While Ayiana and Kveykva flew towards Farrthen Dur, they contacted Eragon and Saphira while they camped for the night.
"Eragon, ever heard of the Rock of Kuthian?" Ayiana asked him.
"Yes, a werecat, Solembum. Why do you ask?" he replied.
"Well, then you probably know a little bit about it then, except its' current location."
"Yes, but no one knows where it is, so how am I supposed to use it if I'm in need?"
"No one knows its' exact location, Eragon, but I think I have learned of an overall area where you might be able to find it. But first, is Solembum anywhere near you?" Ayiana asked.
"He stays with Angela. But I don't know where her tent is exactly." Eragon frowned a bit before he continued. "Will it help me if I have to battle Galbatorix?"
"Yes, but use it as a last resort if you find it, for those who have used it in the past never seemed to stay the same after, some even went mad and killed themselves."
"But I will use it if I must." Eragon replied sternly. "So where is it about?"
"Somewhere under Leona Lake. Eragon, it will be as difficult to find as it is to wait for the proper time to use its' powers." Ayiana warned cautiously.
"It is a risk I am willing to make if we are to succeed in killing Galbatorix."
"Think before you act young one." Ayiana reminded him as she tapped the Seeing Mirror. "For a mistake with the Rock of Kuthian will mean death. This stone is far more unpredictable than magic is. One wrong move and you're dead, no time to react like the split second magic takes."
"We will consult with Gleadr over this as well before we decide how we will even find it." Eragon replied.
"A wise decision, more opinions often help one understand unknown objects better; you are wise beyond your years young rider, I look forward to helping you complete your training when this is all done." She said, allowing a smile to drift to her face.
Eragon smiled to and even laughed a bit. "I look forward to your help. Now, I'll bet that Galbatorix was in a fit when Murtagh and Thorn returned empty handed."
"He might have been at first, but do remember, Kveykva and I were missing for a hundred years. When they returned he might have been enraged but the moment they told him of us I'd bet a fear he hasn't known for a hundred years crept back into him." Ayiana replied, raising an eyebrow at the sudden subject change. "But this means you must be very careful now, young rider, for he might be instructing Murtagh more in ways of fighting other riders, a subject he is very familiar with."
"I doubt that, Murtagh is a good fighter already, and I have proven that I am several times stronger than him."
"Truth is often more frightening than lies, Eragon. Because of your increased strength do you not think Galbatorix is making Murtagh stronger so he will be able to capture you alive? Once again you fail to think your answers through fully before arriving at a conclusion." Ayiana said.
Eragon looked down and seemed to rethink the predicament. "You're right, I should prepare myself for a stronger opponent." He admitted.
"Eragon, try this. In your mind picture the day as if within a week you may face against Galbatorix, which may be true in any case. If anyone offers you strength, do not turn it all down but take some and store it in the belt, Aren, or your swords pommel. Do not allow the strength you have after a good long rest to exceed itself suddenly, for then you will have more power than you know what to do with, instead, train yourself up; challenge the elves to archery and sparring without any help from Saphira or using any stored energy. Work then rest an hour more than you worked Eragon, in that lays the trick in gaining strength over time." Ayiana suggested.
Eragon nodded as he listened to what Ayiana suggested. "Sounds like what Brom and I used to do while we were searching for the Raz'ac." He said, a hint of sorrow in his voice.
"Eragon, Brom would be very proud of you now, just look how far you came from the night outside Dras Leona. Eragon, you killed the shade Durza, saved Arya, traversed the whole of Alagaësia, were adopted into a dwarven clan, were trained by the elves and an old rider who many thought dead, you even became an elf, and on top of it you killed the Raz'ac." Ayiana paused as Eragon glanced down. "Eragon," she continued in a softer tone, "look at yourself. Not even a year ago you were a poor farm boy living by Carvahall, today you are a great dragon rider and hero. I know you didn't choose this path, but it chose you, by means of Saphira. Eragon, speak truly, would you trade this life for your old life back on that farm?"
Eragon closed his eyes and looked down, deep in thought. Finally he answered as he looked back to Ayiana. "No, I wouldn't. My mind seems to wish for me to return to Carvahall and rebuild the farm, to escape this dream and return to reality, but my heart says no. I would never give up Saphira for anything, even if Brom and Garrow died for us. Having them back but loosing Saphira would leave me an empty husk of what I am now, a ghost of what I would want to be."
"A wise decision." Ayiana commented. "Now let us rest, it is late and we both should rest, for big events are happening tomorrow. I shall return as fast as I can when we get our armor from Farthen Dur."
"Indeed, rest well, Ayiana Svit-Kona and Kveykva Bjartskular. May the stars watch over you and may your swords stay sharp."
"The same to you, Eragon Finiarel and Saphira Bjartskular." Ayiana said before she ended the spell.
'We should move with caution now, if Galbatorix remembers us.' Kveykva stated.
"I agree, with what he thinks of our past actions. He will tell Murtagh and Thorn, and they might tell Eragon and Saphira, we shall tell them our past when we return in a few days. But for now, sleep well, Kveykva."
'May your dreams stay pleasant, Ayiana.' Kveykva replied as the two of them drifted off to sleep under the stars in the Beor Mountains.
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