Magic is Force

by PatriotCrusader

In a war-torn galaxy between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic, one lonely Force-user must bring balance to the Force. But the Force works in mysterious ways...Our Force-user is transported, by the Force, to the land of Alagaesia. There he must forge his path, make alliances with familiar characters, and bring order to the continent.

16. Chapter 13 Part 2

Magic is Force: Chapter 13 Part B

When Karn woke, he could have sworn he was still imprisoned in the dark abyss. However, small dots of light littered the sky and he realized that night had enveloped the land of Alagaesia. Trees encircled the camp swaying in the breeze. A blanket was drawn over his length, protecting his bare chest from the cool night air. Rubbing his hands over his chest, Karn was surprised to find his wounds that Durza inflicted upon him were healed. Who healed me? Several feet away, a small bonfire was a blaze warming a casted iron pot. And sitting by the fire, stirring stick in hand, was Angela and Solembum grooming himself.

Karn gazed at the herbalist, watching her stir the contents of the pot. Her hair was unkempt making her curls seem wavier. Slight bags were formed under her eyes, Karn could only guess from lack of sleep. However, she possessed a look of worry on her face.

"Angela." Karn spoke faintly. His voiced cracked and noticed that his throat was dry.

Turning her gaze away from the brewing stew, Angela was surprised to see Karn awake. Her eyes became wide eyed and the worry that had stricken her face was replaced with relief. "Karn!" Instantly, Karn felt something odd. Emotions of joy and anxiety sprouted in his chest. However, they were not his own.

What was that? He thought to himself just as Angela quickly came over, kneeling down next to him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Tired." He remembered his dry throat whilst his stomach produced a low rumbling. "I guess I'm parched and starving as well."

"Wait a moment." Angela walked over to a set of traveling bags and pulled out a wineskin and checked the stew, stirring it. Solembum, ears perked up, and silently walked over next to Karn.

You've given us quite the scare, young man. The werecat stared at him intently with its big red eyes.

"Where am I?" Karn asked looking about the vicinity. "The last thing I remember, I was in Gil'ead, but then you – you and Angela found me."

"We are three days south from Gil'ead." Angela said by the bonfire. She held a wooden bowl in her hand and replaced the stirring stick for a metal ladle. Scooping the stew and pouring it into the bowl, Angela return next to Karn and helped Karn upright, and held the bowl out to him.

"I've been asleep for three days?" Karn asked surprised.

"Yes. Solembum and I have been traveling the road south to Bullridge. She took his hands and helped Karn hold the stew-filled bowl. "Eat Karn. You need to regain your strength."

Raising the bowl to his lips, Karn swallowed the stew which consisted of pieces of meat, cheese, and herbs providing it a delicious taste. The warmth seeped into his body relaxing his muscles and he could feel some strength return to him. However, the feeling of Angela's hands distracted him – they were smooth and soft. Karn felt himself become a little bit warmer, and not just due to the stew.

When he swallowed the last bits of the stew, Karn let Angela take the bowl away and was grateful when she traded the bowl for the wineskin. The cool liquid felt refreshing to his throat and he drank several mouthfuls before returning it. "Thank you." A small smile slipped across Angela's face as she left to refill the bowl with more stew.

It's good to see that your eyes have returned to their original color. I disliked seeing the sulfur color that had replaced them, mentioned Solembum.

"Parden?" Karn said confused. The werecat strolled up to him and jumped onto his lap. When we found you, your once blue eyes were replaced with fiery red and yellow. Now they no longer are. It's curious.

The mention of the Karn's eyes changing put Karn on the edge. Remembering his fight with Durza, Karn felt his rage and hatred get the better of him and he succumbed to it. The Darkside. I've been losing myself to it! Panic began to fill his mind. However, Solembums struck a chord in him. "Wait, you said my eyes are blue once again?"

Yes. A bright iridescent blue.

The surge of panic was easily dismissed and Karn released a gasp of relief. I've got to learn better control over my emotions. I can't let something like that ever happen again. Angela returned with a renewed bowl of stew. Karn accepted it and with much gusto, he began to devour the warm meat stew.

Angela sat herself down right next to Karn and watched him intently. "Karn, what happened in Gil'ead?" she asked. "What's happened to Brom and Eragon?"

Grief filled Karn and he felt himself losing his appetite. The thought of seeing Brom stabbed by the Ra'zac and dying in the cave caused his chest to feel tight. He slowly lowered the bowl down, contemplating where he should start.

"Karn?" Angela said his name again. "What's happened?"

He lowered his gaze away from Angela, hiding his face. "Brom's dead…Eragon's gone."

Angela stared at Karn in disbelief. "Brom's dead?" she repeated with shock. "What do you mean Eragon's gone?"

"It's exactly as I said…Brom's dead. And Eragon's gone. I don't know where he's at now."

Pressure was placed on Karn's hand he saw Angela place hers over his own. He looked up with sorrow filled eyes towards the woman. She stared back at him with concern. "What happened?"

The past events all came swarming back to the forefront of Karn's mind. Each event appeared as a recorded holovid to him. "It all started after we left Tierm," Karn said beginning the tale of their journeys after Teirm. He explained their travels that day, from leaving the city, encountering the hunting bands of Urgals. The arrival at Dras Leona, Karn's experience at the slave market and the unexpected encounter with the Raz'ac. Fleeing the city with the worry of being hunted; then the Raz'ac's ambush later that night. The horror Karn felt when Brom was stabbed by the Raz'ac and then the appearance of their mysterious savior, Murtagh. The days spent trying to ease Brom's pain as he slipped ever closer to death and then eventually burring him. The month long travels along the road until eventually coming to the city of Gil'ead where they were ambushed, once again, by Urgals – who had taken Eragon captive. The next week spent planning escape plans, with Murtagh, and then the last ditch effort to free Eragon. The discovering of an elf in the dungeons and to finally coming up face-to-face with Durza – the Shade.

"When Durza appeared in the banquet hall, the air grew heavy and it was hard to breath. Eragon and Murtagh were prepared to fight the Shade but I knew they were not able to stand against him. So I ultimately decided to face the Shade alone."

"And you let Eragon escape with Murtagh and the elf? How?" Angela asked.

Karn grew hesitant about answering her question. Brom made a great effort to conceal Eragon's secret about being a Dragon Rider. How could he possibly reveal that information.

They flew on a dragon didn't they? Solembum spoke up.

Karn sat still, frozen. The werecat was cleaning itself, acting as if there was nothing wrong. Eragon's a Dragon Rider isn't he?

Unable to refuse the claim, Karn nodded his head. "Yes. Eragon's a Dragon Rider. But how did you know?"

I could tell when we spoke at Angela's shop. He possesses a certain 'impression' that only Dragon Rider's have.

"Humpf. That sure explains a lot." Angela said as she crossed her arms but remained quite focused on the tale. "I knew he was special."

Continuing on with his tale Karn explained, "Yes. Eragon and the others escaped on Saphira – his dragon. Just before they were about to flee, Durza charged but I managed to stop him with my light-" Karn stopped himself mid-sentence. He came very close to exposing himself to the herbalist and the werecat.

"You're 'light' what?" Angela asked, her voice filled with curiosity?

The close mention of his lightsabers actually caused Karn to feel around his person for his weapon. They weren't on his waist or lying next to him. Where are my lightsabers? Placing the bowl of stew down, Karn threw the blanket off him, growing worried where his weapons may be. Solembum produced a low grumble when he was forced off Karn's lap.

"Where are they?!" Karn said aloud. He searched the ground around him but didn't see any sign of his lightsabers. "What are you looking for?" Angela asked, staring at him confused.

"My lightsabers!" Karn said before he could stop himself. Panic had made him forget his need for secrecy over finding his precious weapons.

"Lightsabers?" Angela repeated his words. "Oh, you mean that metal cylinder?"

"Yes!" Karn said trying to get up to his feet. "Where is it?"

Placing up a finger, illustrating 'one second,' Angela walked over to the traveling bags, and pulled a wrapping of cloth. Unravelling the cloth, Karn could make out the glittering metallic surface of his lightsabers – still coupled together.

Karn met her half way and held out his hand, "Give it to me."

Angela began extending her arm out to return Karn's lightsaber before she suddenly retracted it away. "I will return it to you, but you must answer my questions." She said being facetious.

"I'm not going to deal with your games right now, Angela," growled Karn. Without warning, Karn shot his arm out attempting to reclaim his lightsabers. Faster than he had expected however, Angela moved the lightsaber out of his reach. "Answer my questions, then you'll get it back."

A snarl formed across Karn's face as he glared at the herbalist. "Fine. Ask your questions and let's be done."

Angela motioned her hand to his bedroll, "Go ahead and sit down. It'll be a while." Karn reluctantly gave in to her order and sat himself down on the bedroll. A gurgle noise produced from his stomach and Karn took the bowl of stew. "I'm surprised you're already up and moving. You recover very quickly," she added.

"I've have a strong constitution."

One of her lean eyebrows curved up, "Oh is that so? I believe it's because of something else."

A knot began to form in his stomach at hearing hear words. Making an effort to not show any sign of concern, Karn forced himself to swallow the food, even though the knot tried to not allow him. "And what do you possibly think that is?"

A finger came towards him and poked at his chest, right around his heart. "You have the ability to use magic," said Angela bluntly.

"That's impossible. I don't use magic," refuted Karn.

"Then how was it you were able to stand up against a Shade, and live? Huh?" Angela grew closer to him and a small smirk appeared on her face. "How is it that when you were caught by the guards in Teirm, the soldiers floated into the air and you proclaimed yourself a 'sorcerer'?"

The question took Karn by surprise and caused him to choke on the bits of meat that floated down his throat. "How'd you know about that?!" Karn said through spurts of coughs.

Oh that would be my fault. Solembum said as he rubbed his back against Angela's thigh. After I warned you of the changing of the guards, I stuck around to see how the night would play out. I sat on top of one of the darkened ramparts and watched as I saw you, Eragon, Brom, and Jeod became encircled. I was quite surprised to see you raise the guards into the air and admit to the entire courtyard that you were a sorcerer. Quite reckless, but bold. After you escaped, I returned to Angela's shop and told her what had transpired.

"So it is true? You can use magic?" Angela asked as she held his gaze. For several quiet seconds, Karn tried to think of some explanation but nothing came to him. You could always tell them, a thought occurred to him. The very idea seemed absurd – there was no possible chance that Angela or Solembum would believe that he was from another world. The seconds rolled passed without anyone speaking, only a silent stare down between Karn and Angela. Don't you want to have someone else know who you really are? You'd feel less lonely if someone else knew. Besides, Angela did save your life, you at least owe her that. His inner thoughts made valid points. When Karn told Eragon, Brom, and Saphira his true identity, he felt some measure of peace. Now that he no longer traveled with them, he felt isolated again.

As he gazed at Angela's deep amber eyes though, Karn felt something tug at him – not physically but internally. For some reason, Karn felt himself drawn to her – as if he could depend on her. A slight spark of attachment came too. Perhaps I should…she did save me anyway. Taking in a deep breath of air Karn, exhaled letting all the built-up tension in his stomach ease up a bit. "…It's not that simple."

A satisfactory look filled Angela's face as she crossed her arms. "Finally, a decent answer. What do you mean though, when it's not that simple?"

Ruffling the hair on the back on his head, Karn began to contemplate how to explain his identity. "I do not use magic but I do possess a power – a power no one here in Alagaesia has."

A very interested gleam seemed to ignite in Angela's eyes, and suddenly, Karn felt anxiety sweep off of her. For the first time, Karn could sense the woman's emotions. "And what power is that?" she asked.

Karn hesitated, wondering if she would believe the words he was about to speak. However, as he continued to stare at her eyes, the tugging at his chest grew. "I possess a power that only people from my world can use." The look on Angela's face grew rigid. "I'm not from Alagaesia, I come from a different universe where we possess a power called the 'Force'." The nervousness that Karn felt from Angela grew in strength. "In my universe, I'm known as…as a Grey Knight."

(Character Change)

"I possess a power that only people from my world can use." Meetra's face grew rigid as the words she's has waited so long to hear began to leave his lips. "I'm not from Alagaesia, I come from a different universe where we possess a power called the 'Force'." Outwardly, Meetra was calm, her body showing no sign shock. However inwardly, Meetra felt like her body was shaking uncontrollably. Finally, the boy admitted it. It's true, he's a Force-user! Meetra's mind went numb as her mind replayed his words over in her head and she nearly missed his last words.

"In my universe, I'm known as…as a Grey Knight," Karn confessed. The words confused her. From Karn's actions and through her connection to the Force, Meetra could have sworn that the young Force-user was going to call himself a Sith. Surprisingly, he did not. A Grey Knight? What is that?

Lowering his head, Meetra could sense Karn's insecurities through their bond. "You probably think I'm a madman, don't you?"

It was hard for her to believe such a thing when she knew that he was speaking the truth – whether Karn could see that. Reaching out Meetra placed a hand on his shoulder. The gesture surprised him as he quickly looked up with a confused look on his face. "Of course not. I believe you, Karn," she said and produced a reassuring smile.

"Just like that?" he said bewildered. "You're just going to believe me, just like that?"

"When I first met you," Meetra began. "I could tell you were different. The way you walked, the way you presented yourself. The weapon you carried at your side, I knew for certain that was not of this world."

"Huh. I guess you could see right through me then."

"More or less," Meetra said shrugging her shoulders.

The thoughts and questions that began to develop Meetra's mind put her, latterly in hyperdrive. She was desperate to know what in fact these 'Grey Knights' were – never before had she heard that term used to describe a group of Force sensitives. Another question Meetra was dying to ask was how Karn came to Alagaesia in the first place. So many questions, but I have all the time in the world though.

Meetra inhaled a breath of air, preparing to ask her series of questions when Karn intercepted with his own question. "Who healed my injuries, Angela? Was it you?"

"Yes. It was me. It took some but I managed to mend the wounds."

"They were quite severe though. To be able to mend them that quickly would require the use of magic…Are you a magic user like Eragon and Brom?"

The mention of 'magic' made Meetra silent. Concern for her own identity began to plague her – Meetra wasn't ready to tell Karn that she was a Jedi. He'd probably wouldn't even believe her. She would be the one acting like a madman – well madwoman actually. And perhaps, she was nervous how Karn would react to her.

You're going to have to tell him. Solembum said to her as he began to stretch out on the ground, preparing to fall asleep.

I can't tell him! He wouldn't believe it – not a single one of it. She refuted.

Perhaps. But then again, you'll never know unless you 'dive in'."

Meetra was contemplating Solembum's words. She was very adamant in her thinking that Karn wouldn't believe her. It would seem too much of a coincidence for him…But perhaps she could bend the truth a little. "Uh well, yes," Meetra began to create the incomplete truth. "I have some experiencing with 'magic.'" Of course Meetra was referencing magic with the Force. "That is how I was able to quickly mend your wounds and preserve your life. You were nearly beyond my scope of healing."

"Thank you, Angela," he bowed his head in gratitude. "I don't know where I would be know if it weren't for your rescue."

"Think nothing of it. Actually –"

If I can interject. The werecat said walking in between the two Force-users, But I have a question I must ask.

"Was that really necessary?" Meetra said disgruntled at Solembum for butting right during her questioning.

It is. This question is truly important. Turning so his big red stared directly at Karn, the hair on Solembum's back began to stand-on-end. Did you kill the Shade, the one you fought?

"Durza? Yes, I killed him. I wrapped my hand with lightning and impaled him in the abdomen and electrocuted him."

Without warning Solembum quickly brought one of his big furry paws across cheek, stunning Meetra and especially Karn. "What was that for?" growled Karn.

You fool! You didn't kill the shade – he's still alive.

Karn's face when slightly pale, "But I saw him – he screamed in pain and turned into a cloud of smoke and disappear."

No no no! Solembum shaking his head, and ruffling his whiskers. The only way one can destroy a Shade is by stabbing them in the heart. Any other mortal wound will result in the Shade becoming temporarily disembodied, and would reappear elsewhere in spirit form before returning to a body, healed. This process is unpleasant for the Shade and extremely painful, but had no lasting consequences.

As if waves crashing against the shore, Meetra felt Karn's fear crash upon her. She winced slightly at the touch of emotions, trying her best to shield herself. "So..." hesitated Karn. "Somewhere, Durza is returning back to life?"

Yes. Solembum said as he began licking his paws – grooming himself. However there's more you need to know…Shades are actually strengthened from being disembodied.

The waves of fear grew in strength, crashing against Meetra's mental barriers. She stared at him with concern as Karn's face grew paler. His hands were clenched tight making his knuckles turn white.

"He's getting stronger?" Karn said slowly, the fear was clearly evident in his voice.

Yes. That is why there have only been so few killed in all of Alagaesia's history. For every mortal wound received and become disembodied, strengthens the Shade's powers. The next time – should you ever face him again – you will be no match for him.

Meetra was about to speak to relieve the tension before Karn's fear broke through her mental barriers. She quickly panicked trying to reestablish them. However before she could - images began to fill her vision.

Standing in the middle of a shambled banquet hall, a pale man garbed in crimson robes and fiery red hair stood laughing over a bloody and battered Karn. Clutched in the man's hand was an etched sword that pierced the bare skin of the young Grey Knight's shoulder. Blood pooled down the blade and the man's chest, his screams filled the banquet hall. The Shade's maniacal laugh resounded off the floor, and walls joining Karn's screams.

The image faded into the back of her mind and Meetra felt her body tremble slightly. Karn's fear had affected her and resulted in her own gaining control of her. The vision that just appeared concerned her greatly. The Shade seemed exceedingly powerful and mad. But what worried her the most was the turmoil that Karn was put through. She stared at him with a new sense of sympathy. He was put through so much pain…and yet he's still managed to overcome. Seeing him frightened, the only thing Meetra wanted to do was to help him overcome his worry.

Before she could even give it some thought, he stretched out her hand and placed it on top of Karn's. He flinched slightly at the touch and Meetra was debating whether she should pull away but she didn't. She kept her hand on his and slightly squeezed. Karn stared at her confused and she could feel a conflict of emotions swirl inside him.

"Do not worry about it Karn," she said producing another smile. "If this Shade does show himself again, I know you can beat him."

"I don't believe I can." Admitted Karn. "I was losing during that entire duel and only managed to survive based on luck. I'm not as strong as you believe me to be."

"Don't think like that," she quickly replied. "From all you've told me of your travels since Teirm, you have displayed great strength and managed to overcome all the obstacles that was laid before you. If you believe that you are weak then focus on becoming stronger. It is as simple as that. Do not let people tell you that you are weak – especially yourself."

"But the gap in power between us-"

"Ahh ahh ahh," Meetra quickly head up a finger swiveling it back and forth. "Stop that this instance. If you give into self-pity then you'll gain nothing. Train yourself and your abilities."

"I don't know how though. I don't know how to control this power I have!"

"I shall train you then." Meetra declared.

Karn recoiled in shock. "You? Train me? You know nothing of the Force though. Or how it works."

Meetra rolled her eyes in impatience. She knew fully well of the Force and how it functioned. But for now she would play along with being ignorant of the supernatural power. "Then teach me how it works. Tell me everything you know about it. Then perhaps I can train you to help hone your skills."

"You're insane, Angela." He said shaking his head.

"I've been called worse."

Karn pulled his hand away from Meetra's and crossed his arms, pondering on the offer. He remained quiet for several minutes, enough time for Solembum to once again jump onto his lap and curl up on him. Take the offer Karn. He said stretching out to his mind. She'll continue this until you accept.

"Fine alright. I'll tell you everything I know of the Force. If by chance you are able to help me control it, I'll be indebted to you." He said accepting Meetra's offer and began to scratch the werecat behind the ears.

"Then we have reached an agreement," Meetra said holding out her hand towards Karn. He reached out and clasped her hand in his and they both shook over their pact. "When would you like to start your training?"

"As soon as possible," Karn quickly replied with urgency. "But first I need to find out where Eragon and Saphira have gone."

"Ah yes," Meetra remembered one of her many questions swimming in her mind. "I've been meaning to ask you of that. So do you have any possible idea where Eragon and his dragon may have gone?"

Solembum began to produce a soft purr as Karn continued to scratch behind the werecat's ears and stroke its fur. "After Brom died Eragon, Saphira, and I decided to venture out and search for the Varden. Brom gave Saphira information on finding a contact of his that could lead us to them. However, his contact was located in Gil'ead and we were unable to meet him because of Eragon's capture. I don't think we'll be able to get back into the city again so I don't know how Eragon and Saphira were planning on making it to the Varden. Aside from that, Saphira has probably flown leagues away from us, it'd be impossible to find them."

"The Varden?" Meetra said surprised. "Now why on earth would you want to go putting yourselves into that lot?"

"It's what Brom wanted," he said flatly.

Biting her lower lip, Meetra produced a "tsh" sound. "That man seemed to always get himself and others in trouble."

"Wait a second," Karn said backtracking. "Are you saying that you knew Brom? Why didn't you say anything when we first met?"

"I knew of him – not personally."

"How'd you get to know him then?" Karn asked curiously.

"I know Brom because he was the founder of the Varden and at one point, I was part of it." She said tossing a lock of brown hair out of her face. "When I joined, I had heard of the great feats that Brom was able to accomplish while he lead the rebels. But during my time, I had never had the privilege of actually meeting the man – until you three strode up to my doorstep."

"So why didn't you reveal yourself to him?" Karn asked, looking curious.

"Would Brom trust me, a person who he had never met before and is claiming to be part of the Varden?" She shook her head to either side. "No it was better that I keep to myself."

"I see. I suppose that does make a valid point. But if you were once part of the Varden, do you know where they are currently located?" Karn's voice grew in volume, becoming anxious.

Standing up gaining an understanding of her surroundings and directions, Meetra extended an arm out, pointing to the southeast. "The Varden are currently taking refuge in the Beor Mountains, with permission of the dwarves. King Hrothgar, leader of the thirteen dwarf clans, has granted the Varden sanctuary for many years, helping supply the war effort against the Empire."

"How long of a trip is it to reach the Beor Mountains, then?"

Counting the fingers on her hands, Meetra recollected the time it took for her to leave the Beor Mountains - traveling through the large expanse network of tunnels- arriving at Surda and reaching the borders of Galbatorix's domain. She held up three fingers.

"Three days?" Karn asked surprised.

"Not days," Meetra corrected him. "Three weeks. The trek to reach the Varden is long and arduous. Bandits and slavers watch the roads in hopes of catching wandering travelers off guard and taking their wares."

"Then what are we waiting for." Karn said rising to his feet. "Let's get going now. We need to find Eragon and get him to the Varden."

"Do you even have an inclination as where the boy might be?" Meetra said walking up to him, placing her hands on her hips. "Like you said, you have no possible idea where they may be."

"You're right, I don't know where he may be," Karn said but he suddenly stood taller, his voice became stern, and a gleam of determination sparkled in his eyes. "But I'm not going to leave him out there by himself. I'll find him, Saphira, Murtagh and the elf maiden, I swear it."

Meetra's eyebrow curled up at hearing Karn speak of the elf maiden once again. "By chance, did you ever managed to procure the elf's name?"

Karn shook his head, "No we did not. She passed out soon after we broke into her cell."

Why would the King have an elf held captive in Gil'ead? Meetra thought to herself. In fact, how in the blazes did Galbatorix managed to find one? The thoughts kept rolling around in her mind as she thought over the subject. As she continued to ponder it however, her thoughts wondered off back to her times in the Varden.

Throughout her time serving the Varden, Meetra served several different roles: healer, warrior, and consular. In her dealings with the leaders, military advisors, dwarves, and elves, one person in particular struck a chord with her. Her long ebony hair flowed down her back, her gait even and graceful like that of nobility. However, she gave off a mixed signs with her leather clothes and worn leather boots making her appear like a fighter – and in fact she was. Meetra had seen this person fight on the battlefield with grace and finesse like that of any other Jedi Battlemaster, her long, slender blade bringing death to her enemies. She served as the Elves' emissary to Varden since Meetra had joined. And surprisingly, it was this person that found her lying upon the ground in the forest, beaten and at death's door.

Arya, I wonder how life has treated you these past several years.

Meetra pushed the memories into the back of her mind. "I don't think we will have to worry about finding Eragon. In I believe fate has smiled upon the young Dragon Rider."

"Why do you say that?" Karn said never taking his eyes off of hers.

"If Eragon, Saphira are traveling in the company of an elf, they will be sure to find the Varden. Aside from the dwarves, the elves have also made a pact with the Varden in hopes of achieving their century long revenge against Galbatorix. The elves know the location where the Varden are hiding."

"So the elf is taking them to the Beor Mountains, then to the Varden. This is excellent to hear." Karn exclaimed. He walked over to the traveling bags and began to start packing things up before Meetra pulled him away. "We will not break camp yet," she declared.

"Why not?" he demanded.

Walking up to him, Meetra placed a finger over the now-healed wounds that Karn received. "You still need some rest and time to recover your strength; in the morning we will make our way to the Beor Mountains. Is that fair enough?"

"I'm anxious to get on the road. I want to catch up to Eragon and Saphira as soon as possible."

"That's understandable," she said but took Karn by his hand and led him back over to his sleeping matt. "However, in the mean time you will need some more rest." She retrieved his bowl and refilled it with another portion of stew. "Eat and rest Karn. Alright," she implored while moving a hand to his forearm.

He stared at her with the same determined look he had moments ago before he released a long sigh. "You're certainly persistent, Angela."

She smirked at his comment, "I've been called worse." She repeated her earlier comment. This time, Karn produced a slight grin as well.

Through her touch, Meetra could feel the swirling of dark energies inside Karn slowly ebb away. She was pleased to see that the young Force-user was returning to his former self when she had met him at Teirm. But the Darkside still remained, and Meetra was worried if the balance would tip once again. … I'll save you Karn. I will not let the darkness inside consume you. As it almost did to me long ago.