Chapter 15- A Second Chance

Passing the other guards, Chise avoided battle. Keeping an eye out, she kept herself hidden. Dashing down an ally, the building where the orphanage had a few windows. Some soldiers past the alley not bothering to look down the dark walkway. Taking a deep breath, Chise sighed in relief. Staying against the wall, she sank down. Thinking to herself, she wondered why they were after her. Looking back down the alley, she got back up.

Turning towards the window, Chise noticed that it was cracked. Raising her hands, she pushed up on the bottom. As she opened the window, Chise did her best to quietly get inside. Landing on her knees, she glanced around to see she was in a sitting room. There were a few chairs placed near the walls. Standing in her feet, she continued to the door slightly opening it. Peeking inside, she opened the right door. Children were in bed, sleeping softly. Opening the door further Chise went inside, shutting it behind her.

Sneaking past the others, she looked for Ehlen. Down on the other side of the room, against the wall Chise found the small book. Walking over to him, she bent down placing her hands on the bed. On the floor she saw the book he had. Smiling, Chise gently shaking him she whispered, "Ehlen, wake up." The child didn't respond at first. He finally stirred on the forth try.

The boy slowly opened his eyes, only to shut them again. Quickly, Ehlen opened them again in surprise, "C-Chise? What are you doing here?" He asked quietly. She looked at him, putting her index finger on her lips. Nodding, Ehlen understood.

"I'm going to get you out of here, okay?" Chise stated, as the child got out of bed. He grabbed his book, holding on to her hand. Leaving the room, she went back to where she came. Jumping out the window first, Chise help Ehlen get out. Shutting it to where it appeared like nothing happened, she felt as everything went quite well. Tenbun I've found him. He's safe; we can get out of here. She looked up at the clear night sky.

Okay, but there's guards everywhere. Did Galbatorix send them here in case you return? Be careful Chise, I do not know what could happen. I am nearby; out to the west of the town can you meet me here? The dragon explained, asking the question. Chise looked around, to see a soldier stop. He saw her, yelling to his comrades. The man unsheathed his sword, coming towards her; as the other were not too far behind. Putting Ehlen behind her, she drew her sword holding it with both hands. You might want to make an appearance. I'm surrounded both ways. I cannot get out of the alley; unless I fly.

She waited for Tenbun to show, the guard hit his blade against hers. Chise looked at Ehlen, who seemed to be a little confused and frightened. Turning her attention to her enemy, she heard a loud roar. Tenbun caught the soldier's attention, making him lose focus. Using it as an advantage, Chise picked the child up and ran past them. Running down the street, she saw the emerald dragon waiting on her. The guards were coming for them, some with bows.

Making it to Tenbun, Chise helped Ehlen up then jumping on herself. "Hurry Tenbun!! They're getting closer!" She shouted as the dragon stroked its massive wings. Flying up, he managed to avoid the arrows, but one pierced Chise in the shoulder. Telling him to go on, she held her wound putting pressure to stop the bleeding. Ehlen was sitting front of her. The small boy looked up at her.

"You need help, you're hurt pretty badly." He spoke up looking up at her in a concerned matter.

She shook her head at his statement, inhaling painfully, "Where can I get help? I'm an enemy of the empire, and the Varden doesn't know that I'm not working for Galbatorix anymore." Chise explained, looking down at the ground. It was too dark to see anything; it seemed like nothing but darkness. The dragon glanced back at them; he saw his rider's facial expression. It showed pain and other emotions, he appeared as if her frowned himself.

Chise held on to the boy as he slowly drifted to sleep. Still flying, Tenbun looked for a place to land where it was safe. After an hour or so, he found a safe haven far from Dras-Leona. Landing in a grassy area, the dragon was exhaughsted. Hopping off, Chise laid Ehlen down against Tenbun. Taking the shirt Horst gave her, she ripped the sleeves off. Dressing her wounds with the makeshift bandages, Chise curled up against Tenbun. The dragon stretched a wing out over them, blocking the wind.

The next day, she woke up to the sound of weeds. Sitting upright, Chise turned her head side to side. Tenbun was still beside her with Ehlen as well, who was still sleeping. It's about time you woke up. She could hear him tease her. Rubbing her eyes, she replied, "How long was I asleep?" Chise looked up at him. A pretty long while. The dragon replied, it's past midday already. Studying the area, she brought up, "Where are we?"

Tenbun thought for a moment, gazing at the horizon, I am not sure. I haven't seen any signs of soldiers, Ra'zac, anything really; but some wild animals. He explained, lowering his face to hers. Tenbun bumped her. Chise smiled at him. We don't really have any other option. You need to be taken care of, and we got to protect the little boy. Tenbun explained, seeing Ehlen starting to wake up. Opening his eyes, he looked at Chise. He seemed more happy than confused.

"Chise, w-why did you come back for me? I asked if you could come see me." Ehlen asked, still wearing a bright smile. Chise put a hand on his head, and smiled warmly. She looked for the right words to say.

"Ehlen, remember I told you that I wanted to protect you?" Chise started, "Well, I feel I have to, and that's why I took you out of the empire. That place isn't safe to start out with. Trust me, I figured it out the hallway." She paused, "If you want to, Ehlen you can stay with me. Or if you rather find another place."

The boy shook his head, "I'd rather stay with you, and you're nice to me." He stated, "And you are like a sister. I don't want to stay with a total stranger." Ehlen put his hands behind his head, "In fact I want to stay with you. I'm not very happy with the empire; they told soldiers who saw you to kill you Chise. Yet, you still came back to get me."

"Yeah, I couldn't leave you there." She smiled, looking at him. Ehlen nodded, turning to Tenbun. He touched the dragon's face gently, and softly petting his long nose. The creature bumped him gently, "So where do we go from here? I have no idea where we're going. Not a clue." Chise got both of their attentions.

Tenbun looked up, watching a bird fly by, "What about we head for the Varden. It's not as strict there either." Chise put her hands behind her back. Ehlen shook his head, as Tenbun did the same.

So then, we are going to join the Varden. Chise thought, I'm going to protect Ehlen, even if it means my life…

Chapter 16 is done and up!! Chise is off to the Varden, with no second thoughts. She wants to keep Ehlen safe, even if she has to die.

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Little Bitty