Bursting through the tent, Eragon and Luwæn saw the mage pulling on a cloak, which he promptly dropped when they came in. With Luwæn providing the protection, Eragon immediately attacked the mage's mind. Unprepared, it was easy to take control of the man's thoughts.

Working quickly, Eragon searched the mage's memories, looking for anything that would be useful. He found one memory of Galbatorix's instructions that he'd given all the mages: "Kill Nasuada and discover their plans, and subtly try to weaken the Varden so that when they arrive at Urû'baen, they will be so broken that they will crumble under my might."

As Eragon searched through the mage's mind, he lost focus of his control over the mage. At that moment, the man uttered one of the twelve death words and killed himself. Cursing, Eragon stormed out of the tent.

"Shadeslayer." Luwæn exited the tent as well, brows arched as he looked at Eragon. "Were you able to retrieve any information from the mage?"

"Just his instructions," sighed Eragon. He looked up to the sky. "He killed himself before I could get anything else out of him."

Luwæn was silent for a moment, then he rested a hand on Eragon's shoulder. "You did admirably, Shadeslayer. I'm glad this battle was easy, as most are not."

Glancing at him, Eragon smiled. "Thank you, Luwæn." As the elf nodded and removed his hand, Eragon unhooked the mirror from his belt loop. "I suppose we should report in to Nasuada now."

Closing his eyes, the Rider thought of Nasuada - her dark skin and black hair, her strength and courage, and her amazing ability to lead the Varden so courageously and well.

The surface was fogging over as Eragon opened his eyes. Soon, it cleared to reveal Nasuada. She looked into the mirror, relief on her face. "I'm glad you're alright, and it ended so quickly!"

"Yes, we were lucky. Has anyone else finished?" he asked, thinking not of Arya but of Nia.

"Rosaminda reported in only seconds before you did. Let's regroup at the pavilion."

"Luwæn and I are on our way." Eragon put the mirror back on his belt and looked over his shoulder at the elf. "Well, let's be off."

Arriving back at the tent, Eragon found Rosaminda sitting in a chair, talking softly to Nathan. Nasuada must have had more chairs gathered for the newcomers. They looked up as Eragon entered the tent while Luwæn remained outside.

Saphira's mind brushed his, and Eragon could sense her relief and pride for him and his easily one battle.

"Glad your fight was as brief as ours," Nathan said, grinning at Eragon in friendly camaraderie. He found himself smiling back.

Nasuada spoke up. "Nathan and Rosaminda were unable to get any information from their mages before they killed themselves."

Rosaminda sighed. "As soon as they felt our touch, they uttered one of the death words and killed themselves instantaneously. All we heard was their last thought: 'We shall never be overcome.'"

"Morbid people, mages are," murmured Nathan. Rosaminda chuckled quietly. "Did you learn anything useful, Eragon?"

"Just that Galbatorix directed them to kill Lady Nasuada, weaken the Varden, and spy. Very obvious directions."

"Yes, but still, you did good nonetheless," said Nasuada. Her mirror dinged, and she looked down. "Hopefully the others got more, if there is anymore to be gotten."

She picked up her mirror and spoke quietly to the person on the other end. Eragon took his own seat, stretching his muscles. He looked over at the other two Riders. Nathan was rubbing Rosaminda's neck, his large hands gently massaging her skin.

"So, you two are engaged?" asked Eragon.

Rosaminda smiled and held up her left hand. On her ring finger, a medium-sized ice-blue diamond crafted into a rose gleamed from its place set in the golden band. "For only a few months now."

Nathan smiled at her, warmth shining in his eyes. "We decided to get married after all this craziness has been settled out."

"I'm happy for you both," said Eragon. Cocking his head, he added, "And so is Saphira."

The two turned to where Saphira's head lay. "Thank you, Bjartskular."

No need to be so formal, Saphira said to them. Though it does give me some delight in hearing that name, Riders need not address other dragons so.

Nathan and Rosaminda both smiled brightly. "As you wish, Saphira."

"So, where are your dragons?" asked Eragon curiously. They both glanced at each other, and were about to respond when the tent flap opened again.

Blödhgarm stuck his head in, fur glinting. "I have arrived, Lady Nasuada. I obtained no pertinent information, except that the mages had been planning to make a Shade to wreak havoc on the Varden."

"Thank goodness we stopped them before that happened," said Nasuada. "Thank you, Blödhgarm."

He nodded before removing himself from the entrance, allowing Renata to enter the tent.

Gray eyes flashing, she strode up to Nasuada, giving her a quick nod before she reached into her pocket and removing an object. "I discovered this in the mage's tent, and when I searched his mind, I found out that he planned to pour this onto the food."

"What is it?" asked Nasuada.

"Seithr oil."