To Ellesmera

Eragon sensed Arya walking across the dry land long before she arrived at his tent for even when he rested he kept his mind open to all things as Oromis had taught him. "Hello, Arya."

"Ah. It is good that you are using Oromis' lessons so often."

"What is it that you need?"

"Maybe I just wanted to talk?"

"Your face says differently," he said with a grin.

"You know me too well, Eragon. It is long past time for us to return to Ellesmera. You must complete your training at all costs."

Eragon was all seriousness now. "When do we leave?" We have to ask Oromis about Galbatorix's source of growing power. It may be the only way to defeat him, he said to Saphira.

"Today."

That was unexpected… He could sense Saphira's surprise also. "Why so soon, Arya?"

"It is of the utmost importance that we arrive as soon as possible."

"Well, that's as good of reason as any. I suppose we could be ready to leave in a couple of hours. We have to say goodbye to Roran, Katrina, and Nasuada."

"That would be fine." Her eyes softened. "Take as much time as you need. In times of war there is no way to know when again we will see our loved ones."

"Thank you, Arya. You have changed much since we rescued you from Gil`ead."

"As have you, Eragon. You would not recognize the poor, untried farmboy from Carvahall."

True. I'm very proud of you, little one. You have become the hope of Alagaesia. Brom would be proud.

Thank you, Saphira. I believe my father would be proud.

Eragon finished preparing for the journey, once again. Even though he didn't want to leave Roran, Nasuada, and the Varden, he was excited about returning to Ellesmera. Since leaving Carvahall, Ellesmera had been the only true home he had had. Oromis had been the closest thing to a father he'd had at the time. Now he knew the true identity of his father. Brom. Eragon Bromsson. He liked the way that sounded. It felt right.

He decided that, before he departed, he should take a few precautions. He decided that he should try to add some energy to the Belt of Beloth the Wise. He drained what energy he could spare into the perfect gems. He looked at the ring on his hand, Aren. Brom's ring. His father's ring. No. His ring. He caressed the beautiful blue gem with the yawë engraved in it; a thought struck him. He wondered if Aren had any energy in it. After all…. Brom had a lot of years preparing for training the new Dragon Rider. He might have added some energy.

He extended a tendril of thought to Aren, hoping that it truly did contain some of Brom's energy. Then a part of Brom, his father, would be left behind for him. His tendril of thought penetrated the gem. The amount of energy in the gemstone made him feel faint and sent him staggering. He actually fell down from the force of the contact. It was like waking up from a very long sleep in a cave without light and then, suddenly, the most intense light you've ever seen be projected into your eyes.

Brom must have been putting energy in this stone for the better part of his life! I couldn't even dream of amassing such power, thought Eragon..

Ah! Brom said he had left you an inheritance in the event of his death. This must be it. Use this sparingly. It could be very valuable in the war against Galbatorix.

Eragon stared at Aren fondly. I don't plan on squandering my inheritance.

Eragon stood up, still in a daze, and started for Roran and Katrina's tent with Saphira and all his supplies and provisions. Maybe we should give them a fair warning of our arrival this time, so as to allow Roran to put his tunic on correctly? Saphira said with a rumbling laugh from her belly and a snort of fire.

Eragon grinned. Good plan, Saphira. He climbed on top of Saphira's back and she took off towards Roran and Katrina. When they arrived they made sure to close their minds to let Roran and Katrina have their privacy if, in deed, they needed it. Saphira arrived and buffeted their tent with eddies of wind from her wings, purposefully.

Saphira waited a few moments before landing. Eragon approached the tent and called out, "Roran! May I enter?"

Roran appeared at the tent flap with his arm wrapped around Katrina. Luckily, it didn't seem he had interrupted anything. At least they weren't doing anything dirty, he joked to Saphira. "Of course, brother! You're always welcome here!"

"Always?" Eragon said with a michevious grin.

"Well… of course… ummm… only…. We… I…"

"It's ok, Roran. I've just come to say goodbye. Arya and I have agreed that it is long past time for me to return to Ellesmera to complete my training… well, train more is more like it. My training will never be completed. I'm leaving later today."

Roran looked sad and astonished. "So soon? We just got back!"

"Yes. I have need to speak with my master anyway. It is of the utmost importance. It could be the key, or at least help find the key, to defeating Galbatorix once and for all. I will miss you both."

"As will we," said Katrina. "How did your talk with Arya go? Did you tell her of your feelings for her? Ah… you have. I can see it in your eyes. The joy." She smiled.

Eragon returned her smile and said, "Our talk went very well. Thank you for the advice, Katrina. We may never be, but I believe our friendship will last. That is all I can truly ask. It is not all that I desire, of course, but I am content."

"I am glad. I can tell that you and Arya are meant to be. How it is to be, I do not know. But women have instincts about these things. Trust me, Eragon. Arya will return your feelings. Do not lose heart."

"Thank you, both, so much. For everything." He grabbed Roran in a bear hug. He gently hugged Katrina and kissed her on the forehead, thanking her again. Saphira reached her neck inside the tent and said through Eragon, I am very appreciative of the love and kindness you have shown Eragon and I. I shall not forget. She looked them both in the eye and touched them on the forehead with the tip of her snout, making them shiver.

"Good bye, both of you. We will miss you tremendously. May the winds carry you swiftly, Saphira. And Eragon, may your sword protect you all and your heart guide your actions." Roran quickly gave Eragon a hug and Saphira a scratch on her chin.

"Good bye. Guard yourselves well." With that they left, waving good bye, what might be their last. Eragon found himself crying.

They made their way to Nasuada's tent to say their last goodbyes and be off. Eragon jumped off of Saphira's shoulders when they arrived. He stepped past her guards and into her tent. Eragon saw her sitting at the desk, quickly bowed, and waited for her to acknowledge him.

"Ah. Hello, Eragon. Saphira."

"Good day, Nasuada. You know of our plan to leave, we have come to say goodbye."

"No. I don't appreciate "good byes". There are no such things. I only accept a promise to see you again."

Eragon smiled. "Well then, we will see you later! We also want to express our thanks to you. You have made us feel welcome and at home here with the Varden. Thank you."

"Oh, Eragon. There is no need to thank me. It is I who must thank you. You have given the Varden a great hope. Hope now has a warrior. Thank you. I will miss you both greatly. May what gods there are protect you."

"Good bye, Nasuada. Farewell."

I suppose it is time to depart. To Ellesmera.