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Author's Note: Thank you to those who have been reviewing.
Reborn, chapter VII
Captured
"Eragon, Saphira, what the hell were you thinking?" Nasuada yelled. "How dare you leave without permission to go to Ellesmera?"
I had to fulfill a promise. Eragon replied, looking down at the ground.
"We will finish this discussion later. I need you and Saphira to fly to Dras-Leona. Imperial forces have gathered and you must be there to fight."
So you yell at us and then order us to fly all the way to Leona Lake? Saphira asked teasingly.
"If the mission is successful, your punishment will be less severe. Now, you may have a few hours of sleep before you leave but I want you there by sundown of tomorrow."
Yes M'lady. Eragon said while attempting to bow. This however, proved impossible as he fell down and smacked his face on the floor. Saphira apparently found this highly amusing as low rumbles echoed from the bottom of her throat.
Dragons don't bow, little one. There is no one worthy enough for it.
With that, Saphira turned to leave and Eragon soon followed. Excitement filled through Eragon's body as he thought of sleeping with Saphira again. Wait, what am I saying?
Little one, this will be the first time I will be using you as a pillow and not the other way around. Saphira said, giving Eragon a playful nudge.
This action caused shivers to run down Eragon's skin underneath his scales. The fact that he would be sleeping with Saphira didn't bother him, he slept with her nearly every night, it was what Saphira wanted to do while they were alone. The female dragon sensed his worry and nuzzled his snout gently. Eragon, don't worry. I haven't even bitten your tail yet.
Thoughts filled Eragon's mind and he remembered what Oromis had told him about the behaviors of a dragon that had found its mate. The thought of mating Saphira didn't make him too thrilled.
After a few minutes of walking, they reached their room where they stayed before the Burning Plains. To Eragon's surprise, there was a large bed the size for several dragons to fit on. Saphira emitted a coo and jumped onto the soft mattress. Eragon…it is so comfy. Hurry up and get on!
Eager to try out his new sleeping place, Eragon hopped onto the white sheets and sunk into the warm blankets. You're right Saphira, but how did they know?
Suddenly, a bright light filled the room and Eragon's instincts took over. With one leap, he landed in front of Saphira and growled protectively.
As soon as the light cleared, Eragon saw that the figure was Aurora. He immediately let his guard down and stared curiously at her. Strangely, she said only two words: "You're welcome," before she disappeared.
So it must have been her who gave us this bed. Saphira said, still chuckling at Eragon's behavior. We'll have to thank her the next time we meet.
Why are you laughing? Eragon asked, slightly annoyed at Saphira's continued giggling.
Your protectiveness. She stated simply.
If he still had them, Eragon's eyebrows would have raised to his hairline. You would prefer me to leave you unguarded?
Of course not. It's just that you remind me of myself when you were a little one. A smiled formed at the very edges of his mouth as Eragon lay down. Well, I am tired, are you going to show me a good night's rest?
Eragon's smile widened and he curled around Saphira and pulled her against his underbelly. Why he was showing these affections for her he didn't know. All he knew was that his instincts told him to protect Saphira's life at all costs.
Only a few minutes later, Saphira fell asleep and Eragon soon followed. For the next 6 hours they laid like this, not to be disturbed.
It was now nearing dusk and Eragon had not woken. Saphira however, had been awake for a few minutes. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have prevented her from standing, but now Eragon was holding her in a position where she couldn't move her legs. This didn't bother her however. In fact, she actually enjoyed the experience. She had never felt so warm and comfortable.
A few minutes later, Eragon opened his eyes to find Saphira staring up at him. It's about time you woke up. We have to get going and I don't want to make Nasuada any angrier.
With a sigh, Eragon released Saphira and rolled over. Unfortunately he turned too far and he fell off the bed, creating a loud crashing noise on the ground which would have caused quite a commotion in the lower levels of the castle.
Eragon… Saphira said in an exasperated voice. Now we have to leave even sooner or we'll be yelled at again.
The black dragon didn't argue and shot out of the window that led to the open sky and was soon followed by Saphira. They hadn't used this opening the previous night due to their exhaustion.
Dras-Leona
The city was in total chaos. Imperial troops had attacked the previous night after hearing that some members of the varden were hiding there. Several hundred people were killed and the rest had fled to Helgrind. All that remained were a few captured rebels and several of Galbatorix's best generals.
"Y-you ambushed us!" One of the struggling rebels cried. "Then you sent a letter to draw the dragons here!"
"Yes, and we haven't gotten to the best part. As soon as the dragons arrive, we'll have captured them as well and all hope for your pathetic alliance will be crushed." The general with mad eyes said, spiting on the ground in front of them. "Don't worry you won't be there to see our capture."
Suddenly, several of the king's men raised their swords and brought them down on the rebel's necks, spilling blood all over the ground in the city. Now rather confused, one of the soldiers spoke up. "How are we to captured two dragons with only five men left?"
Without answering, the lead general pointed to two large spires that had nets running down the sides of them. Then at last he spoke. "As soon as our scaly friends arrive and attempt to land, we'll hit a trigger which will cause the nets to bring them down to the ground. I have orders to torture them as I wish as long as I don't fatally wound the female."
Several hours later
Eragon and Saphira were once again, exhausted. The day's flight without much sleep left them with little energy to fight. Eragon, how are we to fight with so little energy?
I hope our soldiers have already defeated many of the Empire's soldiers by the time we arrive. Eragon replied, now being able to see Dras-Leona in the distance. Within a few minutes, they were above the city.
It seems we've already won. Saphira acknowledged, noticing several people cheering below. Those men are with us.
Not bothering to sense for danger, the dragons descended. Suddenly, two nets shot out and bound Eragon and Saphira's wings together. They roared in agony but it was to no avail. With an enormous crunch, the dragons slammed into the ground and were quickly surrounded by the enemy soldiers.
Showing no mercy, the men began to stab the dragons in their vital areas with specially made daggers that were designed to penetrate dragon scales. If it weren't for a bright light, they would have been wounded to the point were they couldn't be healed.
The source of the light was a man standing on a large tower. With lightning fast speed, he jumped to the ground and killed the men with one blast of magic. Eragon and Saphira stared at the newcomer, not believing their eyes. In front of them…stood Galbatorix.