A/N: Hey all! Happy end-of-the-week! Here are my answers to all of my reviews:
Eagle's daughter: Thanks for your comments! I'm glad you approve, and I'd be glad to review your story.
Nemesis of Nemesis: Hey, no flames! I'm doing the best I can, and cliffhangers are apart of the suspense.
Arya Drottning: You'll see…
Chapter 6: The Light of Brom
When Eragon confessed their destination to Saphira, she flew with a new speed, which sent Eragon's hair flying backwards. She ducked and weaved, and sought out the Menoa Tree. Soon enough they swept down upon it and landed gracefully.
Eragon walked once around the tree and searched it thoroughly, but found no trace of anything out of the ordinary. He threw up his hands after a few more circles, and sat roughly next to Saphira to think.
"Why, Shadeslayer, you would not give up so easily?" said an unexpected voice. Arya peeked her head out from behind the wide trunk of the Menoa, and Eragon let out a gasp of exasperation.
"Why are you always everywhere?" he said, getting to his feet.
"I followed you, naturally," said Arya nonchalantly, not in her usual stature. "I would not lay the burden of your protection sorely on Saphira."
Eragon scowled. "If you don't know how to get under the Menoa tree, then I cannot see how you can assist us."
"Try digging."
This was an obvious option, and Eragon was shamed to not have thought of it first. He flung himself to the ground and began to dig feverishly, Saphira following suit. But once they dug about a foot, hard tock barred their way and they could not dig any further.
"It's no use," said Eragon. He looked up, and suddenly an idea struck him.
Saphira! He said excitedly.
You called? Saphira replied.
Can you take me to the top?
Whatever for?
Don't ask—just do it. I have an idea.
Saphira allowed him on her, and delivered him to the canopy of the mighty tree. Since the space between branches was narrow, Saphira had to hover above him with puzzlement. Eragon searched through the branches, not quite sure what he was looking for.
With a cry, Eragon fell into a small hole, which twisted downwards into the earth, and deposited Eragon unceremoniously on the damp, musty soil. Eragon stood and brushed himself off indignantly. Nothing could be seen in the utter darkness around him, so he lifted his hand and murmured:
"Garjzla."
His hand glowed with a bright light, like an evening star, enough to show a few steps ahead. Eragon started down the tunnel unknowingly, and kept his mind heavily guarded at all times. He felt Saphira trying to contact him, but he ignored her and went on. He did not need her to distract him.
For what seemed like hours Eragon pressed on, his elven legs not ready to give up on him yet. But even an elf has to rest. Eragon slid down the side of the cave to a sitting position and let down his guard. A nagging voice burst through his consciousness like a knife.
Eragon! Why have you blocked Arya and I from your thoughts? You could have at least told us how you were! Saphira roared.
I am sorry. I did not think you would worry so. Replied Eragon genuinely.
Saphira let out a stream of emotions that contained anger and hurt, but did not say more. Eragon rested awhile longer, but soon regained his stride.
After more strenuous journeying, a faint blue light emitted from above, and Eragon abandoned his slow walk, and broke into a run. He burst into an opening. In the center lay a magnificent blue sword, its hilt glowing with pride. Eragon grasped and held it up proudly. Without a moment's hesitation he was flying with the speed of the elves down the path.
In only a few hours, Eragon arrived back at the opening from the ceiling. He dug his fingers into the soft clay that made up the wall and hoisted himself up. By the time Eragon reached the surface, he was covered with damp clay. Arya helped pull him up, and when he arrived, Saphira stuck her head through the branches.
What is that you have found, little one? She said, apparently having blowing off her anger.
Eragon lifted the sword with pride and both gasped. Arya reached out to the blade and ran one slender finger across it.
"Why, Eragon; this sword that you have found is Liduen: The Light of Brom."
