If you want to know my disclaimer,b/c you haven't read it by now, go back to ch. 1 and look at it there. i dont feel like posting it every chapter.

Thanks so much for reviewing, krazieshadowninja! if anyone else wants to review, no one's stopping you! haha. anyways, tell me how it is, and give me constructive critism.

Briam

By: kgk

Chapter 4: The Varden

Briam slowly circled down to the clearing next to the lake that Kelli had pointed out earlier. When they landed, and she had gotten off, he told her I am going hunting. I haven't eaten for a couple of days, and my belly aches. I will try to hurry.

All right. I'll make camp while you're gone.

Kelli watched as Briam flew off towards the mountains. With a sigh, she gathered kindling for a fire. After she got it started, she sat against a tree, watching the flames as she waited for Briam to return. This was the reason she didn't notice the serpent/sea monster until it was almost upon her. She heard a branch snap, and whipped around to be knocked back by a large tail. Looking up, she saw a 15 foot snake-like creature with silver scales and two thin legs coming out below its head. All together, Kelli thought it was just about the ugliest thing she had ever seen. It raised its head as though about to strike.

Kelli screamed, both with her voice and her mind, "Briam!"

She felt his alarm, and saw him racing across the mountains to her.

Just as the snakes head was about close on hers, she felt a strange power leap into her, and as she flung out her left hand, a word came to her mind.

"Jierda!" she yelled.

A strange green light flashed from the gedwey ignasia on her palm, and the snake's head jerked back. Kelli heard the bones snap, and watched as it fell to the ground. Amazed by what had happened, she slowly pushed the thing off her and stood up with shaking legs. When Briam came crashing down a minute later, she calmed him and told him what happened.

What happened? She asked him. I didn't do magic did I? I'm not a sorcerer or witch. I thought it was impossible!

Remember, Kelli, that Dragon Riders had strange powers. It is very possible that what you did was magic.

It's all so odd. The word just came into my mind. I think it's of the ancient language. It sounds familiar. Kelli yawned. I feel so tired. And weak, too, as if I've just run for miles!

That might be because of the magic. You're not used to it. It has drained you. Rest, and I'll wake you at dawn.

But-but, she yawned, surely all this lack of sleep can't be good for you?

I'll be fine. I'm a dragon.

But Kelli had already fallen asleep.

Briam angled his flight pattern towards the waterfall that Kelli had pointed out earlier. When they landed, Kelliclimbed off his back, and picked up a rock. Banging it against the cliff next to the falls, shouting, "Ai varden abr du Shur'tugals gata vanta!"

She and Briam stepped back and watched as the falling water parted, allowing them to pass. Waiting for them was a dwarf who showed them to Ajihad.

"Kelli! This is unexpected, we didn't-"

The words died in his mouth as Briam came in behind Kelli. "What- what happened?'

She told him everything that had occured since she found Briam's egg, and when she was finished, there was a long silence as Ajihad took in the narrative.

"Well, a lot has certainly happened to you."

"Sir, if you don't mind, what has happened here? The last I heard, Eragon and Saphira were making their way here, to the Varden."

"Yes, they made it, along with Morzan's son, Murtagh, and the egg carrier, Arya.Right now, Eragon is in the dragonhold with Saphira, preparing to go to Ellesmera with Arya to complete the second half of his training. You may go see him if you wish."

"Thank you, sir,I will." She turned to leave, but Ajihad called her back.

"And if you decide to go with him, let me know."

"I will, sir."

author's note: okay, if you have any ideas for the next chapter, review and tell me! or im me at kgk089. kelli will go to ellesmera with the elves, and eragon is going to train her in tuatha do orothim(or whatever it is). and, i know Briam grew unnaturally fast, but i wanted him to be almost saphira's size by the time they got to the varden. REVIEW!