An Odd Feeling

A chill swept through the cavern as two luminous figures entered, followed shortly by their mounts. As they came into Eragon's line of sight one muttered "something doesn't smell right". Just after it had spoke Eragon leapt out of hiding and yelled one of the death words, both mounts fell, lifeless. The he charged the left most Ra'zak, and Roran follow suit, charging the right one.

With inhuman speed Eragon cleaved the head off the Ra'zak in one stroke, Roran was not so lucky. He was to slow and couldn't land a blow.

"Brisingr!" Eragon screamed and the Ra'zak exploded into flame, and burned to ashes in a matter of seconds.

As Eragon screamed brisingr, it all came back to him; "Du risa brisingr!" he heard himself scream,the image of battle had overcame his senses. Then the vision left him leaving only the Ra'zak's cavern, the stench of burnt chicken, and Roran screaming Katrina's name.

Roran didn't seem to notice his cousin's black stare, but instead ran over to Katrina and began to free her.

"Roran…" Katrina muttered, then drifted off back to unconsciousness. "KATRINA!" Roran yelled "do not leave me!" But it was to no avail, she would not awaken. "Eragon, come help me! I can't lose her!" Then he just cradled Katrina and kept repeating "I can't lose her" with a trance like rhythm.

Eragon went over to Katrina and Roran and said "slytha" and Roran crumpled onto the ground, asleep. I couldn't have him freaking out while I try to help Katrina Eragon thought to himself, trying to justify what he just did.

Well that was rude, little one. said Saphira.

I did what I had too!

I'm sure he would have let you examine her if you had asked, he knows you can heal her.

Leave me alone and let me work! And with that, Eragon closed his consciousness to hers.

Eragon began the task of examining Katrina. She looked starved, she had many cuts, both her jaw and arm were broken, and she had burns (caused by the same oil that killed Garrow) covering most of her body.

Why where they torturing her? She knew nothing! Was it just for the thrill? Thought Eragon.

Saphira!

Yes little one?

Why would they torture her? Was it was for the thrill?

That is very possible.

Those Demons!

Let me see her through your eyes, Saphira demandedEragon could feel his and Saphira's minds merge. They were no longer individuals, but one entity. The experience last for about a minute, then their minds separated. Eragon could feel he disgust through their linkEragon, those wounds are far beyond your knowledge to heal. We must bring her back to the elves.

You're right Saphira. Land where we entered and be sure you are not seen, we must take her at once!

Eragon awoke Roran, who was quite put out with what he had done. "Why did you put me in that unnatural sleep?" he asked accusingly.

"You would not have let me examine her if I didn't."

"You are right" he muttered then asked, "how is she?"

"I cannot heal her mind nor her body cousin, I have not the knowledge, but the elves may. I will take her to them, but you cannot come with me to Du Weldenvarden."

"Why not!" Roran bellowed.

"You have not earned their trust, and you would get in the way" Eragon replied frankly.

Roran cursed. "You must let me come with you!" he begged.

"Sorry cousin, it is not my decision. I will drop you off with the Varden, then I will head straight to the elves with all the speed Saphira can muster. You must trust me."

Roran hung his head and said "fine" then turned around and left the cave.

After Roran had left, Eragon healed Katrina's cuts and broken bones then picked her up and started tocarry her out. He turned around as he was leaving; something in the cavern seemed out of place. Something did not belong. After having paused for about a minute, he still could not figure out what it was. Probably just my imagination he thought, and left.

"Saphira" he said as he mounted her, "make all speed for the Varden."

I shall.