Special thanks to Elvendiath and LV Marching Band for reviewing. Two reviews are better than none.
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Four
Nasuada wanted to see Eragon early the next day in her tent. Arya, Orrin, Jormundur, Garzhvog and Orik were also present.
"Eragon, there is urgent news that has come to my attention. To all of our attention actually. There has been news of a Green Dragon."
Eragon stared at her blankly, shocked. It was clear the others had already heard this for all of them kept to their normal facial expressions.
"How? Is this true? What evidence is there?" Eragon wanted to know.
"There have been sightings from elves who were travelling from Du Weldenvarden to get here. From what I could gather from Queen Islanzadi the location is roundabout near The Spine and Ceunon."
Saphira, are you hearing this?
Eragon asked Saphira, excitedly.
When are we leaving?
Saphira wanted to know.
Eragon relayed her question to Nasuada.
"I know that these are perilous times but this is evidence we cannot deny or shun away which is why you and Saphira have to leave as soon as you able to. However you and Saphira are still most important to us and we can't afford any mistakes which is why Arya will be accompanying you both."
Eragon felt his stomach lurch.
If this is necessary I suppose we have to.
Saphira gave a sound that Eragon knew was a chuckle.
Who are you and what have you done with Eragon? The old Eragon would be thrilled to go on a trip alone with Arya.
I always say or do the wrong thing. I do not wish to damage our friendship when she's finally trusting me as her friend.
You have grown very wise.
Eragon noticed he was receiving strange glances so he said Saphira was glad with their decision.
"Shall today be suitable, Lady Nasuada?" Eragon asked.
"So soon? Do you have all the necessary supplies?" She asked.
Eragon nodded.
"Very well, Eragon. You are dismissed."
Eragon left her tent and was on his way to his own when Arya caught up with him.
"Eragon, where shall I meet you and Saphira?" she asked.
"Err…outside my tent. In twenty minutes."
Arya nodded before walking to her own tent. Eragon packed extra bandages in Saphira's saddle while he waited for Arya.
I hope we can find him.
Eragon said.
As do I.
Saphira said, agreeing.
Saphira, it might be my imagination but you don't exactly seem keen to meet this new dragon.
Saphira did not seem to want to respond but Eragon waited patiently not wanting to pressure her.
I do not want to be rejected again.
From that one sentence Eragon knew exactly how Saphira felt. He too kept a protective shield around his heart or at least he had been trying but he didn't want Saphira to do the same.
I understand. And now is not the time for such matters, anyway. There is a war amidst and we are in the middle of it.
Arya appeared and she leaped onto Saphira right after Eragon. As Saphira ascended Arya's hold on Eragon's waist tightened. Eragon ignored the tenseness his stomach felt as she did this. They travelled for hours until Saphira had to stop to rest. Eragon nearly fell for he had to get used to walking on solid ground again after being airborne for so long. Arya however seemed to be coping better, she even found berries and fruit for the both of them. Eragon made a fire and ate while he sat down beside it gazing into its dancing flames. Saphira laid curled a few feet away from Eragon. In his mind Eragon could tell Saphira was asleep.
"We travelled far in such a short time." Eragon said.
"Yes, but we still have to be careful. The Empire could have spies." Arya said, removing her gaze from the flames for only a second to meet Eragon's eyes.
Eragon cursed himself for feeling something every time Arya made eye-contact with him. They were in the middle of a war and he was still pining away for her. He could only imagine what Brom would say. Arya seemed to notice his inner turmoil for she said,
"Is something wrong?"
As they were talking in the ancient language Eragon replied saying, "Nothing I can't handle."
A sudden thought came to Eragon.
"Arya, do you know an elf named Megiltura?" Eragon asked.
"Yes, why do you ask? She is, if I am not mistaken, part of your Elvin bodyguards."
"I only ask for she and I conversed and I was interested in knowing more about her."
This was true for ever since that evening Megiltura had said Eragon did not belong with the villagers of Carvahall he could not get her out of his mind. He was curious about her and there was something he could not quite figure it out yet that was captivating about her. He supposed it was the mysterious manner in which she conducted herself and spoke. Arya however seemed bemused as to why Eragon would be interested in her.
"Well, I do not know much."
For a moment it seemed Arya would not go further yet Eragon waited.
Finally Arya spoke;
"She lives in Ellesmera. I do not know her entire history only that she moved to Ellesmera recently. She does not have any siblings and she offered her services to Queen Islanzadi as soon as she heard about the war."
Eragon nodded, taking the brief information in. Arya did not push him further to elaborate on his real interest and for that Eragon was grateful. There was no real dark secret as to why he wanted to know more about the elf yet he felt Arya might not understand. Sitting around the camp fire with Arya reminded Eragon of the previous occasion on which Arya shared her feelings with Eragon.
"I hope you do not mind me asking but how have you been doing?" Eragon asked, rather cautious as he knew Arya was quite unpredictable.
"I am well. Your concern is appreciated. Now I think we need to rest for we must leave before the sun rises tomorrow."
With that Arya got up and Eragon did the same. The last thing Eragon saw before he went to sleep was Arya scooping sand to extinguish the fire.
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From Eragon, pg 81
Eragon watched as a group of people on proud horses approached a lonely river. Many had silver hair and carried tall lances. A strange, fair ship waited for them, shining under a bright moon. The figures slowly boarded the vessel; two of them, taller than the rest, walked arm in arm. Their faces were obscured by cowls, but he could tell that one was a woman. They stood on the deck of the ship and faced the shore. A man stood alone on the pebble beach, the only one who had not boarded the ship. He threw back his head and let out a long, aching cry. As it faded, the ship glided down the river, without a breeze or oars, out into the flat, empty land. The vision clouded, but just before it disappeared, Eragon glimpsed two dragons in the sky.
Eragon awoke from his dream, frustrated.
"What is wrong?" Arya asked, looking at Eragon.
She seemed somewhat anxious. Unusual for her who hid her feelings well.
"Nothing." Eragon said as he sat up.
He rubbed a heap of sweat from his forehead.
"Was it a dream? You were turning a lot in your sleep." Arya continued.
Saphira turned to look at Eragon.
Nightmare?
She asked.
I suppose so.
Eragon said. Turning to look at Arya he asked;
"Is it time to leave yet?"
"We were supposed to leave later but now that you're up, we might as well."
As Eragon started to walk a pain began to shoot up his arm.
"We should change the bandages before we leave." Arya said, "Where are they?"
"Saddlebag." Eragon said and had to sit down.
Arya removed Eragon's arm bandages and put them down on a nearby rock. Eragon forced himself to look at his exposed arm despite Saphira's warnings. The upper part of his arm looked normal apart from the skin colour. The skin looked an unusually pale shade and the spots where Thorn's teeth had closed upon left scars.
"It is not as bad as you think." Arya said as she closed up Eragon's arm with a new bandage.
"Thank you." Eragon said when Arya had finished.
Arya seemed once again embarrassed though Eragon could not guess why. Eragon burnt his old bandages and extinguished the fire afterwards using magic. Arya and Eragon once again placed themselves on Saphira and waited for her to ascend. Once they were in the air Eragon conversed with Saphira.
I only hope my arm does not get in the way of the battles yet to come.
Eragon said.
Do not fret too much about it. The herbs shall heal you and your arm looks better everyday.
Eragon enjoyed the wind rushing against him as Saphira flew faster.
Not too fast, Saphira. Arya still has to get used to flying.
Saphira did not reply but slowed down her speed.
I still want to know about that dream you had, Eragon. We should have no secrets.
Eragon knew Saphira was right but he didn't wish to discuss the dream he had with her. Nevertheless he knew how strong their bond was and he if it was Saphira he would want to know.
I've this dream before…
Eragon started before describing the dream in detail. He finished saying;
But it felt so real. I just don't understand it.
Neither do I.
Saphira said.
Eragon tell me, what colour where the two dragons you saw in your dream.
Saphira wanted to know.
That's the strangest part. I couldn't see. I know it was night for the moon could be seen. But all I saw where silhouettes.
This does make it harder to interpret. I can find no simple explanation at the time. Perhaps Arya will know.
I doubt it. If you and I were unable to then I don't see how she could. Besides she wouldn't want to know about my dreams.
If you say so.
For the next few hours they travelled in silence. They needn't wait long for they saw The Spine coming into view.
Saphira, fly lower until you can find a place to land.
Saphira did as Eragon told her and landed as gently as she could into The Spine. Eragon helped Arya get off of Saphira before he cast his eyes on The Spine.
So many memories…
Eragon thought and shared these thoughts with Saphira. It seemed to Eragon that The Spine was the place where great happenings occurred regularly. He, now, could understand why the King's soldiers would fear it so much. For a moment neither Eragon, Arya nor Saphira moved an inch.
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Romance will come later in the story.