DISCLAIMER: I don't own Eragon. Darn. xD

The steady rhythm of wingbeats soothed Azaelia somewhat; it was so constant, so stable, so reliable in a constantly changing world such as theirs. She rested the side of her face against Naemir's cool, shining emerald neck. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and the ghost of a smile touched the corners.

Flying was so liberating, away from the harsh, poisonous presence of her Master. Being almost-alone with Naemir was nice.

We're getting closer, said Naemir, a hint of sadness touching his voice. Azaelia's shoulders sagged; everything was so utterly wrong. Everything she did went against her very nature, and she was rubbed raw by the atrocities she was forced to commit.

She killed so much, snuffed out men's lives by the hundreds and thousands, and every life she took hurt her like a punch to the gut.

And she doubted she could take much more.

Do not dwell on this now, little one, Said Naemir sympathetically. It is neither the time nor the place. We have a mission, no matter how hideous—we have to complete it. Azaelia nodded astutely, keeping her chin up and pushing the thoughts from her mind.

Can you see anything? She asked, knowing her dragon's eyesight was better than her own.

Possibly. I see a tiny dot of blue.

Good. Now fly kind of lopsided. Pant like you're tired. Perfect. Azaelia nodded grimly, eyes fixed on where Naemir had indicated the blue dot that had to be the Shadeslayer's dragon.

What's that? Saphira made a sudden, jerky movement towards the sky.

What?

It's the strangest thing… I see a small green creature in the sky; its plumage is unlike any bird I have ever seen. It sparkles almost like…

Eragon frowned. Saphira.I know their d-death has jarred you, He began cautiously; Saphira was touchy about the death of Glaeder and Oromis. But you cannot get your hopes up. You know well as anyone that the last egg is with Galbatorix, and has not hatched. Murtagh was… disposed of. There are no more dragons.

He was trying to be as kind as possible, but he still sounded hard-hearted. Saphira's entire huge, big-as-a-house frame slumped. I know… but can you blame me?

I'm sorry, Saphira. It's the truth though—

No! Look!

Eragon cast his eyes to the sky, and there was a huge green figure hurtling clumsily through the sky at them, clearly too huge to be a bird by any stretch of the imagination.

It can't—

But it has to be—

Try to reach out to them!

Eragon nodded, recovering his scattered wits. He reached out to the minds of the Rider and dragon, only to meet a solid wall of defenses. Any attempt he made to circumvent the wall was easily foiled. He felt something click, and the Rider let the barriers surrounding her thoughts fall down. The mind was alien, unfamiliar. An elf's mind.

R-r-rider Eragon? The voice seeped with relief and tiredness.

He blinked. She knew his name? I am Eragon Shadeslayer. Who are you, Rider?

I am Saela Earthshaker. Please—we have been flying and fighting for five days straight.

Of course. Land.

The dragon made an uneven landing, crashing shakily into the ground. It was only a bit smaller than Saphira, and its scales shone a deep emerald, which perplexed Eragon. The beautiful elf girl that rode him clumsily undid the restrainments on her legs with fumbling, thin fingers. She tumbled off, the grace of an elf abandoning her. She staggered towards him, movements unsettlingly jerky.

She managed to get about a yard from him, and then shuddered, the spasm rocking her entire frame, and then she fell, limply hitting the ground with a resounding thud.

Unsettled and highly disturbed, Eragon stumbled over to her and carried her to beside Saphira. Watch her. I will question the dragon.

His blue dragon bobbed her head.

He moved over to the smaller green dragon, bowing slightly. Honored dragon, I am Eragon Shadeslayer. If I may… what are you doing here?

The dragon was barely conscious; his breathing was heavy and labored, but he replied nonetheless. Harrow Flamebreath. Saela was a spy for Izlandi. She infiltrated the castle and found me. I hatched and we were caught. Galbatorix trained us for five months. We fought our way out. We haven't slept or rested in nearly a week. Eragon flinched as waves of exhaustion rolled off of the dragon.

Fine. You may rest for the night as I can feel how tired you are, but we will question you later.

Thank you, Shadeslayer.

The dragon practically melted into the ground, eyes shutting with a quiet click.

Eragon glanced at Saphira. What have we gotten into?

There we are. Second chapter up! (: PLEASE Review!!