A/N: Look, I have a new chapter and it is only a day late. Well that is almost it, but before I start the story I would like to personally thank all those who reviewed.
Review Replys
Fallonaiya Sedai – I will remember what you said, thanks for the tip. I hope like this chapter as much as you liked the last one.
Chi – I'm going to fix it up at the end, that is what most people have said. You will find out who the blond rider is later, ass the story progresses see if you can guess.
Mpro1 – I updated, happy.
Lalenna – He will find out soon enough, though it is lots of fun having him clueless, but it is not only the readers that know who the rider is, take a good guess who else does. You have written the same as everyone else, I will just wait till the end and then fix up the whole thing.
Raven Arya – Thanks for the review, I shall listen to my muse.
Amantine – They can get pretty thick cant they, lol.
me – Don't be mean Nancy, it wasn't my fault I couldn't update. Well I made this chapter longer, that means you can't kill me.
Magic Too – So do I. Arya makes a good rider.
Lliy Shay – You were right, I made it pretty obvious didn't I.
iceprincess421 – So did I. They are so cute together.
Lord Xer – I will, thanks for the review.
mOOnlite-dUSk – I updated sooner this time, last time I couldn't. from now on I will try to keep up.
Disclaimer – I don't own Eragon. Or the inheritance trilogy if I did would I be writing on fanfiction?
Ch.12 Chapter 11
Arya and Eragon searched the isles of books until they found Orik in a discrete corner at the back of the library. He sat at a table with a large book open in front of him.
"How are you doing Orik?" Eragon said in a misty voice, making Orik jump.
"Would you stop doing that to everyone?" Arya said.
"Doing what?" Eragon asked trying his best to look confused.
"Terrifying everyone you know," Arya said, as if reprimanding a three year old.
"Awww, but it is so much fun," Eragon complained pouting.
Orik looked between the two with raised eyebrows and shook his head, muttering something along the lines of, "it's about time."
"What?" Eragon and Arya asked at the same time, not quite picking up what he had said.
"Nothing," Orik said.
"Orik," Arya said, deciding to ignore whatever his last comment may have been, "We need to leave as soon as possible. Today if we can. Circumstances have arisen and we must get to Ellesmèra as soon as possible."
"It is fine by me. The dwarves need you gone so that we can choose our king. None but dwarves have ever been present at selections in the past, and we planned to keep it that way."
"Thank you Orik."
"May I ask what has arisen that has made you need to leave so promptly?"
"We cannot say," Arya said before Eragon could say a word. "It is something that we ourselves do not fully understand. It is important that we tell no one but Oromis-elda for the time being. If we are correct, you will be alerted soon enough."
"Okay," Orik said, slightly crestfallen. He quickly covered it up before continuing. "As for when you leave, I think you are best to wait until morning. It will allow you a full night's rest, and you will be able to get in a full day of traveling."
"But I think-" Arya began but she was cut off by Eragon.
"You are right. We need some rest. We are going to be travelling and there are people looking for us. I think it is best we get some rest before we go to Ellesmèra."
Arya growled quietly. "Fine. Hopefully we will be able to reach the Varden within the day."
Orik nodded. "Farwell for now. I will be waiting to see you off at the gates."
"Farewell. Good luck. If I were a dwarf you would have my vote." Orik beamed at Eragon's praise.
Arya smiled briefly before turning and heading towards the exit, Eragon following closely behind.
"Is there anywhere you want to go?" Eragon asked Arya when they had left the library.
"Why, is there somewhere you want to go?"
"Well, I do have one place in mind." One place was in Eragon's mind. He just wondered if he would be able to see it.
"Where?" Arya asked.
"Where you and Saphira saved my life."
"Isidar Mithrim," Arya said quietly. She had broken it; she had to, to get to Eragon in time. If she hadn't, he would have been killed, or worse, captured, made to serve Galbatorix.
"Yes, the Star Sapphire. I want to see how much has been repaired." He smiled at her. She had come crashing through Isidar Mithrim, right as his back had been sliced, right as Durza had dealt the blow that had nearly claimed his life. It was the day Saphira had first breathed fire. The day he had killed Durza. It was almost a year ago all this had happened, but the memory was still fresh in his mind. He subconsciously fingered the base of his neck where the scar had been, the scar that had caused him more pain than he cared to remember. He felt the smooth skin; the scar was gone now. It was a gift from the dragons.
He moved his hand to Yawë's hilt. Running his finger over the three large sapphires embedded in the hilt. It was a finely crafted sword. But it was nothing compared to Zar'roc. It was made for him by the finest smiths in Surda, but it was nothing to a rider's blade. It did not possess the power Zar'roc had, the only power it held was what he could store in the sapphires that resided in the hilt.
The sword was not invincible. Nor was its blade the colour of his dragon, it was the silver of the metal it had been crafted from.
A small smile passed over Eragon's lips, his fingers traced the leafy pattern on Yawë's hilt. If anyone took this sword away from him they would pay dearly.
"Eragon, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Arya gave him a look that clearly meant she did not believe him.
"It's just that day brings back so many memories."
Arya nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean."
"Come on, I will call Saphira. I'm sure she will want to see it."
Arya grinned in response.
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Saphira hovered over Isidar Mithrim with Eragon and Arya sitting on her back. They watched silently as the dwarves worked. It was slow work. Each dwarf would pick up one of the fragments and attempt to put it into place. This was done with great care; each speck of dust was accounted for. It had been a year since Isidar Mithrim had been broken. In that time they had managed to put together a small portion of what had once been their pride and joy.
"They work with such care and speed. It is amazing," Eragon said, projecting his thoughts to both Arya and Saphira.
"They work with precision that not even the elves could match," Saphira commented.
"I can feel their determination. They will not stop until they are done, even if it takes them 100 years," Eragon said.
"When the time comes for us to make it whole once more, we will be faced with a difficult challenge," Saphira said. "But when the time comes, we will be ready."
They watched silently from above as the slow work went on, admiring the dwarves effort. The dwarves stopped for a short break to eat, then continued with as much effort as they had before.
"I'm helping," Arya said quietly.
"With what?" Eragon asked, confusion written on his face.
"When the time comes to make the Star Sapphire whole again, I will be helping," she said definitely. There was no question in her voice.
"You don't need to. It is not your problem," Eragon answered. He would not have her risk her life for something that was his problem.
"Yes, I do need to," she said, her temper flaring. "I was the one who broke Isidar Mithrim. It is only fare that I help to fix it."
Eragon couldn't think of anything to say against it. As much as he hated to say it, she was correct. It was her right. "Are you sure you want to?" Eragon asked, giving in; he hoped she would say no.
"I will help," Arya said in the ancient language. She could not lie. She would help. She was bound by her word.
"Very well," Eragon said with an uneasy smile. "We are in this together now."
They hovered for a while longer, watching the dwarves work, though all the while they were deep in thought.
"Let's go," Arya said, breaking Eragon out of his reverie. Eragon looked around him quickly, realizing how much time had passed.
Regaining focus Eragon turned to Arya. "Sure, I'm starving," Eragon said in a joking manner. Arya laughed at his comment and Saphira snapped her teeth.
"Maybe they will give me more than that snack I got for breakfast." Both Eragon and Arya laughed at her complaint.
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Eragon got up early the next morning, before any others had risen. He quietly dressed in his travelling clothes, then, strapping Yawë to his side he left the room, managing not to wake Saphira.
Eragon walked slowly through the silent halls. He could hear the quiet breathing of the sleeping dwarves in the rooms around him. He tiptoed down the stairs and let out a sigh of relief when he left the building. He had managed to get out without waking anyone.
Eragon walked out to the sparring field. He hadn't practiced in a while and it was best that he stayed in shape. He wanted to be in practice when he reached Ellesmèra.
Eragon smiled knowing that his back was no longer going to trouble him.
When he reached the center of the sparing field he stopped. He unsheathed his sword and took his stance. He imagined himself surrounded by a group of kull, still loyal to the king. He stabbed at the invisible enemy, ducked and parried the nonexistent blows. He slashed at the enemy with inhuman speed, disarming them, and then stabbing them through the heart before attacking the next of the invisible kull.
Eragon fought the invisible enemy for hours, never once faltering or slowing his pace. He didn't stop until he saw a lone figure approaching the sparring field. He recognized her immediately. He knew none other with such grace. The way she walked, she might as well have been floating.
"Care for a rematch, Shadeslayer," Arya said politely.
"Of course, maybe you might have better luck this time."
Arya smirked. "We shall see." She wouldn't underestimate him again. Last time that was what lost her the fight. She had forgotten the first thing she had ever been taught, 'never underestimate your opponent.'
Arya and Eragon blocked their swords and took a fighting stance. They began circling each other, trying to predict when the other would strike. Arya's lip twitched slightly. That was all Eragon needed to know she was going to strike so he brought his sword up to block her blow. Eragon twirled around using the momentum of the blow and sent his sword flying at her shoulder. Arya parried the blow sending off a spray of sparks. The two moved with speed and grace that no normal people possessed.
Many of the dwarves awoke to the clanging of swords and went outside to see what the cause of the racket was. Some of the dwarves stood at the edge of the field, watching the deadly dance. They had never seen such speed and skill. The strength of each blow sent sparks flying. They were masters of the blade, only the elves could match them.
More dwarves gathered as the battle continued. Their pride told them not to watch but curiosity got the better of them. They tried to pretend not to be impressed, but they found it impossible to take their eyes from the battle.
Eragon and Arya fought, oblivious to the crowd that had gathered. They were too busy concentrating on the battle, one distraction could mean losing. Eragon blocked another blow, letting off a shower of sparks.
Then for the first time, Eragon noticed the crowd that had gathered. Arya took advantage of Eragon's momentary weakness and brought her sword up to his throat. Before she could speak, Eragon dropped to the ground, kicking her legs from under her, sending her sword flying. Before Eragon could 'kill her,' Arya delivered a kick to Eragon's sword arm, sending Yawë flying. Arya caught Yawë and brought it up to Eragon's throat.
"Dead," she said, panting.
Arya handed Eragon his sword, before walking away to retrieve her own. They both sheathed their swords and walked away from the sparring field past the stunned dwarves.
"We need to pack food on Saphira," Arya stated.
"Sure, do we need to pack anything else?"
"The water skins." Arya paused. "Did we bring anything else?"
"Good point. I will get Saphira ready. Can you get supplies from the kitchen?"
"Sure."
A/N: well that is all for now, I will update as soon as circumstances permit. If I get enough reviews I may update sooner nudge nudge. So, just click the little lavender button in the corner if you want a new installment soon.
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