Chapter 10:

Refinement

Arya sat on the log where she always meditated in the morning. She opened her mind to every being in the clearing and embraced all their consciousnesses. She could feel Saphira, Eragon, Murtagh, Thorn, the birds, squirrels, fish, insects, rabbits, deer, wolves, hawks, falcons, the occasional bear and countless other minds. She loved the feeling of nature when she opened her mind to it.

She heard a small rustle and turned around, opening her eyes. Eragon was crawling out from under Saphira's wing and seconds later she began to stir too. He leaned against Saphira's leg for a second, probably exchanging thoughts and feelings, and then shuffled over to her. She looked up at him as he reached where she was sitting and plopped down on the ground. He turned to her and said, "I had a premonition last night."

"Is that why you suddenly woke?"

"Aye. It was terrible."

"What happened?" She queried, not taking her eyes off Eragon. He stared at the ground for a few minutes and when he looked up he began to tell her of the short dream. When he finished she looked at him consolingly but he didn't acknowledge her. He got up soundlessly and trudged over to Saphira, and then laid himself down on his back with his hands clasped over his belly. He looked at the sky, and she noticed that that had become something of a habit for him whenever he was flustered or depressed.

She stood up and collected a quick breakfast of nuts and berries. She gave him some, which he accepted wordlessly, and then sat by the stream eating her pathetic excuse for a meal. She started as something right next to her settled on the grass right next to her. She looked over to see Eragon. A tear came to her eye as she realized how much this dream had bothered him. She put a comforting arm around him and he rested his head on her right shoulder. She heard him sigh and then whisper something softly.

"Arya." She looked at him and hugged him close, sensing his pain and sadness. She would do anything to take it away, to make him feel better, but she couldn't. He had to suffer without anyone knowing what was happening or what was wrong with him. He must have known what she was thinking because he said, "Arya do not worry your self over my condition. What will come to pass will, and let it happen because I have you to sustain me." She tried to smile, but it was an expression that could easily be seen through. Arya turned her head slowly around as the ground started to vibrate a little and saw Saphira padding towards them. She took a few sips out of the stream and then settled by Eragon.

Eragon put a hand on her neck and a rumble began emanating from deep within her chest. We should get back to camp. I am guessing that Nasuada needs us and we've been gone for two days and nights.

That is a good idea, Saphira. We should wake Thorn and Murtagh and then leave. Arya stood up and quietly walked over to where Thorn and Murtagh were sleeping. They had laid down a few large leaves and had slept on them. They looked exhausted but she maintained her course. When she reached them she tried to wake Thorn, but to no avail. She gave up on the big red dragon and focused on waking Murtagh. He stirred at her touch but otherwise stayed where he was. She scowled and shook him. His eyes opened and he squinted, his eyes adjusting to the sunlight.

"What goin' on? Did somethin' happen?" He said sleepily, his eyes half open.

"No, everything is fine," she replied, "You need to wake Thorn, we must return to the Varden." He grunted and soon Thorn's eyes were half open too. He opened his maw and yawned loudly, almost roaring. Thorn and Murtagh stood and then slowly made their way over to Eragon and Saphira. They all quickly packed and then set off, flying towards the Varden. Arya was sitting on the saddle behind Eragon with her arms wrapped around his waist. He was stiff and didn't say a word the whole ride. His eyes had sunk into their sockets and his face was grim and foreboding.

Arya, do not worry. His pain is great, but you must remember that he survived the wound that was inflicted upon him by Durza. He braved it for months. This was a small dream. He knows it could have been anyone. He said he shall be fine. He will recover soon.

I cannot help it, but if you say he is okay, then I will believe you. Thank you, Saphira.

It is of little consequence. Saphira then arched her back and descended towards the massive clearing where the Varden were ensconced. Arya's hair whipped back behind her and rippled and waved like a pool of water being battered by an especially strong gust of wind. She landed right beside Nasuada's small pavilion. Thorn soon landed beside her and Murtagh dismounted. Eragon and Arya did the same.

The guards admitted Eragon and Arya, but when they spotted Murtagh they raised their weapons and shouted things like, I will rip you from head to toe, traitor! Or get away from here you red-faced monster! And leave this place, you vermin! Eragon quickly stepped between Murtagh and the guards' weapons.

"He is with us now. Leave him alone, we must talk to Nasuada." The guards reluctantly stepped back with scowls on their faces. The three of them entered the tent, with the guards' eyes drilling into their backs. They bowed and Nasuada looked up from the pile of parchment that was sitting in her lap.

"Ah, what is…Murtagh doing here?!" Thorn snaked his head in beside Saphira's and snorted. Nasuada recoiled and her eyes grew to twice their normal size. "Why, by Gokukara's lightning, would you bring them here? They can do no good for the Varden. I would be happier if there was a strip of cloth in his mouth and irons around his wrists."

"The elves and I changed Thorn and Murtagh. They are no longer controlled by Galbatorix." Eragon stated simply. He crossed his arms, waiting for Nasuada's answer. Her eyes were full of shock, but the rest of her face betrayed no emotion.

"He looks…like you, Eragon. I am astounded at this. I thought only the dragons could pull it off."

"I thought that if we combined our strength and formed a spell, then maybe we could change his…appearance." His voice faded on the last word. He whirled around and looked at Murtagh. His eyes were red and a maniacal smile adorned his dark features. A deep voice emanated from his mouth, but it was alien. It was not Murtagh's, but Galbatorix's.

"Ah, I see you have tried to change their true names. I must say, that was a very clever display, and well thought out. There was a single flaw, however. The thing is, appearances do not alter a person's true name. It must be a psychological or moral transformation. I only wish I could win you over and have you swear fealty. I may not know you, but from what I can obtain from Murtagh's memories, I am getting to know you well. I might chance upon your true name soon. These two will not fail me again, though, and next time they come to capture you they will succeed." Before Eragon could respond, Murtagh ambled over to Thorn and mounted him. Thorn retreated out of the tent before Saphira could so much turn her head, and the dull thumping of Thorn's continuous flapping soon faded into oblivion.

Eragon cursed and then looked back at Nasuada. She looked disturbed and out-of-sorts. He was fuming and wanted to break something. Don't blame it on yourself, little one. None of us noticed the mistake. It's not your fault.

Yes it is, Saphira! I convinced everyone that he was good and that it would work. I ignored the warnings and acted recklessly. Because of it, we might be in more trouble than ever.

Do not fret, this can be resolved. Still upset, he asked Nasuada what should be done.

"I will call upon strategists and scholars to help devise a battle plan for the siege of Dras-Leona. There is no doubt they are waiting for us. I don't think timing will matter here. We must strike and strike swift, for if we don't we shall not survive." Eragon nodded and she summoned a messenger. She gave him a list of names and told him to summon those people.

What will we do now?

Wait. We have to be present during this meeting. We will take Dras-Leona by force, and I hope with all my heart that Murtagh and Thorn appear.

Do not be so hasty. It is not wise to wish your enemies before you, if you did that all the time, well, you probably would not live long.

I have you. I will not fall in battle if you are by my side. Her gratitude washed over him for the comment. He looked over to find that all the people that were needed had arrived. Nasuada stood up and led everyone over to a wooden table that was placed on one side of the tent. A map of Dras-Leona was laying on it and four knives had been driven into the corners to keep it from curling up.

There was silence and then King Orrin said, "So what are we gonna do?"

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Sorry it took so long. I've been booked the past week. The next few chapters will be longer but I'll try and type as much as I can. I've seen a lot of people adding this as their favorite story and putting it on their story alert. If you're doing that and not reviewing then PLEASE review. I'm gonna make it seven until the next chapter. Later guys.

-Eragon-