KHandFF7fanforever: don't worry. He won't. But it might come into play later on. ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance Cycle

Enjoy!

"How long may I stay?" She started as he voices woke her.

"As long as you want. come to me if you have any questions." She looked and didn't see anyone.

"Of course you're not going to see anyone. You're in a corner of the library. Their voices must have echoed." She looked at the book on her lap and chuckled. She was halfway through it. This had happened often to her the past month. She would start reading and fall asleep and then dream about what she had just read. "I'll finish this tonight." She folded the page to mark her place and then tucked the book under her arm as she stood. She wondered if Eragon and Saphira were in the dragon hold. She wanted to talk to them. She stopped when she heard three sets of footsteps. She recognized all three. Two were the Twins. The other was Eragon. She peered down the row and saw Eragon face to face with them. She crept down the next row and listened.

"We have been looking for you." One said.

"What for?" Eragon,

"Ever since you met with Ajihad, we have wanted to…apologize for our actions. We have come to pay homage to you."

"Now isn't that a load of cow dung."

"Nay, it is I who pay homage to you. Without your approval I never could have gained entrance to Farthen Dûr." She silenced a laugh at the look of irritation that crossed their faces.

"We are honored that one so…important…as yourself thinks so highly of us. We are in your debt for your kind words."

"I will remember that when I am in need." She took a step back as the Twins stepped forward.

"We have searched for you for another reason as well, Rider. The few magic users who live in Tronjheim have formed a group. We call ourselves Du Vrangr Gata, or the-"

"The Wandering Path, I know."

Your knowledge of the ancient language is impressive. As we were saying, we have heard of your mighty feats and we have come to extend an invitation of membership. We would be honored to have one of your stature as a member. And I suspect we may be able to help you as well."

"How?"

"The two of us have garnered much experience in magical matters. We could teach you. No repayment is necessary. Though, if you saw fit to grace us with your knowledge, we would be satisfied."

"What of Rider Florina? Is she a member of this group?"

"She has refused our offer." A Twin answered hesitantly.

"Who are they fooling? They haven't even asked her. But at least now I know she is here." He told Saphira. "Do you think I'm a half-wit? I will not apprentice myself to you so you may learn the words that Brom taught me." Their smiles dropped.

"We are not to be trifled with, Boy! We are the ones who will test your abilities with magic. Remember, it only takes-"

"That is enough!" A voice he recognized called. The Twins' faces paled. All three turned and saw Florina walking up to them from behind Eragon. "You will leave him alone. Ajihad has given me the task of testing this boy's abilities in magic. You will stay well away from him." They turned back to Eragon.

"We will expect your answer tomorrow." They smiled coldly and walked deeper into the library.

"Come on." Florina said. "We had best get back to the dragon hold." She grabbed his arm and pulled him along the rows until she found Orik where Eragon had left him. "Orik, we are going back to the dragon hold."

"What is wrong?"

"I will explain later. Right now, Eragon needs to be where it is safest for him. Kuldra, meet us by the north gate." They hurried out of Tronjhiem and to the north gate where Kuldra was waiting. Eragon was about to call Saphira when Florina pushed him onto Kuldra and then climbed on behind him. Kuldra leapt into the air before a crowd could gather. Minutes later, they were in the dragon hold. Saphira met them outside her cave. "This way. Ours is big enough to accommodate both of you." Kuldra walked into a large cave with Florina. Eragon and Saphira followed. Once inside, Florina tossed the book onto her desk and fell onto the cushions that served as her bed. She gestured for Eragon to take the chair.

"Alright, explain something."

"What, Eragon?"

"How did you know where I was?"

"I heard you. I accidently spent the night in the library. But it was a good thing I did. You don't want to mess with those two."

"Did you have to let them examine your mind?"

"They didn't give me a choice. I was tied up. They both tried to force their way in. With Kuldra's help, I broke into theirs instead. Left them speaking nonsense for at least a day."

"Is that why they are afraid of you?"

"Yes. They haven't dared come near me since that night. So in answer to your next question, no they have not asked me to join their little group."

"Do you think they will try to interfere with your testing?"

"Kuldra will be standing guard. She is more than a match for them." Kuldra cocked her head and then snaked it outside the cave.

"Hello, do you know if Rider Eragon is here, Dragon Kuldra?" Saphira looked at them surprised and joined Kuldra. Florina laughed.

"Do you know who it is?"

"Yes I do. Come on." She stood and walked out. He followed.

"Please, could you tell me where Rider Eragon is?" Kuldra rumbled with amusement. Florina nudged Eragon out and leaned against Kuldra's neck.

"I am here. What do you want?"

"My father, Ajihad, sent me with a message. Would you like to hear it?" He nodded. "He is pleased that you are doing well, but cautions against actions like your benediction yesterday. They create more problems than they solve. Also, he urges you to proceed with your testing as soon as possible. You should also know that you can see Murtagh now." She gave Eragon the directions and turned to Florina. "Father wishes to speak with you. Something that the Twins are bothering him with. When you are available, of course." She curtsied and left. The Riders looked at each other as the dragons fully exited the cave. Florina leaned against Kuldra's side and sighed.

"Florina,

"Hmm?"

"How long have you been here?"

"A little over a month. Look, Eragon. I need to go and see what Ajihad wants. If it has something to do with the Twins, I need to make sure that they have not convinced him that he should let them do it." Florina climbed onto Kuldra's back.

"Why would they do that?"

"They may fear me, but they have little respect for me. I was allowed in here even though they could not examine my mind. They do not trust me and they know that I do not trust them. Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow. Have Saphira tell Kuldra when you wish to be tested and I will be there. I will not let the Twins test you. You know how cruel they are."

"You already said that I could test him."

"I know. But they think that it would not be an honest test."

"Orik will be there and so will Frederic. They can report to you. They are cruel in their methods." Florina stifled a yawn. She had slept in a room close to Ajihad's study so she could speak with him first thing in the morning. She needed to hurry as Eragon getting ready to go out onto the training fields for his testing. She knew the Twins would be heading in that direction.

"Then I suggest you get there before the Twins do. I told them that they were not going to be the ones to test him. But I have a feeling they still might." Florina turned on her heel and ran from the study. Kuldra was waiting at the gate. She jumped into the air, grabbing Florina in the process and helping her onto her back. Kuldra knew that she needed to hurry.

"Damn, hurry Kuldra. Before they start!" The two saw a group of four standing in an empty corner of the field. Florina climbed into Kuldra's claw and jumped once she was low enough and ran toward them.

"And how do you answer us, Eragon?"

"No,"

"We will begin now. You will attempt to complete the tasks we assign you…that is all."

"Stop there!" Florina yelled as she walked up to them. "I am the one to test him with Orik and Frederic as my witnesses. Eragon, step away."

"You are too late, Rider Florina." One sneered. "We have begun." He produced a polished rock and set it on the ground, facing Eragon. "Lift this to eye level."

"Stenr reisa!" Florina watched, fire in her eyes, as the Twins stopped the rock. A moment later, it jumped to eye level. Her lips twitched as she hid a smile.

"Can't you stop them?" Frederic asked.

"No," Florina whispered. "If I try, it could kill Eragon because it will be a distraction. If they hadn't caused Ajihad to doubt me as a tester, this wouldn't have happened." Florina watched as Eragon and Saphira accomplished, time and again, their tasks. She didn't miss when Eragon started speaking softly and using basic words. She smiled openly when the frustration showed on the Twins' faces. At least an hour and half had passed before the Twins finally held up their hands.

"There is only one thing left to do. Any competent user of magic should find this easy." Florina stepped forward as one of them slipped a silver ring from his finger and handed it to Eragon. Summon the essence of silver." Florina opened her mouth to stop them.

"Stop!" A new voice rang out. Everyone looked toward its source. Behind them stood Arya. Her emerald eyes were blazing as they fixed themselves on the Twins. "Shame!" He voice was soft, but all the more frightening because of it. "Shame to ask of him what only a master can do. Shame you should use such methods. Shame that you told Ajihad you didn't know Eragon's abilities. He is competent. Now leave!" She pointed at the ring in Eragon's hand. "Arget!" She thundered. Florina smiled as the Twins fled. She faced Arya when she felt the elf's eyes on her. "Wait for me in the library."

"Very well, Arya." Florina climbed onto Kuldra who jumped into the sky.

"I wonder why she wants to meet with you here."

"As do I. If only I had her strength and speed, I could have saved Eragon from those two."

"You tried, that is what counts."

"Arya!" Florina jumped up and looked towards the opening of the alcove.

"I didn't mean to listen in, but I needed to find you."

"Quite alright." Florina gestured to a chair. Arya sat.

"So, you have become a Rider after all."

"Yes, so I have."

"You remember then?"

"Only after Ajihad mentioned Eragon had brought you here. He saved you from a Shade." Arya nodded.

"And Galbatorix. I was to be sent to him. A week later and I would have been at his mercy." Florina shuddered. "You were captured as well."

"Near Dras-Leona. I was tortured at the hands of Lord Tábor and then given to the priests for safe keeping so Galbatorix would not find me. Eragon saved me, even if it was by accident. He didn't know I was there until afterwards."

"But how do you know him?"

"Galbatorix has my mother, Emily. I went to Brom for help and was trained by him along with Eragon. I traveled with them on his hunt for the Ra'zac. We followed their trail to Dras-Leona. We separated. Kuldra and I flew to the mountains around Kuasta to wait for them. When I realized they could have been captured, I came here. I am glad to see that Eragon is safe."

"I heard about Brom's fate. Does Emily know of Kuldra?"

"Yes, but she is strong. She will not betray us."

"Where is Caleb?"

"He died at Orrin's feet giving him his tools to be given to me by Ajihad."

"I am sorry, Florina. I know how it is to lose one's father." Florina only nodded.

"When do we go to the elves?"

"Not for some weeks. Ajihad fears an attack." Florina nodded. "Now, it is time for me to test you in magic. I heard about what you did to the Twins. But I need to know how much you can do." Florina nodded again and readied herself.

Action in the next chapter (hopefully). Thanks for reading and please review