Aidan stirred slightly. He pulled the blanket closer to block out the cold and his dreams. He dreamed of his mother and his father. His mother held a blanket around her shoulders, as to warm herself. Her eyes were red, it seemed she had been crying. His father's face was blurred and indistinct. It contrasted the distinct clearness of his mother. His father hung his head in defeat as he spoke in hushed tones. The pair continued their conversation, unaware their son listened, and that they were dead. Aidan watched as his father pulled something from around his neck off and pressed it into his mother's palm. He then uttered one line that stayed with Aidan all night, "Give it to the boy when he's ready."

Aidan woke from his sleep more tired then when he had originally fallen asleep. Aidan shifted his weight, kicking the blankets off of the cot. Shifting again Aidan attempted to sit up but was met with a searing pain in his chest. Flopping back onto the cot Aidan reached for the disk that hung around his neck and found it searing hot. Yelping he shoved his burnt fingers into his mouth and tried to sit up again. This time Aidan succeeded.

Aidan turned his head, scanning the tent. He came to the conclusion that it was still dark outside.

He slid off the cot, turning he glanced a flash come from the cot. Spinning around Aidan found the hilt of a knife buried in the thick canvas. It was right next to where his neck had been. I'm still alive, but what made the person miss, was Aidan's first thought.

He jumped as a scream pierced the silence. Nadja.

OOO

Aidan was met by Phoena at the entrance of the tent. She glanced at the knife in Aidan held, "You were attacked as well?"

Aidan nodded, gripping the hilt of his weapon tighter.

"I will overwhelm the attacker with my mind but you must deal the final blow," Phoena stared at the night sky, sighed and said, "for I am still weak."

Phoena's face went rigid the minute Aidan slid into the tent, she did not follow.

Nadja stood in the far corner of the tent. She held a wide stance, fists up and ready. Her attacker wore a heavy black cloak, hiding its face. It trembled fighting Phoena's unseen presence, a dagger gripped firmly in it's gloved hand. Beside Nadja Betaína crouched, ready to attack.

Aidan watched in horror as the cloaked figure lunged towards Nadja. The form collapsed, falling to it's knees. Outside a small thud sounded, he took that to mean Phoena had fallen as well.

-Now!-

The sudden cry filled Aidan's head, spread out over all the corners of his mind. He lunged forwards, compelled by the outburst. The blade slipped into Nadja's attacker's rib cage. The black presence fell forwards, dark blood spilling from around Aidan's blade.

"Did you-" Nadja gasped.

"I think I did," Aidan replied, voice shaking.

-You are welcome,-

"Who?" Aidan cried, confused.

-I do not have a name yet,- it responded.

-Dragon?- Aidan wondered.

-That is not going to be my name.- Aidan's dragon declared.

-Do you think we could do this later? Now is kind of a bad time,- Aidan requested.

The dragon sighed, -Of course.-

-Thanks,- Aidan murmured, severing the mental link.

Aidan blinked, scanning his surroundings. Nadja still stood in the corner, Betaína crouched in front of her. Phoena had propped herself against the door frame. Next to Phoena sat Aidan's dragon. Two elves were carefully lifting the cloaked figure. Aidan stepped to the left so they could go by. He watched the elves carry the slumped figure out of the tent.

"I don't believe any of us will be getting any more rest tonight," Phoena declared.

Nadja nodded and quickly added, "Thank you both by the way," then stepped forwards, her shaking steps becoming stronger as she crossed the tent. Nadja slipped out of the doorway and into the night, Betaína at her heels.

Phoena watched Nadja's shaky exit, and added, "I should go as well, your dragon wishes to speak with you," she paused, "in private."

Aidan turned to his dragon, -On with the naming?-

-Onwards we go,- his dragon responded.

Aidan sank to the ground, facing the dragon he met its eyes. -Do you have any preferences?-

-I am male, please do not pull a Nadja.-

-A Nadja?-

-Long story.-

Aidan stared at the dragon. The dragon cocked its head at him. Aidan studied the opposing dragon, his thoughts racing, -Eyleif?-

The dragon bobbed his head mocking what he'd seen humans and elves do many times before, -It suits me well, I think.-

-So yes?- Aidan inquired.

-Was it not obvious the first time?- Eyleif replied indignantly.

-My apologies,- Aidan said venomously.

OOO

"The thing I don't understand is, how come the assassin missed your neck?" Nadja interrupted, as Phoena attempted to reveiw what had happened the night before.

Aidan shrugged, "I dunno, but when I woke my amulet was burning me."

Phoena's back went rigid at his words, "That necklace, may I see it?"

"Sure…" Aidan pulled the amulet from around his neck and pressed it into Phoena's palm.

Phoena brushed her long fingers over the strange disk's runes, "Where did you get this?"

"My-My mother gave it to me… on her death bed. It was my father's," Aidan mumbled.

Nadja leaned towards Phoena's open palm, curious, "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing. It is embedded with incredibly strong wards against most attacks; magic or metal," Phoena said, turning the pendant over, to examine the other side.

"Can I keep it?" Aidan asked.

"Of course, it has deep meaning to you, and I sense nothing wrong with it," Phoena answered, not bothering to hide the surprise in her voice.

"Why do you need it?" Nadja inquired towards Aidan.

Aidan wrapped his hand around the pommel of his knife, "Because we have dangerous enemies, and I wish to be ready."

OOO

A/N: Its been forever since I updated! So sorry- I got lazy, school got crazy, and busy. But I'm back, and so is this story. A big thanks to all the people who left reveiws encouraging me to update (I wasn't sure if people were still reading this!) Hope you like this chapter!

Next Chapter: Changing World -From Eragon's POV

Disclaimer: The world of Alagaësia and many characters belongs to Christopher Paolini, not to me, except my ocs.

Please reveiw/like/follow/Pm me if you enjoy my story! It doesn't take long and encourages me to keep writing!