Chapter 19- A Change in Plans

It was barely past daybreak when Chise was abruptly woken up. She heard some sounds coming from the distance. Getting on her feet, she looked around; the others were still asleep. Tenbun had been awake all night, his eyes stared into the horizon of trees. The dragon had his leg and tail infront of young Ehlen. We're not alone, Chise.

"Who's here, Tenbun?" Chise looked around, noticing the soldiers hiding among the trees. She just shook her head. Do they expect not to get caught? What fools, my eyes are far more advanced than any human or elf. Galbatorix underestimates me. Chise walked over to the captain, quietly waking him up.

Guilm looked at her, his expression showed confusion. "What is it? We're hours before it's time to ride out." He got up on his feet, looking at her.

"Yes, I know that sir but we have a problem." She explained, pointing to the north-east. "There's a group of Imperial soldiers lurking around us, me and Tenbun can see them. They're waiting to strike us..." Chise paused for a brief moment. "What should we do, captain? There is only about twenty or so of them."

He looked at the other rebels, then towards the north-east. "I'll wake the men up. This time, I want you to fly out there and kill them all. Leave none in your path, that's an order."

Chise nodded, understanding her mission objection. She looked over at her dragon. Put Ehlen close to Carn, me and you are going to kill some imperials. Her body started to glow again, as metal wings grew from her back. Chise floated upward, spreading her wings. Tenbun got on his feet as well, the dragon shook his body and stretched his massive wings. He flew up high, flapping fast and hard. Chise took off towards the Imperials, sword drawn.

When Tenbun reached the soldiers, he let out a fierce, angry roar. Caught of guard, they all looked up. Suddenly, Chise flew in taking one of the horsemen down. She turned, taking an others arm completely off. Tenbun landed, swinging his tail into a man, throwing him into a few more. The dragon picked on up by the head with his mouth, puncturing his lungs and heart with his sharp fangs. Tenbun roared again, making a few horses rear up and knock the riders clean off. Chise killed them with ease, not even getting a single injury. Taking the last man down, she glanced about-seeing there was no more enemies to fight.

You're getting better with a sword, Chise. Soon, you may only have to rely on your speed, hearing, and sight. You are strong, squirt. Tenbun stated, swishing his tail in the grass. His face held distaste. I don't appreciate the taste of sweaty human, it's rather foul.

"And I thought you liked meat Tenbun."Chise teased, looking at her friend. "What makes them different?"

Just don't like the taste, squirt. Besides, they're in metal Armour and that doesn't taste to good. The dragon scoffed, curling his lips as if he were grinning. Chise laughed, shaking her head. She glanced the area over again.

"It seems that was all of them..." She stated. "Funny, aren't they traveling a little to far out of bounds?" Tenbun looked down at her, he replied to her statement. They are out of the empire, but remember Chise they were protected by the cover of night, and we aren't to far from the borders

She nodded, turning to go back to camp. Chise kept quiet, walking slowly. Tenbun picked her up by his tail, sitting her on his back. The dragon took to the skies, flying back to the others. Making it back, he landed infront of the captain. Chise jumped down, with a satisfied look. Guilm looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Did you take care of the followers?" He asked, shifting his head back to the men, who were armed and ready to fight. Guilm patiently for an answer.

"Yes, I made sure of it that none of them survived. I even surveyed the area, but there are no more soldiers following us sir." Chise sternly replied, looking at Guilm. She walked passed him, asking. "Are we making a move now, or we going to stay here a little longer?"

Carn looked up at her, sitting beside a sleeping Ehlen. The magician got up, picking the child up. He put Ehlen on Tenbun's back. The boy moved a little, curling up on the large saddle. Chise smiled, looking at all of them.

Guilm cleared his throat, stating what they were going to do. "Listen men, we're changing our objection. Instead of heading to the capital, we're going off to the Varden. It is important that Nasuada knows that the Angel of Death is now on our side, so we must get there as soon as we possibly can." The captain paused. "I don't want to get caught in another close ambush. We our Chise our lives now, since if it weren't for Tenbun and herself, we wouldn't be here right now."

They nodded, showing they understood. Some of the men packed up and prepared for a now longer journey. Others got on their horse, while the rest decided to walk. Chise looked behind the men, looking to see if anything was there one last time.

Finally, Tenbun we're heading to the Varden. Now, I wonder what will happen to us. She looked a head, as the sun was rising higher in the sky. Chise then glanced down at Tenbun, who was looking back at her.

You are a very reliable and powerful ally that the Varden can't really afford to lose or give up on. Your strength can change the outcome of this war. I do not think the punishment, if any, you receive will be death. If it is, the Varden must slay me first. I won't allow them to harm my dear friend and rider. Tenbun replied, with a harsh and fearless voice.

I hope you're right...Tenbun. Chise replied, looking ahead while she was deep in thought.

Wow, it has nearly been a year since I last updated. Sorry, just a lot of stuff has happened... A LOT! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'll try to update again soon...

Please Review! :)

Little Bitty