Thanks to the person who actually reviewed chapter two (LV Marching Band). So I've decided I want at least 3 reviews before I put chapter four up.
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Anyway so this chapter is starting exactly where chapter two ended.
Chapter Three
This piece of information astonished Arya.
"Then it must be true," Arya paused, "It still doesn't make sense. The information doesn't fit together."
"Arya, you don't think that the Rider is against the empire and has escaped with his dragon, do you?"
Arya hesitated, "I suppose that is possible and we could bring this to the Varden's attention but do not place all your hopes on this, Eragon."
Eragon turned his attention back to his arm.
"How bad is it?" Eragon asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"I am not healer but it is not as bad as it could have been."
For a moment there was a short silence. Then Arya said,
"Why did you and Saphira not turn back once you had seen the army below?"
"We needed to get a closer view but before we could get away Murtagh and Thorn spotted us and attacked."
Arya looked as though as she wanted to say something but stopped herself when Nasuada entered.
"Eragon. How are you feeling?" Nasuada asked.
Arya stood up to stand closer to the tent's entrance.
"Better. Could have been worst, right?"
Eragon tried to gain eye contact with Arya but she seemed to be deliberately avoiding his face.
"…what do you think?"
Eragon looked up at Nasuada.
"Sorry, what?"
"We shall have to wait until you recover before we can besiege Dras-Leona. The Empire's army highly outnumbers ours."
"My arm is better already."
"No, Eragon. The Healers said it would take some time. I only hope the Empire doesn't decide to strike for then I fear we all will suffer."
"What if we had another Dragon Rider?"
Nasuada sighed, slightly annoyed.
"We've been through this before, Eragon. I have sent spies to Uru'baen. I can only hope they have made it that far."
"Have you not heard what Murtagh said?"
Now it was Eragon's turn to be irritated. Nobody seemed to be taking any notice of Murtagh's words.
"Yes, Eragon. But how you can expect us to believe anything Murtagh-"
"He was speaking in the ancient language and the look on his face convinced me he had said too much."
Nasuada considered what he had said for a moment before turning to Arya.
"What do you think?" Nasuada asked Arya.
"I think it is probable. It is not possible to lie in the ancient language without dire consequences."
"What do you suggest then Eragon?" Nasuada asked turning back to face him.
"I suggest Saphira and I go in search of this Dragon and his Rider."
"That would an aimless and dangerous task," Nasuada said, "Where would you even begin to search? Alagaesia is an enormous land and there are even undiscovered parts we may not know about."
"Even though that may be true, I know from experience that is difficult to hide a growing dragon."
"Eragon, I shall get back to you on this matter. Please get some rest." Nasuada said and then left.
Before Eragon could see past Nasuada Arya had already disappeared. Saphira was able to put her head through Eragon's tent flap which she did once Arya and Nasuada left.
Eragon, have you upset Arya again?
Saphira asked in a reprimanding voice.
No! I don't know what the problem was but it wasn't me.
Eragon said angrily back though he was mostly angry because he was confused by her behaviour.
What do you think about all this, Saphira?
Eragon asked.
I think that if we do find another Dragon Rider that would be a big advantage for us but if we don't we need to find a way of separating Galbotorix from his heart of hearts. For that is the only way we can defeat him and Murtagh.
I agree. If only we could ask Glaedr for advice.
We must not rush him for I could not imagine what my life would be without you. I do not think I would be able to survive.
We should not think like that for we are both safe and together.
Eragon only realized when he stopped talking to Saphira how hungry he was.
I don't know when last I ate something.
You mean ate something besides fruit and water.
Eragon felt Saphira's disgust.
Saphira, you know how I feel about eating meat.
I know, Eragon. I only hate to see you suffer.
I'm not suffering!
Eragon said, although he switched back to his normal language.
Eragon, you should know you can't hide anything from me. I can feel how you suffer when you kill humans. I feel the pain when you think of Arya.
Eragon got up and refusing to answer Saphira he walked out the tent in search of food. Saphira was right and Eragon knew it. Especially about Arya. He wondered whether his love for her would ever decrease or whither and die. He wasn't sure he even wanted it go away; true he would be better off without the pain but love was not something that could be just pushed away. Not true love anyway. Eragon could only find some berries from a nearby bush for dinner. It proved to be problematic to pick them with his arm but somehow he managed. He didn't complain when he saw Saphira ripping a deer apart in front of him. While in his tent Eragon was surprised when Roran appeared.
"Hello, cousin. I meant to come earlier but there was a lot of work to be done."
"No matter. You're here now." Eragon said.
"That I am. How are you feeling?"
"Better." Eragon said.
On the outside at least. Eragon thought privately.
"Good, good. Well I wondered if you'd be up for a visit. Baldor and Horst and the rest are all at the camp fire this night."
"I don't really-"
"Come on. It'll be good for you. It's no good being all by yourself in that tent."
Eragon gave up and decided to join Roran and went to the camp fire. A few villagers of Carvahall sat together around the fire. Katrina was among them.
"Eragon. So nice of you to come and honour us with your presence." Katrina said pleasantly.
Eragon forced a smile. He sat down next to Roran who immediately joined in their talking. Eragon felt somewhat left out. They had nothing in common anymore; the villagers and himself. Eragon did not hold himself higher than them, no that was not the case. He felt that he had become a stranger among his own people. He wondered when exactly he would finally know who he is and where he belonged. Everyone expected him to kill Galbotorix and Murtagh as well and Eragon swore to himself he would but what would after that if he survived? Would he still be pining away for Arya?
You are once again over-thinking things, Eragon.
Maybe you're right. But can you blame me?
I suppose I can't.
Saphira admitted. She felt sorry for Eragon and let him feel her pity.
You changed so much in such a short period of time. You are no longer a boy but I feel that I have robbed you of your youth.
That is utter nonsense, Saphira. Don't you ever think like that again. I can't imagine my life without you.
For my sake Eragon would you at least try to have fun for one night?
I can try.
Eragon listened in on what the villagers were talking about but he found himself within the first two minutes. As Eragon watched the blazing inferno a maiden caught his attention. She had been and still was staring at him. The intensity of her stare made him feel uncomfortable. She was sitting directly opposite him on the other side of the fire. The same as Eragon she was not paying much attention to what the villagers were saying. She had long black hair and startling grey eyes. Her features were small and well-proportioned. Overall she was rather attractive for a human. Eragon was astounded by her beauty for he thought only elves possessed such striking qualities. She smiled as he assessed her facial features. Eragon looked away from her and turned his gaze back to the fire.
Saphira, I tried.
Will you be okay?
Eragon said 'yes' he would and then severed their conversation. Getting up Eragon told Katrina he was going for a walk. Eragon did not walk far, he kept his distance from Dras-Leona Lake. Eragon decided to stop when he reached a small clearing. He sat himself down upon a smooth stone and watched the night sky.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" said a voice from behind.
Eragon had not heard footsteps so he instinctively held Brisingr up when he turned around.
"You?" said Eragon.
"I apologize if I startled you-"
"Who are you? And why were you following me?" Eragon asked the dark-haired maiden whom had been staring at him by the camp fire.
"My name is Megiltura and I am one of your twelve Elvin bodyguards. I was assigned by Blodhgarm to keep an eye on you. These are dark times as you very know." she had the harmonious voice that only elves possessed.
Eragon sheathed Brisingr as the elf spoke in the ancient language.
"I apologize. But I had to be sure." Eragon said, as he sat down on the smooth stone.
"It's understandable. Actually I would have surprised if you hadn't done anything."
Megiltura found a place to sit on the opposite rock.
"You did not look like you were enjoying the merriment by the camp fire, why is that?"
Eragon looked in her eyes; they sparkled like grey diamonds in the moonlight.
"Why do you ask?" Eragon asked more harshly than he intended.
"I only wondered. I apologize. It is none of my business and I should have known better than to pry."
Eragon felt guilty at once.
"It is I who is sorry. I do not feel like I belong with the villagers, that's all." Eragon admitted.
"You don't belong with them." Megiltura said simply.
Before Eragon could say any more Megiltura bade him to sleep well and then left. Eragon looked behind but could not find her. When Eragon reached his tent he was so physically and mentally tired that he fell to sleep instantly.
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