The Return

Disclaimer: I don't own Eragon or Eldest, just Arianna and Nolan

Chapter 4: Retreat

By this time, they were tired, wanting it to be over. Even Murtagh knew that and nearly made his escape but someone had caught him, Eragon had looked at him with a glare that was sharper than daggers. He had told Arianna to keep him on Codas again, and she was unsure now. Her scar was burning her again, but she was resiliant. But she had to admit that she was feeling the effects more and more. Even Nolan started to notice and sighed. The next town's sunset lit silhouette could be seen in the distance and as they approached. Codas stayed in the field and let his rider limp off.

I don't want to stay here.

You're going to have to.

She walked a little slower and had the hand of her brother on her shoulder, what he thought was a gesture of concern. Saphira was only a few yards away, with Thorn the farthest away. Codas laid his head down, his green eyes looking towards the town's casting shadow. I don't want to stay here, he thought, she's in pain but she's being stubborn.

Meanwhile, in the small town, Arianna couldn't admit she was getting worse. Although she could walk straight, the black dots impaired her vision. She had to be sure that they could pass through safely but the town seemed too quiet. Only whispers of guards could be heard as they approached.

"I don't know, we've checked every home. They're not here yet." A guard whispered.

Nolan grated his teeth and looked at their group, someone had planned for them to show when they did. And with them exhausted and they were both in such bad shape. Finally, the soliders showed and they got into their positions. Arianna was graceful in her movements, but she shook a little. It was too difficult to stand at this point and her vision seemed to fade more and more. While she was preoccupied with that, the guard had struck her and she fell, clutching her now bleeding shoulder. She had become just a moving target to him and magic was ruled out of the question. She could dealt one blow at the moment and that was it. She held her heavy sword and stepped forward, nearly injuring her target. He dodged it again and picked her up effortlessly, throwing her towards the wall. Arianna slumped forward, her back and head aching from the impact. It's not my back, it's the scar, she thought. Why now? Wait a minute, that woman didn't hurt me, but I heard her say that she'd find a way of killing me. And I guess this was her way. She blacked out.

Nolan looked around now, hearing nothing but silence and seeing two people unconscious. He successfully took care of the guard he was fighting and strolled over to one of them. Eragon was begrudgingly taking care of Murtagh. The other had to be the youngest of them and he couldn't help but panic. Her wounds were severe. A head injury, her back is bruised, and she's bleeding. Hopefully it doesn't get worse.

"Eragon, I don't think they'll be able to handle flying anywhere." He said, putting Arianna on his back. "They need to get help."

"What about Thorn and Codas?" Eragon asked.

"They'll have to fly above us." He replied.

He thought a moment, how did Arianna talk to him again? If he remembered, it was telepathic. He had to hope it'd work in the mean time.

Codas? Are you there?

Who is it?, he asked, almost irritated.

It's Nolan, listen you're going to need to fly ahead. Ari's in bad shape.

I knew it.

Don't worry, she'll be okay. You know that and I know that.

I'll fly ahead then, but if you get her killed...

I won't.

The connection severed and he started walking. They all would have to safe, and get to Uru'baen without another injury.