Yes, thank you all. I'm sorry; I reread the chapter and noticed there were some things I should've changed.

Anyway, for the reviews…

Khori, yeah, I know that Thorn is younger than Saphira, but I changed it so Thorn was kept a secret, Murtagh was actually a spy. I know, dumb, but it has to be that way to work with the story line. And its okay, I don't mind helpful reviews, just flames. :smile:

Massie, I'm sorry you have to go back to school. :hugs you: And I'm glad I made you happy! I hate it when people do that too, it bugs me:grr: I hope I update fast enough, my chappy tend to be short… :sniff:

Anyway, please review again after this chapter! I luff you all:blows kisses:

BTW, you can call me Wolfie. :wink:

Chapter 5 – Defending the Realm

A mass of black, swirling mist danced around Kiatra. "Aseil?" she called, straining to view more than a few feet past the mist. Red eyes appeared in front of her, more than three times her size.

"Hello?" Kiatra asked nervously. A burst of flame flew from the red eyes. Kiatra screamed. She could feel it burning her and erasing her from her world.

Eragon & Saphira's POV

"Shut her up!" Arya snapped, holding Kiatra's arms down as the girl struggled, still in her coma.

Eragon covered his ears. "Its not good, Arya." he yelled over Kiatra's screams. Outside, Saphira held down Aseil, who was roaring loudly. Both sounded as though they were in pain.

Eragon! We have to do something! They will die! Saphira said, wincing as one of Aseil's claws created a gash on her leg.

Eragon sprinted outside, grabbed a pail of water, and rushed back inside. In an instant, he dumped the cold water on Kiatra's head.

Kiatra stopped screaming.

"Finally." Arya sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. As Kiatra's breath regained its normal flow, her eyes fluttered open, wide and confused. Eragon was once more amazed at its color.

"Where am I?" she murmured, her eyelids wobbling as though she felt dizzy. Arya and Eragon did not answer. "Aseil…" she sighed, trying to sit up. Her eyes shot open, all dizziness gone.

She flung the blanket that had been covering her aside, at the same time her hand going to her belt. Eragon held up her dagger. It glinted in the light, almost mockingly.

"Give it back!" she yelled.

"First make your dragon be quiet." Eragon shoved her roughly outside the door. She tripped and fell, her cheek connecting with the dirt. Ignoring this, she stood up and walked to Aseil. Her back was rigid, her face calm, but inside she wanted to kill them.

Kiatra put her hands on Aseil's back, her eyes closed. Her hair, though there was no wind, began to flutter about her. Aseil opened his golden eyes.

A crowd had gathered, and several of them gasped in astonishment. Kiatra made to jump onto Aseil's back, but Arya was there in an instant, her arm pulling Kiatra away from Aseil.

Kiatra! Aseil called, roaring and fighting Saphira's hold.

Just stay! Kiatra called, as she was pulled back into the tent.

Arya held Aseil with her magic, standing outside the tent, her forehead furrowed as she tried to contain the dragon.

"Oww! Stop!" Kiatra complained, as once again she hit the ground.

Eragon snorted. "You're just a bratty girl, not a Rider."

"I AM TO A RIDER!" Kiatra's eyes turned a menacing purple as she glared at Eragon. He shrunk back a bit.

"We don't have time to argue." he said calmly, though he wanted to throttle Kiatra.

Kiatra snorted. "You had time to splash water on me." Her wet dress hung to her skin, and she shivered slightly.

"Oh. Sorry about that," Eragon said, embarrassed. The water didn't exactly help Kiatra work with them. "Anyway, who are you? And who's your dragon."

"I'm Kiatra. Don't ask for a last name, I don't have one 'cause I'm an orphan." Eragon felt a pang of understanding. "The dragon is my best friend. Aseil."

"How old is he?" Kiatra shrugged.

"As old as your dragon, they're the same size."

"And why were you with Murtagh?"

"Why shouldn't I be?"

Eragon banged his fist on the miniature table. "He's a traitor and a spy!" he snarled, his cinnamon eyes flashing red.

"So? He's never given me any reason to trust him. The King and Murtagh are good people."

Eragon put his head in his hands. This girl didn't seem evil, she had been tricked into thinking the Empire was trying to help Alagaesia. He sighed.

"Kiatra…"

"Hmm?" she asked, idly examining her fingers. They were long, but strong and muscled.

What does Eragon say to her? Find out tomorrow! I'm sorry, this chapter is pretty bad… Uck… Anyway, please R&R as usual. Thanks.