(A/N)
So here is another chapter and I really am sorry it took so long! I had to work for ten days straight and I was too tired to write most nights when I got home. But not even work can keep me away for too long. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it! I'm not sure about titling all the chapters this way so pm me or review what you think about it. So without further ado, here is Chapter 3: Illumination.
Chapter 3: Illumination
Flying was by far his favorite thing to do, the way the ground rushed beneath them in a flurry of different shades of green exhilarated Denethor.
"Do you ever get tired of flying?" He asked Saphira adrenaline pumping and blood flowing hot in his veins. He rarely had the opportunity to fly with Saphira due to his obligations in the city, but whenever he had the chance he enjoyed it until the moment he stepped out the saddle.
"Never."
The simple reply seemed to encapsulate everything left unspoken. The rush of the wind cascading around one's body at a speed previously not encountered left one in awe. The view was beautiful, the land stretched out before in all its illustrious majesty, the green of the land and the blue of the water coming together in a never-ending war between the streams and the banks, the water looking to expand its borders while the land struggled to defend its home. It was truly a sight to behold.
"I wish I could fly with you more often Saphira, I don't even get half the time that I wish to spend with you."
"As do I… as do I." Wishful thinking was all it was, he would never have the time to spend with her. Saphira couldn't help but feel depressed about the situation.
It was unfortunate that his duties hardly allowed them the closeness their bond demanded. Instead they were forced to resign to mental conversations when they couldspare the time for it. Physically they only spent a few days a week together if they could manage.
They flew in silence, enjoying the rare opportunity of being in each other's company.
As they neared Gil'ead Saphira reached out to Denethor's mind to see if he was sleeping. She grinned fiendishly as she prepared to wake him up in the quickest way possible, or maybe it was the meanest way. She had to make use of her limited time with him somehow, she gradually flew higher into the air and when she felt safe enough she folded her wings, feigned an injured wing and began to plummet to the ground. Then she reached out to Eragon in a false panic.
"ERAGON!"
He awoke with so much force he would have jumped out of his saddle if his legs weren't strapped in.
"What's wrong Saphira?"
"My wing is injured and I cannot fly!" Her panic obvious in her voice, he instantly started to panic.
His instincts jumped into action before his mind could even form a cohesive thought. He reached into his magic reserve and began to prepare to heal her injuries as they got painfully close to the ground. At the last second she unfolded her wings and pulled gracefully out of her nose-dive, and slowed down to a landing.
As she landed his mind began to put the pieces together.
"Seriously?"
"We made it to Gil'ead." Saphira said matter – of – factly, as if she hadn't just convinced him they were going to die.
"That's your reply? We made it to Gil'ead? I thought we were going to die!"
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Saphira thought.
"I was just having some fun Eragon, I thought you could use some humor since everything has been so serious lately." Saphira said sheepishly, hoping he would see the good intent hidden in her actions.
"Well maybe you should think about not giving me a heart attack in your quest to cheer me up." He knew he shouldn't be too hard on her. "Just know that I will get you back at some point."
"I'd like to see you try." Saphira growled in an attempt to intimidate him.
Denethor grinned and turned away to walk into Gil'ead.
"Stay nearby Saphira, I shouldn't be too long."
"As you wish little one"
With that goodbye he walked through the gates of Gil'ead. The guards let him inside with a nod, not daring to question him as they knew there could be consequences questioning someone who held such authority.
Denethor actually came to appreciate the beauty of Uru'Baen when he entered Gil'ead. The large stone walls were dull in comparison to the tall glass spires in Uru'Baen. It didn't help that the entire city looked dismal, the people walked around with sullen expressions permanently etched on their face like stone. The atmosphere alone erased the happiness he had felt with Saphira earlier, leaving him depressed by association. He made a mental note to not stay any longer than absolutely necessary.
The door to the stronghold paled in comparison to the large ornate doors on the castle in Uru'Baen Denethor noted as he came upon them. The guards at the door stood alert not letting anything slip by their gaze, probably due to the fact that they had been informed of his arrival and was instructed not to make Durza look any worse. Denethor chuckled to himself; that sounded exactly like something the Shade would say.
The guards bowed as Denethor made his way to him and he returned the gesture with a minimal nod.
"Lord Denethor, Durza informed us of your arrival and has asked me to lead you to him." The guard who spoke looked more experienced and had most likely been chosen by Durza for this.
"Lead the way." Denethor replied quickly. The less time I am here the better.
With her rider taking care of events inside Gil'ead Saphira had decided to go to a lake nearby where there was a large alcove she had discovered the year before while visiting Gil'ead. Inside were remnants of animals from previous hunts she had been on to sate her hunger and a small underground lake fed by the lake outside the cave. As she entered the cave she felt at ease. Here no one would watch her or could tell her what to do or what she couldn't do, instead she was free. In Uru'Baen she was constantly under her caretaker's watch who always abused her, verbally and physically. She hated the man's very being for he existed only to make her life a living Hell. She couldn't do anything about her situation for fear that it would have adverse effects on Denethor. She could easily burn the man to ashes, or slice him into a thousand pieces with her claws, or just flatten him with her weight. Unfortunately those actions would have consequences that could range anywhere from a reprimand to her rider being killed and she wouldn't risk that… she refused to risk that.
She began to lie down in her usual place by the corner of the underground lake at the back of the alcove when she saw something sparkle. She leaned in closer when the small dark sphere came into focus and she was stunned in surprise. There illuminated in the dim light of the cave shone a brilliant emerald dragon egg.
(A/N)
So we see a new egg appear in this chapter! I am super excited to continue with the story and I hope you liked the new chapter. I will try my best to upload the next chapter in the next week. Tell me what you think of the story so far and ask any questions you may have. I won't answer anything spoilerific so you will just have to wait and read if that's the case :)
