Okay, I have a lot of explaining to do. First off, this is going to take a lot longer to get updated because I have just scored a recording contract with a new band I am in. (CAN'T GIVE OUT DETAILS YET) but we are expected to spend a few months in the studio to push out the CD, and I may only get to come home on Saturdays. There is still a lot more left of this story…and there is a part here that I must give credit to Evilspower for, and that is the character that will be coming into play soon. Just remember that the Spine was seen as a very magical and powerful place in the books, and you will truly love it. Sorry that it is going to take longer, but this is a massive opportunity that I have to take!

Chapter 63: What Lurks in the Spine

Morning came all too quickly for Lunalese. No matter how hard she tried, her eyes refused to stay closed. She groaned and finally kept them open, letting the soft sunlight pierce through. Lunalese slowly lifted her head up to discover that everyone else was still fast asleep. Saphira was curled up around her husband, with their two daughters lying next to Eragon with their heads resting on his abdomen.

I want that, she thought to herself. Lunalese then craned her neck over towards Draken, and literally had to bite her tongue to avoid laughing and waking him and the younglings up from their peaceful slumber. The young male dragon was also curled up, but his mouth was agape and his tongue was limply hanging out of it. She could tell that he was dreaming by the frequent kicking of his hind legs. As silently as a dragon could, she crept up to her paws and stretched.

Back to the forest, she sighed, shaking her head. She looked back down at the bed that she had slept in and sighed again. Draken was right: that bowl was far more comfortable than dirt and rocks. She wanted to thank Saphira and Eragon for their hospitality, but they were still asleep and it would be very rude to disturb them.

"Where are you going?" Draken suddenly whispered. She turned to see that he had woken up. His tongue was quite numb and he was attempting to wake it up by flicking it against his teeth.

I must go, Lunalese told him. I need to return to the mountains.

"Why?" Draken continued, as he opened his mouth up to let out a massive yawn.

I must do certain tasks for my companions there, she explained to him. I have pacts that I must keep.

"Do you need any help?" Draken asked, climbing to his feet as well. "Perhaps we can get done quickly and you can return here."

You are very kind, Draken, Lunalese admitted, but I fear that I may not return here. Fate has dropped me in the mountains, and there is where I must stay.

"That is no place for a beautiful female like yourself to reside in," Draken said quietly. "You are quite welcome to stay here…or at least come in to rest during the night."

It is not your decision to tell me if I am wanted, Luanlese pointed out. That is your father's.

"I am aware," Draken sighed. "Will I ever see you again?"

In time, Lunalese said softly. Perhaps fate will bring us together again?

"I do not want you to go," Draken mentioned. "Please, allow me to aid in your 'pacts' with these other creatures."

Why so interested? Lunalese said with a soft chuckle. Draken tossed his head towards the door as a motion for them to go outside. She led the way out.

"Lunalese," Draken explained, "for several months all I have had as a companion was Thorn. My sisters are dragons as well but…?"

You are looking for a friend outside of your kin? Lunalese asked. Very well. You have helped me, so I shall help you. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I shall return as swiftly as I can after my chores in the forest are completed. If you can, Draken, thank you parents for hosting me last night…and can you also tell your mother that I would like to discuss something with her.

"What would that be?" Draken asked, trying hard to avoid being too nosy.

It is personal, Lunalese replied. I must go, Draken. It was a pleasure spending the night in your presence. Before I leave, what were you dreaming about?

"Huh?" Draken asked simply.

You were dreaming this morning, Lunalese said with a soft chuckle. What was it about? If dragons could blush, Draken's purple hide would be as red as Thorn's.

"Also a personal matter," he replied swiftly. "Perhaps we will see each other soon? I usually go and hunt in the Spine…?"

You cannot do that, Lunalese snapped. There are things there that can get you in a lot of danger. Stay away, Draken!

"Wait," Draken said sternly. "It is not safe for me, but it is for you?"

You do not understand this matter, Lunalese replied worriedly. Trust me.

"No," Draken shot back. "I want to know what else is out there."

I have vows to never tell, Lunalese murmured. Just…stay far away from those hills. You can be killed.

"Tell me what can kill a dragon of my size?" Draken asked rudely. "Lunalese, this is confusing me…?"

Good, Lunalese said, lowering her head. I want to explain everything, but I cannot. Please promise me: Go nowhere near the Spine!

"I cannot," Draken sighed.

You stubborn lizard! Lunalese growled. I do not want to see the wolves devouring your hide in those hills.

"Then you will not," Draken snapped back. "If you leave, I cannot guarantee that I will not follow you."

You will force me to hurt you then, Lunalese replied harshly. I will clip your wings if I must in order to keep you safe.

"Good luck with that," Draken muttered. "Lunalese…?"

Stay away from me, she roared. I do not want your death on my paws! Before Draken could respond, Lunalese leapt off towards the mountains.

"Brother," Covin'thra suddenly asked, startling him. "Where is she going?"

"I am going too," Draken replied kindly. "She may be in trouble, sister. You are the bravest sibling, so keep the family safe for me, okay?"

"Very well," Covin'thra replied, bobbing her head. "Mother and Father are still asleep. What should I tell them?"

"Tell them that I went off hunting."

- - - - - - - - -

What took you so long? A voice rung through Lunalese's head. She turned around quickly and whimpered in the back of her throat.

I am sorry, she told the voice. I had…complications.

You were supposed to stay here! The voice roared. Lunalese watched as a feathered creature sulked out from the shadows. It was almost jet black except for its orange beak and golden eyes. It was one of the very last wyverns, but this one was different. Wiser, more powerful; this creature could easily be compared to a dragon. Instead of four legs, it only had two and walked as elegantly as a raven would have. You have vows to keep, and you scamper off? Have I not raised you better?

Master…? Lunalese began to explain her actions. I discovered a hatchling that needed my assistance. I flew to her rescue.

Do not give me that, the wyvern hissed. I am no fool. You could have easily scooped her up and returned here in the hills, but there was another reason why you were late. What is it?

It is nothing, Lunalese replied, lowering her head.

You are lying, he growled, stepping forward. Your vow was to remain hidden till the time is right. How many know of your existence now?

I know not, Lunalese replied. Master, have mercy on me.

I already have done that, he said, stepping closer to her. Most predators would have eaten you after you broke free of that shell so many months ago, but I decided to be different. I took you in, raised you as if you were my daughter, and I also taught you the laws of this forsaken hillside. I have taught you how to survive in this unforgiving land.

And I thank you, Lunalese replied humbly.

No you do not! He roared. How many months has this been planned, Lunalese? I have told you that our revolution was in the making, and you were meant to be our main weapon for this! It was supposed to be a secret, but you destroyed that, did you not? Now tell me, where did you go?

I cannot, Lunalese sighed, expecting to be scolded for her action. If I do, more people could be harmed…?

Do you not understand! He shouted. People are who we despise! They cannot be trusted and must be looked after. Do not tell me that you are beginning to feel pity for…? Suddenly, both of them turned their heads up to the sky to see a royal purple dragon flying lazily above them.

Fool! Lunalese cursed in her mind.

So that is it, the wyvern said with a wicked chuckle. You slattern. Lunalese kept her head low and shuddered at the painful insult. The uprising could be any day now and you have your mind set on reproduction?

We are not mates, Lunalese snapped, lifting her head up to meet his golden eyes with her ruby ones. Leave him be.

No, he replied. If he hunts here, it could pose as a large issue later on when all is planted. He must be killed before he discovers the others and me. Do it,

What? Lunalese asked. I can't…never! He is the last male dragon…?

So you are a slattern! He mocked. You want to start up a family with a bunch of snot-nosed little lizards instead of joining in on the greatest revolt besides the fall of your kind so long ago? You disgust me!

Is it wrong to fear the extinction of my race? Lunalese murmured. It is only a miracle that he survives. There is no one left but him…?

Do you think that I hatched yesterday? He hissed. I have seen the black and sapphire dragons fly about…and I know that the one above is their child. Your race is not extinct…yet. The yellow dragon sighed and watched as her master disappeared into the trees.

- - - - - --

"She is going to kill me for this," Draken whispered to himself as he dove down towards the yellow dragon. He found himself focused on reaching her, no matter what stood in the way.

You are a fool, hatchling, a voice snickered in his head. It was unfamiliar and threatening, but Draken was committed to seeing Lunalese again so he pressed on towards her. After a few moments of freefall, he touched down beside her.

"Hello," he said nervously. She turned her back.

Leave, she told her simply. You are in danger. Go!

"I cannot," Draken replied, trying to get her to look at him. What is the matter? He asked mentally.

You, she said bluntly. Why did you not listen to me? This area is very dangerous and it is no place for a male dragon like you. There are creatures here…bad ones. They respect me, but have no loyalty to any other. If you are seen here, you may never return home.

"Then come with me," Draken replied kindly. "I do not want my friend in a place too dangerous for even me to venture into."

I was raised here, Lunalese snapped. I know my way around, but you are as dumb as a…?

"I am not leaving," Draken told her, stomping his forearm down on the ground. "I have hunted here before without any trouble. How come things become risky after I meet you?"

It is complicated, Lunalese sighed, as she turned to face him. Draken, there are bad things that are being conspired here. If they leak out, you and I can be at death's door within moments.

"Tell me."

I cannot, Lunalese murmured. These mountains have watchers to make sure that everyone keeps their promise. If I break it, I will lose my life.

"I won't let that happen," Draken growled over to her.

You must, she told him. Leave! It is possible that I may never see you again.

"You are not making it difficult to stand my ground here, " Draken said with a chuckle. "If I may never see you again, then why should I leave?" Lunalese let out an annoyed sigh and cocked her head at him.

Follow me.

Wyverns were actually seen as intelligent, but not as smart as dragons…I have a way to make this work. Tell me if it seems likeable.

PEACE!