A/N: Ughh this took alot longer than i originally intended but oh well. its a really important chapter and i wanted to make sure it was done right, although i still don't like parts of it. However, we get to meet a new character! well actually hes not really new since he was in Brisingr but hes knew to this story. Anyways i recomend you go back and reread Man and Wife or more specificly Pg. 349-353 in Brisingr so youll understand who im talking about, otherwise i would imagine you will be very confused.

I would like to thank Canadian-Girl14, Woody2792, Edoc'sil Shadeslayer, lordsenju, chainmail, and beneath the menoa tree for their reviews. When i decided to keep with this story i set a goal of at least 100 reviews by the end, and cant stress to you enough how much it helps when people leave words of encouragement.

Turning Point

Pale moonlight bathed the clearing in an eerie glow. After settling the business in Aroughs Eragon and Saphira had made camp in the same wooded area they rested at before attacking the city. His cheeks were stiff from the tears drying on his face and even Saphira's countenance was grim. Both had their gaze fixed upon the night sky, observing without any real interest the moon and many stars above.

"Tonight is the night Saphira," as the thoughts passed into her mind they brought with them an overwhelming sadness that nearly crippled the sapphire dragoness.

"Aye," she agreed, "So it is." It had been almost a month since the deaths of Oromis and Glaedr and tonight they were to be laid to rest deep within the forests of Du Weldenvarden.

A bag attached to Saphira's saddle glowed a bright golden, fading after several moments as Glaedr acknowledged what had been said. He still had yet to speak though the two of them believed that after tonight his mourning period would come to an end. There were many things that Saphira still needed to learn and her former master was the only being capable of teaching them.

The pair had sat in silent mourning for near three hours until that point and now Eragon moved to his usual sleeping place against Saphira's side, a thin blue membrane snapping down behind him and separating him from the outside world.

"Goodnight Saphira." He said, his voice sleepy. A yawn escaped his lips and he huddled closer to her trying to get more comfortable.

Her scaly head slithered into the makeshift tent and rested in front of his. She released a plume of warm air from her nostrils into his face causing several beads of sweat to form on his forehead. "Goodnight Little One."

With memories of their former masters dancing between the confines of their skulls both dragon and rider drifted into an uneasy slumber.

******

Morning brought with it a fresh mindset for Eragon and Saphira, the warm rays of the sun providing a spiritual lift that the both of them desperately needed. As Eragon rose from his resting place he inhaled deeply, relishing the healing energy of the morning air. The campsite's atmosphere was considerably brightened from the dark and depressing mood of the previous night.

After a breakfast consisting of various dried fruits and bread Eragon began to pack up camp. It took only several minutes since he had unpacked very little the night before and shortly after he clambered up into Saphira's saddle, eager to begin their journey back to the Varden.

"Do you think Nasuada will agree with my decision?" he asked. After he had severed the surprisingly weak oaths binding Lord Vernon to the King, he had advised that Aroughs keep all its soldiers to defend it's port. Vernon had been startled to say the least, used to the Galbatorix's ruthless conscriptions, and had expected at least a request for troops to be sent to aid the Varden. He heartily agreed with the arrangements, as well as suggesting a system of runners for swift communication during times of need.

However, Eragon was worried that Nasuada would not agree with the established conditions preferring to have reinforcements for the upcoming sieges of Dras Leona and Belatona.

"I believe she will agree, though if she doesn't it is irrelevant. It would be a very poor decision indeed to demand soldiers of Vernon after negotiating otherwise beforehand, regardless of the fact it was not Nasuada herself that made the negotiations." Although she had a point, Saphira's words far from comforted him. If Nasuada disagreed with the established terms he would take the brunt of her anger. Sensing his doubt she added, "If there is a problem I will tell Nasuada that it was my idea to keep the men there. She is wise enough not to argue with a dragon, I hope." This brought a smile to Eragon's face, and the rest of the journey was spent fondly remembering time spent with their former masters.

A large crowd had gathered within the center of Feinster. After the first sentry had noticed their approach figures could be seen pooling into the town square. It seemed every man and woman in the Varden wished to see the return of the Shadeslayer and his dragon. Though nearly all of them had been unaware of Eragon's initial departure he was a man that was quickly missed.

"Quite a turnout," Saphira said dryly "pity none of them are here to see me." Eragon smiled at his dragon, knowing full well she was only teasing.

"Oh please, you get plenty of attention during our stays in Ellesméra. Besides, how many of these people have you threatened to eat simply because they woke you from your afternoon nap?"

"Humph."

They were met with a roaring applause as they neared the ground, the men and women parting to form a large enough space for Saphira to land. Almost immediately after Eragon dismounted Jarsha appeared by his side. The young messenger boy was beginning to feel much more comfortable in Saphira's presence, at least enough to keep himself from tripping over his words as she fixed him with what many would consider to be an intimidating glare.

"My lord," he said, bowing "Nasuada would like you to report to her quarters as soon as is convenient for you."

Eragon nodded in acknowledgement and begin to head towards his own chambers to freshen up when a feminine voice caught his attention.

"Shadeslayer!" It was Trianna. He turned to her and attempted with a great effort to mask his irritation. He failed miserably however, causing the sorceress to smirk. "Perhaps I should have Arya deliver this message; you might be keener to listen." She said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. When Eragon failed to respond she let out an exasperated sigh and threw her hands into the air before continuing dramatically. "Have it your way then. One of the nurses approached me the other day and asked me to inform you that a soldier has recovered significantly since you last saw him. Apparently you had asked her to have Du Vrang Gata alert you to his condition?" She said the last part in a questioning tone, obviously curious as to why he would have any interest in a crippled man of the Varden.

Eragon however brightened considerably, having forgotten about the man with the uncanny ability to sense things around him. "And where can I find this man?" he asked, all traces of hostility gone.

Trianna smiled and gestured towards the keep. "Nasuada was apparently aware of your interest in this man and gave him a room adjacent to your own." Again Eragon nodded in acknowledgement and set off towards the keep.

Sprinting with his full elven speed he was able to reach the room within a matter of minutes. He reached for the door handle with shaking hands, his anticipation growing by the seconds. Something within Eragon told him the crippled man was important and he recalled Oromis' advice on following your instincts. The old man used to tell him to "Go with your gut, your first decision is often the correct one." With this in mind he undid the latch and stepped into the room.

The chambers were surprisingly bland, with little to no decorations and mistreated furniture scattered throughout. The rooms on this floor were typically reserved for important members of the Varden such as himself and Arya and, he had thought, all decorated lavishly. As his eyes continued to rake across the apartment he saw the man sitting in a chair on the far side. He was dressed similarly to how Eragon remembered him from their first meeting, and the black cloth over his eyes provided the reason for the lackluster surroundings.

The man appeared to be staring at Eragon, which unsettled him, and as he took a small step forward the man's gaze followed him. After a brief pause he stood, tucking a crutch beneath his left arm to compensate for his missing leg and hobbled over in Eragon's direction. He must have sensed Eragon's discomfort for he flashed a toothy grin and said, "I could see you shining through the door Shadeslayer."

The cryptic answer far from calmed his nerves, though he managed to reply. "I'm afraid I never caught your name when we last met?"

The man cackled and slapped the side of his leg with his free hand. "Aye, you did not, for I did not give it." He continued to laugh hysterically causing Eragon to raise an eyebrow.

"Well… what is it?" he replied awkwardly, shuffling his feet.

The man simply stared at him, increasing Eragon's discomfort to the point that he began to question his decision to come and speak with the crazed man. "The name's Kuthian." He said bluntly while shifting his gaze from Eragon to the door behind him. Eragon's interest immediately skyrocketed at the familiar name and thousands of questions seemed to pool on his tongue waiting to be uttered.

Just as he was about to let loose with a string of inquiries there was a knock on the door and a plump nurse stepped in. She had just started to speak when she noticed Eragon and curtsied. "Forgive me for interrupting Shadeslayer, but I've been sent to fetch this man and bring him to the hospital wing for his medicine." She seemed quite upset with having disturbed their conversation and with a sheer force of will he managed to hold back a frown, not wanting to further discourage her. Kuthian made his way towards the nurse and as he reached the door Eragon called out to him.

"I have a lot of questions I would like to ask you; perhaps we could meet again soon?"

Though the man had his back to him, Eragon could've sword he was smiling as he replied, "Aye, I think we could." Along with the nurse he exited the room followed shortly after by Eragon. As he entered his own room he heard Kuthian's laughter echoing throughout the halls, sending a shiver down his spine. The man was simply unnatural.

He quickly told Saphira of his discovery and she agreed that it was likely there was some connection between the man and Solembum's prophecy. A quick glance out the window told him it was only slightly past midday and he decided to wait a while before reporting to Nasuada's quarters. On his table he noticed the book Jeod had given him, Domia abr Wyrdra. As he sat down and opened it up he was reminded of his promise to the merchant and made a mental note to speak with Saphira about it. He flipped through the pages for about an hour when Roran burst through the door with a huge smile plastered across his face.

"Ah, the great Shadeslayer truly is back with the Varden once again. My sense of security has finally returned to me, perhaps now I will be able to get some sleep." His voice was overly dramatic and Eragon scowled in response. Roran laughed heartily and added, "Come now cousin, surely your sense of humor has not completely deserted you." Here he paused and stroked his chin "Though, come to think of it, it was never very good to begin with." Eragon attempted to frown but the end result was his face scrunched up as though he had just eaten something bitter, causing the both of them to burst out laughing.

Roran glanced down at the book in front of him and asked, "What is this you're reading?"

"It is called the Domia abr Wyrdra, the Dominance of Fate. A complete history of Alagaësia by Heslant the Monk."

"Bah. Why do you trouble yourself with the problems of the past when we have our own to deal with in the present?"

Eragon smiled faintly, remembering a time when he had asked something very similar of Oromis, "Not to know what happened before one was born is to forever remain a child." He said quoting the elderly Rider.

Roran raised a questioning eyebrow but didn't comment. Instead he turned back towards the door and said over his shoulder, "Come, Nasuada sent me for you and we have wasted enough time as it is."

Eragon nodded and rose to follow him out the door. They continued to talk quietly as they navigated the mess of halls and soon reached a large oak door guarded by two urgals. Roran strode right past them and pushed open the door without the slightest bit of hesitation. The two urgals remained motionless though they grunted as he passed. Inside the room Nasuada sat at her desk, drumming her fingers against the surface whilst Arya stood beside her patiently. As they stepped in Nasuada glanced up and smiled brightly, gesturing for them to take a seat.

"My Lady, Arya." He said nodding to each of them in turn. Arya simply dipped her head in response causing Eragon to frown.

Nasuada on the other hand, continued to smile and began to speak. "So, I take it your assignment was a success?" At this he noticed Arya stiffen slightly and narrow her eyes, though again she said nothing.

"Aye, it was. I managed to sever Lord Vernon's ties to Galbatorix, although I recommended he keep his soldiers in defense of the city rather than send them as reinforcements to the Varden." Nasuada nodded thoughtfully, though for some reason Eragon got the feeling she had little interest in his mission other than the fact that he hadn't failed.

There was a break in the conversation and she looked to Arya and Roran, both of whom nodded slightly, before returning her gaze back to Eragon. "While you were away the Varden came into possession of a very valuable object, thanks to your cousin here." She paused and glanced meaningfully at Roran. "After you had left I sent Roran and his regiment on a scouting mission around Belatona and Dras Leona, and apparently they ran into you brother-"

"Half" He corrected.

Nasuada frowned slightly, "I'm sorry?"

"He is my half-brother, not my brother."

"Right, sorry." She said, flustered. "As I was saying Roran and his regiment had an encounter with your half-brother, though luckily there was no fighting. Your cousin had the sense to hide in a nearby wood and allow the Murtagh and Thorn to pass. As they took cover in the woods a soldier accidentally loosed an arrow at the two." Eragon raised an eyebrow, curious as to how combat had been avoided if someone shot at Thorn, though he remained silent. "Through some stroke of luck the arrow severed one of the saddle bags and Murtagh and Thorn seemed to busy to care about the shooter. After they had flown away Roran retrieved the bag and found this."

She heaved a brown sack onto the mahogany desk and untied the opening. As the lips of the bag slid down Eragon's eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly. "It cannot be!" said Saphira who had been using Eragon as her eyes and ears.

There, sitting not one foot in front of him, sat the last dragon egg in Alagaësia.

As always if you have any ideas/suggestions or constructive criticism let me know