Boy oh boy is there trouble ahead. Warning…slight description of sexual reference, but it is not bad enough to worry about. Just so you know. If it needs to go to M do not be afraid to tell me

Chapter 46: Big Mistake!

Eragon stepped inside of his home with Saphira eagerly padding behind him. She stepped over to the bowl that had her two shelled daughters inside and pulled the wool blanket off of them.

"How are they?" Eragon asked, as Saphira pulled Covin'thra's egg out with her mouth.

They are warm, Saphira replied lovingly, as she dropped Covin'thra into the hands of her father. Take them outside with us so I can keep them warm while you teach Trianna. Eragon nodded his head and stepped out. Saphira followed closely with Equinox's egg in her mouth.

"Okay Trianna," Eragon said as he gently sat Covin'thra down next to Saphira, who was lying next to Slide. "Unsheathe your blade and show me…?"

"I have none," Trianna replied humbly. Eraogn cursed and looked over to Saphira.

Why not use sticks like Brom did with you? She asked. Eragon nodded and looked for any large branches nearby; there were none.

Well, Eragon huffed to her. It looks as if it will be hand-to-hand combat today. Saphira snickered loudly in his head as he finished his comment.

One must make due, she laughed. Show her why I love you, dear.

This will be easy, Eragon told her. He turned to Trianna and smirked. "Okay," he told her. "Since you are so unprepared, I suppose that we will work on combat without weaponry."

"An opportunity to get close to you?" Trianna asked seductively. "How can I refuse that?" Saphira growled with anger at her words, but continued to watch as she kept her un-hatched children underneath her.

Can you please kill her? Saphira begged him.

I really want to, Eragon admitted. He turned over to Trianna again. "What did I say about showing me respect?"

"I apologize master," Trianna replied. "Shall we get started?" Eragon smirked again and took to one of the stretching stances that Oromis had taught him. He waited patiently for Trianna to attack, while Saphira snickered silently behind him.

She is in for something, Saphira whispered to Eragon. Get some revenge!

I shall, Eragon joked back. Suddenly, Trianna charged at him with her fists outstretched in an attempt to hit Eragon in his jaw. Eragon quickly avoided the blow and grabbed onto her arm, stopping her instantly. He held her hand firmly and then flipped her onto her back effortlessly.

"You always wait for your opponent to attack first," Eragon said, trying to ignore Saphira's wild laughter in his head. Trianna climbed to her feet and took to an odd stance. Eragon took to his original form as well and waited yet again. Trianna jumped into the air and attempted to kick Eragon in his midsection, but he reached out with both of his hands and grabbed onto her leg, spinning her to the floor again. She climbed up slowly and glared at him.

"What are you trying to prove, Argetlam?" Trianna asked. "I do not fight, I cast spells!"

"Now," Eragon replied. "You will have to do both." Trianna got to her feet again and suddenly tossed her hands out towards Eragon. He listened with a smile as she began to chant a spell that was too familiar to Eragon.

"Letta!" Eragon screamed out, stopping Trianna from finishing her spell. "You planned to paralyze me, did you not?" Trianna hung her head. "That is not the proper way to fight!" Eragon said wisely, trying his hardest to stay as calm as Oromis did to him. "Magic is only a last resort when in a conflict, you should already know that!"

"I am a sorceress!" Trianna shot back. "It is my nature to use spells, not swords!"

"It is time to change your nature then," Eragon replied with a soft smile. "Come at me again, but this time, avoid leaving yourself open so easily." They continued for ten minutes as they went over different stances and maneuvers until Trianna was too sore to continue on. Eragon sighed and turned to Saphira.

"We will need more time to train with swords," he told his wife.

I concur, she replied softly. She could have hurt you…and I could have eaten her.

We all know that you want to do that, Eragon laughed. "Now, we split up. Take Slide and teach him what Gleadr taught you, love." Saphira nodded and climbed to her feet.

Will you take our younglings back inside? Saphira asked. Eragon nodded his head and watched as Slide climbed up as well.

"Pay close attention, Slide," Eragon told him. "There will be a test on this." Saphira padded over to Eragon and gently licked his cheek.

I love you, she whispered. I will be back soon. Be careful.

You do the same sweetheart, Eragon replied, reaching out to embrace her neck. She snorted pleasingly and leapt into the sky with Slide behind her.

- - - - - - -

So tell me, Slide asked Saphira. What is it exactly that you see in him? He is your rider, not your mate!

If we have mated, Saphira shot back, that makes us mates, does it not?

That is not the point! Slide exclaimed. My point is…?

That you are an incompetent fool? Saphira asked with amusement in her voice. Keep in mind that I have not killed you because Eragon wants you and Trianna to survive. If I hear any more of these outlandish talks from you…or your rider, I will have to break my promise to my husband.

It makes no sense! Slide protested. You are a natural dragon…I am one too! Why slattern yourself to him…? Saphira suddenly turned her large head and roared at him with as much force as she could muster. She was too enraged at his words to use her fire, but the roar silenced the male altogether.

I talk and you listen! Saphira ordered. You say one word and we turn for home. Got it? Slide shook his head and caught an updraft to lift him higher into the air.

Females, Slide muttered under his breath. Why must you be so difficult?

Because my life belongs to another, Saphira replied wisely. I vowed to only love and protect him…no one else.

And has he promised you the same? Slide asked. Saphira turned to glare at him.

No, she said curtly. He promised me a lot more…to this day he has kept all of his promises, except for one.

What would that be? Slide asked.

The promise that we will die together, Saphira said. No matter who falls first, we enter the void hand-in-hand. It is one promise I am glad that we have not met.

He is rather loyal, Slide admitted. Nothing can ever change your mind?

No, Saphira replied harshly. Give it up, Slide. I will only mate him. She ended the conversation and watched as Slide dove down underneath a lone cloud.

Watch it, Slide, Saphira warned. Clouds provide turbulence. It is harder to fly around them. Slide did not heed his master's advice and continued to fly near it, outstretching his wings to glide. Suddenly, a large breeze struck Slide's wings and forced him to flip head-over-claws to the ground, twelve thousand feet below him. Saphira dove after him as Slide began to beat his wings frantically in order to regain altitude, but it was useless. The way he was falling placed too many G-forces on his body and forced him to keep his wings pinned to his side.

You stupid hatchling! Saphira roared as she flew closer to him. As much as I would love to see you splatter on the ground, I have promises to keep!

HELP ME! Slide screamed fearfully. I cannot open my wings.

You are in a death-spiral, Saphira said. There is no way out of it. Slide roared in fear as he looked down to see the ground so close in front of him. I have to open your wings. It is going to hurt a lot, but you will have to do it. It is that or end up making an impression on the ground.

DO IT! Slide screamed. Saphira quickly outstretched her claws and pulled out one of his wings, despite Slide's cry of agony. Before he could protest, Saphira reached around and pulled out his other wing. It was perfect timing, and Slide was able to open his wings and glide to the ground below.

Will you listen from now on? Saphira asked harshly. Slide shook his head and flapped his wings to test them.

What happened? He asked. Saphira snorted and shot out a plume of black smoke.

Turbulence can lock up your wings, Saphira explained. The only way to fly through turbulence is to constantly flap your wings or you can get flipped like you just did. Is that enjoyable?

No, Slide replied, bowing his head. You are wiser than I predicted.

What is that supposed to mean? Saphira asked.

I expected you to be a little broader, should I say, Slide explained. After all, how many years have you spent fighting?

Too many, Saphira shot back. Either way, there is still much to learn and we have only a few moments left too.

I am willing to listen

- - - - - - - - - -

"What spells do you not know of?" Eragon asked Trianna. She shook her head.

"I know all that you do," she replied. "I took note of your skills when we fought in the Burning Plains. Those are some powerful spells."

"Can you control them?" Eragon asked. She nodded and demonstrated by floating a pebble in her hand.

"I am ready to learn more," she said. Eragon clasped his hands and lowered his head.

"I cannot teach you what I know," Eragon explained. "There is a reason that you must listen to. Saphira and me are strong, but we are bound to do only good because of all the evil that we have eliminated. To ensure that no jealousy reaches the riders again, we will keep your training simple to ensure your life…and mine. I am not saying that we cannot trust you, but we must be cautious. I will take many of Oromis's teachings to my grave in order to keep control between us."

"Will there be any more riders?" Trianna asked.

"Nay," Eragon replied. "Me and Saphira only hatch wild dragons. I am sure that Thorn would want to do the same when his clutch hatches some months from now. We are all that is left of the riders: you, Murtagh, and me. I am the leader, Murtagh is second, and you are the last. This is only rated in power, however, we will treat each other equally, is that understood?"

"Perfectly."

"Good," Eragon said. "Since you know of the spells, I suppose we can work on combat again."

- - - - - - - - - -

So, Slide said in thought, Clouds provide turbulence, rain provides weight on the wings, and wind throws you off course. Did I miss any important detail?

Only one, Saphira said as the two sat beside each other in a clearing next to the forest. How can you tell direction?

By the sun? Slide asked to make sure he was correct. Saphira nodded.

Eragon taught me and Draken that, she explained. You may not think so, but he is very wise.

He must be, to be mated to you, Slide replied. Do dragons need to marry their mates?

Well no, Saphira explained. This was my choice to deepen the bond between us.

Dragons just mate and move on, do they not? Slide continued to ask. Saphira shook her head again.

It varies, I believe, Saphira explained further. I know that I am not a slattern who would do that. I was his first, and he was mine. I belong to no one else but him.

How touching, Slide said with a hint of sarcasm. Saphira sensed it and growled.

Eragon, she called. I may need your help with this one.

- - - - - - - - - -

"Like this?" Trianna asked, as she grabbed Eragon's forearm and twisted it behind his back. Eragon grunted and quickly broke the hold she had on him.

"You must hold tighter," Eragon explained. "If you are too weak, someone could break lose and kill you without mercy. Remember, the first strike can mean the difference between living and…?" He stopped as he heard Saphira's voice inside his head.

What is wrong? He asked.

Slide is talking a lot about me, Saphira replied. It is in a strange way too. If something happens, can I defend myself against him?

Saphira, Eragon said. If you must, attack now! I will talk with Trianna and let her know about the whereabouts of Slide.

Thank you love, Saphira clicked in.

Be safe, dear, Eragon told her. If he does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, rip his head off of his shoulders for me.

I will do that and more, Saphira replied with a chuckle. She turned of their link, but not completely. Ever since the training with Oromis, they had learned how to keep the link open enough to learn and hear what the other was doing.

"What is your dragon doing, Trianna?" Eragon asked. Trianna shrugged.

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently. Eragon grabbed her by her throat and pulled her close to where they were eye level.

"Do not toy with me," Eragon said in an agitated voice. "Slide is up to something! Saphira can sense it. Call him here now!"

"If I refuse?" Trianna asked. Eragon shot her a cold look.

"I kill you to destroy him," Eragon hissed in anger. "I will make sacrifices to keep my wife safe."

"She is your dragon," Trianna said. "How can you marry her? Do you not want human children? Look at me! I would be willing to bear them…?" Eragon suddenly tossed her to the ground and roared loudly into the sky.

- - - - - - - - - -

Slide quickly jumped to his feet and began to eye Saphira.

You are a very fair looking dragon, he told her, as he began circling her large form.

It is time for us to leave, Saphira replied, circling as well so Slide could not get behind her.

Why? Slide asked. It is such a lovely place.

We leave because I say so, Saphira said, harsher than time. You are making me feel uncomfortable, hatchling. Do not do something you or your rider will regret.

Stop calling me that, Slide hissed. I am smaller than you, but I am no hatchling.

Then stop acting like one, Saphira roared back. She refused to take her eyes off of the other dragon in front of her.

Eragon…help!

- - - - - - - - - -

Eragon screamed the words to change, refusing to worry about his tunic while he did so.

Where are they? Eragon roared into Trianna's mind. What does he want to do with my wife?

"Your wife"Trianna laughed out, "Is about to become a slattern!" Eragon roared into the sky and snapped his tail across Trianna's midsection, tossing her back almost twenty feet and into the fence that he and Draken put up.

SON! Eragon called to Draken. He came out of their home quickly, snarling like a rabid dog.

"What happened?" he asked. Eragon turned and growled at Trianna.

Do not let her move! Eragon ordered. If she does, pull her insides out! Eragon quickly leapt into the sky after his wife.

"Very well father!" Draken said, as he padded over to stare at Trianna. "It is a bad day for you," he told her with a smirk. "I was just going to go out hunting. Perhaps I can get my fill right here?"

- - - - - - - - - -

Slide, you are being a fool! Saphira commanded, as the emerald dragon circled around her.

Fly away, Slide said. Just leap up and fly. Perhaps I will not follow.

Why am I going to trust your words? Saphira roared. As soon as I turn my back, you will attack my rear, leaving me defenseless. I know that it is your intention; you cannot fool me!

Well then, Slide hissed. Perhaps, I should just make it quick?

The only thing quick will be your death if you come at me, Saphira warned. Suddenly, Slide pounced on her and dug his sharp talons into her sapphire hide. Saphira squealed in agony and tried to bite down on Slide's neck, but the emerald dragon's size was his advantage.

If you will not come to my terms, Slide said, I will force you to be my mate! Saphira spun wildly and tried to buck him off of her, but his claws were in deep and they only dug deeper with every move she made. Despite the pain, she continued to thrash about, twisting mercilessly and slamming herself against trees to get him off of her, but he still managed to hang on and crawl down her side near her rear end.

ERAGON!!!!!!

- - - - - - - -

Eragon flew around anxiously, sniffing the air for any scent of his mate. He could feel her fear and anger welling up inside of his heart.

Eragon, she came in painfully. He is too small! I cannot stop him! GET HIM OFF! Suddenly, Eragon looked down to see Saphira spinning around rapidly with Slide attached to her rear with his claws.

Hold him off, Eragon shouted. I am coming! Eragon dove with as much speed as he could muster and lined up for a clean target.

He is trying to ravage me! Saphira informed, obviously frightened. Eragon please! He had no clue how it happened, but Eragon felt himself screaming in shear hatred while he barreled towards the emerald dragon. All he could think of was that dragon's red blood on his talons; it was a bloodlust. In moments, the forest was filled with a loud crack as Eragon smashed into Slide while going almost two hundred miles an hour. Slide rolled off of Saphira and flew into a nearby oak tree, knocking it over with his back. Instead of tending to Saphira, Eragon hissed and pounced on Slide, biting frantically at his neck. Slide attempted to do the same, but Eragon quickly leapt away from him to avoid the blow.

Eragon? Saphira asked, obviously impressed by the display of action that her husband was performing. Eragon was too focused on the enemy to acknowledge her and climbed higher into the sky with Slide behind her. Higher the two climbed until Eragon tucked in his wings and looped to fall back down towards the other dragon. They collided in mid-air with a loud crash, as the two began scratching and biting each other while they fell. Eragon quickly got loose and blasted Slide with fire from his maw. Slide received the first tongue of flames, but avoided it quickly before the rest of the fire could catch up to scorch him.

You had the chance, Eragon hissed in a voice that he swore was not his own, Now I must kill you.

Try it! Slide screamed back. Eragon flapped his wings and lowered his head to slam into Slide's open underbelly. From there, he snapped his jaws shut and began pulling away, ripping off scales as he did so. Slide screamed in pain and tried to kick Eragon off of him, scratching the side of his face with one of his hind claws. Eragon hissed while his mouth was still attached to Slide's stomach and pulled back with all of his might, ripping a large chunk of flesh from underneath his adversary. Blood poured freely from the wound as Slide bellowed in pain and began to fall to the ground below.

- - - - - - - - -

"Slide!" Trianna shouted, as she watched him fall. Draken turned to see as well and showed his teeth at the fact that his father was still airborne.

- - - - - - - -

Slide plowed into the ground with a loud thud next to Saphira. She hissed at him and leaned down to check if he was gone.

His heart still beats, Saphira said. Thank you.

I will be damned to let him do that to you, Eragon replied breathlessly. He floated down beside Saphira and automatically attacked her wounds with his tongue. Are you okay?

I have never been so helpless before, Saphira said, as she shuddered violently. He was too small. I could not…?

Hush now, Eragon told her. All is well now.

Eragon! Saphira shouted to him. You are bleeding. It looks bad. He flinched as Saphira snaked her head around to lick a large gash along his left shoulder. Slide jumped up to his feet and limped over towards Saphira, but Eragon quickly stepped in front of him.

I wish to apologize, Slide said hurtfully. My actions were not wise.

It is far too late for that, Eragon hissed. We will never train you and your rider again. You are both banned from Ellesmera and should be sentenced for adultery! Take Trianna and leave our sight!

What about my wounds? Slide asked as he began to lick the large tear at his stomach.

Trianna told me that she knew all of our spells, Eragon hissed ironically. You will find out how much she really knows. Personally, I hope you bleed to death before you arrive to fetch her. BE GONE! Slide limped forward and tossed himself into the air sorely, while Eragon watched with a satisfied snort.

It looks like we have made another enemy, Saphira said weakly. Eragon nodded his large head in agreement.

It is one I want to have, Eragon said. Next time we meet, he will not fly away.

How was that? This thing took forever to do and I still have a plan with Trianna and Slide. Hope it wasn't too graphic.

PEACE!