Dear Readers,

The beginning of this story is under reconstruction. When you read a chapter that has nothing at all to do with what you have just read, please keep in mind that is the previous version of the story and I am redoing it as quickly as I can. I apologize for the inconvenience. I am not trying to confuse you! Later on, after chapter 45, things mostly fit together with the revised chapters of the story.

This is Chapter 40, revised.

Thank you and enjoy!

DragonRider2000

Firelight danced across Taya's face. Beside her was Vanira Dacoryn, and the two of them sat silently beside each other, watching the flames of the campfire. Neither wondered what the other was thinking, and mutual respect kept them from talking. Both had things troubling them. Both wanted to contemplate them in silence. So they sat there, unmoving and silent, thinking, and appreciating the company.

Taya, you should sleep. Kabarak said softly to her, watching her with his intelligent eyes. You need the rest. The Varden can wait until tomorrow.

Sleep is the last thing I want, Kabarak. I'm afraid of the darkness.

She shivered. She was afraid that if she closed her eyes they would never open again, like last time... She felt vulnerable and weak compared to the others. She'd tried to hide it, but she'd failed. That day Eragon had called a halt long before they should have, and even when Taya demanded that they keep going, no one had listened to her. She'd almost been about to fall off of Chester, but she never would have admitted it. Only Kabarak knew how exhausted and afraid she was. Maybe Vanira did too.

Her eyes flicked to the others, sitting around the campfire. Eragon and Roran, Arya, Sasha, Raya and Sacar. She owed them all her life. She hoped she could do what needed to be done. She hoped she was allowed to do what needed to be done.

How would the Varden react to her parentage? The only reasons they would have to trust her were that she was a rider, and that she knew Eragon. Hopefully Roran and Arya would say something good about her. She wondered what their reaction would be to her father's identity. Would they even believe her? She didn't look like her father at all. She didn't act like him either. But that didn't mean much. They knew that she was very powerful, and she'd been chosen as a rider. And she defeated Murtagh one on one. That had been luck. She'd been relying almost solely on his emotional attachment to her, but the others didn't know that.

Taya had done a lot of talking and explaining to the group that day as they rode. She outlined what it had been like in the burning glade, which she didn't really like speaking of. Arya and Eragon were particularly interested in her heavily dumbed down version of Galbatorix entering her mind.

"You're important to him, there's no doubt about it. But I can't figure out why, since he doesn't know that you're the last rider. It's kind of confusing because there was a rumor going around that the Varden had kidnapped a woman from the castle…" Eragon had stared at her in growing disbelief, and Taya's heart was pounding furiously. Did they know the woman was the princess? Her identity would be revealed if they did.

"That's why. You escaped your kidnapper, took the dragon egg and ran. But the Varden never sent someone to kidnap anyone, and we did not try to steal the egg, at least not yet. That is why it's confusing. Care to explain?"

Taya had caught Sasha eying her warily, and Taya took a deep breath and sighed.

"It can't be helped, I suppose. I escaped the castle on my own with the dragon egg. Galbatorix was responsible for the death of my mother, and he was trying to use me for his own gain. I lived in the castle, and had become friends with Murtagh. Before you ask, my mother was a servant, or rather a slave, before she died. I was a friend to Murtagh, so I was able to stay close to him in the castle during the following years, and as I got older Galbatorix seemed to decide that I might be worth something. I'd been trained with Murtagh, so that's how I know how to use a sword. But trust is not my area, and I had little reason to trust that the King's intentions were honorable, so I decided to escape. I stumbled on the dragon egg before I left and took that as my prize, hoping to win my way into the Varden. I have no love for Galbatorix, except that I'd love to see him off the throne. But Murtagh when he found me in Dras'leona knew that I no longer had the egg, and he couldn't sense Kabarak. He might have known that Kabarak had hatched, but he didn't find any evidence with me. Galbatorix wants me dead because he can't stand to have anyone who betrayed him alive and fighting against him. Also, I'll be able to provide information about Uru'baen, and he doesn't want the Varden to have any advantage over him. He was certain I'd die a horrible death by that poison, and he wanted me to suffer. He knew that the poison would kill me by a certain time, so he waited until he thought I was dead to send Murtagh after my body, probably to use me as an example to anyone else in the castle with wavering loyalty. But his plan failed, for a whole boatload of reasons, and I am happy. Just… tired."

Everyone had laughed, and Taya smiled to herself. She hadn't really even told any lies, she just hadn't explained everything. Now wasn't the time.

"How close were you to Murtagh?" Eragon had ridden up beside her then, and she couldn't resist his curious expression, knowing that he wanted more details about his brother.

"Very close." Taya replied softly. "I helped him escape the castle, before he met you. Galbatorix was putting an unimaginable amount of pressure on him, and we both knew nothing good would come of it. But I couldn't escape with him. It was too dangerous, and I would have slowed him down. It is easier for one person to avoid capture and prying eyes."

"…did he ever mention me?"

Taya looked at him, remembering.

"Yes. He respects you. Before he knew for certain that you were his brother he thought of you as one. But he didn't wish his heritage on you. He said you were so naïve at times he wanted to strangle you, but he had a hard time understanding that your life had been incredibly simple before you became a rider… because his was not." She fell silent then.

"I know there's more, but I won't push you." Eragon replied quietly. "I'm glad you're with us, Taya. You and Kabarak… it is an honor and a pleasure to ride beside you, and if you will, Saphira and I will teach you the legacy of the riders, whatever we can teach you that you do not know. You'll give the Varden a hope they did not know they had."

We will see if you still think like that when you learn who my father is.

Taya, Kabarak's voice filled her mind and instead of being horse-back she found herself sitting back beside Vanira by the fire. I do not think Eragon will think any less of you when the time comes for us to reveal ourselves. He has his own family struggles. Please, you are safe. Darkness will not take you away from me again. Come here, and sleep beside me. I will keep you warm.

Taya yawned, and Vanira noticed and smiled at her.

"I think I can sleep now." Taya said softly, but no matter what Kabarak or anyone else said, she was still afraid to fall asleep.

Arya stood up from the fire, a mug in her hand. She passed it to Taya. A sweet aroma caused her to breathe deeply and as Taya took a sip, she smiled at Arya.

"Thank you."

Arya nodded and shot a glance at Vanira, who barely inclined her head. Taya missed the exchange.

Kabarak snorted, and Taya stood shakily and picked up her bedroll. Raya, Sasha, Roran and Sacar were involved in a very heated card game, so Taya didn't bother them. She was almost asleep on her feet when she made it to Kabarak's side and she dropped her bedroll beside him, put the almost empty cup of tea down, and curled up beside Kabarak. The dragon folded his wing protectively over her.

Kabarak looked at Arya, who retrieved the mug.

Thank you, Arya.

"I know what it is like to fear sleep, and the thought of never waking again. It was the least I could do for her. She will sleep peacefully and if she dreams, they will be sweet dreams. The herb in the tea was grown by my people to calm a frantic mind. It has been a very short time since she awoke from torture. Without looking, I knew what she was struggling with."

I am very appreciative, lady-elf. I believe that your friendship will prove invaluable.

"I am truly glad to hear you say that, Authamir."

"Especially after the other day." Vanira added mildly, and Arya looked at her scathingly. Kabarak rumbled a laugh.

You did not know my rider, or think that she would live. Now you have seen a hint as to why I chose her. As time goes on I think you will understand. She is a good woman, and she fights for those she loves. I do not think you will forget that.

"I do not think so either." Arya said, and as she made a slight bow to Kabarak and turned away, Vanira commented under her breath,

"I know you won't forget it."

Arya paused, and narrowed her eyes, and promptly sat down beside Vanira, who just smiled at her. Eragon came over to sit by them.

"Saphira and I have discussed traveling. With Taya and Kabarak's permission we think Taya and Raya should ride Saphira tomorrow. The horseback ride clearly burnt Taya out, and she needs to regain her strength and keep it, not gain it and lose it repeatedly. That will allow us to travel faster and farther, putting more distance between us and Murtagh."

Arya looked at Vanira. The chestnut haired elf raised her eyebrows but did not look away from the fire.

"It is a good idea. And it was very wise to include Raya. They need each other very much. It will also be an opportunity to teach them, so Taya and Kabarak can begin learning how to work together in the air. He should be grown enough by the time we reach Aberon for Taya to at least ride him a little."

Kabarak puffed out a little bit of smoke, and Saphira turned an eye on him as Eragon stared at Vanira in surprise.

"Yes, Eragon. He is growing very quickly and it is futile to try to guess exactly why. Frankly, I don't care, because he's growing. Right now, Taya is stronger in mind than of body. She has a lot to learn about being a rider in a very short amount of time. But do not let that hamper your teaching, Eragon. Give her the facts, do not mince your words, and don't you dare underestimate her. That is the main reason why Galbatorix failed to kill her and why Murtagh failed to beat her. By that account she is more powerful than they are, and she is weak."
Vanira finally looked at Eragon, looking him directly in the eyes.
"And by no means believe her when she says she's not important. Try to imagine her, living in Uru'baen, friends with Murtagh, her mother a servant, or slave. Try to imagine her as someone great and powerful there and you've come closer to the heart of the matter."

You know she does not want them to know who she is yet. Kabarak said to her in amusement.

This will help them be a little more prepared for the truth.

I will concede to your point.

"I'm going to get some rest, too." Vanira stood. "We still have a ways to go, but luckily we will continue to have an uneventful trip to Aberon. Goodnight."

When she was gone, having disappeared into the darkness beyond the fire, Eragon asked Arya,

"How long have you known her?"

"For over twenty years."

"Does she get less mysterious after a while?"

"No. If anything, she becomes more mysterious with age. But she also becomes a little easier to understand."

"I guess that's a little comforting."

"Where's Taya?!" That was Sasha, in a little bit of a panic. Raya jumped up, ready to race around in a frenzy, but Eragon shushed her and waved his hand at her to calm down.

"She's asleep, right by Kabarak. And we should all follow her example. We have a longer day tomorrow."

"But Taya-"

"Raya, tomorrow." Eragon cut her off firmly. The 15 year old huffed a little but nodded her consent. Everyone proceeded to ready for sleep, and soon all was quiet. Eragon lay awake for a while, thinking of what Vanira had said about Taya.

'By no means believe her when she says she's not important. Try to imagine her as someone great and powerful and you've come closer to the heart of the matter. '

He already knew that Taya was far more important than the new rider was letting on. For a split second he thought maybe she was also a child of Morzan, but he very quickly dismissed the idea.
The daughter of a lord, or another of the forsworn? The later was especially doubtful.
The daughter of Galbatorix?

Eragon shook his head, getting a chill just thinking of the horrific possibility.

No.

I believe we will learn soon enough, little one. I know it is hard, but you must not think too much on this subject. Let us get to know her better as we travel, so what when we are told the absolute truth we may already have an unbiased opinion of her.

You are very wise, dragon of mine. I will do as you say, or at least I will try. I'm curious of how tomorrow will go. Do you think she knows how to ride and fly?

Yes, I asked Kabarak. He said she has flown with Thorn many times. She and Murtagh were very close, Eragon. Nestlings. Their separation and Taya's change of sides cannot be easy on them.

Eragon didn't answer. He was thinking about Murtagh's reaction to Taya being alive. Yes, Murtagh had been crushed by her death, but that didn't compare to his emotions when he found out she was alive.

Sleep, Eragon. Think tomorrow.

Goodnight, then.

Goodnight, little one.

The proposed idea of Taya and Raya flying with Saphira was accepted graciously, and the day started off well. They made good time across the country that way, as they could ride faster on the ground without worrying about Taya.

On the ground Roran spent most of the day talking with Sasha and Sacar. He found the former to have a shrewd mind and he couldn't help but think that she would make an excellent captain. He'd rarely spoken with Sasha in Dras'leona, and then he'd been playing a different roll. Now, free of all constraints, their conversation seemed limitless. She was serious, but funny, and on the flipside Sasha found him to be a worthy conversationalist. She respected his air of authority, as he'd led a whole village of people from one end of the country to the other and had fought in battle, but he also had a homely, backwoods farmer feel to him that made him easy to speak with.

Sacar mostly listened. Roran found the young man to be quite mature. He was actually surprised to find out that Sacar was only 16. But after Sacar told some of his story, about his father working for the Varden, his mother's death, and them moving all over the country, Roran could understand and respect his maturity. But that he was still young was obvious, and that he enjoyed Eragon and Roran's company was equally as obvious.
Roran had to smile throughout the day, as it became clear that Sacar had missed the company of men. Traveling with two women for a month was not an easy task for a young man. Kabarak was a dragon, and not a very experienced one, so he didn't count, although Roran guessed that the two were very good friends.

Vanira rode in the back, listening to Taya's conversation above and the others' conversations ground level, and trying to concentrate on not constantly slipping into a vision. It would not do to slip away when they came to the Varden court.

Meanwhile, above, Taya, Kabarak and Saphira did all the talking while Raya and Eragon, who was on the ground, listened. Rarely did Saphira ask a question that Taya could not or would not answer. They spoke of history, and without compromising the version of her story told the day before Taya could speak of things in history that Eragon and Saphira did not know, as it was kept only in Uru'baen's castle library.

By the time they made camp that night everyone was tired, but content with the conversations of the day. No one stayed up past supper, except Vanira and Arya, but neither spoke to the other.

The next day Eragon and Saphira began Taya and Kabarak's instructions in the ways of the riders, and Eragon found Taya a worthy student. It was already clear that there was much she already knew, and her bond with Kabarak was so close that the exercises Master Oromis had given Eragon and Saphira appeared as games to them. But there was so much they did not know, and so much they wanted to learn. Raya was convinced to travel on the ground that day so Eragon and Taya could speak in person. While Raya was put out, she was quickly diverted by Roran, Sasha and Sacar asking all about the day before and she gladly told them everything she could remember and repeat.

On the third day Saphira was kind enough to consent to letting Sacar and Raya ride her. Sacar didn't try to hide his hesitation at taking off, but once in the air he was thrilled.

Taya wanted to talk to Vanira mostly, but spoke with Roran as well as she hadn't talked to him very much. She obliged him when he asked about her emerald necklace, as he'd seen it change to ruby in the light. Eragon pricked up his ears to listen. He was riding beside Arya, in the lead.

"The stone changes on its own, but the color can be affected by magic or a jeweler's skill. It comes from caves along the seashore, but they're very rare. I bought two from a friend who mined them. I made the silver encasing and put the chain together. It took a few weeks and when I was finished with it I started working on the second." She laughed, thinking back. "I nearly locked myself in my room and worked on it day and night as it had to be done by a certain date. Some friends of mine, the Hljodhr Evarinya, thought I'd lost my mind."

Eragon and Arya looked at each other, and the former frowned.

"Silent Stars?" He whispered.

"Who are they?" Roran asked curiously. "It's a curious name."

Taya's smile widened before she checked her expression.

"They're a bodyguard unit."

"For who?" Eragon asked this time, and Taya made a show of starting to speak but cut herself off, shaking her head.

"I cannot say, yet. It would be betraying a confidence, and I do not make a habit of going back on my word."

"Fair enough." But there is even more to it than that, isn't there? Eragon thought shrewdly, but let it alone.

"Murtagh was wearing a pendant muck like yours the other day." Roran said quietly, the question in his eyes clear. Taya nodded slowly.

"His is the second stone."

Conversation dwindled after that, and when they made camp Taya barely spoke. Bringing up the Hljodhr's had opened an old wound and she tried desperately to knit it back together. But what she'd seen while she was in the burning glade was etched into her memory.

Late that night Vanira sat alone by the fire, staring into the blaze. Her eyes would quickly adjust when she looked away. But she didn't. She was lost.

Hljodhr Evarinya… Silent Stars.

Vanira found herself standing in a sunny yard, and she watched as
three little children played there. The door to the big house opened
and the black haired woman she'd seen before stopped in the
doorway. A beautiful smile lit up her face.
A shadow moved up behind her and the man with the
black-gold eyes wrapped his arms around the woman, holding her
close and he kissed her on her cheek. It was a happy family.

Vanira saw two walls lined with prison cells.
She walked down the aisle, seeing and recognizing four
of the prisoners before she came face to face with the
black haired woman.

She was looking down from a great height into a river. Foam and water
crashed violently on the rocks below, and angry torrents of
water rushed downstream. A figure, black against the white foam,
clung to a rock not far from her. After a moment the river swallowed it up.
Her heart rate rose.

She was standing in a field of wheat and a single man stood before her.
One of his arms was set in a sling, and in his other hand he held a
walking stick. His left leg was set in a walking splint.
On his un-bandaged arm she caught a glimpse of a fierce red mark,
but she didn't have the chance to recognize it before her vision whirled
and she was standing on a great battlefield.

There was the blonde man she'd seen before, standing opposite of the
imposing figure of Taya. The young man looked tortured, but then his
face contorted with rage and he leapt forward,
slashing with his sword.

Two men were sitting in a tent, one young and the other middle aged.
The picture did not move.
Their expressions were worried.

Taya stood before Lady Nasuada in the amphitheater
of Aberon, looking as if she would gladly destroy anything
and anyone. The man with the black-gold eyes
walked up to her side, limping. He had one of his arms
held to his stomach. His expression was pained.

Raya and Sacar, looking older, stood beside each other with drawn swords.
They were flanked by Sasha, a man Vanira had never seen before,
and two women who bore a great resemblance to each other and
to the blond young man she'd seen fighting Taya.
They were all determined looking, facing an unseen foe.
Taya, the man with the black-gold eyes and Vanira herself joined them.

Vanira was startled back to reality when she heard Raya whisper,

"Vanira?"

"Yes, Raya?" She replied quietly, suppressing a shiver. Raya didn't answer. When Vanira looked over at the girl she found her fast asleep, her face relaxed and peaceful.

Vanira frowned.

Hljodhr Evarinya… Silent Stars.

Was Raya dreaming of her? Had she somehow sensed Vanira's roving emotions? She was the sister of a rider, daughter of an incredibly powerful man…
Vanira looked over at Taya and Kabarak, both soundly asleep. The fire was low. Her visions had lasted longer than she'd thought. Had she slept?

The following day Vanira was in a brooding silence, and no one dared bother her. Everyone rode horse-back that day, and the main topic was Eragon, Arya, and Roran and their story from their stay in Dras'leona until Dauth. They still wouldn't say what they were doing in Dras'leona, but some other things were explained.

Taya and Eragon steered away from their personal conversation the night before the group had left Dras'leona. That was a conversation for another time, for just the two of them.

When they came to Feinster, Eragon admitted that he'd seen Raya there.

"I was so surprised; you were supposed to be a lot farther behind us. But I couldn't do anything, as it was too dangerous to walk up you in the street. So I placed wards around you before I Ieft. Then I realized why I'd had a horrible feeling in that town, and that was because Murtagh was there and Thorn was close by. For everyone's safety I could do no more to help. Care to tell your version of what happened, Raya?"

So Raya told her story, Sacar adding in tidbits from his point of view, especially from the fight.

"As I jumped away from Murtagh, Siranus stopped him from getting a hold of me and Murtagh yelled at one of his soldiers, Weston I think his name was, to grab me and he did. I bit him, though, and then he only had one of my arms. Then he suddenly let go and I turned and raced to Shacour, where I found the storekeeper holding Sacar on my horse. So without his consent Sacar started traveling with us. I managed to hide us in a rock outcropping before Murtagh and Thorn got us, and when they got close these creepy, huge birds started attacking them, especially when Murtagh killed a few of them. He and Thorn left pretty quickly, giving up on the chase."

Taya was staring at her sister, horror-struck. Raya noticed and touched her hand worriedly.

"Are you certain the man who grabbed you was named Weston?" Taya asked sharply, not totally trusting her voice. Raya made a face.

"Yes, I'm certain. Why? What is it?"

Curse you, Murtagh, they're traveling with you. Taya thought. They're in even more danger now. What have I done to them? Have I doomed them to death on the battlefield by leaving them behind?

"I know that man. He was one of my friends in the castle. That's why he let go of you, Raya. He recognized me in you. If he's with Murtagh's army, then so will my other dearest friends be. They are being sentenced to death because of me."

There was silence. Taya's expression, her emotions, spoke her anguish. Eragon watched her carefully and then asked,

"Is this another way to punish you? By killing your friends?"

"I was already supposed to be dead, remember? Now it can be for that reason, but at the first it was to rid from his, Galbatorix's, service anyone with questionable loyalty. What is a kingdom when it is built on the shaky foundations of men? They are being sentenced to death. I turned Weston away from the King's court years ago… among others." Taya fell silent again.

Eragon was thinking hard.

Do not promise anything you cannot keep, Eragon, especially in this matter. It would ruin her. Saphira remarked gently.

"When, if, we come to battle, Taya, with your help I will try to spare this man Weston's life. If he would come over to the Varden, I am willing to do what I can for him."

A spark of hope flashed in Taya's eyes, but only a small one. But it drove away the anguish, and for that he was glad.

"Thank you, Eragon. Thank you."

The next few days passed quickly, Taya flying with Saphira while she and Kabarak gladly soaked in all the knowledge Saphira and Eragon were teaching them.

They were pushing the horses, mindful that the Varden and Surdan's needed news of Murtagh's movements as soon as possible so a council of war could be held to decide how to prepare a defense and counter attack.

After a week they flew over a rather large town, and Saphira told Taya and Kabarak that they were within a day's ride of Aberon. Below in the city there were cheers and cries of recognition, but also of surprise and awe at the glittering green scales of the smaller dragon beside their beloved sapphire one.

But the group on the ground bypassed the town to avoid questions and delays, and they raced their horses a distance before slowing to a more reasonable pace.
They stopped that night for the last time, not far from the capitol city, and emotions were high. Sacar and Raya attempted to reign in their excitement, since their weary, danger-ridden journey was coming to an end.

The camp remained quiet so as not to arouse suspicion from the farms surrounding the city. While Raya and Sacar pressed Roran for any details he could give about the Varden and the city, Taya kept mostly silent, thinking.

Her nerves were high, and she was certain that she would not sleep well that night. There were butterflies in her stomach as she thought of facing the leaders of the faction opposed to her father's rule. She could not stop the thought of startled guards' faces turning to anger and hate, and she could almost hear her voice quaver as she spoke – 'I am not my father.' And another woman say sternly – 'Seize her.'

Taya shivered and jumped when Vanira appeared suddenly at her side, and the elf's expression was worried as she asked,

"What are you thinking, Taya?" Her voice was soft, comforting.

"Arrest." Taya replied with a lopsided grin, and Vanira's eyes widened.

Suddenly she laughed, and everyone's attention turned to her. But she waved them off and smiled at Taya, taking one of her hands in her own.

"Dear lady, that is not your fate." She whispered, and Taya's nerves snapped and she sighed, feeling suddenly exhausted. The tension had snapped; relief was sweet.

"You and Kabarak will give these people new hope, though it may take a little for them to fully respect you for who you are. Many things in this land have changed. The wise can tell, and much more will change as time and war continues. Taya… no matter what anyone thinks, no matter the price, I will stand beside you as your friend, and my leader. We will face this together, as daughters of the past and of fire."

Taya stood and embraced her friend, smiling gladly.

Vanira then made a face. "It is a fact that someone will be ordered to search your mind for any hint of aggression, and whatever else a spy would have in his, or her, mind. It will not be me I assure you, but more likely Eragon or Arya. Anything that would need to be kept secret should be locked away where they will not bother to look, and it should be disguised. They would not dare to enter a dragon's mind."

Taya nodded, and before she went to sleep she and Kabarak did their best to strengthen their minds and thoughts. Finally Taya closed her eyes and she smiled before she fell asleep. With help, she could do this.

The next morning was a little chaotic, but they were finally all horseback and on the road, and the walls of Aberon loomed above them. Cheers and shouts range out from the city, as well as trumpets, and people were pouring out the gate to line the road to welcome the group, but mostly to stare in wonder at Kabarak, whom Taya rode close beside.

Eragon had mounted Saphira, and Taya looked on a little jealously.

Sacar and Raya were shouting at each other over the din, and Taya could barely hear her own thoughts.

Vanira sidestepped her horse right up next to Taya and leaned over and said in her ear,

"I have an idea that I think you might like." She looked over at Sacar and Raya then and laughed. Taya smiled too.

"They've never been a part of something like this. To them this is a party, a festival-it's unreal. They're a part of a story."

Vanira watched her closely. "But you're used to it.

Taya looked at the crowds, thinking back. "Yes, but never have I seen a city of people so sincerely happy to see an entourage that I was in. It has always been forced. Almost always."

Vanira nudged her, and with a twinkle in her eyes she said,

"Welcome to your new home, Lady Rider Corsallen and Kabarak Authamir."

The crowd around them cheered louder as if they'd heard her.

Taya smiled.