Disclaimer: I am so sorry for the extremely long delay. My computer crashed and wiped out all my files so I had to retype this entire chapter and I lost five years worth of really hard work on that harddrive. I hope the length makes up for some of my debt.
The location of the vault of souls, it's in the Beor Mountains, said Arya shakily.
Eragon sat there, shocked. He had just about fallen asleep when Arya contacted him, but with this newly found information, sleep was now at the back of his mind. He blinked several times. Arya--are you sure about this? Eragon asked shakily. Where did you find this out?
I--I--found a scroll written by Galbatorix--the only thing is--
WHAT! Report to my sleeping quarters NOW!
I'll be right there, replied Arya calmly. She rolled up the scroll written by Galbatorix and walked out of her room.
Was this what you wished to confirm? asked Galzra.
I'm afraid so, answered Arya. What do you think? Should I have told him?
It was a wise thing to do, no matter how much you might have disliked it, admitted Galzra. These things can no longer be undone I'm afraid.
Yes, but to think that Galbatorix wrote that scroll! cried Arya. Now things are going to be much more dangerous. If Galbatorix already knows the location of the Vault of Souls, chances are we'll have to fight him.
We'll have to fight him nonetheless, said Galzra. I'm ready.
Arya could here her dragon thrump in the back of her mind. The sound of him sounding so confident made her feel calm and secure. Thank you Galzra.
For what? asked Galzra.
Arya smiled. Never mind. I'm going into Eragon's room now. She stopped in front of her mate's door.
I'll be right there beside you, growled Galzra.
I'll probably need it with the way Eragon overreacts to some information, laughed Arya.
I will tell Saphira to make him think through the situation carefully then, promised Galzra.
Arya nodded to herself and opened Eragon's door and walked in with a blank expression. Eragon however, was brick red and looked as if he were about to kill someone. "Eragon--I know you must be upset that the scroll I found is written by Galbatorix, but--well--I think we should train in the Beor Mountains because I think that is where Galbatorix will go next." She said this as calmly as possible, but knew that it was a hopeless act. Eragon, she knew, could see through her fear; in a way Faolin never could.
"We leave first thing tomorrow," said Eragon in a strained voice. "If you will tonight, gather the provisions we will need." He looked away from her. "I would also wish to see the scroll."
Arya strode over to his bed and sat next to him. Without a second's delay, she forced herself into his chest and began sobbing softly. Eragon embraced her carefully. He held her close to him. Arya--what's wrong? he ventured to ask.
"I'm scared," murmured Arya softly. Her body shook uncontrolaby. "I just know that something terrible is going to happen before this is all over."
"Arya--to be afraid is to be normal," whispered Eragon. "I--Arya, you've been put through things that I couldn't dream of and you survived it all. The horrors you've seen, I couldn't imagine, but I am here for you. I believe that is my role as your mate."
Be careful what you say, little one, warned Saphira.
I am, replied Eragon. I'm not on thin ice yet.
Ah, but the key word is yet, said Saphira.
"Eragon, if I die will you promise me something?" asked Arya.
"I don't think you'll die, but I promise," answered Eragon smoothly. He swallowed a hard lump in his throat and looked down at his love. Suddenly, he felt weak. He fought to remain awake; at least until Arya left.
"Live a long and happy life," murmured Arya. "Don't make the same mistake as I have by closing your heart off to those who only wish to heal your wounds. Also, take care of Galzra."
"You have my word," whispered Eragon. He repeated this in the ancient language. His eyes fluttered shut.
"You're tired, are you not?" asked Arya. She looked up at him with soft eyes.
"Only a bit," answered Eragon before knowing no more.
Arya gently set him down and pulled the blankets over his sleeping form. "Sleep well, Eragon Shadeslayer." The dragon spirit only knows how much you need it. She kissed him on the forehead and placed the scroll on his nightstand before walking out of the room. She walked down the darkened cooridor to Nasuada's room.
"State your name and rank," ordered an Urgal guard.
"My name is Arya and my rank is of a Shurt'ugal," replied Arya coolly. "I wish to speak with Lady Nasuada if she isn't too busy."
"You may enter," grunted the Urgal.
Arya nodded and walked in to find Nasuada reading a scroll. "Lady Nasuada," she murmured. "I hope I am not interrupting you on anything or disturbing your peace."
"Not to worry Arya!" cried Nasuada in surprise. She rolled up the scroll and put it away. "So what can I help you with?"
"Have you ever heard of the Vault of Souls?" asked Arya seriously.
"By the way you ask this, you must have some information on this such subject," said Nasuada observantly. In response Arya nodded curtly. "Verywell, I'll tell you what I know, which isn't much. I heard my father and Angela talking when I was little. They said that it was found it in the Beor Mountains and had moved somewhere in Farthen Dur. Do you know what it does?"
"Not exactly," admitted Arya. "But that's why Eragon and I are going to set off with the dragons and find out. This may just mean the difference between winning and losing the war."
"Is that all?" asked Nasuada.
"With respect--no," answered Arya. "What do you plan on doing after this war is over?"
"Tomorrow I will resign my position as Varden leader and hand it down to someone who will do a better job than me," answered Nasuada sadly. "I believe it is the best choice out of my options."
"Who will then take the job?" asked Arya.
"It is likely Eragon will be selected," answered Nasuada.
Saphira, are you hearing this? asked Arya.
No, what's happening? asked Saphira.
Well, to sum it all up, Nasuada's resigning tomorrow and she says that it is likely Eragon will be selected to lead the Varden in her stead, explained Arya.
Do what you can for time! cried Saphira.
Arya sighed. "Are you sure that this is a wise choice Nasuada?" she asked. "Think about the Varden people and your father."
"I've already decided, Arya," murmured Nasuada.
"Before you really give up your position, think about the consequences," pressed Arya. "It may be true that you're pregnant, but should that really matter? Think this through and wait until Eragon and I have returned."
"I will, but you owe me," said Nasuada.
"Stay strong," said Arya. She placed a hand on Nasuada's shoulder. "You have those who are loyal to you till the end. Remember that."
Nasuada nodded, understanding the full responsibility of her situation. "Go; you have a journey to prepare for and a war to win." She smiled up at her elf friend.
"I will have Angela look after you until Eragon and I can return," said Arya before sweeping out of the room. She walked down the hall to the courtyard where Galzra and Saphira waited. I'm sorry, but you two will have to deal with saddles tonight.
Saphira hummed softly. No need to worry, she said softly. I'm only glad that I can finally feel the air again.
Arya laughed to herself at how predictable dragons were. Have you two eaten recently?
Only last night, answered Galzra proudly.
What about you Arya? asked Saphira. You look as though you haven't ate since the raid.
I'm fine, replied Arya. She called one of the soldier's over. He looked at the pair of dragon's, terrified. "Fetch me enough vegetables and bread for a week," she ordered. "I also want sleeping pallets for two people."
"Anything else, Shur'tugal?" he asked shakily.
Tell him to pack a small amount of meat, said Galzra.
"Enough meat for Galzra and Saphira for two days," replied Arya. "Tell no one what you're doing or who ordered you."
"Yes ma'am!" he cried and scurried off as fast as possible.
Is it me or did he seem frightened? asked Galzra.
Many are afraid of dragon's, said Arya sadly. Ever since the Fall many thought dragons to be evil creatures.
That's outrageous! cried Galzra, outraged.
It is, but now hopefully we can change peoples' ideals once Galbatorix is dead, said Arya. This war has brought many misunderstandings that I hope to see changed.
Eragon and I will see to that, promised Saphira.
Arya shook her head. Not if it costs your lives, she said firmly. I won't have it.
Live and let live; fairly take and fairly give, said Saphira.
Where did that come from? asked Arya.
I don't know, admitted Saphira.
The man came back with three packs full of food and two pallets. He left them by Arya's feet and hurried off to his post. Arya looked down at them, dumbfounded by the man's strange behavior. Could he have lost a family member due to either Shruikan and Galbatorix or Thorn and Murtagh?
It is possible; probable actually, replied Saphira.
Huh, ah well, sighed Arya. Saphira, could you go to the dragonroost and bring the saddles?
Saphira, instead of speaking, immediately took flight. She quickly gained altitude, leaving Galzra and Arya behind.
What are we going to do about water? asked Galzra.
I heard Eragon once tell how when he rescued me that he used magic to get access to water, answered Arya. We'll only bring what we need and leave the rest behind.
Arya--there's been something that I've been meaning to ask you for some time now, said Galzra.
What is it? asked Arya.
Are you disapointed that you're now a dragon rider? asked Galzra. I mean--now you have no real say in your destiny.
Galzra--you have brought me closer to Eragon and it's an honor for me to have you alongside me in battle, answered Arya, half-laughing. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Galzra nuzzled her gently. Arya patted his scaly nose and looked into his dark green eyes. Saphira came into veiw moments later with two saddles in her front legs. She set them down before landing. Arya saddled the two dragons and attatched the bags they would be carrying. How's that? she asked.
I'll be fine, relplied Saphira.
You worry too much, Arya, said Galzra. He smiled slyly before he took off with Saphira. We're going off to sleep now.
Be here at first light tomorrow, ordered Arya. She walked back to her room and grabbed Zar'roc. The sword's red hue glowed in the moonlight. She belted the old blade and walked into Eragon's room and sat at the foot of the bed.
She woke early the next morning to find that she had laid next to Eragon. The sky was still dark, meaning that she had time to bathe before setting off to Hrothgar's tomb. The very thought of visiting the grave made her feel somber and saddened. 'How will Eragon react though?' she wondered. She looked over at his sleeping form. 'Afterall, Eragon was close to Hrothgar.'
Eragon stirred in his sleep. He opened his eyes and looked up at Arya. "Good morning," he said, yawning.
"You still have some time to sleep yet, Eragon," said Arya.
"No--I need to move around before mounting Saphira," said Eragon stubbornly. "Did you ready the dragons?"
"Yes, I did everything you asked," answered Arya. "Are you sure you'll be fine to travel today?"
"We have to get to the Vault of Souls before Galbatorix does," replied Eragon. "This is bigger than you or I. Finding the Vault of Souls could decide the war. We must find it and discover how to use it to defeat Galbatorix."
Arya nodded, understanding. "You're growing up. You aren't the same boy I met two years ago."
"Has it really been that long?" asked Eragon. He looked dumbfounded.
"It has," replied Arya, laughing.
"It doesn't seem so," admitted Eragon. "Living in Ellesmera all that time has made me ablivious to time. I still wish to go back. I liked it there."
"As soon as the war is over you may come and go as you please," said Arya. "Come, you need to bathe before we depart. I will not have you smelling the entire journey."
Eragon chuckled at her comment. Saphira, never allow me to forget my love for this woman, he told his friend.
You have naught to worry little one, replied Saphira. Arya has my blessings as far as being your mate.
Thank you, skullblaka frieka, murmured Eragon. He allowed Arya to help him walk to the tub they would bathe in. Arya heated the water with only two words of the ancient language and turned to face the young rider.
"The water is heated," she said softly. "Will you not join me?" She began to undress. Eragon nodded dumbly and watched her for a few moments before following her into the tub. "Eragon--what are we going to do after Galbatorix is dead--that is if we both survive?" she asked shyly.
"Live our lives how they're met to be lived," answered Eragon simply. 'But how is that? I was born and raised with Galbatorix in power. How am I supposed to live then with him gone? It's likely that I'll be chosen to take Galbatorix's place with those of the Varden behind me making all the desitions.' He sighed helplessly. "To be honest; I don't know," he admitted. "I never lived a day without Galbatorix in power. Grant he hasn't ruled over me since Saphira came to me, but I can't pretend that it'll be wierd once he's dead." Arya laughed to herself. "What?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Nothing; just you really think things through now. I like it. It brings out more of your character."
"Women," snorted Eragon. Saphira, you're supposed to be helping me! he cried out mentally.
It's fun watching you struggle with her though, laughed Saphira. Actually, you're doing quite good in not saying anything that could upset her. Just now you even made her laugh.
"Eragon, never forget that I have my ways of punishing you," teased Arya. She loved having fun with this man. She learned early that she could never stay mad at him or blame him for his atroceties.
"And what do you mean by that?" asked Eragon sarcastically. He sometimes hated how this woman sitting next to him, nude could play with his feelings like this. At first, it truly hurt him, but now he knew that she would toy with his emotions no matter what just to feel some control.
"You know perfectly well what I mean," laughed Arya. She smiled at him.
Could you two save the arguement and hurry up and get ready? asked Galzra, vexed at the pairs' disscussion.
We'll be in the courtyard in an hour, replied Arya. She turned to Eragon with a more serious expression. "We must hurry," she said. "Galzra has a point that the sooner we get to the Beor Mountains the quicker we find the secrets to the Vault of Souls." Eragon nodded and the two of them washed in silence.
Ten minutes later they climbed out and dried the water from their bodies. Eragon dressed in a tan tunic with brown leggings while Arya wore a green tunic with red leggings. They walked back to Eragon's room and pulled on boots.
"How has Zar'roc suited you?" asked Eragon seriously.
"Good enough that I can fight fairly," answered Arya. "But I wish to get a new sword when possible."
Eragon nodded, understanding her reasons. "I'm sure we'll find one with a green hue to it," he said softly.
"How has Silbena mor'ranr suited you?" asked Arya.
"I like my sword," replied Eragon. He took up that very sword and belted it to his side. The familiar weight of the sword made him feel comfortable. "Shall we leave now?" Arya nodded and supported him to the courtyard.
Disclaimer: I think this is the longest chapter I've put out so far. I hope you're happy. I spent three sleepless nights working on this one chapter.