Disclaimer: If you recognize it from somewhere I don't own it.

AN: I apologize in advance for the long book repeat scene for Saphira's return, I thought it best to stick to the book as much as POV and my sanity could allow, however I did shorten it some.

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A day-and-a-half came and went and the boy named Ryan had yet to awaken from his slumber. "At least we know his name now.", Arya mused as we walked towards Nasauda's tent to inform her of the things which she had seen. Arya had heard of the Varden leader's contest against the chief of the Wandering Tribes, Fadawar. "Such idiocy! Only human men could come up with such a stupid and harmful way to settle a despute"! Arya's anger at the chief's stupidity was fleeting, however, soon replaced by the cold façade that she normally wore. "Nasuada succeeded though, that's all that matters". Arya finally reached the Varden leader's pavilion.

"Identify yourself and your purpose.", came the command of the captain of the Nighthawk's watch.

"I am Lady Arya. I have news for Nasuada regarding the boy that our men discovered two days ago".

"One moment, ma'am.", the captain entered into the tent to announce her arrival. She heard a voice, undoubtedly from Nasuada, and the soldier returned. "You may proceed, Lady Arya."

"Thank you, captain.", she murmured as she passed by him and into the tent. The tent smelled strongly of blood and herbal remedies. Nasuada sat in a chair at the far end of the pavilion, with the girl Elva eating close by and Angela the herbalist tending to her wounds. Solembum sat close by Elva, rubbing against her legs.

"… it's a bit harder to tell. You'll have to muddle along like most people do and hope none of these cuts get infected.", Angela was saying, she then stared directly into Varden leader's eyes, "You realize these will scar?"

"It will be what it will be.", came Nasuada's reply.

"True enough." Nasuada groaned as Angela continued to stitch and bandage her wound, then remembered Arya's request for entry and glanced at the entrance.

Arya spoke up, "As the poet Earnë said, to place yourself in harm's way for the sake of the people and the country you love is the finest thing one can do. I have known every leader of the Varden, and they were all mighty men and women, and none so much as Ajihad. In this, though, I believe you have surpassed even him."

She looked up at the she-elf and tiredly said, ""You honor me, Arya, but I fear that if I burn so brightly, too few shall remember my father as he deserves. Why have you come"?

"I managed to wake the boy as I'm sure the healers informed you, however, I wished to tell you of the things I found and saw while within his mind, but thought it prudent to wait until you had recovered a little from your ordeal yesterday."

"The magicians and healers were quite accurate in their description of a wall of images. The images and sounds were all decoys or fragments of his mind…I wouldn't know one way or the other unless I saw his mind intact. I searched through the images for a couple hours until I came upon the one to where his mind had hidden itself. I entered the image and beheld a city the like of which I have never seen. I searched throughout the myriad of structures until I found a building that was far more ornate than the rest. This building turned out to be his "palace". I discovered him inside that building where I confronted him and, in addition to learning his name, helped him reform his mind. "

"What is his name?"

"Ryan Williamsson."

"Did he know anything of how he ended up the way he did."

"No, the boy said he had no recollection of what occurred other than a flash of light and he seemed disturbed when I mentioned that he was in the Varden camp."

"Spy maybe?"

"Possibly but I'm disinclined to think so."

"Why."

Angela piped in, "Because the technique of meditation that the boy used was only invented by the elves in the past hundred years", Angela looked up at Arya, "…I believe you used it yourself to try and thwart Durza correct?"

"It was one of the things, yes."

"Could Galbatorix have figured out how to do it from Durza's reports?", Nasuada asked.

"It's possible, but highly unlikely. Durza didn't pay much attention to how my defenses were built. He only concerned himself with information about the egg and the Varden's location. It also seems unlikely for another reason. When we create such a reality in our minds, we also create figurative people and soldiers to populate it. The rules in this world and the created one are very similar because the mind has to possess a basis for the illusion otherwise it would collapse on itself. I didn't come upon anyone, however, which tells me that he was very weak or they just didn't exist."

"We still must consider the possibility that he is an Imperial agent. The lines between friend and foe have grown blurry lately." The image of the Urgal entry into the Varden sprung into Arya's mind.

"That is very true.", she mused.

"Did you find anything that would help determine his allegiance?"

"No."

"Then he will remain where he is for now. What is his condition?"

"He's resting. Reforming one's mind from such a state requires quite an amount of energy, even for an elf. He will recover, but he will sleep for a couple hours yet I would think."

"Barzul!", Angela suddenly muttered as she patched up a particularly nasty gash, "Only men would think of cutting themselves to determine who the pack leader is. Idiots!" A pained laugh came from the Varden leader.

"Indeed.", she said with a smile.

All of a sudden a cry of, "Halt!", came from the Nighthawks outside. Three of the occupants of the tent quickly drew whatever weapons they possessed in case of an attack, except for Elva, who continued to eat, unperturbed by the sound.

A voice cried from outside the tent, " My Lady, Eragon and Saphira fast approach from the northeast"! Upon hearing this, the three women and Solembum calmed down.

"Help me dress", Nasuada ordered. They quickly helped her into her dress and soon had her properly attired.

"Should I hide or reveal my injuries?", she asked.

"That depends," said Angela. "Do you think showing them will increase your standing or encourage your enemies, because they assume you are weak and vulnerable? The question is actually a rather philosophical one, predicated on whether when looking at a man who has lost a big toe you say, 'Oh, he's a cripple' or 'Oh, he was smart or strong or lucky enough to escape worse injury.'"

Arya smiled at Angela's choice an answer.

"You make the strangest comparisons.", Nasuada said with a smile.

"Thank you."

"The Trial of the Long Knives is a contest of strength, that is well known among the Varden and Surdans. Are you proud of your strength, Nasuada?", Elva asked.

"Cut off the sleeves.", came the command. They hesitated, however, until Nasuada added, " Go on! At the elbows. Don't mind the dress; I shall have it repaired later." Angela quickly removed the sections Nasuada had identified and tossed the excess fabric aside. "Elva," came the Varden leader's voice, "if you sense I'm about to faint, please tell Angela and have her catch me. Shall we, then?" Without another word they left the tent.

As they exited the drawf Nighthawk captain shouted, "Stations!" and the six Nighthawks formed up around them. Dusk covered the Varden encampment with hues of gold and purple, adding to the mystique of the camp itself. The group gazed off to the north, where the glittering blue halo of Saphira descended from the sky. The sight was absolutely majestic and Nasuada stopped for a moment to look upon it and be thankful that she had witnessed it.

"They're safe!", she thought, a huge sigh of relief escaping her.

The warrior who had brought word of their arrival pointed and said, "My Lady, as you can see, I spoke the truth."

"Yes. You did well. You must have exceedingly sharp eyes to have spotted Saphira earlier. What is your name?"

"Fletcher, son of Harden, my Lady."

"You have my thanks, Fletcher. You may return to your post now." Keeping their gaze fixed on Saphira, the group weaved through the rows of tents toward a clearing specially reserved for Saphira to land and take off. Several others appeared to greet Shadeslayer upon his return: King Orrin, Narheim, also Jörmundur and the Council of Elders were present. They waited, along with a massive crowd of Varden members to await Saphira's landing. Elva suddenly tugged on the back of Nasuada's dress. She turned to find the girl beckoning to her. Nasuada bent down to hear what the girl, who muttered, "Eragon's not on Saphira." Nasuada's chest tightened, restricting her breathing. She peered upward, as she watched Saphira circle directly over the camp.

"How do you know?", Nasuada asked.

"I cannot feel his discomfort, nor his fears. Roran is there, and a woman I guess is Katrina. No one else".

Straightening, Nasuada clapped her hands and shouted, "Jörmundur!" Jörmundur came running, shoving aside those who go in his way; he was experienced enough to when an emergency was at hand.

"My Lady."

"Clear the field! Get everyone away from here before Saphira lands."

"Including Orrin and Narheim and Garzhvog?"

She grimaced. "No, but allow no one else to remain. Hurry!"

As Jörmundur starting shouting orders, Arya placed a comforting hand on Nasuada's shoulder and said, "Saphira would not be so calm if Eragon was hurt or dead."

"Where is he, then?", demanded Nasuada. "What trouble has he gotten into now?" A loud commotion filled the clearing as Jörmundur and his men cleared the area of onlookers.

Nar Garzhvog, along with King Orrin and Narheim advanced towards Nasuada, his feet stomping on the ground as he asked, "What means this, Lady Nightstalker?"

"Yes, I'd bloody well like an explanation myself," Orrin angrily interjected.

"And I", said Narheim.

Nasuada pointed at Saphira, "She shall provide the answers you desire." Just as the last stragglers left the clearing, a torrent of air rushed across their faces as Saphira swooped to the ground, raking her wings to slow herself before landing on her rear legs. Roran and Katrina quickly unbuckled and dismounted as Nasuada's group moved closer.

As they approached Roran turned to them and bowed to Nasuada and Orrin as he said, "My Lady, Your Majesty. If I may, this is my betrothed, Katrina." She curtsied to them both.

"Welcome to the Varden, Katrina," Nasuada started, "We have all heard your name here, on account of Roran's uncommon devotion. Songs of his love for you already spread across the land."

"You are most welcome," added Orrin, "Most welcome indeed."

Katrina blushed and smiled, "Thank you", she responded.

Nasuada looked away from the couple and lowered the barriers in her mind and looked to Saphira behind them. "Where is he?", she asked. Nasuada swallowed as Saphira's consciousness brushed against her own.

I smell blood, said Saphira, Who has hurt you, Nasuada? Name them, and I shall tear them from neck to groin and bring you their heads for trophies.

"There's no need for you to tear anyone apart. Not yet, at least. I wielded the knife myself. However, this is the wrong time to delve into the matter. Right now, all I care about is Eragon's whererabouts."

Eragon decided to remain in the Empire.

An uncomfortable silence reigned around the group as they absorbed this. Nasuada was the first to recover.

"How…how could you allow him to stay?", she asked.

Saphira snorted, Eragon made his own choice. I could not stop him. He insists upon doing what he thinks is right, no matter the consequences for him or the rest of Alagaësia. . . .I could shake him like a hatchling, but I'm proud of him. Fear not; he can take care of himself. So far, no misfortune has befallen him. I would know if he was hurt.

Arya spoke: "And why did he make this choice, Saphira?"

It would be faster for me to show you rather than explain with words. May I? They all indicated their consent. A stream of memories played into their heads as they watched snippets of Eragon and Roran's attack on the Ra'zac's lair, along with Sapira's battle with the Letherblaka. Lastly came Eragon's confrontation with Saphira. Saphira attempted to hide the anguish she felt over his decision, but it was so great and piercing that a few of the group found themselves in tears. When the stream of memories ended, however, Nasuada thought back to the rider's reasons for staying…and deemed them inadequate.

Eragon may be rash, but he's certainly not foolish enough to endanger everything we seek to accomplish merely so he could visit a few caves and drain the last bitter dregs of his revenge. There must be another explanation. Perhaps Saphira only wishes to discuss it in private.", Nasuada thought.

"Blast it!", exclaimed King Orrin. "Eragon could not have picked a worse time to set off on his own. The matters of the nearby Imperial forces and. . .our new arrival are pressing enough! What does a single Ra'zac matter? . . .We have to get him back." Saphira glanced over curiously at the king's mention of a "new arrival".

Angela laughed. "How? He'll be traveling during the day and Saphira daren't fly around searching for him when the sun's up and anyone might spot her and alert Galbatorix.", she asked.

"Yes, but he is our rider! We cannot sit by idly while he remains in the midst of our enemies."

"I agree.", said Narheim. "However, it is done, we must ensure his safe return. Grimstnzborith Hrothgar adopted Eragon into his family and clan, that is mine own clan, as you know, and we owe him the loyalty of our law and our blood."

Arya knelt and began to retie her boots. "Saphira, where exactly was Eragon when you last touched his mind?", she asked.

In the entrance to Helgrind.

"And have you any idea what path he intended to follow?"

He did not yet know himself.

Arya sprang to her feet, "Then I shall have to look everywhere I can." She turned walked toward Nasuada, quickly whispering something in her ear, Nasuada grimly nodded at the words. Then Arya quickly turned away and ran, disappearing into the mass of tents as she ran northward to find Eragon.

"Do you want me to follow, Lady Nightstalker?", Garzhvog asked, "I cannot run as fast as little elves, but I can run as long."

"No," came the reply, "no, stay. Arya can pass for human at a distance, but soldiers would hunt you down the moment some farmer caught sight of you."

"I am used to being hunted."

"But not in the middle of the Empire, with hundreds of Galbatorix's men wandering the countryside. No, Arya will have to fend for herself. I pray that she can find Eragon and keep him safe, for without him, our hope grows dim." Nasuada turned away from the Urgal and looked to Saphira. "Some things have occurred since you and Eragon left for Helgrind. Could you accompany me to my tent? We have much to discuss."

Of course, Nasuada.

Nasuada nodded at the dragon's reply and waved Jörmundur over, quickly whispered something in his ear, and as quickly as she began, Jörmundur ran away into the mass of tents. She gestured for Saphira to follow, as she turned to walk back to her tent and the group around them dispersed back to their duties. Only Elva and Angela accompanied the two back to the Varden leader's pavilion.

Can you tell me what this is about? Saphira asked a few minutes later.

"No, not out here, not where wayward eyes and ears can pry. . .this matter requires as much subtlety as possible until we are prepared, however, I can tell you that this discovery could mean the difference between the Varden's victory or its defeat." Saphira nodded at the words as Nasuada's tent came into view. She entered as Saphira moved around so her head could enter through an open space on the top of the tent.

She waited a few moments for the women to find a seat before she asked, So what is this about?

"A couple of days ago a Varden patrol discovered a boy in one of the forests near here.", Nasuada began.

And how is that this important?

"It is important because of where we found him and what he had in his possession." Suddenly Jörmundur entered the tent, a mid-sized bag and an object wrapped in a grey blanket in his arms. "Ah, Jörmundur, thank you for bringing these."

The man smiled and said, "Of course, my Lady."

What are these things that you speak of?

"First I'll show you the less important item that we recovered". Nasuada took the grey blanket from Jörmundur and unwrapped it from the object inside. She revealed the Rider's sword to Saphira's eyes.

Her eyes widened with shock and she quickly countered, And the more important item?

"Show her, Jörmundur". The man in question nodded as he reached inside the bag he brought and pulled out the green egg within.

Is. . .Is it. . .

"Yes, it is, Saphira. A dragon egg, or more specifically, a Rider egg."

It isn't the one from the king's castle, correct? That one is supposed to be emerald.

"It isn't. We know for certain because Arya found out that the dragon inside is female."

How did he come by it? I thought Galbatorix had destroyed all the other eggs except the ones he had in his possession. Saphira's excitement over the prospect of another friendly dragon flowed unrestrained through her voice.

"We thought that as well, and the boy apparently doesn't know the answer to that either."

How can he not? A slight frown played over Saphira's face.

"Memory loss could be it, however, Arya mentioned that he acted suspiciously when she mentioned that he was in the Varden camp. I cannot discard the possibility that he is a spy, but I think it is highly unlikely because I certainly would be suspicious if I was in his position. Regardless of my feelings over the matter, I have place him in the prisoner area just for the sake of caution."

What is his name?

"Ryan Williamsson. He's currently resting after expending a lot of energy a couple of days ago to restore his mind from some sort of trance-like state. That's another oddity about him. He used an elven technique that was only perfected within the last hundred or so years, too early for Galbatorix to have learned it so Ryan must have had an elven teacher at one point."

May I keep the egg? It will certainly be safer with me than anywhere else. I can keep it in my saddlebags.

"I don't see why not. Arya was supposed to be watching over it but with her leaving I think this would be the best idea. Do you agree, Jörmundur?"

"Yes," came Jörmundur's reply.

"Then it is agreed. The egg is all yours, Saphira." Nasuada smiled up at Saphira, "Keep it safe as we all know only you can."

I will. Saphira proceeded to grab the egg in her mouth and place it inside one of her saddle's many pouches. Anything else you wish to discuss? She asked as her head reappeared in the tent.

"No, go rest Brightscales, you've had a long journey.", Nasuada finished.

I take my leave then. And with that, she left, humming happily to herself in light of the current events.

Maybe I should pay a visit to the egg-bearer anyway. I need to thank him for what he's done. Besides I've got nothing better to do at the moment and I can rest there if he hasn't awoken yet. she thought. So she turned to walk in the direction of the Varden's prison area, arriving after only a few minutes of walking along. One of the guards spotted her and moved towards her.

"How may I assist you, Brightscales?", he nervously asked, with his knuckles growing snow white from gripping his weapon too hard because of his fear.

As he should be, Saphira thought. She looked at the man as she asked, Could you direct me to the tent that contains a certain Ryan Williamsson?

"Yes, ma'am, I can do that. It is two rows over and if the fourth tent on the left."

Thank you. The soldier nodded and quickly shuffled back to his place with his fellows. Saphira continued on to the tent the man specified, coming upon a rather large one that smelled of blood and herbs. Two soldiers stood guard over the door, standing rather relaxed and at ease at their posts.

One of them noticed her and asked, "May I be of service, Brightscales?"

Yes, came her response, could you perhaps tell me if Ryan Williamsson has awoken yet?

"One moment ma'am", the man shuffled into through the entrance, returning only a couple moments later. "He is still asleep, ma'am. The healers, however, say he should wake at any moment.

Thank you. I shall rest here until he awakens. Please, wake me the moment he does.

"No problem, ma'am."

Saphira turned away at his words and walked to the side of the tent. She laid down and thought, Perhaps I should catch up on a little sleep, those guards can wake me when the egg-bearer wakes. With that Saphira closed her eyes and promptly fell into a deep slumber.

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I can't believe this, Ryan thought as he watched his mind's illusions slowly bring his mental self back together. Who in the world thought this would've happened? I mean, on the upside I'm no longer trapped in here, but man, this reconstruction effort is taking forever! He looked down on the myriad of figures down below as they slowly rebuilt fallen buildings and repaired the land damaged by its separation from the capital. On top of that, I'm in Alagëasia! Smack dab in the middle of a war that I neither wanted nor have a stake in! And apparently I had a dragon egg in my possession as well! What in the world am I going to do!, Ryan's blue image flickered for a moment, deep concentration passing through the his features. Regardless of what happens to me, I cannot allow modern technology to spread to this land. The devastation that it could cause if it fell into the wrong hands would leave Alagëasia nothing more than a broken wasteland. I must defend that information at all costs.

"Sir", came a voice from behind him. Ryan fazed out of his reverie to find Wolf, one of his seven commanders, the human of the group who was decked out in Halo-looking ODST armor. The seven commanders served as Ryan's personal guards and were named only by their rank and callsigns. They also served as the commanders of his mental army with each of their divisions tailor made to their fighting style.

"What is it, Wolf?", Ryan asked.

"The reconstruction is almost finished, sir. We should be fully online in a few minutes."

"Thank you, commander. Tell Reaper that I need to see him immediately".

"Yes, sir!", Wolf left, pressing his hand to his ear as he used his radio to contact the one he required.

Ryan returned to his musing. Things are different already. I didn't even know this was possible, but here it is…this great illusion…this image of my world that contains everything I am, every secret I hold. And yet it feels and looks so real, it's almost like I never left home. Ryan's image flashed red for a moment, as a pang of loss shot through him. A sigh escaped his lips, But it doesn't matter, it's not real, and the world outside is a dangerous place. Perhaps…perhaps I can assist the Varden, maybe see if I can introduce some military related things from ancient Rome or Greece or something, even if it is only to gain the ability to live a free and peaceful life again.

"Wolf said you wanted to see me, sir." came Reaper's deep voice. Reaper was the highest of his commanders and the deadliest of them. His eight-foot tall serpentine figure was covered in steel grey armor that was as much a part of him as his skin was. His hands and feet possessed four appendages with sharp claws protruding from them. His teeth were sharp and, when he chose, covered in a poison that could kill anything not of Reaper's kind in only a few seconds. He was Ryan's right hand, his sword and shield, his first and last line of defense. He specialized in stealth and mobility. His forces never remained in one place for long; they hit hard and fast, and then disappeared into the night. They were ghosts, death incarnate to any who had the misfortune to cross their path. Reaper also served as Ryan's advisor, as all the other commanders did; however, he was the most respected by Ryan for his strength, cunning, and moral correctness.

"I have a mission for your men.", Ryan began.

"Name it and it shall be done."

"I want your men to secure my memory databases. Keep them secure at any cost, commander, and if you can't…destroy them. I cannot allow the information stored within to be discovered by any I do not trust."

"It will be done.", Reaper turned for a moment, his movements exhibiting a grace that belied his ability on the battlefield, then he turned back to ask, "What of the holes my departure will leave in the defenses?"

"Tell Rapier and Striker to pull some of their marines out of the reserve areas and place them to cover any gaps you leave."

"Sir.", came the reply as Reaper nodded and swiftly left the room without another sound. Ryan sat down in the chair behind his desk and checked the status of the repairs on the monitor recently mounted there.

Only another minute or two and I guess I'll find out what my fate is in this land. He chuckled, What could possibly go wrong? Heck, I'm not even a dragon rider, so at least I won't have to face Galbatorix when the time comes. So maybe this won't be as bad as I thought it would be. Who knows? I could actually make a difference in this war, even if it's only from the sidelines. Suddenly the monitor's screen turned red as it counted down the last few seconds before his awakening.

10…I can't believe I'm doing this.

9…8…7…I wonder what Eragon and Saphira look like?

6…5…I wonder what Alagëasia looks like a matter of fact.

4…Or elves.

3…Or dwarves.

2…1...Or…Man! I just need to shut up!

0…A flash of light flashed before his eyes as his mind reconnected to his body.

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"Brightscales….Brightscales.", came a voice.

Just five…more…minutes. Saphira mumbled as she tried to return to her slumber.

Suddenly a sharp, timid poke roused her fully from her drowsiness. Her head shot up from the ground as she searched for the culprit. Who did that! Whoever you are I rip you apart and burn your remains! She glanced down to find the two Varden guards from earlier with fear filling their eyes.

Why did you wake me! Speak quickly before I rip off your head!

"…Uh…uh ma'am, the uh…the boy has awakened and you asked for us to wake you when he awoke remember?"

Saphira thought for a moment and took a deep breath to calm down, then she spoke with regret infused in her tone, My apologies, thank you for waking me.

"It's alright, ma'am. We'll just remember to wake you another way next time.", the soldier said with a smile as he walked back to his post.

Saphira yawned as she stretched out to dispel any stiffness from her rest. Well, maybe now I can get some answers. she thought as she moved to stick her head through the tent's entrance. It was mostly empty, except for two healers kneeling around a single cot near the entrance.

"Easy now. We don't know how draining the magic was for you, so let's take it slowly, alright?"

"Alright.", came a weak voice from the cot.

The healers slowly helped the occupant to sit up, giving Saphira her first look at the boy, He's young, about Eragon's age I would say. Seems rather average for a human male…his scent is odd though.

"Here, drink this, it will help you regain some of your strength.", one of the healers continued as he lifted a cup up to the boy's mouth. The boy swiftly grabbed it and drained it as if it were the last bit of sustenance he would ever see.

"Ah…much better", came his much stronger voice, "I think I could down a lake with the thirst I have."

The magicians smiled, "Well, at least your mouth works. How are you feeling?"

"Hungry, thirsty, and exhausted."

"Well that can be easily fixed", the man speaking looked over to his companion, "I'll go grab some food for him."

"Alright.", the other began, "Besides, I think Ryan will be occupied in the meantime.", the group turned at his words, only to find Saphira's eyes staring back at them.

May I speak with him? she asked.

The healers looked at each other and subtly nodded, then one of them quickly answered, "You may, but not for too long, Ryan is still recovering from his ordeal and we wish for him to recover as fast as possible."

Very well. Could you leave while I speak to him?

"We shall go grab that food you wanted while you both talk.", the mages replied as they glanced at Ryan. "Don't tear him apart, Brightscales, we only just put him back together.", they said before exiting.

Saphira grinned at their word choice and looked back to the boy, finding him to be examining her appearance. Saphira stretched out her mind to speak to him, only to find weak barrier protecting it. It was soon lowered, however, once the boy realized who was contacting him.

I wish to thank you, young one, for what you have done and for what you have given to us.

Ryan smiled at her, "I thank you for your kindness, but I assure you that have no clue how it came into my possession."

Regardless, you have given a great gift to the Varden so it is due to you. Where to you hail from Ryan son of William?

A guarded expression crossed his face, "I…I am not at liberty to say…for my safety as well as other's."

I understand. Some things are better left hidden from others. I know this better than most.

He grinned, "I'm sure you do. Where am I exactly?"

The Varden camp a few leagues north of the Burning Plains.

Good, I'm at the beginning of Brisingr, Ryan thought, maybe I can save Oromis and Glaedr too.

How old are you, young one?

"17."

Do you have any family? Anyone who could possibly be living here?

"No…I…My family is lost…missing…I…I doubt I'll ever see them again.", he said as sorrow grew evident in his voice.

You have my condolences, young one. The tragedies of war seem to grow no matter how much we try to prevent them.

"There's nothing you could have done," a tear welled up in his eye, "There wasn't anything anyone could've done". Ryan's face suddenly hardened with resolve and he stared directly into Saphira's eyes, with an all-consuming fire seeming to burn within them, "I may be alone, but I have a purpose and I shall fulfill it, even if it is due to my own selfishness."

And what is this purpose?

"Freedom." for a second they held each other's gaze until the mages appeared through the entrance, one of them holding a plate of food and a cup.

The other glanced over to them, "If you will excuse the intrusion, Brightscales, Ryan really needs to eat and rest."

Of course, Saphira turned her head from the magician and took one last look at the boy, if it is the truth you speak, then our paths will certainly cross again Fire-Eyes. This war has an odd tendency to throw those who fight for freedom together, even when it is least expected. May the wind rise under your wings, young one!

Saphira withdrew and walked away quickly leaving the tent behind as Ryan began to eat at the healer's insistence.

Wait… he thought, Fire-Eyes?

What the heck?

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AN-2: I started with the Halo references! There will be more significant ones later. Anyone figure out what species Reaper is based on?

R&R! it's helpful!