good. Stay low until we need you, she responded. Phoenix turned to the others and told them, "Saphira, Zedd and Aiedail are ready."
"Are you ready?" Richard asked, eyeing her with concern.
Phoenix looked down from his gaze and rubbed her overgrowing belly gently.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared," she told him. She lifted her head up and gave Kahlan and Richard a defiant look. "But we must get my husband back. He and I have a destiny of our own to complete."
Richard and Kahlan exchanged meaningful looks. Phoenix looked from one to the other.
"I meant defeating Galbatorix," she said. "Marrying Eragon and starting a family was a bonus."
She took off her sword and gave it to the Confessed D' Haran soldier.
"Be careful with Wyrda, D' Haran," Phoenix ordered him firmly. "It was made from the last of a very rare element from my world. There is no replacement."
The D' Haran stole a glance at Kahlan.
"Do as she asks," the Mother Confessor answered him before he could ask, slightly amused with the Rider.
Richard took out the rope from his pack and asked, "Ready?"
"One more thing," she went over to him. "It would make things easier if you two could mindspeak with us. If you'll let me."
"You could do that?" Kahlan asked, surprised.
"Yes. I have enough magic in me to do the necessary spells and such," she answered simply and knowingly. "It helps that I am part Elven, of course. Normal Dragon Riders and their bonds with everyone else takes time to build in strength before anything concrete happens."
"What do we need to do?" Richard asked.
"Just hold still. I'll do the rest," Phoenix assured him.
She extended a hand and gestured for Kahlan to step closer. The young woman obeyed. When they were close enough to her liking, Phoenix placed her left hand on Kahlan's forehead and put her right hand on Richard's forehead.
First, she stared into Richard's eyes, holding his brown eyes in hers. Phoenix made sure that neither one of them lost their eye contact as she muttered words, a spell, in the Elvish language. When she was done with Richard, she moved on to Kahlan. She repeated the words and then closed her eyes with a sigh once she was done.
Phoenix put her arms down at her sides and looked over at each of them.
Can either one of you hear me? She asked.
By the way Richard and Kahlan stared at each other wide eyed, they could hear her through the link.
Good, Phoenix said, satisfied. I am glad that it worked this time!
What do you mean, 'this time!', Richard asked.
Kahlan narrowed her eyes over at the pregnant woman.
Never mind that now. We need to get moving. It will be light soon, the Rider told them, hurriedly, through their new link. Richard, if you please.
The Seeker got the rope again and began to wrap it tightly around her wrists.
Don't forget my daggers, Richard, she reminded him.
He bent down and took them from their places in her boots. Richard, then, put them in his own boots. He gave the end of the rope to the D' Haran.
"Let's go," Phoenix ordered the soldier.
Good luck, Kahlan mindspoke to her.
Be careful, Richard added, watching her and the Confessed D' Haran step out into the open.
And you both as well, Phoenix responded. I will be waiting for you.
To be continued . . .
(A/N: Next chapter will be from Eragon's POV, as the rescue takes shape! Thank you all for the reviews! Ch 8 will be up as soon as I type it up!)
