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Arya and Tasha set up camp just outside of the Hadarac Desert. It had taken them nearly a week to get this far. They ate their soup from opposite sides of the fire. Their dragons sat behind them. Amestat was curled up, his eyes closed, and his wings tucked to his sides. Glazra looked up at the stars and flicked his tail impatiently.
"Arya-ebrithil," murmured Tasha nervously.
"What is it, Tasha?" asked Arya as kindly as she could manage.
"Why is Trianna after me?" She looked directly into Arya's green eyes. "I want to know why we're running like this. Especially when we should be fighting."
"I do not know why Trianna is after you," answered Arya. "And you are not ready for any real battles."
"What about you then?" asked Tasha.
"My pregnancy has started to get in the way," murmured Arya darkly. Galzra was growling behind her, his sharp fangs bared at the younger Rider. Don't worry about it, Galzra, she said. I can see the true fear in her eyes.
Tasha crossed her arms and took to looking at the star filled night sky. The tiny dots fascinated her in a way that nothing else ever had. She could always look at the stars for comfort. She leaned back into Amestat. What do you think?
That we should be careful, answered Amestat. Trianna is dangerous.
She said that I hold Galbatorix's memories, murmured Tasha. She felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach. How can that be true?
I do not know, admitted Amestat. For now though, lets focus on our training. Then perhaps we can discover the answers.
The young Rider closed her eyes. This war was supposed to end with Galbatorix's death.
There were people within the Empire that were truly loyal to the Dark King, replied Amestat. The conflict may never end.
I will make it end, growled Tasha.
How? Amestat asked.
By uniting the people of Alegeasia under one banner that they can all follow, answered Tasha.
Tasha, this is madness, replied Amestat. Just get some rest.
Tasha fell into an uncomfortable sleep. Images appeared in her dream that should not have been there. She saw a dragon being murdered by Urgals. A young, desperate man begged the Riders for a new egg. Driven mad with grief and revenge, he took what Riders he could to fight for his cause. He stole a young dragon through the uses of magic that Tasha found impossible to complete. The man waited and bided his time while the dragon grew up and waged a bloody war against the elves. Then an Empire of historical proportions was created. He had intended to unite the land under his single banner and place the future Dragon Riders under his command.
Do this Tasha, this is your purpose.
She woke in a cold sweat. Amestat opened his eyes lazily and raised his head. It was still dark. Arya was apparently asleep with Zor'roc held in her hands and Galzra curled up around her. The fire was burnt out. What disturbed your sleep? Amestat asked.
Just a bad dream, murmured Tasha. Go back to sleep. She stared up at the stars until they disappeared behind the sun.
Arya roused from her trance-like state, surprised to see Tasha already awake. "How long have you been awake?" she asked.
"A while now," replied Tasha. "How long until we reach Surda?"
"We are about half way there," answered Arya. She went to retrieve her horse. "Get some bread and get on Amestat. We've got a long day of traveling."
Tasha rummaged in the small sack that they had managed to bring and found some bread. This bread is stale, she complained, taking a bite. I want to go back to Ellesmera.
Amestat chuckled in the back of her mind. At least there . . .we had peace and quiet. Get on now. I'm growing restless waiting like this. Tasha smiled and climbed up on Amestat's back. She had been slowly grown accustomed to Amestat's flying and the maneuvers that Galzra taught him.
Arya mounted her horse. Galzra, lets try and get to Surda within the next three days. We could warn King Orin or one from his Council about Trianna.
Aye, we need to hurry, agreed Galzra. He arched his back and with his powerful legs and wings, shot up into the air. Amestat followed him, but took more effort to get flying.
Arya galloped below them.
Eragon spent great effort in moving the soldiers. He sent the elves to go back to Du Weldenvarden to relay the news of the defeat. He sat atop Saphira as the sapphire dragon walked alongside Roran and Angela. We need to make fortifications in every village in the Empire, as well as Surda, he told Saphira.
Do you think that will be enough? Saphira asked.
Probably not, admitted Eragon. But its all that we can do until we can launch a full on assault.
He relayed the conversation to Roran. "Do you think that you could rally your people . . .our people?" he finished.
Roran nodded. "I shall ride to the Empire then," he murmured. He smiled brightly, happy that he would be returning to Katrina. He turned to his soldiers. "We ride home!" he announced and led his men north.
Eragon turned to Orik. "Would you be able to make it to Surda on your own?" he asked.
"May the Gods be with you, Shadeslayer," murmured Orik. Angela took her cue to get on Saphira. Solembum jumped on behind her.
Lets go Saphira!
Saphira launched them into the sky. Eragon took what enjoyment that he could at the sensation of the wind ripping at his face. Saphira flew as carefully as she could with the extra passengers.
They traveled for four days before they reached Surda. The land seemed changed to Eragon. It was as if little to no celebration happened as an effect of Galbatorix's death. The towns were still military based with more and more smiths popping up to make weapons for war.
King Orin greeted them in Aberon. "Shadeslayer, I am so pleased to see you," he murmured.
"What's happened?" asked Eragon. He jumped off of Saphira. Angela and Solembum; in his boy form joined him on the ground.
"We were attacked two weeks ago," answered King Orin. "An assassin tried to take Lady Nasuada's life."
"Is she--?" Fear grappled at Eragon.
"She's alive," answered King Orin. "A little frightened, I daresay. Arya's with her."
"Arya's here?" questioned Eragon. He had not sensed her presence. He reached out again and felt nothing. Saphira?
Galzra and Amestat aren't here, informed Saphira.
"Arya's not here," Eragon said quickly. "I know her presence."
"But--" stuttered King Orin.
Eragon ran past him, reaching his senses out to Nasuada. He found her easy enough, and was disappointed with who was with her. What is she doing? Angela and Solembum ran at his heels. He kicked down Nasuada's door and in a blur, unsheathed his sword. Nasuada jumped up. Arya, or rather Arya's imposter smiled and stabbed Nasuada in the gut with a dagger. Eragon leaped forward and slashed down at his lover's imposter.
Whoever it was had Arya's speed. "Eragon, please stop," she pleaded.
Eragon snarled and tried again and again to kill her. He was knocked back with magic. Nasuada's attacker disappeared with a shimmer of light. Angela ran forward to Nasuada. "Eragon--" she cried breathlessly.
Eragon got to his feet, dropped his sword and ran to Nasuada's side. He healed her with his magic. Nasuada's wound healed and she looked up at him. "Eragon, what--why did Arya try and kill me?" she asked. There was fear in her eyes.
"That was not Arya," whispered Eragon.
Disclaimer: Sorry its so quickly paced, but I don't have the time that I used to.