Ok people. This chapter two! I only got one review. :( Come on. Thanks to the person that did review. So read this. If I can get 10 reviews I will post chapter 3 on Friday.
Saelin woke very early. Eridor was waiting for Saelin at the end of the bed. He growled a little at him and black smoke puffed out of his nostrils. Saelin picked up the newly hatched dragon and set him on his shoulder. He then tip-toed to the kitchen and very quietly ate breakfast. It consisted of a large hunk of bread and some cheese. He found some jerky and gave it to Eridor, who gulped it down. When he was done he wiped the table clean. He then paced down the hallway several times before he noticed he'd forgotten something. Saelin ran back into the kitchen and took the remaining bread and salted pork. He wrapped them up, put them in his pack, and walked outside. There were guards still standing, watching for anyone who might want to cause trouble. When Saelin walked out, the guards turned to look at him and bowed.
"Finiarel, we were expecting you. Atríl will be here soon." One of the guards said.
"Oh, thank you."
As Saelin stood and wait, he played with Eridor. The young dragon had grown a few inches since the day before. Saelin was stroking the dragon's snout when Atríl silently walked up.
"Hello Saelin, I see Eridor had his first growth spurt. He is still very small, but in time he will grow larger. I see you have your things. Shall we go?" Atríl said smoothly.
"Yeah, I guess. My parents haven't gotten up yet. I guess they don't want to say goodbye."
"They will be fine, let us go." With that they turned and walked to the edge of Therinsford where horses were waiting with saddles. Saelin was given the reigns of a brown stallion and he tied his bag to the side of the saddle which was cracked with use and age. Atríl was given an elegant black horse with strong legs and a sleek mane. They both hopped on the horses back and galloped toward Du Weldenvarden. Atríl explained to Saelin the path they would take. It was decided the night before that they would ride toward Osilon and from there to Ellesméra. They would follow the Anora River past Utgard. They would then turn and head north to Ceunon. There they would stay for one night and get some rest. When they were all rested and their food was replenished they would ride to Osilon. Again they would stay for one night and rest before continuing to Ellesméra. The trip ahead of them looked arduous but they must do it. And so they did. It took them two days to pass Utgard and three more to get to Ceunon. Atríl estimated the correct time they would be as he told Saelin to bring five days' worth of food. Of course if Eridor couldn't catch birds Saelin would be in trouble. Eridor was very sanguine and he was always open to new experiences. He would walk, and now more recently, fly around nosing things and expanding his vocabulary.
Once they did reach Ceunon they found and inn and got two rooms. Ceunon had changed in the few years Galbatorix was cast from his throne. It was now ruled by the elves. Of course humans were allowed to stay, but none of the laws made for Ceunon applied to the humans. Elves did not want to rule over a lesser being. The new leader of Ceunon was Vanir. There was a rumor about Vanir that even the humans knew. Saelin had heard it as well.
"Is it really true that Vanir used to be Eragon's sparring partner?'
"It is true. He was much powerful then Eragon until his transformation. Eragon, much stronger now, overpowered Vanir. Vanir had said that Eragon did not deserve to be a Rider. After being defeated he took that back I'm sure," Atríl explained.
Ceunon was a fairly large city. It was much bigger than Therinsford. They walked up to their rooms which were next to each other. Saelin's room was small and the air was stale. He crossed the room and opened the window to let in some fresh air. As he unlocked it and slid it open Eridor jumped off his shoulder and flew after a Robin. He opened his maw and started flying faster than the bird. He caught up to it and the bird was devoured. Yum! Eridor's thoughts reverberated in Saelin's head. There was a knock on the door and Saelin crossed the room to open it. Atríl was standing outside his room. "Let us eat." He turned on his heels and walked down the hall. Saelin followed him along with Eridor on his shoulder. They walked down the stairs and when reaching the bar all eyes were turned toward Saelin. Saelin's faced turned deep red. Eridor gave a small growl and everyone was woken from their trance. They went back to their food and drinks. Atríl walked up to the bar. The bartender was human and had on a grubby shirt.
"I need to know where there is a good place to eat. Anyplace that might serve only vegetables?"
"Oh, yes sir. The Roasted Bell Pepper down this same street. You will see it. The sign has a bell on fire," the bartender said in a raspy voice.
"Thank you." Atríl slid the bar keep a crown. Saelin followed as they walked out of the inn. The sun was no lowering and the sky was cast a light pink. The saw the sign hanging, swinging in the wind. They walked in and the whole restaurant was filled with elves. They all looked at Saelin and bowed. Again Saelin's cheeks reddened. Eridor, this time, gave a small purr. We will rule the world. The thoughts poured into Saelin's head. Yes we will! Saelin said, or rather thought, back.
They found a table with pillows to sit on. They sat, legs crossed. An elf came to them.
"Shur'tugal, Atríl, what will you have on this fine evening?"
"Ah, I will have some potatoes, mushrooms, pea shoots, and some almonds please. What will you be having Saelin?"
"Do you have any meat?"
"I am sorry young Rider; we do not serve anything killed. We elves find it almost evil to do. We choose to eat only vegetables."
"Oh, ok. I will have the same as Atríl then, please."
"Very well, that will be out very soon." The server walked to the kitchen.
"You don't eat meat?"
"That is correct. I will explain later."
The food came out hot. The potatoes and mushrooms were cooked together in a skillet. The pea shoots were stir-fried with olive oil and the almonds were added on top. It was all very well, but Saelin could not get over the fact that elves did not eat meat. How could they live off of only vegetables? After they finished eating they paid for the food and walked, full, back to the inn. When Saelin got into his room he undressed and fell into his bed. The sheets were rough, but sleep came quickly. Saelin was tired. They had slept on the hard ground for the last five days. They had also travelled a long way. As soon as Saelin closed his eyes he was asleep.
How did you like it? Please review, please? Remember, 10 reviews and chapter 3 will be up on Friday.