"Well, well. What have we got this time Galbatorix. Nice try. Not like you've pulled that one on me before. Ever noticed you come at the same time? Well it's that time? I'm laughing, alright, just the ribs you broke make it a little hard," Eragon spat. It's just the king, don't get too happy. Remember, no one knows I'm alive. Eragon repeated in his mind, although he wish it to be a real rescue.
"It's no illusion, Eragon," Arya said while taking a few strides toward the rider. At first she didn't recognize Eragon. He had sunken eyes and a hunted look about him. Dark rims of purple under his eyes stood out from his ghost-white skin. He was very thin. In one glance Arya could start to count the ribs through the many rips in his tunic. His right arm was at an unnatural angle- broken. His hair was almost at his shoulders, but it was matted and had blood in it.
Arya inwardly cringed. What had they done to him? she asked herself. She was now only a stride away from where he was sitting. Switching to the Ancient Language Arya said, "Eragon, it is I, Arya. I have come to rescue you." Eragon's eyes widened.
"T-that's really you?"
"Aye, now we must go before the king notices." In his rush, Eragon quickly got up from his cot. But groaned and sat down just as abruptly as a wave of nausea hit him. Arya mentally cursed. Coming next to the injured rider she threw his left arm around her neck. They had to get out quickly, there wasn't any time for healing. With Arya supporting Eragon, the duo made their way towards the tunnel as quickly as possible. Eragon had his teeth clenched, trying to fight back his nausea.
"Blast," Was all Eragon managed to gasp. A confused Arya was wondering what Eragon meant until clanking metal reached her ears. Only around this corner. The pair was speeding up their efforts to get to the tunnel in time.
Three soldiers came around the corner. Only three. This should be easy. Arya reached for Brisingr but realized she couldn't fight with Eragon needing her support. One of the soldiers opened his mouth to shout the alarm. "Jierda!" The soldier's head snapped back. But it wasn't Arya that cast the spell.
Stunned, Arya didn't notice that the other two soldiers were charging at them. "Brisingr!" Eragon shouted. The soldiers burst into flames. Relying on Arya for support Eragon slumped back on the verge of passing out from the energy strain. How did the drug wear off so fast? Was the last coherent thought Eragon made before darkness consumed him.
An unconscious Eragon in her hands, Arya sprinted the last few yards to the tapestry. Shoving it aside Arya plunged into the dark tunnel. Saphira! I'm coming Saphira! Arya shouted mentally. Eragon was slowly going colder in her arms and her hands were becoming slick with Eragon's blood. Coming to the abrupt cliff, Arya shouted, "Audr!" Once at the top she stopped the spell and set of running again.
Seeing light at the edge of the tunnel, Arya frantically said the spell of invisibility. Once at the tree line, she quickly jumped onto Saphira. Quickly, was must flee before they find out. Strapping Eragon in front of her, Arya held him as Saphira launched herself into the air.
Arya gave Eragon energy to last the trip until they were far enough to rest. "Please live, for me," Arya whispered.
-Night in the Clearing-
Everybody was exhausted. Saphira had flown for the rest of the day and was constantly worried about Eragon. Arya was drained physically and mental but she knew that Eragon's life hung on a thread.
Stumbling over to where Eragon was, she proceed to take some energy out of Brisingr's hilt. Kneeling next to the pale rider she gently strips of the rags of tunic. Wincing inwardly she set to work mending his broken ribs. "Waise heill." Arya said multiple times healing the oozing cuts and whip lashes. Drawing on Saphira and the plants and animals around her, she soon had all the serious wounds healed.
Drawing the blankets up to Eragon's chin she came and laid next to him. Thump. Thump. Saphira walked towards them and put her wing over them.
Thank you Arya.
