Preparations and Contemplations

Burning Planes War Camp:

Eragon left his tent shortly after dawn, stretching out his hard muscles in a luxurious yawn. The first thing he noticed was a large pack of supplies, strapped to Saphiras' saddle which was spread out on the floor.

"I packed last night, after you bunked down." Roran approached wearily hefting his hammer in one hand and a beautifully elegant, curved short sword in the other which he promptly threw to Eragon. "Its from Arya, she says it's no Za'roc but better than any human-made blade."

Eragon twirled it around between his palms admiring its weight and the way it caught the light. After thanking Roran he left to say his farewells.

Orik was slumped out on his bed, guzzling mead as Eragon entered his tent.

"How are you feeling?" He spoke out softly, knowing full well what was going through the dwarves mind. He had been through much the same thing after Garrow and then Brom's passing.

"Been better" was the grumbled reply but Orik looked up, grateful for the company. "I hear you've taken it upon yourself to slay the Ra'zac?"

"Aye, Roran and I are travelling to Helgrind shortly to take revenge on the Ra'zac amongst other things."

"Well give them hell for me!" roared the dwarf suddenly and then returned to his solemn tone. "And be sure to survive, we've lost too many warriors already and as a Durgrimst Ingeitum you are bound by honour to attend Hrothgar's funeral…"

"Of course" promised Eragon, noting how Orik's voice broke as he mentioned the former king.

Poor Orik, he has suffered much Saphira's voice came through the mental connection

True, but there's nothing more I can do He replied with regret

Where are you anyway?

Hunting She said briefly before severing the connection.

Eragon found Nasuada looking over numerous charts and a huge map of Alagaesia in her own tent. Bowing he said "I've come to notify you of me and Rorans departure my liege"

She looked up and smiled at him "Good fortune follow you Eragon, the funeral is in a week's time so try and make it to Tronjheim within five days"

"Thank you Nasuada", he embraced her warmly and left to seek out Arya.

Arya gazed out over the Jiet River. Though most of the disgusting flotsam had cleared, here and there a severed arm or leg would get caught up in the rocks, a gruesome testimony to the terrible battle. She was shocked out of her reverie by a nervous voice from behind her.

"I'm truly honoured that you thought to lend me your sword Arya Svit-Kona" Eragon blushed as she turned and graced him with a smile.

"You have much power Shadeslayer, but do not under-estimate the Ra'zac and their foul steeds. T'would be a grave mistake on your behalf." She looked into the depths of his eyes and smiled. "However I have full confidence in your ability, else I would never lend you my sword."

Eragon felt the emerald green of her eyes wash over him, studying him intently while he revelled in the wake of her smile.

"Your words hearten me Arya, though I must regretfully bid you farewell." He turned and left abruptly, not trusting himself to keep his cool during their formal banter. Sighing he made his way towards Roran who was waiting patiently a short distance away.

"May the star's watch over you Eragon" Aryas' stunning voice rang out like birdsong, causing him to pause for a moment. Remembering the battle of Farthen Dur she whispered softly to herself "Be safe Eragon… Wiol Pomnuria Ilian." (For my happiness)

"Saphiras gone hunting for a short while" said Roran as Eragon approached him. "Hmm…" In a flash Eragon drew Aryas sword and struck at Rorans throat, deliberately slowing the blow. He was surprised therefore when Roran's hammer struck it in mid-air, clashing in a shower of sparks.

"If we are to defeat the Ra'zac then you need some proper training brother." Eragon replied to his questioning gaze. After dulling Eragon's blade and softening Roran's hammer they sparred for awhile, Eragon showing Roran different tricks and techniques to use and trying to remember how Brom had taught him.

Saphira hovered above them half an hour later, amused that they still hadn't noticed her. Like lightning she dropped from the sky, pinning them both to the ground with her claws, a smug look on her face.

Dead

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Crags of Tel'naeir:

Soft rays of light shone through the window of Oromis' hut, illuminating two tall figures staring each other down and Glaedr the dragon, peering intently through the door.

"Why have you called me here Oromis?" The man who spoke looked about twenty five, he was tall and lean, built like an elf, but more muscled and with a light travellers tan as opposed to Oromis' pale white complexion. His face was ruggedly hansom, if slightly gaunt looking with intense blue eyes and well trimmed stubble forming a slight goatee beneath his mouth. His hair was short, dark and unkempt and his ears were subtly pointed, beyond that of a humans but less than an elf's. Very much like Eragons.

"You know very well why Grieg-vor, the battle was ours but the war goes in the empires favour. He has two riders of immense power in comparison to our one and his forces vastly out number ours." Oromis voice was strained and weak but he spoke out with a fierce passion.

"What difference do you think one man can make?" Grieg's voice was calm but had a hard edge to it.

"One man" laughed Oromis "absolutely nothing, you however… I believe you could make a very large difference if you put your mind to it."

"You wish for me to continue Eragons training, why may I ask?" Grieg adopted a curious tone. Oromis paused for a moment.

"You know spells of immense power, and your swordsmanship is next to none"

"As do you"

"Ah but age has taken its toll on me… Eragon will learn better with someone to physically show him the way, its how Brom taught him so fast." Oromis took a breath and continued "My time is running out Grieg, the Vault of Souls calls out to me like never before" Grieg looked down at this tears clouding his eyes.

"Don't speak like that Oromis! You and I will both live to see Galbatorixs' downfall I swear it!"

"Don't make promises you can't keep old friend. Instead make one you can keep, complete the Shadeslayers training." They both paused at this looking each other in the eye, and then:

"Aye, I never could argue like you Argetlam. Ill do as you ask."

"Excellent, this world owes you a lot Grieg-vor, to where should I instruct Eragon to go?"

"Ill be awaiting him at our rendezvous in the Du Fells Nangoroth, though you should know I fear Galbatorix is close to discovering my lair. Twice in the last month Urgals bearing the royal crest have come close to discovering me." Oromis seemed to go into deep thought at this.

"It cannot be helped; even you it seems cannot hide forever… I will send the rider and his dragon to you and you're… companion." Grieg looked around nervously at the mention of his 'companion' before walking towards the door.

"Until next time Oromis elda"

"Atra esterni ono thelduin Grieg-vor".

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Wiol Pomnuria Ilian- For my happiness, Eragon said this to Arya at the battle of Farthen Dur book 1

Vor- close friend

Atra esterni ono thelduin- May good fortune rule over you

Svit-Kona- honorific for an elf woman of great wisdom

A/N:

Thank you for reading my second chapter of Blood Always Tells.

Please leave a review, to let me know how I'm doing and how I can improve.

Next chapter will be based around Eragon and Rorans journey to Helgrind and confrontation with the Ra'zac.