Chapter 5

Blodhgarm's eyes slid over the surroundings, from the pebbly beach to the great forest ahead, to the enormous granite formation above them, and finally to the great mountains in the distance. The other elves gathered around him, whispering to themselves and examining their surroundings. The ship was anchored in the sea nearby, where the Eldunari (save for Glaedr, who was currently nestled in Saphira's saddlebag), the eggs, and two other elves waited, guarding the precious cargo. Eragon waited patiently in front of Blodhgarm while Saphira scouted the air above.

"It seems safe, Shadeslayer." Blodhgarm finally announced, much to Eragon's relief. The furred elf had spent the last two hours casting spells to reveal treachery, as well as counterspells to find any existing spells that might have been cast in the island. He had found none. "We will have to explore the island in full to determine its security completely, but for the time being I am satisfied." He bared his fangs in a wide smile. "Do you feel that this is the place?"

"I do."

The elf nodded. "The mountains will be good for the wild dragons, until we may relocate them to their homeland. Some may even choose to remain here. As for the Riders, we shall have to hurry to build accommodations. I'm assuming you want to build a city, something akin to Vroengaurd?"

"Yes. Maybe not something quite as large at first, but we can always add more. The cliff seems spacious enough, and we can always expand to the forest below."

"That it does, Shadeslayer." The elves murmured their agreement. Blodhgarm turned to them and began issuing orders. The elves divided into scouting groups, save for a female elf who made her way back to the ship to fetch supplies. Blodhgarm nodded, apparently satisfied. "They will report back shortly. Do you want to examine the cliff, Shur'tugal?"

Eragon nodded. "I want to see where would be best to begin construction, as well as possible fresh water sources. I want to look at the mountains, too."

"Stay alert. This place seems peaceful, but I do not like how I, nor any of the elves or Eldunari, have heard of its existence."

There isn't enough stone. We shall have to transport granite from around the mountain, unless you want to plant trees and sing the buildings from them.

Eragon sighed. That won't work either. It needs to be both fireproof and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of dragons. You aren't light, you know.

Saphira snorted derisively from beside him. She had spent the past few minutes pacing the enormous length of the cliff and deemed it more than stable. I suppose we have no choice. Do you think we, combined with the elves and Eldunari, have enough strength to move the stone by magic?

We should, as long as we take plenty of breaks. Eragon paced the cliff. There was already a large outcropping of stone at the base of the cliff's slope. The slope was gentle enough to allow a road to be built leading down to the bottom. The cliff itself was long and wide enough to allow several buildings, and deer paths already existed in the forest below, which could be widened into actual trails. In addition, Eragon found several clean, freshwater brooks and streams in the forest. It wouldn't take much magical effort to find a way to transport it above. The temperature was pleasant, and the island was secluded. That, along with the elves' protective spells, convinced Eragon that this was the best place for the new Riders.

But trepidation gnawed at Eragon. He glanced at Saphira. I just can't help but feel tense. This all seems a little too convenient, too perfect.

Saphira hummed. Little one, the hardest task laid before us since Galbatorix has all but solved itself and you are complaining?

Of course not...but still, I am uneasy.

I know.

After bringing word to Blodhgarm that the cliff seemed ideal (and learning more of the surrounding forest from the scouting elves; the presence of a large herd of deer and several fruit trees lightened Eragon's already soaring spirits), Eragon and Saphira set out to the mountain.

Again, Eragon felt a trickle of unease mar his joy. The mountain was also perfect. There were narrow, shallow caves below, with pine trees almost conveniently placed in front for cover for the newly hatched dragons. There were larger caves above, and as Saphira demonstrated, this particular type of stone was very hard to melt. He was unsure whether this was the work of some powerful force at hand, or sheer dumb luck.

Either way, Saphira said with a hint of smugness, there is no turning back now. The elves are making preparations as we speak. She nodded towards a particularly large cave above them. That one is large enough for all the wild dragon eggs we brought with us; look at the angle to the sea wind. It will be warm, and I can heat up one of the walls with my fire to give them even more warmth. I will do the same for the Rider's eggs until such a time when we may build them a hatchery. And as for me… she glanced at another large cave. That one will do nicely. She jumped then, spreading her enormous wings and taking flight.

Saphira! He shouted, waving his arms at her from the base of the mountain. She darted into the cave and he shook his head. You're not making any sense. Do you expect me to live in a cave until the building is complete? I assumed we were going to make camp with the elves.

You won't be in here. At any rate, it's not until later.

Her reply stung him. We've never slept apart unless we've had to.

It's not for sleeping, silly. Underneath her mental voice Eragon felt a sense of excitement, along with a touch of nervousness. Her emotions confused Eragon. Saphira had rarely, if ever, felt anxious. He placed a fist on his hip and glanced in the dragon's general direction.

Saphira, what are you talking about?

She poked her head from the mouth of the cave and surveyed her surroundings. It is ideal. It's high enough to be out of reach of predators—not that any would dare bother us—and large. Not to mention, she deliberately looked away from Eragon, plenty of materials nearby to make a nest.

A nest…realization flooded Eragon and he grinned. How could he have not seen this coming? Saphira and Firnen and spent plenty of time together, after all. Saphira, that's wonderful! How do you feel? How long have you known? Do you know how many? Are you-

She interrupted his questions with an amused chuckle. I've known since soon after we left Du Weldenvarden, little one.

Eragon smiled. He felt from Saphira unbridled joy, protectiveness, anticipation, and a deep instinctual urge that he could not place. How long? He asked.

I'm not sure, Saphira admitted. I will know, however.

A practical question presented itself to Eragon. What will you do?

What?

Will you let the egg hatch on its own or give it to the Riders?

Confusion emanated from Saphira's mind, which she immediately closed off to Eragon except for the thread of consciousness that allowed communication. I...I do not know. I love you, but do not ask me again, please. It is something I must come to on my own.

I understand, Eragon said gently, and said no more on the matter.