(I thought of the chapter title when I was saving the document and by default it suggested the title "Firesword Comes" because it was on the top of the page. :D)

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"Firesword comes."

So proclaimed one of Nasuada's Nighthawks, an Urgal posted at the front of her pavilion.

She understood what the Urgal meant – Eragon was back. Why nobody outside cheered she did not know, but she was still grateful. Saddened by the fact that Saphira was not with him, the majestic dragon a good friend to her, but still grateful that the Varden's rider returned.
"Eragon requests an audience with you, Lady Nightstalker."

"Allow him in. And next time, do not ask. He is my second in command, and such tidings are unnecessary."

"Ah, Lady Nightstalker, with all due respect to you and Shadeslayer, he is…different now." Nasuada worried about what that meant. She anxiously waited for the pair of flaps on the front of the chrysalis tent to open.

Yes, the grey-skinned Kull spoke true. This man, who vaguely looked like the serious yet joyful boy she had come to know and befriend, stood before her, with his red and gold tunic completely disorganized in a soaked, ruffled manner. His face was similarly imperceptible, with his hair splayed all over his head and bags under his bloodshot eyes prominent. His scraped right hand clutched at the still-gleaming sword hung on a lopsided belt studded with various gems. For a moment, she compared him to what his cousin, Roran, looked like when the Dragon Wing had arrived and she personally met the villagers, but she could not even smile at the thought, for this was urgent, as the expression on Eragon's disfigured face suggested.

"Yes…Eragon?" She was surprised at even herself, for hesitating to call him his own name.

"I come only to gather the dozen spellcasters Queen Islanzadi has assigned to me and to report my leave for Gil'ead. I must join the elves, for Murtagh has contacted me with a plan that relies on me to do so."

"Murtagh, you say?"

"Yes, Murtagh. My half-brother. He has shared to me his plot to free himself. And, of course, I have to help him, if only because he is my only way of freeing Saphira. In fact, she came up with the plan. Do not worry of me; I only cannot relate to you this mentioned ploy because it is so elaborate."

"But must you? You are the greatest asset in the Varden's disposal. Losing you would do horribly to the people's morale."

He leaned over the desk, his hand placed on the wood to support him."With the elves, I cannot be lost. Do not worry about spies in the Varden that might exploit my absence; I came here with stealth, and I can go out the same. It will only take a few days. Have you lost hope in me? I think not. Do not worry."

"Then, at least, is there any way I can help you, Eragon? For truly, I do want Murtagh and your dragon freed as much as you do."

"No. The only way you can help me is by letting me take the supplies I already have, and by allowing me to leave. Now."

"Then go, Shadeslayer, at your will. May your journey be one of good luck." And with that, the Blue Rider left.


There. My chapters are shortening, but only because I switched perspectives repeatedly in the past few pages. I'll probably send longer ones when my POVs are given more time to be written about.

Thank you to my reviewers, readers and iPrae for keeping this story afloat in the lake (I don't think it's big enough to be a sea…) of Inheritance Cycle fanfictions.

Please review; I'd like to know what people think about these short chapters and how I could improve them in ANY way.

For those of you who don't write in FF, there are two basic types of reviews. Negative and positive. A negative review helps the author write better. A positive review motivates the author, but does not necessarily lead to a better story. And there's long reviews and short reviews. Long ones, either negative or positive, help a hell of a lot. Short reviews…well…they're like eating a really good piece of chocolate – it feels nice, but the feeling doesn't last for long. There, that should help you decide how to review! I think…