(A.N.) I'm going to do something different here and reply to a few reviews in this author's notes.

Elvendiath – You know it's funny that you say that, because I really wanted to write a lemon scene in that last chapter but as I neared the end it just didn't feel right to me. I will think long and hard whether or not to put one in before the final battle :).

Dessert Maniac – Yeah it was a little shorter than my regular updates, sorry about that :P. Writing Roran's view has been on my mind for a while now, and now that Eragon is gone I think it would be perfect to make maybe a chapter or two dedicated to Roran and yes, to Nasuada to! I never thought about that!

Elemental Dragon Slayer – I know what you mean. I actually skipped some of Roran's chapter's in his book after Eldest because I was just too bored with them. I'll try to write his POV more exciting and enjoyable to read :).

Tamerlain75 – Thank you so much! A few other people had said the same thing, and that definitely boosts my spirits up! But too much of something can be a bad thing, so maybe I will try and write with a little more originality? You'll just have to read and find out what they find :P.

Ok, I'm done now! To the rest of you that reviewed, thank you so much! This chapter will be the first to feature Roran's POV (and some Nasuada)! Also, some OOC from Arya (Please don't kill me!)

Enjoy XD

Ch. 14

Roran

He watched as Saphira flew off in the distance with Eragon on her back. His cousin decided to leave early in the morning and many people had come to watch the great dragon and her rider depart from the main camp. Roran, Arya and Blodhgarm had all been there to see them off, but what surprised him was that even Nasuada had come to see Eragon leave.

Roran's eyes shifted to Lady Nasuada as she looked off into the distance where Saphria could last been seen by the human eye.

"Let us go. Eragon and Saphira will be busy with their task, and we must work to complete ours." Nasuada suddenly spoke. There was a hint of sadness to her voice, or was it disappointment? Roran couldn't tell and he silently wondered if anyone else had picked up on it.

Perhaps Nasuada was upset because Eragon had left so suddenly. Roran scoffed internally, that was stupid thought. Of course she would be upset if the Varden's one and only dragon rider left with his dragon on some secret mission weeks before the final battle. What Roran truly wondered was, if there was another reason why the Varden's leader was upset. He always had a feeling that Nasuada harbored feelings for his younger cousin, whether they were simply friendly or something more, he did not know. But the way she always called for him, looked at, talked to him, and regarded with such envy and happiness made Roran even more suspicious. Even when everyone found out that Arya and Eragon and decided to become companions, Nasuada seemed to be the most upset by the news, but that could have been just because Eragon had not told her sooner. She did hold his trust higher than most.

Roran noticed Arya shift out of the corner of his eye. She wore a tight fitting blue tunic with brown leggings and her hair had been pulled back into a pony tail. Arya had always remained a mystery to him, but then again she was more than likely a mystery to everyone.

Roran turned to face the usually stoic elf. "He'll be back soon." Roran said to her, reassuringly.

Arya remained still for a moment, and Roran wondered if she had even heard him. She closed her eyes closed her eyes, "Yes, and hopefully with something we can use to defeat that evil king."

Her voice was soft and almost emotionless. Roran had expected as much from her. He had never seen Arya openly display her emotions for all to see. Only recently had he seen her take Eragon's hand in public, wordlessly telling everyone that Eragon was hers, and she was his; almost, protectively. Roran mentally shook his head. No, elves couldn't feel emotions like jealously…or could they?

Roran was taken out his thoughts when he heard someone call his name. He turned around to see Nasuada waiting for him. Roran nodded and turned to bid Arya farewell, when he noticed that she was no longer there. Roran sighed and followed Nasuada back to her tent.

…

"Now that Eragon is gone, I will need you to exert some more authority, Roran." Nasuada said calmly.

Roran blinked twice. "Me? Surely Jormundur, or even Arya would be a better choice, would they not?" He questioned.

"While Arya does indeed hold some higher authority than others, being the Varden-Elven Ambassador, she is still an elf. The people already view her with feelings of mistrust and dislike, although I do not think anyone will overstep her authority. The Varden needs a strong human commander Roran, and I will need Jormundur close by my side. The people hold you in high regard." She explained. "You have climbed the ranks faster than any single individual that has joined the resistance."

Roran sighed and gave Nasuada a weak smile. "It is only because I am the cousin of Eragon."

Nasuada shook her head. "It is not the only reason, Roran Stronghammer." She placed a bit more emphasis on his nickname. "Do not forget how you got your name. You have helped us out tremendously, and I have already given you your own command. You understand strategy well Roran, and you can help me lead the other commanders into the final battle." She paused and waited to see his reaction. He only blinked once, still in deep thought.

"Will you do this for me?" Nausada asked him.

Roran looked up at her. He gave her a hesitant smile while bowing at the same time. "I will do as you wish, my Lady."

Nausada gave him a smile and nodded. "Good, then you are dismissed until this evening."

Roran left Nasuadas tent and walked back to the Carvahall campsite. His thoughts were occupied with his cousin and how his journey was. As Roran walked under the large banner that said, "Carvahall" he looked up and smiled as he saw someone. He walked up to the man and gave him a hard pat on the shoulder, "Carn, my friend! How are you?!"

Surprised by the sudden action of someone grabbing his shoulder, Carn jerked his body. "Roran! Do not scare me like that!"

Roran gave his friend a sheepish smile. "Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you."

Carn waved his hands. "Do not trouble yourself over it."

Roran smiled and threw and arm around the much shorter man and squeezed hard. "Come, let us talk."

Arya

It had not yet been a full day since Eragon and Saphira's departure, and she was already bored. Arya scoffed and shook her head. She, the Elven ambassador to the Varden and daughter of the Elven queen, was bored because her companion and one-and-only friend had left on a long term mission.

"Childish…" She thought wrily. Arya sat back in a wooden rocking chair in her tent and took a sip of her favorite elfish green tea from a small tea cup. Eragon would be busy with his task, she should not occupy her thoughts with him and should instead attend to more pressing matters; but first, she felt like sparring.

Arya finished her tea and washed the cup in the nearby washbasin. Tying her hair back with her leather strap, Arya strapped her long, curved blade to her waist and exited her tent.

…

Arya grunted as she blocked a rather powerful strike from Blodhgarm. Pushing off his body, Arya released a combination of attacks at any and all of Blodhgarms openings, but she never managed to land a single one of them. The two elves battled across the large circle and it was clear to any other elf that may have been watching, to see that Arya was not doing well. Arya wondered if perhaps Blodhgarm had improved recently, but as the fight dragged on she realized that she was making several simple mistakes.

Even Blodhgarm took note as he managed to land a strike to Arya's side. Frustration flashed across Arya's face as she rushed Blodhgarm, but for all of her efforts she could not break his defenses. Arya side-stepped, in an effort to defeat him through skill, but made a potentially fatal mistake and Blodhgarm took immediate advantage. In a matter of seconds, Arya found herself in mid-attack with Blodhgarm's thin blade resting under her chin. Arya was breathing heavily and, realizing her defeat, straightened her body and sheathed her own sword.

"Why, why was he able to defeat me so easily?"

Blodhgarm sheathed his sword and eyed Arya curiously. "You seem, distracted." It wasn't a question.

Arya's remained emotionless, but she turned around so that her back was now facing him. "I am not, I just needed to warm up." She turned back around and faced the furry elf. "Again." She said, determination flashing in her eyes.

Blodhgarm wordlessly nodded and drew his sword.

The fight ended the same, with Blodhgarms sword under her chin. Arya gritted her teeth and frustration. "Again!" She yelled.

Again they fought, and again Arya lost. Arya's eye twitched dangerously and her gripped tightened on her blade.

Before she could single the start of another fight, Blodhgarm sheathed his sword and stood up to properly face Arya. "Wait…" He said, raising his hand.

Arya blinked twice. "What is it?" She said as frustration and anger, mostly at herself, took over.

"Something is on your mind Arya. You are losing focus and continue to make simple mistakes you would never make on the battlefield. What is on your mind?" He asked, not unkindly.

Arya's upper lip twitched. "Nothing is wrong…" She replied.

Blodhgarm's face remained blank. "You will not defeat me until your mind is focused on the task at hand, tell me what is on your mind."

Arya's chin quivered slightly and she turned around. She murmured something incoherent and Blodhgarm took a step closer. "I am sorry?"

"Eragon…Eragon is on my mind…" She said again, a little louder than before.

"I see." Was all Blodhgarm said.

The knuckles on Arya's right hand were turning white now from the strength of the grip she had on her sword. "I am weak. Eragon leaves and I cannot even spar only the day after his departure…"

"You are not weak, Arya. You are the strongest elf I know. You are simply experiencing new emotions. It will take time to adjust." Blodhgarm replied.

Arya whirled around and threw her arms up. "We do not have time, Blodhgarm!" Her voice was getting dangerously loud now. "The Varden leaves to the black castle in a few weeks' time and our only hope has flown off with his dragon to Vroengard with no certainty as to when he will return!"

Blodhgarm took a step closer to her. "That is not the real reason why you are unable to concentrate, is it?" He asked, already knowing the answer to his question.

Arya swallowed. "The real reason? No, of course that was not the real reason, but it was a valid reason." Arya remained silent for several seconds before she replied. "No, I…" Her lips quivered. "I am worried about him…"

Before Blodhgarm could reply, Arya cut him off. "It is only natural, so much rests upon his shoulders. As the ambassador of our race and the Varden, it is only natural for me to worry. I thank you, Blodhgarm, for sparring with me today." With that, Arya gave him a bow and walked off. Blodhgarm watched as the only heir to the Elvin thrown, and the beautiful female elf that had enchanted so many, left the sparring ring.

She may say it to Eragon, but she still would not admit to others just how much she cared about the rider.

Nasuada

Papers littered her desk and heavy bags rested under her eyes. Discussing their plans to take the black castle proved a difficult task. An invasion much like they had done previously with Fienster and Dras Leona would be ideal; namely, laying siege to the city and sending in a small force to break through and take the enemy by surprise.

Nasuada sighed and rubbed her temples. Only two things stood in the way of their success. That Galbatorix wouldn't fly out to meet them in battle, in which they would lose most certainly, and the other was Murtagh and Thorn. They were all sure that he would be sent out to fight them, but Eragon would be there.

"Eragon…"

There was no word from him since he had left a few days ago. Not that word from him was expected so soon, she only hoped that he was safe and returned to the Varden in time.

It still seemed so strange to Nasuada that Murtagh and Eragon were half-brothers. She had always felt so close to Eragon as a friend. He was more than just a dragon rider to the Varden in her eyes, but then there was Murtagh.

Nasuada shook her head. No, Murtagh had his path taken from him and they could no longer help him. Or could they? Perhaps Eragon could find a way to release his brother from his oaths.

Nasuada sighed again and leaned back in her chair. But to what end? Of course, she believed Murtagh to be innocent of his own accord, and he was Eragon's only family besides Roran…but what would it mean for her? She had continuously searched herself for those feeling she once had for the man that had come with Eragon to Farthen'Dur all those years ago, but her duty as the leader of the Varden weighed down on her.

Nasuada's eyes shifted to the lamp that sat on her desk. The single, tall flame danced lightly as a breeze blew through her tent. In a wave of thoughts and emotions, Nasuada was overcome with the sudden realization that this war would be over within the next month. Whether they would prevail and over-throw the evil king, or fail and watch from the sky as Alagaesia tumbled into darkness.

Nausada jumped suddenly as someone gently rested a hand on her shoulder. She jerked her head to the side and looked up to see Jormundur looking at her, eyes full of concern.

"My Lady, it is late. Perhaps you should get some rest. These next few days will be busy for you."

Nasuada gave him a weak smile. "Of course, Jormundur. I will be sure to get some rest soon. I am still looking through some documents from our allies."

Jormundur removed his hand from her shoulder and returned a smile. "Of course, my lady. Goodnight then." He made to the flaps of her tent and lingered for a moment before slowly lifting one flap, and taking his leave.

Eragon

They had only been flying for a few hours, but already Glaedr was explaining to them the landscape of Doru Araeba and the Kingdom that was once Vroengard. Thankfully, Saphira was well rested and fed to last them several days of flight, and seeing as it would take them at least two or three, it worked out perfectly.

"I know not what has become of the island now, but be aware that many things have changed. The fierce battle that took place so long ago has more than likely changed the landscape drastically." Glaedr continued.

"Does that mean that we will encounter new animals as well, master?" Eragon asked.

"Indeed, many things have changed." Glaedr replied.

Eragon silently wondered if Glaedr was anxious to return to the island, and perhaps if he was quietly remembering the past. By nightfall they had reached the sea and Eragon had never seen a sight more amazing than this. Even through the darkness, Eragon could clearly make out the vast stretch of expanse that the sea went on for.

"It is indeed a beautiful sight, little one." Saphira said, feeling Eragon's thoughts.

"Did you ever think we would see such amazing things, Saphira?" Eragon asked in awe.

Saphira smirked and released a puff of smoke. "It is our destiny to seek out great things, Eragon. We cannot escape the many great things that have yet to come in our lives, nor can we escape the sadness and torment that could threaten to take us over."

Eragon blinked twice and then chuckled. "Somehow you always manage to surprise me with you wisdom."

"Why thank you, Eragon." Saphira replied with a smug expression.

"Be on your guard younglings, we are leaving Alagaesia and there are many enemies that could attack us." Glaedr suddenly said.

Eragon looked over Saphira and down at the ocean, curious as to what new creatures lurked below its deep blue depths.

"I know how much you love to fly close to the water, Saphra, but I would recommend that you remain high above it. There are creatures below that would like nothing more than to devour you whole." Glaedr said, his voice rumbles through their minds.

A shiver ran down Eragon's spin and he voiced his questions to Glaedr.

"They are mostly an extinct race by now, but they are called Nidhwalar; giant reptilian serpents that can be compared with the Fanghur. I am sure I do not need to explain to you what those are." Glaedr said, knowingly.

"Fanghur…" Eragon thought. The memory of being attacked by three Fanghur while traveling to Az Ragni flooded Eragon's head. "I do hope we do not encounter either of them." Eragon said.

"You are right to hope so, Eragon. A group of three or more could prove fatal, especially at night." Glaedr replied.

As Saphira flew on over the vast Western Sea, Eragon felt himself slipping into the world or dreams, and he did not struggle to stay awake.

…

It seemed like only a few minutes had passed by when Eragon was suddenly roused from his sleep by a loud, ear ripping scream. His felt like his entire being was vibrating and he had to clench his teeth and cover his ears to help fight off the terrible sound.

"Hold on little one!" Saphira shouted.

"What is happening?" Eragon asked. He turned around on Saphira's saddle and gulped, his answer was four large figures flying towards them.

Eragon extended his mind and was met with four vastly deep minds, all bent on ravenous hunger. It was overpowering for him, and Eragon needed the aid of Glaedr's Eldunari to break free. Another high pitched screech tore through the night and within minutes the four dragon-like creatures were upon them.

Eragon drew his sword and cried, "Brisignr!" The blade burst into blue light as flames covered the sword, and two of the creatures backed off slightly.

"Fanghur!" Glaedr yelled.

Eragon gritted his teeth and braced himself as Saphria dodged an attack by the closest one and spewed out a jet hot fire in its direction. The Fanghur roared and backed off, but it wasn't far from retreat.

"If they want to fight, then I will give them a fight!" Saphira yelled.

A second Fanghur rushed Saphria and she grabbed onto its side with her massive teeth. The creature roared in pain but it latched onto her body with its large claws and pushed her off, ripping off a chunk of its own flesh. Eragon saw a glint in the creature's eyes, something thought only be described as pure rage and hunger.

It rushed Saphira again but this time another one came at her. Eragon saw the danger and, unstrapping himself from her saddle, jumped from Saphira's back and onto the second Fanghur.

"Eragon!" Saphira yelled. The Fanghur attacking her tried to bite her in the neck, but she smacked it with her tail and released a jet of hot flames at the creature's body. It cried and writhed in pain, screeching and trying to shake the flames off.

Eragon had grabbed onto a spike of the Fanghur he was now on, and it was bucking, spinning and twisting in all kinds of directions, trying to through him off. Eragon found his bearings and, settling himself on the back of the creature, raised Brisingr high in the air and drove it through the creature's neck. It screamed in agony and twisted with much more force now. Falling to the side, Eragon nearly dropped his sword, but he quickly recovered and sheathed it before it could fall.

The Fanghur was now falling, and Eragon soon found himself upside down and with nothing to properly hold on to. Calling Saphira's name, Eragon could do nothing but let go of the creature and fall towards the sea.

Seeing their two brethren fall, the remaining two Fanghur released a cry of anger and flew off, unwilling to attack Saphira anymore.

Turning her head to Eragon, Saphira shook off her pain and dove to him with incredible speed. Gliding underneath him, Saphira steadied herself until Eragon managed to grab hold of her and sit properly on her saddle.

She released a puff of smoke and glared at him. "If we were not flying, I would lick you from head to toe for doing that!"

Eragon frowned. "What was I supposed to do? Let that second Fanghur attack you? Then we'd both be dead!" He argued back.

Saphira huffed but said nothing as Eragon re-strapped himself in her saddle. He was thankful that he did not require a large amount of sleep to feel rested as Saphira climbed higher and higher into the sky. The sky seemed to be growing brighter and brighter as minutes passed by, and he only now realized just how long their battle with the Fanghur had taken them.

"It's nearly dawn." Eragon said to himself. "We should be there soon." He looked across the sea but frowned as he could see no sign of land, even with his keen Elvin sight.

"Patience youngling." Glaedr hummed.

After several more hours of flight, Eragon was finally able to spot a blot of land far off in the distance. Eragon smiled brightly and patted Saphira on her neck. "We made it Saphira!"

Saphria hummed with approval. "Now, let us find the Vault of Souls and return home, we cannot let the Varden attack the black city without us!"

Eragon nodded. "No, we cannot…" He replied, silently thinking about Arya.

As they neared Doru Araeba, Glaedr instructed Saphria exactly where she should land based on Eragon's dream. Landing gently in a large field of wild grass, Eragon slowly unstrapped himself and jumped off of Saphira's back. He took in a deep breath of fresh air and looked around him, taking all the scenery.

The land seemed less…welcoming from what he remembered in his dream. The grass was not finely cut and the sky was much darker in contrast to the bright sunlight that had poured down on him from his memory. A heavy breeze whipped through the land and a shiver traveled down Eragon's spine. Somehow, he had a bad a feeling about all of this.

Tightening Brisingr to his waist, Eragon began to walk throw the field of grass, looking on ahead, he caught sight of the familiar jagged cliffs and the large canyon like structure where the Rock of Kuthian was residing. Eragon and Saphira, along with Glaedr, traveled the length of the land until they had reached the entrance to the canyon. There was no sign of a woman dressed in black showing him the way, but somehow Eragon figured as much. Stretching his body, Eragon took a deep breath and entered the close-walled structure, with Saphira flying above him. As he traveled through the canyon wall his thoughts took him to the elf that had stolen his heart and what she was doing.

Arya

It was now well over a week since Eragon had left, and Arya was finding it harder and harder to cope with him gone. She berated herself, called herself weak and unworthy of being the elf she was known to be. In the back of her mind she absently wondered if this was how Saphira felt when she and Eragon had been separated.

Arya chuckled to herself when she remembered all the times that Eragon and Saphira had been reunited with each other, and how happy they were to see each other. If there was at least one thing that she was looking forward to, it was the look of pure joy on Eragon's face when he would return to her.

"Arya, are you ready?"

Arya blinked twice and turned to her side to see Blodhgarm staring at her, a quizzical look covered his face.

"I am sorry, what were we talking about?" Arya asked.

Blodhgarm raised a thin eyebrow. "We are preparing to leave, Arya. The Varden begins their march to the black castle."

"Oh, that's right…" She thought to herself. She was in her tent still and there were several elves waiting outside. Staring blankly at the empty space of Eragon's side of their bed, Arya tightened the straps on her armor and that of her sword and silently exited her tent, hoping that Eragon would return soon.

(A.N.) So, will Eragon and Saphira return to the Varden in time? Or will they be left to start the battle on their own! In the next chapter Eragon and Saphira will finally find the Rock of Kuthian and open the Vault of Souls! Something that I am sure everyone has been thinking about. I hope that Roran's POV and the short segement with Nasuada's POV was bearable, I felt better writing Roran's POV but not so much Nasuada's, since I hardly eveer read her POV's in teh actual series :P.

R&R Please! XD

- Demonzmagic