Chapter 3: High Altitudes

The next day, Uratar and Galbatorix stood outside of Meradoth's cabin. There was a foul odour in the air, as though something had very recently died. Eventually Meradoth came out of his cabin cloaked in silver, on his back was his silver blade Banador. Meradoth bore both his blade his round shield with a silver symbol of a dragon's skull on it. Whenever Meradoth came out with his sword and shield strapped to his back indicated that this would be a vigorous lesson.

"Today, we will practice aerial combat. You will mount your dragons and begin duelling in the air, be it with blade or magic. Your objective will be to defeat the other opponent by knocking him of his dragon. Though I warn you I will not save you if your fall off your dragon. It is your task to save yourself." Growled Meradoth.

"Master, if we fall off our dragons, couldn't we die?" asked Uratar

"You must learn to take care of yourselves." Replied Meradoth.

As Fellenor and Galzra lifted into the clouds, Galbatorix began to feel nervous, for although he and Uratar were both stronger in different areas, they were overall relatively equal Riders. Galbatorix, Uratar and Meradoth were about 4 leagues into the sky when they halted their ascent.

"Remember, Your dragon's injuries are easily healed, so fear not for their lives. Now my pupils, BEGIN!" Cried Meradoth. And with this Uratar immediately began to speed towards Galbatorix, pulling out his sword, preparing to slice at Galzra. As soon as Galbatorix realised that Uratar was about to attack it was too late, although Galzra was hardly injured he was knocked of his dragon and began to fall to the ground. But Galzra was also swift, and immediately swooped down and caught Galbatorix in the saddle. Galbatorix pulled Galzra up and attempted to get under Uratar, once he was only 2 metres away, Galzra blew an enormous gust of fire. But Uratar was able to barely dodge the flames and their two dragons began to use their monstrous talons to claw at one another. While the two dragons were duelling, Galbatorix unsheathed Filronel and with it he swung at Fellenor's eye. Fellenor was blinded and Uratar immediately steered him away and quickly cured him. Fellenor was possibly the fiercest dragon in the entire academy, only a few seconds after he was blinded he immediately began to fly directly towards Galzra with an amazing fear. And only metres away, when Galbatorix was sure the two dragons would collide, Fellenor veered downwards and opening it's enormous jaw, bit into Galzra's neck. The wound was deep and Galzra began to fall to the ground. But Galbatorix was able to quickly heal her and after only a few seconds Fellenor was chasing them again. Galbatorix turned Galzra around and as the two dragons clashed once more, Galbatorix began to duel with Uratar with their blades. Uratar took one mighty slash at Galbatorix and Oragad struck him deep in the shoulder, but Galbatorix maintained his composure and veered Galzra away from the battle, with Fellenor and Uratar still on their trail Galzra had to use several evasive manoeuvres to avoid another deadly bite from the jaws of Fellenor. Meanwhile, Galbatorix was able to heal his deep wound (although it left a large scar).

"GARJZLA!" cried Galbatorix, and a large bolt of light shot from his palm and struck Fellenor directly in the eyes. Fellenor roared in agony but still chased Galzra, for a dragon's sense of smell is so keen that they are able to smell the most insignificant trace of life leagues away. But Uratar did not heal Fellenor's wound, for he was too focused on catching up with Galzra.

When I say so, breathe as much fire as you possibly can. Galbatorix said to Galzra. Galbatorix then veered Galzra up and made her do a complete circle so that they were now behind Fellenor and Uratar.

Now! Commanded Galbatorix

"Brisingr!" He shouted, and at the same time Galzra let out several jets of beautiful green flames. And combined they were able to burn Fellenor, and Fellenor immediately roared and spun in such ways that Uratar was knocked of his saddle and began to plummet to the ground.

"You continue to impress me Galbatorix!" Meradoth exclaimed.

"Master, you must save him! He is certain to fall to his death!" replied Galbatorix.

"Galbatorix, you have proven yourself stronger than him, you have shown me that you are the more powerful of my pupil's. He has disappointed me." Chuckled Meradoth.

"I will not let a Rider and a friend die because of a demented instructor!" cried Galbatorix. And with this Galzra dove down with tremendous speed towards the ground. As the clouds rapidly passed them by, Galbatorix could see Uratar's body, plummeting down. He had almost collided with the ground when Galzra quickly swooped beneath him and Galbatorix was able to catch him. Both Uratar and Fellenor were severely burned, for Galbatorix had never really understood the full potential of his strength.

"Disappointing, yet valiant young Galbatorix" said Meradoth. After training, and after healing Uratar and Fellenor (which left both Galbatorix and Meradoth exhausted), the two friends departed for their quarters in Doru Areaba.

"Well my friend, I had to let you defeat me at least once in your life!" spoke Uratar.

"Believe what you will you fool! But I'm not the Rider who enjoys flying without a dragon!" countered Galbatorix.

"Well on a lighter and less "Flammable" note, it just so happens that I have a wedding gift for you!" Uratar said.