Okay, this takes place before and during Eragon. I am completely ignoring most everything that was revealed in Eldest, meaning that if things in this contradicts with Eldest, ignore it. Tell me what you think please!


Awakening

Hopes and Heartaches

Amadeus leaned over in hopes of glimpsing his little sister, born little under a week ago. The crib's railing broke and he fell over, getting slivers in his small chubby hands.

"Ouch!" He cried out, then heard a giggle from amid the pieces of wood. He looked up and saw her. She was small, a little over a foot tall. A tuft of black hair stood out against her pale skin. Hey eyes danced with happiness and glee. Her smile, so innocent and untainted by the sorrows of life, lit her face. "Hi baby sister," Amadeus spoke softly, "You are so cute."

Amadeus was so absorbed by this small miracle, he didn't notice a shadow fall over the room.

The voice spoke with a kind authority, "You are supposed to be in bed."

Amadeus jumped and turned around with a guilty look on his face. "But, Mommy," he argued. "I just wanted to see her."

"Well, now you've seen her, so you can go to bed."

"But-"

"No buts, NOW!"

Amadeus shuffled away, and slammed the door behind him.

Miranda scooped her child up in her arms. She still couldn't believe she had another child. When she married the love of her life, all was perfect. They had a house, Ewan had a job, and then they got pregnant. Joy was the one word to describe them. Then tragedy struck, Miranda was taken early. The child was a stillborn. The couple, who had been so eagerly awaiting a child, now wept in each others arms. They never were the same, smiles came less often, and tears came more easily.

Then Miranda was with child, and everyone in the village hoped the best for her. And their prayers were answered. She gave birth to a healthy boy. Amadeus, meaning Love of God, for God must truly love them if he was to bless them with a child. They were happy, a child, the greatest gift of God.

And now, three years and two miscarriages later, she had a baby girl. Kaelyn, she lived up to her name, pure beauty. Miranda could tell, exausted as she was, that this was a girl that would make her mother proud.

I need to sleep, she thought to herself as she slid into a slumber, from which no one awakes.....

*~14 Years Later~*

Kaelyn was supposed to be sewing, but a beautiful sun was shining and the needle never moved.

She had not changed much in her fourteen years of life. Her smile was as joyous as ever, and her grey eyes still danced. But they now held a sorrow deep beneath the sparkle, that only few could see. Her face thinned and lost its baby fat, and her voluptuous black hair was the envy of many young girls in the village. Kaelyn had a fiery spirit with her friends, but when adults were present, she was meek and demure.

She was, in no way, one of those girls who only cared about how they look. Her brain was full of knowledge, just waiting to be used. Kaelyn could see someone saddle a horse, then be able to do it herself a week later with no help.

Amadeus, was like, yet unlike his sister. His tan skin and blonde hair stood out from his familys. His father was like Kaelyn, fair skin and dark hair. When Ewan spoke of Miranda, which wasn't often, it would be how proud she would be of her two children. But Althea, the village healer, would often tell the two children stories of when Miranda was young. She was tan with light blonde hair, a mischievous little devil as Althea often said.

Though she never told anyone, not even Amades, Kaelyn would 'talk' to her mother. Every night before she went to sleep, she would talk. It was almost like she was talking to nothing sometimes. But usually, she felt a calming presence... how she imagined a mothers love would feel. Of course Kaelyn loved her father, but he was a boy. And though she loved Althea like an aunt, she couldn't talk to either of them. And she would rather walk to the Beor Mountians and back before she would tell her brother. Amadeus could not keep secrets, no matter what! Kaelyn was excellent at keeping secrets though, a lot of the young girls would tell her secrets. Mainly who they liked, what their little brother did to the cow, who can't stitch, trivial things like that.

"Kaelyn!" The voice came from right outside the door.

Kaelyn sat up straighter and started to sew as the door burst open and Amadeus strode in.

"What are you doing up here?" He demanded.

"I'm working on my sewing," She snapped back.

"Yeah right," he said sarcastically, "More like you were thinking about Claudio! OOooOOooLALA!"

Kaelyn hated it when he taunted her, just because she had liked the most popular boy for one week. She was about ready to punch her older brother. But for Amadeus, it was just a way to have fun with his sister. He never really thought that his teasing would hurt her feelings. And Kaelyn thought that thats all he wanted to do.

"Well, anyway, it's lunch time." He said then walked out.

AHHH!!! I hate him! Kaelyn thought to herself and went downstairs for lunch.

PLease, oh please oh please please please keep on continuing, it had me by the first sentence, please keep going and write fast.

Though she never told anyone, not even Amades, Kaelyn would 'talk' to her mother. Every night before she went to sleep, she would talk. It was almost like she was talking to nothing sometimes. But usually, she felt a calming presence... how she imagined a mothers love would feel. Of course Kaelyn loved her father, but he was a boy. And though she loved Althea like an aunt, she couldn't talk to either of them. And she would rather walk to the Beor Mountians and back before she would tell her brother. Amadeus could not keep secrets, <i>no matter what</i>! Kaelyn was excellent at keeping secrets though, a lot of the young girls would tell her secrets. Mainly who they liked, what their little brother did to the cow, who can't stitch, trivial things like that.

i didnt really get that paragraph..

I did, and I think that it is cool.

yes i get it now she told me what it meant

thanks everyone! i think ill post the next chapter tomarrow XD

Good.
Please keep going.

or i could post it tonight if you guys wanted, id just have to change the html code to bbc, but thats not too hard... want me to?

yes do so

a/n (authors note): all of my names in this chapter, and chapter 1, have special meanings...kudos to u if you can figure out what they are

---------------------------
Revelations and Stories

Lunch was, an event. Ewan, Amadeus, and Kaelyn all sat around the table, with futile attmepts to start a conversation by Ewan.

"So, how was Althea's birthday celebration? How old is she again?"

Kaelyn answered, "She just turned 38, and it was fine." Silence ensued.

A few minutes later, "So, Amadeus," The father was so silly when he tried to make conversations. "Are you going to go to Makan's later?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Dunno."

"Why?"

"Dunno."

"Amadeus!"

"I DON'T KNOW!!" Amadeus shouted and left the room. Ewan and Kaelyn could here him stomping up the stairs and slam his bedroom door.

Kaelyn shouted, "Why do you have to be like that?!"

"Like what?" asked a confused Ewan.

"I don't know! Just how you are! You never talk about her! The only things we know is what we've heard form Althea," She choked out between sniffles. "Do you even know what it is like to have to learn about your family, you flesh and blood, you mother from someone other than your father! Every night before I go to bed, I imagine that I'm talking to her! I want to talk to someone who'll talk to me back! I want a father!" She was sobbing now, tears streaming down her face. "All I ever wanted was to know my mother, whenever I see other girls with their mothers, I hate them. I hate them! With every fiber of my being, I hate them!" She was shouting by the end.

Ewan had a thoughtful look on his face like he just took a bite of something, and is trying to decide if he likes it. "Kaelyn, go get your brother."

She went up the steps, wiping her nose on her sleeve. She steped toward the door and knocked, "Amadeus, we ahve to go downstairs, our father wants to talk to us." She spoke the word with disgust.

"I don't want to talk to him."

The two hears Ewan from dowstairs, "Come down here, now!"

Kaelyn and Amadeus trudged down the stairs and slouched into the chairs.

Ewan took a deep breath like a person about to jump off of a cliff......

-------- Ewan's Story --------

"When I was young, all I ever thought about was becoming a soldier. I would train for hours, but my father was a farmer, so I had to help him in the fields."

"When I was 15, my younger sister died. My father became sick, and I had to care for the animals and the crops. My brothers were to young to help much, but I got what work I could out of them. We lived out away from the village, so when the drought struck, I had to walk to Crofton, the closest village. The sun was beating down, so by the time I got there, I was exausted. It was all I could do to stumble into the bar.

"When I looked up, I saw her. A girl, probably 14 years old. She had tan skin, very unlike my pale skin. Her blonde hair stuck out from the rest of the villagers dark hair. She was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. When we were able, we would meet and just talk. I was amazing, just to talk with someone. And what had seemed like such a long journey before, now seemed like a walk to the well.

"I went to visit her as often as I could, and before long, I knew she was the one. By now, you probably know that I'm speaking of your mother, Miranda. When I proposed, and she accepted, I felt like the happiest man alive.

"I became a farmer, like my father. I couldn't bear to leave my love. And we were happy.

"Then she became pregnant, the ultimate testament of our love, the child growing in her womb. Then one day, about six months into her pregnancy, she was taken early....

"It was a stillborn, a boy....

"That was when it became harder to smile and laugh. During the times when we used to talk, we just sat in silence.

"A year later, she bacame preganant again, this time, a healthy boy was born. We named him Amadeus, Love of God. God must love us to bless us with such a beautiful child.

"Three years, and two miscarriages later, she had a baby girl. Fair skin, ebony hair, a true beauty. Kaelyn, Pure Beauty, and there is no doubt that you have lived upto your name...

"A week after you were born, she died. We don't know why. It was just her time...

"So when I don't talk about her, it is because the love of my life, the person who made me complete, is gone...never to return..."

-------------

"I'm sorry if I ever made you wonder what she was like," Ewan said putting his head in his hands, barely holding back tears. "I'm so sorry"........

a/n: wut do you guys think? its really really short, they chapters get longer - dont worry

nice i like it.. hurry up w/ the next chapter!!

nice i like it.. hurry up w/ the next chapter!!

oooOOOOoooo double posting!!! tsk tsk

lol ill post the next chapter once a few more people comment on wut i have so far

I DIDNT MEAN TO!! all i did was hit submit twice so it did that.. my bad

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, ah...Please don't wait.

you guys really want me to post the next chappie already?

yes

A/n: k this is erally really short but w/e

Dragon's Song

After Ewan got done with his story he started to weep, wispering, "Why, why couldn't it be me?"

Kaelyn tried to comfort him, "It was just her time, father. There was nothing you could do. It wasn't your fault."

Amadeus just sat there, his face bore no expression. "What do you mean it's not his fault? He could have saved her!"

"How?!" Ewan demanded, "What would you have expected me to do?"

"Anything! You did nothing!" He jumped up then ran out of the room.

"He really needs to stop running out when you're talking to him," Kaelyn remarked wryly.

"Can you go find him?" requested Ewan. "We don't want him out with the wolves tonight. I coudn't bear it if I lost another child..."

"Don't worry, I'll find him," she said assuredly and walked up to her room to get her cloak. As she put it on, something fell out of the pocket. Kaelyn picked it up and gasped, It is gorgeous, she thought to herself

The small dragon was about 2 inches high and made of well worn wood. It was painted in great detail, every scale could be seen, and both eyes were a beautiful sage. A feeling of peace emanated from the small dragon. It felt as though no matter what happened, things would turn out fine, so long as she held the statue.

The more Kaelyn stared, the more entranced she became by it's fascinating detail. She glanced out the window at the sound of a wolf. Oh! I must find Amadeus, she reminded herself. Grabing a lantern she put the statue in her pocket and ran out into the darkness of the night...

----------------

Ewan looked out the window thinking to himself, I should stop blaming myself, it has been 14 years, but it is so hard. I miss her so much.

But Kaelyn is so smart, and Amadeus is so brave. Why he isn't asking girls to court him when they are swooning at his feet is a mystery to me. He sighed and turned away from the window, only to look back as a wolf howled.

------------------

"Amadues! Amadeus!" Kealyn called out for her brother. "Where are you?" Darkness envoleped her as a strong northern wind blew out her lantern. She gulped, and heard the snap of a twig and wolves howling in the distance.

She started to run, not caring which direction, only that it was away from the shadow in the bushes. Kaelyn began to tire, her breathing became heavy, she slowed, and stoped. Then she saw a huge shadow move from behind a tree, and suddenly, she had a small burst of energy that she took advantage of. As ran away from the animal, she thought about how she had never known her mother.

A stone appeared in her path as if by magic. Flying to the ground, she saw the shadow agian. The wolf stepped into the moonlight, its head raised, smelling the air. The animal advanced, then paused as music cut through the night air. Both looked around them for the source of the magnificent music. And at the same time, both realized it was coming from the dragon hatchling standing at the side of the path.

NICE!! hurry up an write more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ive already written up to chapter 18, im just putting up the chappies when i feel like they need to be put up

... you tryin to tourture me?

maybe i am lol do u really want me to just keeping posting the chappies?!?!

i dont care if you want to

well if u dont really care then ill just wait a few days

I love your story so far, and I care if you do, but if you want us to be in supense then keep us in it.

yes hurry up an post it or else ( an dont ask me what are you gona do cuz i cant do anything cuz this is over the internet..!!!)

a/n: since you all asked so nicely lol

Journy to Lady Love

Amadeus couldn't stand his father anymore! The only reason he stayed home and hadn't married Valdís yet, was to help Kealyn. He still couldn't believe that he was in love with the most beautiful woman in all of Alagaësia. She was the only one that really knew him. They had to keep their love a secret, as much as it pained them. When she turns 16, Valdís' parents are going to take her to Tierm, where her fathers parents live. But for now, she is visiting her cousin, in Yazuac for the birth of Elizabeth's child. She has been gone for over a month! How he missed her..

I should visit her, he thought as he walked in the woods. And made his plans as a wolf sounded in the distance.

------------------------

Amadeus crept into the house and grabbed enough food to last him for the journey to Yazuac. He also picked up other things, such as: a pot, flint and steel, clothes, and blankets. A smile came unbidden to his lips as her heard his father snorring in the room above.

He ran to the barn through the cold rain. stuffing all of his gear into saddle bags, he thought of which horse to bring. A valuable one, but not one that would be missed sorely. He decided on Drusilla, his mothers favorite. And as her saddled her, he thought of his lady love, so far away...



Rain is falling,
hardly dampening my spirits,
joy runs free inside.

What will the future bring,
happy memories to be held forever,
or many sorrows to be locked away?

Thoughts of you,
flood my mind,
their meanings lost.

And to my face,
a smile alights.
When shall we meet....



Wow, I didn't know I could speak like that! I could write poetry. Then lead Drusilla outside, and started the journey to his Lady Love in the pouring rain....

-------------------

Drusilla stopped at a small spring and Amadeus dismounted. He never knew Gil'ead ws so huge! He remembered the day before clearly...

***FLASHBACK****

"Steady, Drusilla," Amadeus said as he patted her neck. "Good girl." He looked around in amazment at the towering stone walls before him. He had arrived at Gil'ead, and for the first time in his life, he felt small.

As he approached the gates, a guard hailed him.

"You, boy. What's your name?" he asked, a bored tone in his voice.

"Amadeus." He replied, his hands starting to sweat. For some reason Amadeus thought the guard might run him through with the sword hanging at his armored waist.

"What is your bussiness here?"

"A place to sleep... after traveling sir..."

The guard waved him through with a yawn and set to questioning the next person wanting to enter the city.

The narrow streets were lined with beggars vieing for a coin to buy food. Doors opened and closed as people went about their bussiness. No one gave him a second glace. To them them he was just another person in the crowd.

Amadeus wandered the streets, leading Drusilla, until he saw a sign that read The Lemon Inn. Now all he needed was a stable, but as he looked at a sign on the door he saw that it said something about a stable next door. He needn't search anymore.

He went next door and gave Drusilla to the stable hand, along with some coins. He went back to The Lemon Inn and got a room for the night. After depositing his gear in his room, he went to the local bar for a meal and some news of Alagaësia.

"Did you hear the rumours of a dragon rider?" asked a young boy as he sat down next to Amadeus.

A dragon rider, impossible! He thought and said the same thing out loud.

"No it's true! A purple dragon, a dwarf rider! I swear it!" The small boy put his hand over his heart with solemn dignity.

"Off with ye, urchin! Don' t bother him!" scolded a young women with a stained apron.
The boy gave her a look, then ran off no likely to bother another person a street away.

"Thank you," Amadeus said thankfully.

The woman replied with scorn in her voice, "It wasn't for you, me da don't like street urchins like him around." Then she strode away.

"Don't worry about her," a voice from behind Amadeus said, "She's always in a sour mood."

Amadeus turned and saw the same woman who had just walked away, but when he looked closer he saw that this woman had much kinder eyes. "Then are you-" he asked, very confused.

She laughed, then said "Yes, we are twins. Though our looks are the only thing we have in common. Have a nice evening" then, she too, strode away.

Am I going crazy? he thought as he went to sleep in the bug infested inn.

*** END FLASHBACK****

nice story cant wait to read more.

are you going to post anymore? I dont think I can wait

Don't double post, the mods will get on your case if you do.

I didnt realize I did...... I was just asking a question.

actually erais it was ok because he waited over 24 hrs to make that other post and ill post it in a few min

lol actually I am a she

oh.... woops im really sorry!!! ill make it up to you by posting the next chappie!!

its ok no offence taken but yea go ahead and post the next chapter lol I cant wait to read it

a/n: some ancient language will be used in this chapter, the meaning is in parentheses beside it

Ex:"Stenr reisa!(Raise stone!)" She shouted.

The words in the () are not spoken, or thought.

-----------------

The Naming

A dragon?! Kaelyn thought, How can there be a hatchling here?!

The wolf growled at the small wonder, then lunged. But at that moment, the dragon started to sing a different song. Now it was of sleep and slumber, where as before, it was of alertness. The wolf fell to the ground, legs twitching as it chased a rabbit in it's dreams.

Kaelyn was glad the dragon was uninjured, then the small animal turned towards her. She started to feel sleepy, and before she knew it, sleep took her...

---------------------

When she awoke, her first thought was of the wolf, and her second, was of the dragon hatchling. Did I imagine last night? But she could not have imagined it, for in front of her, basking in the sunlight, was a silver dragon. Kaelyn sat up and looked around the clearing, not seeing the wolf. Where are we? After getting up to strech he legs, she sat beside that dragon.

"Where did you come from?" She asked, reaching out to rub the dragons nose. As soon as her hand touched the skin, it felt as if Kaelyn had just plunged her hand into icy water. Then, it felt as if her very veins were on fire. She was flung to the ground by the power of the force, now spreading through her body.

After what seemed like hours, but was really only a few minutes, she sat back up. She looked at her hand for injuries, Kaelyn was suprised to see a silvery oval appear on her palm.

What happened? All of a sudden, she felt hungry, but at the same time, is wasn't her that was hungry. The dragon stared at her and gave a small chirping sound.

"Is it you that's hungry?" Kaelyn inquired.

The small animal gave another chirp in responce, and Kaelyn felt a strong yes in her mind.

"Ok," Kaelyn stood up and started walking back towards the house, paused, and turned back towards the dragon. "Are you my statue?" And once again, she felt a yes in her mind.

Shaking her head, Kaelyn resigned herself to confusion. The dragon walked up beside her and cocked its small head. "You want to be petted, don't you?"

Yes.

Kealyn reached down to pet the silver hatchling, and at the last second, she paused, remembering the pain she felt before. But even though her hand was still, the dragon thrust it's head into her oustreached hand. Kaelyn recoiled, but felt no pain.

Hi, are you my dragon? She asked the question in her mind, wondering if the animal could hear her.

The dragon replied with a smile, No, your my human.

Kaelyn grinned, What was the pain I felt when I touched you?

The dragon paused before answering, I'm not sure. All I know is that we are linked. What I fell, you feel, when I hurt, you hurt. This bond will last until death, which can only happen by blade or poison. We are one.

And they felt like one too, they could both feel each others joy, confusion, and hunger.

When are we going to eat? I've been wood for a long time!

Soon, Kaelyn replied, But you need a name. You are a female, right?

Yes, what do you propose?

Well, Adrasteia was a famous poet. Do you like that?

No, what are some others?

Hmmmm, Kaelyn thought for a minute. Aurora, the dawn star? No, ok. Bellona, the Elven warrior in legends? Luna? Harmonia? Ilithyia? Chryseis, no thats gold, and your silver. Silver! That's it! Ariane is silver!

Yes, Ariane. That is me, now I'm starving. Can we get some deer. Ariane sent Kaelyn a mental image of a deer, bounding through the trees.

Yes, let's go back home. Er.... She paused. Will you wait here? I don't think I should bring you home.

Yes, though I won't like it.

Don't worry. I'll only be gone for a little bit. She said, then ran off.

What happened? The last thing I remember is hatching for the elven princess. Now, here I am. Who knows how many years later...

*~90 Years Ago~*

Arya, Islandzandi, and Oromis stood in a plain room, decorated soley by four chairs,
and a table upon which a large silver egg lay. The queen and rider seem to be in a heated discussion.

"Yes, I want an Elf rider for you to train!" She said.

"Galbatorix is at the height of his power now, we can't risk it!"

Many choice words followed, including threats of magical disease. Arya looked at the two in morbid fasination. Her mother noticed this and she and Oromis went into the next room.

"Thverr stenr un atra eka hórna! (Traverse stone and let me hear!)" the small elf murmured and hear the last of her mothers spell, then silence.

"...eld hórnya. (...from listeners)."

Why does she do this to me?! I'm a princess! I want to know who the new rider will be! She thought to herself and walked over to the table. She looked around to make sure no one was watching, and picked up the egg. So, you're what's causing all of the problems, huh?

The little princess saw a mar on the egg and tried to wipe it away, What is this she thought when it wouldn't come off. The small spot turned into a crack. ITS HATCHING!! Ayra set the egg on the table and ran to the room where her mother was.

"Mother!!! The skulblaka (dragon), it's, it's hatching!!" She blurted out as soon as the door was opened.

"What?" Islandzandi exclaimed then ran into the room with the egg, but there wasn't an egg there anymore, just a silver dragon with sage eyes, standing amid silver chards of shell. Arya stepped forward, hand outstreached, as if to touch it.

"NO! Don't touch it! You will become a rider." The Queen yelled.

"But," Complained the princess, "I want to be a rider!"

"No. Oromis, can you take care of this?"

The rider thought before answering, "Yes, I might need some strength though."

"Of course."

Oromis thought for a moment, then spoke, "älfrinn weohnata waíse sköliro fra rauthr un atra älfrinn waíse aí Shur'tugal skulblaka. (She will be shielded from harm and may she be a rider's dragon.)"

The silver hatchling turned into a small wooded statue, carved in perfect detail.

ohhhh whats next?

haha, ull have to wait till i post the next chappie!!!

how do you like it so far? any suggestions? questions? this i could make clearer? things you want to happen?

no I like it just how it is I just want to know..... how did she end up with the statue? and what made the magic binding it break?

okay good, all those things will be resolved later on youll just have to wait to find out!

awww well I will defanatly buy your book if you have copies made already

lol im not done yet, im only 20,149 words in and i want at least 40k, if not 50k

but if i ever publish it (i probly wont since its a fanfiction and id have to get soo much permission from CP and it changes some of the stuff he has in the plot) ill send everyone that replied on here a copy

oohhhh you rock.... I am your biggest fan now lol

lol thanks want me to post the next chappie?

your welcome and yes of course I have to be at work in an hour but I want to read the next chapter first lol.

a/n: Me friend E! (Elaine) helped me edit this chapter and add more 'flesh'

THANK YOU!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Contemplations

Arya stared, transfixed by what she had just seen. Why did they do that? But outloud she said, "But I wanted to be a rider!"

"A Rider is not a fitting occupation for an Elven princess." Her mother replied.

"Oromis, do you agree with my mother?" She asked deliberately.

"Yes." The rider said, plain and simple.

Arya cried out in frustration. "I hate you!" She ran out of the room, pausing only to say, "Reise (rise)." The statue rose in the air, then sped out the door, following the small elf. When Arya got to her room, she said, "Letta (go)." The statue dropped into her outstreached hand.

When the wood touched her skin, a small icy sensation spread through her hand. What was that? She marveled. She looked down at her palm, suprised to see a shimmery circle appear.

Feeling a slight tug on her conscience, almost as if she was mind-talking with a new person, she looked around the room to see who could be doing it. After seeing no one, she gave up. Then she saw the statue.

*~90 Years Later~*

Kaelyn ran away, weaving through trees, ducking under low hanging branches, amazed at what had just happened. I....Kaelyn....am a dragon rider! She wanted to shout it to the world! I HAVE A DRAGON!! She grinned at the thought. What am I going to do with her though?

I can't take her home, Galbatorix will find out and kill both of us!

Could I just keep her in the woods? But she would be so lonely.

What should I do??

While this was going on in her head, she slowed to a walk, then sat on a weather beaten log. Ants marched like little soldiers up and down the crevices of the gnarled wood. She pondered the tiny workers with a blank stare adorning her face as the battle raged on in her head.

-----------------------

When Ewan awoke in the morning, he wondered if Kaelyn had found Amadeus. After looking in their rooms at their unmade beds, he knew that is ws not so. Where are they? Did the wolves get them? ... I couldn't bear it if I lost more children...

----------------------

Over an hour later, the new rider was still sitting on the log, battle raging in her mind. What am I supposed to do?!

Ariane is my dragon, but I don't want her to die! But if I fun away, what about Father, Amadeus can't be the only one home with him.

What to do? She thought then she got up and walked the rest of the way to her house.

------------------

"Father!" She called, after closing the door. "Are you home?" Hearing no answer, she looked out the back window ito the fields. Ewan was out plowing with the oxen. Good, She thought, Now I can work uninterupted.

And work she did. Kaelyn went to the celler looking for meat to feed Ariane with, then upstairs to get rags for a hut. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty for strealing these essentials. After all, her family wasn't exactly the richest. This is only temporary until she can hunt, Kaelyn rationalized. She pushed aside the shameful feeling by thinking of all the excitement of prepearing a home for her dragon. HER DRAGON! Just the thought of knowing she was to become something of legends made her stomache tingle. She had decided that she would keep Ariane in the woods.

--------------------

After setting up the small hut in the woods, Kaelyn laid down on the ground. She watched Ariane eat the meat. What do you think? She asked, then shifted so a root wasn't sticking into her back.

It's to small, I'll outgrow it in a week.

O! And you couldn't have told me that when I was building it?! She snapped back.

I was thinking...

About?

Things....

What things?

Ariane was silent.

You have to tell me, I'm your rider!

I don't have to tell you everything!

No, but you should.

Very well, The dragon sighed, then launched into her story. Telling all that she knew. Choosing the elven princess as her rider, being transformed into wood, and all else that she remembered...

When she was done, Kaelyn was shocked. So, I'm not your true rider...

No! You are my rider! I chose to become a hatchling again, I chose to be your dragon. If I had wanted to, I could have stayed a statue.

Even after Ariane said this, Kaelyn still felt that she wasn'y truely a rider. But you hatched for some one else!

Do you really think that if I didn't want to be a statue, Oromis' magic could have held me? No, I would have broken free from his bindings. But instinct drove my fears away. I allowed myself to be transformed, but still keep my spirit, that is why I would still have my link with the princess. I think she died, before you came to be my true rider. She accented the last words.

Kaelyn started to cry, Thank you, she choked out.

------------------------

Amadeus sat on Drusilla, dust getting in his eyes. He had been traveling for over an hour on this road. He hoped to be in Yazuac within a week. But for now, he was condemed to a day filled with bright sunlight and dust in his eyes. He looked ahead on the path, glimpsing a small dot on the horizon. Wondering what it was, he kicked Drusilla's sides, prodding her to go faster. The dot grew and grew, and finally materialized into an old woman, bent over from age, wearing a drap dress and a hankercheif covering her thin, white hair. When she looked up at him, he saw that her face was a mass of wrinkles, but beneath them, lay a smile. She spoke in a rasping voice, and Amadeus had to lean in to hear what she said, "Hello young man, could you spare a drink of water for an old woman on her way to Gil'ead?" She weezed, almost as if talking for that short period of time had tired her out.

"Yes, I do," He said suprised, then handed her his water flask. She drank a small sip, then continued to walk. He jumped off Drusilla, told her to stay, then ran after the old hag. "Wait!"

The woman stopped walking and turned around. "Yes," She panted.

"Why do you walk alone, unescorted on this long road?"

She laughed, then gasped for air. "Who would want anything to do with me? An old hag? No, " She started to mutter, "My own grandchildren even deny that I'm realated to them, 'Go to Gil'ead,' they say, 'Give fortunes there!' Bah! I spit on them!" She spit on the ground, then bent over, coughing.

Amadues just stood there, rooted to the ground, not knowing what to do.

"For your kindness, I shall give you one word of wisdom. The one you love will give you great happiness, and great sorrow." Then she strode away, cultivating a cloud of dust.

Amadeus pondered what the hag had said as he got back on Drusilla, and back onto the road to Yazuac.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a/n: Ayra's 'gedwëy ignasia', isn't a true one, it only established limited powers (not that an elf needs them) and it isn't as prominent as a regular one (like Kealyn's and Eragon's)

wow thats amazing..... but how did she get the dragon statue?

found it in a pocket i think

it fell out of a cloaks poket - youll learn more about it later

so where is the next chapter???? I wanna read it. lol I dont think I can wait any longer

Hurting

Over the years, Arya's and the statue's bond grew stronger, thought they could only communicate to a limited degree, they could do it over many miles. Islanzadi harldy ever thought of the silver egg that had hatched for her daughter, but when she did, guilt overflowed in her heart. The queen knew what she did was the right thing to do, but that didn't change anything.

*~87 Years Later~*

Ariane grew at an amazing rate. In a week, she doubled her size, soon after, she grew even more. Her scales grew hard, they were an armor, with few weak spots. Though they were tough, they shone like Miranda's silver brooch never could. Ariane's wings were papery, like old parchment, but with powerful muscles beneath the skin. Her talons were sharp and strong enough to cut deeply into trees, not to mention the flesh of the animals she hunted. Her sage eyes brimmed with brillance and wisdom.

The rider's and dragon's mental bond grew stronger with each passing day. Soon they could talk over five leagues apart. The only problem for the two was where to have Ariane hunt. People would being to notice if their herd starts to dissappear. They soon solved this problem by teaching Ariane to eat plants, along with some meat. The silver dragon soon came to like plants, though her insticts still drove her to hunt everyonece in a while. The plants made a big difference in Ariane, she became stronger and larger, even more than she would have if she had only eaten meat.

One day, a month or so after she became a rider, Kaelyn was working in the herb garden. She inhaled a mint smell during her silent conversation with Araine, she didn't realize that she had cut herself in the leg with the hoe. Blood dripped down her leg, dampening the soil as it ran off of her foot in little red rivers. OUCH! she shouted mentally. Ariane recoiled from the pain, putting up mental barriars.

Kaelyn slowly limped up to her house, leaving a trial of blood the whole way. When she got there, she bound it best she could, then set to washing to red stains off the floor. As she knelt, she tried to ignore the pain in her leg that threatened to overwhelm her.

A week later, the infection set in. The skin around the wound grew hot to the touch, and it hurt her to move the injured leg. Then the fever arrived......

Kaelyn was delerious, she could vaugly aware of Ewan taking her to Althea's. The healer looked over her whole body, tsking as she saw the gash in the young girl's leg. Bright red, inflamed skin surrounded the greenish tinted wound. When Althea saw the silvery oval on Kaelyn's palm, she gasped, then looked sharply at the girl, as if seeing her for the first time. The healer passed over the rest of her, healing small nicks and cuts with a small mutter of, "Waíse heill! (be healed!)" Each time she said that, the skin beneath her hands melded together as if it had never been torn.

------------------------

Kaelyn couldn't think straight, and she saw thing she didn't understand.

A silver dragon and a blue one flew high in the stary sky, doing backflips and dives. Beneath them, stood a young man with brown hair and intense brown eyes embracing a young woman with fair skin, dark hair, and gray eyes. An old man with a white beard sat beside a dying fire, watching the four with a wistful smile and kind eyes...

The same young woman lie on the ground, blood pouring from a wound on her head, a silver dragon in chains tried to get to her, but the chains wouldn't allow it. A black dragon flew on the horizon, steadily approaching...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Madness of Life

It was dark when Eragon jolted upright in bed, breathing hard. The room was chilly; goose bumps formed on his arms and shoulders. It was a few hours before dawn-the time when nothign moves and life waits for the first warm touches of sunlight.

His heart punded as a terrible promonition gripped him. If felt like a shroud lay over the world, and its darkest corner was over his room. With apprehension he hurried down the hallway. Alarm shot through him when he saw the door the Garrow's room open and people clustered inside.

Garrow lay peacefully on the bed. He ws dressed in clean clothes, his hair had been combed back, and his face was calm. He might have been sleeping if not for the silver amulet clasped around his nech and the sprig of dried hemlock on his chst, the last gifts from the living to the dead.

Katrina stood next to the bed, pale face and eyes downcast. He heard her whisper, "I had hoped to call him Father one day..."

Call him Father, He thought bitterly, A right I even I don't have. He felt like a ghost, drained of all vitality. Everything was insubstantial except for Garrow's face. Tear's flooded Eragon's cheeks. He stood there, shoulders shaking, but did not cry out. Mother, aunt, uncle - he had lost them all. The weight of his grief was crushing, a moonstrous force that left him tottering. Someone led him back to his room, uttering consolations.

He fell on the bed, wrapped his arms around his arms around his head, and sobbed convulsively. He felt Saphira contact him, but he pushed he aside and let himself be swept away by sorrow. He could not accept that Garrow was gone. If he did, what was left to believe in? Only a mercilles, un caring world that snuffed lives like candles before a wind. Frustrated and terrified, he turned his tear-dampened face toward the havens and shouted, "What god would do this? Show yourself!" He heard people running to his room, but no answer came from above. "He didn't deserve this!"

Comforting hands touched him, and he was aware fo Elain sitting next to him. She held him as he cried, and eventually, exausted, he slipped unwillingly into sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a/n: the text between the groups of ~*~*~ if from Eragon, The Madness of Life.

wow, I want to read the rest too. if you dont want to post it on here you can send it to me in an email or something. then I could just read it all at once instead of you haveing to post it in seperate chapters. ......... just a thought

lol nope sorry - youll just have to wait till i post them up (but i have posted up to 18 on a different site - i challenge you to find it!! lol)

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
THAT WAS AWSOME I loved the entire thing after u finish posting it will u e-mail it to me or somtin caterpillar my story is kinda simalar an again wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwww
ps please post more I'm very impatient at the moment

o bah - this is a different story than the one with the excert i put up!!!! sorry!

A/n: o woops to me it seemed like ---- nvm lol i think ill post the next chappie tonite - i just need to change the code, sound good?

ok heres the chappie!!!

A Sister to Mourn...

Islanzadí lay on her bed, gasping for air. A drop of sweat formed on her forehead, then rolled down into her eyes. A small elf girl stepped forward with a damp rag and wiped off her queen’s face. A group of midwives stood around her, they had done all they could. The rest was up to the Islanzadí. She had been carrying her child for 14 months now. The elf face contorted and she cried out in pain as another contraction started.

The midwives covered their ears at the sound of their queen's screams. One of the them asked another in a quiet voice, "How long is this going to take?"

"SHH!" All the others hushed the one who had talked. For their queen, they would walk to the ends of the earth and back, time didn't matter.

Three hours passed, nothing.

Five hours, nothing.

But on the sixth hour, a baby girl was born. She lived until the next morning, but by then, even the ancient language coudn't save her.

When a midwife told Arya of the wyrda (fate) of her younger sister, she cried out in anger. Arya got on Päivä and rode to Ceris, where her friends, Narí and Lifaen, were. She only took her dragon statue and a flask of Fealnirv.

*~85 Years Later~*

Althea fed Kaelyn warm broth from a spoon, the first the girl had eaten in three days. A drop fell from the spoon and rolled down and off her chin. Althea wiped it off with loving tenderness. Then, for what must have been the hundredth time, she looked at the young girl’s palm. She tried to rub it off, thinking that it wasn’t really there. But it never moved or smudged. It stayed where it was.

A gedwëy ignasia! I never thought I’d see one again. she thought to herself, then set to washing the bloody bandage from Kaelyn’s leg.

*~85 Years Ago~*

Arya galloped through the forest of Du Weldenvarden on Päivä, her elven horse. “Hlaupa! (Run!)” she said to urge him to go faster. Branches whipped across her skin, leaving bright red marks. The pack on the elf’s back bounced with each stride.

Päivä leapt over a fallen oak that lay across the path. The strap of her pack broke, and it tumbled to the ground. “Letta! (Stop!)” Arya slowed down, leapt off his back, told him to stay, then ran pack to where the pack fell. When she picked it up, nothing was in it, though there was a gaping hole in the leather.

Arya searched desperately in the undergrowth, looking for the small statue. She cast her mind out, but couldn’t sense the dragon’s mind. It must have fallen leagues back. She fell into despair. My dragon! And Arya started to weep, for all that she had lost-father, dragon, sister-all were gone...

*~85 Years Later~*

The road to Yazuac stretched into the distance, with few people traveling on it. None were as disturbing as the hag was, Amadeus thought of what the hag had said, "For your kindness, I shall give you one word of wisdom. The one you love will give you great happiness, and great sorrow."

What was that supposed to mean? Of course she would bring me happiness, but sorrow? Just thinking of the hag chilled his blood and sent shivers down his spine.

When the sun fell and disappeared behind the horizon, Amadeus made camp. The stars twinkled as the fire crackled, and he thought of Valdís. A single tear fell from his eye, moonlight reflcted in it from the moment it appeared, to the moment it splashed on the ground below. Amadeus flung a handful of dirt onto the tiny wet spot. Wiping his hands on his tunic, he lay down and slept for the night.


A/n: sorry its so short but my brother is kicking me off the comp

next chapter? is it time yet?

wow, thats so cool!!!! post more plz, plz, plz

Farah and the Babe

Althea noticed that Kaelyn would cry out in her fever dreams, she wondered at what she heard. The word Kaelyn would say most often was ‘statue.’ Could she be talking about the statue of the silver dragon that Miranda always used to carry around. The girl also cried out ‘Ariane’ often.

She cries out ‘statue', and 'silver.’ Miranda’s statue was a silver dragon, could Kaelyn have found the dragon statue in Miranda’s things? But how would that explain the gedwëy ignasia? Althea set to changing Kaelyn’s bandages. As she did, she noticed that the swelling was down, and the wound was no longer tinted green. Good, she should wake up soon.

---------------------------

Amadeus woke to a light rain falling through a heavy mist. A raindrop fell onto the tip of his nose, and he sat straight up. His blankets fell in a heap at his waist.

He was wondering how much longer it would be before he arrived at Yazuac. He longed to hold Valdis in his arms, feel the touch of her red lips on his, the velvety softness of her cheek as it stroked his rough cheek, feel her soft hand fitting perfectly in the grip of his, see her silky hairs cascading in a beautiful waterfall down her back.

After having a light breakfast, Amadeus packed up camp. He saddled Drusilla and, once again, set out on the dusty road to Yazuac.

***FLASHBACK***

Noises of a fight awoke Amadeus well before dawn. Since bugs were biting him, it was easy to get out of bed. The Lemon Inn was famous for it’s lemon preserves, and Amadeus could tell during breakfast. The lemon scent permeated the whole room, but when he stepped outside, the lemon scent was replaced by the horrid smell of human waste.

Just as the day before, beggars lined the street, vying for a coin to pay for beer. Though this might not have been the case for all of them, for most of them it was. A small boy in ragged, dirt stained clothes ran up to an old woman, lying against a box, her eyes closed. He shook her, trying to wake her, but her eyes wouldn’t open. When another boy realized this, he too ran up to her and took off the old woman’s scarf, another took her thin blanket, another the rest that she owned. The first boy sat down beside her and started to wail. His tears splashing onto the pavement, mixing with the waste that lay there. The boy looked up, his eyes locking with Amadeus’ and in them, Amadeus saw sadness-a great and terrible sadness- such that he would never hope to understand. Loosing everything, everything but your own life. The boy glanced around one more time, then ran off into the shadows of an alley. Amadeus would always remember those eyes, those sad eyes. Until his dying day, he would remember them.

Trying to shake what he had just seen from his mind, Amadeus went to the stables that held Drusilla. He, once again, paid the stable hand a coin, then went out into the city, leading Drusilla. The closer he got to the gate of the city, the more beggars there were. Even more people nor stirring, either asleep or sleeping for forever more.

Amadeus got to the gate; a different guard waved him out with a scowl.

***END FLASHBACK***

-----------------------

Kaelyn slowly became better, everyday Althea looked at her palm, trying to make the mark go away, but it never would. The gedwëy ignasia was there until Kaelyn died. The young rider became aware of the world around her, and when the healer came to feed her, she spoke in a quiet voice, “Althea, how long has it been,” She paused for a breath, then continued. “since I cut myself?” She breathed heavily, talking had taken much energy.

“Shhhh,” Althea hushed her, “That doesn’t matter, just rest.”

“Okay,” Kaelyn sighed, then slid into a deep slumber.

Kaelyn had been laying there for over a week. Althea was doing her best to speed along the process, but if she did too much, people would get suspicious. That had happened in the other village Althea lived at. She had saved a young man from the brink of death, and how do they repay her? They try to kill her, and as they do, they yell Witch! Their cries still cut into the healers heart every time she thought of them. Tears formed in the old woman’s eyes. Though she didn’t look it, she was well over 100, 138 to be exact, she said she was 38, because she looked like that age. She never knew how, or why, but she was. The tears fell down her cheek, and rolled off her chin.

----------------------Many years ago

Farah held the baby girl in her arms, overjoyed at the thought of having her own child. The little girl had beautiful blonde hair, though not much of it. Her bright blue eyes sparkled. And her little ears were pointed like an elf's. This was not suprising, since the father was Vrael, the head rider, and an elf.

She wish she could see him again, after their one night together, she was hopelessly in love with him. Vrael left the morning after, and in ten months, the child was born. Longer than humans carry children, but not as long as elves.

Farah couldn't decided what to do with herself and the baby. They couldn't stay in Fasaloft, everyone woudl know that the girl was a bastard, and they would talk about Farah not having a husband. We could go to the elves... Farah thought. Would they accept one of half their blood?

She hoped they would, and she saddled her horse and started on her way to Du Weldenvarden.

***

When she neared the forest she saw an elven outpost. As she approached, one male elf with raven hair hailed her, "Hello!" His voice was musical and trilled like a birds. The other two elves there turned and looked at her.

"Is that a child?" One of the females said.

"Yes," Farah said, exausted from the long journey.

"ooOOOoo!" The other female exclaimed and bounded over with long deer-like strides. "Why, she's an elf!" She shouted when she saw the babe's ears.

"Almost," The tired mother replied with a smile, "She is half elf."

"That's ok. Where do you wish to go in Du Weldenvarden?"

"Elesméra, to talk to the queen."

"It is not as easy as you make it sound."

"I hope it shall be, the father of this child is Vrael!"

The elves gasped in unison, the two females stared at each other in shock.

"Vrael? The head rider?" One of them asked.

Farah replied with a sigh, "Yes."

"Then I shall escort you and the child to Elesméra, personally." Said the first female elf.

"Thank you," Farah responded.

The raven haired elf spoke up, "You have to rest here for at least a night."

Farah consented, then she an the babe were wisked into a beautiful shelter, one with the tree. She was scrubed down, the babe too, then put into a fluffy bed. It feels like a cloud. She thought then fell asleep.

The elves talked late into the night about the woman and her babe. Always glancing back to the tree where she slept.

lovely I cant wait for the rest.

Hi. I just started reasding your story today and here's what I have to say: IT WAS AWSOME!!!!! I can't wait for you to post more!!! When will you post another chapter?

a/n: ill be posting it now

The Love of a Mother

The three elves woke Farah at dawn, Laelia, the elf who had offered to take Farah to Elesmera, took the babe to her. The mother cradled the child in her arms. She touched the half elf’s pointed ears, the girl squealed in delight. All three laughed, Farah wanted to hear Laelia laugh again. It sounded so amazing and brilliant.

“We should eat, then be on our way. The road to Elesmera is a long one.” She smiled at the babe. Then went out of the room.

Farah stretched, then sat up. The babe in her arms yawned. Farah smiled and sat up. She looked around the room for the first time; she was too tired yesterday. It was magnificent; the table and bed frame seemed to grow right out of the floor. When she went down the stairs, she was amazed at the great detail of the carving on the walls. They were made to look like vines, with blooming flowers.

The three elves sat around in a circle, talking and eating fruits. They graciously accepted Farah into their circle, then handed her a plate of fruits and a flask of wine. The wine was made from blueberries, and was quite flavorful. Farah looked around the circle for meat, but didn’t see any. When she voiced her question out loud, the three grew somber.

Reinier, the male with ebony hair, was the one who answered. “For elves, taking a life, even an animal’s life, is too high a crime.” He paused. “That is the only way I can think to explain it.” The two females nodded gravely.

“You should be going soon,” Said Marion when they where done eating.

Laelia stood up and cast her mind out, calling for her horse. She also called for another horse for Farah, for Farah’s horse was spent after traveling for so long a distance.

The two packed up the thing they would need, blankets, fruits, veggies, water, and Faelnirv. When the horses arrived fifteen minutes later, Laelia had to teach Farah the words she would use to direct the horse.

Ten minutes later, they set out. Ranir and the other elf saying they would care for her horse until she got back, then the three were alone on the road.

A sharp wail cut through the still air as the child cried out in hunger. Farah hastily began to feed her. Laelia glanced over and got a wistful look in her eyes. “I’ve always wanted a child. But it is much harder for elves to conceive. Though for humans, it is much easier.”

“Really? Who is your mate?” Farah inquired.

The elf smiled as she replied, “Ranir.”

“Reinier? The one at your outpost?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve been trying to have a child?”

“Yes”

Farah tried to get the elf to answer more questions, but it seemed that Laelia was absorbed by the beauty of the forest, and only answered in monosyllables. Farah accepted the fact of boredom and began to play peek-a-boo with her child.

When Laelia became aware of Farah and the babe, she smiled, then burst into song.

"To see my babe,
Newly born,
The joy of life.

"A smile forms,
On my lips,
Thinking of you.

"Just a few more years,
Then we shall meet.

"And when we do,
I shall embrace you.

"With the love of a mother,
I shall hold you in my arms.

"I shall bring you,
To my chest,
And with a smile,
I shall kiss you.

"For you are my child,
Just newly born,
A miracle long awaited."

Farah wished that the elf would continue to sing the wondrous song. When the elf didn’t sing more and looked as if she would start to cry, Farah spoke.

“That was amazing! Did you compose it yourself?”

The elf replied, “Yes, during one long night of wishing for a child, these thoughts came to me. I spoke of them to Marion, she said they were brilliant, and that I should make them into a song. So I set them to a tune, and Marion and Reinier have enjoyed them ever since, though we weep every time I sing of it.”

And indeed the elf did look close to tears, though only her eyes betrayed this fact. Laelia blinked, and no traces of the tears remained. She turned away, and once more, began to enjoy the splendors of nature.

Farah felt sorry for Laelia, she knew how it felt to love a man and have no child to show for it. They rode on in silence.

beautiful...

There are only two words to describe that chapter: abslutely beautiful. You have a wonderful talent for writing. are you going to post more soon? plz plz plz plz post more!

Of Destiny and Love

"We are a day away from Elesméra." Lailia said, shifting her weight on her horse.

Farah jumped, suprised that the elf had spoken. "What should I do when we get there?" She asked, suddenly nervous. Farah hugged the child closer to her breast. "What if the king doesn't help me?"

"What help do you want?"

The mother sighed, "A place for my child to grow, where she doesn't feel like an outcast. She would be one anywhere but Du Weldenvarden. Even here, she will feel different.

"Where she can grow old with the love of her life. I know that she will never truly feel loved, no matter where she is. She is the daughter of a peasent woman and an elven dragon rider, much less the head rider! What child could escape that destiny!"

Laelia look at Farah, her blue eyes filled with concern. "How old are you Farah?"

"I'm seventeen."

"What of your mother, and father, and brothers? Do they not care for you?"

"I have no one. They were killed when I was young."

"Who cared for you?" The elf asked, slowing her horse to a walk. "Who raised you?"

"I did. I had to learn to survive on my own."

"But, how?"

But Farah would talk no more. And she was the silent one, absorbed by nature. Crying silently, she turned away, hugging her child fiercely.

---------Many years later

Kaelyn was finally well. Her leg pained her frequently, but that was fine with her. She could walk again! The young girl had little strength though, and could only make it a few feet, even with Althea's arm to lean on. The healer had refrained from asking the girl about her gedwëy ignasia. It would only stress the girl out, but when she was truly better, then Althea would ask.

A week later, Kaelyn was well, and out in the forest talking to Ariane. The dragon was roosted in a tree, cocking her head comically. Kaelyn sat on the ground laughing while they talked with their minds.

Did she see your palm? Ariane asked, concerned.

I'm not sure. If she did, she hasn't said anything about it.


Althea was debating whether or not to talk to Kaelyn about the mark on the girl's palm. I need to talk to her, where else will she learn what she needs to know?

----------------

Amadeus was only a few hours away from Yazuac, and he was glad of this. Drusilla wouldn't be able to take another full day of travel, she was tired, they were both tired. The dust from the road had gotten into everything. Drusilla's eyelashes were coated with it, and in was in everyfold of Amadeas' clothes. He could feel it grating against his skin everytime he shifted in the saddle.

The hags words huanted him still. He wondered if her should tell Valdís about them. Then decided not to, they would only frighten her.

He was finally in sight of Yazuac, his soul leaping for joy. As he rode in the gates, he saw people looking out their windows, looking to see who the newcomer to their small village was. Small barefoot children were playing in the street, soon to be called into houses by their parents.

Two small woman shuffled down the street, dust clouding around their feet were it was stirred up. There faded dresses worn with wear, and their aprons stained. They were carrying clay jugs filled to the brim with water. Small droplets splashed out with every step. The smaller one seemed enthralled by what the other was saying.

"Did she really?!" She exlaimed.

The other laughed, obviously pleased by the reaction.

Amadeus cut in before she could reaply. "Excuse me." The two looked at him, perturbed that he had interupted them. "Could you tell me where Valdís is staying?" On closer inspection, he saw that they were young girls.

"Is she the one helping her cousin deliver her child?" One asked.

"Yes, her cousin Elizabeth."

"She is right down the street, next to the butchers shop." The other contributed.

"I am greatly in your debt. Thank you." He said with a smile. The girls blushed, and with a giggle, walked away, deep in conversation. Shouldering their heavey loads with loathsome indifference.

Amadeus sighed, and continued down the street, looking at the dusty ground. After a minute, he looked up and saw a sign. A pig's head sat in a pool of blood, with a cleaver painted next to it. This must be the butcher's shop. He walked up to the building next to it, weather beaten boards covered the outside. It reeked of dead animals and human waste, and looked more like an out-house than a home. It must be on the other side.

He walked to the other side of the butcher's, the sign creaking as it swayed in the wind. The other builind was two stories tall. Small windows on the second floor showed lacey curtians through the glass. A baby cried from inside. Small hushing noises could be heard after if one listened closely.

He took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. Then gasped as a young woman opened the door.

Wow! you are an amazing writer! If you publish this, I think you would win and Oscar or an Emmy Award or whatever that award they give to best-selling authors is called. I can't wait for the next chappie!

a/n: thanks for all the good words about my writing!!! makes me feel loved! lol

Tears of Sorrow

Kaelyn finally felt like she had a sense of control in a world full of chaos. Althea had made her a saddle for Ariane, and they went flying often.

They had to be careful of when and where they flew though. If Ariane was spotted, rumors would spread, and the king’s servants would arrive. None would be spared until they disposed of the rider and the dragon.

Flying at night was the only option. When the skies were dark, and the sun slept, the moon was covered in clouds like the fogs over a swamp.

Ewan started to wonder where Kaelyn was spending all of her time. It was easy enough for Althea to tell him that Kaelyn was planning to be a healer, and had to be with Althea late at night to brew special potions.

And with this lie, Kaelyn started to learn the simplest words of the Ancient Language…

***

“Search yourself, look for something that is not a part of you, yet that is you.”

“I don’t know how!” Kaelyn complained. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Look inside yourself, find the magic within!”

Kaelyn tried searching in herself, all she found was memories. Memories she didn’t know she had…

A small boy cradled a baby as a woman was lowered into the ground. A man was sobbing, he took the baby girl into his arms. His tears fell from his face and splashed onto his daughter’s face, mingling with the drops of rain that had just fallen there.

Rain fell from the skies, where dark clouds gathered. Forks of lightning lit the sky, shedding light on the mourning family below.

Near to the broken family, others from the village were gathered, talking in low undertones, and giving furtive glances of sorrow and sadness to the family.

Althea put her arm around Kaelyn, doing her best to comfort the young rider.

Kaelyn was crying, crying for the mother she never knew. Althea tried her best to console her young charge, but as she saw Kaelyn's tears, she was reminded of her own....

***FLASHBACK***

An elf rode up on a sweat-soaked horse. the horse's breathing was labored, he had obvioulsy ran a long distance. The elf on his back dismounted, and kneeled down in front of a young girl with elf ears. "I bring news of great sorrow, your mother is dead..."

The small girl fell to her knees for they would no longer support her weight. Tears fell from her eyes, like waters flowing over a waterfall in the dead of night.

***END FLASHBACK***

By the time Kaelyn had stopped crying, Althea had regained her composure.

"I'm sorry about that, it's just," Kaelyn started, then paused. "I saw my mother, and she was.... she was..."

"Shhh," Hushed Althea, "You don't need to talk about it. Let's take a break from magic."

Kaelyn's heavy breathing slowed, and her tears dried within a few minutes. "Okay, I'm ready to continue with the magic."

"Are you sure?" The healer asked, concerned, "We don't have to, we can do something else."

"No," Kaelyn said forceibly, "I have to learn to deal with things like this.

You'll be okay. Ariane said across their mental link.

Kaelyn resumed to seek the magic in herself. She sifted through memories, trying not to concentrate on any of them. She didn't want to burst into tears again. Between the memories, there was a small part of her being. Kaelyn knew that it was her destiny to find where it was and breath through it.

She attempted to break the barrier that held the power within its grasp, but it resisted. Once again, she imposed her will upon the bump, giving all that she had to the breaking of it. It shattered like a clay bowl falling to the ground, and Kaelyn was rewarded with power flooding her mind.

Such power could move mountians, she thought.

Ariane heard, and replied, but only if used in the right way.

Kaelyn looked up and saw her silver palm, glowing like the moon. What will happen to us? She asked when the glow faded from her palm, and the power faded from her mind.

"We will go to the elves soon, if they even remember me." Althea replied.

Kaelyn was suprised that the healer had heard. Can you read minds? she asked tentatively.

"Only if u say what you are thinking outloud." Ariane countered.

"Did I say that outloud?"

Althea responded with a laugh, "Yes, my child, you did."

A new insight dawned on Kaelyn, she glanced at Althea.

Ask her, Ariane told her, having heard the thought, I want to know the answer too.

Okay.

"By 'if they remember me,' do you mean that you know elves?"

"Not here, not now." Althea took Kaelyn's shoulders and pushed her into her house, closing the door behind them.

As Althea closed drapes, and checked doors, Kaelyn's curiousity drove her to look around. What she saw shocked her. A pale lavender sword hung on the wall, and a flawless amethyst was inlaid in the pommel. The shinning silver of the hilt was almost as bright as Ariane's scales.

Books of all sizes and colors lined a whole wall in a bookcase. Papers were strewn about the floor, like some one had just thrown them there when they had something else on their mind. Empty inkwells were stacked in a basket, along with old quills, bent and broken to the point where they were unusable. Ink was splattered on the smooth oaken timbers laying on the ground. Small footprint lay on the ground, mingling with the ink.

Kaelyn's jaw dropped in amazment, Why does Althea, a simple village healer, have a sword like that?

Ask her... Araine stated simply, then withdrew herself from her mind. Not without leaving Kaelyn with the sense of joy after getting a kill, and the pleasure of sinking your enormous teeth into raw flesh.

Kaelyn shuddered, and sat down on an un-occupied chair. Althea walked back in after checking the house. But before she could speak, Kaelyn cut her off.

"What is that sword doing here?" She gestured to the weapon on the wall. "And how does a simple village healer know the elves, didn't they disappear when Galbatorix set himself up as king? And why are you in Crofton, if you know elves! Shouldn't you be there, in the forest?"

Althea sighed, "Must you know everything?"

"Yes."

"I wont tell you everything. Partly because I don't know it all, and partly because it is not my story to tell.

"That sword on my wall, because.... because," Althea looked at the sword, tears forming in her blood-shot eyes, "Because it was the sword of a dragon rider. A dragon rider," She took a deep breath, "And a Forsworn. The same Forsworn that slew the mystical dragons, that turned against their elders, their friends, and the very land they swore to protect......"

-----------------

a/n: how was this chapter?? should i take a break?....and not update for a while??? lol, JK!!!!

It was even better than the last chappie! And as for when to post the next chappie, just post when you feel like it. No one is really telling you when to post (I don't mean to insult you of anything.

lol - ur not insulting me! i feel loved when you guys say that i write good! i think ill post the next chappie 2moro nite

OK. I look forward to it

You're a great writer, keep it up bubbles lol

oh goodness I cant wait for you to post the next chapter. lol I am so drawn into this story its so good.

Neither can I.

I hope you add more soon so the story can continue, it is going very well, it is enjoyable.

GAH! sorry about not updating!

first off i was grounded for a few days then it stormed and my internet doesnt work for like, 5 days after a storm... at the moment i am hacked into my neighbors network, shhh, dont tell him lol XD

ill update as soon as i can (im on a computer that doesnt have a copy of the story)

That's just fine, you have an excuse, but it is wrong that you hacked.

a/n: im not saying that hacking was right or anything but if he didnt want it like that he should have put a password on his network

Night of Misery

Leon could tell, much as they tried to hide it, that Valdís and Amadeus were more than just in love. They were soulmates. A small touch here, and a look there was all that betrayed their deep bond. Leon was aware of this, and couldn't help but smile whenever he saw one of these gestures or looks.

When he told Elizabeth of this, she agreed. "They should get married soon. After all, they are the perfect couple."

"No," Leon contradicted, "They are not."

"How could you say that? And if they aren't, who is?"

"We are." He stated simply.

"Oh..." She blushed, and held her child close. "I just wish...." She stopped.

"Wish what?" He asked, stepping closer to the bed. Then, after giving it a moments thought, sat on the edge.

"Oh, it's nothing." She said, trying to appear casual. She failed miserably.

Leon hugged her. "What's wrong?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

"It's just that, oh nevermind! I'm just nervous about the baby. I hope that it will make it."

Leon agreed and patted his child's head.

----------------

She's a Forswon, Kaelyn sent Ariane over their mental link. And she's been teaching us? Do you think it was dark magic? she asked, slighly more cynical than she meant it to be.

Althea seems ilke someone that would to whatever it takes to do right, would you believe that she is truly in the wrong?

Smaller explanation, please.

She does what she believes it right, do you think that she is wrong?

I guess not, but why couldn't you say that instead of the mumbojumbo that you said first?

I underestimated you mental capacity. Ariane teased. And besides, how do you know that she was one of the Forsworn? That blade might not be hers.

I suppose your right, I'll ask. Out loud she said, "You were a Forsworn." Anger crept unbidden into her voice. It wasn't a statement.

"No, I wasn't," The old woman pleaded, her voice strained. "That blade," She said, gesturing to the lavender sword, hanging on the wall. "Is not mine, it belongs to someone else."

"Who?"

"That, I cannot tell you, at least, not at the moment. Even though you may not believe it, I am only here to help you. Mu only wish is to make you such a rider, one which could destroy a king. After all," She continued, "You must be the only rider to exist outside of Galbatorix's control, for who knows how many years. As my friend might say, Why question fate?"

"So, you mean me and my dragon no harm?" Kaelyn asked, tentatively.

"Correct," The healer said briskly, "Now let's drop this foolishness. We have a whole other language to learn. And we musn't forget proper grammar. No, we musn't, bad things can happen if one doesn't use proper grammar in the Ancient Language."

And with that, Kaelyn's lessons in the Ancient Language began. Now she was learning more complex words and spells, whereas before, it was simple words and phrases.

***

Power flooded the rider's mind. "Waíse heill! (Be healed!)" The skin beneath her hand became fluid and melded together. When Kaelyn removed her hand, Althea inspected where a small cut had previously been.

"Good job, I see no marks, we can move on." She stalked away, leaving Kaelyn there, mouth open and a confused expression on her pale face.

Will she ever slow down? She's always on the move.

I don't know. But for now, try to keep up. Ariane retorted.

Kealyn sighed, and followed after her teacher. When she caught up, she realized that her mentor was close to tears. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"No." She said, brushing away tears. "It's just, just," She paused, unable to speak for a moment. "Just that, teaching you," She sniffled, "Has me remembering when I was tought the same things. I'm old, Kaelyn. Older than you can imagine. You think that I'm thirty-eight, that is not even half my age." Her voice rose in pitch, her hysteria rising too. "You have no idea of what I have seen, what I still must see. Every morning I drag myself out of bed, dreading the new day. That is, until you recieved that little cut on your leg. After that, I had a purpose. To tend to the new rider, the Lost One."

During this, Kaelyn was begginning to see Althea as a real person, not just as an old mysterious village healer. She wondered at the 'Lost One' comment. "What do you mean by 'Lost One'?"

Althea's voice came down to a reasonable pitch, she cleared her throat, and began. "A prophecy was made long ago, it goes as follows...

A child will arise,
more powerful than any before.
Born to one of the blood.
This child will rise to power,
and rid the land of evil,
though this child cannot contain,
the evil that dwells within...

It was recorded in the Domia abr Wydra (Dominance of Fate), but that book has been declared unlawful. I don't think any copies still exist."

"You think I'm the Lost One?" Kaelyn asked incredulously. "But I'm not 'of the blood'!" She shouted! "What 'blood' are they talking about anyway?!"

"I believe they are talking about elven blood," Althea said calmly.

Kealyn's jaw dropped. "I'm not an elf!"

Althea sighed, "How do you know? Is all of you family history known to you? Do you know who each and every ancestor of yours? I didn't think so!"

"You should learn how to speak to your elders. And believe me, I'm your elder," Althea said.

The light from the falling sun illuminated Althea's face. The forest seemed to come alive in the last moments before dusk. Birds flew form tree to tree, squirrels followed their path. Far off, a deer could be heard, crashing through the undergrowth. Keen eyes, if turned toward the sky, might be able to detect a large silver dragon, cutting through the air. The mystical creature did back flips, and somersaults.

Kaelyn looked up to the sky, Do you have you saddle on, Ariane?

Yes, do you wish to go flying?

Of course. Meet me down here. She sent her dragon a picture of the clearing she was standing in with Althea.

"As much as I appreciate this little lesson, I feel the need to go flying." She said as Ariane landed with a thud next to her.

As the dragon rose into the air, Althea saw pure joy radiating from Kaelyn's face. The young girl would never loose her wild, untamed spirit, and Althea felt sorry for anyone who would try to break it. As this would be no small chore.

Althea drug her feet through the deep furrows in the ground, made by the dragon taking off. She walked back to her house, hoping for a peaceful evening. She didn't get that.

***

I'm glad I left a note for her. I wouldn't want her to completely freak when she realizes that we're not coming back for a while. Kaelyn said, thinking also of the food she packed for her journey.

Where do you plan on going?

I don't know, just somewhere away from where we are now. Crofton is a nice village, but it is just so small! I just had to get away, and I figured what better way do do it, then on dragon back?

Araine agreed, and flew towards the setting sun. Her large eyes unaffected by the bright crimson light.

--------------

The streets of Yazuac were on fire, people and monsters ran though out the city. Small children were crying, young men tried valiantly to save their lovers, but were cut down by vicious Urgals. Blood ran in small rivers through the dirt streets.

In a small home next to the butchers, two woman clutched each other, as their loves talked quickly about the best plan of action. The older of the two woman had a young, unnamed babe, cradled in her arms. The men walked over to the women.

"No!" Valdís yelled, "You can't go out there! You'll be killed!" She desperatly clung to his arm. "Without you, I couldn't go on! Don't leave me!"

Similar cries were heard from Elizabeth. The babes cries mingled with the yells from those on the streets.

Amadeus and Leon would not be persuaded, they grabbed small swords and walked into the street.

Almost immediately, they lost each other in the crowd of people. An Urgal stepped in front of him. The last thought Amadues had before his life was lost, was of Valdís' love for him. He was sure that he would wait for her, however long it took, he would wait for her on the other side. But before he crossed over, he heared his name yelled. It seemed to come from an angel, then dark was erased and he was born away on angel's wings.

Tears fell freely that night, falling from the eyes of young and old, boy and girl, cowardly and brave.

Elizabeth and Valdís followed their loves footsteps. The streets were dark, and they could just barely make out the shapes. "Amadeus!" Valdís yelled. She slumped to the ground and Elizabeth sat beside her. They held each other and waited - waited for death's cool embrace.

***

After all were dead, the Urgals piled the bodies in the center of Yazuac. The leader pulled a spear away from one of lower ranks. He searched the pile of bodies, he found what he was looking for.

The pale baby was pulled from it's mother's arms. He impaled it easily on the barbed spear. The Urgal put the grisly trophy on the top of the pile. As he turned away, all the monters in the streets cheered.

Their voices filled the air, rejoicing at their deeds. This act would be sure to earn them a spot in the deepest part of hell.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a/n: i know, I know, I hate myself for this, but i had to, GAH! I HATE MYSELF!! well, dont forget to REVIEW!!!! *walks away* and that was as gruesome as i could make the yazuac scene - i mite go back and edit it later but... gah - i could hardly do that

wow....... cant wait for the rest Im so drawn in ...
and by the way Amadaus was a very good movie... I loved it.

That was sad, but this is getting interesting.

.....................................I agree, that was sad. But, all bestsellers always have a few sad scenes.

Adventure on Dragonback

The minds of a Rider and a dragon once again melded as their senses became one.

This is so amazing! Kaelyn told Ariane as the wind whipped around her in a chilly, playful, embrace. Why haven't we done this before?

This is fun. Ariane said thoughtfully, and then added as a side note, You should have asked.

Fun? Is that the best word you have for it? But it is so exhilarating! I feel so, she paused as her mind cast about for a word to describe the sweet sensation before saying in a joyful voice, letting the word roll of her tongue, tasting every letter in turn, Alive! The wind rushed through the young riders long, charcoal hair. A few strands flew in front of her face, and she brushed them away impatiently.

Why do you sigh? Doesn't it make you feel so light, so airlike, to be up here as one with the winds, in the air? I love it, everytime I go flying, I thank those who made me. Ariane commented with a dragon's smile. I wish I knew my parents, she added with a hint of disappointment.

I do feel that way, and I can relate. I miss my mother so much, Kaelyn sighed. I wish I would have been able to know her. At least I have my father. You, my dearest dragon, have only a friend.

But what a friend you are. Ariane's voice was filled with pride and admiration. My wings tire, may we rest for the night.

Of course! You didn't have to ask! Kaelyn said with a voice giving away how eager to please she was.

The silver dragon plummeted toward the ground at breakneck speed. At the last moment, she pulled out of the dive, and landed lightly on the ground.

"Why did you do that? What if you couldn't stop? You would have killed us!" Kaelyn yelled with annoyance and a slight touch of fear mixed with relief as she undid her legs from the straps and slid to the ground. It took her a few moments to get straightened up. Then she pounded her small fists into her dragon's glimmering, scaled side.

Ariane laughed and moved away playfully. I'm hungry, I'm going to hunt a little bit. I'll be back soon, don't go anywhere without me.

Okay, but be careful! Don't take any animals that belong to a herd. We don't want to be discovered. Kaelyn warned as Ariane crouched to take off.

As Ariane leapt into the cool air, Kaelyn began to set up camp.

She set the wood up in a small pile. After giving a quick glance around her, She glanced down at the silvery mark engraved upon her palm. After contemplating for a brief second, she decided that it would be fine to use a little magic to start the fire. She called upon the memory of words that belonged to the ancient language before murmuring one of her very favorites. Brisingr.(fire)

A small flame leapt forth among the logs. Feeling satisfied, she grabbed her bag from the cool earth where Ariane had shrugged it off after landing. After a quick search through it, she determined that there was little good food. Only dried meat and hard bread.

Kaelyn sighed disappointedly and crept lightly into her bedroll. Sleep came on swift feet to snatch her into a world of dreams.

Dreams did come soon. The same dreams as when she had her fever.

A beautiful silver dragon and a majestic blue one flew high in the starry sky, doing the most acrobatic of backflips and plunging into the riskiest dives. Beneath them, stood a young man with swarthy hair and intense chocolatey brown eyes embracing a young woman with fair skin, dark hair, and gray eyes. An old man with a white beard sat beside a dying fire, watching the four with a wistful smile and a kind face...

The same young woman lie on the ground, blood pouring from a wound on her head, a silver dragon in chains tried to break free, to save her, to get to her in any way possible, but the bindings wouldn't allow it. A black dragon flew on the horizon, steadily approaching with a devilish glare...


***

The next morning, Kaelyn awoke to a mighty roar escaping from the jaws of her dragon. Why did you do that? She asked, groggily. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. It's halfway into the morning! she said, surprised. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?

You, always with the questions. Ariane said with a roll of her emerald eyes. But to answer them, you looked so peaceful, I couldn't wake you up. But then you started to thrash and when I nudged you gently, you wouldn't wake. So, Ariane grinned a toothy smile, I roared.

Very well, she assented with a sigh. With the morning mostly gone, she had to work fast.

Why are you toiling so quickly? Just relax, breathe in-breathe out. Ariane jovially goaded her rider. If your not careful, you might get hurt.

And what do you know, the next minute, Kaelyn slipped and fell. Small droplets of ruby-red blood fell freely from the small wound on her palm.

Kaelyn sighed, and thought to herself, being careful not to let Ariane hear. Everytime! Why was this burden placed on my shoulders?! I can't stand it! Kaelyn let a single tear of frustration escape her lovely eyes before speedily wiping it away.

Though she tried to hide the hateful words from Ariane, their connection still let the general idea of them flow through to her.

You will be amazing! Think of the things you've already done! she told Kaelyn, her voice was filled with as much concern as a loving mother.

At once, Kaelyn was comforted. She slumped down to the ground, and there, the tears flowed easily.

Ariane only heard broken pieces of shattered thoughts, but one of the things that she did get, was a tone of pure anguish.

Why did this happen to me?! First my mother! Then this! And Althea thinks I'm the Lost One! How can I live up to that? What does she expect from me? What do they expect from me? The self doubt emanated from her weeping form.

Well, the first step will be healing the cut on your hand. Ariane commented in a practical voice

You're right, like always... Kaelyn grumbled and quickly dove into the barrier in her being. Like every time she used magic. The power flooded her mind, and overflowed into her veins. She felt like the most powerful person in the world. Like she could bring the moon crashing down onto the world of Alagaësia, with just a twitch of her finger. And, like always, this feeling frightened her. So she hurriedly healed her small wound.

I'm so sorry for acting like this, She halted for a moment to sniffle, It's just... Well, you heard me before. Kaelyn's voice sounded hopelessly dejected.

All will be well, Kaelyn. You'll see, all will turn out just fine. And, since I'm always right, it will! Ariane playfully spurred Kaelyn into happiness.

The rider laughed and let the pained expression slide from her face We'll have to start up again soon. After all, we've lost half the day already. Look, for yourself, the sun is right above us! Do you not feel the heat of it? She stretched her arms out way above her head.

Ariane chuckled, I feel it all the time, I love the heat. It is so, the dragon stretched herself out like a lazy tabby cat, refreshing, she said with a relaxed sigh.

***

Once again, they were in the air, with the wind fiercely flinging Kaelyn's hair all around. My hair is going to take forever to fix after this. She sighed, trying with meager success to hold the ebony locks at the nape of her neck.

Ariane laughed and did an unexpected acrobatic flip.

Kaelyn gasped and clutched the saddle in surprise, then she too, began to laugh. "I love flying!" She shouted, then continued in a normal voice. "I love it, and I still can't believe that I'm a rider. It still sends shivers down my back whenever I remember the night when I found the statue in my cloak." She said, letting her mind float back to that fateful night before leaping out of her reverie to say, "And the wolf; I suppose I should thank it."

Why? Ariane asked with curiosity.

Because, without it, you may have never become real again. Kaelyn commented as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. You might still be a small, silver, wooden statue. A beautiful one, Kaelyn added in flattery, But a statue nonetheless. And I don't think I could ever stand it if you weren't here. My life would be, she stopped and thought silently for a few minutes. It would be so horrible, I can't even think of a word to describe how miserable my existence would be.

Ariane smiled, and concentrated on beating her wings.

***

Hours later they were flying over Gil'ead. Now, we have to be extra careful around a metropolis like this. We should fly up as high as we can, so we won't be spotted, and even if we are, they might take us as a bird. Kaelyn thought of the chances of anyone thinking something as odd in the sky as Ariane could be a bird before adding as a bit of a side-note. Well, Hopefully.

Ariane pumped her large, papery wings, and they were lifted higher into the air. Higher and higher they went, until the air became thinner and Gil'ead was just a tiny dot. But as soon as they reached that height, Ariane felt a familiar mind down in the city below. She probed into it, curious as to whom it was, and then she realized the person's identity with a shock and a gasp.

----------------------------

The pain of the whips was too great to bear. Each blow added more doubt as to why she would be withholding any information from these heathens. But then some molecule of her mind would drift back to her along with this aching desire to be strong; to not let disaster strike because she was weak. Still, a small tear escaped from the elven princess' eye. It rolled down her cheek, hung suspended from her chin for a fleeting moment as if hanging on just a second longer would be some comfort to its despairing owner, but then it finally splashed to the ground, confirming the fact that hope was so little. Another tear followed, and before she knew it, she was sobbing.

In a desperate attempt for escape (or at least human contact with someone other than Durza and the guards), she sent her mind out. Feeling only the minds of the heartless sentries, she sent it further, ignoring the dangers of such an act.

She was about to bring it back to her, when she felt a small contact, then it disappeared. She searched with her mind, trying to find the familiar person. When she felt a probing inquiry, she accepted it into her mind.

ARYA!! She was flung to the ground by the force of the call. And she recognized the voice; it was something form her childhood, a memory long forgotten. Then, a surge of memories hit her. The egg hatching, the hatchling sitting there, Oromis turning it into a statue, keeping the statue for
years, loosing it and her sister in the same day, fleeing through Du Weldenwarden on Päivä, and reaching Ceris. She remembered meeting Faolin, their romance, becoming the egg carrier for the blue egg (which was stolen from Uru'baen), the attack, the Urgals killing Faolin and Glenwing, sending the egg to Brom, and then her torture at Gil'ead. At least she thought it was Gil'ead.

Speeding through somewhat of a time-warp back to the present, she acknowledged the voice with glee through her misery. Ava? Is it really you?

Yes, but my name is Ariane.

I thought you were a statue, I lost you, and no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't retrieve you. Her chest rocked, she heaved in air between the sobs.

Shh, calm down, my little princess. Ariane assured, trying to comfort her past companion. What are you doing here?

I was, I was, she choked, unable to get the words out. She sent some of her memories to Ariane as a solution to her halting voice.

Your life has been hard, much harder than mine has been.Ariane commented with a sadness in her voice.

Arya heard Durza yelling at the captain of the guard. The elf's senses heightened as danger slithered near I'm sorry she said in a panic but I must bid you farewell now.

Very well, I love you Arya, good-bye... Ariane withdrew from Arya's mind, but before she did, she lended strength to the weakened elf.

Arya heard the final words, then felt the strength flow through her. For the first time in many months, she felt like she finally had power to resist Durza, but she mustn't show it. It would be a great battle now, one that had to be won.

--------------------------

Kaelyn felt Ariane stiffen beneath her, she tried to see what was wrong, but was blocked from her comrade's mind. When she tried to force her way in, Ariane resisted her. After a minute of futile attempts to break through, she gave up and sat in silence, wondering what Ariane could possibly be thinking that she would push Kaelyn away so rudely.

Ariane finally stirred, and Kaelyn pried into her conscience. The silver dragon welcomed her with ease. Kaelyn asked gently, What were you doing? Why did you block my out?

There are things that you don't know, and will never know, this is one of them, she replied tartly to an annoyed Kaelyn.

Both in black, foul moods, the day passed in silence. No comments were made to each other, as they were both lost in their own separate worlds.

Ariane was worried about Arya, and thinking how to release her. Where Kaelyn was wondering about her brother, Amadeus.

He had sent a letter a while ago, saying that he was in Yazuac, with Valdís, and her cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband, Leon. Kaelyn couldn't help the feeling of foreboding that was growing inside of her.

Ariane felt guilt pressing down on her, making uncomfortable thoughts run through her mind. Ariane was keeping the truth from her rider... [/i]But how could she understand? How would she react?[/i] Millions of questions sprang into the dragon's mind, making her head ache.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

a/n: what do you think? ... im working on making the chapters longer, it takes more time to write them (and get my editor to edit them{WOOT!! ELAINE ROCKS}), but the ideas flow easier, plz review!! and thanks to another friend also.. she helped me with it a little bit too!! =] thanx girls!!

longest chappie yet

I think your book is wonderful! On a scale of 1-10, you're pushing a 13!

*blush* thanks

I just read your story im speachless it was amzing when your done can you send me a copy plz i want to re read it eventually you are an amazing writer and if you start writing books for a living i will buy all of them

a/n: if you want me to send you a copy just give me ur email and ill send you all the chapters i have so far - and thank you all so much! i never really thought that i would get this sort of response to me writing

lol i jsut realized that i only have one more completed chapter after this one - i need to get writing! i only have like, 600 words in the next chapter too!


On the Horizon

Kaelyn watched Ariane dive in and out of the clear, blue waters of Isenstar Lake. The waters slid off of the large dragon;s back. Kaelyn felt joy well up within her. That's my dragon! she thought to herself. As Ariane continued to play in the water, Kaelyn went to sleep on the hard ground next to her full leather pack.

***

The waters of the Ninor River flowed fast beneath dragon's wings. Kaelyn's and Ariane's shadows flicked on the slippery rocks below. Kaelyn squinted, and tried to see what was on the horizon. Ariane? she asked Can you see what is on the horizon?

Ariane concentrated, and replied, It is a town, I think.

Like always, let's be careful.

Should I go up high, so we can see what is happening down there?

Yes, great idea.

Thanks. Ariane smiled and they soared high into the air. The winds were more violent the higher up they rose, and soon wind was whipping by the two at an alarming rate.

Kaelyn squinted again. Everything is blurry; I can hardly see anything! She complained.

Ariane focused her large emerald eyes on the still image below them and used her amazing eyesight. Everything is still; no one is moving. But it is the middle of the morning; the whole town should be alive and bustling, she said quizzically.

I wonder what's wrong? What else do you see? Kaelyn asked, her interest stirred by the puzzle far below them.

There is a big pile of something in the center of town... Ariane hesitated.

Can you tell what it is? Kaelyn prompted.

No. I cannot. They sat in silence for a few moments before Ariane spoke again. My wings are tired; I'm going to land at the bend in the river over there. Kaelyn saw the bend her dragon was talking about after a mental image flashed briefly in her mind.

Very well, Kaelyn sighed, still wondering about the town and it mysteries.

Ariane picked up on these thoughts. After I land, you can walk to the town to see all that is. I doubt that they'll turn away a girl whose farm just burned down and is looking for work.

Me? All that? Kaelyn inquired.

Ariane responded with a small laugh. Why not? You'll just be ferreting for information; the small lies won't harm anyone.

I suppose your right, Kaelyn said automatically because her mind was preoccupied. She was already thinking of what her disguise should be. The wheels in her mind were cranking furiously, ideas were coming and going so quickly, she couldn't keep track of them all. After some time of thinking while Ariane was descending, she finally decided what she would use as her disguise.

All she would do is tear her clothes a little bit, and smear some dirt on herself. The simplicity of it amazed her. Perhaps she would alter her accent slightly too, change it to more of the type of speech of those closer to the huge forest would use.

As she thought of the forest, Kaelyn wondered if elves really existed. All of the stories that Kaelyn had ever heard spoke of the elves like gods. Then again, they spoke of dragons in the same tone, and now Kaelyn was riding her own dragon at that very moment. After a few quiet moments, Kaelyn quietly asked Ariane if the "Fair Folk," as they were called, were real.

Of course they're real! The silver dragon snorted loudly. Do you not remember me telling you of Arya? She was an elf!

And when Kaelyn thought back to when Ariane was much younger, she vaguely remembered her little dragon telling her about her previous "rider"; Kaelyn also remembered trying to forget these memories and the futile chore of trying to focus on more pleasant things.

Yes. I suppose I do remember...

***

When they had settled in, and as Ariane was about to go hunting, Kaelyn decided that she would leave for the town. She told Ariane this and the dragon consented to fly to the town if Kaelyn called.

Thank you, Ariane. Kaelyn said gratefully, and smiled when her dragon projected a peaceful scene of the swift Ninor River, which was consequently only half a league away, while the town was two. It will take me some time to walk to the town, and we don't want to risk you flying me there, she explained. So, I guess I'll call for you mentally if I need you for anything. The young girl ran up to her dragon and gave her a massive hug around the neck, being careful to avoid the large spikes adorning the dragon's neck. She felt as if she would never see her dragon again, but she knew this wasn't the case, and as she pulled away, she couldn't help but feel like a small child, going away from home for the first time.

Kaelyn reached up to brush away a bug that landed on her cheek, but as her hand made contact with her skin, she felt moistness. "I'm crying?" she asked no one in particular. And with that thought, she walked away from that place, only pausing to pick up a small leather pack with some simple food and a thick woolen cloak &ndash; in case the weather were to change suddenly &ndash; off the ground.

***

On the long walk to the town, which she concluded to be Yazuac, she had many a minute to think of the past few months. Kaelyn was amazed at all that had happened to her. She had gone from the simple life of a farmer's daughter - with all the attached problems - to becoming a Rider, something from legends that were whispered in the dark of night. For if the King were to find out that stories were being told of Riders, the ones telling them would not live to see another day. And the stories told in Crofton were not even good ones, Kaelyn suspected many of them to be made up - or at least she had, but that was before Ariane. Now she knew many of the stories to be true, and in fact, Kaelyn wondered what it would be like to be the first Rider ever, as Eragon was. Of course, she could say that she was the first Rider of her generation, So long as no other Elven princesses' dragons were turned to wood, she thought with a rueful smile.

Althea once told her that Galbatorix had three dragon eggs held captive at his palace in Uru'Baen. So, to start the new generation of Riders, we must free those eggs - after we kill dear Galbatorix of course.

She looked up from her revere to see that the town was only half a league away. Kaelyn quickened her pace and hauled up the pack that felt like it was filled with stones, but she stumbled on a rock in the path. "Dung!" she cursed loudly, looking at her reddened ankle, and hoping that it wasn't sprained.

Kaelyn?! Ariane shouted across their mental link. Are you hurt? Do you need my help? The ferocity of her call amazed and somewhat frightened Kaelyn.

No, she said shakily. I'll be ok, just fell.

Well, see to it that you don't fall again. Ariane said curtly before with drawing her mind from Kaelyn's.

Kaelyn sighed, her clothes were dirty and the hem of her dress was torn. At least I won't have to worry about making myself dirty, I can just fall again! She gave a nervous laugh, and once again looked at the town on the horizon. Kaelyn couldn't help but feel apprehensive, and the sinking feeling in her stomach wouldn't go away. In fact, it increased the closer she got to the town.

By the time she got within one hundred paces of the town - which she concluded was Yazuac after seeing a small weather-worn sign in the dirt path leading to the town - it felt as if she had swallowed a huge boulder and it was resting inside of her belly. Not to mention she felt that hervarms were about to break free from her body because of the weight of the pack. Kaelyn gave another sigh and walked the final stretch of land towards Yazuac.

***

She approached the gates of Yazuac with caution. It was well into the afternoon, and no one was stirring, and that provoked her suspicion.

"Hello?!" She called out and wasn't suprised when there was no reply. The silence grew more profound as Kaelyn looked through the streets. And when she reached the center of town her senses grew overwhelmed.

Her sight was bombarded with the sight of more dead bodies than she could count. The limp corpses were piled on top of each other, the blood from the bodies above dripping down the those below in a gruesome waterfall of crimson horror.

Her nose was being assulted by the oder of the rotting bodies of loved ones that would no longer be able to smell a storm approaching, see the sunrise, or hold a newborn child. Her stomach was turning over and she retched.

In her mind she could hear the cries of the men and women as they were mercilessly slaughtered like cattle. She could see them running away from whatever monstrosity did this. She shook her head, willing the images to go away, but they wouldn't stop tormenting her. It seemed as though small demons raced about her, and whenever they were close enough, they would steal a piece of her soul, then tear away, waving their sinister prize widley.

Kaelyn's legs suddenly felt weak and she crumpled to the ground beside the pack that she had dropped upon sight of the pile of corpses, she barely missed the small spot of her vomit. Her mind went blank and she blacked out. Her last sight was that of a newborn babe with a wicked looking barbed spear through it on the top of the pile. She couldn't help but feel that she should be telling Ariane about this, but then she escaped to the peaceful world of darkness where no light resides, and no feelings can survive.

post more! i mean, please post some more, you're very good...

i want to hear more but take your time writting it that way its good

wow. "the suspense is terrible, hope it will last" (quote from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)

lol willy wonka funny stuff. This book is awsome she has such a talent for writting

a/n: the moment youve been waiting for - Kaelyn sees Eragon and Saphira! make sure to tell me what you think!


Seeing a Fellow Rider

Kaelyn finally awoke from the deepest or darknesses, reluctantly and with a start. It was just a minute or two after she had collapsed in horror. The sharp, familiar clops of horses’ hooves on the dusty red dirt road outside of Yazuac and the low rumblings of men talking reached her ears. In a panic, she frantically looked about her for a place to hide. Anything would do. Just a place to get out of the open. She would have gladly doven into a fox hole at that moment, but upon seeing the pile of bodies she shuddered, considering it as a hideaway for the most fleeting of moments. But almost as quickly as the idea arrived in her head, it packed it's bags and left. That is an option, she thought grimly. But there is no chance that I’ll hide there, she resolved, as she gratefully glimpsed a quaint stone building which she immediately began dashing off to.

My pack! She remembered and sprinted back to pick up the now dusty thing. Then, once again, fled to the quiet shelter of the slightly dilappitated building. She opened the door and surrendered a small flinch as it gave a resounding squeak. But that was lost to the sound of two worse for wear men gasping. She flung open the door and raced up the stairs, barely glancing at the still smoking bright red embers in the small brick fireplace at the side of the large sitting room. Kaelyn’s small, bare feet hardly made any sounds on the richly carpeted pine wood stairs. Upon reaching the top floor she slowed to a restrained walk. Gasping for breath, she swiftly made her way to the large window facing the street with an optimal view of the ghastly pile of bloody bodies. Bodies whose souls had previously owned them had so recently been in the daily swing of things. Full of life and routine, until some horrid outer force halted the usual swing, tore it limb from limb, literally. In that gruesome pile, she thought to herself grimly, is the previous owner of this house. She stood there rigidly, enthralled by what she saw hapening before her in the town square

An old man with a long white beard sat upon a white stallion. Even in his old age he held a sense of majesty. Beside them, a young man with chestnut brown hair was riding a spirited light colored bay. They stared at the pile in horror, much like Kaelyn had been less than ten minutes ago. She watched as the boy fidgetted a bit while he skillfully fitted an arrow to his bow and released it in a perfect, graceful arc of destruction. The arrow flew true, and hit its target, resulting in a flurry of feathers. The crow fell backwards, no longer looking at the pale corpse of a tiny babe on the top of the pile. Even more horrifying was the wicked looking barbed spear that impaled the small infant. The boy made to string his bow again, but vomited over his horse’s side. It was the same spot at which Kaelyn had been sick. Kaelyn's heart went out to him in sympathy, knowing this feeling of being so sickened by whatever force had so easily, thoughtlessly, taken so much life.

She strained her ears, trying to hear what the two were saying now, but they were upwind from Kaelyn and all conversation was lost in the gusts of sweet, cool, almost joyous air; wind that obviously had no mind to pay heed to the mindless destruction which had taken place around it.

The old man dismounted and inspected the ground, then suddenly leapt back onto his horse and the two spurred them to the wall of Yazuac. Kaelyn was wondering what had made them act so, but then, with a gasp, she learned the reason.

A huge monster with thickly muscled limbs and small horns sprouting viciously form it's tiny head had come out a doorway. It had refrained from using its short sword, and instead had knocked the boy out of his saddle with his giant fist; mocking him in the boy's puny state compared to the burly creature. The old man reigned in his horse and started back, only to be stopped by another large monster, identical to the other, but with an axe instead of a sword. “Run, you fool!” the old man shouted as he hacked viscously at his enemy.

The four battled fiercely and the two men held their own until the old man received a horrific slash on the arm. He doubled over, blood flowing from the wound. The monster that delivered the blow bellowed at his victory and raised his bloodied axe high above his head for the final blow that would result in the old man’s death.

A deafening scream was heard from the boy as he witnessed this. He charged the monster fiercely. The monster, caught unaware, paused; this action – or lack of it – costing him much. The boy dodged the two-handed blow given by the monster and clawed viscously at its side. The monster swung again, but the boy was already a stone’s throw away. Kaelyn was puzzled at this action for a long moment before the conclusion reached her. He’s leading them away from his companion. She admired his courage in the face of grave danger.

Nothing happened in the silent moments that followed that realization, then an incomprehensible shout tore through the silence. Kaelyn turned her head to the direction of the yell, but the houses prevented her from seeing what was happening.

Minutes later, the boy staggered back towards his fallen friend. It seemed as though he had not eaten for days and he had to lean against his horse to walk. Kaelyn looked in earnest for the monsters, but when they didn’t appear, she was forced to admit to herself that the boy had taken care of them, one way or another. When he got to the old man’s side and was sliding him out of the saddle a blue dragon dived out of the sky and landed in front of the boy, its tail lashing out in anger.

At this, Kaelyn opened her mind to tell Ariane, but was surprised when she heard the conversation of the sapphire dragon and the boy.

Are you hurt? the dragon asked, rage eminent in her voice. Kaelyn concluded she was female as she had the same sort of feminine tremor in her voice as Ariane did.

No, the boy said calmly as he lowered the man on his back.

The dragon growled. Where are the ones who did this? I will tear them apart! She spit out the words venomously.

The boy still retained his calm as he pointed vaguely in the direction of where he had disappeared earlier and where Kaelyn assumed the bodies of the monsters were. It’ll do no good; they’re already dead.

You killed them? She sounded surprised.

He gave a small nod, Somehow. Then he proceeded to tell her what had transpired as he rummaged through his saddlebags, looking for something. I don’t know what it was, Saphira, but when I was luring them away from Brom-, Kaelyn figured Brom was the boy’s old friend and Saphira was his blue dragon, -I became cornered in an alley. So I strung an arrow and as I fired it, I said, ‘Brisingr.’ It flew through the air and was glowing with a strange blue light. It hit an Urgal in the head. Then a blue shock wave blasted out of the Urgal’s head, it killed the other one instantly. But it strangely didn’t harm me and it disappeared when it reached the houses.

You have grown, Saphira said gravely. They continued to converse for a few minutes as the boy bandaged Brom’s arm and sheathed his sword.

We should leave. There may be more Urgals lurking about, the dragon said when the boy was done.

Can you carry Brom? Your saddle will hold him in place, and you can protect him.

Yes, but I’m not leaving you alone.

Fine, fly next to me, but let’s get out of here.

Kaelyn watched as Saphira took the man’s robes in her large ivory teeth and lifted him to her saddle. The boy then tightened the saddle’s legs straps. He spoke softly as Brom stirred, then stood back as Saphira took to the air. He returned to the horses and tied the white stallion behind his own bay. The boy gave one last long look at the pile of bodies and the empty town then left Yazuac. He never looked back.

Kaelyn closed her mind as the implications of what she had seen and heard began to sink in. He must be a rider! She was amazed. It’s the only thing that makes sense, he has a dragon and he used magic. I thought I was the only one, but – she hesitated – is he working for the empire?

Thoughts such as those plagued her as she opened her mind to tell Ariane. Once she was sure she could no longer hear the conversation between the rider and his dragon, she felt for her dragon’s mind. The silver dragon embraced Kaelyn’s conscience. There’s another rider! Kaelyn spewed out as soon as Ariane would be able to hear it.

What?! Ariane asked incredulously. That’s impossible! Where did it come from? she said rationally.

I don’t know, Ariane, I just don’t know. And the rider proceeded to tell her dragon of her experiences since they last saw each other. The boy did magic, Ariane, magic! Kaelyn’s tone was pleading, willing Ariane to understand and believe.

Well, Ariane reasoned, it’s getting late, let’s stay the night at Yazuac, then we’ll go and talk to Althea about it. That is, if you’re willing.

I’m willing, I’m just tired now. I think I’ll go to sleep in this house. You’ll be here soon, right? she asked, concerned.

Yes, I’m about to land now.

Good, good, you were careful, right? No one saw you? she asked though a jaw splitting yawn.

Don’t worry, Ariane crooned. All is well.

Good, that’s good. G’night then, Ariane.

Good night, Lost One. Ariane murmured, and she severed their link. Kaelyn opened her small leather pack and rummaged through it. She grabbed her cloak and laid it out on the carpeted floor. Kaelyn lied down on the thick wool cloak, and rested her head on the now near empty bag.

I wonder if there is a bed in this house... she thought sardonically and fell asleep to the sound of a large dragon landing outside of the humble used-to-be home in the empty streets of the fallen Yazuac.


a/n: Most of the conversation between Eragon and Saphira was taken from the Eragon Deluxe Version, pgs 135 and 136.

can you plz send my the capters you sent me the first one

Yeah, can you send me them too, plz? I would like to print it out so I could read it whenever I want to. That cappie was awsome!

Adon - of course i can send then to you! i can either PM them to you or email 'em - ur choice
&&
princessArya - im sorry - but ive been really busy lately! ill try to start sending the rest later 2nite if i have time and if not this week/weekend

im gonna post the next chappie next week - (li need to finish writing it) lol XD

coolio i've been really bord

can you send them to me? I really love this story.

Thanks much! if you could e-mail them to me, that would be great! Thank you! you're awsome!
P.S.: My e-mail address is mailto:alecmarsolek@yahoo.com. thanks! Again, you're awsome!

grrr...must...have...next...chapter...addiction...overriding...all...common...sense *pokes someone*

lol - im not done with the next chapter yet - but if its ok with all of you guys, i can post what i have so far and u can give me feedback on it

hows that sound??

that sounds good