Chapter 28: Two Plans

Sonic looked at Tails, who looked confused. The orange dragon walked up to him and spoke.

Who was that, Sonic? Tails asked.

The blue dragon grinned. That was Arya, a member of the Varden. They're a group of freedom fighters who want to stop Galbatorix. Eragon, Saphira and I told her that we would help them. Once we find the rest of the Chaos Emeralds, then we shall head over to Surda to see what she wants.

Tails and Knuckles nodded in agreement. They looked at each other and back at Sonic, wondering when he would do that. A few minutes later, Knuckles growled and looked at Sonic.

We had better find the rest of the Chaos Emeralds now, he told the blue dragon. I know where they are, so we should have no trouble finding them. If Shadow or Murtagh show up while we are finding them, however, that would be very bad and we will have to make sure they don't find us when we search for the rest of the Chaos Emeralds.

It's a chance we'll have to take, Sonic told him. Where is the nearest emerald?

The red dragon closed his eyes, going into a trance. The Master Emerald lit up, showing him though a vision where the rest of the Chaos Emeralds were. Once it was over, Knuckles opened his eyes and looked at them.

The rest of the Chaos Emeralds will not be hard to find, Knuckles said. The last two here in Alagaesia I saw in the Hadarac Desert and some sort of fortress called Helgrind. The last one, however, is on Vroengard. We will get the ones here and the go to Vroengard last.

Eragon and Saphira looked up when they heard the word "Helgrind." Eragon grit his teeth in frustration and Saphira let out a loud roar. Knuckles, Tails and Sonic looked at them in confusion.

What's wrong? Tails asked them.

"Helgrind is a very dark and evil place," Eragon told the orange dragon. "The creatures known as the Ra'zac live there, and are servants of Galbatorix. The fortress itself is not too far away from Uru'baen. We will be flying near the castle in order to get to Helgrind, so we have to be sure no to be seen by Galbatorix, Shadow, Murtagh or Thorn."

We'll take our chances, Sonic said. The Ra'zac are the ones who attacked me when I first came here, and I've wanted to settle the score. They won't even know what hit them! Besides, I'm the fastest thing alive and can outrun those slowpokes anytime!

Everyone looked at Sonic in astonishment, knowing that he was showing his cocky attitude. He grinned and snorted in impatience.

Be careful, Saphira warned. There will be many more Ra'zac at Helgrind than there were when they attacked you.

Still, they're no match for me! Sonic said. When do we go? I'm getting impatient!

Knuckles sighed, thinking that Sonic hasn't changed one bit. We can leave now, if you want. First we'll go to the desert and then head over to Helgrind.

"Sounds like a plan," Eragon said. He got on Saphira's back and waited. The four dragons spread their wings and took to the air, ready to find the emeralds.


Meanwhile in Uru'baen, Galbatorix was pacing back and forth, furious. He glared at Shadow and stopped in front of the black dragon while Murtagh and Thorn stood next to him.

"I told you to take the emeralds, and you did not do so!" The king yelled. "I am happy that you have killed Glaedr and Oromis but my orders were to get the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald! Why the hell did you disobey me?"

Shadow growled menacingly. I had no choice, my Lord. One of the damn dragons, Knuckles, pinned me to the ground so I could not move. He told me that would continue this fight and would not give the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald up! I am sorry that I disappointed you; let me go back and try again. I am sure they are searching for another emerald as we speak.

Galbatorix stood silent for a minute and then a grin appeared on his face. "No," he said. "Let us wait until they have gathered all of the emeralds they have. When they do, we shall attack."

Shadow nodded and walked out of the room. Galbatorix turned to Murtagh and Thorn, speaking to them.

"I have heard that the Varden have moved to Surda. I want you to go there and strike them down while they are vulnerable and do not have the dragons to protect them, do you understand me? It will take three days to get there but when you do, make sure to attack immediately."

Murtagh nodded. "I will do as you command, my Lord. When should I leave?"

The king motioned towards the door, giving Murtagh the hint that he should leave now. The Dragon Rider sighed and nodded, walking out to the courtyard. He got on Thorn's back and took off into the air, heading towards Surda.