A/N: Okay, so... some pretty intense dreams last time. Do they mean anything? Are they glimpses of our heroes future?

Maybe...maybe not. Read on and find out!

Eragon stared into the mirror above the wash basin in the room. His eyes still showed tell-tale signs of the effects his dream last night had on him. Dark circles of fatigue, mixed with slight redness from the tears he had shed. The more he thought about it, the more it worried him. Never before had one of his normal dreams affected him so. Then again, since finding Saphira's egg in the Spine, very little about his life could be considered "normal" now. Eragon had felt great sadness before yes; Roran leaving, and Garrow's death naturally. But this...this was different. It chilled him to his very core, and left him nothing but only deep despair and hopelessness. Had Auron and Saphira not been there...

Thinking of his friend spurred Eragon's memory in to what he had planned for this morning. He felt awkward about crying into Auron's shoulder last night, and more than a little embarrassed. He cared deeply about his friend of course; they couldn't have been closer if they were blood brothers, but they two had never shared something quite like that before. Eragon felt like he had lost his edge, and he didn't want Auron to think he needed to be coddled like a young child. He splashed some water on his face, rearranged his hair, and made his way down to the dinning room.

Brom and Jeod had left early again to try and plan their next move regarding the shipping manifests that would hopefully lead the party to the Ra'zac. Helen had shut herself in her room, something Eragon was secretly thankful for. Their hostess wasn't particularly warm at meal times, and Eragon felt like he wanted to spend as little time on her nerves as possible, which usually meant out of her sight. Therefore, the only other person in the dinning room was the one he had been wanting to see: Auron.

He approached his friend from behind, but hesitated. Auron was engrossed in a scroll, his empty plate set aside. Eragon knew what he wanted to say, he just didn't know how to say it. Taking a breath to steady himself, he gently touched Auron on the shoulder. "Auron?"

Auron started slightly, but seeing it was only Eragon, he favored him with a warm smile. "Eragon, good morning. Did you sleep any better last night?"

Eragon shuffled uncomfortably. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that." Auron gestured to the chair next to him. Eragon sat down, and Auron turned to face him. "I wanted to apologize."

"For what?" his friend asked, confused.

Eragon dropped his eyes, and stuttered, "When I was...well, upset and...you came over and I...I..uh...I know it was...uh...what I mean to say is -" Eragon couldn't keep the blood from rushing to his cheeks and his words we lost as Auron cut him off with a small chuckle.

"Eragon, stop. Its alright, you don't need to apologize." Eragon, bewildered, looked up.

"I...don't understand."

Auron leaned forward and gave Eragon's shoulder a squeeze. "Listen; if this is about you crying, forget it. Considering all that's happened to you since you found Saphira's egg, I'd be more worried if you didn't break down eventually. Actually, I'm surprised you lasted this long."

This got a raised eyebrow from Eragon. "What I mean is, you've been through a lot. More than any person should have to go through, although I dare say we're probably just getting started with the bad stuff."

His mouth crooked up in an attempt to hold in a grin. "And if you're worried about the whole...you and me..." he made a quick gesture at the two of them and then touched his own shoulder, "..don't worry about it. I'm more than happy to lend a shoulder when needed. That's what brothers are for, right?" This finally got a smile out of Eragon as well as a chuckle. The cold knot in his stomach melted away and was replaced by a warm feeling of companionship. The two stood up and embraced each other, all awkwardness aside.

"Thanks Auron. I needed that."

"Anytime pal."

Eragon let go, and gave a sigh of relief. "I just never thought a dream could get to me like that. The way she stared right at me..."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Eragon thought for a second, then shook his head. "No...I'm really not even sure what it meant. It didn't make any sense to me."

You're not alone there, Auron thought to himself, reflecting on his own strange dream. "Still, it can't be coincidence that you, me and Saphira all had trouble sleeping last night. Maybe you should ask Brom about it, he may know a little more."

As odd as it would seem discussing his dreams with the old storyteller, Eragon had to agree with Auron. Brom had often said those with magic abilities were often subject to strange dreams, this could be related. He made a point to ask him sometime, but that would have to wait until they left Teirm. Brom still had plans about getting access to the records in the castle, and would be back this afternoon. It was still early morning, and therefore the two boys had some time to kill.

Thinking about his dragon and her consoling words last night, Eragon asked, "Do you want to go see Saphira? I'm sure she could do with some company."

"True. There's not really anything else to do is there?" Auron tilted his head as he caught himself. "Although, come to think of it, nothing else really compares to talking to a winged, fire-breathing lizard in terms of holding one's interest." Eragon simply looked at his friend with a mixture of puzzlement and confusion.

Realizing what he just said, Auron's own face went from silent contemplation to shock as he shook his head. "Ugh, I think we've been around Brom too long; I'm starting to sound like him. Let's go," He spun a laughing Eragon around by the shoulders and pushed him towards the door. "Before I get the urge to tell a story."

Saphira stared off into the distance deep in thought, the deer that served as her breakfast only partially finished. As odd as it was for her, she couldn't stop thinking about the dream she had last night. The more she thought about it, the less she understood it. Clearly she was laying next to a fire somewhere with Eragon, but after that, the details made no sense.

The unknown person next to them. The mountains. The sense that she had lost someone. The feeling that they were running away from someone or something that was chasing them...all this left her more confused than it did at peace. After several more minutes of hard thinking, she snorted and shook her head.

It was just a silly dream, she told herself. My mind must have decided to wander. I wonder if there was something wrong with that deer Auron caught me for dinner...? She growled quietly to herself in amusement. Leave it to that hatchling to find me the one deer that would keep me up all night. At this, Saphira let her mind wander once more, this time remembering the enjoyable day they had spent together. She hummed happily, Still...it was very nice of him. And for keeping me dry in the rain. Her memories drifted back to her lying next to him and the feelings of contentment she had. It had felt so comfortable, so nice, so -

Speaking of wandering minds, she extended hers outward to try and locate the familiar touches of her little Rider and his other scaly companion. She was pleasantly surprised that they were already on their way out to see her. Saphira was disappointed when Eragon had told her that they would be staying in Teirm for a while until they could track the Ra'zac by these "records" he told her about. That meant they could only spend a short time with her each day before having to return to the city at night, and that was whenever she wasn't out hunting. She missed sleeping next to Eragon by a warm campfire, watching him and Auron spar with the old one Brom, and talking with each of them. Most of all, she missed flying with Eragon. Since settling in Teirm, they had not been out once. Yesterday's time with Auron in his dragon form had indeed been wonderful, but it wasn't the same as being with her Eragon.

The sound of scrabbling rocks brought her attention back as it alerted her to the two boys beginning to scale the cliff up to her. She heard the grunts of effort as they climbed, then a short yelp and the sound of falling rocks, followed by "I told you not to grab that one!". Finally they stood before her and Eragon gave her a hug around her neck. She hummed at his touch and they embraced each other mentally as well. Auron reached forward to pat her nose, but she snorted and pushed his hand away. She then leaned closer and gave his shoulder a light nuzzle. A surprised look crossed his and Eragon's faces as she did this, but she merely laughed in their heads.

Surely we are close enough friends now that you need not pat me like a horse, Auron. He smiled at this, and gave her a small scratch under the chin. That's much better, she hummed again.

The two boys sat on either side of her and Saphira around to rest against Eragon. They began to talk about their respective dreams with each other, at least the parts they were willing to divulge. Neither of them really felt like sharing the more sensitive areas, and no one tried to pry the others about it. They all reassured each other that they were nothing more than simple dreams – they had no real meaning. Of course, Auron and Saphira never mentioned to each other what had actually occurred in their dreams, as the two dismissed any connection to their now-repaired relationship as merely coincidental. They all agreed that dreams were just the mind's way of sorting information, and sometimes it came out in odd ways. The time passed amicably as the three conversed about other topics.

Saphira inquired to Auron about whether or not he knew the next time he would be able to take dragon form again. Auron could only shrug, saying he could still feel his body's fatigue from the day before, but maybe by tomorrow or the next day he was willing to try again. This of course led to him receiving another small nuzzle by the dragoness as she expressed her excitement at another day of flight and play. Eragon joined in saying he would enjoy coming with them this time. Unfortunately both Saphira and Auron pointed out that Brom was unlikely to permit it, as he had planned on beginning Eragon's lessons in literature soon. Disappointed, Eragon nevertheless agreed that they were probably right. Brom was not one to prolong instruction of such an important task.

The talk of Brom's teaching Eragon how to read caused them to return to Teirm shortly after, leaving Saphira to her forced solitude. They felt bad for leaving her, yet such was the way things had to be. Saphira urged them not to dwell on it; the sooner they completed their tasks here in the city, the sooner they would travel together again. The two boys made it back to Jeod's house to find him and Brom in the study, preparing for Eragon's lessons. As Auron was already literate thanks to his parents, he assisted in teaching Eragon . It was hard at first, but soon Eragon began to enjoy the new world of language he was introduced to.

A routine was quickly established. Every morning, Eragon would get up and eat breakfast before meeting Brom and Auron in the study for his lessons. They would continue until mid-afternoon, when Brom allowed them to sneak out for a quick visit with Saphira. They would then return to the house, and before dinner was served, practice sparring behind the house. Auron and Eragon even started sparring with their fists. They were careful not to put too much effort into their blows, but still managed to give each other a new set of bruises.

Eragon marveled at how much faster and stronger Auron had gotten recently, thanks to the dragon blood that now flowed in his veins. His twin blades were barely more than a blur when he battled. His quick footwork, acrobatic maneuvers and dizzying flourishes making it seem more like a dance than combat; a beautiful, but deadly dance. Auron was quick to point out, however, that Eragon was no slouch either. Blow for blow, the two had a hard time getting any leverage over the other, their skills so evenly matched. Even Brom offered a few words of praise now and then, something that was not easily come by.

The days passed quickly, and before long, a week had gone by. Eragon's reading skills were rudimentary, but he could now read whole pages without asking for assistance. He read slowly, but he knew that speed would come with time. Brom encouraged him, "No matter, you'll do fine for what I have planned."

It was late afternoon when Brom finally summoned the two boys and Jeod to the study. "Now that Eragon can help us, I think it's time we moved ahead."

"What do you have in mind?" Auron asked. The idea of finally taking some action was evident on the eager boy's face.

A fierce smile danced on Brom's own face and Jeod let out a pained groan. "I know that look; it's what got us into trouble in the first place."

"You exaggerate, but only slightly," Brom answered back. "Very well, this is what we are going to do..."

We leave tonight or tomorrow Eragon told Saphira as he and Auron lay in their room afterwords. Brom had told them to get what little rest they could before they left.

This is unexpected. Will you be safe during this venture? Auron rolled his eyes at this expected comment.

Eragon merely shrugged. I don't know. We may end up fleeing Teirm with soldiers on our heels. They could practically hear her snort of disapproval, and the irritation and worry they received was all to clear. Eragon tried to reassure her. It'll be alright. The three of us can use magic, and we're good fighters.

Of course if that fails, you are welcome to come roaring into the city to our rescue Saphira, Auron teased with mock innocence. This time they felt her growl through their connection to her.

Don't tempt me, Auron. When you two are involved, anything is possible.

Eragon awoke from his nap to a golden sunset. The warm colors of the retreating sun streamed into the room and fell across the bed. He contemplated on dozing for a while more, but a small shake from Auron told him they were getting up. He slung his bow and quiver across his back, but left Zar'roc under the bed. Trained as he was in its use now, he still felt more comfortable using his trusty bow. If he needed to disable someone, he could use an arrow or magic. He pulled his jerkin over his shirt and laced it securely. Next to him, Auron fastened on his twin blades and their rigging, the straps criss-crossing his chest and around his waist. His knife was sheathed at the small of his back just above his belt. He already had his leather vest and gloves on, as well as a small pouch attached to his thigh. They gave each other a slight nod, then proceeded out and down the stairs.

Brom and Jeod were waiting outside for them. Brom was in the middle of criticizing Jeod's choice of weapon, an elegant rapier, when he saw the two boys emerge from the house. Together, the four of them made their way casually through the streets. Passing Angela's shop, Eragon thought he saw a flicker of movement on the rooftops, but there was no one there when he looked. Brom led them along Teirm's outer wall until the sky was well and truly black. Eventually they came upon the castle. The sealed walls of the fortress gave Eragon chill, thoughts of being imprisoned here if they got caught flashed behind his eyes. Jeod silently took the lead and strode up to the gates and pounded on the small door.

A small grille slid open and a surly guard appeared "Ya?" he grunted, the smell of rum evident on his breath.

"We need to get in," Jeod stated simply.

"Wha' for?"

Jeod pointed to Eragon, who hung his head in shame. "The boy here left something valuable in my office. We need to retrieve it."

The guard frowned, clearly upset he was dragged away from his bottle for something so trivial. "Ah, wha'ever." he said, swinging his arm. "Jus make sure n' give 'im a good beating f'r me."

"Will do," assured Jeod as they entered through a small door the guard opened. As they passed, Brom slipped him a few coins and the guard teetered away happily. They quickly followed Jeod as he led them towards their destination. Halfway down a hall, Auron gave Eragon's shoulder a quick nudge, tossed Brom a wink, and disappeared down a side passage. Eragon started to say something, but Brom grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along, muttering that they had work to do.

At the records room, Brom tried the door but it was locked. He put his hand against the door and whispered a word that Eragon did not recognize. It swung open with a faint click. Jeod grabbed a torch from the wall and they darted inside, closing the door behind them. The small room was filled with racks piled high with scrolls. Jeod placed a piece of parchment on the floor along with a quill and ink, and the three began scanning the records for mention of Seithr oil.

It was quiet outside except for the occasional passing guard. As he was reading through one scroll, Eragon's neck prickled. He looked up, and gave a small jump. There on the windowsill was the crouching figure of a small boy. Do you need help? a familiar voice asked. It sounded like Solembum.

Is that you? Eragon asked, incredulously.

Am I someone else? the boy smiled.

Eragon gulped and concentrated on his scroll. If my eyes aren't playing tricks on me, then I'd say you are.

You don't think I am called a were-cat for nothing, did you?

What are you doing here?

The were-cat tilted his head and considered the question. That depends on what you are doing here. If you are merely reading those scrolls for enjoyment, then I suppose there isn't any reason for my visit. However, if you are doing something unlawful and do not wish to be discovered...I might be here to inform you that the guard you bribed has informed his relief of your presence and they have sent others to look for you.

Thank you for telling me, Eragon said sincerely.

The were-cat offered him another fanged grin. Told you something did I? I suppose I did. And now I suggest you make use of it.

The boy stood and tossed back his wild hair. Eragon asked quickly, Wait. What did you mean last time about the tree and the vault?

Exactly what I said.

Eragon tried to inquire further, but the were-cat vanished from the window. He turned to the other two men in the room and blurted, "There are soldiers looking for us."

"How do you know?" asked Brom sharply.

"I listened in on the guard. He told his replacement we are here and they sent others to search. We have to leave, now."

"Are you sure?" Jeod's question was wrought with nervousness.

"Yes!" said Eragon impatiently. "They're on their way!"

Brom grabbed another scroll from the rack. "No matter. We have to finish this now." They worked feverishly for the next minute, skimming through records as fast as possible. As they last scroll was checked, Brom tossed it back on the shelf and Jeod stowed the quill and parchment. They raced from the room and shut the door, but as it clicked shut, they heard the lumbering footsteps of the soldiers approaching. They moved to leave but a hiss escaped Brom. "Damnation, it's not locked!" He put his hand against the door and a faint click was heard just as three armed soldiers rounded the corner. The lead man saw Brom's hand on the door and shouted.

"Hey, you! Get away from that door!"

Brom stepped back with a look of mild surprise on his face. The three men marched up to them and the tallest one asked, "Why are you trying to get into the records room?" Eragon gripped his bow and readied himself to flee.

"I'm afraid we lost our way." The strain in Jeod's voice was almost too evident. A drop a sweat appeared on his brow.

"Check inside the room." the lead soldier ordered. One of his subordinates tried the door, but it didn't budge.

"Locked, sir!"

The leader favored the trio for a moment more. "Alright then. I don't know what you were up to, but if the door is indeed locked, I guess you are free to go. Come." The group of soldiers surrounded them and marched them back out to the gate. Eragon couldn't believe it, they were actually helping them escape! They reached the main gate and the leader pointed them through. "Now, you walk out those and don't try anything, we are watching."

"Of course," Brom promised.

As they passed through the gates, Eragon heard the leader address his men once more. "Okay boys, lets go check out the east wing. Someone reported noises from the administrator's office."

The moment the gates closed, Eragon felt elation surge through him. He almost jumped in the air, but Brom growled and told him to wait until they were back at the house. Then suddenly, out of the shadows lining the great wall, Auron appeared and fell into step with them, a large bulging pack resting on his shoulder. Eragon tried to ask where was, but another sharp look from Brom and Jeod silenced him. The four of them adopted a stoic demeanor, and quickly made their way to Jeod's house. Once safely inside, Eragon couldn't hold it in any longer. "We did it!" he exclaimed.

"Yes, but now we have to determine if it was all worth it." Brom stated as he and Jeod examined a map of Alagaesia. As they did this, Auron removed the large pack from his shoulder and began sorting the various items within. Brom noticed this, and with a sarcastic tone inquired, "And just where were you as we were doing all the hard work?"

Without looking up from the pack Auron replied nonchalantly, "Shopping."

This drew a puzzled look from the three around him and Jeod moved over to see inside, pulling back with a small gasp. Eragon looked on in wonder as Auron revealed food, supplies and equipment that they would have needed when they started back on the road again. Brom asked incredulously, "Where did you get all this?"

Auron finally looked up, and favored the old man with a sly grin. "Oh, some storeroom in the east wing."

Jeod looked positively scandalized. "You robbed the administrator's personal stores?"

All this got was a non-committal shrug from the boy. "Well, it's highly unlikely he would have used it all. And it saves us having to take from you Jeod, or buy our own."

"But that room is securely locked!"

Auron's sly grin widened. "You mean it was securely locked." At this, a thought struck Eragon as he looked from Auron to Brom.

"Oh, wait. Did Brom show you how to open a lock like he did with magic?"

The grin disappeared from the other boy's face and was replaced by surprise. "You can open locks with magic?" He looked to the old storyteller in question.

"Yes," replied Brom. "But I didn't know you had learned that ability. I certainly haven't taught you that yet."

"I didn't use magic."

Now it was Brom's turn to look surprised. "Then how did you get in?"

Auron reached into the small pouch at his thigh and showed them several small tools; a thin metal rod with ridges, another that was bent at a right angle with a flat end, and a third even thinner rod bent in four different places. "I used these." Seeing nothing but shocked looks on the faces of his companions, Auron stared at Brom in wonder. "You mean you never learned how to open a lock the old fashioned way? What kind of adventurer are you?"

This retort caused the old man to huff and mutter to himself, "Cheeky little..." The rest was lost into his beard as he turned back to examine the map, Jeod coming around to the other side of the table after shooting Auron another look of astonishment, and the two began going over their findings. Eragon merely shook his head and helped his friend to repack the supplies away. After that was done, the two boys joined the older men at the map and Brom showed them what they had discovered. The Seithr oil was indeed shipped to many places throughout the Empire, but the one that stood out the most was Dras-Leona. Jeod mentioned that almost all supplies of the Empire pass through the city at one time or another. The city itself was large and well situated, making it a perfect place for the Ra'zac to hide.

Looking over their stolen information, Brom confirmed that several shipments of the oil had been delivered within weeks of each other around the same time for the last several years, and that it was all done by the same merchant. This was the evidence they were looking for, proof that this must be where the Ra'zac were located. Then Jeod pointed out one obvious piece they missed – Helgrind. Also known as the Dark Gates, the foreboding mountain lay just outside the city, and provided the ideal place for such foul creatures to call home.

Dras-Leona! Eragon groaned mentally to Auron. But it is so far away. It could take us weeks to get there.

True, but if you are still set on going after the Ra'zac we must, his friend replied. We've come this far Eragon, and it would be foolish to give up now. The two boys left Brom and Jeod to converse further on the plans for tomorrow, and made their way to their shared bedroom. After removing all their equipment and undressing, they got into the beds and connected their minds to Saphira to recount the night's adventures.

The next morning dawned gray and wet, as Brom Eragon and Auron readied the horses for travel. Brom and Jeod solemnly clasped hands and exchanged farewells. Eragon thanked Jeod for his hospitality and Auron joked that he left a little token of appreciation he liberated from the administrator in the study for their new friend. A few more farewells were said, then the two horses were spurred towards the city gates.

Behind Auron, Eragon sighed and leaned into his friends shoulder. "It was nice to stay here. It almost made me feel – normal. What I would give to not keep uprooting ourselves. To stay here and be like everyone else would be wonderful."

At this Auron laughed and jostled his friend off his shoulder. "What, and miss all the fun of running around with a mysterious old man and a majestic dragon?" A similar thought of amusement issued from Saphira, as she too tried to cheer Eragon up by pointing out that Auron had just given her a very nice compliment. Eragon gave into the humor as Auron blushed at his unintentional blunder.

They rode through the gates in relative silence, and Eragon began to think more about Saphira's comment. He too had noticed his best friend and his dragon getting closer nowadays. Of course, it may have something to do with the fact that Auron could now become a dragon at will, but there was something else. Saphira respected Brom very highly, but didn't show him affection the way she had started to show Auron lately, such as the nuzzling and asking him to scratch her chin. As well, Auron had started finding ways of bringing her up seemingly unrelated conversations, and they two were quick try and spend time together.

I wonder if Saphira has started to see Auron as slightly more than a friend now that he is also a dragon? Eragon mused. He mentally caught himself and suppressed a chuckle. He doubted the two had anything close to romantic feelings yet. After all, being intimately linked with Saphira meant Eragon would have noticed something by now. And as his best friend, Auron would have definitely said something if he started developing...feelings...for Saphira.

Eragon pushed those thoughts away. Even if the two had started seeing each other differently – which they both heatedly insisted they didn't when Eragon asked them later on, out of curiosity – Saphira and Auron's dragon bodies were biologically just four months old. According to Brom, dragons didn't become "mature" until after six months, which was when they were capable of choosing a mate and actually mating...a topic the three of them absolutely refused to even think about right now. They were friends - good friends - they assured him, but nothing more. Eragon relaxed a little after that discussion. After all, he didn't want to cause any tension between his two scaled companions. He considered it lucky enough Saphira had practically forgotten all about Auron's terrible first impression, and the two were already so close in the first place. Not every companion of the Rider's of old could say they were blessed enough to be considered a dragon's good friend. Bonds like that were usually reserved for the dragon's Rider and no one else, so Eragon considered himself fortunate that Saphira and Auron got along so famously. After that, he gave no more thought to the matter.

As the city of Teirm shrank into the horizon behind them, the group squared their shoulders and turned their attention to the newest leg of their journey: the road to Dras-Leona...and the Ra'zac.

A/N: So yeah, everybody has pretty much dismissed the dreams as random occurrences, especially our two dragons. Not to say this is the last we'll hear of them... (wink). But as anyone who has read the book knows, Eragon's dream wasn't so random, and we all know who/where it ends up being about. I have a unique idea played out for that part in the story, but that's still quite a few chapters away. Be patient! ;)

As always, reviews, questions and constructive comments are welcome. Until next time!