Chapter 29.2

I can't reach Tamli. I can't reach my partner and master. Who is it that is so foolish enough to divide us? I shall find them and tear them apart. No one separates us! I repeat, NO ONE!

Master? I call out but receive no reply.

I will find whoever did this to him and destroy them! That I vow upon my name as a Guardian! I land in the forest that surrounds Ellesmera and close my eyes, feeling the pain of hunger. It has been quite a while since I last ate something, but I will not leave Tamli here unprotected. A sudden muffled laugh from above catches my attention. I look up to see Vanir, the elf that I met with when I first came here.

Could my ideas about him becoming a Dragon Rider come true? I wonder as I place Tamli on the forest floor and remove his pack from his shoulders.

Eragon finally gave the thing back to me, after I vowed to turn him into a roasted cow if he didn't return the pack . . . . oh say right now! But he did finally give the brown pack to me and after fixing its tears, Tamli slipped in on his back and we have carried the four eggs in it ever since. I jump up to land beside Vanir and he moves over to give me some room.

"I see that you finally rejoined with your rider," he comments.

I nod and slide the four eggs out for him to touch.

I believe that you may be a good Dragon Rider, I growl softly as he views the four eggs.

"I shall touch them. However, I doubt that they will hatch for me," Vanir promises as his hands reach for the silver egg.

We shall see, I hum as he touches the silver egg.

No reply. He tries the blue and yellow eggs. Still no reply. He finally reaches for the blackened one. As he hands touch it, a sense of power and might races through me. He was meant to have this one. The egg rocks suddenly, sensing the presence of its future rider. Vanir grips the egg tightly and I watch as it begins to hatch.

My offspring shall have a life here after all, I think as I watch the egg crack and start to crumble away.

Finally the last remains of the blackened eggshell fall off and a young black dragon lays curled in Vanir's arms. I growl in pleasure and snake my head toward the youngling.

Be safe Eon, I mutter as I open my wings and tear myself from the branch.

"Lightscales, what is its name?" Vanir asks.

Eon, I reply as I grab Tamli between my front paws and continue our journey to the Crags of Tel'naeir, where Oromis and Glaedr await us.