None of the characters are mine, only the ideas.

Chapter 2

Eragon and I walked toward a relatively open spot near the edge of camp. As we arrived, Arya, Nasuada, Jomundur, and Angela greeted us.

"So, off to Ellesmera once more," said Angela with a wink. Eragon didn't even bother to ask how she knew. "But I can't imagine what the Varden will do without you."

"Hasn't Nasuada told you?" Eragon said, sounding surprised.

"Before you came, it didn't feel like the right time to tell you," Nasuada came in. "What I was going to say is that since Eragon is going away, we will be assisted by a dozen of the Elves finest spell casters."

Jomundur and Angela looked surprised at the news, although Arya looked as though see had expected it. Suddenly Eragon and I both felt someone coming up behind us. We turned around and saw Roran approaching us. He was seething with anger.

"Uh-Oh. See, now look what you've done, Saphira. He looks like he means to commit murder."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of him."

"Just don't hurt him."

As Roran approached Eragon, he drew a sword and leapt at Eragon. I put my leg in between them. It was a good thing I had my armor on already, or else it would have hurt. A lot.

The sword glanced off the armor with a clang. Roran let out a roar and tried again to run at Eragon. Jomundur leapt up, sword drawn. I knocked Roran's legs out from under him. Then I pinned him to the ground.

"Get off me," he hissed through clenched teeth.

"Why?" I said with a growl. "So you can kill Eragon?"

"Saphira, let go of him!" exclaimed Eragon.

"No. Now get on my back so we can leave."

"We can't leave this unresolved!"

I sighed across our mental link. "Fine. But make it quick," I said, releasing Roran.

Eragon went over and helped Roran off the ground. "Roran, I'm sorry that I can't help you rescue Katrina right now," Eragon said, "But I have responsibility for the Varden and the Elves. I can't just leave them to go help you!" He put all the emphasis he could into his words, trying to make Roran believe.

"I had expected something like this to happen," said Roran, obviously trying hard to keep his voice under control, "And I long ago decided to go after the Ra'zac whether you would assist me or not."

That surprised us. We had not expected for Roran to even attempt to go after the Ra'zac until Eragon had assured him that he would go.

"Why not just wait?" pleaded Eragon. "It wouldn't be long before we returned."

"Why not! Because every moment we delay brings Katrina closer to death. I need her! And I am willing to risk everything to get her back."

Eragon sighed, overcome. "I can see there is no stopping you. Go. And know that I wish you the best of luck." Eragon walked over to me. There was defeat in his eyes, but also hope. Hope that Roran might manage to kill the Ra'zac and rescue Katrina.

Nasuada spoke hesitantly, "If you do intend to pursue the Ra'zac, then it is the least that the Varden could do to give you a fast horse and supplies."

"Thank you, Lady Nasuada," said Roran with a bow.

"And, also," she said, "I don't know if you would like any company, but I know a man, Rayden, who I believe could assist you greatly on your quest. He is subtle and a great fighter. If you wish, I could show you where he lives."

Roran considered for a moment. "Yes," he said slowly, "I would like that."

"Well then there is no reason for to stay and wait any longer," stated Nasuada. "Eragon, Saphira. Until the next time that we meet, Atra du evarinya ono varda."

"Un atra gulia un ilian tauthr ono, kona Nasuada!" Eragon replied enthusiastically.

They turned on heel and disappeared into the camp.

Jomundur turned to face Eragon. "Shadeslayer, this is where I take my leave. Good-bye." He also turned and left in Nasuada's footsteps.

Then Arya came up in front of us. "Eragon," she said softly in the ancient language, "I know that you wish for me to come back with you to Ellesmera, but know that I cannot. My place is with the Varden."

"Then there is nothing else I can say to you. I pray that you will be protected and not be harmed. I will miss you."

"As will I," I said to Arya.

Last Eragon spoke to Angela, "I don't have much to say to you. I have a feeling that we will meet again."

"I think that you are right."

Eragon got up onto the saddle and I took off. As we flew away, we looked back upon the Varden's camp. "We own nothing, and yet we have so much that we leave behind. I just wish there was a way that we could stay," he sighed.

"Don't worry," I said, as the camp disappeared behind the horizon. "I'm sure that we will be able to return before too much has gone past."

Murtagh leapt off of Thorn and strode through the towering front gates. He walked down a straight hallway and came upon an ornate wooden door, inlaid with gems of various colors and sizes. He gave a single rap upon the door. It echoed like thunder.

"Who is it that disturbs me?" came a booming voice.

"It is I, Murtagh, O glorious one," said Murtagh in the ancient language.

"Then enter," said the voice.

Murtagh pushed open the great door and entered an enormous room devoid of any embellishment. On the far side of the room sat a man dressed entirely in black, sitting upon a large marble throne with cushions on it. Behind him lay a black dragon of monstrous size.

"Why have you betrayed us, Murtagh?" said Shruikan. "We told you to bring back that boy, and yet you come here, alone."

Murtagh knelt and bowed his head before speaking. "With all respect, Master, I see no way that I have betrayed you."

Galbatorix rose. "I see that there is still hard love between you and your brother," he growled. "It is obvious that you need to pledge yourself more to me and my cause. I will not have this happen again."

"Although you have somewhat lost our trust, we have work for you to do," stated Shruikan. "We have seen that our forces have agreed to a momentary cease in hostilities against the Varden and Surda. It is foolish, at best. You will go back to them and order them to attack once more."

"Of course, Master," he said. "But what about Eragon?"

Galbatorix wove his hand. "You will not have to be concerned about him. The Varden will not suspect an attack, so most likely he will return to the Elves. As for now, you shall make further oaths, and then leave. What you will say is…

Sorry it took so long I've been gone for the past few weeks. I'll change the point of view every few chapters. Hope you liked it. Plz review!