Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places. They belong to Christopher Paolini

A/N: I would like to thank my reviewers. Your reviews were great! I want to make it clear that Kela will not be a rider at any time. I don't plan on having anyone obtaining an egg any time soon- if at all. I am sorry it is taking so long to update, but I have almost 10 chapters written, I just can't type them because we only have one computer. Please tell me how you like it, and I might be able to squeeze in more time!

Kela glanced sideways at Eragon in the canoe. He had fallen asleep while Arya had continued to paddle. Kela wasn't sure what to think. She knew all about the Riders; loving any good story, she commonly tried to seek all the ancient legends. Most stories she had heard, she committed to memory. None had been about such a young rider, not even the stories of Darvid, the youngest rider to emerge from Elvin training. Stop that! she told herself firmly. You're complaining about how young he is? You, the youngest to do just about anything in Ryvlan society. Stop being so hypocritical, Kela. she ordered herself.

Still, her uneasiness would not go away. I hope he's ready to live with the elves. They can be a little influential, even if their intentions are good. He looks ready, in his eyes. I hope his looks aren't deceiving.

Soon, the habit of traversing the river took over. Her arms continued to paddle her kayak as her mind was slowly drifting across the water. She began to hum a song, and soon had changed to actually singing the rhythmic melody. Her voice was soft, but Eragon stirred. Kela guiltily stopped singing, thinking she had disturbed him.

"No," Eragon called, surprising himself and Kela. "Keep singing. That was beautiful."

Kela complied with his wish, but her voice did not gain in strength. It stayed at an almost whisper quality, but it seemed right for the song, along with her low voice. The words were foreign to him. They were not the common tongue or of the ancient language. The words seemed to float by, entwining around his head and diving into his ears.

The last note flew into the air and Eragon was amazed. He had never thought of himself as a music lover, but he loved that song. "What was that?" he asked. "It was beautiful."

"Uich Gwennen," she explained. "It is a Ryvlan folksong."

"Ryvlan?" Eragon questioned. Kela seemed to hesitate.

"Ryvlans are a people far to the north, and extending almost across the entire continent. They have long been friendly with the elves, and have basically avoided any contact with other people. I do not know if Galbatorix himself knows of the Ryvlans, they are very secretive. Kela is Ryvlan, and a Kæ, which means she is one of the few people who travel south of Du Weldenvarden's borders." Arya explained. Kela looked at her gratefully, as though she had saved her. Eragon did not understand. He once again felt whispers on his mind. Anxious to rid himself of the odd feeling, he blurted out "How can you talk with Saphira?"

Kela looked at him, almost questioningly. "I've been able to speak with my mind for about ten years," she explained.

"It's just that I've never met anyone, besides Brom, who could talk to her. Brom didn't very much because he said it was considered bad manners to talk to another's dragon." The memory of Brom's death still stung and he could feel tightness in his stomach.

"I'm sorry I talked to Saphira," Kela apologized. "I didn't know. Are you sure you're all right?" she asked Eragon. Eragon nodded, wondering how she knew what he was feeling.

Kela looked skeptical but let the matter go.

The sun was setting and Arya called for time to make camp. They drew over to the side of the river and clambered out of their boats. Kela's legs had fallen asleep and at first she almost fell out of the kayak, but quickly caught herself on a tree.

Food was offered all around, and while Eragon was eating, Saphira swooped down into the forest. Her scales glittered in the moonlight.

How was your flight? Eragon asked.

Fine. I caught a doe and ate her, so I have eaten. I also saw a village that you will probably get to tomorrow morning, where the two rivers merge, she explained. I will hide when you get supplies. When you go, please take Kela with you, Saphira requested. She has a good head on her shoulders.

I don't need a nursemaid! Eragon protested.

Yes you do, just think of all the trouble you've gotten yourself into before. I won't be able to be there, so Kela is the next best thing.

Eragon wondered how Kela had gotten such a high estimation from Saphira already. Usually, it took many months before Saphira would trust another person.

Promise me, Saphira insisted

I will take Kela with me in the village, Saphira, Eragon promised.