Chapter 3:

Belatona

Nasuada shivered. It wasn't the cold. No, she had learned to withstand those from the cold nights in Tronjheim. It was the waiting. Not knowing what would happen. Without any surprises, they could capture Belatona.

But there would surprises. There always were. Though she tried her best, nothing ever seemed to go according to plan. Magic, she cursed in her head, but she knew it was necessary to the war.

Roran approached her. "Everything is ready to attack the main gates. Give the word and we can the gate down before the hour, if all goes well."

Nasuada nodded her approval. "As soon as I get word from Eragon," but even as she said it, she heard his voice inside her head. All is clear. Their guards have not spotted us yet.

Good. She replied. We still have the element of surprise.

Several second later, some of the army ran out and attacked the south gate. As the alarm was raised, the guards rushed out to meet the army. Taking advantage of the sudden confusion, Roran rushed out and his group, mostly villagers of Carvahall, prepared to get through the walls while the archers took what shots they could at the guards.

And then there was Eragon. Dropping from the clouds, he drew Brisingr and began to assist in the opening of the main gates. Muttering a few words, the guards dropped at their posts. Roran and his group then entered the city in a manner of seconds. As they entered the city, Nasuada stopped Eragon. "Did you kill those guards? For you should know that we could use more soldiers."

"I thought of that. They are merely asleep. As soon the battle is over, find me and I shall awake them."

"Thank you. We need as many soldiers as possible." Eragon nodded and charged into the city and into the fray of the battle.

Eragon's voice boomed much louder than seemed possible, "We do not wish to kill you simply for the sake of killing you. If you have not sworn fealty to Galbatorix in the ancient language, you may lay down your arms and we will not harm you. If you wish, you may join us, and rid this world of Galbatorix once and for all." Nasuada saw many soldiers lay down their arms immediately, relieved they were given a chance to live. But still some roared and charged at Eragon, waving their swords above their heads, those of about twenty. A few less than half dropped where they stood, due to Eragon's magic. Several were roasted where they stood by Saphira's fire. Eragon slashed through one man's armor and stabbed another before she had time to blink. Oncoming members of the Varden killed 5 more, though one got a painful slash upon his thigh, and he would never be able to walk straight again. Saphira, either by tooth or claw, killed the last few.

Eragon shouted, "Go on! Find more soldiers. But don't steal or kill needlessly." The Varden dispersed.

Nasuada nodded at Eragon. "Good. But this battle is not over. Search for enemy spell casters. Do not rest until every one has been weeded out."

He agreed. "As you wish," and sped off into the city.

Nasuada shivered. This is where something goes wrong, she thought to herself.

I decided to leave it at a small cliffhanger because I need more time to think about the story. Sorry I haven't got a new chapter up fast enough. I have barely had time to do much but homework. It will probably be a couple weeks before I get a new chapter up, but that is no reason not for you to REVIEW. Tell everyone about my story. Even your pets. Inanimate objects. ANYTHING.

With Love,

Puddlemore United 4ever