Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. I was at Cedar Point for the past few days and we moved so I had to wait for internet connectivity.
Reborn, Chapter X
Reluctant Escape
It had been several hours since Saphira was brought back to Eragon and now she was finally starting to stir. The black dragon watched as her sapphire eyelids lifted and she began to move around.
E-Eragon…I'm sorry… Saphira's voice was feint and seemed to grow even quieter as she went on. I was foolish…
There was nothing you could do. Eragon said as he helped her to her feet. Did Morzan hurt you?
No…but he…he… It was if she didn't have the strength to go on.
Eragon didn't believe his thoughts at first but gradually began to understand what his father had done to her.
Oh Saphira…when did he do it?
Right after I entered the castle. He drug me into a dark room and then he…he… Once again she was unable to continue.
Do you know if he was successful or not? Eragon asked, wrapping his tail around hers comfortingly.
He…wasn't. Saphira said, not as upset as before. I would know by now if he was.
Well that's good news. At least you know he won't be the father to your hatchlings.
I glad that he isn't, because I intend for you to be the father to my little ones.
This answer slightly surprised Eragon but at the same time he was expecting it. I'm honored.
Suddenly, the sound of the iron bars clanking against each other caused the dragons to look away from each other and turn their attention towards the cell door. Thorn entered the chamber and was soon followed by Morzan.
Why did you bring him? Saphira growled angrily as she glared at Morzan.
You have to listen to me Saphira. This is Shruikan, not Morzan.
I'm sure it is.
Eragon was slightly amused at Saphira's behavior. He knew perfectly well that Thorn was telling the truth. The dragon in front of him sounded nothing like his father.
So I guess it is true. Female dragons are the most stubborn creatures to ever walk this land.
Saphira lunged at Shruikan with her claws outstretched and latched onto his leg. The black dragon roared in pain and quickly shook Saphira off.
Thorn shook his head wearily and looked back towards Eragon. We have to get you out of here before the king makes you swear to him.
I'm not leaving without Saphira. Eragon replied stubbornly.
If you don't, the varden will lose this war and we all will be forced to serve the king for the rest of our lives. We will take care of Saphira.
Eragon looked over at his mate and she nodded. Eragon, I will be fine. The only way to save me is to kill the king.
But…
No buts, Eragon. You will leave. I will wait until your return. Now go, or I'll make you leave.
How am I to escape?
Thorn didn't answer but walked over to the wall behind Eragon and pushed a brick with his snout. To Eragon's amazement, the wall swung open revealing a hole large enough for a dragon to squeeze through. Giving Saphira one last look, Eragon walked through the opening and launched himself into the sky.
As he disappeared into the distance Thorn shut the passageway and turned to the sapphire dragoness. Will you be okay by yourself?
Of course.
I must go, Murtagh is calling.
For the first time in a few minutes, Shruikan spoke up. I cannot remain with you either Saphira. Morzan is waking up from his nap and will take over my body again.
With that, the two dragons exited the room, leaving Saphira in the darkness.
Near Midnight:
"I shall remain here." The chief Urgal said. "Bring me the female."
The largest Urgal was surrounded by several hundred more. Behind them sat a large cage made of heavy logs.
"How are we to make sure the beast is asleep? This cage cannot hold a dragon."
"Use this." The chief said, handing his soldier a large spear with a liquid substance covering the tip. "Stab the monster with the spear and she'll be out for weeks, if not months."
"Will it be painful?"
"But of course. The blasted creature won't have a moment of peace until we give her the antidote. This will pay that tyrant king back for burning our land."
Without another word, the group of urgals marched towards Uru'bean. They easily killed the king's guards and headed to the lower chambers outside the city where they had seen the black dragon exit from hours earlier. With one huge push, the large cage was wheeled up to the castle wall. Another large contraption was also pushed up to the wall. This one had a large iron bar that was used to break down barriers.
"Now!"
With that, the huge iron bar was pulled back and pushed forward, smashing through the wall, exposing Saphira was awoken from her sleep. With one huge roar, Saphira took out ten of the urgals with a jet of flames. But it was too late. With one thrust of the spear, the lead Urgal stabbed Saphira through her neck, causing blood to spill out all over the floor. "Load her into the cage, her wound will heal on its own."
By the time the king's guards knew what had happened, Saphira and the urgals were long gone.
Ransom Note: If you ever want to see Saphira again, Review!!