Hey guys, sorry again for the late update. I have just sorted out my internet problem and will try to update more often. :) I hope you all like chapter 16, it's a little rough, but I have to admit that some parts of it are slightly rushed, you can prpbably pick the parts. Well, hope you enjoy!!
Zyana woke early the next morning to hushed voices over the camp fire. She rolled over and instinctively reached for Ohrana, pulling her close when she was within arms reach. The dragon hummed softly at the contact then curled around her riders mind happily wishing her a good morning.
Good morning Ohrana. How did you sleep? Zyana replied, contentment running through the link they shared.
Alright I guess, for being outside. I miss the tent and your bed.
Zyana laughed inwardly. Yes, as do I, but the next time we will see my bed, you will be too big to even think about sitting on it without it breaking.
Ohrana gave the dragon equivalent of a shrug. I know it. But it doesn't matter because I will have Thorn, Saphira and Ilian. We will go on late night hunting trips and patrol the area at night practising flying and all the manoeuvres Thorn learned while he was with the King. She snorted at the mention of the empire and curled up tighter to her rider, falling silent. The voices around the fire were still talking, growing quieter as if they didn't want anyone to overhear. Even when she stretched her hearing to its absolute limits, Zyana couldn't even make out who the voices belonged to. She sighed and gave up trying when Ohrana began speaking again.
It is Eragon and Arya. They are discussing where to go next, much to Eragon's dislike. She chuckled. Zyana turned to face her, confused. Eragon is in love with Arya, Zyana. He would much rather be holding her close and saying again how much he cares for her. He has told her many times but has been rejected. I feel for him, he is absolutely tormented because he thinks she does not return his feelings.
Zyana stared at her dragon, amazed at how much knowledge she had about such things at such a young age, but was more startled by the revelation of her sisters suitor. Ohrana, sensing her riders confusion, smiled her large toothy dragon smile.
Dragons are wise beings, much wiser than humans or elves. We are born already knowing many things, but I still have much to learn. Zyana nodded quickly, and interrupted her before she could continue. How do you know what goes on in Eragon's mind?
It is not hard to see Zyana. Just look at the way he admires everything she does. Zyana rolled slightly closer to the fire so she could see them better and turned her head towards it to see the two figures hunched over on opposite sides. Arya was poking the fire while Eragon was watching her intently, his brown eyes boring into her longingly, seemingly unnoticed by the elf.
I see what you mean. But you said before, he thinks she does not feel the same. Does she?
Ohrana shrugged again. I am not certain, but from what I can see, she does return his feelings but does not yet know it herself. She turned to face her rider, opening one amethyst eye to look at her. It was sparkling with amusement and looked as if she was going to say something when she saw Arya coming towards them. She rolled her eye and closed it, her thoughts turning towards the other rider.
Wonderful. She comes to wake us. She said regretfully as Arya's footsteps came closer. Zyana sighed and sat up awkwardly before her sister reached them.
"Oh good, I see you are already awake. We must leave soon if we want to be out of the mountains by nightfall." She reached into her bag and pulled out the map.
"We are around here now, just near OrthÃad. We will cut through these mountains and head towards the Beartooth River which we will follow until we reach Tarnag. From there we will follow the river north until we reach here." She pointed to a fork in the river just on the edge of the mountains. "We'll camp there for the night and continue tomorrow. We should reach Du Weldenvarden by tomorrow night."
Zyana nodded in agreement then began in the direction of the campfire where Murtagh was groggily sipping a cup of hot water he had mixed with some herbs. She smiled and grabbed a handful of berries before taking a seat next to him. He turned to look at her briefly in greeting, then turned his attention back to the cup in his hands. They sat in silence watching Eragon and Arya talking quietly between themselves as they packed the saddle bags. Murtagh continued sipping his drink until there was none left and set his mug on the ground before breaking the silence.
"Did Arya tell you the plan?" He asked. Zyana nodded saying, "Yes, but I didn't think it would take this long to reach Du Weldenvarden. I know we are going this way because it is safer, but I find I'm growing impatient to see mother again." She laughed humourlessly.
"It's strange how you can go so long without seeing someone and not think twice about when you may see them again, if you ever do, but the second you are on your way every minute feels like an eternity."
She sighed and looked into the fire. Murtagh wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her close. "I know. But what lies at the end of the road is always worth the wait, even if it takes years to get there."
"Yes, it will be worth it. It has been worth it." Zyana said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Ever since I left the empire I have been so fortunate. I was reunited with my sister, the most amazing dragon hatched for me and now I am on my way home. I could ask for nothing more." She pulled away from him and turned to give him a warm smile. "Thank you so much for everything."
He returned the smile with just as much affection. "I should be thanking you. It is because of you we stand a chance in defeating the evil King, and it is because of you he will fall. Four riders against one, he doesn't stand a chance."
Zyana grinned at him and rested her head on his shoulder again. "That he doesn't. I wonder if he knows that they have hatched."
"It would not surprise me if he does. He seems to know everything that goes on in Alagaesia." Murtagh said. "He always knew when Thorn and I didn't finish a mission before we got back, but forced us to tell him anyway just so he could punish us more." He shuddered at the memory. Zyana lifted her head from his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug.
"I can't even begin to imagine how horrible it must have been for you and Thorn, knowing what was to come, but having no freedom to change it. You are so strong to have lasted that long under his power." Murtagh hugged her back amorously, smiling.
"It has been worth it though. The path was long, but I finally reached the Varden."
Zyana pulled away and smiled at him. "Once you reach the end, it makes all the potholes on the way seem completely insignificant."
"Now there's something that you're right about." Murtagh chuckled. "Doesn't happen very often though." She punched him on the shoulder affectionately. "We have been through this Murtagh, I am always right."
"Ouch!" Murtagh said rubbing his shoulder playfully. "That hurt!"
Zyana rolled her eyes. "You never cease to amaze me Murtagh. One minute you are a mighty warrior, then the next you cower when a girl hits you on the shoulder. Are you a man or mouse Murtagh?!"
Mouse. Thorn said quickly before Murtagh could answer. Both Zyana and Murtagh blushed slightly at being interrupted, not realising they were talking loud enough for the whole clearing to hear them. Thorn chuckled loudly at this and Murtagh rose and strode over to him, hiding his face from Zyana as he did so.
"What do you want Thorn?" He asked slightly irritated.
It is nearly time to leave. Don't worry, you will have plenty of time to argue with Zyana on the way. Thorn said, an amused expression on his face.
Ha ha. Very funny Thorn. Where is your saddle?
Over by the tree over there, but you better hurry, the sun is rising and if we want to put some distance behind us we need to start flying.
"Murtagh. Are you almost ready to leave?" Eragon called from where he was beginning to extinguish the flames of the campfire. "Yes Eragon, I just have to saddle Thorn then we will be ready."
"Alright. We leave in a few minutes. Try not to delay."
"We will be ready." Murtagh said as he grabbed Thorns saddle and began to put it on him. Once it was firmly attached to Murtagh's satisfaction, he turned his attention to the saddle bags and began refilling them with the supplies they would need to get across the desert.
I never liked flying over the desert. It is so desiccated and the air is so dry. Not to mention the wind storms. Thorn complained, shifting the saddle so it fit more comfortably.
We will only be crossing the shortest part of it. We will be at Du Weldenvarden by nightfall.
I know, but still feels like too long.
It is necessary Thorn.
I know that too, you don't have to remind me. How else do you expect to get to the elves? I'm just saying it is uncomfortable.
Yes, it is. There, you're saddle's ready. Murtagh said as he stood back to make sure he had not forgotten anything.
Hi Thorn! Chimed Ohrana's bell like voice from behind them. Murtagh turned and smiled at her as she glided towards them and landed gracefully at the red dragons feet. She was now the size of a large dog and reached Thorns knee, but still managed to make herself look larger then she was by holding her head high. Murtagh noted that she carried herself like a queen and suppressed his laughter at how fitting it was for her.
He heard Zyana's laughter from behind him and turned to see her beaming face, her eyes fixed on her dragon. "I wonder about her sometimes. She holds herself so proud all the time, like she expects all eyes to be on her whenever she enters a room. Kind of like..."
"A queen. Yeah, I've noticed too." Murtagh laughed.
"Right, a queen." Zyana agreed, her own laughter echoing throughout the clearing. She turned towards the dragons who appeared to be talking between themselves when Saphira and Ilian appeared, their scales gleaming wondrously in the early morning sunlight. The dragons greeted each other and resumed the conversation, leaving Murtagh and Zyana staring at them with curiosity.
"Dragons. I don't think I will ever understand all that goes on with them." Murtagh laughed. "Nor I. They are amazing creatures. I'm just looking forward to getting to know Ohrana." Zyana said, not taking her eyes from the small amethyst dragon whose eyes were shining excitedly.
"Are we all ready?" Came Eragon's voice from behind them.
"Aye. Are you?" Murtagh replied, suddenly eager to take to the skies. "Aye, Saphira and I are ready. Zyana? Arya?"
"We are both ready." Arya said as she made her way toward them, a small smile on her lips. Zyana looked at her questioningly, but Arya just shook her head and proceeded to mount Saphira.
"Alright then." Eragon said as he leapt into Saphira's saddle in front of Arya. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Murtagh said as he pulled Zyana into Thorns saddle behind him. Thorn and Saphira exchanged mischievous glances when their riders were seated, and leapt into the air with exhilaration, leaving the two hatchlings on the ground below them. All four riders gasped in surprise as a large gust of wind appeared out of seemingly nowhere, sending them lurching forward quickly, almost unseating them.
What are you doing? You left Ohrana and Ilian behind! Murtagh yelled at his dragon who chuckled in response. Murtagh, you fret too easily. They just wanted to practice taking off and ascending to large heights. Saphira and I are watching them closely. Do not panic.
Murtagh turned and saw Zyana's shocked expression, then looked below them where he saw two small figures flapping wildly. They appeared to be struggling slightly and Murtagh asked Thorn to descend, but he refused.
This is all a part of their training Murtagh, do not worry about them. Let their instincts take over and they will be fine.
Murtagh sighed and turned to look at Zyana. "Don't worry, Thorn is convinced nothing bad will happen to them. They are safer here than anywhere else."
"I know, I'm not worried. Ohrana is a strong dragon, even despite her size. Nothing will happen to her." Zyana smiled at him before looking down at the green and purple figures floating below them slowly. Another sudden burst of wind enveloped them, bringing the excited hatchlings surging upward, ecstatic chirps erupting from their mouths.
Arya! Oh, this is so much fun! I wish you could come and fly with me! Ilian projected his thoughts to everyone. Zyana turned towards the Sapphire dragon flying beside them and looked at her sister whose eyes were dancing with amusement. "We won't have to wait for too long, the next time we cross this path I will be on your back and Zyana on Ohrana's." She said smiling.
Ilian squeaked with happiness and flew alongside Saphira who pulled her jowls back, revealing her infamous toothy grin.
You still need to complete your training first, Ilian. It will be some time before we can even think of returning. She said, eyes shining brightly. I know Saphira, but I just can't wait to grow enough so I can. I am already getting better at flying and it won't be a problem soon. Ilian said as he attempted a back flip through the air, throwing himself off balance and falling a few feet below Saphira's underbelly.
Ohrana rolled her eyes at him and descended to his level, gliding beside him. Now really Ilian, you are such a show off. Here, let me help you. A large gust of wind appeared abruptly below them, sending them soaring through the clouds until they were level again with Thorn and Saphira.
I could have done it by myself Ohrana, I didn't need your help. Ilian said grudgingly, looking at the other hatchling angrily.
Oh really? It didn't look that way to me. You were struggling and you know it.
You wouldn't know if I was struggling. You didn't even look down!
Yes I did, and I saw your wings flapping uncontrollably. You weren't gaining any height at all!
Liar. Ilian said glaring at her.
How can you say that I am a liar?! You do not know what you are talking about hatchling!
You are the same age as me, so don't call me hatchling. And I know you are lying because you can't fly in a straight line and look down at the same time, and you were flying perfectly straight.
Ohrana's eyes flashed angrily and was about to say something else when both Thorn and Saphira yelled at them to stop.
These are times of war hatchlings, we do not make enemies of our allies. Thorn said, moving his gaze between the pair, making sure his message was getting through to them.
Yes, there is enough fighting going on as it is, we do not need to add to it. Now I think that is enough flying for now, get back into the saddles with your riders, but before you do, apologise to each other. Saphira said, her eyes dancing.
What? No way! Ilian protested, but when he saw Saphira blow a small puff of smoke out of her nose, he reluctantly succumbed.
Sorry Ohrana. He said quietly, averting everyone's gazes. Ohrana smiled, a look of triumph in her eyes, and landed back in the saddle her head high and proud. Apologise, Ohrana. Thorn said gently but sternly. The amethyst dragon looked like she was about to protest, but when she saw Saphira look at her with a fire in her eyes, she thought against it.
I'm sorry Ilian. You are not much of a show off and you didn't need my help. She said slowly, lowering her head, slightly deflated. Thorn and Saphira exchanged a quick look before turning their gazes forward and continued in silence. Ilian landed in Saphira's saddle and made himself comfortable in Arya's lap, shielding his head with his wing from the lecture he knew was coming.
What was that about Ilian, you and Ohrana are good friends.
The emerald dragon sighed and lifted his head slightly so he could look at his rider. I know, but I didn't need any help and she just assumed I was struggling. She didn't even look down and just wants to be in the spotlight all the time, not that it's hard for her. I know I'm just being foolish, but it is hard to prove myself in lessons when she is able to do so much that I can't.
You are just as strong as she is Ilian, and just as brave and courageous too. You do not need to be in competition with her, you are a team, and I know Thorn and Saphira are both impressed with your progress.
Ilian looked at his rider with one bright emerald eye. You really think so?
I know they do. You need to stop comparing yourself to Ohrana and worrying she is leaving you behind and focus on learning all Saphira and Thorn will teach you. We need all four of you if we want to stand a chance at dethroning the king, not just Ohrana. You are all equal, no matter where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and that is why he will fall when the final confrontation comes to pass.
Ilian rolled himself into a ball and made himself comfortable in Arya's trousers. You're right, and I will. This argument has already been forgotten. There is not much that will come between us, not even the King. I look forward to the day when he will fall.
As do I. Arya said pulling him closer, a small smile on her lips. And a day of good fortune it will be.
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