Chapter 4
Saphira! Eragon shouted excitedly. He leaned forward in the saddle and squinted. It couldn't be. They had only been at sea for three days, most of which Eragon had spent flying with Saphira, avoiding the ship below as much as possible. The tossing of the ship made him nauseous, even with preventive spells, and the elves were growing just as restless. Even so, all he had heard of the land east to Alagaesia had caused him to believe that the other continent was much farther out, at least a week's journey. Do you think..?
It sure seems so, little one, she replied, although he sensed her excitement also. But wasn't it supposed to be farther away, and a more strenuous journey at that? Jeod spoke of whirlpools and jagged rocks and rough currents. We have yet to come across any of those.
It surprises me too. Let us go look; we can outstrip the vessel and be there quicker than they. With her unspoken agreement, he reached out to Blodhgarm with his mind. He felt the elf's consciousness in seconds.
What is that ahead, Shur'tugal? The furred elf asked
We're not sure. It's definitely land. Saphira and I will fly ahead and scout it out.
Be careful, Shadeslayer, the elf whispered. Strange lands hold strange things.
We will.
Twenty minutes later, Saphira dipped out of the heavy mist that surrounded the island and slowly began to circle in the sky. Eragon's initial disappointment gave away to glee. I think this is it, Saphira. This is…this is perfect.
It certainly seems so. But why was this not in any recordings? It's large, and directly on the route to the other continent. It speaks ill. I think we should tread with caution.
Eragon shifted in the saddle, uncomfortable and ready to stretch his legs. I don't know. Should we go ahead and land, or wait for the ship?
We should certainly wait for the elves, she declared. I sense no other life here save for animals, but there could be danger nonetheless. He half-heartedly agreed with her. He reigned in his eagerness, although it was difficult.
Before them was an enormous island, stretching out for leagues on either side. It was much larger than Vroengard, although by how much Eragon was uncertain. On the eastern end, gentle granite slopes dotted with firs and bushes gave way to an enormous mountain dotted with natural caves, surrounded by a range of smaller ones. That would be a perfect spot to raise the dragons, Eragon thought.
On the western side, a large lush forest surrounded yet another stone formation, this one an enormous cliff overlooking the beach below, where the waves crashed against yet more rocks. We could build a structure similar to Vroengard here, Eragon told Saphira. There's shelter and probably lots of wildlife in the forest. With protective enchantments to keep away intruders, it would be ideal to raise the dragons here until they could return to Alagaesia.
Not to mention, Saphira said with a casual air, It would be close enough to the mainland that we could easily visit Alagaesia without being gone so long that we would be shirking our duties.
With a jolt, Eragon realized that she was right. He slumped back in the saddle as all his old reasons came rushing back to him. We can't. Angela's prophecy-
May very well come to nothing, she snapped. Eragon recoiled. She normally did not speak to him so sharply. Her impatience was overwhelming. Give me one good, concrete reason, Eragon. None? Exactly. We may never live in Alagaesia again, but must you sequester yourself for no purpose other than to fulfill some vision?
Eragon bowed his head. I..I will think about it.
First things first, another voice said, and with a rush of guilt Eragon realized that he had partially blocked his thoughts from Glaedr and the other Eldunari, we must ensure that this place is fit for the dragons and Riders. Eragon sensed the gold dragon's own, albeit subdued, interest. It certainly looks okay from the air, but who knows what lies within? Best to return to the elves and explore the island together. Countless whispers echoed in Eragon's mind as the Eldunari agreed.
Of course, Master, Eragon and Saphira said, and with one last glance at the island, changed course for the elves and the bobbing ship.