Two:

Drops of water fall steadily on my body, cool against the heat in the forest. I listen to it's steady patter on the leaves, a steady rhythm that creates a tranquil song. Stretching out my body I poke my tongue out to taste it, it tastes just the same as the water from the river. I walk out from under the plants and onto the now soft dirt of the ground. My little legs ache from my walk yesterday, but I still need to find my rider. With no idea where he would be I walk eastwards, hoping that I can find something that would give me a clue to where he is.

The water falls heavier from the angry grey clouds, splashing on my body and trickling to the ground. I reach a clearing and decide to wait under the shelter of a tree with low hanging branches and large leaves to help keep me dry. But the rain does not stop. Stiff with the cold I slowly make my way into the clearing, looking around for any sort of predators, then I run. I run as fast as my legs permit, stumbling through the long grass that tickles my stomach and sometimes I even trip over stones. Birds in the tree's suddenly start shrieking, a warning cry of something dangerous. A large shadow creeps over the clearing, something that not even the darkest cloud could achieve. I stop and crouch down low in the long grass, fear creeping into every scale that coats my body. Fearfully I look to the sky where a large creature circles the clearing. It looks like a bird to begin with, but then it flies lower and red scales flash in the sun that just manages to break the clouds. A dragon.

I stand up and watch it fly, envy replaces my fear as my own wings are not yet strong enough to hold me in the air. I watch in amazement as it soars in the air, not even bothered by the large droplets of water that continue to fall rapidly. Then it circles again, flying lower and lower until it lands in the clearing causing the ground to shake under it's weight. A man jumps off his back, dark hair framing his face and a large sword strapped to his belt. He walks forwards, eyes fixing on the ground beneath his feet until he stands before me and smiles. He extends his arm to touch me, but his dragon gives out a low growl and his arm drops back to his side. The red dragon walks forward and stops in front of me, leans down and licks me on the head. Warmth fills my body and my limbs no longer ache. Don't be afraid little one. We are hear to help you. A deep but calming voice fills my head and I look between both dragon and rider, wondering which one just spoke in my mind. The man laughs and looks at the dragon. "That was Thorn. I would not speak to you in your mind young dragon, unless you permitted it."

I glance at the huge dragon, raindrops glistening on his scales and butterflies form in my stomach. But something in his eyes confuses me, he looks as if he is bound to someone, tied with some dark magic. He answers my questions in my mind. We are both bound to Galbatorix in the ancient language, he tells me, but we would much rather be free. Sadness fills both the dragon's and the rider's eyes, neither of them want to be fighting for the King. I lower my head and stare at the soggy ground, unsure of what to say to the dragon. We all stand in silence for a while until the man speaks. "We are here on request of your rider, young dragon. He is being held captive by Galbatorix. He told us where to find you, we're surprised the King has not found out where you are yet, he must be strong." I look up at him, hope spreading to the tips of my wings. Has he been hurt? Will he be able to find me? I ask Thorn in my mind.

He looks to his rider before answering. Murtagh says that he is being held in a cell but he won't be killed. The King hopes that he will find out where you are and will then have a new dragon rider to be on his side. Sadness replaces the hope that I felt only a moment ago. If I am found then I will be bound to the man who captured my rider, just like the two in front of me.

"You're only hope is to find the Varden" the man named Murtagh says. "There is another dragon and rider who can help you. The dragon is named Saphira and her rider Eragon, but you must be able to fend for yourself if you are to reach them. You must try to stay away from people if you can, one touch from them and they will bear the mark of a rider." I nod, trying not to look afraid in front of the beautiful red dragon. But it is no use, he can read my feelings just as easily as he can read my mind.

Do not fear, young one. We are here to teach you how to survive on your own. I give the dragon a tiny smile, and send images of thanks into his mind.

The rest of the day is spent learning how to hunt for food on my own, the best places to hide from larger animals and even which plants are edible. By the time they finish teaching me the silver moon has risen, reflecting off my scales and casting the forest into even more shadows. Thankfully the rain stops, allowing me to dry before the nights sleep. Murtagh leads me to a tree and shows me a hole in the trunk where I will be able to sleep unafraid of predators. Once in side Thorn lowers his head and peers at me with one of his large eyes. Sleep well young dragon and stay in the forest. We will visit you again when you reach it's edge. By then we will be able to give you you're first flying lesson. Flying! The idea fills me with excitement, but is quickly overshadowed by tiredness. The dragon creates a low rumbling noise which I realise is laughter and I smile. Murtagh takes his place and looks at me, eyes full of regret.

"I wish I could bring him to you , little one. But then Galbatorix will know where you are. It's already hard enough to keep information from him. We will make sure he does not learn of our meeting. Stay safe." He walks away and mounts Thorn, just before they take to the air I whisper a thanks to the dragon's mind, hoping that he hears me and will tell his rider of my gratitude. A moment later he whispers back. Sleep now, little one. Until we meet again. The last thing I remember is the gentle sound of the beating of wings before I slip into a peaceful slumber.