Chapter 8

Sat at the dining room table, Eragon found himself staring down at his simple breakfast that lay before him. Cold chicken. Dry bread. It was so real. He wanted to take a bite and enjoy a taste of home. But it frightened him. Maybe he never awoke from these dreams because he never did what he wanted the most?

From the kitchen, he could hear Garrow whistling a merry tune. All he had to do was leave the table and walk into the next room and Garrow would be there. But what if he wasn't? What if he disappeared? What if he was never meant to see him again? His fear of being robbed of these dreams kept him firmly in his seat.

Roran looked past him and glanced at the doorway, before picking up a chicken leg and biting into the soft and tender meat. Eragon eyed the food enviously. His plate remained untouched. Having noticed his cousin's lack of appetite, Roran moved his own plate to one side and leaned forward across the table, resting his chin in the palm of his hand.

"You're not ready to see him yet…are you?"

"No…"

"And what about her?"

"She is trapped somewhere…I don't know what fate has befallen her…"

"No, not her!…the other one…"

"Lia?"

"Yes, her!…will you let her?"

"I don't know…"

"I think you should, you know"

"You're not the only one…"

"She's special…it would be right…I don't know why…it just would…"

Lazily, he plucked another leg from his plate and began to tear off chunks with his teeth. Eragon frowned and folded his arms.

"How do you know about Lia anyway?"

Roran shrugged his shoulders, grinned and winked.

"How am I supposed to know? This is your dream!"

Compelled to argue, Eragon thought of something to say when a gush of warm air blast down upon them. Shielding his eyes, Roran turned his eyes to the ceiling.

"Looks like its time for you to wake up…"

With a second blast of air, Eragon felt himself fading from his surrounding and materialising in a place where the warmth grew even stronger.

Saphira had slept wonderfully. It was the first night in a long time that she did not feel the urge to merely nap and be constantly alert for her and the Rider's safety. It was too early to proclaim friendship with their companions, but somehow, after the previous day, there was now an element of trust. She trusted Lia and despite Murtaghs's outburst, Lia seemed to trust him, which in turn, put Saphira's mind at ease.

However, now, after eight hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep, she grew impatient. This day, Eragon would decide whether he would consent to her bonding with another. The concept was rather preposterous, not to mention unheard of. But she found the idea far too interesting and tempting to ignore or pass by.

Not wanting to wake him, she began to wish that he would wake up on his own accord. After an hour, she could barely contain herself. Leaning her head towards his, she gazed into his sleeping face to see if there were any signs of his stirring any time soon.

Her breath caused his eyes to flicker beneath their lids, before he slowly opened his eyes and yawned. Rubbing the sleep from them, he looked up through the trees to see the sun shining through, it was a clear and beautiful day. All was calm and peaceful and then there was Saphira, choosing to stare at him politely, trying to hide the excitement that he felt building up behind her calm exterior.

Of all the unfathomable things, he found himself thinking of Roran's words within his dream. He was not pleased, but he could not deny the truth. He wanted to believe that he had a choice, but it was a lie. He had every right to choose whatever he wanted…which is why he surprised himself with his next words.

Allright…

What do you mean?

Don't pretend you don't know! Don't pretend you haven't been waiting all morning to hear my answer! I could feel your impatience in my sleep!

Maybe I was a little impatient…

Well now you can let it all out. You have my consent

Thank you. You won't regret it

I'd better not!

And how are we feeling this morning?

I don't know about you, but I feel like a cripple

Do you hurt as much?

No…thankfully…but I am too terrified to move in fear of bringing back the pain…

You will have to move eventually…

I know…but not today…today I just want to be still…have Lia make me more of that delightful herbal concoction of hers and rub some of that repulsive salve on my broken chest

She won't be long

Where is she?

They have both gone hunting

How long have they been awake?

They rose an hour or two ago

After all that running and riding and fighting…I would have expected them to sleep until midday?!

No…they are light sleepers…they seem to require little rest…upon waking, they appeared sufficiently rested…

Unbelievable

Impressive

Well, I guess we shall just have to wait for them.. after all…it's not like I can go anywhere….but you can go and fly if you wish?

Not yet. I will wait

Very well

Half an hour passed in silence as they waited and let their surrounding soothe their minds. Clear, fresh air filled their lungs. Birds chattered around them and there was a crisp, yet pleasant chill in the morning breeze.

Finally, they caught sigh of one of their two hunters. Murtagh appeared with his knife in one hand and the three rabbits. Two tied to his belt and the third in his other hand. At the sight of Eragon up and awake, Murtagh smirked and attempted to resume his usual manner.

"Why Rider, up so soon? Why not indulge yourself in some more beauty sleep. I dare say you could use some"

Eyeing her Rider, Saphira secretly agreed. Sensing her scrutinising look, Eragon glared and opened his mouth to speak.

"Good morning to you too Murtagh"

The pain was there, but it was less. Murtag's ears pricked at the words and he nodded his approval and laughed.

"The Rider speaks! This is good! Before you know it, you shall be singing, dancing and sparring once more!"

Approaching the still burning fire, Murtagh began to skin the rabbits and prepare them for one of his simple, yet fine stews. The smell of fresh meat greeted Saphira and caused her stomach to lurch with greed.

"Where is Lia?"

About to answer, Murtagh turned his head and the stopped, staring somewhere behind them with an unbelieving look on his face and a wide grin.

"Not bad…for a girl…"

It wasn't the first time he had used those words, however, on this occasion, they were spoken without the intent of insulting her. She had a handful of herbs and a young deer slung over her shoulder. She looked every inch the huntress she was more than capable of being. Walking before Saphira, she dumped the dead animal in front of her, before turning to nod at Eragon.

"Good morning Rider..I trust you slept well?"

"Yes"

"You can speak? Good. I will make more medicine for you and we will see you recover faster yet"

Wasting no time, Saphira bared her teeth and sunk them into the carcass before her.

Thank you Lia…his meat is young and tender…

It was the least I could do

Joining Murtagh by the fire, she once more began to create her herbal remedy. Busy slicing chunks of meat, Murtagh spoke without looking at her.

"Of course, you realise that with Eraon incapacitated, I am lacking a sparring partner. Would you care to join me?"

"Am I a second choice? The unwanted alternative? How flattering! How could I possibly refuse an offer like that?"

She sounded sarcastic, but her tone was entertained. It was as if despite everything, they were adamant to cling onto the normality of their previous relationship. There was something severely boring in being pleasant. It lacked any form of fun. If she were willing to continue their game, then he would gladly play along. The only difference was that these insults were now made with mischievous smiles on their lips.

"I apologise. Did I offend you? I forgot how sensitive you females are. Or perhaps you are weary and need to lie down? Is that it? Or is it the frightening possibility that I could beat you and shame you in clear view of our Saviour?"

Lia's eyes rose to meet his. They held each other's challenging glares for a few moments before she clicked her tongue.

"Was that a threat?"

"That my lady, was a promise"

She turned to Eragon and offered him a charming smile.

"Rider…I feel I must warn you that our numbers will shortly be reduced by one"

"Are you leaving so soon?" Murtagh asked innocently.

Ignoring his question, Lia got to her feet, lay a bowl of herbal tea by Eragon's side and knelt before him. She glanced at his bandaged ribs, reached into her pocket and produced the salve.

"May I take a look at you?"

"Do what you must"

He braced himself for the pain and watched as she pulled out her knife and sliced through his bandages. Looking away, he could not bring himself to acknowledge the state of his wound. Lia seemed unfazed by the sight of his severely bruised ribs. Scooping up a generous dollop of salve in her fingers, she began to massage it gently into his chest.

Her touch was gentle and precise. She caused him no more pain that was necessary, for which he was grateful. Whilst she worked the salve into his skin, she spoke.

"It looks worse than it is. The fact that it bruised so quickly means you will recover well"

"How bad does it look?"

"It looks like a horse kicked you in the chest! It's not pretty"

"The pain is less. How long do you think it will take to heal?"

"I will not lie to you Eragon. It could be weeks. Probably a month"

"So long…"

"Be thankful broken ribs is all that you suffer! How is your breathing? Have you coughed up blood?"

"My breathing is a little painful, but normal .I have coughed up no blood"

"That is good. A man could bleed to death internally and I would not have been able to help you. You were lucky. Be grateful. Rest while you can. For any normal being, a wound like this would take a month.. but with your Rider privelidges..maybe you will be luckier?"

"We can only hope"

"Indeed"

"What of the bandages?"

"You are stationary and I think the air will do it some good. Let your skin breathe. Relax. Eat and watch as I show Murtagh exactly what it feels like to have his arse kicked by a girl"

Before he could consider the consequences of his reaction, a fit of laughter burst from his lips. It hurt, but it almost seemed worth it for the look on Murtagh's face. Ignoring the agony, he grinned. From behind them, Murtagh replied to her threat with a menacing laugh and a pitying look.

"In your wildest dreams my lady"

"A dream? With you?…surely that would be a nightmare?"

"Enough talk…breakfast is almost ready…first we dine…then I'll make you eat your words"

She reached out her hands to take her bowl from his outstretched arm, only to find that he held it firmly in his grip. A childish look spread across his face and she sneered at him, unimpressed.

"If you expect me to beg for my breakfast, you can think again"

"Take it.. you will need it.."

"I don't need anything to pin you to the floor"

"Why my lady? If that is all you are interested in, you should have but asked"

He eyed her up and down with a playful smile, as a man would a common whore. Realising the implicating of her words, she prised the bowl from his hands, threw him a disgusted look, turned on her heel and walked away. Only when her back was turned, did she allow embarrassment to paint her face red.

Seating herself between Eragon and Murtagh, she ate her stew and imagined the many different ways that she would wreak petty revenge on him. They all ate in companionable silence and after their bowls were empty and cleaned, they put out the fire.

Unable to move properly, boredom began to cause Eragon to seek any form of entertainment that he could find. Thus far, his only inspirations were his two bickering companions and he intended to make full use of them. Smiling cruelly, he chose to remind them of their arrangement.

"I cannot spare any magic to seal your swords, but some good old fashioned brawling never hurt anyone"

"Until now…" Lia added, casting Murtagh an obliging smile

"Oh I won't go easy on you my lady...I'm not afraid to hit a girl"

"Neither am I.."

It took him a few moments to register her insult, before he stood with his feet slightly apart, one in front of the other and his fists raised. His passion for the release of fighting overrode every other feeling. Seeing the look in his eyes, Lia couldn't help but feel the heat and excitement cause her limbs to twitch in anticipation. Mirroring his stance, she didn't take her eyes off her opponent.

Eragon held his breath. He could feel Saphira's eagerness. With a few words, he would start this act. An act that could end up with them in a similar position to himself. Engrossed in the moment, he didn't care. Everyone awaited his instruction. He spoke. One word.

"Begin!"

Slowly, they started to circle each other, waiting for the right moment to attack. Their primal urge to strike instantly was suppressed by their need to demonstrate their skill. For a long minute, nothing happened. Murtagh grew impatient. He had held out for as long as possible. He wanted to wipe the mocking smile from her face. He took her bait. He attacked first.

Lia saw that he was about to hit her. Dropping his right shoulder, he was going to punch with his left arm. She prepared to dodge to her right, but he had feinted the move and attacked with his right arm instead. At the last moment, she leaned backwards as his fist hit the air where her face had been a second before.

Keeping perfect balance, she hopped backwards and rethought her strategy. He was being cunning. She liked that. There was no fun in an easy fight. But if he was going to try and be clever, then so was she. He threw another punch. She was ready for it. Catching his fist in the palm of her hand, she nimbly danced around him and wrenched his arm behind his back. He hissed in annoyance, but there was an edge of delight to his voice. They stood perfectly still.

"Does my lady want to play rough?"

"Why Murtagh, I thought you would never ask!"

"Just say the word my lady…"

"Pretty please?"

"It will be my pleasure!"

Laughing, she released his arm and he spun around and punched her hard across her jaw. She felt her head rock to the side and momentarily saw black, before she tasted blood. Spitting to the ground, she rolled her shoulders and let her anger and her humiliation drive her to her limit. He stood gloating, but he was ready for her attack. Or at least that was what he thought.

Unleashing her wrath, she rushed at him, but instead of attacking him with the expected blows of a drunken madman, she used her other style. At the last moment, she shifted her balance from each foot, one to the other and each time one left the ground, a powerful kick met his surprised body with a dynamic thud.

The first kick caught him under the chin. He felt himself stumbling backwards. The second landed in his stomach, causing him to double over and as her finishing move, she dropped to the ground and with a sweep of her legs, knocked him from his feet.

Lying defeated on his back, Lia pinned his arms down with her hands and sat on his legs, immobilising him. Leaning her face towards his, he could see a welt rising on her jaw. Blood stained her lips. But for all that, he saw only the beauty of her victory. He should have been angry. He was defeated. But all he could do was stare at her. She smiled and let her eyes rest on his chin, where an angry bruise and grazed skin were the result of her handiwork.

"You don't look so pretty anymore"

"That's interesting… because you look better than before we began"

Letting go of his arms, she reached up and touched her jaw, before brushing the hair from her face. Sitting up, Murtagh lightly brushed his fingers over his chin and winced, before chuckling.

"You punished me well.. not a lot of people live to tell the tale"

"Let me see!"

Taking his face in her hands, she looked at the graze and snorted in amusement.

"You are whining like a child! It's only a flesh wound!"

"I am not whining woman!"

Grabbing her hands, he removed them from his face. Only then did they realise that she had absentmindedly remained sat upon his lap and they now appeared to be holding hands. There were a few seconds were neither moved and then, as if the image were too disturbing to behold, they leapt away from each other as if someone had set fire to their backsides. Eragon laughed. Saphira hummed thoughtfully.

"Oh please! Don't stop on mine and Saphira's account!"

Murtagh tried to look angry, but he found himself looking alarmed. Lia stalked away without giving him a backward glance and licked the dry blood from her lips. Eragon nodded to Saphira, who rose into a standing position and stared hard at Lia.

This is your last chance to change your mind little one

My mind is set. But as I have trusted our judgement, will you trust mine?

Of course

Good

"Lia…Saphira is going to stretch her wings…would you care to join her?"

Both Saphira and Lia stared at him incredulously. Lia could not speak. She could not move. Saphira taken by complete surprise, bombarded him with questions.

Eragon! What you are suggesting is… is?.. is?!…are you sure you want this?

You wanted to bond with her Saphia and from my own experience, nothing brings me closer to you than when we are in the air. I offer her this opportunity. I may not feel so generous in the future. Will you carry her?

I will

Then tell her. She looks dumbfounded and stares at me as if I was delirious!

Lia began to wonder if she did not pay enough attention to his condition. He appeared to be recovering, but did he have a fever? Maybe he was suffering over-tiredness? His offer was unexpected. And yet. She wanted nothing more than to say yes. She began to wonder if this was real at all? Was she sleeping? Could she ever really ride a dragon?

Lia… will you ride with me?

Unmistakably, the real voice of Saphira penetrated her mind and without hesitation, Lia replied.

It would be an honour

Murtagh heard Eragon's offer and assumed that it was some form of joke, before he saw the look passing between Lia and Saphira. Amazed, he walked between them and stood before Eragon.

"You are going to let her ride Saphira?""

"Well… she did bring her breakfast"

Unable to comprehend the Rider's actions Murtagh burst into laughter and Eragon grinned- unwilling to divulge his motive at that point in time. Assessing the dragon's height, Murtagh glanced at Lia and tipped her a wink.

"Would you like some help into the saddle my lady?"

Saphira lowered herself, ready to be mounted. Still finding speech impossible, she gave a small thankful nod and slowly walked to Saphira's side. Kneeling on the ground, Murtagh offered his bent knee as a step up onto her back. He offered her a hand, which she accepted as she climbed into the saddle.

Once in the saddle, she let the moment hit her. She was on a dragon! She was actually sat atop a real dragon! She could feel herself rising and falling every so slightly with every great breath that was being drawn by the giant creature. She reached to take a hold of the handle on the saddle and found her hand straying to one of the giant scales below. She had to know that it was real. She had to touch her. As her hand touched the cool, smooth scale, tears threatened to spill from her eyes. The smile, which spread across her face, caused her cheeks to ache.

Murtagh took a step back and surveyed the two of them. Although he could not read into Saphira's emotions, her body language showed an enthusiasm that he had never seen and Lia… Lia looked exactly as he would have expected. Like a child living her dream. He wondered why he did not feel any jealous for her? Instead, he felt her joy and wanted her to fulfil her fantasy.

Are you ready Lia? You may want to hold on tight?

I… I am ready

Standing up on her hind legs, Saphira beat her wings. Lia leaned forward in the saddle to keep upright and gripped the saddle until her hands hurt. With a second flap, they were off the ground and every flap thereafter sent them rising fast through a gap in the trees. As the surrounding forest dropped below them, Lia laughed as she finally learned what it was like to fly. Back on the ground, Murtagh seated himself behind Eragon and continued to scan the skies.

"That was a curious and yet noble thing you did Rider"

"You believe so?"

"I do not know your reason and I do not need to know. But I know this. You have given her something no one else could. You have changed her life"

"You really care about her, don't you?"

Murtagh made a show of spluttering and making a series of incoherent noises, before allowing a small shrug to contradict his behaviour.

"I won't feed your sick fantasy Rider…but I do not dislike her.. she is an admirable lady…a formidable opponent..I respect her.. I'm.. I'm not good with words…"

His voice trailed off and Eragon smirked, despite himself. With a tremendous effort, he raised a hand and patted Murtagh on the back.

"I can tell"

Murtagh frowned, Eragon chuckled. They both stared back up at the sky. The mood was light-hearted and their silence, mutual and yet comfortable.

Up above, Lia saw how the land looked from the skies above. She found herself taking in every small detail and welcoming the sensation of the flight. Already her legs began to ache from the ride, but the pain caused her to grin even more. She was riding a dragon! This was a small price to pay! And every step of the way, she could feel Saphira's emotions. They fused with her own.

Between them, there was only happiness and bliss. Daring to release her hands from the saddle, she held them high above her head and felt as if she was flying herself. Nothing in her life had prepared her for this experience. It was beyond anything that she had every imagined. It was the most amazing, exhilarating, beautiful and serene experience of her life so far. All her worries. Her past. Up here. It dissolved into nothing. This moment was perfection in its purest definition. Life had been cruel thus far, but this moment made her every moment worth living. She would carry this moment in her heart forever. With their feelings as one, Saphira asked what she wanted to most.

Show me who are…share with me and I will share with you…

Lia responded by opening doorways to her mind that had previous been locked. She would allow Saphira to see into her past, but she would not betray Murtagh and therefore, left some memories suppressed. Similarly. Saphira appeared to do the same.

I am ready Saphira… As am I…

A rush of memories passed between them. The memories presented themselves as snippets of scenes, pictures, feelings, one after another, appearing and disappearing at great speed. It was as if both beings were reluctant and unused to sharing, but they felt obligated to show their trust by this exchange.

Saphira watched and felt each memory. As one passed, another more depressing followed. This girl knew nothing but hardship and pain for what seemed like a very long time. The memories began with a happy childhood. A happy family. Then a massacre occurred. A fire. She was alone. She fended for herself. She had no home. She begged for food and shelter. She was beaten. She ran away. She was always somewhere different. So many different people in her life. She learned defence. She learned folklore. She was ever changing. She had no home. Her only purpose seemed to be here and now. Saphira saw all this and it saddened her, but also filled her with admiration.

Lia saw Saphira hatch. How Eragon looked after her. Their long journey. Brom's death. The appearance of Murtagh and a series of other emotions, mostly consisting of worry and love for her Rider. She forgot that Saphira was less than a year old. Other memories existed, but they were shielded from her.

Are you ready to land now?

I don't think I will ever be ready

I have enjoyed this

As have I

Do you not feel it?

I feel something… something has changed

Our bond is closer

What does it mean?

This…

Saphira severed their connection. Suddenly feeling alone and in the middle of the sky, Lia panicked and without thought as to how, she reached for Saphira and yelled.

DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE UP HERE!

Saphira laughed. Lia wondered why she was entertained when it became clear. She had touched minds with her. It had been easy and impulsive and natural. She felt Saphira glow as she dipped her head and then began their slow descent to the ground. They did not interrupt the moment with conversation. Together, they savoured the last moments of their flight and landed softly a few metres from where Eragon and Murtagh sat awaiting them.

Murtagh leapt to his feet and approached them. Lia eased herself from the saddle and only when her legs touched the ground, did she sway. Leaning against Saphira's side for balance, she giggled before standing before the dragon and bowing her head in reverence.

"Saphira…I know not what to say..only that I shall remain grateful to you for all eternity…you are the most amazing being and you take my breath away.. what I mean…is thank you"

Stopping by Lia's side, Murtagh saw that her eyes were shining with tears unwilling to fall.

Reach out a hand… both of you…

"Murtagh..reach out a hand"

"Why?"

"I don't know…"

Together, they reached out a hand and Saphira moved her head ever closer. Lia inhaled sharply, overwhelmed that Saphira would allow them to pet her. It seemed a crime. Murtagh fought to keep his hand held held out, half expecting it to be bitten. Their hands remained steady, and as they made contact with Saphir'a smooth brow, a strange warmth erupted through the palms of their hands. Instinctively, they wanted to withdraw, but Saphira held their courage with her mysterious eyes. When the warmth died, their palms slid from her face and they stared in wonder at the result of the strange sensation.

This is my gift to you both…

Saphira..what is this?

I do not know… I wanted to give you something and then Murtagh arrived and it seemed that I wanted to give him something also..

What does it mean?

I wish I could tell you. There are aspects of and reasons for my magic that even I do not yet understand. But it is a gift all the same. Whatever it is. Use it wisely…

Leaving them, Saphira padded over towards Eragon and lay herself behind him once more. Relieved to have his dragon back by his side, Eragon turned his head and kissed her side. Arching her neck, she rested her head beside his.

Murtagh gazed at his palm. Lia gazed at hers. Across the very palms, which they had cut the night before, were a series of small silver lines. It was as if a fine craftsman had etched a tattoo with a fine silver pencil. And what was printed into their skin? The features of the other. Murtagh carried the image of Lia. Lia carried the image of Murtagh. In unison, they looked up and stared at each other questioningly.

"Lia.. what?.. how?… why?"

"It's something we shall have to discover for ourselves"

Closing her hand, she glanced back at the sky and wondered if the joy of the flight was a sweet start to another strange series of events. She was suddenly confused. Alien emotions and feelings consumed her and then.. a voice

Why are there never any simple answers?

The voice was deep, velvety and filled with annoyance. It sounded as if it was a part of her, but it was not. But there was no question as to whom it belonged to. It was Murtagh. The only thing she could do was answer his thought.

If all the answers were simple, life would be all the more boring

Painfully slowly, Murtagh backed away form her and his brow creased.

"How did you do that?"

"It is Saphira's gift…"

"I have my barriers up all the time!"

"I heard you first"

"But.. I was only thinking…"

"Were you directing your thoughts to me?"

"..yes.."

"Well…it looks as if blood isn't the only thing that binds you and I…"

She did not wait for his reply and chose to walk away before she heard any more of his thoughts. He held his tongue as his brain struggled to deal with this new information. He watched her leave, before thinking to himself.

Maybe this is a good thing…

"Maybe…"

The reply was spoken aloud over Lia's shoulder. How had she heard him? He had not directed his thought at her? Were there rules to this kind of communication? The questions whirled around his head until he almost felt sick with dizziness. Unable to think of any other reaction, he began to laugh. It started off lightly and then he could not bring himself to stop.

Lia, now somehow tied to his emotions, felt the comedy of the moment take hold of her and she too began to laugh hysterically. Partially because of his effect on her, but mostly due to her own inability to accept their situation. They both collapsed to the floor and laughed and laughed until tears streamed down their cheeks.

Eragon had begun to worry when their laughter did not seem to cease, but he found himself joining in after a while.

What is so funny?

Life, Saphira answered simply.