Chapter 20

To pass time and to distract our fretful dragoness, I decided to see if Saphira could mind sense, or as I liked to call it 'Becoming one with the force'. Yea it isn't exactly like that but the elves' meditation is so similar it's creepy. We had to start small though, this close to the city and any of the magic users within could sense us. Instead I had her focus on our immediate area and shockingly, she was met with some success. It took her a bit to get her to lay still enough to concentrate but only after allowing her tail to swish back and forth in a slow rhythm, did she calm down. In hindsight it was a given, dragons were creatures of motion and to remain still would drive the most disciplined to madness so it was best to have some part in motion, thus her tail.

She managed to pick up on the various insects, small rodents and the flora around us but had trouble focusing on them. Still, I considered it a great start. I had taken my own project from my left saddlebag and resumed whittling the slab of wood, the head of an unfinished dragonling now free of its prison by the time night began to fall. Saphira came out of her meditation, her eyes focused in the direction of the city telling me she was talking to Eragon. Once she was done she looked at me, grinning. "Eragon and Brom are drinking, and they plan to spend time here gathering information on the happenings and supply lines of the Empire. I will not envy them in the morning."

I grinned as well, thinking of the perfect way to wake them in the morning, but for now, I bowed my head and unfurled a wing towards the now empty lake. "Aye and in the meantime, fancy a night time swim?"

With a happy nod from her as my answer, we waded out into the cold water, leaving a self sustainable golem on the shore to keep me connected to the ground and on guard for anyone getting close enough to spot us.

The next morning.

"GOOOOD MORNING Alagaësia! TODAYS WEATHER IS LOOKING TO BE GLOOMY, NASTY, WITH AN OVERCAST OF DEPRESSION. FOR THOSE FOLKS CALLING DRAS LEONA HOME THAT IS!" I bellowed directly into the minds of both Brom and Eragon, grinning as I sensed Brown writhe then fall out of the bed, tangled in the covers while Eragon was curled up in a tight ball, holding his hands over his ears. Like that was going to stop me.

"NOW ONTO THE TRAFFIC REPORT! IT SEEMS THE EAST AND SOUTH GATE ARE CLOGGED WITH IMMIGRANTS AND TRADERS AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MERCHANT WAGON LEAVING NORTHBOUND HOLDING THE FLOW BACK DUE TO A BROKEN WAGON WHEEL."

"I swear I'm going to skin and flay you, you overgrown bastard of a lizard! Then use that hide for new boots!" Brom roared mentally back at me though his groans of pain told me he regretted it instantly.

Eragon just groaned until my mental voice stopped ringing in his head. "Was that really needed Wrathion? Have some mercy will you?"

I snorted with my real self while my mental image turned stern. "Mercy?" I made sure both of them could hear me. "I'm not the ones who decided to drink themselves into a stupor in the middle of an enemy city! A few drinks was permissible but your lack of restraint is troublesome. Where was your common sense? No, I think my point is made. Do show more care when out poking your nose in the fire, will you? My protection isn't instantaneous and I would rather not set off my power in such small places."

I remained connected to the two until I got their reluctant agreement then severed connection. The draconic laughter made me turn to face the laughing 'ness. "What?"

She shook her head. And I realized she wasn't the only one laughing in my head. "It's amusing listening to you scolding them like unruly hatchlings. Eragon I can understand, but Brom too? And their reactions!" Her laughter renewed and I just sighed and shook my head.

"Indeed fledgling, little Brom feels embarrassed to be chided like that. You reminded him of the days when one of the elders caught him doing something." I rolled my eyes and sat down, waiting for the blue 'ness to settle down. I decided to split the day. Mornings would be reading lessons with books I remember with her new mental meditation in the afternoon.

"Are you done yet?" Another draconic giggle and she nodded, smiling up at me and her eyes sparkling. With another shake of my head and a clearing of my mental throat, I broadened my connection to her and my still amused mentor and dredged up another of my favorite stories. I passed my mentor the archive of "The Hobbit" and focused on the first of the "Lord of The Rings" with my unofficial student. "Now, let's give you a challenge. From the start and take your time…"

By the time it came to take a break, both 'nesses had made great progress. Fiori had just finished her fourth chapter and Saphira was starting her third. Fiori was enjoying it so much I mind transferred the entire thing to her for her to enjoy herself. My blue companion who had somehow managed to tuck herself under my right wing, was only slowed down by stopping to ask what certain things were.

Once she had settled into her meditation, I briefly checked in on our humans, quite enjoying a moment of Brom the bard before moving on to Eragon and his somewhat inconspicuous queries before resuming my new favorite hobby.

I quit when the sun started to set, and I admired my progress. The front legs were now freed, bent with the front claws close together as if holding something between them. Wiping the thing free of shavings, I put it away and nudged the dragoness gently out of her trance with a wing. It took her a moment to fully return to herself then a moment more for her to gather her thoughts to report her progress, all while stretching her sleeping limbs. Again, right in front of me. I huffed embers and turned to look out across the lake, watching the fishermen return to shore until she was done. Not as much progress was made there but was to be expected, this was only her second try at it. We went for our swim, keeping it brief this time because a merchant train was camped on the far bank.

I halted the lessons the next day and paced restlessly as my wolven glamour. Today was the second day of our visit. Even if it was two days early, I still sensed the monsters there in the city and knew what happened. My pace came to a halt when Saphira leapt in front of me, worry marring her beautiful face.

I was so distracted that I failed to hear her or Fiori in my mind.

"Wrath! What is wrong?! You've never acted like this!"

"Fledgling?! What is causing you so much stress? Please calm down!"

I finally sat down and took a deep breath, Saphira quickly leaping aside just as a small jet of flames were released from my nose as I breathed out.

"Feel better, young one?"

"Wrath?"

I nodded to the Dragoness looking up at me while I sent my gratitude to my teacher. "Sorry, I sensed them, they are there, in the city, they are looking for something." I quickly grabbed Saphira as she was about to leap skyward. "Wait Saph, you'd only make it worse.!"

"B-but!"

"Do you trust me, Saph?" I had gently grabbed her head and held her still, my eyes locked on her. She returned my gaze with her fear filled one, but she gave me a pulse of acceptance.

"I am tracking them and our human friends and right now they seem to not know our friends are there, but if you were to show up then they may realize why. Trust me to keep them safe." I heard Fiori reach out to Brom and received his thanks for the warning. From there we made sure we had all of our stuff, well me anyways, and we were ready to move if we had to. I grew tenser as time passed, The Ra'zac were at the castle, Brom was heading back to the Inn from the docks and Eragon.. was at the cathedral, I felt with dread as he entered and the monsters immediately headed straight towards it as well. Are there wards that alert others of trespassers? Are worshippers marked with a spell that lets them enter without triggering the wards? I reached out first to Brom, telling him. "Eragon triggered a ward that alerted the Ra'zac and they are going in his direction. Get your stuff, pay for your room and leave calmly to this location, I'll direct Eragon to you and then create an exit." I felt his acknowledgement and focused back on Eragon.

"Eragon."

"Wrathion! The Ra'zac is here! Warn Brom!"

"Already done and he's headed to a meetup point, I need you to flee. There should be a door recessed in a vestibule to the left of the altar. Go now, do not stop, destroy the door and go down the hall. Once out, do not look back and make your way to the south wall in the garden, I'll help you scale the wall."

"Wrathion?"

"Do not question! Go! NOW!"

At my command, the stone flooring became airborne, distracting them while Eragon ran like his life depended on it. To make it easier, I had the stone archways swell, jamming the doors within shut and sent an earth lance to shatter the one towards the garden. The demons were on his tail but I made it difficult for them by loosening the parts of the floor they stepped on, and making them stumble. As soon as Eragon was free, I had a stone pillar rise up and seal the open door all the while forming ledges scaling the southern wall.

"CLIMB! They will lose precious moments trying to track your scent!"

He never replied, simply doing as he was told. Once over I turned the wall back to normal then directed him to brom while I tracked the platoon of guards massing in front of all the outer gates, the fools, like it matters. As soon as Eragon joined Brom, I had the outerwall they were next to recede, giving just an opening for them and their horses to squeeze through just in single file. After closing the wall again I told them to gallop Straight then swing wide. I ignored the feeling of my legs buckling and dropping me to the ground and Saphira cries to finish. Expelling more of my power, I made the soil of the forest next to the wall bubble and roil at least 25 feet in a semicircle from the entire wall, burying any traces of their scent and hoping the gust that was blowing would deal with the airborne one. Satisfied, I focused back on myself to find my blurry vision taken up by twin pools of Sapphire blue.

"Wrath?"

A smile spread on my paler muzzle, and I gently booped her nose with my own since my limbs refused to respond. The tiredness lasted only a moment until energy began to flow into me and a spectral presence enveloped me and my mind.

"Thank you master."

"I am alright Saphira and they got away. Phew, never used so many spells, so quick and so precisely. Give me a moment, I need to start replenishing my core. That just about depleted me."

Fiori kept feeding me energy until my limbs stopped shaking and started to respond again then it was replaced with a flood of pride and happiness.

"I am so proud of you, young one. You acted quickly and once more outsmarted those accursed things. Rest, I can take over with tracking our friends, they are riding hard to us, I am leading Brom."

I sighed and laid my head down on my blue forelegs… wait.. Looking down, I saw they were indeed blue.. And was a fraction of my own front limbs to be mine. I turned my head, looking up at Saphira who was looking down at me. "Saph?"

"Hush and rest, I am talking to Eragon and Brom, they'll be here soon." I snorted black smoke, it seems I was weaker than I thought if I couldn't generate my flame. "Fine, but this was your Idea so don't get grumpy about it later." I felt her nip my horn as my eyes closed, but I didn't dare succumb to sleep, I was still tracking the Demons. Right now they were running all over the city. I was glad I flipped the cobblestones Eragon walked on, it threw them further off. That's right you twisted insects, you're facing a true apex predator… and a real monster. A big part of me took great satisfaction in their frustration, I only wish I could watch them scurry about.

I guess I lost track of time because next thing I knew, Brom and Eragon were kneeling by my head, looking impressed, grateful, and worried all mixed together.

"How are you feeling Wrathion? I suppose this is what happens when you use so much of your special magic? Think you'd be up to travel?"

I just glanced up at him, then with a flair, my wolf glamour was back in place, I then pushed myself to my feet, Looking down at them. "I can move, but I think I should hold off on flight, and yes. Use too much, too quick and I can become defenseless. You would be pleased to know the so-called hunters are still running around the city. Since you were never spotted near any of the gates, the entire city thinks you're hiding within. I suggest we take advantage of this."

"Aye, think you can keep a galloping pace? Saphira, keep an eye out from High will you? Eragon go with her, those mounts of the Ra'zac could be near and with Wrathion weakened, that'll be bad for us." I gave Brom a nod then grimaced. Now who's slipping? I completely forgot about them and as long as they are airborne, I will not sense them. With that sorted, Brom lashed Cadoc behind Snowfire and went south at a gallop with me close behind. The bells of alarm dwindled behind us and soon the lake and the forest did as well. Eragon and Saphira were forced to land thanks to a lightning storm and powerful winds. Our speed had to slow due to Saphira who was unaccustomed to ground travel. We were slowed even further by the wind throwing dirt and debris in our faces. We decided to make shelter behind some boulders. In all, Dread started to form. We were at and left Dras Leona two days early, so why didn't we beat the storm? My only thought, and it worried me, was the storm wasn't natural… and only one being could generate it. But did that mean He did the same in the book? If so then it meant to only slow us.. And not find us. I could deal with that.

"How did they find us?" Eragon asked, his voice bitter.

"They had no idea you were there, the entire time I felt them around the palace, no doubt to keep the lord there for the traitor's visit, and yes I did pay attention to your findings. My guess is that there are wards on that accursed church of theirs and only patrons and members have a bypass spell to not trigger it, Eragon didn't. I felt them move for it the instant he opened the door and stepped inside." The young man's shoulders slumped and stared into the night with a desolate expression.

"So it was my fault? My stupid curiosity."

I nudged him with my disguised snout "No one knew of it beforehand, It could be someone saw you enter and yelled 'Infidel' for all we know. Let's try to rest, I need to hunt and Saphira is too tired to do so, so I'll find something for us both."

She looked gratefully at me and when Brom nodded to me, I padded quietly into the night. I was being paranoid again but I kept my focus on our area. But nothing happened, nor could I find anything more than rabbit warrens and a few fox dens. They weren't much but they had to do. Because I was saving the little power I had left, I had to dig them up the old fashioned way. It made me glad I was a dragon because this stone would of been impossible otherwise. I was at my fifth warren when I heard Saphira's distant roar and her mental cry.

"Wrathion! They found us! The demons are here!"

Well crap.

"Calm Saphira, do as they want, I am coming."

Leaving behind the pile of rabbits I had gathered, I loped back to the camp. I must still be tired, I should have sensed them as soon as their feet hit the ground. Speaking of, they were near the bags, going through them and were well away from the three.. I also sensed a fourth person, ah Murtagh. Quickly two mounds of quartz erupted from the ground, encasing Brom and Eragon in one, and Saphira in the other. I then made air holes on the sides hidden from the Ra'zac' view so they didn't suffocate.

The Monsters were frantic.

"How is thisss possible?! We drugged you! You shouldn't be able to cast spellssss!" The biggest one raged, slamming its fists against the one covering the humans who were grinning smugly at them and their effort. A downside to this form of protection, I felt every blow and they had some power, too bad I was stronger. I padded into the light of the fire they made, growling. The sound making them freeze and turn slowly around. The smaller one quietly clicked to the bigger and got behind it. "A wolf from the big mountainsss? Are you a pet?" the smaller one pointed behind me and it chittered faster "I ssssee, we saw your printss at the boy'sss farm. Why is he traveling with the killer of hisss uncle? We curssed you then for taking our kill big wolf. You jussst a stupid beast but your death will make usss happy, yess" We were circling each other during the thing's conversation until I got between them and the humans and stopped growling, getting out of my combat stance and tilting my head first one way, then the next. The laughter of the two twisted even my stomach and that was impressive considering the gruesome things I've done. "Yess such a stupid animal. Looks like these humans broke your ssspirit" Their laughter renewed when I lifted my right hind paw, probably thought i was going to mark the dome, stupid insects. I waited just for them to see my own feral grin, the runes bleeding through and appearing on my wolf glamour and the wisps of ethereal flames seeping from my eyes before I slammed my back paw back down. Instantly two pillars rocketed out of the ground and collided with their chests. I distinctly heard the crunch of chitin and the wheeze of them losing their breath. What I'll never forget was their expressions when they realized right then, who was behind Dras Leona and the protection of their quarry as they shot high and out to the night and possibly to their near deaths. I kept my senses focused in the direction and waited. One click, two click, three, four ah there they are finally thudded down, barely alive though. I willed some stone to flow over them and pin them to the ground. Let 'em lay there and enjoy the sun in all its glory for a day.. Or three.

Giving a snort I turned back to my companions and dropped the protection, making my way to Saphira to free her. On the way, I flicked my tail, cutting Brom free with the hidden tip, hearing him groan as he got back on his feet and hollered his thanks before working at Eragon's. I slashed at the chains holding her, my earth strengthened talons cutting through them as if they were made of paper then ripped the muzzle from her. The instant she was free, she leapt at me, hugging, and nuzzling. I could feel how bad she was shivering and hesitantly returned the hug. While I was preoccupied, I huffed at the grins both Eragon and Brom were giving me. "I heard they gave you some sort of magic suppression drug? Any idea how long it lasts?"

Brom just shrugged "Really depends on the person who drank it. Anywhere from four to twelve hours is the best guess, less for me since this isn't my first experience with it."

I nodded and pointed towards the bushes furthest away from us. "What do you want to do with your want-to-be-savior over there?"

Brom and Eragon looked in the direction. "What? You, hiding in the bushes, our friend knows you're there! After seeing what he can do, you know you can't hide. Come out!"

At first I thought he was going to stay there, but eventually he stood and shuffled out, the bow he had drawn earlier was slung over him as he shuffled into the firelight, his face looking down at the ground. then he stopped at the edge, fidgeting on his feet awkwardly.

"Well?" Brom asked after letting silence fall for a moment.

"Lift your head boy, let us see your face, our friend says you were about to jump in and fight those Ra'zac."

The young man figeted a bit more before slowly raising his head, his expression seemed resigned to his fate.

After a sharp intake of breath, Brom roared.

"YOU?!"

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Saphira

The next morning, Saphira jolted awake once she felt Eragon regain consciousness. When she reached out to talk to him, a sea of grief crashed over her, but she pressed on.

"Oh little one… How are you feeling? You've been asleep for two days.

She felt his alarm before he got distracted by something.

Someone is talking to him now. She realized, and settled again to wait. Wholly relieved that her partner-of-her-heart-and-mind was awake again. He told her he'd join her once the sun began to set at the farm

"Be careful little one. We cannot stay here any longer. They've seen my tracks and will be sure to question you." With a final caress of his mind against hers, he reluctantly agreed then turned to prepare for their departure. When he next contacted her, he told her he'd been caught and needed help. "I am coming." She was in the air immediately and soon circling above two specks far below. Before she could start her descent however. A presence was asking for permission to enter her mind. Confused, thinking it was her rider, she allowed it but the voice was deeper and weary with age.

"Forgive the intrusion o' mighty dragon, but please grant me a moment to talk with your rider. I mean neither him or you any harm, if you remember, it was I who helped him."

"Are you the storyteller Brom?"

"Yes! You honor me by knowing my name, but I am more than a storyteller, I am a former rider as well who lost his dragon at the slaughter of Doru Araeba."

She was skeptical until he showed her memories of a large battle in the sky, dragon against dragon. She was watching from his point of view upon the back of a dragon of darker blue than herself. She was curious for more but he ended it there. "I would appreciate it if you kept my secret from your rider. I'll tell him when the time comes but until then I ask for your silence."

She grumbled, but eventually agreed and held herself high above.

A few minutes later she felt the familiar presence of her rider seeking out and his voice asking her to come.

"No, I think I will watch for a time."

"Why?"

"Because of the slaughter at Doru Araeba."

"What?"

Confusion filled Eragon's mind and she found it very amusing. Not long after, she felt the old one's mind seeking her and she let him in.

"Thank you for being patient with this old man, bjartskular, we've reached an agreement so you can land."

"Bjartskular?"

"It means 'brightscales' in the ancient language, fitting for someone as beautiful as you."

Pride filled her. Yes, it was perfect for her who outshone any gems or precious metals.

"Saphira?"

"Yes"

"Will you meet us at the farm?"

"Very well." She turned and returned to the meeting place once more. Really, why did he call anyway? He was in no trouble and surely he could beat the old man if he attacked, couldn't he? Yes because he was her rider and no one could stand against them… except maybe the king and his traitorous dragon. She had time to finish the kill she had abandoned earlier to answer her rider's call before the two humans reached the farm she was watching and took flight to leave the trees. Diving low to remain hidden from the village, she came to land gracefully in front of them. Saphira Looked at the older man carefully knowing now what she knew of him and her curiosity was mirrored by Brom. Although she didn't think she was leaking from her eyes or had a face full of awe. She noticed the man muttering and her rider getting closer but she paid no mind to it. Deeming herself satisfied, she approached with her partner-of-her-heart-and-mind passing Brom to meet her halfway with her pressing her snout against his chest and his arms wrapping her muzzle, hugging her. Giving off a loud hum when he began to rub her neck.

"He is the fourth human I've seen but I can see his age hides his strength." She commented to him, her eyes once more on Brom as he stared back.

"You've seen people through my eyes."

"It's not the same." Moving closer, she turned her head to look upon Brom with one large blue eye as she continued.

"You are really strange creatures" Ignoring the grin from her rider, she sniffed at the old man. Something about his scent was familiar but she couldn't tell. Noticing his hand reaching out, she lowered her head to let him touch her on her brow. The instant his palm touched her, she felt the same energy coming from a mark like her rider's, lending his story. A bolt of energy connected with her and she jerked her head back with a snort then retreated behind her partner, her tail flicking across the ground.

He asked her "what was it" but she ignored him.

"What's her name?"

"Saphira." A strange expression covered the old man's face as he ground the butt of his staff into the ground until his knuckles turned white.

"Of all the names you gave me, that was the only one that she liked. I think it fits her." Her rider added upon seeing his reaction.

"Fit it does." he murmured, then he righted himself and raised his voice.

"Greetings Saphira! It's truly a pleasure to officially meet you at last and it does these tired eyes some good to see such beauty in the world again." At the end he twisted his hand strangely and bowed towards her.

"I like him." She commented quietly.

"Of course you do; everyone enjoys flattery." He gave her a smile and a pat on the shoulder before making his way to the remains of his home with her and the older man following. The both sat in silence as Eragon dug around and eventually uncovered his quiver, bow, and backpack.

"What now?" Brom had asked, looking inquisitively at him with his sharp eyes.

"We find a place to hide for the night."

"Do you have somewhere in mind?"

"Yes" He wrapped all the supplies save for his bow into a tight bundle and motioned for Brom to follow him into the forest.

He glanced at her as they reached the treeline. "Saphira, do you mind following us in the air? Your tracks are easily seen and followed."

"Very well" She lept in the air and followed them to the hidden sanctuary amongst brambles and landed neatly beside them before curling herself up to rest. She watched them but her mind was anxious.

How am I to get them to follow me to meet Wrathion and Garrow? The trail is close to the main path Eragon wants to take but what can I say to get them to take it instead? Maybe I should just go and hope they follow?

The smell of meat cooking dragging her out of her thoughts, her tongue instinctively tasting the air and idly wondering why humans must ruin perfectly good meat.

'Speaking of meat, that hunk of a dragon would be nice to cuddle up to about now…' Saphira shook her head; she can not be thinking about that right now. She vaguely followed the conversation of her rider and the older human, watched as Brom pulled and unwrapped a crimson sword with matching blade then handed it to her rider.

"This was once a Rider's blade. When a Rider finished his training, the elves would present him with a sword. Do not ask me how they make them so, but every blade is eternally sharp and will never stain or rust. The custom was to have the blade's color match that of the Rider's dragon, but I think we can make an exception in this case. This particular sword's name was Zar'roc, and no, I do not know what it means. Her rider tried to give it back but the old one refused, stating it was his now then went on to explain how he could talk to her. That didn't matter, there was something about that sword that made her itch. She got to her paws and prowled over to her partner who pulled it out of its sheath again to show her. This close to it she could feel it. "It has power." She mentioned to him and touched the tip with her nose. The blade's iridescent color rippled as if water as it met her scales and she felt the power hidden within raging like a dragon itself. Saphira pulled her head away with a satisfied snort, watching the crimson color settle and still once more and she returned to where she was laying. She listened quietly to the conversation. Tensing when her rider's anger boiled over the link along with his rising voice.

"My uncle is dead because of this. DEAD! And not even by those things! Wolves got him Brom! A huge one! Those Ra'zac made us flee but left my uncle all alone."Eragon slumped his shoulders and heaved for breath as his anger gave way to his depression while Brom stiffened. "Wolves?! Was the village alerted? And what was this about a big one?" Eragon collapsed next to Saphira and she in turn, laid her head down with her muzzle in his lap. She hummed when he started to stroke the bridge of her snout and her eyeridges. "Saphira saw them first on one of her hunts and I told her to avoid their territory. After that we sort of forgot. I think I told Horst once. When we got back we found a lot of blood where the ground was covered with dozens of paw prints and a single set of prints larger than Saphira's. There we followed a bloody drag mark to the treeline… that's where we found what was left of him." Brom was muttering and cursing, perhaps thinking of possibilities but Eragon continued. "That's why I want answers, Saphira respects you and that is the only reason I've trusted you thus far, but no more, please explain."

Saphira watched him, intrigued by seeing a human blowing smoke like a dragon, the single eye facing him tracking the rings and watching them change color. "You've probably never realized, but I did have a life before coming here and becoming Carvahall's storyteller boy. What I did before is my own business until I feel ready to tell you. What I am offering you is my experience and knowledge to help you grow and survive on this quest of yours."

Her rider sighed and nodded. "Fine, we should probably get some sleep." Taking that in mind, Saphira curled around her rider and covered both of them with a wing as they entered the dream realm while Brom placed his bedroll by the fire.

Saphira woke the next morning when she felt her partner-of-her-heart stir. She heard his sniffles and cursing and it hurt her to know it was unnecessary.

"Oh little one…" She sent soothing thoughts to him and gradually he regained some control of himself, sending back his gratitude as she lifted her wing to let him go.

Brom looked up from where he was making breakfast and greeted Eragon who simply grunted his reply, tucking his cold fingers under his arms and crouched by the fire until their breakfast was done. They ate quickly before the food lost its warmth and when he'd finished, Eragon washed his bowl with snow then spread out the leather that he told her was to be her saddle.

"What are you going to do with that? We can't carry it with us"Brom had asked, watching from the other side of the fire.

"I'm going to make a saddle for Saphira."

"Hm, well dragons used to have two kinds of saddles. The first was hard and molded like a horse's. But those take time and tools which we have neither. The other was thin and lightly padded, nothing more than an extra layer between the Rider and dragon. Those were used whenever speed and flexibility were important although not as comfortable as the molded ones.

Eragon looked at the leather then Brom. "Do you know what they looked like?"

"Better, I can make one.

Saphira watched along with her rider as the old one slowly turned the hide into a saddle for her, with her assisting in making the holes needed and letting him measure her. While Brom was busy, Eragon fixed his pack and organized their meager supplies. It was dusk by the time Brom wearily placed the completed saddle on her and made any adjustments needed before taking it off again.

"You did a good job." Eragon stated and Brom smiled.

"One tries his best. It should serve you well with such sturdy leather."

"Are you going to try it out?" She asked while giving it a sniff and a nudge with her snout.

"Maybe tomorrow, it's too late now." He couldn't fully fool her though, she felt his reluctance and slight fear from their first and his injuries, and though it saddened her, She knew he'd come around eventually. They made and ate their dinner quickly then discussed what to do next. It was decided that the two humans would get burden beasts called horses and how to get them even though they were many times slower than her. Once they settled on what they wanted, they went to sleep while she watched, turning her head in the direction she knew Garrow and Wrathion were making their own camp. I hope tomorrow goes well…

With that final thought, she joined her companions in the dream realm.

The next day was windy, cloudy, and gray, fitting for the mood of her rider she thought as she watched him and the old one stir then have their morning meal. After Eragon and Brom saddled her and packed away what they didn't need, including his new sword, she spoke up.

"Wait."

She waited until they had stopped and turned towards her for she spoke to both.

"I… I know where the wolf is." Eragon wheeled around and grabbed her muzzle, pulling her head down so he could look into her eyes while Brom watched scowling. "Where, Saphira, where?!"

"I'll show you." Eragon nodded curtly and let go of her.

Brom grunted. "Are you sure this is wise? From Saphira's and your description, it isn't your typical wolf."

"Yes I'm sure. No matter the size, it is still a beast. Also it had a taste of man now so it must be put down before going after the village. Plus we have a dragon."

At that Brom just threw his hands up and both he and Eragon followed her directions to the old game trail on the other side of the village.

The old one decided to give Eragon his first lessons on history while walking down the trail with her padding behind. When they asked her why she wasn't in the air, she simply stated. "The wolf could see me in the air."

They were coming to a bend in the path when she felt a strong presence reach towards her and the deep smooth baritone she didn't know she missed until she heard it again asked her not to interfere, let the boy vent.

"Please do not harm him."

A rush of soothing feelings flowed from the concealed drake into her. "You have my word."

Even knowing he was there and he was on their side, Seeing the massive dragon disguised as a wolf sitting there still sent shivers of pleasure and fear through her. Saphira never took her eyes off of him until she heard Brom's exclamation of "A shrrgn!" Then all eyes went to him standing straighter than a tree. "A shrrgn.. They are cave wolves native to the Beors, why is one here in the Spine?!" She grew distracted though, when she felt anger start to build in her partner. Before anyone could react, he had grabbed Brom's sword and drew it from the sheath before charging at the disguised drake. Only thing holding her back was his word but she was still worried. And so she was relieved when all Wrathion did was lift a paw to stop her foolish rider's swing with his hidden claws. She then had to stifle a chuckle upon seeing both humans stare in shock. Their eyes widening still when he began to slowly push the sword down and away from them both. "Saphira, a little help!?"

"No, this is foolish."

He looked back over his shoulder, a look of surprise and hurt but his head whipped back to the wolf when Wrathion chose to speak out loud to them all.

Your partner, little rider, knows not to rush in before knowing whether or not your opponent is what they seem."

They all watched as he shook himself, The air surrounding him rippling as if it turned to water then fading, revealing him in all of his silvery scaled glory. Silence fell as those hypnotic eyes met Eragon and both looked down to see his talons, almost the same size of Brom's sword, locked with the blade. He immediately dropped it and hurried back to her side, which she was grateful for.

"For if you are wrong, it could cost you your life."

She felt the roar all the way in her bones and the heat from the flame he gave at the end. She also felt a primal part of her wanting to answer him.

'Perhaps while you travel with him, you could test him and show him what you know'

Saphira agreed, watching as her rider and Brom confronted Wrathion until Garrow stepped out. Her mind went over what tricks she could try on him while Eragon embraced his uncle, only to get a stern lecture about stealing once her and everyone else followed the bigger dragon further into the woods to set a final camp together. Eragon introduced her to his uncle, but they had to tell him they already met by accident after he passed out. He felt a little hurt that she didn't tell him but Garrow got him to see why secrecy was needed. Both her rider and his uncle chose to sleep against her side where her wing covered them while the old one chose to sleep by the fire where he could watch their newest companion when she slipped into sleep herself.

When she, her rider, and his uncle woke the next morning there was a distinct lack of a dragon. Her rising worry was halted when Brom spoke up.

"If you're looking for the other dragon, then he's out catching a replacement for the deer we ate. I don't trust him. He's far more intelligent than wild dragons should be."

"And how would you know what wild dragons are like, you senile fool?" Garrow asked, giving his own style of a scowl.

Brom was saved from responding when the rising sound of wings flapping drew closer and Wrathion's silvery bulk appeared overhead before coming to a hard landing that nearly knocked those standing off their feet. He wordlessly gave the deer in his jaws to her which she was immensely grateful for and the other on his back to the humans to gut. She paid no attention to their remarks on how he killed it, But everytime he spoke she couldn't help but hang on to every word and everytime she did, she was impressed with his intellect. After everything was packed again and ready, Everyone decided to accompany Garrow halfway back to the village. Reluctant goodbyes were given with Garrow telling her to watch his troublesome nephew. "I will, even if I have to tie him to my saddle."

Feeling excited to see more of the world she leapt skyward.

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A/N: So, holy crap I am so, Sooo sorry there hasn't been an update to this. I tried, really hard to make a straight catch up for our blue dragoness but by the time I reached the point I did here in her half, it was over 3300 words. That was when I realized how involved she was. With Wrathion I could skip over a bunch because he was meant to only observe and help out here and there, but Saphira was in the thick of it, she constantly conversed with her rider, now Wrathion, and also a bit with Brom. Long story short, she has a lot going on already. Add to it, I tried really hard not to straight up copy from the book so there are things I changed or added my own spin to.

Regardless, Here's something fresh! An action packed scene and a new companion!

I miiight make her portion more Event specific, moments I think matter for my story rather than a kinda copy from a different view.

BIIG thanks to Jordan213123 for fixing my oops's

And thank you Undead Night Fury for being the board which I could bounce Ideas off HAHA