A/N Alright, I had this done ages ago but my mom's computer decided to fry itself so she's using the one I usually use and I haven't been able to get on the internet much. I barely had enough time to transfer this onto the computer in my room so I could edit it. It's really long because I just kept adding to it when I couldn't use the other computer to post it. I couldn't remember if I said Aiden was fifteen or sixteen in the last chapter but I meant for it to be fifteen so that's what I used in this chapter.

I have no beta so all mistakes are mine and the computer's.

-This is talking with their minds. - : This is anything long in the ancient language. : This is usually thoughts unless another explanation is give. I think that's everything.

Disclaimer: Wishing, but no.

Chapter Two

Aiden pushed open the door into the dining hall, careful not to step on Gigi as he entered beside her. The room was empty except for Galbatorix himself sitting at the head of the table and an orange tabby sitting beside him.

It was a little known fact that Galbatorix was quite fond of cats, they frequently had interesting personalities and they rarely questioned his rule because it didn't affect them. The castle was absolutely filled with the furry beasts; Gigi was simply the one she had taken a liking to because he hated Galbatorix almost as much as she did.

'Sit, Aiden.' Galbatorix commanded, waving at the seat across from him.

Aiden dropped tiredly into the seat, the numbing potions the healers had used on her injuries were beginning to where off and her back and ribs were aching along with the growing bruise on her left cheekbone. 'Why could you not let me rest, master? I am tired and it is hard to move.'

'Dinner with family should not be missed for such minor and self-inflicted injuries.' Galbatorix stated coldly.

Aiden ground her teeth in anger. He viewed all of his torture when she refused to let an egg hatch for her as self inflicted injury because if she did let an egg hatch it would stop. 'Why do you bother with this? You've won, it's over! The dwarves have retreated, the elves refuse to fight you, and the Varden are no more than a thorn in you side. Your great war is over, the last of the riders died with Morzan and Jezza. You need no more help with this, let the dragons die with what little honor they have left.'

Jezza was a female member of the forsworn whose dragon, Sol, had been killed the year after Aiden was born. When Sol died people assumed Jezza did to, but the truth was that she had lived on long after Morzan was killed. Aiden was ten when the true last of the forsworn had died and she still mourned the woman. Jezza had been one of the few forsworn who joined against there will when they were given no other choice but their dragons death, and she had regretted it until the day she died.

'But you could be the beginning of a new generation of riders, Aiden. I wish only to give you what deserve. For you to feel the power of being a rider, together we could bring the whole of Alagaesia under our rule. It would be like the riders of old and the land would flourish again. There would be no war if we ruled everything.' Galbatorix spoke enticingly and for a moment Aiden fell into his dream as so many others had before.

And then she forced herself to remember the way he had ordered her first maid killed for telling her stories of the Varden. And how the first time she had refused to let a dragon egg hatch for her Galbatorix had thrown her down a flight of stairs, breaking both of her legs and messing up her right hip and both knees, he had cursed the wounds so that they wouldn't heal correctly and Aiden still had trouble sparring; if she was hit the wrong way on the leg she had massive attacks. The traumatic memories had the desired effect, Galbatorix's influence on her mind was broken and she was forced back to reality just as servants entered with food.

Galbatorix growled as Aiden broke his influence on her mind; it was a completely inhuman sound that made the servants cower as they set the food before him and practically ran for the door. 'I don't want your power, father. I won't help you conquer Alagaesia; it'll never be like the riders of old again, especially under your rule. As I said, the last of the old riders died with Jezza and Morzan, the time of dragons is over.'

As Aiden cut her food she looked up and met Galbatorix's cold stare with one of her own, that was a mistake. As soon as their eyes met small X shaped scars on Aiden's temples began glowing white, and the pain of her wounds intensified. The knife she had been cutting her food with slipped from Aiden's fingers as her whole body went limp and she was drawn into the farthest corners of her own mind.

-You will learn respect for those who know more than yourself. - Galbatorix's voice sounded inside Aiden's mind. –The riders of old are dead, yes. But I will build a new order of riders, stronger and more focused than the old. I am giving you the opportunity to be their leader, second only to myself. –

He showed her a mental picture of dragons in all the colors of the rainbow flying together, peace radiated off of the image and Aiden couldn't help but be enticed to just give up. –No. – She finally managed to grind out.

-Think about it, my daughter. – Galbatorix ordered. –We will begin again tomorrow. Finish eating and do not let me see you again until then. -

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Aiden sat slumped in her chair long after Galbatorix swept out of the room, followed by his cat. She only awakened fully when Gigi jumped onto her lap and poked at her with his cold nose. –Get up, Aiden. – He ordered, -We have to go, hurry. Sarri is worried about you. –

-Yes. – Aiden agreed faintly. – Go. Tell her I have something to do before we can continue, just give me twenty minutes. –

As Gigi ran from the room Aiden drained the wine glass that had been set in front of her with the food and got up. Touching the scars on her temples she hissed as she felt the remaining heat, the scars were cursed by Galbatorix so that he could gain access to her mind and keep her from shutting him out, he couldn't see her memories unless he actually broke the barriers around her mind so it was only useful for torturing her and forcing her to see things. She wandered down the table and grabbed an empty wine glass.

Aiden pulled several tiny bottles from a small bag on her belt and poured multicolored liquids from them into the glass until the mix turned black. Then she capped all the bottles and shoved them back into the bag.

Picking up the glass Aiden left the room at a brisk walk, careful not to let any of the liquid leave the glass. After several minutes she arrived at a black stone door that barred the way for all but the few who knew it's password. Aiden whispered the correct words and stood back as the massive doors creaked open; revealing a room that held two immense coffins the one on the right was made of black stone with silver designs covering it, the other was completely clear with black designs.

In between the coffins was a broad black pillar with words melted into it. The pillar said:

Here lies Addia,

Daughter of the forest,

And beloved mother of our Princess,

Who spent her life imprisoned,

And has now been freed.

(This is just a break because the stupid thing doesn't come out right otherwise)

Beside her lies Jezza,

Who was a Great Rider,

Second and Last of the Forsworn,

And beloved guide to me,

She chose her fate long ago,

And has more than paid her punishment,

Let her soul fly free.

Aiden smiled and traced the words with callused fingers. She had written the second part when she was barely ten, in honor of Jezza who had been like an older sister to her even though she was the King's mistress and over a hundred years older than her.

Stepping back Aiden pulled a small pouch off of her belt and added a pinch of the red powder it held to the glass in her hand. The whole mixture turned blood red and Aiden raised it to her lips. With a deep breath Aiden swallowed half of the foul drink and threw the rest at the pillar. As soon as it hit Aiden spoke in the ancient language: Here lie those that I wish to awaken, a bond that was broken must be reinstated. :

There was a flash of light and then Aiden collapsed to her knees, blood colored dress pooling around her. Her chin dropped to her chest and she once again journeyed to the farthest corners of her mind.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Aiden found herself kneeling in a clearing surrounded by towering trees. In front of her were two women, one of them was fair skinned with long silver hair and blue eyes, she was definitely an elf but she looked very much like Aiden. The other had shorter black hair and lightly tanned skin, her eyes were black as night with blood red pupils and when she smiled she revealed unnaturally pointed canine teeth. They were both tall and appeared to be in their late twenties.

-Why have you called us here, my daughter? - The silver haired one asked.

-I wish only to ask for advice on what to do once I have escaped with one of the dragon eggs. – Aiden said

Addia nodded as her companion approached Aiden. The other woman smiled and pulled Aiden to her feet. –Get up, dear one. You have grown up well, I have been watching. - Jezza said lightly. –I see you have kept my gift. - She tugged on the half-inch of black at the bottom of Aiden's hair. –Now, on to more important matters.-

Addia shook her head and smiled before speaking. –I can feel the prophecy drawing closer, dear child. The time to face your part in it draws near. When you leave Uru'Baen you must go to Carvahall and find the former rider Brom, he knows the prophecy and I have no doubt he will train you. He is a member of the Varden and is waiting to train the rider of the dragon that hatches from the stolen egg, the rider you must protect. By all the signs that egg should be hatching soon. -

Jezza made a quieting motion and took over for Addia. -There is little we can tell you to help; you must make such decisions for yourself. I am allowed to tell you this though. Listen to the witch, Angela, even if all she tells you doesn't make sense at the time; trust only in your own heart, no one else's will tell you what you need; when you find the other rider be cautious, your job is to protect him, not trust him with all of your secrets; do not trust in old friends, there is darkness in all things, even those you know best. And when all seems lost and you are alone with no way to follow, look to the star of Aiden. -

-I don't understand. Why can no one be trusted? Who's Angela? - Aiden demanded.

- We must go now, my child. There is another who wishes to speak to you. -Addia said as she and Jezza began to fade. -It will all make sense in time. -

-No! Don't leave, I need you. - Aiden yelled.

Jezza shook her head.-I'm sorry, Aiden, we can't stay. You'll have to get on without us for awhile, if we could we would visit you every day. But it's not allowed. – The world spiraled into blinding light before Aiden could reply.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

But instead of waking up back in the castle as she expected Aiden found herself facing a man she had never before met. They were sitting next to a river that thundered off of a cliff only feet away, the cliff overlooked a valley with a small town in it.

-Who are you? - She asked the man- no, elf. His hair was cut close to his skull and bright silver in color; though she could only see his back she could tell that he was strong, his shoulders were broad and muscles rippled just beneath skin that was unnaturally tan for an elf.

There was laughter in his deep voice when he answered. -Do you not recognize me, dear one? I am your creator, I sent you to this world to fulfill the prophecy I made several hundred years ago, just before my death. - He stood easily and turned to face her.

Aiden froze in shock. He stood several inches taller than her and was incredibly handsome but that was not what stopped her; in his nearly perfect face were her eyes, exactly the same shape and colors. -Y-you're the one I'm named after? The one who prophesized me being sent to protect our saviour? -

The man smiled. -You are quick; it's nice to know I made the right choice. Yes, I prophesized your arrival and your duty to protect the next rider. But more than that; I sent you here through my own magic, which makes us linked. -

-That's impossible. - Aiden objected. -No one has that kind of power. -

-But it's not, my dear, because I managed it. It took years of work, spell after spell until I finally knew it would work. You are my greatest legacy. - He looked far to pleased with himself. -Have you never wondered why your name is Aiden Otho? Isn't it a bit odd to be named Aiden's Faith? It's because you are literally a physical representation of my faith in Alagaesia. If I did not have faith that this world could rise to beat Galbatorix I would never have sent you. - He smiled at Aiden easily.

-What am I to call you then, if we share the same name? - Aiden asked. This man unsettled her, it was odd to see eyes the same as her own hold so much laughter and joy. And if he truly was who he said then she could not afford to anger him with stupid questions.

The man's smile turned to a frown and he began pacing along the river bank. -I hadn't thought of that. -

-An old friend of mine sometimes calls me Ai, I could call you that. - Aiden said hesitantly.

-You mean that lover of yours? I don't need a pet name, but if it's the best we can think of I suppose it'll do. – Ai conceded with a sigh.

-He's not important. – Aiden objected. –And Sarri calls me by it to. -

-If you don't care for him why the hell do you… - Ai began.

-I do care for him, just not that way. – Aiden snapped. –I've known him since I was so little I can barely remember a time without him. We've been friends our whole lives and it's nice to have someone who's there, comfort is comfort. -

-It doesn't matter, I was only curious – Ai said. Then he smiled again. –But don't ruin my shining moment, the prophecy is coming true and I'm pretty sure I made the right choice for who should carry it out.-

Aiden frowned. –Do you need to keep pointing out that I have no choice about what to do with my life. And stop smiling like that, this kingdom's in the middle of a war. - raising a hand to her forehead Aiden sighed, she had things to do and this man wasn't making them any easier for her. –Why the hell do you look so young anyway, you don't look like a great rider to me. -

-Because, sweet child, I simply chose not to look as old as most other elves when I was a rider, it threw people off and made them underestimate me- Ai told her, still way to happy for her liking.

It was true that Ai didn't look like a great rider; he looked to be barely into his early twenties. His face was handsome and perfect, his jaw strong but completely smooth and free of even the faintest hint of a beard. She couldn't help but compare his looks to her own. There was a faint dimple in his chin and Aiden raised a hand to touch the matching one on her own face, full lips pulled back in a smile so unlike her own half-frown, his nose was straight and unbroken, his eyebrows lighter to match his silver hair. But what she was drawn to most were his eyes, where hers held hate and bitterness and fear for what might happen his showed happiness and trust, but beneath the surface Aiden caught a brief glimpse of sorrow and something that made her think of long years of loneliness. When Ai caught her staring Aiden quickly tuned away.

-Now, it's time for you to go, my dear. Your friend worries for you and you need rest before your escape. It is sad that you have to leave so soon, I have been waiting for a very long time to have someone to talk with. - Ai informed her.

-Can you not speak to the other dead riders? - Aiden asked.

-No. – Ai sighed. -It took many spells to let me remain here, bound to my star. Your mother and Jezza are the only others who have achieved this state and even they can only remain outside the void for a short time. -

The cliff began to fade around her and Aiden became faintly aware of the real world. -Wait! - She yelled. -Will I ever see you again? -

Ai turned halfway to look at her. -Look to the red star when you seek guidance and I will be there. -

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When Aiden awoke in the tomb of Addia and Jezza she stood slowly, her legs were stiff from kneeling on the cold floor and her back was bleeding freely into the bandages. With a wince and a sigh she started off at an easy trot back to her room.

When she got their Aiden found Sarri and Gigi waiting anxiously for her. 'Where have you been Aiden? I thought the king had found us out.' Sarri asked while helping Aiden out of her dress and bandages. Aiden reached to touch the bands of unmarked metal around her upper-arms and tugged slightly, once again they refused to move. Sighing she resolved herself to find a way to remove them, they were getting annoying. The bands were meant to hold magic and were quite handy, but when her father had given them to her he hadn't mentioned that she couldn't take them off. Trying one last time to remove them she ground her teeth and ignored them.

'Learning.' Was Aiden's answer as she stepped into the hot bath Sarri had waiting for her. 'What time is it?'

'Eleven. Everything is ready; we can start in an hour.' Sarri answered. There was a knock on the main door to the room. Without a word Sarri swept out of the large bathing room, taking Aiden's dress with her.

Aiden's brow furrowed and the right corner of her lips pulled down into a half-frown, she hadn't realized that she had spent so much time in the tomb, she would have to find the last few things she needed fast. She cleaned herself hurriedly and was just getting out of the tub when Sarri returned with clean clothes and something sitting atop them.

Silently she proffered the package. Aiden ripped it open and found a thick, heavy leather-bound book full of blank pages. With a sigh she tossed it to the side and grabbed for the clothes, it was a present from her father; when he wasn't torturing her Galbatorix showered his only child with gifts. She had never wanted for anything but a father's love. This present was nothing new, Aiden spent most of her free time sitting in the stables drawing the horses and reading books from before the riders fall.

Before Aiden could get dressed Sarri stopped her and showed her a new roll of bandages and a container of something to put on the wounds. With a few mumbled complaints Aiden sat on the floor while the other girl applied the thick cream inside of the jar to her wounds and rewrapped her chest and back. As soon as Sarri was done Aiden began dressing again.

Sarri picked up the book and left the room as Aiden dressed. She smiled as she saw what the other girl had brought for her to wear, unlike other servants she never bother to pretend she didn't notice Aiden's unconventional form of dress. So instead of having to send Sarri back for different clothes several times she received pants and a loose shirt without even a request.

Aiden entered her main room while securing her belt and surveyed the only part of the palace that she dared call home. The main room was huge and the walls were lined with book shelves that were full to the top with some of the rarest books in the Empire, from histories of the riders to tales about elves and heroes of old. In front of the shelves was an old desk situated so that whoever sat at it was directly across from the door and could view the whole area. The only clear wall space was taken up by a large bed and a dresser that came up to waist height with a stool in front of it so that Aiden could watch in a mirror as Sarri did her hair.

There were three small doors leading to Sarri's room, the bathing room, and the walk-in closet respectively. The door to the closet had a full-length mirror hanging on it. Heading to the closet Aiden opened the door roughly and entered the space that was twice the size of the average commoner's bedroom.

Pushing a row of clothes to the side Aiden opened a hidden compartment in the wall and pulled out it's contents. In her hands was a stack of worn books and loose paper that was discolored from age. These were her true treasures; the notes and journals of the Thirteen Forsworn. They contained summaries of some of the greatest battles of the war, notes on the conditions of the land, carefully drawn maps, plots and battle-plans, and notes on their standing in the Empire. Her favourite entries though were the personal ones; the ones that talked about their lives before joining Galbatorix, wonderings on what might have happened if they hadn't joined him, entries about their dragons, and just ramblings from when they had nothing better to do. They gave brief glimpses into the true lives of the Forsworn and were the most accurate records of how Galbatorix had defeated the riders.

Aiden closed the compartment and pulled the clothes back over it. She then grabbed several changes of clothes for her journey and returned to the main room where Sarri was waiting for her.

Stopping at the dresser Aiden slipped on the rings she usually wore on all but her left ring-finger. The rings on forefinger and pinky-finger of her left hand and the thumb of her right hand were wide and plain silver; the one on her left middle finger had a blood red ruby set in it's top. On her left thumb a heavy gold ring shaped like a snake stared at her with emerald eyes; the ring on her right forefinger was made of multiple vine-like strands all crisscrossing each other; on her right middle finger was a silver ring with odd patterns on it; her ring-finger was adorned with a wide black band whose top was carved into a rose in matching color; a silver dragon with red eyes glared evilly at anyone who caught sight of it resting on her pinky finger. The rings had all been presents from Galbatorix at one time or another.

A pendant shaped like a half moon with a star held next to it was carelessly thrown around her neck, quickly followed by a heavy chain bearing a sun charm and several more rings. A plain metal chain bearing a ring with Galbatorix's crest on it was more slowly lowered over her head. Glancing at herself in the mirror Aiden realized it was ridiculous to take so much jewelry with her but she couldn't help but feel that they were her last connection to the life she had led for almost sixteen years. With a shake of her head Aiden turned away.

Aiden handed Sarri her clothes and stuffed the books into a small pack waiting for her on the bed. She hurried around the room, pulling a few of her favourite books from the shelves. She paused at the desk and grabbed several books full of her drawings along with the new book Galbatorix had sent her and drawing equipment. All of these were added to her pack before she shouldered it.

Turning to Sarri, Aiden said, 'Take the clothes to the stable and pack them in my saddle bags. Tell Dez and Gareth that I'll be there as soon as I have the egg and they should saddle Doc now but I'll deal with Nick myself. Once you get back go to sleep and when you wake up take the letter to my father. Make sure to look frantic and confused, as though you know nothing. He cannot search your mind, you're under my protection. He shouldn't punish you. I have to go now.'

Suddenly Sarri's arms were wrapped tightly around Aiden's stomach, she was holding on like she would never let go. Aiden dropped her head slightly so that their foreheads rested against each other and their noses touched. Tears were flowing freely down Sarri's face and Aiden would have joined her if she could, but she hadn't cried more than a single tear in years and she wasn't quite sure it was possible for her to cry any more.

For a long moment they stood there, holding each other and Aiden wished that they could stay that way forever. Sarri had broken through the cold face Aiden showed the world five years ago after Jezza had died, putting a crack in the ice shield she wore around her heart. Gods she'd miss the girl.

After a minute they broke apart and Aiden smoothed the tears off of Sarri's cheeks. 'Take care of yourself and those stupid lugs waiting out in the stable for me, yeah? I'll miss you.' She kissed both of Sarri's cheeks. 'I'll get you outta here someday, love. I'm not abandoning you.' Aiden was promising it to herself just as much as to Sarri.

'I'll miss you, Ai. Be careful. And when you find this rider of yours knock him around the head for me, for stealing you away from us.' Sarri said in a voice thick with tears.

Aiden gave her a half-smile before they both left the room at light jogs, separating at the next corridor and heading in opposite directions.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Aiden had been running for ten minutes when she came across the hall that would lead her to where the two known dragon eggs were stored. But instead of turning down it she continued on into the depths of the castle, heading down past even the deepest of dungeons into a room that hardly anyone had entered before without being killed.

Stopping in the doorway Aiden searched her mind for the right words; Galbatorix had used magic to seal the room so that only those of his blood could pass through. Since she shared that blood she needed only say the right thing to be let through. Door of treasures, you guard a great secret. My blood may share only half your creator's but it is purer than his. My mind is full, I know all your secrets, you hide nothing from me but an empty room.

Aiden stepped through the door, hoping to the Gods she had said the right thing. If not, she was dead and her mission had failed before it even started.

Aiden let out a sigh of relief when she arrived on the other side unharmed. Shivering from the freezing temperature so far down in the belly of the castle Aiden walked to the platform in the center of the room. On its waist height surface rested a silvery-white dragon egg with black and blood-red veins.

Mesmerized Aiden stared at it's smooth surface, and for a few minutes the world seemed to stop around her. Shaking her head she pulled her pack off and took the egg carefully situating it on top of her books. She could barely close the top after the egg was in. Pulling the hood of her black cloak up she tucked the bag under her arm and turned to leave.

Just as she reached the door something caught her eye. A sword hung from the wall in a plain black sheath. The jewel in its pommel was blacker than night and appeared to suck in all of the dim light surrounding it from the torches on the walls. Without thinking Aiden took it off the wall and pulled it from its sheath.

Light glinted off of the bright silver blade and seemed to disappear into the black edges. She new the name of this sword, in it's time it had been almost as feared as its owner-Jezza- and she had named it Sheilven Wyrda, Coward's Fate. Running a finger down the edge Aiden winced when it cut her finger, 'Still sharp, old friend?'

Aiden strapped the sword across her back and replaced her cloak over top of it. Once again pulling up her hood and tucking the bag under her arm Aiden turned and ran out of the room.

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Before heading to the stables Aiden took a detour and stopped in front of a plain door that appeared to be exactly like all of the others in that particular hall. Her hand hovered over the doorknob for a second before she pulled back with a sigh and a shake of her head.

She turned to leave but only got a few steps before someone pressed the tip of a knife under her chin and grabbed her around the waist. 'Were you going to leave without saying goodbye, Ai?' a male voice asked quietly in her ear.

Aiden stiffened, she new that voice, it belonged to the man she had come to see before deciding that it would be easier without goodbyes. 'I don't have time for games, love. Let me go.'

'I'd rather you stay but I'll let you go if you can give me an explanation for why you're going.' The man said, his breath hot on her neck.

'I…I can't.' Aiden sighed. 'You have to trust me, love, I'd tell you if I could but I don't want to put you in danger. If you care for me at all after all these years, let me go, forget I ever existed. Move on with your life, it'll be easy enough for someone like you to find another pretty girl.'

His answer was to drop the knife, turn Aiden around by the shoulders, and kiss her hard on the mouth. Pulling back he looked at her as if searching for something. 'I don't want just another pretty girl, I want this beautiful one. Stay here with me, there's no reason to leave.'

For a moment Aiden wavered, and then she shook her head and made her choice. 'No. I can't, I'm sorry, Murtagh. I have to go, but I won't forget. I have a feeling we'll meet again someday, for better or worse, it's our fate.'

Murtagh sighed in defeat. 'I didn't think so. You always did love the land more than anything else; you can't stand to see it ripped apart like this. Don't get yourself killed and I swear I'll find you someday.' He took her hand and pressed something into it. Looking down Aiden recognized his family's crest on the heavy ring resting on her palm. It was the ring she would have received when she came of age and Galbatorix announced the marriage that had been arranged since the day she was born.

Murtagh leaned down one last time and kissed her, softer this time than before, less desperate and searching. For a second Aiden let her guard down, the emotions sweeping through her showing for the briefest instant on her usually blank face before disappearing. No, she didn't love this man, but maybe she could have learned to.

Aiden let the faintest hint of sorrow slip through her stone cold mask as she pulled from his grip and walked away. She didn't look back as she left but if she had Aiden would have seen Murtagh stand and watch her go with the same distant sorrow on his face before turning and slipping quietly into his room and going to stand on his balcony looking over the stables.

As soon as Aiden turned the corner she stopped and leaned easily against the wall, staring at the ring in her hand. It was a strange thing to give her, but she supposed it was his way of saying that he wouldn't have minded to marry her, even if they were being forced to. And a way of telling her that he wasn't about to forget her. Making a sudden decision Aiden slipped the heavy ring onto her left ring finger, the only one without a ring.

Shaking out of her thoughts Aiden continued on towards the side door that would take her out to the king's private stables and her horses. As she walked Aiden checked that the egg was secure in it's bag and pulled a knife from one of her large black boots.

Nearing the door outside Aiden could hear the soldier in the guard post just outside of it shuffling around; he was there to guard the stable yard and the watch had just changed. Sarri would have had no trouble getting out and back in, servants and slaves did chores at all hours of the night and this was one of the doors they used most frequently, but if she left the guard would try to stop her. That left only one option, killing him.

Aiden unlocked the door as quietly as possible and cracked it open. She could just barely see the small room on the outside of the castle where the guard was and hear him pacing the cramped space. There was a soft glow coming from the huge windows. Aiden stepped out carefully, keeping in the shadows, and closed the door behind her.

As soon as she stepped away from the door freezing cold rain hit her, accompanied by icy wind that whipped her loose hair around her face. Grimacing Aiden turned just as the door to the guard station opened. 'Who're you?' The man standing in the brightly lit doorway demanded.

Without answering Aiden threw the knife in her hand at him. It hit him in the chest and he dropped to the muddy ground. Walking forward Aiden pulled the knife from his body without even a wince, she had seen men killed many times before and Galbatorix had even forced her to kill some herself as punishment. Hunching her shoulders against the wind Aiden started towards the stables halfway across the cobblestone yard, leaving the man where he had fallen.

As Aiden stepped inside the warm and well lit barn she was assailed by the smell of horses and the sound of the many animals it housed stirring restlessly. Multiple heads poked over their doors into the isle where Aiden stood and she petted each of them reassuringly as she made her way towards the center of the huge barn.

Near the middle of the barn two men in soldiers' uniforms waited with a large chestnut horse already saddled and ready to go. 'Hello Dez, Gareth, Doc.' she said, addressing the horse last.

Doc nickered softly and stretched his nose towards Aiden. She gently petted his soft muzzle, tracing the pink stripe of skin between his nostrils; it looked on the tip of his mostly dark nose. She also scratched the small, uneven white patch in the middle of his forehead; the small patch was mostly on the left side of his forehead pointing slightly towards his eye.

Turning toward the two men Aiden continued to pet the horse's muzzle. 'Is he ready to go?'

'Yes, Aiden. All packed and ready. Nick's saddle is ready to; you just need to get it on him.' Gareth confirmed. He was a well built man, with thick black hair that was going slightly gray at the temples and an easy smile and was a captain in the king's army. Beside him stood Dez, who was in his mid twenties, he was taller than Gareth with a nose that had been broken several times and a stubbly jaw. His hair to was black but it was shorter, only about a half inch long.

'No problem.' Aiden said with a crooked smirk. 'I don't see why you're so afraid of the poor boy; he's a perfect sweetheart once you get to know him.' That statement couldn't be farther from the truth; Nick was a bay stallion who liked to bite anyone who got to close while he was in his stall, once he was out and saddled his temper improved slightly and he stopped trying so hard to take chunks out of people and when he was being ridden he didn't bite anyone but he never completely stopped being vicious.

'You're completely insane, Aiden!' Dez accused. 'That horse's a monster.'

'Possibly, but don't blame me if he hates you.' Aiden said with a shrug. 'And he's a good horse even if does have personal space issues.'

She grabbed Nick's saddle and bridle from Dez and opened his stall. Nick raised his head from the water bucket and snorted at Aiden. Without bothering to close the stall door she approached him. 'Mind if we go for a bit of a trip?' She asked as she slung the saddle and it's blankets over his back. 'We have to leave before someone finds the guard so you'll just have to wait for a bit to get groomed.'

Aiden secured the saddle without Nick so much as snapping at her, she was the only person he tolerated without trying to bite too often and even when he did it was only in play. 'Come on, buddy, let's go get Doc and head out.' Aiden said as she finished with his bridle and led him out of the stall.

Both Dez and Gareth backed away from Nick as the huge horse nosed Doc. Aiden stood between the two massive horses and leaned on Doc slightly, he was 17.1 hands tall and sweet as could be. Nick was only slightly shorter and vicious as hell and yet he got along fine with Doc.

Aiden stepped out from between the horses and reached out a hand to Gareth, 'It's been good knowing you, don't follow my father blindly and you'll do fine. If you ever need to get out just go to the Varden, I imagine I'll end up there sooner or later.'

Gareth smiled and took her hand before pulling her into a bear hug. 'Same to you, lady. You've grown up well and I'm proud to say I had a hand in that. Take care of yourself, make sure to keep your heart as your own and you'll do fine.' The soldier said gruffly.

Aiden nodded and turned to Dez. 'Don't die.' She ordered.

'I'll try not to, my lady.' Dez laughed. 'Make sure to do the same.' His face sobered and he caught her eye. 'I'll miss you. If the war ever truly starts I'll see what I can do about dragging Gareth off to the Varden.' He to hugged Aiden and then pulled back, embarrassed.

'We'll go open the gates for you.' Gareth said, they were supposed to be guarding the side gate tonight. Both men turned and walked out into the rain.

When they were gone Aiden turned to the horses and reached out with her mind. The connection was clearer than it usually was with horses and they understood what she said perfectly. –We're finally leaving, boys, it's about time to.-

Agreement came from both horses and Nick stomped one hoof impatiently. Aiden took their reins in one hand and held her pack in the other as they left the stable. Just as she opened the barn door a black and white blur shot inside the barn.

Gigi shook himself off before rubbing against Aiden's legs. –Did you think I'd let you go without me? Well you were wrong. –

Shaking her head Aiden picked the cat up and petted his ears fondly. –You sure you wanna come G? - She asked. –It's gonna get pretty rough out there. I don't wanna see you hurt. –

-You're stuck with me. – Gigi replied while trying to lick all the water from his coat. –You're the smartest human I've found yet, you could almost be a cat. I have no interest in trying to train a new person. –

-It's so nice to know you love me. – Aiden said sarcastically. –You can come if you want but don't complain. –

She tucked the small cat inside her shirt and pulled her clothes tight against her body. Stepping out into the rain again she made her way to the gate with Doc and Nick following close behind. When she got there Aiden climbed the stairs to the top of the wall and stood beside Dez. 'I'm sorry about this.' She yelled over the wind before hitting him over the head with the hilt of her knife. He fell over, unconscious, without even a sound.

Aiden descended the stairs again and met Gareth at the gate. Before she could knock him out to Gareth caught her arm and twisted the knife out of her grip. 'I know what you have to do Aiden, but I suggest you take these first.' He offered a belt with a pair of sheathed long knives hanging from it.

Reaching out Aiden took the belt and strapped it around her thin waist. Gareth had taught her almost everything she knew about fighting, the king had assigned him to but she still appreciated it. He had been one of her earliest friends and remained a trusted advisor throughout her time in the castle. 'I'll miss you, old man.' And then he to fell as she knocked him over the head with her knife.

She finished opening the gate and then hurried back to the horses. Aiden swung onto Doc, careful of both Gigi and the egg. He grabbed one last thing from her saddlebags, thick leather wrist braces that extended three inches up her forearms. Aiden slipped them on quickly and tightened them with magic, they were to cover the thin chains tattooed around her wrists and hopefully keep the spells set on them from working when she left.

With one last glance at the castle Aiden caught sight of someone standing on a balcony facing her. Their eyes locked for a moment and she realized who it was. 'Murtagh.' The name fell softly from her lips and she closed her eyes for a second. 'Goodbye.'

Turning away she grabbed Nick's reins with one hand and dug her heels into Doc. The horses took off out of the gate and down the streets of the sleeping city. The trade gate was almost always open and she whipped through it before the guards could react, scattering the caravan that had been trudging through. The guards didn't bother to chase her, as far as they were concerned she was just another traveler trying to get a head start before the roads got crowded.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Aiden pulled the horses to a stop on a rise outside of the city and looked back. That was her whole life sitting there, everything and everyone she'd ever known was held inside those walls. Just then there was a meow from inside her shirt. –You still have me. – Gigi reminded her.

Reassuring feelings reached her from the horses and looking up Aiden could see a red star twinkling through a gap in the clouds. Maybe she wasn't so alone after all.

With the faintest of smiles Aiden turned away from the city and urged the horses on again.

End Chapter Two

Hey, sorry about the excruciating detail in some sections but I had this done ages ago and I haven't been able to use the computer with internet so when I got bored I just went back and added detail. And I know Murtagh is out of character, but considering what's been done to him in other fics I don't feel to bad about it. I'll try to work on keeping all the canon characters within their normal personalities in future.

And yes, Galbatorix likes cats. Just because I thought he needed to be a bit more pathetic.

I'd love it if someone reviewed but I'm not gonna beg for it.