Disclaimer: I'm sorry that these updates are coming slower than they used to. I can never garuntee when I can get on a computer. Hope everyone is having a nice holiday.

Three days passed since Arya and Galzra had flown away. Eragon remained camped with Roran and his soldiers. He sat on the ground with his back against Saphira's stomach. His sword rested in its sheath on his hip. He gripped the hilt firmly with his hand. I do not like waiting like this Saphira, he complained.

Nor do I, Eragon, agreed Saphira. Her brilliant, cat-like eyes looked out to the mountains. But we must stick to our plan. Arya and Galzra should have arrived home by now.

And it will take time to gather enough elves, replied Eragon. He let out a heavy sigh. Plus, there is no one to spar so that I can pass the time.

You forget about me, Saphira growled.

Eragon chuckled softly to himself. I do not wish to hurt you though. What if we are attacked?

Then quit your complaining.

When did you eat last? asked Eragon seriously.

I am fine, Eragon, answered Saphira. You should eat though.

I will, but later, replied Eragon. He closed his eyes. He concentrated on finding Arya. After several minutes he found the familiar aura. Arya . . ..

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Arya arrived back in Ellesmera on the third day. The elves cheered for her return. "Queen Arya!" called a woman with long, dark hair.

"Yes?" replied Arya after dismounting Galzra. Sound the alarm, Galzra, she ordered plainly. I want every able bodied elf at the Menoa Tree in two hours.

Understood, murmured Galzra. He took flight and above the trees he let out a mighty roar that could be heard from miles around.

"What is it?" asked Arya.

"We have a prisoner," informed the woman curtly. "She apparently has no memories." She stepped closer to Arya and whispered in her ear, "And she's a Rider. She has the gedwey ignasia on her palm, but no dragon has been found."

Arya frowned. Tasha, she thought bitterly.

She survived the fall? Galzra wondered.

I will go to her then, informed Arya. But we must go and retrieve Amestat.

Should we go after we assemble the elves? asked Galzra.

Do we have much of a choice? Arya looked at the woman. "Would you bring me to this prisoner?"

The woman nodded quickly. "Follow me, Queen Arya." She led Arya away. "And if you do not mind me asking, why is your dragon sounding the ancient alarm?"

"That." Arya paused for a moment, searching for the right words, "will be announced later."

They stopped outside of the prison. Tasha lay curled up, asleep. "Tasha," growled Arya.

Tasha opened her eyes and blinked away her sleep. "Huh?" She yawned and stretched. Her eyes immediately met Arya's. Strange memories flashed before her eyes. "So 'an I get outta 'ere?" she asked.

"Leave us," ordered Arya firmly. The elf woman who had brought Arya to Tasha bowed and left. Arya paced back and forth slowly. "You have a lot to answer for, Tasha. You forsworn your duty as a Shur'tugal."

"What're oo 'alking 'bout?" asked Tasha.

Arya's green eyes narrowed dangerously. "Do you know who I am?"

"No," answered Tasha truthfully. "An' wha' 'id I do?"

The elf sighed heavily. She has no memories, she told Galzra.

But why? asked Galzra darkly.

I do not know, admitted Arya. But we need to get Amestat here. He might be able to return at least some of her memories.

I can go and get him, offered Galzra.

Hurry, ordered Arya. "Do you remember anything?"

"On'y tat I was 'ap'ured by Galbytorx," answered Tasha.

"He's dead," informed Arya. "His own dragon killed him . . .and shortly after that, a dragon hatched for you. I have sent my own dragon to go and get him for you. You will be trained as a Shur'tugal." She murmured a spell to release her. "I am Queen Arya." She led Tasha away.

They walked together to the Menoa Tree. "Where're we goin?" asked Tasha curiously. She felt uncomfortable by the stares the elves gave her as she walked behind Arya. "Why're tey all 'taring at me?"

"We are not accustomed to human visitors to our forest," answered Arya. "They will get used to you in time." She swept up to the roots of the Menoa Tree. Many elves were already gathering at the base, their heads huddled together in small groups, whispering.

An hour passed. Arya waited patiently as the elves who lived farthest away arrived. "Tasha, stay here," she whispered. "My people!" She held her hands up high. "King Roran requests our aid! There is a group of soldiers loyal to Galbatorix hiding in the Beor Mountains. They attacked Eragon Shadeslayer. There is no sign that any dwarves remain in their mountain cities. King Roran and his soldiers are camped in the east and asks that we attack from the north."

Arya . . ..

She nearly jumped when she heard her name. Eragon?

Aye, murmured Eragon. Are you home?

I am, and I have raised the alarm to my people, answered Arya. I can have them ready for battle in three days.

Shall I tell Roran? asked Eragon.

Yes, answered Arya.

Stay there . . .no matter what. Eragon removed his conciousness.

"In three days time, we march off to war and end this conflict!" An uproar of cheering exploded throughout the forest. "Spread the word to your kin! Now prepare for battle!" Arya watched with a sense of pride as her people hurried away to prepare themselves for one final battle. She turned to Tasha. "Follow me."

Arya led Tasha to the sparring field. She picked up two practice sticks and threw one to Tasha. Tasha caught it. Her eyes widened with shock at her reflexes. The two women faced each other. Arya held her stick to her left and bent her knees just slightly.

Tasha charged at Arya. She swung her stick wildly at Arya's left shoulder. Arya caught the attack with ease. She pushed Tasha back. With her wrist she twisted the stick out of Tasha's hand. "Dead," she murmured. She sighed heavily. "You need to fight me as though I am about to take your life."

"Sorry, Queen Arya," murmured Tasha.

Disclaimer: Haha! I have updated.