Chapter 33: The Final Chaos Emerald
The flight to the island Vroengard was long. Sonic and the other dragon passed many mountains and cities in Alagaesia before they saw the Spine. The mountain region was vast, long and went across the entire west coast. Eragon looked down and saw the river that headed towards the ocean. A few hours later, they had passed over the Spine and saw the coastline.
Sonic roared and descended, skimming his claws across the water, which splashed a little as the dragon flew over it. He then flew higher and grinned, looking at Saphira.
How much longer until we reach Vroengard? he asked.
The female dragon thought about it. We should be there in a few hours, she told Sonic. The island is located off the coast of northern Alagaesia. You shall see it in the distance shortly.
Sonic nodded. Tails and Knuckles flapped their wings and flew beside him, growling a little. The two dragons roared happily and flew past Sonic, trying to turn this into a race. Sonic grinned and followed them at his top speed. Tails was shocked to see a blue blur of speed shoot past him, and saw Sonic in front of him. A grin appeared on his snout and he snorted.
This is a lot of fun, Tails told him. It's basically like our adventures at home; we're searching for the Chaos Emeralds and trying to defeat the villain but this time we're in different forms and in another land.
The blue dragon grinned also. They continued flying until the saw an island in the distance, and knew that it was Vroengard. Half an hour later, the island grew nearer until they could see it clearly, and started to descend. Sonic angled his wings and landed on hard granite. Tails, Knuckles and Saphira did also, and the four dragons folded their wings against their bodies and looked around.
"This is Vroengard," Eragon said. "It is home of Doru Araeba, the capital of the Dragon Riders. The ruins are not far from here but we should tread with caution; Shadow and Galbatorix could be lurking around anywhere."
Glaedr also told us that the Rock of Kuthian is here sealing the Vault of Souls, Sonic told him. I would like to visit there while we are here.
Eragon nodded. "I, too, am intrigued by it. Perhaps after we find the Chaos Emerald we should head over there."
Speaking of which, where is the Chaos Emerald? Sonic asked Knuckles.
The red dragon closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them. It is in Doru Araeba, he said. We should head there immediately.
Sonic and the other dragons nodded. They started walking, looking around the island. It was filled with sharp rocks and strange wildlife. Sonic's hunger grew and he snarled, seeing a deer a few feet from him. The dragon pounced on the animal, tearing it apart with his fangs. Once he had finished eating, he shared some with the others and rejoined the group.
A few minutes after the dragons had finished eating, Saphira let out a low growl and slumped to the ground, clutching her stomach. Sonic's eyes widened and ran over to her, lowering his head so that he was eyes level with the female dragon.
Saphira, are you okay? he asked.
The female dragon growled in pain. Sonic glanced at her stomach and saw a large bulge. His eyes widened.
Is that...an egg?
Saphira nodded. I'm pregnant, Sonic. I only found out recently but didn't know how to tell you.
A grin appeared on the dragon's face. That's amazing, Saphira! I'm so happy! When will you give birth?
One month from now, she said.
Sonic licked his mate happily, and Saphira licked him back. She stood up on all fours, grunting as she did so. Once she reached her full height, she started walking and they continued on.
Ten minutes later, the group had reached Doru Araeba. The capital was now in ruins; the buildings had crumbled to the ground, causing the dragons to walk around them. Knuckles scanned the ruins and saw a dark purple light in a corner. He walked over to it and saw that it was a Chaos Emerald.
We have found it, Knuckles said.
Eragon reached down and grabbed the purple emerald in his hand. Roars of pride could be heard as the dragons knew that their search was over. Before Eragon put it in his knapsack with the other emeralds, he heard a voice.
Very good, Eragon. Now turn around and hand the emerald to me.
The Dragon Rider turned around and gasped, along with the other dragons. Standing in front of them, exposing his sharp fangs and growling menacingly, was Shadow.