A/N – From this point forward my story will become much more creative and Rexus will take on a larger role in the fiction because he is one of my three main characters. Please review it motivates me to post.

ExAxExA

Rexus's blood tinted eyes watched intensely as the dark king made no move, remaining completely still. It was almost as if the king felt him unworthy of his presence. A mistake Galbotorix would soon regret Rexus thought crazily.

"Well mighty king? Wont you please grace thy subject with your words? Or perhaps even your death? Both options will suffice". Rexus smiled inwardly, for he knew someone with as much pride as a king would presumably have could take but only so much taunting before reaching a breaking point, at which rash decisions are made, and once rash decisions are made Rexus could take advantage to dispatch of the king.

The crazed elf smiled wildly as he watched the dark king remove his helmet slowly, dauntingly almost, a sight that would have undoubtedly intimidated any other. However Rexus was like no other, and he knew it.

The king stood tall, with an image as imposing as Rexus had ever seen. The king had completely black iris's and a facial expression that belied extreme confidence and indifference to his current situation. His stature displayed his regal nature and that appearance was amplified with his black dragon Shruiken looming over the battlefield, seemingly uninterested in his masters affairs."Tell me Rexus, why is it your interest is so vested in the safety of Arya, she is nothing but an elf. An elf who could stand no chance against the power of a true dragon rider."

Rexus's smile quickly left his face as memories of Arya flooded his mind at the mention of her name. Quickly shaking away such human thoughts Rexus decided to enlighten the dark king on some valuable knowledge.

"Ah, how ignorant of someone so presumably wise. Arya is an elf born of nobility, raised to be a fearless leader, something you are not. Unfortunately for you I was not raised to be a leader either, I was born and bred to be a fighter. An elf who's physical prowess knows no bounds, and as far as my interest goes, Arya is to fall by my sword. No other being alive has the right to kill her, it is mine."

The dark king laughed lightly at the elf's statement, with a smug yet amused expression upon his face. "You sound like a crazed fool. One who lives for such a single minded purpose is one who does not even deserve to live, so I'll put your seemingly tormented mind to rest elf. By severing it from your body. And to think that you turned down my generous offer to join the empire, you'll pay dearly for that."

Rexus too began to laugh at his exchange of words with the king. "While I enjoy our small battle of the minds I so quickly grow tired of simple talk. Your false threats are about as intimidating as a child's laughter and your presence as impressive as a female human. Raise your sword coward!"

Just as soon as Rexus's words escaped his lips the crazed elf's eyes shone bright red with anticipation of battle coursing through his veins. In mere seconds Rexus drew his elven blade and lunged at Galbotorix with blinding speed, resulting in the dirt beneath his feet to rise up in a billowing whirlwind effect. Just as he struck out with his blade Rexus glanced up in amusement to find that his blade had stopped mere centimeters away from the dark kings neck, immobilized by magic Quickly rolling away as to not put himself into a precarious situation Rexus once again smiled at the king before speaking.

"What a powerful ward you got there. Hmm I am impressed by your under-handed tactics, but then again how else could you defeat another dragon rider if it were not for dirty tactics and dishonorable tricks. Your a disgrace to any true warrior."

At hearing Rexus's words the evil leader of the empire took a daunting, yet somehow regal step forward before speaking in a serious tone laced with extreme confidence. "I know your game elf. You wish to fight me with blade to mask your lack of magical power. It was almost too easy to find your weakness, yet I will entertain your premature notion of defeating me at even your specialty."

Rexus felt the veins all over his body growing bigger, which could only mean bad news for his enemies the elf thought crazily. "Your time is done."

Rexus once again lunged at Galbotorix, except this time with increased speed and velocity as he felt his blade collide with the ebony blade wielded by the strongest man in the empire. Thus the beginning of an epic battle commenced.

ExAxExA

Arya's facial expression held stern as her feet moved feverishly in the direction of the Varden with only one purpose; escape. It seemed only moments ago the elf found herself in the face of death, yet once again she had been saved by an unlikely foe. Quickly glancing over Arya took a few moments to ensure Eragon was safe. The elven princess knew Eragon well and from that one fleeting glance she could tell the rider was deep in thought, presumably about finally witnessing Galbotorix. Arya herself was unsure of what to think. She could tell from only moments of exposure that the kings power far outweighed Eragon's and her own, how the Varden even expected Eragon to defeat him was bewildering.

All these years of fighting for the Varden, for what? Arya thought somberly. At any moment Galbotorix could rise from his throne and fly in to the battle and no matter how her pride hated to admit it the Varden would be helpless. The elf once again looked over at Eragon, the man she loved. Arya would do anything to end this war, anything to not only save the countless innocent lives doomed to be ruined by the empire, but even more so she would give anything to live a quiet life amongst the tree's with Eragon, Saphira, and Eridor.

Arya sighed inwardly as her mind began to wander to thoughts of Eragon. It seemed the only reason she ever had to smile during these perilous times was him, along with Eridor of course. This war had taken so much from her, it seemed every person she had ever grown close to had been stripped away from her by Wyrda's cruel clutches. The elf had lost everyone, so she withdrew in to her own mind for solitude behind an emotionless facade. Arya was considered the cold elven warrior who's loyalty was undoubtedly to the Varden and not any one individual. However that was simply a ploy, so she would not get hurt once more. Then Eragon changed all of that, his consistent friendship, love, and unshakeable loyalty to her had allowed Arya to open up and allow herself to trust him like no other. A trust the dragon rider has yet to betray.

Arya's thoughts halted and she stopped running as the elf felt Eragon beginning to slow his pace. "Eragon why are we stopping?"

The dragon rider stood silent for a few seconds completely still, seemingly concentrating. Moments later the rider spoke. "Arya, do you feel that? The very earth beneath us is trembling ever so slightly."

Arya opened her mind and concentrated on the ground below, quickly sensing the disturbance Eragon spoke of. Arya nodded her head as she understood the implications of such an occurrence. "Galbotorix and the elf are waging a war." Arya stopped speaking, pausing thoughtfully then resumed. "Do you think the elf stands a chance?".

Eragon sighed before speaking. "I do not think so. I fought the elf myself, if only briefly and it was obvious to me he prefers to fight with a blade as opposed to magic. Which leads me to believe his magic is not that powerful in which case Galbotorix can easily defeat him." Eragon paused before continuing. "Unless of course the elf was simply holding back".

Arya nodded her head tiredly. "Let us hope for our sake he was holding back".

"Aye, we should make camp here. We both need rest from destroying that Caravan and we'll have plenty of running to do when we wake." Eragon's face lightened as he smiled at Arya. "I am so glad we made it together. I..i do not know what I would have done if..."

Arya took a step forward cutting Eragon off and resting her head on his shoulders in a hug like embrace. Arya then raised her face and looked into Eragon's eyes with her own emerald orbs. "I know."

ExAxExA

One hour later...

Eragon peered to his side to see the beautiful elf he loved unconditionally sitting peacefully next to him, more then likely reflecting on the days events. Eragon himself knew exactly what he had been thinking all day. His mind frantically searched for a solution, any possible method that could help him defeat the dark king but Eragon knew none of these methods would be sufficient. Deep down inside of his soul the rider knew exactly what he had to do. Taking a deep breathe Eragon decided to share his thoughts with the only person he knew could help him in his quest.

"Arya, have you ever heard of the Vault of Souls?".