WARNING: VERY TINY ELDEST SPOILOR! I JUST GOT THE BOOK YESTERDAY AND THOUGHT IT WOULD FIT IN. WHAT PART? YOU ALL HAVE TO FIND OUT!
Chapter 10: Wait and See
The battle for Snow Summit was an outstanding victory for United States forces. Regiments from the Army, Marines, and Air Force all celebrated the fact that the battle was won with no human casualties, but every single soldier said a prayer for Saphira, who hasn't stirred since her injury almost three days ago. Eragon refused to leave her side and Jovak fought to leave her as well. Both human and dragon had their hopes high for her recovery, but as the days grew longer, their hope was turning swiftly into dread.
"She never even said goodbye to me," Eragon sobbed. He rubbed Saphira's side and pressed his head against her. John crouched down beside her. The snow underneath her had melted to where she was laying on fresh green grass instead of bloody snow.
"She is still breathing, Eragon," John assured. Jovak placed a wing over her frail form. The male dragon looked up at John with sad, painful eyes.
Any good news? Jovak asked him. John shook his head.
We had a corpsman see her, John said. He said that there was no sign of an injury, but he tends to human wounds…not 'pets.'
Jovak turned and lowered his head onto Saphira's. Eragon tried desperately to contact her through mental link, but he received no response. All seemed lost.
"Eragon," John said to his friend. "We tried." Her breathing was labored once again and Jovak let out an unusual cry.
Hold on Saphira! Jovak cried to her. If not for me…do it for your rider! We are all here by your side.
No response. It sounded as if Saphira was choking as she inhaled. Eragon couldn't take it anymore and pushed himself away from her. John followed leaving only Jovak at her side. All he could say was: "I'm here."
Saphira shuddered and twitched her wings. Jovak brushed the side of his head against hers and gently licked her cheek.
I love you, Saphira, Jovak uttered. Suddenly, Saphira's breathing was less labored and her brief convulsions ceased. She was still unconscious, but her conditions improved.
That's it! Jovak yelled to her. Fight it! Come back to me!
She still didn't stir, but Jovak had renewed hope of her revival.
Meanwhile, Eragon and John decided to walk off their worries in the snow.
"I remember when she hatched for me," Eragon said, wiping a tear. John still held on to his rifle. The tunnel was left open and demons could have exited without him knowing. Eragon went on. "She was my best friend. When she was just a hatchling, Saphira would perch on top of my shoulder as we explored the woods together." He paused to catch his breath. "I remember how upset I was at her when she flew me away from my home." John stared at his friend. "What do you mean?" John asked. Eragon took a glance at the snowy hillside. "She always protected me," Eragon explained. "I repaid her with nagging. Now, I feel that I can never ask for forgiveness from her." He wiped another tear.
"If I would have listened to her, we would have still been in Alagesia and she would be safe."
"Don't beat yourself up about it," John said. He placed his M-16 over his shoulder. "She is a fighter. I bet she'll pull through on this."
"I pray so, John." Eragon replied. "I remember her promise to the dwarves." Eragon laughed. "There is nothing funnier than a drunk dragon." Eragon broke down once more. "I am nothing without her."
"You're a soldier, Eragon," John replied. "One I would fight beside any day of my life. I have learned a lot from you, bro. Dragon fighting tactics, swordplay, magic…I can go on forever. If she doesn't make this, I will make damn sure her body goes back home with you and she will be buried peacefully next to Galbatorix's head! I assure you on that one!"
"Thank you friend," Eragon choked.
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Jovak still remained at Saphira's side. He gently nuzzled her and kept close to her to keep her warm. She had mild tremors and her body shook, but they were not as erratic as before. All Jovak could do was support her during her fit.
Please hold on, Jovak begged. Pain and anguish was in his crimson red eyes. You have to get through this. He licked her again when her shudders stopped. Jovak closed his eyes and bowed his head as if he were crying.
I can't stand to see you suffer like this, Jovak said. He nuzzled her side. Who am I to tell you to hold on? You are in agony and perhaps I am trying to avoid the inevitable. I don't want to see such a beautiful dragoness suffer. Do what you must, Saphira, but if you choose to part this world, know that I love you dearly. I will take care of Eragon and my rider in your absence and I will tell every creature of the bravery you showed out here. Jovak sat on his haunches and raised his wings. He gazed up into the morning sky and let out a painful roar. He looked down to see that Saphira hadn't stirred at all.
I don't want to, Jovak mourned. It hurts me, but you can go. He nuzzled her again. I love you. He kept his head bowed for several seconds expecting to see her chest fail to rise again for air.
Jovak? a voice struggled asked him. It was extremely weak. Jovak flopped on his paws and lay close to Saphira.
I am here, he said. He watched as Saphira slowly lifted one of her wings. She managed to flutter it once, but it fell limp beside her. Rest, love, he told Saphira.
What…what did you say? Saphira asked weakly. She slowly opened her eyes to meet Jovak's crimson ones.
I said 'rest love,' Jovak repeated. Saphira inched her neck closer to Jovak who was lying beside her.
Before that, she replied. It was something that…that woke me up.
Save your strength, Jovak cooed. I will tell you everything…word for word. Saphira hummed and closed her eyes as Jovak repeated everything he told her while she was unconscious.
I never left your side, Jovak said to her. I refused to. He tossed his wing over her and leaned into her. Saphira hummed louder.
Thank you, Saphira said. Jovak growled happily.
For what? The male dragon asked. I should be thanking you.
Thank you…for being so nice, Saphira struggled to say. Her eyes were still closed, but her strength was returning to her. Jovak rubbed his head over hers.
I love you, Saphira, Jovak whispered to her.
I love you as well, Saphira said. You kept me alive.
I had hope. With that said, Jovak closed his eyes. You should tell Eragon that you are well, Jovak mentioned. He worries greatly. Saphira laughed gently.
Let him wait, she cooed. I don't want to move yet.
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