Chapter XXIII
Our journey continues
Ellestygia flew on and on toward the Varden at full speed for days without stopping. I insisted she rest, but she was determined to get me there as fast as she could. The thing was, I wouldn't sleep until she did, so she was even madder at me.
"Ellestygia, you need rest , and that's an order!" I yelled.
After all she had been flying for two days straight without stopping for one rest.
Fine I'll land, but I will not sleep.
"That is all I ask," I said, but had something else in mind.
She landed and as soon as I jumped off her my plan begun.
"Slytha!" I commanded.
Ellestygia sunk into a crouch and laid her head on the ground, falling into magical sleep.
"Finally," I breathed, then I went to sleep.
My dreams were quite different this time.
AMBER! came a roar.
Ellestygia?
Yes! she growled.
Why are you yelling?
I am yelling because I didn't want to sleep!
But you needed to!
I didn't want to!
I don't care you needed rest! End of story!
She growled at me, probably because I was being equally as stubborn as she was. After I had heard her I only had dreams of the Varden and battle.
I awoke slowly to a roar, and air...blowing by my ears. Where was I? My legs felt like they were hanging over nothing. I opened my eyes, I was looking up at blurred royal blue color. I couldn't make out what it was that I was looking at. I then noticed what they were. They were scales, I was looking up at scales! I then realized I was looking at Ellestygia. I shifted to see what was under me, and I resented doing so as I turned over. I was looking down at the sky and the ground about a thousand feet below me. I carefully and quickly turned over to my back.
This time I fell into a straight up-and-down dive, my dark-brown hair flying up above me. I was falling to the ground below me, but before I fell too far a claw curved around my torso, holding me in place.
Payback! Came Ellestygia's voice.
I couldn't believe it, Ellestygia had been flying with me in her claws!
"What do you think you were doing?" I yelled angered.
Payback, really good payback! She said with a hint of laughter in her voice.
"You could've killed me!"
I wouldn't have let you fall.
"Are you crazy!"
She held her claw up, so that her leg created a bridge to her back. I climbed on her back, just barely grabbing the front of the saddle before she yelled,
Hold on! She said pulling into a dive, only to have to pull up to dodge a rocky peak.
What was that!
"Welcome to the Varden, Ellestygia."
How do you know this is the Varden?
"You can't mistake those," I said pointing to the sky-breaking Beor Mountains.
"Era...I've heard many stories about how to get there, just find the Beartooth River...the waterfall."
Ellestygia dodged more rocky peaks as we got deeper into the mountains. She finally spotted an opening and dove into it. I heard crashing before I saw anything, then I saw what had been described to me so many times; The hidden passage to the Varden.
"Here, land here."
I'm on it, she said speeding up her dive.
I gripped the saddle harder as she dove steeper and steeper. After five minutes of diving she landed right in front of the deep and wide river. The water was churning and rough, because of the towering waterfall that crashed down with enough force to crush a dragon. I swung off Ellestygia's back and onto the gray and black-pebbled bank. I looked down into the water's depths and in its reflection I saw Ellestygia get tackled by a red flash.
It's Thorn! she yelled.
I then saw Murtagh jump off his dragon's back and walk to me. I turned and started to run toward the Varden's passageway, but Murtagh's voice stopped me.
"Don't try it," he said," the passage is sealed, they didn't open it, I would know."
He drew Zar'roc, its blade reflecting in the water. I had foolishly had left Akarclio strapped to Ellestygia's saddle, so I was left weaponless and without the strength I needed for magic.
I was foolish enough to try and run toward the now fighting Ellestygia.
"Huildr!" commanded Murtagh.
I felt as if a giant hand was wrapped around my torso, pinning my hands to my side and my legs together.
"Zoey told me what you said."
"So she told you I think you are a blinded traitor, bound by a mentally insane king!"
"How dare you!" he yelled coming at me with Zar'roc.
When he was close enough to me, that I wanted to punch him, he was distracted by Ellestygia mauling Thorn. As he turned Zar'roc's tip caught my side leaving a gash five inches long on my side. I got up enough courage to risk it.
"Losna!" I commanded.
Murtagh's spell faded and I fell to the ground, though Murtagh had not seen. I had one chance to do this, for Murtagh was about to direct magic toward Ellestygia.
"Sverd...rísa eom...iet ignasia!" I commanded now feeling weaker. The spell took slow effect, but I soon saw what I had done. Rising to me was not Akarclio, but Zar'roc. It was soon in my hand, and as my hand gripped the hilt I felt like I had lost someone dear to me. I was scared.
"Eragon!" I yelped foolishly aloud, knowing I had just felt him die.
Murtagh whipped around from looking at Ellestygia, only to look furious at the sight of his sword in my hand.
"What are you doing with my sword!"
"It's not 'yours' Murtagh, it's your dead father's."
"I don't see a family with you, where are your siblings or your father. Go back to where you came from, elf!"
"My sibling is dead, thanks to the likes of you. My father is dead because of Durza...figure it out, smart one!"
He look dumb-founded by my words, mumbling, "Durza...sibling...me?"
"Oh, for the sake of Alagaësia! Eragon was my brother!"
"Eragon! That means...your my sister!"
"Half-sister you idiot boy! Brom is my father!"
"B...Brom...the storyteller. Your crazy he isn't your father he was your father, he's dead," he said with laughter in his voice.
Now, I was really mad. If I wasn't as forgiving as I was right then, there would be no Murtagh or Thorn. Instead, -being an elf- with inhuman speed I got behind Murtagh slashing his back with Zar'roc, knocking the breath out of him. He fell to his knees in pain.
"Brom was the best Dragon Rider in history, and I know he's dead, it wouldn't take me that long to hear it for the first time by the likes of you! I won't be so forgiving next time, Murtagh Morzansson," I said plunging Zar'roc's blade upright in the bank, but out of Murtagh's reach.
I walked over to Ellestygia, who looked shocked standing by the gashed-up Thorn. Seeing his Rider fall, Thorn was just sitting there looking as shocked as Ellestygia.
"We...need to...go now," I said gasping from the sudden pain in my chest and my rib cage.
Amber, are you okay? Ellestygia asked.
"I...don't think so, but Eragon..."
Don't worry about him, we will be there soon
"But it's too late...there's nothing we can...do."
Amber, she said softly, lowering her head to my eye-level, you are hurt, your head is not calm, you could've thought anything.
"But..."
Leave it, she growled.
"I...need help...getting on."
Don't worry, grab behind my head.
I grabbed her neck in-between her two giant white horns.
"Okay."
Hold tight.
She lifted her neck, lifting me into the air. She curved her neck around so that my feet were touching her saddle. She lowered me down into the saddle and I tightened the straps around my legs, so that I wouldn't fall off. Now the pain was so harsh I could barely breathe and my chest felt like it was splitting. The pain the poison had caused me was colliding with the pain from Zar'roc, so I had no chance of getting out of that unharmed. Ellestygia went to go into the waterfall when I remembered.
"Wait!"
She stopped, What is it?
"Aí varden abr du Shur'tugalar gata vanta!" I called, nothing happened.
"Aí varden abr du Shur'tugalar gata vanta!" I yelled louder.
A low rumble issued as the ground shook, now the Varden had heard us.
"Hurry...,Ellestygia,...the...Varden..."
I couldn't say anymore, for I was on the edge of passing out from the escalated pain.
Amber! Ellestygia roared and pushed off the ground with her back legs.
She gave a huge thrust forward with her wings, crashing right through the powerful wall of water, soaking us both. She landed on a stone floor, her claws clicking. We were finally in the Varden.
Looking to Ellestygia's side I saw that there were armed me with swords drawn, pointing them at us.
"What is it...Don't hurt them, or you will have me to answer to!" came a familiar voice.
I am obliged to be respectful, but respect can wait, my Rider is going to die if she isn't tended to this instant! Ellestygia said.
"If you are friend, not foe."
We are friends, Ellestygia said in the ancient language.
"Very well, take her down that hall, tell our healers what to give her."
Thank you very much.
Ellestygiawalked down the hall, her claws clicking on the stone floor. I was passing in and out of conciseness, until Ellestygia turned into a doorway. There were at least four or five Varden members standing around. I could barely breathe now, and my heart felt light and fluttery as the poison took effect again. I heard Ellestygia's hurried words.
She was poisoned by a Shade, and hit with a Rider's blade. She needs Tunivor's Nectar. Lady Nasuada sent us.
"We know, but thank you, kind dragon," said one of the women.
"Yes, let her down, we will do our best," said one of the men.
I felt how reluctant Ellestygia was to give me over, but I encouraged her by letting my pain link with her. She crouched down and with the help of the healers I was unstrapped from the saddle, and the healers laid me on a soft bed. The scar Durza had given me was now searing with evil happiness at my pain. Ellestygia looked hurt, but stayed crouched on the ground.
"You will be fine, don't worry, just relax," said one of the other women.
That was easy for her to say "relax" ,she didn't have three extremely dangerous and extremely painful wounds.
"She's not going to relax, Terra, she's hurting, bad."
"Yes, just do this, slytha."
Some of the pain receded as I was sent into magical sleep.
Wait, I thought, magical sleep!
As soon as I thought this pain -that was worse than the pain I had escaped- made me feel twice as horrible. I knew it was Arilia's curse. My chest was splitting in pain. My breathing quickened and my heart was beating so hard and fast I could hear thumping in my ears. My chest was heaving as I took in rasping breaths, I didn't know how long I could take this. I was going to die if no one woke me.
Amber! someone yelled.
Amber! Amber, you have to wake up!
I can't! It's magical!
Try, think of something, or it will kill you!
Vankna! I thought, nothing happened.
Amber! Something, this time the voice was softer as if it were going away.
I knew it was me that was fading.
Something, anything!
VANKNA! I thought harder than ever.
The pain receded and I found myself looking up at a stone ceiling. I was safe now, I sat up.
Amber! came Ellestygia's voice, you're awake!
"Thank you."
What?
"Thank you for being so protective, I would've died if not for you."
You're welcome, but don't thank me, thank Nasuada.
"Nasuada, what are you talking about?"
What are you talking about?
"I'm talking about how I was almost killed when they forced me to sleep, Arilia's curse."
What! You looked as if you were calm, and I've seen you when her curse is in effect, it wasn't like that.
Maybe I was dreaming it, I thought.
"Anyway, where are the healers?"
They had business to attend to, Eragon.
I felt bad once more, I think the poison had messed with my feelings.
"Is he..."
NO! He wouldn't leave you!
I sighed in relief, something that had been troubling me since our battle with Murtagh.
"I need to talk to Nasuada, we..." a roar cut me off.
"That came from the tunnels, come on!" I said jumping onto her saddle, tightening the straps around my legs.
She walked out of the room, and once we were out she jumped into the air, gave a huge thrust forward, and flew toward the waterfall.
Ellestygia stopped at the edge of the tunnel, her claws curved around the drop off of stone.
"What is it?"
You will not go out there again unarmed, grab Akarclio.
"Okay I have it."
Are you ready?
"Yes."
As soon as the "s" came from my mouth, Ellestygia launched through the crashing water. Her scales looked even more beautiful under the blanket of water making them shine brighter. Akarclio's blade was shining under the water as well. Again my whole body was soaked with the water, but I was not worried about that, I was worried at what I saw.
Thorn was fighting another dragon, it was silver.
"Arnora!" I yelled to Ellestygia, "What's she doing here?"
I don't know.
"Go help her!"
I don't think they need it, look.
Now I saw it, Arnora had just pushed Thorn into the ground with a shower of gray and black pebbles. Now I saw Christal sitting on Arnora's back, her new sword gleaming in the setting sun's rays. Thorn got up right away and flew, very fast, toward Arnora. He rammed, full speed, into Arnora's shoulder. I heard a screech of pain from a dragon, but it wasn't Arnora, it was Thorn. Thorn was gashed in the side, looking frightened, and flew away.
Arnora flew down, landing on the bank of pebbles, in front of us.
"What were you thinking, Christal! You could've gotten...Arya!"
Arya had leaned around Christal to look at me.
"Did you think you could just leave us out of the battle?" asked Arya.
"Uh...no...um...I don't know!"
"You left us, why?" asked Christal.
"I didn't want you to get hurt, or you," I said referring to Christal and Arnora.
"Thanks."
"No, but it doesn't look as if you can't fight."
Yes, that was a great fight, young one, said Ellestygia.
"Yes, Arnora, you fought Thorn better than we did."
"Why, what happened to you?" asked Christal.
I shifted awkwardly and told Christal and Arya what had happened to me since I left. I told Arya how I hadn't known what it felt like -getting poisoned- until I had felt it myself. She felt sympathy to me as well. Christal was just there, saddened and mad at me for doing this adventure foolishly without her.
My story came to an end at just when I saw them. I had even told them about the voice I didn't yet know.
Amber, Nasuada might be angry or frightened if we don't return to the Varden.
"Fine. Christal, we need to get back to the Varden."
"So, I am finally going to see the Varden, what I have been dreaming about since Jeod started telling me stories," said Christal.
"Wait, I thought Jeod came back to the Varden...or was it Surda. Still he was brought over on that ship Eragon's cousin brought from Carvahall, wasn't he?" asked Arya.
"Yes, you mean Roran, but Jeod said he need Teirm and he left."
Ellestygia and Arnora pushed off the ground, crashing through the waterfall, and again, drenching us. They landed in perfect unison on the stone floor with a click. I wiped the water out of my eyes, to see Nasuada standing there as if she was waiting for us.
Chapter xXIV
Our Talk of war
"Good to see you awake, Amber."
"Thank you, Lady Nasuada."
"Who might this be, though?"
"This is Christal and her dragon Arnora."
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Nasuada," Christal said.
I have waited many years to have such an honor, Lady Nasuada, said Arnora.
"The pleasure is mine, Arnora, but you are different."
I am a silver dragon, a legend, here to replace my Rider's loss.
"I see, we must protect her in battle."
"I thought you were already in battle, if you weren't, then, what was that flashing?" I asked.
"Our spellcasters haven't used much magic since Feinster, so they needed training."
"That explains things."
"Yes, but I am afraid we have only days until a war erupts."
"Speaking of war, Arya, I have something I need to ask you, alone."
"Okay," she walked over to me, away from Nasuada and Christal, "What is it?" she whispered.
"I was battling Murtagh yesterday and I left Akarclio on Ellestygia's saddle, so I tried to get it back by magic. When the spell took effect Zar'roc was the one who came to me, when I touched the pommel I felt a since of loss, and I thought that Eragon..."
She thought Eragon had died, Ellestygia said walking up to us.
"Yes, I did, it was horrible."
"That is the first time, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"You felt Manin Dauth, Death Memory. You can feel it when you lose someone dear to you, but it is rare to magic users. I don't know how..."
"Brom."
"I should have remembered, though I was barely conscious, you witnessed Brom's death, so you could remember the feeling."
"But only when I touched Zar'roc?"
"I know I sound weird saying this, but Zar'roc witnessed Brom's death too. Zar'roc means misery, so naturally it would bring misery any way it could, that's why you felt Manin Dauth."
"Why haven't I felt it in Eragon and Saphira?"
"There are two reasons, one, they are full of hope and joy now, so it would not come easily to them. The other, you haven't been with them enough since you found out Brom was your father."
"Oh," I said downcast.
"I'm sorry, that's just the truth.'
"No, it's fine, that was very important to me."
"You're welcome, and, Amber, don't worry, Eragon and Saphira will be fine."
"Amber," Nasuada said. "I'm sorry to interrupt."
"It's fine, we were done."
"You and Christal must get fitted for your armor, and Arya you must consult with the dwarves for yours."
"Fair enough, as long as they don't try and talk about their myth gods."
"They would not."
Arya went off through one of the tunnels toward Farthen Dûr.
Nasuada turned to Christal and I.
"Outside, you will need to find the woman in the silver dress. I will lead you as far as the gates of Farthen Dûr, then you must go on your own. She will fit you for your armor, and take your dragons with you."
"Thank you, Lady Nasuada," I said.
"Please, Amber, you act as if I wasn't a good friend of your father, just call me Nasuada. And there is no thanks necessary, you need to be protected in battle."
"We'll see you soon,then?"
"Yes, but like I said I can lead you to the gates. After that I have business to attend to."
"It's alright, you are just being a good leader to the Varden."
"Thank you, I am just trying to be as good as my father."
"You're doing a good job at it too."
With that Nasuada lead us through the corridors. We walked down the torch-lit corridors, until we met two giant oaken doors. Nasuada pushed them open, letting the blinding rays of the sun rush into the corridor. The light blinded me for a few seconds, then, the light receded and I saw the city of Farthen Dûr. The city was nestled in a crater-like hole in the mountain, surrounded on all sides by the towering walls of the mountain.
There were cave-like carved holes in the wall where the dragons and Riders would have rested hundreds of years earlier. I also saw the houses, and the battlements ready for war.
The city was like magic, but I knew it wasn't, the dwarves had an ongoing feud with the elves for multiple reasons.
"I'm sorry, I must go now," said Nasuada, "do you think you can fare well on your own."
"We'll be fine ,go, you mustn't be late."
"Yes, thank you, after you are done, you can go enjoy the city for a few hours, and I would be happy to invite you to come dine with me later. Just ask the fitter to tell you where your rooms are, so you may clean up before hand."
"Thank you, it would be an honor."
"Then I will be expecting you!" Nasuada called as she walked back through the doors.
I looked around, marveling the city's beauty, then turned to Christal.
"Come, we must find the fitter."
We started to walk, but the crowds of people and dwarves made it hard to find just one person.
Amber, there she is! said Ellestygia.
I followed her gaze to see a woman of later age in a silver dress. I started to walk to her Arnora, Ellestygia, and Christal following.
"Excuse me," I said politely, "Lady Nasuada sent us to get fitted for our armor."
"Oh!" the woman said turning from her talk with her friends, "What a pleasure to have Riders sent to me!"
Christal and I smiled awkwardly and nodded.
She lead us into a small hut. The interior looked like ghastly, with all sorts of weapons hung everywhere.
"Over here...I need you," she said pointing to me.
I awkwardly walked to her, "What do you want me to do?"
"Stand there...Yes, there."
She rummaged through a trunk before pulling out a thick rope with marks on it.
"What is that?" I asked curious.
"For measuring, child!" she snapped.
"Chi -ow!" I said Christal elbowing me in the side to shut it.
We both had looks across our faces that said we were thinking, How could someone seem so nice, then, turn out so harsh?
The woman measured me in various places, round my torso, shoulders, arms, thighs, and legs. She did this marking on parchment as she went along. Once she was done with me, she did Christal the same way. After that she went out, with Christal and I, to measure the dragons.
Don't ask ant questions, Ellestygia.
Why?
Didn't I just say not to ask questions?
Fine.
I heard the woman's voice, "Se ono moi eom aí vöndr!" she commanded, but nothing happened.
She repeated the magic words, but nothing happened. I finally got angry and said the words myself.
"Se ono moi eom aí vöndr!" I yelled.
The rope rose into the air, straightened, and turned wood-brown.
"Well," she said angered, "I guess I underestimated you."
"I guess you di... OW!" I said, Christal had elbowed me again to shut it.
The rope had turned into a stick with the sound of the magic.
"Rísa!" she commanded, and again nothing happened.
"UGH, RíSA!" I yelled before she could try again.
Once she measured the dragons -who gave her a lot of growls as she hit Ellestygia across the head-she told us to follow her. We did so reluctantly, then she told us where our rooms were.
"They are up there, I can't reach them, but I'm sure your fethrblaka creatures can."
It wasn't the word that angered me -though it highly contributed to my anger-, no, it was her tone of disgust as she talked of our dragons. I was angered, but tried to understand, okay, I didn't handle it well.
"OUR WHAT!" I yelled.
What did she call us! Ellestygia said.
"Oh, did I say a wrong word?" she said tauntingly.
"Yes, I think you called them 'fethrblaka creatures' or bird creatures," I said, this time, trying to understand.
"I didn't say I did not mean to say it."
I could have hit that woman, then Ellestygia growled so loud it came more like a roar. The woman backed away.
I see, brave in words, but weak at heart, Ellestygia said.
Let us go, I told Christal with my mind.
Good idea.
We walked past the woman, the dragons giving her harsh we were past her Christal asked "Why was it a big deal to call them "bird creatures."
"They are like birds," she added.
I would sooner be called an over-grown lizard with wings, than be associated with a bird, Ellestygia said to Christal, getting agitated.
"Sorry, Ellestygia," Christal apologized.
"Come on, were wasting time," I said," I haven't ever seen the Varden, and this might be our only time to."
"Oh, sorry, Amber," said Christal.
We walked through Farthen Dûr admiring the beautiful city. The people and dwarves alike were looking at us, watching us. Children ran around us and some looked admiringly at the dragons. I was having a good time and I was happy, Ellestygia seemed it too. She was finally relaxed and not so tense, I guess because she felt I was safe.
After walking around for a long while, the sun was now setting.
"Christal, Nasuada wanted us there at sundown, we should go."
"Alright, the dragons should go up in the rooms."
"Right, but they should take us there, it easier to get to the feast room from there."
"Okay, let's go."
We walked back toward where we came, then we found that the woman was still there. I got on Ellestygia as Christal got on Arnora. Ellestygia flared her wings, I could have sworn she tried to hit that woman, and took off Arnora following. The dragons flew into the dragonholds and landed.
That woman was very, very rude! said Ellestygia once Christal had left for her room.
"I agree, that was unacceptable!I could have slapped that woman, but I don't think Nasuada would have been happy if I did."
The rest of the time I was dressing I didn't speak, but after I had put on the golden cloth outfit and knee-high boots I talked.
"Ellestygia."
Yes?
"I was thinking, and I am scared to be fighting Arilia, I mean look at what she did to Eragon and Saphira. We aren't as powerful as them and even they didn't come out of her grasp unharmed."
I know how you feel, young one, I am scared of having to fight a sundablaka, so I guess we are on the same page.
"I guess so."
"Amber," came a call from the door.
It was a girl I did not recognize at all. She had her dirty-blonde hair pulled back in a tight bun, a long silver dress, and a face clean of dirt.
"Christal?" I asked dumb-founded.
"Yes, how did you think I was?" she said.
"I don't...know...uh...wow you look great, what did you do?"
"All I did was shower and put on a new dress, oh, and I did my hair."
"You look...great."
She smiled, "Thanks. Nasuada's messenger said Nasuada said to bring Akarclio."
"Okay, Good-bye ,Ellestygia, I will see you when we get back."
Good-bye, young one, be careful.
We left, the messenger leading us. The messenger was a young girl with silky black hair and green eyes. She looked like a really, really young Arya, but without the elvish features. She lead us down an unending dwarf-made tunnel until we got to two broad oaken doors.
"Our leader will see you now," she said.
"Thank you, you were most helpful."
The girl blushed.
Christal and I pushed the doors open and walked in. Nasuada was sitting at the far front of a long, rectangular wooden table, her guards were sitting on either side of her. There were high placed soldiers, archers, and civilians of the Varden sitting along the table, with only two seats on either side of Nasuada where there was space between her and her guards.
"Amber, Christal, you are just in time, dinner is about to begin, and, Amber."
"Yes."
"Do you mind eating meat?"
"Oh,no, not at all. I am about the only elf that eats meat."
"Good. You may leave Krissi," Nasuada said to the messenger girl.
At that a few people came out of doors in the back of the room carrying plates topped with all assortments of food. The bearers set the plates down in the middle of the table.
We soon ate the fruits, meat, and drank some of the finest wine.
"Amber, I need to talk to you and Christal," said Nasuada after the plates had been cleared away, "alone."
There was much scrabbling as the Varden members jumped out of their chairs and scrambled out of the room.
"They're quick to obey," said Christal.
"They obey me as they did my father," Nasuada said.
"I don't blame them, you are a great leader," I said.
"Thanks, but I have important things to tell you," she said dropping her voice lower as she added the last part," about the battle."
"Oh," said Christal and I together.
"As you know, we are days from another fierce battle with the Empire. We already have lost one dragon and Rider..."
"WHAT!" I cried.
"It is not like you think, Amber, they are not dead, nor are they far from it. However, we will not let them die."
"Then what did you mean by 'lost?'"
"I meant they can't battle, in this one anyway. Since Eragon and Saphira can't fight, the war rests in your and your dragons' hands."
"That's just what we wanted to hear," exclaimed Christal, "that the fate of the whole Empire rebellion rests in ours and our dragons' hands!"
Nasuada continued calmly, "It actually rests in Amber and Ellestygia's hands more than yours, Christal."
"WHAT!"
Nasuada took kindly and calmly to interruptions and continued once more.
"I'm truly sorry, Amber, but the Shade does have a thing for your death. And you also -no offense, Christal- do have more experience than Christal."
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Ellestygia came to see me last night."
"She really needs to stop roaming places at night without me."
"Yes, back to what I was saying, Christal and Arnora will fight the Riders and their dragons, and you and Ellestygia will fight the Shade and her sundablaka if there is one. Now we are hoping only Zoey and Cyindr will come, and that Galbatorix, with his knowledge of Eragon and Saphira's absences, doesn't choose this battle to show up. For if he does -and I don't mean to be negative- we will all perish."
"Way to be optimistic, Nasuada!" I said seeing Christal's horror-struck face.
"I'm sorry, but I was only stating the truth and..."
At that moment the oak doors burst wide open, and in ran the armor fitter her face in unexplainable fear.
"The Shade was spotted at the foot of the mountains!"