A/N: Hello, and welcome to my fifth chapter of Empire! Before we go on, I have a few things I need to clear up:
The Green dragon egg has NOT hatched.
Murtagh will NOT kill Galbatorix.
Oromis and Glaedr are alive.
Chapter 5: Ellesmera
Eragon and Saphira flew for two days straight, trying not to risk exposure on the flat plains of the Hadarac Desert. Saphira grew tired at points, and turned to Eragon to lend her his strength. They did not stop until they reached the edge of the woods that harbored Du Weldenvarden. When this happened, Saphira dipped down below the trees and slid to the ground with a shuddering sigh.
I'm exhausted, she said.
I'm sorry you had to fly so long, said Eragon.
It is no fault of yours. I am only glad that you lend me your energy; otherwise I could not have lasted.
Eragon only stroked one of her sapphire-blue scales and rolled over on the soft grass to sleep.
The morning's dawn peaked its sullen head over the trees and woke Eragon. He grudgingly awoke, sorely yearning for a few hours of long needed rest. Saphira was snapping up her breakfast noisily, and when she saw that her Rider was conscious, she stood clumsily and let out a slow hum.
What route should we take now that we are sheltered beneath the trees? She asked regally.
We should still fly, but lower, and still hooded by the wood. Flying above would be too dangerous, replied Eragon, distractedly strapping Saphira's saddle upon her back.
I agree.
The pair took off again. The ride was long and tedious, but didn't take as much energy to take. Soon enough, they had arrived in Silthrim. Eragon clapped his hands over his ears fearfully, but could still hear the faint music that usually emitted from the elven city. Yet Eragon didn't become entranced by it, as he did when he was a human. He hesitantly withdrew his hands from his ears and shut his eyes, expecting the worst. When nothing happened, Eragon relaxed with a shuddering sigh. Saphira was obviously tense also, because she too released her tight muscles.
The journey through Silthrim was much more pleasant than the first, owing to the fact that they no longer needed to hide or be extremely wary. Saphira wove calmly between the trees until they exited the town and made their way towards Ellesmera.
When they arrived, several elves gasped when they saw him return, and hastened to their knees mumbling "Shadeslayer" and "Brightscales". Instead of seeking out the queen, they went to the one place they missed most: Oromis and Glaedr's home.
When Saphira swooped down upon the plain and roared to warn anyone near of their arrival. Oromis scurried out of his house with bewilderment, and when he saw the two standing proudly before him, his face softened into a proud smile.
"You have made it through the war!" he cried with elation Eragon had never seen before. "I hoped my gifts served you well."
"Quite, master," replied Eragon softly, stepping off of Saphira.
When he saw Eragon in a better light, Oromis's eyes widened. "If I did not know you better, I would have mistaken you for my own kind! What has befallen you since we last met?"
At this point Glaedr landed beside Oromis with an audible thump!
How are you, Saphira Brightscales? He asked politely.
Very well, master, she replied, apparently happy to see him.
Eragon took no time for pleasantries, but instead launched into his tale. Neither Oromis nor Glaedr interrupted him as he spoke, but instead listened attentively. When he started to explain the mishap about the Blood-Oath Celebration, Oromis's features crinkled with concern. Eragon ended with a deep breath and looked up to see his masters' reaction. None spoke.
"This is a serious matter, Eragon," said Oromis finally. "But I have another thing to ask: Are you angry at all about being altered so much?"
Eragon opened his mouth to reply, but shut it again and thought about the question. He finally shook his head respectively and said: "No, master. I am not."
A deep rumbling came from Glaedr's throat. Then we shall resume lessons tomorrow. In the meantime, find something productive to do.
He glared at them pointedly with his great yellow eyes, but said nothing more and took off with Oromis sitting on his back.
Eragon stood puzzled for a moment, but then a thought struck him and he leapt upon Saphira.
Where are we going? She asked.
To the Menoa Tree.
