Age of the Dragon 3: The Eye of the Storm

Chapter 1

It was a few weeks after Eragon had left when word reached Ellesmera that a second Dragon Rider had appeared. It confirmed Fallyn's concerns that Murtagh was a Rider - especially when the identity of the Rider was communicated to the Elves.

It also meant that Islanzadí had considered having Fallyn join the elves on the frontlines sooner than anticipated. For now, however, she and Fang would travel between the edges of the forest to Oromis, communicating information to different parts of the forest for the elven queen.

It came to a point, however, where Fallyn knew she could no longer remain silent. So when Fang touched down on the Crags of Tel'naeír, Islanzadí joined Fallyn.

"If you thought that bringing me here would sway my thoughts on deploying you, then you are more foolish than I ever suspected," Islanzadí said, narrowing her eyes at the smaller elf.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "The confirmation that Galbatorix has indeed managed to claim another Rider, has necessitated that I reveal certain secrets to you. All three of you."

"Speak, little one," Glaedr rumbled. "What is it that you have held close?"

"Since my return from Thedas, I have kept it secret purely to protect not only those lands if we should fail, but also the hope of this land," Fallyn explained. "Even now, preparations are being made to turn the tide of battle in our favour."

"Oh?" Oromis's eyebrows pulled down into a frown.

"It seems my mother laid forth a cunning plan in her last hours," Fallyn explained. "And even as she fell, she set in motion things to assist us against Galbatorix."

"An army? From Thedas?" Islanzadí questioned.

"No. The people of Thedas are ill-equipped for battles on the scale Alagaesia wages them," Fallyn shook her head. "No, it is two Dragon Riders, who escaped the slaughter."

"Whom?"

"Shehar and Alrahd," Fallyn answered Islanzadí's curious question. "And their dragons, Suledin and Revas."

Glaedr's voice rumbled with delight as his tail swished. "They live!"

"How?" Oromis demanded. "They were seen falling from the sky near Vroengard, with mortal wounds!"

"An illusion," Fallyn explained. "Alrahd is fairly accomplished in the art - though other magics of Thedas elude his ability."

"They come?" Islanzadí questioned.

"They were preparing, last I saw them," she said. "With your leave, I would leave the forest long enough to communicate with them. Tell them things have changed, and their immediate return is needed."

"I will allow it," Islanzadí said. "You will go with me, then return immediately after."

"You still will not allow us to set out?" Fallyn questioned.

"For good reason," Oromis said calmly. "If Galbatorix were to suspect the elves of hiding more than yourself, he may set out himself - and we are not ready yet. If hiding our presence gives more time for your siblings to arrive, then he will be caught off guard when not only is there a new Rider opposing him, but four escaped his betrayal and will return."

"I understand," Fang's tail flicked sharply. "But I will not pretend to be pleased with this outcome."

"Patience, young Fang," Glaedr admonished. "Our time will come, and we will bring fire to our enemies and rend them with tooth and claw."

Fang's jaws snapped, a gleeful excitement in her large red eyes.

"I am eager to fly," she said. "Come, we shall contact the other two. The sooner they arrive, the better."

Fallyn smiled as she and Islanzadí climbed back into the saddle. Once seated, Fang leapt into the air, and they returned to the outskirts of Du Weldenvarden.