A/N: Boy, it’s hard switching from Redwall to Eragon. Ah well. The title contest is up. And I NEED a new title.

Ainran saw a flash of emerald and sapphire up in the sky, but he didn’t think anything about it. He needed sleep. It was almost sunset and he didn’t feel like traveling through the spine at night. It was just too… nerve racking.

He found a nice little clearing where his horse could graze and for him to build a fire. In a matter of minutes, his camp was made. As he sat by the fire watching the splashes of pink and orange in the sky, he couldn’t help but wonder what his sister was like. She’d be about fourteen right now. He sighed. So young and she was stealing.

He sighed again and decided where he was going to head to next. Some rich town where they had good food and jewels. Teirm would be good. Ainran felt a wave of sadness wash over him. That was where his parents had been headed when they were attacked.

“That was thirteen years ago. Get a hold of yourself Ainran.” With that on his mind, the young soldier fell asleep.

Ainran’s dreams were dark and foreboding. He dreamed of old stories, like Eragon Shadeslayer, his mighty dragon, and their adventures. He also dreamed of what it might have been like to travel with the dwarf Oric and the elf Arya, fighting urgals, shades, imperial soldiers, and even the old King Galbatorix himself. Then he dreamed he was a alone in the world. No known family or friends, but yet he wasn’t lonely. It seemed some bond held him together.

Ainran tried to roll over in his sleep but found he couldn’t. Opening his eyes, the young soldier woke at the point of a sword.

0-0-0-0

Zilma was the new girl in the Thieves’ Guild. She didn’t know how, but apparently she had tried to pick Rocky Hawke’s, better known as the Black Hawk, pocket. He had caught her of course and drug her here.

Zilma held her knees close to her chest. It seemed everyone wanted a look at her. But she noticed that one boy that looked about fourteen, looked at her like he was sizing her up or something. It scared her deeply.

The Black Hawk walked over to her and looked her square in the eye. “Welcome to the Thieves’ Guild, girl. I’m the Black Hawk, as you already know. I’m also the leader here. That’s my second in command, Ruby Red.” He said, indicating at a girl with red hair. “Then there’s Lucky, Badito, Caddie…” Rocky pointed at a few more people, then pointed at the boy in green that had been staring at her. “And that’s Lad, our youngest elder. You’ll have to get to know everyone else later. But as for now, if you don’t have a place to stay, you stay here with the other new, or homeless.” Zilma nodded. Then Rocky stood up and yelled, “ Meeting dismissed.” Immediately everyone got up and walked away. Zilma, having no where to go, just hugged her knees tighter. Then she heard a voice above her say, “Welcome to the Guild, kid.” Looking up, she saw it was Lad, the boy in green.

Without thinking, she blurted out, “ Is you name really Lad?”

Lad smiled and shook his head. “I’ll ye a little secret if’n ye don’t tell no one.” Zilma nodded. “My nickname’s Jul. I’ll tell you more at my place. You can stay there.”

“Uh,” said Zilma, a little unsure, “I don’t know…”

Lad’s eyes twinkled with merriment. “Ah, now there’s a smart girl. Don’t worry, I assure you, it’s perfectly safe.”

Zilma hesitated, but then agreed. “Alright.” Lad nodded then gave two sharp whistles.

The young girl looked at the boy weird, but understood when a dappled gray gelding came trotting up the alley. “This is Tarish. Tarish, this is…. Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“I’m Zilma.” She said politely.

“Zilma. Tarish, this is Zilma. And don’t you be mean to her like you were to Hawke when we first met him.” Strangely, the horse snorted in return. “Come on, Zilma,” said Lad, like nothing had happened.

Lad and Zilma rode to an old abandoned shack. “Welcome to my Tierm home.”

Zilma hopped down and followed the green clad boy into the shack, but Lad stopped suddenly and turned around and said, “ Now you must promise not to mention what you see.” Zilma nodded. The older thief took off his feathered cap and long light brown hair tumbled down. “Excuse me while I go change,” Lad said, not at all sounding like a boy.

Zilma stared in wonder as Lad came out dressed in a brown skirt and shirt with creamy colored sleeves. “Lad! You’re a- you’re a-“ the young thief stuttered.

“A girl?” said Lad, placing a fist on her hip. “Yes I am. And my name is Juline.”