(A/N) Don't worry, this is a chapter. But I have a few things. FIRSTLY I am so happy with how this story is going. I have a few notes, but everything is really coming together well. As I said, Eldest will PROBABLY be longer than Inheritance, as it is combining events found in CP's Eldest and Brisingr. That being said, you guys have about . . . four big battles to look forward to. I have a few questions for you, however. I introduced a lot of characters, and because of that, many of the characters are not fleshed out as well as others. A few characters that I want to focus on are:

Nasuadon

Neybark Wind

Rem

Elva

Elonubum

Alauinel (All of the Forsworn, basically)

Katrina

If you guys can think of any other characters that you would like to see more of just let me know and I'll be happy to give them some screen time so I can develop them. Eldest is the most ambitious project I have begun, and sometimes I fear I will fail in being able to capture the conflict going on in the world . . . speaking of the world . . . .

Everyone: WHERE THE FRAK IS THE MAP, DUDE?

Me: OKAY WELL as I said cartographer is hard to do! And while working on the map + new cover, I LOST TWO FAVORITES! So guys, you have to realize that doing supplementary stuff for this fanfic means I might not be able to post for a few days (and I like, have to deal with this waste of time thing called a life . . . I mean really come on) So there are going to be times where I am WICKED busy so unfollowing or removing this story from your favorites doesn't really help anything. Actually, if I don't post for lets say three days and see that 3+ unfollowed or whatever, that makes me NOT want to update. I mean, ONLY ONE person unfollowed my twilight rewrite and I haven't updated that in months. Four days with this fanfic? Three people (Who seem to have re-followed after two chapter updates . . . ) I hate to sound like a jerk but yeah that's kinda messed up. Also, PLEASE REVIEW! Combining yesterday's views with the number of views on Wednesday, I got over 1,000 views. How many reviews? Wait for it . . .

TWO. I mean, I am super thankful of the support but I NEED FEEDBACK! I put a lot of work into these chapters and I need to see how I'm doing. Honestly, I know you guys want supplementary stuff like the map, but I really feel like it isn't worth it sometimes due to the fact that out of 1,069 people, only TWO people took time to review. This isn't me being rude or selfish or mean, this is me BEGGING you to review. SO PLEASE. Even if you have NOTHING to say, or if you have NOTHING good to say, PLEASE.

REVIEWW! (So I'm ending this now seeing as I wasted 500 words on this rant . . .)

ELDEST VII

Killian kicked a headless body from the deck of his ship. All in all, Rem had pointed out seven men that had abused him, and now all seven were dead. Rem himself watched, stone faced, as Killian turned. His wounds still ached, but the boy was not only touched by magic, he could control it perfectly. Even among Riders, Killian had never felt the power he sensed when around Rem. Before, he had barely noticed it, but that was because magic came from Rem naturally. All beings touched by magic, even Elves, weaved energy around them and combined that force with portions of their own spirit, the strength of which was usually used to determine how powerful one was in the arcane arts. But this boy . . .

Magic and spirit combined within him, an essence created from his own person. The combination led to an unfathomable power, a torrent of pure focused energy that was greater than Killian could ever muster. All of this within a boy that had not seen more than sixteen summers.

The sun shone past a punctured cloud, as the ships of Killian's fleet filled the last reaches of the South Sea. Ahead of them, he spotted a large and winding landmass, mountains teasing as they were cast in a dark green blur above the mist of churning ocean. Killian could smell the salt rising off of the waters, and he could feel the air as it slipped past his clothing and his mask. He fingered his staff as his crew stood at attention, while Rem sat on the deck, leaning on the wall of Killian's captain quarters.

"If anyone of you touch the boy, you will die as they did. They will make a good meal for the sharks that have been following the destruction we have wrought on our way here." Killian bellowed. He was answered by a scattered response of "yes, captain" and "Aye, sir". Some even were brave enough to contort their face in a deep scowl, but in the end, Killian knew he ruled them all. They feared him, as they should. Some even feared Rem now, as he had been able to return Killian to health. Now, even the foolish Dwarib navigator began to show Killian respect as they drew closer to the New World.

And now they were at the doorstep of the land.

"We have traveled long, and we have crossed seas that would have broken lesser men. We have defeated countless Nyste merchant ships, and soon we will strike them in the heart. The New World is ours, and after we have claimed it, we will return to the mainland, and bring havoc to the Dwarib Kingdom."

Cheers took the deck then as Barnacle directed the ship forward, cutting the sea in two. The sails grew larger as they captured the power of the wind, the land ahead growing larger and larger. Killian could feel the ancient power within the landmass, a disturbed entity that had risen due to the industry of the Dwarib merchants. Anticipation grew within Killian regardless. What could stop him?

"Captain, something is rising from the New World." A man called from atop the masts.

"Everyone, back to your positions. Someone get me a looking glass." Killian ordered as men moved about around him. Rem rose suddenly, his yellow eyes turning red.

"Rem, what's going on?!" Killian screamed, rushing to the boy and grabbing him by his shoulders. Rem looked at him blankly while his mouth moved, whispering words that Killian recognized as spells but did not understand their context. He threw the boy down on the deck as one of his crew scrambled to give him an eyeglass. But at this time, Killian had no use for it. Looming above them in the air was a massive winged beast, a dragon as black as night with eyes that glowed dully with a blinding brightness. However, the creature's lower body was all half-decayed muscle sticking to shining bone as a skeletal tail whipped at the surface of the ocean. Killian stood breathless as the dragon hung in the air, half-decayed wings spread far, eclipsing the sun. For some time there was no sound, silence and fear taking up the space within the empty air. But then some kind of projectile struck at the dragon's winged shoulder. There was an explosion of noise as the dragon roared in protest, turning in the air and focusing on whatever had attacked it from the land.

"No!" Rem screamed as he ran to the railing of the boat.

"We must land, we must land now!" he called. Killian lowered his head, the mask he wore heavy on his face. The beast reminded him of his own dragon, still a mere hatch-ling tucked away safely in his own quarters far away, hidden within the lands of Surda . . .

"What is the dragon to you?" Killian questioned.

"It is me, part of me. I did not know why I came with you on this ship, but now I understand. I . . . . I do not know for sure, but this being belongs to me. I can feel it." Rem looked up at Killian, his eyes still red behind the shaggy veil of similarly colored hair.

Killian glanced up at the land. The Dragon was fighting something, as horns were called and more explosions were heard, while lights flashed around the Dragon's body. They were close enough to begin a landing.

"Prepare the rowboats. Our destiny begins now." Killian ordered.

(Line Break)

Orrin marched with his men. They left the lands of House Yorbar wounded and weakened, with many of the Elves leaving to protect their homeland from the Sealed rebels. Dwarf soldiers hard won were given leave to remain and rebuild their homes, but thankfully a scant few had beckoned that call. Many of them were young, and wished to see the world above their own. Orrin would show them the wonders of Alagaesia . . . but they would also experience the splatter of blood on their faces and the sound of their allies dying while their entrails curled among the feet of men still fighting. Once they reached the walls of Aroughs, the war would begin. It was furthest from the Empire, and Orrin mused that it would be easy to conquer. They needed a victory, especially after the loss of Murtagh and the betrayal of The Twins.

"Tell me of this settlement, Lord Ghuion." Orrin said to the tanned man who rode beside him. Ghuion was a high-Surdan, with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He wore a turban over his head, while his lower mouth and chin were covered by white cloth. He rode a fast Surdan horse, and a long spear was belted to his back.

"Many men in your army will be fighting cousins and brothers. Aroughs, as you know, has remained loyal to Galbatorix." Ghuion inhaled deeply as the sound of marching men came from behind. Trebuchets dragged across muddy ground, the land turning from sand and sparse grassland to an arid yet slightly forested locale.

"The city stands upon a swamp, while canals draw water from the West Sea. The water is used to power mills and other instruments, and waste is carried away by a different canal leading away from Aroughs. It is two tiers high, about twelve feet above the ground. Around the canals, walls guard the settlement half submerged in the swampy water."

Orrin chewed his lip. Taking the area would prove to be much harder than first thought. The trebuchets might not do much damage if the water absorbs most of the damage wrought by thrown boulders.

"What would be your plan of attack?" Orrin asked as his horse pulled muck-filled hooves from the ground, trudging forward while rain began to dampen their clothing.

"Many High-Surdans know the canals well. Send a small force within the settlement once night falls, and have them open the gates from within. The water is low enough that it can be traversed on foot. After the gates are opened, we will be free to enter the city."

"We are too close to tally, then. We must send men at once. We shall camp here. Tell the others, Lord Ghuion."

Defrey Ghuion nodded, turning around with a flourish of his cape to announce Orrin's words to his lagging army.

Where are you now, Father? What has come of your designs?

(Line Break)

Night fell upon the land. Defrey Ghuion opened his mouth, and swallowed the salt-tinged air. Six other High-Surdans waded behind him, spears held above their heads as they bounced from half-sunken trees towards the small canal opening that lead into the city of Aroughs. Their toes scraped against the floor of the forest, which had long since been covered by deep waters. Insects buzzed around their faces as amphibious creatures croaked, filling the night with melodic whines that joined the dark time symphony. Defrey looked behind himself and saw his men. Blonde and blue eyed, the young faces looked back at him, straight noses barely above water. Defrey nodded forward, and then turned himself. He kicked into the water, a splash quietly splattering droplets back into their liquid home as he dived under. His eyes were used to the touch of water, and he could see easily as he sawed through the thin wood gates of the Canal. After having to rise to the surface for air three times, he had cut a square hole, and urged the others through.

They swam easily enough, against the smooth current of the canal. Defrey poked his head above water, looking at his surroundings. Two pathways flanked the canal, and above the paths, guards patrolled raised wooden sidewalks, supported by stakes of oak that defied the touch of water. Defrey climbed underneath the sidewalk, listening for the sound of footsteps above as his men moved into position.

Now!

He swung over to the top of the sidewalk, startling the guard who was in mid-step. Without wasting a breath, Defrey jumped forward, locking the guard in his arms, and then quickly snapping the man's neck. He tossed the body into the canal, and frowned as he heard the sound of the second body follow suit.

"Time for the gates." Defrey whispered as his soldiers crouched around him. The sidewalks curled around buildings of stone and wood, but the bleached walls of Aroughs were always nearby. While they were not of brick, the surface was rough enough that Defrey did not think they would have trouble in finding handholds. Defrey began his ascent, a shadow against the white surface. The night was cool, and the air was still. Silence was palpable as even their breathing was hushed, scaling the wall, approaching the raised portcullis lever that would open the gates for Orrin's army. They were waiting in large riverboats, ready to attack once Defrey gave the signal.

Defrey reached the battlements of the wall, swinging over them with tired limbs. After waiting a moment to catch his breath, Defrey raced across the hard stone battlements, the moon akin to a giant's eye, watching his every movement. Their footsteps were a light patter, barely audible as they came to the chambers that controlled the gates. Defrey stopped at the closed door, and then scaled it, climbing atop the roof. His men jumped over the battlements, gripping onto sloping gargoyles on the other side of the wall.

Defrey leaned over the roof of the room, and racked on the door.

"Yeah, yeah, hold on." A voice called from inside. The door unlocked and swung open. After a moment of confused silence, Defrey pounced. He reached his arms downwards and pulled the man who answered the door up, and then over the side of the wall. He screamed as he splashed into the water below, while Defrey snaked into the room as his men followed. He came across the lever that controlled the gate, and pulled it backwards, hearing the sound of rising chains as gears ground against each other. As shouts sounded around him, Defrey reached into his sodden pockets and produced a water-resistant bag crafted of seal-skin. He pulled six fire-eyes from the bag, and threw them into the air. In seconds, they lit the night sky in a wide array of colors, and Defrey smiled as the light shone on his face.

The battle for Aroughs had begun.