I own nothing of the inheritance cycle!

'Thoughts'

'Thought over bond'

When David woke up most was silent except for the crackling of a fire.

Sitting up David looked over to see Brom beginning to make their breakfast, while Eragon slept by Saphira. Getting up David crept over to the fire and greeted Bromw with a cheerful "Good morning"

David just received a grunt in return. He obviously hasn't gained Broms trust, and if he wanted to gain it then it would probably be better if he didn't open his mind and watched the world around him. Brom would no doubt feel it if he brushed up against his shields, and then try and pry into David's mind while his defenses were down.

With Aquila still asleep David decided to try and find Athena again. Stretching his mind, though careful to keep it from brushing Broms, David searched for Athena. It wasn't long before he finally found her and started leading her to their clearing.

He continued to lead her until his thoughts were broken by Brom saying "good morning".

Looking up David watched as Eragon joined them near the fire. They were all silent until the food was ready. They were eating quickly before a snap was heard in the forest behind them. Brom, Eragon, and Saphira all tensed but David calmly sat and finished his meal before giving a sharp whistle.

Out of the brush came a pure black horse. Saphira relaxed, recognizing the horse, but both Brom and Eragon stayed tense.

Standing up David walked over to Athena and grabbed her reins, patting her neck and whispering soothing nonsense, relieved that she made it through a night in the Spine. Turning around David introduced her to the two tense men, "This is my horse, Athena"

"Where did she come from? You didn't have her with you before". 'Ever the suspicious one aren't you Brom?'

"Of course I didn't have her before Saphira kidnapped me from her. And I've had her for the past ten years. We've travelled across Alagaesia together"

"She doesn't seem to be frightened of dragons" David heard the suspicious tone in Broms voice.

"Well they were around each other for the past four months or so"

Brom quieted after that but he still seemed to watch Athena suspiciously. How you could be suspicious of a horse David may never know.

"We could use her as a pack horse for now?" It came out as more of a question than a statement but relaxed all the same when Brom gave a nod of approval.

David and Brom finished attaching the supplies to Athenas saddle when they noticed Eragon laying out some leather.

"What are you going to do with that?" asked Brom.

"I'm going to make a saddle for Saphira."

Brom hummed and moved forward. "Well, dragons used to have two kinds of saddles. The first was hard and molded like a horse's saddle. But those take time and tools to make, neither of which we have. The other was thin and lightly padded, nothing more than an extra layer between the rider and dragon. Those saddles were used whenever speed and flexibility were important, though they weren't nearly as comfortable as the molded ones."

Why don't I have a saddle again? Asked a groggy Aquila.

Because you don't need one and I don't know how to make one.

Then ask the old man to make one.

David internally snorted Yea that'll go well 'Hey Brom do you think you could make a saddle for my dragon?' I think not.

Just a suggestion little duck.

David ended their conversation in time to watch Brom make the saddle. Watching the process was definitely more interesting than reading about it.

When David watched Brom out the saddle on Saphira to check its size Aquila made her appearance once again On second though I'm glad you found your riding outfit. A saddle would stick out like a sore thumb and make my scales look horrendous.

David didn't reply but he had to do his best to keep from laughing out loud.

Eating dinner David listened as Brom asked if we would be moving on tomorrow, and apologizing for what had happened to Eragons family. He stayed silent through the conversation because, even though he had met Garrow before when he saved Eragon, there was nothing he could say. He was surprised neither of them recognized him, though he supposed Eragon might have been a little too young to remember, though after a tragic event like that happened he thought Eragon would've. Brom more than likely recognized him but didn't want to say anything in front of Eragon.

"We're going to need horses."

"Maybe you do, but I have Saphira."

David snorted "There isn't a horse alive that could keep up with a dragon."

Brom nodded his head in agreement. "And Saphira is too young to carry all of us and our supplies. Besides, it'll be safer if we stay together, and riding is faster than walking."

Eragon protested "But that'll make it harder to catch the Ra'zac. On Saphira, I could probably find them within a day or two. On horses, it'll take much longer—if it's even possible to overtake their lead on the ground!"

David sighed "That's just something your going to have to deal with if you wish for us to accompany you."

Eragon was silent as he thought it over. "All right well get horses. But you have to buy them. I don't have any money, and I don't want to steal again. It's wrong."

David blanked out Broms next monologue about how the Ra'zac are protected and what not, turning over and laying out on the ground, sending a quick goodnight to Aquila before succumbing to sleep.

David woke to a dreary dawn, not lifting his spirits for the day one bit. Eating a light breakfast the small group doused the fire. Saddling Saphira and Athena they exited the clearing, Saphira taking off to fly overhead and David leading on Athena.

They started walking, following the Raz'acs fading footprints. They traveled in silence, concentrating on speed, until Eragon asked a question about dragons.

Brom laughed. "Unfortunately, it's a pitiful amount" David smirked at this "compared to what I would like to know. Your question is one people have been trying to answer for centuries, so understand that what I tell you is by its very nature incomplete. Dragons have always been mysterious, though maybe not on purpose."

David listened intently to the topics that David didn't know much about, like how they mate. Aquila complained during that particular topic, comparing it to 'the talk' from David's world. That one would have made David laugh if it wouldn't have made him sound like a weirdo.

He only half listened to his explanation of how they hatched, only really paying it close attention when Eragon asked a certain question. "Do you mean that Saphira might not have hatched for me?"

"Quite possibly, if she hadn't liked you."

That made David feel special, knowing Aquila had chosen him out of all people of Alagaesia, especially considering he isn't even from Alagaesia.

Brom continued talking about dragons. When they ate, what plants were good for them and how to clean their claws and scales. Going on about how to fight another dragon whether on the back of another dragon, on horseback, or on foot. And while Brom seemed pleased with eragons constant questioning David was not.

They were nearing Therinsford when the sky began to darken. They began searching for a place to camp when Eragon continued his questions. "Who was the Rider that owned Zar'roc?" David just ignored them and continued searching for a good place to camp.

Once they found a comfortable place to camp Saphira joined them when dinner was being set on the fire. Eragon had just settled against her belly when Brom threw one of the two sticks at Eragon, who was fast enough to catch it before it whacked him in the face.

"Defend yourself!"

David leaned back with amusement This'll be fun. He just received amusement in response.

David could tell that Eragon was feeling cocky, thinking that Brom would surely lose. Well, he was in for a surprise that was for sure.

He watched as each of Eragons blows were deflected, and was too slow to block any of Broms advances. Though he did raise his eyebrows when Brom gave him a good whack over the head with his stick, making Eragon drop like a rock And I though Mathias was a hard teacher.

Oh he was little duck, you were just able to block his hits better than Eragon is.

Brom held out the stick Eragon dropped only for Eragon to shake his head. "Forget it; I've had enough." and turned away only to be whacked on the back.

David thought at the same time Brom snapped. "Never turn your back on you enemy!" Watching as Brom started to lead Eragon through some movements, but he could still only block few blows from Brom.

They finished and David watched with amusement as Eragon flopped onto his bedroll with a groan. His attention snapped to the side where he was just in time to put a hand up and catch the stick thrown at him by Brom. Ha stared at it blankly until he heard Brom bark "You're next!"

Standing up David slowly made it to the other side of the fire and stood across from Brom. He didn't know how this soar would end. He hadn't gone up against a skilled opponent in a long time so it was likely that his skills were rusty. And if it turned out that he horribly fails then Aquila won't let him live it down.

He watched Brom through wary eyes but took his stance nevertheless, analyzing him for even the slightest of movements to signal where he would strike at David first.

He saw it in the tensing of Broms shoulders and struck, aiming for his thigh only for it to be blocked. Broms eyes widened slightly with surprise, but otherwise showed no other emotion. Throughout the sparring David could tell that Brom was just as skilled as Mathias, but maybe even a little less, and if he had both of his swords David was confident he would have been able to beat Brom faster than he did.

It took an hour or less of blocking and parrying, both getting hits on the other when David was able to disarm Brom and hold the tip of his stick against Broms neck.

David was panting from exhaustion. He could feel Aquila's pride through their bond. Sending back his gratitude David looked around the camp to find everyone looking at him with surprise and Brom with both surprise and the usual suspicion.

David cleared his throat. "I was taught by one of the best while I stayed here in Therinsford."

Brom raised an eyebrow. "Youve been to Therinsford?"

"I did say I travelled. That was where I got my swords and Athena."

"May I see your swords?"

"Of course." Walking over to Athena's saddle bags David removed his twin swords and handed them over to Brom. Taking them both out Brom inspected the swords. For what David didn't know.

After a silence Brom spoke. "These are fine blades. You say you got them here in Therinsford?"

"Yes."

Brom nodded and returned the swords. Setting them aside David rolled onto his side and fell asleep, happy that he was able to defeat Brom at all. Though he wondered if it was just because Brom had never fought him before, and didn't expect for David to be so good at handling swords at all.

The next morning David had little bruising to his body. He couldn't say the same for Eragon, who seemed too hurt to move. David grinned when he heard Brom ask "how do you feel?"

Returning to the road they were swift, in hopes of reaching the town by noon. When the road widened they saw smoke rising in the distance. Brom told Eragon to tell Saphira to fly ahead and wait for them on the other side of Therinsford. Finally relaying the message after he challenged Brom first.

David took slight offense to the comments on how ugly Therinsford looked, though he has to agree that the last ten years have not been kind.

Approaching the bridge into town David gained a sense of nostalgia, remembering how he always crossed this bridge to get in and out of town.

As they approached the bridge a greasy man appeared from behind a bush and blocked their way across the bridge. Now he knew this man had never been at this bridge before but this man was familiar to him. You can't forget greasiness like that.

"You c'n stop right there. This's my bridge. Gotta pay t' get over."

Brom opened his mouth to respond but before he could utter a word David stepped in. "Daulton you dip shit get out of the way!"

The greasy man, Daulton, looked at David with confusion before recognition appeared in his eyes. "David?"

David sighed but smiled. "Yea it's me. Long time no see huh?"

"Well I'll be damned we haven't seen you in years!"

"I know I know, but I didn't come here for a chat. Me and my buddies here are in need of some horses."

"Well ah won't keep you any longer. Haberth'll be pleased to see ya."

David's smile became more relaxed. "I can't wait to see him."

Leading them through town, David headed towards the stables, looking around and comparing everything to what he remembered. It definitely wasn't as lively as it used to be.

Entering the barn David lead them over to Haberth who was brushing down a white stallion. "Haberth! Is this that young foal that always seemed to be causing us trouble?"

Haberth turned surprised eyes onto David. Once he saw David a large grin covered his face. "Well well if it isn't our famous little blue eyed Shadow!"

Hearing the alias David dropped his head into his hands and groaned. "Let's not talk about that now. We're here for some horses."

Brom was looking at the stallion. "That's a beautiful animal."

"Yes indeed. His names Snowfire. Mines Haberth in case you didn't already find out." Haberth offered his palm and shook hands vigorously with Eragon and Brom.

"David here said you needed horses?"

Brom nodded. "We need two horses and a full set of tack for each. The horses have to be fast and tough; we'll be doing a lot of traveling."

Haberth was thoughtful, "I have few animals like that, and the ones that I do have aren't cheap."

Brom just shook his head. "Price is no object. I'll take the best you have."

Haberth tied Snowfire to the wall and started making two identical piles of tack before walking up and down the stalls and brining out two horses. One a light bay and the other a roan. Haberth handed the bay's rope to Brom, commenting on how he was a little spirited.

Brom decided to take the bay, but didn't seem to like the other one. Brom asked about Snowfire, and as reluctant as he was to part with him Haberth gave in and took the total two hundred crowns.

Before they left however Haberth talked with David. "Galbatorix is looking for you, you know?"

David could practically feel Brom and Eragon tense at the news, all he could do was sigh. "Still? It's been years since I saved one of his men can't he just let it go?"

"Well he's not really looking for you to thank anymore. Now he just wants to meet the elusive Shadow." Haberth grinned.

David gave another sigh but this one in annoyance. "Well the Shadow doesn't wish to meet him. Tell Lora hello for me." And with that David turned and left the stables.

It was tense when Brom handed Eragon Snowfire's reins. "Here, go to the far side of Therinsford and wait there."

"Why?" But Brom had already slipped away.

Exiting Therinsford David knew Eragon wanted to ask him about what he had heard in the stables. "I will answer your questions later when we're all together but for now help me put some of our stuff onto the horses."

Eragon nodded in acceptance and helped transfer some of the supplies from Athena's back to the two other horses while they waited for Brom to didn't have to wait long until Brom returned and gestured for the two to follow him. Once safely hidden by trees Brom spoke of how one man had seen the Ra'zac come through Therinsford. Leaving quite the impression.

Eragon told Brom of how he had touched the bay's mind on accident, with Brom commenting on how unusual it was for someone as young as he to have been able to do so. Aquila snorted at this You've been able to touch others minds earlier than Eragon. Shows you how much the old man really knows huh?

David just mentally shook his head at her.

They mounted the horses and set off, taking it easy so Eragon doesn't open up his leg wounds. As they road David explained to them that a few years after he left Therinsford he ran into some situations that, after David helped, there was always someone who would thank him profusely and then go off and tell everybody in the next town about the man in black with piercing blue eyes who saved their life, eventually gaining the name Shadow. He told them of the slavers incident where one of the possible slaves he freed just so happened to be one of Galbatorix's favorites, making Galbatorix wish to meet with him. Obviously declining because he has no wish to ever see the king.

After his explanation the group descended into silence, only broken by the clacking of horses hooves.

David and Eragon both looked up to examine Utgard when Eragon spotted a steepled tower upon it. He pointed to it and asked Brom, "What is that?"

Brom replied with sadness and bitterness, telling them how it was where Vrael took refuge and then defeated by Galbatorix. Deemed the 'Place of Sorrow' among the last of the riders. Eragon stared in awe as they rode passed.

Utgard formed a solid wall that took them hours to ride around until fins,my making it to the breach dividing the mountain range. They didn't make it over a rise of mountains, looking out over the trees, until the sun was low behind their backs.

Stretched out I front of them at the bottom of the mountain was a vast plain. If they hadn't gotten horses it would have taken them ages to cross it.

"It's going to take most of the day to make the descent, we'll have to wait until tomorrow. We should camp here."

Leaving the trail they dismounted by the Anora river. Brom gestured to Eragon's bay while they were unsaddling the horses. "You should name him."

David listened as Eragon named his horse Cadoc while watching Saphira land. David sent his emotions through his bond. Words couldn't describe how much he missed Aquila, and his feelings were reciprocated.

Relaxing after dinner David laughed with amusement when Eragon groaned after being thrown the makeshift sword, standing to face Brom and get a new collection of was proud to say that he didn't get as many bruises as the first time, and he could tell that Brom was definitely ready for him and didn't seem to hold back. But that didn't stop David from giving Brom a few bruises as well.