Edited 8/1/07

The thrilling saga of Penelope and Verina continues in this 13th installment! Hahaha, yeah, I was in a movie-esque mode when I wrote that. Anyway, what will happen to our heroes now as they draw closer to Surda? Read to find out…

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When I returned to Verina later that day my pack was quite a few pounds heavier. In addition to the sword, which I named Guardian after Angela urged that all swords must have a name (actually, her words were 'all great swords must have a name,' but I did not argue the point), I had the book I had studied earlier.

I showed the picture to Verina by the dim campfire light. I do not know what the picture depicts either, Penelope, aside from what is visually apparent; she said when I asked her. This 'Blessed' caption is equally bewildering. Perhaps it has something to do with the clutch you found.

Clutch?

That is the word for a group of dragon eggs.

Ah. Yes, that was my thought, too.

I suppose we can show this to Eragon as well. He seems likely to have insight.

I nodded. After a while, I announced, I'm going to visit Jeremy tonight, Verina.

Penelope, I must strongly caution you against that action. I know you miss him, but it is far too dangerous.

But Verina, I told you how I can read minds now. I could find any treachery without even revealing myself.

It is not called mind reading, it is mind searching. But that is beside the point. What would you do to defend yourself if enemy soldiers appeared? Or what about the Ra'zac themselves? She shivered at that thought.

I did, too, but forced myself not to show it. I'll bring my sword with me.

Penelope, you do not know how to wield a sword, Verina informed me skeptically.

How hard can it be? Besides, my brother will be there to help. Verina still looked skeptical, so I said, Look here. I'll show you I can defend myself.

She settled down primly to watch. I unsheathed Guardian and experimentally swished it around a few times. It felt flawlessly comfortable in my grip. I lunged forward and thrust the sword outward. It happened so easily that I decided to try something more daring. I found myself doing series after series of thrusts, parries, and attacks, each more complex.

When I stopped Verina reared back her head, wide-eyed. Penelope, I had no idea you were so skilled.

Neither did I, I replied, laughing. This sword must really be something.

Yes, she agreed. This witch must have been very wise.

Or had a wise werecat helping her, I added.

I really must meet this Solembum the next time our wyrds cross. 'Wyrd' means fate, little one, she added, sensing my question. You said that Angela mentioned she was an agent of the Varden, so perhaps this werecat will be there as well when we reach them.

Yes, that makes sense. I paused for a minute. Verina, you have gotten us off topic.

Oh, I did? I did not realize; I apologize.

But I could tell she actually did realize, in fact, I got the distinct impression she did it on purpose. Verina, I asked, why are you so against me seeing my brother? Are you afraid I'll ignore you in favor of him?

I-well, that thought had occurred to me, but I do not think that is something you would do. She opened her mouth oddly, and I gauged from her feelings through the link it was the dragon equivalent of a smile. Besides, you have already chosen me over him once before. I thank you for that.

Of course I did, Verina. And I would do it again; I just don't see why I should be allowed only one of you. I love both of you so much.

Verina sighed audibly. Penelope, it is not that I wish to exclude you from the outside world. It is because of the nature of our bond. She snaked her head around to fix one glittering black eye on me. Penelope, we are Rider and dragon. If we fight, we fight as one. And we die as one as well. She stopped for a split second, and then elaborated, What I mean is, if you were to be slain, in battle or otherwise, I would perish as well.

So, does that mean that if you die, I will, too?

No, you are not bound in the same way.

I felt an enormous sense of relief at that, but also shame for feeling that way. How could I be happy, knowing that Verina's life could be extinguished and I still hold mine, when she doesn't have the same privilege? I was holding two lives in my hands now, instead of just my own.

And, I realized suddenly, I also held the lives of all those unborn dragons as well. My choices would affect so many others outside of myself. It was a sobering, but terrifying, thought. Did the Riders of old also experience this? Does Eragon experience it, even now? It really made the Shadeslayer seem human, thinking that he might feel the same tumultuous emotions I did now.

Verina was sad. Now you realize why I must prevent you from endangering yourself, though it pains me to spoil your happiness?

I nodded; yes, I understood. I definitely understand, Verina. And I am sorry for acting so recklessly before, I didn't realize how much was at stake. I smiled. You have taught me so much today, Verina. You are very wise.

Penelope, once again you touch me with your thoughtfulness. But, most of what you have discovered was done so on your own merit.

Verina, you need to give yourself more credit. You shoved me in the right direction; I would never have realized any of this without your wisdom.

I radiated intense pride to her, and she responded with overflowing happiness. I have truly chosen the most noble, considerate, and beautiful Rider in all of Alagaësia.

I reached around and hugged her neck, causing her to hum loudly. I love you, Verina.

And I you, Penelope.

We talked of trivial things for a good part of our meal, which consisted of a small piece of bread (which, to my great horror, was half eaten), a pear and an apple, as well as a slim turkey that Verina had caught for me.

As I washed the plates, I said, Verina, I have thought a lot about what you said, but I still feel that I should see my brother, if only to tell him that I'm leaving.

Sighing, Verina said, Very well, Penelope, but I am still uneasy. I see you are not to be persuaded otherwise, so all I must ask is that you be careful.

I will, Verina, I vowed. You could accompany me and wait on the outskirts of the city, if it makes you feel better.

She huffed, and I sensed embarrassment. I-I am still most clumsy, Penelope. I would alert anyone within a mile of your whereabouts. Besides, I do not know how to fight.

I could see the shame it caused her to admit that. I'm sure you do, Verina. I didn't think I knew how to use a sword, but you saw me. I'm positive fighting will come just as naturally to you. And, as for clumsiness, that is all in your head. I see only a graceful, majestic dragon before me.

Again your praise lightens my heart, but it does little to assuage my fears. I am sorry, but from what I know of my race you would not be so pleased had you laid eyes on other.

Yes, I would, Verina. I know I would. Remember what I said about giving yourself more credit?

I shall try, Penelope.

Good. Now, do you wish to come? I could really use your help.

Very well. I shall go for you, Penelope.

We set off through the undergrowth. At first, Verina was being very clumsy, for which she fervently apologized.

Forgive me, Penelope! I should just return to camp, you would be safer without me.

Not if the Ra'zac attack, I pointed out. I explained to her that it was my fault for choosing the thickest undergrowth to traverse. It'll be better if we go over here, I said, beckoning with my mind.

The second try did go much more smoothly. We made it up until the very edge of the trees, where we agreed she would wait. I took a few steps out and realized that Verina had grown a lot without me really noticing, and tended to not blend in very well.

With your permission? I inquired. She immediately gave it, and I quietly gathered some leaves and dispersed them over her form. There, that's better. Most people won't look that closely, anyway.

Penelope, these leaves itch my spine. If at all possible, could you make the visit a quick one?

Of course, I answered. Keep in contact with me at all times, Verina. I feel a lot safer knowing you are my backup.

Yes, I shall prepare myself for battle. Her "voice" sounded strained and a little fearful. I patted her shoulder lovingly and whispered aloud, "Stay safe."

Make sure that you stay safe as well, Penelope.

Reluctantly, I stepped back out of the foliage. Glancing back, I saw that even I had to squint to make out Verina's form, even though I knew where to look. Well, at least she's inconspicuous.

I continued on, ducking between houses and under wagons. My eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, and I noticed that there was nothing to notice. There were no guards patrolling, not even a stray cat stalking the streets.

That was very, very odd, and equally disconcerting. I relayed this information to Verina, and she suggested I leave.

Give me a few more minutes, Verina. Please, I know what I'm doing.

Very well, she said grudgingly.

I then reached out further with my mind, attempting to find any other minds in the vicinity. I found a family huddled in the house next to me, terrified of the soldiers. The words 'curfew' and 'severe punishment' echoed over their thoughts.

So the Ra'zac had imposed a curfew. At least it explained the lack of movement in the houses. Cautiously, I continued down alleyway after alleyway, until I became hopelessly lost.

Desperately, I called to Verina, How good is your night vision?

I fare reasonably well. It is better that humans', at any rate.

Do you think you could fly over the city and help direct me?

A pause, then, If you wish me to.

If you're comfortable doing so, then I would greatly appreciate the help.

I caught flashes of her feelings and, strangely, fragments of what she saw as she rose into the sky. A minute later, she called, It is lucky it is so dark; otherwise I would have been seen. I am looking at you now; you are crouched in an alley about 100 yards away from the edge of town opposite our campsite.

Where is the armory?

I cannot tell; there are no signs on any of the buildings for me to read. I felt her tense and a surge of fear. Penelope, there is trouble two streets over and 15 yards ahead of you! It appears that two men are confronting a third.

My heart stopped. Jeremy!!

It does not look good, Penelope, it- where are you going?

I'm going to help him.

But, Penelope, it seems exceedingly dangerous!

I don't care! I have the power to help people; don't you think I should exercise it?

P- grudgingly, she admitted, I see your wisdom, Rider. But perhaps you would like my assistance? I felt her terror washing over me.

Wait. I might be able to do this without help. I don't want you to expose yourself unnecessarily.

In five minutes I am coming down, needed or not!

I laughed internally to her. That's the dragon-like attitude, my friend! I turned a corner a pushed myself against a wall, feeling ahead of me with my mind for any hostile beings. Finding nothing, I ran down the alley and again skidded to a halt.

Verina hissed in my head, Be careful! You are on the right and behind the commotion.

I pushed against a wall, my hand grasping the sword that hung at my waist. I used my mind to search for the cause of the trouble. Before I could pick up on the others' minds, a hand reached from behind me and clamped over my mouth. Verina! I cried.

"Shhh! Penelope! It's me!" Jeremy's hand released me.

"Jeremy! You nearly scared me to death!!" After that I said to Verina, It's alright. It's only Jeremy.

Humph. You need to inform your brother of the proper way to alert someone of his presence, she said, rightfully angry.

"Penelope?"

"What? I'm sorry; I didn't hear you." I was also mad at him, and angry at myself as well. Why didn't I search behind me for people as well?

"I asked if you were okay," Jeremy said, peering intently into my face.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Suddenly I remembered why I had come here. The third man was definitely not fine. "Jere, that man over there! We have to help him, he was-"

He cut me off. "Nel, leave him," he told me sternly. "There's nothing you can do."

"But-"

"Besides, you really need to get to the Varden, pronto."

I stopped immediately. "What are you talking about?" I breathed.

He held up a poster which showed a girl about my age with the same color hair as me and green eyes. They were a darker color than mine, but I had no doubt that I had become number one on the King's most wanted list.

My brother smiled at me. "That's you, isn't it?"

I gulped and nodded wordlessly.

"I knew it was the moment they handed these out. It all makes sense now," he added. "So, you're really the new Rider?"

Careful, I heard Verina whisper into my mind as she sent the message that she was circling lower now. I didn't know what I could say to Jeremy, so I remained silent, staring at the ground.

After a while Jeremy put his arm around my shoulder, and I whispered, "If I don't say anything they can't get the information out of you."

He pulled me into a full-fledged hug. "Nel, its okay to be afraid." After a heartbeat, "But you don't have to be afraid for me."

"Jeremy." I gazed at him, radiating my fierce love. "I will not be the cause of your death!" Tears trickled down my cheeks.

He sighed. "I understand. It's just-"

The rest of his words were cut off as Verina yelled, Penelope, the men are coming toward you! She sent me the image of the two men dragging the unconscious third through the street.

I yanked Jeremy into a small side alleyway and stepped in myself, in front of him. I drew my blade.

"Penelope, what are you doing?" I felt Jeremy move beside me and put a hand to his sword.

I hated violating the sanctity of his mind, but this was an emergency. In my desperation I was able to get through in a fraction of a second. No! Do not bloody your blade as well as mine. They'd find you.

With that the strangers were upon us.

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It's another cliffie!! Hahaha! No, just joking. But if you want to find out what happens, you had better review!