Disclaimer: The Inheritance Cycle characters do not belong to me and will never belong to me they are brain child of Christopher Paolini

Chapter 3: Plan to Action and Soul Searching

Eragon woke with a start in the morning as he found himself covered by Saphira's feathered sapphire blue wing. As he stretched his arms he heard a noise and realized it was Saphira snoring. He chuckled at her she must be then she grasped him with her paw and put him on top of her belly and completed the act by wrapping her wings around him and lifted her neck looking at him.

As she did so she opened up their mental link and flat out laughed I final caught you in that laughing act of yours when I snore that is Saphira said to Eragon

Ugh knew I should not have laughed at you, you always somehow know when I laugh your snoring he thought to himself or so he thought.

You're the only person around and I doubt any of those laughing birds that you talk about are around during the winter Eragon. She pointed out in sarcasm. Plus the laughter was close enough to feel.

You were listening to that those are my personal thoughts Eragon stated in shock.

Eragon while we are susceptible to attack I do not feel privacy of thought is a luxury we can afford here, she pointed out to him, your thoughts may generate an idea that I did not think of.

Alright Saphira point made just stay out of my most personal thoughts ok? He asked as politely as he could to the dragon he was currently on top of.

You already know my answer to that Eragon I have as many personal thoughts as you do and wish to keep them to myself unless we – she trailed off. Unless we what Saphira he tried to get her going again – well if you want to we can become of one mind in terms of us knowing thoughts memories and every little detail of personal value to us shestated.

Eragon sensed her about to get up and gently slide off her belly and on to the ground below. Well, how long does that take for us to do this, he asked.

I do not know Eragon it would be best to hold off until we are safe from our enemies though she stated adding while rolling over and getting up on all fours though with us it should not take more than a few hours to do.

Well then let us get this order to Eoam shall we Eragon. Saphira said

Are you well enough to fly because that was quite the hit you took yesterday, he stated out of concern for her, and I do not want you overstraining yourself again.

I will not do such a thing to my own wings Saphira said to Eragon especially considering what they have gone through these many weeks that have past us already. I will be taking it easy regardless of that ultimatum in the letter she pointed to her saddle bags with her tail. I do not care for people who are trying to separate us for reasons unknown.

I do not think anyone would Eragon interjected though your biggest issue might be the reason but it is just a theory. Saphira gave him a pointed, nasty look that spoke loud and clear about what she thought about that theory. Easy with the look Saphira, I am on your side remember.

Sorry, she gently said, it is just that I personally have a choice here and if the alliance that we just helped save this wants me to be with a particular dragon and force me to be with him. I will not stand for it at all. Even Thorn would be a better choice even with all of the evils that he and Murtagh have done. However, even they are not a choice since they are up north finding themselves. It seems our option of fleeing Alagaesia is the best one to go by.

But where Saphira he asked and how would we leave even Carvahall at this rate is starting to look like we do not need to be there in the first place.

Saphira contemplated the question the options where numerous south after Aberon; south or west after Tarnag; north or west after Ceris; north after Ellesmera and Carvahall. Each very easy to do with the Alliance off its guard if they gave them the slip. But which was most practical and which would help them through their problems in terms of security for themselves. Saphira? Eragon said rousing her out of her thoughts.

I do not know Eragon there are many options however and we just need to pick the one that is right for us. Saphira commented.

Alright then that is what we shall do but for now I am ready to go and deliver the message to Eoam he replied.

Saphira looked to find him already in the saddle waiting for her to take off into the early morning sky and headed southwest towards the island that the small village was on. You moved fast I am surprised that I did not feel you putting on my saddle and your bags.

Speed comes in handy occasionally when it presents itself. He said trying to sound like he was faster than her. Unfortunately she picked up on his hesitancy

Mmmm, she said thinking 'he is not going to even suspect this.'

Eragon happened to be looking down at the orders at the time when she in one quick move thrust herself into the sky. Needless to say she caught Eragon completely off guard. All she heard him say was "Whoa, there Saphira easy on the takeoff and please do not do that again."

Speed comes in handy occasionally when it presents itself does it not. She cheekily replied to him what is the matter Eragon did I take those words right out of your mouth. She finished the statement by turning her head to the side and looking at him with grin.

Just pay attention to where you are going Saphira you and I will be a lot better off if we did. He said dully and in a flat tone of voice.

Alright, alright no need to be a spoilsport about it I am just having some fun that is all. She replied rather put out by his unwillingness to play along

Yes and at my expense I noticed. Eragon retorted with a huff

You're the one who opened the gate for me to do it little one if you did not notice. She shot back.

After that Eragon fell silent and let Saphira fly. Saphira felt a satisfaction of beating her rider at his own game as she always had be able to do. 'Then again' she thought 'with the cleverness of a dragon how could I not beat him.'

As Saphira flew through the air she and Eragon continued to talk about the plan to leave. I wonder that signature is not Arya's but someone else's so would she be forthcoming to us as an ally, Eragonstated breaking the silence.

If it is true we could ask her for limited help as an ally because she would probably be under watch by our enemies she added further.

Eragon pondered for a moment andsaid it might be an idea to try Saphira if this is true. Yes it would Eragon it definitely is that hopefully we can get this done quickly and effectively you know? She stated.

Saphira, Eragon started, when we get beyond their control I want us to find happiness our own way and see if we can start anew you know?

Absolutely Eragon, what were you suggesting we do when that happens she asked.

Well I do not know Saphira enjoy life first then start searching I guess replied Eragon.

For what Eragon Saphira asked somberly as she thought of the direction this was headed please do not tell me your looking for dragon eggs for the sake of me getting a mate.

What! Eragon replied quickly No, no, no Saphira I cannot impose that on you at all because I know you want a happy life and when you are ready you are ready Saphira simple as that.

Thanks Eragon that it probably the first time someone has given me a choice in this matter the Varden, Dwarves, and Elves are all pushing Firnen and I to mate she said.

As I stated before I do not want to mate with him anymore Eragon it is just a personal preference, considering the events taking place she stated calmly.

Well I hope you eventually find someone Saphira he replied to her statement.

So do I Eragon she said otherwise the dragon race is done for completely.

. Silence provided the two as the subject of thedragon races revival was still very touchy for her. She always managed to bounce back and got to a new subject when she needed to, and she was still wondering what Eragon could be searching for.

So, what are you searching for Eragon, Saphira asked, if not for dragon eggs then for what?

I guess I am looking for a new sense of purpose Saphira the Varden no longer allies and our good faithful friends being a potential source of entrapment makes it feel as though I have lost my identity Eragon stated.

Even though I have you by my side it feels as though I am alone and without cause and am not going to be with cause for a long while.

Oh little one Saphira spoke soft and sweet you do have purpose and meaning as all creatures do in life. You of all people have the worst things fall upon you but know this I will always be by your side to help in your quests and pursuits in order to make sure that you are loved and cared for. Besides who would not want a dragon as a friend and ally right plus our bond and love for each other gives us strength Eragon.

Well he stated when you put it in that perspective I guess I do have a purpose to live for it is just so hard to mold that purpose into something new and fresh. As a rider and friend of yours I will do the same for you Saphira Brightscales. You mean more to me than anyone else ever will and no one will ever change that view of you.

Thanks Eragon that means a lot to me and gives me hope that we will never have the possibility of being separated from one another she stated with pride and also pointed out. Look the islands are just ahead and I see Eoam too. Eragon watched through her eyes and stated alright then let us hope that nothing comes of this too early and we can make our exit in the Eastern side of Alageasia.

Saphira nodded and added hopefully without out the Varden finding out about what we are truly doing.