Chapter 6: Glaedr's Advice
The two dragons flew through the air, heading towards where Glaedr was. They angled their wings and descended into a large clearing in one area of the forest and landed. Eragon and Oromis got off of Saphira and stood in the clearing. Sonic landed beside her and waited.
"Glaedr, I must speak with you!" Oromis yelled. "It's extremely urgent."
They waited in silence for a few minutes, confident that Glaedr would show up. A gust of wind picked up and they heard the sound of flapping wings. Eragon and Oromis glanced up to see a gigantic golden dragon the same size as Sonic land in front of them. He bowed his head towards Oromis, who bowed in return. The dragon glanced around, finally fixing his gaze on the elf.
I have come just like you asked, he said in a deep booming voice. Tell me, Oromis, what is it that you need from me?
Oromis looked at the dragon. There has been a most interesting development, Glaedr. It seems that Eragon and Saphira have found another dragon.
Glaedr looked shocked. That is amazing! he exclaimed. Where is this dragon? I must see him.
Sonic walked forward so that Glaedr could see him and looked the golden dragon in the eye. I am the dragon, he said. My name is Sonic. it is nice to meet you, Glaedr.
Same to you, Glaedr told him. Tell me Sonic, Eragon and Saphira found you in the forest, did they not?
They did. I am here to help you all defeat Galbatorix.
Glaedr let out a snarl. That evil king has caused nothing but trouble since he took the throne. It is nice to find another ally. But I sense something about you...something different. I can sense that you are not a real dragon. Have you been transformed by magic?
Sonic was taken aback; he did not expect Glaedr to find out what he had been before his transformation. He growled and nodded. Angela summoned me here and transformed me into this new form. I was an anthropomorphic hedgehog from the planet Earth until I got to this land. This is also a permanent transformation, so I will be in this form forever.
Does it bother you that you can no longer return to your original form?
No, it does not, Sonic told him. I happen to like being a dragon; it is an entirely new perspective on life. The form that I have now is incredible.
Glaedr let out a prideful roar. A dragon is the most powerful species in Alagaesia, he told Sonic. You are wise to think of it as your true form. Now, let's get down to business. First of all, I am going to read your mind to look into your past. After I am done, I will tell you what needs to be done in order to overthrow the king. Do you have some questions about you new abilities?
Saphira already told me what abilities I have.
Good, Glaedr said. Prepare yourself as I enter your mind.
Sonic braced himself as the golden dragon started to read his mind. He roared in pain as he felt mental barriers being stripped away, leaving his mind vulnerable and open to attack. He then felt the golden dragon's presence enter his head, searching for memories and looking through them. After a few minutes, Glaedr withdrew his presence and restored Sonic's mental barriers. Sonic breathed heavily and glared at Glaedr, roaring at him menacingly.
What was that? Sonic roared at the golden dragon. It felt as if you were attacking my mind! I thought you were only going to read it and see my past!
The pain that you felt was me breaking the mental barriers in your head that were preventing me from reading your thoughts, Glaedr told him. Everyone has barriers in their mind; some are strong and some are weak. Yours, however, are stronger than mine. I had to push very hard to disable them and read your mind. If you do not have a strong willpower then anyone can break the barriers and have access to your mind. That is how Galbatorix is able to bend people and creatures to his will; by stripping away the barriers and leaving the mind to be searched through like an open book.
Sonic continued glaring at Glaedr. I will remember that. How will I know if someone is trying to break into my mind?
If someone breaks into your mind, you will experience the same exact pain you felt a moment ago, Glaedr told him. Now, try it on me.
The blue dragon snorted and closed his eyes, pushing his thoughts into Glaedr's head. Instead of prying all the way into his mind, Sonic felt resistance and tried to break down the mental shields but found that they were too strong. He withdrew his consciousness from Glaedr's mind instantly and looked at the golden dragon, who growled in annoyance.
I tried, Sonic said. But you have a much greater resistance.
That is because I am much more experienced at barring my mind, Glaedr told the blue dragon. You will gain more experience at this when you practice. He then projected his thoughts so that everyone could hear. But onto more important matters: Galbatorix. You will need the help of the Varden if we are going to defeat this tyrant once and for all.
Eragon nodded. "They have been helping us, and this war against the king is not yet over. Not to mention that Murtagh is now under the king's control. We should head there immediately."
"Glaedr and I will stay her until you return," Oromis said. "Be safe, Shurtugal."
Sonic looked at Eragon, who had gotten on Saphira's back and was ready to leave. What does Shurtugal mean?
It means Dragon Rider in the Ancient Language, Eragon told him. I will explain on the way.
Saphira looked at Sonic and the two dragons launched themselves off the ground and started to fly towards Farthen Dur.
When they were gone, Oromis looked at Glaedr. What did you think of Sonic? he asked.
Glaedr closed his eyes and lay down. He is an interesting dragon. I have a feeling he will turn the tide of this war.
Oromis watched the retreating dragons until they could no longer be seen. Let's hope you're right, he told Glaedr. Then he sighed and lay on the ground, wondering what this new dragon could do to help win the war against Galbatorix.