AN: Thank you Unique Fantasiser and LOTRRanger for betareading, and readers remember 10 reviews and I'll do a double update.

Chapter 4

Durza snarled at the unfortunate messenger, his teeth snapping. "What do you mean, over a hundred and fifty of our men disappeared this past week, and twice that number died against the Urgals?"

The soldier trembled before Durza, for many others had died when Durza was displeased, and Durza was clearly livid. "E-exactly th-that, my lord." The words tumbled out of the soldier's mouth.

Durza growled deep in his throat. They had been so close to wiping out the elf's army, but then Urgals had started attacking Durza's forces before some of his men disappeared. Men began to desert. No matter what happened, Durza would attack in two day's time.

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Edhellhach was proud of his men. They now numbered two hundred, over five times as much as they did when they faced Durza nearly a week ago. Ohtar had quickly earned the respect of the newcomers and trained them in mind breaking. He used a strategy not unlike that of the Fanghur, the wild dragon-like creatures in the Beor Mountains. The soldiers attacked both with sword and shield, and their minds. As they worked together, the force of two hundred minds all working together was strong enough to overcome all but the strongest of minds. When Durza came again, they would be prepared.

Edhellhach ordered the soldiers to cease the search for Mir by scouring the forest. It would take them years to find it that way. The soldiers began to raid the Imperial troops, delaying any attack on the base of the Guardians, while Edhellhach meditated and attempted to find Mir by scouring the Spine with his mind. After hours of searching, just before he gave up for the day, Narlhug reported a mind contacting him. Eldunari, we mean you no harm. We seek to gather the Eldunari that don't serve Galbatorix to our cause.

Narlhug mentally growled a response: Who contacts me, Narlhug the Great, from so far away?

The mental voice chuckled. You don't recognize me? And you said you would not forget your apprentice.

Edhellhach joined the conversation, inquiring, Oromis, is that you? I thought you had died when the Forsworn captured you.

Oromis saddened. He murmured, Alas, I have survived but at great cost to myself and Glaedr. He now has a stump for one of his legs, and I suffer...attacks. But, Ebrithil, what are you doing in the Spine?

Edhellhach answered him evenly. Oromis-elda, I have come to the Spine to find Vrael's jewel, Mir. Do you have any knowledge as to its location?

Oromis responded: I know only that it is in the Northern parts of the Spine. Brom might know more of it's location.

Surprised, Narlhug spoke up. And where is our inquisitive little hatchling?

Oromis chuckled: Hatchling no longer. After Morzan slew Saphira, Brom slew several of the Forsworn, including Morzan, and recovered one of the eggs Galbatorix stole.

Edhellhach grinned. We have one of the eggs back! That indeed is cause for joy! But, pray tell, how are you contacting me from within Du Weldenvarden?

Oromis laughed. Nothing may enter Du Weldenvarden because of our wards, but things may exit. Currently, I'm in Narlhug's mind. You aren't sending anything to Du Weldenvarden. Oromis explained. He became grim. Ebrithil, how do you plan on returning? You were cast out of Du Weldenvarden after you turned mad, threatening Rhunon after you discovered that she stood by and watched Narlhug die.

Edhellhach looked down, ashamed. In my madness I forgot that Morzan had cast spells on her, rendering her helpless.

Oromis swiftly diverted the is a matter for another time. Brom resides in Carvahall, about a day north-west of your location.

Thank you Oromis. Edhellhach. Please, do not tell anyone I am still alive. I fear that they would not take the news well.

Of course, Edhellhach.

After Oromis's presence left, Edhellhach summoned General Ohtar. Edhellhach inquired of Ohtar, "If I went on a trip, no more than three or four days, would you be able to hold our forces together?"

Ohtar thought for a moment "I am confident that we can hold off nearly any amount of enemies, as long as Durza does not accompany them."

Edhellhach nodded. "Thank you, I shall return in four days time at the latest."