50 yrs old
Eridor (maroon; two pink spikes w/ pink eyes)
Fafnir (yellow; red talons, spikes, irises)
Kaida (jade green; orange talons, stomach, and flecked irises)
40 yrs old
Glaurung (light brown; blue eyes, talons, spikes, occasional scale)
Drogon (black; red eyes, talons)
30 yrs old
Velocke (gold; black spikes, irises, underside of scales)
Savon (dark grey; light grey stomach, irises)
Reona (white; purple talons, irises)
Cerama (salmon; tan talons)
20 yrs old
Gracen (yellow; seaweed green spikes, irises, talons)
Westairya (blue; brown talons, spikes)
Sulivar (dark purple; orange spikes, irises)
10 yrs old
Palar (white; red spikes, irises, talons (but 1))
Jalan (black; white talons, spikes, few scales; orange eyes)
3 months older than Saphira
Lexani (light green; black spikes, talons)
Ophelia (grey; purple talons, two purple spikes on tail)
Novar (light brown head slowly changes to dark brown at the tail)
(^0^)
Mind speak
Our journey continued in the morning. Like the previous day Eragon rode Saphire, Glaurung carried Snowfire and Cadoc, then Haldrak carried Tornac while Murtagh, the elf, and I rode on his back. Saphira flew constant loops around the two elder dragons. Her joy at seeing two more of her kind was obvious. The sapphire dragon clearly wanted to partake in leisure flights, her joy making her playful, but Haldrak wouldn't risk us accidentally falling off.
Haldrak and I spoke constantly. He also conveyed his amusement and slight annoyance towards the female dragons actions. The only hatchlings Haldrak entertained were Kaida, Fafnir, and Eridor. When Glaurung and Drogon hatched he didn't have to entertain them because they had each other, and their three older siblings.
Saphira eventually gave up trying to play. By that time the Beor Mountains were well in sight. Our entire group stared at them in complete awe. Their base completely expanded across the horizon. They stretched above and beyond the clouds, preventing us from seeing their peaks. Dense forest covered the bottom, but the rest of the rocky surface was covered in snow and ice. Narrow valleys littered the mountains like deep gorges.
Haldrak and I shared our awe. The mountains of the Spine couldn't even compare. They must be over a hundred times my size.
They're truly incredible. I never would have imagined something like this existed. I'd heard of their size, but mere words could never compare.
I looked over my shoulder to see Murtagh staring in awe and bafflement. When he realized I was staring he pointed at the Beor's. "They're gigantic!" He shouted over the wind.
Not willing to yell I just nodded in agreement. The sight of them alone was breathtaking. We could have hidden here. We still could. Galbatorix would have no chance of ever finding us.
Haldrak agreed, but he sent feelings of displeasure as well. The thought of hiding always bothered the dragons. They weren't meant to hide away.
The closer we flew to the mountains the cooler the air grew. To keep us from shivering Haldrak flew slightly closer to the ground. Eventually he landed, as did Saphira and Glaurung, so we could all rest up and eat lunch. All three dragons flew off to find something to eat. Apparently gazelle lived around this part of the desert.
Eragon used his magic to raise water from the ground. We let the horses drink first, then the three of us went next. Eragon refilled his water-skin and used it to give the elf some water.
"We're less than a league away from the Empire's borders."
I looked over at Murtagh and smiled. "It's a freeing feeling, is it not? My dragons and I could live in these mountains without a single worry." Through our bond Haldrak sent his agreement. Perhaps we could actually live in the Beor's when Galbatorix was removed from the throne.
The dragons returned after their hunt. Instead of immediately taking off we decided to wait a while so their stomachs could settle. In the meantime Eragon approached the unconscious elf. I watched him warily. The barely-of-age rider had a an odd obsession with the elf. He was clearly worried about her, but he knew nothing about her. His attachment came from odd scrying dreams.
Eragon kneeled over the elf, and placed a palm upon her brow. Knowing exactly what he intended to do I stood up to try and stop him. Before I could reach him his entire body tensed, and his face screwed up in pain. Saphira snarled in agitation. Seeing her rider in pain, and possibly feeling it as well, severely angered her; especially since there was no physical force she could fight.
Saphira curled on Eragons right, Murtagh kneeled on his left, and I stood directly in front of them with my arms crossed. His muscles unclenched at some point, meaning the pain from before was gone, but with my worry gone I only felt anger.
Around fifteen minutes passed in silence while we waited for Eragon to return to his own mind. He did so with a shuddering breath, and opened his eyes to see the three of us crowded around him.
"Are you alright?" Murtagh asked. "You've been kneeling there for nearly fifteen minutes."
Eragon blinked, obviously surprised by the information. "I have?"
"Yes, you stupid boy!" I snapped. All three of them looked at me in surprise, but I kept my focus on Eragon. "What were you thinking!? Entering the mind of an elf whose been tortured for Gods know how long. It's obvious she attacked you, and with your limited skill in the mental arts she easily could have killed you!"
The information made Saphira growl. Eragon looked away sheepishly. "I was worried. She hasn't been waking up, and I knew I could contact animals and Saphira with my thoughts. I figured I could do the same with her."
"Eragon," I paused to sigh and rub my temples, "it's not about whether you're able to, it's about whether you should. You also failed to consult me on the matter, and you didn't tell Murtagh. Even having Saphira's help you should have consulted me."
Eragon bit his lip in shame. "I didn't tell Saphira either."
I frowned. "She didn't know what you were going to do?" Both dragon and rider shook their heads. "You blocked your thoughts from her?"
Eragon shook his head again. "No. I just did it."
"And you didn't know he was going to do it?" The question went to the sapphire dragon, whom shook her head in the negative. "Odd. Haldrak and I constantly keep our connection with each other open. He is in the back of my mind, like I am in the back of his. We can even finish each other's thoughts and sentences. Hearing you two not experiencing the same thing is…baffling to me."
Eragon and Saphira shared a surprised look. It seems their connection is either different from mine and Haldrak's, or they didn't keep their bond open to one another at all times.
I sighed in resignation. "Eragon, please, next time tell somebody what you're about to do. Such acts could cause your death."
Eragon nodded grimly as he stood. He winced when his knees stretched out. No doubt fifteen minutes of kneeling caused a lot of aches. "I talked with Arya." Murtagh and I frowned quizzically so Eragon explained. "The elf–that's her name. Do you now her, Lyari?"
I shook my head. "Arya?" The name sparked a memory from over a century ago. I'd been only fifteen at the time, but Islanzadí Dröttning had fallen pregnant. All the cities rejoiced and celebrated the new life, even though Alagaësia was overrun by the war against Galbatorix. The queen gave birth to a little girl, Arya Dröttningu.
"It's not possible." I stepped closer to examine the other elf's features. She did have the same raven-black hair as Islanzadí Dröttning, but I didn't know the queen personally enough to tell if they shared any other characteristics. "I do not want to make assumptions, especially if I happen to be wrong."
"Who is she?" Eragon was intent on knowing her identity.
"It's not important. I'll tell you when I know for certain. For now, tell us what you found out."
Eragon scowled, but quickly got over it as he explained to us how the elf–Arya–was poisoned from her time in Gil'ead. The only antidote is with the Varden and the elves. Arya says the elves are too far, even on dragon back. Haldrak and Glaurung didn't like the strange elf doubting their speed. I reprimanded them because we truly were too far from the elves. The Varden would be the place to go since they were closest.
Murtagh asked, "How far away are the Varden?"
"I'm not exactly sure," Eragon confessed. "From what she showed me, I think it's farther than from here to Gil'ead."
I did my best to calculate the distance. "Then that should only take two days. Haldrak and Glaurung can fly us most of the way there, and the rest of the way will be on foot. I don't want to reveal Haldrak just yet." Brom's words echoed through my head: "Only reveal them to Ajihad."
"Murtagh." He looked up and met my gaze. "If you're still against going to the Varden, now would be the time to separate from us."
His grey eyes widened. Even Eragon looked surprised at my statement. Despite this they both know it to be true. Eragon and I were on our last legs to the Varden, and if Murtagh didn't want to accompany us, then now would be the best time for him to go his own way.
"I see," Murtagh murmured. After a few moments of thought he sighed. "I think you're right. We're not too far from Surda. I can travel there and not have to worry about Empire soldiers finding me."
He made a good point. Surda openly defies Galbatorix, and nobody would turn him over if they somehow recognized him.
"The Varden can protect you just as well, if not more, than Surda." Eragon mentioned.
I sighed. "You're not wrong, Eragon, but Murtagh has his reason for leaving and we have to respect them "
The younger rider pouted, but didn't argue. I understood his want for Murtagh to come with us. He became a dear friend during our travels, as well as a lifesaver. Eragon and I might have stayed prisoners of the Ra'zac, and been brought to Galbatorix.
I would never allow those creatures to take you from me.
Haldrak's deep, rumbling voice filled me with warmth. I know you wouldn't, my love.
We relaxed for another hour. The horses used the time to graze now that we weren't surrounded by sand. The dragons laid out and sunbathed. It was a usual sight for me, but Murtagh and Eragon constantly stared at Haldrak and Glaurung. Their size alone was impressive, but seeing their scales glisten in the afternoon sun was extraordinary. I was used to seeing nineteen dragons laying out in the sun or flying through the sky. Eragon was only used to Saphira, and Murtagh was barely used to her.
Eventually Haldrak stood up. The rest of us took that as our cue to start packing up. Murtagh saddled Tornac and Eragon saddled Saphira, while I put Snowfire and Cadoc to sleep.
I approached Murtagh once I had Arya secured on Haldrak's saddle. "I hope this isn't the last we'll see of each other."
He tightened the last strap on Tornac's saddle and smiled at me. "It won't be. I'll make sure of it."
"If anything Haldrak and I will fly to Surda and find you."
Murtagh laughed. "That would certainly gain everyone's attention."
Eragon joined us and they clasped forearms. "It's been an honor traveling with you."
"The honor is mine. Not everyone gets the chance to travel with two dragon riders. It's even less likely that they would ride a dragon. I'm proud to call you both my friends."
Murtagh swung onto Tornac's saddle. He pulled on the reins to turn West and kicked Tornac's sides. The grey horse immediately jerked into a soft gallop. Eragon, Saphira, Haldrak and I all watched him ride off. Murtagh traveled a few hundred feet before looking back and waving. Eragon and I returned the gesture before moving towards our respective dragons.
None of the eggs reacted to the boys presence. Haldrak commented as I climbed onto his back.
That's a shame, I responded. I believe he would've made a fantastic rider. Haldrak's agreement filtered through our bond.
Saphira and Eragon took off first, since they were the ones who knew where to go. Glaurung clasped Snowfire and Cadoc in his claws then swiftly followed, with Haldrak and I taking the rear. As we gained altitude I kept my gaze locked on Murtagh and Tornac. They steadily grew smaller and smaller until they were no more then black dots moving across the ground.
I want Novar to watch him. At least until he makes it to Surda.
Through our connection I felt him reach out for the youngest male hatchling. I didn't hear their conversation, but it only took a few seconds before Haldrak told me, He shall follow the two-leg until he is safe.
Please send him my gratitude. I glanced at the ground again, stealing one last glance at the small dot I knew to be Murtagh, before closing my eyes and relaxing. Letting my mind stretch to the thirteen eggs hidden on Haldrak's saddle. Their minds held no thoughts, only feelings, and I wished my life could be as simple as theirs.