Disclaimer: Sorry that the updates are so long. I've been trying to keep up with school work and now I am in drivers' ed.

The three Shur'tugal traveled for three days strait. Tasha remained unconscious the entire journey. Galzra and Saphira landed in the mountains that remained alone in the middle of the Hadarac Desert. Eragon helped Arya move Tasha off of Galzra's saddle. "Her heart rate has gone down a lot," informed Arya. She set up a pallet for the young girl. Eragon set her down and looked up at Arya. "I'm going to touch her mind after we eat."

Be careful, warned Galzra.

I will, replied Arya. She hasn't been taught how to retaliate to intruders.

"Do you think that a magician attacked her?" asked Eragon.

Arya shook her head. "She would have woken by now. I also don't think that she could have fallen ill. She has no fever." She sighed and rubbed her temples. "Whatever it is though, we need to get her to my people. I am not trained in the arts of healing. ... My job was simply to kill."

Eragon sighed and sat on a rock. He looked up at the clear blue sky. What do we do now, Saphira? he asked.

I do not know Little one, answered Saphira softly. It is clear however that we should get into Du Weldenvarden as soon as possible. I hate stopping like this.

As do I, agreed Eragon. But what choice have we got right now?

We should continue flying! cried Saphira.

You and Galzra would die of exhaustion! replied Eragon angrily. And where would that leave Arya and I?

Saphira knocked him over with her tail and pressed her front left foot down on his chest, pushing him down into the rocky ground. Are you saying that dragons are weak? she growled dangerously.

Eragon looked up into her blue eyes. Of course not! he cried furiously. Now get off of me! He felt barriers go up all over her mind. "Saphira let me up!" he ordered.

Arya unsheathed Zar'roc and prepared herself to fight off Saphira if she had to. "Saphira, get off of him," she ordered coldly. "I am sure that he did not mean any offense to you." Eragon, what did you say to her?

I told her that we can't continue flying otherwise Galzra and herself might die of exhaustion! yelled Eragon.

Arya walked in front of Saphira. "Saphira, Eragon is only worried about your welfare," she said. "Now, let him up."

Saphira glared back at the elf. She growled, low and dangerously, This has nothing to do with you.

"Actually Saphira, it has everything to do with myself," corrected Arya. "You see, you are connected so strongly with the man whom I love. Would you dare kill him? You would die too, and by doing so you would put many lives at risk. I know that your love for Eragon is deeper than anything that can be felt. I understand that because of my strong love for Galzra. You and Eragon are no longer alone. There is now two more Shur'tugal thanks to your efforts. Nothing will be accomplished by fighting amongst ourselves."

Saphira snorted and removed her foot from Eragon's chest. She walked away from the camp and curled into a ball. Eragon stood and looked over at his dragon. Saphira, quit taking things so personal, he said softly. I meant nothing to offend you. I remember an old, wise man once tell me while he lay dying to protect you at all costs. I promised him, Saphira. I swore an oath to him that I would allow nothing to happen to you while there was still life in me.

Is that all you care about, Shadeslayer? Saphira cried angrily, some stupid oath to a dead man?! That is the only reason why you try to protect me!

That isn't true, Saphira! Eragon cried in frustration. He kicked a rock down the mountain side.

Arya sheathed Zar'roc and walked to his side. "I think that it is best for you to leave her for now, Eragon," she whispered. "Her pride has been damaged. Dragons are proud creatures, prouder than most elves. Let Saphira be alone for some time while she cools off."

Eragon turned to her and pulled her close. "Arya . . . promise me that you'll never leave my side."

Arya's jaw tightened. "Eragon . . . I will never leave you," she said coldly. "Not unless you give me reason to do so."

Disclaimer: Sorry, that I have not updated in so long and that this chapter is so damn short. I had to use the school computers and did not get much time.