The sky was a blanket of black velvet across the land. Rain fell in turrets, slamming against the Rider's armor. The Rider lay on the ground, his armor covered in the murky mud. A crimson blade protruded out of his breast, a red liquid oozing its way down the armor and forming a puddle in the mud. The hilt of the blade was clutched by another armored hand. The blade was yanked from the dead Rider's body, and dangled at its wielder's side. The wielder of the sword lifted his visor and two, deep, chocolate eyes stared blankly down at the dead Rider at his feet. An armored foot kicked the fallen Rider, nudging him to one side. His visor fell. An older set of eyes stared up at the younger ones. They revealed hurt, betrayal, and disgust. The younger eyes' gaze hardened and plunged the crimson blade into the fallen Rider's breast once more, a blood-curdling cry erupting from a ruby mass of teeth and steel.
Eragon shot up, his body drenched from head to toe in a cold sweat. His breath was jagged, and he breathed in as deeply as consciousness would allow. The Rider buried his face in his palms and slowly ran his fingers over his chocolate hair.
Another dream… he thought wearily.
It had been two weeks since the trip to Helgrind. Two weeks since Serena had been captured. Two weeks since he and Roran had finally gotten their long-needed revenge. Still, the dreams had never ceased.
This one had been haunting him over and over again, for the past few days. And in each one, Eragon was the one standing over his crestfallen brother, Zar'roc's blade dripping in Murtagh's blood.
Are you all right, little one? Eragon jumped as Saphira made herself known in his mind. Then, he relaxed as he saw her trod up to his bed from her nest of hay.
The Rider shook his head. No, I'm not. He admitted. The dreams are only getting worse. I don't like this…
He felt Saphira's cool essence flow through his mind. Let me help you, little one… She pleaded.
Eragon almost gave in to her request, but then pushed her back mentally. If I am to grow stronger, I cannot continue to depend on you.
The sapphire dragon frowned. That is the very reason why I hatched for you, Eragon. She spoke softly. Brom told you that this road would be long and perilous. Well, he also told you that I am supposed to make that road less perilous. How can I do that when you push me away? Her tone sounded hurt and abandoned.
Eragon looked up into Saphira's sapphire-blue eyes and collapsed against her. I don't know how to do this, Saphira! He cried into her. The battle is coming, I know it is. I will have to face Murtagh one, final time, and I don't think I can do it!
Saphira closed her eyes and wrapped her wings around her Rider. Nothing that I can say will make your suffering disappear, little one, that much I know. But do remember, little one, that you are not going through this alone.
The Rider looked up into his dragon's eyes again.
She also has a sibling in Galbatorix's clutches, not to mention that they are both his spawn. Do you think that she is not suffering as you are?
Eragon looked away from her. It is not the same with Serena. He whispered. She has never known her father or her sister.
Does that mean that she is unable to feel doubt?
Eragon froze.
Does this mean that Serena will not hesitate to kill her own flesh and blood? Saphira's voice wasbeginning to show anger. How can you think this, little one? How can you possible believe that she will kill without remorse? The sapphire dragon sighed and looked away. You and she are in the same boat, Eragon. When the time comes, both of you will have to face your demons.
I know that, Saphira–
Do you? Saphira's sapphire-blue eyes blazed.
Eragon's eyes filled with frustration and anger. I don't think I would be having these nightmares if I didn't think I would be forced to kill Murtagh, Saphira!
Saphira looked away, shame filling her expression. I am sorry, little one, but I worry about you. Can I not worry about my little one? She leaned close to him and rested her forehead against his strong shoulder. Am I not allowed to worry for your safety?
The Rider's gaze softened and a smile crept across his face. Of course you can, Saphira. He reached up and stroked the side of her face. But I cannot continue to rely on your power to help me. I have to face Murtagh again, I know that now, but...
But you doubt that you will be able to kill him, is that it?
Saphira felt him hesitate, but the Rider nodded. That's right. I don't think I can kill him, Saphira.
The sapphire dragon let out a rush of hot breath on Eragon's skin. You know that you must, Eragon–
I know that I must, He repeated, trying to convince even himself. But I still feel that, when I come face-to-face with him, I will not be able to kill him.
When the time comes, Eragon, you will know.
Eragon was startled by his dragon's words. How do you know, Saphira? How do you know
The dragon gave an indifferent shrug. I just know that even though you are confused now, when the time comes, you will know exactly what you have to do. A smile curled across her scaly face. And about more than one subjects, I might add.
Eragon felt the blush rise to his cheeks. He knew that she meant what he was going to do about Serena and Arya. Even though he knew for a fact that his dragon was right about Murtagh, he was not so sure that he would ever know what to do about those two girls...
Hiya, guys. uhh...please don't hate me! finals have been kicking my youknowwhat lately, soI haven't had the time to sit down and write. plus, writer's block is really starting to take its toll.
okay, so i'm getting mixed reading from ya'll. The final question: SERENA OR ARYA? oh, and... WHO DO YOU WANT TO KILL GALBATORIX! A: ERAGON B: MURTAGH(you don't get to ask me how) C: KORIN(not on that one, either) D: SERENA
answer me, guys! i need to know what you want to read. if i don't get at least ten reviews answering both questions, i'm picking on my own! and you have NO SAY. okay, i'm not that mean...XP point being: GET THOSE REVIEWS IN! YAAAAAAAAAAAAY CHAPTER 50! and i really need ideas, guys...i'm literally DYING here...
thanx a lot! Shadeslayer390
