Eragon

Chapter 1- Return to Carvahall

Eragon rode on Saphira, taking in all the sights and the fresh air of the morning air. It was only minutes before they would reach Carvahall. Eragon had waited for this moment for a long time. He couldn't wait to tell everyone everything that happened. As they drew near to the small town, Eragon told Saphira to land in the fields behind the wreckage that was their home. Once Saphira landed, he allowed her freedom to do as she wills, but to not show herself in public. I'll try not to be seen, but be careful. People are still curious of why you left and how you survived for this long without much help. If anyone gets to suspicious tell me and we will meet here and run away. Eragon smile at her and turned. As he walked into town, he ran towards Horst's house. He knocked on the door. He waited and then the door was opened by Elaine, Horst's wife.

"Oh dear God...Horst!" She gazed at Eragon as if he was the living dead. Horst rushed to Elaine's side, followed by Albriech and Baldor. All of their gazes fell on him like weights.

"Eragon...is that you?" Horst was still in shock. His eyes contained fear that Eragon had never seen in his eyes before. Albriech and Baldor both had their mouths wide open.

"It's me..." He tried to explain more, but he was interupted.

"Come in, come in! Baldor and Albriech, go call Roran now!" Albriech and Baldor leaped onto their horses and dashed off in a great gust of wind. Eragon entered their humble abode and followed Horst and Elaine into the dining room. They all sat down and Elaine brought tea.

"So, Eragon, tell us what happened. Why did you leave us without telling us why you were going? Why?" Horst's deep voice hardened as his eyes watered. He quickly blinked away the tears and looked straight into Eragon's eyes. Silence floated around the room. No one said anything for minutes on end. Eragon stared at the two and noticed that sadness in their eyes.

"I had to leave..." Eragon's eyes wandered away and then he stared down at his hands.

"Eragon, sweetie, we were all so worried. Couldn't you just leave one note telling where you were going?" Elaine spoke up for the first time. Her voice was soft and tears clouded her vision. Like her husband, she blinked away here tears. She sat patiently waiting for an answer.

"I couldn't. That would have left you and Horst in danger. I couldn't risk leaving any evidence of where I was going." Eragon's voice was also muffled.

"Eragon, now, tell us what happened." Horst's brow wrinkled as he concentrated on Eragon. He knew Eragon wouldn't say anything so he retaliated. "You don't have to tell us anything you don't want to but we just want to know what happened. You've been gone for a long time and now you come back. We hardly even recognize you. You changed so much."

Eragon wanted to tell someone all his troubles, but was unsure. He reached into the farthest reaches of his mind and contact with Saphira through their mental connection. Saphira. She didn't respond. Saphira. Once again there was no response. He stood up in a rush of fear. Did something happen to Saphira? Had she been discovered? He called over and over again. She didn't respond.

"Horst, Elaine, you know I want to tell you everything, but I can't risk it now." At that moment, the door swung open. Roran ran in and grabbed Eragon in his arms, hugging him.

"Eragon...wait...are you Eragon?"

"Roran..."

"Eragon! I missed you so much. Why'd you leave?"

"Sorry Roran, but I have to go." Eragon slipped out of his cousin's grip and ran out the door. Roran stood there dumbfounded. Albriech and Blador sped through the door way.

"Gosh, Roran. You never ran like that before...what changed?" Baldor was breathless and was panting loudly.

Eragon ran to where Saphira was. She wasn't there. Gone. Saphira was gone. She could have gone hunting. Anything was possible, but anything was also dangerous. He contacted Saphira again for reassurance. Saphira. Where are you? he waited for a moment. Then he heard her faint voice.

I'm farther out of the town. How did the meeting with Horst and his family go?

Not to well. They wanted to know what happened. I wanted to tell them, but wasn't sure so I tried to contact you. Once you didn't respond I began to panic so I ran out here.

Don't worry Little One, I am fine. However, I think that we have been found out.

What happened?

I was flying, in search of prey and I saw a small group of urgals. I saw that they were headed towards Carvahall. I swooped down and destroyed all but one. When I followed him, I found a large urgal settlement nearby. They must be planning to attack because we are here.

No...we attracted danger. How can we make sure they don't come? Can we attack them and draw them away from Carvahall?

No, our powers aren't enough to defeat the army. We need help.

Where can we get help. I don't know anyone strong enough...wait! What about the elves?

They could help us destroy them, but I fear that they will not help us.

Arya will. Saphira, go and try to persuade Arya in bringing some help. I'll stay just in case they move too close to Carvahall.

Se onr sverdar sitja hvass.

Eitha, Saphira, and be careful.

The dragon flew away elegently. As she left Eragon's site, he turned and hurried to Carvahall. He flew toward's Horst's house on the hill. Opened the door and ran in.

"Horst," Eragon was panting from the long sprint, "urgals are attacking Carvahall."

"Eragon, how did you get away?"

"I didn't...encounter...them...just saw...them...," he finally recovered from the major oxygen loss, "they have an encampment some where out of town. Half-way between here and Therinsford. Theres a gigantic army that's headed this way." Horst's face hardened. He whispered something to Elaine that Eragon couldn't make out. Horst then turned to Eragon.

"Eragon, go out, not too far though, and scout for the urgals. I'll rally up the others and we'll defend Carvahall. Now hurry, we don't have much time to prepare." Eragon raced out and stood at the foot of a hill where his house once stood. He stared out and waited. After about fifteen minutes, Eragon saw something glinting in the distance. It was the urgal's armor. Eragon turned and ran as fast as he could. He got to Horst's house and told Horst that the urgals where almost here. Horst left the house and a large number of people who were at Carvahall carried weapons such as pitchforks, clubs, knives, and anything that could kill. The army charged out into the didstance and met the urgals. They were out of city boundaries. Everyone readied.

"Attack!" Horst's cry rang through the Spine. It echoed and came back to him. Everyone charged at the urgals. Eragon ran forward with Zar'roc at his side and his bow strung to his back. As the battle began, Eragon prepared to battle.