A/N: Thank you for all of your comments to my poll! Keep them coming.

Chapter Eleven: Ambush

After hours of grooming and changing, Eragon found himself atop Saphira, hurtling toward the castle. He was using his free hand to flatten his hair, and smooth his new garments. Soon, they arrived at the castle and Eragon leapt from Saphira.

Eragon was suddenly bombarded by a flurry of white, soon to be found as Arya. She hugged him tightly and released with a smile.

She is pushing her luck, Saphira growled, tendrils of smoke furling from her nostrils. Arya noticed this, and stepped away from Eragon modestly.

"Do not worry, O mighty dragon. I am with your rider only as a friend, and ally," she murmured.

Saphira eyed the elf jealously, but then turned away with a satisfied snort. The threesome made their way into the hall, and Eragon was stunned at the size of the hall—it seemed much bigger than usual, and thousands of elves filled it, elves of great prestige.

It was at this time that Eragon looked at Arya properly, and noticed that she was wearing a white, floor-length dress that twisted elegantly around her.

Music floated into the room softly, and entranced the Rider, who immediately held out his hand to Arya.

"Would you like to dance, princess?" Eragon asked. Arya nodded, and was swept into a quick beat. The two danced for hours, losing thought in the music. Saphira watched angrily beside Glaedr, who had arrived with Oromis without either Eragon or Arya seeing.

"Excuse me, pardon me, my most loyal servants and, of course, esteemed guests," announced Queen Islanzadi, stopping the music, and the dancing pairs. "I would like to thank you for joining us here, and to make several toasts before the meal is served. First, to Ellesmera, our beloved home!" The elves cheered, and several raised their wine glasses in obvious approval. "Next, to my daughter, the next queen of your city!" The elves created another uproar, this one as exuberant as the last. "Last, to Eragon and Saphira, the rebirth of our land!" This ovation was enormous, the elves hoisted their drinks into the air boisterously, and it quieted again. "Now, I would like to present the-"

Suddenly, an explosion rung out, bursting the right wall open. Hundreds of men rushed through the wall, and began slaughtering the population. Screams and angry shouts rang out and Eragon's hands immediately flew to his sheath to draw Liduen.

It wasn't there. Eragon then remembered he had left it in his room. Cursing, he rushed to Saphira. I left Liduen in our room! I can't fight!

Wait here. I will return. Saphira escaped through the window, and Eragon, panicking, picked up a long candelabrum to fight with.

Another explosion sent Eragon flying against the wall. He looked up, rubbing his eyes, and gasped. Murtagh stood in Thorn's saddle, sword drawn, and was shouting directions to the men.

Eragon rushed through the crowd, only to be attacked by a soldier. Rage kept Eragon fighting with his makeshift sword. He was obviously more than a match for him, and stole his blade.

Saphira returned, holding Liduen firmly in her claws. As she swept by, Eragon hopped upon her, and she delivered him the sword. They both flew at the opposing Rider and dragon with enough venom to send Saphira tearing into Thorn's shoulder.

"How did you find us, traitor?" Eragon yelled through the cacophony in the room.

"Galbatorix can get anything if he wants it. A force of 10,000 men is nothing short of that. He instructed me to kill the elves, and it seems you are part of the package. Of course, Saphira will come with us. It's too bad you condemned her to a life torn apart from her Rider. If only you had agreed to serve…."

Eragon lashed out, and made a deep cut on Murtagh's chest.

"Why you insolent…" Murtagh leapt into the air, and with Thorn's help, landed smoothly next to Eragon. The two fought violently; blue clashing against red. Glad he had worn his belt; Eragon drew power stores from it feverishly.

Saphira thrashed backwards, and performed a complicated somersault, which threw Eragon and Murtagh careening to the ground. Both recovered and they faced off determinedly. Neither ready to risk being beaten by the other, they fought fiercer than ever. Eragon drew stores faster than he expected until they ran out, and Murtagh got the upper hand.

The younger sibling was thrown to the ground, too exhausted to fight back as the red point of a sword pressed against his neck. A scowl erupted from Eragon's throat, but he did nothing.

"What, brother?" Murtagh teased malevolently, "Are you tired? Do you want a rest? That can be arranged." Although Murtagh's words were spiteful, Eragon saw the pain in his eyes.

"Don't," said Eragon, his voice coming out in a rasp.

"We've already been in this situation, Eragon!" Murtagh shouted audibly. "I'm not going to let you go."

A/N: Ha, ha, ha! I just thought a cliffhanger would be just what this chapter needs. I hope you enjoy it! (Not.) Just don't kill me.