Okay, so there's something I need to address before we continue on. Should Jayden use the power of the Light Side to heal Brom? From what i know, Force healing heals the wound around the flesh, like when Rey stabbed Kylo Ren and she healed the wound, even though the Lightsaber should've burned a internal organ or two from where Ren was stabbed.

But Brom gets poisoned, so can Force healing get rid of poison?

Let me know in the reviews so I can decide whether or not Brom should live, even though his death may have been needed for Eragon's development.

Answers to reviews:

Guest: Thanks.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Jayden Shan.

Teirm was behind them now. No one really had anything important to say, though Eragon was thinking back to when he met Solembum and wanted to know more about werecats. He glanced over at Jayden who was mentally speaking with Saphira about going flying together later on, now that he could assume his dragon form again without having to he discovered. This made Eragon think back to the growing closeness between Jayden and Saphira.

Shaking the thought from his head, he looked and Brom and asked. What are werecats?"

Brom looked surprised at the question. "Why the sudden curiosity?"

"I heard someone mention them in Teirm. They're not real, are they?" said Eragon, pretending ignorance.

"They are quite real. During the Riders' years of glory, they were as renowned as the dragons. Kings and elves kept them as companions—yet the werecats were free to do what they chose. Very little has ever been known about them. I'm afraid that their race has become rather scarce recently."

"Could they use magic?" asked Eragon.

"No one's sure, but they could certainly do unusual things. They always seemed to know what was going on and somehow or another manage to get themselves involved." Brom pulled his hood up to block a chill wind.

"What's Helgrind?" asked Eragon, after a moment's thought.

"You'll see when we get to Dras-Leona."

Eragon nodded then looked at Jayden. "Hey Jayden, you once mentioned that you were a Jedi."

"I was." Jayden nodded. "Grew up in the Jedi like all young Force-sensitives. However, i had my disagreements about the Jedi Code and the Council. They didn't trust me, they feared me because I was Revan's descendant and the reign of Revan wasn't easy to forget considering everything he did. I began following Revan's path, to try and end the conflict between the Sith and Jedi for good, and for that... I ended up becoming a Sith Lord by the name of Darth Khan."

"What... what was it like?" Eragon asked, unable to believe his friend was evil at one point.

"Not fun, I'll tell you that." Jayden said sombrely as he remembered his days as Darth Khan. "To this day I regret falling to the Sith and becoming a monster, so much that I was glad when I left and aligned with no side, only myself, using the Light and Dark Sides of the Force for survival."

When Teirm was out of sight, Eragon reached out with his mind and called, Saphira! The force of his mental shout was so strong that Cadoc flicked his ears in annoyance.

Saphira answered and sped toward them with all of her strength. The trio watched as a dark blur rushed from a cloud, then heard a dull roar as Saphira's wings flared open. The sun shone behind the thin membranes, turning them translucent and silhouetting the dark veins. She landed with a blast of air.

Eragon hopped of Cadoc and ran to her happily. He gave her a quick hug, then climbed up onto her shoulders. "I'll see you at lunch," he called to Brom. Saphira leaned over and gave Jayden a nuzzle in greeting as well, Cadoc shying away from her large form.

Would you like to join us, Jayden? Saphira asked hopefully.

Jayden smiled and rubbed her snout. "Nah, I think it should be just you and Eragon right now. We'll have our flight later since you owe me a rematch."

I will hold you to those words. She said happily and gave him another nuzzle before she took off while Jayden and Brom went onwards.

By noon Eragon's legs were sore from riding bareback, and his hands and face were numb from the cold air. Saphira's scales were always warm to the touch, but she could not keep him from getting chilled. When they landed for lunch, he buried his hands in his clothes and found a warm, sunny place to sit. As he, Jayden and Brom ate, Eragon asked Saphira, Do you mind if I ride Cadoc? He had decided to question Brom further about his past.

No, but tell me what he says. Eragon was not surprised that Saphira knew his plans. It was nearly impossible to hide anything from her when they were mentally linked. Hence how he knew what she was going to do next as she trotted over to Jayden and nudged him with a playful growl.

Jayden looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You need something?"

She merely crouched low on her front paws, her tail twitching behind her, as she continued to growl to him, inviting him to play.

Jayden chuckled and shook his head as he stood. "Alright, alright, I get the hint. If I kept you waiting any longer you'd probably snatch me off the ground and drop me from the air until I change."

That's a good idea, I may just do that next time. Saphira hummed at the idea.

Jayden shook his head in amusement as he put his Lightsabers in the saddlebag where Revan's mask laid. He stepped back and began transforming. One thing he's noticed, his clothes now stay on when he transforms. Eragon and Brom watched in amazement as Jayden transformed before their very eyes until the silver dragon stood in his place.

Good to be back like this. Jayden said as he shook his wings. He then looked at Saphira, who looked just as happy to see him like this again, and gave her a playful nip on the neck, the two dragons growling playfully. Jayden crouched as if about to pounce and Saphira did the same, Jayden faked his first move, causing Saphira to lunge on instinct but Jayden ducked her and she hit the ground, sending dirt up. Jayden laughed as he took to the sky. I can't believe you fell for that!

I'll get you for that! Saphira spread her wings and with a mighty flap of them, she was in the air and chasing after her silver-scaled companion.

Eragon grinned and shook his head. "They're really something, aren't they?"

"That they are." Brom nodded, a soft smile on his face as he watched the two dragons until they were out of view.

Eragon looked at Brom. "I need to talk to you. I wanted to do it when we first arrived in Teirm, but I decided to wait until now."

"About what?" asked Brom.

Eragon paused. "There's a lot going on that I don't understand. For instance, who are your 'friends,' and why were you hiding in Carvahall? I trust you with my life—which is why I'm still traveling with you—but I need to know more about who you are and what you are doing. What did you steal in Gil'ead, and what is the tuatha du orothrim that you're taking me through? I think that after all that's happened, I deserve an explanation."

You eavesdropped on us."

"Only once," said Eragon.

"I see that you have yet to learn proper manners," said Brom grimly, tugging on his beard. "What makes you think that this concerns you?"

"Nothing, really," said Eragon shrugging. "Just it's an odd coincidence that you happened to be hiding in Carvahall when I found Saphira's egg and that you also know so much dragonlore. The more I think about it, the less likely it seems. There were other clues that I mostly ignored, but they're obvious now that I look back. Like how you knew of the Ra'zac in the first place and why they ran away when you approached. And I can't help but wonder if you had something to do with the appearance of Saphira's egg. There's a lot you haven't told us, and Saphira, Jayden and I can't afford to ignore anything that might be dangerous."

Dark lines appeared on Brom's forehead as he reined Snowfire to a halt. "You won't wait?" he asked. Eragon shook his head mulishly. Brom sighed. "This wouldn't be a problem if you weren't so suspicious, but I suppose that you wouldn't be worth my time if you were otherwise." Eragon was unsure if he should take that as a compliment. Brom lit his pipe and slowly blew a plume of smoke into the air. "I'll tell you," he said, "but you have to understand that I cannot reveal everything." Eragon started to protest, but Brom cut him off. "It's not out of a desire to withhold information, but because I won't give away secrets that aren't mine. There are other stories woven in with this narrative. You'll have to talk with the others involved to find out the rest."

"Very well. Explain what you can," said Eragon.

Jayden lunged, snapping his jaws to Saphira's front legs, but his teeth closed on nothing but empty air. He could hear her chuckling inside his head, which only proved to urge him on as he looked about for her. He found her already fifty feet in the air above him and diving fast towards him. Jayden waited, and at the exact moment, he rolled in the air, turning his body in a corkscrew motion, meaning to swipe at her with his wing. But astonishingly, right at the last second, Saphira managed to move in time with him, twisting around him and ducking underneath him in a tight circle, and then shooting off again as she levelled out. Jayden had to yelp in surprise and frustration, the entire move had lasted but a blink of an eye, and it had been nothing more than her simply showing off.

Jayden beat his wings to race after her, quickly catching up as his huge wings gave him further power in the air. He snapped at her tail as he came close, his sense of smug victory making him strike perhaps a little sooner than he should of. But suddenly, Saphira arched her back, beating her wings as she bent herself backwards, twisting and flipping through the air in a tight loop-de-loop, bringing herself upside down above him. Their eyes met as she sailed over him, a twinkle of mischief sparkling in her bright blue eyes. With a twist of her body, she spun herself back up the right way, her closeness to him making sure that she wacked him in the face with her tail as she went past. Jayden roared at the stinging pain, knowing that that was harder than playfully necessary. That had been on purpose! But suddenly, he felt a sting on his back, right between his shoulder blades as he felt teeth bite into his scales, though nowhere near hard enough to pierce his tough hide. He turned his head to watch Saphira as she winged her way behind him at a fast pace, though she looked over her shoulder with a toothy grin.

Are you even trying? Saphira called to him, which only angered the male dragon. it appears he has gained the dragon's pride and desire to NOT be defeated.

Jayden twisted himself at such a right angle, that the move would have torn out the wings of any lesser dragon. He managed turn himself completely around, thrusting his wings down so hard they released a sound like a thunderclap, shooting him forward with unrivalled speed. He came bearing down on the female, eyes narrowing as he closed in on her position, readying himself for the moment when he would strike.

Saphira saw him coming however, And beat her wings as she tried to speed ahead. Jayden's velocity still brought him right up behind her, and as he drew close, he reared back, talons on his large feet flexing as he moved like a bird of prey ready to scoop up his victim. Saphira only had to turn her head to see him, and quickly twisted herself in just the right way to evade his grasp before further increasing her speed. Jayden snarled in frustration, levelling himself out as he pumped his wings to race after her. The pair of them darted through the sky, twisting in and out of the clouds, soaring and diving as they played their almost deadly game of tag. Jayden tried multiple times to try and snap at her in his attempts to catch her, and whilst he could easily keep pace with her, Saphira always managed to be that tiny bit faster, elusively keeping herself just out of reach. The game had become a true challenge for Jayden, the only time he felt such a challenge was in a Lightsaber duel against another Force-user. Saphira seemed to see his strike coming and knew exactly how to evade him, and even counterstrike a few times. The challenge of the game was proving to be most enjoyable if frustrating to Jayden, he couldn't help but laugh above the winds.

He looked around for her and saw she had disappeared, causing his eyes to narrow as his head turned and twisted around, searching for her. Suddenly she came bursting out the clouds and collided with him, grabbing onto him as they plummeted from the air and towards the ground. She laughed in his head as they tumbled together. He fought some more and managed to turn himself around so that he was facing her, but she still held on tight. Mere meters above the ground, they both flared their wings so as not to smack into the ground, landed roughly, and rolled down a small hill, their bodies a tangle of wings, tails and legs.

When they came to a stop, Saphira lay sprawled on top of Jayden's chest, their legs and tails all entwined. Both dragons laughed in their heads and with their strange, coughing growls; each of them lost in the sheer bliss and joy of their play. After they regained some composure, they simply lay there for a moment and looked at each other, Saphira's muzzle just inches away from Jayden's, their eyes locked into the other's. It was then they realized just what position they were in, and both dragons flushed with embarrassment. Saphira quickly got up off Jayden and looked away, lest he see the reddish hue in her blue-scaled cheeks.

Jayden rolled over and sat on his haunches, not looking at her as he shook grass off his back and shook his wings to get the grass off them. He then gave a dragon-like cough, clearing his throat. I... believe you won this one.

So it seems. Saphira said quietly, neither looking at each other. Saphira then took the risk and glanced at him only to see him looking at her but he quickly looked away upon seeing her look at him. An awkward moment of silence passed before Saphira spoke. Do... do you want to play some more? Her stomach twisted with unease and nervousness. One one hand, she wanted him to say yes as she enjoyed flying with him and play fighting with him, it kept them both fit, healthy and kept their skills sharp. On the other, she wanted him to say no. She couldn't ignore that sense she got when they were that close just now. He was a male dragon after all, a very handsome one at that, of course something like that would stir.

She shook the feeling away. Jayden was her friend. But she couldn't ignore the fact that things between them were changing and... it was scaring her.

The same thoughts tormented Jayden's mind. He enjoyed being with Saphira, but they were just friends. Sure he was a dragon, male, and she was a female dragon, but that didn't mean they had to... He shook that thought away before it could continue. He didn't want to hurt Saphira's feelings, but he knew this awkwardness had to stop before it did damage beyond repair.

He glanced at her briefly before looking at the sky. I think it's best we return to Eragon and Brom.

Silent relief poured through Saphira, though she made sure it was hidden from Jayden. Yes, you're right. She said quickly and they took to the sky and flew back the way they came, but there was a noticeably large space between them.

The two soon came across Eragon and Brom, who had stopped for the day in a small clutch of trees. Landing rather hard, Jayden wasted no time in shifting back into his human form. Brom noticed this, and how Saphira went to lay down on the other side of Eragon, her and Jayden trying not to met each other's gaze, and turned away so as not to show the wide, knowing grin that spread across his face.

Eragon, oblivious to all this, asked them how their flight was, to which he received a curt "Fine!" from both of them. Eragon knew he shouldn't push and didn't, knowing they'll talk when they feel like it.

Jayden, to distract himself from what's going on between him and Saphira, went off for a walk. Weaving between trees, he made his way to the flowing stream and sat upon the bank, it was some distance away from camp. The water splashed and bended around the rocks that stood out. As he sat upon the bank, the feelings from earlier reappeared, plaguing his thoughts. You're all alone Jayden– always have.

"No I'm not…"

Your brother left you after you betrayed him.

"Stop it…"

No one will be there for you… even during your time as a Jedi, you kept to yourself and refused to let anyone get close to you.

Jayden tried to think of other things to drown out the thoughts but they grew in volume and echoed across his mind.

You will always be alone. No one will be there for you-

Jayden gripped his head and shook vigorously. "Stop thinking such things, Jayden." He said to himself. "Just stop it." You're all alone. Even here in Alagaesia, you are alone. "Stop it!" You hate being alone and yet you embrace it. Look at you now – sitting out in the woods by yourself. All alone as always.

"I'm not alone, I have Eragon, Brom and Saphira."

Do you really believe that they trust you? That Saphira would ever be with you? You will always be the monster you once were... as Darth Khan!

In a fit of frustration, Jayden howled and without knowing poured out the Force into the environment – the trees began to buckle and stones began to rise from the dirt. The flowing stream of water from the crick stopped by the sheer weight of the Force. Several minutes passed before Jayden attempted to regain some composure. The trees stopped creaking and the stones fell back to the earth; the water continued to flow to destinations unknown.

Breathing heavily, Jayden lowered himself down to the running water and ran cool water down his neck. The cold water soothed his heated and shaking body, calming his nerves. An unusual footprint caught his attention from the opposite bank caught his attention. A very large, oddly shaped impression was pressed into the wet dirt. Jumping over the stream, Jayden gained a better look at the print. It was a footprint left by a very heavy being judging by its depth. As Jayden tried to make out the image, the sound of a tree branch snapped. Out from the darkness, a gigantic being roared and emerged from a nearby tree. Large horns protruded from the creature's skull and its body was rippling with tone muscles. A battle-ax was held in his hand. It bellowed and charged at Jayden, lowering its' horn bearing down on him. Jayden remembered the creature from Yazuac: an Urgal.

Where did he come from!?

Gripping one of his Lightsabers, Jayden activated it, the red blade humming. He rolled out the way to avoid the axe from chopping him into two pieces. He spun and held his Lightsaber in reverse grip, slamming the hilt into the Urgal's chest, causing it to grunt with each hit before it backhanded Jayden. Bellowing in a rage, the creature charged at Jayden once again swinging its giant battle-axe. As the giant blade came at him, Jayden swung his Lightsaber which easily cut through the battle-axe and through the Urgal's head, decapitating it and killing it instantly.

Jayden looked around for anymore Urgals before he quickly reached out with his mind and touched the minds of Brom, Eragon and Saphira. Jayden, what's going on? We heard yells off in the forest. Brom's voice echoed across the distance.

Urgals are here! From his connection, Jayden could sense the worry and horror strike at each of his companions. Brom's mind went into a frenzy, Eragon was worried about Saphira and Jayden and the same was for Saphira about Eragon and Jayden. Jayden pushed his legs as hard as he could while using the Force. In moments he cleared the trees and skidded into camp. Brom and Eragon were hustling to break camp and saddle the horses and Saphira.

Jayden hopped onto Cadoc and swung Eragon onto the saddle behind him. Next to them, Brom was already in Snowfire's saddle, and he turned to Saphira.

"It's almost dark; you might as well fly right overhead. If Urgals show up, they will think twice about attacking with you so near."

They'd better, or else they won't think again. She leaned in, gave Eragon a quick lick, locked eyes with Jayden, and then took off.

Light was fading fast, and the horses were nearing their limit, but Brom and Jayden spurred them on without pause. A mile from where they were before, Brom stopped. "Listen," he said. Bringing their horses to a halt, they stood utterly still and quiet. Jayden held his breath; the fain sound of a hunting horn followed soon after.

"They found the camp," said Eragon.

"They'll be upon soon if we don't make haste. Urgals do not let their prey escape," said Brom. A chill ran down Jayden's spine as two more horns winded – these were closer. "Our only chance is to run," said Brom. He raised his head to the sky, and his face blanked as he called Saphira.

She rushed out of the night sky and landed. "Leave Cadoc. Go with her. You'll be safer," commanded Brom.

She rushed out of the night sky and landed beside Cadoc. "Leave Cadoc. Go with her. You'll be safer," the old storyteller commanded.

"But what about you?" protested Eragon.

"He's right," grunted Jayden, and lifted Eragon once more, placing him on Saphira's back, as she crouched low to the ground. "We'll be fine. GO!" Before he could argue, Saphira took off with Eragon as Brom and Jayden lashed their mounts and rode away. The horns blared nearby, bringing a fresh wave of terror. Brom and Jayden crashed through the underbrush, forcing the horses to their limits. The horns trumpeted in unison close behind him, then were quiet.

Minutes passed. Where are the Urgals? wondered Eragon. A horn sounded, this time in the distance. He sighed in relief, resting against Saphira's neck, while on the ground Brom and Jayden slowed their headlong rush. That was close, said Eragon.

Yes, but we cannot stop until—Saphira was interrupted as a horn blasted directly underneath them. Eragon jerked in surprise, and Brom and Jayden resumed their frenzied retreat. Horned Urgals, shouting with coarse voices, barreled along the trail on horses, swiftly gaining ground. They were almost in sight of them; the two could not outrun them. We have to do something! exclaimed Eragon.

What?

Land in front of the Urgals!

Are you crazy? demanded Saphira.

Land! I know what I'm doing, said Eragon. There isn't time for anything else. They're going to overtake Brom and Jayden!

Very well. Saphira pulled ahead of the Urgals, then turned, preparing to drop onto the trail. Eragon reached for his power and felt the familiar resistance in his mind that separated him from the magic. He did not try to breach it yet. A muscle twitched in his neck.

As the Urgals pounded up the trail, he shouted, "Now!" Saphira abruptly folded her wings and dropped straight down from above the trees, landing on the trail in a spray of dirt and rocks.

The Urgals shouted with alarm and yanked on their horses' reins. The animals went stiff-legged and collided into each other, but the Urgals quickly untangled themselves to face Saphira with bared weapons. Hate crossed their faces as they glared at her. There were twelve of them, all ugly, jeering brutes. Eragon wondered why they did not flee. He had thought that the sight of Saphira would frighten them away. Why are they waiting? Are they going to attack us or not?

He was shocked when the largest Urgal advanced and spat, "Our master wishes to speak with you, human!" The monster spoke in deep, rolling gutturals.

It's a trap, warned Saphira before Eragon could say anything. Don't listen to him.

At least let's find out what he has to say, he reasoned, curious, but extremely wary. "Who is your master?" he asked.

The Urgal sneered. "His name does not deserve to be given to one as low as yourself. He rules the sky and holds dominance over the earth. You are no more than a stray ant to him. Yet he has decreed that you shall be brought before him, alive . Take heart that you have become worthy of such notice!"

"I'll never go with you nor any of my enemies!" declared Eragon, thinking of Yazuac. "Whether you serve Shade, Urgal, or some twisted fiend I've not heard of, I have no wish to parley with him."

"That is a grave mistake," growled the Urgal, showing his fangs. "There is no way to escape him. Eventually you will stand before our master. If you resist, he will fill your days with agony."

Eragon wondered who had the power to bring the Urgals under one banner. Was there a third great force loose in the land—along with the Empire and the Varden? "Keep your offer and tell your master that the crows can eat his entrails for all I care!"

Rage swept through the Urgals; their leader howled, gnashing his teeth. "We'll drag you to him, then!" He waved his arm and the Urgals rushed at Saphira. Raising his right hand, Eragon barked, "Jierda!"

No! cried Saphira, but it was too late.

The monsters faltered as Eragon's palm glowed. Beams of light lanced from his hand, striking each of them in the gut. The Urgals were thrown through the air and smashed into trees, falling senseless to the ground.

Fatigue suddenly drained Eragon of strength, and he tumbled off Saphira. His mind felt hazy and dull. As Saphira bent over him, he realized that he might have gone too far. The energy needed to lift and throw twelve Urgals was enormous. Fear engulfed him as he struggled to stay conscious.

At the edge of his vision he saw one of the Urgals stagger to his feet, sword in hand. Eragon tried to warn Saphira, but he was too weak. No... he thought feebly. The Urgal crept toward Saphira until he was well past her tail, then raised his sword to strike her neck. No!...

Suddenly a familiar purple blade went right through the Urgal's chest before it flew back to Jayden's hand as the Force-user came to the rescue and Eragon lost himself to the blackness.

Activating his purple and crossguard red Lightsabers, Jayden met the Urgals and began to slash at them. The darkness around them was illuminated by his red and purple blades and the night was filled with the smell of burning flesh. Three Urgals attempted to surround the Force-user but in a display of speed, Jayden had managed to slice of one Urgals head, impale another, and finally crushed the last with the Force in a matter of seconds.

The rest of the Urgal raiding party began to retreat and fled into the forest. Jayden deactivated his Lightsabers and returned to Brom who had stayed close to Eragon and Saphira to protect them.

"He's alive." Brom said upon checking Eragon's pulse.

Jayden felt relief pour through him and now had to try and calm the terrified dragoness.

I should've stopped him. He could've died! Saphira sniffed, tears streaking down her cheeks. Jayden could feel her lament as she linked her mind with his for comfort.

Saphira... Jayden began.

If I had know what he was going to do...

Jayden felt a strange sensation well up inside of him. He placed his hands on Saphira cheeks and turned her head so he could look her in the eyes. This is not your fault Saphira. You couldn't have known what he'd do, he reassured her.

But I...

Stop, he said gently. What's done is done, we can't change that now. He sent her soothing thoughts and tried to comfort her. The important thing is that he is alive. Saphira felt her despair wash away as Jayden's warm mind enveloped hers. She still was struck with worry and looked back at Brom, who had his hand on Eragon's brow trying to determine his condition.

"He's going to be alright, Saphira," he said gruffly. "He just used too much energy, damn it. He may be out for a while, but he will recover."

See? Jayden said, bringing her gaze back to his eyes. Everything is going to be okay, he comforted her, his hand slowly stroking her cheek. An odd feeling of protectiveness took over and he gave her a small hug. He let go and smiled back into her gaze. Now, dry your tears. They hide those pretty eyes of yours... He let go of her head, and crouched next to Brom to plan their next move. Saphira was frozen in place, trying to comprehend what she just heard. A curious feeling touched the pit of her stomach and suddenly she didn't feel so terrible anymore.

"What do we do now?" Jayden asked Brom and Saphira trotted up behind the Force-user, listening close.

"We can't let them report our position to the enemy or else we'll have more trouble to worry about." The old man said harshly. "We'll find a safe place to hide and then we shall go and kill the rest of those fowl creatures."

Jayden nodded in agreement, it would be too dangerous to leave a group of Urgals go that know where they were at.

The rest of the night was spent with locating another campsite and making sure Eragon was safe. When it was nearly morning, Brom left with Snowfire to look for the Urgals while Jayden, atop of Saphira, traversed the skies. It was an exhilarating sensation flying atop the back of a dragon. Flying as a dragon was similar, but being on the back of one was something different. During their time in the sky, Saphira touched his mind. Her voice filled with gratitude but also with worry.

Thank you Jayden, for earlier. You saved my neck, literally. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead.

Jayden grabbed hold of one of her neck spikes as she dipped down to the earth. He patted her side. It's nothing Saphira. You'd do the same for me if I was in trouble.

A thought then struck her. Jayden had been there and comforted her unlike anything she could have expected from him previously. The feelings of concern and care she felt from him were no illusion, and she was immensely grateful for his support. A month ago, something like that would have never happened between them. She could no longer deny that things were changing between her and Jayden. The feelings they had felt for that brief moment laying together in the forest, and the embarrassment that followed, they were just the tip of the mountain. She knew they had started to become much more than friends, as simple friends would not have shared such a tender and intimate moment like that. What they were becoming, she did not know.

Jayden? She spoke hesitantly.

Yes, Saphira?

She hesitated with what she wanted to ask, as it would be proof of what was changing between her and Jayden. Did you mean what you said? That my eyes are... pretty?

Jayden felt heat rise to his face as he remembered that moment. He had spoken without thinking, the strange feeling in his gut and in the back of his mind urging him on. Just like they were trying to do now. He too knew that he and Saphira had crossed the line from mere friends. What happened in the forest after their 'play fight' was evidence enough.

Yes, I did mean it. Because you do.

Saphira's stomach jumped. Um, th...thank you.

You're welcome, he replied simply. He then sighed. Look, Saphira, I ain't going to pretend things aren't awkward between us. But right now, we can't focus on our own problems, we have to focus on Eragon and hunting these Urgals. When we have a chance... we need to talk.

Yes... yes we do. Saphira agreed and they put their own issues with each other aside to focus on the current situation. They flew long into the morning, finding some of the rag-tag members of the Urgal raiding party. After dispatching each one, they continued along flying over the forests and roads, searching for the Urgals.

Eragon twisted underneath the blankets, dreading to open his eyes. He dozed slightly, and as the world became clear, a thought entered his mind, How did I end up here? Eragon laid upon the ground confused before he finally regain the memory of last night's attack. The Urgals! He attempted to sit himself up right but every inch of his body refused, it was extremely exhausted. With extreme effort, he slowly sat forward letting his body hang forward. He surveyed his surroundings.

He lay in a small clearing that was isolated from the world. . In the center was a small bonfire with a pot filled with stew. His bow, quiver, and Zar'roc laid parallel to his bedroll. However, no one was in the camp. Where is everyone? he wondered desperately. He stretched out his mind and tried to call out to Saphira. Eragon worried in alarm when he could not sense her presence. Ravenous hunger gripped him, so he walked over to the pot of stew and helped himself to several bowls.

With nothing better to do, Eragon rolled up the bedroll and sat against a tall oak tree growing at the edge of the camp. Hours passed and still there was no sign of anyone approaching the campsite – not Brom, Jayden or Saphira. I sure hope that they are okay. As the morning turned into the afternoon, Eragon's apprehension got the better of him. Searching around the perimeter of the encampment, Eragon was hoping he'd find the key to ending his worries. Outside of sight of the camp, Eragon stumbled upon a boulder with a bowl-shaped depression filled with clear water from the morning dew. Finally!

Reflecting back to the travels from Teirm, Eragon remembered Brom's lecture over a special usage for magic: scrying. Scrying is the ability to use magic and observe a person through a clear surface such as water, Eragon thought to himself. It takes a lot of energy to sustain from what Brom said…But I am stronger than he thinks I am.

He breathed deeply and closed his mind. Remembering what Brom said, Eragon formed a picture of Saphira in his mind, making it as life-like as possible. It was mentally taxing, something Eragon was quite surprised about it. With a clear voice he said, "Draumr kópa!" and gazed upon the small pool of water. Its surface completely stood still, frozen by magic. The image of Eragon's reflection disappeared and it shimmered to a picture of Saphira. The landscape around her were clouded by a white fog, the only image visible was his dragon. However, he could see that she was flying and Jayden sat on her back. His face and clothes were covered with blood and grime.

The cost of maintaining the spell was taking its toll on Eragon, his strength was beginning to fade. Eragon quickly let the image fade to preserve his strength. Even though his body was sore beyond belief, they were tense as Eragon worried about his companions. Finally knowing that they were safe, he was able to let his body relax. Leaning back onto the oak tree, Eragon spent a long time sighing in content to just be able to sit and relax. All of a sudden, a crazy idea struck him. What if I scry something I created with my imagination or saw in a dream? He smiled. Maybe I can see what my own consciousness looks like.

There was no force in Alagaesia that could stop the temptation. Eragon spent some time considering certain images but threw them aside when he remembered the dream about the woman in the cell. After fixing on the scene in his mind, he spoke the words and watched the water intently. After several moments, nothing happened. Eragon was half ready to release the magic when the pool of water began to darken. He stared on in disbelief. A single candle flicked in the darkness and illuminated a dark, damp, stone cell. The woman from his dreams was curled up on a cot in one corner and lifted her head, dark hair falling back.

No way…This is impossible! He froze, the force of her gaze kept Eragon in place. Her dark emerald green eyes locked in with his. Then the woman trembled and collapsed onto the cot. The water returned to its original state and Eragon's disbelief was growing. "She can't be real! I've only seen her in my dreams!"

The air around him grew heavy and a vibration shook through it. The rhythmic thump of Saphira's wings interrupted him. Eragon turned and hurried back to the clearing, arriving just in time as Saphira landed. Jayden was still on his back and still covered with dirt and blood. "What happened?" asked Eragon, afraid that Jayden had been injured.

Jayden dismounted from Saphira, climbing down her shoulder. Jayden approached him and produced a serious look. Upon closer inspection, Eragon noticed how tired Jayden looked. It seemed he hardly gotten any sleep. "What were you thinking Eragon?" said Jayden harshly. "Do you truly understand the consequences of your actions?"

"I stopped the Urgals from catching you and Brom," said Eragon, his body was beginning to tremble.

Jayden's next words nearly caused Eragon to recoil. "YOU NEARLY DIED! I felt your life ebb away Eragon. And there was nothing Brom or I could have done." Eragon felt his body continue to shake and his stomach formed a pit. "Brom, Saphira and I have spent the past day searching for the Urgals that escaped. Brom determined that there were twelve that managed to escape." Motioning to himself and Saphira, he continued, "We managed to track down and kill six of them. I hope that Brom managed to find the rest." Jayden returned his attention to Saphira and unbelted her saddle and placed onto the ground.

Eragon wasn't sure what to say. He didn't fully comprehend the magnitude of the situation. He was only concerned for the storyteller and the Force-user. And as such he wanted to protect them… Even if that meant putting Saphira and yourself in harms ways? Eragon slightly began to understand Jayden's words. "I'm sorry," he said. It was the only words Eragon could muster at the moment.

Jayden pulled out his bedroll from Saphira's saddlebags and unrolled it onto the ground. "In my world, we Force-users have to be careful of our choices. Every action we commit, sends echoes through the Force and causes serious effects. Then again, I can't talk. I did reckless actions in my time as a Jedi, and was worse after I joined the Sith."

Eragon lowered his head. "I made a mistake." He admitted.

"Yes, I would say so. And a big one at that." Jayden remarked. His tone grew softer though and he was beginning to return to his old demeanor. "You made one mistake and now you must live with its after-effects. Next time if a situation occurs like that again, I strongly encourage you to take some time to think before you act."

He's right you know. Saphira said in Eragon's mind.

I know. But I was only worried about them and didn't want them getting into harm. Isn't that a good enough reason to act out in such a way, though?

I understand your concern Eragon, but even reasons as sincere as that can cause trouble for you. Without thinking and acting solely on impulse, you will get yourself in trouble much like the other night. Jayden is right and you should make sure to always think ahead into the future.

Eragon agreed but felt ashamed of himself. I guess even good reasons can cause strife to others. It was a life lesson that Eragon would take to heart. The camp remained silent for some time, no one said a word. The afternoon was beginning to turn to evening as the sun began to descend into its last hours of the day. Brom still had yet to return.

Finally breaking the silence, Eragon asked, "What happens now?"

Jayden, who had eaten some amount of the stew, taken a nap, now awake replied, "We wait for Brom to return. We agreed that we each would search for the Urgals until the sun sets on the second day of our pursuit. I've only met with him once during our pursuit to update each other on our progress. My guess is that once he returns, and mostly likely scold you, we will set out for Dras-Leona. We've lost precious time that could have been spent on the road. I suggest, you come up with a way to apologize to Brom."

The sound of running horses caught their attention and they looked to see Brom returning from his search. Brom's face was contorted; the edges of his beard stained red. His blade was laid upon his lap and it too was coated in blood. As soon as Brom saw Eragon, his face boiled to a deep red, much like the blood that coated his body and he began to tear into him with an impressive tirade. Sensing it would be better to stay out of it, Jayden and Saphira went to sit by the fire.

Everyone then decided to get themselves some sleep after the long day they've had. Jayden and Saphira briefly looked at one another, their minds going back to the awkward issue between them. but they filed it away and went to sleep...

And that's it for this chapter.