Queen Islanzadi stood quietly for a moment replaying the news over and over again in her head. It's impossible. How could this have happened? Why? She was grief stricken. The Roland they spoke of was not the one she remembered. The happy child who played practical jokes, was always optimistic, always had a smile on his face.

"Any clue as to his whereabouts?" she questioned them.

They shook their heads. Arya, Fena, Nari, Lifaen, Orik and Eragon stood there speechless. "Did anyone of you try and scrye him?"

"He is blocking any magic we try and use. He knows we are looking for him, but he doesn't wish to be found." Said Arya.

"And Sirrush? Have you tried him?"

"It is the same. Sirrush will give no clue as to where they are. There is something else." Said Nari.

"What now?"

"They are separated that is all we could get." Said Eragon.

"What?! Seperated!" she lowered her head. Roland what have you done?! You put everything in danger! All the hard work! Queen Islanzadi was furious. "Is it true about the Gruwel as well?"

"Yes." Said Nari.

"This is not good. Why would he conjure it?"

No one answered the question. No one knew. Arya and Fena were both on the verge of tears. Arya excused herself, Eragon went to go after her, but Orik held him back, "This is not for you to interfere with. She needs to be a lone."

They left Queen Islanzadi to think over a plan of action for Roland. They stood near the sparring arena. "Why is Arya so upset? This isn't the first time Roland has run off."

Nari snorted, "For a Dragonrider, Eragon you're pretty stupid. Arya and Roland are in love, and have been for quiet sometime."

Eragon's jaw dropped. NO!!! That can't be! Everyone was looking at him. "That's why she's upset. She has to through the same thing over and over again. She doesn't know if she'll see him again. Arya may not show it, but she fears for Roland all the time."

"But I thought they hated each other? They haven't spoken since he came back." Said Fena.

"Roland doesn't know what to say to her. He left without a word, 25 years ago. How do you apologize for that?"

"She still loves him, but hates him as well. I don't how he's going to fix this one."

"When did the two meet?"

"Roland came here when he was about 15 and Arya was 18. At first there was nothing really between them. It gradually turned into a friendship, and then during the fall it turned into love. If you looked at her finger you would see the ring he gave her the night before he left."

Vanir came sprinting into the arena where they all stood, "News from Surda! Roland was there! He spoke with Lady Nasuada!" he breathed.

"What?! How?! Why?!" asked Lifaen.

"That's all I know. The Queen has more information." They all followed Vanir to the Queen.

"Well?" asked Eragon. Arya was already there her composure was back.

"Roland arrived in Surda early yesterday morning. He brought good news to the fight against Galbatorix. His dragons will aid us in the fight. I am holding him to his word. Yet the Roland you have described to me and the Roland I saw were not one in the same. He has changed greatly my Queen and not for the better. Elva has informed its due in part because of the black steed he rides. His eyes are solid, black menacing spheres. Roland's face is covered in scars and something evil resides in him something I dare not speak ok. . .Roland my Queen has been lost." The Queen was shaking as she finished reading the letter. "No. . . no. . .no . . ."

Eragon looked to Arya who simply stood there with no emotion on her face. His eye traced down her body to her hand the ring was gone.