AN: Yay, I updated quicker this time! I was mistaken in the last chapter and Harry won't make a reappearance till the next chapter, sorry. Also I forgot to mention in the last chapter that for the sake of this story, the name of all names, the true name of the ancient language was never discovered by Galbatorix, therefore Murtagh and Eragon don't know it either, because honestly, having that name would just make them all powerful, no? Anyway, enjoy! R&R please :)

For Disclaimer, Spoiler Alert, and Warnings, please look back in chapter 1.

The dark of the night felt ominous in light of the recent battle, but the silver stream of light that the moon offered gave hope—if little—to those who had lost so much. Even the empire soldiers who remained loyal to Galbatorix used the moonlight as a lifeline, for they had nothing to hope for but to wait and see what the new Queen Nasuada did with them.

The people of the empire who had fought and lost their homes and the ones who remained without a single hope to recover the loved ones they lost, they too clung to that moonlight for hope. And it was one such soldier who lost a younger brother in the war that held his fealty to Eragon, the one who saved his life and attempted to save his younger brother's life during the battle of the burning plains. It was because of this, that Garn—the soldier—decided to inform Eragon of Nasuada's order to retrieve the young man who Eragon was protecting. Garn knew something was wrong with this order, why else would the new queen order him and two other soldiers of a particularly low rank with absolutely no power to bring the young man to her without anyone seeing. Obviously something was wrong, especially if the young man was being taken behind Eragon's back. So Garn abandoned the other two soldiers as soon as they reentered Uru'baen with the young man in their secret possession and went in search of the rider. He made an excuse to the other soldiers saying he was given a different order once they returned.

He ran through the city towards the center where he knew he could find an elf, they were his best chance at finding Eragon the quickest.

After speaking with Arya and Blodhgarm, Eragon wandered off to pack some supplies for the trip to Ellesmera. Of course, because his departure was to remain a secret, he had to be careful not to be seen with the supplies or risk someone telling Nasuada. He'd snuck into the kitchens not ten minutes before when a soldier ran in looking like a dragon was giving him high chase.

"Shadeslayer!" The man gasped as he bent over making his mail armor creak as it creased together.

"What is it?" Eragon asked trying to hide the bag he'd barely begun to fill with bread.

"I hold my fealty to you sir, not Nasuada." He gasped as he desperately tried to regain his breath. "This is why I've come to tell you she sent me and two others to bring that young man you're cousin was keeping at his tent to her. She was specific that we sneak him out of the camp and back here to her."

Eragon frowned when the soldier told him this. Why would Nasuada do this behind his back? Unless—

"Where were you to take him?" Eragon asked hurriedly, his anger at Nasuada and his worry for Harry seeping out into his voice.

"The eastern tower by the citadel. She—" Garn said and before he could say anything else, Eragon bolted out of the kitchen rooms to find Harry.

Saphira, be ready! Looks like we're leaving sooner than expected. Eragon told her and he could feel her taking flight from where she had been resting near the eldunari by the elves camp.

Do you think she'll really kill him? Saphira asked as she flew towards the tower as well.

Why else would she take him without telling me? Eragon reached the base of the tower and quickly began climbing the stairs to the top.

Eragon, be careful. Glaedr said. If this is true and Nasuada is trying to kill him then stopping her will only alienate you from her. You will become her enemy for harboring Galbatorix' soul.

I don't care! Eragon felt like the faster he tried to run, the slower he became. Harry shouldn't have to die because of this and if I become her enemy then so be it.

And I will become her nightmare should Nasuada become my rider's enemy. Saphira said letting Eragon know that she agreed and believed in Eragon's decision.

Then so be it. I trust in your judgment young ones, so don't disappoint me. Glaedr said and went silent.

Eragon could see the top and the closed wooden door he could see was blocked by three soldiers and another smaller thin man in a black robe.

"Move aside!" Eragon yelled removing his sword Brisingr from its sheath on his hip.

"Shadeslayer you are not allowed here. Please go." One soldier pleaded. He didn't want to fight Eragon because he knew he didn't stand a chance.

"I said move!" Eragon came closer and although his senses were momentarily focused on the soldiers in front of him, he was able to make out the distinct sound of a sword being drawn. The men in front of him had already drawn their swords so he knew the sound came from behind the door. He didn't have any more time to waste.

"Malthinae!" He yelled trying to bind them but found that the soldiers were protected by magic. The small man in the robe was a spell caster, he realized.

He flung himself at the soldiers and aimed not to kill but to knock them out while simultaneously trying to invade the spell casters mind. He found his mind was easy to break into, so as soon as he did he put him and the others to sleep.

"Jierda!" The wooden door burst into thousands of splinters and before the way was clear of the flying debris he ran in with his inhuman speed and brought his sword up, effectively stopping the sword held in Nasuada's hand from piercing Harry's heart.

Eragon swung Brisingr in a circle and Nasuada lost her grip on her sword. She had a fearful look in her eyes as she gasped at the strength that she felt in Eragon's swift swing of the sword.

"Eragon…" She said his name carefully, not knowing what his reaction to this would be.

"Don't, Nasuada, for there is naught but a single ounce of strength in me keeping me from doing something I'll regret later." Eragon said, acid lacing his every word.

"Do you dare threaten you queen?!" Orrin, who stood beside Nasuada—equal of guilt in this attempt on Harry's life—sneered at him.

"I do!" Eragon gave back a sneer of his own.

"Eragon, listen to me." Nasuada said, "Harry, he is no one, just a random stranger you picked up. I don't understand why this is so difficult for you to understand! Galbatorix is right there!" She pointed at Harry. "One single thrust of the sword into that heart and he's gone, forever!"

Eragon sheathed his sword, not even trying to argue back. Nasuada knew what he thought on the matter but she obviously didn't understand why. She would have to figure out her own mistaken reasoning on her own. He no longer cared.

Eragon approached Harry and lifted him into his arms and when he did both Nasuada and Orrin picked up a sword, ready to do anything to stop him from taking the boy.

"Don't you dare!" Eragon easily cradled Harry's weight with one hand as he lifted his right hand up to them, his gedwey ignasia glowing threateningly bright.

"If you do this Eragon, you're declaring yourself against me, against the Varden." Nasuada said through her grinding teeth.

"No," Eragon lowered his hand and held Harry gently against his chest. "You're declaring yourself against me." He said this almost gently and then fled, taking the boy away to safety.

Eragon knew he had little time before Nasuada would send her soldiers to stop him, so he called Saphira to pick him up at the base of the tower. Eragon was sure to strap Harry's fevered body into the harness before taking flight.

I have to say goodbye to Roran. Eragon told Saphira sorrowfully. This was a swift and unexpected turn of events and now he was Nasuada's enemy, a fugitive of her newly acquired empire.

Of course, Saphira said angling towards the varden's camp. As soon as Saphira flew out of the city, the alarm horns began to sound and Eragon had the little hope that Nasuada would change her mind, extinguished.

Do not worry little one. We were fugitives of the empire once before because of the wrong doings of its ruler. Now, once again, we flee because of Nasuada's wrong choices, but we'll solve this just as we've always solved every other challenge thrown our way. Saphira said as she angle down towards Roran's tent.

Thank you Saphira, I just hope this doesn't cause another war.

"Eragon!" Roran yelled up to him even before Saphira landed. "We sent a messenger to you, Harry's gone." He said and then noticed that Harry was in the saddle. Eragon quickly explained what happened and why the alarm horns were ringing.

"The soldiers are surely on their way to stop me and to tell everyone that I've betrayed them, turned to the dark side, or whatever lie Nasuada will make up to get them to turn on me." Eragon clasped Roran's shoulder. "I'm leaving, and this time I'm not sure if I'll be able to return. At least not until Galbatorix is gone and Nasuada comes to her senses."

Roran frowned down at the ground trying to keep his emotions in check. "Carvahall will be rebuilt, Eragon. So whenever you do return, know that you will always be welcome, even if we must hide you from that idiot Nasuada."

"Thank you, brother." Eragon clasped Roran in a hug and then jumped back into Saphira's saddle. "Tell Katrina and the other's I said bye."

"Of course."

"Oh, and the soldier that informed me of Nasuada's plot, can you please find him and give him my gratitude?"

Roran nodded and then watched as Saphira took flight and headed north, circling around Uru'baen so as to not pass through it.

A few hours had passed since they left and neither Saphira, Eragon, or Glaedr said a word. They were all trying to come to terms with what happened and in Eragon's case, he was trying to figure out why he cared so much to save Harry's life. He wondered if Harry were any other person, would he have allowed Nasuada to kill him?

No, Eragon. Saphira interrupted his thoughts. If it were any other person, you would have done the same. You have a kind heart and unlike Nasuada, you understand the immoral act of what she wanted to do.

Eragon didn't answer but sent her his feelings of gratitude. He still felt like there was another reason for his actions though, something that urged him to protect Harry.

I agree, Eragon. Glaedr said. You were right in stopping her, but now you must find a way to reverse this before it grows into anything bigger. We wouldn't want another war to break out. I know the elves will side with you and they will surely declare themselves against the humans in a heartbeat.

Yes, I understand, but right now I feel like I did back when I first set out on the journey to find and have my revenge on the Ra'zac. I have to save Harry, but I have no idea what to do. Eragon said and unconsciously gripped onto Harry's motionless body.

Start with what you have. You know where that necklace is and you know the name of the man who charmed it. It's not much, but at least it's something. Glaedr said and after staying silent for a while longer he added; forgive me Eragon and Saphira, for I will not be able to accompany you on this journey. I will remain in Ellesmera to rest beside my rider's resting place. I am tired and weary and I wish for some peace.

That was all he said before closing their connection once again. Eragon and Saphira understood of course and they were grateful to him for everything that he'd already done to help them. They never expected Glaedr to stick around long after the war was decided.

Saphira flew north through the night and because of the quickly approaching winter, Eragon was forced to cast a spell to keep Harry and himself warm. He kept a close watch on Harry when he noticed that every so often the boy would tighten his fists and his body spasmed a bit, almost as if he were fighting against Galbatorix. Eragon could still feel some of his energy draining, but he didn't mind. He knew Harry needed it now more than he did.

Morning soon arrived and then noon. They were a few hours away from reaching Gil'ead and Eragon was reminded by a loud growl of his stomach that he never did get a chance to pack some food.

We should stop so you can hunt, or would you like to go to Gil'ead? The elves are still stationed there, so it should be perfectly safe. Saphira said.

No, even if they are there, it can cause problems if Nasuada has sent word ahead of us using her spell casters. Let's just pass it and I'll wait until we reach Du Weldenvarden. I'll feel a lot safer once we're out of the Empire. Eragon reached into his pack where he searched until he pulled out a small leather pouch. This will sustain me until then. The pouch was filled with berries that he'd packed from the trip back from Vreongaurd.

If you insist, Saphira said and pushed onward.

It was nearly dark once again when they entered the forest of Du Weldenvarden and Saphira veered down to the ground. They decided to camp near the edge of the forest because they didn't want to run into any strange beasts of the magical forest that might decide to attack them during the night.

The first thing Eragon did was track down a pair of rabbits using his magic. He was much too tired to hunt them by hand. He skinned them and cooked them quickly and ate his fill before giving the rest to Saphira.

I'll keep watch, Glaedr offered and both dragon and rider were thankful, for the last time they had slept was on Vreongaurd. They were both fed energy from the eldunari since then, and once Galbatorix blew himself up, they had stopped the flow, and that was about a day and a half ago. They were definitely in need of sleep.

Without really thinking about it, Eragon laid out his bedding next to Saphira and placed Harry on top of it. He then proceeded to lie down next to the boy. Saphira stayed silent and simply unfolded her wing and placed it over them until they were completely enclosed by it. Eragon felt the cold chill of the night die down almost immediately as Saphira's heated belly warmed the air under her wing.

Sleep well little one. Saphira said and Eragon could tell that she was close to sleep already.

You too, Saphira. Goodnight. Eragon told her and then he could feel her fall into slumber. Eragon too felt sleep beginning to overcome him. His eyes stung as they drooped lower. When they closed, he let out a small sigh of relief that they were all still alive, even Harry.

Eragon—with his eyes still closed—turned onto his side and pulled Harry's body close to his own. He cradled the raven's head under his chin and fell into his elven sleep-trance.

Eragon, Saphira, its morning. You should be on your way. You can rest all you want once you reach Ellesmera. Glaedr said, waking them up from their slumber.

Eragon opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Harry's raven black hair. As he tried to sit up, he realized that sometime during the night Harry had unconsciously wrapped his arm around his waist to hold him tightly. He could feel the tension in Harry's tight grip and he quickly got up to go. Harry was in pain and the sooner they reached Ellesmere the sooner Harry would be free from it.

They continued flying deeper into the forest and a few hours later, they were finally close to Ellesmera. First, they had to receive permission to enter from Gilderien the Wise, which Eragon was beginning to think would be difficult when he learned Why Harry remained in such a state. He would simply refrain from telling the elf, but that would mean lying in the ancient language which he was not too good at yet, also because if he wanted the elves to trust in his decision, he would need to be truthful with them, starting with why Nasuada declared him as his enemy.

The other reason why he was nervous was because the last time Eragon was there, Oromis informed them that Gilderion was angered that they had disturbed the Menoa tree so violently.

With great caution, Eragon reached out with his mind to search out Gilderion's own and it only took seconds before the elf was replying.

Eragon and Saphira, last time, I allowed you to enter so long as you kept the peace, which you did not do. Instead you attacked the Menoa tree. Now you bring along this boy who contains Galbatorix' soul. Why should I allow you passage?

We seek a charmed pendant that Boldhgarm has instructed us to find. We're not sure, but I think it will either push out Galbatorix' soul or bind him so that he cannot control Harry's body and mind.

Gilderion remained silent once more before speaking again, I will allow you passage, but once more, I must ask you to keep the peace.

Eragon cringed when he told Gilderion that he would have to speak with the Menoa tree again.

Do what you must, but do not disturb the peace! Gilderion said firmly and then vanished from their mental link.

So they continued on and finally entered Ellesmera. They landed and Eragon felt peace settle in over his heart as he gazed upon the houses built as part of the growing tree's, the green of the forest, the branches sung with the ancient language to form intricate designs, and above all else, the elves who remained, living in their homes of tranquility. Eragon did feel sorrow as he witnessed very few elves walking about and he was saddened that they all grieved for Queen Islanzadi's death.

Eragon saw a young elf, one of the youngest he'd seen walk up to them as just as he jumped off Saphira's saddle.

The young elf touched her lips and then twisted her right hand over her sternum. By doing this first, the elf was indicating that she held him higher of importance than herself.

"Atra esterni ono thelduin." She said.

"Atra du evarinya ono varda."

"Un atra mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr." The elf said completing the ritual. "I am Aduralia, welcome Shurtugal and welcome Bjartskular."

"Thank you Aduralia."

"Your quarters in the tree have been prepared for your arrival if you wish to rest. Is there anything you require?" Aduralia said.

"Just some food and some water."

"Of course, I shall have it brought up immediately." She turned to go but Eragon stopped her.

"You said my quarters were prepared for my arrival. Might I ask how you knew I was coming?" Eragon asked.

Aduralia's smile faded as she took on a more serious look. "We were contacted by Arya Drottningu and she's informed us about what happened. Do not worry Shadeslayer, we all support you in your effort to save the boy's life. It's just a shame that the human, Nasuada, cannot see it as we do."

Eragon thanked her and gave her a meaningful smile before he climbed back into Saphira's saddle and she took off towards their tree house.

When Saphira entered through the large entrance, Eragon felt an immediate sensation of nostalgia. This was his home, just as much as Carvahall was when it still existed.

How I've longed to sleep in this bed. Saphira said as she stared at the soft blankets that made up her bedding.

Eragon chuckled and quickly moved to untie Harry from the saddle and lay him on his bed. He watched in amusement as Saphira made her way over and dropped into her bed, stretching like a cat.

Eragon smiled at the sight she made and then began removing Harry's shoes, which he was now realizing were as strange as his clothing. He removed the black hooded sweater, leaving him only in the black shirt he wore underneath. Eragon pulled the blankets down and tucked Harry underneath to keep him warm.

It wasn't long after that, that an elf brought up some food for Eragon and even for Saphira. After eating and drinking enough to fill him, Eragon stood and stretched.

I'm going to the Menoa tree now. Eragon said.

Shouldn't you rest first?

I'll rest easier once I've help Harry. Eragon said and began walking towards the door. Stay and rest, I'm sure I can handle the tree elf without you taking a bight out of her. He joked as he remembered how Saphira got the tree to respond last time.

Alright, but I'll be ready to go if you need me. Saphira said and rested her head down on the bedding.

Eragon made his way to the Menoa tree and wondered what he'd do if she took her sweet time to answer him. He shivered at the memory of the last time when she became angered and the surrounding trees loomed taller and threatening.

When he reached the clearing, Eragon approached the tree trunk and placed his hands on her. He lowered his forehead onto her trunk and reached out with his mind.

Oh Menoa tree! Please, I have come once more to ask something from you. I ask that you awaken from your slumber to aid me.

To Eragon's surprise, the Menoa tree awakened almost immediately and greeted him kindly.

It is nice to see you again so soon rider. I presume you are still alive because you have destroyed that evil king you mentioned before?

Not entirely, which is why I'm here. Eragon said and then explained to her what happened and how Blodhgarm sent him to retrieve a pendent he left in her care.

Yes, I do recall the blue elf handing it over to me, but I've grown fond of it, why must I return it now after so many years?

It will help Harry, please. Eragon pleaded. He wasn't sure how to coax it out of her.

I don't think I will. Beside's, how do I know he is willing to give it to you?

He's given me permission, Eragon remembered the strange statement Blodhgarm said to him and repeated it. A fool does not care to move on from a miserable past.

Eragon could feel the shocked surprise that emanated from the tree when he said that. Then there was a hint of an old lingering sorrow and Eragon thought that was something that Blodhgarm used to taunt her or perhaps to try and help her.

Eragon watched as the tree's large roots moved aside to leave a bowl-like hollow at its base.

Take it. She said and he quickly retrieved it before her roots returned to their proper place.

Without saying another word, the Menoa tree pulled out of their connection and fell into silence.

"Thank you." Eragon said out loud and then ran back to the tree house where Harry laid waiting in pain.

AN: Hope you liked it. Don't forget to leave a review please. I like to hear what you guys think of it so far. And thank you once again to all my readers and reviewers. You guys are awesome!

:3