Another chapter. Bit short, though. Oh, and I now have a Beta. Bleevlee, who I actually know outside of FanFiction.
I stumbled to a halt, panting. I sat on a tree stump, waiting for Elrun and Istalir to catch up, while reviewing what had happened. I had defeated two of the Forsworn! Somehow, that orb in the cave had increased my strength and speed, allowing me to sprint nearly ten miles faster than a horse could.
Istalir reached me first, gasping.
"What…happened?" he asked. "In the cave…we heard…you…scream."
"I touched…this weird orb," I responded. "It hurt at first. Worse than anything Galbatorix did. Then…when it stopped, I felt much more powerful…invincible.
What about the sword? asked Elrun, who had caught up and heard me.
I took it from a pedestal. I also found this strange silver stone.
Your mind feels…different, commented Istalir.
As if there is a more powerful being sharing your body, but we cannot truly sense him, added Elrun. Also, the music that is at the edges of an elf's mind is here. It sounds…adventurous, and bold. There was a new respect in his thoughts.
Show me the rock, commanded Istalir.
I wish to examine the sword, stated Elrun.
I handed the stone to Istalir first, noticing it was very hard. It was not made of silver, but a silver marble-like substance. He took it reverently. I then handed the weapon, belt and all, to Elrun.
This…no…it can't be… Istalir stammered.
What? I asked.
It's…it's a dragon egg!
I stared at it, my jaw slack. Are you sure?
Elrun turned his attention to it. It is… Awe radiated from him. We thought there were only three eggs left, all in Galbatorix's possession. And none were silver. This is…amazing. And the sword in nearly as valuable. The energy stored in the pommel…Someone could live millennia, using only that. I can't even imagine…
Istalir took the sword, holding it gingerly. Now I know for sure I was right to rescue you.
They handed the items back to me.
Who shall keep watch? I asked.
I shall set a spell about us, to warn us of any who wish to harm us, or capture us, Istalir said.
After muttering a few words, he drifted off to sleep. After staring at the stars for a half our, Elrun followed suit. Now I was the only one awake.
I glanced at the elves. They were in a trance-like state, eyes still open, sitting upright. I wondered if I would sleep the same way now.
Eventually, my mind drifted off into another land. I was still aware of all that was happening to my physical body, but I was dreamt, of long ago battles, other people. I think they were memories of the thing using me as a host. I saw a bloodstained battleground, a grand city made of marble, silver, and gold, with glorious temples nearly a mile high, and a mighty council of dragon riders, keeping the peace across Alagaesia. I saw back to before that, mindless savages, our ancestors, discovering farming, and forming ancient civilizations that fought with one another, until the present kingdoms were created.
All of this was relatively blurry, but suddenly I was thrust into a dream that was much more vivid.
I lay sprawled on a sandy battlefield. Above me, seven dragons soared in the fiery sky, primal roars terrifying some deep part of me. Two men approached me. One was young, with fire and hate in his eyes. His face was scarred, but it had once been noble, with slanted features like that of an elf. The other man was much calmer, and reserved, but obviously more dangerous. An aura of darkness and evil surrounded him.
He raised his hand suddenly, and shouted at the sky.
Thunder crackled and lightning flashed. The world shook with the awesome power of this strange man. My veins turned to ice.
Then, another man appeared. His face looked serene and wise, but his eyes spoke of a hidden power. Confidently, he too raised his arm, and the thunder stopped. The ice left my veins, and—
Crack! I shot up, jumping to my feet, now fully awake. I looked for the source of the disturbance.
The silver stone was shaking. A long crack had appeared in the side.
Elrun and Istalir were awake, too.
The egg is hatching! exclaimed Istalir.
But for who? wondered Elrun. Certainly not me; I didn't touch it.
I think…I think it's hatching for Alan, said Istalir.
Cautiously, I crept forward. With another sharp crack, the egg split in two.
A silver dragonling stepped outside.
It was still wet, but…marvelous. Immediately, I knew it had hatched for me. The scales looked soft, but sparkled with an inner brilliance. Its eyes…no. His eyes—somehow, I knew it was a he—were large, in comparision with his head. They were innocent looking, but intelligent.
I reached forward to touch it, and a blinding light filled my field of vision.
Oh yay. Now please review! I beg of thee!
It's fine if you've reviewed before though.