Chapter 6:

Discovery

The Varden trudged along in an enormous jumbled mass. There was clinking armor and the steady roar of innumerable conversations. Nasuada and King Orrin directed the massive group and Eragon and Arya walked together in the middle. As they walked on he noticed that it wasn't Belatona him and Saphira had seen two days before, it was a cluster of villages. Belatona was many miles on past the horizon. They had been travelling for only a few hours but the whole of the Varden had already traversed fourteen leagues.

Eragon and Arya were hand-in-hand and Katrina walked next to Elaine a few feet away. Carvahall had started to intermingle with the warriors of the Varden, but most of them still kept to the people they knew from the village. Saphira flew low to the ground, scoping out any unwanted visitors, or any hidden dangers that may be along the way. Eragon traded thoughts with her occasionally, and when Arya said she had to meet the other elves she dropped down and he rode on her. They exchanged thoughts more freely and had long conversations. They conveyed their feeling and emotions to each other with ease. They sailed along for a while and savored the chill of the air and the thrill of the ride.

Even though they weren't going fast, he enjoyed riding with her. These humans are so slow. I hate it when we have to keep pace with them.

Aye, going slow irritates me too. Do you want to go back a little more and fly around?

Yes. This is what I live for. She replied. She turned around and flew backwards. No one seemed to care and when they were free of the crowd and a few miles back she started to accelerate. She corkscrewed and looped and darted every which way and all the while Eragon was whooping and yelling. Adrenaline flowed through him. The exhilarating feeling of flying overtook him and, on an impulse, unhooked his legs and stood in the saddle. He wobbled a bit at first but soon had the hang of it. Saphira spoke of her worries and soon became very unsure.

That is extremely foolish, you should sit back down.

This is amazing! I can't get down! This is what I live for!

Sit down! You aren't thinking! Now get back down before you kill yourself!

No way! I- He was interrupted when she braked and the speed of the stop made him fall and land in the seat.

You will not do that again or I will trap you in my claws so that you will do what is smart and not fun and sit down!

Okay, I'm sorry; I just got caught up in the moment. I won't do it again. She sailed towards a clutter of willow trees that hung over the Jiet River. She found a nice place to lie and they both sat there, sitting by the river, enjoying each other's company. They both drank and talked when a glint of light caught his eye. A large silver rock jutted out of the ground and it had a strange ragged circle on the front. He had never noticed it when they had come to the place after Oromis and Glaedr's deaths. There was something etched on the outside of the circle, but he couldn't see what it was. He squinted at it and looked all the way around it but found nothing. He hit it and it rang just as Saphira's egg did when he would hit it with a hammer.

You should be cautious, it could be dangerous.

I know. Give me a moment, I'm going to try and examine it with magic. He looked into the rock but found nothing irregular. He stepped back and told her that it didn't contain anything. It doesn't seem to be special at all. That circle must have been drawn by the elements. I don't know why it makes that sound though…. He looked at it one more time and then put the saddle back on Saphira. Eragon jumped on it and they rode back towards the Varden. They flew at a steady pace again, staring at the ground below. They were a few thousand feet up and when they spotted the Varden they saw only a humongous wobbling group of shining silver, and black bodies.

They were a few miles further than when they had left and were quick approaching the first village. After another hour of walking they were almost upon the cluster of houses. They had their weapons at the ready and when given the order, a group of a few more than a hundred soldiers entered the streets.

When they arrived they checked the houses and got every able-bodied man to help. They were fitted with a breastplate, helmet, shield, greaves, and a sword or spear. Archers were also found and were told to go get their bows and quivers. They moved from village to village and after they were finished they had another three-hundred in their ranks. There was no resistance and everything went well. The point of the citadel in Belatona was now visible so they moved on until it was fully in sight. Once it was they found a large clearing that was so gargantuan, it could easily fit a cathedral inside. They stopped there, surrounded by thick oak trees, and unpacked.

They set up camp and reviewed what they would be doing for the siege all night. They also set up tents and passed out some food. As the sun rose, everyone was tired and they all went to sleep. Eragon said good night to Arya and returned to Saphira. He laid a few blankets on the ground, and put Brisingr in front of him. As Eragon lie down, Saphira wrapped her tail around him and hummed deeply in her chest.

Sleep now, we are very busy tomorrow.

I know. Good night Saphira. I love you.

I love you too, little one. And then both of them became enveloped in the deep folds of sleep.

Sorry guys, I'm going to try and put more Eragon and Arya stuff in the next chapter. I was so busy with moving the Varden that it didn't occur to me. I've been trying to update quickly, because I love writing the story, and you guys are great. Thank you!

P.S. If you know what the big rock was then ten points to you!