Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Forty-Nine: Brilliant

"I hope that whatever you find is worth the trip, my friend, your highness. Take care you don't get yourselves killed, eh?"

"Will you please stop--" I was cut off by Eragon.

"We'll try not to."

"And you two as well, Saphira, Alethea. Safe journeys to the four of you." Saphira responded with a low hum while Alethea chirped.

"Guliä waíse medh ono, Argetlam." (Luck be with you, Silverhand.) Arya said as she kissed Eragon's forehead. As she released him, he caught her hands in his own.

"Nothing bad is going to happen to us. I won't let it. Not even if Galbatorix is waiting for us. If I have to, I'll tear apart mountains with my bare hands, but I promise, we're going to make it back safely." Eragon dropped Arya's hands and climbed on Saphira's back.

"Take care of my people," I said softly before climbing onto Saphira. The crowd began to cheer again as they saw Eragon settle into the saddle with me behind him in my usual spot. Eragon waved to them, and they redoubled their efforts, stamping their feet and pounding their shields with the pommels of their swords.

I saw Blödhgarm and the other elves gathered in a close-knit group, half-hidden behind a nearby pavilion. I nodded to them, and they nodded in return. The plan was simple: Eragon and Saphira would set off as if they intended to patrol the skies and scout the land ahead—as they normally did when the army was on the march—but after circling the camp a few times, Saphira would fly into a cloud, and Eragon would cast a spell that would render her invisible to those watching from below. Then the elves would create the hollow wraiths that would take Eragon and Saphira's place while we continued on with our journey, and it would be the wraiths that onlookers would see emerge from the cloud. Hopefully, none would notice the difference.

"Let us be off," Glaedr rumbled from his spot in the saddlebags.

"To Vroengard!" Saphira exclaimed as she leaped into the sky. I twisted around, so my back was against Eragon's and watched as Urû'Baen shrank smaller and smaller.

"I can sense your anxiety Eragon," I said, mind linking with Eragon. "Yes, the time where we must confront my father is getting closer but always remember, you aren't in this alone."

"Thanks, Mal, I'm just worried that I won't ever be ready."

"No one is ever ready Eragon," I replied. "That is the way of life. You will bring down Galbatorix, Eragon. I believe in you."

We reached the Rock of Kuthian cast spell after spell, trying to find what we were looking for. Problem is that we have no idea what we are looking for. At last, when Eragon was as confident as he could be that there were no traps on or around the Rock of Kuthian, he allowed us to walk across the clearing to the base of the jagged, lichen-covered spire.

"Let us say our names and be done with it," Saphira said impatiently.

"She is right. There is no reason to delay. Speak your name, and Saphira, Alethea and I shall do likewise." Glaedr rumbled.

"My name," Eragon said in a loud, clear voice, "is Eragon Shadeslayer, son of Brom."

"My name is Khensamel Dröttningu, daughter of Wënyalín."

"My name is Saphira Bjartskular, daughter of Vervada."

"My name is Alethea Bjartskular, daughter of Impra."