So as usual, I'd like to thank the following: My reviewers, the people who have set this story on their favorites/story alert, and to the people who read it! Umm, so this chapter is Part filler/Part important scenes, so make of it what you will ;)
I do not own the Inheritance Cycle!
I Would Like To Dedicate This Chapter To: The M. H. T .of R Your review brightened my day and made by lazy butt hurry up and update this story for ya ;) Also, I've been wondering for like EVER what your screen name means. Not gonna lie, but I totally googled it and came up blank. -_- lol but thanks for sticking with this story since chapter one!
Chapter 8: An Unlikely Compromise
After Murtagh's revelation, the meeting broke. Chloe was grateful; she had a date with the cot in her chamber she was eager to get to. Murtagh had stalked out of the room first, only his eyes betraying the conflict of emotions within him. Chloe waited a moment to be dismissed by Eragon, but then a minute passed and she could tell he was in deep conversation with Saphira. So she and Loćien departed, the white dragon hatchling padding next to her. Outside, Murtagh and Thorn were already gone, and she could see the red dragon in the distance alighting on an outcropping of rock that he had come to claim as his own. Murtagh spent his nights there with him, rather than inside the stone buildings with the rest of them. Chloe paused before she passed Saphira, bowing. At last she realized what this all meant. Saphira, the great sapphire dragoness was the last female of her kind. If they were fortunate, she would mother her race to its former glory. Saphira dipped her head in acknowledgment, and then her eyes shifted to a figure behind her. Chloe turned to see Eragon in the archway of the meeting room. He was watching her, and he appeared as though he were weighing his options. Finally he moved passed her to stand beside Saphira.
"Come fly with us, Chloe-finiarel, Loćien-finiarel." Eragon said, extending a hand to Chloe. Surprised, Chloe took his hand, allowing him to help her into Saphira's saddle. Eragon picked up Loćien and handed him to Chloe, who settled him in front of her and held him tightly. Eragon strapped her legs into the saddle, and Chloe was glad he could not see her red cheeks when he settled in the saddle behind her and wrapped a loose arm around her waist.
Hold on, Saphira advised before springing into the air with a mighty leap. She unfolded her wings and they immediately caught the wind beneath them. With a series of flaps they were climbing into the air, rapidly gaining altitude and Chloe felt a weight in her stomach drop. She prayed she wouldn't be sick, but luckily the fresh, crisp air seemed to clear her head a little. Saphira banked to her right, and she landed on an outcropping of rock. Eragon helped her and Loćien out of the saddle, and Chloe carefully walked to the edge of the rock ledge.
"Oh my God, it's beautiful up here!" Chloe gasped. She could see everything from her vantage point, and she saw that the Dragon Hold was much bigger than she'd originally thought. She could see the entrance tunnel to her right, and her waterfall to her far left. The two seemed to be opposite corners of the Hold, but she couldn't even see the other two. The meeting room and their chambers were carved out of the stone in between the entrance hall and the waterfall. Beyond that, obscuring the waterfall stood tall trees that created a green wood. She could even spot the glade they used for training.
"Is that an arena?" Chloe asked as she pointed. Eragon came to stand at her side.
"Yes. Saphira and I believe that was the… meeting area that could house both the riders and the dragons. The meeting room we use I think, was meant for smaller gatherings."
For boring meetings dragons could care little for. Saphira corrected. Chloe smiled. The arena was enormous; it put the coliseum inRome to shame. But it was decrepit with age, and the wild had been claiming its territory back for some time now. Much of the grey stone was covered in green mosses and small trees where sprouting. The rest of the Hold was an vast expanse of forest, trees that she realized were quite large, unlike those in the woods near her waterfall.
"If you look closely you can see that there is a village in the forest." Eragon told her. "There," he pointed. "You see those trees? Their formation is irregular, and you can see that there is a slight ring around them. They are trees that have been sung in the manner of the elves and made into homes."
"Is that were the rider's lived?" Chloe asked.
"Perhaps. I've yet to go." Eragon said. His distant tone made her look up at him. He was observing her again.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Chloe, what I am about to tell you cannot be repeated to anyone else. Not to your mother, your sister or Angela, and especially not Murtagh or Thorn." Eragon told her, and Chloe gave a sharp nod of her head.
"Of course. If I knew the words I'd swear it in the ancient language." She promised. Eragon smiled briefly.
"I appreciate the sentiment." He said. He grew silent once more.
"Are you going to explain why you've suddenly gone soft?" Chloe teased lightly, referring to his behavior with Murtagh in the meeting earlier.
"Yes, but it is no laughing matter." Eragon told her, moving away from the ledge. Chloe followed suit, opting to lean against a boulder instead. Loćien climbed the bolder and settled at its top, near her head.
"Where do I begin? When you and your mother took us into your home, I explained my story to you. I told you of my times with Murtagh. He was my friend. He saved my life more than once. Then I found myself battling a rider stronger than I, who happened to be my brother. Murtagh is a lot of things, but I believe he can be a good person." Eragon said with a heavy sigh. "I cannot blame him for all of his actions. He has lived under the pressure of Galbatorix for most of his life. I'm ashamed to admit that I never did take that under consideration as much as I should have. I—I'm beginning to understand what it must have been like for him to be bound by oath." Eragon explained. Chloe could only nod; she was afraid that if she spoke she might break whatever compelled Eragon to speak of his brother in such an accepting light.
"Chloe, Nasuada is a good person. She's a wonderful leader; she has always put the well being of the Varden above that of her own. She has undertaken many challenges to become what she has today. I have agreed with her judgment in the past, yet yesterday I could not. I explained to you the meaning, the power behind true names. Nasuada has asked me to learn Murtagh's in hopes that if I can he will become our ally." Eragon said. Chloe could feel herself getting sick again.
"Is that why you're being so nice to him? So that maybe he'll let you in and you can stab him in the back?" Chloe accused. She might not be buddy-buddy with the red rider, but this just seemed wrong.
"No!" Eragon exclaimed, a look of horror on his features. "No! I don't want that. I don't think that's right either. What I mean to say is that I'm beginning to understand what it's like to have to do something under oath and not like or agree with it. I would rather Murtagh joined us of his own accord rather than because I forced him. Besides, Nasuada made it sound as though learning the true name of a person was an easy matter. It is not." Eragon said. Chloe nodded slowly.
"So you want him on our side?" Chloe said slowly. Eragon nodded. "I'm sure you know him better than I do, but I don't think that's going to happen. I think he'll book it at the first chance he's got. Murtagh's one of those guys who don't care about anyone else but himself, and in his case his dragon. I don't see him helping us." Chloe said, crossing her arms across her chest. Eragon gave her a meaningful look. Chloe sighed, looking up at the sky. She hadn't realized that it had gotten so much darker.
"Okay." She said, looking back to the senior rider. "Okay. I'll play nice, I guess. I'm not sure what you need me for." She told him. Eragon smiled.
"Nothing. I only need you to remain focused on your studies."
"Then why tell me all of this?" Chloe asked, confused.
Because, this time it was Saphira who answered as she opened her wings and shook them. You and Loćien are rider and dragon. Eragon and I are no longer alone. Together we will stand as one; we will bare each other's burdens and share responsibilities. We shall share our strength and knowledge. The riders will be reborn once more.
As she stood there, taking in the faces of Saphira and Eragon, Chloe began to feel that this was an important moment. She wasn't sure why, but this was the first of many instrumental moments to come. Her actions and decisions would begin to have weight from this point on.
I understand, Saphira-elda.
That night she dreamt of light. It was bright and beautiful, but not of a brightness that hurt her eyes. It was more of a golden light, and she didn't know where she was. Chloe only knew that she was enveloped in the golden light and that its warmth seeped to her bones, warming her from the inside out. It felt like sunlight.
Chl-oe, A voice called in her mind. It drew out her name, breaking it apart.
I know your voice, Chloe thought. But the voice didn't answer, only hummed in her mind. You spoke to me in the cave.
And once before, the voice told her. Chloe knew at once what it meant.
You're the crystal. You're the Floating Crystal of Eoam.
So I have been called by some. You may simply call me Eoam. You remember what it is that I told you after I showed you the past?
I don't remember everything, but some, yes. Chloe answered.
I would not expect you to remember all. It is difficult to speak with your kind. Most is forgotten… conversations are easily lost when the mind is overwhelmed with my magic. Eoam said with what sounded like a heavy sigh.
I remember you said the riders had to be reborn again. But I have so many questions. How was it that you created Loćien? And where did you get Eragon's sword? And why did—
There is no time to explain. For every time that I stretch my consciousness across the lands that sit between us, I chance discovery by the Black Tyrant. My knowledge is great, though what I am meant to say and reveal is little. Restore of the balance was needed, and I accomplished my task. Eoam told her. What was it that the voice reminded her of? There was something more…
Restore the balance? I don't understand…
Nor is it your time to understand. My time in Alagaësia is nearing its end. When you become lost to a point where you can go on no further, seek me and I shall help you one last time.
I will. Chloe promised, though her mind was spinning with unanswered questions.
Good. Then remember that only when four become six will you receive your inheritance. The path will not always be clear, argetlam, but if you do not stand alone you shall succeed. I will watch, but I will not always be able to intervene. Be wary of your past. Eoam said, and the presence left her mind, and her dreams were rid of the golden light, leaving them cold and obscure.
When she woke up the next morning, Chloe felt good. She felt refreshed. Her chambers were still dark, and she knew the sun had yet to rise. She lay on her cot, the straw mattress beneath her uncomfortable as ever, yet a smile shone of her features. Then she remembered her dreams. Not a dream, conversation. She had truly spoken to Eoam. And then her dreams become memories turned into nightmares. The struggles she'd gone through with her mother and Ronnie after her father had disappeared. Band practices with Austin when he'd get angry and violent. But then she thought once more of the soothing voice of Eoam, and she smiled again. She felt optimism for the new day surge through her.
Rolling onto her side, Chloe prodded Loćien. He flicked his tail at her, but didn't make a move to wake.
Suit yourself, then. I'll be back soon. She got off the bed, carefully moving to the chamber door. She'd need to do something about covering the entrance to get a little more privacy. She paused as she heard heavy breathing, and when she looked down her eyes finally adjusted enough so that she could see a mass of darkness at her feet.
Pads? She reached out with her consciousness and was startled by it. He wasn't capable of speech, yet he was a very intelligent beast, she could tell. He could understand her more now than ever before.
"Wanna come for a run with me?" she whispered. The giant dog sprang to his paws, and together they walked through the stone hallway and to the outside. Outside it was easier to see because of the shining moon. She felt as though she could see better anyway. It was still very obviously night, yet the world seemed to be illuminated by more than just the moon. The world shone with a dark purple nightly brilliance. She couldn't explain it. Somewhere in the distance an owl hooted. Chloe began to stretch, her usual warm up before her jog, just like she'd always done on Earth. She'd never been a physically active person outside of dance and her early weekend jogs, but she could do a mile with a light jog.
Practically bouncing on the balls of her feet, Chloe began her jog, Padfoot easily keeping pace with her. Her feet carried her on a familiar path; to the lake. Straying off the path, she wove through the trees, deciding to take a longer route in order to complete her estimate mile. When she and Padfoot ended up at the lake, she knew she had jogged more than a mile. She was certain.
Then why don't I feel like it at all? She wondered. She felt perfectly fine, her breathing was even, hell she hadn't even broken into a sweat. Weird… She turned to see Padfoot lapping at the lake water.
"Hey Pads, catch me if you can!" she called out before taking off into the forest. There was an excited bark and she could hear Padfoot taking off after here. She put on a burst of speed, her run becoming a full on sprint. A laugh escaped her lips as adrenaline pumped through her, and she found herself running faster than she ever had before. When she made it out of the forest she saw the first signs of the sun light up the sky that streamed into the top of the mountain. Once they were on open ground and not in between the crowding trees, Padfoot quickly caught up to her, snapping at her ankles playfully. Chloe laughed as Padfoot ran past her, showing off. She stretched a hand out, threading her fingers through his thick black fur, and then pulled herself onto his back.
"Whoa!" she exclaimed as she nearly slipped off his broad back. She gripped slightly with her knees, as though she were riding a small horse. Only Padfoot's fur was longer and softer, and she could feel his lean body move beneath her. Pads slowed to a trot and then came to a full stop once they reached the stone chambers. The sky was light by now, and Chloe still felt good.
"Coco!" Chloe looked up from petting Padfoot's head to her little sister. Her heart surged with affection at the sight of the little six year old. She slipped off of Padfoot's back, who barked and then gave her a lick on the cheek before taking off. What does that dog get up to?
"Ah, it's Ra-Ra Ronnie!" Chloe exclaimed as she scooped up her little sister into her arms and swung her around. Ronnie giggled as she was deposited back onto the ground. Chloe tugged at one of her gold ringlets.
"You know, I think you're getting shorter. I could have sworn you were at least an inch or two taller…" she trailed off.
"Coco, stop it!" Ronnie exclaimed through another giggle. Then she focused on a figure behind her and let out an excited yelp, bounding forward. Chloe turned to see her throw herself at Eragon only to be unpleasantly surprised; her sister had her arms wrapped around Murtagh's legs.
Just when you teach a kid about stranger danger… Chloe thought to herself as she watched as Murtagh looked down awkwardly at Ronnie, clearly unsure of what to do as she stared at him with a brilliant smile.
"Hi Murty!" she piped up.
"Erm, hello, little one." Murtagh said tentatively. Chloe snickered, gaining Murtagh's attention.
"What? Aren't you going to throw yourself at me?" he smirked.
"No, I happen to have standards." She said with a fake smile. His smirk slipped off his face. "Why are you here anyway?" she asked. She couldn't see Thorn anywhere near, which was surprising.
"I'm here to…have breakfast." Murtagh said, and it looked as though someone had force fed him cough syrup, and not the good kind either. Artificial cherry, Chloe decided by the look of his grimace.
"You're here…to have breakfast. With us." Chloe clarified.
"That would be what I just said."
"You're joining us for breakfast." Chloe repeated. Murtagh shot her a look.
"How else shall I phrase it?" he asked with a scowl.
"I don't know, I mean, it's just surprising. You don't seem like the breakfast-with-people type of person…" Chloe shrugged as she studied him. Ronnie had finally disengaged herself from Murty and was watching their exchange, confused as to why they were speaking to each other with such mean regard.
"Hey Ronnie, why don't you go tell Mom that he's joining us for breakfast?" Chloe said without looking away from Murtagh.
"Does my presence bother you, princess?" Murtagh asked once Ronnie ran back into the chambers. This time Chloe scowled.
"No, not at all, Murty. Or shall I call you Marty?" She asked, causing him to roll his eyes. "Now c'mon, what are you really up to? As much as I'm sure you love family breakfast, I'm positive you've got a motive behind this."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Murtagh said coolly. Chloe chuckled.
"Uh-huh, so this isn't about you trying to play nice with Eragon so that you can find out what he's up to. Okay then, my mistake." Chloe shrugged as she turned to leave. Murtagh caught her wrist, spinning her back to face him.
"So you know he's attempting something?" Murtagh asked. Chloe snorted.
"Yeah, I would have totally thought the same thing, but it's Eragon for crying out loud. He's not the devious type, I can tell you that and I've known the guy for a short time." She told him. Murtagh released her wrist and nodded in agreement. It was true that the words devious and cunning weren't exactly the first that came to mind when he thought about Eragon.
"So I can trust him. I can trust my brother." He said asked.
"I do. But you and I both know you're not going to, least not now anyway." Chloe said. "I wouldn't either, I guess if I was in your position. Guess that stems from both of us having daddy issues." Chloe told him grimly.
"I suppose so." Murtagh admitted slowly. They slipped into silence.
"Right, so I feel like we're having a moment but I'm going to go ahead and not hug you." Chloe said, rocking on the balls of her feet.
"I'd prefer you didn't." Murtagh agreed. Silence again.
"Right, so I still don't like you much—"
"—the feeling's mutual—"
"—but I guess I should say thank you for, you know," Chloe looked anywhere but at the red rider. "Yesterday, so um, thanks." She said, making a fist and holding it up. Murtagh only stared at her in confusion. "Well, you've gotta—here," Chloe wrapped her hand around his, curling his fingers into a fist. Then she awkwardly bumped fists with him.
"Okay, that was weird. I'm going inside now." Chloe said as she turned on the spot and walked away to the stone building, shaking her head. A room down from the meeting room had been made into the dining and cooking room because it was the only other room with a large enough table though this one considerably smaller and rectangular. She could feel Loćien in the room as well and he reached out to her.
Good morning. She greeted. No words were returned, only sunny thoughts.
"Morning, Chloe." Her mother greeted. She was slicing and dicing various fruits and mixing them all in a large wooden bowl that Chloe recognized as Angela's.
"Hey mom." Chloe answered as she plopped down on one of the wooden stools around the table next to Loćien. Ronnie was on the hatchling's other side listening to Ronnie as she told him the story of Hansel and Gretel. It was one of the funnier things she'd seen in a while; a dragon hatchling listening tentatively as a six year old told a story. They almost reminded her of Lilo and Stitch. "Hey, how did Angela get all her stuff here? I mean she came with kitchenware, clothes, and I passed by her room once when she'd left her curtain open a little, and she had stuff in there. Like, a lot of stuff. It was insane. I think I might've seen a hookah in there." Viviana looked up from the fruit salad she was squeezing a lemon into.
"She said she brought a wagon with her." Viviana said. "I'm still not sure how she got here so quickly though. Even Eragon was surprised." Her mother said with a shrug. "But if there's one thing I've learned from her it's that she's full of mystery. But I like her. She's been teaching me a lot of things concerning medicines and potions." Viviana said with a tight smile.
"Huh. Well cool. You've always been interested in medical stuff, so I guess that's… cool." Chloe repeated lamely. She was unsure why her mother's smile seemed so strained. Murtagh walked into the room at that moment.
"Erm, morning." He said awkwardly. Viviana's smile warmed up slightly at his presence and Chloe thought, clearly someone's playing favorites.
"Hello Murtagh. Please, sit anywhere you'd like. Viviana said as she passed out small wooden bowls and spoons and filled the bowls with fruit salad. "I must apologize that we've only been eating fruits and vegetable soups, but this is hardly a kitchen and I can't hunt."
"Eragon actually likes it, and so does Arya. Apparently it's an elf thing. There's no way I'm going vegetarian though." Chloe said as she inspected a cube of purple fruit. "I love a nice, rare steak." Murtagh chuckled.
"I could hunt…if I had Eragon's permission, of course." Murtagh said. Chloe doubted he was as successful as he thought he was at keeping the bitterness out of his tone.
"I'm sure he'd love to grant it to you." Chloe told him. The 'As long as you don't stab him in the back and try and leave or call for Galbatorix' was left implied.
"Yes, I'm sure." Murtagh said with a measured gaze.
Breakfast had been an interesting affair, and Chloe knew Murtagh had been annoyed that Eragon hadn't shown up and he'd had to put up with family breakfast for nothing. Chloe and Loćien left the others for the Training Glade, and Chloe noticed that the white hatchling had gained a couple of inches seemingly overnight.
Someone's growing fast. She told Loćien. He snapped his jaws together in response. That was quickly become his 'yes' response.
Are you going to talk anytime soon? She asked. Loćien surprised her by shaking his head.
But you understand me just fine. Snap of jaws, and Chloe giggled. C'mon, let's not be late. Chloe said and she began to jog to the glade with Loćien keeping pace beside her.
Eragon was standing in the center of training glade, looking very handsome as he did so, Chloe thought. He wore a deep blue tunic and brown leggings and brown leather boots. His sword, Brisingr, was belted at his waist. She couldn't see Saphira anywhere.
"Eragon-elda," she greeted with the formal salute she had been taught.
"Chloe," Eragon returned the gesture. "Where is Aiedail?" he asked.
"Aiedail, master?" Chloe asked in confusion.
"Yes, the sword from the lake. Its name is inscribed in the Ancient Language upon the blade. It is the name of the Morning Star." Eragon explained.
"Oh. I'm sorry master, but I wasn't aware I needed to bring it." Chloe said, cringing internally. She thought she'd made it clear yesterday that she didn't want to use that sword.
"Very well, but beginning tomorrow you must bring it with you." He said, and then turned his attention to the hatchling.
"Loćien, Saphira wishes to begin basic training with you. You will find her at the lake." Eragon said, both out loud and through a series of images. Loćien snapped his jaws and then began in the direction of lake. Chloe was sorry to see him go.
"Master, when will Loćien begin to speak?" she asked.
"There isn't a set time for when a hatchling will begin to speak. But that doesn't mean that he doesn't understand us, which he obviously does. Saphira began to speak when she was a few weeks old, but I've read that it depends upon the hatchling." He told her as he moved back to pick up their usual swords. He tossed her one of the swords and she caught it, swinging it for a moment.
"Ready?" Eragon asked and she nodded in response. Eragon wasted no time. As was usual in their training, he attacked first, slashing his sword at her shoulder. Gripping her sword hilt with both hands, Chloe parried the blow. She knocked his sword away from her for the next few minutes, noting that Eragon seemed to be moving slower than usual. He was always slower with her, mostly because she still needed to learn to move and think quickly all at the same time. She'd never be able to land a blow, much less beat him if he actually tried against her. Yet this morning he was even slower in his movements.
"Master, you're going slower than usual. Why is it?" Chloe asked. Eragon frowned as she blocked another sword thrust.
"I'm not, Chloe." He replied. Chloe shrugged, allowing for an opening, and Eragon nicked her on the thigh. The blow, like all others he'd inflict, would only cause bruising. And yet she was so sure he was moving slower….
Feeling confident, Chloe decided to deliver a blow herself, which caught Eragon off guard. Nonetheless he leaned out of the way, and he was pleasantly surprised when Chloe set him on the defensive instead of the offensive.
"Better, excellent footwork. Careful with those wide arcs, they leave your ribs exposed." Eragon instructed as he defended himself. Chloe made sure not to over think her current success like she had with Murtagh the day before, and only made sure to keep striking out at Eragon. After a few moments of Eragon defending himself, he forced Chloe into a defensive position once more. Finally Eragon caught her blade against his cross guard and with a flick of his wrist he sent Chloe's sword to the ground.
"Very good, Chloe. I'm impressed. I think it's safe to say that after the events of yesterday you're much more determined." Eragon said as Chloe picked her sword up from the grass.
"Yes, master. After seeing everything I saw, I realize now more than I did before how important is for me not be a well, a lousy rider. I'd rather not be the weak link that embarrasses our Order." Chloe said with a shrug. "And I guess after yesterday I also realized that my life on Earth is over. I can't really do anything about it. Yeah it sucks, but still I can't go back. I mean, even if I had the choice, I couldn't take it. Not after being bonded with Loćien. On Earth I wasn't much. I didn't have that many friends and my school work left something to be desired. The people I spent time with outside of my family weren't the best role models," Chloe said as she thought of Jennifer and Austin and Benji, her band. "All I wanted to do was become a dancer. That was what I was good at. I wasn't going to be someone who was going to make some awesome contribution to society. At least here, well guess whose moral compass just got tightened?" Chloe said with a weak chuckle.
"A wise dragon once told me, 'live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future, for it doesn't exist and never shall. There is only now.' These words have led me well, and I hope they will do the same for you." Said Eragon. Chloe nodded, committing the words to memory.
"Murtagh came to breakfast." She said after a brief pause.
"He did what?" Eragon asked, surprised.
"Yeah, he came to breakfast. He wants to know if he can trust you, and I told him he could. 'Course, that doesn't really mean anything to him, because he doesn't think that highly of my word. But I also think he thinks you have an ulterior motive, that you're not just trying to be nice for the sake of brotherly bonding." Chloe explained. Eragon thought her words over for a moment.
"I don't expect him to trust me so easily. And he is right, I do have an ulterior motive, only it's in his benefit. Now come, let's continue."
By the time that Eragon was satisfied with her swordsmanship for the day, Chloe was beginning to feel tired. She found it strange, however, how little she was tired. If Eragon noticed, he didn't mention it. Next they moved onto magic, one of her new areas of study she was looking forward to the most. Of course, it was a lot more memorization and rule-learning than she cared for.
"What is impossible when it comes to magic?" Eragon quizzed.
"Ah, bringing back the dead." Chloe answered
"And?" he prompted.
"And… oh right, attempting a task that requires more energy than you have." Chloe recited.
"That is something you must remember before even thinking about using magic. If not it will kill you." Eragon instructed.
"I understand. But master, how will you know what you can do without killing yourself in the process? I mean, I could think I could lift, I dunno, a boulder, with magic, but then what if I try and I die?" she asked. She didn't like all these rules. It made magic less fun.
"Until you become strong and knowledgeable enough to know your own limits and extent of your power, it is best to use magic in phrases in such a way that you can always cut off the magic you are supplying for your spell. That way if you begin to feel too much of a drop in your energy, you can end the magic. That is why it is important to study the Ancient Language thoroughly. Even a mispronounced word could kill you. For example, if you wanted to change the color of a flower to white, you would use in your incantation the word 'hvitr', which means white. But, if you made the mistake of saying 'hivtr' which is the word for hematite, you would turn the flower into hematite, which would be a significantly dramatic difference in the amount of energy it would require." Eragon explained.
"Gotcha. So I guess this means that's another thing I have to study like there's no tomorrow." Chloe said grimly. Great, homework. So much for leaving that behind. She thought to herself. "At this point wouldn't it just be easier do things without magic?"
"Yes, which is why you shouldn't use magic unless you have no other alternative. It shouldn't be used out of laziness, but out of true need." Eragon explained.
"Yesterday you were able to use magic. Let us see if you can do it again." For the next hour, Eragon had Chloe lift a pebble from off his palm, and then from off the ground. Once she had managed it, he had her move it around in the air in different shapes. By the end of the exercise she found herself significantly tired, and she had to take a moment to sit down on the grass to recover her breath. …And so much for wingardium liviosa. Eragon walked over to a tree were he had left a brown leather bag hanging from a low branch and retrieved a loaf of bread and tore off a piece, giving it to her. The bread was stale, and she knew it was the bread given to them by the elves before their journey to the Dragon Hold. But she ate the bread without complaint, grateful to have food in her belly after her use of magic now that her breakfast meal seemed so far away.
"Master, I have a question." Chloe said after she swallowed a lump of bread.
"I have an answer."
"How long exactly is Loćien's and mine training going to be? I mean, like you've said, we don't have all the time in the world, because at any moment the King might attack the Varden with his army." Chloe said. "I still have so much to learn, and Loćien still has to grow, so…"
"I understand your concerns, Chloe. They are the same that Saphira and I share." Said Eragon as he passed her his water skin, and Chloe took a swig of the fresh mountain water. "I cannot honestly say. We shall continue to train until we are called to battle. But I will not allow you or Loćien into battle unless I believe you two are prepared. Loćien won't even be able to breathe fire until he is at least six months old. But I doubt we'll have that long. Whatever it is he has planned, Galbatorix is taking his time. Which worries me only further, because he seems to think he is powerful enough that once we grow to be too much of a nuisance for him, he will stop us easily." Eragon admitted. Chloe wasn't sure how to reply to him. She only knew that she suddenly felt the weight of the world on her shoulders.
"Don't dwell too much on the matter now, Chloe. You must remember that we also stand by the Varden, the dwarves, and the elves. You have Saphira and I, and hopefully, Murtagh and Thorn. Let us resume."
By late afternoon Loćien had returned to the training Chloe, and Eragon dismissed her, to her relief. She was sweaty and tired, yet pleased with her work. She stopped by her chambers to pick up a wool blanket and then she went to her waterfall for a quick wash. As she bathed she asked Loćien about his training, and he responded eagerly with a burst of images. Through the flood of memories Chloe saw that Saphira had been telling him stories of their races. She suspected that Loćien kept some of the information to himself, but she didn't pry. After drying herself and changing into spare tunic and leggings and washing her clothes, she and Loćien returned to the stone building. She checked the kitchen but it was empty. She found a couple of apple-like fruits on the table and took those back to her room. She settled into her cot, Loćien curled up next to her and she closed her eyes as she bit into her fruit. She shimmied out of her leggings and then laid back.
Peace, food, and a nap. Chloe thought to herself as she snuggled further into the cot. She was just nodding off when a thundering roar pierced through the air, and she fell out off the cot in surprise. Loćien was instantly alert, and he bolted for the door, Chloe running after him. She met her mother in the hallway and together they ran outside. They immediately found the source of the roaring, which only served to puzzle them. Chloe had suspected Saphira to be growling at Thorn, not her saddlebags. But that was exactly what she was doing. The offending saddlebags were on the ground before the snarling blue dragoness. Chloe was surprised it wasn't quivering with fear. Eragon was standing next to her, frantically trying to calm her down.
Shame! I believed you to be stronger! Chloe winced as she was slammed with a wall of emotion, and she was shocked that it came from Saphira. She still didn't understand who it was Saphira was so angry with. Her mental anguish was so strong that Chloe had to erect shields around her mind to protect herself. She saw her mother hold her head in her arms, also in pain.
"Mom, just go inside—" Chloe began, but her words were swallowed by a particularly frustrated growl of Saphira's.
"Saphira!" Eragon shouted, and Chloe knew that he had shut his mind from her as well. Saphira released a plume of smoke from her nostrils and then her hind legs tensed, her claws digging deeper into the ground before she sprang into the air. After a few rapid wing beats, she was out of sight. Eragon sighed, turning to the saddlebags. He picked them up, and then started as though he had just noticed Chloe and Viviana.
"Please, master, what is wrong with Mistress Saphira?" Chloe asked in concern. Eragon appeared troubled.
"Saphira is… unhappy with a friend of ours. I cannot yet explain, not until you and Loćien can better protect your mind. The knowledge is highly valuable." He explained with another sigh as he stared after his dragon. Chloe tried to mask her disappointment.
"Oh. Well, um, I guess I'll just turn in for the day." Chloe said with a meaningful glance at her mother. Viviana took the hint.
"Yes, I'm going to make sure Ronnie isn't making a mess of things. Call me if you need anything." Viviana told the blue rider. Loćien eyed the saddlebags with interest for a moment, and then scurried after his rider.
"I'm gonna go to my room and take a nap." Chloe told her mother. Viviana only nodded curtly and then continued to her own chambers briskly.
Great, now what have I done? Chloe wondered. She decided to leave that as another problem for tomorrow. Chloe and Loćien settled on her cot once more, and Chloe sincerely hoped that this time she wouldn't have to leave it too soon.
I wonder what it is that Saphira is so upset about. Chloe thought. She received an image of the leather saddlebags from Loćien.
Well yeah, I know that. But it must have been something in it. But what's that tiny? She didn't have an answer.
Eragon POV
Eragon stared helplessly after Saphira, feeling hopelessly powerless. She wouldn't answer him, and her behavior only served to remind him of the pain she had felt in Ellesméra, when Glaedr had refused her. And once more her pain seemed to be connected to the gold dragon. The blue rider tentatively reached out to the Eldunarí, but to no avail. The heart of hearts of the golden dragon burned with an incomprehensible amount of emotions, blocking him out.
A groan of irritation passed through him. He had no idea what had happened. Everything had seemed fine, or at least as fine as it could be given there situation. He'd removed the saddle from Saphira's back to make her more comfortable, and left it near her as he went to retrieve Brisingr from his room. When he'd returned Saphira had been furious, and apparently speaking with Glaedr. He was uncertain as to what had surprised him more; Saphira's fury or that Glaedr was actually communicating with her. It had been the first time since the death of his flesh body and that of his Rider Oromis. Eragon returned to his room, leaving the saddlebag behind his cot and then setting spells over it so that none may steal Glaedr. At the moment he had his own dragon to worry about.
It took Eragon a few short minutes to run to out of the stone buildings and past the arena and to into the forest that lay beyond. One he reached the rocky wall that created the inside of the mountain he stopped. He knew Saphira was somewhere above him, at a quarter of a league above him. This would be much more difficult to climb than the Crags of Tel'naeir had been. Eragon began the grueling task of climbing the rock shelf, thankful for the natural footfalls he found in the dark rock. He'd finally reached the top of the shelf where he knew Saphira lay when he found that there weren't any other footholds. He looked to move back down but found the foothold much further than he expected.
He was reminded of his climb outside of Teirm. A moment passed as he contemplated using magic to either propel him up or create a new foothold when a silver spiked tail slithered down the rock face next to him. Thankful, he gripped one of the larger spikes and Saphira retreated her tail, carefully pulling him onto the land. Once he was over the edge he let out a sigh of relief and looked back down. He was very high in the air, and yet still the rock continued upwards, towering over him.
That was foolish. Eragon turned to Saphira, glad that she had at least spoken to him. She lay with her back against the rock shelf, her head resting on her paws.
I couldn't leave you alone. Eragon said slowly. I was worried. I haven't seen you so upset since—
I know when. She snapped. Then a puff of smoke left her nostrils. I wasn't foolish this time. My anger was not without reason.
And why exactly were you angry? Eragon asked. The blue dragoness didn't answer him for a time, and he sat, cross legged, near her head where she could still see him through a clear sapphire eye.
I was finally able to speak to him. And I asked him if he knew not of our plight, that it had fallen to us to train the next rider, that we required his assistance. That he had not answered my call even when you had disappeared, nor when we captured Thorn and Murtagh. I am beginning to think he has abandoned us.
We cannot blame him, Saphira. It has not been long since Oromis'—
If you had died I would have lived on to avenge your death. I would have lived on to wreak pain and misery upon our enemies. I would have lit the world ablaze with my hottest flame, and rent the men who took you from me in two with my talons. Eragon didn't doubt the vision she painted in his mind for a moment, and he almost felt sympathy for his would-be killers. Glaedr may not have a flesh body, but he has knowledge and still the power of his mind. Yet he refuses to use it, and shows me only weakness in his act. Eragon mulled over her words for a moment.
Not everyone reacts the same way. It will take Glaedr time to heal. Now, he can only retreat further into his Eldunari. As you said, he does not have wing, or talon or claw. We are not so lost right now without him. The important thing is right now that he knows we are here. He will understand that his role in this war is not yet over, and when the time comes he will be there alongside us. Eragon told her soothingly as he reached out a hand and placed it on Saphira's nose. She closed her eyes for a moment.
When did you become so wise, little one?
I'm not sure I'd call myself wise. I only know now more than I knew then. Eragon smiled. The pair sat in companionable silence when Saphira asked,
How faired Chloe in her training today?
She did surprisingly well. It is plain to see she is much more committed to our cause. I think there is more to what she saw in the cave yesterday. Whatever it was, it has made her motivated to do well in training. But there was something else. She was more than just confident in her abilities. She had much more energy than usual, and she was faster with her movements. It was odd.
Do you think she was touched by magic?
I suppose it could be our unknown ally. But I am grateful for it. She will need any assistance available to her to her. I think we can train her and Loćien to the point where they can fight alongside us in battle, but when it comes time to face Galbatorix, it will be you and I that face him, if only to preserve a single rider and dragon in the event that we fail for our cause.
And Murtagh and Thorn?
Murtagh and Thorn… I can only hope that if they do not join us they will remain away from the fight and we will not have to worry about them…. You know, despite all that he is, Thorn is a good looking dragon—
Not even amusing, Eragon. Saphira growled, and Eragon hastened to hide his smile.
So guys, this is my dilemma: The last thing I want is for Chloe to become a Mary-Sue. If anyone thinks she is right now, then I'm sorry but it's not my intention. I suppose it is a cliche MxOC with the OC becoming a Rider, but I want this to be more than a romance. In fact that won't really be shown for a while... right, anyway, so how do I put this? I don't want her to be Chloe the SuperAmazingRider. I want her to be a good Rider, at least for the sake of Loćien, because she's still a rider. I just don't want her to be super good at it. I don't want her totally helpless either though... I guess what I'm trying to say is if she's in danger of becoming a Sue, let me know please.
Also, not sure if anyone needs clarification BUT: Murtagh is kinda like 'Yeah, she's hot, I'd bang her' but that's about it. He kinda finds Chloe annoying and spoiled, so please don't think he's ready to fall at her feet. Which I totally agree with Murtagh, cause she's been pretty bitchy towards him, and I guess she's a pretty face and maybe too snarky, but she's not, ya know, someone he'd fall for at the mo'. Right. Thanks for reading, and review!