Road home

Eragon? Saphira asked.

Yes? He replied, stopping to take a break from packing the saddle bags.

I've been thinking; we have a week to fly through the Hadarac Desert, is that enough time to visit Du fells Nángoröth?

Maybe...

Eragon didn't know much about the mountains except that they were located in the middle of the Hadarac desert and had been the ancient mating grounds of the dragons.

Sounding desperate Saphira said, Glaedr told us that before the time of the riders, some ancient dragons stored their Eldunarí in the mountains. It is possible that some may have been left behind when they were moved to Vroengard to be placed under the protection of the riders.

Eragon thought about it for a moment.

Even if any Eldunarya were left behind I would think they would be long gone; Galbatorix surely thought to check there in his search. But still I can understand why it would be important for you to go there. You are the last free dragon in Alagaësia, it is important for you to understand your heritage.

So can we go?

Of course Saphira, although I don't know why you asked for my permission, we both know you would have flown there anyway and there would have been nothing I could do to stop you.

Saphira chuckled, yes but it's polite to ask.

Eragon had just finished strapping the last of his saddle bags to Saphira when he heard footsteps approaching them from behind. He turned around to see Queen Islanzadí along with Arya and to Eragon's slight surprise Vanir.

Islanzadí stepped forward first. After they had exchanged the proper greetings the Eragon said, "Thank you for your hospitality your majesty. I had hoped to meet the elves under better circumstances but anyway thank you."

The queen nodded in reply. "Safe flight shadeslayer, it has been a privilege to have you among us and remember you are always welcome in Ellesméra".

"Thank you".

Islanzadí stepped backwards as Arya stepped forward.

"I'm sorry to leave you," she said.

"That's ok; I understand why you are staying. Thank you for keeping me company on the journey here, I know I wasn't the best company".

"Neither was I Eragon, thank you for understanding. I hope my journey doesn't take too long. I'm going to miss your company my friend".

Eragon was pleasantly surprise when Arya took a step closer to him and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Promise me you will stay safe," she whispered in his ear.

"I promise," he whispered in return.

As she stepped back Arya kept her eyes looking straight down at the ground refusing to look at any of them.

Next it was Vanir who stepped forward. Eragon noticed for the first time that he was carrying a travelling pack.

Islanzadí spoke again, "while Arya is taking some time off we need a new ambassador to The Varden. I was going to assign Blödhgarm the position until Vanir here volunteered. He is a skilled swordsman, magician and has a way with words, he would make a fine replacement, although I am surprised that he volunteered seeing as he has turned the job down before".

Vanir shugged, "the job never included riding around on a dragon before," he said. "That is of course if you'll have me Shadeslayer".

Eragon struggled not to laugh at Vanir's attempt to be respectful to Eragon in front of the queen. "I suppose you'll do".

Eragon had Saphira land late in the afternoon; Saphira had objected at first but they were not in any hurry and they had already made good time to the edge of the Hadarac Desert.

As he stared aimlessly into the fire Eragon hear the sound of metal against metal, he recognised it as the sound of a sword being slowly drawn behind him. As quick as a flash Eragon drew Brisinger and spun around just in time to block the sword which was being wielded by Vanir.

Eragon lifted Brisinger with all his strength forcing Vanir to retreat a few steps and giving himself time to stand up.

"What were you thinking about you seemed a thousand miles away?" Vanir asked, lunging at Eragon with his sword at the same time.

Eragon blocked the blow and pushed forward taking his advantage. "None of your business!" he said.

Vanir got his sword down just quick enough to defend himself and the retreated a few steps ready to launch another attack.

"You didn't you tell me you wanted to spar we could have blocked the edges of our swords!" Eragon yelled.

Vanir ran at Eragon slashing his sword down from above his head. Eragon blocked the blow but Vanir's sword slid down the edge of the blade cutting across the top of Eragon's hand and wrist. This time it was Eragon who was forced into retreating.

"This way more fun. You wouldn't happen to have been thinking of a certain elf we know would you?"

Eragon took a step to left stalking Vanir; he could feel blood covering his hand but he ignored the pain.

"Despite what you may think Vanir I don't spend all daydreaming about you"

Vanir laughed, "I'm Flattered that of all the elves you thought of me first but no, I was thinking of someone else, black hair, green eyes, rather attractive?"

Eragon ran recklessly at Vanir. Vanir swung his sword at Eragon who ducked under the blade. Eragon was about to take advantage of the opening when his foot slipped in the loose sand. He quickly scrambled to him feet and retreated but not before opening up a deep gash in Vanir's leg.

Eragon could feel his cheeks going red, "Who Arya?" he asked in a would-be casual voice.

Vanir was clutching at the gash on his leg, Eragon decided to give him time to heal it and used the time to fix his own hand.

"Waíse heill. Who Arya?" Vanir imitated Eragon and grinned. "Please Eragon I'm not blind, I saw the look on your face when she hugged you in Gil'ead".

Eragon's cheeks were burning; he ignored the question and charged at Vanir. Their swords met with a loud clang.

The pair traded blows at a speed that would have seemed impossible even to some elves. Eragon was forcing Vanir back.

Eragon brought Brisinger up, twisting the hilt so quickly Vanir had no time to react. Vanir's sword flew from his hand. Eragon quickly brought Brisinger up to Vanir's throat.

"Dead," he said, "I'm going to start cooking tea."