I know this will be quite a shock to a lot of you. I hate to admit that I had about 90% of this chapter written for the better part of 2 years, I was just trying to sort out my life and be a good author by rereading the Inheritance series. I will admit that Eragon drove me crazy in the books and thus it was hard to continue this story. I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. Thank you for all the kind reviews over the years, it really was helpful to get all the reviews requesting me to continue.

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or Inheritance Cycle.

Of Councils and Quests

Eragon glanced about the gathered races silently, never allowing his eyes to linger too long on anyone yet still managing to take in everything about them before moving on. He tried to suppress the urge to shift about, letting the anxiousness of the gathering get to him a little bit.

He felt a wave of calm pass over him, causing a sigh to escape his lips as his shoulders lost a little of their tension.

:Thank you.: he murmured affectionately to Saphira, sending his own wave of emotion toward her to ease her own worry. He felt another wave of calm pass over him and an image of a dazzling forest seen from a great height, before he turned his focus back to his surroundings and away from his bond.

His eyes caught sight of Gloin and Gimli and couldn't stop the small smile he sent toward the two dwarves, unable to stop himself from comparing the two to his foster brother.

All eyes turned and the noise level dropped when Gandalf appeared in the archway with Frodo and Bilbo in his wake. The hobbits managed to look even smaller next to the hulking figure of the Istar, as they made their way further into the gathering of the free races.

Eragon felt something nudging him at the edge of his senses, almost as if it were trying to enter his mind. He felt Saphira growl in the back of his mind, causing him to jerk bodily in surprise and turn his attention to the suddenly angry dragon.

:What is wrong?: Eragon questioned gently, sensing Saphira's shifting about in agitation, causing worry to spike in him a little more. :What troubles you, dear one?:

Saphira ignored his call, only keeping up a continuous growl that Eragon knew was not focused onto himself until finally that mysterious nudging ceased its prodding and her growls subsided.

There is an evil that is trying to break into our mind. Saphira hissed, an edge to her voice that was usually reserved for the old king of Alagaesia that spoke louder than anything else to what the dragon was feeling. You must not listen to its vile words!

Eragon was puzzled for a moment, for he had heard no words uttered from the strange nudging but knew that he should agree with his bondmate before she could become more agitated.

:I will be careful.: Eragon could sense the small relief coming from Saphira, convincing him to turn back to the current situation at hand.

He was surprised to see Bilbo speaking, and tried to keep the flush from coming to his face as he realized that he had not been listening to a word of the conversations so far, so wrapped up in his own problems. He decided to refocus on the situation at hand, on the dark stories being told of how the ring had traveled from hand to hand, always seeking its return to its master and how these tiny hobbits had been holding onto it for quite some time.

Just then, Boromir began speaking of visions he had had and how they should use the ring, causing Saphira to stir in agitation once more. Boromir began to circle closer to the ring and just as his hand reached out to touch it, Gandalf stood straight and spoke in a language that caused shivers to run down Eragon's spin and for him to involuntarily clamp his hands over his ears, as if he were trying to stop the words from slicing into him.

He felt the presence that was just outside his mind grow stronger, hammering against him like any craftsman, slowly chipping away at his resistance.

ERAGON! You must fight! he heard Saphira roar, almost as if she was far away instead of being linked directly in his mind. Eragon struggled, hearing more muffled words coming not only from his bond mate but a dark sinister voice.

A part of Eragon tried to figure out what that voice was saying, ignoring Saphira for the briefest of moments before he snapped out of it and focused more on Saphira.

:I'm trying!: he gasped mentally, feeling a shudder rock his frame as he fought against the persistent presence. He knew the words that were being murmured were but sweet honey among the throbbing hammering. He began reciting one of the phrases that Oromis taught him so long ago, to help focus his mind and lock out the intruder.

He felt a little more of his resistance fade, the thought, it would be so easy just to hear him out, becoming almost like a chant in the corner of his mind.

I'm coming to you. Saphira stated firmly, her words leaving little room for argument and surprising her rider with its abrupt announcement.

Eragon focused more onto her, feeling his lips move as he forced the words out toward her.

"No! Stay away…"

*~*~*(Break)*~*~*

Gandalf glanced about the council after he had spoken the dark tongue of Mordor, his eyes lingering on Boromir the longest before sweeping on.

"Never have those words been uttered here in Rivendell." Lord Elrond stated calmly, his eyes being the only indicator to his true feelings as they attempted to glare holes into the grey wizard.

Gandalf turned to brush off his friend's comment when his eyes fell onto Eragon, whose hands were still clamped over his ears as if he were in pain.

He stepped forward, his hand reaching out to touch the dragon rider's shoulder.

"Eragon? What is the matter?" Gandalf murmured quietly, knowing that the elves would be the only ones to hear his words of concern.

Eragon seemed unable to hear him however, his eyes screwed shut and his entire body tense. Gandalf could feel his brow furrow in concern as he kneeled in front of the dragon rider, knowing full well that all the attention of the council would be fully on them with this display but unable to do anything different.

"Eragon? What is the problem?" He tried again, this time shaking his new friend's shoulder gently.

"No!" Eragon suddenly gasped, his eyes flying open as he sat up and spoke to the very air around them. "Stay away…"

But before Gandalf could question this strange reaction his newest friend was having, he heard the sound of great wings beating on the air.

As one, the entire council seemed to turn their gaze away from the object of their discussion and toward the sky where a large blue dragon was coming in, and fast.

There was a stunned silence before there were shouts of alarm and others leaping out of their chairs, moving closer to the stone structure at their backs and away from the large incoming lizard, most reaching for weapons that were currently on their beings for protection. Gandalf stood rooted to the spot next to Eragon, absently noting that the hobbits had hidden behind his tall frame instead of retreating to the main building like the rest. Unable to even really comprehend that there could be a fight at any moment.

Saphira landed with a lurch, her claws scrapping against the stone tiles of the balcony while her wings curled in an almost menacing fashion. Low growls and hisses issued from her mouth as her large blue orbs swiveled around until they focused onto the small metal ring that lay almost forgotten on the pedestal.

Gandalf just stared at the display, never having seen before the majestic dragon so furious. He shifted slightly, shielding the small hobbits that were hiding behind him. Saphira hissed once more her posture arching to an even more terrifying fashion as she pushed her front legs off the stone and leaned over the pedestal.

Gandalf jerked as he heard battle cries come from behind him causing him to lurch around to see Boromir and the dwarves charging the large lizard while some elves had pulled out their bows and had them trained on Saphira.

Gandalf opened his mouth to say something, knowing he needed to stop the coming bloodshed before it could begin.

"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!"

The shout was startling for everyone, it seemed to resonate on the wind as well as in their minds as the entire council turned to stare at the half elf whom stood in front of the large blue dragon, his sword drawn and was a light in fire.

"Eragon! Move away from that beast!" Gloin spat, his eyes never leaving the intruding dragon.

Gandalf could see Eragon bristle at the insult, his brown eyes narrowing at the spooked council.

"She is no beast! And she means no harm to any of you." Eragon spoke evenly, his eyes meeting the gaze of each of the council members in turn. "She is here for me. She is just trying to protect me."

Saphira seemed to snap out of her glaring over the ring, her form relaxing slightly as she moved a little closer to Eragon.

"Protect you?! That thing?" Boromir scoffed, his sword raising ever so slightly as his eyes darted around at the other council members.

Gandalf noticed that most of the elves had lowered their bows slightly, their eyes taking in the sparkling scales and the intelligent eyes of the dragon.

"What do you mean, Eragon?" Gandalf probed, knowing that the council would not full settle down until all the facts were laid before them. "Protect you from what?"

Eragon's intense brown eyes connected with the wizard, his eyes sparking in understanding.

"You know what, Gandalf." Eragon spoke clearly, his stance relaxing as the flames that consumed his sword vanished. He turned the tip of his blade and pointed at the small golden band that rested on the stone pedestal. "That ring."

Gandalf stepped forward, striding closer to Eragon and Saphira. Knowing that this was another sign of good faith that the council needed to see. He could hear the hobbits murmuring behind him, most likely hesitant over approaching when Bilbo's last encounter with a dragon being what it was.

"No Gandalf!" someone called, Gandalf wasn't sure who since his entire focus was on moving closer to Eragon and standing by his side.

"We should kill it before it kills all of us!"

Eragon turned his gaze away from the Grey Wizard to glare hatefully at Boromir, taking a single step toward the man before Gandalf placed a restraining hand upon his shoulder to keep him there.

"That 'it' has a name." Eragon bite out, causing all there to stiffen slightly from the sheer tone of voice alone. "It's Saphira Brightscales. And I am her rider."

*~*~*(Break)*~*~*

Gandalf strode down the long hallways of Rivendell, making his way toward Eragon's room. He was unable to stop himself as his mind whirled back to what had transpired earlier in the day.

After the Dragon Rider had told his tale and who he truly was to the council, he bowed to them all saying that there was nothing for him here at this council. He had turned then and climbed into the spot on Saphira's back. His voice had entered Gandalf's mind then, stating that he would return by nightfall, before the blue dragon launched herself into the air, her talons digging into the stone below her.

The council had gone utterly silent once the sound of the powerful wings had faded into the wind. Elrond was able to attract everyone's attention after that and steer the conversation back to the reason for all of them gathering there in the first place. But no one seemed able to really take their eyes away from the sky for any long period of time.

All they were able to accomplish was the decision that the ring needed to be destroyed and that Frodo would be the one to take the ring there.

Gandalf signed at this, knowing that a difficult journey laid ahead for his dear friend.

He looked up then and noticed that he had finally made it to the door he was looking for. He knocked causously, releasing the breath he did not realize he was holding when he heard the soft voice on the otherside.

He pushed the door open, only managing to take one step into the room before freezing at the sight that met him.

"Then you have made your choice?" Gandalf asked gently, a part of him hoping against hope that the Dragon Rider would join them on this quest. Knowing it was a futile wish seeing the half-elf bent over his belongings as he pack for a trip that no one else was taking. "You will not join the Fellowship?"

Eregon paused for a moment, his eyes looking out the nearest window at the clear night sky, before releasing a small sigh.

"When we were brought here to Arda, I was told that I would be allowed to choose my destiny. That I would not have to fight should I choose." Eragon turned toward the grey wizard, his face breaking into a small sad smile. "We will not be joining on this quest, My Friend. We need to follow our own path and we decided long ago that that path is to find the other dragons."

Gandalf couldn't find any words to say to his friend, only staring at him as Eragon turned back to the window.

"We intend to leave at first light tomorrow."

The words had been spoken so quietly, the Grey Pilgrim had almost missed them. He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening. "You intend to leave so soon?"

Eragon simply nodded, his eyes darting down to his hands for a moment before turning back to stare into Gandalf's blue eyes.

"We have learned all we can here. I have already spoken to Elrond about this and he has consented."

Gandalf couldn't help himself, his eyes closed against his will in an attempt to hide his true feelings. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder, causing his eyes to open swiftly in surprise in order to lock with dark brown orbs.

"This is the right course of action, Gandalf." Eragon reassured, but Gandalf could find no comfort there. "The ring calls to me and no one else trusts Saphira not to kill them all. We would not be welcome on this quest."

"I hope you are right, Eragon." Gandalf murmured, his own hand reaching out to grasp the dragon rider's shoulder in return. "But keep in mind that you are now a part of this world and the outcome of this war will also affect you too."

Eragon seemed to freeze at those words, only managing a slow nod before turning away from his friend and continuing to gather up his belongings. Gandalf was unable to help himself as he wondered if this might be the last time he sees his friend.

*~*~*(Break)*~*~*

Eregon felt the wind blowing through his hair, the chill of the air causing his skin to sting in slight pain. He couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips at the sheer ecstasy of flying through the air.

:When was the last time that we did this?: He questioned softly over their shared link, knowing all too well that Saphira was just as content with this flight as he was. :When was the last time we just flew to fly? Not trying to rescue someone or fight a battle or running away, just flying…:

It has been too long, dear heart. Saphira responded, lazily flapping her wings to take them even higher, just letting the world fall away from them.

Eragon looked around them, seeing the far off mountains and hills, fields and grasslands that seemed to speed past them, and the hint of water hidden among trees. Eragon looked to the East and for reasons he knew, he felt a sense of foreboding come from that direction.

"Do you think we are doing the right thing, Saphira?" Eragon murmured, unable to help himself as he turned in the saddle to look back the way they had come knowing that there was no way for him to really see Rivendell anymore.

Saphira huffed slightly causing a puff a smoke to stream from her nostrils and hit Eragon in the face. Her eyes did not stray from their current course.

You already knew our answer before attending that council, Eragon. Saphira stated practically, finally turning her head slightly in order to fix one blue eye onto her rider. Why do you question it now?

Eragon couldn't stop his fidget in his saddle, feeling uncomfortable under that intense eye.

:Gandalf, he brought up a good point.: Eragon finally responded, his eyes trailing to the ground to stare at the terrain racing beneath them. :We are now truly apart of this world and the fate of it is also the fate of us.:

There was a pregnant pause, the Shade Slayer could feel the uncertainty coming from Saphira which caused him to look back up at her only to see that she had turned away. Eragon couldn't bring himself to continue the conversation, his own feelings becoming more muddled.

But those gods promised us peace, did they not? Regardless of our choice.

Eragon jerked at the statement, staring at the back of Saphira's head as they continued flying. She refused to look at him but the feelings coming through their bond was one of uncertainty as well.

:I know, but now I can't help but wonder if we should of helped save the world instead of going on this quest.: Eragon answered, feeling the guilt take over his chest again, :Maybe our presence on that quest would have been the difference between success with minor casualties versus annihilation.: He turned his gaze up to the looming mountains and feeling the uncertainty once more. :After all, there is no guarantee they are even out there.:

And no guarantee that they aren't. Saphira snapped back her voice taking on an edge of determination and something a little darker as she continued. We don't know if they have chosen a side or not, either. But the more information that we have will help us determine what our next move is.

Eragon was surprised at Saphira's words, knowing how it hurt her to doubt her own kind like that.

"And if it points us back? Back into a war?"

Saphira did not answer right away, only tilting her wings slightly to take them higher in the clouds as they approached some sort of settlement.

Then so be it.

*~*~*(End Chapter)*~*~*

Well there you go. I just want to say, I am trying not to abandon this story. I just need a lot of prodding to get working. Everyone should thank Sasukeblade for always giving me a hard time and making me sit down and write. Bye for now!