(A.N.) I would like to give a BIG thanks to everyone that reviewed my last chapter (Mahavia, blackwind2254, Elemental Dragon Slayer, Silverwing, Green Magic, and Dessert Manic). Your reviews and input have helped be greatly! Thank you so much! Btw this one isn't beta-ed.

Ok, onward!

Disclaimer – I do NOT own the Inheritance Cycle


Chapter 7

Eragon

"This is not a dream." She said in the ancient language. "I want to be with you."

Eragon was frozen to the ground. "What…" He felt like his mind had shutdown.

Arya nodded. "I know that I have been acting a little…strange lately and, while I do want to be with you, I still have yet to understand how strong my feelings are for you. I only ask that you be patient with me."

Arya slowly reached out and took his hand. At her touch, Eragon snapped out of his mind-frozen state and pulled Arya into a hug. Arya chuckled and hugged him back. Eragon pulled back slightly and looked into her eyes, she was so beautiful and he could not stop himself from kissing her. It may have lasted for only a few seconds, but for Eragon time had literally stopped.

Finally Eragon pulled away but he kept his face close to hers. "Arya," he whispered into her ear, "I will always be here, waiting for you."

He felt her shiver against him and he held her tighter. For the rest of the night they sat side by side, with Arya's head resting on his shoulder and his on her head.

Eragon had not felt this happy in a very long time.


Fixing the last strap on Saphira's saddle, Eragon grabbed his pack and secured it on the side of the saddle bag. Eragon grabbed the last of his things and sat down by a tree next to Saphira, waiting for Arya to come.

He was still in partial shock from the events of the previous night, but it did explained Arya's odd behavior over the past few days. Eragon sighed and looked up at the sky, what would this mean for the two of them? Arya said she wanted to be with him, and while she did speak in the ancient language, Eragon knew full well that elves knew how to twist the truth. He was hoping this wasn't one of those cases.

"Can't you just be happy little one? Arya has finally come out of her shell for you."

"I know, Saphira." Eragon replied. "I am very happy. It just seems like a dream, I just don't want to get my hopes too high only to have them come crashing down."

Saphira paused before replying, "I understand, little one. I do not think Arya will go back on her word, but don't expect her to suddenly change her ways. She could still be a little distant. Give her time."

"Thank you Saphira, I will." Eragon smiled at her. He looked over just in time to see Arya walking towards him. He smiled and stood up, brushing the dirt off from his clothes.

"I hope I did not keep the two of you waiting for too long." Arya spoke. She wore her traditional leather jerkin, leggings, boots and her leather strap that kept her long black hair in place.

Eragon shook his head, "No, I had only just finished gathering my things." He motioned to her sack, "Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes. I do not need to pack as much as the majority of my belongings are in my quarters in Tildari Hall." She replied.

"Good morning Arya." Saphira spoke as she snaked her head to Arya's eye level.

Arya smiled and gave a curt bow. "And good morning to you, Saphira." She turned back to Eragon, "have you told Nasuada that we are leaving?"

"I have, Saphira and I are ready to leave whenever you want. Although I think it would be best if we left as soon as we can, we want to arrive in Ellesmera as quick as possible."

Arya nodded, "I agree, let us be off." Arya leaped onto Saphira's back with incredible grace. Eragon got on next and sat in front of Arya and he soon felt two arms wrap around his waist. Arya pressed her chest up against his back and Eragon blushed lightly. He was thankful that Arya could not see his face as Saphira dug her large claws into the ground and pushed off the ground hard. Arya's arm's tightened around his waist as Saphira climbed higher and higher.

The breeze from Leona Lake had helped Eragon wake up. It was still early and the sun was only just above their eye level. Saphira flew low and skimmed the water's surface, spraying both Eragon and Arya's legs with light sprinkles of cold water. That was the most excitement they would have for some time. They traveled by way of the Spine, as they were too close to Uru'baen to cut through the land, only stopping once or twice for Saphira to rest or to find water.

They flew on through the night and Eragon told Arya she could rest on his back if she wished. To his surprise, she did. Arya loosened her hold on his waist and rested her head on his back. Her breathing began to slow down indicating that she had fallen asleep. Eragon, making sure Arya's leg straps had been tightened before checking his own, soon followed her to the world of dreams.

Eragon awoke just as the morning sun began to creep up over the horizon. Bits of frost covered himself and Arya's body. Eragon muttered a few words of power and soon they were both completely warm and dry.

Eragon reached into his pack and pulled out some dry fruit to eat when he felt Arya stir.

"Good morning." Eragon spoke through his mind. Partly because he was chewing food and because it was too windy for them to speak out loud without having to yell at each other

Arya yawned and stretched before replying, "Good morning Eragon, did you sleep well?"

The way Arya had yawned and stretched made Eragon chuckle. He wasn't sure why, he had seen Arya yawn and stretch several times when they had traveled together, but it seemed different to him this time. She seemed to be less stern and emotionless, and more playful and happy.

Arya raised gave a slight smile and raised an eyebrow at Eragon when he chuckled. "What, may I ask, is so funny?"

Eragon shook his head. "Nothing, you just look so…cute...when you do that." Eragon blushed once he finished his sentence.

"Eragon…" Arya spoke, sounding almost as stern and emotionless as she usually did. "I want you to promise me that when we are at Ellesmera, you will stay focused on the task at hand and not so much on me, alright?"

Eragon looked over his shoulder. "Ary—"

"Please Eragon." Arya said, cutting him off. "I understand that it must be hard. I would like nothing more than for us to have some alone time, however Ellesmera is not the place, at least not for right now."

Eragon nodded. "Alright. In that case we should at least enjoy ourselves while we can then."

Eragon felt Arya rest her head back on his shoulder and he smiled. As he looked over the surrounding area he suddenly realized that he recognized the landscape.

"Saphira…where are we?"

"I think you know Eragon."

Eragon couldn't believe he would ever find himself so close to home. The many trees and mountains ranges that ran underneath them took Eragon on a journey to the past.

"Not one year ago I was just a simple farm boy and my greatest worry was helping out Garrow with the crops…" Eragon thought.

"And just look at how much you have changed." Eragon smiled as Arya hugged him tighter.

"Would you like to see it? Your home I mean." Arya asked.

Eragon's heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Carvahall again, but he soon shook head. "No, there is no point and we do not have the time. One day perhaps, after all of this is over, I will return and help rebuild the town."

"I think that would be wonderful." Saphira replied.

Eragon nodded. "Besides, you two are my home now. It does not matter to me where I am, so long as I have the two of you with me." A sudden warmth spread throughout Eragon as Saphira hummed in approval.

Arya tensed slightly but then relaxed. Something was on her mind, and Eragon could tell.

What is it Arya?" He asked gently

"Nothing, it's nothing..." Arya replied, rather unconvincingly, and Eragon furrowed his eyebrows.

"I can tell when something is bothering you, whatever it is you know that you can tell me, don't you?" Eragon said reasurringly. Arya did not reply, and after several minutes past Eragon decided to let it pass.

"It's my fault..." She finally said.

Eragon raised and eyebrow. "What, exactly, is your fault?"

"This, all of this." She motioned with her arms. "You lost your home, your family and loved one's because of me. Because I...I sent the egg to you." Arya spoke softly.

So that's what this was about. Arya had blamed herself this whole time for his misfortune. Eragon sighed and squeezed one of Arya's hands.

Eragon switched to the Ancient Language. "This is hardly any of your fault, Arya. I do not regret anything that has happened. If Saphira's egg had not been sent, inadvertently mind you, to me then I would never have been bonded with her as her Rider."

Saphira hummed in agreement. "He is right, Arya. You did not wish grief upon Eragon when you sent the egg so far from your position."

"Eragon, Saphira...I..." Arya seemed lost for words.

Eragon turned in his saddle to look at Arya better. "If you had not done what you did, then Saphira and I would never have met, and I can't imagine a life without her in it...or you, for that matter."

Arya's eyes widened. "Eragon..."

Eragon kissed her softly and the touch of her soft lips sent sparks through his body. Arya silently kissed him back, and as Eragon sat back in his saddle Arya couldn't help but smile.

By dusk the next day they had arrived at the boarder of Du Weldenvarden, stopping only once just before. As they entered the great forest they were stopped by the great guardian, and after identifying themselves they were allowed passage through teh densely wooded forest. They were greeted by several elves at the city of Osilon who asked them of their journey and explained that they were expected at Ellesmera.

A meal and two rooms had been prepared for them as they settled in for the night. Saphira was able to hunt for food but was warned to be careful as Du Weldenvarden carried beasts that were sometimes larger than dragons, although it was unlikely that she would run into any. After the three finished their meal they decided to sleep early, as they would have an early start the next day. Eragon wished Arya a good night, she smiled and replied in kind and he watched as she climbed the tree house situated just next to his.

Eragon had to fight the urge to follow her as he turned to his own tree house.

"Patience little one." Saphira spoke as he walked past her.

Eragon sighed. "I know Saphira." He said nothing more and climbed up the tall spiral wooden steps that led up to the tree house that could only crafted by the beautiful and powerful voice of the Elves. Eragon threw his pack to the side, changed and fell onto the soft bed. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but he still found it difficult. It was at night that Eragon's mind was invaded by the dead. Of all the men he had killed without a seconds thought. But the most trouble that Eragon was currently having, was knowing that Arya was so close and he still could be next to her. It was like a thorn on his back that he could not reach to remove. At the very least he knew that things between him and Arya were improving greatly, and with that in mind Eragon forced himself to sleep. A full day of travel awaited him the next day, and he would need his rest.

ARYA

The smell of the forest had always calmed the stoic elf. She felt uncomfortable being anywhere else other than Du Weldenvarden, more importantly Ellesmera. It was mostly due to her dislike for the human race. However while Arya would have normally been thrilled to be in Ellesmera after so long of an absence, today was not a day to be joyful. In fact the next few days would be rather depressing as the funeral service of Oromis would be taking place. Arya knew Oromis would not want her to mourn and so she would do her best to remain as happy as she could, but something else had been bothering her.

Eragon…

She knew that this would not be easy for the young rider. It seemed that every time Eragon had found a mentor that he grew close to, life seemed to have other plans for them. Sadly, one of them had been his father whom he had never known properly.

"Eragon, have you thought about what you would like to say tomorrow night?" Arya's thoughts were interrupted as her mother addressed Eragon.

He shifted uneasily and caught Arya's eye before replying. "I have not. I was hoping to have it prepared by this evening."

Arya kept her eyes fixed on Eragon a moment longer before returning to face her mother.

"Very well." Islanzadi replied. She, like many of the other elves, seemed to be in a state of great sadness, but it was to be expected. "I will leave you to your task then." The Queen gave then a curt nod and went off to attend to her other various duties

Eragon nodded and turned to leave, Arya following closely behind him. When they were a proper distance from the general public, Arya found it safe to take his hand. Eragon looked over at her in surprise and Arya chuckled. "It is alright, there is no one here." Her facial expression changed to one of concern. "Are you alright Eragon? I know this must be difficult for you. I…" She was about to continue, but she couldn't. Eragon already knew of the hardships that she had gone through as an elfin child and he already knew how much Oromis had meant to her.

Eragon smiled, "I am fine Arya, thank you. This is a difficult time, for all of us. I am just glad that you and Saphira are here with me." He chuckled.

Arya tightened her grip on his hand. "Always." She whispered to him.

Eragon smiled again and pulled her into a tight hug. Arya smiled against the soft fabric of his tunic and she suddenly felt a wave of warmth spread through her as she felt his muscular chest through his tunic. Arya's pulse quickened and her eyes widened. A mixture of fear and happiness welled up inside of her and she was once again surprised by the strength and force of her feelings. She tried to hide as much as she could from Eragon, not wanting to distract him anymore than she already was.

"I believe it is time to see our masters home, wouldn't you say, little ones?" Saphira said, nudging Eragon with her snout.

Eragon smiled and nodded. "I agree, let us go." They both mounted Saphira and she took off for the Craigs of Tel'naeir.

Oromis's hut was the same as it always was. Scraps of paper were neatly pilled on a table and a set of tea cups sat on a round table. It was almost as if he was expected to return at any moment now. Sadness welled up inside Arya and she fought hard to suppress the inevitable tears.

Eragon had picked up a scroll and was reading it while Saphira looked on outside the hut, taking in all the memories of her time there.

Arya watched as Eragon walked through the hut, stopping at the wall of scrolls Oromis had. One scroll was lying on the table still open. Eragon picked it up and began reading to himself.

"What does it say?" Arya asked after some time.

Eragon glanced through the first paragraph before replying, "It's about the Elvin Rider Anurin." Eragon continued to skim through the text, but he already knew about The Rider Anurin and his contributions to the races of Alageasia. Eragon rolled up the scroll, placed it back into its sleeve and returned it to the shelf.

Arya knew that Eragon was upset but it was only because she knew him so well. If any other person had walked through they might not have realized at all if they looked at him. She wanted to know what he was thinking but she decided to just let him be. After some time Arya decided to leave but she was stopped before she could cross through the doorway.

"Where are you going?" Eragon asked her. There was a trace of fear in his voice; he did not want to be alone. Arya did not want to leave him, but she felt that Eragon would be able to work better with his own thoughts, She also had her own duties to attend to.

Arya turned and gave Eragon a smile. "I am sorry, but I think that this is something you need to do on your own. I also have a few things I need to attend to now that we have returned to Ellesmera and I do not know how long we will be here or when we will return."

Eragon nodded. "I will see you later today then."

"Later today." Arya agreed with a smile. She stepped out of Oromis's hut and made her way back to Tildari Hall.


Eragon

The longer he spent in his former master's house, the more he felt like falling to his knees and releasing his pent up anguish.

"Little one…" Saphira said, trying to comfort him with the mental equivalence of a hug.

Eragon wiped a stray tear that managed to escape. He began to control his breathing and in turn, his emotions. When he regained his composure he looked once more around the hut

"I am not sure if this I right place for me to right a proper speech to honor him. But where…"

An idea rushed into Eragon's head and before Saphira could get anything out of him he grabbed a quill, some ink and a piece of parchment and was out the door. Eragon quickly traversed to the one spot he had spent the most time during his training, where he practiced the Rimgar, or dance of snakes, poses. Eragon took in a deep breath as he eyed the forest surrounding him. He could hear water rushing down and followed it until he reached the stream. As he walked he passed a large rock and soon remembered it to be the same rock that he sat on when Oromis had asked him to "hear" everything around him. It was where he had first listened to the ants.

"I think you have found the right place little one." Saphira had chosen not to follow him and instead remained outside of Oromis's hut.

"I think you are right Saphira." He replied.

Eragon sat down and observed his surroundings. He took in every sight, sound and smells he could. He could hear everything, feel everything, and the moment soon presented itself to him.

Eragon was ready to get to work.


Eragon stood with Saphira to his right and Arya to his left, and standing next to her was her mother. They stood apart from the large mass of Elf's with Oromis and Glaedr's bodies at the center of a large ring. Eragon took note that this was where the Agaeti Blodhren took place when he was last in the forest capitol, just as Islanzadi cleared her throat getting everyone's attention.

"My people, today we gather here today not in mourning but in celebration. A few months ago we lost one of our own, an elf who devoted his entire life to protecting these lands and keeping us safe. I know that many of you were close to Oromis-elda, and some of you were not. But we all loved him, and he loved us back."

Islanzadi paused. Eragon tried to discern any observable emotions from Islanzadi, but he could not. She was every as strong at concealing her emotions as Arya was. Perhaps even better than Arya.

"We must all remember him for who he was and never forget the memories that we shared with him. Do not mourn him; instead let us celebrate his life and all that he has given us." Islanzadi eyed Eragon before continuing. "Now I would like to allow Eragon Shadeslayer, his last student, the chance to say a few words."

Islanzadi stepped back and allowed Eragon the floor. Eragon suddenly grew stiff and his hands felt clammy. His heart began to race and his mind started running very fast, public speeches was not his forte. A warm, gently hand slipped into his and he looked over to see Arya smiling at him. Eragon felt like hugging her that very moment, but he withheld the strong urge. Instead he smiled back at her and gave her hand a squeeze before releasing it and facing the large crowd.

Just as Islanzadi had done, Eragon cleared his throat and made sure to project his voice with magic before speaking. "When I had first arrived here at Ellesmera I was so taken by the vast beauty of the city. I had never before experienced anything so amazing in all my life, well not until the Agaeti Blodhern that is."

That generated a few smiles and chuckles and alleviated some of Eragons nervousness.

"When I was first introduced to Oromis-elda and Gleadr-elda, I was overcome with joy. I felt like a great weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, even after I saw the terrible wound that Gleadr had suffered and the one of Oromis. I am not sure how many of you know this, but Brom was my father." He waited to see a reaction, and surprisingly several elves began to whisper among each other.

"Why do I tell you this? Because ironically, Brom was a student of Oromis-elda as well. What was even more ironic, was the way I had behaved during my training." Eragon chuckled before continuing, "Oromis-elda never stopped comparing me to Brom once I had found out. It was Oromis that saw my father inside of me, and I had loved him as if he were like a father to me. I regret to say that before training under Oromis-elda, I was hardly fit to bear the name dragon rider, but of course, Saphira would tell me otherwise."

Saphira snorted and a plume of smoke exited her nostrils, causing many of the elves to jump back and them chuckle.

"I was so ignorant." Eragon continued. "I did not know what it truly meant to be a dragon rider until I met Oromis-elda. Both he and Glaedr-elda taught us so much, and even when I had failed constantly he would not give up. Maybe it was because Saphira and I are the last riders and he had to, or maybe it was because he saw something in us that others did not, or perhaps a bit of both. We will never know, but one thing that I do know is that I will never forget what Oromis-elda and Glaedr-elda have taught me, because then all of their efforts would have been in vain. And so I will leave you all with this; Oromis-elda was a teacher, a father, and a great friend to us all. His passing was tragic, but he will live on inside each and every one of us."

Eragon closed his eyes before saying, "Atra du evarinya ono varda (may the stars watch over you)."

Silence filled the air for several seconds before the crowd of elves erupted into cheer and approval. Eragon let out a breath of air and relaxed. Saphira roared and ignited the night sky with a bright jet of fire, signifying her approval. Even Islanzadi commended him on the speech.

"T-Thank you, My Queen." Eragon replied, bowing to Islanzadi. She pulled him and shook her head. "You are the leader of the Rider's now Eragon, there is no need to bow to me anymore." Eragon blinked in surprise, but before he could say anything he was pulled around to face Arya, tears covered her face.

"A-Arya…?"

Arya chuckled and wiped a few tears from her face. "It was indeed an amazing speech; I believe they would both be proud of you Eragon. I know I am." She whispered the last sentence into his ear as she pulled him into a tight hug. Eragon hugged her back with just as much force as tears threatened to fall down his face.

Eragon was about to say something when he was interrupted by someone, it was a voice he had not heard from in months.

"You have my thanks, Eragon-Finiarel. You honor us both…"

The voice echoed through the vast open space and everyone remained still. Apparently he was not the only one who had heard the voice.

"G-Glaedr-elda…?" Eragon managed to say after being frozen for several seconds. But there was not reply. Eragon looked at Arya and then to the Saphira's saddle bag. He ran over and reach into a pouch that was so greatly hidden he almost missed it himself. Slowly and carefully, Eragon pulled out the Eldunari of Glaedr while Arya surrounded him. But as he delved into it, he could feel nothing. All that remained was an echo of his last words and the rest was swirling mass of pain and agony.

"It will still take time, but I believe we are closing to getting him back." Arya said after taking a look herself.

Eragon looked at the Eldunari once more before placing back inside its pouch and covering it up with the rest of the saddle bag.

"I hope you are right Arya, because we will need him soon. I feel as if a great storm is approaching us."


Chapter 8

Eragon

He couldn't sleep. Not that that was something unusual for Eragon. He normally had trouble sleeping, but tonight he could not sleep at all. He found his mind wandering much more than usual. They would be leaving Ellesmera soon, to meet with the Varden army and begin their assault on Dras-Leona. All this time and he still had not found the Rock of Kuthian or the Vault of Souls. He was fortunate to have found the brightsteel that was hidden under the Menoa Tree (and even more fortunate to get Rhunon to forge him a blade), but where could the Rock of Kuthian be? And what about the Vault of Souls? Neither Oromis nor Glaedr had heard of it, and they were his best hope. Maybe if he found Solumbum again he could get more answers. But you didn't find Solumbum, he found you.

Eragon sighed and closed his eyes, listening to the trees blowing in the cool night breeze. He could hear something, a song. It was faint but he could just make it out.

Night falls, when we say goodbye to one of our own….

Sleep now, for you have come to journey's end…

And dream of those beyond the shores, dream of your masters…

Do not weep, soon all of our fears will come to pass…

The shores call for you, and lands beyond…

We will meet again for you are only sleeping...

What are those tears on your face? Soon all of your fears will pass…

Rest now in my arms…

And dream of the one's before you…

Out of memory and time…

For you are only sleeping…

It was a lament for Oromis. Eragon blinked and felt a tear fall down his face. He wiped it away when he heard someone approach him. He could smell the familiar, and pleasing, scent of crushed pine needles and knew who had come.

"You cannot sleep?" Arya asked, taking a seat beside him.

Eragon turned and smiled at her. She did not look tired, as Elves did not normal sleep. He chuckled softly before replying, "I think I am beginning to understand why Elves don't sleep often." He half lied. While it was true that some nights he did not feel the need to sleep, the real reason was because of the nightmares that haunted his sleep.

Arya could tell he wasn't being fully honest but she did not push him. "It is cold out here." She said after a few minutes of silence.

Eragon shivered as he felt her hand brush over his face. He turned and looked at her face and then at her eyes; those powerful, emerald green eyes that had always captivated him. "Arya…" He spoke, slowly reaching up to touch her soft hands.

"Come." She spoke so softly that Eragon felt he wouldn't have heard her if were not for his keen Elven hearing. "Let us get some rest."

"Arya?" He asked, unsure of what she had meant. "You mean…together?"

Arya chuckled, "Yes I mean together. It is alright Eragon, all we are doing is sleeping. Since we are together anyways we can, at the very least, share a bed. And I was thinking, when we are traveling with the Varden it would be easier for Saphira to carry one tent instead of two."

"And what if other's see us going in and out of the same tent? Especially in the morning?" Eragon asked. He was surprised by Arya's sudden request, but then again Arya had been surprising him a lot as of late.

Arya thought for a moment before saying, "We can say that Blodgharm and the other twelve spellcasters are protecting both of us and it will be easier for them to guard us if we are using one tent."

"You have really thought about this haven't you?" Eragon laughed.

"Yes." Arya replied, smiling. Eragon allowed her to lead him to her quarters, but when they got there Eragon grew nervous and anxious. He quickly got under the blankets and covered his face as Arya turned to change. Eragon felt the bed shift and he knew Arya was now entering her side of the bed. He tensed and pulled the blankets down but not lower than his chin.

"G-Goodnight, Arya…" Eragon said nervously.

He heard her laugh lightly, in a musical tone, before replying."Goodnight Eragon."


Arya

Arya chuckled to herself as Eragon remained on his side of the bed, not daring to move an inch in her direction. It relieved her that he did not try to sleep closer to her, not that she thought he would do so, or that she would have minded.

"Soon…" She thought to herself before drifting off to her half-asleep/half-awake state.

"I see, so Nasuada plans to take Dras-Leona?" Islanzadi asked. It was early in the morning and the Rider, elf and dragon were packed and ready to depart the Elvin Capitol.

Arya nodded. "If she has not already left with the army, then she will soon."

"You intend to meet them in battle?" They were sitting in the large war meeting room. At the round table say many of the commanders and generals of the army.

Arya noticed Eragon stifle a yawn before replying, "If it comes to it than we must, however we are hoping to arrive before they move out. I assume a plan has been made to infiltrate the heavily fortified gates. Dras-Leona will not be as easy to break through at Feinster or Bellatona."

"In that case I think it would be best if the three of you left as soon possible, they will need all of your help." Islanzadi said, standing up. As she did everyone else in the room followed the queen's lead, including Eragon and Arya.

"You are both dismissed; I wish you both a safe journey."

Arya bowed before saying, "Farewell…mother." She exited the hall and heard Eragon say quickly, "Goodbye My Queen," before catching up with her.

"Are you sure it is alright to leave her like that?" Eragon asked.

"Like what?" Arya replied calmly.

"You know, I mean you did not even depart with a hug…"

Arya chuckled, "Eragon, that was one of the best conversations I have had with my mother in a long time; as sad as that may sound."

"Exactly. You know that we will not be here for a long time, maybe…maybe this is not the best way to leave."

Arya stopped walking and sighed. "Eragon, you are a very kind hearted person and I know that you mean well. But the relationship I have with my mother will take time to fix. Trust me." Eragon said no more on the subject as he walked over to Saphira and strapped his pack her saddle. He took Arya's pack and did the same as she climbed onto Saphira's back. Eragon got on next and soon Saphira pushed off the ground.


Eragon

The flight back to the Varden camp was spent mostly focusing on trying to reach them before they moved out. But Eragon had the feeling that Nasuada would not order her troops to move before they had made it back. She would want to brief them on the plan of attack and possibly ask for input from both himself and Arya, and he still needed to talk with Blodgharm about a proper defense for himself and Saphira.

They stopped only once to rest on their journey back. Not even bothering to make a fire, Eragon and Arya gathered fruits and nuts to eat along the way. They would reach the camp by nightfall.

"Welcome back Shadeslayer, and Lady Arya." Blodgharm recited the customary elfish greeting.

Eragon and Arya did the same as they dismounted Saphira.

"And greetings to you Saphira Bjartskular." Blodgharm bowed to Saphira.

"Grettings Blodhgarm." Saphira replied.

"What news Blodgharm? Has Nasuada ordered her men to move yet?"

Blodgarm shook his head. "Not yet Shadeslayer, I suggest that we go and speak with her. She is currently having a meeting with King Orrin and a few other commanders, your cousin is also among them."

Eragon's eyes widened. "Roran?! Of course he must be fully healed by now!"

Without another word, Eragon sprinted for Nasuada's quarters. Arya and Blodgharm trailed behind him.

They we stopped at the entrance by two of the Nighthawks. "Forgive us, Shadeslayer. We must check with Lady Nasuada before we can grant you entrance." The man disappeared through the tent flap and returned a few seconds later. "Okay, you may enter."

"Eragon, Arya, it is good to see you. I trust your travels were safe?" Nausada said as they entered. She and several other men were huddled around a map of Alagaesia that covered the large wooden table in the room.

Eragon nodded, "Yes everything was fine. Though, I wish I could have stayed in Ellesemra longer."

"I figured as much." Nasuada replied.

"Eragon! It is good to see you my cousin!"

Eragon turned to see Roran approach and a large smile covered his face. "Roran!" He said, giving him a hug. "I see you're doing much better now than when I left?" It was more of a statement than a question. From the look of Roran he seemed to be just fine, maybe even better than that.

"I am. Katrina won't speak to me though, seeing as I'm charging into to battle so soon after my wounds have healed." He laughed.

Nasuada cleared her throat. "Forgive me Eragon, but might you continue this after we are done? I would like to go over out plan of attack now that you and Arya are here."

Eragon nodded. "Of course, forgive me. Please continue."

"Right, our biggest concern is getting past the main gate. It's much larger a heavier than the ones at Feinster or Bellatona."

"Not to mention that they're protected with magical wards." Eragon pointed out.

Nasuada sighed. "Yes, I almost forgot about that. Do you think you would be able to take then down Eragon?"

Eragon thought for a moment. "I suppose I could, it depends on the strength of the wards. The ones at Feinster took a toll from my reserves, but that could have been because I set my sword on fire." He chuckled.

"Very well, I think Arya and Blodgharm should assist you with the gates. You will need to sneak in before we attack, think you can do it?" Nausada asked.

Eragon thought for moment and then walked over to the map and studied it for a few seconds. "There doesn't seem to be anyway to get in short of walking through the entrance or climbing the walls." "Barzul, there must be another way in…"

"Perhaps Jeod will know of something?" Saphira asked.

Eragon blinked twice. "Saphira, you're brilliant!"

Eragon could a sense of pride and ego wash over him. "Ok not that brilliant…"

He could hear Saphira huff in annoyance from outside and he laughed to himself. "I know I'll be paying for that sometime soon won't I?"

"Yes, yes you will." Saphira chuckled.

Nasuada sent for Jeod and a few minutes later he arrived. "Jeod, it's great to see you!" Eragon said, giving Jeod a hug.

The older man chuckled nodded, "Indeed it is Eragon. I brought the map you asked for, but would you need it for? You've got a perfectly good one right here!"

Eragon shook his head. "Jeod, you know the city of Dras-Leona better than anyone. I need a way into the city, know of any secrets passageways?"

Jeod scratched his chin and looked at the newer map on the table. After a few seconds he laughed. "Well I can see why you'd want the older map; all the underground tunnels are missing from that one. Here…" Jeod placed the older looking map over the newer. It was a little smaller but it was only a map of the city.

"You've got three options, but before I go on might you fill me on the your plan?" Jeod asked.

Nasuada nodded. "Simply put, Eragon, Blodgharm and Arya will infiltrate the city and break the counter weights that hold the front gate up. After that it shouldn't be a problem for our siege machines to do the rest."

Jeod studied the map he brought for a few seconds before he continued. "Well, your best option would be through here." He pointed at a section of the map just west of the gates. "These tunnels are small and might be a little cramped for three people; however it's a straight shot to the gates."

Eragon took a closer look. It was the closest string of tunnels to the gate, but Eragon couldn't make heads or tails of the size. He would just have to take Jeod's word.

"Even if you are able to get in unnoticed, taking down the defenses of the gate is now simple task Eragon." Jeod warned.

"What do you mean?" Arya asked.

"There are two towers that control the pulley system of the gates. Each one is guarded by one of Galbitorixe's magicians, and these men are not to be trifled with."

Eragon gritted his teeth. There seemed to be only one solution. "We'll just have to catch them off guard. Once we get inside the city, Arya and Blodhgarm can each go to a tower and take out the guards, once they have then it shouldn't too hard for me to break the counter weights."

"It's a risky move Eragon, what if one of them runs into trouble?" Nasuada pointed out.

"I will be assisting them. We can take them out one at a time if need be."

"And what if you run into trouble? I won't be there to help you, and we all know how much trouble you get into when I'm not around." Saphira argued.

"It's our best option Saphira. If anyone can do it, it's us three."

Saphira made no move to argue, but he could sense her uneasiness. She was right after all; trouble had always followed him when she wasn't around.

"And what if Murtagh comes, Will you be ready for him?" Nasuada asked.

If there was any emotion behind her words of Murtagh, she didn't show it. Eragon had always wondered about the two of them, but that was before he was forced into servitude. Now he feared his half-brother was far from being saved. "Saphira and I can handle those two, don't worry."

"Are you sure Eragon, myself and the other spellcasters will be close by, but you must remember to stay close, we don't want what happened last time to happened again." Arya reminded him.

"Thank you Arya, I will remember."


"Jeod…failed…to mention that these tunnels have the worst stench I've smelled since I was inside Hellgrind…" Eragon grunted as he walked through the dark and damp passageway. The walls were thin and the lack of light made it harder to see. Thankfully his eyes had adjusted much faster than a normal human's would have.

"Well…Jeod has never…been inside Hellgrind...has he?" Arya replied. It seemed that movement for her was troublesome as well.

"Good point." Eragon thought to himself. "Garjzla!" Eragon muttered. An orb of light appeared above them and Eragon pulled out the map that Jeod had given them. "We must be here." Eragon pointed.

"Indeed, we must close to an exit; let us hope it leads to the gate." Blodgharm stated.

True to their senses, they were right. The large gate of Dra-Leona towered over them, and Eragon had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Flashes of him and Brom running through the streets raced through his mind. He remembered the fear he had when the Ra'zac had taken them by surprise.

"Eragon…Eragon!" Eragon shook his head and looked over at a slightly concerned looking Arya. "Are you alright?" She asked.

Eragon blinked and then nooded. "Y-Yes. Forgive me."

"Shadeslayer, we should move. Look" Bloddgharm said as he pointed up, "The towers that control the gate system."

The three were silent. Blodgharm and Arya had altered their appearances to that of humans and they were all dressed in the standard issue Empire armor over their own personal armor. The Varden always kept some for situations such as this. Before they could move on their target a war horn went off and something collided with the wall.

"It's starting…" Eragon thought. He pulled out Brisignr just as Saphira flew over the city, blowing a jet of blue fire across the buildings.

"There's our distraction. I will draw them out and you two attack them the moment you can sense them."Arya said as she ran off to the nearest tower.

Eragon gritted his teeth. He wanted to say something like, "Be careful!" But for one, he couldn't shout for fear of reveling their location and two, Arya would find it more annoying than anything else.

It didn't take long for them to find the magician, and with their combined effort it took much less to take him out. The second magician almost succeeded in calling for help, but Blodgharm attacked him mercilessly before he was able to.

"Alright!" Eragon exclaimed. Another war horn went off and Eragon ran over to one side of the gate. "Brisignr!" He shouted. His sword caught on fire and he sliced through the first counter weight.

"Eragon, hurry!" Arya shouted. Eragon turned around to see several groups of soldiers attacking Arya and Blodgharm. He cursed and ran to the other side as he heard a battering ram hit the gates. He sliced through the last weight and watched as Saphira rammed into the top of the wall. Soldiers were sent flying into the city and the gate burst open. It was an all-out battle now for survival now.

Eragon jumped off ledge and onto the ground as Empire soldiers rushed him. He sliced through several of them with ease but was shocked to see them get back up without as much as a scream of pain. Eragon cursed again, "The laughing dead? Here? But how…?"

A loud roar shook the ground and rumbled through the night. Eragon gritted his teeth and looked off into the distance.

A rider in red armor sat atop a large red dragon…Murtagh had come.


(A.N.) Well? What did you think? I tried my best to write the eulogy speeches (I lost someone very close to me at the beginning of May so I kind of drew from my own feelings there) but I understand if it was bit too long. I hope that "song" was alright. I always wanted to try and write in a short song in one of my stories. If you guys thought it was stupid I don't blame you, just go ahead and skip that part haha. I was inspired by "Into the West" from LOTR. I hope that wasn't too obvious, lol.

I'm sorry if you guys felt like it was too long, but remember that this is two chapters! I'm trying to make up for how long I took to post it so hopefully that makes you guys a little happier.

Alright, until next time!

- Demonzmagic