A/N So for some reason this chapter was published a little bit funny. Here it is re-uploaded. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Chapter 2: The Journey
Arya rested comfortably in Firnen's saddle as they rode the wind currents easily. She was traveling at the head of the procession of 3 dragons. As she did every four years, she was escorting the riders who had just finished training with her to the island to be trained further by Eragon. Eragon she thought. It pained her how little she saw him and she sorely wished that he did not have to stay here and train the riders, though she also secretly wished that she had not consented to become the queen of her people after her mother's death 20 years prior. She tried not to let anyone see it but his departure from Alagaesia had caused her much grief and she often thought about him. During the two week period she stayed on the island every four years, she spent as much time as possible with him, though he always threw himself into making sure the new arrivals were comfortable in their new home. She didn't know whether he tried to avoid her because he feared of letting his feelings be seen or because he no longer had feelings for her. This was the thought that scared her most of all. She had been speaking truthfully to Eragon when she had told him that they might be able to be together in ten years, and it had been double that. Her feelings toward him had grown with each passing year and she wasn't sure how to act on them. She could only hope that he had also been truthful when he had said that his feelings for her would never change. He had said it in the ancient language, so how could he have lied.
You must dwell less on this matter Little One. Firnen's voice interrupted her train of thought and she replied So you have told, but however hard I try he is never far from my thoughts. She had had many such conversations with Firnen, who only wanted her to be happy, and this was the one thing that kept her spirits down nearly all the time. If that is the case then maybe this is the year. Firnen's deep voice rumbled through her head once again. I don't know if I can. How would they respond? How would I tell them. Firnen was referring to a topic they had discussed first 4 years ago, the last time she had brought new riders, and it had been much debated since then. Arya had been struggling over the decision of relinquishing her crown in favor of coming to live on the island and help train the riders there. This would not have even been a discussion if Murtagh had not returned 5 years past. He would be able to train the new riders for the first four years, and she would be able to be with the one she desired. The only thing standing in her way was her never ending loyalty to her people. How could she turn her back on those she ruled, just for the selfishness of indulging her feelings.
Arya broke off the train of thought and pushed it out of her mind. Maybe her decision would become clear when she reached the island. For now she just needed to rest. She fell into the world of dreams that encompassed her mind each night.
When she awoke it was morning and the dragons were touching down on the beach that marked the edge of the continent and the beginning of the ocean. I and the others must hunt and rest before we begin the flight to the island. Firnen's voice rumbled through her mind once more. We will eat as well though we are more likely to need a stretch after having been on dragonback for so long. Firnen and the two other dragons flew off after their saddles and bags had been removed. Arya stood and then evaluated her students for a moment.
The two were as odd a pair as any. One an Urgal and one an Elf, however this did not matter as the two had become instant friends. The Urgal was a female kull named Uthrek, she had been bonded to an orange dragon which she named Solaris. The dragon had grown the fastest out of any so far as it had the largest rider. The dragon was fierce but did not seek out battle, which was much the opposite of his rider. Uthrek was a strong warrior and enjoyed battle with a passion for it not often seen. The elf was also a female, she was called Liffanwe. She had black hair and had been fighting and using magic since she was young. Her dragon was usually silent and preferred to keep her thoughts between herself and her rider. She was a light blue in color and her scales blended in with a clear sky. Liffanwe named her Adurna, Water.
Arya ordered them both up and told them to draw their swords. The two prepared to face each other. Arya however had different ideas.
"Today both of you will fight together against me"
The two young riders glanced at each other nervously, not knowing what this sudden change meant for their training, or how they would ever hope to defeat her. Arya was renowned to them as one of the best sword fighters in all of Alagaesia. Arya smiled at them as she drew her sword and dulled the blade. Her two apprentices mimicked the action. Liffanwe preferred the long one handed elvish swords that had a slight curve in the blade, however Uthrek wielded a huge two handed sword that she could just as easily wield with one hand due to her massive size.
Arya waited patiently and then all of a sudden the two young riders charged her at once and came at her from both sides. Uthrek swung high at Arya's head while Liffanwe swung towards her knees. Arya quickly ducked under the first attack and blocked the elvish blade with ease. Arya kicked out and caught Liffanwe in the leg and she tumbled to the ground, Arya however was unable to press her advantage as Uthrek had recovered and was engaging Arya once again. She deflected an overhead slash and spun away to avoid the knee of Uthrek which had come at her only moments after the sword. Arya's spin took her farther away from Liffanwe, who had regained her feet. Liffanwe took a running start and leaped at Arya covering the distance easily with her elvish speed. She went at Arya with the most complex attack she could slashing and stabbing at any opening she thought she saw. To her dismay Arya blocked each and every one of the attacks with practiced ease. Arya quickly switched from defence to offense as if she had not even been trying to win the fight and Liffanwe was quickly pushed back. At this point Uthrek rejoined the fight and gave Liffanwe a slight break. She brought her greatsword at Arya faster than any kull could ever be thought to move. Arya was forced to deflect many of the attacks rather than block them straight on due to the massive strength of the kull that assaulted her. At this point Liffanwe rejoined the fight and came at Arya with the same ferocity as before. Arya was ready for the attack however and blocked 3 more strikes before stepping inside of one of Uthrek's swings, Arya jumped up and pushed off of Uthrek's leg, flipping behind her. As she passed over however she slid her blade gently across the urgals neck and when she landed softly on the ground she said simply "dead". This left her just one opponent to deal with and Arya was not waiting for her to advance. Arya let out a fierce yell and charged Liffanwe and went into a series of strikes that bewildered the elf, who barely managed to hang on to her sword. It could not last though and with one final strike Arya sent her blade flying through the air and the next thing Liffanwe knew Arya's sword was at her throat and she once again remarked "dead".