Disclamer: Don't own Eragon, as I am not CP.

"Time to wake up Shadeslayer."

Eragon groaned and rolled over on his straw mattress, trying to ignore the person disturbing him. He hadn't slept most of the night and now that he had finally gotten to sleep, someone was waking him up.

"Sadeslayer! We near Vorengarg!"

This time Eragon shot up in bed, nearly falling off.

"I'll be right there." He called as he pulled a fresh shirt over his head. He quickly made his way down the hall, almost sprinting to the deck. Eragon took a deep breath as the salty winds hit his face, jolting any sleep away that was left. Arya stood facing the nearing island. She looked tired, as her emerald eyes did not sparkle as they used to.

"Arya" Said Eragon, walking up behind her. The elf jumped slightly, but quickly regained her composer.

"Hello Eragon. How did you sleep?"

"Not well. An-"

"Cast the anchor!" Someone called, cutting Eragon off. The boat flew into a frenzy, with people running every which way, pulling and shoving ropes. That left Eragon and Arya standing to the side, trying to keep out of the way. In less than five minutes they were in a small row boat, rowing to shore. There were three boats. One held Eragon and Arya. Another held Aelaias and a small boy Eragon didn't recognize. The last held two other elves Eragon had come to know as Viloar and Shurin.

They remained silent as they made their way to the sand; the only sound was the sloshing of the water as Eragon moved the paddles in circles.

"Alright" Aelaias said. "We will spread out. Eragon, Arya you go north. Viloar and Shurin, go east. Me and Gevonar will go west. Move out!"

Everyone moved in their assigned directions without saying a word. The silence unnerved Eragon; it was like they were hiding something. Without meaning to, he fingered the hilt of his sword.

'What's wrong?' Eragon asked himself. After a moment he relized there was not going to be a reply. With a deep sigh he followed Arya farther into the jungle

Hours later the only thing they had accomplished was acquiring sore feet. But still they pressed on; their feet not making a sound on the soft earth.

*Snap*

Eragon flung around, bringing his hand to his sword.

"Who's there?" Eragon called. No reply.

"It was probably nothing Eragon." Arya said, resuming her walk. After a couple of seconds, Eragon did the same. What had snapped inside of him to make up so jumpy? Out of the corner of his eye he saw something moving. Was that a...

"Duck!" He yelled, while falling to the ground. He looked up to see a sword protruding from a tree, and he could hear foot steps running away. Jumping to his feet, he drew his sword and sprinting through the maze of trees. Pushing himself harder, he ran the fastest he ever had. He could feel his lungs begging for air, but he didn't stop. Adrenaline pushed him on as he ran farther and farther through the trees.

No matter how fast he ran, the foot steps of the some who attacked them became quieter and quieter; until he couldn't hear them anymore. Eragon dung his heals into the ground as he rounded a corner, but it was to late. He ran straight into the stone mountain side. As he pulled away from the could stone, he could feel the warm blood trickling down the side of his face.

A few seconds later Arya stumbled into the clearing. She had sweat running down the sides of her neck, and she also had her sword drawn.

"Where did he go?" Arya asked. Eragon merely shrugged his shoulders as he sat down on a bolder to heal his cheek. A yelp of surprise slipped past his lips as he jumped to his feet. Turning around, he saw the stone had sunk a good three feet into the ground; now only a couple of inches remained viable.

"Eragon...look..." Arya whispered. He slowly turned to face the elf. She looked genuinely stunned. He, on the other hand, was thoroughly confused. He followed her pointed finger to where it pointed. A gasp escaped his lips as he relized what he was looking at. A large hole was now in the side of the mountain; big enough for a dragon to fit through.

They had found a hidden cave.

(POV Change: Murtagh)

A hollow sound bounced off the walls as Murtagh made his way up the steep steps. He had made up his mind; he just didn't know how it would be done. Nearing the large doors, Murtagh called out,

"You may leave your post; I shall be guarding tonight."

The head guard exchanged confused glances with his comrades before saying, "We received no word from the king."

"I am the word!" Murtagh yelled, "I am the kings second in command and dare doubt my words?"

The six men guarding the doors paled, "Yes Lord Murtagh" The muttered before scurrying away.

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' Thorn asked.

'No, in fact I know it's a bad idea.' Murtagh replied after a slight hesitation 'but it is all we have left.' With a deep breath, Murtagh pushed open the large wooden doors open that lead the the dragon keep. The room was quite large, and filled with several clumps of hay. The smell of rotten meat reached Murtaghs nose; confirming the prisoner had not been eating. Murtagh took a step into the room and closed the doors behind him as silently as he could. In the center of the room, on a pedestal, sat the green egg; perfect as could be.

It was a deep emerald green, with ivory white veins twisting around the surface. Black and brown spots were spotted randomly across the whole circumference. Dragging his thoughts away from the egg, Murtagh glanced around the room. His eyes landed on just what he wanted to see; a large sapphire clump in the corner. He took a few hesitant steps forward before saying,

"Saphira"

A/N: And the dragoness lives! :D You didn't really think I would...kill..her did you? Well I take that back; I would kill her. I seriously considered it.

Just so we don't have any mix ups, everyone thinks she is dead. I will explain why in later chapters.

Any guesses on who is trying to kill Eragon and Arya? I think people will get it in this chapter, but if they don't they will in the next. :)

Reply to RipTide: Thanks so much; it's had to think of myself as one of the best stories you are reading! Lol ;) Anyway, you will definitely see all those things, just maybe not in the exact order or way.

Reply to EminemBitches: Thanks. Arya was pale in that scene because of Eragons break down, although I just relized I didn't make that clear... sorry.

Reply to Daxxx: I will have a whole ExA chapter(s) in the future! Yes I think all the chapters for this story are short. I'm sorry.

Reply to basketballstar: Updated soon; hope you enjoyed!

Reply to Restrained . Freedom: Ahh, and your guesses were very good and accurate! :)

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