Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Sixteen

The small boat glided silently across the lake, sending ripples in every direction as they disturbed the water's tranquil surface. The paddle cut through the water silently, first to the left, then the right, and back. They crept to the opposite bank slowly, so as not to make unnecessary sound or movement. It was slow going, only an inch at a time across the vast lake, but their perseverance did not go unrewarded.

They moved at a diagonal, fighting the waves that drew them closer to Ceunon. The lake's width receded before them as they neared the opposite bank, the impressive yet imposing mountains looming before them. Even the gloom of night could not hide their bulk.

Finally, the bottom of the boat scraped against the lakebed. Erys left muddy prints on the bank as she jumped from the small boat.  The deep impressions would be easy to track should they fail to cover any trace of their presence, and all their work would be for naught. Recognising the danger, Erys surveyed the bank; the water-with a deep chill that seeped through the soles of her boots-would wash away their tracks soon enough, but outside the bank, the danger was imminent.

She scanned their surroundings, her eyes landing on the impressive mountains stretched before them. Its base started not far inland; once beyond its border they could be harder to track, unless the rowboat gave them away.

"We hide the boat," she whispered. "The longer it takes to find the boat, the longer our trail is hidden. We should bury it away from here, mislead them as to our direction."

She kept her whisper low, so the two had to strain to hear.  Though they were leagues from the city, she feared the wind carrying her voice to attentive ears. There were those more powerful than they, those whose abilities far surpassed their own.

"Take her," Eirdain said.  "We'll bury this inland."

"No," Keilith said. "She's too weak to carry her. And dragging her would only lead them to us. Ailden, help me carry the boat. It's shouldn't be too heavy. Watch my feet. Step where I do."

The trio picked their way across the beach, carefully stepping on rocks or patches of grass to avoid leaving prints in the mud. They reached the base of the mountain soon enough and buried the rowboat beneath moss, grass and anything else they could find; positioned next to a cluster of rocks, it looked almost natural, enough to be overlooked initially. A serious investigation would be necessary to find their trail. Satisfied that it would buy them time, they turned and began their hike.

Erys' lungs burned within only a few moments.  She'd never had an impressive physique, and months of abuse, starvation, and a strenuous run had left her worse than weak. She constantly shifted the weight of her dragons, wincing whenever her back protested the strain. Keilith and Eirdain took turns carrying an unconscious Thalia up the steep mountainside. They picked their path carefully, keeping to areas where their trail would naturally be harder to follow. It made going slow, but eventually they made progress, enough to feel protected by the forest's cover. It did not however, convince them they were safe. There was still danger within the forest's borders.

Erys stumbled as exhaustion threatened to defeat her.  She leaned heavily against a tree, but pushed forward, refusing to be the first to beg respite.  The others dared not ask either; no one would be the first to admit they needed to stop, not at the risk of recapture.

It was dawn by the time they slowed. The sun had just barely begun to creep over the horizon when Keilith stopped.  Erys silently thanked him as her burning lungs welcomed cool air.

"We should make camp."

"Here?" Erys asked gratefully as she leaned heavily against a tree trunk. Her eyes flickered for a moment as she fought a wave of unconsciousness. Her legs buckled and she put her full weight on the branch; it creaked under her weight and gave a sharp crack but did not yield. Perplexed, she stood; damaging anything would leave a trail for whoever followed.