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In the morning, Daemon, Eragon and Brom retrieved their saddlebags from the stable and prepared to depart. Jeod greeted Brom while Helen watched from the doorway. With grave looks, the two men clasped hands. "I'll miss you, old man," said Jeod.

"And you I," said Brom thickly. He bowed his white head and then turned to Helen. "Thank you for your hospitality; it was most gracious." Her face reddened. Daemon and Eragon thought she was going to slap him. Brom continued, unperturbed, "You have a good husband; take care of him. There are few men as brave and as determined as he is. But even he cannot weather difficult times without support from those he loves." He bowed again and said gently, "Only a suggestion, dear lady."

They watched as indignation and hurt crossed Helen's face. Her eyes flashed as she shut the door brusquely. Sighing, Jeod ran his fingers through his hair. Daemon and Eragon thanked him for all his help, then mounted their horses. With the last farewells said, he and Brom departed.

Shadowmere snorted and threw his head a few times, causing Daemon to roll his eyes. "I know, I know, it's not my fault we were here this long." He looked at his companions. "Shadowmere doesn't like to be kept waiting too long. Like me, he likes travelling."

Eragon and Brom chuckled ad Shadowmere snorted again.

At Teirm's south gate, the guards let them through without a second glance. As they rode under the giant outer wall, Eragon saw movement in a shadow. Solembum was crouched on the ground, tail twitching. The werecat followed them with inscrutable eyes. As the city receded into the distance, Eragon asked, "What are werecats?"

Brom looked surprised at the question. "Why the sudden curiosity?"

"I heard someone mention them in Teirm. They're not real, are they?" said Eragon, pretending ignorance.

"They are quite real. During the Riders' years of glory, they were as renowned as the dragons. Kings and elves kept them as companions—yet the werecats were free to do what they chose. Very little has ever been known about them. I'm afraid that their race has become rather scarce recently."

"Could they use magic?" asked Eragon.

"No one's sure, but they could certainly do unusual things. They always seemed to know what was going on and somehow or another manage to get themselves involved." Brom pulled his hood up to block a chill wind.

"Daemon, you said there was werewolves in Skyrim, right?" Eragon asked, getting a nod from his friend. "What were they like?"

"The most dangerous beasts you could ever meet at night in the wilderness." Daemon said seriously. "I assume tales of Werewolves have reached these lands as well?" They nodded. "Well, the werewolves of Skyrim are the most commonly known type of lycanthrope found in Tamriel, where they can be found in every province. Werewolves are individuals who assume wolf-like characteristics during the full moon, some can even change at will."

"At will?" Eragon asked.

Daemon nodded. "Yes. There was a group of friends of mine in Skyrim, named the Companions, several members of them were werewolves, but they can change at will and still keep their humanity and remain the way they are. I was once offered the chance to become a werewolf myself... I didn't take it. Dragon blood is enough for me, I don't need werewolf blood flowing through me. The Companions accepted this, well one member didn't. Skjor. me and him... we never really got along. We ended up fighting until Aela, a good friend of mine and the werewolf who offered her blood, stepped in and held Skjor back. I left the Companions afterwards until a year later when I had to help their leader be cured of his werewolf blood."

The trio rode on in silence for a bit after that, until they had rounded a small hill, and Teirm was completely out of sight. Once Teirm was out of sight, a dark blur shot across the sky as Saphira sped towards them with great speed. Daemon and Brom watched as she roared and her long wings flared open. She landed with a blast of air. Eragon tossed Cadoc's reins to Brom. "I'll join you guys for lunch."

"Take care boy," he said then looked at Saphira and smiled. "It's good to see you again."

Saphira hummed as she greeted the old man silently. She swung her large head over to meet Daemon. It's good to see you again, Daemon. Would you like to join us?

A smile crept on his face. Reaching out, he patted her snout. It's good to see you too Saphira. I think you and Eragon should take this time to be alone. You've spent more time with me than each other in the air.

True. But I WILL get you in the air for a rematch with me. Saphira said firmly.

Daemon grinned at her. I look forward to it.

Eragon hopped onto Saphira's shoulders and held on tightly as she bounded upward. With the wind at her tail, Saphira sliced through the air. Hold on, she warned Eragon, and letting out a wild bugle, she soared in a great loop.

Daemon and Brom watched them go before Daemon got serious and looked at Brom. "Brom, we need to talk."

"About what?" Brom asked.

"A dream that I had... one that felt real..."


Eragon yelled with excitement as he flung his arms in the air, holding on only with his legs.

I didn't know I could stay on while you did that without being strapped into the saddle, he said, grinning fiercely.

Neither did I, admitted Saphira, laughing in her peculiar way. Eragon hugged her tightly, and they flew a level path, masters of the sky.

They flew, peaceful and content, until the sun was high in the sky. They would have continued on for hours more, but the cold coastal air chilled Eragon, and soon his empty stomach began to rumble.

Swooping back down towards the ground, they located Daemon and Brom in a small clearing off the main road as they prepared a small fire for lunch. Eragon sat down beside Daemon and accepted the bowl his friend passed to him, and gratefully began to eat the warm food. As they ate, Eragon asked Saphira, Do you mind if I ride Cadoc? He had decided to question Brom further about his past.

No, but tell me what he says. Eragon was not surprised that Saphira knew his plans. It was nearly impossible to hide anything from her when they were mentally linked. As such, he could easily feel the giddy surge of anticipation from her as she trotted over to Daemon and nudged his shoulder, growling playfully.

Daemon turned to look at the sapphire dragoness with a raised eyebrow. is there something you need, Saphira? Daemon asked with amusement.

She merely crouched low on her front paws, her tail twitching behind her, as she continued to growl to him, inviting him to play. Daemon watched her for a moment, wondering if he should see how far he can push her patience but decided not to. Something told him that pushing a dragoness' patience may not be good for his health.

Alright, alright, I'll change. He said as he went over to Shadowmere and stripped to just his tight-fitting trousers which will stay on during his transformation. This time Brom and Eragon joined Saphira in watching with wonder as Daemon shifted and changed before their eyes. After a moment or two, the boy was gone, and in his place stood a silvery-blue dragon stretching his wings.

That's more like it, Saphira teased. A playful growl of his own issued from his throat as the two dragons began to circle each other, as if ready to pounce. Daemon made the first move, his hind legs tensing and then throwing himself at Saphira. She ducked low to the ground and made to go for his belly, when she realized she had been tricked. As Daemon leaped through the air towards her, he opened his wings and thrust down hard, propelling himself into the air over her.

His laughing voice could be heard in all their heads as he called back, Ha ha, come on slowpoke! He beat his wings and rose quickly into the air. Saphira snapped her head around to watch him and roared a challenge back.

Hey, no fair! I'll get you for that! She shot into the air after him and the two dragons disappeared over the trees, their happy roars and shouts heard for miles.

Eragon laughed. "Those two make quite a pair."

"Yes, they certainly do," Brom chuckled, his eyes watching as the two faded into dots in the distance. They readied the horses and continued onward.

After a time, Eragon slowed Cadoc and said, "I need to talk to you. I wanted to do it when we first arrived in Teirm, but I decided to wait until now."

"About what?" asked Brom.

Eragon paused. "There's a lot going on that I don't understand. For instance, who are your 'friends,' and why were you hiding in Carvahall? I trust you with my life—which is why I'm still traveling with you—but I need to know more about who you are and what you are doing. What did you steal in Gil'ead, and what is the tuatha du orothrim that you're taking me through? I think that after all that's happened, I deserve an explanation."

"You eavesdropped on us."

"Only once," said Eragon.

"I see that you have yet to learn proper manners," said Brom grimly, tugging on his beard. "What makes you think that this concerns you?"

"Nothing, really," said Eragon shrugging. "Just it's an odd coincidence that you happened to be hiding in Carvahall when I found Saphira's egg and that you also know so much dragonlore. The more I think about it, the less likely it seems. There were other clues that I mostly ignored, but they're obvious now that I look back. Like how you knew of the Ra'zac in the first place and why they ran away when you approached. And I can't help but wonder if you had something to do with the appearance of Saphira's egg. There's a lot you haven't told us, and Saphira and I can't afford to ignore anything that might be dangerous."

Dark lines appeared on Brom's forehead as he reined Snowfire to a halt. "You won't wait?" he asked. Eragon shook his head mulishly. Brom sighed. "This wouldn't be a problem if you weren't so suspicious, but I suppose that you wouldn't be worth my time if you were otherwise." Eragon was unsure if he should take that as a compliment. Brom lit his pipe and slowly blew a plume of smoke into the air. "I'll tell you," he said, "but you have to understand that I cannot reveal everything." Eragon started to protest, but Brom cut him off. "It's not out of a desire to withhold information, but because I won't give away secrets that aren't mine. There are other stories woven in with this narrative. You'll have to talk with the others involved to find out the rest."

"Very well. Explain what you can," said Eragon.


Daemon let out a roar as Saphira slashed at his belly with her claws. He just barely avoided her next strike as she shot underneath him and looped back around to try again. He tilted his wings and descended, hoping to try and go on the offensive. Since leaving Eragon and Brom, the two dragons had flown over the mountainside playing with each other in the air.

If Daemon had to be honest, this was the most fun he had ever had. It felt good to just... remove all the pressure and burdens of being Dragonborn off his shoulders and just be himself. Riht now, he didn't have to worry about Miraak returning. He didn't have to worry about the stage of Skyrim right now.

Thinking of Skyrim, maybe one day he'll show Saphira, Eragon and Brom his home, as Skyrim was just as beautiful as Alagaësia.

Daemon focused back on the matter at hand as he and Saphira continued their play fighting in the air.

Come on, Saphira! Don't tell me you are starting to get slow! Or is it because you are finally ready to admit who the superior of the sky is? Daemon asked with his lips curling into a grin on his draconic face. His taunts only angered the dragoness as she flew after him, the silver-scaled dragon laughing along the way.

Saphira glared at him. She was going to show who was the true superior of the sky! She shot towards him like a raging bull and feinted toward his belly again. As he turned to avoid her, she quickly changed her attack angle and got over his back and grabbed on.

Got you! She said as she kept his wings down at his sides, causing them to start falling through the air towards the ground. Daemon tried to break free from Saphira's hold, but she was firm and strong. He could hear her laughter in his head as they tumbled together.

You are cruel! He shouted before they flared their wings out together and landed roughly on the ground, rolling down a hill, laughing as they did so, their bodies a tangle of wings, tails and legs.

When they came to a stop, Saphira was laid out over Daemon's chest, her legs and tail entwined with his own, their wings flat out spread and pressed against one another. The two dragons laughed in each other's heads and with strange, coughing growls, lost in the joys of their playing and the thrill of flying. After they regained some composure, they looked at each other and noticed how close they were, Saphira's muzzle just inches away from Daemon's, their eyes locked into the other's. The two then noticed the way they were positioned and flushed with embarrassment. Saphira quickly got up off the silver-scaled male and looked away, lest he see the reddish hue in her blue-scaled cheeks.

Daemon rolled onto his side and stood, clearing his throat before he looked over his body and growled when seeing grass over his back. Dammit. He shook his body almost similar to a dog after it just came in from the rain. Saphira watched with some amusement but looked away when he started to turn to her. The two dragons remained silent as they didn't look at each other. You... you won that round. He admitted.

Yes... I did. Saphira agreed but their words lacked their usual banter or playfulness when they disagreed on who won any playful fights between them. They sat like that for several minutes, not looking at each other. Saphira glanced at Daemon who had been glancing at her, but upon them both locking eyes, they quickly looked away from each other. An awkward moment passed as neither dragon said anything more. Saphira played with her claws in the dirt, then finally mustered the courage to break the silence. Do you...um...do you want to play some more?

Her stomach twisted with nervousness. On the one hand, she hoped he'd say yes, she liked play fighting with Daemon, as it kept them both fit and healthy, and was a good way to keep their skills sharp. On the other, she was praying he said no; she couldn't ignore the other, deeper sense she got when they were close just now. He was a male dragon after all, and an admittedly handsome one at that. She refused to see it like that, Daemon was her friend. The two of them were just...unused to being that close, and was understandably awkward at first. They were just playing after all.

Unbeknownst to Saphira, similar thoughts were running through Daemon's mind. He couldn't deny that there was this deep, sense of great excitement just by being near Saphira, and it had only risen and grown the longer they spent time together. He didn't know what it was... maybe it was his dragon instincts because she was the only female dragon around, maybe they were... pushing him to mate with her because she was female, but Daemon hoped it wasn't that.

We're just friends. Daemon told himself privately. He didn't want to hurt Saphira's feelings, but he knew he had to stop this awkwardness before something happened that one or both of them regretted. So with that in mind, he looked at the sky and noticed the darkening colour. It's getting dark soon. We should go back to Eragon and Brom.

Silent relief poured through Saphira, though she hid it from him. Yes, you're right, she said quickly. We should head back. The two dragons rose to their feet without looking at each other and took to the sky once again. This time though, there was a very noticeable gap between them as they flew.


The two found Eragon and Brom in a small clutch of trees. Upon landing, Daemon and Saphira moved away from each other instead of remaining close like they always did. Daemon changed back to human form, ducked behind Shadowmere and got dressed into warm clothing before he sat at the fireplace. Meanwhile, Saphira laid down behind her Rider. Brom had been watching them closely and looked down... so nobody noticed the small, knowing grin that had come onto his face.

Eragon, however, was confused and concerned about what was going on between the two, so he asked them how their flight went, only getting curt responses in response. He looked back and forth between them with a puzzled look on his face, but shrugged it off. He really didn't need to deal with this right now, not after what Brom had told him regarding the goings on in Alagaesia. Eragon decided to search for water to clear his mind.

He rubbed his hands together for warmth as he walked in a large circle, listening for a creek or spring. It was gloomy and damp between the trees.

He found a stream a ways from the camp, then crouched on the bank and watched the water splash over the rocks, dipping in his fingertips. The icy mountain water swirled around his skin, numbing it. It doesn't care what happens to us, or anyone else, thought Eragon. He shivered and stood.

An unusual print on the opposing stream bank caught his attention. It was oddly shaped and very large. Curious, he jumped across the stream and onto a rock shelf. As he landed, his foot hit a patch of damp moss. He grabbed a branch for support, but it broke, and he thrust out his hand to break his fall. He felt his right wrist crack as he hit the ground. Pain lanced up his arm.

A steady stream of curses came out from behind his clenched teeth as he tried not to howl. Half blind with pain, he curled on the ground, cradling his arm. Eragon! came Saphira's alarmed cry. What happened?

Broke my wrist... did something stupid... fell.

I'm coming, said Saphira.

No—I can make it back. Don't . . . come. Trees too close for . . . wings.

She sent him a brief image of her tearing the forest apart to get at him, then said, Hurry.

Groaning, he staggered upright. The print was pressed deeply into the ground a few feet away. It was the mark of a heavy, nail-studded boot. Eragon instantly remembered the tracks that had surrounded the pile of bodies in Yazuac. "Urgal," he spat, wishing that Zar'roc was with him; he could not use his bow with only one hand. His head snapped up, and he shouted with his mind, Saphira! Urgals! Keep Brom and Daemon safe!

Eragon leapt back over the stream and raced toward their camp, yanking out his hunting knife. He saw potential enemies behind every tree and bush. I hope there's only one Urgal. He burst into the camp, ducking as Saphira's tail swung overhead. "Stop. It's me!" he yelled.

Oops. Saphira had her wings folded in front of her chest like a wall.

"Oops?" growled Eragon, running to her. "You could've killed me! Where's Brom and Daemon?"

"Under here!" Daemon's muffled voice shouted from behind Saphira's wing.

"Tell your crazy dragon to release us; she won't listen to me." Brom said, his voice just as muffled as Daemon's.

"Let them go!" said Eragon, exasperated. "Didn't you tell them?"

Well, no, she said sheepishly. You just said keep them safe. She lifted her wings and the two stepped forward sporting identical scowls. Eragon looked at them with worry.

"I found an Urgal footprint. And it's fresh."

Brom immediately turned serious and looked at Daemon. "Saddle the horses. We're leaving."

Daemon nodded and went to do just that when he noticed Eragon clutching his arm. "What's wrong with your arm?"

"My wrist is broken," he said, swaying.

"Shit." Daemon muttered, He could try to heal the wrist, but it works for wounds on the flesh, not bone. Even deadly poisons were hard to heal from as they needed cure poison potions instead of a healing spell.

Brom saddled Cardoc for Eragon and helped him onto the saddle and said, "We have to put a splint on your arm as soon as possible. Try not to move your wrist until then." Eragon gripped the reins tightly with his left hand. Brom said to Saphira, "It's almost dark; you might as well fly right overhead. If Urgals show up, they'll think twice about attacking with you nearby."

They'd better, or else they won't think again, remarked Saphira. She leaned in, gave Eragon a quick lick, locked eyes with Daemon, and then took off.

The light was disappearing quickly, and Cadoc and Snowfire were tired unlike Shadowmere who can go better than any horse. Eragon's wrist was red and swollen, and throbbed with constant pain. A mile from where they were before, Brom stopped. "Listen," he said.

They heard the faint call of a hunting horn behind them. "They must have found where we were," said Brom, "and probably Saphira's tracks. They will chase us now. It's not in their nature to let prey escape." Then two horns winded. They were closer. A chill ran through Eragon. "Our only chance is to run," said Brom. He raised his head to the sky, and his face blanked as he called Saphira.

She rushed out of the night sky and landed beside Cadoc. "Leave Cadoc. Go with her. You'll be safer," the old storyteller commanded.

"But what about you?" protested Eragon.

"He's right," grunted Daemon, and lifted Eragon once more, placing him on Saphira's back, as she crouched low to the ground. "We'll be fine. GO!" Before he could argue, Saphira took off with Eragon while Brom lashed Snowfire and rode away with Cadoc, Daemon beside him on Shadowmere. Saphira flew after them, flapping above the galloping horses.

Eragon clung to Saphira as best he could; he winced whenever her movements jostled his wrist. The horns blared nearby, bringing a fresh wave of terror. Brom and Daemon crashed through the underbrush. The horns trumpeted in unison close behind them, then were quiet.

Minutes passed. Where are the Urgals? wondered Eragon. A horn sounded, this time in the distance. He sighed in relief, resting against Saphira's neck, while on the ground Brom and Daemon slowed their headlong rush. That was close, said Eragon.

Yes, but we cannot stop until— Saphira was interrupted as a horn blasted directly underneath them. Eragon jerked in surprise, and down below, Rahgol and Brom shared a look before they resumed their frenzied retreat. Horned Urgals, shouting with coarse voices, barreled along the trail on horses, swiftly gaining ground. They were almost in sight of Brom and Daemon; the two could not outrun them.

We have to do something! exclaimed Eragon.

What?

Land in front of the Urgals!

Are you crazy? demanded Saphira.

Land! I know what I'm doing, said Eragon. There isn't time for anything else. They're going to overtake Brom and Rahgol!

Very well. Saphira pulled ahead of the Urgals, then turned, preparing to drop onto the trail. Eragon reached for his power and felt the familiar resistance in his mind that separated him from the magic. He did not try to breach it yet. A muscle twitched in his neck.

As the Urgals pounded up the trail, he shouted, "Now!" Saphira abruptly folded her wings and dropped straight down from above the trees, landing on the trail in a spray of dirt and rocks.

The Urgals shouted with alarm and yanked on their horses' reins. The animals went stiff-legged and collided into each other, but the Urgals quickly untangled themselves to face Saphira with bared weapons. Hate crossed their faces as they glared at her. There were twelve of them, all ugly, jeering brutes. Eragon wondered why they did not flee. He had thought that the sight of Saphira would frighten them away. Why are they waiting? Are they going to attack us or not?

He was shocked when the largest Urgal advanced and spat, "Our master wishes to speak with you, human!" The monster spoke in deep, rolling gutturals.

It's a trap, warned Saphira before Eragon could say anything. Don't listen to him.

At least let's find out what he has to say, he reasoned, curious, but extremely wary. "Who is your master?" he asked.

The Urgal sneered. "His name does not deserve to be given to one as low as yourself. He rules the sky and holds dominance over the earth. You are no more than a stray ant to him. Yet he has decreed that you shall be brought before him, alive. Take heart that you have become worthy of such notice!"

"I'll never go with you nor any of my enemies!" declared Eragon, thinking of Yazuac. "Whether you serve Shade, Urgal, or some twisted fiend I've not heard of, I have no wish to parley with him."

"That is a grave mistake," growled the Urgal, showing his fangs. "There is no way to escape him. Eventually you will stand before our master. If you resist, he will fill your days with agony."

Eragon wondered who had the power to bring the Urgals under one banner. Was there a third great force loose in the land—along with the Empire and the Varden? "Keep your offer and tell your master that the crows can eat his entrails for all I care!"

Rage swept through the Urgals; their leader howled, gnashing his teeth. "We'll drag you to him, then!" He waved his arm and the Urgals rushed at Saphira. Raising his right hand, Eragon barked, "Jierda!"

No! cried Saphira, but it was too late.

Beams of light flared out of Eragon's palm and struck each of the Urgals in the gut sending them into the air and smashing into trees. Eragon fell over the side of Saphira. Daemon raced towards the boy as worry crept over him and he felt the same come from Saphira. The boy's eyes fluttered trying to stay open.

"Eragon stay with me!" Daemon shouted. Brom drew next to him cursing all the while. The conscious of an impending being caught Daemon's attention. Turning his head, he saw an Urgal charging at Saphira with its sword drawn. Unsheathing a Daedric dagger, Daemon threw it and it landed right into the beast's forehead, killing it instantly.

Unsheathing his swords, Daemon met the Urgals and began fighting them. Strong as these horned beasts were... they were no match for the Dragonborn. Taking a deep breath, he shouted. "FUS RO DAH!"

An unrelenting Force of energy and power burst from Daemon's mouth, sending the Urgals flying and crashing through trees and sticks. No doubt they were shocked and confused at what happened as Daemon rushed to bring their end.

The rest of the Urgal raiding party began to retreat and fled into the forest. Daemon returned to Brom who had stayed close to Eragon and Saphira to protect them. Eragon had fallen unconscious during Daemon's fight. "What do we do now?" he asked to Brom.

"We cannot let those Urgals get away with this information. We have to track them down. We'll find a safe place to hide and then we shall go and kill the rest of those fowl creatures." Daemon nodded in agreement, it would be too dangerous to leave a group of Urgals go that know where they were at. Daemon looked at Saphira, who was beside herself with worry.

I should have stopped him, she sniffed. Oh, Eragon... Her eyes fell to her Rider's still body, tears streaking down her cheeks. Daemon could feel her lament as she linked her mind with his for comfort.

Saphira...

I should have stopped him! I should have seen what he was planning. If I knew what he was intending, I could've stopped him! it's my fault! I-

A strong yet strange sensation overcame Daemon and before he knew what he was doing, he had placed his hands on Saphira's cheeks and turned her head so she can look him in the eye. Saphira, this is not your fault. Not by any means. You couldn't have known what he was going to do.

But-

Stop. He said, tone gentle and softer. Listen to me, what's done is done. He sent her soothing thoughts and tried to comfort her. The important thing is that he is alive. Saphira felt her despair wash away as Daemon's warm mind enveloped hers. She still was struck with worry and looked back at Brom, who had his hand on Eragon's brow trying to determine his condition.

"He's going to be alright, Saphira," he said gruffly. "He just used too much energy, damn it. He may be out for a while, but he will recover."

He's alright, Saphira. Daemon reassured her, bringing her sapphire eyes back to his silver-blue ones as he gave her snout a small hug, sending waves of comfort and reassurance to her to keep her calm and collected. Don't cry, the tears will ruin those beautiful eyes of yours. He left her side and checked on Eragon. Saphira was frozen in place, trying to comprehend what she just heard. A curious feeling touched the pit of her stomach and suddenly she didn't feel so terrible anymore.

"We'll need to hunt those Urgals down." Brom said, gaining Daemon and Saphira's attention. "And I'll need both of your help for this."

"What do you need?" Daemon asked seriously, Saphira giving her agreement with a cold growl...


Eragon twisted under the blankets, reluctant to open his eyes. He dozed, then a fuzzy thought entered his mind How did I get here? Confused, he pulled the blankets tighter and felt something hard on his right arm. He tried to move his wrist. It zinged with pain. The Urgals! He bolted upright.

He lay in a small clearing that was empty save a small campfire heating a stew-filled pot. A squirrel chattered on a branch. His bow and quiver rested alongside the blankets. Attempting to stand made him grimace, as his muscles were feeble and sore. There was a heavy splint on his bruised right arm.

Where is everyone? he wondered forlornly. He tried to call Saphira, but to his alarm could not feel her. Ravenous hunger gripped him, so he ate the stew. Still hungry, he looked for the saddlebags, hoping to find a chunk of bread. Neither the saddlebags nor the horses were in the clearing. I'm sure there's a good reason for this, he thought, suppressing a surge of uneasiness.

With nothing better to do, Eragon rolled up the bedroll and sat against a tall oak tree growing at the edge of the camp. Hours passed and still there was no sign of anyone approaching the campsite – not Brom, Daemon or Saphira. I sure hope that they are okay. As the morning turned into the afternoon, Eragon's apprehension got the better of him. Searching around the perimeter of the encampment, Eragon was hoping he'd find the key to ending his worries. Outside of sight of the camp, Eragon stumbled upon a boulder with a bowl-shaped depression filled with clear water from the morning dew. Finally!

Reflecting back to the travels from Teirm, Eragon remembered Brom's lecture over a special usage for magic: scrying. Scrying is the ability to use magic and observe a person through a clear surface such as water, Eragon thought to himself. It takes a lot of energy to sustain from what Brom said…But I am stronger than he thinks I am.

He breathed deeply and closed his mind. Remembering what Brom said, Eragon formed a picture of Saphira in his mind, making it as life-like as possible. It was mentally taxing, something Eragon was quite surprised about it. With a clear voice he said, "Draumr kópa!" and gazed upon the small pool of water. Its surface completely stood still, frozen by magic. The image of Eragon's reflection disappeared and it shimmered to a picture of Saphira. The landscape around her were clouded by a white fog, the only image visible was his dragon. However, he could see that she was flying and Brom sat on her back. His face and clothes were covered with blood and grime.

Eragon tiredly let the image fade. At least they're safe. He gave himself a few minutes to recuperate, then leaned back over the water. Roran, how are you? In his mind he saw his cousin clearly. Impulsively, he drew upon the magic and uttered the words.

The water grew still, then the image formed on its surface. Roran appeared, sitting on an invisible chair. Like Saphira, his surroundings were white. There were new lines on Roran's face—he looked more like Garrow than ever before. Eragon held the image in place as long as he could. Is Roran in Therinsford? He's certainly nowhere I've been.

The strain of using magic had brought beads of sweat to his forehead. He sighed and for a long time was content just to sit. Then an absurd notion struck him. What if I tried to scry something I created with my imagination or saw in a dream? He smiled. Perhaps I'd be shown what my own consciousness looks like.

It was too tempting an idea to pass by. He knelt by the water once again. What shall I look for? He considered a few things, but discarded them all when he remembered his dream about the woman in the cell.

After fixing the scene in his mind, he spoke the words and watched the water intently. He waited, but nothing happened. Disappointed, he was about to release the magic when inky blackness swirled across the water, covering the surface. The image of a lone candle flickered in the darkness, brightening to illuminate a stone cell. The woman from his dream was curled up on a cot in one corner. She lifted her head, dark hair falling back, and stared directly at Eragon. He froze, the force of her gaze keeping him in place. Chills ran up his spine as their eyes locked. Then the woman trembled and collapsed limply.

The water cleared. Eragon rocked back on his heels, gasping. "This can't be." She shouldn't be real; I only dreamed about her! How could she know I was looking at her? And how could I have scryed into a dungeon that I've never seen? He shook his head, wondering if any of his other dreams had been visions.

The sound of a horse neighing was heard before Shadowmere came out of the woods with Daemon on his saddle. As soon as his eyes landed on him, Daemon exclaimed. "Eragon!" He got off the horse and walked over, roughly hugging him. "You alright?"

"I'm fine." Eragon said and looked around. "What happened?"

"What were you think, Eragon?" Daemon asked with a growl as he unsheathed one of his swords and started to clean off the blood on the blades. "Do you want to shout to the whole world of what you are? Because of your actions, those Urgals are still alive and have fled, We've been hunting them since last night."

"Are Saphira and Brom alright?"

"They're fine, really angry but they are fine." Daemon let out a sigh. "Eragon, you worried everyone with that stunt you pulled. Saphira was beside herself with worry. And Brom...he is beyond mad."

Hurt and indignation crossed Eragon's face. "I was trying to keep them from getting to Brom and you." At this, Daemon's expression softened.

"I know, and that's admirable. But next time... try something less drastic. Believe me, using your power recklessly if the body can't handle it is never the best thing to do."

The rhythmic thump of Saphira's wings stopped all conversation between them. Daemon and Eragon looked up, backing up as Saphira landed. Brom was on her back, as Eragon had seen, but his sword was now bloody. Brom's face was contorted; the edges of his beard were stained red. Brom's eyes landed on Eragon and hardened. "Do you know what you did with that little trick of yours? Do you?"

"I stopped the Urgals from catching you," said Eragon, a pit forming in his stomach.

"Yes," growled Brom as he slashed the air with his sword, sending blood flying off the blade, "but that piece of magic nearly killed you! There were twelve Urgals. Twelve! But that didn't stop you from trying to throw them all the way to Teirm, now did it? What were you thinking? Sending a rock through each of their heads would have been the smart thing to do. But no, you had to knock them unconscious so they could run away later." Brom turned to Daemon. "Tell me you had better results."

Daemon shook his head as he stood beside Saphira, putting a hand on her side in silent question if she was alright. She hummed and sent him reassurance that she was alright, the situation making them forget the awkward tension between them for now.

"Three escaped me before I could get them." The Dragonborn said.

"I didn't want to kill them," said Eragon, feeling very small.

"It wasn't a problem in Yazuac." Brom retorted.

"There was no choice then, and I couldn't control the magic. This time it just seemed... extreme."

"Extreme!" cried Brom. "It's not extreme when they wouldn't show you the same mercy. And why, oh why, did you show yourself to them?"

"You said that they had found Saphira's footprints. It didn't make any difference if they saw me," said Eragon defensively.

Brom stabbed his sword into the dirt and snapped, "I said they had probably found her tracks. We didn't know for certain. They might have believed they were chasing some stray travelers. But why would they think that now? After all, you landed right in front of them! And since you let them live, they're scrambling around the countryside with all sorts of fantastic tales! This might even get back to the Empire!" He threw his hands up.

"Alright enough!" Daemon stood and got in between them. "He's learned his lesson, Brom. We all make mistakes in life." he turned to Eragon. "Eragon, what you did was foolish. Do you understand that?"

Eragon nodded. "I do and I'm sorry. It's not as bad as you think, though; the Urgals already knew about me. They had orders to capture me."

"That's even worse, Eragon." Daemon shook his head. "If they had these orders, it means they serve someone and I only have two possible suggestions. Galbatorix and Miraak."

"Galbatorix is unlikely." Brom scoffed. "Urgals were the reason his first dragon died."

"I said they were suggestions, I'm not too sure myself." Daemon retorted.

Shivering, Eragon asked softly, "What happens now?"

"We rest." Daemon said before Brom could speak. "We all need it."

They nodded and walked off to go rest. Daemon sighed and looked at Saphira. Sometimes I feel like a parent when I stop arguments like this.

Saphir agave a small chuckle but her mind returned to the compliment Daemon gave her last night, when he called her eyes beautiful. Daemon?

Yes?

She hesitated, part of her unsure if she wanted an answer to the question she was about to ask. Last night...what you said to me...about my eyes. Did you mean that? You think my eyes are beautiful?

Daemon blinked and stared at her before he looked away and cleared his throat. He had said that on impulse but... he had always thought Saphira's eyes were the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever seen in his life. He knew that he and Saphira had crossed a line beyond friends... a line of which there may not be a point of no return if they weren't careful. So with that in mind, he replied to her. Yes, I meant what I said. You... you really do have beautiful eyes. Like sapphire jewels.

Saphira's stomach jumped. Um, th...thank you.

You're welcome, he replied and laid down on his back, closing his eyes soon after.

Okay, they definitely were not just friends anymore. But it didn't mean there was anything between them. Without knowing it, both of them arrived at the same conclusion: perhaps this was caused by their dragon instincts. They certainly didn't see each other in a romantic way at all, of this they were sure, but they definitely felt something.

Both decided to themselves that they were slightly more than friends, and that's how it will stay...


And that's it for this chapter folks. I hope you all enjoyed it.