Eragon tightened the leather running under Saphira's saddle, checking that the length was correct and had enough slack in it. The leather was finally settling in, stretching, conforming to her large body. Patting her side, he leapt up into the saddle, first ensuring that the bags were secured before binding his legs in the straps. They were in the Dragonhold, finishing their preparations for the journey ahead. Once he was settled, Saphira turned her body, facing towards the exit. Ready? Saphira asked, though she already knew.
Aye.
She leaped out of the dragonhold, her wings catching in the air. A few flaps of her wings had them high above the city, and Eragon turned the peer down. By one of the gates did he spy five horses waiting, their riders already situated on their backs. Each wore long cloaks about them, hoods drawn up. Saphira angled herself down towards them, and Eragon watched as the horses merely twitched, no doubt calmed by the elven riders' whispers. Saphira landed, smoothly touching down a short distance away. The riders urged their horses forward at a slow trot, and Eragon saw beside them a dwarf.
As they drew up did Eragon speak, his voice low, "Hail Orik."
The dwarf raised his palm at them, a silent greeting. "Hail, my friends. King Hrothgar bids you safe passage across the land, and a quick resolution to your task so that you might return to us unharmed."
"Tell your king our thanks, Orik." Eragon said. He kept his voice low, but no doubt Saphira's massive size wouldn't go unnoticed. No one mentioned the names of the riders, an attempt to keep their identities hidden for as long as possible.
"Safe journey then," At that the Dwarf turned, bowing to the others before moving quickly back to the city. There were only the guards around them now, and all had their gazes turned firmly away from the group.
Saphira turned down the bridge, her steps echoing as she moved. The riders fell in behind them, the horses' feet clomping on the stone as they trotted. The journey out of Farthen Dûr was a silent one, continuing on through the many tunnels that made up the dwarven nation. They did not go to any gate Eragon knew of previously, but Saphira had been told the route, so he trusted in her to guide them swiftly.
Before long they reached the exit of the tunnel, and Eragon could see the valley before them bathed in darkness. No one spoke, but Eragon touched them all lightly with his mind. After a moment did they grant him entrance, and he could feel the strangeness of the elven minds tugging at his own.
Ignoring the feeling, Eragon said, let us be off. Saphira and I will scout ahead for a while. If you need us, cast your thoughts out and we shall return.
None responded, but he could see one of them nod slightly. After a quick look around Saphira took to the skies once more, and he told feel her holding in a roar. She felt elated once more to soar in the open skies, no longer held down by the mountains or tunnels of the dwarfs. Saphira flew high above, until the riders were barely visible below them. He kept one eye on them, watching as they urged their horses forward, settling in at a good clip. Saphira, flying at a comfortable speed, could easily outpace the horses, so instead they continued down the valley, eyes sharp to keep watch.
It passed like that for hours deep into the night, with Saphira ever so often turning back to check on the riders. None glanced up at them, but Eragon knew the elves could see them with their sharp eyes. Every so often the riders would switch positions, letting another lead their small group, the other moving further back.
Even as the daylight came upon them did the riders continue their journey. Eragon knew that soon they would need to stop, to allow the horses the rest they needed. Theirs was a mission of haste, but they needed to keep their mounts ready and alert. It wasn't until the sun was well above the horizon did Eragon see them slow to a stop. Nudging Saphira's thoughts, he pointed out the riders, and the dragon banked around. The riders moved off the path they were following, away into the thicket of trees that bracketed the path. The made their way to an opening in the trees, one large enough for Saphira to land in, and far enough away from the path to avoid sight.
Saphira landed as the riders dismounted, tending to their horses. The dragon did not need as much rest as the animals, but she still laid her bulk down, closing her eyes to the sounds of the forest.
They made quick work setting up a makeshift camp, though they did not light any fires. It was still warm out, and they had no need to cook any food. It wasn't long before the group rested, horses tended and grazing lightly in the field. Eragon leaned against Saphira closing his eyes as Glenwing stood watch over the group, eyes fixed on the forest around them.
Hours later Eragon was roused from his sleep by a hand on his shoulder, startling him slightly. Arya stood over him, motioning to the rest of the camp as they made ready. The sun was past the midday mark now, high in the sky as it continued its blazing path ever onward.
Eragon nodded, smiling briefly at the elf before standing. He double checked Saphira's saddle, yawning lightly in the fading light. They would ride for a few hours until past the sunset before making camp again, allowing the horses to rest for a longer period of time. The elves whispered quietly to each other as Arya made her way back to them, and Eragon could make out lighthearted remarks flying around. Brom was silent, and Eragon took in the sight of Jeod as well, both men's movements easy and assured. That the man joined them on the trek had surprised Eragon at first, but he supposed his father knew what he was doing. Where the man would go after Furnost was unclear, and Eragon pondered it as he jumped back in the saddle.
Once everyone was ready did Brom nod at Eragon, raising his hood once more, "Be safe," His father whispered. Eragon inclined his head, and Saphira opened her wings before beating them against the air, sending gusts of winds into the trees around them.
As Saphira leveled out, wings steady in the air, Eragon patted her side. It's different having to wait on others as we travel.
Saphira grumbled under him, frustrated that the others we so slow, how you two legs get around without wings is unimaginable. A simple bird can out pace even the fastest of you.
Eragon laughed, the sound lost to the rush of wind around him. Not an elf, though. They are surprisingly quick when they need to be.
Not as fast as I am, Saphira said.
Rubbing her scales light, Eragon said, No one is as quick as you are when you fly, Saphira.
She hummed, pleased at his words. Even all these years later praise would make her glow, and Eragon couldn't help showering her with it. He loved Saphira, more than he had loved any other being, their bond the most important thing in the world to him. As the thoughts pushed through his head, he could feel Saphira push back against his mind, her love for him flowing back.
They continued on in the same manner as before. Eragon kept a close watch over the Riders as Saphira peered ahead, checking around them for trouble. A few times, Eragon had to cast his mind down to the Riders to warn them of travelers, as well as a roaming group of mercenaries. The riders, aided by Saphira's guidance, made their way swiftly around all the threats, their journey largely unimpeded. As they circled back towards the group, Eragon once more cast his mind down, finding his father's mind amongst the group. The sun had set hours earlier, and he could feel the exhaustion flowing out of all of the horse's minds.
After Brom granted him entry, Eragon said, Saphira found a clearing ahead that can serve our needs for the night. Its ahead at the end of the valley. He showed his father an image of it in his mind from Saphira's own eyes, knowing that his father was skilled in navigating in such a manner.
He received the affirmation after a moment, and Saphira banked around, wings carrying them towards the clearing. They arrived long before the rest of the group, and Eragon had already spread out his own bedding next to Saphira. He ate his ration of fruits and vegetables, ears picking up as the horses trotted into view.
They made quick work of a camp again, and it was only after everyone had settled did Eragon ask his father, "How much further to Furnost?"
His father answered, swallowing his own food, "Another day of riding before we reach just outside the city. When we get close you need to keep out of sight, either far enough above or away that no one can spot you."
Arya nodded, picking at a piece of bread in her hands, "We will make camp North of the city, Brom, and wait for your word. Either Eragon and Saphira will find us a suitable location, or we can just as well," she said, waving at her companions.
"After," Eragon continued, reciting the plan they made, "Arya and the others will find the location of the exit, and Saphira and I will remain hidden. Once Hefring enters the city will Saphira and I make our way closer."
"Good, then," Brom said, "Everyone knows the plan. Get some rest."
The day passed much as the same as the previous, and Saphira was the first to spot the small city of Furnost. It lied north of Lake Tudosten, which bordered Surda below. The city was mainly used for trade between the two Kingdoms, but Eragon had learned often that they had mostly fallen apart. Eragon had told his father below him, and Brom had asked that they find a suitable location for their camp.
Saphira pushed her wings against the air heavily, sending them higher into the sky. Eragon did not want anyone to see them, and as they gained altitude Eragon had to cast spells to aid his breathing. The thin air was cold against him, but Saphira was warmth helped hold most of it at bay.
The sun was setting low, the orange light refracting off the clouds below them. Through the gaps Eragon could make out the forest that bordered the city, but Saphira's eyes were better than his own at piercing the clouds. She showed him a few different clearings they could use, and after the two briefly debated did Eragon inform his father of his find. The set off, landing gently in the clearing. Before the others arrived Eragon cast various spells, warding the area to avoid detection.
Brom entered the clearing first, but did not dismount. He nodded at Jeod, urging his horse to the other side of the clearing. "No use waiting," the older man said, "Jeod and I will head in now. I expect by tomorrow morning Hefring will set off. Be ready for my word."
Eragon nodded, making his way towards his father. He clasped arms with him, telling him, "Be careful, father."
Brom nodded, eyes hard, "You as well. You know your strengths better than I do. Play to them."
Without another word the two men left, the sounds of the horses growing fainter as they went. Eragon returned back to the camp and settled in, taking the first watch. His eyes peered around the forest as the elves rested, and Eragon let the sounds of nature around him fill his mind.
It was dark when Glenwing stood from his bedding readying himself for his turn at the watch, making his way over to Eragon. He nodded at the elf, but made no move to bed down, his mind still whirling behind his eyes.
"Something on your mind, Eragon-vinr?" Glenwing said. The elf picked up a thin branch, tracing the wood with his fingers.
"Too many things, as of late." Eragon answered. His voice was low, but he knew the others could hear him. Arya and Fäolin laid down next to each other, but there was a space between them that Eragon couldn't stop his eyes from noticing. He frowned, but turned away.
"You and your father seem the be getting along better, as of late." Glenwing remarked.
"True," Eragon said. "Two hundred years is long enough I suppose, especially since he thought me dead."
"But you aren't," Glenwing responded. The branch twirled in the elf's hands, and Eragon followed its movements with his eyes.
"No," Eragon said, trying to inject some lightness into his tone, "I'm very much not."
"We are friends, are we not Eragon?" Glenwing said, a smile gracing his lips.
Titling his head, Eragon nodded slightly, "I would say so."
"Then tell me," The elf said, "Has there been no one in your life? Surely someone like yourself could easily have found what many still search for."
Frowning, Eragon peered at Glenwing, "Your very forward for an elf, aren't you?"
When the elf showed no intention of responding did Eragon glance away, his eyes jumping about the forest. "Once, maybe, long ago." Eragon said.
"Ah," the elf said, as though Eragon confirmed a suspicion he held, "But I take it no longer?"
"All things must end," Eragon said, "But some more painfully than others."
"Not a good ending, I see."
Eragon smiled at the elf, his memories pushing at the surface of his mind. "Who said it even began?" Chuckling slightly he continued, "Words were said, and then things happened."
He turned the conversation away, not wishing to speak anymore of the subject, "And you, Glenwing? I know though, that's it's been a long time since you've been with your own kind."
Glenwing nodded, "True enough. The human women I see in the Varden are strange to me, probably about as strange as I look to them. But I'm young among my kind, and I will have much time for things."
"Maybe," Eragon chortled.
The elf laughed briefly before quieting, as though remembering his companions were close by. "Maybe."
Eragon awoke early in the morning before dawn, nudging Saphira's wing as he did so. It was custom for them to sleep like such, and Eragon saw that he was the only one awake. Surprising, since elves usually were very early risers, not needing as much sleep compared to humans.
Saphira stood briefly, limbs and wings stretching. She let out a loud yawn, and Eragon was glad he set wards to quiet any sound inside the clearing. He watched as the elves woke at the sound, and he heard Saphira's rumbling laughter. The others packed their belongings away, but Eragon did not. The other would be leaving when Jeod returned with word, though they would continue on foot. They were faster that way, and less likely to be discovered. Jeod would remain with the horses, while Saphira and Eragon would wait for word the Hefring had was near the city.
By the time Hefring got to the egg Saphira would already be close by, far enough away from Galbatorix's wards but close enough to assist if needed.
A few hours passed quickly, the four of them speaking softly to each other. Though Fäolin and Eragon did not directly address each other, they remained polite and let Glenwing and Arya carry the conversation. They would occasionally converse with Saphira as well, and a while time passed by.
The sun was barely cresting the trees when the sounds of a horse approaching the clearing silenced them. The wards he cast let him know it was Jeod, and he motioned for the elves to make ready. By the time the man arrived, his horse panting with effort, Eragon knew something was off.
"What's wrong?" Eragon said, turning to the man.
Jeod quickly dismounted, the words flying from his mouth, "Hefring was already outside the city when Brom and I caught up. Hefring is already on his way to Urû'baen. Brom sent me back after Hefring agreed, but I don't know where Brom is now nor Hefring."
Arya turned to him, the question evident on her face. "Go," Eragon said. He could contact them to let them know anything else, but they needed to hurry to catch up to the man.
The elves leapt forward into the forest, disappearing from sight within seconds. "Why was he outside the city? And how far?"
Jeod rubbed the side of his head, his exhaustion showing. "We didn't find him in the city, so we tracked down the contact Ajihad had us use. He said that Hefring left, and that they were trying to inform Ajihad when we arrived."
"It took us a while," Jeod continued, "to track him down. Brom cast a spell to stop his horse so we could get close enough. We were far out of city, and Brom said he did not want to contact you until he knew for certain that the man would agree. By the time he did, Brom said we were too far for him to contact you, and that your wards would prevent him from trying any other way."
Damn it, Eragon thought. He set about packing his belongings back into the saddle, securing the various bags as he went. "Why did he leave though? You never answered that."
"Oh, right," Jeod said. The man wrung his hands together, worrying. "We weren't sure. He never said, but he looked spooked."
"Brom was certain that he would complete the job though?" Eragon verified.
"Yes, he said as much when I left." Jeod nodded. "What now? Do you think the elves can reach the exit by the time Hefring makes his way there? It took me a few hours to make my way back here."
"Now," Eragon said, "Saphira and I fly. The elves are fast, especially on foot and through such terrain. Take care of yourself, Jeod. I don't know if we will be back this way or not. I'll try to contact you if we aren't but just in case I can't take the horses with you."
The man gazed at the four horses, his eyes alighting on each of them. "And what shall I do with them if you don't return?"
Eragon shrugged, "Either return to the Varden or don't. You've done enough for us, and I doubt Ajihad will be upset at the loss."
Jeod clasped his arm in farewell, before settling himself in the saddle on Saphira's back. She launched herself into the air, and Eragon held on tightly as she rose quick into the sky. She kept climbing, and Eragon could feel the air grow colder as they passed through the clouds.
Jeod said something spooked the thief, Saphira commented, why then was Brom so certain he could complete the job?
I don't know, Saphira, Eragon answered, But we need to get as close as we can. If my suspicion is right, the thief might already be in the city. Arya and others need to hurry. What worries me is that Brom did not contact us. I know what Jeod said, but my father is more than capable of reaching us.
Concern rose in his mind, and he felt Saphira's mirror his. She continued her climb, angling herself towards the capital, wings beating strongly against the wind. Eragon whispered the spells to aid his breathing and keep him warm, weaving them strongly against himself. They flew higher, almost as high as Saphira could before she leveled out.
Staying this high up will be difficult after long. I had hoped to be lower, but with things going awry I think it best we stay as far out of sight as we can.
I agree, Eragon said. He weaved a few more spells, a few in which aided his sight. It took him awhile, his eyes scanning the forest, but eventually he found the elves. They were in a near full sprint, weaving thru the trees gracefully, Arya leading the two others. They made no sign that they spotted the dragon and Rider, for none glanced up or slowed pace.
Cast the spell of yours that will hide us from all, Eragon.
Eragon frowned, If I do it will drain my magic significantly. We may have need of it later.
Pull from the stone then.
Eragon thumbed the stone in the hilt of Brisingr. The stone held a massive amount of energy, one that dwarfed his and Saphira's combined. For nearly two hundred years they poured energy into it almost every day. Eragon had to weave many spells around it to prevent others from discovering the contents. The stone was near full, and he as he touched it he could feel the magic thrumming inside. He had hoped to save it for a while longer, but Saphira was right.
Drawing on the power in Brisingr he began to speak, the ancient language flowing from his lips. The spell was long and complicated, and used words Eragon did not truly comprehend. He knew it would work, though, as it worked in the past. He learned it from a traveling magician named Tenga, a strange and quite possibly disturbed individual who Eragon and Saphira spent several days with. The magician only wanted to study one of Saphira's scale in exchange for Eragon to read one of the man's many Compendiums. It required a significant amount of energy to sustain, but it would completely hide Saphira and himself from both magic and mind. Once the spell was cast he could feel the slight dip in power from the pommel.
From the speed at which the spell drained the energy, Eragon estimated that the stone could maintain the ward for at least a week. Hopefully, we only need it a few hours, Eragon said to Saphira, I really don't like using all the energy stored in here.
She sent her agreement, maintaining her speed. Staying so high up allowed her to glide, but she needed to concentrate on the way her wings cut through the air, lest she slow down too much and fall in height. The thin air chilled at Eragon, and he could feel moisture start to build on his armor, but he only whispered a spell to remove the excess water from Saphira's eyes. For hours they flew towards the capital, and a pit began to open in his stomach as they spotted it in the distance.
Urû'baen, the old elven city once known as Ilirea, was a mishmash of architecture, elven and human colliding. The three-hundred-foot walls towered around the city, lined with various defenses that Eragon couldn't make out properly from their distance. Arya and the elves far below him started turning slightly away from the city, so that they would end up to the east of the capital. Saphira followed, her speed overshooting the elves only for her to loop back around.
Hours past before Eragon saw the elves' objective; A small crumbling building standing no higher than the trees around it, only spotted because of their angle. Saphira circled the building, and Eragon spotted no one around it, and from parts of the collapsed roof he did not see any signs of life. He sent his mind out to Arya, mindful that his own felt different from the spell he had cast.
She immediately strengthened her mind, but when he merely pressed against hers did she slowly lower them, only for her musical voice to ring out strongly in Eragon's skull, Who is this?
Arya, Eragon said in her mind, speaking in the ancient language, it's Eragon.
Eragon? She said, and he felt confusion in her mind from the little he could sense past her strong walls, why does your mind feel so strange?
I cast a spell to hide Saphira and I, but that's not important. We can see the building that houses the exit. There's no one around outside, but we can't see clearly all the way in. Eragon explained.
The strength of the barriers in her mind remained high for a moment before they lowered, enough for Eragon to show her an image of the building. Where are you? We can't see you at all, nor can I tell which direction your mind is coming from.
High above the building. Far enough that even with magic, you and the others look like ants.
We are almost there, Arya said, keep an eye out to the city. We will secure the exit.
Fine by me. Eragon replied, pulling his mind away from hers. The music that flowed from her mind was enchanting, and Eragon knew many men lost their minds from trying to listen to closely to elven ones.
He watched as the elves approached the building, their pace slowing they came upon it. He lost sight of them when they stepped inside, but after a few minutes he saw Arya step outside, her face scanning the sky. Knowing that she was trying to find them, Eragon cast his mind out to hers again.
Once more he pressed against strong barriers, but this time they lowered quickly Eragon?
Yes,
It's most strange, Arya said, your mind feels different even from last time.
I know, it's the spell.
You need to show it to me one day. The building is clear.
Eragon! cried Saphira, someone's approaching the building!
He relayed the message quickly to Arya, watching as she retreated inside, their minds disconnecting. From Saphira's eyes he saw a rider approaching the building, the horse sprinting as much as it could through the forest. As soon as the rider approached the building did the elves jump out, a figure he could only guess as Fäolin pulling the rider off the horse. He couldn't see what was happening, but after a minute he spied Arya again, waving her hand towards the sky.
He linked his mind back with hers. The second he did he watched as the elves took off to the north, their gait quick upon the ground. The figure jumped back into the saddle, sending the horse chasing after.
It's Brom, Arya said.
Brom? Saphira commented to Eragon. what is he doing out here?
What did he say Arya? Eragon relayed.
Only that Hefring won't be using this exit, and that the thief is running.
Blinking, Eragon asked, how is he getting out of the city then? And does Brom know where he is heading?
The horse carrying Brom caught up to the elves, but Eragon knew that it would struggle to maintain their pace. He waited for a moment before Arya replied, Brom says there's another exit, one the thief knew about. He hasn't said how he knows, nor does he know where Hefring is going.
She pushed an image into his mind, and from the haze that appeared over it Eragon could tell that it was one that didn't originate from her. There was enough detail for Eragon to see a tower, with Urû'baen set in the background. Saphira, after Eragon allowing Saphira to look at the image in his mind, noted the position of the sun, saying to Eragon, I think I know where that could be.
Trusting her judgement, Eragon relayed the information to the elf.
Good, she said, guide us there and scout out the area if you can.
Saphira turned, angling herself away from the group that they were following, and Eragon relayed the direction to Arya. Saphira dipped her wings slightly, gaining speed, and soon enough they were easily outpacing the elves below. Eragon turned in the saddle, his head straining as he guided the elves, sending as much information to Arya as he could manage. Saphira was searching for the tower, and after a few minutes of flight did she spy it in the distance.
Got it, she said.
Anyone around it? Eragon asked. He relayed her words to Arya quickly.
Not that I can see, no.
Maybe he hasn't left each it yet, Arya guessed.
Saphira circled the tower, still maintaining her high altitude above. Eragon watched as the elves closed in on the building. Saphira, Eragon said, keep an eye out to the city, I'll watch the tower to see if he comes out.
She agreed, And Eragon saw her head turn towards Urû'baen, her eyes the better of the two.
It was as the elves where nearing the tower did Eragon spot a figure emerge. The figure glanced around quickly, before taking off into the forest.
Someone's come out, Eragon informed Arya, they are heading east out of the tower into the forest. Turn now and run directly to your right and you should catch him.
Arya acknowledged him, immediately changing course, the others following quickly behind. Brom was lagging behind on the horse, but turned as she did.
The figure was darting through the forest, and Eragon was only able to catch glimpses of the figure through the branches. Eventually the person ran right into a clearing, and Eragon watched as the elves quickly appeared at the adjacent edge before spreading out. The runner stopped momentarily before darting in the other direction, but the elves were too quick. Arya caught the figure first, and Eragon watched as the other two elves surrounded them as well.
Saphira was still too high up, and Eragon couldn't make out their exact movements, but a moment later he felt elation flow from Arya, their connection faint. She opened her mind slightly, and Eragon pressed forward into hers.
We have it! Arya exclaimed. The egg! We have the egg!
A powerful sense of relief flowed into Eragon, and he breathed out a great sigh. Good! Don't stand around to long Arya, you need to get out of there!
It seemed his message reminded her of their situation, for not even a moment later the elves turned to no doubt begin the trek back.
Eragon, Saphira warned, and immediately Eragon heard it.
In the distance, a dragon roared.
The elves heard it as well, for they quickly darted back into the forest. Eragon turned in the saddle, trying to catch a glimpse of the dragon.
Eventually he saw the dragon, the light reflecting brightly off the red scales.
Dive Saphira! We need to get lower! Eragon exclaimed. He felt his heart begin to beat heavy in his chest, and he could feel the familiar rush that came before a battle. There was no use hiding now, not with Murtagh aiming for the elves. Quickly he dispelled the ward that hid their mind and magic, and Saphira dove down, her wings tucked in tight.
Faster and faster, she dove, the speed making the wind scream in his ears. They were so high up that Saphira needed to flair her wings earlier than she regularly would, in order to abate their speed.
Thorn was gaining on the elves, his movements quick. From the dragon's speed Eragon could tell that the red dragon was aided by magic, his flight too quick for a dragon of his size.
Arya! Eragon said, Thorn will be upon you in moments! Saphira and I will distract them, you need to make sure you get the egg out of here!
Eragon! Arya yelled into his mind, and he could feel her worry, Don't-.
The rest of her message was cut off, for Saphira loosed a loud roar, one that shook the trees below them, startling the elves as they ran. In the distance he could see Thorn pause mid wing-stroke, before regaining his tempo.
Are you ready, Saphira? Eragon asked.
She growled back at him, let them come.