Okay, I'm back and I'm through with the next chapter. Here it is;
Chapter 14: Wings of Hope
Thorn had awoken well rested, and could see the sun light beaming into the canopy. He arched his neck to look over dais to find that Murtagh was not in his bed. He could hear the sound of flowing water in another room. The young ruby dragon got from his bed and stretched his front legs, then walked to the door where the sound was coming from. Gently, he opened the door with his snout and saw his Rider bare-chested shaving his face over a sink. Murtagh turned his head to greet his dragon, Ah, morning Thorn.
The young red dragon gave out a purr of contentment as his nostrils flared, Morning to you too.
Suddenly, there was a knock to the front door. Thorn receded and Murtagh stepped out of the washroom cleaning his face with a towel. The door opened and an elf holding a pair of freshly made clothes and a tray full of fruit.
The silver-haired elf walked forward, "Greetings, Thorn Crimsonwing and Murtagh.", he said as he humbly bowed his head. Murtagh threw the towel on his bed and walked towards the elf, Kvetha! he said as he bowed his head and took the materials the elf handed over to him.
Thorn sat on his haunches and examined the small elf with an utter curiousity, while Murtagh laid the materials along with the food on the table next to his bed. The elf continued his report, "I am Bellaen of House Miolandra. I apologize for this unsatifactory meal for you and your dragon. We elves have no liking in hunting animals. However, you are allowed what you can in Du Weldenvarden. We only ask that you leave your kills in the forest so that our forest does not become tainted by blood."
Murtagh then grabbed hold of Thorn's saddle and replied, "I'll remember that."
The humbly inclined his head and walked towards the exit, but he stopped when he was inches away from the door nob. Ballaen turned around Murtagh begun strapping the saddle on Thorn's back, "I have more to tell. Eragon and Saphira have awoken and are waiting for you at the Crags of Tel'Naeir."
Murtagh nodded his head, "Thank you," he said sincerely. After that, Bellaen exited the tree house and Murtagh dressed in his new clothes and strapped Zar'roc to his belt, while Thorn stared at the food in the tray.
The young red dragon felt slightly hungry, but was not sure if the fruit was edible to his taste. The tray was filled with fruit and seed cakes. Murtagh finished dressing himself and glanced at his confused ruby dragon. Thorn asked his rider, Are you sure this looks edible?
Murtagh only shrugged, It's best that you learn to eat a healthy meal to gain your strength.
Although Thorn was hungry, he knew that he had to learn to rely on proper nourishment for an important challenge. He managed to snap up all of the seed cakes and three apples on the tray. Murtagh only took a few grapes. Afterward, Thorn walked to the balcony of the tree house. Where are you going?Murtagh asked.
Thorn turned his head to meet Murtagh's eye, Nowhere, I just want to explore this strange place for a moment. Murtagh knew Thorn had much to learn. He decided to give Thorn a moment to explore. Alright. Don't be gone too long.
Thorn turned away and leaped into the air. The ruby dragon dove to the ground and fanned his wings to land softly. He checked his surroundings and saw birds flying above the trees. The sound of birds tweeting and the wind blowing against the trees and leaves ruffling. The air was fresh and calm to Thorn as he felt the cool breeze flapping the soft membranes of his wings. Thorn heard a sound coming from above the trees. He looked up and saw a blue figure above.
Thorn knew it was Saphira by the time she landed softly on the ground in front of him with look of impatientness in her eyes. What is taking you so long? Glaedr is waiting for you. she asked. Thorn smiled at her sparkling blue eyes and replied hesitation, Ah, morning Saphira. I'll be there shortly. Just until Murtagh is prepared.
Saphira rolled her eyes, And what are you doing out here? Dozing off while enjoying the view? she snapped. A second later, she cooled and felt that she had hurt Thorn with her strong words, I'm sorry, she added, ...It's just I feel different with you joining us.
Thorn quickly added, Don't worry about it.The blue dragoness eyed Thorn comfortingly and said gently, Okay, just don't take very long.Saphira quickly unfolded her wings and took skies as Thorn watched her vanish in the beyond.
A few minutes later, Murtagh walked down the spiral steps and then towards Thorn. Murtagh gently laid a hand on Thorn's front leg, Are you ready? Thorn looked down and met Murtagh's eyes, Aye, I'm ready.The young ruby dragon knelt down to assist his Rider on his saddle. Thorn quickly unfolded his wings and took to the skies. While flying to the Crags of Tel'Naeir, Murtagh had sensed the presence of another individual talking to Thorn. His mind merged into Thorn's mind.
Thorn. Just who was it you were talking to a moment ago?
...It was Saphira.
Yes. And what were you two talking about?
N-nothing. She just told us to hurry.
Oh really? You would not happen to have feelings for her could you?
What!? I barely know her. I cannot become an item with her just yet.
Whatever you say.
By the time Thorn and Murtagh arrived and landed at the Crags of Tel'Naeir, Murtagh receded from Thorn's saddle and they both walked towards Oromis who was waiting for him. "It's good to have you back son of Morzan.", he said as he laid a hand on Murtagh's shoulder. "Today I would like to test your skills with the sword. I will have spar with Eragon and later you may show me your knowledge of magic."
Thorn heard the loud footsteps of a large dragon approaching him. He turned his head and saw Glaedr stand beside him and asked, You will follow me young dragon. I will test your skill of fire and you're aerial skills. Are you ready to commence? Thorn quickly replied, As ready as I'll ever be. Glaedr nodded his head, Good, then let us be off!
The massive gold dragon quickly unfolded his wings and took to the skies followed by the young scarlet dragon. Before Thorn flew any further, he hovered and turned around to see Saphira resting her head on her front legs watching Eragon and Murtagh dual. Glaedr stopped and saw Thorn looking in the opposite direction. Come on young one. Fly! he shouted with a tone of expecting obedience. Thorn obeyed, but took one last look at Saphira and flew off with Glaedr.
The two dragons flew over canyons and took to the high blue skies in the clouds. Both of the dragons stopped and hovered while Glaedr began to instruct Thorn to perform acrobatic maneuvers to the best of his ability. I am ready. Thorn said in a tone fitting to withstand any risk. Then try to keep up with me. saidGlaedr.
The massive gold dragon dove downward to the ground followed by the smaller, yet courageous ruby dragon. They dove like meteors crashing to the ground. By the time they reached the close end of the ground, Glaedr turned straight into the canyons followed by Thorn. They both dodged and parried sharp stalagmites and and large boulders all around. Glaedr turned his head and saw that Thorn was not harmed and flying very impressively as if to race against him. Thorn barrel-rolled and twisted his flexible body while dodging all the obstacles ahead. The red dragon flew with intense speed that he was now abreast from Glaedr. The large gold dragon looked next to him and saw the red dragon had caught up in less than a minute. They flew through the canyons for over ten minutes, until they reached the finish line.
Glaedr and Thorn landed on the edges of the canyons and stopped to rest for a moment. Glaedr, impressed and amazed of a young dragon who could surpass him, looked down to Thorn as if he were his son, You're quite an amazing youth. You are indeed one of the fastest fliers of all dragons I have met.Thorn was surprised at Glaedr's compliment, Really? I'm one of the fastest of all dragons.
Glaedr smiled and added, Indeed you are. I see you as a dragon of great promise. One who would change the world. Our training is not over yet, I still must test your ability of fire.
The two dragons flew to another canyon and landed not too far off. Glaedr walked forward and picked up a rock with his teeth and laid in between him and Thorn. What am I supposed to do?Thorn asked. Glaedr politely instructed, Cast your fire on this rock until you can longer expel your flame!
Thorn took one look at the stone for a second and took a deep breath. He expelled a steam of blazing fire onto the rock with great accuracy. He kept burning the stone for ten minutes, then twenty minutes, then thirty minutes, then another five minuets. By the time Thorn ceased, he coughed a plume of smoke and used the backside of a paw to wipe his lips. The stone was glowing like a large burning stone coal. Thorn stared in awe of not realizing the outstanding features of his own magic.
Glaedr smiled and praised his new student, You have done well. You may give this stone as a gift to your Rider. This session is over young one. Now come, let us fly back to the Crags of Tel'Naeir. Thorn nodded and replied, Aye, ebrithil. Thorn took the stone with his teeth and flew back to his Rider following Glaedr over the the emerald ocean landscape and to prepare for the next day.
Well, how do you like Thorn's incredible skills. Heh, for a lad he sure is amazing huh? I'll post another chapter again shortly later on.