Chapter 18- On the Road

Riding to the southwest of their location, Guilm's men were heading to the capital. Chise was among them, riding Tenbun. The dragon tried his best to keep up with the horses, the animals were afraid of him. She looked down with a sad, yet worried face. Chise was not for sure of what would happen to her. Tenbun was worried about her, knowing that she was a little scared. The men with them, were talking about what they heard about the Angel of Death. Carn looked at her, seeing she didn't appreciate it.

"Chise, where did you say we were going?" Ehlen asked, curiously. He broke her out of thought. "I sort of forgot."

"I'm not so sure, Ehlen. I think we're heading to the capital." Chise whispered with a sad sigh. The boy looked up at her, he raised an eyebrow with concern. "I'm okay." She assured him. No, you're frightened. Chise, you are scared of what they might do to you. The Varden is desperate for aid. They might not kill you, if that's what you think. Tenbun stated, at her explanation. The dragon shook his massive body slightly, swishing his tail.

"Heh, I guess we'll have the upper hand with two dragons at our side." One of the soldiers spoke up. "But the Angel of Death will help as well." Chise glared at him, as he started up, "Do you enjoy it?" He looked at her.

"Don't underestimate me. . . ." She replied, calmly. "Do not even think I liked it. I hate the things I do sometimes, but I cannot help it. I'm so sick of you people thinking that I enjoy it when I kill a person. Well I don't!"

"What do you mean?" Carn asked, without thinking.

"My body won't just let me runaway sometimes, I usually am stronger than my opponent here. Even if I want to . . . I can't." Chise looked at her hand. "I'm a monster, turned into one against my will."

Guilm turned to her, he sighed. Watching up ahead, "We'll go through the town Lithgow, and the night there. Then we will start to the capital of Aberon." Guilm stated, to his men. Chise nodded at his statement.

It was still early in the day. They all set out way before sunrise, and they've been traveling non-stop. Many were tired, but they were determined enough to keep going. Some exchanged information, Chise learned that the Varden did have problems gold wise. She knew that she could help stop that. Watching the clouds pass by, she had a lot on her mind. Chise yawned, "Hm, I wonder what the Varden is like."

Well, we will find out soon enough. Tenbun replied, looking up at the sky, It seems a little peaceful here, for some reason.

Tenbun, what do you think will happen to me? I mean they might not accept me into the Varden, or they'll kill me."

I won't allow it! They will not lay a hand on you if you don't accept the punishment, or one comes at you with a sword. And if you aren't permitted to be in the Varden, who cares? We'll get out of it, even if we have to fight the empire on our own! Tenbun assured her.

Chise argued, But what if we are caught? And if it was the Empire? We'd be forced to swear an oath to that bastard! I don't want that! I'd rather be dead than to serve him again!

Tenbun roared, loudly. He knocked her off his back. Turning around, the dragon pinned her to the ground with his claws. Chise turned to look the other way. The other men stopped, not daring to make a move. Guilm watched silently, hand firm on his sword.

Look at me, Chise! Tenbun growled, his piecing emerald eyes glaring at her. Small flames rose from his nostrils. You keep saying you want to die! It's foolish and selfish! I don not want to hear it. She looked up at him, tears were in the corners of her eyes. The dragon's expression calmed as he backed away. You think that you have nothing to lose. Chise, you upset; lost in what you believe.

She got up, walking past the soldiers. Chise was going in the direction they were heading. Stopping, she took a deep breath and turned around, "Lets get going." Chise hid the sadness and depression with a small smile. Carn nodded to her statement as they all started to walk again.

He caught up with her, walking just a little behind. "Did your dragon upset you?"

"Yes, Tenbun did." She slightly looking back at him. The dragon still kept his gaze on her. Chise looked ahead again, sighing.

"I don't think the other men meant any harm about you being the Angel of Death." Carn spoke up.

"I acknowledge all my crimes; I make no excuses." Chise replied sternly clenching a fist. Carn didn't reply to her answer, she slowed in pace.

The town was still at a distance, but she could see it. The day was getting late, as the sun lowered in the horizon. Guilm decided to stop and rest. He thought that is was best to get some items in the town then head straight to the capital. Everyone started to relax, sitting near two fires. Chise sat close to Tenbun, her knees to her chest. The dragon crawled up behind her, and laid down. As the moon rose from the east, it was full illuminating the area around them.

"You know, if the Varden does decide to punish you, I don't think it'll be death. They might send you to the whipping post." Carn sat down beside her, "They might not even do it."

"Oh joy, more scars." Chise laughed, "That sounds . . . Utter more painful." She looked at Carn, he smiled with a nod. They both kept quiet for a short time.

"What do you fight for? If I may ask." Carn glanced at the horses.

"I fight for what I believe," Chise stated, "War is a grim business."

"That I do agree with," He replied, "It's hard on most people."

Chise turned her attention to the moon, "I guess living is the hardest thing of all. Much harder than dying. Death is the easy choice, we dare to survive." She paused, "I just want to see Galbatorix gone, and the war to stop." Chise leaned against Tenbun.

"Nasuada would really appreciate with you on our side and that we can believe in you. Even Shadeslayer might be pleased and at ease, since there's another Dragon Rider." Carn Explained, "All of us here trust you."

"Who's Shadeslayer?"

"Eragon"

"He killed a Shade? Was it Durza?"

"I believe so," Carn got up walking to the other soldiers. "He killed that nasty shade." Chise laughed to herself. Giving her a strange look, Carn was confused.

"I knew him, he was the one who took me to the empire. Yet, if it wasn't for him, I would have never met Tenbun or Ehlen." She sighed. Tenbun yawned, laying his head on the cold, hard ground. Go to sleep, Chise. You're tired. He whispered, shutting his eyes to sleep. Chise laid down against him, as the dragon curled up leaving his tail beside her. Ehlen crawled down off Tenbun and fell asleep by her.