Chapter 10: Goodbye Old Friend

Saphira changed rapidly and motioned for Eragon to mount her.

"He is not near his home," Eragon said out loud.

I know, Saphira replied. She leapt into the air and beat her wings to gain altitude. It was pitch black with no light whatsoever, but they somehow managed to fly past his master's home and further into the forest in search of him. Saphira finally found him and Gleadr hunkered down together in a small clearing just large enough for her to land in.

"Master!" Eragon exclaimed, leaping off of Saphira's back. Gleadr suddenly raised his head to let out an awkward, pleading growl.

What has happened? Eragon asked the dragon. Gleadr slid his body away to where Eragon could see Oromis. His skin was pale and his breathing was shallow. His right hand was clutching his heart. Eragon moved over to his master's side and crouched down beside him.

"Master," he said in a low, soothing tone. "Can I help?" Oromis coughed and gripped his chest tighter.

"Nay," Oromis struggled to reply. He lifted up his left hand and set it on Gleadr's side. "We have lasted for far too long."

"But you are the last great dragon rider!" Eragon protested. "Without you…?"

"They have you!" Oromis exclaimed forcefully. "I have trained you well, Eragon. The mistakes of our past will be erased and start over anew with you and Saphira."

"But Gleadr…?"

"I know," Oromis groaned in pain and frustration. "I am aware of Saphira being the last, but hope is never lost. I sense something different in you…?" he cut out to cough. "The future is bleak for me, but you and Saphira's are shinning brighter than the morning star. You have avenged the mighty dragons and riders, for that we all are thankful." Eragon turned away to see that Saphira was holding a conversation with the other dragon.

Protect him and love him, Gleadr commanded her. She nodded her head.

Until my life comes to an end, she replied. You and your rider will be severely missed.

Saphira?

Yes? She replied, coolly.

If I were younger, Gleadr struggled to say. His strength was failing him with his rider's dying breaths. I would have been proud to bear the title of your mate, but I see something very different in you. It is stronger and heartfelt. What is it? Saphira turned away to look over towards Eragon.

I see, the dying dragon uttered softly. You have made your ancestors very proud. I am proud. Guide him always and stay strong and true. We will be watching you from the stars above. Gleadr moved his head to set it next to Oromis, who lifted his hand up to pet his brow.

"Please don't go," Eragon begged. "Hold on!"

"I have held on for far too long!" Oromis whispered. He kept his eyes open, but his grip on his heart loosened and his hand rested limply on Gleadr's brow.

Take care of him, Saphira, the dragon uttered, before shutting his eyes to follow his rider into the black void.

I will, master, Saphira replied, bowing her head. Eragon placed his hand to his own forehead and held it there.

"Rest well, rider," Eragon said in the ancient language, before bringing his hand down to close his eyes that were never to be opened again. Saphira padded over to him and slowly stepped over the limp form of Gleadr.

They were brave and noble teachers, Saphira cooed gently, letting a tear fall from her bright sapphire eye. It was best that they left in peace.

He was as close to a father as Garrow, Eragon sobbed, also crying. We are all that is left, Saphira!Saphira brought her neck down and tenderly licked Eragon just below his ear.

We have each other, Saphira replied. We cannot leave them here. Ellesmera must be notified.

I will go, Eragon said, standing up to face her.

We will go together, Saphira said in a sly tone. Eragon raised his hand up to pet her.

Someone must stay to make sure they are safe.

Agreed, Saphira sighed, lowering her head. This is a very sad day. Eragon nodded at her comment and stood back to prepare to say the spell, but she stopped him.

Remember what happens when you change, she pointed out calmly. Eragon smiled and removed his tunic, tossing it quickly over towards her.

Why not so nervous anymore? Saphira asked as Eragon stood there in front of her nude.

Eragon blushed slightly when he realized this, but he quickly shrugged it off. He showed her a faint smile and uttered the word to change form. Saphira scooped up his tunic in her jaws and walked over to him to set it in his claws.

Be careful rider, Saphira said. Flying at night is far more dangerous. Pay attention to everything! Hurry back!

I'll return shortly love, Eragon replied, but before Saphira could ask, he leapt into the night and flew with all the speed he could muster towards Ellesmera.

- - - - - - - - -

A few elves were standing guard duty around Nasuada and Islanzadipalace with spears clutched in they're throwing arms. Just because the wars are over doesn't mean that they should let their guard down. Suddenly, loud patterns of thumps filled the cool night, sending shivers down the soldiers' spines. They held up their spears and prepared to throw them at whatever showed itself. In a mere second, the soldiers turned to face the dragon form of Eragon, who used the darkness to sneak around them. Before the guards could raise their spears, Eragon reached out to their minds.

It is Eragon, he told them. I bring terrible news for Queen Islanzadi and Nasuada. Wake them at once! Eragon watched as the soldiers dropped their spears and dashed into the doorway to complete the task that was given to them.

Now that that is settled, he said to himself. He looked around to make sure that no one was nearby before muttering the spell to change into his nude form again. As he changed, he quickly tossed his arms through his tunic.

"What is the meaning of this, Argetlam?" Nasuada asked, practically running out of the hall. Eragon lowered his head as he waited for the Elvin Queen, who arrived shortly after.

"It pains me to bring this news," Eragon said in a mournful tone. "I am sorry, but Master Oromis has passed on."

"What?" Islanzadi asked. "That can't be!"

"He is in the dark forest with his dragon," Eragon explained. "Saphira is watching over their bodies while I fetched you two."

"They were the last dragon and rider of old," she replied, shocked by the sudden loss. "They couldn't have chosen to leave us at a better time. I am overjoyed that they saw the revenge they begged for." Eragon bowed again.

"Both are gone and cannot stay there all night," Eragon advised. "We should assemble a team to bring their bodies here for a proper burial."

"A wise idea, Argetlam," Nasuada replied. "We shall move them tonight and have the ceremony tomorrow morning." Eragon looked up to her.

"Forgive me for saying this," he started, "but me and Saphira are planning on leaving to see so many sights we missed when we were younger."

"Do you ever plan on returning?" Islanzadi asked. Eragon shook his head.

"We haven't thought that far ahead," he explained. "If we do plan to return, would we be welcome?"

"Of course," she replied, inclining her head. "You and brightscales will be missed. If you come across Angela, will you tell her that we are looking for her?"
"If I do," Eragon said, adding "with my word as a rider" in the ancient language. "We planned to leave tomorrow morning, but we cannot bear to go and not pay our last respects to the person who made us who we are."

"Well said," she commented. "You have our blessings when you depart."

"Thank you," Eragon replied. The queen called ten of the finest Elvin soldiers to her side and relayed the message to them. Shock hit them like a ton of bricks as they stood there in silence. The last old rider…was gone.

"Follow Eragon to their resting place," Islanzadi ordered. "Bring both the rider and dragon back safetly for the funeral." The ten soldiers inclined their heads and turned to face Eragon.

"Which way, Argetlam?"

- - - - - - - - - -

The last male dragon, Saphira thought to herself as she gazed at Gleadr's golden body. Eragon is our only hope, Gleadr. I love him too much to force this commitment on him like so. She sighed and lay on her paws beside him. I wish you were alive, Gleadr, you could perhaps explain things a lot better than what I see now. I feel so lost. I love him with every inch of my being, but…I cannot tell if he feels the same. Am I destined to never find a partner? Suddenly, a familiar voice found its way inside of her head.

Don't say that, it said with a slight sense of amusement.

Where are you, Eragon? Saphira asked, rising to her feet.

We are making our way through the forest, he replied. Promise me you will never say that. Ever!

Why? Saphira asked. There was silence on the other end.

Saphira, he started, You know how much I love you, right?

Of course, she replied.

I would rather talk to you in person about this matter, Eragon informed. I will be there in a few moments.

Please do not keep me waiting!

I see the clearing now, Eragon replied. Saphira could make out the steady beats of his wings against the breeze and her heart leapt with anticipation of what he had planed to tell her. Will this be it? Her thoughts clicked away as Eragon touched down beside her, nudging her nose gently with his own. She hummed at his gentle touch.

You were saying? Saphira reminded him. Eragon shot back.

I never want you to say that there is no one for you, he replied bluntly. Saphira…I love you. There was a different emotion in the way he said it, making Saphira tilt her head to ponder it. As long as I am in this form, you will never be alone. I promise.

Eragon?

Yes?

What is the custom of a girl asking a man if she could have his heart?

You already have mine.

PEACE!