Neutral Nation? There is no such thing! Saphira snorted. Eragon shushed her and listened to Nasuada.
"Their Queen is called Aillyira and her nation of Ishtar are warriors. Every breathing person in that kingdom is a fighter. Every man, woman, and child over the age of ten. She trains them right under Galbatorix's watchful eye." Eragon's eyes grew wide at that statement.
"How is that possible?" Eragon asked. Nasuada smirked.
"Galbatorix can not touch her." Saphira cocked her head to the side. "Rumor has it that when Galbatorix had her parent's killed her anger was so great that he power grew beyond that which anyone has ever possessed and she banished Galbatorix from her lands. He, nor anyone he commands, can set foot on her land as long as she lives." Both Eragon and Saphira's eyes were wide. Saphira had only one thing to say.
We need them. Eragon nodded.
"How do I find this Nation?" he asked. Nasuada recounted the tall tails of the legend. As the legend went, her parents had made the kingdom in the center of a dead collapsed volcano. The only way in or out was through a heavily guarded forest. The land itself was lush and green. One could say they were flourishing. Eragon and Saphira traveled for three weeks, flying only at night, before they reached the forest. They agreed that it would be best to walk through the forest. The last thing they needed was to be mistaken for Galbatorix and shot down. Nasuada had warned them that the Ishtarian's were not known for their hospitality. Surely even they had heard of a Dragon Rider emerging. Eragon and Saphira could see the front gates from where they were when Saphira smelled something on the air. She began growling, causing Eragon's body to vibrate. They both turned to find a White Panther, the size of a large horse, perching in a tree not two yards from them. Her tail was flicking and her pale, leaf green eyes were locked on the Rider and his Dragon. Eragon's hand gripped the hilt of his sword. The Panther made no move toward them. Saphira nudged Eragon toward the gates. They moved up to the gates and were greeted by three women dressed in battle gear.
"Welcome to Ishtar, Dragon Rider." One of them said. Eragon turned around to search for the Panther and found nothing. It was like she disappeared.
"What can we do for you?" Another warrior asked.
"I wish to have counsel with your Queen." The three warrior's exchanged glances.
"I am sorry, Dragon Rider. She is indisposed at the moment. But we will accommodate you in the mean time." Eragon nodded and followed them through the gates.
Saphira, into the skies, but stay low. Saphira nodded and took off. Then Eragon invoked Saphira's sight. It was then that they saw her heat. She was in a large room with a balcony large enough for Saphira to land on. Before the three warrior's knew what happened, Eragon had grabbed Saphira's tail and they landed on the balcony. Eragon burst through the doors just as the people helping the Queen dress place the crown on her head. The Queen turned to them and Saphira stopped growling. Saphira, what is it? Eragon asked. It was unusual for Saphira not to growl at people. Eragon turned to face the Queen and was instantly enchanted by her pale, leaf green eyes. She was a few inches shorter than Eragon, with a medium build that appeared to be solid muscle. From what Eragon could see of her hair it was dark brown with the exception of two chunks that were snow white. She opened her arms in greeting.
"Hello, Eragon. I have been waiting for you." She said, motioning for them to follow her. They walked into the grand courtroom where a table of food awaited them. Eragon became aware of the fact that he was indeed hungry and so was Saphira. "Please, Saphira. Eat your fill. There is plenty of livestock for you to feed on." Saphira snorted.
"Saphira only eats wild life. She says that Livestock taste strange." Eragon explained. Aillyira nodded.
"Please, feel free to have your fill." She insisted. Aillyira bowed to Saphira and Saphira took her leave. Making sure Eragon was aware of her suspicions.
I will be cautious. Eragon assured her. He sat down across the table from Aillyira.
"I have come to enlist your Nation for the coming battle with Galbatorix." Eragon got right to the point. Aillyira nodded.
"That is what I had suspected." She sighed deeply, taking a drink from her glass goblet. "I have remained Neutral by not picking sides. You have to understand that I must consider my people. We have survived because we are Neutral.""Because Galbatorix can not touch you or your land as long as you live." Eragon corrected. Aillyira nodded.
"You have been listening to the stories I see." She said. "I will not lie and say that they are not true. You are correct. Galbatorix can not set foot on my land as long as I am breathing. I will make my choice when the time is right and not a moment sooner. It will do you no good to pressure me, Dragon Rider." She rose, as did he. "I will take my leave. Please stay here in my lands as long as you wish. You will have your answer soon." She was gone before he could protest.
"That certainly did not go as planned." Eragon sighed.