It was noon by the time Saphira had sobered up enough to be able to fly. Being a dragon her metabolism was much faster than Eragon's and therefore she recovered quicker than him who still had a throbbing headache. However she hadn't completely recovered and had to make several stops every couple of hours.

This had caused them to forsake the desert as a viable route as there were few streams available to rest by so they skirted along the edge of Du Weldenvarden towards the east until they were south of the city ofÍlia Fëon. From there it would be a straight shot south to reach the mountain of Farthen Dûr.

They were on their third stop by a stream when Eragon made the discovery that his ears were becoming smaller. He sighed as he felt them. He wouldn't mind all these changes if they happened in such a way that wouldn't make him look stranger before he looked better.

Saphira noticed his worry as she lay in the shallow stream with her scales on end, the water running gently across her skin. Don't worry Eragon, you may look strange now but soon you will be one of the most majestic creatures in Alagaësia.

Yes, I suppose it's worth the wait. He looked at her lying in the stream. Her eyes were closed and a low hum was escaping her every now and then. Are you comfortable there? He asked with a smile.

Saphira didn't even open her eyes to answer. Extremely. She said, her tail swaying in the stream's current. As soon as you can you should try this, it feels so good and relaxing. Eragon laughed. He could do with something relaxing right now, his head was killing him.

I will as soon as I can, it looks to be very pleasing. Saphira just hummed. Well I'm willing to wait here as long as you want; we're in no rush to reach Tronjheim.

I only want five more minutes then we'll get going.

--

It had actually been fifteen minutes before Saphira had moved, she had fallen asleep and Eragon couldn't wake her up. When he finally did Saphira was so relaxed her legs wobbled as she stood. Eragon laughed at this whilst Saphira turned her head in embarrassment.

When they had finally took off again it was early evening and the air began to grow cooler so they had decided to only travel for another hour and then settle down for the night. They were still a ways away from the point where they could turn south towards the Boer mountains and Eragon estimated it would take them another day and a half to reach Farthen Dûr, providing they set off early on the second day.

It wasn't long until Eragon had established a makeshift camp. He unloaded the packs off Saphira so she could be more comfortable and lit a small fire for cooking purposes later on in the evening.

Saphira watched him do this and then asked him, Why didn't we just wait until tomorrow to leave? We have wasted just as much time travelling today as we would have just staying in our room.

Eragon paused before answering and then sighed. We left because of Arya, despite of what I said to her. Saphira just looked at Eragon, waiting for him to continue. I know she means well but I don't want her and me to argue about it. I'll just give her some time to come to terms with her own feelings. Saphira nodded and Eragon added with a smirk I also don't want you and her fighting either.

This stunned Saphira slightly. What do you mean, why would she and I fight? She said knowing full well the answer.

I saw your reaction to her visit. You clearly didn't want her there saying those things to me. If I didn't know better I would have said that you considered her a rival. Saphira snorted at this, she knew it was true but she would be damned if she would let him think that.

Don't be naive Eragon, I was merely concerned about you. You have had many arguments with Arya in the past over matters of love and I have been on my guard around her especially after what happened on the night of the Agaetí Blödhren. Eragon didn't believe her and Saphira knew this but he still nodded his head in agreement.

All right Saphira, I must have been mistaken, he said slyly. Saphira eyed him suspiciously before she changed the subject. I believe I will go hunting for our meal, will you be fine by yourself, scaly one.

Eragon chuckled at her obvious change of the subject but went along with it for her sake. Yes, Saphira, I'll be fine. In case you have forgotten I am a dragon rider and fully capable of defending myself, stop being so motherly.

Who said I was being motherly. She said as she turned to take off towards the forest. I am merely protecting my interests. She then took off leaving Eragon to contemplate her words. He thought for a few moments and then shrugged it off.

He looked around the clearing and noticed that there was a large outcrop of rocks just on the edge of the camp. At the top of the outcrop there was a large flat rock that would be perfect to view his surroundings on.

He approached the base of the rocks and began to climb. It wasn't difficult, there were many crags and footholds to help him up and there was even the occasional branch of a shrub. He was almost at the top when his foot slipped on a loose rock. He managed to grip onto a ledge but that too gave way under his weight.

He fell downwards, feet first, and landed awkwardly on his right leg. He fell to the ground as he heard a snap and the birds in the nearby trees fled in terror from the resulting scream of agony. Eragon gripped his head with his hands in shear pain, screaming for a few seconds. He thought he heard another scream, his own name, but he had far more pressing matters.

He eventually stopped screaming and was content to just gasp loudly, the tears of pain clouding his vision. He tried to sit up but another jolt of pain from his leg sent his head crashing back to the ground. He yelled one last time as he managed to make himself sit up. He waited a few moments before he actually looked at his leg.

He grimaced as he surveyed his situation. His leg was bent in an L shape at the knee but as far as he could see the bone hadn't broken the skin, his scales probably prevented it. He tenderly felt the along the break, his usually steady hands shaking violently. Once he was sure that the skin wasn't broken he placed his hands on either side of his shin and prepared himself.

He was about to do it when he remembered something and looked around. He found what he was looking for and placed a thin branch in his jaws and clamped down on it. He then twisted his leg back into position with a sickening crack. The pain was immediate and caused Eragon to break the stick in three pieces and then spit it out with another agonizing scream.

Saphira was landing just as this happened and was struck by the pain through their mental link causing her to slam hard into the ground. She rolled in pain until the feeling subsided and she managed to right herself. What did you do? She roared angrily I leave for a few minutes and I am immediately hit by excruciating pain, I was almost knocked out of the air. What did you do?

Eragon glared at Saphira who was glaring at him but with the added effect of a deep low growl. I broke my blasted leg, what did you think I did, grazed my hand? He shot back.

Foolishness, she said as her only rebuttal. I see from where you are lying and the assortment of rocks around you that you tried to climb this obviously dangerous pile of crumbling stone. Foolishness.

Oh shut up Saphira, I know that it was foolish now don't I, he grimaced as another pain shot through his leg, I don't need you stating the obvious but I do need your strength right now or I'm not going to be able to move for a while.

Saphira snorted, irritated at being yelled at but she approached him and lent her his strength. "Waíse heill!" he found it difficult to find the magic through his pain but he blocked it out and focused his and Saphira's energy into his leg. The pain began to subside and he began to feel better despite the wave of weariness that washed over him.

When he had finished he experimentally kicked his leg slowly. It moved flawlessly as if it hadn't been broken at all. He sighed and stood up, informing Saphira that he was fine. Now that she knew this there was nothing holding her back and Eragon quickly found himself back on the floor with Saphira on top of him, pinning him down.

He struggled but he knew that there was no point in doing so, he was trapped and would only be let go after a satisfying apology. What in the gods' earth were you thinking? She said to him, her head staring down at him. We could have both been killed if you had fallen differently; a broken neck is much more difficult to heal than a leg especially if you're dead.

Eragon just stared at her eyes which were not very far from him. Her hot breath rolled down to him and her fangs were slightly bared. It was then that he realised she was truly angry with him. I'm sorry Saphira he said gingerly, still gazing into her eyes. From where I was standing the rocks did look stable. I know that it was foolish and I am fully aware of the possible outcomes but you can't keep doing this.

Oh really- she started to say but Eragon interrupted her.

Yes, really. I can look after myself and make my own decisions and I am not a hatchling. When you do this to me it makes me feel like a little boy. It's belittling and makes me feel less than the man I am.

Saphira stared at Eragon intently for a few more moments, contemplating his words. I would make you promise to not do something like this again but I know it would be futile. And though you may not like it I will always do this to you even when you are big enough to resist me. Eragon groaned at this but Saphira continued. You are my rider and I will always protect you no matter what happens, even if you are to be a dragon as big as me.

She got off him and Eragon stood up again, brushing the dirt off of his clothes. I know you mean well Saphira and I am truly sorry. Trust me when I say I have no wish to break my leg again. If you still insist on protecting me, even when I can throw you off me, at least I know I can trust you with my life.

Saphira shifted uncomfortably. Yes he did trust her but she broke that trust by taking advantage of his drunken state the night before. She got information from him that he wasn't ready to divulge to her. Eragon noticed this sudden change of behaviour and questioned her on it but she just brushed him off and went to finish her hunt.

They went to sleep after they had eaten, Eragon resting against Saphira. He had fallen asleep rather quickly due to his tiredness after healing his leg but Saphira had remained awake for a time afterwards. She felt guilty about what she had done and it was a while until she finally dozed off.

--

Eragon was getting tired of this. Ever since they had set off again Saphira had been enclosed in her mind and completely ignored every attempt made by Eragon to talk to her. This wasn't all that bothered Eragon. She also refused to stop, meaning he couldn't even relieve his boredom. He had nothing to do but watch the sun drift lazily across the sky.

The Boer mountains were fast approaching but they wouldn't be able to reach Farthen Dûr unless they planned to travel all night and wake the denizens of Tronjheim in the early hours. After travelling all day Saphira was extremely tired and she began to drift lower and lower until Eragon feared she would just hit the floor.

She didn't however and she touched down at the base of one of the first mountains that made up the mountain range. Eragon quickly jumped off Saphira as he felt her sway and managed to avoid being crushed as Saphira collapsed on her side, breathing heavily.

Eragon looked at her with shock. Why would she do this? He thought. He decided to find out. In her weakened state the barriers around her mind were weak and put up a pitiful battle against Eragon's mind.

Saphira, what is wrong? Why would you push yourself so hard? She just lay there looking at him, froth covering her mouth as she laboured for breath. Saphira answer me?

It is my penance for breaking your trust. She simply said which confused Eragon.

How did you break my trust? You have done nothing wrong.

Yes I have. You don't remember the drunken conversation we had do you? Eragon shook his head. Well, I managed to get some information out of you that you had no wish to share with me yet.

Eragon struggled to remember. He did feel like he had told her something important but couldn't remember. I'm sorry Saphira but you're going to have to refresh my memory.

I made you tell me about your conversation with Glaedr. She hid her head under her feet awaiting the inevitable scolding but was surprised when she heard a light chuckle. She looked up at Eragon who was smiling at her.

Saphira, I'm upset with you but only because of your trickery. You were going to find out about the conversation eventually anyway so there's no point in me shouting at you, you've already punished yourself, even though it was a bit harsh and it was my own fault for getting drunk in the first place. To put it simply I forgive you.

How can you forgive such a breach of trust? She asked amazed.

Eragon chuckled and eyed her nervously. You don't remember the conversation very well your self do you? Saphira glared at him and shook her head. Well I managed to get you to tell me how you really felt about Arya. You really don't like her much because you do consider her a rival for my affections.

Saphira shot up, You managed to pry that out of me, I didn't even realised that I had discussed it. Eragon laughed causing Saphira to cock her head in confusion.

You didn't discuss it but you've just confirmed it now. Consider us even. Saphira roared at Eragon and knocked him to the ground.

You little rat, you tricked me.

Aye, I'm smarter than you think but you can't get angry at me, after all I was just returning the favour. Saphira growled at Eragon.

Is that what you think? Well I'm sorry Eragon we are not yet even. You see I wronged you and then I did my penance. Now you have wronged me and still have to do your penance. Eragon gulped. He had forgotten about this tiny detail.

I love you. He quickly said to her like all children say to their parents when in trouble in the vain hope that it would make them go easy on them. It didn't work.

His penance was to catch his and her evening meal without the aid of weapons, magic or tools. It was taxing work and he failed to catch anything for what felt like his first hundred attempts but he eventually managed to wrestle a gazelle down to the ground and break its neck.

Unfortunately this meant that Saphira was the only one that could eat so he continued. It was dark by the time he got back to Saphira and gave her the gazelle he had draped over his shoulder. She accepted it and looked at his catch. Eragon had only been able to catch two rabbits after the gazelle.

--

They looked up at the stars as they lay down to sleep. Eragon's penance had made him very tired and he welcomed the embrace of sleep. Before he did though Saphira said, I love you too, Eragon. He was too tired to put much thought into this so he just rubbed Saphira's side with his hand causing her to hum quietly. He listened to this for a while until he was overcome by sleep. Saphira carried on humming for a few more minutes. More than you know. She said quietly.

What do you think? Main plot theme in next chapter so make sure you come back.