Erys: An Eragon Fanfiction - (Under Editing)

Chapter Fifty-Two

Stone Prison

The next morning was much the same as the day before.  Whispers followed her.  She was accused, and whatever small standing she had within the mountain had vanished; she was no long a guest but a prisoner.  If she didn't watch herself, she didn't doubt she'd catch a knife in the back.  She knew at least one who wanted her gone or dead.  And there were many others besides who wished to turn her over to spare Carvahall's wrath.  Only those on her side—Du Thirr, Eirdain, and Khyiana—or those set on fleeing—Enneniya and Roran— objected to the idea.  Were it not for Jorren's hand, she did not doubt her head would already be sent as a gift.

Erys evaded the hatred and ate alone where she would not face the glares and whispered curses of her neighbours.  She chewed absent-mindedly on a piece of bread, hardly tasting it, though it wouldn't have mattered anyway; she found the food here to have little flavour. Even something so simple as eating was a strenuous task for her. Her mind constantly wandered to the upcoming executions of the mothers and what might be done to waylay them. Still, she had thought of no method to escape.  Even with magic at her disposal, it would be no easy task.

Though they were not beside her—they'd left under cover of nightfall to hunt in the surrounding plains—she felt Du Thirr's presence through their mental link.  She wished she had Khyiana's Eldunarí, but Eirdain still used it to block his pain.  She finished her meal, but as she was about to leave, was joined by Shara.

"Hello," she said with a purr.  She jumped into her lap.  "You don't have anywhere to be?"

Startled, Erys simply shook her head.

"Good.  I have news for you."

"What news?"

Shara licked her paw.  "It comes with a price."

"And what price is that?"

"If I told you now you wouldn't learn anything, would you?"

Erys scowled.  "I'm in no mood for riddles."

Shara purred.  "Prove yourself Shur'tugal, and I will tell you everything."

"Why not tell me now?" Erys demanded.

"You're not strong enough now."

"And by proving myself?  That's how I get stronger?"

Shara nodded.

"How?"

"If I tell you," Shara said, "then you won't grow.  You'd only act for the sake of your own personal gain."

She jumped from her lap and made for the door.

"How do I know your information is worth your price?"  Erys demanded.

Shara didn't answer and disappeared beyond the door.

"Wait!"

Erys followed but could not catch her; by the time she approached the doorway, Shara had already disappeared.  She stared down the empty hallway, rooted to the spot and considered momentarily reaching for the creatures mind to see what she hid but decided against it for the unknown threat of the strength of her mind.  Still, the allure of what the Werecat had to offer was too great to ignore, and Erys didn't have time to play guessing games.

Erys turned back to face Du Thirr.  "Can you do anything?"

Valdr shook his head.  Erys huffed and leaned against the wall.

"You could always ask—"

"No!" she snapped.

"Don't be prideful—"