Previously:
"Percy's the best swords master our family has seen in centuries," Thalia interrupted Jeod. "He'll be able to train the young Dragon Rider."

I gave her a grateful look as Roran let out a laugh. We weren't ready to reveal that I am a Dragon Rider quite yet.

"Eragon, a Dragon Rider?" Roran continued laughing. "Where could he have gotten the dragon? They're extinct for but for the Emperor's.

"Ah," Jeod said, shifting in his seat. "I know the answer to this one..."

I had trouble getting Thalia to calm down on the ship only until the other ships started following us. The Ra'zac had caught up for a little while but they didn't dare go over that water. They must have been afraid of it or something. The ships they sent after us instead got really close to catching us though and until they started shooting at us-making Thalia angry enough to send some fire arrows back-my cousin was having a small panic attack at the enormous whirlpool we had to cross. Even with me right next to her, she was having troubles calming down. Shooting back at the pursuing ships gave her something else to think about.

It also made the pursuing soldiers and magicians slightly nervous. She had an excellent shot.

"How much longer until we're in Surda?" Thalia asked, once we were safely out of harm's way and out of the Beor's Eye (something I helped out with, pushing the ship faster).

"Not for several weeks," a villager told her. To which, she groaned and hung her head over the boat.

I laughed and wandered off to speak with Roran, Jeod and Uther, the captain in the fore cabin since the captain's stateroom had been put into use for the villagers.

"How are we getting on?" I asked them. "I see the mast went on nicely."

"No thanks to you," Uther said with a booming laughter. "If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have that mast; I wouldn't have let these inexperienced fools anywhere near it." He pat Roran on the back who let loose a smile.

In our confrontation with the magicians from Teirm, we lost our mast. Fortunately, with the strange instance of powers that never left me when Poseidon 'disowned' me, I was able to take care of that problem.

"And our time to Dauth would be longer," Roran added, nodding in my direction. "Thank you, Percy."

I smiled, turning back to look outside through the window, seeing Blackjack patiently keep and eye on the kids climbing on him and playing around his legs. The poor guy was not only being attacked by the children but Vindex as well. My dog was having a blast playing with the small humans and antagonizing my pegasus turned dragon disguised as a horse. I was impressed with his patience.

Suddenly, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise up. I could feel eyes from far away looking in our direction. Not directly at me, per se but at Roran.

Turning my gaze on Roran, I saw him turn to Uther to ask a question. Jeod was oblivious to the watching eyes I could feel on us like a two ton elephant. Narrowing my eyes now in a frown, I reached my thoughts out, following the trail of magic into the land thousands of miles away.

I didn't notice I had closed my eyes until I saw a different scene from Roran, Jeod and Uther talking with each other. Instead I saw a blue dragon looking over the shoulder of a human with elvish features who was looking in a mirror with Jeod and Roran in a sea of white. A few other villagers were seen as well a little farther in the distance but everything else was white.

This must be Eragon and Saphira, I thought, analyzing him carefully. I could tell he worked out. Had to be if he was training with the elves. Even as he sat, I could tell he was well balanced and talented with the sword I saw not far from him. Despite the fact that I was looking at him with my thoughts, I could feel the magical power with in him and Saphira.

I couldn't help but feel impressed as I pulled away from him to return to my mind on the boat. My sisters showed me an image of how he was before he left for that elven forest I can never remember the name of. He's come a long way.

🐉            🐉            🐉            🐉

Our stay in Dauth, a city in Surda where we got supplies and rest, was very short. We heard from the governor that the Varden had left and were now most likely engaged in battle with the Empire. Knowing this, Roran was restless and begged the villagers to come with him. Of course, Thalia and I went along since we needed to get there in the first place and the sooner the better.

Upon hearing the news, I closed my eyes and reached out my thoughts to where I knew the Varden was. With battle being one of my domains, I could tell they were not fighting but I could also tell they were not far from it. Eragon and Saphira had made it to the Varden a few days ago and I was able to see who their leader was. Nasuada, a dark skinned beauty who seemed every bit as confident and capable as Thalia or some of the other girls I know back home was the leader.

Thus, Roran led everyone back on the ship heading up Jiet river to the Burning Plains where the Varden was camped.

Thalia was better this trip since she knew we would be fighting soon. Her nerves were wound up from going so long without a real fight and she started pacing the deck.

I knew we were getting close when I could smell smoke and see it gathering in the distance. Eventually, we could hear the sounds of battle and my cousin, Blackjack and I shared a look. I grinned, knowing it was finally time.

Some of the villagers not fit for fighting went below decks while everyone else prepared for battle.

I stopped pacing with Thalia as a thud and a raw-throated yell came from the sky. There flew Saphira with Eragon upon her back.

I smiled as the great, beautiful dragon pulled up sharply in front of the ship. I could tell Eragon was talking to his...brother? Cousin? The relations are confusing now. Letting them talk, I turned to Thalia, Vindex and Blackjack. "Let's go," I said. "We can get off now and go help."

Just as I said that, Roran told Uther to ground the ship.

"Finally!" Thalia said joyfully. She pulled out her bow. "I get to go kill something!"

Roran glanced at my cousin, a tense smile graced his lips. "You're a violent person, Lady Thalia," he commented.

"Thank you!" Thalia said, a hand over her heart and a huge smile on her face.

Without any further ado, I mounted Blackjack and whistled to Vindex. "What are we waiting for, guys? Let's go!"

Hey, boss?

"Yeah?" I replied to my best friend. We were galloping through the plains to get to the main fight.

When will I get to be a dragon again?

"Styx, I forgot about that," I muttered. "Alright, here we go..."

Next thing I knew, we were flying through the sky, Blackjack being a glittering, full sized dragon. He was almost as big as Saphira was. I yelled in triumph, excited to finally be in the air and fighting.

"Don't die, Kelp head!" I heard Thalia yell.

"Right back at you, Pinecone face!" I shouted back.

Then I was fighting, putting arrows in the heads of giggling enemy soldiers. I soon realized that there was a spell on them to keep them from feeling pain. They were essentially zombies. They did not even stop when their legs were cut off. They just crawled along the floor, biting at people. The only thing that seemed to work was decapitating them or putting an arrow in their heads.

Blackjack quickly figured out his fire breath and he used it as much as he could, laughing the entire time. Whoa, boss, that was a big one, did you see? He kept saying.

"Yes, Blackjack, now shut up and squash some of the bad guys for us," I replied.

Before he could answer, I could feel a mind push up against mine. Eragon, I said, allowing the Dragon Rider in. You have no need to fear me. Blackjack and I are here to help.

Who are you? Eragon asked, pulling up next to me in the sky.

My name is Percy Chaosson, I replied. I am here to help.

How do we trust you? Eragon questioned bluntly.

I looked Eragon in the eyes and repeated myself. "My name is Percy Chaosson, my dragon is Blackjack", I said in Ancient Greek out loud. I don't know why I did, I just had the feeling that it would help him trust me. "We are here to help the Varden win this fight."

Eragon smiled and left once more to fight.

"Let's land, Blackjack," I said. "I'm tired of using my powers to guide my arrows."

Still having troubles with the bow, boss? Blackjack teased as he landed.

Shut up, I pouted before pulling out Riptide. My glowing sword cut through the giggling soldiers like wheat. I left a trail behind me and soon the soldiers gave Blackjack and me a wide berth. We had to go after them to kill them.

I was just finishing off a particularly giggly soldier when I heard some screams coming from the Varden. I looked up in the direction some were pointing and frowned. A brilliantly red dragon flew up to Eragon and quite obviously challenged him. I felt offended that he ignored me but I kept fighting.

Wait. I realized I spoke too soon when I felt a mind that was not Eragon's press on my barriers. As they did, I attacked their mind and was able to get in with my barriers still intact.

Murtagh, I said to him. I saw him flinch in surprise. You will not win this day though I am honored you thought to check me. I know you are trapped-all of you. I also know there is a way out for you. Listen to Eragon and have a little faith.

What do you know of me? The enemy Dragon Rider spat at me mentally.

More than you think, I knew your name didn't I? I answered before showing him out and continuing my rampage.

"Percy!" I turned to see Thalia using her knives to put holes in the enemy's brain which seemed to be working just as well as decapitation. "Who's the new guy?"

"Eragon will take care of him," I answered. "I want you over there-" I pointed in Nasuada's direction "-find the dark skinned leader of the Varden called Nasuada. Help protect her."

"Aye, aye, captain!" Thalia answered with a grin. "I'm taking Vindex with me."

Before I could tell her, (not that I was going to) she and my winged dog disappeared in the direction I pointed.

A roar to my left caught my attention. Boss, did you see that? This time it almost went a hundred feet!

I laughed and continued executing giggling soldiers. Doing a double take, I almost faltered when I saw a very tall, horrifyingly looking beast with horns on the top of it's head. I almost cut it down when I saw it slay several giggling soldiers at once. Shrugging, I kept going. It wasn't very different than Tyson back home...except that this guy had horns instead of one eye. Urgals, I think my sisters called them.

It wasn't long until a group of them came up to me in a small break I had from fighting.

"My name is Gharlook," the leader said in a deep, growling voice. "Lady nasuada has sent us to help and protect you. You are allowed to check our memories if you have any problems with that."

I smiled widely. "I welcome you, Gharlook," I said pleasantly. "You remind me of my brother back home. I hope you can fight as well has he. Try to keep up!"

The Urgal smiled in surprise and joined me in fighting once more.

Too soon, I realized Eragon had now figured out who his opponent was. His anger directed at Murtagh was causing him to quickly forget reason. I could feel it from the other side of the battlefield. Then I saw they were looking at something. Or rather, someone.

Following their gazes, I saw Roran sneaking up behind two identical bald men. Glancing back at Murtagh and Eragon I saw that they did nothing but watch. Clearly, there was no love lost between Murtagh and these people. They still did nothing as Roran brought down his hammer on one of their heads and bashed the other on the ground.

Not long after, I had to look away because a few enemy soldiers got brave and attacked. I made quick work of them only to see Eragon on the ground and Saphira hovering in midair, struggling. I moved to mount Blackjack, leaving my Urgal protection behind, knowing that if Eragon and Saphira died now, hope would be lost.

Before I could reach them, however, Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, had taken off. Taking Eragon's sword with him and leaving Eragon on the ground, a devastated expression on his face.

I slid off of Blackjack as he got lower at a run. Upon reaching the fallen warrior, I knelt, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. Looking into his eyes, I saw the devastation and anguish in his eyes and posture and all I wanted to do was tell him the truth about what he learned. To tell him that Morzan, father of Murtagh was not his father. But I knew he needed to go through this. I knew he needed to find some way to get past this trial put before him.

Are you okay, Little One? Saphira asked her Rider, pushing her snout closer to him.

I'm fine, Eragon answered even though, clearly, he was not.

I sighed as I turned my gaze to the battle field, sensing its end. "You will be, Eragon, believe me," I looked back at him and let loose a small smile. "I know a little of what you feel."

Hope returned to his face and he quickly regained composure. Nodding to me in gratitude, he led the way through the body ridden battlefield. He was silent as he helped the mortally wounded, healing those he could help while I helped the rest.

Can I call you 'Little One', boss? Blackjack asked after a while.

Absolutely not, I answered. It's bad enough you call me boss.

Gharlook came running up to me with the rest of his troop, his expression one of exasperation. "Rider, you can't leave us like that with out some sort of warning," he told me. "Lady Nasuada had charged us with your protection."

I smiled up at him. "I am sorry, Gharlook, I saw Eragon in trouble and I needed to help him," I told him. "You won't hold it against me, I hope?"

Gharlook shook his head in amusement. "No, Rider," he assured me.

"Thank you," I said. "Well, the battle is over, I...discharge you from your duties. Call me Percy, please."

The Urgal raised his head, showing his neck, something I assumed was a show of respect for his people. "Thank you, Rider Percy," he said. "Come find us if ever you are in need of some company."

"I will, thank you," I told him with a smile as they left.

I caught up to Eragon when he was speaking with Roran. Well, not necessarily speaking. They were staring at each other. Eragon looked expectant while his cousin looked like he wanted to say something. Instead, he punched Eragon square in the jaw.

I smirked. "Feeling better?" I asked.

Barely sparing me a second glance, Roran punched me as well. With a grunt, I stumbled to the side, holding my jaw. I was convinced for a few seconds that it was dislocated.

"Now I am," Roran said gruffly.

Eragon was feeling his jaw, eyeing Roran carefully. "I suppose I deserved that," he said.

"I didn't," I protested, feeling my own jaw.

"Yes, you did," Roran said to both of us. "We have to talk."

"Now?" Eragon questioned.

"It can't wait. The Ra'zac took Katrina and I need your help to rescue her. They've had her ever since we escaped Carvahall."

Realization dawned on Eragon and I knew he saw the reason why his cousin was so grim. Katrina was Roran's bride to be and I knew he had missed her in the entire trip south. Eragon frowned now, torn between duties to both Nasuada and his cousin.

"There's something I need to do first, then we can talk. All right? You can accompany me if you want..."

"I'll come."

"I will as well," I said. "Thalia is suppose to be with Nasuada as well as Vindex."

"Is she a Rider as well?" Roran asked in an offended tone.

I laughed. "No, it's just Blackjack and me," I answered.

We started walking in silence, the cousins next to each other with me behind them, walking with the dragons. Eragon kept glancing over at Roran and once at me but he focused on Roran.

Finally, he said, "I missed you."

Roran didn't respond at first but he finally did, saying, "This is Saphira, right? Jeod said that was her name."

"Aye."

Saphira snaked her long neck up ahead to look at Roran. I have always wanted to meet Eragon's nestmate, she said.

"She speaks!" Roran exclaimed in surprise.

Blackjack snorted. What? Did you think we were as mute as a rock lizard? He demanded.

"I beg your pardon, I didn't know dragons were so intelligent," Roran said as respectfully as he could. Then a wry smile twisted his lips. "First Ra'zac and magicians, now dwarves, Riders and talking dragons. It seemed the whole world has gone mad."

"It does seem that way," Eragon said solemnly, with little hint of amusement.

"I saw you fight the other Rider. Did you wound him? Is that why he fled?"

"Wait. You'll hear."

I glanced uneasily at Eragon but saw nothing but peace and acceptance. It seems that in the time we were walking along the wounded, he came to an accord with what he'd learned.

We entered Nasuada's pavilion to a heated argument between her and an elf maiden. A maid was helping the young leader of the Varden out of her armors and the elf was pacing as they argued.

The instant we entered, all conversation ceased.

Nasuada cried out and ran forward, throwing her arms around Eragon. "Where were you? We thought you were dead or worse."

"I am sorry, I was so tired after the battle that I must have forgotten to lower my barriers," Eragon said. "Nasuada, I would like to introduce my cousin, Roran. Roran, Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden and my lieglord. And this is Arya Suit-Kona, the elves' ambassador."

Roran bowed to each woman in turn.

"Who is this?" Nasuada asked, turning her gaze to me.

I stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Before I answer that, I would like to know where my coins is, Thalia?" I said.

"I'm right here, Perce," my cousin's voice said from behind me. "I had to take care of something."

A bump pushed against my leg and I looked down. A tired Vindex panted up at me, wagging his tail slowly. I smiled and gestured outside to Blackjack. "Go lie down, buddy," I said. He licked my hand and left.

Turning back to the others, I smiled. "My name is Perseus Chaosson, Dragon Rider for Blackjack," I said, bowing once more. "This is Thalia Zeus'-daughter, my cousin. We are here to help."

"Where are you from?" Arya asked, her gaze not wavering.

I met her gaze unflinchingly and smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?" I said. To which, Thalia punched me in the arm.

"We're from a different world," Thalia said in an apologetic tone. "We were brought here to help. Oh, Percy, your sisters asked me to give you this-" she handed me a slip of paper "-what do they mean by that?"

I opened the letter and read the note.

Percy
We've changed your memories so that anyone not from Earth will see nothing out of the ordinary pertaining to the modern appliances and such but the events have not changed. Monsters have changed to Urgals, Blackjack has always been a dragon and cars have changed to carriages, etc. Also, try to stay away from bows while you are there. You might hit the wrong people and they'll take it the wrong way.
Love, Clotho, Atropos and Lachesis

I felt my face flush when I read the last sentence and I muttered to myself about annoying older sisters as I willed the paper to burn to ash.

"What did it say?" Roran asked, confused at my reaction to the letter.

Eragon and Arya looked to be trying to hide amused smiles and Nasuada looked just as confused as Roran. Thalia, however, was hunched over, holding her abdomen, not even trying to hold in her laughter.

Don't let him anywhere near a bow and arrow, Blackjack said in answer, making Roran, Arya and Nasuada jump. He's horrible.

Blackjack, you can't just barge into people's minds like that, I admonished. It's like knocking down the front door.

Sorry boss, Blackjack said, not sounding sorry at all. Not used to being able to talk to people that aren't you.

Don't call me boss, I reminded in a resigned tone. I rolled my eyes at the others in the tent, knowing they heard us.

Okay, boss.

"A different world?" Eragon questioned just as Nasuada spoke up.

"Would you allow Eragon or Arya to look inside your minds to determine your loyalties?" She asked.

I looked at Thalia who was nervously looking out me for the decision. I nodded, shrugging to show it did not really matter. Not since the Fate made it so they wouldn't find anything out of the ordinary. "Go ahead," I told her.

I felt a pressure in my head before Eragon pulled back. "You need to lower your barriers for me to be able to see your mind," he said.

I frowned. "How do you do that?" I asked.

Eragon's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Ignoring me and turning to Thalia, he tried her. Pulling back again, he looked at Arya. "They have natural barriers in their minds," he told her. "They're absolutely solid."

Arya frowned as well and sent her mind forward. I'm assuming she found much the same thing because she said, "Percy, imagine a door in you barriers to let others in."

"You too, Thalia," Eragon said.

We did so and they searched our minds. I watched Arya as she went through mine and saw her flinch when she saw my childhood and betrayal.

"You don't need to look at those sweetheart," I said gently but there was an underlying tone of warning as I said it.

"And you stay away from there," Thalia growled at Eragon.

Arya finished and stepped back. "Eragon should check you since the Varden doesn't trust elves as much as they do Eragon," she said.