Chapter 13

ARYA

I gazed into the mirror, at my mother standing at the edge of a lake just outside Du Weldenvardin. She wore a long red velvet cape and a long, black tunic.

"I am glad you could reach me, I have been worried about you. Brom would not tell me where you were. I must know, at least, were you successful in your journey through the portal?"

I took in a breath, she knew about the portal and possibly the world that lay within. I wondered if she knew other things, something she was not telling me.

"Yes mother, we were partly successful in our venture. Though Murtagh captured one of the humans and we brought an elfling, or that's what Brom says she is, to the Varden." I held my breath, wondering what she would say.

"They should have brought her here; we are more adept at helping our own. If she is an elfling, then why did we not know about her?"

"She is half, or more than half, elf, the rest is human. She has not fully come into her powers, it seems."

"Still, she should be tutored here if possible. I would be most displeased if I never was introduced to such a rarity."

"So, there are other half-elves?"

"Well, not here, but yes there are." Islanzadi seemed to be trying to speak carefully, as if she did not wish me to know these things.

"Please speak plainly mother." I hoped I had not gone too far in demanding an answer.

"We, as a race, are not alone. There are others of our type in other places, not of Alagaesia. That is all I will say on the matter. I must leave you now, I am needed elsewhere." With that, the image in the mirror vanished and I was left with more questions than I had when I first contacted her. I sighed, knowing she would say nothing more but at the same time wishing she would say more. I was not a patient person. With my mother though, I hid my impatience very well, I thought. I sighed and left the tent hoping to find Brom so that I could ask him if he knew what my mother was implying.

AUBREE

I stared at the stars, my mind humming with activity as I thought of ways I could get out and find Abby. I had tried sneaking out earlier yesterday that had been foiled by Saphira. And then this evening I had convinced a guard to let me out, only to be brought back by Eragon himself. I thought long and hard but couldn't figure out what to do, other than turning invisible. I was S.O.L. and I knew it too.

I started to nod off and just as I was falling asleep, a horn blasted a warning signal. I jerked awake and was on my feet in a flash. Who knew I could move so fast? I ran to Eragon's tent and flung open the flap. He was standing in the middle of the tent, with only his trousers on and he was bare-chested.

"Do girls of your age always walk in on men when they are half dressed?" his smile was mischievous and I blushed a deep red.

"Um, well, no, not usually, sorry I just wanted to know what I should do." He thought a moment and then looked at me in my green dress, a sash that held a pouch and a hunting knife tied around my waist.

"Stay at camp and don't do anything stupid. I know you want to save Abby but going into battle won't do anyone any good." He looked at me. I nodded, though I had my fingers mentally crossed.

He pulled on a tunic and started to get his armor on. I helped him with the leather-backed mail shirt and his helm. It was beautifully crafted, with a hammer surrounded by seven-pointed stars. I was worried, I hoped he would come back and I knew, at that moment, I really did have feelings for him. As he was walking out of the tent, I called to him.

"You die and I will kill you. I didn't come here just to find Abby; I also came to help you. I can't do that if you die." I hoped I didn't sound too sappy or cheesy. I hated stupid, vapid romances, but I could not help wanting to know he would be ok.

"I promise you that I will return." I was standing right by him now so I was surprised as he bent down and kissed me on the cheek. I was still stunned as he leapt onto Saphira's back. My heart started up again as I headed for the horse pens. I was not noticed as I selected a chestnut mare and put only a blanket and a rope bridle on her.

I waited till after most of the men had gone to trot over to the gate. Thankfully, I still had my cloak. I lifted the hood so I would not be noticed and galloped out of camp, to the burning plains, that was what they called it. As I crested a hill, I saw the two armies arrayed on the plain. Our side was nothing compared to the force on the other side of the wide expanse of land between them. Their troops were numerous. I felt my stomach sinking as I saw a red blob that was steadily coming into focus. By the time I saw what it was, it seemed to be too late for me. It was a dragon, but not Saphira's blue. No, it was the red of wine, or blood. I let out a scream and kicked the mare, which bolted. I could not hold on and was thrown from the saddle, but before I could hit the earth, an arm reached down to grab me. It was not Eragon; Instead I saw the face of Murtagh. All my anger welled up and I spat in his face.

He slapped me and I was subdued for the moment. It hurt and he had an iron grip on my waist. In all the confusion that followed, I didn't think of how he treated me and I, for once, did not worry for my friend's safety. "You can loosen your grip, I can't breathe!"

He did only a little and I saw Eragon pursuing us, red fury in his eyes. I could almost hear the thought in his head, Aubree you stupid hardheaded, impulsive, girl, I actually could hear his thoughts as he mentally lectured me on the wisdom of charging out in the heat of battle.

I asked him that, would he ever have liked me if I had been any other way. He and Saphira growled at this and I had a plan forming in my head.

Ok, listen to me. I know I am an idiot, and all that, but you've got to understand my situation. I no nothing of this land and I lost a friend and feel responsible for her. I am sorry and I promise, on my honor as an um, a maiden, that I will not do this again! Just listen to my plan and I will comply with anything you want me to do.

Fine! But Saphira and I are risking our lives. Also we could be out there saving lives, now tell us your plans.

The mental conversation only took a minute, setting my plan in motion. I was wiggling in the saddle and Murtagh was distracted long enough to not see what was coming.