Okay, I know my first chapter was really short, but like I said, I couldn't think of a better way to start it. And the flashback just came out short. For those of you who are wondering why I cut out the part where Murtagh kill Hrothgar, this was all about Eragon's reactions to Murtagh being the next rider, and all the info that Murtagh hit Eragon with. Now, enough jibber jabber, on with the story.

I quickly made my way to Nasuada's tent, those flashes of the insane plan I had on the battlefield was coming together. And like when I stood on the battlefield, pain was everywhere.

Many women and children were collapsed on the ground, mourning for the loved ones they lost. While many others were bustling around trying to save scores of wounded warriors. But the most painful thing of all were their eyes.

I saw several pairs of eyes that were cold and blank before they were covered up with a cloth, and then more cries would shred into the air. The eyes of the mourners were filled with agony, as they all knelt before the body of their loved ones.

Still, some eyes held a fiery look of hatred that was pointed toward the east, toward Galbatorix, and the remains of his defeated battlelion. No matter where I looked, there was no sign to show our victory.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I entered through Nasuada's tent. Inside the tent stood Nasuada and Arya, who seemed to have been debating about food rations. They immediately stopped when they spotted me.

"Eragon," Nasuada said with a nod. "My lady," I replied with a slight bow, before nodding to Arya. She returned the favor. "What brings you into my tent," Nasuada asked.

I hesitated, still unsure of my desperate plan, let alone actually telling it to Nasuada and Arya. Arya instantly sensed my hesitation and asked, "Had something been troubling you?"

I looked at her. What kind of question was that! Of course I was troubled, even the finding out I was a rider hadn't shocked me this much. But when I spoke, I spoke calmly, "I've been thinking of something."

Before, I could lose my courage, or before Arya or Nasuada could interrupt me, I continued, "Galbatorix is winning isn't he?"

Nasuada hestiated, "I'm afraid he is, and the birth of another rider on his side, just cut whatever chance we had in half."

That wasn't what I wanted to hear, not really. I wanted Nasuada to show that same determination she had always shown, but the battle had taken its toll on her physically and mentally. Just like the rest of us.

"And now there is only one egg left, and it's male," Arya put in. I winced. I didn't need to be reminded that Galbatorix wanted Saphira to start a generation of evil twisted riders. "Where is she now?" Arya asked.

"She went out to hunt up the river." "And Roran?" "He off taking care of the villagers on the ship." Nasuada sighed, "Now tell me, what is it you've been thinking about?"

This time I didn't hesitate, "What if we steal the last egg?" I got no reply, just stunned silence, so I contnued, "What if we gather all the forces we can, and take the fight directly to Galbatorix's doorstep?"

"WHAT!" Nasuada screamed, "You want to take the fight directly to Galbatorix's doorstep! He had the power to obliterate us all, not even you Eragon, can defeat him-"

"Yet," I said firmly, "I plan on finishing my training with the elves first. I can convince the elves to come and fight, and you can try to muster up whatever men we've got."

"But, but Eragon," Nasuada spluttered, "Not even the elves can stand up to two powerful riders, maybe one alone, but not both!" Arya's eyes turned to steele and her body stiffened. She didn't like her people being talked about in such a way.

"Yes they can," she muttered, trying to contain her anger. Nasuada glanced at Arya, and her eyes softened, "Forgive me Arya. Who am I to speak so brashly about the elves."

Arya eyes also softened, and then nodded in acceptance to the apology. I could tell she was embarrassed to lose control, even for a second. "Anyway," I said, "What do you think?"

"I think, you already got my answer," Nasuada replied, a little coldly. I looked to Arya, hoping for a more positive answer. She caught my eye, and I tried to find her answer in her eyes, but she spoke before I could.

"Eragon, you are asking thousands of people to die, strictly to find the last egg. But if Galbatorix or Murtagh suspect a trap, you would have to kill either one or both of them or their dragons, which could be even more diffacult."

"Then I'll be careful," I shot back, "Look Galbatorix knows we're getting desperate, he knows his army just lost a good third or more of it, but he has more than enough to finish us, for all we know Murtagh has already alerted Galbatorix how weak our position is now, I would not be surprised if I saw a black dragon on that horizon."

For the first time in my life, I think I had just stunned both Arya and Nasuada at the same time. Another thing that occured to me, was I had not consulted with Saphira first. I guess I really thought I would see a black dragon sweeping in on us.

The silence stretched, and stretched, but I remained quiet. It was like my test of patience Oromis had subtly given me. I couldn't blame them. I had dumped a lot on Nasuada and Arya, and, like me, they already had heavy hearts.

Finally, "Eragon, you realize that in the process of trying to find the last egg, you may have to end the war as well." Arya whispered. "Well, even if I don't get that chance, I still need to steal the egg if we're going to have any chance of defeating Galbatorix," I whispered back.

Nasuada still remained silent, until with a defeated sigh, "We have no choice. Besides, with a third of Galbatorix's army gone, and if we gather with the elves, we may just win the war right then and there."

That's when I realized something, "Well, if you think that we may actually win that battle, wouldn't that lure Mutagh, and maybe even Galbatorix out to fight?"

"Yes, it would," Arya replied, "Wasn't that the whole point of your plan?" "Well yes," I muttered, "The only problem we may have is underestimating what two riders can do, for all we know, they could obliterate whats left of our army in minutes."

Thats when Nasuada's lips twitched, it was barely noticeable, but it had been there, "Then I suggest you hurry when you steal the egg," she said.

"You mean when we steal the egg," Arya cut in. I looked at her, not surprised as she said, "You're not going to go in there alone if Galbatorix and Murtagh are not drawn out."

I smiled, for what felt like the first time in several lifetimes. Still smiling, I contacted Saphira, who was already making her way back, Saphira, I've got some news for you. I already heard, she replied, It's time to finish our training little one.

My smile broadened, despite all the pain swirling about just outside the walls of the tent.