New Path

Disclaimer: I don't own Eragon or Eldest, just Arianna and Nolan

A/N: I'm sorry about the long time without updating, I've been busy working on other things.

Chapter 4: Keeping Faith

Arianna repremended herself as she walked along the path to Ellesmera, regretting leaving the safety of the skies but she knew where she was. Her wounds stopped bleeding and she could walk without muttering in pain. How could she do it? Leave her injured brother with Codas, who she trusted but the risk of an attack was great. She drew closer to the end of the darkest forest and her fears seemed to allievate itself. But someone was at the end of the trail. She took out her sword, her grip firm but lacking. She saw the person up ahead, it looked like one of the King's men. Arianna disappeared into a bush and walked silently, hoping that she couldn't be heard. She had been lucky that time but every now and again, she looked around, making sure she was on the right path. She sighed out of relief glad that she was on the same path. She heard footsteps stop in front of her and a tall boy stood in front of her.

"Ah, it is you, Dragon Rider. Arya sent me to look for you." He said.

"How did you get this far if she sent you recently?" Arianna asked, looking up.

"She sent me two days ago, I knew you'd be hard to find. Codas came with your brother and you were nowhere near." He replied. "She said you'd be injured. You're still bleeding."

"They're only flesh wounds." Arianna replied simply. "How far are we from Ellesmera?"

"Not very. You are just in time for the Blood Oath Celebration." He said, ignoring the exhausted look in her eyes.

"Good. Have they said anything about my brother?" Arianna said, hints of concern as she spoke.

"He's badly injured but healing. I wouldn't worry about him, I'd worry about yourself." The elf replied.

The hours passed and the darkness lifted revealing early morning light. Ellesmera was now in their sight and Arianna could feel all her aches. The elf had stopped in front of her quarters and let her in. Codas slept by the fire that roared in the fireplace. He opened one of his green eyes and peered around. He growled in delight, something rare for him. Arianna smiled.

Don't you ever do that to me again, Ari!

I had no choice. But I promise I won't.

The elf had left as quickly as he had came and she went to the small bed. She blacked out in bliss, finally healing mentally and psychically. She woke up, not knowing how long she had been in bed. Codas opened an eye and looked at her, starting a connection.

It's been two days, Ari. The queen wants to see us.

I guess those wounds did take a toll. I might as well go and see her.

Codas let her out first then followed her. The walk seemed quick and as soon as they got to the Queen Ilsanzandi's residence, they walked even quicker. She greeted them appropiately, as did they.

"I'm going to get straight to the point, Galbatorix's forces loom closer to the Varden than before. You and your brother don't have much time with us." She said.

Arianna eyes lit with realization, shock, and with an almost desperate look. The queen continued.

"But we are going to make your time well worth it. I wish Glaedr and Oromis were here to teach you how to use your magic, but they left us." She said, soothingly. "So much misfortune has followed you. Even now."

"I can't put my tragedies before the Empire's. I have to fight for what's right, Alegaesia without a tyrant." Arianna said.

"That's a true Rider's spirit." Islanzadi replied. "Your training will commence tomorrow."