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Riohni stared, and he realized he could be discovered. He cloaked his mind and hid himself, making sure that the bright sunlight did not reflect off of his scales.

Saphira seemed to feel that a presence vanished, for she turned her head towards where he was.

Saphira turned back to Eragon, who was on the ground. They spoke for a bit.

Then Eragon left, and Saphira turned her head yet again in his direction.

Riohni put his head back in the cave, his mind racing. What would Saphira do if she found him here.

Then a fury overwhelmed caution. Who was she to enter HIS territory?

He felt Saphira come closer, and Riohni came out.

Saphira and him locked gazes, and even though she was older than he, he was still as big as her.

Riohni felt fury come in waves, and roared.

Saphira tried to contact him, but he didn't listen.

He charged. Saphira defended herself, and this became a battle worthy of any thing.

After ten minutes, Riohni stood there, his claws on her neck, growling.

Saphira then reacted.

Another ten minutes, and it was HE on the ground.

But then it just continued, until they were both circling each other, wary.

Saphira contacted him, and he listened. "Why are you fighting?"

Riohni growled and said, "This is MY territory! Who are you to ask me questions, Saphira?"

Saphira's eyes sparkled, and she replied, a bit angry, "How do you know my name, wild one?"

"I am no wild dragon!" Riohni did not know why he said it, but he did.

"Oh? So where is your rider?"

Riohni snorted and said, "Not here, but in Tronjheim."

Saphira seemed to tense. "Do you serve Galbatorix?"

Riohni snorted again. "Does nobody listen to the refugees? I am the orange dragon that attacks the fortress that guards the river mouth!"

Saphira seemed to laugh. "Well met. What is your name?"

"My name is Riohni, dragon of Satchiel."

"Satchiel?"

"Yes, my rider."

"So he lives in Farthen Dur?"

"No, he just went in. We were discovered."

"So you are hiding? Why don't you join the Varden?"

Riohni snorted yet again. "If they were interested in us, we let them have a chance in trying to convince us. It failed. Instead, they tried to capture us.

Saphira straightened. "But you mean no harm to the Varden?"

"No, I do not. The only one I wish to harm is Galbatorix. He has killed many. An eggbreaker."

"How do you know the story?"

"Satchiel told me."

Saphira relaxed. "We have no need to fight Silent Fury."

Riohni relaxed as well. "If you leave, you cannot tell anyone about me or Satchiel. Not even Eragon."

Saphira snorted. "Fine. But I told Eragon that I wish to stay in the wilds for a time. I also told him that he could seek me here."

Riohni looked at her, angry. "Told him that you wish to stay? WHY?!"

"Because I wondered why a presence so big vanished without a trace."

Riohni growled. "So it is my own fault that you are here."

Saphira laughed. "Yes, I suppose so."

Riohni said, "Well, as long as your here, might as well stay in the cave. I'll go seek another."

Saphira shook her head. "What would be the purpose? So long as I'm here, I might as well talk to you."

Riohni could feel loneliness wash away. "Fine."

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