Chapter 10: Family

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance series. Just the charries that come from my mind.

*Two days later*

Brom looked up through the leaves and sighed. Today was just not his day. First he had run into his worst enemy, the Rider of the dark green hatchling, Feron. Then Aurora had been called to her family's home for a sending off dinner, since they were to leave tomorrow. And then he had seen his brother with the Surdian Princess Tenekida. Eldrey's sleeping around had been the source of more then a few arguments between the brothers. And now Vervada was ignoring him because Saphira was teaching her some dragon mumbo-jumbo.

Brom picked up a rock and threw it into the brush. Life was boring right now. He paused when he noticed the brush moving more then it should, as if someone was backing away.

"Who is there?" he called. The brush moved again and a cloaked figure stood up.

"Greetings, Rider," the cloaked one said. "I am Avery SilverFingers. Who do I have to pleasure of addressing?"

Brom stood. "I am Brom Calebsson. What brings you to Ellesméra, Avery?"

Avery tossed her hood back. Brom took a step back.

"Family business," Avery said airily, enjoying the young man's look of disbelief.

"Who are you?" Brom demanded. Avery smile slowly.

"Oh, he hasn't told you? Pity. Well, to give you my real name, I am Avery Calebsdaughter, Caleb Eldreysson's firstborn. And that would make you my younger brother."

Brom blinked and shook his head. "No. I am my father's firstborn. I am older then my brother Eldrey. Get away from me."

Avery's smile widened and she took a step forward. "Nay. My mother was Lila SilverFingers, Caleb's first love. I was born just after Caleb became a Rider. He never knew of me, but I can assure you I am Caleb's eldest."

"Prove it. Your face does not mean anything. I am my father's son, yet I look nothing like him. Prove you are not just a fake."

"Fine. My mother traveled with Caleb for eight months before leaving him in Melian. Ten years later, they met again in Daret."

"Aye. That is the story I have always heard." Brom examined the woman carefully. She was the exact replica of Caleb. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You have convinced me. So, we are family, huh?"

Avery nodded. "Aye. But tell me, how old are you, Eragon Brom?"

"Call me Brom. I am twenty-five."

"Interesting. I am thirty-one. Your elder by six years. Interesting."

Brom frowned. "That is…interesting as you said. Tell me, Avery, where did you grow up?"

"In the Spine." Avery looked up. "I must go. I will be around. See you later, brother." With that, she turned and disappeared into the foliage. Brom stood stunned for a few minutes, and then Eldrey came crashing through the undergrowth.

"Hey, Brom, come on. Aurora is at the Hall looking for you. Kida and I are going to go riding. You guys want to join us?"

Brom blinked and glanced at his twin. "Uh…yeah, sure, we'll come."

Eldrey studied his brother. "You ok, Ahi? You look a little pale."

"I am fine. Come on, race you to the Hall." Brom took off, Eldrey close on his heels.

Why didn't Father ever tell us about Avery?

BTW, I am pretty sure Ahi means brother in Hebrew, so yeah. :D