Chapter 6. Longer than normal. With some unexpected character additions. Enjoy. And review! Please!
Rose was treading softly over the leafy ground, trying not to alert Lily to her presence. She knew she had to leave. She stole to the stables and let Dakarai out. He followed her closely. She grabbed the nearest saddle bag, then dropped it. Without a saddle she wouldn't need it. Instead she picked up a shoulder bag designed for hunting. Slinging in a water bag and then picking up a dead pheasant, she leapt onto Dakarai. She trotted him quietly out of the stable. She was almost past the house when Lily burst out.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Lily's face was furious.
"Away. Every second I spend hear brings the spies of my family closer. Don't want them to find me. Or you. So I'm leaving."
"I'd like to see you survive on your own without being able to hunt to feed yourself!"
"I have my methods." Damn! I didn't think of that! Rose's face remained calm. Thanking Lily gravely, she turned the stallion and called back to Lily hoping for Miko to get better. Lily ran up and thrust a bow into her hands.
"I'm not going to try to dissuade you from leaving. It won't work, and besides, I don't want any spies coming here. So teach yourself to shoot. Tip, the bow needs to be strung before you can shoot an arrow."
"I - "
"Whatever. Goodbye." Lily whirled round and went back into the house. Rose was amazed. She'd expected them to try and stop her. They obviously don't like me that much. Not enough to let me stay. Crossly she turned Dakarai towards the forest. He shivered.
Come on, good boy. She urged him on with legs and mind. Anxiously he carried her into the shade of the trees. Whispering in the ancient language to the trees she progressed.
"Show me the way, let me pass. Something dear to me and another has been left behind. Now needs must I find it."
The trees parted and guided her to the spot where she had buried the bundle. She jumped to the ground and began to dig furiously at it. The hole she made soon uncovered the bundle of rags. She pulled it into the daylight, shaking her head at the state of the wrappings. She pulled them away, and caught her breath. In the pale light the stone gleamed and shone, the gold veins glistening against the midnight black background. Pretty. Rose thought appreciatively. She was aware that it was a dragon egg. She tucked it into her pack, deciding to take it to some good people who would find a Rider for it. She was about to leave when a roar split the night. Rose gasped, her eyes unable to believe themselves.
A giant Slate Grey dragon smashed through the trees.
Leave egg, hatchling! A thunderous voice echoed through her head. Rose was about to put the egg down when her mind told her to argue. Not advisable, but Rose thought she might be able to talk her way out.
"I put it here, I got given it, it's mine, not yours!"
Speak with mind, voice gives me headache, have not heard human voice for long time.
Is this okay?
Yes. Why you want egg? Can you not leave it with me?
Why should I? I will take it to good people.
No good people left. Galbatorix bad. People who kill my Rider bad. Very bad. My Rider was not bad! Galbatorix tricked him!
Who was your Rider?
I am the Dragon of Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn. I had little choice – I did not want to be a slave to the Traitor King. But by the time Morzan had realised how evil he was we were his servants forever, bound by oaths using Morzans true name. Now he is dead. I am free, and I will avenge him! I will kill his murderer then Galbatorix!
Wow. Morzan. Brom's dead so you can't kill him.
Who kill him?
The Ra'zac. Look, um …… what's your name, Dragon of Morzan?
My name is Fuego. It mean Fury.
Well, Fuego, you're going to need help to get at Galbatorix.
Who say I need help? I have Bluefinch!
Who is Bluefinch?
My best friend. She come.
Another even bigger Dragon came down the path of smashed trees. Her Turquoise hide glimmered in the half-light. Rose took an involuntary step backwards.
What have you found now, Fuego?
The voice in Rose's head was undoubtedly female.
Girl come to take egg. I say no. She say she not bad. I think I believe her. The egg wants her.
How do you know that?
I feel it. You search, you feel it too.
Indeed, I feel it too!
Rose butted into the conversation.
I don't want to be a Rider! I'll get killed! And who the hell are you, Bluefinch? Who was your Rider?
Jason.
Who?
Tricked into murdering an elder by Galbatorix. Then killed by him. I don't like to think about it.
Fuego drew her close, putting his noble head over hers.
Cry not, brave one. Then he addressed Rose.
We are sorry for what our Riders do, but it not their fault, Galbatorix's fault. We will help you and the young one, when he hatches.
It's a he?
Of course! He is Saphira's son.
How do you know this?
A Dragon just knows. Rose wondered at this revelation. She also wondered who Saphira's mate was. Then a more practical question invaded her confusion.
Where will I go while we wait for the egg to hatch?
Fool! You will come with us! Follow me. Bluefinch had recovered. She walked off the way she had come. Rose hurriedly picked up the bag and egg and ran after her. When the Dragon lifted herself into the air, Rose was furious.
"Come back! Come back! I can't fly!"
Silly child. Rose turned and saw Fuego. He grinned in a lupine way at her.
Ride horse beneath us. To easy to track Dragon through forest.
He took off too. Rose sighed and swung herself onto Dakarai. He obligingly galloped along beneath the Dragons.
When they finally landed Dakarai and Rose were exhausted. Bluefinch turned towards her.
Come here. Rose did so. Bluefinch raked a large eye over her. You are a good horse rider, but you have a very ugly face.
I was in an accident!
Riders are never ugly. Come closer. Rose shuffled even closer, a tear shining on her face. The Dragons voice resounded in her head. To be proud is to be weak. Be strong, child, and take criticism. Rose refused, angrily sulking. Who cared if she was vain? All princesses were! Bluefinch's voice penetrated her thoughts again, sharply this time. You are not a princess any more! So don't act like one. You are lucky not to be dead, so be grateful to Fuego for not killing you. Stand up straight and lift your chin.
Rose almost refused, then angrily straightened her back and lifted her chin. The Dragon looked at her.
This is my only ever gift to you. Don't expect anything like it again.
Bluefinch breathed in, then opened her maw and breathed out sharply. The heat and strength of the Dragon's breath knocked her over. When Bluefinch shut her mouth the girl was unconscious. Fuego wandered over.
You kill her? Good, she too arrogant.
No, Fuego, I haven't killed her. I have healed her.
Oh blast! Fuego blew a fireball into the air. Just joking. He added as Bluefinch's eyes glared at him.
Let us sleep until the morning.
No. I go hunt!
Well, goodbye then dear.
Goodbye. See you later.