Breakfast was cold, but the tea was not. Ice that they had carried in from outside in their boots had melted and soaked through the floor, creating dark spots in the wood. Garrow and Roran stood by the kitchen stove, and Nari stood back, staring at them. She wanted this memory imprinted in her mind so that she could look back later and see them just like this.

"Do you have everything?" Garrow asked, drawing Roran's head up.

"Yes," Roran agreed, standing up. Garrow withdrew his hands from his pockets, drawing with them a small pouch of coins.

"I've been saving this for you. It isn't much, but if you wish to buy some bauble or trinket, it will suffice."

"Thank you," Roran said, "but I won't be spending my money on trifles."

"Do what you will; it is yours. I've nothing else to give you, except a father's blessing. Take it if you wish, but it is worth little."

"Not to me," Roran told him, eyes filling with tears. "I would be honored to receive it."

"Then do, and go in peace." Garrow pressed a kiss to Roran's forehead. Then he turned towards her, and raised his voice. "Do not think that I have forgotten you, Nari. Though these are words I would normally reserve for a son, they will serve both of you equally well. And more than that, you will need them now that you are about to enter this world as adults. Head them, and they will serve you well." He paused to stare at them sternly before continuing.

"First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain your own, rather than swayed by honeyed words. If you do not, even a free man may be bound tighter than any slave. Give men your ear, weigh their thoughts, but do not give them your heart, for no man is without fault. Show respect for those in power, but do not follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not. Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly, or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs, and others will listen.

"Of the affairs of love, my only advice is to be honest. That's your only tool to unlock a heart or to gain forgiveness. That is all I have to say." Garrow seemed slightly self-conscious as he finished, but Nari knew she would hold his words close to her heart.

Nari and Roran walked to Carvahall in a somber silence. It was still early when they reached the town. Baldor was at the stone forge, working two of the large bellows. Horst and a man that must be Dempton stood next to a long table near the door.

Dempton had a bright red mustache and a bright smile. "Roran! I'm glad you came. There's going to be more work than I can handle with my new grindstones. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. Do we leave soon?" Roran hefted his pack up.

"I've a few things to take care of first, but we'll be off within the hour." Dempton turned to her. "Ah, this must be Nari. With looks like yours, you must be a heartbreaker. Bet you'll appreciate not having your cousin around to chase the men off," the man laughed. Nari forced a smile. The man was friendly, and normally Nari would have liked him. Indeed, she did feel easier about Roran going to work for him. These were not normal circumstances, though, and she could not bring herself to like the man who was stealing Roran away. The man quickly turned his attention to Roran, however, so Nari didn't have to worry about offending him.

"They're ready to go," Horst finally interrupted. "You can take them whenever you want to."

Nari bit her lip. "I should go," she murmured to Roran. He looked down at her in shock.

"Aren't you going to stay awhile?" Nari smiled wryly.

"There's nothing for me to do, and I'm not going to stand around until you go," she teased lightly, trying not to cry.

"Well, I guess this is the last time we'll see each other for a few months."

This is the last time we'll see each other, period.

"You'll be back here before you know it," Nari told him, trying to smile. "Take care, and come back soon." She hugged Roran tightly, and then left the shop. Pressing her back to the shop for a moment, she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Then she set off deeper into Carvahall. If this was the last time she'd be here, she wanted to remember it exactly as it was. The streets were mostly empty, but there were a few people moving around in the early morning light. Not quite so early as she'd thought, she realized when she glanced upwards.

As she was about to turn a corner, she heard something that froze her in her tracks. Voices held in conversation weren't normally a cause for alarm, but one of the voices was almost a hiss and sounded oily and smooth. It was like nothing Nari had ever heard before, but her instincts were screaming danger. Nari listened to her instincts; it was the only thing that had kept her alive in the Spine. She listened intently, not daring to breathe.

"When did this happen?"

"About three months ago," someone answered. Nari quickly identified the man as Sloan, and frowned.

"Are you sure? We would hate to think you had made a mistake. If that were so, it would be most...unpleasant." Nari shuddered, wondering who these two people were. How many people were powerful or influential enough to dare to threaten someone like that? Only people that worked for the Empire, Nari was sure.

The dragon! It came to her in a flash. Strangers in Carvahall, making inquiries, working for the Empire. They were searching for the dragon! Sloan's next words confirmed her thoughts.

"Yeah, I'm sure. She had it then. I'm not lying. It was blue with white veins going through it. She had it in her sled when she came back to town." Sloan said something else, but she did not catch it. The blood was pounding in her ears. He's telling them about the egg, she thought.

"Your information has been most helpful. You will not be forgotten." Sloan said something again, but it was too low. Nari thought he'd probably rather these strangers did forget him. She heard a rustle that sounded as if something was rushing away. Taking a deep breath, she glanced around the corner. Two tall men stood in the street, dressed in long black cloaks. Their clothes were fine; on their shirts were insignias intricately wrought with silver thread. They were definitely working for the Empire. Hoods shaded their faces, and their hands were covered by gloves. There were sheaths strapped to their waists. The strangest thing, Nari thought, was that their backs were oddly humped, as though their clothes were stuffed with padding.

Nari shifted slightly, feeling her legs aching at remaining in one position for so long. The strangers both stiffened, swiveling around and dropping into crouches. Nari felt her heart begin to race, like a deer that had been sighted by a wolf. Her eyes were locked with the space beneath their hoods, though she could not see their faces. She knew they could see her face, and that was the worst of it all. She struggled to move, to scream, to do anything, but she couldn't move.

"Nari!" She jumped as her name was called, suddenly able to move again. The strangers froze in place and hissed. "Nari!" It was Brom's voice. She wanted to cry out, to warn him, but then the strangers gave her one last look before slipping away. Nari collapsed to the ground, feeling sick. "You look sick, are you well?" Brom demanded, helping her sit up. Nari swallowed, nodding.

"I just got very dizzy for a moment. It's passed now, but I think you might be right. I think I might be getting sick," Nari lied as she pulled herself up and stood shakily.

"You'll recover," Brom soothed, "but perhaps it would be best if you went home." Saphira, her mind reminded her.

"Aye, it would be." She said swiftly.

"Allow me to escort you to the road. I'm sure you will feel better by the time you arrive." Nari didn't protest as Brom took her arm and led her away at a quick pace. She wanted as far from those men as she could get. Still, she cast a curious glance at him. Why should he think she'd feel better by the time she got home if she was 'feeling sick'? He noticed. "The fresh air will do you good," he soothed. She nodded and let it go.

When they reached the road, Brom turned to her with serious eyes.

"Hurry home. It wouldn't be wise to tarry." She nodded and turned to go. He caught her hand, stalling her. His hand fell away when she turned back, but her glove went with it. "Clumsy of me," Brom apologized, picking the glove up. "I just wanted to ask if you'll be back in town next week."

"I don't know," Nari said hesitantly, reaching for the glove. Her right hand was dirty, but the silver was bright and she needed her gloves to keep it covered.

"A shame. Well, I suppose I'll see you the next time Garrow allows you to leave the farm." Brom reached out to hand her the glove. When she clutched it, he abruptly close his hand over her wrist and twisted. She gasped, the glove falling from her hand. The silver mark shone through the dirt, and Brom's eyes glowed. Still, he said nothing as Nari scooped up the glove and tugged it on. Then she turned and left, walking quickly.

Brom knows. From the look in his eyes, she had no doubt he'd recognized the brand. He knew.

Today settled it. Two very dangerous strangers in town, working for the Empire and searching for the egg. Brom recognizing the Rider's mark and therefore knowing about Saphira.

It was time to go.

She ran as fast as she could, refusing to stop even when her chest tightened so much she struggled to breathe. She stopped only when the farm came into sight, slowing to a walk. Garrow would question everything if she arrived at a run or out of breath. Her uncle stood by the barn with the horses. She walked up to him, steadying herself.

"Uncle," she called. He turned, eyes sad.

"Nari." She took a breath.

"I've decided to go hunting for a week or so," she lied.

"We've plenty of meet yet," Garrow observed. She swallowed. She had made sure to hunt rabbits and squirrels while she spent time with Saphira, so that her uncle would not go hungry after she left.

"Yes," she agreed, "but with the snow, the deer will be easier to track. And we'll need a stock in case there's another blizzard." Garrow stared at her.

"Go on and get your things, Nari," Garrow said sadly. Feeling uneasy, Nari headed to her room. Double-checking, she found nothing else in her room that she wished to take with her. She did scoop her blanket from her bed into her pack, carefully folded. Then she put her pack onto her back, grabbed her bow and arrows, and headed out. To her surprise, she found Garrow out in the main room, another pack at his feet. He stared at her sadly.

"You're far too much like your mother, Nari," he told her quietly. "When my sister was eighteen years old, she started to grow restless. She loved the stories the Traders brought about kings and lords and ladies. Of gold and riches, of eating feasts at every meal. Her head was up in the clouds, and I knew it could lead to no good. So when she came back from Morn's acting strangely a year later, when I heard that there had been a rich man doing the king's work there that day, I knew what she had planned. When her things started disappearing in that next week, when she started humming as she worked, I knew what was going to happen. I didn't stop her. I didn't even tell her that I knew what she was doing. I just let her leave with that man without a word. My biggest regret is that I never told her goodbye." He stared at her for a long moment in silence. She stared back, tears pricking her eyes. "I know it's not a man with you. In that way, you're smarter than your mother was. But I know there's something. Maybe I can't stop you, but I can tell you goodbye." Nari bit her lip and rushed forward, hugging him fiercely. He tightened his arms around her, then let her go. He cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "I've a few more of your mother's things here. Some from before she left, and some that she left with me after you were born. There's also a bit of money in there, just as I gave to Roran."

"Thank you, Uncle," Nari whispered. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Nari."

Then she turned, leaving.

Reaching out to Saphira, Nari called her urgently.

Saphira! We're leaving now! Focusing hard, Nari sent her the image of the clearing surrounded by brambles that Nari had hid in often as a child.

I come. Saphira's reply was dim, as though she'd gone away to hunt. Saphira's voice was soothing, gentling the ragged edges of Nari's grief.

They met at the clearing, and Nari hung the pack that Garrow had given her on one of the thick spikes on Saphira's back.

Will you hold this for me? The things inside belonged to my mother.

I will protect it with fang and claw, Saphira promised. Nari pressed a hand to her snout in gratitude and then began walking, Saphira flying above her. Nari smiled up at her often, marveling at how Saphira flew just high enough that she looked like a bird to those below.

The strangers, once they'd found out that she'd run, would head south, towards the greater part of the Empire. It was the logical way out of the valley, the only way out, except through the Spine. But Nari knew she would not be safe, especially not trying to outrun the strangers. Every city and village would soon be on the lookout for Saphira.

The Spine had been her refuge for years, and it was somewhere even Galbatorix's armies feared. Nari knew she would be safe there, at least for a little while.

What happened? Saphira asked, curious. I knew you wished to wait until after Roran left, but I thought perhaps we would stay until tomorrow.

Perhaps we would have, Nari began. But there were strangers in Carvahall. They were looking for your egg, and Sloan told them about me. She explained what had happened and felt a spike of fear go through Saphira.

We must leave here, Saphira said with sudden urgency. Now!

We are, Nari soothed.

Faster, Saphira demanded. Nari felt Saphira's roiling emotions, knowing only Nari's constant movement away from Carvahall prevented Saphira from swooping down and snatching her off the ground.

They will not find us here, Nari soothed. To calm Saphira, and to entertain herself as she walked, Nari began reciting the tale of Galbatorix's army going missing in the Spine. Saphira listened intently, some of her fear soothed away. Nari walked as far as she could, deep into the night. When she finally stumbled on her feet, her eyes too bleary to safely continue, she stopped in a clearing and called Saphira down.

I need to sleep, Nari told her. I doubt they will be able to follow us this far, especially since they will have spent time asking Garrow where I went.

And if he tells them? Nari frowned at Saphira's suspicions.

He wouldn't. And even if he would, I headed south when I left the farm, as if I was heading towards Therinsford. It is where anyone would expect me to go, since it's the only way out of the valley except through the Spine. Even knowing I hunt here, no one would expect me to travel this way when the road to Therinsford is both faster and safer. They fell silent for a moment and Nari felt her stomach complain. She had not eaten today. She would have to hunt for herself tomorrow.

Where will we go now? Saphira asked.

"I don't know," Nari admitted aloud. "One of Brom's books had a map in it, but Carvahall was as far north as it went. We could go west, towards the sea, but the moment we leave the forest, someone could see us and tell the king. The only thing east of here is the North Sea, which is too dangerous to attempt to cross. Plus, there is a city on the other side, and we could be seen. And we can't go south. Even staying here in the Spine is dangerous if we stay too long. It's the middle of winter, so we'll need shelter whatever we decide."

Perhaps a cave, Saphira suggested.

And risk running into bears? Even you would have trouble with those, Nari pointed out. Saphira sniffed, but didn't argue.

I can keep you warm, she said firmly, wrapping her body around the blanket Nari had laid down. Nari sighed and climbed into the cocoon. I will drape my wing over you to guard you from snow, and the fire inside me will keep us warm.

Thank you, Saphira, Nari said. She curled up against the dragon's belly, and Saphira draped a wing over her. The darkness enveloped her, and the warmth began to build. Tomorrow, we'll decide what to do.

Nari woke thinking the sky had fallen. An unbroken amount of blue stretched over her head and slanted to the ground. Still half asleep, she reached out tentatively and felt the material under her fingers. It was smooth like leather, but warm to the touch. It took her a long minute to realize what she was staring at.

"Saphira?" She reached out to the dragon with her mind and realized Saphira was still asleep. With a sigh, Nari stretched as much as she could under the wing before settling back down.

Her mind drifted to the issue of where they would go, but no solution presented itself. They could not go north, east or west, else they would find themselves stopped by the Sea. The only options available to them were to remain in the Spine and hope they were not captured or to head south and hope they were not captured.

Nari nudged Saphira in the side once she felt the first trickle of awareness. Saphira stirred and lifted her wing to admit a torrent of sunshine. Nari squinted as the snow momentarily blinded her. Beside her, Saphira stretched like a cat and yawned, flashing rows of white teeth.

Can you fly up and see if you can find a small stream or pool? We'll need water, Nari asked her. Saphira launched herself into the air, and began to glide smoothly. Nari glanced at her longingly before turning to her belongings. Carefully, she spilled both packs onto the ground. Her own belongings tumbled from the first pack, all of the things which she had deemed essential, but which Garrow could manage without.

In the second pack, however, were the supplies Garrow and her mother had given her. The small pouch of coins was tied securely. She set that and several other basic essentials aside as she examined the rest of the pack. A few dresses, one very fine. Several pairs of soft leather pants and shirts. Holding the clothing against herself, Nari was surprised to find that she and her mother were about the same size. Her mother had been a bit more muscular than Nari, making the clothes slightly baggier, and Selena had been an inch or so taller. Her mother had also been older though, so hopefully Nari would gain more height as time went on. There were several tomes mixed into the pack as well, though Nari set those aside to explore later. Beneath the tomes and the clothing lay a larger book. Opening the pages, Nari realized it was hand-written. Flipping pages, Nari saw the names Garrow and Horst show up more than once. Then, when she found a drawing of the farm, she realized who had written it.

Nari blinked, shutting the book, clutching it tightly. Her mother's words beckoned, but Nari slipped it back into the bottom of the pack and piled the books on top of it. The pack Garrow had given her was larger than hers, and Nari was sure it could fit everything inside it except her sleeping blanket. Instead of doing so, however, she divided the supplies up into the two packs. The more expensive dress and several items that were more precious or sentimental were put into her mother's pack with the books. Her blanket, knife, waterskin, flint, and other essentials would go in the pack she carried with her, so that she could have them at a moment's notice.

I've found a small pool, Saphira alerted her. It looks clear and there are small fish swimming here.

It sounds like a good spot for breakfast, then, Nari mused. Saphira led her there, and Nari knelt next to the pool. Setting her knife aside, she filled her water jug and took a hearty drink. Then she spent the next few hours catching fish and cooking them over a small fire.

As she waited, she filled Saphira in on her thoughts.

Staying here might be safest, but I don't think it's an option. You will grow larger, and you might be seen while you fly. Even if the armies are afraid of the Spine, the king will not accept their excuses for long. He will hunt us, and we will be trapped here. Our best hope is to head south, perhaps to Surda. He could not hunt us there, not without being attacked himself. If they did attack him, it might give us time to escape.

We must wait until the strangers are gone, Saphira cautioned.

They will have spoken with my uncle yesterday, or perhaps they will do so today. By tomorrow, they will surely have realized that we have fled. They will head south, either in search of us or to alert the king. Tomorrow, we should head south again. That way we will be at least two days behind them. Saphira hummed her agreement and Nari settled in to eat.

The next day, they started south at a slower pace than the one they'd used heading north. It wouldn't do to arrive before the strangers were well and truly gone. They stopped at midday so that Nari could eat. While Nari caught, skinned, and cooked a rabbit, Saphira went hunting.

When Saphira had been gone beyond the rage of their contact for over an hour, Nari began to worry. Packing her bags and dousing the fire, Nari began to jog in the direction Saphira had flown.

She had gone half a league by the time she was able to contact Saphira again.

Are you well? Nari demanded, pressing her fear and concern through their link.

I am.

Why were you gone so long?

While I was hunting, I was spotted by the old one. An image came through Saphira's mind. It was Brom, an ugly wound on the side of his head. A short sword hung at his belt in a brown sheath. He stared at Saphira, undisguised awe clear in his eyes.

You managed to get away?

No, he is with me.

What? Why?

Because of the slaughter at Doru Areaba.

What?

No matter how many times Nari questioned her, Saphira would say no more. Frowning, Nari made a new camp in the first clearing she found. She kept a watch on how strong the connection with Saphira was, tracking the pair as they slowly inched closer to her spot.

An hour later, Saphira dove from the sky. A rustle of bushes alerted Nari to Brom's accompanying presence. She stood to greet him, eyes narrowed.

He didn't say anything at first, his eyes scanning her form for injuries.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asked finally, frowning at her. She frowned back at him.

"Why did you follow me?"

"I was concerned. Fortunately, I found your tracks before I could go too far. After the state in which I found your farm," Nari frowned, confused, and Brom paused. "When did you leave?"

"Two days ago, right after I got home," Nari answered cautiously.

Brom stared at her, face solemn and drawn.

"Garrow is dead."

"What?" Nari demanded. "You lie!"

"The Ra'zac went to your farm to find you yesterday. I followed them, but they had a head start. By the time I arrived, they were gone. The farm burned and Garrow was on the brink of death. I managed to get him back to the village, but there was little Gertrude could do for him by then but to ease his passing."

Nari shook her head, refusing to believe it.

"No," she insisted. "He didn't know anything about her. I didn't tell him anything. Why would they kill him for nothing?"

"Perhaps they thought he did know. Perhaps they knew he didn't but didn't care. Whichever it was, Galbatorix will not be pleased that they killed him; he would have ordered them to take him prisoner to draw you to his side," Brom said quietly. Nari swallowed, turning away. Tears built in her eyes and Saphira growled at the scent of them. She could not bring herself to care. The weight of the grief crushed her, the guilt pressing her down farther, until she felt as though she would suffocate. Losing Marian, who had been the closest thing Nari had to a mother, had been horrible. This pain was worse, because Nari knew that it was her fault.

If we'd stayed on the farm, if we'd warned him, he would not be dead. Nari remembered how he'd watched with acceptance as she'd left the farm, not knowing why or what she abandoning him to, and a choking cry escaped her mouth.

"Nari," Brom began, trying to comfort her.

"Don't," Nari commanded abruptly. She rose, stalking off into the trees. She headed for the stream, tears streaming down her face. Saphira, I don't know what to do. Thinking I'd have to leave them forever was one thing, but I comforted myself with the thought that they'd be safer that way. I was such a fool.

This was not your fault, Nari, Saphira whispered.

I left! I abandoned him there to die!

We could not know that these creatures would be so cruel as to kill him without reason. They are monsters to kill innocents in their lust for suffering. Nari felt the searing anger burning through Saphira, and felt a hidden anger in herself rise to meet it.

Are we strong enough? Nari did not have to explain herself; the dark meaning of her words was clear enough to the two of them.

We will be, Saphira growled.

We will be, Nari echoed.

Determined, Nari washed the tears from her face and headed back to the clearing. Brom looked up from staring at the fire. His eyes were sad, but he said nothing.

"What do you know about the men who killed my uncle?" Brom stared at her for a moment.

"They are called the Ra'zac. No one knows if that's the name of their race or what they have chosen to call themselves. Either way, if they have individual names, they keep them hidden. The Ra'zac were never seen before Galbatorix came to power. He must have found them during his travels and enlisted them in his service. Little or nothing is known about them. However, I can tell you this: they aren't human. When I glimpsed one's head, it appeared to have something resembling a beak and black eyes as large as my fist — though how they manage our speech is a mystery to me. Doubtless the rest of their bodies are just as twisted. That is why they cover themselves with cloaks at all times, regardless of the weather."

Nari swallowed hard, but something caught her attention. When had Brom seen the Ra'zac's head?

"As for their powers, they are stronger than any man and can jump incredible heights, but they cannot use magic. Be thankful for that, because if they could, you would already be in their grasp. I also know they have a strong aversion to sunlight, though it won't stop them if they're determined. Don't make the mistake of underestimating a Ra'zac, for they are cunning and full of guile." He paused. "You intend to hunt them?"

"Yes," Nari said steadily. "How many of them are there?"

"As far as I know, only the two you saw. There might be more, but I've never heard of them. Perhaps they're the last of a dying race. You see, they are the king's personal dragon hunters. Whenever rumors reach Gabatorix of a dragon in the land, he sends the Ra'zac to investigate. A trail of death often follows them." Nari frowned.

"They weren't looking for a dragon, though. They were looking for her egg."

"Indeed," Brom agreed. "Why don't you tell me where you got the egg and how you raised-" he paused, clearly expecting her to fill in the rest of his sentence.

"Saphira," Nari told him quietly. A peculiar expression crossed Brom's face. He ground the butt of his staff into the earth with such force his knuckles turned white. Nari eyed him in surprise, puzzled and, to her own surprise, defensive. "Of all the names you gave me, it was the only one she liked. I think it suits her."

"Indeed, it does," said Brom. There was something in his voice Nari struggled to identify; it sounded like a mixture of grief and wonder.

Quickly, Nari told him about finding Saphira's egg and raising her. When at last she stopped speaking, she realized how low the sun was getting and began to cook her dinner.

"You're right; I doubt anyone from Carvahall saw Saphira. The Ra'zac must have had a source of information outside of this valley, one who is probably dead by now." Brom paused for a moment. "You have had a hard time and done much. I'm impressed with how well you've managed, but it strikes me that help would not be unwelcome." Nari saw him fingering his pack. "Anyway," he added, his tone amused, "I'm not going to stay behind while some stripling gets to run around with a dragon." The wink he tossed her took the bite from his words, and Nari smiled faintly. A frown quickly overtook the smile.

"It will be dangerous," she warned. He arched an eyebrow at her.

"More for you than for me," he warned, fingering the sword at his waist. She nodded in admittance.

"I'd be glad for the help," she told him quietly.