Chapter 12: Hunting Trees

Make sure you study the stag's movements, Saphira warned. Do not strike until you are certain where he will run to next. Eragon turned his large head over to her and nodded his head before looking down at the ground below.

After I have done this, Eragon asked, how do I kill it? Saphira growled slightly and shifted in the air.

Hopefully instinct will take over, she said. Saphira suddenly turned her attention to the left, just below Eragon. There! Two fat stags are lurking in the forest below. She banked to the right swiftly, but returned back. Blast! They are too close to the trees. We can't get them! Eragon flapped his wings to lift higher into the air.

I have an idea, he said. Stay here.

What are you planning to do? Saphira asked curiously. Without answering, Eragon banked away from her and swooped down low into a nearby creak bed. He used his claws to pick up a decent sized stone and swept his wings downward to lift back up into that air.

Brilliant! Saphira exclaimed. You can scare them out and I can catch them.

You can catch one, Eragon corrected, still carrying the stone. Today is my training…remember?

Of course, Saphira replied gently. Drop the rock behind them to push them into the clearing ahead. Eragon positioned himself and lined up to where the boulder would hit the perfect spot behind the deer. He quickly released the rock from his claws and banked upward to rejoin with Saphira.

Look at it go! Eragon whooped, watching the boulder roll through the forest, spooking the deer into a running frenzy. It is suppertime! Saphira roared at his comment and dove down towards the clearing with her eyes fixated on the first stag while Eragon was following close behind on his own meal. With one quick gnash of her teeth, Saphira attempted to catch the deer, but missed by inches. She looked back to see that Eragon had moved into another direction after his deer and was gaining fast. Eragon lifted up both of his forearms and scooped the stag up into them, clutching it by its belly. The deer squealed and bulked, trying to loosen the dragon's grip, but Eragon dug his claws into its stomach so the deer would stab itself with every struggle. Saphira found herself paying too much attention to her rider instead of the stag and quickly regained her focus. She aimed at the deer again and snapped, catching the stag by its back. Saphira then dug her teeth in tighter to paralyze her prey, sealing the deer's fate.

With the limp stag resting between her jaws, Saphira turned to see Eragon struggling to keep his catch still. His stag was covered in its own blood from Eragon's claws, but it was refusing to go down without a fight. The stag lifted up its head and bit Eragon on his right shoulder, causing him to let the deer go and roar in pain. To Eragon's dismay, the drop wasn't far enough to kill the prey, so it hit the ground and took off again.

You can do it! Saphira cheered from afar. Eragon leaned into the wind and pushed hard to catch it before it hit the forest again. The trees were getting closer and Eragon was getting frustrated. He blocked out everything in his vision except for the one elusive deer.

You are mine! He growled, stretching out his claws. Suddenly, the deer disappeared from his vision.

ERAGON! Saphira cried. Eragon widened his vision to notice that he had followed the stag into the forest, and that there was a very large redwood tree only seconds in front of him. Other trees prevented him from maneuvering out of the way and the branches above him were too thick for him to break through without injury. He closed his eyes and turned his head sideways, bracing for the impact.

BANG! The loud thump rattled the forest and shook the birds from their nests, scattering them all into the sky. Eragon remained attached to the trunk as if he had been glued to it with his wings outstretched and his arms sticking out past the tree. He groaned in pain and let gravity pull him down onto the hard soil below, creating another sickening thump. Saphira dropped her meal and landed quickly at the foot of the forest. She let out a worried sigh and weaved through the trees to reach her rider. When she finally found him, she gasped and lay beside her fallen companion. The impact had scraped up the scales on the right side of his head, causing blood to trickle from them, and his belly was bruised deeply by the force he hit the redwood with.

Eragon, Saphira cried. Are you okay? Eragon flickered his eyes and tried to raise his head. Pain shot through him as he did so, forcing him to lay still.

I was foolish, Eragon whimpered. Now what can I do? My chest is sore and my face is cut up. From how it feels, it would kill me if I were in human form. He groaned and tried to get to his feet. I do not think that I have any broken bones and these are not life threatening either.

I should have been there with you, Saphira muttered. It is my fault.

No, Eragon said, finally getting onto all fours. I should have paid attention. This is my mistake, not yours. Saphira padded over to him and gingerly licked the wounds on his face. Eragon was too sore and embarrassed to deny her of this, so he stood still and let her help.

Did you catch it? Eragon asked her. She pulled her tongue in and rubbed her muzzle against his.

Yes, she replied. It is big enough to feed both of us too. Eragon lifted his head up to look over Saphira.

Why in the world did I do that? He asked. All I could focus on was that mad deer! For some reason, I didn't want it for my own hunger. He looked up at the tree he hit and smirked at the imprint of his giant figure that was etched into the bark. Now everyone will know how foolish I was when they walk by.

Don't say that, Saphira said, pushing her muzzle into his neck. I know what happened…if you want to hear it.

Of course, Eragon said, looking down at her. What caused me to lose focus?

When male dragons hunt with females, Saphira explained, they compete to bring her the largest kill. It is seen as a way to impress them.

I suppose that I have failed then? Eragon chuckled out. I doubt that you were impressed with the way this went. Saphira giggled softly and tucked her wings in tighter to her form.

You would be surprised, she exclaimed. I thought that you did very well…for your first time, except for catching the tree instead of the stag. Eragon lowered his head and hummed while Saphira rubbed her nose against his. You gave me quite a start, love.

Is there another reason you call me that? Eragon asked.

Hmm? Saphira replied innocently as if she was trying to avoid the conversation, but Eragon repeated his question to keep on topic.

I must explain myself, she stated. Eragon I love you…but a lot stronger than a dragon to her rider. I wish to be more. Eragon's eyes widened. The dragon that has been at his side for so long has asked to take their relationship even further!

I told you that you have my heart, Eragon said, trying to keep his voice steady. I would do anything to make you happy, love. Saphira hummed and rubbed herself against him again.

Let's return home!


PEACE!