I decided to redo this chapter, as it very severely needs to be redone. This chapter is just he first. I may redo the chapters up to 10. Don't worry, I'll still continue to update with brand new chapters!
Chapter 1 – Greatest Gift
"Get cher' fish here! Fresh fish from Teirm!" The marketplace of Uru-Baen was packed. It was a Saturday, market day, and every item from pet insects to jewel-encrusted swords were available.
As the people of Uru-Baen bartered and bought their chosen items, a girl that was soon to be a legend was slipping past them.
Kiatra was about 16, as an orphan, she had never learned her true age. She possessed long, slightly wavy hair the color of a polished onyx stone. She was average height, with long strong legs and defined hands and arms. She could be perfectly normal, except for her eyes. They were periwinkle, a color unknown in an eye color even to the elves, and flashed violet when she was angry.
Weaving throughout the crowd, Kiatra met a roadblock. With a groan, she ran towards it and vaulted over. The new street she was in was empty, and once again she continued on her way.
Kiatra didn't usually live in Uru-Baen; she lived in a small village of orphans. They lived in the Spine, as not to be bothered by others. She had migrated this way to buy supplies, and to touch the dragon egg.
Every year, King Galbatorix paraded children of all ages past the two remaining dragon eggs. In hopes that another egg would hatch, the King opened his gates to all. Kiatra would have her try.
Finally, the great place loomed in front of her. Masses of guards were inspecting all that passed through, and as each one was cleared they were impatiently waved through. After a certain number had been cleared, another guard took them away.
Kiatra took her place in line, nervously fingering the simple wooden bracelet her best friend Ilio had carved for her. After Kiatra had been cleared, she strode through the large metal gates, mingling with the others that were waiting for a guide.
Kiatra had obviously been the last one they needed. As soon as she had joined the group, another guard appeared and beckoned them to follow. The group did so, Kiatra lagging behind, staring wide-eyed at the jewels and precious metals that decorated the rooms.
It was a good thing the guard was leading them. The passages twisted and turned so much, Kiatra soon lost track of how far they had gone. In front of her, some people were muttering nervously, obviously worried that they were lost in the giant maze.
However, they were not. Within a few minutes, the whole group stood in front of a pair of giant, jewel-covered doors.
"Get into a single-file line!" Their guard yelled, the noise echoing and reverberating around the large hallway. The others scrambled to obey, Kiatra included. "We will call your name, and as you are called, walk into the hallway and cover the egg with your hand." The guard instructed, before disappearing into the main room.
"Dir Kimien!" A young boy took a deep breath and walked into the hall, the others staring anxiously after him. A few minutes later, he returned, his face bright red. He had not been successful.
A few others were called before Kiatra. Each one was not successful.
"Kiatra!" The mysterious voice rang out, obviously puzzled. Kiatra thought she knew why. Her lack of last name was rather suspicious.
She tossed her black hair over her shoulder in a confident gesture, and walked into the hall, shaking in her boots. For an instant, the glittering of the many jewels that lined the walls, the ceiling, and the floor blinded her. Kiatra blinked twice as her eyes adjusted, then took in another awesome sight.
Shurikan the dragon, partner to King Galbatorix. His scales were a deep onyx, his eyes a fathomless chasm, and his claws a blinding white. The King was seated next to him on his magnificent throne. Though he was over 100 years old, he looked like a man of forty. His black hair and beard matched Shurikan's, along with the same, fathomless eyes.
Kiatra stared, then remembered her manners and dipped into a deep curtsy. The King nodded and Shurikan inclined his head.
Turning, Kiatra made her way over to the egg. Wait. Egg. I thought there were two eggs left? Kiatra thought in confusion, before laying her hand lightly over the egg. It was a periwinkle color, glistening like a jewel, a perfect oval. Mere seconds went by as Kiatra stepped back, holding her breath.
And then, almost too small to see, tiny cracks appeared on the surface. Kiatra gasped, her eyes wide. The King rose, gazing intently as the cracks appeared. Shurikan made his way over to Kiatra, his long neck bent over Kiatra's shoulder. All three were focused on the same thing. The egg.
The seconds passed into minutes, and the smaller cracks began to branch out into larger cracks, until, finally, it cracked in half and fell apart.
The newest dragon had been born, in the hall of King Galbatorix.
I suppose you all are wondering why there was only 1 egg left. Murtagh had hatched Thorn about a day before, while Saphira was being born about the same time. This makes Murtagh a traitor for the entire time of the story. I know it goes against the original storyline of the Inheritance Trilogy, but I'm putting it this way. If you have problems with it, don't read it. Hmph.