Disclaimer: If you've seen somewhere else, I don't own it.

A/N: I forgot to mention where the song lyrics for the last chapter came from. They come from Hymn to the Missing by Red.

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It was midafternoon on another day at the Varden, a little over a week had passed since Ryan's appearance and Samanya's hatching. Ryan sat on a hill overlooking the camp with Samanya's head resting on his lap as he watched the white billowing clouds float slowly by. His 5'8" frame began to display the efforts of the rigorous training he had undertaken. His muscles grew larger and lasted longer as each day passed. His dark brown hair was cut short to help beat the heat of the midday sun. His skin had acquired a healthy tan over the days, changing from its previously pale appearance.

Samanya had changed as well, growing to almost twice her size over the past several days. She grew more intelligent and learned as Ryan and Saphira taught her as much as they could. Saphira and Ryan had often spoken about Samanya's rapid development, which was even faster than normal. When she was awake, Samanya was almost spastic (if a dragon could be called that) and always ravenously hungry, and she slept for long hours of the day, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts and the feel of her presence through their bond. Ryan and Saphira had thought of several theories as to why, but none of them seemed to be the cause of the oddity.

Ryan spent most of Samanya's sleeping hours training with his "bodyguard", Yamula, or, if he was lucky, Blodhgarm himself. His mental defense training was quick, as it seemed the elves thought him capable enough as he was. Mostly they taught him how to properly defend his mind with barriers, saving his illusion as a last resort.

Ryan's training in magic was far more intensive. Ryan came to curse the small pebble that represented his crash course in magical use and control. The phrase "Stenr, Rïsa!" felt like it had been burned into his head. It took him nearly two days to keep the stone at the relatively same height. Yamula, however, demanded that he keep going until he could keep the rock motionless…which he had yet to accomplish. Sometimes the elf acted stoic and like he didn't exist other times, however, she seemed to act more like a drill sergeant than a teacher. Learning the ancient language, however, actually exceeded the elf's expectations, the words seemed to stick to Ryan's mind and he had already memorized a good many words and simple spells. Ryan had also used this knowledge, with Yamula's assistance, to create wards over himself and Samanya.

The instruction in swordfighting, however, came about as naturally to Ryan as a penguin learning to fly. He quickly lost count of the number of hits and bruises he took. Yamula certainly didn't help matters. She always managed to hit him the same place time and time again, causing Ryan to grit his teeth after every single blow.

The one redeeming moment out of all that torture was when Samanya had woken up earlier than normal and snuck off back to their tents, where she quickly grabbed several of Yamula's more essential belongings and hid them in varying places throughout the camp. The look on Yamula's face when she found out was priceless. It looked as if it would explode at any moment and Ryan could have sworn that elven faces did not naturally get that red. Yamula searched for nearly an hour, with Ryan's badly restrained chuckles in the backround, only for Samanya to come in with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a piece of the elf's clothing in her mouth.

The rest of that afternoon consisted of Ryan and Yamula wandering to different parts of camp, following Samanya's sometimes vague and misleading instructions. The entire idea was fine with Ryan, a matter of fact he was smiling and laughing during the whole hunt. Yamula, however, looked as if the next person to touch her would burst in flames at her gaze. Blodhgarm, once he heard of the incident, promptly doubled over laughing, to Yamula's indignant dismay. Her protests were shrugged off with a comment telling her to "lighten up". Both Rider and dragon fell to the floor with laughter almost immediately. Payback certainly felt sweet. Ryan did other things to make Yamula's life as difficult as possible, such as "disappearing" for a while or "accidently" practicing magic where it could damage some of Yamula's things or even Yamula herself. One episode with fire ended with Yamula's blond hair changed to black, her sky blue eyes and eyebrows singed, and her entire front half covered in soot.

So one could say that life in Alagaësia was not without its perks. Even with the intense training and Yamula's generally bad attitude, Ryan enjoyed talking to the various people he had met. He and Crane had talked several times over the ensuing days, and it had helped Ryan begin to feel more at home and to not dwell on his lost home and family.

Saphira had also taught him several things from her and Eragon's Rider training, being "one" through their bond and meditating being the main things. Ryan and Samanya's bond was developing, but it was not yet strong enough to support such intimacy, not to say they didn't try anyway just for the experience. The meditation certainly became a real eye opener for Ryan. The sensation of every mind within his grasp felt overwhelming. Thousands of beings with thoughts and needs swarmed for purchase in his consciousness. Listening was the hardest part, Ryan's natural urge was to focus on one being at a time and Ryan, being a very habitual person, found it incredibly difficult to change that tendency. The revelation of the experience led him to debate over whether giving up meat entirely, but then he reasoned that, since the animals are guided by instinct and not guided by the knowledge of right and wrong, and he also rationalized it with a remark about how death was a natural part of life and some died so others may live.

Eragon and Arya had yet to return from Helgrind and the routine of life around the camp quickly got boring for Ryan. He even asked Nasuada if he could have some books to read to pass the time. He returned to his tent some time later only to find Domia abr Wyrda and a couple other books on top of his cot. The books proved to be a godsend, helping him learn about Alagaësian history and customs, knowledge of which he was sorely lacking. The reading also gave him yet another way to irritate Yamula, who thought his time would be better spent training with magic or swords.

As for Yamula herself, she hadn't changed much. She still glared at Ryan whenever they trained. Her voice always spoke in a sharp, clipped tone, as if she couldn't spare the time and energy to attempt to actually speak to him. Trying to help her with her bias proved pointless the second Ryan started. No matter what he did, she always demanded more. She may not have remembered how he beat her in mental combat, but she certainly recalled her defeat and tried to make his Ryan's life as difficult as she could.

Ryan tore his gaze from the beautiful sky for a moment to look over the horizon. He spotted something odd moving over the plains. Two small figures ran towards the camp as Ryan squinted through the bright sunlight to get a better look. The figures moved fast, very fast. Ryan stared at them for one more moment before smiling as he recognized the second figure…it was Arya, which would make the other Eragon.

Right on time, Ryan thought with a smile, and none worse for wear. Suddenly a large mental yell swept over the plains, ripping into Ryan's mind as it passed.

Saphira! it called. Ryan's smile grew even wider as his suspicions were confirmed.

He looked down to his scaled companion as Saphira took to the sky to greet her Rider, Come on, we won't want to get run over by the crowds.

Samanya growled at him in acknowledgement, yet remained where she was. A sense of comfort flowed through their link.

Samanya, how do you think we'll manage to get through all of the people? I'm open to any smart ideas… Ryan said sarcastically.

An image of Samanya walking in a crowd with Ryan falling over mid-stride burst into his head.

Hey! I'm not that bad! Now come on Eragon will want to meet us both!

Samanya still didn't move.

Ryan smirked at her, Well, I guess we're doing this the hard way. Ryan rolled out from under his dragon as her head plopped on the ground. A growl of displeasure sounded from Samanya's throat as she shook her head and stretched. Ryan started his trip down the hill and into the camp, Samanya quickly following after shaking off her afternoon nap. Ryan spotted Eragon and Saphira amidst a massive group of Varden, forming a quite impressive honor guard. Ryan also saw Blodhgarm and his elves racing towards them, Yamula as well. Luckily most of the Varden clustered themselves around Eragon and Saphira, making easy going for Ryan and Samanya as they made their way toward the red pavilion that marked the center of the camp and Nasuada's residence.

Nasuada spotted them as they approached and waved them over, "I would ask that you stand where Eragon cannot see you for the moment. I wish to know what he has been up to and him asking you and me a thousand questions about Samanya and yourself will not help matters." The Varden leader smiled as she spoke, seeming to laugh at some inside joke.

"I understand perfectly, my Lady.", Ryan replied with a smile to match hers. He turned to find Samanya already standing behind the pavilion. He quickly joined her as Nasuada's voice rang out through the crowd, as she welcomed Eragon and Saphira back, praised them for their bravery and exhorted the Varden to greater efforts. She spoke for a few more moments before King Orrin's voice replaced hers, the crowd simmering down as he spoke.

Kinda sounds like my old geography teacher, Ryan thought with a smirk. The crowd's response to Orrin's speech made it evident who really held the respect of the Varden, who really held them together as a fighting force. Orrin droned on for several more minutes before a silence overcame the crowd. Ryan peeked around the corner to watch Eragon give a rather…interesting speech to those assembled.

Yeah…he probably would not have gotten an A in my speech class, Ryan thought as he chuckled at the Rider's predicament. Eragon's "speech" was short, stuttering, and, as soon as it seemed he could, Eragon concluded, to the Varden's cheers and applause. Jörmunder began to disperse the crowd soon after as Nasuada, Blodhgarm and several other Varden notables.

A mental probe reached out to Ryan as they entered, Ryan recognized the probe to be from Saphira and he dropped his barriers, Nasuada wishes for you to wait by the entrance until she signals you to enter.

How will I know the signal? Ryan replied.

It shall be obvious, Fire-Eyes.

Very well, Ryan and Samanya moved to stand by the tent's entrance as he overheard several introductions being made. The talking seemed to go on for an hour as Ryan tapped his feet in rhythm to a song that he recalled from his world. Finally a draconic growl could be heard from within and a great number of shuffling footsteps approached the tent flap. Samanya ducked behind the side of the tent as Ryan watched them pass by, nodding at each of them as they moved on. The Nighthawks soon left as well, taking up their usual positions outside the tent as they exited. Samanya, seeing the guards, quickly reappeared at Ryan's side, giving them a curious glance as she looked then over. The two Urgal Nighthawks were particularly impressive, their massive frames and heavy armor giving them a fearsome appearance. Ryan had seen the creatures a few times over the past several days, but he had never been this close to one and personally he would never like to get in their way if he didn't have to. Returning his attention to the tent, Ryan heard another series of footfalls approach the tent flap. King Orrin emerged out of the tent, passing Ryan by with a small smile and nod of greeting.

"Nasuada wishes for you to enter.", the sovereign said before disappearing amongst the maze of Varden tents.

Well…that was a little abrupt. Ryan thought as he pushed the tent flap aside. He stepped forward, Samanya standing unseen behind his shadow, and glanced around at those remaining inside. Arya, Saphira, Eragon, and, of course, Nasuada were present.

It sounded as if Arya was about to leave before Nasuada stopped her by adding, "You may wish to stay for a moment Arya. Something very important has occurred while you've been away."

"And what might that be?", the elf replied.

Eragon's finally noticed Ryan standing by the entrance and asked, "Who might this be, Nasuada?"

Arya smiled at Ryan for a moment before speaking, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Williamsson."

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Arya", Ryan replied. He then turned to the other present Rider, "Atra du evarínya ono varda, Eragon Shadeslayer."

Eragon's eyes grew wide for a moment before replying, "Atra esterní ono thelduin." The rider turned to Nasuada, "Who might this be?"

"His name is Ryan Williamsson. One of our patrols found him unconscious in the woods about a week ago. He was found to be carrying something of great value to us. Something that will help turn the tide of this war, however, this gift has seen fit to grace us with its presence recently so I believe introductions are in order." The Varden leader raised her hand towards Ryan, a smile evident on her face, "Ryan, if you would please introduce yourself and your friend."

The boy nodded as a similar smile began to grow with each passing second on his own face as he reach down to his right glove, which he had acquired from Frederic, the Varden's weapon master. Ryan pulled off the concealing garment and revealed his gedwëy ignasia to the blue rider and spoke, "It appears you are not as alone as you thought, Eragon Rider of Saphira." Eragon appeared stunned at the revelation, his face growing even more startled when Samanya appeared at Ryan's feet. "It is an honor to meet you.", Ryan ended with a short bow.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Ryan Williamsson.", Eragon finally managed to answer.

"When did this occur?", Arya asked as the blue rider continued to study the new Rider and dragon before him.

"Only a couple of days after you left, I was just as surprised as you are when I heard. I expected the egg not to hatch for at least a year or two.", Nasuada replied.

Arya turned to the new Rider, "It seems you like to defy the odds already, Ryan. I assume you have been training with the elven guards my mother sent?"

"Yes ma'am."

"He even managed to defeat an elf in a mental defense test as well," Nasuada added, "on his first try too."

Arya looked over the boy before her and added with a slightly impressed tone, "Impressive, Ryan, I do not know very many humans who can even hope to hold off an elf for any length of time, let alone defeat one."

"I almost didn't," Ryan replied, a small frown on his face, "it was a very close run affair."

"How did you come by her?", Eragon asked, pointing at Samanya.

"I don't know. I don't even know where she came from either.", Ryan answered.

"I assume you have decided to help us?"

"Yes, to the best of my ability, Shadeslayer."

Eragon waved his hand dismissively, "Just call me Eragon for now. You are a fellow Rider as well, not some soldier speaking to his leigelord."

"Very well, Eragon."

Eragon turned his head back towards Saphira, "Why didn't you tell me of this?" He then glanced at the rest of those assembled, "Why didn't any of you speak of this?"

And ruin the surprise…I think not. The look on your face when they walked in was very amusing, little one. Saphira said, chuckling all the while.

"We wished to keep Samanya and Ryan as safe as possible, for as long as possible. I did not inform you because if you happened to be captured by the Empire, I did not want the information that we have another Rider to be known to Galbatorix.", Nasuada added.

"I understand.", Eragon replied begrudgingly. He looked back at Ryan, "Arrangements will have to be made to take you to Ellesméra, where Islanzadí and my teachers can properly instruct you." His gaze turned to Nasuada, "Preferably as soon as possible, my teachers will wish to begin his instruction immediately so they can teach him as much as they can in the little time that we have. How soon can the arrangements be made?"

"We have already been planning for that eventuality. One of the elves, Yamula, and a group of Varden commanded by Captain Mariv, who found Ryan in the first place, will accompany him to Ellesméra. They can be sent on their way in a day or two of you so desire.", Nasuada responded.

Man…this is quick. I would have thought would want us to stick around for a while longer. Ryan thought.

"That would be the best option, I think." Arya added. "The sooner they are both safe inside the confines of Du Weldenvarden the better."

"I shall give the order then.", Nasuada said with a tone of finality. "If there is nothing else you both wish to discuss, you are all dismissed." Those assembled bowed slightly before exiting. As they passed outside Eragon suddenly halted Ryan and spoke, "I wanted to tell you what a blessing it is to have you here," he looked down at Samanya, "at you both being here. With two Riders we stand a much better chance at killing Galbatorix, it encourages me to know that I'll have another Rider to stand with me."

"I shall endeavor to not let you down." Ryan responded with a slight bow and a smile.

Eragon smirked at him, "I'm sure you won't."

Eragon looked off into the distance for a moment before Saphira came up beside him and added, I very much agree…on another note, now that you have returned, little one, I believe that the first order of business is to get you a bath.

Eragon sighed, "Yes, Saphira…" He turned back to the new Rider and dragon pair and said, "I shall see you around. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Ryan."

"The pleasure is mine.", came the response. With that, Eragon and Saphira left, leaving Ryan and Samanya alone at the tent's entrance.

Come on, Ryan said to Samanya, we better get back to the tents before Yamula throws a fit.

A chirp of agreement sounded out and the two started off in the direction of their humble abode. Ryan watched the various Varden members go about their business as they passed by. Everyone seemed to be busy, no one looked to be out of place. Suddenly a loud crash could be heard as Ryan and Samanya passed by a tent that stood apart from the rest, separated as much visually as physically from the others. The other tents looked to have been set up to purposely give as wide a berth as possible to this one, as if it was dangerous to be close by.

Ryan heard Angela's voice coming from inside, sounding clipped and frustrated, That explains it, he thought, Who else would cause such a commotion and separate herself from everyone else like this. Ryan approached the tent's entrance, stepping around various kettles and tools that lay outside it, and pushed his way inside, Samanya close behind him. The tent's interior looked as if a tornado had gone through it. Various items and instruments were scattered all over the place. Ryan's gaze shifted to Angela and a cat-like figure, who looked to be searching through one of the interior's many cupboards.

"Need some help?", Ryan asked.

Angela pulled her head out of the cupboard before tartly responding, "I highly doubt you can help much, Williamsson. The item I am searching for is a very illusive one. It looks as if it will come out when it's good and ready." Suddenly a small squeak sounded from beside Ryan, he turned to find Samanya chasing a small white mouse. The mouse continued to squeak in terror as it scampered towards him and climbed up his body to his shoulder.

"Don't move.", Angela whispered as she slowly crept towards him, her arms outstretched towards the mouse. Once she was within reaching distance, she lunged towards the mouse snatching it up as it was watching Samanya continue to try and reach it. Angela quickly produced a cage and tossed the mouse inside, sighing with relief as she did so.

"What was all that about?", Ryan asked.

Angela stared at him incredulously, "What…you never know when you are going to need a albino mouse in this day and age. They happen to be one of the most useful things alive."

Ryan stared at the herbalist, his eyes portraying some of his doubt and confusion, "I…I'll take you word for it. Anyway, I was just in the neighborhood and heard the crashing so I thought you might need some assistance. It appears, however, that everything is well in hand. I'll take my leave then."

Ryan started to turn to leave but Solembum's voice stopped him, So this is the one you spoke to me about. Hmm… he circled Ryan and Samanya as he examined them both, they both look pretty average to me, I do not understand why you think them to be so interesting.

"Something just seems off about them, you know how I am with secrets.", Angela replied in a clipped tone.

Solembum looked up at Ryan and spoke, Hello, Ryan son of William, I am Solembum.

"It is a pleasure to meet you… you're a werecat correct?", Ryan asked, as he inspected the figure before him.

That is correct, young one. Solembum's head turned to Angela, at least he shows some intelligence, unlike some others we have encountered.

"Very true, it is refreshing to have a challenge to unravel every one in a while.", Angela replied. She looked back and smiled at Ryan, "Perhaps I could persuade you to allow me to try and unravel some of your mysteries?"

"That depends on what you had in mind.", Ryan responded. Angela quickly righted a table and a few chairs, then disappeared into another cupboard for a moment before reappearing with a leather pouch and small tablecloth, which she promptly laid on top of the table.

She sat down in one of the chairs and motioned for him to do the same, "Please take a seat. It is not often that Solembum speaks to someone other than myself. There have only been three others and I have offered this to each of them, only two accepted." Angela poured out the contents of the bag, revealing several small, smooth bones, each with a rune or symbol scratched into the surface, "These are the knucklebones of a dragon. They are unlike every other method of fortune telling in existence. These bones do not lie, however, they are difficult to understand at times. I offer to do this for you, both to reveal your future for you and to sate some of my own curiosity. I, however, leave the decision up to you, be sure of your choice, knowing one's future can be both a curse and a blessing."

Do I really want to do this? Ryan thought, How much do I really want to know about what is to come? Maybe though…I can decipher some of it to help me later, but what if it's something that I'd rather not know? What if the fortune does more harm than good? But…wait…maybe this can tell me a few things…like what my purpose for being here is or why I was chosen for this.

"Cast the bones for me, please." Ryan finally answered, his voice betraying his anticipation.

Angela nodded then seemed to mumble something for a moment before crying out, "Manin! Wyrda! Hügin!", as she tossed the bones onto the cloth. The bones tumbled together and stopped, gleaming in the light.

Finally Angela spoke, "This is one of the most convoluted fortunes I have read. I think I shall start with the obvious ones. First," she pointed at one bone with a circle overtop a horizontal line, "this one, which means infinity or long life, no surprise, considering you're a Rider. Next this one," she indicated one with what looked to be a snaking path etched on its face, "means you will have many choices to make, ones that will impact many people. You truly have control over your own destiny. The great powers of the land shall struggle to control your future, however," she picked up another bone with an eagle inscribed on it, "this one tells me that your allegiance shall belong to only one individual or group and that the ones you shall be bound to are wise and just." She grabbed another bone from the table, this one with a sword and arrow crossed on it, "This one tells me that you shall possess great ability on the battlefield, whether physical or magical I do not know. This next one, "she indicated a bone with a shield inscribed on it, "tells me that you shall possess one purpose during your life and that you shall always stand against those who threaten it, even unto death itself. Lastly," she showed him one last bone with half open scroll, "is this one, which I actually have never seen before, this bone actually has two different meanings, I cannot tell whether both or just one applies to you, so I shall tell you both of them. One meaning is that you shall return or revive something the land has thought long lost and forgotten. The other meaning tells me that there is much more to you than even you currently know or could fathom." Angela looked up at him, "I definitely look forward to seeing how your life turns out, this fortune certainly is quite the enigma."

Suddenly Solembum nudged Ryan's left leg, causing him to look down at the werecat, Listen closely to what I have to say. When you watch the night overcome the day, recite the oath and call into the darkness and the stars shall hear. Then, when all hope seems lost and your strength is insufficient, go to the Rock of Kuthian and follow the memory of those abandoned to time to unlock that which was thought lost. With that Solembum walked away, leaving Ryan even more confused than he was after Angela had spoken.

What? That doesn't make any sense! How in the world are the stars supposed to hear me? I may know what's in the Rock of Kuthian but it doesn't even mention the vault! What else could possibly be there?

He looked up into Angela's eyes, an unspoken question residing within before she spoke, "Whatever he just told you, keep it to yourself. He spoke to you and only you. I do not want to know neither do I want to try and figure it out. Werecats can be extremely cryptic when they wish to be. I could spend the rest of my life trying to figure it out and still not stumble upon the answer."

"I understand, thank you very much Angela. You have given me much to think about." Ryan quickly stood and gave a quick nod of appreciation before exited the herbalist's tent, Samanya right on his heels.

A sense of curiousity and an unspoken question filtered through their bond.

Ryan looked down at his scaly companion, I have no clue what it could mean Samanya, but we must figure it out. The very fate of the Varden and all of Alagaësia may be at stake.

The pair continued onward as the sun stood high overhead, its radiance contrasting the troubles of the two below…

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And so the mystery begins!

R&R!