I finally dislodged myself from Vascar's embrace when I heard the loud 'thumps' that announced the arrival of several dragons. Looking up, I focused blearily on the large golden dragon in front of me and the nimble elf in his saddle.

Oromis quickly jumped off Glaedr's back, unconcerned with the large drop or the unstable ground below him due to the pieces of stone that were scattered across the courtyard. It was clear in his eyes that his main goal was to make it to me as fast as possible. Brom and Morzan also descended their respective dragons, although they took more care in their descent.

As Oromis approached us, I was shocked to hear a loud warning growl rumble from Vascar's chest. Never before had he acted threateningly towards either of our Masters. Glaedr responded with a low growl, one that wasn't really angry, but instead protective. Oromis stopped in his tracks and looked up at Vascar, tilting his head to the side. He didn't seem offended, but I could see a look of caution in his eyes.

"Vascar, I'm not going to hurt her, I only want to help. Please, allow me to heal her wounds," Oromis said, looking at me in concern before staring into the orange dragon's blue eyes above me.

'It's alright Vascar, I'm fine,' I said, placing my hand on his leg. He lowered his head to meet my eyes, but I simply patted his snout before stepping out from under his protection. As I started walking away, though, he rumbled softly. I looked back to see him extend his front leg and look down at it pointedly. I chuckled before turning back towards him and sitting down upon his outstretched leg, feeling comforted by how caring and protective he was being.

Oromis allowed the tiniest smile to grace his lips as he walked up to me and began to heal the wounds that Galbatorix had not reached. With little effort, he fixed whatever had snapped in my leg, and he quickly healed several minor cuts I had received when I fell from the net. But, he suddenly looked concerned when he reached the single scar on my face left by the Ra'zac's claw, for despite his best efforts, he could not remove the mark either.

From what I could tell from Oromis's and Galbatorix's inspections, the scar was a single cut that ran from my temple to the corner of my mouth. Oromis traced it with his finger, mumbling incantations under his breath as he attempted to remove the reminder left on my face by the Ra'zac. Finally, with a sigh, he gave up on the scar and turned his gaze to my side.

"Talia," Oromis said, "how did you receive this wound?"

I did not have to look to know what wound he spoke of, "it is from my dagger. When I was trapped in the net, I must have cut myself in my attempt to escape."

In the blink of an eye, Galbatorix was at my side staring at the cut in concern, "I did not notice this cut when I was healing you. I would have healed it had I seen it."

"It's fine," I mumbled, "it's just a cut."

"Talia," Oromis said, turning his gaze onto me, "you never told me you had a dagger on you."

I looked down, but once more Galbatorix spoke up, "This was how you escaped? You cut your way down?"

I nodded.

"And the cuts upon the Ra'zac," Galbatorix continued, "you caused those with this dagger?"

"Yes," I said softly, feeling as if I had done something wrong when I had only defended myself. Vascar sensed these thoughts and immediately rushed to my aid.

'What does it matter if she fought the Ra'zac with a knife or with her bare hands? She was fighting for her life moments ago, and I will not sit idly by and listen to you interrogate her for defending herself,' he growled to all listening. Oromis shook his head and quickly responded.

"You misunderstand us, Vascar. We do not mean to interrogate, we are simply curious as to why Talia kept this a secret."

I swallowed, unable to explain why I had not told them sooner about my training. I couldn't have truly explained it to myself, let alone the people standing in front of me.

Sensing my discomfort, Oromis sighed and healed the wound without another word on the subject. The itching sensation that crawled up my side was nearly unbearable, but I forced myself to sit still as the skin stitched itself back together again. When he finished, I immediately rubbed my hand over the newly healed skin, trying to wrap my mind about the events that had just taken place. The fact that I was alive was a miracle.

Vascar growled at my thoughts. 'Talia, you survived through skill, not mere luck,' he said forcefully, but then his tone became gentler as he said, 'And I'm proud of you for handling the situation as well as you did.'

'You haven't seen everything yet,' I replied quietly, thinking of the events I had hidden from my partner.

'I don't need to,' he said determinedly, 'The fact that you are here now proves my point that you can handle yourself and most situations our enemies throw at us. Of course, I will tear to shreds anyone who dares threaten you, but at the same time it comforts me to know that you are strong enough to stay safe.'

His confidence in me forced a small smile onto my face. I did not respond, but instead allowed my love and gratitude to flow across our link. Vascar did the same and hummed in response. I was still doubtful of my own skills, but his words still warmed my heart and pushed away some of my fear.

"Talia," Oromis said, snapping me out of my moment of peace. I looked at him blearily as all my negative emotions and memories returned to my mind with the force of a raging storm. Vascar whimpered in discomfort at my pain, but I quickly pushed the horrors to the back of my mind, not wanting to hurt Vascar.

"I'm sorry to make you relive this experience so soon, but we need to know what happened," Oromis continued, his eyes regretful and pitying, "I need you to tell us everything that happened starting with when you were captured in the square."

Immediately I began to panic, unsure if I could tell the story out loud, let alone to anyone other than Vascar. I shook my head quickly, feeling terrible that I was acting so cowardly, but unable to overcome my fear. Oromis knit his eyebrows together in concern as he prepared to persuade me otherwise, but another voice spoke up before he had the chance.

"Master Oromis, perhaps this could wait," Brom said, stepping forward for the first time and offering me a gentle smile, "I'm sure this has been a traumatizing event for Talia, and she needs time to calm her mind and body. And, excuse my rudeness, but you cannot possibly expect Talia to relive this experience so soon after it's occurrence. Even the strongest warriors need time to cope after such life threatening ordeals."

"Sometimes we must put emotions aside," Galbatorix cut in, "and focus on the greater good. We need to know what happened in order to respond accordingly. So we must hear the story now, or we risk losing our opportunity of retaliation."

"We know what has happened, why do we need to know exact details?" Morzan asked harshly, crossing his arms and also stepping forward, "the Ra'zac have committed a terrible crime, and as such deserve punishment. They have attacked a rider, this we know, so we shall respond accordingly. But the longer we stand here arguing, the farther away they will get."

"While these are good points," Oromis said calmly, his eyes never leaving mine, "we still need to hear your experience in order to have undeniable evidence of what has happened. If we do not, then we may be accused of falsely punishing the creatures vile enough to execute such a crime."

Morzan and Brom immediately began to protest, their voices overlapping with Galbatorix's, who also began to express his beliefs on the subject. All the while, Oromis continued to look at me with an unreadable expression. I shook my head, unable to wrap my mind around the situation. Not only was I still in shock from my lucky escape, but it seemed unreal that Morzan, of all people, was defending my well being over the task ahead. But, despite this, their voices were beginning to increase in volume and hostility and I had to make my own decision and fast. I could have asked for Vascar's opinion, and I could have asked him to make them stop talking, but I knew that I had to stand up for myself. I had to prove that I wasn't helpless.

"Enough!" I shouted, standing up from Vascar's leg and staring pointedly at each of the riders around me. They instantly silenced and stared at me expectantly, and as there eyes met mine, I could physically feel my determination slipping away.

'It's ok Little One,' Vascar hummed comfortingly, 'speak your mind, and whatever you decide I will support you.'

He then turned his head and growled at the riders in front of me, 'And,' he continued, 'if they are smart, they will do the same.'

Taking a deep breath, I locked my eyes with Oromis as I finally made my decision. "I will not tell you what happened," I said, and immediately I could see the change of emotion in his eyes. "But," I continued, "I will show you, if you would be willing to delve into my memories."

Oromis smiled understandingly. "Of course Talia, if that will be easier for you."

I nodded before sitting back down onto Vascar's leg. Within seconds, I could feel Oromis's mind against my own. He easily could have broken my weak defenses, seeing as I was still inexperienced in the matter, but out of courtesy he waited to enter until I granted him permission to do so. As soon as his mind entered my own, he immediately delved into my recent memories of the attack and began examining every detail of the event, including my own emotions during the experience. I began to feel a slight sense of shame rise within me as I realized he would now know how panicked and helpless I felt throughout the entire attack. But, he made no comment about my emotions and continued his search.

Finally, after thoroughly examining every detail, Oromis began to retreat to his own mind with a sigh, leaving only a throbbing headache in his wake. As soon as he left, I allowed my rigid muscles to relax as I sagged against Vascar's chest for support. As I had expected, it was an exhausting ordeal.

But, before Oromis could say a word, I extended my own mind to his and said, 'I do not want you to share the events you just witnessed with anyone, except Glaedr.'

'I understand, Talia, and you have my word as rider that I will not willingly share that information with anyone besides Glaedr,' Oromis responded.

I nodded in satisfaction as Oromis then turned to the other three riders and dragons and said, "This attack has been made by the Priests of Helgrind, I am sure of it, but there is no true evidence to prove it."

"Master, isn't the Ra'zac's attack evidence enough?" Morzan said menacingly, his eyes taking on a bloodthirsty look.

"Or the fact that Talia was held in one of their sanctuaries?" Galbatorix added.

"It is enough in our eyes, but to the common man it could be seen as a coincidence. If we attack them in revenge, we will then be considered menaces, and may be punished by the law-"

"Screw the law!" Galbatorix said, grinding his teeth in anger, "One of our own has been threatened and we need to retaliate. If we do not, who's to say they won't try again? And, what happens when they succeed? We need to strike fear into their hearts and show them that we will not stand for this mutiny."

"Calm yourself Galbatorix," Oromis said tensely, "Never once did I say we would not respond. We will retaliate, but not against the Priests of Helgrind. Instead, we will take revenge directly on Talia's attackers."

Everyone fell silent as we took in Oromis's words. I could not stop a shiver from passing down my spine, whether from fear or excitement I could not tell, but nonetheless I wasn't sure I was ready to fight.

"Master," Brom said, his eyes wide, "are you suggesting we hunt the Ra'zac down and kill them?"

"I am," he said, standing up and turning to look at his students and Galbatorix. "Riders have attempted to exterminate the Ra'zac every since we discovered their existence. Today we will contribute to that effort while executing some justice of our own."

In the silence that followed his words, I could practically feel the adrenaline thrumming in the air. At that moment I decided that I was ready to fight. I needed to regain my pride by beating these creatures. Plus, I would not be alone this time.

Just as I came to this decision, though, Oromis turned his gaze to me and said, "Talia, I would prefer if you would stay behind with the new rider. You are weak from your fight, and I would not put you in harms way again if I could avoid it."

"But Master," I said, "I wish to help hunt the Ra'zac. I am fine, really, you need not worry about my strength."

"While that is reassuring, I stand by my decision. I want you to stay behind," Oromis said forcefully, "You will still be of use, Talia, someone needs to watch over the newest rider for he is still young and inexperienced. If we are not prepared then the Ra'zac may try and harm him."

I sighed, shaking my head in confusion as I pondered how to respond, but before I could respond, the sound of wings greeted my ears. Turning my head to the sky, I watched as Jarnunvösk and another dragon soared down through the clouds towards the ground below. The second dragon's crystal-like scales seemed familiar to me, but as they shimmered in the light I couldn't figure out where I had seen them before.

'The rider ceremony,' Vascar said, sensing my confusion, 'That's the dragon of the rider who showed up late. I believe their names were Atala and Tírlan.'

'How do you remember this stuff,' I playfully teased Vascar as the two dragons landed next to Glaedr.

"What did I miss?" Atala said before dismounting Tírlan, her brown curls bouncing playfully as she landed on the ground.

"Atala," Galbatorix said, turning towards the girl, "We are going to hunt down the Ra'zac scum, so we shall be leaving Niro in Talia and Vascar's protection."

Atala looked at me, and, behind her bubbly expression, I could see her eyes analyzing me. She quickly hid her scrutinizing gaze with a friendly enough smile. Her eyes twinkled with a playful look that would normally make me underestimate her, but something about her gaze told me she could be a powerful foe if provoked.

"I'm assuming you are Talia," she said, striding confidently towards me and Vascar, "seeing as you are the only other female in this area-" she was quickly cut off by an annoyed growl from Saphira. "Excuse me, the only female human in this area."

She chuckled and turned her head to smile apologetically at the blue dragon behind her. Saphira shifted grumpily but otherwise made no mention of the slip up.

I realized how curious Atala was, though, when she grew too close to me for Vascar's comfort. He quickly brought his head down to her level and growled protectively, reaching his tail around to wrap in front of my legs. I was sure he would snap at her as the smoke began to billow out of his nostrils and his growl rumbled louder with each step she took. Atala simply smiled at him, though, and touched her hand onto his orange snout. Vascar's growl hitched into a high pitched snarl as he bared his teeth at her touch.

'Vascar, it's alright,' I said, worried about the damage he could inflict upon her with a single bite.

'Disrespectful witch,' he raged to me, 'how dare she defy me. I am a dragon!'

'I know, but please calm yourself, we do not need anymore rider's blood spilt today.'

He grumbled but finally allowed her to pass unscathed. She smiled and winked at him as she passed under his scaly chin. And, as soon as she was close emough, she extended her hand to me in greeting, which I took.

"I'm Atala, rider of Tírlan. It's wonderful to finally meet you Talia- Well, to actually meet you that is. Galbatorix has talked about you so much I feel as if I already know you, but it's still great to meet you in person."

I quickly looked to Galbatorix who appeared to be slightly embarrassed. It was strange to see embarrassment on his normally confident and prideful features, but nonetheless I was flattered that he talked about me with this girl.

"Thank you," I said to Atala, "It is a pleasure to meet you too. As you know, I am Talia, and this is Vascar."

Atala turned her gaze to Vascar as she released my hand, "Ah yes, Vascar. He whose scales shine brighter than a blazing fire. I must say you live up to your reputation and more."

Vascar puffed his chest out in pride and I couldn't help but laugh at his vanity. Just a mere moment ago he wanted to rip this rider apart, but now that she had complimented him he would be perfectly fine with her. I would never be able to understand the pride of dragons.

"Atala, could you please follow Talia and Vascar to the dragon-hold?" Oromis said, his voice tense with the anticipation of an approaching battle, "That will be one of the safest places for them to guard Niro yet still be close enough for us to stay in contact with them."

"Yes Elder, I'd be happy to do that," Atala said before turning and walking towards her dragon. I also turned to mount Vascar, but Oromis grabbed my arm before I could do so.

"I cannot help but wonder," he said, his voice full of sorrow the likes of which I had never heard from him before, "if I had not tried to shield you from everything, if I hadn't kept you in the dark on the mission, would you have still been captured? I cannot help but feel as if it is my fault, and I am truly sorry for not giving you the information you may have needed to prevent all of this from happening. I have failed you, and I have put you in danger by trying to keep you out of it. And I am sorry for that.

"But, I understand now that I have underestimated you. You are much stronger than I believed, Talia, and I am proud of you. I wish it was under different circumstances that I could tell you this, but fate has decreed otherwise. I have learned from my mistakes, that is why I want you to mold your mind with Galbatorix's and my own, so you are aware of the situation and can react accordingly. Will you do this for me?"

My heart felt heavy as I gave a tiny smile and replied, "Master, this is not your fault, please do not torture yourself over the past. But, I do agree that staying connected to you during the fight will be the most effective way to keep the newest rider safe. So yes, I will mold my mine with yours and Galbatorix's."

Oromis returned the smile before patting my arm and saying, "Stay safe Talia."

I nodded before quickly climbing up Vascar's side, my throat constricting to the point that it seemed impossible to speak. My mind was a whirlwind of emotion as Vascar extended his wings and took flight towards the dragon-hold, quickly leaving the other dragons and their riders far behind. Only Atala and Tírlan remained in my sight as they also launched themselves into the sky, the crystalline scales of Tírlan shining almost blindingly in the sunlight.

It was not a far flight, but it was a long enough span of time for me to regain my composure and force my emotions back into the corner of my mind. Now was not the time to dwell on that which I could not change, nor was it the time to become overwhelmed by my experience. I needed to be strong, if not for myself or Vascar, then for the new rider. He depended on me for protection, and I could not protect him if my mind strayed to anything other than the task at hand.

I jumped in shock as Vascar landed full force onto the ground, causing the ground to shake along with my rattled skull. Vascar snorted at the rough landing, the smoke rolling uncontrolled out of his flared nostrils. He then shook his head and turned around to look at me.

'I did not expect the landing to be so jarring,' he said surprised, quickly blinking at me in a dazed way.

I laughed at his reaction and said, 'I can tell, now let's get inside so we can prepare to protect the new rider.'

Vascar snorted, but made no other comment as he pushed open the large wooden doors with his snout and stepped inside the dragon hold. Once more, at the sight of the space inside, I was left in awe at the structures vast open space. It made protecting the newest rider both easier and harder, for while Vascar could maneuver more easily through the open air, so could our enemies.

The sharp taps of dragon claws on the hard ground announced Atala and Tírlan's arrival before Atala even said a word. "Ah dragon flight," she called to me, "I consider it Nature's remedy. Whenever I'm feeling down, I just take to the open skies, and then," she paused and opened her arms wide, "Nothing. It all fades away. It's beautiful, how such a simple activity can cure even the worst case of sorrow."

"It is one of Alagaësia's many wonders indeed," I said, shifting my gaze for the first time to the new rider. The boy sat behind Atala, but he was peering around her at the room curiously. He appeared to be fourteen years of age, with shaggy brown hair and eyes of an even richer shade of brown. He had a tan complexion, and that coupled with the slight muscular tone to his arms told me that this boy had been raised in hard labor; I assumed farm life.

The boys eyes widened as he stared at Vascar's large form and bright scales. I couldn't help the bubble of amusement from rising in my chest as I watched his face take on a look of utter amazement, and who could blame him. Not only had he just been chosen as a rider, but he was now surrounded by fairly large dragons, not to mention he was possibly in danger and needed to be guarded from any attempted Ra'zac attack. Considering the circumstances, it was unbelievable that this boy was taking everything so well.

"Niro," Atala said, descending Tírlan's side and motioning for him to do the same, "this is Talia and Vascar. They are the riders who you will be staying with until we leave town, alright? So, sit tight, take care of that egg, and don't worry about a thing. We will be leaving Dras Leona soon enough, but until then, I leave you in Talia's care."

She then turned to me, and, with complete seriousness, said, "Take care of him. He is now your responsibility."

"I will," I said, looking at the young boy carefully climbing down the dragon's side, his egg carefully cradled in the crook of his arm as he maneuvered his way down Tírlan's scaly side. I couldn't help but admire how easily he made it look to climb down the dragon's side with only one arm, even though he had just been made a rider earlier today.

I also climbed down to the ground in order to speak with the young rider. I tried to appear friendly yet safe, but by the look on his face I must have looked intimidating, which was understandable. This whole situation was overwhelming, even for me, I couldn't imagine what was going through his head.

Hoping to diffuse the tense atmosphere, I smiled and motioned towards the bright blue egg in his arms and said, "Congratulations on being chosen, it truly is an honor. I can honestly say it will be the best thing to ever happen to you."

He smiled sheepishly and looked down at the egg lovingly before saying, "it has already benefited my life and my dragon hasn't even hatched yet. I have brought honor to my family. It has been generations since anyone has looked upon us with respect, but now that will change. For the first time in their lives, they will know how it feels to be wealthy, respected, and successful."

I smiled at his words, recognizing immediately what the hatchling saw in this young boy. He was selfless, caring, and appreciative; that coupled with his physical strength would make him a worthy rider.

"Alright," Atala said, her brown, curly hair bouncing uncontrollably as she tilted her head to the side and smiled at the both of us, "Oromis will be connecting with your mind shortly, but until then I am going to go and prepare for this assault. Good luck to the both of you, and please stay safe. You're kind of growing on me, I'd hate to see you hurt right after I start to like you."

I laughed and smiled appreciatively at her. "Stay safe as well, Atala. And may the stars watch over you and the other riders."

She flashed a large, toothy smile at me before winking and effortlessly bounding up the side of her dragon. As soon as she was situated in the saddle, Tírlan spread his wings and prepared to dash out of the dragon hold and take to the open skies, but Atala hesitated and looked back at Niro and I. Suddenly, I felt the brush of a mind against my own that I realized belonged to Atala moments later.

'If you don't mind,' she said once I had granted access to her, 'I would like to stay connected to your mind as well, as a safety precaution.'

'It is no bother at all, the more information the better, in my opinion,' I responded, allowing her to catch a glimpse of my concern for the boy. As soon as she sensed my thoughts, she physically relaxed and allowed a feeling of content to cross into my mind.

'I'm sure you will keep him safe,' she said softly, 'We will return as fast as the wind allows, but until then sit tight and keep your eyes open.'

Without waiting for a reply, Tírlan ran out of the dragon hold and launched himself into the open sky. He moved faster than the wind, and, if I hadn't been watching, I would have believed he and his rider had vanished into thin air. But, instead of dwelling on their whereabouts, I whispered one last sentence across our mental link.

'You too Atala, you too.'

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AN: SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT, I HONESTLY HAVE NO EXCUSES. HOPEFULLY THE NEXT UPDATE WILL COME QUICKER AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE MORE EXCITING. BUT PLEASE....

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~Britt