[Elsetör]

Announcement: Since I am not a native English speaker, grammar mistakes can perhaps be found at times. So feel free to let me know if you find anything of my writing confusing or wrong! I'd appreciate that!

And the most important thing is...

...enjoy!

Chapter One: The Setout (part 1)

Eragon woke right before the daybreak. The tent above was pale because of the faint light of the sun that was about to glow. He rubbed his heavy eyes and rolled off the bed, standing on his bare feet.

Good morning, little one. Saphira nudged the flap of the tent open, extending her neck, and fixed her gleaming great eyes on Eragon; Eragon smiled. He tugged himself into a gray tunic and went over to a washbowl for cleaning and shaving. Think about it one more time, for this will be your last chance to change your mind.

My decision has been made, replied Eragon, determined.

Saphira eyed him for a long moment, then: Very well, I will wait for you outside. With that, she withdrew from the tent.

Eragon splashed his face with cold water. His thoughts reached back to the previous days when he mentioned to Nasuada that he planned to set out searching the Raz'zac with Roran and avenge Garrow's death after Hrothgar's funeral. Through words, his liegelord tried hard to dissuade him from doing so. But when Eragon showed his strong insistence on his intention, Nasuada leaned back against her chair and scowled, saying, "Though I can bind you not to go as your liegelord, I am unwilling to do such thing. You are a Rider, Eragon, and I can see that your training has yet to complete from your insistenc on this subject. You are eager to revenge, and that is understood; however, as the hope of the Varden, you should ponder over your every decision—no matter big or small—before doing anything. Your and Saphira's lives are precious to us, and can be easily lost at the same time. Do not put yourself into danger that may take your life at any moment, for it is you who shoulders our only hope of defeating Galbatorix." Hot blood rushed to his cheeks at those heavy words; Eragon dipped his head. Nasuada looked at him sharply. Steel came into her voice and she picked a more formal tongue. "If you still wish to go, Eragon Shadeslayer, then you may. You now have my permission of leaving the army with your cousin. Return to me at once when your mission is completed. You may leave now. Be gone." Bowing his head to his liegelord, Eragon stood up and turned to leave, only stopped as Nasuada spoke again. "Try not to get yourself killed, Eragon. We need you here."

"I won't." And then he left.

After days of preparation, and when Eragon thought things had finally settled, Nasauda unexpectedly summoned him and announced that five specially selected worriers and Arya were to accompany him, Roran, and other voluntary villagers of Carvahall. "Protection can not be left undone." stated Nasuada simply.

Eragon quickly packed his belongings into a leather backpack. He has decided to travel light and fast, for he was sure that the journey would be a dangerous one. One that can take my precious life away at ant moment. he thought mockingly. He grabbed his new sword and examined it under the faint light within the tent, feeling its weight with his right hand. The sword was made after Zar'rac was taken away by Murtagh, from the hands of the best blacksmith of the Varden. But even this could not match the maroon elven blade crafted by Rhunön herself. Eragon ran his cold fingers down the edge of the steel sword, feeling how blunt it was compared to his former blade. If Zar'rac was a true masterpiece among all blades, this sword pressing into Eragon's hands was nothing more than just a childish toy blade. Eragon stared down at the long sword, and a small smile started to form on his lips. "I name thee Fricai, for thou shalt be my friend in battle and in danger." he whispered. His gaze moved to the hilt, and found a blue diamond at the size of his eye glistening in the weak light; seven tiny white ones were inlaid around it into the cold metal.

Though he was reluctant to admit, Eragon has missed the red blade which gleamed like blood ever since Murtagh took it away as his inheritance. He now missed its weight on his hip which brought him such secured feeling when traveling across the land.

The older Rider's words about their cursed relationship still echoed in Eragon's head, always reminding him whenever he encountered anyone outside his tent that he was the youngest son of Morzan. It pained him to accept the Varden's respect, yet at the same time knowing he himself was a son of one of the greatest foe of those people who thought him so highly. What Nasuada and Arya said to Eragon helped little on giving strength to him; it was Saphira who Eragon leaned on to work through those painful days after the battle. It was Saphira who warmed his miserable cold mind at dark nights and filled him with enough new strength to face another sunrise; it was Saphira who rushed to his side when he yelped in nightmares and comforted him gently.

Now the feelings of himself a devil hiding between those brave men was nearly all disappeared but, still, Eragon found himself awkward when facing Arya. Morzan was a traitor to the Riders and his King slew her father with the help of trickery. The relationship between Morzan and Eragon has driven Arya further away from him. All of these made it even more impossible for the union between Eragon and Arya to happen; and Eragon felt something falling into pieces within his chest as he thought of this, causing him heartache. Pushing these terrible thoughts away, Eragon belt on Fricai and strode out of the tent.

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 28 June 2008 - 04:21 AM

[Elsetör]

(part 2) <<a bit of short, but still a work

The sun has revealed itself from the horizon afar, striking the land with its golden sunlight. Eragon stopped at the tent's entrance, enjoying the sight. Everything seemed to be covered with shimmering gold, all so gloriously and vividly reflecting in his eyes. He tied the backpack to Saphira, and climbed on to her powerful back. He felt Saphira's muscles tensed as as she arched herself, ready to take off. Then, all in a sudden, the dragon sprang into the air and took Eragon flying. He smiled, clutching Saphira tightly.
They landed at the edge of the camp, where some worriers have been standing there, guarding. Eragon jumped off from Saphira and nodded to the heaviely armed captain. He stood at Saphira's side, feeling the excitment within himself growing. Another adventure is about to begin.

Yes, Saphira hummed deeply, But I hope it is not too late.

Before Eragon could answer, he felt Roran's mind approaching, accompanied with Nolfavrell, Horst, and Mandel. He turned towards them, watching the three villagers coming from the bustling camp. Eragon could see something blazing in Roran's deep set eyes—something almost hauting, and the eagerness of rescuing the one he loved so much. At that moment, Eragon knew he had made the right decision. He walked up to the comers, a solemn smile lingered on his lips. The four aknowledged each other with quick nods and handshakes, then waited for the soldiers Nasuada sent to guard them. And Arya.

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:45 AM

[Fable06]

There were a few grammar mistakes but its easy to understand and overall good!

[No-Name-Dragon]

yeah,good keep it up!

[Elsetör]

Thank you Thank you!

[Elsetör]

(part 3)

"Why are those men coming with us?" Roran asked quietly as he saw the five selected worriers marching towars them, spears sparkling in the sunlight. Eragon accepted Snowfire's rein from a soldier and looked at his cousin with suprise. "You don't know?" he asked, eyes widened.

"Know what?" Roran snapped in a whisper.

"I thought Nasuada would've sent someone to inform you..." Eragon murmured slowly, half to himself. The coming soldiers were closer, and he could see Arya wlking with clean strides after them.

Roran laughed humorlessly. "I'm not someone important enough to send a courier to, you know." That, more than anything else, struck Eragon's heart and left it bleeding. Again, he felt out of place with the villagers he used to live with. He wiped the hurt expression off from his face immediately, and shook his head. "They accompany us to provide us enough protection." he ended up in a short sentance, though, biting back the apology he was about to utter.

Roran nodded heavily, accepting the new companions wordlessly. Horst came to their side, a confident look in his broad face: "Seems like your leader weigh us heavy, eh, Eragon?"

Eragon smiled, trying to conceal his true thoughts, but found Roran's stare sharply upon him. The reason Nasuada ordered soldiers to accompany them was not because of them, but because of him.

Together they waited until the worriers were only several feet away, and Eragon stepped forward. Nasuada did not come, but it was to be understood. She seemed to be still loath to allow Eragon and Saphira to set out for such dangerous mission.

The worriers bowed at Eragon, and one of them who seemed to be the captain took a step forward and spoke clearly from the well crafted helmet. "Sir, we are sent by Lady Nasuada to accompany you and your friends in the coming journy, and will guard your safety day and night. It is our honour to ba at your command."
Eragon inclined his head. "Thank you."

Arya gazed up towards the sky above, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Time is precious. We should be off and waste no time."

"Of course we're leaving." murmured Mandel to himself, not daring to let the elve's ambassador hear his complaint.

Eragon nodded and mounted Snowfire, suppressing the chuckles in his throat. "Let's go."

(end of chapter 1)

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:45 AM

[No-Name-Dragon]

pls more!!!

[Elsetör]

Chapter Two: Distant Watching (part 1)

The choking smoke of the Burning Plains has ceased to bother the travelers. It was the third day of the trip and everything was quiet; Eragon could hardly sense the blood smell of war which was strong when they were near the battlefield. They picked a longer way, wishing not to disturb the empire when there were only ten of them, not counting Saphira, traveling across the land. Not to mention that four of them were villigers who lacked training.

He dared not to ride Saphira when they were right in the middle of the empire, but staying with companions on the ground had caused Eragon unease. He talked little to Arya unless it was necessary. The sight of her pained him, but he had learnt to take controll over he himself ever since she left for the Varden after the celebration. Still, Eragon feared that he might let something that should not be told slip out of his mouth and, once again, ruin the fragile friendship he worked hard to rebuild between him and Arya. Thus, he spent most of his time with Roran, Horst and other men with him, and wandered out side of their camp at night with Saphira, enjoying the peace lingering between them.

Eragon had started to teach Roran how to fight on the very first day of their journy. To his surprise, Roran was truely a talented worrier even though he has not been trained before. They sparred every night before supper—Eragon using his protected sword and Roran with his hammer. Eragon found Arya always watching when he and his cousin were practicing their fighting skills, attempting to struck the opponent and win the fight. It was Eragon who always whispered the word dead in Roran's ears, though, no matter how hard the elder man tried. Roran could never equal Eragon when his cousin was as powerful as any normal elf.

As time passes, Eragon begain to know the five worriers with him. He memorized their names quickly and would at times pronounce them in his mind. The tallest of the five was Vosure and then came the stout man always having a huge ax on his back—Bahdon. The only nimble scout was a young man with gray eyes shining like stars and Eragon found his name rather elvish, Klorton. The two left were twins, both with dark, sharp eyes set deep under their brows, but warm smiles could be found lingering on their thin lips. Jaep and Wallfin, a pair that sometimes confused Eragon were mastered at swords.

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:46 AM

[lord_of_balrogs]

more pls

[Elsetör]

(part 2)

* * * * *
It was dark, and the flickering flames of the camp could hardly cut through the thick darkness. On their back was the thin line of the horizon stretching wide against the clouded black sky. The men stayed close at the warm fire, eyes flashing with nameless fear that they were trying to hide. But Eragon could sense their feelings easily; the unnatural quiet around them made him uncomfortable. Saphira crowled at his side, humming deeply in her throat; her tail twitched, as if she was about to growl.
Eragon eyed their surroundings carefully and, with panic rising within, he found that even he could not see through the heavy dark around them, even though his eye sight has been altered into an elven one. If he had problem looking in the dark, then so must did Arya.

From the corner of his eyes, Eragon saw the elf sitting along from the fireplace, away from the men, halfly in the dark. Shame suddenly struck him, leaving him speechless for a moment. He had always considered himself Arya's friend, but what friend would leave her alone and so isolated when knowing that none of the other companions dared to approach her? Saphira felt the emotion raising within Eragon, but made no mention of it. She touched him gently, and nudged him towards the place where Arya set, leg crossed.

Eragon walked up to the elf cautiously and slowly, then seated himself across Arya. She eyed him with a fast glimpse, then returned her attention to the unusual darkness. Eragon remained awkwardly silent for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then, collecting all his strength, Eragon spoke quietly. "There seems to be something unusual about the night." As he spoke, Eragon could almost feel something strange approaching, sneaking, and watching.

Arya made no reply for a while, and the only sound between them was the whispers emerging from the villagers and worriers. Finally, she averted her gaze from the dark and said, just as softly. "It is."

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:46 AM

[Thorin]

Good keep it up!

[~Vinr Alfakyn~]

There aren't that many grammar mistakes so it's pretty easy to read. I like it a lot! Keep up the good work !

This post has been edited by ~Vinr Alfakyn~: 02 January 2007 - 06:45 PM

[Elsetör]

(part 3) <<here it comes!

Eager to continue the talk, Eragon asked, "Do you think the Ra'zacs have learnt our presence?"

Arya looked away. "I do not know, Eragon. Strange magic is lingering in the air, old yet still powerful as it was before, but has so far caused us no trouble. I doubt this could be Ra'zacs' work."

Curiosity roused in Eragon's mind. "Magic? Who and where is the spellcaster, then?"

This time, Arya turned her head and looked straight into his eyes. "His name is buried under my memories and is beyond my grasp right now. As for his whereabouts, I believe he has died long time ago and his spirit has faded into the Void. I havn't reached the threshold to be called a scholar yet. There are limitations to my knowledge."

"But you're far more knowledgeable than me." Eragon said, a faint smile was on his face.

Arya stiffened slightly, then relented and smiled back, "Thank you."

"I'll take the first watch," Eragon offered, standing up. "If there is nothing to worry about in the dark, I think the night will be a rather easy one."

Arya agreed wordlessly and stepped away from the darkness surrounding the camp, moving into the light circle the fire created. "Stay alarm, Eragon, for we are now near their lair. Do not let your guard off."

Eragon nodded, his fingers curled up on his sword hilt.

I can take the watch if you need rest, said Saphira.

I'm not tired today, replied Eragon, gratefully. Besides, you've already stayed up two nights for us. You'll need sleep.

Okey, just don't make yourself too tired in case we meet something...annoying.

Eragon grinned at her words and chuckled. Jaep turned his head in wonder, watching the rider's smile glowing in the thick darkness. Leaning against an old oak, Eragon seated himself with ease, ready to welcome the night in silence.

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:47 AM

[~Vinr Alfakyn~]

*cheers for Elsetor* good story .

[Elsetör]

(part 4) I just added some lines at the bottom of part 3, so make sure you read them


One by one, the travelers fell asleep, protected by the warm light of the camp-fire. The darkness seemed to be growing as time slowly moved into later parts of the night. Eragon frowned slightly, trying to keep himself wide awake. The smooth sound of the men's breathing was hypnotic, touching his mind softly and soothing his alertness. Everything felt so right that it was nearly impossible for something unwelcome to occur. Or at least in Eragon's thinking.

Eragon snapped his back up straight, finding himself has dozed off for some moment. The accident was like a bowl of icy water pouring down from his head, making his mind clear as it could ever be. He eyed Saphira carefully and was in relief when see her still sleeping. Eragon stood up with a single movement, careful not to cause unnecessary sounds. He climbed onto the tree and stood on a dark branch about ten feet from the ground. Eragon surveyed the land around the camp below but found nothing, only covering darkness. The moon was dim and the stars could be barely seen because of the thick clouds floating heavily in the heavens. Eragon waited for a moment and, when no danger to be sensed, he shurgged, starting to jump off the oak. A faint sound caught his attention.

"Eragon? Eragon, where are you?"

It was Roran. Eragon looked down with disbelief, watching his cousin's eyes darting from side to side. He leaped from the branch and landed quietly in front of Roran, lifting an eyebrow with a query in his brown eyes.

Roran stepped back and was ready to draw his hammer, but then found out it was only Eragon. He relaxed and said in a whisper, "I can't sleep. Can you show me Katrina again?"

Eragon hesitated, appearing troubled. Finally he nodded wordlessly, asking, "I'll need water...or a mirror will do fine."

When Roran returned with a plate of water in his hands, Eragon placed his hand over the clay plate and murmured quietly, "Draumr kópa."

This post has been edited by Elsetör: 18 January 2007 - 09:48 AM