Alex woke up stretching, and yawned in the crisp morning air. "Morning Alex" said Brom, cooking up some breakfast. "You sleep okay?"

"Yes, quite well" replied Alex, looking around. "Though my head still hurts."

"I wonder why" said Brom jokingly. "You wouldn't happen to remember anything more about your past, would you?"

"Nope, not a thing" said Alex. "Though I still have the occasional nightmare"

"The one where you're being attacked by that evil being?" asked Brom.

"Yeah, though also my dreams include this nice-looking girl, shrouded in robes, and another female, with strikingly beautiful light brown hair. Next to them…are two dragons, one gold and one ruby. I have a feeling I know them somehow…" Alex trailed off, slight feelings of sadness and annoyance entering his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by a groaning Eragon, who was still sore from last night's bruises. "Morning Eragon. Better get some breakfast soon, we'll be leaving soon" said Brom, while Eragon started eating.

"What a night" he said, rubbing his tender skin.

"Don't worry, you should get used to those soon" said Alex, chuckling slightly. "Hopefully" said Eragon, finishing up his breakfast.

Saphira and Thanatos both awoke at the same time, and greeted each other on this cool morning. Their riders have just finished eating, so they gathered their belongings and prepared to set out.

Let us go, Saphira said Thanatos, launching himself into the morning air, with Saphira flying aside of him. Something wrong? he asked, noting the sparkling sapphire dragon's feelings of worry.

I just don't like having to hide all the time, so far away from my rider… said Saphira, flickers of anger spreading throughout her thoughts.

As so I. Alex may be a bit too battle-hearty, but I trust him to make the right decisions in a fight or danger. I t would like to travel with my rider, but if we are seen… That would not bode well for any of us explained Thanatos, while making sure he and Saphira were flying high enough as not to be seen by travelers other than their riders and Brom.

I know, but still said Saphira, still worried

Saphira, I understand your worry. If anything happens to our riders, rest assured we'll be there swiftly. Until then, I'm sure they can handle it themselves promised Thanatos.

Saphira looked at the black dragon momentarily, then said Thank you, Thanatos. Your words heighten my spirits considerably.

You're welcome, Saphira. replied Thanatos, glancing down at his rider.

-------------------

"I don't like being separated from her either, but if we chased the Ra'Zac on our dragons, Brom wouldn't be able to come with us, and I'm sure his instructions will help us on our quest" said Eragon to Alex.

They had been talking for a while on the plains below Utgard. On the way down, Brom had explained its history, about the last battle between Vrael and Galbatorix.

"Wow" thought Alex. "This land has such an interesting history."

Getting back on track, he said to Eragon "Saphira is part of your heart, mind, and soul. You will have to fly with her eventually. I understand your reluctance to do so after certain past events, but your legs won't get shredded now that Brom made that saddle. Trust me, the first flight with one's dragon is such an enjoyable experience."

As I recall, our first flight was quite fun said Thanatos, flying along the suddenly increasing winds.

"Especially when I almost fell off after that one barrel roll" said Alex, laughing along with his dragon.

"Soon I will" said Eragon, though somewhat reluctant.

"Brom, why are you so silent all of a sudden?" he asked the old man.

"There's a storm coming" said Brom, pointing to the wall of black clouds ahead of them. The billowing storm was occasionally illuminated by arcing bolts of lightning, and a powerful gust of wind was making its way toward the group.

"Ye gods, land Saphira!" yelled Eragon both physically and mentally, as he realized with horror what was about to happen. Alex and Eragon raced against time to their dragons, who were speeding toward the ground as fast as possible to avoid the tempests' wrath.

Thanatos landed first, and furled his wings along his back just as the mighty wind reached them. He looked around for Saphira, and saw her getting tossed around by the storms fury. She managed to land far in front of Thanatos, but was soon ripped up by the powerful gusts. The black dragon saw that Saphira was going to fly right across him and land right on her back.

Not good if that happens to a dragon… he thought, standing upon his hind legs and bracing for impact. Saphira crashed into Thanatos with such force that the two dragons flipped over in midair. Thanatos was stunned by the blow, and in pain because Saphira's neck spikes dug into his thick, scaled skin.

He quickly recovered, and managed to deposit Saphira on the ground. Eragon ran over and helped wrap up Saphira's wings, while Thanatos landed not too far away, tired from the experience. He stood there, recovering, and looked up as Alex vaulted upon his neck.

Alex looked over to see Eragon signaling him to follow, and they caught up to Brom and the horses. The group continued walking, braving the storm until it settled and stopped raining.

Are you okay, Saphira? asked Thanatos, breathing heavily.

Yes, I'm fine. Wait...You're bleeding! she said, nudging the black dragon on his shoulder.

Don't worry, it's nothing replied Thanatos, settling around the campsite Brom found, next to Saphira.

The old man tossed Alex a piece of cloth, saying "Here, use this to clean him up"

"Thanks Brom" replied Alex, walking over and wiping the blood off his dragon's front side. "Nice job back there, Thanatos"

Yes, you were very brave in that storm added Saphira, looking at Thanatos appreciatively.

Eragon walked over to Thanatos, and said to him "Thank you for saving Saphira. We both appreciate your efforts."

Thanatos bowed his head in reply, and then Eragon went to try and start a campfire with Brom. It was then that the evening sun broke through the clouds, sparkling on the wet plants and dragon scales. Saphira and Thanatos roared happily, basking in the sun's warmth. They then settled and fell asleep, tired after the days ordeals. Exhausted after braving the storm, their riders and Brom joined the dragons in blissful slumber, awaiting a fresh start tomorrow.