Eragon sat next to Saphira munching on some fruit. After a hard day's work, they were relaxing. Earlier they had a job to intercept some messengers. From that they learned about a new dragon egg that was hidden somewhere in the forest. They searched and found a random scout party and destroyed them.

When both rider and dragon retraced their tracks, they discovered someone was there before them. They also discovered the residue of an egg and few tracks. The person with a young dragon was somewhere in a vast land. It was already concluded that person does not work for Galbatrox. If Galbatrox had another dragon, he would have bragged about it already, unless he was training the rider personally.

It has been a month since they were tracking the young rider and young dragon. They had no luck. Galbatrox's forces had no luck either. It was amazing considering the fact the elves were helping too. If the elves cannot find them then no one can.

"Saphira?"

Yes?

"Do you suppose the new rider is someone of my age?"

Perhaps, why?

"Well," Eragon got a glint in his eyes. "Then I can teach him or her and be a mentor."

I see, still mad at the little respect you get?

"Not really." He huffed a bit. "It's just really empowering to have someone look up to you."

With your luck, the new rider will be more skilled than you are.

Eragon frowned at Saphira. "Not funny. My ego is very delicate."

Sahpria snorted and laughed. Eragon resorted to throwing sticks at the dragon.

Kkkkkkkkkkkkk

General O'Neill stood in the principal's office. The officials of the school were rather nervous having Air Force personal there. The principal walked in, body shaking slightly nervously.

"Uh, hello Sir." He shock O'Neill's hand.

"Hello to you too," O'Neill took his glasses off.

"Where are the others?"

"They're helping the investigation." O'Neill did not bother to tell the principal that they were also employing the use of advanced technology to find Jack.

"I see." The principal smiled thinly.

"While I'm here, tell me about Jack's grades?" O'Neill was a bit concerned. If mini Jack failed a course, he would never forgive himself. After all, he already been through high school and passed. To fail would be awful.

Kkkkkkkkkkkkk

Murtagh sat on Thorn watching the ground with enhanced eyes. He leaned back, tired.

"Thorn, it's been a month. Whoever has the egg is a very good hider."

Yes, Galbatrox is getting more irritated.

"This sucks; I think I'm getting saddle burn." Murtagh rubbed his backside a bit.

I think I am getting windburn, impossible as that is but it is happening.

The pair was flying for at least 10 hours a day searching; ground troops were also searching.

"Let's go back; it's been a long day." Murtagh patted Thorn's neck.

Right, I am tired as well.

"Although," Murtagh paused thoughtfully. "We would have to deal with the King's wraith."

True, but for now we are not replaceable we have some advantage. He will not risk harming either of us until he has another option.

Murtagh shuddered. He knew his life was forfeit if Galbatrox got tired of him and Thorn.

"Let us hope it doesn't come to that."

Thorn turned and flew back to the castle. Had they waited for a few more minutes they would have caught sight of a big black moving blob.

Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Jack sighed in relief. The red dragon that flew overhead turned the opposite direction and was now flying away.

"That was a close one." He said to Carter, perching his arm on the tree. He then jumped down, landing on the ground without a sound. Carter was hidden in the shadow, her black scales concealing her.

Yes, we have been exceptionally lucky have we not?

"Yeah," Jack rubbed the sweat off his brow. "We can't stay in the woods forever; we're running low on food." Jack waved at his clothes. "I'm running out of suitable clothing."

You look fine to me. In addition, I do not need to wear clothing, why do you?

Carter did not understand the concept of nudity and embarrassment about nudity. Jack sighed. "It's a human thing."

Yes, a human thing that does not suit you.

"What are you implying I'm not human?" Jack said in mock shock. He did not really expect an answer.

You are not.

Jack blinked at the dragon. "Wuh?" His face screwed up in a comical manner.

As a rider your 'genes' were changed. You would notice that most humans cannot use magic, nor do they have the agility and strength you are displaying. Did you not notice how fast you have become and limber?

Jack looked at his hands; the silver swirl gleamed in the sunlight. He thought back on how much he changed over the month.

Many riders change and become more elven. You, however, are different. Your magic is strong and your will stronger. You are quick and silent as an elf, whether or not that is a product of your training as a 'black ops' it is still different. When you sleep, you mumble words I do not understand.

Jack frowned. "What words?" Carter already knew that he spoke many languages and some few alien curses.

They are similar to the words used to do magic.

"Norse?" Jack thought for a moment. Carter shook her head negatively.

You said Anqueetas.

"Ancient." Jack translated smoothly; he remembered what language it was. He remembered why he got the knowledge of the ancients dumped into his head. It was removed so he would not die. Maybe becoming a rider was mutating his genes to a point where he started remembering the knowledge.

If only this place had the technology to analyze his genes.

"What else is different?" Asked Jack, curiously one hand brushing his hair, it had grown to an unruly length.

You were able to heal me quickly. You have yet to get sick from the various diseases that inhabit the forest. If I did not know, I would have thought you a dragon.

Jack chuckled, a dragon. He was honored that Carter thought so highly of him. He opened his mouth to say something more but he stopped. Something similar to a vision or dream flashed before his eyes.

Two people were walking towards them. One was a bright blue color, the other green. They were getting close; both had pointed ears and weapons.

Jack opened his eyes. His instincts told him someone was coming, a possible hostile.

Jack? What is wrong? I saw something but I do not know what it was.

He held up his hand, an old military gesture that meant for everyone to shut up. Ever since their bonding, they shared memories and experiences. Carter was well versed in military gestures and tactics.

Carter slunk into the ground. She melted back into the darkness, gone.

Jack climbed up the tree, and hid in the safety of the leaves. The plan was to drop down and knock the intruders unconscious. Jack began to regret bringing a gun with him or at least a zat.