Chapter 4: A Little Help, A Little Hurt

Has a surprise character back in the picture. Not a new one, just well once you read it you'll see. I can't really put a summary, but I think this is one of the more confusing chapters.

on with the story!

'Wake up!'

'Wha? Huh?'

'Just listen!'

'Wait, I know this presence-(grudgingly) Murtagh! What do you think you are doing?'

'Just listen!'

'Why should I? You betrayed us! I'm not too sure we are of the same blood because I am not EVIL! I didn't give in like a weakling and side with Galbortorax!'

'Boy! If you would just listen, I need to tell you something!'

'No! I won't-you will just have to suffer and I will not allow you to betray us again!','Besides, why should I? You have lied to us all-I gave you my trust and-'

'Your just going to have to listen to me and then you can do with it what you want!'

'What is it?'

'Do you have someone you feel really attached to on a different level other than Saphira?'

'What? That is none of your business! I don't even know why I'm still listening right now!'

'You don't have to tell me, but if you do-all I can say is three are better and stronger than two! What you do is none of my business, but as we were friends once a time, I hope you know I mean this for well...I hope you understand this for its all I can tell you.' With this Murtagh's presence was gone. Eragon could feel truth in his words' and the sadness that came with them.

'I feel you little one, and I know what has happened-yes I am awake. I'm not sure if you trust him, but I know you want to. In fact what he said makes sense and the fact that she is like the strongest Elf, male or female, and her being of noble birth makes for an even stronger link...plus you are already willing to share yourself with her makes for this possible.'

'Saphira...I'm not sure...what if I let this happen and instead of making us stronger it makes us vulnerable? If the king learns of my feelings and connections, he could and would take advantage of that. Use her against me, as he would use you against me or vice versa. It would be easier to take her from me than you, and the easiest to overtake would be...me.' Eragon said this even more sad as he sagged his shoulders.

'You are rambling Eragon. Straying from the facts at hand', 'He doesn't know Eragon.'

'What makes you so sure?'

'The way Murtaugh was feeling when he told you of this'

'What?'

'He was exhausted, his mind trembled, slightly, but I'm sure he tried to hide this from you, to keep you from worrying.'

'Why would he do that?'

'Think about it, if he says too much he may alert Galbortorax, and so he had to speak carefully.' Eragon looked down at his feet like he was trying to melt the shine off with his piercing stare. His elbow on his knee and hand cupping his chin. His eyes completely focused in deep thought.

'I understand that but...'

'What if SHE doesn't?','It only sounds like a long shot to you, but to her it will make justifiable sense, complete and total sense.'

'How can you be so sure? I mean she might not...'

'Eragon!...I mean, think logically-put aside feelings just for a second-' Saphira almost revealed to Eragon, Arya's true feelings. She had to honor her oath, but more importantly she, Arya, had to say it to him and he had to see it himself.

'What are you aiming at? Saphira?'

'Uh...think of the bigger picture, realistically, if adding to our connection-somehow, is going to add to our strength, it is well worth the try. But with more strength comes consequence. With this comes great risk and risk is something I know you do not like to meddle with, but if it is going to help, risk is all we've got.'

'I thank the gods they gave me you Saphira.' Eragon stood and hugged Saphira. She hugged him as a dragon could, by wrapping her neck around him and nudging him on the cheek with her snout.

A/N: What do you guys think? A little change, a stray from the line of the written Eldest, but I thought it made some sense. Then again I don't always want to make sense...here it should fit. Ok, so other than that I thought it was easy to follow. I try to make the speaking parts easy to follow and the mind-speaking parts too.

Teaser for next chap and whats to come-(not yet typed up-yes ppl a roughy) Arya meets with Saphira, but about what? A trip down memory lane so to speak. This meeting could be just what the good guys (and gals) need. In time a different realm is presented. I can't really say much about it cuz it would give away too much, but review and I'll put myself out of misery.