Chapter 23.2

I decide to locate the place where Tamli, Eragon, and Saphira stay, since it is much easier on me then to fly on for another hour. I drop inside of the treehouse and look around. Pretty bare if you ask me, a bed for Eragon, and a litter for Saphira. I realize that Tamli has no place to sleep in. Do they think less of him? Of MY master? Sometimes I really think that I should have better control my rage but it doesn't help. My hot-blooded nature comes through quite easily, although I wish it wouldn't. I lay down by the open windows of the treehouse and relax my tensed muscles, this journey, what would be a possible four-day trip for humans, I have made in little over a day. My desire to rejoin with Tamli nearly scares me most of the time but our connection is strong, very strong, strong enough to possibly free Shruikan from Galbatorix's control.

The way his yellow eyes told me of the hardships that he had fought to overcome, but yet he couldn't overcome this one. This wasn't going to be his fate, I shalln't allow it. By the name of the Protectors that died in the Great Flood, I shall rescue Shruikan from this darkness that enslaves him and binds him to Galbatorix or I will die trying. His fate now lies with me and Tamli.

I am drawn out of my daydream by the sound of Saphira's approach. I crawl into a dark corner and wait for them. She enters the treehouse and lands, letting Eragon and Tamli off her back.

"I wish that we would hear something from Finca soon," my master sighs as he climbs into the bed.

As do I Tamli, but we cannot push our luck. She might have been captured . . .

"Never say THAT!" Tamli roars with such a fury that it reminds me of my own in the thick of battle. "She is alive! I just know it!"

If only he knew the truth about what he is saying, I think as I watch my master argue with Eragon and Saphira over the fact that I am still alive.

Later that night, I watch the stars as I await the best time to awaken my master with the fact that I am alive. My mind begins to drift and I find myself back with Shruikan. I never thought that I would say this, but I think that I'm starting to like him.

My choice of males back in the world from which Tamli and I came from was quite limited, but here the choice is far better.