Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Eragon, Eldest, or the Inheritance series though I stick with my thoughts on the dragon…
Saphira, aren't you just a little bit suspicious of this, well, whatever it is? We have been flying for three quarters of an hour now and my legs are not feeling too splendid.
I really should have put that saddle on before we left… Eragon murmured his thoughts out loud.
We are here little one. Can you feel it?
Can I feel wha-A! Eragon almost yelled as Saphira tipped her nose into a steep dive followed by a completely unprepared Eragon, now holding on for the sake of his life.
Would you warn me before you do that! I almost fell off, and trust me, the ground does not look too soft here!
"Greetings Rider Eragon and Dragon Saphira. I am glad you have found me so quickly. I see that nothing had befallen you on your trip." Said a voice from the center of the clearing where the two now stood.
Eragon, completely caught off guard, nearly fell over, but caught himself just in time and regained his composure. "Who are you and why do you bring us here? We at least have the right to know your name and what you look like since you led us out into the middle of nowhere with no protection…"
Saphira, you didn't bring Zar'roc with you, did you?
There is no need for weapons at this meeting. We are more guarded than you think with
this woman.
"I understand you confusion Rider Eragon. You must know by now that Saphira knows who I am and what I am. It is only fair for you to know too." With that, the shadow emerged from the dark patch where the trees shaded it and into the bright clear moonlight.
Eragon was nearly stunned. The woman was young, and beautiful. No, beautiful would be an understatement thought Eragon. Silver hair was braided into a plait that reached to her slender hips, and her ears were elongated into a point, more predominant than that of the elves, but it did not look out of proportion to her features. There were two things that set her off from anything Eragon had ever seen though. On her back, was a set of beautiful, white wings, although currently folded behind her, he could tell they were magnificent in the air and contained innumerous amounts of energy.
The second slightly confused him, because she had tied a pure white cloth that covered her eyes and was tied into a knot at the base of her head. Other than that, she was dressed in bright, all white clothing, although not the average dress for a woman. A halter-top had covered her torso, the back opening where her wings met her back, and a pair of white pants, one leg rolled up so that a bandage could be seen wrapped around her calf.
Eragon stood in both confusion and awe at this wonder he stared at, thinking to himself how this creature of perfection could ever be real.
She walked closer to Eragon who still stood completely dumbfounded and bowed first to Saphira, then to him saying "My name is Nika. I am from a land little known or heard of around here called Coseara. My people have made ourselves hidden to the world unless it is in a dire need of help. Right now Rider Eragon and Dragon Saphira, is one of those times. Will you listen to my news? I will then give you time to think about what I am offering."
Eragon noticed as Nika was walking toward him, that she paced barefoot and also had bandages wrapped around her feet. In addition to that, there was a soft swishing sound of the items on her belt as she moved. He noticed there was only a pair of brown, slightly worn out gloves, a small and thin piece of metal with one hole at each end, and a petite drawstring bag, containing only Eragon could guess what.
"I have brought both of you here because it is far from ears that should not hear this information. You may or may not know, but there is a great war about to begin between the races of Alagaësia. Dwarves, man, and even elves will band together, and fight each other for dominance. The war may yet be far off, but soon it will face us with all its vengeance and fire. Now I as you this Rider Eragon and Dragon Saphira, will you help me bring peace among these peoples again? It will not be an easy task, I assure you, but it must be done if we do not want to destroy the peoples of Alagaësia. I will both of you three days to think this over. On the third night, we will meet in this same spot and I will await your answer. And Eragon," She turned to him. "Take this with you, in case you have any questions or need my assistance. The world we know has suddenly turned for worse, so be vigilant for all enemies." She took the metal piece from her belt and handed it to him. "Just hold this end to you mouth and blow through it. I can hear it anywhere and will find you where ever you may be."
She gave on last smile and a small bow and turned her back on them. She bent her knees until she almost touched the ground, and opened her wings. Both were about five feet long, but Eragon and Saphira did not have a chance to look at them long before Nika sped into the air and out of sight, faster then Eragon believed anything could move.
Speechless, Eragon moved toward the center of the clearing and peered into the night sky for any sign of Nika. As he did so, he noticed the sun was beginning to rise and knew he would soon have to be training with Oromis and Saphira with Glaedr.
Saphira, is it just me, or are you more confused than when you first came here? Because I have been thoroughly perplexed by that woman Nika and her offers. A war? I highly doubt that all of the races in Alagaësia woud fight each other.
Do not be too sure of you thoughts little one. It has happened before, and it can happen again. Come now, we do not want to be late for training.
Eragon climbed back onto Saphira and fixed himself on her neck. Saphira took of with great speed and flew with all of her strength.
Eragon, lost in thought, finally asked Saphira what had been bothering him about this whole situation.
Saphira…
Yes?
Do you really think that this war could wipe out entire races?
Yes little one, I am afraid it can. And if everything happens as Nika says, it will.
