Disclaimer: i do not own Star Wars or the Inheritance Cycle.

George awoke in the room he shared with Eragon and quietly got out of bed. He looked out the window to see it was very early morning, the sun was barely up and not a person was in sight. Making sure his Lightsabers were safely tucked away in a a bag near Eragon, George left the room and quietly made his way outside where he was able to sneak out of the city and made his way into the forest.

He reached the cliff Saphira was resting at the top of and began his climb up, having climbed tall mountains in the past before under extreme and harsh weather conditions that would make a normal person fall to their doom due to the cold wind. George reached the ledge and was about to peer over to see if Saphira was awake or still sleeping...

Only to come face to face with her snout in front of him. Good morning. She chuckled in amusement.

Here I thought I would be able to sneak up on you. George said as he pulled himself up, Saphira stepping back to let him up.

A thoughtful gesture, but I smelled you coming.

Smell? George sniffed his arm and frowned. My scent's not that bad is it?

No...it's rather...nice. Saphira said, trailing off, averting her eyes before shaking her head and looked at him again. Shall we begin?

Sure just...let me get ready. George said and reached for his clothing, getting rid of his top half and took off his boots and was ready to take the rest off when he paused and looked at Saphira, who was staring at him intently. Saphira?

Yes?

Turn around please.

Saphira tilted her head before he could hear her mischievous tone come into play. Oh don't tell me you are a shy male. She glanced up and down his half exposed body, her tail giving a twitch playfully. You don't wear clothes as a dragon after all. What's the big idea?

George blushed yet grinned at the same time, knowing she was being playful. He gestured for her to turn around and face the other way, causing her to huff witha roll of her eyes and she turned around. Oh fine, but don't take too long. I hate staring at trees.

George rolled his eyes in amusement and took the rest of his clothing off, put it into a neat pile before he closed his eyes and focused, soon feeling himself begin to change. He groaned as he felt his body's inside twist and change, his skin starting to change into silver scales as his body changed. His claws grew out his nails, his arms changed into forepaws. He groaned even more as he felt his wings come out his back, spines came out down his neck as his head changed and grew into a dragon's, his neck extending. It was maybe a minute and a half of transforming until eventually George stood there in his dragon form, stretching his wings in and out and getting a good feel of the form again.

Ah, that feels good. He said and turned to look at Saphira, only to see her staring at him with wide eys and a gaping jaw expression. He tilted his head and looked himself over. What? Did I miss something?

That...was amazing to see. Did it not hurt? Saphira asked, coming to stand beside him, looking him over again as if thinking a part of his body missed the transformation and he was in pain.

It did at first, but I'll get used to it. George said and rolled his necka dn shoulders, getting them feeling and moving before speaking again. So, shall we begin with racing?

Saphira gave a draconic grin. Hope you are prepared to loose! She said and took off into the air.

George grinned himself. Oh, now it's on! He took off after her, the two dragons making sure they were far away from being seen by anyone from Terim.

When Eragon woke up, the first thing he noticed was the absence of George before remembering that he was off spending the day with Saphira. Those two really hit it off. Eragon thought with a smile at the friendship developed between his new friend and his dragon. Shaking his head, he got up, got dressed, washed his face in the basin, then held the mirror up and brushed his hair into place. Something about his reflection made him stop and look closer. His face had changed since he had run out of Carvahall just a short while ago. Any baby fat was gone now, stripped away by traveling, sparring, and training. His cheekbones were more prominent, and the line of his jaw was sharper. There was a slight cast to his eyes that, when he looked closely, gave his face a wild, alien appearance. He held the mirror at arm's length, and his face resumed its normal semblance—but it still did not seem quite his own.

A little disturbed, he slung his bow and quiver across his back, then left the room. Before he had reached the end of the hall, the butler caught up with him and said, "Sir, Neal left with my master for the castle earlier. He said that you could do whatever you want today because he will not return until this evening."

Eragon thanked him for the message, then eagerly began exploring Teirm. For hours he wandered the streets, entering every shop that struck his fancy and chatting with various people. Eventually he was forced back to Jeod's by his empty stomach and lack of money.

When he reached the street where the merchant lived, he stopped at the herbalist's shop next door. It was an unusual place for a store. The other shops were down by the city wall, not crammed between expensive houses. He tried to look in the windows, but they were covered with a thick layer of crawling plants on the interior. Curious, he went inside.

At first he saw nothing because the store was so dark, but then his eyes adjusted to the faint greenish light that filtered through the windows. A colorful bird with wide tail feathers and a sharp, powerful beak looked at Eragon inquisitively from a cage near the window. The walls were covered with plants; vines clung to the ceiling, obscuring all but an old chandelier, and on the floor was a large pot with a yellow flower. A collection of mortars, pestles, metal bowls, and a clear crystal ball the size of Eragon's head rested on a long counter.

He walked to the counter, carefully stepping around complex machines, crates of rocks, piles of scrolls, and other objects he did not recognize. The wall behind the counter was covered with drawers of every size. Some of them were no larger than his smallest finger, while others were big enough for a barrel. There was a foot-wide gap in the shelves far above.

A pair of red eyes suddenly flashed from the dark space, and a large, fierce cat leapt onto the counter. It had a lean body with powerful shoulders and oversized paws. A shaggy mane surrounded its angular face; its ears were tipped with black tufts. White fangs curved down over its jaw. Altogether, it did not look like any cat Eragon had ever seen. It inspected him with shrewd eyes, then flicked its tail dismissively.

On a whim, Eragon reached out with his mind and touched the cat's consciousness. Gently, he prodded it with his thoughts, trying to make it understand that he was a friend.

You don't have to do that.

Eragon looked around in alarm. The cat ignored him and licked a paw. Saphira? George? Where are you? he asked. No one answered. Puzzled, he leaned against the counter and reached for what looked like a wood rod.

That wouldn't be wise.

Stop playing games, you two, he snapped, then picked up the rod. A shock of electricity exploded through his body, and he fell to the floor, writhing. The pain slowly faded, leaving him gasping for air. The cat jumped down and looked at him.

You aren't very smart for a Dragon Rider. I did warn you.

You said that! exclaimed Eragon. The cat yawned, then stretched and sauntered across the floor, weaving its way between objects.

Who else?

But you're just a cat! he objected.

The cat yowled and stalked back to him. It jumped on his chest and crouched there, looking down at him with gleaming eyes. Eragon tried to sit up, but it growled, showing its fangs. Do I look like other cats?

No . . .

Then what makes you think I am one? Eragon started to say something, but the creature dug its claws into his chest. Obviously your education has been neglected. I—to correct your mistake—am a werecat. There aren't many of us left, but I think even a farm boy should have heard of us.

I didn't know you were real, said Eragon, fascinated. A werecat! He was indeed fortunate. They were always flitting around the edges of stories, keeping to themselves and occasionally giving advice. If the legends were true, they had magical powers, lived longer than humans, and usually knew more than they told.

The werecat blinked lazily. Knowing is independent of being. I did not know you existed before you bumbled in here and ruined my nap. Yet that doesn't mean you weren't real before you woke me.

Eragon was lost by its reasoning. I'm sorry I disturbed you.

I was getting up anyway, it said. It leapt back onto the counter and licked its paw. If I were you, I wouldn't hold on to that rod much longer. It's going to shock you again in a few seconds.

He hastily put the rod back where he had found it. What is it?

A common and boring artifact, unlike myself.

But what's it for?

Didn't you find out? The werecat finished cleaning its paw, stretched once more, then jumped back up to its sleeping place. It sat down, tucked its paws under its breast, and closed its eyes, purring.

Wait, said Eragon, what's your name?

One of the werecat's slanted eyes cracked open. I go by many names. If you are looking for my proper one, you will have to seek elsewhere. The eye closed. Eragon gave up and turned to leave. However, you may call me Solembum.

Thank you, said Eragon seriously. Solembum's purring grew louder.

The door to the shop swung open, letting in a beam of sunlight. Angela entered with a cloth bag full of plants. Her eyes flickered at Solembum and she looked startled. "He says you talked with him."

"You can talk with him, too?" asked Eragon.

She tossed her head. "Of course, but that doesn't mean he'll say anything back." She set her plants on the counter, then walked behind it and faced him. "He likes you. That's unusual. Most of the time Solembum doesn't show himself to customers. In fact, he says that you show some promise, given a few years of work."

Thanks."

"It's a compliment, coming from him. You're only the third person to come in here who has been able to speak with him. The first was a woman, many years ago; the second was a blind beggar; and now you. But I don't run a store just so I can prattle on. Is there anything you want? Or did you only come in to look?"

"Just to look," said Eragon, still thinking about the werecat. "Besides, I don't really need any herbs."

"That's not all I do," said Angela with a grin. "The rich fool lords pay me for love potions and the like. I never claim that they work, but for some reason they keep coming back. But I don't think you need those chicaneries. Would you like your fortune told? I do that, too, for all the rich fool ladies."

Eragon laughed. "No, I'm afraid my fortune is pretty much unreadable. And I don't have any money."

Angela looked at Solembum curiously. "I think . . ." She gestured at the crystal ball resting on the counter. "That's only for show anyway—it doesn't do anything. But I do have . . . Wait here; I'll be right back." She hurried into a room at the back of the shop.

She came back, breathless, holding a leather pouch, which she set on the counter. "I haven't used these for so long, I almost forgot where they were. Now, sit across from me and I'll show you why I went to all this trouble." Eragon found a stool and sat. Solembum's eyes glowed from the gap in the drawers.

Angela laid a thick cloth on the counter, then poured a handful of smooth bones, each slightly longer than a finger, onto it. Runes and symbols were inscribed along their sides. "These," she said, touching them gently, "are the knucklebones of a dragon. Don't ask where I got them; it is a secret I won't reveal. But unlike tea leaves, crystal balls, or even divining cards, these have true power. They do not lie, though understanding what they say is . . . complicated. If you wish, I will cast and read them for you. But understand that to know one's fate can be a terrible thing. You must be sure of your decision."

Eragon looked at the bones with a feeling of lies what was once one of Saphira's kin. To know one's fate... How can I make this decision when I don't know what lies in wait for me and whether I will like it? Ignorance is indeed bliss. "Why do you offer this?" he asked.

"Because of Solembum. He may have been rude, but the fact that he spoke to you makes you special. Heis a werecat, after all. I offered to do this for the other two people who talked with him. Only the woman agreed to it. Selena was her name. Ah, she regretted it, too. Her fortune was bleak and painful. I don't think she believed it—not at first."

Emotion overcame Eragon, bringing tears to his eyes. "Selena," he whispered to himself. His mother's name. Could it have been her? Was her destiny so horrible that she had to abandon me? "Do you remember anything about her fortune?" he asked, feeling sick.

Angela shook her head and sighed. "It was so long ago that the details have melted into the rest of my memory, which isn't as good as it used to be. Besides, I'll not tell you what I do remember. That was for her and her alone. It was sad, though; I've never forgotten the look on her face."

Eragon closed his eyes and struggled to regain control of his emotions. "Why do you complain about your memory?" he asked to distract himself. "You're not that old."

Dimples appeared on Angela's cheeks. "I'm flattered, but don't be deceived; I'm much older than I look. The appearance of youth probably comes from having to eat my own herbs when times are lean."

Smiling, Eragon took a deep that was my mother and she could bear to have her fortune told, I can too. "Cast the bones for me," he said solemnly.

Angela's face became grave as she grasped the bones in each hand. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved in a soundless murmur. Then she said powerfully, "Manin! Wyrda! Hugin!"

The two dragons laid on the ground, resting after their face that had been going on all morning. Saphira didn't seem to enjoy loosing as she tackled George in midair, both of them crashing into the ground where they proceeded to playfully wrestle with one another. After that, they tried to outdo one another with skills in the air. After that, they had a few more friendly brawls before settling.

I must admit, Saphira began, looking at him. You sure have adapted well to your dragon body.

Well...I had an amazing teacher. George said with a dragonic grin at her.

Flatterer. Saphira chuckled and looked him over once more, looking at the muscles on his legs and the sharpness of his claws. He really was a good looking male. Things seemed to have changed now that he was a dragon, she enjoyed being his friend when he was human before he became a dragon, but lately things just felt...different now.

While she knew he'd transform back to human, she hoped she'd get to spend more time with the dragon side of him. She didn't know why. She stole another glance at him. He really was a handsome dragon. She knew whatever she was feeling wasn't romantic feelings...but they weren't simple feelings of friendship either.

She shuffled closer to him until their sides pressed against each other. George didn't seem to mind as he too shuffled close to her, his wing twitching as if wanting to out it over her and pull her closer. Suddenly raindrops fell on their head and they looked up at the dark grey clouds to see the rain had begun pouring down.

Great, the rain. Saphira sighed and was just about to suggest they find shelter when suddenly George's wing was over her, blocking the rain from hitting her. Saphira looked at him in surprise to see a sort of smile on his draconic lips.

That better?

Thoughtful. But what about you?

He shrugged his shoulders. The rain doesn't bother me. He turned his gaze back to the ocean when Saphira darted her head forward and gave his neck a little nuzzle.

Thank you.

You're... welcome. George said, feeling suddenly shy and prideful at the same time. Saphira laid her head down and closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the rain hitting George's wing, his scent, and his warm bulk pull her to sleep.

The words rang in Eragon's ears; he recognized them from the ancient language and realized with apprehension that to use them for magic, Angela must be a witch. She had not lied; this was a true fortunetelling. Minutes slowly passed as she studied the bones.

Finally, Angela leaned back and heaved a long sigh. She wiped her brow and pulled out a wineskin from under the counter. "Do you want some?" she asked. Eragon shook his head. She shrugged and drank deeply. "This," she said, wiping her mouth, "is the hardest reading I've ever done. You were right. Your future is nigh impossible to see. I've never known of anyone's fate being so tangled and clouded. I was, however, able to wrestle a few answers from it."

Solembum jumped onto the counter and settled there, watching them both. Eragon clenched his hands as Angela pointed to one of the bones. "I will start here," she said slowly, "because it is the clearest to understand."

The symbol on the bone was a long horizontal line with a circle resting on it. "Infinity or long life," said Angela quietly. "This is the first time I have ever seen it come up in someone's future. Most of the time it's the aspen or the elm, both signs that a person will live a normal span of years. Whether this means that you will live forever or that you will only have an extraordinarily long life, I'm not sure. Whatever it foretells, you may be sure that many years lie ahead of you."

No surprises there—I am a Rider, thought Eragon. Was Angela only going to tell him things he already knew?

"Now the bones grow harder to read, as the rest are in a confused pile." Angela touched three of them. "Here the wandering path, lightning bolt, and sailing ship all lie together—a pattern I've never seen, only heard of. The wandering path shows that there are many choices in your future, some of which you face even now. I see great battles raging around you, some of them fought for your sake. I see the mighty powers of this land struggling to control your will and destiny. Countless possible futures await you—all of them filled with blood and conflict—but only one will bring you happiness and peace. Beware of losing your way, for you are one of the few who are truly free to choose their own fate. That freedom is a gift, but it is also a responsibility more binding than chains."

Then her face grew sad. "And yet, as if to counteract that, here is the lightning bolt. It is a terrible omen. There is a doom upon you, but of what sort I know not. Part of it lies in a death—one that rapidly approaches and will cause you much grief. But the rest awaits in a great journey. Look closely at this bone. You can see how its end rests on that of the sailing ship. That is impossible to misunderstand. Your fate will be to leave this land forever. Where you will end up I know not, but you will never again stand in Alagaësia. This is inescapable. It will come to pass even if you try to avoid it."

Her words frightened Eragon. Another death . . . who must I lose now? His thoughts immediately went to George, Saphira, Brom, and Roran. Then he thought about his homeland. What could ever force me to leave? And where would I go? If there are lands across the sea or to the east, only the elves know of them.

Angela rubbed her temples and breathed deeply. "The next bone is easier to read and perhaps a bit more pleasant." Eragon examined it and saw a rose blossom inscribed between the horns of a crescent moon.

Angela smiled and said, "An epic romance is in your future, extraordinary, as the moon indicates—for that is a magical symbol—and strong enough to outlast empires. I cannot say if this passion will end happily, but your love is of noble birth and heritage. She is powerful, wise, and beautiful beyond compare."

Of noble birth, thought Eragon in surprise. How could that ever happen? I have no more standing than the poorest of farmers.

"Now for the last two bones, the tree and the hawthorn root, which cross each other strongly. I wish that this were not so—it can only mean more trouble—but betrayal is clear. And it will come from within your family."

"Roran wouldn't do that!" objected Eragon abruptly.

"I wouldn't know," said Angela carefully. "But the bones have never lied, and that is what they say."

Doubt wormed into Eragon's mind, but he tried to ignore it. What reason would there ever be for Roran to turn on him? Angela put a comforting hand on his shoulder and offered him the wineskin again. This time Eragon accepted the drink, and it made him feel better. He then noticed another bone that Angela had not mentioned and somehow it was touching all the others. He noticed the image was of the sun rising behind a dragon, a lake reflecting it underneath. "What about that one?"

Angela frowned at that one. "This one is another I have not seen before. It means that someone you know, or will know, shares the same future as yours. The same fate, the same romance, the same betrayal."

Eragon thought this over for a few moments before speaking. "After all that, death might be welcome," he joked.

"It might be," said Angela solemnly, then laughed slightly. "But you shouldn't fret about what has yet to occur. The only way the future can harm us is by causing worry. I guarantee that you'll feel better once you're out in the sun."

"Perhaps."Unfortunately, he reflected wryly,nothing she said will make sense until it has already happened. If it really does, he amended himself. "You used words of power," he noted quietly.

Angela's eyes flashed. "What I wouldn't give to see how the rest of your life plays out. You can speak to werecats, know of the ancient language, and have a most interesting future. Also, few young men with empty pockets and rough traveling clothes can expect to be loved by a noblewoman. Who are you?"

Eragon realized that the werecat must not have told Angela that he was a Rider. He almost said, "Evan," but then changed his mind and simply stated, "I am Eragon."

Angela arched her eyebrows. "Is that who you are or your name?" she asked.

"Both," said Eragon with a small smile, thinking of his namesake, the first Rider.

"Now I'm all the more interested in seeing how your life will unfold. Who was the ragged man and the one in the coat with you yesterday?"

Eragon decided that two more names couldn't hurt. "The one in the coat is my friend, George. The ooder one is Brom."

The second name caused a guffaw to suddenly burst out of Angela, doubling her over in mirth. She wiped her eyes and took a sip of wine, then fought off another attack of merriment. Finally, gasping for breath, she forced out, "Oh... that one! I had no idea!"

"What is it?" demanded Eragon.

"No, no, don't be upset," said Angela, hiding a smile. "It's only that—well, he is known by those in my profession. I'm afraid that the poor man's doom, or future if you will, is something of a joke with us."

"Don't insult him! He's a better man than any you could find!" snapped Eragon.

"Peace, peace," chided Angela with amusement. "I know that. If we meet again at the right time I'll be sure to tell you about it. But in the meantime you should—" She stopped speaking as Solembum padded between them. The werecat stared at Eragon with unblinking eyes.

Yes? Eragon asked, irritated.

Listen closely and I will tell you two things. When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls. And tell your otherworldly friend that separation can lead to great results.

Before Eragon could ask what Solembum meant, the werecat walked away, waving his tail ever so gracefully. Angela tilted her head, coils of dense hair shadowing her forehead. "I don't know what he said, and I don't want to know. He spoke to you and only you. Don't tell anyone else."

"I think I have to go," said Eragon, shaken.

"If you want to," said Angela, smiling again. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you like, especially if you buy some of my goods. But go if you wish; I'm sure that we've given you enough to ponder for a while."

"Yes." Eragon quickly made his way to the door. "Thank you for reading my future." I think.

"You're welcome," said Angela, still smiling.

When Saphira woke up, the first thing she noticed was the absence of her silver companion. She looked around and saw him in his human form, fixing his outfit and adjusting his hood. She thought down a groan of disappointment as she hoped to spend more time with him. He turned and smiled at her. Sleep well?

Yes. You were a comfortable blanket. Saphira said teasingly, causing him to gain a small blush. Suddenly Saphira's stomach rumbled and she felt embarrassed. Excuse me, I will fetch some food.

No need. George said and gestured to where a dead deer laid. I already ate and got you something.

Saphira gazed longingly at him, causing him to blush again. You're very sweet, George.

The two then felt the mind of Eragon join theirs and when he arrived, they sat and talked with Eragon bringing up his meeting with Angela and the werecat, George was interested in the message for him and Eragon. Eventually, George and Eragon went back to Teirm while Saphira remained on the cliff and out of sight.

And that's it for this chapter now folks.