Update 07/16/12: Removed an error in the storyline from this chapter. PM me if you can't find the change, I don't want to post a spoiler.

Update: Added alot more so you will want to read again. Now it is up to standard length, and sets up for the next chapter nicely. Due to the concerns of booklover1498 (be sure to check her out, she is a very talented and active writer), I beleive I should specify that "the green spirit/Fenrir's Mother" is not dead. Sorry if I confused anyone, haha, it's not meant to be a "ghost", just a visual representation of her mind, like the lights that represented life in Eragon's training with Oromis. Hope you enjoy this update, and ill be working on the next chapter in the meantime!

Hey guys! So super sorry I didnt get to update last weekend like I'm supposed to, but I was really busy :( But guess what? Today (March 13th) is my birthday! Yay! Haha, anyway, I decided to use my free time today to finish this and get it posted. I know it's not very long but it was a good stopping point. I may add more to it if I get time but I'll probably just move on to the next chapter. As always, please review and hope you enjoy it! :D

Chapter 5:

Voids & Revelations

Fenrir slowly became aware of a change in his mind. He was still unconscious yet, he was aware of it. The world was a misty black fog around him. Distant specks of light shimmered out of reach. His sight was without direction, there was no edge to his vision. The vast obsidian pool surrounded him completely. He tried to move but found that there was nothing to move. His mind seemed to no longer be tethered to his physical body.

A bright orb of green light entered his panoramic view. It shone brightly and wispy tendrils of mist flowed around it. The center pulsed slowly like a heartbeat.

Greetings Fenrir, it has been so long since we've spoken.

The strange voice entered his mind. It was not a voice he recognized, and could not recall ever meeting this orb of light. Fenrir had no idea how to speak without a physical body but he assumed that if this was his mind, he need only think his response.

W-who are you?

Fenrir stuttered slightly as he heard the strange sound that was not the same as his physical voice. It was deeper, wiser than his real voice, and echoed in the emptiness around him.

Where am I?

There was a pause after his pair of questions. Then he felt the presence of the green light again.

My identity is of no importance at the moment. Know only that I am your ally and wish to see you reach your full potential. As for your second inquiry, the answer is a bit more complex. We are nowhere and everywhere, we are in the space between. We are on a mental plane, a void where thoughts and interactions are not hindered by physical distance or limitations. This is a meeting of our minds, far deeper than a simple mind touch that the basic mage uses.

Fenrir allowed the entity's words to sink in and contemplated on the concept. Soon the light spoke again.

Since the physical world is no longer a factor, let us test your abilities. I want you to attempt to alter the Plane, create something new.

Fenrir had no idea how to create something out of nothing, but wanted to learn about this mental plane. He concentrated on his own image, every detail of his physical being. His slightly angled features, his slight tan from working the docks of Teirm in the burning sun, his black hair that fell to his neck, everything he could picture clearly in his mind. He wrapped the image around his mind and narrowed his vision to that of his physical eyes.

Once he was finished, he tested his construct. He held up his ghostly hand to his line of sight. It was transparent and gave off a faint red glow, but looked surprisingly real. He mentally drew in the space beneath him until the void condensed into a smooth ebony floor.

Comfortable with the new look and feel of the void, he walked around on the black walkway, examining his handiwork. He enjoyed being able to walk instead of the unsteady floating that took place before.

Most impressive Fenrir, you learn exceedingly fast. But you will need to be able to do more than manipulate mental space if you are to be the champion Alagaesia needs.

Fenrir turned to face the green light.

What do you mean champion? I may possess basic knowledge of magic, but I am no champion.

The green orb released a mental sigh.

Fenrir, you have so much more potential than you believe, handed down to you by destiny and bloodline.

No spirit, you are mistaken. Garven was a grand mage but no better than any other mage in the Great Rebellion.

There was a moment of silence before the wisp spoke again.

O Fenrir, I am sorry to be the one to shatter the world you thought you knew. Garven is not your father. He has been a great caretaker in your father's absence, but is not related to you by blood.

Fenrir was stunned by the entity's words. He refused to believe the lies that the spirit told.

Surely you cannot believe that I would fall for your falsehoods. Who are you to question my bloodline?

Once again, the being paused before it responded.

I am your mother.

The four words hung in the air.

N-no, my mother-

-Left you shortly after birth. Yes, that was I Fenrir. It pained me greatly to leave you and your sister with Garven, but it was necessary given the circumstances. After your near-death at the hands of Du Hvitr Istalri Dominia, I was forced to intervene. After consulting with your father, your real father, we decided that it was necessary to train you and your sister ourselves. You and Evalette possess rare gifts and we cannot allow you to be slain simply because of combat inexperience.

Consulting with my father? Then he knows of us and still chose to leave us behind! You both abandoned us and you try to justify it? What, by the gods, could possibly force you and father to leave behind your own flesh and blood?

Fenrir your father is… a Rider.

Fenrir's rage at his parents came to a halt. Could he really be the son of a Dragon Rider?

But, that would mean…

The green light finished for him.

Yes Fenrir, The Blue Rider, Eragon Shadeslayer, is your father.

The revelation shook Fenrir. The Master Rider was his father! He lost his concentration and the void around his mind shifted back to its original form.

I understand this is a lot to take in, so we will continue training another time. For now, return to your slumber my child, and find it in yourself to forgive your father and I for leaving you and Evalette.

Fenrir's mind gradually faded out of the void and his thoughts once again ceased as he fell into a deep sleep.

Fenrir slipped into the semi-conscious world of the Void. After he had once again fashioned a body in which he was more comfortable, he called out to the green spirit, whom he still could not believe was his mother, and waited for her arrival. After a few minutes, the air before him shimmered, then cracked open to reveal the burning green orb.

Hello Fenrir, I did not expect for you to return so soon the light said in a voice that sounded like wind rushing through tree branches.

Fenrir collected himself.

Sleep has done me well, mother he replied in his own spectral voice.

You have recovered well, both mentally and physically. I am sorry to say, but I was forced to return to Elesmera while you slept. One of my huntresses, Valeria, has stayed behind to protect you during your recovery. She has informed me that you will soon be healed enough to be released from this sleep. And, Fenrir, there is good news. I have discussed it with your father and we find it will be best if you come to Elesmera. Here you can receive the necessary training and equipment to complete the task that has been asked of you.

And what task is that?

To eradicate the corrupted Hvitr Istalri Dominia and restore order to the mages of Alagaesia.

Fenrir's lighthearted mood faded.

Surely you cannot be serious mother? How can one man bring order to an entire land?

Your father did it. And his blood flows in your veins.

But he is a Rider! I possess no dragon or enchanted blade, I have nothing but a basic knowledge of magic!

Yes, those are true, which brings us to the last good news of our meeting. There is a very special event scheduled to take place during your stay in Elesmera, Du Agaeti abr Du Alfakyn Shur'tugala.

What is that? I've not heard of it before.

It is the Elven name for an event that all races celebrate, set in place by the Master Rider before he left.

Fenrir tried to decipher the Elven name. The Celebration of the… he could not figure out the rest. He hoped it was nothing unpleasant, considering he would apparently be attending.

I can see you are once again distracted, so I will let you return to your rest, the green light spoke again. You will awake soon, and you and your sister will travel to Elesmera with Valeria. I anxiously await your return Fenrir, please make haste. Farewell.

Farewell Mother Fenrir replied.

The green orb faded away, and Fenrir allowed the Void to dissipate as he sank into his last few hours of unconsciousness.