Answers to reviews:
fan-like-irving: I WILL finish it.
Skumi: I see.
ghostdog2AD: Glad you think so.
RedReaper121: Thanks.
Artorias78: Well, it ain't going anywhere anytime soon.
Dragonlord001: Yet Ancalagon came into Alagaesia with the body of a nine month old dragon, so should he breath fire now or save that for later?
Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the OC.
So Brom's first question, or demand, was where Ancalagon had come from. So the silver dragon just went with the same story he gave Saphira and Eragon, that he was found by a human nine months ago and raised by said human, who was then killed by bandits and Ancalagon's lived in the woods since then, keeping himself well hidden. It's not that he couldn't have gone for the classic amnesia excuse, because he doubted they'd believe that. They probably doubted his story right now.
"And you expect us to believe that story?!" Exclaimed Brom.
Well, Brom sure didn't believe him, which was expected.
Believe what you wish, old man, but it's the truth. Ancalagon said with narrowed eyes.
"You must think that we're idiots. If you won't tell us willingly, I'll have to force it out of you." Brom rolled up his sleeves, reaching out with one hand to the sheathed sword at his side. Ancalagon growled as his body tensed at the action.
It was then that Saphira interceded, rising and striding between Brom and Ancalagon. She glared at Brom, advancing on the storyteller until Brom was leaning backwards from his seat, pushed there by Saphira's snout. Smoke curled from her nostrils as she fixed him with a cold stare.
No, you will not drag this from him. If he chooses to keep his past a secret, it is his right as a dragon to do so, as you are well aware, old one. Brom turned his eyes downward, hiding from her piercing glare, Let him keep his secret, or I won't keep yours. You wouldn't want that, would you? Drop the matter. Now. She finished with a short growl, flashing her fangs for a brief moment. And in that brief moment, Saphira looked that much more beautiful and wonderful to Ancalagon.
"Fine, fine..." Brom mumbled, "I will pursue this no further. But I want this understood: I will not trust him until he has earned it." He looked past Saphira at Ancalagon, who nodded in understanding.
Saphira gazed at Ancalagon, who had chosen to settle down for the night under the branches of an old oak tree on the opposite side of the clearing. Eragon looked at Ancalagon, then at Saphira, noticing how her eyes never left the silver dragon's sleeping form.
"Saphira," Eragon said to the blue dragoness, "Why were you so defensive of Ancalagon back there? I mean, you only just met him."
I know not, little one. My instincts told me to protect him no matter what. Perhaps it is because he is one of the last dragons, as I am. Saphira replied, Ever since we saw him several days ago, I've been feeling strange, more content. It feels like something that was missing from my essence has been returned. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.
"Saphira, if you need someone to talk to, know that you always have my ear." Eragon said, rubbing her scaly side. She hummed at the tingly feeling that Eragon's marked palm caused when it touched her.
I know, little one. I just need some time to think.
The moon was high in the sky when Saphira finally fell asleep last, even falling asleep after the wary Brom, whose eyes never left Ancalagon's sleeping form. Saphira sighed and drifted into the realm of dreams, her rider having long since entered a comfortable slumber against her warm body.
The next morning, Ancalagon woke up to see Brom and Eragon discussing a saddle for Saphira and the silver dragon watched as they got to work on making one. He watched as it was soon strapped to Saphira, the dragoness turning her head to check the saddle on her back. She then came over to the silver dragon, showing off her saddle.
What do you think? She asked him.
Ancalagon gave a pleased rumble. I approve.
Saphira puffed her chest out in pride.
After Eragon and Brom made their dinner, Brom looked over the fire at Eragon and asked, "Will we leave tomorrow?"
"There isn't any reason to stay."
"I suppose not..." He shifted. "Eragon, I must apologize about how events have turned out. I never wished for this to happen. Your family did not deserve such a tragedy. If there were anything I could do to reverse it, I would. This is a terrible situation for all of us." Eragon sat in silence, avoiding Brom's gaze, then Brom said, "We're going to need horses."
"Why? We have Saphira and Ancalagon."
Brom shook his head. "I doubt Ancalagon would ever let anyone ride him as he is a wild dragon, and Saphira is too young to carry both of us. and there's no point in me having a horse while you ride Saphira. There isn't a horse alive that can outrun a flying dragon. Besides, it'll be safer if we stay together, and riding is faster than walking."
"But that'll make it harder to catch the Ra'zac," protested Eragon. "On Saphira, I could probably find them within a day or two. On horses, it'll take much longer—if it's even possible to overtake their lead on the ground!"
Brom said slowly, "That's a chance you'll have to take if I'm to accompany you."
Eragon thought it over. "All right," he grumbled, "we'll get horses. But you have to buy them. I don't have any money, and I don't want to steal again. It's wrong."
"That depends on your point of view," corrected Brom with a slight smile.
Ancalagon ignored them and looked over at Saphira, who was still enjoying her new saddle. The sun shined on her beautiful sapphire scales, living up to her name…
Ancalagon snorted and shook his head. Where did that come from? Must be an effect of being a dragon since she is a female and he's a male. It'll go away, it has to.
Ancalagon laid his head down and drifted off to sleep.
Dawn was gray and overcast with a cutting wind. The forest was quiet. After a light breakfast, Brom and Eragon doused the fire and shouldered their packs, preparing to leave.
Ancalagon stood, stretched his wings and took off before anyone else. Saphira followed him and they veered west toward the mountains and out of sight. According to Brom, they had to stay hidden in case Eragon and Brom meet a fellow traveler on the road.
When evening came, they were near Therinsford. The sky darkened as Eragon and Brom found a comfortable place to spend the night and set up camp. They were just making dinner when Saphira and Ancalagon returned.
Did you have time to hunt for food? asked Eragon once Saphira settled down beside him and Ancalagon went to a tree on the edge of the camp, curling up right away.
Saphira snorted with amusement. If the two of you were any slower, Ancalagon and I would have time to fly across the sea and back without falling behind.
You don't have to be insulting. Besides, we'll go faster once we have horses.
She let out a puff of smoke. Maybe, but will it be enough to catch the Ra'zac? They have a lead of several days and many leagues. And I'm afraid they may suspect we're following them. Why else would they have destroyed the farm in such a spectacular manner, unless they wished to provoke you into chasing them?
I don't know, said Eragon, disturbed. Saphira curled up beside him, and he leaned against her belly, welcoming the warmth. Brom sat on the other side of the fire, whittling two long sticks. He suddenly threw one at Eragon, who grabbed it out of reflex as it whirled over the crackling flames.
"Defend yourself!" barked Brom, standing.
Ancalagon lifted his head and saw what was about to happen, and he couldn't help his draconic lips curling into a grin of sorts. Oh I'm so not missing this. Giving the two enough space for a ring, he went to Saphira's side, she too was interested in the fight. Ancalagon nudged her with a wing. I say Brom will attack Eragon once he is given up already, then he will throw himself on the sheets when finished. Whoever wins will catch the other dinner.
You're on.
Eragon and Brom faced each other for a moment, then Brom charged, swinging his stick. Eragon tried to block the attack but was too slow. He yelped as Brom struck him on the ribs, and stumbled backward.
Without thinking, he lunged forward, but Brom easily parried the blow. Eragon whipped the stick toward Brom's head, twisted it at the last moment, and then tried to hit his side. The solid smack of wood striking wood resounded through the camp. "Improvisation—good!" exclaimed Brom, eyes gleaming. His arm moved in a blur, and there was an explosion of pain on the side of Eragon's head. He collapsed like an empty sack, dazed.
A splash of cold water roused him to alertness, and he sat up, sputtering. His head was ringing, and there was dried blood on his face. Brom stood over him with a pan of melted snow water. "You didn't have to do that," said Eragon angrily, pushing himself up. He felt dizzy and unsteady.
Brom arched an eyebrow. "Oh? A real enemy wouldn't soften his blows, and neither will I. Should I pander to your... incompetence so you'll feel better? I don't think so." He picked up the stick that Eragon had dropped and held it out. "Now, defend yourself."
Eragon stared blankly at the piece of wood, then shook his head. "Forget it; I've had enough." He turned away and stumbled as he was whacked loudly across the back. He spun around, growling.
"Never turn your back to the enemy!" snapped Brom, then tossed the stick at him and attacked. Eragon retreated around the fire, beneath the onslaught. "Pull your arms in. Keep your knees bent," shouted Brom. He continued to give instructions, then paused to show Eragon exactly how to execute a certain move. "Do it again, but this time slowly!" They slid through the forms with exaggerated motions before returning to their furious battle. Eragon learned quickly, but no matter what he tried, he could not hold Brom off for more than a few blows.
Saphira growled as Ancalagon look pleased that he won the bet. He gave the dragoness a fanged grin. Go fourth and fetch my dinner, servant!
He got a tail smack to the face from the annoyed dragoness before she took off.
Don't get used to it! She called back to the male.
Ancalagon huffed then glared at the snickering Eragon and smirking Brom. Don't you you two know that you should never laugh at a live dragon?
Chapter ends here. Hope you all enjoyed it. Sorry there's not much going on, but that's kinda what was happening at this point in the first book.