Chapter 16- Nomads

Walking through the plains, she didn't want to raise anybody to notice her. Chise avoided some of the people that did not look to friendly. Tenbun kept little Ehlen with him, since it would be easier. Stopping, Chise sat down-breathing heavy. She was tired and the wounds she bore didn't help. The blood was showing up on the cloth she used as a bandage. Looking up at the sky, sighing she yawned.

Tenbun, come down to get me. Please, it's getting hard for me to do really anything at all. She explained her situation. Chise drew her sword stabbing into the ground. Getting back up, she continued to walk onward. Listening, Chise could hear him chuckle, Chise, there are nomads in these plains. They might be able to help you. The dragon landed beside her, as Ehlen jumped down. He looked across the plains, observing the details. Keep Ehlen with you, you look like you're not doing well at all. Chise, you need to see the nomads. They might be able to help.

She didn't say anything, and just kept walking down the path. Chise looked back at Ehlen; he seemed to be enjoying himself. Tenbun looked at her; the dragon could tell she was upset. Continuing to move on, Chise felt something grasp her hand. Glancing down, she meet Ehlen's stare. The boy was concerned about her.

Why did this have to happen to me Tenbun? It's like I am always being punished for doing something wrong.

Chise, you did only what you saw right. There's nothing you did wrong in my eyes. Galbatorix tricked you into doing his dirty work. Tenbun explained, trying to comfort her. He thought out before he was going to say something, so it wouldn't hurt her. Who knows? Maybe you'll be reunited with Shuji one day. She sighed, nodding at his answer. Chise turned her attention to the sky; it was getting late as smoke rose up in the distance. The emerald dragon looked at her, I won't go any further, and the travelers are camping up ahead.

Lowering down, Chise had Ehlen get up on her back. They watched Tenbun fly in the other direction. Getting closer to the encampment, she saw the horse drawn buggies. There were people about on the plains. Some children stopped as they saw her coming. The kids started running towards Chise and Ehlen. Stopping, she smiled at the children looking up at her. One looked at the injuries she had, "You need help, and those wounds don't look so good."

"You're right; I'm not doing to good either." Chise replied, watching the adult that were approaching. Some of the men had weapons in their hands.

"Yeah! Chise took down three Urgals!" The boy lied to cover up what happened the night before. "She's a good fighter, but was seriously wounded in the last fight. Chise saved me."

"Really?" A man with thick dark hair and trimmed beard came up. He held a spear in his left hand. His green eyes were locked on her.

"Please, I'm not here to fight. Honestly, I'm not in the right condition too." Chise replied, looking at the ground, "I am too exhausted to do anything." She sighed, bending over hands touching her knees.

He scoffed looking at the girl, "You're not even in good shape to travel. We'll have someone look at those wounds, and clean them. You can stay with us for the night; if you wish." The older man walked away, back to the camp. Chise watched him with a cold stare. Following, she sat by the fire where they were sharing stories.

"I hear that the Varden went to Surda. The battle that happen sometime ago, really took a toll on them." One spoke up, "Now, the war might get worse."

"I agree, there also haven't been any signs of that Angel of Death for a few months. They say they say that she died, and other thinks that she left the empire." Another added, "I don't know what's going to happen, but this country might change." Chise listened to the news around her, and some of the stories. "There's even talk about a red dragon rider."

Her eyes opened wide, Tenbun I just heard something about another rider. Do you think it's true?" Chise asked her dragon. He softly replied, No doubt he works for the Empire. Galbatorix probably won't let this one get away from him. We're lucky that we did.

Chise, you're going to have to get over it. It's not your fault. Tenbun stated. She just sighed, looking into the fire. A woman with long brown curly hair approached her. She looked like she's been working pretty hard.

"Excuse me, but I was told that you need medical attention." She stated, "I'm here to treat you." Chise nodded, taking off the bandage on her arm. She listened to the others around her, while the woman treated her.

"What's your story Miss?" One of the men asked her.

"I've been ambushed by Urgals, and killed quite a few. I'm after the Ra'zac." Chise replied, "Ehlen," She looked at him, "Was living as an orphan, so I took him in. Ever since, I'm going to Surda….I can't take much more of this."

"Are you going to join the Varden?"

"If they allow women, then yes."

"You're a brave young lass, and how big you are-killing Urgals..You must be strong."

"You could say that." Chise replied, watching the lady bandage her wounds. She shook her head, "Thanks, I really appreciate it." She nodded, not taking her eyes away from keeping the wound other wound from bleeding. When she finished, they gave Chise a two blankets to sleep on. Covering up, Ehlen crawled up beside her. They both dozed off to sleep.

Later that night, Chise woke up looking around. She watched a few birds pass by. Turning around, lying on her side, "I can't sleep… its too hard for me to even think clearly now. I keep having that dream where I see everyone I know dead, but I do not see Shuji though." Chise paused, "Now there's talk of another dragon? We need to hurry and get to the Varden."

In the distance, Chise heard the nay of a horse. Fully awake, she sat up again. Tenbun, what was that? Is there anything nearby? She paused, looking in the distance, as she could see a small group of soldiers on horseback. Shit! Don't they ever give up? Damn it!

Chise you better sneak out of there. Tenbun stated. She picked Ehlen up, slipping past the tents. Quietly, Chise managed to get away. The dragon was waiting on her. She put the boy up on his back, as she jumped on. Tenbun flew away as fast as he could go. They didn't see us; at least I don't think so.

We need to go south, but not to the mountains. I heard that the Varden is now in the small country of Surda. Chise pointed out, as the dragon flew past some clouds. She looked around, it was very late in the night. Her eyes scanned the entire area around her. She didn't see anything strange, or any soldiers.

I'm sick of running Tenbun, but I did not want those people to get hurt either. It stinks in a way. She explained, watching Ehlen sleep peacefully. He wasn't even bothered by it. She smiled at the child. Tenbun chuckled sweetly; you would have been a wonderful mother you know? Chise laughed, quietly at his remark.

You think so? Yeah, I bet you're right. You're wise beyond your age. She laughed, but that's a good thing, right?

Yeah, plus going to the Varden might be a good thing. The magicians there might be able to get you home.

If I have a home, I'd like it if Shuji came here.