Chapter 3

Hi all, here's chapter 3. Now I might have some bad news… The school year is almost upon me and while I am in its control I will probably not be writing much, if any (This year is going to be hell for me). I can try to continue on the weekends and on the holidays. I also have a few other things to say. First, I will not be revealing anything in the future of this fic, I like it sometimes but here it would only damage the story. Second, I need reviews, if I don't get enough of them I will believe that no one is interested in my fic and I will delete it (adding to subscriptions and favorites works to). I have done it before on a different site.

Now here is the chapter.

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There are many frightening things in the world; Urgols, Shades, Sea Serpents, Spirits. Some are more fearsome than others. Some can stop a man's heart with a single apathetic glance. Some force their victims to live their worst nightmares – after changing them to be more fear inspiring. And some, well; some exist only at the borders of one's imagination.

But none of these, real or illusion, can be used to compare a Dragon and her Rider in full fury.

Saphira almost literally shot across the land, so enraged by her perceived betrayal by Nasuada that she gave no thought to her actions.

Eragon … is not a dragon. After his rage wore off, his face having been whipped into a marble statue by the chilled wind, the self loathing began to take root within his mind.

Stars … I am a monster … I have killed children. – Am I now any better than Galbatorix?

These thoughts plagued Eragon for hours as they skimmed across clouds at, if Eragon was aware of her state of mind, reckless bordering on suicidal. It did not matter; both now began to believe that death was too good for them.

As they neared the Varden's encampment, Eragon began to come to his senses. He attempted to reason with Saphira, but all he received was the backlash of her furious rage. Eragon could only make out three words from the maelstrom of emotion echoing within Saphira's mind.

Betrayal!!! Death!!! Revenge!!!

The Dragon had been unleashed. And Eragon was helpless to stop her. He did the only thing he could do.

Eragon warned Arya.

Arya!!

Eragon!? … What is wrong!? … Why is Saphira roaring in anger!?

I have no time to explain, Saphira has gone into a rage and I can't stop her! She is targeting Nasuada! Quickly do what you can … we are almost upon you!!!

Arya took off sprinting through the camp, alerting the other elves along the way. She feared the worst as she approached Nasuada's pavilion. What could have done this? Why does Saphira blame Nasuada?

Arya burst past the Nighthawks on duty and yelled at Nasuada: "Saphira has returned and she is angry at you!"

This message confused many of the persons within the tent, but not Nasuada.

Once when Nasuada was a young girl, she had been learning to ride horses. And with her newly acquired novice, she attempted to tame one of her father's wild stallions. She had jumped bareback onto the horse's back from the fence and immediately the horse panicked. It took off at a dead run and broke past the shouting guards and the screaming grooms.

Normally a horse will stop running after being spooked. But Nasuada remained on the stallions back, clinging to what little she could hold literally for life. The added pressure 'spurred' it on. The horse did not stop until it reached a grove of trees high in the Beors. Nasuada had grabbed a branch and the horse continued on without her until it passed out of sight.

Nasuada remained in the wilderness of the Beor Mountains for nearly two days before Arya found her. Her father was furious to say the least. But, the experience had taught Nasuada a lot about fear.

This experience however taught a lesson in terror.

She had known this would occur, but the anticipation had only made it worse. But before Nasuada could do anything, Saphira arrived.

The enraged Dragon went straight into the tent, the Nighthawks leaping to get out of her way. Nasuada could only stare as Saphira closed in on her.

"Of all the ways to go…" Nasuada thought.

Her eyes closed and awaited release.

But nothing came, after an eternity waiting for death Nasuada cautiously looked to see her executioner.

Arya stood between Saphira and Nasuada, her hands raised as though trying to scare off a mundane predator. The action appeared too many to be futile, after all what could one elf do against a dragon? But Saphira stopped; her eyes remained fixed upon the Varden's leader. Arya slowly moved closer to the Dragon as Eragon moved out of his saddle just as slowly.

Together they approached Saphira's front and initiated an act that shocked many of the on looking rebels. They embraced a furiously enraged Dragon. Together they had their arms around Saphira's neck and sent images and emotions of calmness and love. Slowly Saphira regained control of her emotions.

Eragon … Arya … … Thank you. The Dragon thought simply at only the two wrapped around her throat.

Nasuada, Eragon is no longer a member of the Varden. If you try to cross me in this decision – I will kill you and any who try to stop me. We will work with the elves and through them – you. Never with hold such knowledge again.

Saphira's thoughts were broadcasted to everyone within the camp.

Nasuada only shuddered and nodded mutely.

Saphira left immediately, no longer respecting the once proud leader of the Varden. Eragon, having released Saphira during her short speech, stared at Nasuada for several long moments before leaving the pavilion and following Saphira.

Within the canvas walls the silence was palpable. Arya broke the quiet in an explosive whisper. "What did you do to them that caused this?" "What have you done?"

Nasuada stared dumbly at entrance that Eragon had disappeared through.

"Whatever you have done to them, it must have been …"

Arya left her words hanging by gossamer thread before letting them fall; she left the tent and walked to where Eragon's tent was pitched.

Hesitating on the thresh hold of the shelter, Arya mentally called out to Eragon.

His response shook her too her soul. The music of her mind stopped abruptly.

Eragon lost control of his emotional walls momentarily when he had responded to Arya. She felt his anger at Nasuada, his hatred of Galbatorix, his fear of her rejecting his friendship. But what truly shocked her was the overwhelming feeling of self loathing.

Eragon … what has happened?

Eragon did not answer. But Arya felt his acceptance for her to enter. His walls now reestablished. Arya still saw the echo of his break down in his brown eyes when she entered.

"I am leaving the Varden; I hold no obligation to Nasuada. She has betrayed me, and I find all oaths between us void. – Arya would I be welcome with the Elves?" His face crumpled at his last words.

Arya thought to herself, why would he worry? The elves would always welcome his support. My mother may question his intentions but I'll worry about that later.

"Eragon … they would always happily accept any help you could give."

Eragon looked close to another break down. Arya moved quickly to him and drew the shattered Dragon Rider into a reassuring embrace. Eragon clung to her with the determination of a frightened five year old.

He sobbed out, "They won't accept me when they learn what I have done."

"Eragon, no matter what I will still be your friend, but please I need to know, what happened?"

Eragon shook his head violently. Clinging to her tighter he replied, "I can't."

"Eragon please, I want to help you, please you are scaring me."

The truth enforcing Arya's words was enough to shock him out of his misery. Arya was never scared.

Eragon rebuilt his mental fortifications quickly and told her to ask Nasuada.

"I can't tell you what happened; I may … lose control and my magic…"

Arya shuddered in his embrace; their magic was linked to their emotions and controlled through the ancient language. Losing control meant releasing a good part of their reserves of energy. And being a Rider meant that Saphira would bear the brunt of the release. The resulting shockwave would suck all the energy within several miles to the Dragon, as she and her magic – imploded.

"I understand Eragon. I won't ask Saphira either."

Eragon expressed his thanks by tightening his grip on Arya before releasing her. The Rider looked her into her eyes and said, "Thank You Arya, I won't blame you if you decide to end our friendship once you learn the truth."

Arya looked at him as though to say 'that will never happen'. The elf got to her feet and at the flap; she stopped and said, "Eragon, I will always be at least your friend". Then she was gone.

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Authors Note

One last thing, there is a very good chance that I will revise chapters after they have been posted.