Chapter one

It was a warm summer morning and the sun was just beginning to peek out on to the horizon. Eragon was flying with Saphira. They had just fought the battle with Murgrath and Thorn a week ago. Nusanda had given them time to sort things out before they headed back for Ellesmera'. But Eragon had lost track of time.

Eragon, we're over the spine. Shapira told him. They had been flying in circles for days but he hadn't realized they were that far away from the Vardan.

Maybe we should turn back. He thought with indecision.

Maybe, but not today; we need to rest. We have been flying all night and half the day before. We'll set off tonight. Eragon nodded. He knew he didn't have to say anything because he knew Saphira could feel his agreement. They had been flying for a long time that made Eragon feel guilty. Saphira was using all her energy flying while all he had to do was keep himself from falling off her back. Don't feel guilty, Eragon. It's what I was made for. Shapira ushered him.

I know but you've been flying for days I'm being selfish with all the overwhelming knowledge of Murgrath and Morzan. He thought the name with disgust because even though Morzan was his father it still didn't soften his hate for the man.

Look, there's a place for camp. Saphira changed the subject and quickly started heading for the camp grounds. Eragon would usually point out a better camp site that was closer to a river or wasn't as open. But most of the time he would just compliment Saphira about finding a good campsite form the sky because there was usually never something wrong with it. Today he just felt didn't feel like it and he trusted Saphira that it was the best place for a Dragon rider to camp out in the entire Spine. He trusted that if they were attacked the camp would provide a good defense and open space to escape to the skies with. Saphira landed gracefully and Eragon slid off her back. The dragon rider yawned and stretched.

You were right Saphira we both need to rest. Eragon could feel her amusement. Saphira settled down as Eragon made himself comfortable with the surroundings. After a quick look he retreated to his usual sleeping space, Saphira's under belly the warmest place to be on a cold night in the spine. He laid down and fell asleep instantly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cold wind changed directions and magic stirred in the air. A great event was about to take place. So all you comfortable readers sit up and hold on to your seats. Eragon sat dreaming about his old life on the farm with Saphira beside him keeping him warm. The magic gathered around the dragon going every which way but not touching her. But one speck of magic settled on the dragon leaving a glow on her scales that was barely noticeable. Then another speck landed, then another. Soon her skin was covered with the specks like it was snowing outside. Except this snow would not melt when it touched her like it usually did.

The glow became brighter and brighter. Until you could couldn't see the dragon underneath just a giant blob of light. The moon's light glowed down on Shapira. It was full and bright and a pale bluish color, the same color of the glow. The giant blob of light got smaller and smaller until it was smaller than fallen tree log on the other side of camp. And once it was smaller than Eragon it stopped shrinking. The glow got dimmer and dimmer until finally the glow was gone.

But in its place was a human girl with fair blonde hair and skin that was almost white. She had pointed ears and beautiful features. The maiden was wearing a simple blue dress and no shoes. Around her neck was a sapphire big, round, and the deepest blue ever seen by any eyes. It was encased by a simple silver frame and was held in place by a simple chain that would never break or rust. The maiden opened her eyes to see the back of Eragon's neck. Her eyes were the same color has the sapphire and they widened with shock. She tried to scream but she wasn't used to vocal cords yet. But after a few tries she managed to get out a twisted squeak. After she squeaked and squawked for awhile she finally managed to say her first human word. "Eragon," It was a whisper but it did the trick. Eragon woke with a start and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to make out his surroundings. "Eragon," The maiden said again, this time a little louder. Eragon turned to look at her and couldn't believe his eyes.

"W-who are you?" He stuttered wondering why Saphira had not woken him up when the stranger arrived. "Where's my dragon? How did you get here?"

"Eragon," The maiden tried one more time and looked deep into his eyes. Eragon gasped and was speechless for several seconds.

Finally he managed to squeak out, "Saphira."