Thanks to those who reviewed. I don't want to give away the entire plot of the story so I can't say who Eragon will end up with. And if Eragon seems to be doing things out of character all I can say is he's going through a lot and he's not quite so sure of himself (he is still young after all).

Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…

Chapter Five

Eragon then heard something only his Elvin ears could pick up. He pointed in a north west direction.

Saphira, I do not wish to offend you but I think that it would be best you scouted the area in the meanwhile. We would not want to startle the young dragon just yet.

Eragon said in his gentlest voice.

Fortunately for him Saphira agreed and took off upwards instantly. Arya didn't ask any questions but had started walking already her ears guiding her. She was walking briskly Eragon thought for he could just see her black hair trailing along every time he tried to catch up with her. Eragon stopped, not to catch his breath but to try and follow his senses. A thought just occurred to Eragon. He started to open his mind to his surroundings; letting it drift along. This was of course a dangerous thing to do for anybody could attack Eragon's mind. However, Eragon was confident enough to do this for he knew this was the one place even the King himself was rumoured to fear. Eragon found Arya's consciousness however he did not linger on it. Eragon was about to relinquish this until he found another mind. This one seemed familiar. It then struck Eragon that this could be the other dragon's mind for it seemed similarly structured to Saphira's.

Eka ai fricai un Shur'tugal

Eragon said before the dragon could crush his mind. The dragon seemed suspicious but allowed Eragon to access his mind.

What is your name?

Eragon asked.

I am Beroan. Who are you and why are you hear?

Beroan answered in a deep, intimidating voice.

I am Eragon and I am here to find help to take down the King.

Eragon replied boldly and waited for Beroan's response.

We have to meet. Where are you?

Beroan asked.

Eragon sent a mental picture of where in The Spine he was. Beroan closed his mind off Eragon's after he saw the location. Once the contact was closed Eragon searched for Arya's mind. He found it quickly and told her what had transpired between himself and the dragon. Before Eragon could tell Saphira Beroan appeared. Beroan was a huge, magnificent green scaled dragon. He looked about Saphira's size and his twinkling eyes were a shade of green. His horns were sharp and his teeth looked even sharper and fiercer. For a while all Eragon could do was stare. Arya arrived and slowed to a halt when she saw Beroan. She looked shocked but recovered from it more quickly than Eragon did. She approached Beroan with small, slow, careful steps.

Who is this?

Beroan asked Eragon.

Her name is Arya, she is a friend and will do you no harm.

Eragon replied and then conversed with Saphira.

Saphira! We found him. Or, well, he found us. You have to come here.

I'm on my way.

Eragon hoped that Beroan would assist them in the war. The dragon appeared controlled yet he had a sad or angry aura that Eragon could not understand. Eragon watched as Arya touched Beroan's scales. In a cloud of dust Saphira arrived. She was cautious as she approached Beroan. Eragon wished he could have heard what Saphira and Beroan were discussing for Saphira had closed her mind. Arya returned to Eragon's side.

"Magnificent, isn't he?" Eragon said to Arya.

"Indeed." she agreed, "But there's something…"

"I know. It almost seems like he's dealing with a lose."

Eragon turned to look at the two dragons.

"What did he say to you?" Eragon asked Arya.

"That he will help us. Only he wants us to promise in the ancient language that we will help him find his Rider."

"Where is his Dragon Rider?" Eragon asked, worried.

"He doesn't know."

That's just great. A dragon with no Dragon Rider.

Eragon thought to himself.

"We need to let Nasuada know about this, Eragon." Arya said.

Eragon nodded.

"We camp here tonight. The Empire will not step foot into this forest." Eragon said.

Arya agreed and said, "We can discuss travel arrangements later."

That afternoon for Arya, Eragon and Saphira had travelled through the middle of the night to get the Spine, they rested. Eragon laid near Saphira who had curled beneath a tree. The sound of a flowing stream along the mountain was like a melody to Eragon. He had grown tired from all the war and death and The Spine was now his sanctuary.

They seem to be getting along, well.

Saphira noted, indicating to Arya and Beroan.

So it seems. I don't know but Beroan seems so sad. Did he say anything to you, Saphira?

Only that he needs to find his Rider.

I still don't understand how that could happen. I hope his Rider is not in any danger. We still have to find out what happened and how Beroan hatched and more importantly for whom he hatched.

Nasuada will surely sort this out when we arrive tomorrow.

Do you think we can make it tomorrow? I do not like the idea of leaving the Varden to the mercy of the Empire.

Enough talk then, shall we depart now?

Eragon said 'yes' and informed Beroan and Arya about the departure. Eragon asked Arya accessing her consciousness if she would be able to ride Beroan for it would not look suitable if there was a dragon flying without a Rider.

Your request is necessary but the decision is up to Beroan, himself.

Eragon asked Beroan if he would have a problem with Arya riding him.

For the time being I shall accept this but know I shall hold you both to your word of finding my true Rider.

I understand and I would never break my word as a Rider, I thank you for understanding.

They reached the Varden on the second day of travelling. There were bodies scattered all across the land of Belatona. Panic rushed through Eragon. As soon as Saphira's legs touched solid ground Eragon ran to Nasuada's tent.

"What happened?" Eragon asked, looking around wildly.

Nasuada looked a bit more gaunt and her forehead was filled with worry lines.

"Murtagh and Thorn attacked."

Arya had arrived as well and stared at Nasuada, she too was startled at the leader of the Varden's appearance.

"I don't understand. Saphira wounded Thorn badly in his neck. That doesn't matter anyway. We found another dragon!" Eragon said.

Nasuada looked relieved for a moment and she looked like her normal self for just that second until she asked;

"Another dragon? Where is the other Dragon Rider?"

Eragon remained silent. Arya answered.

"We don't know. Be- the dragon also does not know."

"What is the use of having a dragon with a Rider?" Nasuada asked, trying to remain calm.

"Lady Nasuada. I have suggestion." Eragon said as a plan formulated itself in his head.

"Very well, Eragon. Let's hear it." Nasuada urged.

"I was thinking that seeing as how the dragon, Beroan, is fond or at least seems to accept Arya that she might take place as a temporary Rider. At least when we fight Galbotorix and Murtagh."

Arya appeared startled and bemused while Nasuada seemed to be thinking.

"Arya, what do you think?" Nasuada asked the elf.

"I…I do not know the first thing about being a Dragon Rider and I do not think Beroan would appreciate me taking his Rider's place." Arya said firmly.

"You may be right but Beroan is willing to do anything as long as we fulfil his promise." Eragon said.

"Promise? What promise?" Nasuada both Arya and Eragon.

"We promised to find him his true Dragon Rider." Eragon said.

"Where is Beroan? I need to speak to him. Tomorrow we shall battle the Empire again and we must be prepared. How is your arm?" Nasuada asked.

"It's healing well. Saphira and I shall be ready."

"Eragon. One of our spies who went to Uru'baen returned. He said he happened to find a locked chamber outside the castle."

"Is he alive? May I speak with him?" Eragon asked, feeling hopeful.

"He passed right after he delivered that message. I am strongly convinced that Galbotorix is keeping the dragon's heart of hearts on a safe place. What better place could he keep it than right under his nose; in his castle."

"What would you have me and Saphira do?" Eragon asked.

"During the final battle you and Saphira have to find this outdoor chamber and free the dragon's heart of hearts with the help of your Elvin guards. Then combined with your Elvin guards and Arya and Beroan I believe you can defeat Galbotorix."

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Nasuada had given Eragon a lot to ponder about. In his tent Eragon removed his bandages and laid on his makeshift bed.

This is really it then.

Saphira said.

Everything's happening so fast, Saphira. But what if-

I know, Eragon. But do not worry over what is yet to come. Fate has a way of working things out.

I only hope fate is on our side.

Fate is on our side, Eragon. We would never had survived so long if our lives didn't have a purpose.

What about the soldiers; the people who've died fighting. Did their lives not matter or were they just not part of fate's plan.

I can't answer that, Erago-

And what about the people I've killed? Am I just supposed to forget about them because fate wasn't on their side?

Eragon let his rage seep through his and Saphira's connection.

I had no idea you felt this way. I knew…killing disturbed you but not to this extent.

Once Eragon had calmed down he apologized to Saphira.

It's okay. Only know not to bottle up your emotions like that. Or we'll have a repeat of what just happened.

What would I do without you?

Sometimes I wonder the same. Just be grateful you have me then.

Saphira was quiet for a while.

Saphira, are you still there?

Yes, Eragon I'm only going for a hunt so I can give tomorrow my full performance. Oh…and you have a visitor.

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What would make my day better other than the amazing hike I went on would be reviews. So don't forget to review. Sorry I couldn't you any info, Elvendiath on the whole Eragon/Arya romance thing.