Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance books, as usual. And I'm sorry for the long wait. I've been making hand written copies and just haven't had any computer time. This summer I am sorry to say, but updates will come as I have time to type them. I will be sailing on either the Hawaiian Chieftain or the Lady Washington until August.
Several weeks passed. Elesmera was anything but quiet, and that made it increasingly difficult for Tasha to study the scrolls that Arya had given her. The young Rider sat up in her tree house, labouring over the scroll that Arya had given her about the war that the elves had fought with the dragons. I thought that these stories were just old legends, she admitted to Amestat.
They are very real, replied Amestat. But there is no need to worry about the past wars when conflict is about to break out.
I wonder why Eragon-ebrithil and Saphira-ebrithil don't just burn those loyalists, grumbled Tasha.
I would not know, admitted Amestat. But one thing that I can tell you is that I am growing too large for this study.
Tasha nodded. She had not realized it, but Amestat had grown to be at least double his size since they had left the castle. His scales reflecting the sun's light really impressed her. Go and hunt if you wish, she ordered hollowly. She let out a heavy sigh as her dragon left.
So much in her life had changed over the last few months, since Amestat had hatched for her. She had learned a lot too. The weight pulled her down.
Arya frowned as she felt the kick of the growing fetus inside her. Galzra hummed behind her. As she sat in her mother's old throne, she wondered if she was really cut out to be a mother.
Do not worry so much, advised Galzra. You will do fine. He nuzzled her shoulder.
That reminds me, Nasuada should be due soon, replied Arya.
Go and see her, suggested Galzra. I am sure that she would be overjoyed to see such a familiar face.
What about my duties as Queen? asked Arya quickly. And Tasha's training?!
Have your council take over, replied Galzra. And as for Tasha, use this as a training opportunity. Amestat is big enough for Tasha to ride now. He smiled, showing his menacing fangs.
Arya smiled and chuckled. What would I ever do without you, Galzra? Alright, we will go.
Should I tell Tasha? asked Galzra.
Yes, answered Arya, but only tell her that I wish to see her and Amestat.
Galzra shifted his massive form to his feet and walked past Arya. Once he got outside, he leaped in the air and took flight. He soared between the trees and landed on the balcony of Tasha's residence. His weight shook the tree.
Upstairs in her study, Tasha jumped. What the hell?! She crept down the latter only to find Galzra. What is it? she asked coldly.
The Queen wishes to see you and Amestat, replied Galzra evenly.
"She will have to patiently wait then. Amestat is out on a hunt."
Tell him to fly to Tialdarí Hall and meet us there, ordered Galzra snappily.
Amestat, Tasha called out with her mind. You heard Galzra-ebrithil.
I wonder what Queen Arya could possibly want, replied Amestat.
More training I would imagine. Tasha frowned.
Get on, growled Galzra grudgingly. He waited impatiently as Tasha climbed into the saddle. As soon as she was strapped down, he took flight.
They walked up to Arya. Galzra rejoined his Rider and sat behind the throne. Tasha touched her sternum with her hand, "Astra esterní ono thelduin," she murmured automatically. May good fortune rule over you.
"Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr," replied Arya. Peace live in your heart.
"Un du evarinya ono varda," Tasha concluded the greeting. And the stars watch over you. "You called for me, Queen Arya?"
"Yes, but I wish to wait for Amestat," replied Arya. "How are you fairing?"
The question caught Tasha off guard. She struggled for words. "Fine, me guesses," she finally answered.
Amestat walked into the hall. He exchanged the proper formal greeting with Arya and Galzra. So what is so important that I must stop my hunt? he asked impatiently.
"Tasha, pack what you think that you will need," ordered Arya softly. "And meet me by the Menoa Tree so that we may make a saddle for Amestat." She kept a blank mask.
"Am I goin' into battle?" asked Tasha quickly.
"No, we are leaving for training purposes," replied Arya.
Tasha frowned. "But I 'm ready!" she cried defiantly.
"There is still much that you need to learn," hissed Arya. Perhaps we could convince an Urgle to show her what I mean, she said to Galzra.
It would shut her up, Galzra chuckled.
Arya laughed mentally. She sighed. Tasha looked determined, there was no questioning that, yet Arya feared that quality in the young Rider. She did not want Tasha to end up like Galbatorix, no matter how much she disliked the young Rider. "You are not ready for anything yet. It will be years before you leave Elesmera's safety on your own. Now go and pack."
Tasha glared at Arya. She left with Amestat beside her. I can't believe her!
She's only doing what's best for you, replied Amesat.
She doesn't trust me! Tasha growled. Just wait . . .I'll become the most powerful Dragon Rider that Alegaesia has ever seen! Her body shook with rage.
"Those there are fighting words," chuckled a cold female voice. "But you will need some help."
Tasha whipped around. Amestat growled threateningly. He bared his teeth. "Who are you?" hissed Tasha.
"Triana."
This is that sorceress! snarled Amestat.
Kill her, ordered Tasha.
Amestat lunged himself at Triana. "Letta," murmured Triana dully. Amestat was stopped from moving.
Curse it, I don't know how to combat magic, growled Tasha.
"You hold Galbatorix's memories within you, Rider," sneered Triana.
Tasha's eyes widened with fear. "You're wrong!" she cried angrily. Amestat, tell me that it isn't true!
Amestat said nothing. His purple eyes narrowed at Triana. His upper lip curled up, revealing his sharp teeth. Kill this sorceress, Tasha.
"Triana!" Arya stepped between Tasha and Triana. Her face was shadowed over with rage. Her hand rested on the hilt of Zar'roc. "Tasha, run," she murmured.
"Arya," spat Triana. "You stole Eragon's affection from me."
"Oh, is that why you came," sneered Arya bitterly. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, but Eragon is away."
Tasha did not dare move. She felt that she understood Triana. And yet Eragon had chosen Arya. "Triana, you said that I hold Galbatorix's memories--how could tat be true?"
"I told you to leave," hissed Arya.
"Wait Arya, the girl asked a question," said Triana, smiling evilly. "Your dragon holds that key."
Galzra, take Tasha to safety, ordered Arya.
The emerald dragon swooped down and took Tasha into his claws. He flew off. Be careful Arya, he advised.
I will, promised Arya. She unsheathed Zor'roc. What a perfect blade to kill this traitor with, she thought bitterly.
"Do not think that you can kill me with just Zor'roc," sneered Triana.
Arya frowned, but did not say anything. She only hoped that her pregnancy would no get in the way. She side-stepped and the next instant she closed the distance between her and Triana. She twisted the red blade and swung down at Triana's shoulder.
"Letta du knifr!" cried Triana. The spell stopped Zor'roc long enough for her to back away. She unsheathed her own sword.
The blades clashed and clanged. Sparks showered the two opponents. They met and just as soon separated.
"Malthinae," murmured Arya. The spell held Triana in place. The dark haired elf stood facing the sorceress. "Its over," she panted.
"Brisingr!" cried Triana desperately. A wall of fire separated her from Arya. "Losna kalfya iet." She stumbled forward. The effects of the spell drained her energy. "Hljödhr," she gasped. Silent. With a puff of smoke, she vanished.
Arya sheathed Zor'roc and cursed under her breath. If she had not hesitated, Triana would be dead. "Can you move, Amestat?" she asked Tasha's dragon.
Yes, thank you Arya-ebrithil, answered Amestat. He walked forward.
Galzra, she got away, Arya informed.
Are you okay? asked Galzra.
Yes, and so is Amestat. We need to speed up their training if Triana is after them. Meet me by the Menoa Tree.
We're still leaving?
Aye.
Disclaimer: Sorry if this chapter is lame, but I'm really running out on ideas. I know where I want this story to go, its just getting there that's the problem.