Chapter XIX
Arnora, the Legend's Daughter
The egg wobbled and rocked for five minutes before something very odd happened. Instead of bursting open, the silver egg glowed silver so bright I couldn't see anything through it for several seconds. When the light receded, there, in the place of the egg, was a silver, baby dragon. The dragon looked like Ellestygia when she was a baby, but silver and the dragon was not sprawling on the floor. It just looked at us in a regal way, as if it were full grown, but in a baby's body.
"Whoa, in all my years of seeing newborn dragons, have I ever seen one hold itself so well!" exclaimed Arya, impressed.
"Wow it's so cute, but who's its Rider, no one was here, did you see anyone, Arya?" asked Christal.
"No, no one is allowed in here besides us."
"Well, it's not mine," I said, "only one dragon to a Rider, or rumor has it the Rider and the first dragon will die."
"How's that?" asked Christal.
"Well, like I said it's a rumor, but they say that the Rider's gedwëy ignasia will cross with the new one, and the Rider will be killed by the force of the magic overpowering the body."
After getting yelled at by Arya for frightening Christal with a rumor, Christal reached out to touch the dragon. As soon as her hand reached the dragon's head a bright flash of light came between their contact, and Christal fell over on her back.
"Christal!" Arya and I yelled together.
"What just happened!" Arya yelled.
"I think I know, but I don't want to believe it!" I said.
I went over to Christal, who, in my relief, was breathing softly as if she was sleeping. I took her hand and something burnt my hand.
"Ow!" I yelped in pain, "oh, my…"
I couldn't get words to come out, I just looked at her palm. Her gedwëy ignasia was glowing bright silver, as if it had been remarked on her hand.
"She has a second chance, let's hope she does it right," I said looking up at Arya.
"What do you mean?"
"Look," I said holding up her hand so Arya could see.
"Amazing what baby dragons can do?"
"You're right, but look at her color."
"Yes, what about it?"
"It reminds me of something, but I can't remember... Saphira!" I said remembering.
"She reminds you of Saphira, might I ask how?"
"Not Eragon's Saphira, Brom's Saphira."
I explained everything to Arya about Saphira.
At the end of my story Christal woke, looking around curiously.
"What in the sweet land of Alagaësia just happened!" Christal exclaimed.
The baby dragon was scared and back up and hit Arya's leg. She bent down and picked it up.
"How could you scare this poor little creature?" she said stroking the dragon's head.
"Wait I didn't mean to, sorry ,little dragon," she said taking the dragon from Arya. The dragon loosened, feeling more comfortable in its Rider's, little did the Rider know it.
"So, did you find out who the Rider was?"
"Oh, yeah," I said sarcastically.
"Amber!" Arya whispered elbowing me in the side.
"So who is it?" asked Christal.
"That's for us to know an you to find out, come, let's take the little one outside," said Arya.
Both Arya and I knew what would happen, but Christal would have to wait.
When we got outside Felvëra met me at the door, "Ah, Amber, I'm almost done making the girl's sword."
"That's wonderful, and Felvëra," I paused and made sure Christal and Arya were still walking, "what do you know about silver dragons?"
"Well, they are legendary and very rare. Those dragons can save people even an inch from death, if they are close enough, and if a Rider's dragon sacrificed itself for the Rider they can replace the dragon without killing the Rider, why?"
"Oh, no apparent reason just heard something, but what about Brom, his dragon Saphira died for him, yet she wasn't replaced?"
"Oh, well I think that's something to ask Arya, not me."
"Thanks again, Felvëra."
We walked out to the forest and into a clearing. Christal put the dragon on the ground. It sniffed the grass, then took one look back at Christal and jumped into the air. It flapped its wings-that were twice the size of its body- and flew out of sight.
"Where's it going!" asked Christal frantic.
"Don't worry, it will come back."
"How do you know that, Amber!"
"I've had my experiences."
"But what if…OW!" she yelped, "My hand feels like it's on fire!"
I smiled.
"It's not funny, it hurts!"
"I'm not laughing at you."
Then, a split second after I had said that a brilliant silver dragon landed smoothly in front of Christal, who recoiled in fear. The dragon looked identical to Brom's Saphira, her scales so brilliant they looked like diamonds, and her grace unexplainable for her age. I heard the dragon speak in a soft, female voice to Christal.
I am Arnora, your dragon, she said to Christal.
"MY DRAGON!"
Yes, I am your dragon.
"But, that's impossible, I couldn't have two dragons! I'm going to die!"
"Actually you could have two, and you're not going to die, Christal," I said.
"And, you don't have two dragons, she is a silver dragon, they are legendary, and can replace a Rider's dragon that has sacrificed itself for its Rider without killing the Rider," repeating what Felvëra had told me.
"Christal, we need to show her to Islanzadí, so come," said Arya walking back toward the city.
For some reason the whole way I thought of the Shade and her curse. How was I going to kill her, no had told me, not even, or ever, Eragon. He would always tell me about killing Durza, but never how he killed the Shade. He would only tell me he used Zar'roc, and he avenged Brom's death doing so. When I would ask he would always give me poor excuses like; "You're not ready to know." And "It's no use to you now." Or "I'll tell you when you are ready." It made me so mad, but one time I asked he surprised me by saying,
"Fine, I'll give you one hint, it would kill anyone."
At that time I thought You have got to be kidding me!, but now I knew there were only a few things that could kill anyone and considering I already knew magic wouldn't work on Shades it made it easier. Not that Eragon helped.
"Amber!" came Arya's voice, jolting me from my thoughts.
"Huh?"
"Christal should be out soon."
"Oh, Arya, you know how silver dragons can replace a dragon?"
"Yes, but how do you know that."
"Felvëra told me, but how come Brom's Saphira wasn't replaced, she died willingly for him?"
"I don't exactly know, but I think maybe Brom got revenge on Saphira by killing Morzan and his dragon."
"You could be right, though I could ask the source myself."
"You're right, you should've just asked Saphira instead of me."
Christal soon walked out with Arnora in tow, and we went back to the house. As we were walking Christal stopped.
"What is it, Christal?"
"Uh…" she looked at Arnora who said something I couldn't hear," could you teach us?"
"Sure, I mean what we didn't get to last time, but I might be limited on some knowledge," I said thinking once more of Shades.
"Really! When do we start?"
"By the looks of it," I looked at the setting sun," tomorrow. You can sleep with us, Christal."
"Okay, but why?"
"We want to keep this dragon extremely safe."
Once we were back to the house I introduced Ellestygia and Arnora. Ellestygia was happy she had someone of her kind to talk to, and Arnora was only a good three feet smaller than Ellestygia too. Christal and I got ready to sleep, and got in the beds, then Christal talked to me in a sad, but serious tone.
"Amber, you are the only friend I had."
"Really, I'm sorry."
"No, don't, it's a good thing I guess, because I need to find the right person to be my friend. I could have gotten into deep trouble if I had made friends with the children in Teirm. The thought I was odd-and I guess that was a good thing- because I knew the truth about Galbatorix and what he was and is doing, so I hated him. So, my only friend was Jeod…"
"Sorry to interrupt, but did you say Jeod?"
"Yes, he's our town's storyteller."
"Jeod is… is a storyteller," I laughed.
"Yes."
"What does he speak of?"
"You should figure that out, Amber, of coarse he talks about his adventures with your father- wow that is weird to say- and what Brom taught him about the Riders."
"I know saying and hearing 'my' or 'your' father instead of Brom still feels weird to me."
"Okay back to my story, one day I went to Jeod's house one day and he pushed a beautiful black and red stone into my hands and told me to take it with care and get out of Teirm quickly."
"Let me guess that stone wasn't a stone."
"Right almost every Rider seems to make that mistake, so I was stupid and when the dragon hatched I stayed in my house instead of getting out of Teirm like I should've. But as soon as the gedwëy ignasia was upon my palm I knew I could rebel against Galbatorix if I reached here or the Varden. I should've listened to Jeod's words carefully instead of being a stupid, ecstatic little girl. Then,..." she yawned, "Amber, can I tell you more tomorrow, I'm too tired to continue."
"Sure, I'm tiered too."
We stopped talking as the dragons-who also had been listening- curled up with their tails under their heads. I was frightened to sleep, but soon realized my waking dreams weren't exactly considered sleeping. Once I had fallen into my waking dreams I saw a silver dragon.
Amber?
Saphira, I thought I wouldn't see you for a while!
You can see me every night if you want to, I open my mind to family every night.
You mean Eragon has seen you?
Once or twice, yes, and Amber I know about the Shade's curse on you.
You what!
I know a lot of more thing about you than you do!
Sorry.
I wanted to talk about the new dragon.
Arnora, she looks just like you!
That's because she is a daughter of mine.
I noticed and that's why she can hold herself so well at her age!
I have a feeling you want to ask me something.
Yes, I know that silver dragons can replace a dragon that has willingly died for their Rider, why weren't you?
That is a good question, but you'll have to hear the whole thing first.
Saphira told me the whole story of Brom fighting Morzan, then she kept up the same pace without any pauses as she came to the part of her getting killed. She did however look upset and disturbed. She did go into grave detail about it, and death sounded horrible. Once she was done she finished it up by answering my question.
It's the dragon's choice if it is to be replaced, I knew Brom would be better off with out me or another.
So Galbatorix's first dragon didn't want him to have another.
Well there's choice and then there's the fact if the Rider deserves another dragon, as for Galbatorix,he was too reckless with his power of being a Rider or else his dragon would still be living.
But I thought dragons had armored undersides.
We do, but not our chest or under our legs, so dragons can only be poisoned or killed with a blade of a Rider, other blades will bend and break.
Thanks.
That's not all you wanted to ask is it.
No, you are smart, I wondered if you could tell me how to kill a Shade.
Eragon hasn't told you!
No, and he's being extremely stubborn about it too.
I am truly sorry, but if Eragon thinks you don't need to know, then I can't tell you. However, I can give you a hint, it's not easy at all.
Thanks.
Oh, morning dawns, I'm sorry, but I must go.
Okay I'll try to talk to you again.
I'll listen for you.
Chapter XX
Eragon's Departure
I jolted awake, and as I sat up I saw Christal, Arnora, and-of coarse- Ellestygia were still asleep. So I grabbed up my royal blue dress and sword. I got dressed and quietly went out the door. I ran down to the forest that was painted purple with the barely rising sun. I ran into the forest and saw what I came for: Eragon and Saphira.
"Eragon, I came as you asked, what is it?"
"It's time."
"Am I missing something or should I just ask, time for what?"
Time to help the Varden, little one.
"We're going to the Varden!"
"Not you, Amber, Saphira and I."
"Why not me?"
"Because you'd be killed."
"Eragon, I am almost as strong as you and you would dare say that!"
"The Varden need our help, a war is about to break out."
"I don't care, I want to help you!"
Little one, I know you want to, but Eragon's right, you aren't strong enough yet.
"Well, if you want to go, but know one thing you are going to be outnumbered, Eragon, and you too, Saphira."
"What?" they said together.
"There will be Murtagh, Thorn, Zoey, Cyindr, and Arilia."
"Who?"
"Arilia, the Shade, she's Durza's sister."
"What!" they exclaimed together.
Saphira growled and straightened her neck out, looking into my eyes.
"Yes, a Shade, now who's going to be killed, unless they get HELP!"
"You're kidding me."
"No, I am most certainly not!"
"Saphira, we need to go."
"No! Eragon, you can't go, I'm begging you, don't go, it's suicide!"
I'm sorry, little one, said Saphira to me only.
She sounded like she didn't want to go now that she knew there was a Shade, and I couldn't blame her for what happened last time. Eragon jumped on Saphira's back, and she pushed off the ground into the sky. I watched until they were out of sight.
Eragon, please be careful, I thought.
I soon felt lonely, so I went back toward the city where I meet Christal, Arnora, and Ellestygia.
"What were you doing?" asked Christal.
"Eragon left," I said irritably.
"What! Where to?"
"The Varden, for a war."
"A war!" they all exclaimed.
"Yes, but he said we weren't ready, but guess what we will be soon enough, in a few days."
Amber, you can't teach them everything in a few days, Eragon's training has been going on for almost three years, and he still has much to learn.
You're right, Ellestygia, I can't teach them everything, but I can teach them enough of what they need to know.
"And, Ellestygia, look at me, Eragon has refused to teach me how to kill a Shade, but I'm willing to figure the clues and if I need let Nasuada tell me," I said getting mad at Ellestygia being negative all the time.
"Really, what are the clues maybe we can figure them out," said Christal.
"The clue from Eragon is 'it would kill anyone', the clue I figured out is that no magic would do it, and the clue from Brom's Saphira is that, 'it's not easy'."
"Well, 'it's not easy', 'no magic' and 'it would kill anyone' only gives us one start, that would be that we don't have to use a complicated spell. 'It's not easy' just tells us it's going to be hard, and 'it would kill anyone' just confuses me not just one thing could kill anyone, there would be poison, stabbing a vital organ, or just plain old stabbing."
"Don't worry too much about it, the Varden will surely tell us, and right now you have more important things to worry about," I said trying to remind her of her training.
We went to train while Ellestygia flew off with Arnora to train their way.
"Christal, Amber!" came a voice.
"Felvëra!" I said, "What brings you here."
"I finished Christal's S.W.O.R.D."
"You did, can I see it?"
"Sure," she said drawing the sword out of its sheath.
The sword's blade was red and black, its hilt resembled Akarclio's but it was gold, and in the pommel was a shining ruby.
"Whoa, the person who wields that blade is lucky," said Christal in amazement.
"Well, Christal, I guess you're lucky today," I said.
"What…you mean…!"
"Yes, it is yours, Rider," said Felvëra.
"Really! No way!"
"Christal, calm down," I said.
"Okay, thanks, Felvëra."
"Don't worry about it, you need a Rider's sword if you want to be a Rider, and since you have been through enough you needn't worry about completing your training quite yet."
"What?"
"Christal, once a Rider completes their training they are presented with a sword matching their dragon's scales."
"So, how did you get yours?"
"I got it because Eragon was training me and my sword was smashed to pieces by Brisingr, Eragon's sword. And, he told Felvëra that I was worthy of a new sword, and now I know why."
"Yes, Amber, Eragon told me that you should have a sword, and I was told that I should make the blade look close to your father's by a friend of mine."
"So you made my blade look like Undbitr, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did."
"That means a lot to me, Felvëra, thanks, again."
"I knew you would like it as soon as you figured it out."
I told Felvëra I would take care of telling Christal more about the Rider's blades, and we went into the forest to train.
"So, does my sword have a name?"
"No, you'll have to wait."
"Why?"
"Rider's swords get their names from a power they, only, have or a battle they won, or what the Rider causes."
"So, Zar'roc got its name because Morzan caused so much misery?"
"Yes, how did you know that?"
"I've done my share of research on the Riders."
"Eragon told you, didn't he?"
"Okay, fine, Eragon told me."
"I knew that, but I guess you are wondering what my blade does right?"
"Yes, will you show me?"
"Of coarse."
I showed Christal Akarclio's power and then we trained until the dragons got back.
This one has power, Ellestygia said.
I bet.
"Amber, look," Christal said.
"Oh the sun's setting, well we shouldn't be here in the dark let's go."
"Why?" asked Christal.
"I've been in the forest when it's dark, and trust me, you don't want to be here."
"Okay, let's go."
We walked back to the city Ellestygia and Arnora following. By the time we got back the sun was just below the trees. We walked into the house as Ellestygia and Arnora went to hunt elsewhere. After we were done with our dinner of fruits and vegetables- elves don't eat meat- Ellestygia and Arnora were back. We went up to bed and I laid Akarclio beside my bed, as did Christal with her sword.
I quickly fell into my waking dreams, until I remembered to talk with Saphira.
Saphira! I called out with my mind.
Yes? she replied appearing.
Saphira, Eragon left for the Varden this morning and still didn't tell me about the Shades. But I told him he would be outnumbered.
By who, may I ask?
By Arilia, Murtagh, Thorn, Zoey, and Cyindr.
Don't worry they are strong, but Eragon and Saphira are stronger.
I know, I shouldn't worry, but I would be willing to fight with Eragon but he said I wasn't ready.
He is just trying to protect you, you are the closest thing he has left of Brom, and he doesn't want to lose you too. Besides he is just acting like a good brother would.
I know, but he still has a weird way of showing it.
It's hard to lose someone close, but it's even harder to leave someone you love.
I would think, and that's exactly what I don't want is for me or Eragon to be alone.
You will never be alone as long as you have people who love you, like Islanzadí, Arya, Christal, and most importantly Ellestygia. I know how much she loves you, that's why she is so protective of you.
I know she loves me, but I love her just as much and I don't want to lose her.
I know you don't, but morning dawns and I must leave now.
Time flies, doesn't it, I'll talk to you later.
She left and once again I jolted awake. The sun had risen, and Christal, Arnora, and Ellestygia were nowhere to be seen.
Great where did they go! I thought.
I put on my emerald dress and belted on Akarclio, bolting out the door. Into the forest
I ran to the place where I met Christal everyday, and sure enough they were there.
"Why didn't you wake me?" I said.
"Ellestygia told me not to wake you sense you woke up so early yesterday."
"I guess it doesn't matter, so let's train."
Amber, do you think we should train Christal in the sky today? asked Ellestygia.
No maybe tomorrow.
Well then, come young one, said Ellestygia to Arnora.
They took off to where ever they trained, and I took Christal out of the clearing and into the forest.
"Why here?"
"Because, if we ever get into a battle in this forest or any other you need to know how to maneuver through the trees."
"Oh, you are right."
We trained by running through the trees and firing shots of magic at each other. I made a box of ice form around Christal.
"Oops."
"Oops, get me out of here, it's freezing!"
I went over and freed her with Akarclio, smashing the ice into tiny shards. Then, we practiced more spells, targeting them at the trees. I also taught Christal more spells, like malthinae, to hold or bind in place; thrysta vindr, compress the air; and slytha, sleep. To my surprise she pulled them off without the slightest sign of weakness.
"Christal, that was amazing! You weren't even effected."
"I know, I surprised myself!" she said laughing.
"What do you want to d…"
All of a sudden flames rose out of nowhere, surrounding us on all sides.
"Tobascco, is that you?" I asked remembering her flames catching the ground on fire.
"Not exactly," came a cold voice.
Then, out of the flames, walked a Shade; It was Arilia. My heart was racing, but not like normal, it was like nothing I had ever felt it was light and fluttery. She spoke in a voice that would make even the strongest person feel weak.
"Long it has been since we first meet, right, Rider?"
It was weird she wasn't talking to me, but to Christal.
"You…you…you MURDERER!" Christal yelled over the roaring flames.
"Nice people were they?" Arilia said tauntingly.
"How could you!"
"I've done worse, Rider!"
"They were minding their own business, and you killed them!"
"Your parents were allies of the Varden, and you knew it too!" said Arilia in a tone of pleasure.
I couldn't believe it-actually with Arilia I could-, but Arilia had murdered Christal's parents. Now I knew why Christal had fought off the Ra'zac, to avenge her parents' death.
"It doesn't matter now, does it?" said Arilia harshly.
"It does to me!" yelled Christal.
She drew her sword, and rushed at Arilia, but Arilia dodged her attack by disappearing.
"Where did she go?" asked Christal.
"I don't know, but...Watch out!" I yelled as Arilia appeared behind Christal.
Christal jumped out of the way right before Arilia swung her sword at her.
"Thrysta vindr!" yelled Christal.
I already knew this wasn't going to end well. The condensed orb of air shot from Christal's hand and at Arilia, but before the orb of air hit the Shade, she held her hand and the orb reversed, hitting Christal.
"Christal!" I called, but she had been knocked out.
"What a fuss over what I do," said Arilia.
"Why did you do it?" I asked, but I had no reason to.
"They stole our dark blue stone from us, so we caught them, and got rid of them. They were working as allies for the Varden, and my king says one thing: 'Kill anyone who takes from us or gets in the way of our plans'."
"Soon your king won't be so all-powerful because people like me and Christal will always be there to mess with your plans. We are the great Dragon Riders, and we are here to help people in need. Your king has a need, a need to get off the throne!"
"How dare you," she hissed.
We ended up in a fight of clashing swords, and Arilia could over-power me, but with the advantage of Akarclio we were even. We clashed the swords together over and over, but no one was winning. I soon took a stumble Arilia made to bring my blade down on her shoulder, both of us had real shocked expressions across our faces. Arilia looked at me, a haunting smile spreading across her face, then she dissolved in thin air. After she had disappeared I collapsed to the ground. In seconds a pain that felt like someone pushing down on my chest as hard as they could surfaced to my body. The pressure soon changed to stabbing pains on my sides and my chest, and I was breathing very hard. Just as my vision was fading away I saw a blurred figure of Ellestygia flying toward me.
Amber, she called, Amber!
Even after I had been knocked out, I still felt the same stabbing pains from before, but now, by the second, they were getting worse. They got worse until the pain was on the edge of nothing I had ever felt. The pain escalated more and more, until I felt a light touch on my shoulder and the pain stopped. I was scared to turn around, but it couldn't be that bad unless I was dead. I told myself it would be fine, and turned around. There behind me was the best sight I had seen since Eragon left.
"Brom!" I said both confused and over-joyed.
I saw Brom, but he looked like Friciey had when Saphira took him.
"I thought I would never see you until the day I die!"
He smiled and said, " I am ,and always will be, here for you."
"Why didn't you tell me I was your daughter? I was about to die because I didn't know."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be it isn't your fault."
"I was waiting for the right time to tell you and your brother, but that's not the full story."
It was awkward for him to say "your brother" instead of Eragon.
"So are you glad to be my daughter?"
"GLAD! It's beyond description I'm so happy!"
He smiled at that. I wanted to tell him so bad, that I did.
"Have you heard I'm a Rider?"
"No, you are?"
"Yes," I said in the ancient language.
"What is her name?"
"Ellestygia, she would please you, she is protective and she loves me."
"What color?"
"She is a deep blue that is darker than Saphira."
"She sounds wonderful."
"She is, she is wise and loving."
"Really?"
"Yes, and guess what your son did."
"What did he do now?"
"He went to the Varden for a war, by himself...and Saphira."
"A war at the Varden, how many have they had now?"
"Two, and Ellesméra has had one too."
"Really."
"Yes, Eragon told me I couldn't come because I wasn't strong enough yet, but I told him he'd be out-numbered."
"By who?"
"New Riders and their dragons: Murtagh, Thorn, Zoey, and Cyindr. And the Shade Arilia, the one who did this to me."
"Murtagh, Morzan's boy?"
"Yes, he wasn't like Morzan, until he was captured by the Twins, and now he is a big, fat traitor, just like his father!"
"I see, can you tell me more?"
"No problem."
Then I told him the parts he had missed because of Durza and Eragon's stupidity and hardheadedness.
"Eragon succeeded in killing Durza then?"
"Yes, and his last words to Durza was that he killed him because of you."
"He listened to me then, not something he does too much."
I laughed, then remembered what I should ask.
"How do you kill a Shade, no one will tell me."
"Honestly, you don't know?"
"Honestly, Eragon is just like you," I joked, both of us laughing.
I said that since Eragon kept it from me, just as Brom had kept it from Eragon, until it was too late.
"There is only one way to kill a Shade..."
"What's that?"
"The only way you can kill a Shade is to stab them through the heart."
"NO WAY! That would be impossible!"
"It's hard, but quite possible, Eragon did it, and that's the only way."
"The only way?"
"Yes."
"Well, it is easier than what I thought."
"What did you think?"
"I don't know, but I might have been thinking a complicated and strong spell. Then, I ruled out magic."
"They are very hard to kill for they protect themselves very well."
"Oh, wonderful!"
"I'm sure, together, you and Eragon can do it."
"I'm sure we will, and besides we are children of one of the greatest Dragon Riders."
"I wasn't that great of a Rider, after all she was..."
"Don't say it, that doesn't mean you weren't a good Rider, because you were, and don't say you weren't."
"You are unspeakably kind."
"Just like you."
We talked on until a bright flash a blue light illuminated the darkness around us. This time I didn't want to leave, but it was that or die. I was pulled back to conciseness once more. I opened my eyes, and found myself looking at Christal sitting next to me, her gedwëy ignasia glowing silver and Arnora next to her.
"See, Ellestygia, I did it once, so naturally I could do it again."
I didn't want you to hurt her.
"'Hurt me'! Again, Ellestygia, if she hadn't I'd be dead. Thank you, Christal, you saved my life, again."
"Don't thank me, we are like sisters, I wouldn't just let you die. So, what happened?"
"Arilia and I got into a sword fight, and she slipped, and I brought my sword down on her shoulder and she disappeared."
"Did you kill her!"
"No."
"How do you know that?"
"Wait, I'll tell you if you listen."
"Okay."
"After I hit her, I guess, her curse took its toll, and I felt stabbing pains in my chest and sides, until I blacked out. Then, I saw Brom when I blacked out."
"You saw Brom!" they exclaimed together.
"Yes, and he told me how to kill a Shade."
"How?"
"You can't kill a Shade any other way, unless you stab them trough the heart."
"Really, that's all you do? That's simpler than we thought."
"He also told me they protect themselves very well."
"We knew it wasn't going to be easy."
"Right."
We soon left the forest due to hunger, and time. When we got to the house we washed up, then sat downstairs to eat dinner, Islanzadí and Arya already sitting down. As we ate I conversed about my day with them, they were surprised I had seen Brom. Despite the joy, Islanzadí looked as if something was bothering her the whole time.
"What's wrong?" I finally asked.
"The Varden sent us a message today."
"What is it about?" I asked frightened about its meaning.
"Eragon and Saphira have been severely injured."
"What!" I said aghast, my heart sinking.
"Yes, Arilia, I am sad to say, almost killed them."
I felt as if I had just taken a blow to my stomach and I felt sick.
"I...I...need to go," I said running upstairs to my room.
I pushed the door open with force, and buried my face into my bed. I let the stream of tears surface, running down my face and into the covers.
I cried until I thought they were gone, then, somehow, they were back anew. Soon I heard footsteps outside my door. I quickly pulled myself together and wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand. Christal pushed the door open, and walked in Arnora behind her.
"It will be alright," she said putting a comforting arm on my shoulder, "I'm sorry about what happened to them."
"It's fine, I knew I shouldn't have let Eragon go with just Saphira, not that she isn't strong or anything."
"I know how you feel, someone you love being hurt or worse," she said her face sinking into sadness.
"I'm truly sorry...about your parents."
"Don't be, Arilia is a heartless seithr, and Galbatorix is no better, I want to kill them for what they have done to me and taken. I want to kill them and make it slow and extremely painful."
For once I saw the very harsh side of Christal's emotions, and I could see she had suffered more than me. The loss of her dragon and her parents had surfaced into her emotions.
"We are leaving tomorrow," I said after a long pause.
"What?"
"We have to, the Varden need us if they are to defeat Murtagh, Zoey, Cyindr, and Thorn."
"Amber I know I sound like Ellestygia when I say this, but it is way to dangerous."
"I don't care I want revenge for what the Shade has done to us! Don't you, now get some sleep, we should leave early tomorrow."
"But..."
"I need sleep, so do you."
She laid down and we both fell asleep very fast.
