I apologize for this ridiculously late update, been busy lately and I have had a mega writers block to work through but finally here it is Chapter 6, 7, and 8!

Chapter 6

Arya woke up early, it was still dark out but when she tried to stand she hit her head on something hard. She looked up and saw Saphira's wing draped over her. Arya slipped out but woke the giant dragoness.

Greeting Elf, Eragon told me to tell you that if you woke up before his return he is talking with Nasuada concerning your mother.

"Thank you Saphira," and with that she started toward Nasuada's tent.

20 minutes before Arya woke up.

One of Nasuada's guards raised his voice," Permission for Eragon Shadeslayer to enter."

"Granted."

Eragon entered with a look of sadness upon his face.

"Eragon what is wrong?"

"Yesterday Arya informed me that the Queen was killed from a raid led by a shade."

"Eragon this is indeed troubling news, we must inform the generals immediately meet back here in 15 minutes."

"Yes milady."

"And Eragon bring Arya and Brom."

"Ofcourse."

Chapter 7

Eragon went to Brom first since he was the closest. He found Brom inside reading a scroll that appeared to be very old.

Brom looked up as Eragon entered.

"What brings you to my tent Eragon?"

"Nasuada wishes to speak with us about the death of the elven queen."

"Very well… and Eragon how is Arya taking it?"

"Not very good Father but she will be present at the meeting."

And with that he left to fetch Arya.

Instead of finding Arya with Saphira, he found her already enroute to Nasuada's tent.

After everyone arrive at the tent Nasuada began…

"I bring terrible news to you all and it may impede our chances of victory. The elven queen was killed last night."

Voices of outburst and surprise filled the tent but quickly died down as she continued…

" This attack was lead by a shade that was previously unknown to exist to all races. I'm assuming that he will try an attempt on us soon, most likely before or after we siege Beltona. I would appreciate any impute you have on the matter."

Brom, used to seeing how the enemy thinks spoke up first.

"I think that he will attack sooner than that, Galbatorix is mad but he is no fool. He would expect us to come up with a plan to be on high alert once we reach Beltona. If such a raid had a chance to succeed, it would hit while our guard is down."

Do you have a solution to notify us when the attack would arrive?" asked a concerned Nasuada.

"Yes, I believe that we could post 2 of Eragon's elvish guards a league or so ahead of the Varden to keep a look out for the shade since they can see in the dark better than most. The guard change would occur every four hours so only 4 of Eragon's guards need rest and therefore the guards can swap post everyday for 3 days before the cycle begins anew."

A dwarven general spoke up," Tis a good plan that is but of the elves spot the force how wou8ld they reach us in time?"

"Simple, the other elven shift and the one currently on watch can scry each other since it is a spell that requires little to no energy at all to function and that can be kept up throughout the night."

Nasuada spoke up once more," I think we have our plan."

Chapter 8

As the council meet dispersed in groups of two or threes Eragon caught up with Arya, she was unusually silent at the council meeting.

"Arya, how are you holding up?" Eragon was really worried, he had lost a lot of loved ones in the past 2 years but three within days of eachother must be unbearable.

In a shaky voice Arya spoke," I'm fine Eragon it's just that losing so many so fast is really hard for anyone but now being left entirely alone is another matter all together."

"I know how you feel…"

Arya cut him off, "How could you! You have been loved and adored every since you became a dragon rider. You have everything a father, a dragon, Orik and the dwarves ,and all the people of the varden."

Shocked by her outburst Eragon continued in a level voice," You're not alone Arya, you still have Saphira, Glaedr, and me. We are still here for you but you need to stop being so stubborn and allow others to help you. Let us help you get through through this."

Arya's shoulders sagged in defeat," I'm sorry Eragon, you are right but I need a break from it all. I'm heading back to that glade where you found me last night. I.. I need to think." And with that she walked away.

Eragon went to fly with Saphira because he felt he had neglected her for a few days and for the pure enjoyment they both get out of it.

During their flight Eragon brought up his conversation with Arya.

I'm worried about her, when she left she acted unlike herself maybe you should go check on her.

"Your right and we can continue this flight tomorrow."

Pleased with that knowledge, Saphira took off toward the Spine to hunt after dropping Eragon off by the forest. After getting lost for some time he emerged into the glade to find Arya meditating. He turned to leave but was stopped by her voice.

"Don't leave." She stood up as Eragon walked toward her.

"Eragon, I have done some thinking and decided that I have something I haven't told you but have meaning to. Eragon I."

But she was cut off as Eragon saw something flash behind her and shoved her out of the way only for himself to take an arrow in the chest. After that all he saw was blackness.

Arya immediately looked toward the arrows point of origin to see a tall figure lower his bow and pull down its hood. Dread flooded through her as she realized before her stood her mother's murderer, a shade.

Sorry for its lateness I tried to make it up to you by making it longer and with another Christmas present, another chapter done by tomorrow or Christmas Eve. Review please.