A Curse Lifted, A Quest Begun

Du rïsa brisingr!" The words scarcely left his lips when a group of Galbatorix's men collapsed to the ground as the life was literally sucked out of them. The very earth itself convulsed under Eragon bidding, as the hidden fire of the underworld spewed forth under the spell. Fire and molten rock engulfed the battle field, as entire divisions of Empire troop were absorbed in smoke and flame. The doomed souls cried out in terror and pain, a sound so twisted and horrid, it took Eragon's breath away…

Eragon awoke to a foul stench that made is nose burn and eyes water; it was the stench of the Burning Plains. This was the morn of the second day after the battle, and a lurking feeling of uneasiness still hung in the air. The uneasiness hung so heavily that soldiers kept their hands rested on their sword hilts and a grip tight on their pole-arms. The feeling had officials pacing and everyone kept glancing over their shoulder for fear. This feeling set Eragon on edge as soon as he was fully awake. This edge was reduced some due to the plan of dispelling Elva's curse today, but not significantly.

"Saphira, wake up." Eragon bellowed into the ear of the sleeping dragon. He jumped back as a jet of blue flame erupted from Saphira's maw.

It is unwise to wake a sleeping dragon little one. Saphira said with a chuckle.

And you should be more careful were you spew out fire! Retorted Eragon grumpily. It was too early for Eragon to quell his whiny tendencies. "Waíse heill" He said, and the burnt skin instantly began to knit itself back together.

I would not toy with you so if I didn't think you could take it! Maybe I underestimated you…

Eragon face looked as if he was trying to come up with a good response, but was drawing a blank. To this Saphira let out a low rumble, that could only be interpreted as laughter. After that Eragon face changed from thoughtful annoyance to anger. He was already uneasy, and Saphira's seeming lack of care was too much for a very disgruntled Eragon.

Saphira thought it best not to let Eragon say anything he would regret, we should leave, we told the hatchling we would be early.

"Fine, we will leave."Eragon said, revealing his level of frustration in his voice.

Eragon and Saphira left the tent, and headed off in the direction of Nasuada's abode. All around the camp men and dwarves went about their jobs. Everyone all around was anxious, and it was not an uncommon sight to see men looking up, expecting to see a red dragon swooping down. Eragon felt a little relieved to see he wasn't the only one set on edge. Not that it relieved his feeling, just made him feel less like a focal point for uneasiness. Saphira, on the other hand, show no sign of being troubled. She walked about ignoring the upward stare of men, and refusing to follow suit. Dragons are such amazing creatures. Eragon thought as he looked over at Saphira.

The pair soon arrived at Nasuada's tent. The Varden's leader was waiting outside the entrance flap. She informed them that the girl was waiting for them inside. Also, she said that Arya and Roran were inside as well.

Arya? Why does she have to be here! Eragon thought to himself.

"Why must Arya and Roran be present?" The young Rider inquired.

"They are here, for I wish them to be here, is there a problem with that?" Nasuada replied with an air of authority.

"No, of course not, I was only… curious."

Nasuada looked at him as if she were trying to decipher whether he was telling the truth or not. Ignoring Nasuada stare, Eragon lifted the tent flap, and walked in. The Varden's leader followed him in. Saphira slithered her head and neck inside the tent as well, for all of her wouldn't fit.

Eragon approached the girl and looked her straight in the eye; "Are you ready Elva?" he asked solemnly.

"Yes Eragon", she promptly replied, "I have been ready since the day you, um, 'blessed' me"

Eragon took a step back, and stretched out his hand. He concentrated, and touched the area of his mind, the area sleeping just beyond the reach of conciseness. "Atra gülai un ilian taught ono un atra ono waíse sköliro frá rauthr, du levo vomica!" He spoke in a commanding voice, and magic flowed from the Rider.

Both Eragon's and Elva's gedwëy ignasias glowed with a white light, and the onlookers shielded their eyes. After the light faded, a visible change had overcome the child. No longer was she the tattered creature, hunched over with everyone else's cares and pain, but instead now she was just a girl, innocent and honest, standing up straight, and having a joy in her eye.

She bowed a low and peaceful bow, saying; "I feel so alone now Eragon, it is a very strange feeling. Thank you for giving me peace." Having said her all she wanted to, the girl darted past Eragon, and out of the tent. Arya, who had not so much as looked at Eragon, departed immediately after Elva.

Not even a hello, thought Eragon, truly regretting his love for her. "If I had only kept my head at the Agaetí Blödhren" he muttered.

"What did you say?" asked Roran as the cousins walked left the tent.

"Nothing… nothing at all." Eragon quickly replied.

"Well cousin that was a strange happening." mused Roran. "Now that the battle is done, and all your current obligations fulfilled, do you think the Varden will let you free for a little 'personal quest'? My hammer aches for Ra'zak skull."

"Aye Roran, I know how you feel. As to the Varden letting me free, I do believe they will."

Hey guys! I am going back and reworking the old chapters, and here is chapter one, digitally remastered! well, maybe just remastered...

-ejendres