It has been far too long since I updated and I aware (for those of you who read 'The Future Begins') that the promise I made to update my stories more frequently these past two weeks has gone unfilled but I have been suffering from writers block. I started writing this chapter on April 1st and as I post this it is now almost 5:30 am on April 18th; that's the longest I've ever took to finish a chapter once it's started. I can do nothing but apologise to you all for keeping you waiting and I understand if you no longer believe me when I say updates will come more frequently, after all I wouldn't believe me too. I'm just going through a very busy period of my life and, as I read from a friends author's note on his story (and I thought he was right on the money so I'm stealing it so thanks PC), I can't just write whenever I have a spare few minutes otherwise the chapter would become choppy, I have to wait until I have a good few hours to get a lot done. Anyway, enough apologies because I'm sure you just went to get on with it, you should enjoy this chapter, plenty of character development and something you've all been waiting for.
The monotonous ramblings of the ancient dragons bored Rhaxma as she stared absentmindedly at the large hour glass in the centre of the room. She marvelled at how well it had escaped the withers of time, the glass remaining untarnished and the specks of sand glistening as they ticked away an unknown countdown to something. She had asked The Chronicler long ago what it was for as she had never seen the hourglass being turned but he never told her, she even doubted that he knew exactly what it was for if it wasn't simply a symbol of his power as the keeper of history.
She then looked over at Saphira who seemed to be trying to keep up with the conversations but failing admirably as they talked about events and places that escaped her ancestral knowledge. Not having a rider herself, Rhaxma didn't understand the driving force behind Saphira's actions. The sapphire dragoness demanded answers and action with the intensity that any dragon would show for their mate when they were in trouble.
Never experiencing the company of another individual she didn't understand the attachments one would develop to someone you'd shared your mind with. As she grew Rhaxma had asked The Chronicler about the other dragons and had been told about the intimate link a dragon and rider would share. It confused her that two different species could grow so close together, but then she did realise that living in isolation dampened her ability to form attachments with others and to understand the reasoning behind it.
Yawning loudly, the great white dragon moved from her side and sat on her haunches, her head standing level with the top of the hour glass. She then snaked that head down and began to clean her claws, removing dirt and grains of sand between her scales with her tongue. If you're bored you could try to join in. Saphira then said to her.
Rhaxma snorted. I know just as much as you do that the majority of what they're saying makes no sense to us. It wouldn't be an efficient use of my time to listen, at least until someone wants to speak to me directly.
And I suppose grooming yourself is a better use of your time? Saphira asked, her mind vaguely aware of the conversation the other dragons were having.
I can't think of a better use at the moment, Rhaxma replied, looking up briefly to lock her eyes with Saphira's before turning back to her cleaning. You could do with a grooming yourself, and then maybe you'd be able to persuade one of those dragons to break free of Galbatorix's control.
An intimidating growl emerged from Saphira at that comment, her anger beginning to brim to the surface, causing the other dragons to momentarily stop their conversation to observe whatever was about to happen. I'll have you know that I've been told I am one of the most beautiful dragons some people have seen. I am not in need of a grooming.
And I suppose your rider and the elves have told you that. I wouldn't take the words of fanatics to be the truth if I were you; it'll just lead to your own disappointment.
Eragon is not a fanatic, Saphira shouted, her mental voice echoing between every dragons' skull. And as for the elves, they just know how to respect those around them and know how to act in certain situations. Unlike you who has spent the last century alone in isolation when you should have travelled to the mainland to help rid the world of Galbatorix.
"Saphira, I believe it would be best if you let the argument drop." Ignitus interrupted, aware that if a fight broke out, although they couldn't exactly get hurt, then they would be hard pressed to stop the mighty dragons from destroying the temple in their skirmish.
No, I will not let the matter drop, old one. I want to know why she has remained her when it was clear that she was needed elsewhere. Saphira began to snarl, her lips peeling back and revealing the ferocious teeth hidden behind them as her anger built. There were countless tasks she could have took part in; the hunt for Morzan; the theft of the last three dragon eggs, of which only I was taken; the ferrying of my egg between Ellesméra and the Varden. Her actions are inexcusable and if she chooses to return with me to Alagaësia questions will be asked as to why she hasn't made herself known until now. I am simply being the first to ask them.
Silence enveloped them all after Saphira finished talking and waited for Rhaxma to respond; the white dragoness had continued to clean her claws with increased vigour, despite them already shining, almost as if to purposefully avoid meeting anyone's gaze. I was scared. She finally said, startling everyone; they hadn't expected that answer.
Excuse me? Saphira remarked. You were scared?Rhaxma nodded. Scared of what?! I'm sorry but that isn't a good enough excuse, do you not think I was scared or Eragon? Of course we were but we did what was expected of us. Eragon could have handed me over or hidden me away in a cave and forgotten all about me but he didn't, he stood by me and when I was old enough I stood by him. You had no reason to seclude yourself, especially when you had grown old enough to breathe fire.
Rhaxma snarled and snapped her jaws together. The other dragons remained quiet, not wanting to take sides. Of course that is a good enough reason. You may have been scared but at least you had someone to be scared with. Just imagine hatching in the middle of a thorn bush at the base of a cliff. Your soft scales being scratched as you climb out of the bush and cry out for your mother only to receive the howl of the wind in response.
You sit and keen at the base of the cliff, waiting for someone to find you and care for you. Then you realise that no one is coming and begin scrounging for food, the small insects and rodents you find providing very little nourishment. Rhaxma continued, her eyes long since leaving Saphira, who was beginning to regret provoking her elder sister. Those were my first moments in this world, Saphira.
Saphira only remained silent, she realised now that she had managed to open something that had been kept closed for possibly a very long time. Then when you grow old enough and you grow tired of living at the bottom of that cliff you venture to the top, only to discover a cave littered with egg shells and the remains of dragons, picked at by wolves and whatever else decided it wanted a free meal.
I found my parents murdered and my siblings killed before they even hatched. The world of man, elf and dwarf was unknown to me at the time but it didn't take long for me to learn that their petty squabbles was responsible for my family's death. And then when I found the Chronicler I discovered that it was not just my family, it was my entire species, hundreds of my kind wiped out in only a few years, leaving me alone in the world.
I did not want to go to the mainland, to face the ones responsible for my solitude. The Chronicler told me about your egg, along with the other two and I knew that if I ventured into Galbatorix's kingdom I would sooner be captured and forced to submit to his dragon before I managed to extract even a meagre fraction of my revenge. I was faced with living alone or living with a mindless mate who would show me no love and give me eggs that would be taken away from me as soon as I lay them. And if I was killed there would be one less dragon in the world and I could not allow that, even if my future meant that I'd be the last living dragon in the world but there would at least still be a living dragon.
So don't you dare tell me being scared isn't a good enough reason for not leaving to help the world that forgot about me. As far as I am concerned that is more than enough reason. Perhaps if I had a rider or a mate to help me I may have done something but when you are alone with no support for any of your needs, be them psychological or merely physical, you can not be blamed for doing what your instincts tells you to. The mighty dragoness then turned her back on the others, fanning her wings out behind her and hiding her head from view.
Great, now look what I've done, Saphira thought to herself as she looked at her sister's back. It appeared Rhaxma had returned to grooming her body, most probably cleaning the scales on her underside that had been scratched during her entrance into the temple.
The sapphire dragoness made to step towards Rhaxma but Volteer coughed, making her turn around. "I think it would be best if you left her alone for a while, Saphira. My experiences tell me that that would be wise as it would give you and her time to think. I recommend you use that time wisely." Saphira stared at the guardian for a few seconds before finally snorting and stomping into a dark corridor where she curled up and grumbled to herself.
"Quite a temper she has," Cyril commented as he looked at her silhouette.
"This is nothing," Spyro added, "you should have seen her when Eragon was taken away; she burned down a small wood."
"Yes, the pain experienced by a dragon that has lost its rider is great," The Chronicler continued, silencing the other dragons as they listened; he was speaking quietly enough to ensure Saphira could not hear. "But Saphira's pain is far greater than what she should be feeling. Unlike the dragons before her she has somehow formed a special bond with Eragon, a bond that eludes me as to its exact nature."
"Well what does that mean?" Spyro asked, worried about his friend's well being. "Will she be alright?"
"She will be fine; her pain is not physical, only emotional. Obviously it would be better to get Eragon back to her as soon as possible but given time she will grow accustomed to Eragon's absence and the pain will numb somewhat." With that The Chronicler moved towards the shelf with the living dragons' books stacked on it, extracted Cynder's tome and returned to the others.
"It is amazing how our kind has evolved over the years," Ignitus suddenly said after being deep in thought for several minutes. "What exactly is it that links Saphira to Eragon? Obviously there isn't a biological need due to them being two separate creatures but Saphira is clearly distraught."
The Chronicler placed Cynder's book by his feet, next to Spyro, who for some inexplicable reason wanted to touch it, and then began to explain. "When a dragon is born…now of course, not during your time, its egg is usually kept by its parents, typically its mother. However, due to the pact dragons made with the elves dragons have been donating eggs to the dragon rider order. From there an enchantment is placed on the egg so that the youngling inside will only hatch when it comes into contact with the rider that will best compliment its strengths. In Saphira's case that Rider was Eragon."
"Yes, we have learnt that much from observation," Terrador interrupted with his grumbling voice. "But how is it that they become linked?"
"Now that is a little hard to explain." The Chronicler continued. "When the dragon touches its chosen rider a physical bond is formed, leaving behind a mark on the palm of the rider's hand. The rider is then knocked unconscious from the effects of having its mind joined intimately with the dragon's. The magic of the ancient language does not provide a specific answer to how their minds become linked but they are linked nonetheless."
"And that's why Saphira feels so upset?" Spyro asked, finally understanding.
"Yes, Spyro. She is essentially missing the other half of her heart and mind; she isn't used to being alone so it pains her to be so." The Chronicler then opened Cynder's book and began to turn the pages. "Which is why we must find Cynder as Eragon is sure to be with her and if not we can at least know where Cynder will be to rescue her."
--
The sun was well on its way to setting in Alagaësia, bathing the land in a luscious golden colour, the sky in a complimentary pink. There were no clouds; it would be a cold night for anyone sleeping in the open air. Naturally Eragon cared little for those unfortunates, instead finding humour in the fact that when faced with a bitterly cold night the poor and the destitute wouldn't break into a home and murder its inhabitants for the sake of a warm bed. Fools, he thought, he definitely would if it meant a warm bed, or even if he was bored.
He stared out into the city before him and the few guards patrolling the higher tiers of the castle's walls with their crossbows at the ready, just in case someone decided to storm the castle, or they got bored and decided they wanted a little shooting practice. Eragon remembered clearly that most of Galbatorix's army consisted of men that did not want to fight and were forced to do so. But there was a marked difference in the ones chosen to guard Galbatorix's castle; they were simply brutal, lacking intelligence most of the time but occasionally the odd smart man may be enlisted, increased pay of course.
A kestrel perched itself on a flag pole, resting after a long flight. Eragon watched as one of the guards elbowed his partner in the ribs and pointed to it. They exchanged a few words and the first guard took aim at the bird and fired. The wind carried the bolt to the left and it swept past the kestrel, startling it and making it take off.
Eragon laughed inwardly as he watched the man get jeered by the other who did nothing but watch the kestrel circle the flagpole before setting back down again. This time the other man took aim with his crossbow and, hoping for a fight to break out, Eragon nudged the bird with his mind right before he fired. The bolt went even further astray than the first, the kestrel having moved as soon as the man fired.
As expected the first man ridiculed the second and before long a punch was exchanged and the two men were at each other's throats. Eragon laughed out loud, startling the flock of magpies that had landed in the courtyard he was standing in. "Having fun?" A female voice suddenly asked.
Eragon turned and noticed the lithe form of Cynder, her light and sinuous body allowing her to land quietly without detection. "I am actually," Eragon responded as he looked over her body. "You've gone through another spurt."
Cynder nodded her great head, now towering over Eragon. "Our master is quick in his methods, as you have experienced first hand. But trust me when I tell you the actual growth is far more painful than the addition of a few scales"
"I don't doubt that, he doesn't seem the type to put me unconscious for the process," Eragon replied as he looked down at his body. He had forsaken clothes for the simple fact he had nothing to hide anymore. Every part of his body was covered in charcoal coloured scales, and he had nothing left on his body that warranted modesty; a dragon's anatomy was much less revealing. The fact that his genitals were now inside his body, however, was the only thing that disturbed him.
Having read his thoughts on dragon anatomy, Cynder smirked at him. "If you're worried about it that much then I guess I could ease your anxiety…once you get a little bigger of course. After all, you are the only dragon around that won't have to be ordered to mate with me."
"Well I have no intention of becoming your little pet in that area so I'd get any such thoughts out of your head unless you wish to submit to me." Eragon replied as he began making his way to the staircase that would take him back into the castle. Cynder followed behind him, glad that she wasn't forced to fly to another entrance; the elves were certainly gifted at catering to dragons' needs.
"You know that that will not happen, Eragon," She continued as she carefully began moving down the flight of stairs, her massive feet barely managing to fit on each step. "If you wish to mate at any point during our time serving our master you know that I will not be the one to beg and willingly allow you to dominate me."
"Then it looks like there will be quite a bit of fighting between us because I am not going to be yours to call upon when you need to satisfy whatever urges you are experiencing." The thought of actually mating with Cynder did seem appealing, however. His other side had never experienced the touch of a woman, and although a dragoness was much different to a woman she would still be female all the same. "Besides, how do you know we'll even be compatible? I'm being based off Saphira's physiology, not yours."
Cynder snorted, obviously finding his statement funny in some way. "By my guesses I'm about as large as Saphira is, if a little thin in the legs and torso. But either way, when you are grown you won't be much bigger and as long as dragons haven't changed too much I'm sure we'd be able to manage. But enough talk, I'm aware there's no love between us so we can forgo pleasures for duties; Malefor would like to see you. Of course I'm coming, I have a feeling I know what it is and I'm certainly not missing it."
Eragon had a feeling to, and although it was a little daunting he was looking forwards to it. The two walked in silence through the long, tall corridors, passing only a few people who gave them a wide berth. It didn't take them long for the two of them to each the throne room and they walked in together, Eragon holding the doors open for Cynder.
Standing in the middle of the room was Galbatorix, Shruikan having left some time before Eragon and Cynder had embraced Malefor as their master. They didn't know where the greater dragon had disappeared to but they had discussed it between themselves and had agreed that it would be easier to become the top dragons without Shruikan being able to subdue them.
I've been waiting for you, Eragon, Malefor's disembodied voice spoke, I would have hoped you would have arrived sooner.
Eragon refused to bow; until he became a complete dragon he wouldn't owe anything to Malefor. He did apologise, however. "I'm sorry; I was having a discussion with Cynder." The black dragoness shifted slightly at that comment and Eragon smiled at her discomfort.
Well I expected you two to grow closer so I am willing to tolerate it, He replied, and then had Galbatorix motion towards a large cushion behind him. Please stand over there, Eragon; we are going to continue with your transformation.
Eragon nodded and moved over to the cushion, the softness of it surprising him and almost making him stumble. But once in the centre he turned to look at Galbatorix and the coiled form of Cynder, who met his gaze and smirked inwardly at the pain he was about to be exposed to. Then, without warning, Malefor forced his way into Eragon's mind, making him wince and sink to his knees.
"Now I know what the cushion is for," Cynder said as she watched him writhe in pain.
"That and Eragon will probably need to rest when he's finished; he may as well be comfortable." Galbatorix added.
Malefor refrained from commenting, he was too busy shifting the energy flow between Eragon and Saphira. The thin trickle that had enabled the mental link between the dragon and rider had been widened into a stream, allowing Eragon to grow scales from the energy. Now, however, Malefor was widening it further, opening a floodgate so that Eragon's body was infused with Saphira's essence.
The results began to show them selves almost instantly as Eragon arched his back and cried out whilst two thin bones erupted out of his back between his shoulders. Blood flowed freely from the tears in his back and continuously thinner bones stretched out from the original two, forming the basic structure of wings. Cynder then marvelled as sinew, muscle and skin stretched over the bones, filling them out and his spine elongate, stretching out of his skin and growing.
Eragon, however, was barely aware of anything. The pain was excruciating, mind numbing. He was beginning to question the whether the reward was worth the effort involved. The movement of his neck, stretching and elongating, tearing in places before healing over only to tear once again caused him to cry out again. The sound was barely audible, his throat being restricted by the new muscles and his vocal chords becoming stretched into new positions.
Galbatorix was also intrigued by the transformation; before his very eyes a human, a rider like himself, was being transformed into a dragon, the very creature he had been responsible for almost eradicating. As Eragon's facial features became unrecognisable, his hair falling out and sharp horns of bone jutted out of the back of his head, along with a number of spines, Galbatorix found himself wishing the same could be done to Murtagh and Katrina. Being able to transform humans into dragons would make the chances of resurrecting the dragon species increase significantly.
But he knew that that would be difficult, probably impossible to accomplish. Malefor had said there must be a bond between dragon and human, and even then it has to be a special bond, one previously undocumented, although that may be because it had gone undetected.
The flow of energy from Saphira to Eragon had reached a plateau, no matter how Malefor tried he could not increase the flow, or, he discovered upon a curious impulse, decrease it. The bond between Eragon and Saphira had become stronger and completely equal in the energies passed between the two. They are linked more than ever now. Malefor announced to both Cynder and Galbatorix. I don't know what will happen from here on out, whether Saphira is aware of it or if they can survive separately. Only time will tell.
They then watched as Eragon went through the last stages of his transformation. His newly grown lungs began to take in more air in deep rasping breaths as his throat completed its lengthening and he could breathe unrestricted. He no longer screamed but roared in pain as sharp deadly teeth erupted from his jaws and a barbed tongue stretched out of his maw. His legs and arms snapped repeatedly as they reshaped themselves into their new positions; claws of ivory growing out of his toes and fingers.
"Quite a handsome dragon he's turning into, isn't he?" Cynder stated as she looked over his charcoal coloured scales, noticing the fine coat of sweat from the skin beneath caused by the effects of the transformation. "Quite a prominent muzzle, but he looks different to Thorn and Fyrenze, certain aspects remind me of Spyro and the Guardians." She said, referring to the spines along his back and the much darker and larger scales along his underside.
Yes, Malefor began to explain, my influence in Eragon's mind had caused some slight differences in his physiology. He is mostly built around the forms of the dragons of the present era, but some minor aspects from our era, Cynder, are present. I suspect they would be present in any off spring he produces; however, as those traits become diluted they may disappear.
"Well that depends on whether he has off spring with me or not doesn't it," Cynder added. "My traits would only attribute his."
"If we obtain Saphira he will mate with her just like Thorn and Fyrenze will," Galbatorix interrupted. "Eggs from all three dragons will be needed to continue your race."
"Of course but do not think you can force me to mate with your two servants," Cynder snarled, viewing Galbatorix as she had viewed Gaul, Malefor's other servant and king of the apes, as an equal. "I chose my own mate. If I just so happen to feel…inclined to mate with them then I shall but you shall not make me."
"I didn't say you had to." Galbatorix interrupted, "I was only referring to Saphira."
You are free to do as you please, Cynder as long as it does not interfere with our plans on the grand scheme of things. Malefor silenced the pair. Who knows, when Spyro sees that you have rejoined me he may be inclined to join you by my side. Then you can have a permanent mate.
Cynder hadn't thought about that. Spyro had been corrupted before, on the night of eternal darkness. Merely being exposed to Malefor's influence had left him susceptible to his influence again; it would only require the right tempting to create the right emotional response from him for him to submit. "I like the sound of that, Spyro seems much more likely to submit to me, I wouldn't even need to fight with him for dominance."
You forget that you are remembering him as he is now. The voice of Eragon spoke to them all. They looked at his body, the only part of him moving being his bony eyelids that clicked loudly as they blinked over his red-pupiled eyes. If Spyro joins us his he will loose all inhibition and you may find he wants nothing more than to tie you down and have his way with you.
Cynder smirked, unperturbed by Eragon's comment. That doesn't sound that bad, but he may find the positions switched from time to time.
"I believe you are getting ahead of yourselves." Galbatorix then said, making them both quieten down and stare at him. "We have to find them first and I don't think that would be easy if they have found this Chronicler you mentioned, Eragon. Until then we have more immediate things to discuss." A knock on the throne room doors was heard and Galbatorix opened them with a mutter of the ancient language.
Murtagh and Katrina, followed closely by Thorn and Fyrenze, then walked in, hesitating slightly at the sight of Eragon on the large cushion, not knowing who he was. They then continued, taking their bowed stance before Galbatorix. "You sent for us, Ebrithil?" Murtagh asked.
"I did," Galbatorix replied then motioned for them to stand upright. "I have received intelligence of deeper insurgencies into my empire and I believe these are credible threats. I think its time we took a more direct approach and go on the offensive."
Well review and tell me what you think, I'm eager to know how you think I'm handling Eragon's and Cynder's personality changes and the events that are being set up. I have some really interesting ideas to include in the next portion of the story so any feed back on what's happened so far is truely appreciated. Also, would anyone who has given me an idea that I have thanked you for and have said that I may use please remind me of them...I'm a complete arse and forgotten to write them down so have now forgotten. It would truely be appreciated because I had worked them into future plots and can't remember who to thank for them and I'm sorry for the inconveinence of it all. Thank you in advance.