Disclaimer: I am really sorry for the long delay. I've been out diving every few days and the rest of the time I am helping my family set up their business roots. On with this fic!
Five days had passed since Eragon, Arya, and Tasha arrived at Roran's castle. Tasha had spent most of this time completing her lessons. Every morning she would go out to the gardens with Eragon and meditate with him, telling her mentor everything she had learned, without making much progress. While frustrated, with her morning lessons, she would spend the afternoon with her nose deep in scrolls. The only time that she allowed herself to take a break was for meals and the two hours that she could spend with Amestat. The two had bonded quickly, seeking refuge in one another after their long days of training. Every evening before dinner, Tasha would spar with Eragon and Roran in turns, using wooden sticks that Roran had for his soldiers in training. She received a fair share of blows and bruises, and would spend all night tending to them.
Eragon and Arya, however, spent their time conversing with Roran and Katrina, exchanging news and talking of arrangements for elves to come once again out of the forests of Du Weldenvarden to make settlements. They also worked on signing peace and allied treaties to ensure that they would not enter another bloody battle.
Their time for peace and relaxing would be cut short however. On the fifth evening, Tasha and Eragon stood facing each other from opposite ends of the orchard. Both had long, wooden sticks in their hands. I will not hurt him, Tasha told Amestat. Her dragon stood at the side, watching them intently. I can't.
You don't have to, assured Amestat. Simply show him that your strength has grown, because it has. Every day you get stronger and become a better fighter.
Tasha frowned. She blinked, and in that split second, Eragon had disappeared. She quickly looked around. In the nick of time, she spotted a blur of a slash aimed down at her right shoulder. She rolled out of the way. Arya stood back a few feet and watched them with a blank stare. Tasha glared at her for a moment before returning her attention back to Eragon. No sooner than she had stood had he come at her, slashing and cutting what seemed like randomly. Tasha was forced back and to parry the blows. She sidestepped to the left and swung with all her strength at Eragon's back, hoping to catch him off balance.
Eragon caught her strategy before she could execute it. As she slashed her stick, he fell and kicked her off balance. He quickly stood back up and pressed the end of his stick to her throat. "Dead," he whispered. He threw his stick aside and helped her to her feet. She panted heavily, while he breathed normally. "Go and eat your dinner, and then we will talk about what you did wrong," he ordered calmly.
"Eragon, let her spar with Roran," said Arya. She was holding back on you, she explained.
I noticed, replied Eragon. "Ok, you will spar Roran," he said to her.
Roran walked forward. He took up Eragon's dropped stick and faced Tasha. Tasha sighed and regained her stance. She watched Roran, searching for any sign as to which way he would move.
At least he's an easier opponent, laughed Tasha. Eragon-ebrithil was right in saying that humans cannot match an elf's strength.
He is still fierce all the same, replied Amestat, amused.
We will soon see, Tasha chuckled. She blocked their mental link so that she would not get distracted. A grin formed on her face as Roran circled around her. She closed her eyes and felt his presence. The air molecules changed slightly, but enough to tell Tasha that Roran was slashing fiercely down at her shoulder. She snapped her eyes open and ducked out of the way with smooth and almost graceful movements. She slashed at his wooded sword and used all of her remaining strength to hold it away. 'I'm running outta time,' she thought to herself. She kicked him in the gut and twisted the stick out of his hands. She caught it in midair and held both crossed at his neck. "Dead," she panted.
Roran looked up at her. It happened so quickly that he did not know what she did. It took a few moments for his defeat to sink in. He clambered up. "That was a good fight," he murmured.
Tasha nodded. "That it was, King Roran," she replied. She dropped her stick and staggered to Amestat, where she sat.
"Tasha, get up," ordered Eragon roughly. He grabbed under her arms and got her to her feet. "If you sit now, you will cramp up."
"Yes, Eragon-ebrithil," murmured Tasha obediently. She panted real heavily now and her clothes were soaked in sweat.
"You fought well tonight," complemented Eragon, smiling fondly down at her. "You should be proud. When we return to Ellesmera, I will have a sword made for you."
Tasha nodded, saying nothing.
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Late that night, Tasha collapsed in the bed that Roran had given her for her stay. Amestat curled up on the floor where a straw bed had been set up for him. So, now a sword will be made for me, Tasha mused.
I talked with Saphira about that, and by what she said, it is an honor, replied Amestat.
Tasha sighed and closed her eyes. I wonder when we will go back to Ellesmera though, she murmured.
Soon, I hope, Amestat said. I miss the trees.
A smile formed on Tasha's lips and she laughed. That is just like you, Amestat, she chuckled. Good night.
Good night, Tasha, replied Amestat.
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Eragon stood at the window of the room he shared with Arya. Arya sat on the bed, combing out her hair. "Your pupil is improving with everyday," commented Arya.
Eragon turned back to her, and found himself blushing like he always did when he took his eyes off of his beautiful mate and looked at her suddenly again. He quickly composed himself before stating, "She is still in inner turmoil. I cannot explain it, but it seems as though some spirit resides in her."
"That is unheard of, Eragon," laughed Arya. She set aside the brush and walked closer to him in a daring sort of way. She kissed him lightly on the lips.
Eragon returned the kiss and held her close to him. Just a suggestion, my love, he said, smiling inwardly at this simple moment that he had the privilege of sharing with her. "How are you feeling?" he asked when they separated their mouths.
Arya smiled and blushed slightly. Eragon thought that this was really cute. "This pregnancy is beginning to get annoying," she murmured, laughing.
Eragon frowned and looked down at her sheepishly. "I am sorry if it is a burden to you," he murmured.
Arya poked him hard in the chest. "Do not ever say that!" she cried. "I have told you before, this is an honor to be the mother of your child." She looked at him sternly.
"My apologies, Arya," Eragon murmured.
A loud knock echoed throughout their room. Eragon sighed and pulled away from Arya. "Come in," he ordered.
Roran slipped in and shut the door. "I am glad that you two are still awake," he panted.
"What's wrong?" asked Eragon, alert.
"Eragon, the dwarves are under siege!" cried Roran quickly.
"What?" Eragon looked confused and alarmed. Saphira, prepare for battle, he ordered.
"What do you know of the situation?" asked Arya, more calm and collected than Eragon.
"They are holding off," informed Roran. "I have ordered my troops to prepare to march off into battle. There is a group of rebels who are still loyal to the old king that have apparently banded together."
"I will ride to Ellesmera and tell my people to make haste," informed Arya.
"Has King Orin and Lady Nasuada been informed yet?" asked Eragon.
"I sent a messenger to King Orin, warning him of the outbreak," answered Roran. "I am sure that Lady Nasuada will hear then."
"She cannot fight yet," murmured Arya. "She is too far along her pregnancy and will give birth within a month."
"She will need protection," added Eragon seriously. "Does Katrina know?"
Roran nodded. "I leave you to prepare for battle," he murmured, bowing before he left.
Eragon pulled on his battle tunic and belted Brom's old sword. "Have a safe ride home," he murmured.
"And you stay safe in the battle," added Arya.
"I will see you when I return home," replied Eragon.
"See you when you get home, safely." They kissed each other lightly on the lips. Eragon strode out of the room, leaving Arya alone to prepare for her own journey.
The young Rider took long strides out to the garden. He found Saphira saddled and ready. Roran stood a hundred feet away with his legion of ready soldiers. "Fly above us, cousin. Warn us of any dangers, and stay close."
Eragon nodded. He mounted Saphira and felt the familiar sensation of taking off. He looked down when Saphira finally leveled out and saw the soldiers marching with purpose out of the castle. I never thought that they would be fighting on the same side as us, he admitted to Saphira.
Keep your mind on the battle ahead, little one, replied Saphira urgently.
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Arya changed into her traveling tunic and belted Zar'roc. She looked out her window and watched as the soldiers marched out of the castle. She also saw Saphira gliding above with Eragon on her back. 'Stay safe, Eragon Shadeslayer,' she thought with great sadness and loneliness. Galzra, are you ready to race home?
I am, replied Galzra. Are we bringing Tasha?
We will have to, answered Tasha. She will need protection and she is an inexperienced warrior. Also, Amestat is not ready to be ridden.
You had better wake her then, murmured Galzra. I am being saddled right now.
Arya sighed and walked out of the room. She quietly entered Tasha's room and walked to the young girl's bed. "Tasha, wake up. We're leaving," she ordered with great authority.
Tasha lazily opened her eyes. "What's goin' on?" she grumbled. Amestat raised his head and peered at them.
"We are going back to Ellesmera," informed Arya. "Get ready. I will wait for you in the gardens. You have fifteen minutes to get down there." Without another word, Arya slipped out of the room.
Tasha got out of bed. What do you suppose is going on, Amestat?
I do not know, answered Amestat.
Tasha looked out the window and saw the soldiers leaving the castle. She cursed under her breath. A sudden pain shot through her body. It concentrated in her head and she felt as though her skull would split at any second.
You will follow those soldiers and kill them all.
Disclaimer: There, for those of you who wanted more action, here you go. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I will write the next one as soon as I can.