DG: Alright, the chapter isn't as long as I expected, but something else big happens in the next one. You may notice. Though, that Galbatorix is a little nutty. Yeah. Sorry, Jousting Elf with a Sabre and Tortured Artist, I did not see your reviews before. Thanks for saying it's good even though it's bad, and for finally getting a COMPLETELY INSANE review. I do a lot of them, but it's the first one I've ever gotten. Thanks! And calling me a noble authoress. (last part to Jousting Elf with Sabre)

Training

Jenny lay on the bed, confused and sobbing. The room around her was the most exquisite she had ever seen, but she was too upset to enjoy it. She was imprisoned in this room, in another world, so it seemed, and separated from her brother. Not to mention that she would probably never see her parents again. The crying continued for another hour until food was brought and slid under a kind of dog door, but much too small for her to fit through. Upon seeing the food, she realized how hungry she was and began to eat. The food was simple, but good. After eating it, she felt better.

I'm sure I'll see my family again, she thought. And Mark, too. That Galbatorix dude didn't seem so mean.

But he was the one who imprisoned you, said a little voice in the back of her head, but she ignored it. Turning, she caught sight of her book bag. It wasn't until then that she remembered the book one of her friends had given her. It was called Eragon, she remembered, and it had been pretty big.

Jenny wasn't an avid reader, but she did read normal size book, but this one had been bigger than any she'd read before. But, then again, she was bored and had nothing to do. She grabbed the book out of her bag, realizing instantly that it was much bigger than she remembered, an enormous hardback almost as big as a Harry Potter book. (Yes, we all know it isn't anywhere near the fourth, let alone fifth HP book, but she's never read them) Still, not deterred, she dove into the book and read the prologue. Intrigued, she read on. She had only gotten to chapter 3 before she no longer had enough light to read by and went to sleep.



The next morning, Jenny was awakened by a knock at her door. Getting up and yawning, she realized that she was still in her same clothes. She opened the door to see another servant, who swiftly grabbed her wrist and began dragging her down into the castle, making several turns before going out into the yard. Waiting there was Mark and Galbatorix. For some reason, Jenny felt happier to see him than Mark.

"Before we start your training, I have something I want to give you." He took two circular objects from his robes, one red, the other purple. He handed the red one to Jenny, while giving the purple one to Mark. Jenny inspected hers. It looked like a giant ruby, bigger and brighter than any she had ever seen. Mark's resembled a rich purple amethyst, dark and beautiful. The sphere was strangely warm to the touch. Somehow, Jenny felt a strange kind of happiness holding the jewel. It was so hard and beautiful, yet seemed somehow fuzzy and cute like a kitten.

"Now," Galbatorix said, bending down. "Put those down and we will begin you're training." Looking quizzically at each other, they set down the jewels and stood up as Galbatorix did. He held two pebbles, which he gave to them.

"Now," he said, "make them levitate." They stared at him like he was a lunatic. "Go ahead, try."

Sighing inwardly, Jenny focused on the stone, willing it to move at all. After glaring at the stone angrily after a mere five minutes. Stupid rock, she thought. Move! Then, something miraculous happened. Like a balloon exploding in her mind, a sphere of energy popped, sending power coursing through her veins. She focused the power on the pebble, and it wobble up above her hand. Trying to make the power a steady stream, she narrowed it and forced up more. The pebble shot up into space. Jenny quickly withdrew the power, but it was another minute before the pebble came back down. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion overcame her. She hadn't realized she was so tired. Falling to her knees, she saw Mark rush to her side.

"Just a side effect of using too much magic," Galbatorix said simply. "You just used too much magic. You did do very well, though. Both of you." It was then that Jenny realized that Mark had made the pebble levitate.

"That's enough of magic for now, however. We will now go to the training grounds." He led the way to a small arena on the other side of the yard. Galbatorix took three wooden swords from the pile next to him.

"Now," he began, handing them swords. "You will begin sword training."

"If I may ask, why are we doing this, exactly?" Jenny enquired politely. Galbatorix grinned.

"You will find out very soon, I assure you. But, until then, let us begin," he said slyly. Looking at one another, the siblings shrugged and listened as Galbatorix listed the three basic sword strikes; low, middle, and high, showing them each. They then began practicing them. As Galbatorix would recite it, they would do it. The pace went faster and faster, and Jenny was soon sweating heavily. The sun was high in the sky before they stopped.

"Break time!" He said briskly. He took out a basket from behind the pile of wooden swords and took out three sandwiches, giving one to each of them and keeping the last for himself. They ate ravenously, having had all that exercise and not eating breakfast.

"Alright!" Galbatorix announced. "Now we go inside for book learning!" He walked off at a brisk pace. Sighing, the siblings followed.

DG: 'Ello again! The little button is calling you… Heed it's call…