Renewal

Disclaimer: I don't own Eragon or Eldest, just Arianna and Nolan

Chapter 5: Leaving the Desert

Nolan had overseen all the packing of the Varden's headquarter in Surda. He watched as tents were being hauled away and away into the distance. Now back to one rider, Eragon and Saphira stood in front of the group watching for enemies. The early morning hours had been efficient with everyone packing everything but the afternoon hadn't been so with the heat intensifying by the minute. Everyone had stopped now, taking a rest. Nolan had done the same, going to a bare spot with a rock to sit on. He had wanted to talk to Arianna but his attempts to reach her had failed. He tried one last time, having success.

How far are you from Gil'ead?, He asked concerned.

We have three more days then a day to reach Du Weldenvarden. We haven't had any trouble with the king yet, She replied reassuringly. How has moving been? Any trouble with your troops?

We set out tonight and have a week to reach Yazuac, He said.

Why settle there? The village was destroyed because of the Varden, She asked with a degree of concern

We're not carrying weapons and the elves have agreed to house Eragon and Nasauda, He replied. So they will both oversee your progress. I'm staying with the rest of them in Yazuac while others will settle in Carvahall. I can't go back and neither can anyone else. Ari?

I won't go back. I'll settle near it, She said. Listen, I have to keep going. I'll talk to you soon, I promise.

He felt her presence go away and saw that their break had ended, prompting everyone to get back to work. Nolan had to as well, seeing that Nasauda had given him Arianna's workload. Besides being a dragon rider, Arianna had troops to watch over and a seat with Lady Nasauda. As a rider, she had to help out in battle and help make crucial decisions. He had a part in the decision to move the Varden to the destroyed farming town of Yazuac. But Arianna had left him with specific instructions: do not make any big decisions in a hurry. She had learned that over time. Nasauda walked up to him, seeing how tired he was.

"How do you feel about what your sister does?" She asked.

"I thought being a soldier was exhausting but what Ari does is so much more work." He said, worn out.

"It's what expected of her because she is a dragon rider." She replied.

"When she came here, did she already have that scar on her back?" He asked.

"It's best if you ask Angela that. I only remember seeing her when Eragon found her." She replied. "She's down the hill."

He left, finding Angela right away. The woman looked at him with a warm expression in her eyes. He had to ask now before they had to leave.

"When Arianna came to you, did she already have that scar?" He asked.

"Yes. She was severely injured and was near death." She said. "She was lucky to even survive those wounds. I'm sure if Codas hadn't gotten her to me, she would've been dead."

"When she left Carvahall, people saw the blood." He replied. "I wondered if something had happened then but now, I see why she left."

"Listen to me, Nolan, Arianna will never put the burdens she has on you." She said. "And she's grown in many ways. That's why she won't tell you anything because she feels that it is her responsibility to take care of herself."

"We were rarely like that in Carvahall. We always had each other." He replied.

"You haven't grown apart." She said. "When we stop, I can tell you more. But now I can't. we have to move."

He nodded and left feeling guilty. As soon as he came down the hill, everyone had started to move and leave the desert behind. Now, Eragon was in front keeping an eye on the cargo and the soldiers marched in straight lines. He was tired now, feeling his muscles ache and the urge to sleep. But he had to keep moving so he could make to their destination. If he was home in Carvahall, he would come home and find Arianna passed out in bed. Back then, he wouldn't have expected to find her on a battlefield unconscious. And to be going to train with elves. She could travel during the day while the others had to under night's camouflage. He could hear her voice in his head again saying 'Be careful, after you leave the desert there's danger. Don't let your guard down.' He wouldn't.

They had finally stopped, Eragon letting him under the protection of Saphira's wings. He could hear the wind around them now and felt relaxed by the time it had passed. He liked it here because of the isolation and how tranquil it was. But he knew they couldn't stay here for long and that as soon as dawn arrived, they would move once again. For now, he slept thinking about home.

In the forest of Du Weldenvarden, Arianna sat awake almost shaken by what she saw in her head. The images of people being killed by the king's men and the king watching them with a smile. She had to work through it in her head. They had been sitting here since midday and she hadn't slept in two days. And it was starting to show. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked ill. Arya came and sat by her as Murtagh slept away with Thorn watching for anything.

"Once we go to Ellesmera, you can rest." She said, with a warm tone. "Why haven't you slept?"

"Arya, can Dragon riders have visions?" Arianna asked, tiredly.

"I never heard of it but is that why you haven't slept?" She said.

"I keep thinking they're nightmares but I have a feeling they aren't." Arianna replied.

"When we get to Ellesmera, I'll figure this out." She said. "But in the meantime, try to rest."

She nodded, trying to sleep once again. But the images haunted her leaving any type of rest elusive. Arianna had no choice but to spend the night listening to the animals and wind blowing .