I have a feeling that even though it is short, people will be shocked to read this one. I just have that effect on people.
Chapter 19: Labor
You know what you want, a sickening voice scowled inside of Stave's head, causing him to shake it violently.
I will not fall into temptation again! He argued. I made a mistake that I will never do again.
You want to, the voice roared. It is your desire! It burns in your eyes and in your soul!
"NO!" Stave screamed, grabbing his mug and tossing it to the floor.
You miss the power!
Be gone! Stave fought back. I will not be as foolish as my brother!
Galbatorix was far greater than you will ever be! The voice boomed. Unless you take what is in front of you, he will always be the better one.
Leave me be! Stave yelled to himself. I have no relation to that man!
You deny your own brother? The voice asked menacingly. The throne belongs to you! Not the new queen…YOU! Step up and claim it to reign in power stronger than that of your sibling.
NEVER! Stave screamed, holding his forehead. I refuse. Be gone! The voice left with an evil snicker.
As you wish, your majesty, it mocked, fading away into nothingness. Stave sighed and took a seat on one of his stools.
"If I took the egg," he told himself, "I could…NO!" He slapped himself hard against his cheek. "I will not do it."
But someone else can, the voice came back. Stave placed his head in his hands and sobbed.
- - - - - - -
Eragon, Saphira cooed gently, lifting her head up to nibble on a small horn beside his jaw. He opened his eyes and quickly lifted them up to stare into hers.
Yes love? He asked grogally. What is it? Eragon scanned her over with his eyes. Her breathing was slightly labored and her stomach was contracting.
It is too early, she said worriedly. I think…I think that I am…ouch! Eragon shot up from the nest and had her sit up.
I thought you told me that we had two more weeks? Eragon asked, trying hard to take some of her pain away.
Something is not right, she huffed. It is too soon! Eragon grabbed the bucket of water with his claws and placed it in front of her. He dunked his head in the bucket and pulled it out to wipe himself against her head in hopes to relax her a little bit more.
It is going to be fine, darling, Eragon said gently, rubbing his wet snout against her head. In a few moments we are going to be proud parents!
ERAGON IT HURTS! Saphira groaned loudly. All he could do was stay close by and provide as much comfort as he possibly could to her.
I know, darling, Eragon comforted. I am here. We'll get through this together…like so many other times.
It's coming, she muttered painfully. When will it be over? Eragon continued to stroke his head against her during her struggle.
Soon dear, Eragon said soothingly. Do not give up.
For you, Saphira breathed, I will not. She growled in pain and gave one last hard push, knocking the egg out of her and into the nest she was in. The egg was utterly perfect with no flaws on it whatsoever, in the exact shape of Saphira's so long ago. It was a bright purple color with green veins spider webbed in odd patterns around the egg.
It is beautiful, Eragon sighed, lowering his head down to sniff the brightly colored egg. Saphira groaned and flopped down beside it, placing her belly against her shelled child.
He is perfect, Saphira sighed, exhausted by the labor it took her. Eragon rubbed his nose against hers.
As perfect as you, my love, Eragon gloated. He brought his nose down again and gently nudged the egg. Welcome to the family, son. Saphira hummed deeply at his words, and shut her eyes.
That was not so hard, she said almost sarcastically. Eragon chuckled and crawled into the nest next to her. She showed her teeth to him just like she did the first time they made love, sending a small shiver down his form. I love you.
I always will, Eragon replied. You were great. He positioned himself to where Draken's egg was between Saphira and him as they pressed together to keep it warm.
Draken, Saphira whispered, with her eyes still closed. My child.
Our child, Eragon corrected. My promise has been completed to you. Draken's egg is healthy and we lay here as proud parents. You are now a mother.
And you are a father, Saphira whispered back to him. One of possibly many more.
I sure hope so, Eragon joked, growling softly to her. With that said, he shut his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Okay, very….VERY short, but necessary. There was the surprise…Stave is Galbatorix's younger brother! Dundundun! Draken is laid now and the plot thickens. What is going to happen next?
PEACE!