A/N: Okay, I am really sorry about how short the last chapter was. I didn't realize it for a while after I posted it. Future chapters will be longer, I promise. Unless it's impossible, or detrimental to the story, I will try to make chapters at least 1000 words each. Once again, thank you Alligator24, at least someone actually bothers to review (hint hint) I once read a fanfic that had over 1000 reviews, and there were only twenty-three chapters!
Sorry I forgot the disclaimer in the past to chapters, so here it is: I don't own anything written by Christopher Paolini. I just own Addy.
Chapter 2: The Ghost
"The Spine's Ghost came again last night," Jenny said as she and Addy walked through the market. "Really?" Addy replied, smiling inwardly as she imagined what her best friend's reaction would be if she knew who the "Spine's Ghost" really was.
"Yes, he'll probably leave something at your house tomorrow night."
"Didn't you ever wonder if this 'Spine's Ghost' happened to be a girl?" There was a hint of mockery in the way Addy said "Spine's Ghost," and Jenny heard it.
"You know, if it weren't for the Spine's Ghost we'd all have starved, you talk of him like you aren't grateful!"
If only you knew, she thought. What she said was, "Of course I appreciate what he or she does, but still, I think that people could have figured out a better name. They worship this person like they are a god!"
Jenny glared at her, but kept silent as they passed by a patrolling soldier. Without warning, the soldier grabbed Addy's arm. "Well hello, there." His breath smelled strongly of beer.
Addy paled. "Please let go of me," she managed to squeak out. She knew she had no chance of defending herself; the soldier was far bigger and stronger than her fifteen-year-old frame.
Jenny, frightened, stood there, not sure of what to do.
"How's about a kiss?" The drunken man slurred his words, and Addy struggled to get free. "Hey, stop that!" The soldier yanked her closer to her. "You'd do well to obey me!"
"Please, sir, I, I need to bring these eggs home to my father," There was a shout; someone was calling the soldier. He reluctantly let her go, and the two girls walked down the street as fast as they could.
Once out of earshot, Addy stopped. "I hate them! I hate them so much!"
"Addy, be quiet," Jenny looked around to make sure no one was listening. "You could get arrested for saying something like that!"
Knowing she was right, Addy said goodbye and began the trek home, eager to be in the company of her father and cousin.
While the family was eating dinner, the subject of the Spine's Ghost came up.
"The Spine's Ghost should be leaving food tonight," Peter, Addy's cousin said.
"I think that people are growing to dependant on the Spine's Ghost. What if something happened to them?" Addy said, knowing it was true. She always worried that a lot of people wouldn't survive if something happened to her.
"I don't trust him. We know nothing about this person. I'm surprised that everyone thinks so highly of him."
"I trust this person," Addy told her cousin, "The problem I have with him or her is that, of course, people are too dependant, and also people worship whoever it is. Most likely it's just a person who wants to help, but can't without a disguise because of the damned soldiers."
"Well, I am going to wait up tonight and confront this person. I want to at least talk to him. Maybe then I'll be able to trust him more."
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Addy was in the Spine, reflecting on her position. She knew that without her, many people wouldn't survive, but it was hard. Because of the soldiers taking all of the food the townspeople had, and the lack of game outside of the Spine, food was scarce. If she stopped, or was hurt, then many people would suffer. She knew that if she continued, trouble was inevitable. Either the soldiers would get so fed up they sent for help from the Empire, or the people would become too dependant, and it would get to the point where she wouldn't be able to keep up with the rising demand as people stopped bothering to get their own food. All she could manage was enough to help out when times were rough, or to give a boost to those who never had enough.
As she came to a clearing, a bizarre sight greeted her. It looked as if an explosion had taken place a few days before. Right in the center of all the damaged wildlife was the most beautiful stone she had ever seen. It was perfectly smooth, and a brilliant shade of violet. When she picked it up, it was strangely light for something that size. Unsure of what to do with it, she decided to put it in her pack, and decide later.
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She was about to go back inside her house later that night when she realized she had forgotten all about her cousin. He was like a brother to her, but she still didn't want to reveal her secret.
She hoped that he wouldn't notice her if she slipped around to the back of the house, and then left the bit of meat she saved for her family into the window, and then climb up a tree to get into her bedroom. As she turned around from the window she put the meat in through, she was surprised to be face to face with Peter.
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Peter had expected the Spine's Ghost to go around to the back window after realizing he was there, so he decided to wait for a few minutes and then confront him. What he saw was not what he expected. He had imagined a burly, big man, who actually appeared to be a great hunter. Instead, he saw a tall, slender figure, and though the bow looked very able, he could tell it was homemade. What really surprised him was that the person looked almost frightened, and was startled when he saw Peter.
"What do you want?" It almost sounded to Peter that whoever was behind the mask was trying to deepen their voice, and he had no idea why.
"I had some questions" was the reply.
"I'm sorry, but I really am pressed for time, but maybe next time we can talk." He tried to push past Peter, but Peter grabbed his cloak and held him there.
"Please let me go." The Ghost looked really uncomfortable.
"Why are you so eager to get away from me? What are you hiding?"
"Well, my identity is one thing."
"Why is that? What is it you are so scared of?" Peter was starting to get angry. How could people expect to trust this man, when they knew nothing about him?
"For one, no one would really believe who I am anyway, and for another, if the soldiers knew who I am, I would be arrested, and people would starve because they have become too dependant on the food I provide. Not to mention the fact that I have a family, who the soldiers might decide to use as an outlet for their anger at me. Yeah, I can think of plenty of reasons." Now it was the Ghost's turn to be angry.
Then the Ghost pushed past Peter, who was getting more perplexed by the second. He stood there for a few minutes, reflecting on what he just heard, before going inside. As he walked past Addy's room, he heard movement.
"Addy?" he knocked on the door. He heard a thud, and then silence.
"Come in," was his reply.
"What are you doing awake?"
"I. . . heard a noise outside, and it woke me up. Did you go out to look for the Spine's Ghost?"
"Yeah, I saw him. He wasn't exactly what I imagined." Was that almost amusement he saw on his cousin's face?
"Oh, that's nice." Addy sounded really exhausted.
"Well, goodnight, then," Peter said, knowing she wanted to sleep.
"Goodnight."
And Peter went to bed, to ponder what had happened that night.
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A/N: So there it is. A little less boring, and a lot longer. 1420 words, to be exact! Also, my friend thinks that Addy is a little to Mary Sue. Tell me what you think, as well as suggestions for giving her some flaws. Review!