Hello readers. This is my second story for IC, and it will be slightly different compared to the usual book 4. Enjoy and be sure to review it so that I may discover my flaws, or take some opinions into consideration.

"Ah, this cold autumn breeze freezes the marrow of my bones," one guard lamented as he brought his clumped hands closer to his mouth, breathing warm air on the rigid surface of the skin.

"Nasuada's orders, Belgor. You might dislike them, but the weather doesn't like you either," the other guard standing at the other side of the gate chuckled, making a taunting gesture with his gloves covered hands. Belgor threw him a piercing look of bitterness, but wasted no words to correct his companion's silly display. After all, it was his fault for not bringing his pair of gloves because of his faulty weather prediction.

"Want me to call Shadeslayer's dragon to warm you up? I heard she wouldn't mind doing it, "the guard said jokingly, smiling with satisfaction at Belgor's wry expression.

"Your attempt to cheer someone up is as cold and devoid of inner warmth as this freezing morning, Vadovar," he sighed while embracing his torso with his arms for extra warmth as another breeze whipped the two guards. Belgor's persistence on closing any chance of dialogue between the two was finally rewarded when Vadovar shifted in his chain mail and resumed his usual lookout for strangers that might appear out of nowhere.

After rebuilding the strong, almost impenetrable gate of Feinster with the help from the elven spellcasters, Nasuada has assigned him and Vadovar with the most important mission of guarding this gate and report any shadowy figure that would try to infiltrate within the walls of the city. Such precaution was needed, for the Varden threat grew and its cunning enemies would use every trick to break the fragile balance that held the free races together.

Fortunately, the enemy had not shown any sings of a possible attempt to recapture Feinster during the three days since the citadel was captured with the aid of the two Shadeslayers, who skillfully defeated the Shade Varaug. But even if the soldier's morale was supposed to held high, the cold autumn weather has been against them this whole time. The few houses that escaped the tremendous damage could only shelter few of the soldiers, while most of the Varden lay in their tents, awaiting for the most expected order that would take them away from the city with close proximity to the sea.

Most of the food supplies were reaching an empty bottom, and rumor said that Saphira was asked to hunt deer to feed the people by Nasuada herself. Belgor smiled to himself when this rumor returned to his mind as he pictured a desperate leader talking to the huge impassive dragon.

"Why are you smiling?" Vadovar cut in, erasing Belgor's mirth in an instant. By studying his contorted black mustache, the green lucid eyes that blinked rapidly due to the irritating wind and the thick brows closing into a frown, Belgor replied nonchalantly, " I don't have to tell you, mate. Maybe this friendly wind will whisper into your ear.

Vadovar clenched his teeth and retorted, " Suit yourself, baldie. Cold is clearly making its way to your brain; no wonder why you are so bitter." Of all the insults his guard mate could have picked, this single one was enough to enrage Belgor, who unsheathed his sword without hesitation.

"Maybe a spar would warm us up?" he taunted, waiting for Vadovar to do the same. Alas, his expectations were short lived. By assuming the stance specific to each guard, Vadovar sighed and twisted his neck to the left. Such ignorance was the least Belgor wanted, and he quickly tried to make amends for his rash behavior.

"Have you heard the rumor about the blue dragon Saphira and the food supply?" he said faintly, almost tauntingly, to summon Vadovar's attention. His plan worked, and his frigid companion joined in immediately, "That's something conjured by a silly mind similar to yours. The rumors I have access to are the real ones." With his interested roused, Belgor approached Vadovar, his heavy boots clanging on the tough soil. When he was near the middle of the gate, Vadovar signaled him to stop and said, " You don't want to abandon your post, I presume." By moving a hand to his face, he scratched his short black beard and continued, "Ever since the end of the battle, Eragon Shadeslayer has retreated to the woods to mourn. For whom, I don't know, but princess Arya has not been feeling well either."

Belgor was surprised by the peculiar rumor at first, but the reply that had yet to arrive brought him an awkward look from his companion. Without mangling his already tired mind with further theories, he asked, "What does this have to do with us?"

Unable to express his disappointment in a more vocal manner, Vadovar covered his face with his palm. "Nothing, except for the possibility of a surprise attack from that betrayer Murtagh and his ruby dragon and an incapable Rider ready to defend us, " he replied sarcastically on a very annoying tone.

"Calm down mate, it was just a simple question," Belgor tried to mend the hot temper of the angry guard, with little chance of success. He shook his head in dismay at Vadovar and looked towards the main road. In the distance, he could see a figure that resembled a man approaching, but his numb mind could just play tricks on him.

"Vadovar, what's that, in the distance?" he alerted his companion, who shuddered violently before he confirmed what Belgor was seeing.

"It's just a lost traveler. A soldier of Galbatorix wouldn't dare attacking the city alone." Vadovar's words calmed Belgor a little, who felt nervous for some reason. No travelers would usually move straight towards a city in ruin, and even less were the ones who would travel alone. As the man closed in, Belgor could make out his simple outfit. He wore a black robe weaved with golden thread that rippled in a beautiful yet strange pattern and his face was covered by a hood belonging to the same robe. His ominous look urged Belgor to reach towards his sword, but Vadovar signaled him to refrain from doing so and stepped forward to meet the hooded man.

"Where are you heading?" His voice was firm and his stoic position made his appearance slightly intimidating, yet the traveler was not put down by the guard's posture and replied calmly in a deep voice, "I have a warning for your leader."

"Is that so? Where are you coming from?" Vadovar asked.

"You should not ask pointless questions, guard. Allow me in, for I bear a message of utmost importance." Belgor was put aback by this man's confidence. He stood in front of a guard, unarmed, and almost mocked him with his daring request. Vadovar's irritation also grew and quickly summoned him to his side with a flick of his left hand.

"I am a trained guard of the Varden, and you will show me some respect," Vadovar said critically. Belgor couldn't see his face because of the hood, but the smile; the wicked, defying smile this man displayed sent chills down his spine. He was no ordinary man, and Belgor knew it. But before he could do anything, Vadovar unsheathed his sword, pointing the shining metal blade at the hooded man.

"What are you going to do with that, guard? End me?" He asked with the same calm voice, as if he wasn't in any immediate threat. A strange glimmer summoned Belgor's attention, who switched his gaze towards the man's hip. An emerald on the pommel of what seemed to be a sword shone for a second, only to be covered by the dark robe a moment after. Feeling that something is not right, Belgor drew out his sword and assumed a battle stance. The hooded man probably realized that a secret of his had been discovered, and took a few steps back with the two guards warily shuffling towards him, holding their swords steadily.

"Show me your weapon, stranger, or I strike you down where you stand!" Vadovar demanded threateningly. The hooded man did nothing, and continued to withdraw slowly and steadily. For him, this seemed to be a game, where they were just some people with two swords and no importance. The impassive attitude of the stranger infuriated Belgor, who joined Vadovar with a loud shout.

"Show yourself! What is your name?" When the words left his mouth, the stranger suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. The two guards looked at each questioningly and charged at the same time, swinging in unison.

The hooded man dodged Belgor's blow easily and ducked under Vadovar's hit with great speed. Belgor was frozen the moment when the stranger unsheathed a green colored sword that resembled Eragon's weapon. With it, he parried Vadovar's attack and then sliced upwards, cutting off his companion's arm who wailed in pain for a second before the emerald sword silenced him. The sword dropped on the floor with a clang when Belgor saw his end in the form of this stranger. It was no mere human, that was certain. But before the decisive strike came, the man removed his hood and said coldly, "You wanted to know who I am? Your rightful king."