Chapter 23: Urgent

A/N: Before I start, I would like to sincerely apologize for the long update. I've just been so hassled lately; I haven't had time to even think about this story. Work and homework have been kicking my butt. This past week, I've probably gotten a total of twenty hours of sleep. That's bad, in case you didn't know. I am nearly finished with this story, so expect much quicker updates from here on out. I can't necessarily promise that, but I'll do the best I can.

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Link came back from training with Oromis the following day and found Eragon waiting for him. Link dismounted Vanilor and came up to him, scratching his neck awkwardly.

"Look, I'm sorry—"

"Don't worry about that," said Eragon. "It wasn't a big deal. I've forgotten. I am here to tell you that I'm leaving for Aberon."

"What?" Link asked, surprised.

"I received a letter from Nasuada. It was extremely urgent. She told me that Galbatorix is mustering a force greater than the armies we fought at Farthen Dûr and the Burning Plains combined. The Varden plan to lay siege to Urû'baen before he can unleash this force."

"I'm coming with you, then," said Link.

"No," said Eragon. "You have to stay and finish your training."

"Eragon," said Link. "Galbatorix and Murtagh will both be there. I'm sorry to say this, but you won't stand a chance against both of them. You'll need me."

"Link, don't make the same mistake I did. I left too soon, and Murtagh squashed me. If you do the same, you might not end up as lucky as me."

"I don't care," said Link. "If I can beat you in a sparring match, then I can handle them as well as you can."

Eragon sighed. He knew Link was right.

"You should at least tell Oromis you're leaving," said Eragon. Link nodded. Without another word, he climbed back on Vanilor's back and swiftly flew through the air to the gorge.

In seconds they were at his hovel.

"Master!" Link cried, jumping off Vanilor's back. Oromis came out of his hovel in haste.

Before Link could speak, Oromis said, "I understand. You may leave at once. You can finish your training when you get back."

Astonished, Link was speechless. He mumbled a weak "Thank you" and mounted Vanilor again.

Are you nervous for the coming battle? Vanilor asked.

Not really, said Link. It's a chance to prove my worth to Alagaësia.

Be wary, Eragon, Vanilor warned. Don't let your desire to prove your worth get in the way of what needs to be done in the battle. There are many heroic deeds that go unnoticed.

I understand, said Link. I will follow orders given me by commanders.

I have a feeling that you won't be taking orders, said Vanilor.

What makes you think that? Link asked.

It's just a feeling, said Vanilor.

They arrived back at the dragon roost, where Eragon was still waiting.

"Pack your things," said Eragon. "We leave at once."

Link nodded. He raced into his suite and opened his travel bag. He then reached into his provided wardrobe and folded all his multicolored tunics and placed them in his travel bag. He packed all his weapons, like his Hookshot, bombs, bow and arrows, and Deku Nuts. He was surprised that he had never had to use any of these things in Alagaësia. He wondered if he ever would.

After he was finished packing, he was surprised to see that Eragon had left his suite. Link figured Eragon was in the throne room waiting. Link placed his travel bag on his back and descended the tree-root stairway.

Link was stopped in his tracks by what he saw. Eragon and Arya were speaking affectionately to each other, holding each other's hands. Link didn't catch what they were saying, but it looked like a tender moment, so he kept his mouth shut.

It only got better. Or worse, depending on one's perspective. There was a moment when they both stopped talking and looked deep into each other's eyes. Then, to Link's astonishment, they leaned in and kissed.

Link was surprised at what Arya was capable of. He had no idea that love was one of the emotions contained within her. The kiss was brief, but sweet. They then pulled away from each other and left the throne room together, where Saphira was undoubtedly waiting. Link assumed Arya was fighting in the battle as well.

Link then exited the throne room, making sure Eragon and Arya did not know he had been watching them. Vanilor and Saphira were both standing on the dirt road, waiting for Link. So was the rest of Ellesméra. Cheers went up as Link exited the throne room. Eragon and Arya were both already on Saphira's saddle, ready to embark on the journey to Aberon.

Link strode over to Vanilor and climbed on his back. Eragon and Arya both gave Link a broad smile. Link returned it.

Saphira flapped her wings, bringing her into the air. There was a gap in the trees where they could easily fly out and be in Aberon within a day.

Follow her, Vanilor, said Link.

Vanilor followed suit, and they were soon both out of Du Weldenvarden and into the open air of Alagaësia.

It was a beautiful day, and Link was sure that nobody in Alagaësia knew of the battle that was to come. The battle that would decide Alagaësia's fate, whether for better or for worse. There was a good chance on either end.

Link contemplated the implications of the forthcoming battle. If the Varden won, they would undoubtedly rule Alagaësia. Hopefully Nasuada would do away with the Council of Elders, otherwise Alagaësia would not be much better off. If the Varden lost, Galbatorix and his Empire would continue to tyrannize Alagaësia with an iron fist.

Link resolved that, for the people of Alagaësia, he would fight like he had never fought before. He wanted the same golden age of peace for Alagaësia as Hyrule. If the Varden was ruled correctly, Alagaësia would have peace for eternity.

Link, now determined to save a nation foreign to him from an ill fate, enjoyed the peaceful flight to Aberon, where the fateful battle would take its roots.

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A/N: I hope that was satisfying enough for some of you. I will try my hardest to make the next update much quicker. I don't have a lot to say other than R&R please!