Chapter 91: Back to Work
The night after Bowen was born was the most difficult for the couple. Every hour, the child would scream into the night, waking everyone in the house.
"Good morning," Eragon muttered to Saphira. She picked up a pillow and tossed it over her head to cover the loud cries. "I suppose I should get this one." Eragon climbed to his feet and shuffled out the door, smashing into Equinox as he stepped outside.
"Is my brother broken?" Equinox asked innocently. Eragon muttered a swear and shook his head.
"No, but I wish his voice was." Equinox snickered to herself as Eragon walked away towards Bowen's crib.
I really hope our child will not cry like that one, Guardian said slyly over to Equinox.
I am not gravid yet, Guardian, she replied mentally. We must pray that Griffin remains quiet.
He is getting pushed out of the nest as soon as he breaks through.
I heard that! Griffin suddenly growled in both their minds. They both shook their heads and walked down the hallway to the bowls downstairs.
"Bowen!" Eragon muttered forcefully. "Child, what is wrong now? I just changed you thirty minutes ago. What is it?" The child stopped crying and reached his hands up toward Eragon, who couldn't help but smile at the site. "Aww," he sighed, reaching down to pick the baby up. He placed Bowen's chin to his shoulder and gently held his head with his marked palm. "You must sleep, little one."
I miss you…a voice stammered in his head. He lifted the child up and brought him to his face.
"Did you..?" Nothing. Bowen's eyes widened slightly as he let out a soft giggle.
Father. Eragon gasped and set him down in the wooden crib.
Saphira? Eragon called mentally. We may have a problem. He talks…mentally.
Impossible! Saphira replied. Are you sure?
Unless there is another creature plaguing my mind, Eragon muttered. It is our son.
Perhaps he will be like Draken and can speak on both terms.
I hope so, Eragon stroked his child's head and turned to walk back out.
Good night father. He turned around and nodded his head. I shall remain quiet now.
"Good night." Eragon shut the door and returned to his bed, pressing his body against Saphira for more comfort.
"Well?"
"He talks," Eragon groaned. "Maybe now we won't hear him cry…?" Suddenly, the sound of painful screaming blasted through their eardrums. "I just talked to him!" Eragon leapt up to his feet again and opened the door to Bowen's crib.
What do you need? Eragon asked. No response. Son, I know you can talk to me this way…tell me. Nothing again. The child looked up at Eragon with hurtful eyes. "You lost it, didn't you?" The child nodded his head and continued to sniffle. "It is okay, Bowen. This is nothing to cry about. Go back to sleep." Bowen closed his eyes once more as Eragon sulked out to go back to bed.
"What was it?" Saphira asked.
"He is normal," Eragon replied. "He lost his 'ability,' Saphira. He can't do it anymore!"
"So, he is a full human? That makes no sense. Look at our other children…why are they not normal?" Eragon snapped his fingers.
"Remember when we were sharing that odd dream?" he asked. Saphira nodded. "I bet they knew about this. After all, did they not say that he would have no problem when it came to eternity?" Saphira rested her head on Eragon's shoulder and placed her hand over his chest.
"At least he is healthy," she replied smoothly. "We can teach him how to read minds…?"
"Not this time. I want him to be a normal child; no mind tricks, no fire breathing…normal."
"He is the son of a dragon and Rider, Eragon," Saphira pointed out. "How far from normal can that be?"
"Good point." Saphira rubbed the muscles on Eragon's chest and gently nibbled on his right ear.
"We shall raise him correctly," she whispered in his ear, forcing him to shiver slightly at her voice. "You are his father, Eragon."
"You are the mother," he shot back. "It will take two for this job."
"I will get our other children if we need more." Eragon laughed heartedly as Saphira began kissing the side of his neck. "I am still a dragon, Eragon. I can handle anything." Eragon snickered and wrapped his arm around her.
"I know, darling." With that said, they both fell asleep without one more cry from their newborn child.
Morning came quickly for Eragon and Saphira, causing both of them to groan at the sight of sunlight.
"I suppose I must make the breakfast today?" Saphira asked. "Any requests?"
"Bacon and eggs," Eragon muttered sleepily. "Call me when it's done."
"If I have to be up, then you do too," Saphira chuckled, pushing Eragon up and out of the bed. "Come on, darling! It is Bowen's first day." She smiled as Eragon stretched out his arms. "Perhaps you should get clothed before you step out?"
"And to think you wanted to get rid of this," Eragon joked with a grin. "I told you that you would have missed it."
"Shut up and get out," Saphria shot back with a laugh. "It is too early for that type of talk, Eragon." He snickered and walked out, tossing a green tunic over his shoulders as he walked. "Get Bowen while I get his bottle ready." Eragon smiled and headed towards the child's room. To his surprise, his child was already awake, staring at him with a toothless smile.
"Good morning," Eragon said happily to him. Bowen squealed with joy as Eragon reached down to pick him up. "Let's get you nourished."
Eragon, Saphira called to him mentally. You need to see this. He cradled Bowen in his arms and walked down the stairs. He looked out the window and was surprised to see an army of Izlansadi's finest Elvin soldiers marching past their home. Murtagh and Thorn were up front.
"What is going on?"
"War." He turned to see Saphira standing beside him. "That other country has become a threat to this part, Eragon. Nasuada and Izlansadi have decided to do this."
"How do you know?"
"Murtagh explained it mentally to me," she explained. "Covin'thra is leaving with Thorn."
"Will they need us?"
"Murtagh said that Angela is in town and has volunteered to watch our child if we join."
"Drop him off," Eragon muttered. "I'm going to grab my sword."
"Do you mean…?"
"Yes, Saphira. The dragon and her mighty rider will fly into war once again."
PEACE!