Okay, I'm sorry, I know the last chapter sucked. Deal with me, okay? I'll rewrite it when I have time. For now, I'll progress with the story.
Chapter 2 – Aseil
The tiny dragon opened its mouth and let out a squeak. Cautiously, Kiatra put her hand forward, and placed her palm on the creature's back, which sported miniscule ridges.
A burning feeling entered her palm and she screamed, closing her eye tightly. When the pain faded, she opened her eyes and looked on her hand. A glistening white mark spread across her right palm.
"Well done!" King Galbatorix said. Murtagh had a smile on his face. Both of the dragons looked pleased. Kiatra stared at them, and at the dragon, in utter astonishment.
OUT! Shurikan roared. The rest of the children scurried out the door, looking very scared and awed indeed. Kiatra felt the same.
"Hello, little one." she whispered to the dragon, who nibbled on her finger.
The dragon squeaked back, as if to reply to her greeting.
Kiatra… Kiatra looked at the small dragon in astonishment, her periwinkle eyes meeting the dragon's, which was a pale gold.
She reached out with her mind, cautiously, until she felt the dragon's mind. That is my name. She said simply.
My name is Aseil. Kiatra was amazed at the intelligence of the creature.
"Has he spoken to you?" Kiatra spun around. She had forgotten that the King was there, with her.
"Yes. His name is Aseil."
The King bowed. "Greetings, small one."
The dragon inclined his head, and went back to nibbling the strands of black hair that ran down Kiatra's back. Shurikan & Thorn came up to the small dragon and examined him. The great breaths they took swayed Aseil like a branch in the wind. He coughed, and a wisp of smoke came forth from his mouth.
"He is the same color as your eyes." Murtagh said quietly, to Kiatra.
"Oh. I suppose so." Kiatra felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She was being an absolute fool in the presence of a Rider!
Murtagh seemed to know her plight. He smiled. "Don't worry about it."
Over the next few weeks, Kiatra was tested to the point of exhaustion. She worked to improve her muscles and strength. She also spent much time in the library, learning all she could about the Empire and the history of the Riders. Much to her dismay, she found that never before had a female Rider arisen.
She complained about this to Aseil, who already seemed to know about her more than anyone else.
Aseil, too, was learning. After a week, he had learned to hover a while in mid-air. He spent much time with Kiatra, as he was too young to learn battle tactics and other such things from Thorn and Shurikan.
Aseil had grown almost a foot in the next week. Now he was about the size of a large cat. His periwinkle color intensified, and his scales shimmered brightly, helped by the fact Kiatra gave him baths every night. Now that she lived in the palace, she could wash herself in warm water, watching as Aseil swam about like a fish.
She grew quite fond of him, and often as she worked she would touch her mind with his, just to feel closer to him. The good, peaceful times were good whilst they lasted.
One day, a month later, King Galbatorix sent for Murtagh, Kiatra, and their dragons.
He was in a rage, possibly because he had been defeated a few days ago, even with Murtagh's help, by the Varden.
"Eragon! And his noble dragon, Saphira!" he growled, pacing before them. "I want them in this castle! They have caused enough damage!" Kiatra bowed her head. Personally, she thought the idea of another Rider was wonderful. She wondered if he had actually trained with the elves, as the stories said.
"I want both of you to fly out and capture them!"
"When, my lord?" Murtagh asked calmly.
"Tonight."
Oooh, cliffy, huh? Don't worry; the next installment will soon be out. What did you guys think? It was more of an introduction, but still. I'm quite pleased with this chapter, it turned out pretty well. See you later:grin: