I won't comment on how long it's been since I updated... It would be embarressing : ) Here's a nice 'long' chapter for you, and I can safely say the next chapter will be up in the next day or two.

Thank you, all of my faithful reviewers!

Theme song for this chapter: 'Tonight' by Toby Mac...

If it's a little slow in spots, don't worry. It's the calm before the storm!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of the Inheritance Cycle.

No one spoke. All around the group there was talk and laughter, dancing and merriment. All the sounds seemed blended together as everyone looked between Taya and Mavir Sevalla. Taya seemed genuinely curious, while Mavir was utterly flabbergasted. How in the world had she known? Or guessed who he was? He knew of no one among the Varden who knew him or even his family, as they lived far away from Surda and he would have known if one of his family members had joined the Varden. Until now no one had questioned his name, taking him for who he said he was with grace, as he conducted himself.

So, how did she know he was a Drayson? There was no sense in trying to cover up his reaction. It was obvious she had startled him and that his name could really be Drayson. So he recovered himself quickly and replied,

"Indeed that is my name. Sevalla was taken on when I left the mountains where my family resides. Not many know this though, or know my family or that I am a Drayson, so I am quite surprised that you do, Lady Corsallen."

"I thought so. You have the same face as one of your younger brothers. I knew him back in Uru'baen a few years ago. Zen."

Mavir's face went ashen and he had to take a couple deep breaths. That wound had still not fully healed, not even after all these years. "You knew him?"

Taya nodded, watching him carefully. "I did. He was a bodyguard for the King, for a little while."

"Until he was killed."

She cocked her head slightly, noticing with interest the way his voice quivered when he spoke. She wasn't surprised… the Drayson family had been sent a simple letter stating that their son had died in service to his country and his king, and that there was no body to be sent back to them.

Only, Taya had learned a long time ago that no body meant there was still a slight chance someone was wrong.

"I knew him quite well, actually. As I lived in the castle I knew almost everyone who came and went from there, and he became quite good friends with a group of friends and myself. Very good friends."

"Do you know how he died?"

"No… because he didn't die, Mavir."

"No, you're wrong! We received a letter. A letter from the king, saying he was dead!" He shook his head vigorously. It couldn't be true. Zen couldn't be alive! Not after everything…

"I saved his life. Everyone thought he was dead. Everyone still does, obviously. There was no body to send to your family because there was no body, period. When no body is found, no body available to be seen by anyone, there is still a chance that that person is somewhere out there."

"If he was still alive," the young man's voice was soft, "he would have sent something to contradict what we were sent. I know… knew him well enough to know he wouldn't willingly allow us to think he was dead. He would have come himself even!"

"Actually it was his idea to remain 'dead' to the world, Mavir. He had escaped death at Galbatorix's hands by a hair, and didn't want to risk being found alive and so have his family used to bring him back to Galbatorix's side by force. It has happened before."

"I cannot believe it, not until I see him, alive, face to face. For years, Lady Corsallen, I have believed he was dead. I joined the Varden because I wanted to be one of the ones to hurt the Empire for killing one of my family members. His death was a blow to all of us in the mountains. The Drayson family drifted apart. I went to the Varden, who were at the time in Farthen Dur. Three of my sisters left home for different places, one of my brothers joined the Empire to see if he could find out anything more about Zen's death and the other two went after him to make sure he didn't die as well. I have a cousin that I know for sure joined the Empire, for his own reasons. I am sure there are other Drayson's out there, who left the mountains when Zen was reported dead, and all of them still believe he's gone and some, like me, want their own piece of revenge."

Raya, Sasha and Sacar looked between the two in amazement. When Sasha had struck up a conversation with the handsome young soldier she had never believed anything like what was going on would come out of it.

Raya knew the story of Zen Drayson, as Taya had told her about her precious friends she'd left behind in Uru'baen, friends she worried about every hour of the day. The arrival of another Drayson into the picture was slightly mind boggling, especially since he said there were many others out there, some awaiting the perfect time to strike at the Empire. She remembered a blood feud that had sort of started that way, in one of her first masters' home. She and other slaves had been immediately sold so unnecessary blood would not be spilled.

Sacar was just impressed by the way Mavir Sevalla, or Drayson, was conducting himself. He had his own ideas of what had happened and wasn't just going to fall at Taya's feet because she said his long-thought-to-be-dead brother was actually alive but didn't want anyone to know. He knew he would be skeptical too, if someone randomly came up to him and said his mother was alive. He would know better though, because he'd been at the grave when she'd been lowered to rest in the earth. He shuddered, pushing away the awful memory.

Taya, like Sacar, was impressed. Not only did she see a resemblance in the face between Zen and Mavir, but their attitudes were very much the same. Zen, though incredibly laid back and easy going, wanted all the facts before he could believe something completely. He'd gotten all the facts when Sen had nearly killed him, so he hadn't had to fish around at all, like he had been doing before. But the two Drayson's were also identical in the way they picked themselves up after being shocked and caught off guard. They both did it with a certain type of grace that belied the situation.

"You might get that face to face encounter a bit sooner than you'd think." She replied quietly, and she was rewarded by him nearly losing his composure. His face went a shade whiter, and his muscles bunched and he stared at her in shock. Her reply to his speech was not even slightly what he'd expected…

Seeing Zen, after all these years, face to face…? Was she really telling the truth that he was still alive? But how?

"The army that is marching towards the Varden right now very likely has in its ranks your brother. I cannot say that he will be the same Zen Drayson you knew, or even the same one I did. Since I left Uru'baen I have had a bad feeling that things have changed. Whatever has happened to him I must blame on myself, because I know my leaving there hurt him as much and more than it did anyone else. So, you will have to be careful who you run your sword through, when it comes down to fighting. I know that is not a comforting thought, just remember that I'll have a harder time because I know and love a small portion of the people in that army."

"How do you know that?"

"On our way here we had a run in with the Red Rider, who I knew in Uru'baen. In our duel I was able to understand that my friends from Uru'baen were in that army, and that means Zen is there. As of right now we do not know how large of an army is marching our way. For all we know it could be a small strike force or a massive army, since its strength is hidden from our eyes by magic. I can't tell if it is either, or if it is somewhere in between. Most people would want a small strike force, and we certainly are not ready for a massive army to attack. I am hoping it is somewhere in between, in the lower numbers."

"How could you have learned from the Red Rider anything that has to do with the army? Wouldn't he have sworn not to divulge anything to anyone?" Mavir asked suspiciously.

"Yes, he swore not to tell anyone anything. Only, he didn't swear not to tell me anything. In fact, I believe he didn't swear not to tell me anything because it was believed I was dead and he wouldn't have to worry about me asking questions. So you see I had the upper hand there, I think."

"You know how to twist a situation to your advantage, I will give you that." Mavir said stiffly.

Sasha could have laughed, but she didn't. It would've hurt the young man's feelings and she rather enjoyed his presence with the group. He was intelligent, had a sense of humor, but could also argue his point pretty well. When she tried to argue her point she usually ended up confusing everybody into believing her.

"When one grows up in politics, it is easy to learn that ability. That's what politics is: twisting a situation to your advantage."

"You do not seem like a person who would prefer politics, though."

"Indeed, no! I am awful when it comes to debates or arguments. I'm too set in my ways and thoughts that I never want to give in to the other side, and so the argument continues until someone calls a stop to it. I prefer to leave the politics to people better qualified."

"Then do you believe war is the answer? Sword to sword?"

"It is necessary at times. Sometimes politics leads to all out war, and when the war is over the people rebuild themselves. But sometimes politics is the answer, when neither side really wants a war and is willing to come to terms with one another. The Varden and the Surdan's do not really want war, but Galbatorix is building an army and wants us dead, so if the Varden and Surdan's do not fight, they will be wiped out. There is no negotiating with Galbatorix unless it is negotiating how we are going to die."

"I agree very much to that. But always there is someone out there hunting for more power, even on the side of the ones talking peace. That person would benefit from war, if one of his superiors died and he could take the vacant position."

"Wherever you go, Lieutenant Sevalla, you will always find someone who is greedy for power and will even kill for it. There is blackness in every man's heart and even a little power will cause him to want for more until it consumes him. Some men are content with a little, but some will not rest until they have more… and sometimes in the process they are killed. And sometimes in the process a man emerges like Galbatorix, who has enough power to conquer this world, or soon will. That is one reason why we fight him, because the ones who have enough power do not want that little taken away from them. So the result is war, until one side defeats the other."

"Do you think we can win, Lady Corsallen?"

"I think now there is a better chance. The Varden have two riders now, and the Empire has two riders. It's even. Granted the empire has more men at its disposal and Galbatorix and Murtagh have great magical power that Eragon and I do not have, but Eragon and I are fighting because we want to, and Murtagh is practically a slave to Galbatorix. It is an interesting situation. I think we have a chance against them, if we all stand together."

"That is good to know. I know some soldiers who think we have no chance. Granted, they said that before you and Kabarak Authamir came along."

"We'll just have to see what happens, I guess."

Lady Nasuada could be seen heading their way, so Mavir turned to Sasha and bowed slightly. "Would you like to dance, Miss Sasha?"

Sasha made a face, but accepted his outstretched hand. "I'll try not to trip you. I haven't danced in at least 5 years! Not really danced, like this stuff."

Mavir grinned at her. "No worries. I'm not that good either."

They laughed and moved away from the others, joining the other dancing couples. The other three watched as they started moving to the music, and it was clear both were pretty good. Mavir wasn't afraid of leading, and Sasha was more than happy to let him.

Sacar shook his head. "My father gave me dancing lessons a long time ago. I didn't care for them much, mostly because there was no point and no one seemed to dance in Feinster."

"At least you learned." Raya commented, sounding almost downcast. "I never did."

"Oh you two!" Taya laughed, shaking her head. "It's easy! Look at those people dancing. See them? Some really know what they are doing, some have no clue. See that one couple way over to the right? They've hardly moved from that spot, all they're doing is swaying back and forth pretty much. Lieutenant Sevalla and Sasha are somewhere in the middle, and are mostly having fun. Why don't you two go and try it? Get close to Sasha and Sevalla and try to copy them. I'm positive you two will be pros by the end of the party."

They looked at each oddly for a moment, and for a second Taya thought they'd both immediately bow out and run off somewhere else. Then Sacar cleared his throat and bowed low to Raya, who stared at him incredulously and he held out his hand and said very carefully, "May I have the honor of this dance, milady?"

Raya's face brightened and she curtsied slightly, and then took his hand. "Of course, dear sir." As if they knew exactly what they were doing Sacar led Raya over towards where Sasha and Mavir were, and though hesitantly, Sacar put his hand on Raya's waist and took her one hand in his other.

Nasuada came up to Taya as she laughed happily, and the Varden leader followed her gaze. "They look like they know what they are doing." She commented, somewhat surprised.

"They have no clue!" Taya said gleefully.

"Really?"

"Not a clue. Ok, well Sacar said he'd had a few lessons from Siranus, but I don't think very many. I told them they'd be pros by the end of the party."

"I certainly think so. So, what do you think?" "Of what?" "Of this, the banquet."

"Oh, well, it's a banquet, and I have certainly met a bunch of interesting people. I get the feeling that people are intimidated by me." "You are a rider." "Oh," Taya laughed easily, "I'm not worried by being intimidating. I'm used to it. But what is different here is that people are friendly. There are a good bunch of people of my acquaintance in Uru'baen that are downright unfriendly but still talk a great deal. People here have a sense of humor. Of course, they are not all worried that someone is listening to their every comment and they could be thrown in prison for saying something unguarded." "Did that ever happen in the castle?" "Once or twice, I think that I can remember or know about. Someone said something slightly insulting to the wrong person."

Taya watched the dancing figures. "In the court everyone was afraid of his own shadow. You never knew who would turn you in for a slip of the tongue, never knew who was listening to your conversation. When Murtagh… changed sides, people were nearly petrified of him. Morzan's legacy was still strong there. Because I was a girl I wasn't as much of a threat, though my background made people a bit more wary than normal. Being intimidating was an every day thing. It got tiring very quickly."

"I can believe that. It will be different here, I hope, for you. You will be like everyone else; someone with a story and a mind for what is right."

"Except unlike everyone else, I'm the partner of a dragon." Taya said sarcastically.

"True." Nasuada conceded, and for a few minutes they didn't say anything. Then Nasuada turned to Taya and asked, "What do you think we can expect from Murtagh and his army?"

"Almost anything. I can't see Galbatorix being able to amass a huge force after the Burning Plains and his other battles against you, so I think this is a small strike force. The smart thing for him to do now would be to turn back, since their element of surprise is gone. We know there is an army marching around and we know they are invisible. But an army in the desert is anything but invisible, magic or no. Eragon I am sure could fly around and from the sky pick out their location. I wish I'd known before I left Uru'baen that Galbatorix was perfecting that spell! I should've known he'd try something like that."

"You weren't in his plans, so there's no reason you should have known. Frankly I don't think anyone would have guessed him to make his army invisible."

"I still think I should have guessed he was up to something. He's always up to something. I know that if I had stayed any longer I would have been let in on his plans. I think he was working me up to that point. Murtagh came to me, before I made my decision to come here, and told me I had to serve Galbatorix or else."

"Eragon told me."

Taya eyed her. So, he'd told her had he? She wasn't surprised at all, as she'd known her memories would be discussed. That memory was the reason she'd fled to the Varden. That was why it was so important.

"They thought I only had two choices." She sounded almost smug. "Serve or die. Well, unlike most I had a third choice, and I was crazy enough to take it. Who knew I would snatch the dragon egg, find an unknown sister and a cousin and have the last dragon hatch for me? Certainly not me, I just wanted to get away."

She saw Eragon somewhere in the crowd, and wondered what he was doing. Roran and Katrina were talking with him, along with some people she thought to be from Carvahall. Taya decided she wouldn't interrupt their conversation, and suddenly felt like getting away from everybody. But she didn't want to seem rude by walking away from Nasuada… and the Varden leader didn't seem to want to go anywhere.

Oh how she wished one of the Hljodhr Evarinya were there, right then, to sweep her away into the dance and escape outside to walk around the courtyard for a little while like they'd done so many times.

"Do you think Murtagh's army will make it to Aberon?" Nasuada suddenly asked, jerking Taya out of a past memory. The thought hadn't occurred to her, and as she thought about it she suddenly realized that with their cover gone and short of turning back they would very likely redirect their attack… Aberon was farther down the coast and much closer to the Beor Mountains than say, Lithgow. Dauth had been passed unmolested, so that was not their target, neither was Cithri. Petrova? That seemed too far northeast.

Lithgow… That would mean the army would attack sooner than if they were to hit Aberon. Lithgow, one of the more medium sized Surdan towns, was not as well fortified as Aberon, and the main force of the Surdan and Varden armies were in Aberon.

"Lithgow, Lady Nasuada. They will strike at Lithgow, I am certain. Their element of surprise is gone, so they will make a beeline for a city we do not think they would hit. Surely they think the Varden and Surdan's will protect their capitol city, and their forces will be spread thin throughout the country. I can imagine some would think it folly to change their original plans now, but it would be a desperate move to still plan to attack Aberon."

"An interesting thought… I'll run it past the Council and King Orrin. Surely it makes sense, what you say. Personally I wouldn't change course."

"That's why they think their plan will work. They are counting on you thinking they will do what you will do." Taya closed her eyes for a moment before saying softly, "I know him well enough to be certain of what he will do."

Nasuada looked at her sharply. She knew Murtagh well enough to know he would switch his attack to Lithgow? Eragon had told her Taya knew Murtagh fairly well, but he had not elaborated. Perhaps they knew each other better than fairly? Taya's comment would make sense then. Although before she had left Uru'baen she had been around Murtagh and Galbatorix quite a bit.

If only she knew for sure! Eragon had told her Taya was to be trusted, and had told her what he'd seen in her mind, but the woman was still something of a mystery and a riddle.

"Nasuada," Taya suddenly turned to her. "I have a feeling we both have something in common. I do not know this for sure, but I think you really liked Murtagh when he was in Farthen Dur. This is just my thinking of what he told me. I think you have a good judge of character, Nasuada, and I think that you saw that he is a good man. If you can use that good judge of character to aid you in leading your people and trying to understand those close to you, you'll be the best leader Alagaesia has seen in a long time. If you'll excuse me, Lady Nasuada." The rider bowed her head and walked hurriedly away, moving into the crowd of people.

Once she'd made her way to the doors leading to the adjoining main courtyard, Taya looked around and drew her hood up, slipping outside into the darkness of the courtyard. Torches burned on the pillars around the enormous courtyard, and Taya noticed a couple standing in the darkness under a tree. She moved nearly soundlessly across the ground to a bench surrounded by bushes. She sat, and shook her head until the hood fell to her shoulders again, and she undid her pulled up hair, sighing.

Raya might think she was wonderful at all this stuff, but it really put an incredible strain on her. It made her feel enslaved, or crowded in on. Long ago she'd learned to hide those feelings from the world and take what came at her in stride until she had a moment where she could escape and gather her wits.

Are you that out of sorts, dear Taya? Kabarak teased lovingly, and she laughed under her breath.

You could say that. I've got fond memories of times I snuck away to gather my wits and was followed. Ohhh those... lovable, hardheaded, stubborn bodyguards.

I know you miss them. But don't you think you are losing your touch? The banquet has hardly started!

Maybe a little. I think it is the different atmosphere. Oh alright, I'll go back in!

I'm not telling you to go back. I'm just wondering what is up? Your riddle to Nasuada sure confused her, but it got her mind working.

That was... spontaneous.

You got that right. I thought it was brilliant, Taya.

Why thank you, Kabarak. I'll remember to try to be more spontaneous.

It would sure keep life interesting and everyone on their toes!

Laughing, Taya stood.

One day I'd probably do something a little too spontaneous for the Varden leaders. I'm close enough to the edge as it is!

Just go inside and have a little bit of fun, will you? It can't hurt anything, and everyone is probably wondering where you are... you being so spontaneous and all, they have no idea what you'll do next!

Humph.

Taya had taken two steps back towards the music and the lights when she heard an anguished cry and whipped around.

"I… I hate you! All you ever do is make excuses! I'm tired of this! Where were you when I needed you most? How many times did I have to tell my family you were doing something too important to be at home? Do you know how hard it has been for me to raise our child? He's two years old, Inon! How do I know that you haven't been cheating? What's her name? I don't care if you think you have to be somebody, because you are somebody, Inon! You're my husband! If you can't comprehend that, then you are not the man I married!"

"Tricia… how can you say that? You know I would never…"

"No! Not another excuse!"

Taya remembered the couple she'd slipped past earlier. Tears sprang into her eyes for no reason and she hurried forward, in time to see a very young woman push a man, who looked maybe a few years older than Taya, away from her in a rage.

"Where have you been for the beginning years of our son's life?"

"I'm in the army, Tricia. I have a duty to-" "You have a duty to me, your wife, and your son, as well. I know many men and husbands who have large, happy families where he serves his leaders but comes home to his family and spends time with them. Inon, time is flying by for Natan! Before you know it you are going to come home one night and he is going to be a teenager, a teenager who has never known his father. You will regret for the rest of your life not being there to watch and help him grow up."

"You don't understand."

"Then you understand me, Inon Erlesi." The young woman's voice was cold. "I don't know where you go every day, every week of your life. I loved the man I married, and I have never let you down. I knew when I married you that you would not always be here with me and to help me raise our family, and I have loved you this whole time. Have loved. I hate you… you are not my husband. The man I married, the man I've known for most of my life would not leave a woman and a child to fend for themselves in the dark."

The young woman turned and walked away, her head held high, and the young man made as if to run after her, holding out his hand as if to catch her by the arm.

"Tricia…!"

Taya walked up beside him as he hung his head, and she watched as his shoulders shook. "Is what she said true?" She asked softly, causing him to jump.

She wondered what he saw, when he looked at her. A black shadow? A pale face?

"I feel as if I've died… I've never broke my vow to her, I have never held another woman in my arms. There is only her, and yet I feel as if I have let her down. I always meant to rise up and be able to give her all that she wanted and more. Now she hates me."

"What you do not realize is that you were all that she wanted. A girl wants a man who will hold her, who will love her forever and hold her hand and kiss her when she cries. A girl who loves a man does not want riches or the world at her fingertips. The girl wants him and only him. She wants a man who will stand beside her no matter what the hardship. You have let her down, young man. But it is not too late."

"Not too late?" He cried, waving his hands in exasperation and defeat. "I have lost everything! I have lost her, I have lost my son… my life is empty. I let her down, and now she hates me."

"If you knew her, you would not say that."

"I beg your pardon?"

Taya shook her head, looking the way the young wife had gone. "She loves you. She always has, always will. Her faith in you may be shattered and it may take a while for you to earn her trust again, but she loves you. A woman's love for a man is not as fickle as you make it seem. A woman's love never dies, when it is of the purest kind. If you sacrifice your time for her, be the man you told her you would be, then you will have won. Falter a step, and you will lose her again. Stop and think how many tears she has cried over you, not knowing whether you were alive or dead, faithful or unfaithful, good or evil. Her sacrifice was much harder than you think, because she gave up everything, her home, her family and maybe even some of her life to be your wife. Love her for that."

The young man stared at her, searching and trying to see her face. He did not know who she was, but her soft voice had finally penetrated his mind. He took a deep breath. Maybe all was not lost… maybe what she said was true, that there was still a chance to be the man Tricia had married, the man Tricia loved… maybe… maybe he wasn't ruined. He thought back to the day he had proposed, how beautiful Tricia had looked, how her face glowed when he stumbled over his words and promised to be there for her every second of their lives.

"Think about it. But I think you have already realized what you have done and what must be done to heal the breach." Taya squeezed his arm and quickly went the way of the young girl, searching through the gardens for her. She didn't think the young girl would leave the dark beauty of the courtyard, but she could always be wrong…

There was a faint rustle to her left, and Taya ducked under a low hanging branch of a tree and pulled up short when she saw the heap of a girl curled up beside the trunk of the tree. Taya's throat clenched and she stepped forward.

"Go away! I don't… don't want to hear it!" The girl sobbed, but Taya stepped closer. The girl looked up and stopped before she could say anything. A pale hand was extended to her, and above the hand was a face, outlined by dark waves. The moon was above in the sky, casting down a sliver of light that faintly hit Taya's back.

"Take my hand, dear girl, and you'll see that all is not lost, and your love is not dead. Come off the ground, out of the dirt. You do not belong there, young lady. Your place is among queens… and your husband among kings and your son among princes."

"You do not know him." The young lady turned her head away.

"You do not know him either."

Tricia's head jerked around and she tried to make out the lady's face. Hesitantly she took the hand, which was smooth and strong. She was gently hauled to her feet, where the lady brushed her off, saying,

"There is no point in being un-presentable. You must look the part, even if you do not feel it. Even the commonest child can act like the gentlest queen."

"Why do you think I'm a queen? I can't be queen, not when I have no husband to be my king."

"Nonsense!" Taya scolded, sounding far harsher than she meant to. The girl cringed. "You have a husband who loves and cares for you more than you know. If you stopped to try to understand what he's done, you might think differently. My dear girl, do you love him? There is no grey between the black and white when it comes to love."

"I… I… I loved him, the man I married-"

"Ahh, go no further, lest you regret what you say." "What do you mean?" "My goodness, you are far harder to reason with. Think, girl! You love that young man back there, do you not?"

There was no way to answer in words, so Tricia nodded her head, feeling numb inside.

"Then find him, let him apologize. Love him for who he was, who he is, and who he will be. You have something many your age have no clue is. You have a pure love, dear girl. You have a husband, who though he was made a wrong decision or two, loves you more than himself. Help each other grow, for you two are young in this life. Look to him, dear girl, and learn who he is. You've been apart a long time, to the point where he does not know you as well as he should and vice versa. Now, do you feel better?"

"I don't know. I feel all numb inside. Cold, clammy."

Taya had to smile. "There is only one remedy for you." "What is that?"

Taya took her hand again and led her from under the tree, back to where she'd left the young man to think. She confused her prisoner, and when she saw Inon's shadow on a bench, leaning forward with his head in his hands, she stopped and hugged the girl, who was quite astonished. "Follow your heart, not instinct. I guarantee your heart is telling you that you love him and you hurt yourself when you said those things to him." Letting go, Taya deliberately snapped a stick she'd picked up earlier, and then she slipped away, ignoring the girl's whispered plea to return.

"Tricia?"

Taya smiled as she nearly skipped to the open doors, and she looked back. She could not see the couple, but she could only imagine what was taking place right then.

With a beaming smile on her face she entered the throng of people. Almost immediately she spotted Raya and Sacar still dancing, and she watched in surprise as they moved across the floor in a fluid dance that seemed to put everyone else's skill to shame. Spotting Sasha standing on the edge of the dancing people, she snuck up behind her…

"It is about time you showed up." Sasha rolled her eyes and turned around, and though her mood was slightly sour, she had to laugh at the disappointed expression on her cousin's face. "Where the blazes have you been? I've looked high and low for you for nearly 20 minutes, since Mavir was pulled off into some conversation about battle tactics."

"And you didn't stay to listen?" Taya gasped, totally mocking her cousin. "I would have thought you couldn't stand to be out of that young man's sight! And knowing a little bit about battle tactics might do you some good."

"Oh, shut up." Sasha growled. "The man who pulled him away couldn't have cared less about me, and the pleading look Mavir gave me told me everything I needed to know." "What, that he thought battle tactics were more interesting than you?"

"No!" Sasha gaped at Taya. Taya kept a straight face for a couple seconds, before her face reddened and she cupped her hands to her mouth in an effort to control her laughing. "What is up with you? What in the world have you been doing that put you into such a good mood?"

"Were you seriously saying that the man who took Mavir aside couldn't care less about you? Don't tell me we will have to deal with men who think battle tactics and fighting in wars is only a man's job." "I think he has a prejudice against women, period."

"Well then, I must meet this man. I can see a man disliking the idea of women fighting in battle and I greatly respect that man's attitude, because fighting in a battle really is a man's job. Women hardly ever fight in battle, which is a good thing most of the time. We are too headstrong, and in some cases rather too ruthless. You and I, we fight in battles for a different reason: because we must. But if a man has a prejudice against women, well, he has no right to call himself a man."

Sasha looked around carefully and noticed that a few people within hearing range had frozen, and were staring over at them like they had seen a ghost. "Ummm, Taya," She hastily tried to lead her cousin away from the area, but Taya turned around and pointed an elegant finger at a few of the people staring at her, not all of them men.

"And don't you think anything otherwise, you noble men and noble ladies, if so you be called. A woman deserves respect from a man, for she is a woman. Not a tall, gallant man in shining armor, but an elegant, lithe lady waiting to welcome that soldier home and treat his wounds, or be swept off her feet into his arms. And don't you dare think I speak nonsense. I swear that if you ask nearly any woman in this great hall what she wants most, her answer will be either to be loved or to be respected. I personally shoot for both." She waggled her finger at them, a devious smiled quirking at her already upturned lips. "Remember that and you'll live a long time."

Taya linked her arm with Sasha's and steered it towards the punch table, grinning from ear to ear. "Man, do I feel accomplished."

Sasha's eyes were the size of saucers as she looked over at her cousin, and when Taya saw her expression, she threw back her head and laughed. Her foot came down at a funny angle and she half fell. Only her link with Sasha kept her from falling to the ground completely, though Sasha considered letting her fall because she was laughing so hard.

"When you went outside, are you sure you didn't leave with a bottle of something?"

Sasha queried, steadying her cousin.

"Sh… shame on you, Sasha!" Taya managed. "How… how could," she had to pause between laughs, "you say such a thing about me? How could you think such a thing of me?"

"I never thought I would ever ask that dreadful question until a moment ago." Always uncomfortable when everyone stared at her, Sasha was certainly uncomfortable then, because her cousin was making quite a spectacle of herself and dragging Sasha with her.

"Oh come on, stop being a sour puss."

"Knock it off, will you? Everyone is watching us!" Sasha hissed in Taya's ear. Taya looked around, just then noticing. The effect was instantaneous. Her cheeks flushed a deep red and she took a deep breath, looking at Sasha in embarrassment.

"Whoops…" She muttered and straightened up, pulling her cousin away from that area. "My bad. I just had to make a fool of myself tonight… and everyone knows I'm the new rider. Apparently I can't think things through! So much for spontaneous being a good thing, Kabarak."

The dragon heard the thought through her mind and chuckled.

Sasha shook her head. "You never cease to amaze me."

"That's what everyone says. I am still trying to figure out if that is a good thing or a bad thing… Don't be surprised if I keep on amazing you."

"Got it. So, now what?"

"Now, after having had so much fun, I will be pulled into a very boring conversation with some random politicians as punishment for enjoying myself… and you can either stick around and learn some very boring but possibly important stuff, or you can go find someone new to get acquainted with. Have you seen Vanira anywhere?" Taya had spotted the little entourage undoubtedly heading her way, as she had unwittingly moved towards the banquet table and where Nasuada and King Orrin had their seats. Once he'd spotted her King Orrin must have taken it upon himself to gather together some of his council members so they could pick her brain. Or perhaps the politicians had taken it upon themselves of convincing the king to introduce them to her. No matter, she had left herself wide open.

"No, I haven't seen Vanira. And she is kind of… odd. I don't think I'd feel safe around her without you there, until I know her better."

Taya laughed a little, patting her cousin on the shoulder. "I do not think you could be around anyone safer than Vanira Dacoryn. Sure, she's not like you or me but she is an elf, with a bit harsher background than most. Don't worry about it, Sasha. Let me see, who else is around here that you could meet?" She looked around quickly, keeping an eye on the politicians, who were gaining ground quickly.

"I might be able to be some help in this dilemma." A familiar male voice interjected and the two ladies turned to see Roran smiling at them. Of all the people Taya had thought about, he had not even occurred to her. But then, he'd been a wonderful friend on their trip to Aberon, so it made sense. Sasha seemed relieved she didn't have to stick around for the arrival of the politicians, and gladly went off with Roran to meet his lovely wife, who he had wanted them all to meet. Taya caught sight of Raya and Sacar already over with Katrina and Eragon; the former Taya had yet to meet but was quite eager to… dratted politicians! One of the reasons why she disliked politics so much… everyone thought you were there just for them.

Taya took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, turning back toward the politicians.

"Do you think Taya is… enjoying herself?" Raya looked slyly over at her sister, who was in a very animated conversation with one of the politicians who had converged on her earlier.

Mavir Sevalla, who had finally joined them once he'd 'escaped', looked over at Taya and back at Raya, and started laughing. Roran too started laughing, and the girls didn't get it.

"For once, Raya, I think I can say you've got it wrong." Another voice interrupted. Everyone looked up to see Vanira Dacoryn standing with her arms crossed and a huge grin on her face. "Taya Corsallen is wishing she could fall asleep right now. Or fall over and die."

Everyone looked over at Taya, and then looked back at one another and back at Vanira. The elf sat down at their table and leaned her elbows on the wood.

"Taya is funny like that. You look at her once and you think 'man, she loves that!' and you look back and think, 'wait a second, what's that funny look on her face?' It's the look of total annoyance that most people never see, and have never seen on her face. Believe me, people will begin to know that look real well."

"Do you think they'll ever let her go?" Raya asked Vanira.

"Not until they have to or someone else comes along who can save her. The poor girl. Not one young man has had the courage to ask her to dance all evening. At this rate, no one will." The elf shook her head sadly, not once looking at any of the men around the table, though it was obvious her comment was aimed at them.

Said men all looked at one another, feeling as if each had been suddenly singled out and slapped in the face.

When no one jumped forward to volunteer immediately, Vanira couldn't help the exasperated sigh that escaped her lips. She looked over at her friend, surrounded by annoying politicians.

"What is the world coming to? Taya will just have to fend for herself, it seems."

All eyes turned back to Taya. She was leaning back in her chair, one hand pressed against the side of her face as two of the men started arguing across the table at one another. The expression on her face plainly read,

'Will this ever end?'

Taya Corsallen leaned up against the wall next to the door that led into the room she shared with Sasha and Raya, dead on her feet and totally exhausted. She was thinking it was past 1 o'clock in the morning but it could certainly have been later.

Her dress sandals dangled from one hand, and her cloak was wrapped tightly around her shoulders to keep away the chill of the desert night in the stone castle. Her previously pulled up hair was fully let down and the hood of her cloak pulled up so the long red tresses cascaded out from under the fabric.

Taya had escaped the banquet long after her friends had called it a night and departed, lest they fell asleep there, in the hall. She shook her head. She liked being social and she enjoyed talking, but not for hours and hours on end about government associated things. Her conversation with the politicians had gone on for what seemed like forever until she thought she'd go insane, but was saved from such a horror when Eragon politely asked if he could steal her away to dance.

The politicians had not been happy, but Taya had been so overjoyed she nearly kissed the highly embarrassed Dragon Rider on the cheek. She refrained from doing so, fearing that certain… unwanted ideas might pop into some people's minds.

After a couple relieving dances Mavir stepped up and took his turn, to which Taya couldn't have been happier. They talked about everything they could think of except Zen, as they both seemed to realize the other didn't want to talk on that subject and so the conversation between them was much easier.

All of a sudden it seemed all the young men were asking her to dance, and unconsciously her eyes strayed over to Vanira as a tall dark haired gentleman took Mavir's place. She'd never met the man, and he was quite nice, and an astonishing dancer… in his own way.

Sacar, She smiled to think of how the teenager had haltingly asked if she'd like to dance with him, she'd found to be a wonderful dancer, considering the fact he had really only learned that evening. When she was nearly being called away again by the demanding nobles and politicians, Roran stepped in and informed the men that she was still occupied at present.

Unfortunately she didn't have anyone to dance the night away with, so she had been called back to meet more important people.

It had been an interesting night…

Taya opened the door quietly and saw a low burning candle on the table. She looked around and smiled. Sasha and Raya were both soundly asleep.

Quickly Taya set down her shoes and changed out of her formal gown and into her much more comfortable sleeping clothes.

After putting the dress in the wardrobe she happened to notice that the door to the small balcony was slightly ajar. Cautiously she walked over, wondering at her sister and cousin for having left it open. As she stepped out onto the balcony though, she was greatly surprised to find Vanira sitting against the wall on the balcony's stone railing.

"Well well well, fancy seeing you here, Vanira. I must say, you surprised me."

Vanira smiled over at her, her face mostly in shadow. "I wanted to make sure you got back here safely. Or you got back here period."

Taya scoffed and leaned against the rail. "You sound like a mother hen." She muttered.

"Let's just say I'm cautious when it comes to the last dragon rider and her companions. There are people out there, you know, who would love to see you dead."

Taya rubbed her throat. "Believe me," she said darkly, "I know."

Vanira nodded and looked back up at the sky. Taya sighed and leaned her head back, sighing deeply. "I appreciate it, all this watching out for us. It's nice to know someone's got our backs. So, how was your time at the banquet? I hardly saw you."

"I got around a little bit." Vanira shrugged. "I mostly watched you and the others. I hadn't seen anything, so I wasn't too worried. Though, I did slightly panic when you disappeared for a little while when my back was turned."

"Ahh, yes, that." Taya said no more, wishing to leave that incident in the dark. It had been an interesting night. "Well, I must thank you, though I don't know how you managed it, for getting those dashing and shy young men to dance with me."

"Oh, that? It was nothing! I just had to work on their weak spots a little and then they couldn't figure out who would ask you to dance first. They decided on Eragon, because he was a rider and the politicians couldn't deny him from stealing away his new rider partner. You and Mavir Sevalla seemed to hit it off pretty well."

"You know the story. He's a Drayson. Drayson's are notoriously easy to talk to. But yes, when we weren't talking about his brother, we did get along nicely. He reminds me so much of Zen that I could almost, almost imagine myself talking to him. Then again, I tried to steer myself away from that idea because it is painful to think of any of the Hljodhr's without wondering if everyone is alright. Mavir still thinks Zen is dead, and it hurts a man's pride to tell him that something he believes to be true is actually wrong."

"I hope you are not just now realizing this, Taya." Vanira stated sarcastically, grinning at her. The elf drew her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees as she watched Taya.

The rider laughed. "Goodness, no! I've known it to be true since I was very young. Such is life though. By the way, you seem to be in a very sarcastic mood this evening. What's up?"

Vanira suddenly turned her head away and sighed. Taya frowned and pushed herself off the rail, stepping up to her friend. She laid a hand on her friends shoulder.

"What is it, my friend?"

"There is nothing sarcastic about the times ahead of us. They are dark times, and must be looked at as serious and important. I have to get all my sarcastic comments out, so when those dark times come people won't think I am even more insane for thinking something deathly serious is hilarious. The wall I made around myself makes me… insufferable, or so I have been told."

"I wouldn't go that far." Taya scoffed, shaking her head, but before she could comment further, Vanira cut her off. "Some other people would. Whenever I do talk, people usually can't understand me so they can't stand me."

"You've perfected your wall. It's almost too perfect. People like to know what everyone else is thinking, and if I may say so, you are extremely hard to read, mostly because you don't act serious when other people think you should. It greatly confuses people and so turns them off."

"You are about as confusing as I am, dear Taya. You tell everyone riddles and even those who know and enjoy riddles can't make heads or tails of them. People have already begun to notice and you've only been here, what, a few days? What does that tell you?"

"That we'll make quite a pair and that the people here in Surda are smarter than those in Uru'baen… at least most of them."

Vanira chuckled. "Well put."

"Vanira,"

Something in Taya's voice caused the elf to turn her head, and when she did she saw a strange fire burning in the rider's eyes.

"Tomorrow is a new beginning, Vanira. The Varden has a better chance of beating Galbatorix, but that's not all. The people here have something concrete to fight for, and they are fighting for something they believe in. Many of the soldiers among the Empire… they have no choice. Some are threatened to fight, and that's not the way it should be."

"You mean Murtagh, don't you?"

"Yes… and no. He is one of them. Many others went through much of the same thing. But tomorrow… Kabarak and I will show these people what it means to fight for what we believe in, no matter who challenges us." Taya smiled. "I'm not some runaway damsel, in distress because I was chosen to be the last rider. I can't welcome the wounded soldier home because I might be the wounded soldier. Funny how fate throws things at us, like this whole mess.

But I know right now that I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm not seeking revenge, though if I was anyone else I probably would be, since Galbatorix murdered my mother. I'm not seeking power, though I certainly could because I'm a princess and a Dragon Rider. All I really want to see are people with their freedom, and have the freedom to make my own choices. Galbatorix stands in the way of that goal, and by doing that he threatens all those I care about. So, what can I do about it?

Tomorrow will begin the time when I start showing everyone just why I'm here and what is going to happen because I am here. If Galbatorix wants a fight, and he does so by throwing Murtagh and a strike force at us, so be it. It means we can retaliate and show them what we can do and what happens when we get pressed too hard."

'Man do I feel for all those people who thought she was a typical 18-year-old girl.' Vanira thought to herself, smiling widely. 'Because they will never know what hit them.'

She kept this thought to herself, but said,

"Tomorrow is another day." The elf said slowly. "And it isn't all that far off. I take it you won't be catering to politicians tomorrow, with such a speech as that."

Taya grinned at her, that peculiar fire still burning in her eyes. Vanira wondered what it really meant, and she wondered what Murtagh would think if he saw her right then. How well did Murtagh know her? Surely he knew her well enough to know what that fire in her eyes meant…

"The next politician who even asks me to join him in a conversation will be talking to thin air. My business is with Eragon and Du Vangr Gata. If we plan to defeat even a small strike force with magicians like Melcar Di'Acor in its ranks, they are going to have to learn a new way of thinking. It won't be easy… not by a long shot."

'Du Vangr Gata is going to feel it tomorrow, especially Trianna. I sincerely hope Eragon makes it clear to both her and Taya who is second-in-command…but then, Eragon doesn't really know Taya, so he'll probably say Trianna is second. That is going to hurt Taya's pride, and if Eragon says Taya is the second, that is going to infuriate Trianna. Maybe… I don't have anything going on tomorrow myself, so I think I'll just tag along. Taya might not be an ordinary 18-year-old, but she does have a temper like one. She and Trianna might have it out to see who's better and in that case, Trianna would be down in a minute… or less.'

"You seem worried, Vanira. Was it something I said?"

To Vanira, Taya sounded worried. The sudden thought that popped into Vanira's mind caused her to start laughing.

Taya's expression clearly said she was confused.

"I'm only worried about Trianna. And Eragon. And Nasuada. I could continue, but it isn't worth it."

"I don't get it." Taya commented, totally miffed.

"You'll get it… tomorrow."

"Ok, then. Anyways."

"Get some sleep, Taya. You look ready to hit the wall."

"Sleep? Are you kidding? What means sleep?"

"I don't know, seeing as how I never get any because I wait up for people like you to realize they are exhausted. Come on, Taya. You just recovered from a coma and a near death experience. If you don't fall asleep tomorrow, I'll be very surprised."

So? Comments?

OH OH OH I am so EXCITED because book 4 comes out this year! Gosh, it seems like forever since Brisingr was released... The conclusion is upon us! Finally, all the loose ends will be wrapped up. 'Inheritance'? I guess it fits for the last books title... but it could have been a little bit more epic... oh well! Still excited :D