As the title suggests, this is a slightly modified ending. Thanks to all who read my would-be perfectional masterpiece and reviewed. ^_^ Oh, Eragon...

Eragon gasped and bolted upright. He heaved air and stared blankly at the canvas of his tent. How had he gotten here? His head ached. The crying persisted.

Saphira...

Eragon!

The tent shook as she forced her head into the opening. He squinted as daylight filtered in. Saphira, what is that noise?

Elain had her baby. He's been sick, but Angela's taking care of him. Eragon, how are you?

My head feels like it was bashed against a rock. He sat up slowly, muttering a curse and a spell to clear his head. What happened? How'd I get from Aiedail to here?

Aiedail? What are you babbling on about?

Murtagh... and Raylena. I tripped and hit my head.

Eragon... the last palace you have been in was at Feinster. In fact, we're still outside its gates. Don't you remember? Nasuada didn't want everyone overrunning the city to find a bed. You must have been dreaming.

Dreaming? It had all been a dream? Now his brain hurt. There was no one alive who was named Raylena. She didn't have a dragon egg. She wasn't married to Murtagh. Galbatorix was still alive. Everything was as it ever had been.

You and Baldor were sparring. You took an amateur step and he bashed you over the head. He's quite sorry about it, I might add. Though it was stupid of you.

Forget Baldor. Why didn't you wake me up?

I tried. The elves tried. We even asked Angela but she just laughed and shook her head. There was an impassable wall.

Eragon rubbed his head, then shook it to further clear it as he stood. A dream... it had only been a dream. Well, a nightmare. Still, none of it had actually happened.

Saphira chuckled as he scratched her nose, fleeting images slipping to her mind. You'll have to tell me all about it.

Soon, please. I can barely wrap my head around it. I could have sworn I lived through it all. Years, Saphria! I-

She lifted her head. Wait a minute. Someone is here to see you. I'd forgotten about him; he's been waiting for you to awaken.

Eragon sighed and gave himself a shake. His appearance would have to do, unbecoming as it was. "Come in!"

One of the Nighthawks stood before him. The man saluted. "My Lord Argetlam! The Lady Nasuada has requested your presence. Someone has come; a person she once knew long ago whom she thought was dead. She carries something of great importance."

The world slowed. Everything was murky; lights danced before his eyes. His head detached from his body, spinning and floating away. The man was still speaking, reaching out for him. No!

He couldn't believe it. Wouldn't believe it. This could not be happening.

"My Lord?" The man's eyes widened. Something was wrong.

Eragon's eyes were dazed. The dragon was moving, yelling something without speaking. The young man before him gasped one more time. To the man's horror, he then staggered backwards and collapsed, his chest heaving before his body stilled.

The Rider had...

An enormous laugh, one that could only come from a dragon, rattled the tent.

...fainted.

The End