I need names for the next female dragon…and color. Who can help me out? Also, there is another incredible story I want my readers to check out called The Last Daughter Of Flame. It is not a SaphiraxEragon pairing, but the writing style is just as good, if not, better than mine. The crazy thing is the fact that the author is very young. It is an excellent read. Three chapters in one day…did anyone even see it as possible?

Chapter 41: Words of a Demon

Eragon, Saphira, and the rest of the crew huddled around the fire that Murtagh had created. Large chunks of deer meat were hanging over the flames by a sharp stake that Eragon created to help cook them.

I want the large piece, Saphira said with a grin.

Why not eat the fresh stag beside you? Eragon asked. Saphira snorted and turned to look at it.

I want to taste a cooked and seasoned deer, she whimpered. Just one piece, and I will eat the one beside me after I finish. Eragon smiled at her and rotated the stake to where the other sides of the meat could be reached by the fire.

"Fine," he said out loud to her. "I can never say no to you."

That's right, Saphira joked, showing her teeth in a sweet smile. Eragon smirked and turned to Murtagh.

"So," he said. "It looks as if our home will be complete by tomorrow if we work on like this."

"Perhaps," Murtagh said, as he slowly lifted up his hand to brush it against his dirty brow. They had worked all day on Eragon's home, but it was so close to completion.

"Father," Draken spoke, watching the fire in front of him dance around the cooking deer. "May I speak with you?"

"Of course son," Eragon said, climbing up to his feet. He walked away from Saphira and the others with Draken following close behind.

"What is it?" Eragon asked calmly. Draken lowered his head.

"Father," he started. "I have grown. Soon it will be time for me to go and thrive on my own."

"I know son," Eragon replied softly, rubbing his child's shinny purple scales on his side. "You will always be welcome to stay with us…?"

"Mother has informed me already," Draken said, cutting him off. "I do want to stay…but only to protect my sister until she is of age to leave."

"Then…?" Eragon asked.

"Hopefully me and her could leave together," Draken replied. "I want to make sure that she and Thorn would be safe before I go my own way."

"It will be a sad day when you leave," Eragon said in a saddened tone. "Until then, we shall rejoice together." Draken lowered his head and sat it on his father's shoulder. Eragon reached around his large neck to embrace him.

"You are brave, son," Eragon told him. "You came into this world quite differently than your ancestors, but you still have persevered."

"It is only because of you and mother," Draken replied, also saddened by his conversation. "You are my inspiration."

"As you are mine," Eragon told him, gently slapping his hand on the left side of his neck. "We love you, child. No matter how old and large you grow, you will remain our youngling until the day that you pass into the black void."

"I am aware father," Draken said. Suddenly, Murtagh's voice screamed out.

"Ow! Hot-hot-hot!" he hollered. "Eragon damn you! Ah…hot-hot-hot!"

"What did you do?" Eragon screamed back. Suddenly, he realized that he was in charge of cooking the meal.

"We should get back, father," Draken said with a hint of amusement in his voice. Eragon nodded and quickly ran back to the fire.

"Murtagh!" Eragon screamed as he approached. "What did you do?"

"I saved the food," he huffed. "I picked up the stick to pull it out of the fire."

"Where did you pick it up?" Eragon asked.

"Just before the meat," Murtagh explained, admiring the large blisters on his hands. Eragon laughed.

"You grab it by the side…away from the fire!" Eragon exclaimed. "Alageasia is doomed if you are going to be their king." Murtagh knew that it was just a joke and laughed openly about it. He looked down again at his wounds and muttered the words to heal himself while Eragon went and sat next to Saphira, who was lying on her paws.

He told you? Saphira asked Eragon. He nodded his head and propped himself against her side.

He has, Eragon replied. I really did not want to hear it. Our child will leave us after our daughter is old enough to fend for herself. We are only looking at a few more months with him before he leaves.

I am aware, Saphira sighed, shooting dark plumes of smoke from her nostrils. It is the way of life, my love. We provide for them until they can do it themselves.

I still do not want to…?

"Oh dear Gods!" Murtagh suddenly shouted. "Eragon…come quickly!" He turned to see an Elvin warrior climbing up the hillside with a limp figure over his shoulders.

"Argetlam!" the warrior screamed. Eragon stood in shock with Murtagh as the other dragons began to pad over beside him. "Eragon. I am sorry." He stopped in front of Eragon and gently sat the frail and limp figure on the grass in front of them. Eragon looked down and was forced to turn away in tears. It was Arya, and her dagger was piercing her own heart.

No, Saphira muttered mournfully. NO! Eragon turned to face her limp form again and took to his knees.

"Why?" he asked, gently stroking her blood matted hair away from her face. "You killed yourself for me?"

"I found her near the river," the warrior spoke in a saddened tone. "She was gone before I had arrived. I know that you two were close, argetlam. Forgive her." Saphira stepped forward and placed her muzzle on his shoulder. He quickly brushed it off.

We caused her to do this! Eragon exclaimed mournfully. We should not have been so hard on her.

Eragon…?

Saphira, Eragon cut her off. I…I…?

Easy love, Saphira replied. Please do not argue with me. We have done it before and it proved nothing. Eragon collapsed in front of Arya's frail form and sobbed while Saphira tried to comfort him.

"Father?" Draken asked, padding forward. "Who was she?"

It would be best to ask that question at a later time, Draken, Thorn's voice clicked into his head. Arya was the Elvin princess, but she also wanted Eragon to be her mate. Draken stepped back and padded over to Thorn, who was lying a few feet from the fire.

"Why did she harm herself?" he asked. Thorn snorted.

No one knows how humans think, Thorn replied. Perhaps it had to do with the rejection she had faced earlier?

"Perhaps," Draken said. "It hurts to see father so upset. I wish that there was something I could do."

The best idea for these situations is to let him work it out on his own, Thorn advised. If you get involved, there could be a chance that he could lash out and lose control of his emotions. That would only add on to the list of problems he has.

- - - - - -

I feel so guilty, Saphira told Eragon, who was still sobbing next to Arya. The Elvin warior had left to tell Ellesmera of such a grave loss. If I had not…?

"No"Eragon replied out loud, still sobbing. "She deserved what we said. I sob because she chose to do this instead of heeding our advice." Saphira bowed her head and sniffed.

Wait a moment, she suddenly said. Eragon. You need to shift to dragon form.

What? Eragon asked. Why…?

Do it, Saphira cut him off. You will see. Eragon obliged and took off his clothes to transform. After he had done so, Saphira directed him down over Arya's body. Take in a deep sniff, she told him. Tell me, do you sense something as strange as I? Eragon snorted and leaned in to take a deep sniff. He suddenly shot his head up.

Magic! He screamed. He morphed back to human form and quickly tossed on his clothes. From their, he carefully pulled out Arya's dagger from her chest and used it to rip open her tunic. Eragon was very glad that she had underwear on, but he knew that Saphira would not get flustered…unless other thoughts came to mind.

It is strong around her chest, Saphira said, sniffing her body. Eragon nodded his head and examined the knife wound. He noticed that only a small amount of blood had flown from the hole made by the dagger. If that was the case, how come her hair was matted in blood and her back was soaked as well?

I do not think that she did this to herself, Eragon told Saphira. Someone killed her!

What? Saphira asked. But how?

That is not the point, Eragon replied harshly. It is the 'who' that concerns me. Eragon sighed again and dropped her dagger. He placed his hand over her cheek.

"The last thing you felt was a broken heart," Eragonw whispered, but Saphira heard it as clear as day. "If things were different…?"

What? Saphira interrupted him. What should be different? What are you talking about?

Mind your own matters! Eragon snapped. Saphira stepped back quickly and shook her head. Before Eragon could say anything else, she leapt off into the sky.

NO! Eragon screamed to her, but she closed her link between them.
"Saphira!" Eragon screamed out loud. "I did not mean it! Come back!" But she was gone.

"I guess I must go after you," Eragon muttered while removing his clothes yet again. He pointed over to Murtagh. "Stay here and keep Draken and Arya safe until I return!"

- - - - - -

I knew it! Saphira sobbed. He does not love me as much as he loved her. She flew faster in the twilight in an attempt to leave her loud sobs behind her. He lied to me! Saphira dropped low and flew through a small canyon before emerging out of it. He promised never to break my heart…and it has been broken! She swooped down and touched down in a dark clearing. I gave him everything a mate could want, she continued to sob, and he stabs me in the back.

"Well," a familiar voice said out loud, startling Saphira. She recoiled and growled.

Stave! She exclaimed, hissing loudly at his voice.

"It seems someone is a little upset today?" Stave asked menacingly. Saphira roaed.

That is none of your business traitor! Saphira scorned him. If you wish to kill me, I will not go down so easily.

"Why would I want to do that?" Stave asked, "The true prize I seek is inside of you?" Saphira shot him an evil glare.

How do you know?

"That foolish elf squealed like a hog," he said with a sick laugh. "Do you realize how much of a fight Eragon put up to tell her no? She told me everything from his refusal to Draken's size. So, I do not plan to kill you…yet." It was obvious that Stave made up the part about Arya and Eragon, but Saphira was too hurt to deny his words. Saphira hissed loudly.

How are you still alive? She roared. Eragon drove his sword straight through you!

"Demons are invincible!" Stave shouted joyously. "I can never die."

Like a shade, Saphira said. I need one clear shot at your heart to put you out of my misery for good.

"Come and try," he taunted. Suddenly, there was a loud sound of beating wings overhead.

"We will finish this later," Stave growled, as he quickly retreated back into the forest.

SAPHIRA! Eragon screamed at her before even touching the ground. What in Hades were you thinking? Why did you leave me?

You hurt me…Eragon, Saphira replied in a saddened voice. You broke my heart. You promised that you would never give me that form of pain, and you have broken a promise.

Saphira…?

No, Eragon, Saphira growled. You lied to me. I know how you felt with Arya…and I know that every inch in your body fought to tell her 'yes' when she asked to be your mate.

Saphira…?

Shut up! She suddenly lashed out. You loved her and not me!

THAT IS NOT TRUE! Eragon shouted back, roaring physically at her. You must get your facts straight before you judge me! Yes, I used to enjoy her company, but when I turned her down that day, you were all that was in my head when I did so. I did not have to fight anything in me to tell her no. As for raising my voice, I should not have done that and I apologize.

This is one promise that you cannot mend, Saphira growled. How do I know that it will never happen again? You told me that you would never break my heart in the ancient language, but you obviously have done so, haven't you?

Saphira, Eragon screamed at her. Listen to me!

I am done listening! Saphira shouted back. He watched as she leapt into the air and he quickly jumped up to follow her.

I did everything for you, Saphira! He screamed to her. She roared and dove down in an attempt to avoid him. How would you feel if someone you loved like a part of your family was lying slain at your feet? How would you react if you saw me lying there instead of Arya?

Would you feel the same for me? She roared angrily. Eragon had enough and quickened his pace.

Of course, Eragon roared back. Saphira, I vowed to give my entire life to you. If you die, I will also. I could not stand seeing you…dead. He began to chock on his words to hold in his painful sobs. If this is truly what you want, I will leave you be. He waited for a reply but came up empty-handed.

Very well, Eragon said. I suppose that…it…is all over? With that said, he turned to change direction, feeling both heartache from himself and his dragoness.

- - - - - - - -

Stave watched the two argue from the forest and grinned venomously.

"Yes," he hissed. "My plan is coming together perfectly!"

- - - - - - - -

Eragon? Saphira asked after flying for so long on her own. She figured that he was still pursuing her, but she discovered that he was gone when she turned her head. Eragon? Where are you? Nothing. The link between them had been shut off. ERAGON! She shouted, trying in vein to get him to open his barriers and let him in again. It was obvious that he was possibly more hurt than she was. What have I done? She quickly changed course and flew back towards their home in the hills, miles away from her. Every few moments, she would call for him, but he refused to answer. I have been a fool for acting like this! She admitted, still flying at full speed back to the home. Suddenly, the encounter with Stave clicked back into her head. Why did I trust his word over my own husband's? Oh Gods' forgive me. Suddenly, she felt the barriers between her and Eragon begin to drop away.

I suppose I deserved that from you, Eragon hurtfully admitted. You may have the home when it is finished and I will stay in Ellesmera. I just have to talk with Nasuada to get the divorce.

The what? Saphira asked worriedly. Eragon…?

Saphira, Eragon said in a sad tone. This is it. You called me a liar and flew off. You have no idea how much that hurts.

But I do, Saphira cried. Where are you? We can talk about this?

I would have figured that you were happy, Eragon said mournfully. I suppose that I was wrong.

No! Saphira shouted. I was wrong, Eragon. I have been happy, ever since Angela gave us this gift! I have never been happier in my life. Please do not take this away from me!

I have no choice, Eragon said. I broke a promise once again and I cannot live with a wife who does not trust my own words…even when they are said in the ancient language!

Forget about words! Saphira shouted. Forget the words, and forget your promises. I just want to be happy with you. Where are you? She was sent an image of the stream where they were wed and quickly flew over to it.

Why are you here? Saphira asked as she touched down next to him. He was in human form, lying nude on the ground in front of the tree where they had engraved their names.

"It was beautiful," he said out loud with tearstained eyes. "I never wanted it to end."

All things have to eventually, Saphira said softly, padding beside him. Eragon quickly got to his feet and moved away from her.

"Where did you even get the idea of me loving Arya more than you?" Eragon raised his voice. "I gave you everything! I admit that I yelled when I shouldn't have, but this is more important. If we are to be together I need to know: How much do you trust your husband compared to your rider?" Saphira let out an unusual whimpering sound as if she had been abandoned by the one she had loved…technically she had been.

I made a mistake, Saphira admitted too. I said things…horrible things that I did not mean to say.

"Is this not ironic?" Eragon asked. "Just a few months ago, it was me who was doing the apologizing, but…that seems so long ago."

I do not want to end this! Saphira shouted to him. Eragon, I still love you!

"Only because you are bound to it," Eragon shot back turning to show her the tears that were still in his eyes. "I hurt you and you hurt me...?"

We can fix it, Saphira said in a more desperate voice. Do not end this now; not like this! Eragon please? Eragon wiped a tear away with his hand and then buried his face in his knees.

"I do not know," Eragon whispered. "I love you with every thing I have, but I want to make you happy as well. If we both must argue about this…perhaps we were not meant to be…?"

Do not finish that! Saphira snapped. Eragon! We made love together, we created children, WE HAVE A HOME BEING BUILT! What part of this was not meant to be? She took in a deep sigh. I got the idea of you loving Arya through Stave…?

"What?" Eragon asked, climbing to his feet. "I killed him."

He lives, she replied in a sad tone. He killed Arya and told me that…you put up a fight to tell her 'no.' I do not know why I listened to the enemy, but I did, and for that I am the fool…not you. Eragon growled and began swinging his arms madly.

"How could you listen to him?" he screamed. "He wants us dead remember?"

It was after you yelled at me, Saphira explained, trying to avoid crying herself.

"I did not yell!" Eragon screamed at the top of his lungs; his voice bounced off of the hills and trees of the forest. "I snapped yes, but this…is…YELLING!"

I understand, Saphira said, bowing her head. It must have been the shock of it all that caused me to be so foolish.

"It must have," Eragon huffed, trying to cool himself down. "You hurt me, but I am willing to forgive if you are."

I am, Saphira cried. Do not break our bond together, dearest one!

"I came dangerously close," Eragon replied, stepping forward to her. She lowered her head and allowed him to rub the blue scales on it.

This time I want to make a promise, Saphira told him. From now on, I want to promise that I will never hurt you again like I just did. It was wrong…and you have been so loving to me. Will you accept my promise?

"All couples have fights," Eragon said softly to her. "I would just be happy to only have a few small ones instead of issues like this!"

Agreed, Saphira sighed. Eragon gave her a faint smile and uttered the words to change him into dragon form again.

Eragon, Saphira asked. Thank you for coming after me. I suppose that should have been my first clue.

Perhaps, Eragon replied. Now that this is settled, can we go home?

I thought you would never ask.

- - - - - -

Stave watched as the two dragons flew off into the moonlight together and swore loudly. His plan had failed and Eragon managed to convince Saphira that he did no such thing with Arya.

"I will get that Dragon!" Stave yelled. "If I have to kill the whole lot of you!"

Got a little scared there didn't you? Not over at all, I actually do not think it can end. I have no clue on how. N-e-ways, it is amazing what a villain can kick into another's mind when they are in a bad mood. Hope it was good.

PEACE