I am extremely sorry for the late update guys :(

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 10

Eragon sighed as he lent against Saphira's neck feeling the wind rushing past him as Saphira flew slowly towards the riverside. He spent most of his time under the tree he had sung for Aeraela now, it was the only place where he could think properly without his mind being in a constant haze of pain. Saphira started her descent as his eyes snapped open, a few minutes later she gently landed and crouched low for him to dismount. He could feel her worry as he painfully slid off her back and landed rather roughly on the ground, stumbling slightly. He didn't know why but over the past few days he had felt his body weakening. He had constantly felt his mind being drawn to an unknown entity and his resistance was slowly crumbling. He confided in no one about this, he hated the pity reflected in everyone's eyes as they looked at him. They made him feel weak, something that was making it hard for him to keep his emotions in check.

Little one you can't go on like this Saphira said as he swayed on his feet and braced against Saphira while they walked towards the tree. Eragon didn't answer as he leaned against it and slid down closing his eyes. Again the pain ravaged in him as he fought to keep hold of his consciousness. It felt unreal, one of the reasons why he was reluctant about telling anyone else about it. It felt as if he was being pulled out of his body. After a few moments his mind was blissfully pain free as the surroundings came into focus with Saphira watching him closely. He hadn't been able to speak with Fuin or feel his presence at all, it felt as though there was a wall separating them. He felt as if he had lost a part of himself which was with the woman he loved, who will never return to him.

This is nothing Saphira He grimaced slightly, I have no say in what changes in my body anymore as he said that he remembered how he had seen himself when he looked at his reflection in the morning. He could hardly recognize himself, he was thinner and his face had lost almost all of its human features that differentiated him from a true elf, his eyes had almost no life in them, he hated those eyes and yet they felt right. They spoke of loss and pain, both which he was going through now. Saphira wrapped her tail around him as she laid her head next to him. He knew Saphira was doing her best to help him but there was only so much she could do, that and his reluctance at being around people anymore cut them off from the rest of the world. He sighed and looked up at the tree which was emitting a faint silvery glow. He could almost see Aeraela looking at him, her gorgeous smile present on her lips. Suddenly he heard a squeak from behind him and all of the sudden a small object collided on his side. He looked down to find Arya's Dragon looking up at him, its eyes huge. He felt the corners of his mouth twitch as he smiled helplessly as Saphira snorted in amusement. The little Dragon tried to crawl up his leg and tried to crawl up to his shoulder but slipped on his tunic which was made of a silky material. It growled a little and dug its claws into his tunic as it forcefully made its way up to his shoulder. He winced a little but soon it settled on his shoulder wrapping its tail around his neck and closed its eyes humming softly. It was becoming a habit over the past few days now but Eragon didn't mind. It never failed to make him smile a little and he affectionately rubbed its snout.

"He likes you a lot" A musical voice broke the silence as he looked to its source. Sure enough Arya was striding towards them and she sat down next to him leaning against the tree. Initially he was mildly surprised by her actions but he welcomed it. Her presence comforted him and he was glad she stayed with him the way she did. The little Dragon suddenly started pulling Arya's sleeve with his teeth towards him. Eragon and Saphira watched as he kept tugging while Arya kept resisting, when he showed no sign of relenting she relaxed and let him pull her. When she was pressed side by side with Eragon it hummed in satisfaction and again curled up around his neck. It looked at him and squeaked as if trying to tell him something and laid its head down on his shoulder and closed its eyes again. They sat together in comfortable silence until Eragon suddenly felt like he was pulled away, his defenses crushed. In an instant the forest, Saphira, Arya and the little Dragon disappeared and he was surrounded by darkness. He looked around and he couldn't get rid of the growing fear in his heart. He noticed a lone figure standing in front of him and he cautiously approached it, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw it was someone he recognized too well, her silver hair flowing behind her back. He broke into a run trying to close the distance between them but he couldn't reach her. She suddenly turned around to look at him and what he saw terrified him. Half of her face was covered in blood and there was a deep gash on her chest. Her eyes were just two empty sockets.

You let me die She whispered. It was her voice, but at the same time it was not. It was hoarse and ghastly. She lifted a finger and pointed it accusingly at him. I loved you but you did not care for me. You weren't there for me. Those words stabbed Eragon like white hot spears as he backed away shaking his head.

Forgive me He whispered, a scalding pain erupted in his head as if a needle was being slowly inserted into his head. She advanced on him as his legs gave way as he clawed at his head in pain. Suddenly, her horrible apparition vanished and he was left shaking in the darkness. He was scared, terrified out of his wits. He could feel another presence but he had never felt anything like it, it was as if it was sapping the life out of him, his will to live. A silver cloaked figure was standing before him.

We can make it much worse for you Shadeslayer its voice seemed to be crackling with energy and it was like it could reach into the deepest reaches of his soul. We can put your mind and body through pain you never even dreamed of. Not even death can save you from it. Eragon felt like his head was being cleaved in two and an involuntary scream escaped his lips. That is only a small taste. We will show ourselves to you Shadeslayer. When we do I trust you will make the proper choice. With that the figure vanished and he became aware of frantic voices and someone shaking him roughly. He opened his eyes to see Arya worriedly peering at him and Saphira standing behind her gazing at him. He became aware he was lying flat on his back and he groaned as he tried to sit up. Arya gripped him tightly on his shoulder and helped him lie back against the tree. He felt a slight tug at his leg and looked down to see the little Dragon peering at him making a strange purring noise.

"I'm alright little one" He said quietly as he stroked its neck making it hum softly.

"We need to take you to the healers Eragon, you started seizing and the wound on your chest opened again" Her voice shook slightly as she spoke and as he looked at her he realized her usual indifferent mask was gone and replaced by one of worry. He looked at her eyes for a long time trying to decide when he had last seen such warmth in anyone's eyes since she died. He looked down and noticed his tunic was bloodstained. Peering through the tunic he saw the scar was as fresh as the day he received it. "I healed you as best I could but…" Arya trailed off uncertainly. He nodded slightly but didn't speak as he looked away. "What ails you?" She asked quietly as she sat next to him.

"Nothing" He said, he was alarmed at how weak his voice sounded.

"Please, let me help you" She said in the same quiet voice. He didn't say anything as Saphira curled up around them while the little dragon propped itself up on Arya's lap.

Time passed by slowly while she kept stealing glances at the Rider next to her. She wanted to help him but she didn't know how to. Over the past few days she had been alarmed at how much Eragon was changing. She couldn't see a trace of his old self on him now. His warm eyes she liked so much were gone and his face had a gaunt look on it. She knew he was hiding something, his winces and sudden increase in breathing had not passed unnoticed by her. Her Dragon snorted softly, now fast asleep on her lap. She smiled as she looked down at it scratching behind its ears. After an initial flare of jealousy she loved how her Dragon fawned over Eragon so much. As she sat with him she remembered some of Oromis's scrolls that were in her possession regarding wounds inflicted by magic. She was willing to try anything to help Eragon so she stood up carefully cradling the little Dragon in her arms. She looked down at Eragon who was still looking at the horizon blankly.

"I will be back soon" She murmured. Unsure of whether he heard or not she turned to walk away but found Eragon's hand suddenly gripping her wrist. She looked around to see Eragon looking at her with a pained expression on his face. Saphira too was curiously watching the scene before her. After a long moment Eragon spoke and her heart dropped when she heard the weakness in his voice.

"Stay with me" He whispered. She could hear the desperation and uncertainty in his voice as she searched his eyes that were fixed on hers. She nodded and sat back down next to him and after a moment she pulled Eragon's head towards her and leaned his head on her shoulder as she gripped his hand tightly. Her Dragon hummed as it settled back in her lap and closed its eyes as she felt a strange feeling pass through her and felt her heart beat faster as she felt him relax into her. She looked up at the tree which was faintly glowing again and swaying gently. Her eyes fell on their entwined hands and she found herself wanting to never let go of his hand again. Saphira's voice suddenly sounded in her head and with a jolt she realized her mind was open, letting her emotions pour out.

Thank you Arya Saphira said gently.

For what? She asked although she wasn't entirely clueless. Saphira seemed to hesitate for a moment.

For accepting my Rider, and for not pushing him away She felt her heart beat faster as she looked down again at Eragon who was asleep now. She tightened her grip on his hand and leaned her head against his.

I'm sorry for pushing him away all this time She said. Saphira hummed softly as she also closed her eyes contently.

Murtagh walked up to Nasuada's tent and was stopped by her guards.

"State your business Shadeslayer" An odd feeling passed through him as heard him addressed that way.

"Lady Nasuada requested my presence" He replied.

"Enter" A voice called from inside the tent. He walked inside and found Nasuada alone in the tent. He felt the color rise to his cheeks as their eyes met. He heard rumbling laughter in his mind and grimaced. Thorn was going to get a bucket full of water over him he resolved, Thorn hated getting wet.

"Ah, Murtagh…" She smiled before she spoke again "Or do you prefer Shadeslayer now?"

"If it's you, I'd prefer you call me by my name" She nodded, her face immediately darkened.

"Murtagh, I need you to go with Roran Stronghammer's company and help them capture the city of Aroughs. I know your fealty lies with Eragon and I would normally send him but…" She trailed off with a pained expression. He nodded in understanding.

"Eragon may be my liege lord but my loyalty lays with you as well Nasuada" He said softly. "I thought you knew that" She smiled uncertainly at him before turning back to the paperwork at her desk.

"Thank you" she murmured. He inclined his head respectfully before he walked back outside.

Where are you Thorn? In response he received an image of a rather fat deer and he felt a ravenous hunger stir in him.

Always hungry He said shaking his head. He walked back inside his tent.

Murtagh! A female voice rumbled in his mind. He recognized Rënn's voice as he walked over to the white Eldunari and picked it up.

Yes Rënn elda? He asked as he sat on his bed.

Glaedr's pupil, who is he? In response Murtagh projected an image of Eragon. She fell silent as Murtagh waited patiently.

This is troublesome Roslarb's deep voice sounded. The yellow Eldunari glowing slightly.

There is a disturbance in Alagaesia. Rënn said quietly. Murtagh waited for one of them to elaborate, it wasn't unusual for the dragons to get distracted.

Your brother, you and he do not share the same father Roslarb said. At this Murtagh was shocked.

What do you mean? He asked, Thorn was listening intently now. Suddenly he got an image of Brom. Do you know this man? Roslarb suddenly asked, his voice laced with hatred.

Brom, he was with Eragon and Saphira when they were travelling to the Varden.

The Dragon roared viciously and he could feel Rënn's distaste too. Murtagh was utterly bewildered and he could feel Thorn's surprise too.

We cannot say anymore Murtagh, but warn your brother, our vows of silence keep us from speaking with anyone of his race. Warn him, they are coming for him. Murtagh's head was reeling with questions. His race? Vows of silence? Warnings? Their fathers were not the same? No matter how hard he tried he couldn't squeeze any answers out of the Dragons.

What was all that about? He asked Thorn

Find Eragon Thorn replied. He nodded and got up. It was common knowledge now that Eragon spent most of his time in the riverside. He walked through the outskirts of the camp towards the clearing beside the river. He was surprised when he saw Arya and Eragon together, hands entwined and leaning on each other, both seemingly asleep. He felt the corners of his mouth twitch when he saw the two dragons fast asleep, the little green Dragon on Arya's lap and Saphira with her head lying in front of the sight of Arya's content expression he felt a strange longing when he saw the two of them together and his thoughts unwillingly drifted to Nasuada. As he approached closer Arya's eyes snapped open and she looked at him. She lifted a finger to her lips and Murtagh felt irritated but nevertheless he prodded her consciousness asking for entrance. After a few seconds he found himself surrounded by the strange drawing melody in her mind.

What is it Shadeslayer? She sounded a little annoyed and Murtagh chuckled to himself.

I needed to ask Eragon something…He said. She shook her head slightly. No, he needed to know.

Eragon is not Morzan's son is he? He asked her bluntly. She looked at him and he could see pity in her eyes and he immediately regretted asking her.

Yes, he is the son of Brom and Selena. He swayed where he stood but immediately recomposed himself.

I see He paused. I have something to show you, will you let me?

Arya nodded slowly, careful not to jostle Eragon's head as she did. He shared the memory of his conversation with Rënn and Roslarb with her and he felt her questions right after he finished.

Don't ask me, they wouldn't tell me anything. Arya looked thoughtfully at him.

I will ask Glaedr elda about this, thank you She said. He nodded before he walked away. He spotted Thorn flying towards him just as he stepped out of the forest leading to the river and stood patiently waiting for him. Thorn landed gracefully in front of him and he wordlessly mounted climbed to his back.

Fly? Thorn asked. He smiled.

We fly He agreed, Thorn beat his wings and pushed himself off the ground and flew slowly in a Western direction while they watched the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon.

Murtagh? Thorn hesitantly asked. He looked curiously at his Dragon. How are you feeling?

I'm alright Thorn He sighed. I envy him a little to be honest, he's free of Morzan's shadow. Some part of me already knew he couldn't be a son of a monster. One monster is enough for a family. Thorn growled at his words.

Do you think I would ever have chosen you to be my Rider if you are what you believe yourself to be? I waited for years for my partner, it wasn't coincidence I chose you. He felt elated at Thorn's words and gratefully patted Thorn's neck. When they were in view of the Varden camp once more Thorn started his descent and landed outside the camp.

You're not coming in? Murtagh asked.

No, I don't like being around people Thorn replied. He nodded and watched him fly away for a moment before he turned and walked inside. He was walking in the direction of his tent when he found a bearded man waiting outside his tent, a hammer on his belt. He looked familiar and he realized with a jolt he was looking at Roran, Eragon's cousin. With a jolt he realized he was looking at part of his family too. Roran came out a slight grin on his face and his hand outstretched.

"Murtagh, I believe this is the first time we met" His voice was pleasant.

"Aye, a pleasure to finally meet you captain Stronghammer, I have heard much about you" He replied grasping his hand. Roran chuckled.

"There is no need for formalities, we are cousins after all" A warm feeling passed through him at his words. He gestured at Roran to come inside but he refused.

"I wanted to meet you once before we ride to Aroughs, I have some preparations I need to make. I trust we will have plenty of time to speak on our journey." He smiled as he nodded. "We will see each other again soon" Roran said before walking away.

He is pleasant Thorn's voice rumbled in his head as he ducked inside his tent. He laid Zar'roc beside his bed as he got onto it and closed his eyes. Is he part of your nest? Thorn asked curiously. Murtagh chuckled at the question.

Aye

Arya opened her eyes slightly and looked at Eragon who was still fast asleep on her shoulder. She was thought about what she had seen from Murtagh's memory and she, like him, was surprised at how the Dragons had reacted when Brom was mentioned. She had never read about Rënn or Roslarb in any of the scrolls from Vroëngard which had records of all the Dragons and their riders, all who perished in the hands of Galbatorix and the Forsworn. Their knowledge of Brom made her think they couldn't be wild Dragons. What did they mean when they said they couldn't speak with anyone of his race? Roslarb's voice echoed in her head, They are coming for him. She looked down at Eragon and unconsciously pulled him closer. She wasn't going to let him get hurt again. She felt a slight tug on her leggings and looked down to see her Dragon growling softly and biting the fabric. Suddenly a voice rang in her mind, it was deep and yet it carried an air of innocence about it.

Arya She blinked as she looked at the little Dragon who was now looking at her directly.

Arya She smiled realizing it was the Dragon speaking. She reached out with her free hand and tickled it under its chin causing it to squeak indignantly and draw back. She laughed quietly and it looked at her with an amused expression on its face. She tentatively spoke through their raw bond.

You can speak! It blinked as it watched her.

Yes

Are you hungry? She asked, wondering how much he could understand. It looked at her curiously and she could tell from the jumble of emotions from her Dragon, he could understand part of her sentence and it was taking him time to understand. She repeated her question and sent a mental image of some fruits. He growled softly and sent her an image of a carcass of a bird. She could tell he was quite proud of the results of his hunt earlier in the morning. She nodded.

No She thought for a while.

You need a name, I already have a few, hope you will like it It nodded feverishly and squeaked in excitement.

Arya! She laughed again.

That's my name, you can't have that It looked at her curiously and nodded.

How about Vanilor? He went still for a moment before he shook his head.

No

Galzra?

No

Briam?

No On and on she went and he kept shaking his head. Finally she arrived at the name she thought up herself, a name she thought she would name her Dragon back when she was a child fantasizing about becoming a Dragon Rider. She was worried he wouldn't like it but shoving her doubts aside she ploughed on.

Firnen? He squeaked happily and flapped his wings.

Yes! She stroked his neck making him hum. After a while he gently crawled over to Eragon's leg and curled up on his lap.

Eragon? Firnen's asked timidly and she felt her heart throb painfully at his innocent voice. She hated having a young Dragon grow in the middle of the war. If she had her way, she would take him deep into the forests of Du Weldenvarden until he was big enough. No, if she had her way she would take him, Eragon and Saphira far away from the war where they can be at peace.

Yes She said.

Eragon he repeated. Eragon hurt It was a statement. He looked unblinkingly at her. She nodded. Firnen seemed to be deep in thought and he kept craning his neck to look at Eragon and Arya in turn. She noticed him shooting furtive glances at Saphira too who was asleep.

We can help? He asked slowly and Arya was surprised. It was the first time he asked a straightforward question.

We can try She smiled and he hummed before he settled his neck on Eragon's knee. Suddenly, she heard a moan of pain and she looked down shocked to find Eragon was starting to seize again. Firnen quickly jumped off as he started shaking violently. Blood oozed from his tunic again as Arya quickly tore off his tunic and placed her hands over the wound.

"Waise heil" The blood flow seemed to slow but she realized in horror the wound was not closing up at all. "Waise heil" She tried again but it stubbornly resisted all her attempts to close up. Saphira who was now awake growled as she felt her Rider's pain.

Saphira! Get help, get Angela, anyone! She cried and Saphira obediently flew off in the direction of the camp. She placed her hand tightly over the wound ignoring the blood flowing out from under her hands.

"Arya…" She recognized his voice and it terrified her to her core, he sounded faint, like it was taking enormous strain for him to speak. His eyes flickered open as she looked back at the gleaming violet eye gazing at her. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her close, "Please, run" She didn't reply as she tried to stop the blood flow. He suddenly growled and spoke again, this time his voice was loud. "Get away from here" His face went pale and the little strength he had seemed to fade.

"Save your strength" She murmured. What was taking Saphira so long? She wouldn't refuse to let anyone ride on her back when her Rider was in trouble. She frowned as she looked around. The surroundings were deathly quiet and the evening sky was a dark stormy grey. How had the sky changed so soon? It was getting steadily darker and suddenly she felt apprehensive and with a growing sense of dread she pointed her finger at a branch lying a few feet away and said "Brisingr". Nothing happened. Firnen was growling now. She looked around and found the air was strangely distorted. She stood up and carefully dragged Eragon to his feet. He had his eyes closed again. She started taking her first few steps when suddenly Eragon gasped and tipped forward from under her arm. Before she could bend to get him though he suddenly looked straight at her. All trace of weakness was gone from his face as his eye shone brightly.

"They are coming for me" He whispered. She tried to pick him up again but froze when she found his hand on her cheek. She looked at him slowly as his face curved into a sad smile. "I'm sorry, I can't afford to lose you as well." He suddenly pushed her away and sent her sprawling a few feet away from him. "Thrysta" He shouted and she felt herself get pushed backwards by an invisible force. Firnen was sent sprawling backwards as well and suddenly she found the sky brightened and sounds of running water reached her ears. She heard a loud roar and looked up to find Saphira frustrated trying to get at Eragon. She looked ahead and there, standing with both his swords drawn was Eragon. She immediately got up and tried to run towards him but found herself stopped by an invisible wall. From the looks of it, even Saphira couldn't get through it from air.

She touched the invisible barrier and shouted "Jierda" but to her horror she found her spell was sucked into the barrier.

"Eragon!" She yelled pounding on the barrier as Saphira roared again, this time flames spewing from her mouth and she watched as the flames too got absorbed into the unseen barrier. Suddenly she saw Eragon drop to his knees and the swords in his hands fall to the floor. Three hooded figures materialized around him. She watched helplessly as Saphira landed on the ground next to her, snarling viciously. Eragon was completely defenseless as one of them stepped forward and pushed back his hood revealing a man with black hair and cold silver eyes. His ears were slanted like and elf's. He was tall and lean and he carried an air of gracefulness about him just like the elves, and yet there was something different about him, as if hidden beneath the surface, a volcano on the verge of erupting. As he spoke she heard his voice as clearly as though she was standing right next to him. His voice was low, much lower than anyone's she'd heard.

"Eragon Shadeslayer, son of Brom" the man stated looking at Eragon curiously. He drew out a black dagger and spoke a few words in an unknown language, making it glow iridescently. He placed it on Eragon's cheek who was still kneeling frozen on the spot and the moment the blade made contact with his skin he screamed in pain. Arya was frantic as she tried to get through the barrier to him but it stubbornly resisted all her attempts, absorbing any spells she threw at it. She exhausted almost all her energy and her legs gave way from under her. All she could do was watch helplessly as Eragon collapsed breathing in short gasps as the man withdrew his dagger with a satisfied expression.

"We were only getting started"

AN: I apologize again for the late update guys; I wanted to put this up like 3 days ago. Had to catch up with a lot of work and some other stuff kinda demanded my attention lol.

I think I made Arya's Dragon a lot more adorable than I meant to xD But I'm glad I did seeing as so many of you liked it. I almost don't want him to grow up now :D

Guess almost everyone knows who the people were at the beginning of my last chapter. Wasn't too unexpected though :P

Murtagh will not be forgotten! I just didn't put him on his mother's mind at that moment cuz, well…Eragon was a wreck at that point. (So you can rest easy Restrained Freedom :P)

Hopefully now ExArya will prove to be a more suited match. Although I don't really want to make Eragon forget about Aeraela anytime soon *evil grin*. Hope I got Arya's feelings down properly in this chapter.

A big thank you to all who reviewed! Reading every one of them left me grinning like a 3 year old xD. Got like 13 reviews for the last one and that was honestly what made me stay up the whole night yesterday writing this. Keep them up and I promise the next chapter will be up very soon :) Hopefully the next chapter will be up before the 3rd of May, gonna watch the Avengers premier (beyond excited for it) and I know I'm gonna be a wreck on the days to follow afterwards. Can't promise much cuz I don't know how much work I will get when I go back to classes tomorrow though.

Lastly I appreciate everyone who added this to their favs and alerts list.

Hope everyone sticks with the story till the end :D

Peace out