Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Eragon was awoken the next morning by the hatchlings that were peeping loudly. He sat up and saw that they were all huddled against him for warmth. He smiled and stroked the nearest hatchling. It purred and nuzzled itself deeper into his arm.

Saphira. Eragon said as he rubbed her underbelly.

Good morning little one.

Aren't you going to feed your hatchlings?

What?

Lift up your wing.

She did so and gasped.

Eragon! Saphira yelled angrily. Why didn't you wake me before they hatched?

I tried to but you wouldn't wake up. Now they won't let go of me.

Saphira reached her long neck out and nuzzled one of the dragons. It squeaked and jumped onto her snout. The golden dragon sat down on her head and curled up. Eventually, the other dragons let go of Eragon and crawled onto Saphira. All of them accept one, which was still asleep between Eragon's arm and side.

Wake up Shruikan. Saphira said as she nuzzled him.

What is it Saphy?

Don't call me that in front of Eragon! Anyway our eggs hatched! Saphira said excitedly.

Shruikan jumped up suddenly and stared at Saphira.

What! He yelled in surprise.

Saphira chuckled and put her nose against his. The hatchlings followed one another onto Shruikan and slid down his neck.

So, are we going to go back to the Varden now? Eragon asked hopefully.

After I have found food for them. Saphira said as she pointed her nose at the hatchlings.

I'll go, you are their mother and you must stay with them. Shruikan said as he rubbed up against her. The dragons jumped off Shruikan and got on Saphira's back again. Shruikan flapped his wings and disappeared into the morning sky.

Eragon began stroking the black hatchling that was still asleep in his arms. It had black scales with red running from the bottom of its neck to its tail, which had a large silver semi-spaded tip. Eragon reached out his hand and ran his finger down its spine. The hatchling purred and leaned to his touch. Eragon cooed and continued to stoke the dragon. It looked up and fixed its sapphire blue eyes on him. Eragon could tell it was female. She climbed up his body and snuggled up against his neck. Saphira laid down and pulled the hatchlings against her belly. Eragon stood up and looked around. He was sure he heard something in the trees. He heard a branch crack and spun around. Suddenly, an arrow flew through the air and struck Eragon in the back. He fell over and Saphira roared. She saw the man that had shot Eragon shot flames from her mouth. The flames hit the man and he fell dead.

Eragon! Saphira cried.

Who was that?

I think it was an assassin. He is dead. Let me see your back.

I can't. The arrow is stuck.

I can fix that.

Saphira reached out her neck and gripped the arrow in her jaws. Eragon closed his eyes and waited for her to pull. Saphira tugged and the arrow ripped out. Blood started pouring out of his back and Eragon cried.

I can heal it Saphira.

No! The king can track us if we use magic!

Saphira rolled out her tongue and began licking Eragon's back. He winced and closed his eyes.

That hurts.

I am sorry but this heals my wounds and it will heal yours. This will make sure it doesn't get infected with disease.

Saphira continued her licking until the bleeding had stopped. The blood flow stopped and Saphira's saliva sealed the wound.

We must leave now Saphira.

Yes, we will leave once my hatchlings are fed.

Shruikan appeared a few minutes later with three deer. He dropped them in front of Saphira and seemed pleased with himself.

Will that be enough?

That will be fine. Saphira said as she began tearing the meat up into smaller chunks so the dragons could eat. The meat was gone in several minutes and the hatchlings seemed full. Shruikan squatted down and they all jumped onto his back. Eragon kept the back hatchling against his body and mounted Saphira. She took flight and Shruikan followed.

Eragon, that dragon seems to like you.

Yes, she does.

I want you to raise her. She will grow up under your influence.

You're giving her to me!

Yes, now what is her name?

Eragon thought for a few minutes before responding. Her name is Cynder.

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