Hi! I think this story is gonna be pretty good! If you're reading, tell your friends! Don't let them miss out on such a cool story! (Joking)

Jacqui

From Normal to New

Chapter 2

Nothing. She looked up and saw nothing.

"What is this? Some kind of desert?" she asked herself.

"Yes, the Hadarac," a male voice said harshly behind her. "Who are you? Are you affiliated with Galbatorix?"

"Well," she began to answer the man's rude question. She would have continued, but there was a small problem. Make that a big problem. A big problem with scales, wings, and extremely sharp teeth! Behind him, stood a dragon!

"Answer!" he shouted and drew his sword.

"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute!" she said, finally returning to her senses. Her small mind finally grasped the concept of a boy with a dragon and a red sword. It was Eragon and Saphira! The guys from her book. Think, think Rachel! How do you formally greet a Dragon Rider! She thought very hard and finally came up with something! "Sir, Eragon Shadeslayer, Saphira Bjartskular. Greetings," Rachel curtsied. She curtsied her heart out. For some reason, she felt that if she couldn't pull this off, she'd be dragon food.

Hello, girl.

"Ahhhh!" she screamed. Rachel brought her hands to her ears. What was that? Oh, yeah! Saphira's talking to me!

I am, girl! But, how did you know my name.

I'll explain, but can you calm Eragon Shadeslayer? Please Ma'am?

Eragon. She is not loyal to Galbatorix. I have a feeling that she can be trusted.

Ok, but we shouldn't trust her completely.

Rachel: I understand, but I assure you, I couldn't possibly misfortune you or Saphira in any may.

Saphira: She speaks with modesty, Eragon.

Eragon: Alright. Let's find a place to rest and we can sort out how this all happened.

Silently, they walked for a long distance to an oasis. There were some trees and other vegetation, but that was it. To break the silence Rachel said, "Wow, this is some desert. What did you say it was called, Argetlam?"

"The Hadarac. It surprises me that you have never heard of it," Eragon answered kindly. Finally he let down his guard. "Tell me, why did you go into the Hadarac?"

This was going to be hard to explain. Rachel sat silently for a while, trying to think of some kind of an explanation. "Well first, I'm an orphan. I didn't have a home in my old village. The people got tired of me always begging for food, so they chased me out," That should do. They might even feel bad for me! She thought.

"I'm sorry," Eragon said sympathetically.

"It wasn't that bad, but then I didn't know what to do. I just started wandering around until, before I knew it, I was in the middle of the Hadarac Desert!" Rachel was beginning to have fun weaving together this story.

Where did you get your provisions? Saphira asked

Provisions? Rachel thought to herself. She looked down and suddenly realized that her backpack had been replaced with a rucksack full of food and a water skin was now hanging around her neck. She took off the backpack and searched through it.

"Oh, this stuff? I, had to, well… borrow it. I'll give it back, eventually,"

"So you stole it?" Eragon said, suspicion was rising in his voice.

"Well, I worked a day for the man. I was supposed to work for two, but…" Rachel's voice trailed off.

At least you didn't steal it completely. Saphira added.

Rachel sensed that she could become very good friends with the dragon. "Oh, I forgot! You already know our names, but what is yours?" Eragon asked. Now, his voice was normal, almost kind.

"My name is Rachel, I am 14 years of age, and currently homeless," she stated.

Eragon. Saphira contacted him directly, I think that we should take her in.

Why? We don't know that much about her?

I know, little one, but you must trust me. My instincts tell me that she can aid us in some way!

Alright, but you ask her. Eragon said with finality.

Rachel sat there, staring at the dragon and rider. I wonder what they're saying about me…

Rachel. It was Saphira. We would like you to accompany us on our journey. Do you want to come?

What kind of journey? What are you trying to do?

"As you may know, Saphira is one of the last dragons in Alagaesia," Eragon started.

"Yes,"

"Well, we are trying to find a suitable mate for Saphira. We may have to go over seas and travel great distances, but I promised her,"

If you do not wish to come, we can take you somewhere safe. Saphira offered.

"Okay, I think," Rachel considered her options. I can't play around in this world forever. I have to find some way to get back home. "I'm sorry, I have to think for a minute," I know! I'll go on this little journey. And when it's over, I can simply ask for some help in return! What could possibly go wrong?

"I'll go with you two!"

Wonderful!

Saphira made a strange sound, but it sounded very happy! Eragon also seemed that he liked the idea. He had a special love for Saphira, but he wanted some human companionship as well.

So, little one, it seems we've made a new friend!