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Chapter 10: The Capture

Marie and Eragon clashed swords with their left hands. They had been in the same spot for three days now, Brom insisting that their right arms heal before they move on. Eragon had showed horrid fury the first day but finally switched to sour sarcasm. He had seemed mad about something and Marie still did not know their actual destination. So, she had stayed quiet while Eragon was moody. They'd had to eat cold dinners every now and then and the dragons could only be visited from another clearing from far off.

They had used the ancient language to block the swords and Brom had lent Marie his. He was now watching as the two teens fought hard, noticing how they put all they had into every blow.

Marie pulled back and spun, black hair flying. Her sword met Eragon's halfway through causing her arm to shake at the impact.

Eragon also pulled way and lunged forward, Marie parrying with her blade, causing his to move downward. He shoved his shoulder forward while their swords were locked and tried to hit her. Marie yanked her sword away and put her hands up, throwing Eragon back.

He stumbled but caught himself, and Marie ran at him, her sword held high. Eragon took a chance and dove, slamming himself into her chest, throwing both of them onto the ground.

They rolled for a few seconds before they stopped, Marie landing on top of him. They stared into the other's eyes. Both began to feel a bit uncomfortable.

Marie suddenly smiled to herself. She braced her hands on either side of Eragon's head and leaned in a little, as if preparing to kiss. Eragon looked extremely uncomfortable, and was moving his hands slightly, as if uncertain if he should touch her to move her or not.

Suddenly, Marie swung her leg over Eragon's body and scooped his head up with the under part. She held on tight and then flipped it over, swinging Eragon around and over.

He groaned with surprise and was about to get up when he felt the tip of cool metal by his Adam's apple. He looked up to see Marie staring down at him, hair wild, eyes sparkling, and sword to his throat.

"Good, Marie," said Brom, slowly, offering one of his rare compliments. "Catching an enemy off guard is another technique used to win. So, how did you think of…that particular stance?"

"I just know that when you're uncomfortable…that's all you think about," said Marie. She put on a wicked smile. "Kind of like riding with you."

Eragon chuckled as he stood and Brom scowled. Brom's tone turned sharp. "But I'd like to see more swordsmanship from the both of you. You'll probably get into more swordfights than fist."

"Fine," mumbled Eragon. He looked around the camp and sighed. "We're leaving tomorrow, right?"

"Yes. Your wrists are healing better now, though still try and avoid using them until they are fully recovered. We'll be heading out early in the morning so be prepared," said Brom. Eragon sighed, as if in relief and walked to the edge of the forest.

"I'm going to see Saphira. Do you want to come Marie?" he asked, glancing at her. Marie nodded, yearning to see Oropher.

"Don't get seen and if you're planning on flying, stay high," said Brom, sharply and he began sharpening the blade Marie had used.

The teens nodded and they began to pick their way through the forest. Another, wider clearing came into view and they were soon standing in the middle of it.

Oropher? Want to come visit? Marie called. Her mind searched until she felt the presence of her dragon.

Marie? Finally. When are we leaving? The male voice entered her mind like the rich sound of bells. Marie smiled at the familiarity. She had become so close to Oropher that he was like her brother. She could hardly remember life without the dragon.

A loud swooping noise brushed around Marie and Eragon. They looked up, knowing perfectly what to expect. A pearly white bullet, shooting straight down, was getting nearer. Behind it was a larger, blue bullet and they appeared to be racing. It was Oropher and Saphira.

Saphira went alongside Oropher, her long neck giving her the advantage.

Her and Oropher stayed neck and neck. Finally, with two loud thumps, they hit the ground and cantered over, panting in a dog-like manner.

Hey there. How are you? Marie asked stroking the white dragon's face and neck. The gold in his eyes and under his spikes glimmered beautifully against the white.

Great! Flying is the best experience in the world! It's so nice to be free from that dreaded sack of yours, bouncing along on those…horses. Oropher growled with distaste. He and Saphira had grown to think any animal both companionable or able to be ridden were inferior to them and that humans were wasting their time when they had dragons.

Hello, little one. You seem stressed. Tell me what is wrong while we fly. Saphira nuzzled her head against Eragon's chest. Her scales shimmered a bright blue against the morning light.

Ok. I wish Marie didn't have to stay behind. Oropher's still too little to ride. Maybe he'll be big enough after Dras-Leona. Anyway, let's go. Eragon told her, rubbing his brow tiredly. With the finding of Marie, the chase after the Ra'zac had been postponed. He and Brom still hadn't told her, but Eragon felt the information privet.

"I'm going for a fly. I'll see you in a few, ok?" asked Eragon, looking at Marie as he slid on to Saphira's back.

Marie sighed, solemnly and suppressed a smile, looking at him. "Yea, ok. Have fun!"

Eragon, felt a little reluctant but shrugged. Saphira flapped her wings and shot into the air, Eragon waving to Marie. She gave a small wave and turned away as they flew out of sight.

She felt sympathy from Oropher as he touched her mind. She looked towards him with a small, weak smile.

You'll be up there. I'm sorry. I can't grow any faster. Oropher laid his head on her shoulder as she sat down on the ground.

Yea. Marie mumbled in her mind, remembering the image Saphira had sent her. The one when the four of them, her, Oropher, Eragon and Saphira, were flying joyously together.

Marie kind of felt left out. Eragon and Saphira always flew and Oropher could fly anytime he wished. But not her…she was stuck on the ground with the horses and Brom, both have probably never seen the skies.

The fact that Marie couldn't even soar with them made her feel like a bad Rider.

Marie sighed and began to wander aimlessly around the forest. Oropher had gotten bored and after a million 'I'm sorry to leave you alone' s he flew off to find Saphira and Eragon.

Marie was walking along the brush when she came into a beautiful clearing. Long, lush grass with high flowers covered the ground and the sun beat down giving it a magical touch.

The teen suddenly found herself in overwhelming happiness. She twirled with a gleeful giggle, black hair flowing and fell on her back, the thick grass cushioning her fall. Her mind wandered back to the sky and she fell asleep.

She dreamed a wonderful dream. She and Eragon were racing side by side on their dragons, their faces glowing and red from the wind. The dragons were deep into the race as well, the dog-like grin planted onto their faces, their scales shinning beautifully in the sunlight. Below them, Brom was racing across a lush, never-ending meadow wearing bright, white robes. He was riding Snowfire bareback so the white stood out brilliantly on both of them. Beside them, Cadoc was galloping freely, his copper colored coat shining gold in the sunlight. He was throwing back his head and whinnying happily as he looked up with adoration at the dragon Riders. Suddenly, two evil looking dragons came into the picture. A huge black one with a dangerous mace and a smaller red one breathing fire. The Rider's faces were blurred as if the dream didn't know how to make them, but they were both evil. Marie woke with a start just as the dragons attacked.

Marie jetted up. Darkness surrounded her in the meadow. The sounds of the night were calling plaintively as she stood.

"Oh, no," mumbled Marie. She had slept for hours. She knew she had needed the rest but Eragon and Brom had know idea where she was and Oropher couldn't reach her while she was dreaming.

She dug into her mind and reached out to Oropher. She was blown back with his presence and even fell back onto the meadow floor.

His voice erupted in her mind. Where have you been! We've been searching for you for hours beginning to suspect you were killed or kidnapped. You have NO idea how upset Eragon, Saphira and I have been!

He paused. She could feel his anger, worry and relief. She didn't want to talk about it anymore. So she asked a question, trying to evade any more blow-ups. She was wrong. Why isn't Brom worried?

Huh! Oropher growled, Marie could almost hear him snapping his jaws. We didn't tell Brom. Eragon made up an excuse. He was trying to avoid you getting in trouble! Good boy, that one. As for you! You're lucky if I don't shove you into my egg right now, you little hatchling! You can tell me what happened when we're settled at camp. Just send me your position!

Marie held her ringing head and quickly gave Oropher her location.

A tear ran down her cheek. She hadn't meant to make them worry. It was just the first time she had ever felt so happy…

Minutes passed by slowly, Marie almost wishing her search party would never come. She didn't want to face Oropher again. She didn't want to face Eragon.

The pounding of hooves came from a path. Marie glanced up slightly to see Eragon galloping towards her on Cadoc. He pulled back the reins hard, Cadoc rearing as Eragon leaped off.

The boy raced over to her and bent down in front of her. "Are you ok! Where have you been? You have NO idea how worried we were!"

Marie gave a little sob. And Eragon looked at her, stunned. She just looked down and wrapped herself into a little ball. "I'm sorry. I'm so stupid! I was just left out so I found this really nice meadow and fell asleep."

Eragon squatted there for a moment, panicking. Thoughts raced through his head wildly. What should I do? How should I comfort her? Should I scold her more? How do you comfort girls? Am I supposed to pat her on the back? No! Too…inconsiderate! Should I hold her hand? No! No, no, no! She would think that would mean something and we don't want that!

"C'mon," said Eragon, barely above a whisper. He wrapped an arm around her, making it brotherly more than anything. He knew he would never have a brother-sister relationship with her but it was all he could do. "Brom's waiting. The dragons went to stall."

They walked over to Cadoc and Eragon helped lift her in the saddle. Marie cringed as she saw Eragon wince painfully when he used his right wrist.

She also thought he would lead Cadoc in front but Eragon swung up behind her. Marie stiffened a bit as he wrapped a gentle arm around her waist but relaxed when he kept it dead center-not too high, and not too low.

He clucked to Cadoc and the horse broke into a trot.

Marie sighed and kept her hands on her lap. This was the first and probably last time she'd ever ride with Eragon and she wanted to cherish it no matter what the issue. She also realized that neither of them was very comfortable being this close. Eragon tried not to be rude as he kept his chest from touching her back and Marie, also trying to do it politely also looked down to make sure Eragon's hand didn't move. It didn't.

Marie could tell that Eragon was nervous. His hand was hot and sweaty and was leaving a spot on her stomach. Eragon could sense the uneasiness that Marie was having as she kept shifting so they wouldn't touch as much. If they were ever to have a relationship, it wouldn't be anytime soon.

Finally, the campfire could be seen. Eragon pulled Cadoc to a halt before they entered and leaped off. Both teens knew that Brom would not like the position they had been in just as much as they didn't.

Marie wiped her shirt quickly when Eragon wasn't looking and Eragon wiped his hand. He took the reins and led Cadoc in who nickered heavily at the familiar camp. Brom nodded for them to come over to the campfire for food.

Marie hopped off Cadoc, not waiting for Eragon to help her. Eragon sighed and tied Cadoc next to Snowfire.

The dragons glowered at Marie as she sat across from Brom but they did not contact her. Marie tried, though reluctant, to reach out to Oropher, but he had an offensive barrier which attacked her the moment they touched.

Marie trembled in pain but was shaken out by a hand on her shoulder. It was Eragon who had his other hand on his head. He had obviously tried to contact Saphira but it appeared that the dragon didn't want talk to him for some reason.

Eragon removed his hand and sat down on Marie's side. Brom served the food quietly, too quietly for their taste.

Both had the same thought in their head. Did the dragons tell?

They ate for a few minutes in silence before Brom slammed his food onto the ground in a sudden fury.

"So? Where were you two without the dragons?" he asked, his voice sharp and accusing.

"I-" mumbled Eragon but he didn't want to get Marie in trouble.

"Well-" started Marie but she stopped too, not wanting Eragon to get in trouble. They both avoided Brom's eyes.

"I took Marie flying with Saphira," Eragon sputtered.

"But then he went really low and I fell off," said Marie quickly.

"Into a really narrow hole that only Cadoc could reach."

"So the dragons stalled while he came and got me," said Marie.

"That's all?" demanded Brom, looking at them suspiciously.

Eragon set his jaw determinedly. "That's all."

Marie nodded as confident as she could.

Brom's face went blank for a minute and then he put on an angry growl. "Lying won't get you anywhere. I would have expected better from you two. Marie you're going to spar with me tonight."

Brom got up. Eragon and Marie did too. Marie had never fought Brom. But the way he talked, she knew it was going to be a bit harder than Eragon.

Eragon pulled out Zar'roc and handed it to Marie. Marie grasped the sword marveling for the first time at its excellent craftsmanship. It was a bit heavier than Brom's sword but it felt…right.

Marie and Brom put their fingers on the side of their blades and uttered, "Geuloth du knifr!"

Marie was down within minutes. She glanced at Eragon who had respectfully and knowingly cringed when more bruises were added. But that wasn't the end. Brom forced her up and she continued to be annihilated to the point where she thought her whole body would be black and blue by morning.

After Marie had sparred with Brom and had practice with magic, Brom scolded them a bit more.

Eragon and Marie both mumbled an annoyed goodnight to Brom and they both lay away from their dragons that night, feeling angry with them for shutting them out.

Marie arose the next morning early. She shivered, missing Oropher's warmth. She stood planning to take a walk that could warm her up, but sat back down, remembering the events that had taken place after her other walk.

More irritation caught up to her as she thought about Brom's constant lecturing and the bruises he gave her, not to mention the dragons' behavior. Her thoughts wandered to her ride with Eragon and she blushed for even thinking about it.

She looked around at the camp and saw that Eragon and Saphira were gone. Brom was out getting extra supplies for their two-day ride to Dras-Leona on Snowfire, which left her, Cadoc and Oropher.

Good morning. A male voice entered her mind with a sleepy ring.

Marie shot a mind dagger, though it still wasn't hugely powerful, it still made Oropher wince. What do you want?

I'm your dragon. I have the right to talk to you. Oropher replied. Marie glanced behind her to see the dragon standing and stretching.

You sure didn't want to put in a word about last night's ordeal did you now? Marie answered with a hiss. She spun around to glare at the dragon. Maybe if Brom had been cool about it, she might've let this go but since he probably had another lecture waiting…well, Oropher didn't help.

Oropher crouched down and gave a low growl. You deserved that! You were both horribly foolish.

Why couldn't you just punish me? You did this to Eragon too you know? demanded Marie, her voice suddenly pleading.

Because that boy was stupid. He gave the order to have us go back and wait for him while he got you and didn't tell us anything. I had given Saphira your coordinates and she must've given it to him because the moment he got them, he raced back to camp, leaped on Cadoc and went on a gallop after you, leaving us to do the excusing. He was stupid and dramatic. That's why both of you got in trouble. Oropher finished his speech with an annoyed snort, as if telling the whole thing made it just as irritating as when it happened.

Marie sat in a ball, holding her knees, a bit stunned. What Eragon did was stupid…but romantic too. But she could relate. She had done many stupid things in her life that she thought were right…like setting her pet freshwater fish, Taito, free into the ocean, and letting her parents leave on a merchant ship…and maybe her life wouldn't be as complicated as it is now…if she hadn't decided to take a walk outside of Teirm. But then…she wouldn't have Oropher, and she would still be unimportant, and Eragon would still be Evan…

She felt a light nudge on her arm. I sense regret from you, little one.

Marie breathed out, focusing on her breath that became visible in the cold. A warm body rested around her and she leaned back. She reached back and felt Oropher's cool scales. She yanked her body away from Oropher when she felt that the scales were actually burning hot.

"Oropher?" she asked and looked around. Fear shot up her heart. It was a masked man all dressed in black on a huge-HUGE black dragon. "ERA-"

She was cut off as something behind her put a tie around her mouth and gagged her. Two rough hands tied her own behind her back and she was kicked to the floor.

The masked Rider appeared to look her over. The dragon weaved its long neck around and sniffed her. Marie's eyes widened as the dragon opened and closed its mouth, showing thousands of glittering, sharp teeth. It had piercing yellow eyes that made Marie feel cold and shiver. What was going to happen?

The masked Rider made a signal with his hands to the thing behind her. Marie suddenly felt a sharp pain, and she was knocked out. Just before that, she felt horrible fury rush through her from Oropher and heard a shriek of anger as the dragon attacked.