AN: I had hoped to have this chapter done in time for the 3 year anniversary, but yeah that didn't happen lol. Last night after watching Avatar (an amazing movie btw. It helped me break out of my writer's block for some reason.) I sat myself down and was determined to finish this chapter, even if it took me all night. Kinda random, but I think if Broken were ever made into a movie, Sam Worthington would make a great Argus. Maybe it's just me lol. Anyway, thank you so much for being patient with me. I know it's not easy. I realize this chapter is rather short and not a whole heck of a lot happens, but I guess it's something. Enjoy! Let me know what you think.

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Alianna couldn't remember the last time she had ridden on a dragon, Whenever it had been, she was sure the experience wasn't like this. She held on tight as Thorn flew threw the sky at a blinding speed. They had been flying for hours Alianna guessed. The wind blew threw her hair and she found herself shivering.

How far was Thorn planning to go? She remembered Murtagh telling him to go as far as he possibly could, but still.

Suddenly, Alianna felt very light headed and nauseous. She hadn't felt like this since the beginning of her pregnancy. She tried to ignore it for awhile, hoping it would go away. It didn't.

Thorn, we have to stop. Please…

Thorn turned his head to look at Alianna. He no doubt could tell that something was wrong.

Hang on. There's an area where we can make camp just a few minutes up ahead.

Alianna nodded.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Thorn landed in a secluded area near a river. Alianna quickly climbed off, keeled over on the ground, and began to vomit. The vomiting didn't last very long, but as soon as she stood up afterward, Alianna felt like the ground was spinning underneath her.

Slowly, she made her way over to Thorn, took one of the water skins out of a bag, and drank a few sips. This seemed to make her feel somewhat better, though the baby began kicking her feverishly. Alianna smiled slightly and rubbed her stomach.

"Are you alright?" Thorn asked. What happened?"

I'm fine. Just felt a little nauseous for a moment. I guess the baby isn't use to flying yet.

Still, I think it's best if we stay here. We should be safe for now.

Alianna looked up at Thorn, almost afraid to ask this question.

Have you heard from Murtagh? Is he alright?

Yes. He had to fight off some guards, but he made it out.

How far away is he?

About two days ride. Maybe less. He said he wasn't making many stops.

What? Why wouldn't he…

Then it hit her.

You told him I got sick, didn't you? Thorn why did you do that?

He asked me how you were. I had to tell him.

Alianna sighed.

I know you did. I just don't want him to worry any more than he has to.

You're a good person Alianna.

That's very kind of you to say, even though it's not true.

Immediately, Alianna's thoughts drifted back to Argus and the terrible guilt she felt for leaving him behind.

Before Thorn could question her, however, she quickly changed the subject.

So two days then?

She decided to unpack a few things. As Alianna was doing this, the small pouch she had been carrying kept getting in the way. Alianna looked inside to make sure that the egg was safe, which it was. She knew she couldn't keep carrying it around herself though.

Thorn, I need you to keep something safe for me.

Of course. What is it?

Alianna approached Thorn, opened the pouch, and carefully took out the egg.

Alianna! That's…

I know.

But how?

It wasn't easy.

Do you know what this could mean?

I do. Which is why I need you to carry this for the time being.

I'll guard it with my life.

Alianna secured the pouch onto Thorn and placed the egg back in. It was then that she saw Argus' gift at the bottom of the pouch.

"Don't open it now." Argus had said. "Wait until you've gotten safely out of here."

Alianna figured this was about as safe as she was going to get. She took the gift out and sat on the ground. Slowly and carefully, she unwrapped the brown paper from around it and felt tears in her eyes as she saw what it was.

In her hands was a small journal with a blue satin cover.

It had been so long since she had written in one. After she had filled up her last journal, which was not long after she and Murtagh were separated, Alianna began to lose heart.

Murtagh had never seen the sense in any of it, but Argus was always very supportive. He encouraged Alianna to get back into writing. He thought it would do her a lot of good. But she never did.

Alianna didn't know how she was going to find the time, but she was determined to write in this journal. She owed it to herself. She owed it to Argus. If Alianna ever saw him again, she would have to thank him. This gift meant more to her than all the finest jewelry and dresses in Alagaesia.

Suddenly, a horrible thought crept into her head.

You may never get the chance to thank him. Argus could very well be dead right now.

No! He can't be dead. He just can't be.

Alianna forced herself to push these thoughts to the back of her head. She would drive herself crazy at this rate. She needed to calm down. She knew getting so upset was not good for her or her baby.

Thorn, who had been watching Alianna carefully for the last several minutes, asked. "What's troubling you Alianna?"

It's nothing.

It has something to do with that gift doesn't it? Who gave it to you?

I'm alright Thorn. But I am feeling rather tired. I think I'll try and get some sleep now. It's been a long day.

Thorn agreed and told Alianna that he would keep watch and alert her if there was any sign of danger.

Alianna pulled out a small blanket and wrapped it around herself. She then leaned against Thorn for warmth.

Within minutes, Alianna began drifting off to sleep, clutching the journal tightly to her chest.