Thanks to potternutter for being another loyal reader. I hope the rest of you will continue to R&R. Your feedback keeps me writing!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Nasuada, etc., only Penelope, Verina, Jeremy, the cave, and the concept of The Blessed. So, don't sue me, 'kay?

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Eragon had to physically shove the gate closed to keep out everyone rushing to congratulate me. I flushed with embarrassment at the ruckus I'd caused. Verina nudged me reassuringly and I managed to lift my gaze from my shoes.

I found Saphira gazing at me curiously. That was quite impressive, little one.

Th-thank you, Saphira, I said, curtseying clumsily.

"No, really, Penelope, that was amazing." Eragon had rejoined us. He smiled. "No one's ever beaten me before. I should commend you." And then he bowed to me.

"It-it really wasn't anything. It was just the sword; I-I'm nowhere near that good unless I use this sword."

Eragon was obviously surprised by this. "Let me see your sword." I handed it to him and he bent over it, muttering countless phrases of increasing complexity. Frowning, he gave it to Saphira to sniff. After a moment he began swishing it around and moving through stances. His frown deepened as he handed it back to me. "Neither Saphira or I can sense anything magical about it. Who told you it was special?"

"I did," said Angela as she leaped nimbly over the fence. She continued, "Because it is a special sword. It was-" her eyes flashed briefly and she fell silent. I saw Arya melt back into the crowd discreetly from where she had silenced Angela.

If Eragon was surprised by Angela's appearance he didn't show it. "Angela, welcome back. I see you've met Penelope."

She nodded. "She came into my shop when I was in Kuasta." Angela was carefully avoiding mention of the sword. I wondered why that was.

Eragon smoothly diverted from that subject. "Did you find out anything interesting while you were there?"

"Actually, yes. I was just on my way to brief Nasuada and the others, and thought that you should hear this information as well."

Saphira stepped to Eragon's side. The boy turned to me and said, "I really should go, Penelope. After I'm done we can get to work on more magic; is that agreeable to you?"

"Aye," I nodded, a bit relieved to be free from Eragon's questioning.

As it turned out I didn't get my magic lesson, even by mid-day. Saphira had taken Verina out for some private lessons, so I was left on my own. The Shadeslayer was nowhere to be found, most likely off doing Nasuada's bidding. I milled around my tent, bored. Sounds of children playing outside drew me away from my thoughts.

A group of three boys were tossing a cloth ball around and weaving between tents. Out of nowhere the ball flew pass my head and I instinctively caught it. One small boy approached me sheepishly. "I- I'm sorry, Miss Penelope. We didn't know your t-tent was here."

I smiled warmly down at him. "It's okay. It's good to see kids just being kids in these war-torn times." It was then that I noticed how thin this boy was, and how thin the others who were shyly drawing nearer were. "So, what are your names?"

The small one, having the most confidence around me and clearly pleased to be able to impress his companions, answered quickly. "I'm Nathan, and these are my brothers Dirk and Justin."

I smiled at each boy in turn. "Are your parents anywhere around here?"

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Nathan's face, but he answered, "My mom is trying to find some food for us. My dad was killed in the recent battle." He smiled sadly.

"Dad took four soldiers with him, though," Dirk, the eldest, cut in proudly.

My heart went out to these youngsters. "I know how much it hurts to lose a parent," I told them sadly. "My mother- well, she was murdered by the King's soldiers." I smiled at them, making it known that they didn't need to say anything. "Wait here," I told them on a whim.

Ducking back into my tent I rummaged around for the bag that held the food Jeremy had given me.

I returned to them and handed Dirk the ball. The sack I gave to little Nathan. "It's not much, but I hope it helps." I told the brothers.

Nathan wrapped his little arms around my knees as I stood up. "Thank you," he whispered before joining his brother in their mad dash to find their mother. I smiled, my heart warmed that they were now happy and fed.

"That was very kind of you." I turned around to see Arya the elf looking at me, her lips turned in a small smile.

"I couldn't let them go hungry," I said, feeling nervousness at talking to an elf.

She smiled fuller. "You have a noble heart, Penelope. It will serve you well." She paused, evidently for effect, before continuing. "I apologize for the intrusion, Rider, but I have a question to ask of you: did the witch Angela present you with a book when you visited her in Kuasta?"

"Aye," I said, not knowing where she was going with this.

She nodded. "I thought so. May I see it, please?"

I retreated momentarily to my lodgings and returned cradling the book delicately in the crook of my arm. I handed it to the elf, who ran her fingers eagerly over the cover. After an awed sigh, she handed it back. "Take care of this book, Penelope-elda. It is your greatest weapon, but also your greatest weakness."

With those closing remarks she twisted her hand over her sternum in an odd gesture and turned away from me, vanishing seamlessly into the crowd in the blink of an eye, leaving me utterly bewildered.

Eragon did return to see me; arriving at my tent at the same moment Saphira and Verina landed having returned from their training session. Both the sparkling blue dragon and her Rider seemed unnecessarily tense. Verina entered my thoughts, declaring, My instincts are telling me something is amiss, Penelope.

We'll soon find out what it is, I said grimly as Eragon cleared his throat.

"Well," he said. I waited expectantly, a feeling of growing dread gnawing at the pit of my stomach. "Angela had a lot of news to tell," he said slowly. A sigh, then, "I'm just going to say this, Penelope, there's no real way to say it gently. Galbatorix has doubled the size of his army. Even with the elves' attacks and the dwarves' aide we're outnumbered almost 100 to 1. And…and now he's launching a full offensive against us. The spies tell us Murtagh is leading it."

My heart froze. "So, there's going to be a giant battle? And the rival Rider is leading it? I suppose you're telling us this because we'll have to fight? When do you anticipate this attack occurring?"

Saphira answered this time, speaking to me and Verina both. That is what is so troubling. Sources say they plan to attack in one weeks' time. And we have to be ready.

At this Verina shivered. Penelope, I-I do not think I can be prepared for a battle of this magnitude in only a week.

Verina, a lot can happen in a week. They may just change their mind about attacking. And, if they don't, well, we'll just have to do our part.

Eragon saw something to indicate there was a pause in the conversation. "Wait, there's more."

"I can't wait," I said dryly.

He smiled in understanding. "The informant said that the Ra'zac are fighting as well. That means we'd be fighting in the dark. And according to Arya the elves can't reach us for at least fourteen days, so that means they won't be that much of a help. Basically, we'll need to drastically speed up your training, Penelope and Verina. Luckily for us, Penelope, your sword play is exemplary, so we can focus all of our attention on magic lessons."

And I will work with Verina on air combat tactics, Saphira announced.

Verina still seemed very uneasy, so I nudged her a little. That sounds interesting, Verina.

Y-yes, I will learn much, she answered uncertainly.

And you'll learn it quickly. I've seen you do some pretty incredible things in the air, Verina.

Thank you. You have also had extraordinary accomplishments.

Saphira cut in then. Are you ready to begin in earnest, Verina?

She nodded grimly and bid me good-bye as she took off. Good luck, little one.

And you as well, although you won't need it.

Eragon turned to me. "And are you ready to begin, Penelope?"

I nodded, thinking. Arya had told me to be careful with the book, but I figured my mentor could be trusted, and should be trusted. "But, first, sir, I thought I should show you the other artifact Angela gave me in Kuasta."

He looked interested, but said nothing as I came back holding the book. "It's blank except for one picture. There," I said as he flipped pages to eventually land on the image.

"It's a dragon, obviously, and one with a Rider as well. Beyond that I cannot say. What did Angela tell you?"

"Nothing, just that I should bring it with me. And, sometimes, a caption appears, 'Blessed.' Do you know anything about that?"

He muttered what I supposed was a spell and then frowned. "The spell won't reveal anything. What happened when the caption last appeared?"

"Well, I was thinking, so I absently ran my fingers over the page. Like…this…" I trailed off because nothing had happened.

He paused for thought. "That certainly is odd, Penelope. Next time it shows up you have to come find me. At any rate, it's likely that this book and the cave are both referring to the same being, although I've never heard of him, or her, before. I'll have to look into it." He stopped then and his tone switched to a professional, crisp one. "Now that that's taken care of, shall we begin your lesson?"

"Aye, I've been eager to learn magic ever since I first discovered the cave."

"Well, I should warn you, it's a long, process. But I'll try to help speed it up." He bent down and picked up a pebble. "Here, take this."

I did, turning it over in my palm where the gedwëy ignasia shown.

Eragon nodded. "Good. Now, try to make it levitate. The words are 'Stenr reisa.' Go on, give it a try."

I was doubtful, but I held the stone out in front of me on outstretched palm and said, with as much power I could muster, "Stenr reisa!" But nothing happened. I tried again, and again, but still nothing happened. Eragon looked amused, so I asked, "What am I doing wrong?"

He smiled. "Nothing. I told you it takes time, more so for some than for others. Everyone's different. Why don't you try concentrating on where the magic is?"

I was skeptical, but took a deep breath and retreated into my mind, trying to search for some sign of where the magic was. All I felt was mundane thoughts and emotions, and I was about to give up when suddenly I felt a bump of something different near the back of my mind. Intrigued, I pushed at it, but nothing happened. I tried again, harder and harder, but still the barrier wouldn't budge.

At last I gave up, exhausted. "I couldn't do it. I was too weak to get through." It came out more bitter than I intended, and I instantly regretted it, but the feeling I hated most was feeling defenseless and weak.

"Penelope." He took on a fatherly tone, and it seemed out of place, considering that Eragon was the same age as me. "Magic is hard work. The elves even have trouble with it at times. I know I found it very challenging when I first started. But it gets better, it gets easier. You can't give up."

I sighed. "I know, you're right, I'm sorry for behaving as I did. May I try again?"

He nodded encouragingly, and I again attacked the wall. But it still held firm, no matter what I did, no matter how many times I tried.

By supper time I still hadn't made any progress. Eragon smiled and told me it was okay; we'd try again tomorrow. But I could sense the disappointment in his voice and the reluctance of his smile.

Before I had long to contemplate it, Saphira shot down out of the clouds, banking swiftly and landing right at Eragon's feet in a matter of seconds. Verina was coming in behind her, albeit slower than her fellow dragon.

Eragon, Penelope! Saphira said frantically the moment she folded her wings. We were training up in the sky-

She means I was failing miserably at her training, Verina said sourly to me, clearly disappointed in herself.

I ignored that for now to catch what the blue dragon was saying. –to the north, about 5 miles away. I saw a vast column of movement coming from the direction of Helgrind, and it turned out to be an army! It was the King's army! And moments later another column, no doubt from Urû-baen joined them. Eragon, I fear the King plans to attack today, tonight, in a matter of hours!

Eragon was off and running almost before Saphira finished. He ran with such speed it was evident no human could hope to catch him. Saphira hurtled after her Rider, yelling to Verina and me to follow.

I climbed quickly but mutely onto Verina's back and she flew low over the tents and as fast as she dared. The day's trials had worn her out, so by the time we landed Nasuada had already emerged from the tent and was barking orders in preparation for war. Seeing me, she hurried over. "Penelope, Verina, follow Eragon. He will show you to where you can get outfitted. I want you to stay with him for the duration of this battle."

Nodding grimly, Verina set off after Eragon, who was now riding his own dragon. I barely noticed Verina landing, me sliding off, and dozens of hands taking measurements and scurrying around to find me the armor I'd need.

Numbly I put everything on. I felt so cumbersome now, and wasn't at all used to moving, let alone fighting, in this heavy stuff. By my side Verina was feeling the same way at the random scraps of metal draped over her in lieu of real dragon armor. Saphira was wearing the only set they had, Eragon said.

We set off again almost instantly. Below us people scampered every which way, grabbing spears, swords, shields, as well as wives and children in good-bye hugs. I prayed that it wouldn't be for the last time, as I was sure they did as well.

Verina landed less than smoothly next to Saphira. Immediately Nasuada rode up to us on a war charger. The horse's eyes were widened in fright, as mine were, I'm sure. Without bothering to greet us, Nasuada began briefing us. "Eragon, you will lead Du Vangr Gata as before. When you're not needed in that capacity do as you did last battle, and we'll hope to be as lucky. You and Penelope will be protected by the Kull, as before, as well as a small regiment of dwarves and some Carvahall warriors. Eragon, don't, we need every hand we've got, and Roran volunteered for this. Now, Penelope, you and Verina should stay close to Eragon and your guards. Just fight as best you can, but don't get yourself killed. We need you. Arya, there you are. You will fight with Eragon and Penelope, if you are willing, of course."

I hadn't even seen Arya arrive, and only half of Nasuada's instructions had sunk in. Arya looked sidelong at Verina and me but addressed Nasuada. "Of course, I would have it no other way."

With that Nasuada spurred her horse and rode off. I barely noticed this as my mind was spinning in a fog. I couldn't think of anything except the overwhelming sense of terror rising up in my stomach. The only thought that filled my mind was that I could die, Verina could die, the whole resistance effort could die, and all those un-hatched dragons could die.

Jeremy could die. It was that thought that broke through my terror. My brother was in the army. He would be here. He was in danger. If I did my best, fought my hardest, I could save him. I could stop the battle soon enough to stop him being killed. I could draw attention away from Eragon and Saphira while they went after the Rider Murtagh and the Ra'zac. I had no illusions that I could do much, but I could distract attention while the other two did what they needed to.

At this my mind cleared. I realized at once two things: we were near the middle of the rapidly assembling Varden forces all around. And I didn't have my sword or any weapon at all. Another critical oversight.

Just then Solembum leapt out from the crowd and dropped the sword by Verina's back foot. He winked at me and slipped unnoticed back into the throng of movement.

I scuttled down to retrieve it, and Eragon spoke. "Penelope." I looked up at him, and saw his eyes, how they held so much hope and sadness and fury at the same time, and all of my feelings welled up as well. Before I knew what was happening I was collapsed in a ball on the ground, sobbing.

The Shadeslayer stood motionless for a moment, and then bent down next to me. "Penelope, it's okay. I know you're scared; I am too. Everyone here is. But we have to work through it, alright?"

Blinking blearily, I nodded. "Aye."

"Good, now I have to tell you something. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, that this is happening now. You're not nearly ready, and that's no one's fault," he added quickly. "But it doesn't matter now, because now is when this is happening. Just do what you can, no one can ask for anything more. You are a Rider, Penelope, and Riders always rise above!'

My eyes flashed as I rose up, wiping away the last traces of tears. "Aye, Riders always rise above, and so shall we. I'll fight, Shadeslayer. I will fight for Verina, for the Varden, for the dragons, for my brother, and for all who need me. I will fight."

"Great, because we'll need all the help we can get."

At that a call went up, and both of us turned to the north and saw a long wave of soldiers come marching into view. Above them flew Murtagh on his red dragon, which shone blood red in the orange light of the setting sun. And above Murtagh flew another creature, a black dragon so large both Saphira and Verina's size combined wouldn't even measure up to a quarter of it.

Shruikan! Verina and Saphira spat together, but Verina's voice wavered with unaltered terror.

"Shruikan," I said, slightly awed. My feeling of dread rose up higher than before. If Shruikan is here, then Galbatorix is as well!

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Bum bum bum!! OOH I can't wait! Everything's going to come together in the next chapter. I'll post it soon…if I get reviews. :P You know what to do…