Adurna

Before Battle

Chapter Twenty Six-

Again, sorry I've taken a while to update! All your comments have been lovely and have really motivated me on finishing up the next chapter for you all. Keep reading!

I had gotten little sleep the night before. Though Derikia had pressed comfortably against my thoughts as I replayed the events of the night for him, it did little to help. He was not as angry as I was, but Derikia was a patient and understanding soul. How he ended up with me as a rider was a whole different matter entirely. He hadn't been happy though, so I wasn't alone in my disbelief of being lied to for so long. I wanted to go see him, but I couldn't face Saphira. She had tried to speak to me once Eragon had left, but I pushed her out of my mind. It wasn't just Eragon lying to me, it was her as well.

Everything will be as it was, mouse. Derikia assured me as I finally emerged from my tent. The sun was just beginning to reach the horizon when I finally decided my tent was too suffocating for me to be in.

When? I shot back, avoiding anyone who may want to delay my journey. How could you be so sure?

You will find a way.

I don't need to fix this. I reminded him. They lied to us for months. I have a right to be angry.

Yes. Derikia agreed, sending a surge of irritation at the two through the link between us, reminding me that he also felt betrayed by his closest friends. But you will find a way to forgive them. Because you love them.

I didn't disagree, but I huffed out an exasperated breath. Sometimes I wished Derikia never grew to be this wise. Couldn't we just be violently angry together for a little longer?

I walked up to Nasuada's tent, ready to announce myself to her when I heard a hushed argument inside. I recognized Eragon's voice, yet it was too quiet to be heard. Annoyance flickered through me. Had he gotten up this early in order to further his case against me? Nasuada, however, raised her response louder in frustration to whatever Eragon had said.

"I have waited long enough, Eragon. You refused to take her on your other attacks despite my orders for her to observe you in battle. I will not allow a second Dragon Rider to remain useless in camp. This is nonnegotiable. Chrystal will go. She is ready."

"What if she isn't?" Eragon replied. My eyes narrowed in frustration. Had last night not been enough for him? I was drained from arguing; I doubted I could continue yelling at him. "What if she is killed?"

"Then she will die a hero." Nasuada answered easily, her tone remaining in constant authority. "You have no right to take that from her."

I didn't wait for his reply before I pushed my way into the tent. They both turned to me in surprise, but I held their gazes defiantly.

"Chrystal," Nasuada greeted after a tense silence. Eragon didn't remove his blank gaze from me, though I turned expectantly to the tall woman. "Have you come with your own decision?"

"Yes," I spoke carefully, trying to sound as sure of myself as I could. Briefly, I wished someone had taught me how I was to convey my authority. How was I to know how to sound as important as these two? "My decision has not changed from last night. I am ready to do what is necessary in this war."

"Excellent." She sent a triumphant glance at Eragon, though he didn't respond. "I feel as though it is time for the world to know of the new Dragon Rider, don't you Chrystal?"

I nodded, smiling slightly at her eagerness to have me be a part of this war effort. I found that it often reflected my own. Though, with another look to the unresponsive Eragon, it was obvious he did not share our opinions.