Its been a few days, but here's the next chapter. Thanks to those few who have reviewed it so far, and I sincerely hope that others will review as well. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

He howled in pain, feeling the thick burning oil drip down his back. Everywhere it ran, it ate away at his skin, and with it, new pain. He heard the snap of a whip, and the accompanying flash of pain. It was all he knew, all he could remember. Not even the feeling could get rid of the terrible pain. It was all around him, and it was slowly breaking him.

He heard someone ask him something, but it was gibberish to his ears. A different voice came in, and the whip finally stopped. He felt something cold on his back, and the burning oil stopped. He felt sweat relief as his body was forcefully stitched back together, only for the burning sensation to arise once more. He felt something slash at his back, and with it came the cry of pain from his lips…

Eragon snapped open his eyes, panting. His entire body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat, even though he could make out snow falling around him. He felt a chill run across him, and he silently cursed that he didn't have a tunic. Waiting for the aches from his recent nightmare to go away, Eragon saw that no one had awaken yet. Slowly getting up on protesting limbs, Eragon made is way through the deep snow.

They had chosen a spot under a massive oak tree, to shield them from the blizzard. They were unable to move, lest they wished to freeze. Stumbling away, Eragon knew the risk of venturing out into the cold with no warmth, but ignored it. His mind only focused on the old pain, and he tried to push the memories away.

If Saphira were with him, she would be able to block out his memories, shielding him from the pain. She wasn't, however, and for the umpteenth time, Eragon wished he was back under her wing. He tried not to show it, but his body ached whenever he tried to keep pace with the others. The wounds would reopen, causing fresh blood to spill. Arya would heal him, telling him that they had to stop.

He would ignore her, however, and would continue his venture, leaving the others to catch up. The first few days he merely ignored the pain, acting like it wasn't there. Now, he could barely run, and the cold nipped at his wounds. Continuing his slow walk, Eragon came upon a strange rock formation. The rock was arched, as if something had plowed through the center, leaving a massive hole in its wake. Approaching the rock, he saw that the cold had frozen onto it, making it slick.

A boot hit his chest, snapping his already bruised ribs… It felt like he was being dipped into acid, burning his skin… A horrible laugh, the only emotion he saw from Hermod…

He broke himself out of the sudden eruption of memories, and he settled himself underneath the arched rock. There was no snow here, since the oddly place rock shielded the ground beneath it. The ground was warm, and he felt himself slip away… It felt easy to just lay here and sleep…

He distantly heard someone calling for him… He heard the sounds of snow being crunched under boots… a whisper of a heart beat…

He slowly opened his eyes, and saw that the snow had piled higher. Blinking away at the blinding snow, he saw that Arya was poised right outside the rock arch. She had obviously been looking for him, and from the looks of it, so had the others. He felt cold, but that didn't surprise him. Arya handed him a linen blanket, and Eragon gratefully wrapped it around his shoulders, to shield away the wind.

The snow storm had died down, leaving everything with a coat of snow. Icicles were hanging dangerously from trees, ready to be knocked over. Standing up, Eragon heard Arya say something, but it escaped him. She motioned in the way of their camp, and Eragon slowly followed her.

Walking through the snow was hard, as Eragon tried to avoid anything he couldn't see under it. Taking a cautious step, Eragon felt something pull at his ankle, and he was to slow to place his hands in front of him. He felt slender arms grasp him, and Arya took his arm and placed it around her shoulder, allowing him to lean on her. They slowly made there way back to the camp in silence, and Eragon saw that Roran and Blödhgarm had started a fire.

Sitting down beside Roran, he was surprised when Arya settled next to him. Blödhgarm had his back to the camp, obviously looking around for anything suspicious. His cousin was staring intently at the fire, and Eragon watched as he slowly turned towards him. He was expecting to be berated by Roran for going out, and also expected Arya to join his cousin.

Neither did anything like this, except when Roran scuffed Eragon on the back of his head.

"Ow!" he exclaimed, rubbing his head. "What was that for?"

His cousin shrugged his massive shoulders, and replied, "Payback."

Eragon began laughing, and he heard his cousin let out a laugh with him. Eragon's laugh was cut short when he coughed. He coughed into his hand, trying not to be rude around the others. He felt something warm hit his hand, and he glanced down to see blood. His eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly he was about to wipe his hand on his leggings when a hand shot out. Arya grasped his wrist, bringing his hand close for her inspection.

He sighed and opened his hand, showing her the blood. Arya narrowed her eyes at him, and he drew back his hand, and tried to quell his rushing heart. Just sitting next to her made his heart beat faster, spreading warmth throughout his body. She was sitting closer again than normal to him, but he didn't say anything. It was better for him not to read into anything she did, and to merely let her do what she wished.

It still didn't help the fact that he longed to be with her. Roran got up off the ground and joined Blödhgarm, and Eragon was surprised when the two began to talk. Eragon sighed a shrugged off the linen blanket, having been warmed by the fire. Arya was silent for quiet some time, and Eragon stared into the raging fire. Watching the dancing fire, he broke the moment of silence saying, "How did you know where I was going to be?"

He could barely make out Arya from the corner of his eye, but he saw he brush a few locks of hair behind her ear. In a whisper, she said, "You were bleeding. By the time I reached you, the wound had already closed again, but you fainted from loss of blood."

Eragon sighed, and without realizing what he was saying, muttered, "Seems like a regular thing now."

It was low under his breath, and he was surprised that Arya could hear it, when he barely heard himself say it. He saw her glance at him, before turning back to the fire. She picked up a stray branch, throwing it into the center of the fire. "What did they do to you?"

He grimaced. Eragon knew she was going to eventually ask the question, but was surprised about the timing. He figured she'd ask him after they got back to Belatona, and had a chance to talk to Saphira. Letting out a sigh, he said, "What didn't they do… I'm sure your time wasn't easy at Gil'ead, but I would have preferred Durza than Hermod."

She was silent, and he couldn't tell if it was because of him mentioning Gil'ead, or because of his own torture. Eventually, she asked, "Who is this Hermod?"

Images flashed before Eragon's eyes, each of the man in black. "I don't know exactly, but he was the man you found me with. I don't know if I killed him, but he wasn't there afterwards."

The memory of himself mercilessly hitting Hermod made him feel bitter, and he tried as best he could to cast them away. They returned, and all he could see was his changed blue eyes. Arya was obviously thinking the same thing, for she asked, "Your eyes, they were blue, the same color as Saphira's. Yet now, they are brown again. Did you purposely change them?"

"I don't know why they changed. I'm not aware of anyway to change them, at least not to match Saphira's. I have looked through her eyes before, and they are usually with a sapphire tint to the world. Before… before, everything was red."

They fell into a silence, and Eragon hoped she wouldn't broach the subject again. As Arya opened her mouth to speak, Eragon cut her off. "What are Nasuada's plans for the winter? And your mother, have they taken to leave Gil'ead yet?"

Arya sighed and Eragon watched as her face became emotionless. "Nasuada wishes to stay in Belatona, but food is scarce. It is hard enough to feed the citizens, let alone a army. My mother, on the other hand, has decided to march towards Bullridge. They have yet to leave, but plan to on your return."

It amazed him at how fast she would become emotionless, and the few emotions he could see were always brief. Arya was always cold to anyone, but he knew it was just a façade. Ever since the Burning Plains, Arya had acted differently towards Eragon. He would see small sides of her that he never saw before. He would not act upon what he saw, however, for if any progress was to be made with their friendship, she would have to initiate it.

He decided to ask Roran, alone, as to how Arya acted when he was gone. She still held onto Brisingr, and he knew she was waiting for him to ask. To what purpose, however, he knew not. In his condition right now, Brisingr would be of little help should they be ambushed. He was glad that the three of them had come to rescue him, for he didn't know who else to trust in such a vulnerable state.

Treading through the deep snow beside Roran, Eragon saw that the snow depth was decreasing as they made their way to Belatona. The city was distant, nothing less than another few hours journey, but Eragon could hear the bustling city. In a quiet voice, Roran asked, "Why can't you run? When we first found you, you were able to keep up with Snowfire and the elves, despite your wounds."

Sighing, Eragon saw that both elves perked up at the question. "During my capture, I grew accustomed to blocking out pain for prolonged periods of time. After a while, though, the pain begins to build."

His cousin nodded, apparently satisfied with the answer. Dodging a outcropping rock, Eragon looked towards the distance, hoping to see a blue speck. He extended his mind tiredly towards the city, and was surprised when he heard a mental cry that made him falter in his step.

Eragon!

There was no mistaking the voice, and Eragon redoubled his speed, ignoring his protesting wounds and limbs. Shouting with both his mind and voice, he cried "Saphira!"

The familiar feeling of warm water rushing into his mind enveloped Eragon, and he felt her emotions flow into his. The longing, the pain, and the agony of being separated disappeared when he felt her mind. Her conscience flowed around his, grasping as much of his mind as she could. He felt her sorrow, and the violent rage that she possessed. Glancing towards Belatona, he heard a earth shattering roar. The roar resonated off around him, and Eragon let out a laugh.

He was well ahead of the others, and when he spotted Saphira flying towards him, Eragon strained every muscle to reach her faster. He was glad that his mind was in contact with hers, but to be in her presence again would make Eragon truly feel whole.

He heard her compassionate voice echo around his head, and Eragon was dazed from not feeling something so familiar in so long. Little one, you have returned to me.

He smiled, despite the fact that she could not see him, but he knew she could feel his happiness. I will always return to you, Saphira. I love you too much to stay away.

He felt her happiness combine with his own, and he basked in her emotions. I love you too, little one.

She was closer now, flying full speed towards him. You better stop running, little one. Lest your feet give way underneath you.

He slowed his approach, knowing he couldn't rest till her was with her again. I never wish to be separated from you again for that long. My captivity was only made worse by not being with you.

Eragon felt her sadness flow into him when he mentioned his captivity, and he felt her try to gain access towards the memories. He blocked her, hiding away the pain from her. Little one-

Not now, Saphira. he responded. He didn't wish to tarnish their reunion with old memories, especially ones that caused him grief. Eragon felt her retract from that portion of his mind, but didn't remove completely, something Eragon was grateful for. Just having his mind in contact with his partner-of-mind was enough to quell the pain, and Eragon never wished to give it up.

He felt a multitude of emotions flow through their bond, and he knew that Saphira would wish to talk about it later. His eyes followed her approach, and he saw how big she had grown. She was bigger than he'd ever seen her, and he guessed that she was bigger than he had last seen Thorn. Three months was nothing small, and Eragon was surprised that the Varden were able to last so long without him. Murtagh had not attack Belatona, and he was glad that Galbatorix hadn't sent a army towards them.

Feeling a gust of wind buffet him, Eragon stopped running. Watching as his magnificent dragon landed, Eragon lunged towards her neck, hugging her with all his strength. Even in his weakened condition, he heard Saphira say, Little one, unless you wish to choke me again, you must let go.

Eragon smiled, and released her neck. She lowered her massive face towards him, and he instead rested his forehead in the space between her eyes, content to stay their forever. They only separated when the others approached, and Eragon watched as she gazed at each of his rescuers. For the second time in his life, he heard Saphira speak to Arya with the same affection as before, and said, Thank you, Emerald-eyes, for returning my little one.

Saphira approached Arya, and bent her neck so that their eyes were on the same level. Through their bond, he felt Saphira close part of herself to him, and he guessed that she was talking to Arya. After a few moments, Saphira withdrew, and Eragon was surprised when Arya smiled towards the dragon.

She thanked both Roran and Blödhgarm, but Eragon noticed that both hadn't received the same affection. Roran, being a important figure in Eragon's life, was spoken to privately, before Saphira returned to Eragon's side. Nasuada wishes to speak with Eragon and Arya as soon as possible. Come, I will take you both to her.

He saw that she had her saddle on, and he assumed that one of the twelve elves must have placed it on her. Speaking towards Saphira, Eragon said, I'd love to jump up their, but that previous run sapped most of my strength. Saphira, in response, bent her long neck beside Eragon, allowing him to grasp her. She lifted him towards her back, and he used the leverage to get onto his seat. Strapping himself in, he felt Arya settle in behind him.

Letting out a roar, Saphira jumped into the air, gliding towards Belatona. It has been a long time since we have flown together, Saphira.

Indeed.

Through their bond, Eragon sensed Saphira's sudden intentions. Sending a quick mental thought to Arya, he said, Better hold on.

He felt confusion grow in her mind, and she asked, What are you-

Her sentence was cut short by Saphira's sudden roar, who then snapped her wings shut, diving towards the ground. The air was impossibly cold, but Eragon ignored the sensation. Letting out a yell of pleasure, he felt Arya's arms stiffen around his core, and the contact between his bare skin and her arm sent warm feelings coursing throughout his body. As Saphira spread her wings, the sudden death drop was cut short. Saphira, once gaining a safe altitude, closed her wings once again, and proceeded to barrel roll in mid air.

Eragon was glad that Arya had the sense to strap herself into the saddle, as she would have been thrown from Saphira. Her grip, though, would have torn Eragon out of his own straps. Leveling out, Saphira began a slow descent towards the city. She landed in the gardens of the castle, and Eragon assumed that this was her customary spot. Removing the straps from his legs, Eragon vaulted off of Saphira's back. He landed hard on the ground, and was driven to his knee from the agony of his wounds.

The pain arched across their link, causing Saphira to stumble as Arya jumped from her back. Arya landed as graceful as ever, and quickly made her way towards Eragon side. Saphira's gentle voice flowed into his head, saying, Little one, what have they done to you?

Standing back up slowly, Eragon glanced around them. They had gathered quiet a crowd, and Eragon heard them whisper to each other.

The Shadeslayer returns!"

"Thank the gods, Agretlam is back!"

He saw the twelve elves make their way through the crowd towards him, fanning out all around him. Each came towards him, greeting him in the ancient language. As a female elf approached him, she handed him a fresh tunic. He saw that the tunic was from his collection, and he gladly pulled it over his head. Thanking the elf, Eragon looked towards Arya. She was gazing at the crowd with such fierce determination that it gave Eragon pause.

He felt Saphira let out a laugh in his mind, and she said, You will be lucky if you are given a moment of privacy in this keep. Arya will not let you out of her sight again.

He glanced at Saphira, and he felt her contentedness at the fact that he would be watched where she could not venture. Shaking his head, he asked Arya, "Shall we? I do not know where they will be, so it is best if you lead."

She nodded, taking off towards a door that led farther to the center of the keep. He fell in step behind her, and the twelve elves surrounded him. Once they were well enough away from the crowd, Saphira took off. I shall meet you there.

Walking around a corner, one of the twelve elves spoke. "It is most heartening to see you return, Shadeslayer. Saphira Bjartskular was most displeased with your capture. It took most of Arya Dröttningu's power to keep her from rushing off into the empire."

The rest of the elves nodded in agreement, and Eragon responded, "Thank you, it is good to be back among my friends again."

Saphira's voice startled Eragon, making him miss a step. Roran and Blödhgarm are entering the city now, and should arrive a few minutes after you.

His misplaced step echoed throughout the empty hallway, and he saw Arya glance towards him. The hallway was cast in torch light, with open windows allowing sunlight to flow into the barren hallway. Reaching the room that would hold the meeting, Eragon saw that most of the Council of Elders were present, as well as Nasuada. Glancing around the meeting room, Eragon saw that it was decorated much the same as the rest of the keep. In the center of the massive room stood a long table, with Nasuada and the others lining one side.

He guessed that she wished to speak to him directly, and Eragon steeled his mind. It was a odd way for them to talk, having to sit opposite each other at such a long table. Approaching a seat directly opposite Nasuada, Eragon heard the sound of Saphira entering the room. She took a spot directly behind Eragon and Arya, and he could feel her breath against the back of his neck.

As both him and Arya took a seat, he saw that Nasuada held barely contained joy. She obviously wished greet him in a more friendlier way, but instead decided to act her role as Varden Leader. She smiled at him, and said, "Eragon! It is good that you have returned to us. The tip that was once dull is now sharpened."

The rest of the Council members muttered their greetings towards him. He nodded at them, and said to Nasuada, "Aye, it is good to be here."

One of the Nighthawks entered the room, carrying two large mirrors, setting them down at opposite ends of the table. Arya, being the elven ambassador, muttered a spell to communicate with the elven queen. She muttered another towards the second mirror, and he was surprised when Orik's face appeared.

Turning towards the Queen first, Eragon began the customary greetings. Placing two fingers against his lips, he said, "Atra esterni ono thelduin."

Islanzadí, in a rare flash of emotion, smiled at Eragon and said, "Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr."

Finishing the greeting, Eragon said, "Un du evarinya ono varda."

He turned towards Orik, and the dwarven king exclaimed, "Eragon! It is good to see you."

He smiled at his foster-brother, but was cut short by Nasuada. Speaking towards Arya, she asked, 'Where did you rescue him from?"

Arya raised a eyebrow, but replied, "Rescue? He broke out by the time we had arrived. He was kept at Morzan's castle, though, to answer the question."

Islanzadí's eyebrows raised, while Orik let out a praise towards Eragon's power. The Queen looked at Eragon and said, "Impossible. You were kept prisoner for nigh on three months, and not even Vrael himself could accomplish such a task unscathed."

"She speaks the truth, Queen Islanzadí. We found Eragon outside his cell, having already dispatched numerous guards unarmed." Eragon heard Blödhgarm enter from behind him, and the furry elf stopped before the queen. He used the customary greetings of elves, before retreating to sit beside Eragon. His cousin entered the meeting room as well, and he sat down beside's Arya.

Nasuada cast a critical eye over Eragon and said, "How was this possible?"

Eragon took a moment to compose himself, and replied in a monotone voice, "I was badly wounded. I don't remember escaping all that well, but I do remember a surge of energy flowing through me." He noticed Arya glance at him, but she seemed to approve of not talking about his rampage. He would discuss the matter later with both her and Saphira.

Not wanting them to prod further, Eragon said, "I also don't remember how I was captured, but I do remember who did it. It was a man in black, one they called Hermod." At the mention of the man's name, several of the Council members gasped. Both Nasuada and Islanzadi shared a glance, and the Varden Leader asked, "Are you certain that was his name?"

Nodding, Eragon asked, "Why? I take it from their reaction that he is known."

Nasuada became silent for a moment, before responding, "In the empire, my spies had heard a rumor. They say that a man called Hermod was Galbatorix's right hand man, but it is known that Hermod is his armies Commander. They say he is ruthless, and that even his torture methods disgust the most vile of men."

Running a hand through his hair, Eragon responded, "Aye. He kept asking me questions, but after a while the words faded out. The healers kept healing me, dozens at a time. I don't know how my body was able to sustain such a heavy taxing with the constant damage and healing, but I was able to break free."

Nasuada nodded, and Islanzadi said, "There are gaps in your story, Shadeslayer. However, its seems that such a difficult time warrants rest, and I imagine you do not wish to speak of such treacheries."

Nasuada stood, and said, "The meeting is adjourned. Eragon and Arya, I wish to speak to you privately for a moment."

Both Arya and Eragon stayed seated, while the rest exited. The mirrors faded out, and the two Nighthawks retrieved them before leaving. Nasuada walked around the table, and Eragon stood. She approached him, and embraced him. Momentarily stunned by the action, Eragon stiffened.

She withdrew, and he was again surprised as she embraced Arya. Arya it seemed, was not expecting such action, and stiffened as well. It was odd to see Nasuada embrace the emotionless elven warrior, and Eragon almost found the situation comical. Saphira had no quarrels with holding herself back, letting out a snort and basking them in hot smoke. Clearing out the air, Nasuada said, "It was difficult, when you disappeared. When Arya returned with your sword, most of the Council members flew into a panic." She let snorted at the statement, and continued, "It was not easy telling the Varden that their greatest hope and weapon was missing, and we prepared for the worst."

Eragon placed his hand on her shoulder, and said, "I am here, and that is all that matters."

Nasuada nodded, and replied, "Indeed. Go, I imagine you are tired and cold from such a journey."

Eragon walked away from Nasuada, who had turned back to some parchments that were scattered across the table. He followed Arya, and Saphira climbed through the massive hole in the wall. From her mind, he gathered that she was going to the gardens, and was glad when Arya began to lead him there.

Reaching the garden, Eragon settled down beside Saphira's warm belly, content to sleep under her wing for the night. Arya approached him, looking at Saphira. Eragon guessed that they must have communicated, for Arya laid on the grass under Saphira's wing as well. Encasing them in a sapphire membrane, Saphira said, Sleep well, Little ones.

A/N: So... Its slightly longer, but I'm aiming for even longer. Maybe around 5k to 6k words, though it does depend on the actual chapter, and what is happening in the story. I'm obviously a ExA fan, but I do not like it when they progress to fast. I think this is a good pace, considering that Arya had time to herself without Eragon around. When someone goes missing like that, it can tend to make you think differently! Not to much differently, but I do want her to open more as a character. She shows little to now emotion, and when she does, they are very strong. Eragon's torture was worse than Arya's, and we will see slowly over time why as the memories begin to haunt him.