Chapter 9: The Meeting
Sonic walked back inside the Varden hideout where he saw Nasuada. She looked at him and smiled.
"Well, if it isn't the new dragon. I heard you battled Murtagh and Thorn," she said.
They escaped, Sonic growled. I wanted to go after them but Eragon stopped me.
Nasuada walked up to Sonic and chuckled. "I heard you're more used to taking action, and not waiting around. Don't worry, you'll get you chance. Speaking of which, there are a few things I've been meaning to ask you about your home planet. What did you do before you came here?"
The dragon sighed. I am from the planet Earth. My friends and I have been fighting a mad scientist, my archenemy Dr. Eggman. He is always coming up with plots to rule the world but I am always there to stop him. Some of my friends team up with me to defeat Eggman, and most of the time we win. However, he always comes back with a new plot, so I just do what I do best.
"How do you usually stop him?"
With my speed. I'm the fastest thing alive, and when I was a hedgehog, I could run faster than the speed of sound.
"That's...amazing. Do you still have your speed now that you're a dragon, or is it gone?" Nasuada asked.
Sonic shook his head. Angela told me that I still have my speed in this form, along with the powers of a dragon. She said that this transformation is permanent but I don't care. I actually like being a dragon; it's way past cool! This form that I have now is more powerful, and I have extra abilities then when I was a hedgehog. If Egghead saw this, he'd be freaked out!
Nasuada was about to say something else when Eragon walked over. "I see you two have been talking," he said, and looked at Sonic. The dragon nodded and bowed his head towards Eragon, allowing the Rider to stroke his muzzle. He let out a low snort and retracted his head, eying Eragon with curiosity.
I assume you have something to say? he asked.
Eragon nodded. Arya wants us to come to a meeting; she has a plan to infiltrate Galbatorix's castle. I will be there, along with Saphira. She wanted you and Nasuada to join her also.
Lead the way, Sonic said. He followed Eragon into the great hall and saw Arya and the rest of the Varden standing around a table. They looked up when they saw the dragon walk in and gasped in amazement. Eragon cleared his throat, causing everyone to look at him. When he had gotten their attention, he spoke in a loud, clear voice.
"I know that everyone is surprised by the appearance of this new dragon, so I would like to say a few words. His name is Sonic, and he has been sent here to help us defeat Galbatorix. You saw what he did in battle against Murtagh; he has proven himself to be a powerful ally during this war. I know that everyone here has been anxious to end it, and with Sonic here, we may have a chance at defeating Galbatorix once and for all. Before we begin this meeting, does anyone have any questions about Sonic and his abilities?"
The group looked at Eragon and said nothing. A few seconds later, King Orrin stood up. He gazed at Sonic in amazement and cleared his throat. "How confident are you in your abilities, Sonic?" he asked.
Let's just say that I never lose, Sonic said. Galbatorix wont know what hit him, just like a certain Egghead I know.
Orrin blinked. "I see. You have had experience fighting before, haven't you?"
Sonic nodded.
The king sat down, satisfied with Sonic's answer. The dragon looked around to see if there was anyone else with a question but no one stood up. He snorted with impatience and looked at Eragon, who took the hint that Sonic was ready for the meeting to start.
"I think we are ready to begin," the Dragon Rider said. Everyone took their seats and turned their attention to Eragon. He cleared his throat and began to speak. "Now, we have just been in a battle against Murtagh. He was obviously after Sonic, who fought him off. Unfortunately, our hideout has been compromised and we need to move to another location. Does anyone have good suggestions?"
The room was silent for a moment. A few minutes later, King Orrin stood up. "I think it would be wise, now that Galbatorix has discovered our location, that we move the Varden headquarters to Surda. The country would be an excellent location, and we will welcome you with open arms. Is that agreed upon?"
Nasuada stood up and nodded. "We shall move there as soon as possible, King Orrin. Now I believe that Arya has a plan concerning Eragon, Sonic, Saphira and herself. Could she please share that information?"
Everyone turned to Arya and she stood up. "Thank you, Nasuada," she said. "I have a plan that may work against Galbatorix. Eragon, Saphira, and Sonic and shall head to Uru'baen, attacking the castle and engaging him in battle."
How do we know that he will not be prepared? Saphira asked. Attacking him head-on is not as easy as you may think. Galbatorix has many guards along with Murtagh, Thorn and Shruikan. We would easily be outmatched against them.
Arya grinned. "This is why I will create a distraction. When Galbatorix learns of our move to Surda...and no doubt about it, he will know soon enough...he will most likely send one of his Dragon Rider minions to battle. This is when the three of you will go to Uru'baen and confront Galbatorix, possibly after the battle is over. Keep in mind that this will not happen for a while; I am still thinking about how Eragon, Saphira and Sonic will defeat him."
She looked at Eragon and the two dragons. The Rider had a thoughtful look on his face and then nodded. "That will work, but we should get prepared first. Do you want us to go see Oromis and ask him what we need to do? he could help us."
"Yes, that would be fine. We will be heading to Surda in two days; you'll meet us there, I presume?"
Eragon nodded and looked at Sonic. Ready to help us win this war?
You bet I am! Sonic said in a cocky voice. He walked outside, followed by Eragon and Saphira. The two dragons looked at each other fondly.
Oromis will help us, Saphira told Sonic. He has been Eragon's tutor for many months and is training him to be a better Rider. If anyone will know how to defeat Galbatorix, it will be him.
Well, let's go see him! Eragon said. He got on Saphira and sighed.
Saphira let out a loud roar, spread her wings, and rose in the air. Sonic followed her and the two dragons flew in the air, heading back to Ellesmera.