THE DARKEST OF BLUE SKIES

O.k, I am spitting out chapters qickely, and i hope you guys are liking them. This is another short chapter, sorry!!! But anyways, thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, it really made my day!!

Chapter 3: A Traitor?

Ella ran, tearing down the dirt path. She could not believe what just happened. The only riders alive were Eragon and Galabatorix! Were had this coward been all his life? When Algesia was being destroyed by the Foresworn did he just sit back and relax, while the rest of the riders perished? I must get there before Alex, Ella thought, or else he will tell her that this traitor is to be trusted. He is not; he is a coward and is obviously disloyal to the elves and to all of Algasia. Ella picked up speed, running full tilt.

She glanced behind her. Alex was a fair ways away, his bulky weight slowing him down. Ella still clutched the ring in her hand; she could see Queen Islanzadi's quarters in front of her. They seemed to bled into the rest of the forest. With its moss covered walls and leaf covered roof. She burst through the oak doors, and they swung inward slamming loudly into the walls.

The royal party sat at tables lined around three walls. Queen Islanzadi sat at her throne, and was deep in conversation with another female elf. Everyone looked up and stared at Ella, eyes wide and questioning.

Ella froze, stunned at the overwhelming feeling of having so many eyes on her at once. She was suddenly aware of her torn black jeans and dirty tunic. She self-consciously smoothed out her hair.

Queen Islanzadi looked at Ella, her eyes were warm and comforting, bringing Ella back to the first time she had meant her; Ella was four, and just arrived in Ellesmera from Surda. Her mother was ill from such a long travel and Ella did not know what to do. She stumbled on the doorstep of Islanzadi's quarters, carrying everything that they owned on her back. Ella collapsed on top of her mother sobbing uncontrollably when Islanzadi showed up at the door in only her night gown.

But that was at least twelve years ago.

Islanzadi smiled at Ella and broke the silence. "Hello young Ella, how are you?"

Ella swallowed the lump in her throat. "I'm fine." she stammered.

"Oh that is good," Islanzadi replied, "and your mother, how is she?"

"She is good too." Ella almost whispered.

"That is very good," Islanzadi said nodding her head. "Now don't count me rude, but I must ask you why you…and Alex come bursting into my quarters so urgently."

Ella noticed Alex move in behind her. Wow, I really out ran him, Ella couldn't help but thinking.

"Um… we apologize, Queen." Alex said from behind her, greeting the Queen with the proper gestures and sayings. Ella feebly followed Alex's gestures towards the Queen, embarrassed that she didn't remember to do it in the first place.

"Do not worry," Islanzadi said her almond eyes boring into them.

Ella shifted her weight, "Um… can we talk to you alone?" she asked wondering if it was not rude to request her privately, in such a odd fashion.

Islanzadi was unperturbed. "Through this door," she said, beckoning with her hand.

Alex and Ella followed her through a door beside her throne. They walked through a lively corridor and into a small room with chairs that looked as if they were grown from the ground. They went through a curved archway and entered a fascinating bedroom. There was a small stream flowing through it, distinctly dividing the bed area from the library. Ella gasped out loud. The library was huge; it held books the size of her palm to the size of a dining table. There was hardcover books, fabric bound books, paperbacks, and books that looked like they were made from bark.

Islanzadi's voice bought Ella back to reality. "Now what would you like?" she asked not unkindly.

"A man with a dragon swooped down from the trees, and asked for you," Ella said in a rush, "He told us to come running to get you. He wants us to bring you back to where he was, alone."

Suddenly Islanzadi's eyes were sharp and aware. "Who was this man? Was he Eragon?"

"No," answered Alex, "His name was…"

"It doesn't matter," snapped Ella, was he stupid? "He is not to be trusted! Obviously he cares nothing for the elves, nothing for Algesia! He has stayed in hiding for so long and never came out to help when we were in need. He is a traitor!"

Alex stared at her, his tan face dumbstruck. "You saw the state he was in," he declared, "Maybe he was in hiding for his own safety."

"Pah," Ella spat, "You cannot prove he is not going to ambush the Queen!"

"He had the ring!"

"So he could have taken that from someone, he could be the mysterious fighter from the plains for all we know!"

"Ella, be rational, the dragon from the plains was red!!"

"Quiet," Islanzadi said sternly, "What is this mans name?" she asked looking at Alex.

Obviously embarrassed Alex shrugged, "Oromis or something."

Islanzadi nodded, "I know him. Take me to where he is."

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Sorry!! i had to make more questions before I could answer some!! Thanks agian for everyone who reveiwed and everyone who read it! Remember, constructive critasism is welcome, just don't be too mean or i'll have to block you!! Just kidding! Please review!! I hope your enjoying!

Love you guys: arial-96