Curse of the Phoenix

Ch.19 -Journey

~Iara

The moment I woke up, the atmosphere had a sort of....tinge to it. Like today, there was some momentous occasion, and the whole world was holding it's breath, afraid of breaking the silence. Grimm's breathing was the only sound I heard, a low rumble as he inhaled and exhaled.

Iara, are you awake? Eragon asked.

I am, but Grimm's not. Why?

We're leaving soon. An hour, about. Get whatever you want to bring together, and a few extra sets of clothes.

Ok.

Do you have a saddle?

A-what?

What I have for Saphira, nevermind. I think I have another you can use.

Anything else?

Actually, I was wondering, do you want to bring your sword?

Why?

I don't know if any of your siblings have one. Maybe the other rider there has been teaching them in areas I haven't been teaching you.

I'll bring it then. Why do you have to train me to use it?

Sometimes the only way to protect people is with the use of a sword.

Why is it like that?

Well, some people don't listen. And other people try to hurt you.

Just run away, and then you don't have to kill them.

Sometimes you can't always run away. Come now, I think Grimm is waking. Me and Murtagh will be downstairs when you are ready.

Okay.

He was right about Grimm. He woke up, and then slowly uncurled himself. I sat there staring at him.

What? He asked.

You look funny like that. He did. He was belly up, His tail was draped back and over his belly, and his limbs were in all different directions.

So? I don't want to get up.

We're leaving soon, anyways.

Who says?

Murtagh did, last night, and Eragon just said we had an hour.

Fine... He exagerrated the I. He then crawled to his feet, but then sat back down.

I thought you said you were getting up!

I did. But then I sat back down. Plus, all I need is a saddle. You need to get packing.

Oh yeah! I then grabbed a now-fixed knapsack, and grabbed four pairs of clothes, Maja, my gloves, and hesitantly, my sword. I had nothing to attach it with, so I held it by the hilt. It felt slightly heavy. Maybe I would grow into it.

Slowly we walked down the stairs. Grimm was behind me. Saphira and Thorn seemed ready. Next to Eragon was a pile of....leather? He was also holding something. It looked like it was made of wool, or another heavy material.

"Ready?" Eragon asked. I nodded. "Come here. Grimm, you too." We complied. I learned that the pile of leather was a saddle for Grimm, and the thing Eragon wad holding was a coat. For me. He also gave me a pair of fur gloves. In no time I was sweating, but that was because it was warm inside the castle, and Eragon, Murtagh and I had to put the saddle on Grimm. I tied the knapsack to the saddle, and Eragon managed to find an extra swordbelt.

Grimm was the last to walk outside. The doors softly shut behind us. And the world let go of it's pent up breath. We were on our way to Teirm.