Rating based on 1 swear word.

Yeah, don't own Inheritance, yadda yadda yadda.

Chapter 1: The Only Chapter

Slowly, Eragon ambled towards Saphira. He could feel Brom's gaze burning into his back.He dragged his feet along the ground. One of them hit a stone, and he tripped over, collapsing face-first into the ground. He vaguely heard Brom behind him.

"If you'll be like this after one of our sessions, I can merely imagine how tired you'd be after a real battle."

Eragon raised his head and spat some mud. "I absolutely hate you, you old bastard."

"If you were anyone else, Eragon, I'd drive my sword through your back for that."

Saphira growled. You'd have my fangs deep in your ribs by the time you were halfway there.

Wordlessly, Eragon propped himself on his knees and pushed himself up. Uneasy, he swayed from side as he hobbled to his beloved dragon. Once there, he threw himself on the ground, his back resting against her warm side. His breathing was heavy, he could even hear it. He looked up, which took an effort, and saw Brom gazing at him. The old man was sitting, his back pressed to a tree. He was grinning.

"What are you so glad about?" Eragon hissed, irritated.

Brom let out a chuckle. "I never thought I'd see the day I'd defeat someone when sparring. Thank you."

All of a sudden, Brom lurched back, as if stung. Saphira was growling loudly, drowning out his cries of pain.

You're welcome Eragon heard her thoughts. That's what happens if you mess with him. You get your mind invaded. It was Eragon's turn to laugh.

Brom's seizures stopped, and he narrowed his eyes at Eragon.

"Now that's the behaviour that will get you killed. Never mess with magic. You still don't know everything about it, or even the limits of your own strength." Brom lay down and rolled to face away from Eragon. Eragon did likewise. He winced as pain surged through a bruise on his knee.

Why doesn't he treat me with the respect I deserve? Eragon complained to Saphira.

Be patient, little one. In time, he will worship you as he does a god. You have found the path you need, all you have to do is walk it.

But I'm the start of the second group of Riders! I know I'm better than this! Infuriated, he punched a tree by his head. All it did was cut his knuckles. He howled. Brom turned over to face him. He was grinning from ear to ear.

"What did I tell you mere moments ago? You do not know the limits of your own strength."

"You brought it upon me, it's your fault!" Eragon snapped.

"Was it my fist that tried to split a tree? I think not." And with that, Brom rolled back over. Still enraged, Eragon shut his eyes.

When Eragon awoke, the sun was still on the horizon. He was absolutely freezing. He rolled over and saw Brom standing over him. The old man nudged him with his foot.

"Get up and prepare yourself to spar." He said, throwing Zar'roc at his feet.

Eragon groaned. "What, now? I've just woken up and I'm cold."

Brom stared at him. "Do you expect an Urgal to wait for you before it fights?"

"Yes, if it knows how strong I am, and it would savour its last moments."

As soon as he made that remark, Brom drew his sword and pointed its edge at Eragon's head. Eragon froze. He should have thought twice. Saphira bolted upright and roared.

If you touch him, you know you're a dead man.

Brom sheathed his sword. "Yes, I know. That doesn't mean he doesn't need to learn respect."

Eragon groaned and got up, picking up Zar'roc. Another day of pulled muscles awaited him.

The End