Chapter 26.1

Finca has stared off into the distance for a while now. I wonder what she is thinking about? Probably nothing that I would know of.

So much has happened since we were joined as dragon and rider, Finca growls.

That's what you were thinking about? I question.

Correct, she growls. When I first came here and met with Murtagh, and later with Shruikan, I realized that our two words mirror each other. Shruikan is much like I was, a dragon forced to be joined to a human.

Finca's words startle me, I didn't know that she felt that way.

I didn't know . . .

I'm sorry Tamli, I didn't mean . . .

It's okay, I mutter.

Finca licks my cheek with her tongue and motions for me to get on her back.

Are you sure? I ask.

Your lesson with Oromis is about to start, she growls.

Right, I say and get on her back.

Finca takes me back to the Crags of Tel'naeir and lands beside Saphira.

You've come back? Saphira questions.

A sharp growl from Finca answers her question. I get off Finca's back and go to find Eragon.


I find Eragon and Oromis beside Glaedr. I halt and press myself against a tree.

"Will he be alright?" Eragon asks.

"Glaedr will be fine. We must find the dragon that harmed him," Oromis answers.

I reach down for Nigar and grasp its diamond-incrusted handle.

"I will tell Saphira to be on the lookout for another dragon," Eragon says.

A sudden burst of pain slams into me. Could Finca and Saphira be fighting? Sure they haven't been on the best of terms but still.

Master! Finca screams.

What is it Finca? I ask.

Saphira knows of what I truly did to Glaedr, Finca snarls.