Neena sat in the cave, curled up against Hirador's belly. He lay on the cold rock floor, his golden eyes watching their company intently. Saphira walked forward, stopping when Hirador let out a small growl. Neena noted, it was not nearly as malicious as when they had first met them.
"Neena, is it? Your parents named you well. Where are you from?" Eragon asked. Saphira was staring at Hirador intently.
"I'm not sure…….Hirador?"
Thoroughly ignoring Saphira, Hirador looked down at Neena, his gaze soft with affection.
You were born in a town called Daret.
How do you know so much about me?
I tap into the far corners of your subconscious where most of your memories of your life lie.
I wish I could remember. Neena said, sighing. Hirador nosed her down on her stomach and blanketed her with his wing.
You, hatchling, have been through so many horrors, far more horrors than any soul should have to endure. You have felt more pain than any other I have encountered, and somehow you have managed to stay strong for so many years. I am here to heal you and to give you strength. Perhaps someday your memories will return to you.
Neena felt a strange emotion roll off of him for her, one she had felt for him many times.
What is this? She asked. Hirador hummed.
I am proud of you. Hirador replied, cleaning his talons.
"You and Hirador have a strong bond," Eragon commented. Neena beamed, resting her chin on the heel of one hand.
"That's because he's my big ol' softy," Neena said. Hirador snorted.
Softy am I? He growled, lowering his nose to her face.
Yep! Neena said happily, surprising Hirador by planting a butterfly kiss on his nose. Saphira laughed, and Neena listened curiously to the sound. It was lighter, and had more of a trill to it than Hirador's. Hirador promptly began cleaning claws, his embarrassment reaching Neena.
"Hey, do you know what happened to Hirador? What's wrong with him, I mean. The wound nearly killed him, and it didn't even seem to bother him before. Is it some sort of spell?" Neena asked Eragon. He leaned back on Saphira, who had still had her gaze fixed on Hirador.
"I'm not sure, I would have to get a closer look to make sure," Eragon said, eyeing the snarling dragon.
"Hirador?" Neena said, an unspoken question ringing through her voice.
No.
"Don't be stubborn."
Give me a reason not to be.
Am image of Hirador laying there with his wound open and roaring in agony flashed through her mind, and an unexpected sob rose in her throat. She stifled it, and Hirador nudged her with his nose comfortingly.
"I nearly lost you," Neena whispered softly. Hirador stared at her for a moment, taking in her emotions and the tears glistening in her eyes. He let out a great sigh.
For you.
He walked cautiously over to Eragon and rolled over on his side. Neena got up and joined Eragon. A long, thin black scar tore up his belly where the wound had been. Hirador's eyes followed Eragon's hand as he placed it over the scar, a light snarl dancing on Hirador's face. Eragon put his other hand on Saphira, and Neena realized that Saphira must be lending Eragon her strength, as she did with Hirador and him to her.
"Show me what spells are concealed in this wound," Eragon said in the ancient language, his hand glowing. Hirador's scales flickered with a glow, stopping Eragon's magic in its tracks.
I am immune to magic. Hirador said, getting up once more. Neena felt a small pang of pain radiate from his scar, but Hirador's magic silenced it. Eragon looked up with interest, as did Saphira.
"How is that even possible?" Eragon asked.
Not even us dragons know all our secrets. Hirador replied, seemingly settled down a bit. He again drew Neena close with one velvet wing.
This is true. Saphira agreed. Thinking, Neena noticed something that the other three seemed to have missed.
Hirador, you're immune to direct attacks of magic. But you're not immune to indirect attacks with magic. The other Rider……he must have put a spell on his sword before attacking you!
Hirador puffed up with pride at Neena's realization.
Your mind is as keen as an eagle's eye! He praised.
Should I share it with the others?
Hirador snorted.
Hatchling, it would not be very wise. You are aware of that.
"The people of the Varden will be suspicious of you and Hirador until you prove them wrong," Eragon said, breaking the silence. Hirador and Neena looked at him. Neena paused, tweedling her thumbs, still deep in thought about Hirador.
"Thank you for helping me heal Hirador. He would have died without your help," Neena said, letting her gratitude slip into her voice. It seemed to be the right thing to say, because Eragon broke into a grin.
"You did pretty well, though. Was that your first time using magic?"
Neena nodded. Eragon's face went blank, and at first Neena thought he was speaking with Saphira, until he mounted the blue dragon.
"Nasuada summons me. You and Hirador stay here until we get back," Eragon said. Hirador smashed his tail against the cave's wall promptly. He got up and turned to Neena.
Let us go explore the campsite, shall we hatchling? He suggested. Neena laughed at his rebellious nature.
"Hirador wants to explore the campsite. You don't mind, do you?" Neena asked. The older boy looked down at her, obviously troubled. Neena mounted Hirador without waiting for an answer, fiddling with her straps while Hirador shifted his weight from one leg to the other impatiently.
"Who gave you that saddle, Neena?" Eragon asked. Hirador's suspicion reached her, but the gentle look in Saphira's eyes convinced Neena to reply.
"A man named Jeod made it for us," Neena answered curtly. Saphira snorted, her blue eyes widening.
"Do you know him?" Neena asked innocently.
"Yes. He's an important part of the Varden. His wife is here, Nasuada sent him back to Teirm to take care of….important matters. I used magic to create a kind of mask that hid his real identity. He's going to return in a few months," Eragon replied.
It is not the most honorable path to take, but perhaps all other paths were blocked. Hirador commented. He turned and startled Neena by charging out of the cave, partially opening his wings. He took off, his wings catching the warm thermals and sending them up higher and higher. Neena twisted in the saddle, watching Eragon and Saphira follow them. Neena laughed out loud as the familiar smooth sensation of flying reached her. She leaned down and wrapped her small arms around Hirador's neck, feeling his powerful muscles rippling beneath his beautiful scales.
This is it.
Hirador tucked his legs tighter against his belly and leaned to one side, turning swiftly.
What is on your mind, hatchling?
You could find out yourself. Neena pointed out, leaning with him. Hirador leveled out again, and began to speed up as he sensed Saphira coming close.
Perhaps, but some things are better left unknown. It keeps life interesting.
Neena smiled, snuggling closer to Hirador's neck.
This is the best part of being a Rider. Flying with you.
Hirador snorted, pleased. Neena knew that he had caught the deeper meaning of her words from her mind. It wasn't just flying with him. It was being a part of him that she loved. She loved how she was his life and that he was hers. It was the most incredible feeling, to be so close to someone. Suddenly Hirador jerked in the air. They both yelped in shared pain. Neena saw Saphira's playful look through Hirador's eyes. Hirador let out a high pitched croon that sounded oddly like the playful squeaks he had made as a hatchling when Neena played with him. Then, tucking his legs even closer to his body, he dove, folding his wings completely against his body. Neena felt him tug at her mind, and she closed her eyes, letting her spirit float into Hirador's body. When she opened them, she saw familiar tints of Hirador's vision. They roared exuberantly, and snapped their wings open, rising once more. A roar answered theirs, and they turned, seeing Saphira nearly upon them. They jerked their head and tail skywards, powering their wings and sailing straight up. So the blue dragoness wanted to challenge them?
They headed for the clouds, flapping their wings as fast as they could, their muscles straining as the wind furiously fought against them. They threw their weight around in the air, twisting and brushing the side of the Saphira's neck with their muzzle. Abruptly, they leaned back, using their wings to aid them as they flipped. They slammed their wings against their sides, letting gravity grip them. Their body sliced through the air, towards the golden sand below. Faster, faster! They concentrated, and the fire in their belly began to stir. They opened their wings a mere fifty feet from the ground and let out a roaring stream of violet flames that singed the sands below them, blowing into their wing membranes and lifting them once more! They flapped their wings, going straight up, and leveled out again, searching the sands and air for Saphira. They tensed their muscles in case Saphira and her Rider should come upon them unexpectedly. There! They saw the blue dragon skimming the sandy grounds. She hadn't been able to come out of the dive quickly enough. They looked ahead and saw the camp. They had come upon it far too soon.
Neena opened her eyes, still feeling Hirador's sadness as the game quickly ended, and she was put back into her body. With her own eyes, she watched Eragon and Saphira land in the camp, the crowd of people that had gathered to watch the dragons play parting for them. Neena felt a slightly familiar presence brush her mind. Hirador snapped to attention, ready to shield her mind.
Neena, you and Hirador can explore the camp. Just be careful, many of the Varden are extremely suspicious of you. Eragon's voice came through the link.
I'll keep that in mind. Neena said, and retreated from the link.
Hirador began to descend, letting out a soft bugle so the people could part for him as well. Some moved, but others stayed where they were, glaring at them. Hirador pulled up in the air, growling in irritation. He looked around, looking for a place to land. He tried once more, flaring his wings and splaying his talons. This time, a few people purposely moved in the way.
"Get out of here, you scum!"
"We don't want you here!"
"Yeah!"
A crowd began to gather as Hirador circled around, preparing to try again. They all began to shout insults at Hirador and Neena. As Neena's eyes began to well up with tears, Hirador responded with anger. He turned away from the camp, earning a few cheers until he turned once more, a snarl on his lips. He swooped down, letting out an earth shattering roar and spitting a fireball into the sky. Instantly, all of them scattered. Some of them screamed. Others stayed quiet. And still others stared at Neena with such hatred it made her blood run cold.
They eye us as if we are jackals in their midst.
Why do they hate us so much, Hirador? Neena asked as she centered her weight while Hirador landed.
That remains a mystery to me, hatchling.
Neena shifted in the saddle, unsure whether to dismount or not.
Stay on my back for now. Hirador said softly. Neena could feel his worry for her, and his rage at being unjustly abused rise.
"Why did you come here with your beast, demon child? Were you perhaps looking for security? Or were you waiting for the chance to damn us all to that wretched-
Hirador reared and came back down, slamming his forepaws into the sands.
ENOUGH! He roared. He snarled, stalking toward the man who had said that. Hirador jabbed his golden-bronze head in front of the man.
Are you so foolish as to insult me and my Rider to our faces? I could as easily snap your spine as a twig!
The man, whose face was by now paler than the moon, held his ground.
"Shadeslayer Eragon-
"Why are we fighting? We are all here for one cause, and that is to destroy Galbatorix and restore the peace Alageasia had before the Fall, right?" Neena said, tired of being ignored. Many pairs of eyes turned to her, and she heard murmurs of agreement sweep through the crowd. The man's face turned red with anger, and his lips pursed into a thin line.
"You best hold your tongue in the presence of a man, girl!" he snapped, swiftly walking up and slapping Neena. In an instant Hirador swept him off his feet and pinned him to the ground.
You best hold your tongue in the presence of a Rider and her dragon!
The man snorted.
"She's not even a woman yet. I have no reason to respect her."
"That's it. I have heard enough."
All eyes turned as Nasuada swept up to them, her anger clearly radiating off of her. Hirador let the man go, backing away. Neena let out a whoosh of withheld air in relief.
"Lady Nasuada! What brings you-
He was silenced as the young leader put a sword to his throat.
"I should have your head for your actions towards our new Rider. Neena may be a child, but you would do well to remember that with the proper training, she and her dragon could defeat entire armies. We are lucky to have her and Hirador with us. Therefore, Neena and Hirador are to be treated with utmost respect. Anyone who does otherwise will be personally dealt with by me," Nasuada said, removing her blade from the man's throat and looking up at Neena. Neena turned to hide the tears she had just noticed were falling from her eyes.
"I am truly sorry, you two," Nasuada said. Hirador glared at her accusingly, smoke trailing from his nostrils. Suddenly a slim, brown haired woman broke through the crowd. Neena stared at her, she was oddly familiar.
Suddenly her memory clicked.
"Mother," she whispered.
A/N: This is where I would have stopped, had the prize chapter not been this chapter. Oooo you guys would have been left on a terrible cliffy, wouldn't you? I'm so evil. Well, onward ho!
Neena? Go on.
Neena stared at Hirador's kind expression for a few seconds, before untying the straps on her legs. Hirador crouched so she could get off. The woman had unbelieving tears in her eyes.
"Neena?" the woman croaked out. Before Neena knew what was happening, she had bolted into her mother's arms, her tears soaking her mother's shirt. Her mother held her tight for a few seconds, then held her at arm's length.
"How?" her mother's voice trembled with a single word as Nasuada shooed the people away. Hirador walked up to Neena and brushed his nose against her shoulder, turning his gaze to her mother.
So you are Neena's hatcher?
Her mother's eyes widened, and she took a double take, and Neena showed her palm, the mark shining gold with all its glory.
"What's……..his name?" her mother asked.
I am called Hirador. Hirador said, responding quietly.
"He…..is breathtaking. And you, Neena, you've grown so much! Your father will be so happy to see you! It'll be just like old times, before the slavers separated us!"
Neena froze. Hirador growled in annoyance at being ignored.
Hirador, what am I going to do? We have to leave soon!
The bronze dragon shifted his weight, thinking. After a long pause, he finally said, Hatchling, the only thing I wish for is for you to be where you are happiest. Shall you decide to stay with your family I will stay with you, but first I must heed the call of my instincts. They burn inside me, Neena. I can not ignore them for much longer.
With those words, Neena's world crashed. Hirador was leaving? Her throat tightened. At the same time, a conflict began inside of her. She could either stay with her mother and wait for Hirador to come back, or go with Hirador and not see her mother for who knows how long?
Her mother grabbed her hand and led her into a nearby tent, interrupting her thoughts. Hirador stuck his body in the tent, surprised he could fit in it comfortably. A figure covered with blankets was on the ground. It took Neena a second to realize who it was.
"Daddy!" Neena cried, falling to her knees and hugging him. But something was wrong.
"Why isn't he moving?"
Her mother moved uncomfortably.
"He went into battle a while ago. Your father…was cut in the stomach. He hasn't woken up yet, though we know he's alive," she replied, her voice shaky. Neena's stomach twisted itself into a knot.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but I need to talk to Neena and Hirador….privately."
Neena and her mom looked over. Nasuada was standing at the entrance, Hirador behind her. Neena nodded and followed Nasuada, stealing a quick glance at her mother before she left. Nasuada led Hirador and Neena to a large tent, the largest there was, and went inside. Nasuada turned and addressed both of them.
"I apologize for the Varden's actions. We have lived in suspicion for many years in the Beor Mountains. When everyone heard of a new Rider, I believe they weren't expecting someone of your age. However, this brings me to another conclusion. When Eragon first came here with Saphira, he went to train with the elves in Ellesmera. The plan is the same for you. Arya will guide you there-
Neena looked at Hirador, hesitant.
They have backed us into a corner. Let us give them a fight. Hirador said, reading her thoughts. Neena smiled. Suddenly a woman strode into the tent. She had high cheekbones, full lips, black hair, and a slim figure. But her beauty wasn't what caught Neena's attention.
She is an elf! Hirador exclaimed.
She must be Arya. Neena concluded. Nasuada smiled at the newcomer.
"Greetings, Arya," Nasuada said, confirming Neena's suspicion. The tall elf nodded, and then looked down at Neena, eyes softening.
"Are you the young Rider?" Arya asked in her melodic voice.
Neena nodded, still not quite believing what she was seeing. An unexpected wave of anguish and anger washed through her, and she looked at Hirador, puzzled. She tried to push into his mind to see what the problem was, but she was propelled back gently.
Hirador snaked around Arya and planted himself in front of Neena, snarling.
You traitors. Your kind betrayed ours. Hirador said, his voice trembling with rage and sadness. Neena saw flashes of images behind Hirador's eyes that she couldn't make sense of. Arya met Hirador's piercing gaze straight on, which was more than Neena could say for a lot of people.
"My people did not betray the dragons. The Riders did," Arya said. Nasuada fell silent, probably not knowing what to do. Hirador growled low in his throat and partly raised his wings.
You are the ones who we gave our hatchlings to! We had faith that with the Riders would come a new beginning, one where the skies would be safe and peaceful. Instead you allowed our hatchlings to be manipulated by their Riders and turned us against one another.
Hirador's eyes widened and he slammed his tail against the ground, roaring deafeningly.
"Hirador! It's not their fault!" Neena said. She froze when he jerked his head and eyed her wildly. It was as if she was a stranger. She reached into Hirador's mind to search for him, only to find several unfamiliar presences. She backed away as Hirador growled.
BLOOD SPILLED! OATH BREAKERS ABUNDANT! LIFE BONDS TORN APART!!! LOVED ONES LOST!
"Hirador!" Neena cried again, diving into the mass of minds and searching for his. His eyes were changing colors from blue, to violet, to emerald, to silver, to yellow, and many others.
THE TAME ONES WERE DEAF TO THE SCREAMS OF THE SKY! THE EARTH TREMBLED BENEATH OUR FEET AS DARKNESS SWALLOWED THE LIGHT!
The images were going faster and faster now. Wild dragons roared their pain to the skies as their mates were slain before their eyes. Females valiantly defended their nests from the traitors, shielding their eggs until their life-flame fled. Males dive-bombed the Riders, spitting flames from their maws fiercely to gain revenge for the hatchlings and mates they had lost. Dragons carried their hatchlings on their backs, desperately searching for a place to hide their offspring. Tame ones leapt in front of their Riders to rescue them from death. Screams filled the skies as the dragons and their Riders fell to their dooms. A pure white dragoness circled a battlefield frantically, searching for her beloved. A man fought alongside the ranks of the dragons on the ground.
Saphira, where are you?! She heard her Rider's cries and felt his worry. An armored red dragon charged towards him, opening its jaws widely. She folded her wings and dove, roaring. But she wouldn't get there in time to fly away with him! The wind roared around her as she opened her wings and swooped, clearing a path with her fire. The red dragon was close. Too close! She had to go faster!
BROM! She screamed, touching down in front of him. She didn't have time to brace herself as the larger red dragon's jaws closed around her throat. She felt her Rider's anguish and horror reach her in a wave of pain.
"NO! SAPHIRA!" her Rider yelled, bringing his white sword, the sword she had an elf forge with her scales, and slamming it into the red dragon's side. But she could feel it. Her time was ending quickly as the red dragon's jaws closed tighter around her throat. A wicked laugh filled the air.
Be strong, little one. Saphira whispered, pouring all her love for him into their link as her first and last tears fled from her eyes.
"Jierda!" Morzan cried. She heard a sickening crack come from her neck, and she knew no more.
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Neena woke up back in the cave with Hirador's tail curled around her protectively. He was wide awake, looking towards the rising sun. Something wet rolled down her cheeks. Tears.
Hatchling, you are awake.
What happened? Neena asked, sitting up and stretching. Hirador turned his head once more to the sky.
Arya was the only one who knew what was happening. The spirits of the dragons lost spoke through me. They now know that no spell was spoken over my egg.
Neena felt the weariness that spread through his limbs as he stood up.
Are you alright?
Hirador trembled as a spasm of pain tore through his stomach.
It seems that the spell has not worn off yet. Hirador commented grimly, snarling lightly.
Neena felt him fight it, using the fire in his belly to wrestle with the spell until it was subdued and the pain left.
I am……afraid. I was not myself. It was as if I were all those dragons.
Neena wrapped her arms around his neck and held him.
I was there with you.
In a rush, Hirador's gratitude for that sentence flew into her. She smiled.
"What happened to Eragon and Saphira?" she asked, still feeling the knot in her throat tighten.
They had matters to take care of. Is that our fate, hatchling? To be called upon so often that we have no time for ourselves?
Neena searched her mind for the right thing to say.
It could be, I guess. But we're the ones who choose our own fate. We still haven't decided, and there are other ways we could live.
What should happen if one of us should die, Neena?
Neena already knew what he meant. When they fought Galbatorix. He was worried that because there was no spell spoken over his egg, if she died, he would live on.
I am not sure if I could handle losing you. Hirador said softly. Neena got up on his back and leaned her cheek on his scales, wrapping her arms around his neck again.
If it ever comes to that, I want you to live on in my memory. I don't want you to be sad the rest of your life if I die. She stopped there, knowing that he already understood the rest of her meaning. Hirador opened his wings and shot towards the clouds.
A.N: I'm sorry for the late update. I've been an extremely sick puppy these past few days, and today I was barely able to get out of bed. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Nine pages! Whooo longest chapter yet! And by far the most eventful! Hopefully I didn't sound rushed. Cya!