Disclaimer: I own none of the characters apart from the ones that I inserted for my own purposes and entertainment.
Eragon saddled Saphira and tightened the bags that held the food for the next three days. He turned to Arya, whom tightened Galzra's saddle. Then he turned to Tasha. The young girl was staring off and her dragon stood up to her waist. I still cannot believe how fast dragons grow, he admitted to Saphira.
It will not be long now until Amestat is ready for Tasha to ride him, agreed Saphira. She needs to continue her training.
I will continue her lessons on the way back to Ellesmera, replied Eragon. She will fly on your back on the way there. You are to use every maneuver to try and get her off and she is to do everything she can to stay on.
Eragon, how can you be so cruel and harsh on her? Saphira turned her long neck to him so that she glared at her Rider with her deep sapphire eyes. You are expecting the impossible!
She needs to learn how to properly ride a dragon, replied Eragon stubbornly. If while she rides Amestat and they are attacked, Amestat would have to avoid the attacks and she would have to stay on.
I see your point, said Saphira. But please, see reason in your madness.
Let us ask Arya, Eragon insisted. He turned to his mate and with the mental link that they shared, asked, Arya, do you think that we should make Tasha ride Saphira on the way back to Ellesmera?
What do you mean? Arya questioned.
Tasha needs to properly learn how to ride a dragon before she rides Amestat, explained Eragon slowly. If she learns how to stay on a dragon no matter what flight pattern, if Amestat is attacked, she will know already how to stay on.
Arya sighed and closed her eyes. What do you think Galzra?
I think, began Galzra. That this is an idea that will go terribly wrong.
I agree, replied Arya softly. She returned to Eragon. I do not think that it is such a good idea . . ..
Eragon sighed. Why do you think that, Arya?
Every dragon is different, explained Arya without hesitating. She would have to adjust to Amestat. Also, if she were to learn Saphira's movements, that could be dangerous.
You do not trust her, do you? Eragon inquired.
I just think that it is odd that she ended up with a dragon egg that no one knew about, replied Arya, expressing her worry. I did some research while you were away from home and found nothing as to the Amestat's origins. There could be another dragon egg out there that we do not know about yet.
Are you happy, Saphira?
Happy about what?
You were right, admitted Eragon. He turned to Tasha. "Are you ready?" he asked.
Tasha snapped out of her trance. She looked at Eragon, surprised. "What did you say, Eragon-ebrithil?" she asked softly.
"I asked if you were ready to leave," answered Eragon patiently.
Tasha nodded. "When are we coming back though?"
"Not until your training is complete," replied Eragon. He helped her into Saphira's saddle.
"Eragon!" Orik came rushing to them. He doubled over, panting. "I am so glad that I caught you before you left!"
"What is it, King Orik?" asked Eragon kindly. Arya walked over to them.
"I just wanted to inform you that Trianna was spotted—here in the mountains," explained Orik quickly.
"That traitor!" hissed Eragon. "Where?" he asked forcefully.
"She escaped before anyone could capture her," replied Orik. "Be cautious while you are traveling."
"We will be safe once we get to Ellesmera," informed Arya. "No one can enter without the support of the elves and I guarantee that my people will kill her on sight."
"You cannot be too sure about that," whispered Orik. "In every government there are traitors."
Eragon and Arya nodded. "Thank you, King Orik," murmured Eragon.
"Have a safe flight, and may the Gods watch over you," replied Orik softly.
"May the stars watch over you, King Orik," added Arya. She inclined her head before returning to Galzra.
"Elves certainly are strange folk," murmured Orik, shaking her head. "Send word to me when you return to Ellesmera."
"I will, King Orik," replied Eragon. "Thank you." He turned and mounted Saphira.
Amestat glided to Tasha and clung to his Rider's shoulder. The two larger dragons leaped into the air and spread their wings to take flight. Orik stood behind and watched them disappear into small specks in the horizon.
Eragon smiled as the wind blew into his face. He looked to his right. Arya had her body angled perfectly with Galzra's movements. Her eyes were squinted in concentration. They've really become one, he observed.
What else would you expect from them? Saphira angled left. Eragon helped Tasha to move with Saphira.
Nothing more or less, I guess, replied Eragon, laughing. He relaxed all his remaining tension. We should give Roran and Katrina a visit.
Make sure that Arya agrees to that, ordered Saphira.
Eragon sighed. He reached out for Arya's consciousness. Arya, is it alright with you if we pay Roran and Katrina a short visit on our way back to Ellesmera?
Do we have enough food for that long of a journey?
We have enough for three days, and we can stock up at the castle, and rest properly, answered Eragon. It is not as though we have to hide anymore.
We should still take a route that we will not be spotted, replied Arya cautiously. I still do not think that Roran has had enough time to convince the Empire to trust us.
I agree, murmured Eragon. Ok Saphira, you heard her.
Saphira angled west. Eragon fought to keep Tasha in the saddle. Galzra followed Saphira. Should we send a message telling your cousin that we will be coming?
I could go, offered Amestat.
Go where? Tasha asked.
"We are going to pay my cousin a visit on our way back to Ellesmera," explained Eragon.
They flew on the rest of that day in silence. The group set up camp that night by the shores of the Beartooth River just outside the Beor Mountains. Eragon and Arya both unsaddled their dragons while Tasha and Amestat set up the camp. Tasha looked up at the star-filled night sky. I have changed, she told Amestat, a hint of sorrow in her voice. I am not the same person that I was when I began serving Lady Nasuada. I very much wish to see her again.
I am sure that you will see Lady Nasuada again soon, Tasha, replied Amestat softly. He stretched his long, elegant neck up and he observed the stars. And many things will continue to change.
I wonder when Eragon-ebrithil will begin teaching me how to use magic, said Tasha excitedly.
You only began your training, Amestat growled. You still have many more things to master.
But Eragon-ebrithil has only been a Rider for four years! Tasha cried, frustrated. How long do you suppose it took him to master magic?
I would not know, answered Amestat.
Tasha sighed and glanced over at her mentors. The two Shur'tugal held the other under the clear star lit sky. The full moon shined brightly down on them, illuminating their faces. Why can they not find any place private?
Amestat chuckled as best as he could. The young dragon glanced at Galzra and Saphira. Both dragons lay curled around each other. Galzra's head covered Saphira's neck. Their eyes were closed and they were obviously in deep conversation. I wish that I were older, growled Amestat.
You have a fascination with Saphira-ebrithil! Do you not, Amestat? Tasha accused.
Amestat glared at his Rider. No, he snorted.
Tasha sighed and closed her eyes. You cannot hide anything from me, Amestat, she murmured. Galbatorix, though he is an egotistical bastard, has taught me many things.
I do not trust him, growled Amestat. He snarled, showing off his pearly white, razor sharp teeth.
Eragon and Arya walked over to them. "Is anything wrong, Tasha?" asked Eragon kindly.
Tasha looked up at her mentor and found herself blushing. She quickly turned away from him. "No, nothing is wrong, Eragon-ebrithil," she answered stubbornly.
Eragon sighed and shook his head. "If you say so," he replied. "Are you hungry? You have not eaten anything all day."
The young girl nodded. Amestat, you should ask Saphira or Galzra to go and hunt for you, she advised. You need to eat before we continue. She returned her attention to Eragon. "I can cook so that you can spend more time with Queen Arya, Eragon-ebrithil," she offered.
"That act of kindness will not be necessary," replied Eragon, shaking his blonde head. He retrieved the cooking pot and stew vegetables for cooking. "Tasha, go and get some water." He handed the pot to the younger Rider. Saphira, accompany her.
Saphira opened her scaly eyes. Galzra lifted his head to allow Saphira to move. The largest dragon walked away with Tasha. Eragon and Arya watched them disappear. "Are you sure that you can trust her?" asked Arya.
Eragon shook his head. "I know that we cannot trust her," he replied softly. He reached out and pulled his mate to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. That is why I sent Saphira with her, he added.
Arya nodded and returned the kiss fully. She rested her head on Eragon's shoulder and looked over to Galzra. "You should start the fire before Tasha returns," she said after a moment.
Eragon nodded. He put wood into a sufficient pile. "Brisinger," he murmured. His gedwëy ignasia glowed for a moment. The wood began burning in a healthy blue blaze.
Tasha returned moments later with the pot full of water. She stopped abruptly and stared into the fire. "How did you do that?" she asked, inclining her head to the fire.
Magic, explained Galbatorix irritably.
"I simply started the fire," replied Eragon. He took the pot from her and set it down in the fire so that the water could boil.
"You used magic!" Tasha piped. "I know that you did! Teach me, Eragon-ebrithil!"
Eragon looked at her. "I will not," he hissed. "You must complete the rest of your training first. And by the looks of it, you have a long way to go."
This is ridiculous! Tasha cried to Amestat.
Beware of your emotions, warned Amestat. You do not want them to take hold of you. I am sure that you do not want to end up like Galbatorix.
Of course not! Tasha glared at Eragon and then Arya. I hate her! She always thinks so much of herself! And all because Eragon fancies her! It is sickening to see them together!
Tasha, growled Amestat. Do not let your feelings get in the way of your training!
What would you know?!
"Tasha, let us spar," Eragon announced, removing Tasha from her argument with Amestat.
"I will spar with Queen Arya," murmured Tasha.
Eragon looked at her, surprised. He turned to Arya and raised an eyebrow. What do you think?
"I accept," replied Arya. She took a long stick and faced the young Rider. Tasha also took a stick in her hands and faced the elf. Why would you want to spar with me if you know that you are going to lose?
Do not be so full of yourself, elf, sneered Tasha.
Arya frowned and looked critically for an opening in Tasha's defenses. What is it that you hope to earn from sparing me then?
Eragon will be mine for the taking, Tasha growled. She charged at Arya and struck at the elf's right shoulder fiercely. Arya blocked the blow just before she could be struck down. The two circled each other and depended on their physical strength to push the other down to back out.
You have definitely improved, observed Arya. But you will never be able to match an elf's strength. She jumped back. Tasha stumbled forward. Arya took this opportunity to strike at Tasha's back. Tasha rolled out of the way and tripped Arya on her feet. She stood over the elf with the tip of her stick at Arya's neck. Arya felt a bead of sweat drip down her forehead. She felt fear flow through her veins. 'This girl can kill me if I am not careful,' she realized.
"De—" began Tasha, but she was not allowed to finish as Arya twisted the stick out of her hand.
Arya kicked Tasha in the stomach. The young Rider doubled over in pain. Arya stood over her rival and struck her down. "Dead," she hissed. And stay away from Eragon other than your training. She dropped her stick and walked back to Eragon.
"That was amazing," Eragon whispered in her ear. "You did not hurt her, did you?"
"Tasha will be fine," murmured Arya. "I only damaged her pride."
Eragon nodded and began cooking the vegetable stew. Why did she challenge you anyways? I know that you two talked through a mental link. You might be able to keep a calm face, but Tasha revealed her emotions to me in every way possible.
Arya closed her eyes and smirked. You are really getting better at searching for other's emotions, Eragon, she commented. Just be very cautious around this pupil.
What reason do you have for not trusting her?
Just for once, Eragon, trust my judgment without questioning it, murmured Arya irritably.
Eragon sighed and continued cooking their dinner. "I think that you should stop sparring until the baby is born, Arya," he murmured softly.
Arya looked at him critically. "Why would you suggest that?" she asked coldly. "I still have plenty of time before this pregnancy will slow me down."
"I do not doubt that," replied Eragon calmly, smiling at her stubbornness. "I am just implying that it could be harmful for you and our child if you take a blow to the stomach."
The older elf leaned into Eragon's shoulder. Her muscles that were previously tense relaxed considerably. Eragon wrapped his arm around his mate and pulled her closer into him. "Who will keep you in shape then?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Eragon sighed and smirked at her remark. "I have Tasha whom I can spar with daily and many of the elves to test my strength on at any given time," he answered softly. "I will protect you, no matter what . . .." He kissed her softly on the lips. Arya returned the kiss. The two separated after a moment.
Tasha looked up at them, but quickly looked away; embarrassed and disgusted. Why can they not do that stuff privately?
Be careful with what you do, Tasha, advised Amestat. They do not trust you, especially Arya . . ..
Of course she does not trust me! Tasha cried furiously. I just fought her to get Eragon's affection!
Eragon handed out bowls with the stew that he had cooked up. Tasha sat away from the others and ate silently. Eragon and Arya ate in relative silence. The three Riders set out their pallets shortly after diner that night and fell asleep with Eragon taking the first watch. Galzra, he murmured.
Yes, Shadeslayer?
Could you tell me—without Arya knowing, what did Tasha want as she sparred my mate? Eragon looked up at the large, green dragon.
Galzra blocked Arya out of the conversation obediently. If I told you, you would surely kill the young Rider, he replied.
She wants me for herself, does she not, Eragon guessed. I can see it in her eyes.
Be careful, Shadeslayer, growled Galzra warningly. You are treading on thin ice here. Keep your guard up while you are training Tasha.
Eragon grunted, annoyed that Tasha had actually challenged Arya over a petty crush.
Disclaimer: YAY! Another chapter is complete! Please review. And again, I own nothing other than the characters that I created.