Back to the Helgrind

Roran gasped as Saphira shot up into the air. "Does it always feel that way", he asked uneasily. "Yes", Eragon replied.

If your cousin feels he needs to purge his stomach, be sure does not do it all over my scales, Eragon.

I shall relay your request Saphira.

Eragon repeated Saphira's message then asked "Roran, did you eat breakfast"?

"Yes, of course" he responded

"I told you not to! The first time I flew I grew sick and hurled; it was not a pleasant experience"

"I can keep my facilities under control". Just as those words left his mouth Saphira initiated a complex series of twists and loops

Let us see how well he keeps his 'facilities' under control now.

Saphira! Reprimanded Eragon

I am just testing him. He seems a little prideful. And with that a low rumble that could only be described as chuckling burst forth from Saphira

"Why did she do that!" asked Roran, looking a little green

"Why does she do anything" responded Eragon, not wanting to explain Saphira's true reasons.

They had flown all day, and the sun had already set when Helgrind first came into view. Achill swept over Eragon, the cliffs were as haunting as ever. Saphira was flying so high that all they couls see was the ragged and sharp peaks of Helgrind piercing the clouds.

"I can see why they call it 'Helgrind'" muttered Roran

"Aye" Eragon replied.

They landed on a cliff high above the Earth. Roran dismounted Saphira and hurled. "These flights are not pleasant" he said.

"You will get use to them" Eragon replied dismounting Saphira. Saphira, fly high so no one can see you, I will call you if you are required.

Okay little one replied Saphira as she leaped into the air.

"This appears to be the entrance" said Eragon after Saphira was out of sight.

"Aye, I believe you are right" said Roran, drawing his hammer from his belt.

Eragon also drew his sword, the pale blade only remind him of his failure to defeat Murtagh. The Sword was named "Domia abr Fyrn" and was in no way poorly built, in fact it was of dwarven craft but it was no Rider blade.It will serve me for now Eragon thought.

As they entered the cave, the smell of raw meat impacted their senses. The deeper they went in the more cruel and twisted the cave seemed to become. Evil seemed to hover like a cloud. After about five minutes of walking through the cave, Eragon and Roran had became very uneasy. "There is no good in this place, the very air seems tainted" mused Eragon

Eragon could see the end of the tunnel now. It opened into a large cavern. An ominous silence hung in the air. The Ra'zak were not there, but lying in the corner, was an unconscious Katrina.

Roran muttered "she is alive" then rushed over to Katrina and began to untie her bonds. "No" cried Eragon "when the Ra'zak return they must find nothing changed if we are to surprise them"

"You speak only wisdom"sighed Roran, sounding as if each word brought a foul taste. Then he turned around and began to cradle a sickly looking Katrina.

"We have no time for that" cried Eragon "we must hide now!" The words were scarcely out of Eragon's mouth when a feral scream echoed through the cavern. The Ra'zak had arrived.