When she woke in the morning she found herself nestled in the curve of Syndûr's neck, warm and drowsy. She groaned at the stiffness in her back and pushed herself to her feet. Behind her, Syndûr began to shift and stretch to life, briefly clouding the sun with one of his great wings.

Good morning, Little Friend. Syndûr extended his great maw and let loose a yawn accompanied by a small jet of flame.

Avira leapt out of the way just in time. Watch it! You're going to light me afire!

Syndûr made a sound deep in his throat, laughing at her. He stretched his torso like that of cat, and spread his wings as far as they would reach in either direction. Avira tried to stretch her weary bones as well, wishing for a hot bath. Dirt and dust covered her from head to foot, soiling her lavender dress and white slippers.

"Uh." Avira sat on a nearby rock and began to remove her slippers, inspecting each one carefully.

Perhaps it's time you slip into the boots you took from Murtagh?

Avira frowned at the tattered shape of her soft slippers and the scrapes on her feet from Syndûr's scales. She tossed the slippers aside and retrieved Murtagh's boots from her pack and began to lace them up.

"Where are we, Syndûr?"

We should be far enough out of the city to only be spotted by another dragon and rider. Feinster is still another one, maybe two days flight away. Furnost is much closer, if we chose to go east; it is less than a day. Dras-Leona and Helgrind are less than a day northwest. If we wish to meet with your friends, I would suggest circling Leona Lake and coming to Feinster from the west, at the base of the Spine. I do not think they will expect anyone from that direction, least of all a rider coming to them from Urû'baen.

And are the Varden still of the impression the last egg has yet to hatch?

I don't know, Vira.

She strapped the last boot tightly to her foot and stared into space, thinking. "I think you're right, but I don't know if we have enough supplies to last us a trip around Leona Lake and down the Spine."

I will hunt. She sensed the blow to his pride in his voice and in the bond that connected them. She felt a tinge of remorse but quickly culled it. There was no telling what the next few days would bring, and she would not feel bad for trying to make sure she would be able to eat.

We should go. Syndûr knelt down and she climbed up his leg into the saddle. Within a few beats of his broad wings they were in the air and on their way.

A few days later they stopped for a brief rest a few leagues outside Belatona. Avira gazed at the city with longing. She hadn't slept in a real bed in what seemed like ages, and was growing tired of stale break and meat. Surely a city would have fruits, cheese, and a bit of wine to quench her thirst. Syndûr drank freely of the Lake water, but it wasn't enough for her. She wanted something with some flavor and a bit of kick.

I don't think what you are considering is a wise decision. We are less than a day from Feinster, and surely closer to your friends. Soon you will be speaking to the leader of the Varden herself, and the sooner we arrive the sooner we will know our next move.

And if I am well rested I will be better apt to keep my head and increase our odds of success. Do as you will for the evening, Syndûr, but tonight I will rest in Belatona.

And if your father is looking for you? He may well have a hundred men or more searching for you and your likeness splashed over every notice board in the empire by now.

Maybe, but he will want me alive.

And me?

Avira fell silent at that. The life of a daughter was surely more important than that of a dragon, and with Shruikan and Thorn in his aid the king wouldn't need Syndûr. They would be stronger together, of course, but Avira had one other talent that was more valuable to the king than even Syndûr could be. The thought of trading a flagon of wine or ale and a good night's rest for Syndûr's life disgusted her.

You're right, but we must fly quickly. Another day on this blasted lake or in the Spine and I might begin to suffer from insanity.

Sorry for the shortness! Another chapter coming at you to make up for it. ^_^

Inheritance Cycle, all related Characters (Eragon, Shruikan, Galbatoric, Murtagh, etc etc etc) © to Christopher Paolini!

Avira and Syndûr © me