Previously:
"Very well, take out your sword, blunt it with your magic, we will see how good you are," Oromis said.

"Blunt it?" I said, confused for the first time in a while. "What do you mean? Why do you want me to blunt it?"

"How did you train?" Oromis asked, surprised yet again. "With training swords? How did you get used to the weight of a real sword?"

"I trained with a real sword," I told him, smiling like a mad man. "Unblunted."

After my fight with Oromis (which I totally won) I got into a routine. My days would start with sword fighting with the other elves and some holding back on my part on the first day. After the first day, however, they underestimated me, making fun of me Ancient Greek behind my back. That didn't last very long.

The third time my sword flew out of my hand within a half hour, Vanir turned to one of his friends watching, thinking I couldn't understand Ancient Greek-or the Ancient Language- very well.

"He's almost as bad as Eragon was when he started," he laughed.

"He's hopeless," his friend said. "He wouldn't be able to protect himself much less his dragon and family."

That comment froze me. Blackjack and I shared a thunderous look and my black dragon roared, startling the elves in the nearest vicinity.

"You think I cannot fight," I switched to their tongue in a dangerously low voice as Blackjack growled. "You think I cannot protect those close to me. Well, let's see, shall we?"

With those words, the elves paled and I swung Riptide at Vanir and his friend. They managed to block but were almost too slow to dodge my side sweep from my knife. I wasn't angry, just tired of them underestimating and downgrading me.

"I dare you," I started again, easily keeping both at bay when they attacked me at the same time. "To tell me that I have no business here like I'm sure you told Eragon. I dare you to tell me-" I grunted as a third elf joined in-probably seeking to help his friends-and almost got my legs "-I am unable to protect my family, something I've been doing for centuries."

I was taking on four elves by now, in no danger of losing. A few more and I might actually get a challenge. They thought I was attacking in anger and were calling out for me to stop but I ignored them. They needed to know, I was tired of hiding. I saw them trying to use magic but I muttered counter spells before they could take effect.

"Argetlam!" Vanir cried, "Stop!" He was faltering now, I was going too fast for him to keep up. I hit him hard enough with the flat of my blade to leave bruises.

"PERCY!" Came a voice I should not have expected until later, yet I did. When I attacked Vanir, I saw an elf leave to-I assumed-get Oromis. "STOP THIS INSTANT!"

I moved my blade last second to do one more fast move, then stopped, freezing where I was in that moment. With Riptide inches from Vanir's neck, I whispered cold, "Dead."

Vanir and the other four elves (as I ended up fighting five) stood panting and sweating, looking as if they were about to drop. I, on the other hand, was fine, as still as a statue, looking coldly into Vanir's eyes to see if he got the message.

"Percy, do not fight in anger," Oromis started, looking angry himself. "People can get hurt. You can do-say things-you didn't-"

"-mean to," I finished calmly. "I know, I learned that lesson centuries ago. I was merely showing my 'teachers' here that I am quite capable of protecting my family. They would not have believed me if I just told them."

"Really?" Islanzadí said from behind me in a disbelieving tone. "I saw you fighting, you looked angry and you weren't responding to their cries to stop."

"Oh, you haven't seen Boss angry," Blackjack said lowly. "That was his teaching-arrogant-students face. You don't want to see him angry."

Everyone was silent as that sunk in. I saw Vanir and a few others pale.

"I was fully in control," I said. I don't know why they didn't believe me, I was speaking in the Ancient Language still.

After that incident, I would fight around five elves like that for an hour then go to Oromis for his lesson. No one mentioned the 'misunderstanding'-as Oromis called it-after that again.

That wasn't the only time the elves underestimated me, or rather, my equipment. I use Riptide and they all knew that. They've seen it. They all just thought I needed a sword of 'better quality'. So I showed them wrong by slicing one of their swords in half long ways.

They left me alone after that.

I know I said I was going to show all I had so we can hurry with my training but sitting in the woods alone and listening to the world was relaxing. So I used that time as meditation then went to Oromis to continue lessons on magic (they called it gramarye) and the history of this world.

Lately I've been having amazing dreams. By amazing, I mean no dreams. Other than the one about the talking tiny snake leaking black ink everywhere. All he old say was 'GERALD!' And I wondered what was so familiar about him. It was when I got the dream about Eragon that it all changed.

I saw Eragon and an old man in a large plain. The Rider was eyeing the sleeping man, obviously thinking back on bad memories. Then he muttered something, causing the other man to shiver.

Eragon looked at the man, awestruck. He muttered the thing again, too low for me to hear. From the look on his face I figured that what ever he said was important. I saw in Eragon's eyes a plan from. A few seconds later, the Rider-quite rudely- kicked the man awake.

His eyes opened and I almost started out of the dream, not expecting the empty eyes sockets.

"Eat this," Eragon started, practically thowing a half eaten lizard his way.

"Where am I?" He asked, blindly feeling round him and his wrists and ankles. He seemed surprised about something.

"The elves-and also the Riders in days gone by-called this place Mírnathòr. The dwarves refer to it as Werghadn and the humans as Gray Heath. If that doesn't answer your question, then perhaps it will if I say we are a number of leagues south east of Helgrind, where you were imprisoned," Eragon answered, staring at the blind man expressionless.

"You rescued me?" He asked.

"I did."

"What about-"

"Leave your questions, eat this first," Eragon spoke harshly, causing the man to cringe and wordlessly fumble for the lizard. He hesitated only for a second, testing what Eragon gave him before digging in messily. The blind man finished that lizard and most of a second before finally stopping.

"Thank you, strange sir, for your hospitality. It has been so long since I had a proper meal, I think I prize your food even above my own freedom...if I may ask, do you know of my daughter, Katrina and what has become of her? She was imprisoned with me in Helgrind." The blind man's voice was a mixture of emotions and I couldn't quite identify them all. Fear, respect, hope, trepidation, determinations and...submission. Somehow that one didn't sit well with how this man looked to me.

"She is with Roran," Oh, good, so they rescued Roran's 'true love' or however you want to call it.

"Roran!" The man gasped. "How? Did the Ra'zac-"

"The Ra'zac and their steeds are dead," Eragon interrupted, still coldly. I wondered what he did to receive such a front from the normally easily going Rider.

"You killed them? How?...Who-" for a moment, the man froze, stuttering on his words. He shook his head. "No, no, no...no...it can't be. The Ra'zac spoke of this; they demanded answers I didn't have but I thought...that is, how would believe...? You can't be Eragon."

So they knew each other?

Eragon pulled himself to his full height and spoke with a power that betrayed his dignity, station and anger. "I am Eragon and far more. I am Argetlam, Shadeslayer and Firesword. My dragon is Saphira, she who is also known as Bjartskular and Flametongue. We were taught by Brom, who was a Rider before us and by the dwarves and by the elves. We have fought Urgals and a Shade and Murtagh, who is Morzan's son. We serve the Varden and the people of Alagaësia. And I have brought you here, Sloan Aldensson, to pass judgement upon you for murdering Byrd and for betraying Carvahall to the Empire."

Oh, so that's why Eragon looks so angry.

"You lie! You cannot be-"

"Lie?" Eragon was on his feet, yelling with all his anger. "I do not lie!" After that, I could tell Eragon threw his memories at the man, making him quiver in his spot.

"Blast you," he said coldly. "I don't have to explain myself to you, Eragon, son of None. Understand this, though: I did what I did for Katrina's sake and nothing else."

"I know. That's the only reason you're still alive."

At least Eragon knows that and keeps to his morals. He's changed since he's started this new life. I should know. Look at my journey.

"Do what you want with me then. I don't care, so long as she's safe," Sloan waited a few moments, then when Eragon didn't say anything, "well, go on! What's it to be? Beating? Branding? They already had my eyes so one of my hands? Or will you leave me to starve or to be captured by the Empire?"

"I have not decided yet."

It seems he's also realized he wasn't an executioner. While a Rider's job, when necessary, was to judge and sentence, he had no right to execute.

My dream faded into something else. Eragon was running then walking across empty plains, roads and trails. He was alone, hiding in ditches when ever he came across people and Empire soldiers. Then he was in a tavern with a more human looking Arya. They were conversing in a room. I couldn't hear what was said but Arya put her hands to her temples like Sam does when Leo does something stupid. Then they were both walking along the road. At times running. Then they were off the road, going cross country. 

Coming out of the dream, I realized that they were heading back to the Varden. Something we should be doing about now. Eragon might have to leave again for the dwarves and their choosing of a king so Blackjack and I were needed at the Varden to help protect them.

It was a good thing Oromis was wrapping up our training today. We'd already learned about taking energy from the wild life around us and Blackjack was quite upset about it.

"Why did you tell him to do that?" Blackjack had demanded rather loudly right after I killed every small plant and animal within the immediate vicinity. I felt their lives die out but so did my dragon. "All those poor plants and animals!"

"He may need to do it if he runs out of energy and needs some in an emergency," Oromis explained. "It's only for emergencies."

"Our lives are more important than an ant's," I explained further to my devastated partner.

"Not to an ant!"

"You're impossible," I sighed. "Are you an ant? No, so let Oromis and I do our thing."

Training that day was different. Glaedr and Oromis brought us both together after the sword fighting with the elves. That had doubled so I was fighting quite a bit more than five elves now.

"This is your last day with us," Oromis started. He glanced at his golden partner. "Glaedr needs to explain somethings to you in light of Thorn's existence. We have not told even Eragon yet as he had not gotten this far with his education."

Blackjack and I shared a look. I wondered how important this information was. Would it be enough to take down Gallabatorix?

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"Vindex, stop it," Thalia pushed the winged, golden dog away with her foot. Or she tried to. Vindex was a massive dog. "Go play with Solembum."

Solembum was a werecat that followed Angela around. He and Vindex got along alright...when Solembum was a not acting like a mean cat.

Vindex huffed and padded out of the tent just as the large mirror rippled and changed to show Eragon and Arya.

"Lady Nasuada!" Thalia called to the dark skinned girl in the other end of the tent. "It's Arya with Eragon!"

After Saphira came back with Katrina and Roran but not Eragon, Arya was sent to retrieve the stubborn Rider. It has been three days and the sapphire blue dragon was very obviously missing her partner. In the days Saphira and the others were gone, Nasuada participated in the Trial of the Long Knives. A battle of strength where two leaders took turns carving long gashes into their own arms. Whom ever lasted longer became the leader of the clan. The Varden gained the loyalty and aid of another army because Nasuada won.

Thalia was appalled and impressed at the tradition. The girl had refused help and healing for her wounds, choosing to show them with pride to the world. Not even hiding the scars. The huntress of Artemis thought it inspiring that Nasuada chose to display them for all to see with her head held high. Showing any who saw, her strength and will-power through battle.

"Eragon," Nasuada sighed, swiftly making her way to the mirror. Her hair fell loose of their bonds and Nasuada lifted a bandaged arm to push it back. "You are safe, thank Gokukara. We were so worried."

"I'm sorry I upset you but I had my reasons."

"You must explain them to me when you arrive."

"Very well," Eragon replied. "How were you hurt? Did someone attack you? Why haven't any of Du Vrangr Gata healed you?"

Du Vrangr Gata was like a club, a group, of all the sorcerers and magicians in the Varden. They tried recruiting Thalia but they left her alone when she threw a knife in their leader's direction.

"I ordered them to leave me alone and that I will explain when you arrive." Eragon looked confused at Nasuada's words but nodded anyways. "I'm impressed; you found him. I wasn't sure you would."

"Fortune smiled upon me," Arya said calmly and expressionlessly. It always amazed Thalia at this elf's control. It reminded her of Zöe and Artemis at times.

"Perhaps, but I tend to believe your skill was as important as Fortune's generosity. How long until you rejoin us?"

"Two, three days, unless we encounter unforeseen difficulties."

"Good. I will expect you then. From now on, I want you to contact me at least once before noon and once before night fall. If I fail to hear from you, I'll assume you've been captured and I'll send Saphira with a rescue force." Thalia intended to a part of that. There was nothing fun to do here.

"We may not always have the privacy we need to work magic," Arya argued.

"Find a way to get it, I need to know where you are and whether you're safe," Nasuada's voice was firm.

Arya paused, thinking before answering. "If I can, I will do as you ask but not if it puts Eragon in danger."

Agreed," Nasuada relaxed a smidge, as if she were expecting Arya to argue further.

"Nasuada, is Saphira near at hand? I would like to talk to her...we haven't spoken since Helgrind," Eragon inquired almost hesitantly.

"She left an hour ago to scout our perimeter. Can you maintain the spell while I find out if she has returned?" Nasuada shifted on her feet.

"Go," Arya said.

The three of them were left in silence, waiting for Saphira and Nasuada. Thalia shifted from foot to foot, playing with her knives and looking at everything and nothing at the same time. In their time waiting, Thalia saw Eragon's eyes drift to Arya. He stared at the back of her neck for a while then he shook himself out of it.

Thalia may be a forever maiden but she knew infatuation with the opposite sex when she saw it. She pitied the poor boy, he didn't have much of a chance with the elf princess.

Then Saphira started pushing her large head, followed by her long neck, into the tent. She squished most of the furniture and Thalia and Nasuada along with them. Finally, Saphira stopped, sitting frozen for the better part of a minute, making Thalia regret staying in the tent and not going to play with Vindex.

"I missed you," Eragon finally whispered. "Nasuada, are you still there?"

"Yes, barely," came Nasuada's muffled reply.

"Would you be so kind as to relay Saphira's comments to me?"

Thalia internally groaned and wished she could teleport. "I'm more than happy to but at the moment, I'm caught between a wing and a pole and there's no path free, so far as I can tell. You may have difficulty hearing me if you're willing to bear with me, then I'll give it a try."

"Please do."

Now Thalia really did groan. Looking around as Eragon, Saphira and Nasuada exchanged pleasantries, she desperately looked for a way out. Unfortunately, she was caught by one of Saphira's front legs and her other wing. Then she got an idea and looked up, seeing the tent still far about Saphira's back and now seeing a clear path out of the tent full of a mushy dragon. Reaching up, she grabbed hold of a spike and lifted herself up.

"Don't mind me," Thalia said as she crawled downt he length of Saphira's back. "Just escaping before this gets too much. See you guys when you're done."

Two and a half days later, Saphira loudly reunited with Eragon and all the leaders of the Varden were addressing eh people. First Nasuada spoke, causing the Varden to erupt in cheers and enthusiastic, deafening noise. Then King Orrin of Surda spoke, not getting as much support as Nasuada. It was clear who was more liked among the Varden. Once he finished, Nasuada turned to Eragon.

"Now it is your turn to address those who have assembled to catch a glimpse of the renowned Dragon Rider," she told him. Her eyes twinkled in suppressed amusement.

"Me!"

"It is expected," Nasuada told him as Thalia laughed with Saphira.

His speech was much shorter, he said a few words of encouragement then backed down. He said something to Saphira, causing her to chuckle, blowing smoke into the air.

Before a guy called Jörmundur could say anything to Nasuada, a loud, deafening roar echoed from the skies. There was a mass panic for a few seconds as a black dragon was seen in the distance but everyone quickly calmed down when they saw Percy waving his sword in the sky. He was standing without fear on Blackjack's back, a huge smile on his face and drawing a huge cheer from the Varden.

They landed not far from Saphira and Percy jumped down from his spot on his partner's back. He made his way swiftly to Nasuada and bowed deeply before turning to the Varden. They quieted in response to Percy's raised arms.

"My friends!" He shouted, his voice reaching to the far corners of the audience. "Tell me how you could lose any hope as you see two Riders here today!"

The Varden exploded again, only calming down when Saphira roared.

"Tell me how much of a chance your traitorous king has against these two magnificent dragons and their partners!" Percy shouted again. "We will win, I promise you this on my father's name, Chaos!"

Thalia gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth drawing Eragon's, Arya's and Nasuada's attention.

"What?" Eragon asked.

"Later," she answered, shaking her head. "Not here."

"Have everyone returned to their posts," Nasuada said to Jörmundur. "If we were attacked now, we would be overwhelmed."

"Yes, my Lady."

Thalia then followed Nasuada, King Orrin, Eragon and Arya into the tent with Percy and Vindex not far behind.

There was a side of the tent rolled up for the dragons to peek in so they could join in the conversation.

Then, for the next hour, they all endured an endless procession of introductions, congratulations and questions. Just when Thalia was ready to gut everyone in the room, Saphira and Blackjack let loose a low growl that shook the mirror at the far end of the area. It wasn't threatening but it clearly showed impatience.

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Dude, try not to shake my teeth out, will you? I grumbled as Nasuada started the usual formal greetings

It was Saphria's idea, Blackjack protested.

I tuned back into the conversation as Nasuada and King Orrin were conversing on Eragon's decision with Sloan and having a who-has-more-authority-and-power-and-experience argument. Having enough of that from Zeus and the rest of the gods, I turned to Thalia for a report on what has happened while I was gone.

"Were you not listening?" Nasuada demanded minutes later once Thalia finished, disapproval clear in her tone.

I turned from my spot on the ground with Blackjack playing a modified form of a card game. "I'm sorry, are you done talking about Sloan's story already?" I inquired. "Are we discussing Eragon's choice now? Because I for one agree with what he did."

"You said that easily," King Orrin commented.

"I have had my fair share of situations like these," I answered. "Eragon could not have done much more than what he did with Sloan. He does not have the authority-unlike me-well..." I thought about it. "I guess I don't either, in this world anyways but in any case, Eragon would have been falling into that well of power-greed had he done that. To forever be consumed and corrupted by power."

"And you consider yourself above that?" King Orrin scoffed.

"Frankly?" I sucked in a breath then exhaled as I said, "yes."

"Conceited much, Perce?" Thalia said.

I was thankful she said that. It made me think about how they would be taking my words.

"I don't mean to," I protested. I bit my lip, wondering how to put this. "What I mean to say is that I'm not tied down by the laws of men, elves, dwarves or even Urgals. The only people I answer to are my sisters and my father. Thalia might even be above the laws of this world. She would answer to her patron, her father and the people I answer to. Does that make sense?"

"Who are your father and sisters?" Eragon asked, seeing as the others were too shocked.

"My father is Chaos, the Ancient One, creator of the universe," I started. "My sisters are the Fates themselves."

"My father is the Ancient One's great great great grand son," Thalia volunteered cheerfully. "I'm really Percy's great great great grand niece."

"You are immortal?" Eragon asked Thalia. She, in turn, nodded. "Why were you so shocked when Percy was speaking earlier?"

"Swearing on Chaos' name is something you only do if you are absolutely sure you can keep the promise," Thalia started.

"Breaking an oath on my father's name is not taken lightly," I said solemnly. "Those who break it are few and far between and they never have a happy ending...even in the afterlife."

Yes, yes, now let's get back on topic, Blackjack said impatiently. No one's mad at Eragon for what he did with this blind guy, he's also not power greedy, do we have anything else we need to talk about? It's getting late and I'm hungry."

"I apologize," Nasuada said, now standing, "it is rather late, we should all head off to bed."

It's about time! Blackjack huffed, pulling his head out of the tent.

Blackjack, don't be rude, I scolded mentally as I bowed to Lady Nasuada. "Thank you for having us," I told her before following my pegasus-turned-dragon.

Thalia and Vindex followed soon after. "Percy," my cousin said. "We need to talk."

"Let's get to my tent first then we can be in private," I told her. "I need to tell you some things as well."

"Percy Chaosson!"

"Angela!" I called back in the same tone, turning to see the short lady stalking angrily towards me just as we approached my tent. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You didn't tell me you were leaving!" She yelled up at me, having stopped just so she was right under my chin. I could see Thalia hiding a smile at us. "Don't laugh at me, young lady, you didn't tell me you weren't a young as you look either!"

"Tell me, why did we need to tell you?" Thalia demanded, getting in close to Angela while I took a step back.

Just as Angela opened her mouth to say something, Blackjack spoke up. Ladies, let's take this inside, shall we? Nasuada said she had some food dropped off for me and I can smell it from here. Is that sugar cubes?

Angela huffed and followed us into my tent. Then, almost immediately after the tent flap was closed, "What the heck is up with you? Your dragon acts like a horse half the time, both of you speak as though you've lived longer than you seem to have but you-" she jabbed a finger at Thalia "-are not a Rider and your dragon-" she jabbed her other finger at my chest "-is hardly old enough to have enabled such a long life for you. And he doesn't talk like he's as old as you either! Not to mention all these not so subtle hints at a greater power no one has any proof of. You kept mentioning your 'sisters' as if they were some powerful beings and your dog! He. Has. Wings! How is that even-"

"Do you want me to tell you or not?" I suddenly stopped her rant, I had gotten comfortable in a chair I created while she was pacing around my tent. Vindex was curled up at my feet, Blackjack was happily munching on some bovine and Thalia laid herself down on my bed, tossing an apple in the air repeatedly.

Angela blinked in surprise. "Was that chair there before?"

"No."

She then proceeded to twiddle her fingers in a spot to her left, looking at me expectantly. When a chair appeared in said spot without me moving an inch, she stared, uncomprehending for a few seconds then looked at me. She blinked once then sat unceremoniously in the chair, leaning forward. "Explain," she said sharply.

Thalia sighed in exasperation. "That could take weeks," she moaned, dropping her arm over her eyes.

"Then tell me the basics," Angela retorted. "Just tell me!"

Telling her the basics still took longer than she expected. It was almost morning by the time we finished. Thalia and Blackjack had fallen asleep a long time ago but Vindex and Angela were still wide awake. Solembum came in once or twice to check on us before leaving again.

"So you're all here because you were bored at home?" Angela clarified. "Because your...great grand nephew and...her father finally learned to behave himself?"

"He'd probably be back to normal by the time we get back, though," I sighed, putting my hands behind my head.

Angela chewed on that for a second. "Alright then," she said, getting up.

"What"

"I'm satisfied."

"Just like that?" I leapt up, following her out. "No 'prove it', no, 'I don't believe you', no "show me your memories so I believe you'?"

"Just like that," Angela smirked slyly at me. "I'm a believer, Percy."

I stood there after she left for a good fifteen minutes, not sure how to take that.

"Is she gone?" Thalia asked from inside. This jolted me back to my senses and I reentered my tent. "Can we talk now?"

"Yes, Thalia," I sighed again, sitting on my chair.

"Good," she pushed herself up to sit properly. "Are we staying?"

"That was blunt," I snorted, making her roll her eyes.

"No, how long are we staying?" She asked seriously. "Until Eragon figures himself out? Until the war ends? Until things settle after the war?"

"I don't know," I answered truthfully. "I guess we stay until we both feel it's time to go home."