Morning came with a sudden downpour waking Sofia from her stupor. I must've fallen asleep, she realised, then panicked remembering the drama of the day before. She leapt up, her protesting muscles screaming as she cast around for any sign of danger. She found none. Relaxing she looked around and surveyed her surroundings, to her dismay the landscape was unrecognisable. Every tree looked the same and she couldn't feel the hum of magic that had been guiding her the past few days. 'Damn' she cursed, clenching her fists and spinning round. 'Now what am I going to do?' she sighed, she'd only just woken up and already everything was going wrong. She was going to have to cast out for a trace of magic, but she would have to be cautious. Those cloaked creatures could be around any corner, waiting to pounce. Well, it was going to be a race, between her the cloaked figures and Ellesmera. And Sofia didn't like races.

Eragon

Saphira leapt through the air, her euphoria in her flight was infectious and soon Eragon was smiling. The wind whistled past Saphira's head whipping Eragon's hair back from his face. Eragon took a deep breath, feeling properly calm for the first time in weeks. This was where he was born to be.

Arya strode confidently across the training ground, feeling Eragon and Saphira's presence above her she looked skywards, shading her eyes from the sun.

Where is it you go? She called using mind communication.

We go to clear our heads Saphira answered and to relax and have some time by ourselves.

When will you return?

In a few days.

You cannot! You are needed here... Arya cried, her outrage obvious. You must stay with me, she thought but kept that to herself.

It is necessary, Saphira stated firmly and ended the conversation. Arya silently watched them fade into sunrise, knowing if she had been more encouraging to Eragon, she would be going to.

Sofia

She was running at full pelt, straight for what she hoped was the entrance to Ellesmera. If not, she was a bit buggered. While casting out for a magical trace she had felt a strong pull towards some presence, curious she investigated and suddenly found herself gazing at seven cloaked figures once more. She cried out and stumbled backwards, inexorably the lead figure looked up and pointed straight at her. She broke the connection but it was to late. They knew where she was and now it was time to run. Leaping over a fallen tree Sofia cast out behind her, it was clear, no wait…they were right behind her! She gasped and called out to any mind in the vicinity, hoping to stumble upon some group of elves but no, there was only a faint presence in the distance. Maybe they could help even though they were far away, maybe. She screamed out her distress call waiting for a reply, when none came she made herself carry on. There's still hope, she thought desperately, there's still hope, her legs getting weaker, there's still hope, there's still hope…

Eragon

'What was that?' Eragon gasped as a cry of fear and anguish reverberated through his mind. Saphira had heard it to and paused, hovering in the air.

I don't know little one she intoned.

Should we check it out or get help? Or something?! He asked, panicked.

Call for some help and we can go on our way.

You think it's genuine? Eragon asked.

No one can lie in the elfish tongue, Eragon, and those feelings were real. Saphira replied, testily.

Yes, he murmured, already relaying the message to Arya, Arya will know what to do.

Sofia

There was nothing she could do, she thought hysterically, nothing! No where to run or hide, even if she had the energy! Her legs were ready to collapse and even her hope of some distant rescuer saving her was gone. Now she was alone, except for those tireless creatures behind her. All alone.

Eragon

Arya had answered quickly and efficiently, informing Eragon to set off immediately in the hope to save the caller. I've magically sent a group of warriors to the last position of the elf, Arya began, I...

Eragon cut her off by quickly asking, an elf? How do you know?

By the mind communication you had with her. It was obvious really.

Oh, yeah. Eragon replied embarrassed, remembering the vast alien mind that had so fleetingly contacted him.

And not just any elf, Arya continued as though oblivious to his torment, somehow it turns out she is a golden elf.

A golden elf? Eragon frowned, didn't you tell me they were a race of elves even older than yours, and that they died out almost twenty-five years ago?

Well, that's what we all thought. But we felt out for her to test if she was worthy and the trace of magic was unmistakable. If a golden elf is in trouble and we just let it slide, then we are not the elves we are supposed to be. They helped us out risking themselves in the process, so if we can help on of their descendants than we will do everything we can.

Even die for them? Eragon asked honestly.

Not you, but... Arya hesitated, but perhaps another elf. We have debts with them Eragon, you must understand that. I will explain them to you later you now must be on your way.

I already am, Eragon replied.

Be safe Eragon and Saphira, we have no idea what we're up against.