Disclaimer: No Characters, plot lines, places, or anything else from The Inheritance Cycle belong to me. I simply played with them and warped them to my own twisted imagination.

A/N: I would like to Thank my Beta 'Sharnorasian Empire' for all the work she did in editing this chapter.

Chapter 32

Eryana, Arya and their dragons flew slow circles around the marching troops. This was one of the things she hated about marching. They always had to wait for the troops as they moved slower than a dragon. They followed for a few hours at the slow pace not talking, simply content with the presence of their link. Eventually Eryana couldn't handle it any longer, let's fly ahead and see if we can spot the Empire's troops. Maybe we can figure out the best place to meet them in battle.

When she got her partners' agreement she reached out with her mind to locate Blodhgram's. The elf was serving as their connection to the ground and relayed the message.

As you wish, Shurtugal. The elf answered, I will inform General Stronghammer of the matter. When shall we expect to see you again?

We will return before night fall. Eryana assured him. We simply wish to see if we can determine what we are up against and try and find a decent place to meet them in battle.

Aye, Shurtugal Blodhgram agreed. We will see you then.

Eryana withdrew from his mind and turned her attention to her mate and her dragons. It's a three day march for the main army to Dras-Leona from Belatona. If our men can keep up the pace through most of night they should reach the planes between the River and the city sometime tomorrow eve. It is a 4 day march from Uru'baen to Dras-Leona at a steady pace. So the question is how fast are they moving and when did they leave?

Do you really think that we can catch them before they reach the city, my rider Arya asked, if our information was correct they were on track to leave two days ago. If they did we will be meeting them at Dras-Leona's doors. Which is not a good place to be.

How soon did Nasuada believe they would be able to leave? Eryana asked did we ever hear?

Aye, blue eyes. Eridor answered, she sent a messenger to Roran and Blodhgram while you two were busy with Catlin. They expected to be able to march with the majority of the Army by tomorrow afternoon. They were to leave 500 troops of so to see to the transport of the supplies and tents, while 1000 were staying to help secure the city and protect our families. Once the battle was decided some our troops would return to escort our families here.

So if they leave by tomorrow at noon, even pushing their march it would still be 4 days before they arrive. She thought, and the elves what of them?

Blodhgram expects our reinforcements to arrive tomorrow as well. Saphira answered, The Queen was increasing the speed of their march and will probably be here in 3 days.

Eryana fell silent as she thought it all through. They were pushing their luck and so much was falling to chance. Did they leave two days ago? Or where they delayed? Would Nasuada and the Varden reach them in time? Or would they be on their own? Would the Empire's soldiers inside city stay and watch? Or would they come out and fight? Should she have waited and marched with the rest of the army and just taken the chance at willing the siege? Should she have…

Eryana, her mate's loving voice cut off her thoughts and brought her back to reality. We will figure everything out, my rider. You are all that you can and you have made the right choices so far.

I'm not sure I like this. She admitted and when alls he got was silence she explained, I'm not sure I like being such a central focus in this war. Fighting when I have to was fine, but leading all these troops. Becoming a dominate power in this fight. I thank the heavens that you, and Saphira, and Eridor are here to help me, because I'm not sure I could do it on my own.

Stop this nonsense, little one. Saphira ordered. Don't you realize that you have done it on your own? Every choice made in the last few weeks, every decision has been yours. We have simply offered our council and our support.

She's right, my rider. Arya said softly, like it or not, Eryana, you are leading this war now. Nasuada might not have realized it yet, but the rest of the Generals have. Orik has, my mother has. I know the change is been quick and it is hard to grasp, but you are now leading this war and you are doing an amazing job at it.

Eryana fell silent again, her mind whirling with thoughts, plans and possibilities. They let her have her silence for a while before Eridor asked; changing the topic for the moment, how long do you expect us to be in Ellesmera?

Hum? Eryana was startled at the change of topic but accepted it. Time including travel to and from or simply in the city?

Total time. Eridor corrected.

Well I would expect it to take 5 to 7 days for us to make it there; depending on how fast we travel. Eryana said thoughtfully And then of course 5-7 days back. I would think we could finish out training in a month, maybe a month and a half, so a couple months total. It won't be pleasant traveling in the dead of winter, but it will be necessary.

And where will be staying, my love? Arya asked, your tree house isn't big enough for all four of us and we can't stay in the palace. I'm not sure about Orimis's hut. I don't think either of us wants to stay there.

We'll find a place, princess. Eryana assured her. We'll talk to your mother about it after this is over.

Look Saphira interrupted their conversation.

Eryana scanned the ground but saw nothing, where, my dragon?

Towards Uru'baen Saphira directed her, on the other side of the river.

Eryana shook her head, As good as our eyes may be, even we can't see for the leagues that you can, Saphira.

Then merge your senses with mine. She sounded somewhat exasperated.

Eryana chuckled as she did as she was instructed and directed her vision towards Uru'baen. What she saw there made her hiss and she could feel her lover having the same reaction. She scanned the groups, did the calculations and latterly moaned.

That's 15,000 soldiers. If it was anyone else her tone could have been called whining He sent them all at once. Or does he have even more that he plans of sending?

I believe that he sent them all at once. Arya said thoughtfully. They are not as close as I would have suspected and they are moving slowly. They do not seem to be in a hurry to reach the city. They couldn't have left until today or late yesterday. At the rate they are moving they won't even reach the river until late tonight.

Is it a trap? Eryana asked the group, or is he arrogant enough to think that we wouldn't learn of his plans, or that we wouldn't act accordingly.

I'm not sure. Arya admitted, but I do know that it will be nearly another day and a half before they are on this side of the river. Either going south and around, or crossing it will take them nearly a day. We could meet them in the plains, closer to the river and further away from the city. It will cut off an easy means of retreat for them if we forced their backs to the river.

But their numbers will be a problem, Eryana reminded her. That's three to one odds, in their favor.

Aye, blue eyes, it is. Eridor agreed, but we have the best warriors fighting with us. 2500 elves will equal 5000 of them, plus the Kull.

What if they are the Ones that feel no pain? Eryana countered.

Aim for the heads? Saphira suggested and when Eryana growled she added, I do not believe they will be. I believe he will send Magicians, but he is simply looking to reinforce the numbers in the city. I don't think he would expand the energy necessary to create them.

Eryana could sense Eridor's agreement, and Arya's apprehension. Arya? She questioned lightly.

I think they are right about the type of troops and the numbers. Arya agreed. But I'm not sure we have thought about the fact that we won't be able to fight on our Dragon's backs.

What do you mean little one? Eridor asked his rider.

However, it was Eryana that answered, She's right. We will not be able to fight from your back. If we are to go into battle against such numbers then the warriors will need all of the support and moral boast they can get. Seeing us on the ground, fighting with them will do that.

Then we will fight with you on the ground, Saphira argued.

No, Eryana countered her dragon. You have no armor. Neither does Eridor. It's too dangerous for you to fight on the ground without it. You will have to stay in the air, out of the way of arrows and use your fire to thin their forces.

I do not like this, Saphira sighed, but I will comply.

I don't like it either, Saphira. Eryana admitted, but it has its advantages. You can help thin their ranks and at the same time keep a lookout for a trap or reinforcements.

So be it both Saphira and Eridor agreed, Shall we head back?

Eryana looked over at her mate and see what she wanted to do. Aye, Arya agreed, let's head back.

Are you alright, my love? Eryana asked when she could sense a mixture of emotions coming over their link.

Aye, my rider. Arya said softly, I'm just worried about how things will play out. How are you holding up?

My strength is returning. Eryana said softly, knowing her lover's true fear of her having to fight in less than perfect for. I will pull some power from the ring before the battle begins if I need to. Everything will be alright.

Please, don't promise me things you can't guarantee. Arya said softly. And we both know that it one of them.

I can't explain it Arya, but I know, I just know that everything will be all right. And we both know that it one of them.

I can't explain it Arya, but I know, I just know that everything will be all right. Eryana tried to reassure her mate.

How can you be so sure? Arya's voice held a slight desperation. We are in the middle of a war.

Because I love you, Arya. Eryana answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, I know that we are meant to live a long and happy life together, away from all of this. We are meant to have children together and spend an eternity in our love.

Arya didn't answer, she didn't need to, her love and acceptance was clearly felt over the bond. It was late evening, just being night fall when they met back up with their Army. Roran saw them approaching and addressed Baldor, "Let's call a halt for an hour for rest and food. We need to talk to Arya and Eryana before we move on."

Baldor nodded and stood up in his saddle, "HALT!" He hollered, "ONE HOUR BREAK FOR REST AND FOOD. THEN WE MOVE ON."

Eryana could hear the command being repeated as they landed and dismounted. She made her way over to stand by Eridor. She didn't offer her mate help, knowing she wouldn't like that in public. Instead she simply wanted for the land on the ground before offering her an arm. Arya smiled at her slightly as she took it and allowed Eryana to lead her to where the other Generals were gathered.

Roran offered them some bread and honey before speaking, "So what did you find."

"Well they obviously didn't leave as quickly as they planed, because they won't reach the river before late tonight." Eryana said offering her mate her canteen full of water, "And they aren't in any hurry to get anywhere, they are marching slowly." She took a piece of honey lathered bread and took a bite.

"It will take them nearly a day to reach this side of the river." Arya continued for her mate, "So we should be able to meet them on the plains closer to the river. We can block their retreat by placing the river on their backs. The elves will come from the north and can attack from the side and that gives us two sides to worry about."

Roran nodded but asked, "Why do I sense a 'but' in there somewhere."

"Well cousin," Eryana answered taking another sip, "that would be because there is." She looked at those gathered around them; Roran, Baldor, Albriech, and Blodhgram were all waiting somewhat patiently. "There are nearly 15000 of them. We are facing three to one odds.

Roran literally groaned. "Of course we are." He said to no one in particular. "Please tell me that they are, at the least, not the Men who feel no pain."

"We can't be certain," Eryana admitted, "But we do not believe so."

"Well that is something." Baldor spoke up. "Do we continue?"

"Aye." Eryana answered, "I see no alternative. Nothing has changed. We still cannot allow them to make it to the city." When they nodded she added, "Arya and I will be fighting on the ground with you. Saphira and Eridor will keep to the air. They will attack the back lines with fire and keep a lookout."

Albriech sighed slightly, "That will be good for morale, to have you two on the ground. You are our best warriors."

Roran stood up, "It's time to move on. Will you two march with us or take to the air again?"

He watched as the two riders conversed silently with themselves and then their dragons. "We'll walk for a while. Saphira and Eridor want to take to the air and work on some things."

When he nodded Eryana turned towards Blodhgram. "Will you contact Nasuada and then the elves? Let them know of the developments and where we plan of fighting." When he bowed his head she added, "You might want to inform them to come as quickly as possible. We could probably use all the help we can get."

"At Once, Eryana-elda." Blodhgram said bowing.

"Thank you, Master Elf." Eryana answered with a bow in return.

Turning to their dragons she asked, do you want to keep the saddles on or should we make other arrangements?

We will keep them and the bags. Eridor answered. We will have to wear them while you fight anyway.

Eryana nodded as she and her mate made their way to the saddles. Taking a moment they dug through them to pull out anything they might need while their dragons were gone and then secured them closely, knowing they would probably be doing aerial maneuvers. Don't forget that Glaedr's Eldunari is among my things. She advised Saphira and when she got a snort in return she just laughed. Have fun you two, but keep close. She said rubbing her dragon's leg, before stepping away with Arya and watching them take flight.

They stood still for a few moments before they turned and joined Roran and the others in the march.