Eragon sat, relaxed in the saddle. His gaze watched as the earth was ripped steadily from beneath them. The quiet hum of the wind filled his ears; the steady thud of Saphira's wings on air was the only other sound. The morning air was cold and crisp.

Behind him, Roran shivered a little at its mercy. He had no idea what he was in for. A poor farm boy with some experience up against two hardened, war bred Ra'zac. The chances weren't as good as Roran thought.

Eragon let himself smile a bit. This was how it all started for him; chasing the Ra'zac with the hopes of killing them. It had come full circle and now he was on their tails again. Maybe Roran could one day be the hero to him again. It did get annoying; he always was out on one mission or another. He laughed as he remembered a conversation they'd had when he was little.

Flashback to noon of eleven years ago. A month and two days from that very day.

"Eragon! Hurry up! We're going to miss it!" Yelled a young voice, childish to a fault. A boy appeared through the dense brush, running down one of the few paths through the Spine. A short whisper of bronze hair the color of the leaves; just that day turn a molten goldish-brown, flowed in a light autumn breeze. If anyone were to guess his age, they'd be right in saying ten. He ducked, just in time, just missing a low branch. His eyes, a mahogany brown, looked back down the path.

"Slow down, Roran! You know I'm not as fast as you!" a younger voiced replied. Through the forest, he saw a much younger, by four years in fact, boy running swiftly through the trees. His big, dull, brown eyes saw the same low branch Roran had just dodged just above him. He tried to slow down, but his little legs didn't let him much.

"Eragon, watch ou-" His cousin was too late. He winced, slamming his eyes shut, as Eragon's little head smashed into the spiny tree branches.

When he opened them again, he couldn't help but chortle a bit. His little cousin's light brown hair was tangled in the sharp branches. Little leaves, determined to cling to their parents, gave up and gathered in the roots of the six-year-old's thin hair. He yanked down, trying to get his hair free. Then he noticed his cousin's big brown gaze resting on him. He blushed from embarrassment; mortified by his situation.

Closing his eyes, he finally spoke up, "Roran, can you help me? I'm stuck." His little innocent voice had a hint of pleading. Roran snuffled a laugh.

"Su-r-e." he said between giggles. He briskly moved to his little cousin. His warm hands ran through his own hair as he thought about what to do. He then began to untangle his little cousin's hair; snapping thin branches so he could work out easily the not so thin ones. When his cousin's hair was free, he sifted out the broken branches and crumbled leaves.

"You got to be more careful. Who knows? The fate of Alagaesia may rest in your hand someday, Rider." He said the last part in a sarcastic voice. He clearly hadn't known then it was true.

Eragon gave a soft punch to Roran's bigger arm; which was working out a particularly stubborn branch; his arm jerked upward from the sudden force. Eragon gave a soft cry as several strands were ripped out. "Ouch! That hurt, Galbatorix!" He mocked.

"Why do I always have to be Galbatorix?"

"Cause you look like him. Smell like him. Oh ya and you're older."

"Hey! I'm not that old!"

"You sure?"

Roran tackled him. The two rolled around and around. Despite the younger boy's protests and struggles, Roran quickly pinned him.

"Uncle! Uncle!" he yelled in submission as Roran threatened to spit on his face. He let go of Eragon's little wrists; only for Eragon to give a malevolent grin as he tacked him again. Roran made sure it was the same outcome. Finally, Eragon gave in.

"Why are you so much stronger then me?"

"Because I'm your older, better looking half."

"Right…" Eragon said as he rolled his eyes and dusted off his clothes. "Just keep up with that positive attitude. Maybe one day you'll marry an elf."

Just as Roran was about to punch Eragon for his smart remark, they heard a trumpet sound.

"Auhh! Eragon! Hurry! We're going to miss them!" Eragon nodded and they both took off. Forest flew out from beneath them; Roran faster then Eragon. Soon they were in view of Carvahall. The royal guard had beaten them to the village though.

"I guess I'm not faster then a horse." Roran said as he dug through his pocket and pulled out one bronze coin. He gave it to Eragon without looking. Eragon gave a large, toothy smile as he pocketed his winnings. At least he won one bet.

"Come on. Let's go see them." Eragon said as he pulled his tiny leather vest tighter. "Beat cha to it."

"You're on!" Roran replied as he lunged forward. Roran was quickly out of sight. Eragon pushed his little legs to the limit. He was quickly in town. He tore through the streets, never taking his eyes of the black stallions on which the soldiers rode. He had soon tore in front of them.

"Roran?" He said as his big eyes searched the streets for his cousin.

"Eragon!" came a voice from behind him. He turned and gave a relieved sigh to see Roran, hiding behind a thin building. His eyes flashed worry to Eragon that greatly confused the young boy.

He ran to his cousin. But he tripped on a rock and fell to the ground; right in the path of a great black stallion! The beast reared and Eragon saw his short, few years rush pass through his eyes. Just before the brute's iron hooves stomped on Eragon's head, Roran dashed forward and pushed Eragon out of the way; saving his cousin from certain death.

"Eragon! You blockhead! You almost just got yourself killed! Watch where you're going!" Roran roared as the stallion promptly trotted away with out so much as a second glance to the boy he'd almost killed. Eragon shivered in fear a bit; shocked that he had almost just met life's end.

"I'm ssss-orry Rora-ra-ran." Eragon managed to stutter out; tears welding up in his eyes. Eragon turned away from Roran; not wanting him to see him in such a state.

Roran put his hand on the little shoulder and turned Eragon around to face him. Eragon avoided Roran's eyes, In a much gentler tone, Roran said, "Eragon, I was so worried. You're my only cousin. And the closet thing I have to a brother. I just can't stand the thought of loosing you, that's all." He pulled Eragon in for a hug. Eragon pulled away at first, but then he found comfort and tightened his grip on his cousin. "I will always protect you, my little brother."

"And I, you." Eragon whispered, soft as the wind.

End flashback.

Eragon smiled. It was ironic; how much Roran depended on him now. It was now up to him to save his fiancé. He owed him that much. Roran had always believed in him. They'd had such great experiences together. And, he thought as he gave a low laugh, he was right about one thing. I am a Rider. His thoughts ran over his rich memories. He laughed at how things had turned out. Roran had once easily pinned him. Now Eragon could pin him with a blind fold on, no Saphira to help, and all but one limb tied behind his back.

Then he thought back to the next thing he did on that day, just after he was unshaken. That was an unpleasant experience.

Flash back. It is an hour after the last one.

Now, let's go home, birthday boy." Roran said, ruffling Eragon's hair as he spoke. Eragon's eyes lit up.

"You remembered!" Eragon said, beaming with the all brightness of the sun.

Roran smile back as he gave a sharp nod.

"I was supposed to get you away from the house. And what better way then the these royal guards coming into town. We have a surprise for you." He said, then added, "But don't tell anyone I told you."

"What is it?" He said, the look of curiosity in his eyes.

Roran quickly changed topics. "I have one thing you can do to find out." He gestured to a soldier's massive tent. "There's a red ruby in there. I saw it this morning. I dare you to steal it. If you can, my lips might just loosen just enough for you to hear the surprise." He held out his hand. "Are you in?"

Eragon looked at the tent. It was huge. Stripes of black dashed the red pavilion. Near the top, there was a vicious black dragon. Eragon shuddered. Shruikan…

"Unless you're scared…" Eragon looked at the tent. Then at a soldier. Then Roran's hand.

"I'll do it." He finally said.

End flashback.

Eragon gave a deep sigh; knowing what he hadn't in those days. He had been in terrible danger and had not even known it…

Flashback. Ten minutes after the last.

Roran motioned to Eragon to move in. He could see no guards through the open flap of the tent. He was to stand watch while Eragon slipped in. Eragon gave a nervous sigh. He knew he could easily loose an arm or leg should he be caught steeling. Those were Alagaesia's laws; well more like Galbatorix's laws. It was a crude, but effective punishment.

Eragon gave sharp glances to every person near by. No one was even remotely looking at him. Now was his chance. So, before his luck and courage failed him, he quickly slipped inside.

It was oddly dark inside; like whoever owned the tent had no use for light. The air was frigid and a foul smell clung to it like a thief would to stolen money. In the top of the tent was one hole which let in an evil reddish light. Bathing in that small amount of light in the center of the room, there was a brilliant golden shrine. It had nearly seven layers of the purest gold Eragon had ever seen. It was etched with strange markings; words. But not like any words Eragon had ever seen. He couldn't read; and yet he felt they had terrible power. Strong but cruel. One, had he known the knowledge he knew now, he would have recognized as zar'roc. All were markings of the ancient language. Vile words, bidding ill will to those whom dared to utter them.

The top of the shrine held the thing he was here for; it literally took his breath away. Sitting upon the golden shine, was the most beautiful stone Eragon had ever seen. It was a deep ruby red. It was a massive stone; shaped and carved into a perfect oval. It had a glossy finish. Eragon marled how anyone could shape such a large stone, nearly a foot in length, so perfectly.

He was so busy staring at the stone; he was shocked to suddenly hear his name. "Eragon! Hurry! Someone's coming!" He heard Roran frantically yelled.

Eragon found himself panic stricken. He quickly ran up and grabbed the stone. Then he made a sharp turn and bolted towards the exit. But as he careened towards the light, a shadow moved into it. A tall, pale man garbed in a black cloak stood in his way. He was lithe, but refined in features. On his cloak were similar markings as found on the shrine. His lips curved into a cruel smile as he pulled out a strange, sharp, thin blade with a long white scratch running down its length. He advanced on Eragon, who was frozen in fear. Eragon saw hated in his eyes. He couldn't see their color till now. They were cruel, unforgiving, maroon eyes. And his long hair was a deep, evil red.

"Going somewhere?" He asked in an oily voice. It sent shivers down Eragon's spine; thinking this man was about to end his life and seemed to enjoy the idea.

"Eragon!" Roran made a dash into the tent to save Eragon yet again. He stood between the stranger and his little cousin. "Move!" He yelled as the man lunged his sword forward at Eragon's cousin. Roran just barely dodged it before another lunge came. "Now!" Eragon couldn't move. His feet held where they sat; not comprehending the danger he was in. "Come on!"

Finally Eragon shook it off and ran to the exit. Roran saw him and, still dodging their attacker, followed. But the man was too quick and his blade too sharp. It caught Roran's left leg, slicing muscle from bone. A cry tore from Roran's lips as he fell to the ground, writhing in pain. His attacker stood over him; bloody blade gleaming with joy as he prepared the final blow.

Something inside the six year old snapped then. He didn't know if it was the sight of his cousin's life's blood spilling out on the cold ground or the hated he felt towards this man for attacking a completely innocent boy because of him. But he found the courage, somehow, to lunge forward, tossing the stone to meet the man's blade. The blade, shockingly enough, shattered as the stone met its steely tip. The man gave an enraged howl, and then pulled out a thin, silvery dagger; murder in his evil eyes. Eragon had to move fast. He quickly pulled Roran to his feet and forced him to run for his life, despite the pain.

The man ran after them with inhuman speed, but his sharp maroon eyes lost them in the crowd of people. He howled his anger and hatred of being beaten by the young boys

End flashback.

Eragon winced as he realized his attacker had been Durza. He had never realized he had met Durza before Gil'ead. In those days, he had not known that that, "ruby," had been Thorn his brother's dragon. Not only that, but Eragon now saw how thing begin. This was the first eventful day of his life. And before now, he'd completely forgotten it. He wondered for a moment what would have happened if he had kept the egg. Thorn might have hatched for him. Or maybe Durza would have killed him and his family earlier then was their time. Maybe they'd have two Dragon Riders on their side stead of just one. He'd never know.

Eragon felt his but go numb. His face felt could and his eyes dry. His lips were chapped from the wind. It hurt him a lot.

He sighed. The trip from Aberon to Helgrind was two days by dragon back. It was around noon now, and they still had long to go. Roran sat upright in the saddle, brightly looking ahead, as if expecting to see Helgrind any moment now. He too appeared discomforted.

He might be able to push Saphira to do it in one day he realized; but to do so would leave her exhausted. They would likely be tired and sore. And it would be night when they arrived. The Ra'zac were strongest at night. To get there then with a tired dragon and stiff, crammed up muscles for themselves, was like handing themselves over to Galbatorix. Plus Roran needed instruction if they were to have any hope whatsoever of killing them.

Roran's eyes glowed with excitement as Saphira flew. He clearly wanted to get there soon. He reached down to his hammer; as if to ensure himself it was still there.

Eragon suddenly felt very tired. He closed his eyes. The thud of Saphira's wings lulled him to sleep; like a sweet lullaby. Soon, he was out cold.

A frail young woman sat in a darkened room. Her features were hidden beneath a dark green cloak, but Eragon somehow knew she was extremely beautiful, like a golden flower.

She seemed upset about something. He felt agitated about her seeming so sad, like he should be helping her.

She turned her head and gazed right into his eyes; piercing his very soul. He shivered under her unwavering gaze. Her emerald eyes glinted with anger.

"Awiul." She said. But her voice was faded, as if he leaving her. His vision began to blur. Just before he lost all the details in her thin face, he saw a tear streaming down her face from her green eyes. And he knew no more.

"Eragon!" Roran trumpeted. It was a rude awakening for the young Rider. He groaned. It was much later; around four thirty.

"Five more minutes.' He mumbled. Roran punched his arm, frustrated. "Okay! What do you want?"

"How long till we're there?" He said excitedly.

"A long time." Eragon grumbled back. Something, whether it was their hasty escape, the food, or bad sleep, had put him in a foul mood.

"I was just asking."

"And I was just answering!" he roared. Then he calmed down, "Sorry. I didn't seep too well."

"Seemed like you did…" Roran mumbled.

Oh Saphira. What's wrong with me? He told her about his dream. She blinked at him; her eyes filled with curiosity.

For now, I don't think we should even try to guess on the matter. He nodded at her. She was right.

I just wish I could tell why it upset me so.

She looked like she desperately wanted to ask something. She grumbled and went back to flying. A couple minutes later, she turned back towards him; looking at him with a touch of curiosity in her big blue eyes.

Little one?

Yes Saphira?

I'm curious…

About what?

Well… What are human females like? Eragon suppressed a laugh. I've seen few. And I've only spent a lengthily amount of time with one, Nasuada. And she is no ordinary female, correct?

Aye, Saphira. She is wise and powerful beyond her years. And I can actually tell what's going on in her brain…most of the time…

Then I have seen no normal females- she concluded.

Girls. Call them girls, Saphira.

Girls then. What are they like?

I don't really know much.

You mean to tell me that the Great Eragon Shadeslayer has never ever had a girlfriend?

I did…once…

Right…

I did!

What was she like?

She had curly brown hair and hazel eyes. She was slender; lithe as a dragon. She lived on a farm near ours. Bangs hid most of her forehead; under them was a scar about this big. Eragon made a shape about the size of the largest single scale on Saphira. She smart, sweet, stubborn to a fault. I never quite got how her brain worked. She was very annoying at times. She was… very confusing…

Is that why you are no with her now?

I wish that was the only reason… Eragon swallowed hard and bit away a tear. She- hey I've got an idea. I'll show you!

Okay…

Eragon thought back, pulling Saphira's gaze with his own. He was about to show her some really painful memories…

Flashback. It is eight years after the last one.

Eragon sat in his room, trying to brush out his hair. He was nervous yet excited. He and Arianie, and Roran and Katrina were going on a double date. They were planning on taking the girls to the lake just before sunset. Then they'd camp out there for the night. Roran and Katrina would be in one tent, Eragon and Arianie in the other. He smiled as he thought of her.

As he looked in the mirror, he fretted about the extra two zits he'd gotten over night. How could they be so big? He just hoped Arianie wouldn't notice or at least care.

As he worried, two knocks came to his ears. His heart skipped a beat. They were here!

He took one last look in the mirror, sighed, and ran downstairs to the door. He opened the door to see something that made his jaw drop. Two, strikingly beautiful girls stood in front of him.

The younger one, Arianie, wore a white blouse with a black jacket over it. A black skirt flowed from her hips to her mid ankle. She was maybe four inches taller then Eragon. Deep brown curls of hair flowed from her head to mid shoulder. Long bangs hid most of her forehead. Under them was the shadow of a white scar, broken up by her bangs. She had freckles dotting her cheeks and nose. Like her boyfriend, she also had one or two zits. Her hazel eyes seemed to hold back a laugh. Her light pink lips curved up in a cheerful smile.

The older one, Katrina, wore a beautiful dress. At the top, it was white. But as it went down, it gained a yellow hue. She was three inches taller then Arianie. Her copper hair shone in the moonlit night, like fire in darkness. Her crystal blue eyes and peach lips both sent greetings to Eragon; without her needing to say a single word.

"You ladies look beautiful." Came Roran's voice from behind him. Eragon couldn't speak. Katrina blushed. Her smile deepened.

"So do you." Katrina answered. They were more experienced then their younger counterparts.

"Shall we go?" Roran said in a flirty tone.

"Lets." She answered.

As they walked, Roran and Katrina couldn't stop talking. But Arianie and Eragon couldn't even say a thing. They just kept playing that awkward staring game; where one will be looking at he other and then the other will look back, they'd see the other was saw them looking at them and quickly look away.

This continued till they were at the lake. They sat on it's shores; looking off to the horizon. The sun set had just started. Eragon picked up a flat stone and threw it across the water. It bounced about seven times, then landed in the water.

"That's really cool." Arianie started, glad she had thought of some way to break the ice. "How'd you do that?"

"Easy." Eragon said, impressed he could even talk. He skipped another rock

"Can you teach me?" She said, sliding towards him a little. Eragon gave a gulp at how she moved towards him. He had to use all his strength to stop himself from moving away.

He grabbed a large, flat stone from the beach. "Give me your hand." He said. She placed her dainty hand in his. It was cool and delicate to the touch. "Now, here's your rock. It's got to be flat though. Or it won't work." He handed her the stone.

"Now, flick your wrist back. Then when I say 'let go,' let it go." She did as he said and just as her wrist was over the water, he said, "Let go!" but she didn't move fast enough and the rock fell into the water with a soft plop. Eragon chortled a bit. "Care to try again?"

"Sure." She answered. He picked up another rock, told her the same thing, and they ended up with the same results. "Here." Eragon grabbed another stone. He set it in her thin hand and then place his hand over hers.

"Now, one more time." They went through the same hand motions. "Let go!" Eragon yelled. And like that, the rock flew across the water, skipping over twenty times before disappearing beneath the water's surface.

"Yay!" She said as she gave him a tight hug. He was surprised at first, but then held tightly to her thin form.

After a while, she let go. They sat back down and skipped more rocks. He turned to her. And her to him. And they shared one, perfect tender moment when their lips touched. He held her close.

Then they backed away. She gently swung her right leg in the air and he skipped another rock. Then a sound came to their ears. Laughter. They both blushed as they turned to see Roran and Katrina; on the beach laughing and clapping like crazy at those intense moments.

"Ow-ow-ow!" howled Roran.

Eragon smiled. Arianie giggled a bit. Ah but this could not last…

End flashback.

Sounds like you really liked this girl.

Aye.

I do wonder, how did she get that scar?

That is one question I cannot answer as of yet.

I see no reason why you should not be with her now.

Well, there is. That was the beginning of probably the most confusing experience of my whole life; well, at least till you came in the picture. I'm not going to show you everything. Long story short, her parents and my uncle began their age old plans, announced when I was only six, to arrange a marriage between me and her. Not anytime soon, but they did decide to tell me and her about them. I was thrilled; but Arianie, being the independent soul she was, was not so thrilled.

That does present a problem.

You haven't seen anything yet.

Flashback. One week and two days after Eragon's eleventh birthday.

"I'm not going to let them do this to me. If Eragon and I are meant to be, it won't be under their terms." Arianie said out loud to herself as she grabbed her back pack. She had tied he bed sheets together so she could climb down them and make a silent escape into the Spine.

She managed to descend down the sheets easy. She ran swiftly to the barn. Her pinto was in there; saddled and ready to go; just as she had planned…

Nearby, Eragon was about to go see Arianie. He knew she wasn't happy with the idea of being tied down, but he really did feel like it was the right choice. He'd need to prove that to her though. And with each passing second, the promise she'd made to run away could have another chance to be fulfilled. He just hoped he wasn't to late…

A noise came out of the dark; the rhythmic drum of iron hooves. Eragon prayed it wasn't, but it was… Arianie's three year old black and white pinto cut its shape through the black night. The young stallion reared when his eyes gazed upon Eragon.

"Patches! Calm down!" came the voice he had really hoped it wasn't. But, of course, it was.

The stallion stopped rearing and leveled out, panting slightly. "Yuh!" she said. And Arianie and Patches disappeared into the night.

"Arianie!" Eragon yelled as he swung his leg over Birka. He galloped after the vanishing figure. Eragon pushed Birka to her limit, but the poor chestnut mare couldn't catch the pinto stallion. They soon fell behind. Eragon realized it was too dark to track them. So they set up a makeshift camp and decided to rest there till morning. Patches and Arianie couldn't run forever. But they would run much later, making them sleep much more of the day away. Eragon knew he could catch her in the morning.

End flashback.

So, she ran away.

Ya…

Did you catch her?

You'll just have to wait and see.

Flashback. Noon of the next day.

Eragon looked down at the print in the mud. A while back, they'd found a sharp rock with some blood on it. And now he knew he was close to his target. Her horse had left a trail of blood. She couldn't make him go far with such an injury. It was around here that horse and human prints started to appear; not just horse.

She would have had to camp near here. Even she would not be so foolish as to run off with out a horse in the Spine.

Sure enough, over the next ridge was a small, makeshift camp. A brook bubbled next to it and there were deer bones from a fairly large buck from what he could tell. A pinto stallion grazed near the brook. On his back left hack was a bandage made of oak leaves. Further down the side of the brook was a small tent and the charred remains of a fire. A new one had been started fairly recently ten feet from the old one. Based on the size of the flames and the amount of unburned wood, Eragon guessed it was started maybe an hour ago at most.

He descended on the camp. The stallion gave a nervous whinny and pawed the earth a couple times.

"What's a matter, boy? Where's Ari-" he didn't even get to finish the word before he heard heavy breathing behind him. He turned to see her, rushing at him with a club-like stick. He dodged her just in time. The blow struck a sapling behind him. It cracked as easily as a tooth pick. He wheeled around and grabbed the broken sapling. She sent another heavy blow to him; which he blocked with his own weapon. She took another shot at him, which he blocked again. He neutralized every blow she sent to him. He kept her at bay, never daring to strike back though.

Finally, he hand enough. With his other hand, he caught her weapon in mid air, before it came down on him. She tried to yank it out of his grip, but to no avail. Realizing she couldn't win, she made a dash for the forest.

Eragon quickly got onto Birka, knowing Arianie was faster then him on foot. He cantered after her, quickly gaining.

She pushed her legs harder then she had ever before, but it was all to no avail. She wasn't faster then a horse. Eragon pulled up beside her, moving just as fast as she was.

"Arianie! I just want to talk!" He cried in desperation.

"I gave you a whole week to talk! Nothing you've said convinces me of anything but that I need to find my own desiteny!"

"Please Arianie! I love-" just as he started on the last word, a loose rock gave way. It all happened so fast, Eragon barely knew what occurred till it was over. The rock under Arianie's foot slipped and she fell with it, off balance. She had no control and couldn't stop. Fear struck her hazel eyes as her head tumbled toward a hard boulder. Her head smashed against it, killing her instantly.

End flashback.

I'm sorry. Saphira said. I had no idea. I-I shouldn't have even asked.

Don't worry about it, Saphira. It's just a painful memory. Nothing can be done about it. I'll never see Arianie again. She's gone. Eragon hid a tear from Saphira as he said this. But Saphira was not so easily fooled by her Rider. She froze in the air and nuzzled him with her nose.

How did I not know of this before? She said as she resumed her flight.

I spent many hours trying to forget. And something about this whole Katrina situation reminded me. They were mostly forgotten till now.

Saphira seemed desperate to ask something. She finally just couldn't hold it back any longer. What happened after she passed on?

We gave her the average service. She was buried at her parent's farm. Her parents seemed almost to blame me. No one else thought the same though. They moved, to Yazuac actually. They said they wanted to get out of those cursed hills and away from me. I don't believe they ever did move. And you saw Yazuac.

Yes.

Then you know they probably didn't make it. Saphira seemed out of questions.

The rest of the way, all three kept to themselves till dusk came. Eragon was surprised. They had covered more distance then he had thought; camped right by the beginning of the Jiet River; maybe a half an hour to Helgrind. They ate food from their bags, Roran and Eragon spared, and then almost wordlessly went to bed.