New Path
Disclaimer: I don't own Eragon or Eldest, just Arianna and Nolan
Chapter 3: Brave yet Foolish
Arianna had waited until nightfall and now crossed the camp with quiet and cautious steps. One of the men snored and she froze, waiting for him to stop and when he did, the other mumbled. She kept moving until she came to a spot where another slept, guessing it was her brother. It was confirmed when he rustled. Arianna still stayed silent and sighed softly.
"Who's there?"
No answer but he felt someone was there.
"Ari?"
Once again he got no answer but knew someone else was there. Someone familar was cutting what bound him then lifted him up, signaling him to walk. He didn't know how far he walked but when they got to a spot in the moonlight, Arianna revealed herself unknowingly. Nolan wasn't surprised that it was her but was surprised by her timing.
"I'm sorry I didn't say anything before but i didn't want the soldiers hearing me." She said quickly.
He nodded and she looked at the dried blood, someone had stemmed it and she was grateful for that. But how long would that hold until she got him to Ellesmera? She still wasn't strong enough to heal him completely. And she couldn't risk sending for Codas, it would bring too much attention. But I have no choice, Arianna thought. She tried to form any kind of connection and when she did, it satisfied her.
I was worried that you were dead, Codas said, in a somewhat broken tone.
I'm fine but Nolan isn't. Where are you?
Not far from where you are. I'll come for you.
Thanks.
She severed the connection and looked up. Nolan was still lucky to be alive but he was exhausted, for he had fallen asleep again. The moonlight shone on his scar from when they were little and she smiled at the thought. It had been months since Merritt left them and she had grieved. And in that time after his death, she had been swept into the Varden only to be cut in the back. Then she was here, being sent to Ellesmera. She saw a shadow from the distance and got up lifting her brother. She nearly collapsed with his height and weight but was stable. Codas flew and destroyed a few trees, letting Arianna move back. She got on and they took off with the same strength as before.
How long will it take us to get to Ellesmera?
We'll be there by morning if there aren't any soldiers.
So not long at all.
Well, no, now it'll be even longer. There are more soldiers nearby.
More of them? They don't give up do they?
They're Galbitorix's strongest men and they have Murtagh on their side.
Then it looks like we'll be waiting longer.
Arianna sighed, knowing that the worst scenario had happened. She had a risky decision to make, take the trail to Ellesmera and risk losing her brother or let Codas bring him to Ellesmera. I have to do this on my own. I can't risk his life.
Codas let her down without saying a word other than 'to get there safely'.
