Chapter 21.5

Next Morning after Yazuac

Saphira didn't sleep at all that night, her mind too busy rethinking everything she had done before learning Wrathion's secret and his reactions or lack thereof. When he had held her, like a human. Comforted her the morning after the storm like a human and his lack of fear of the storm. The signs were there but I just thought it was normal where he came from. She huffed. Well it was true. So involved was she, She only absent-mindedly greeted Wrathion when he returned as opposed to giving him her full attention. While on the move she'd often ask her partner about many human traditions for courtship but he often didn't know and when he asked, she only said she had chosen Wrathion as her desired mate but was unsure how to, making him frown at her obsession over the drake. Getting frustrated at the lack of answers she resolved then if she was ever allowed to be seen and wander a city, she'd ask the women there. With that thought, she let the worries drop from the forefront of her mind and once more enjoy her friends' company.

Teirm

Finally! Saphira settled on the cliff she found near the human city, Teirm, Brom had called it. She was especially proud of this spot because of the view. Down the tall cliff stretched a beautiful view. Wrathion and Brom called it a beach. After her usual insistence that her rider stays out of trouble, she took time to think about what all led them here, the end of the trail of their quarry, the discovery of that vile oil… which Wrathion saved her rider from. She stretched out in the sun, the stone warm against her belly. Now that she could take the time to, she thought of all the times that drake had acted the wisest of wise. There were the lessons and warnings of magic usage. He's knowledgeable of the ancient language, can sense intent, able to keep calm unless the time calls for blood. She remembered that embarrasing time at that one town, Daret? Where she worked herself into such a state that she nearly revealed herself… and injured innocents. If it wasn't for Wrathion stopping her, he even took an attack from her as if she did nothing! Then there was the moment he let her lay on his back and carried her without protest, even sang another song at her request. Remembering his soothing singing, the heat from his body, and every muscle working through his scales made her own flush with heat and her tail and wings twitch in pleasure. Speaking of Wrathion… she turned her head to watch him land, her saddle and his satchels grasped in his front claws. He placed them out of the way near the tree with care before landing himself and joining her at the cliff. She watched his muzzle from the corner of her eye, that gentle, warm smile he always seemed to wear was present and that mesmerizing gaze tracking the birds that flew over the big-water she was told was the sea. Due to how closely she was linked with her rider, it was easy for her to hear Wrathion's request of looking for an "Angela" to her partner. It confused them both that he'd known of someone there, but she had learned to trust him and so told her rider to please accept, which he did. Having the drake beside her left her feeling safe, more so, much to her shame, than with her partner. Even moments of silence like now felt right. Thinking of her desires and feelings made her look at herself back then. She knew she wanted him as a mate but as she thought back to the first time she decided, to now, her reasons had changed. Originally she felt he had to be her mate, simply for being male, but as he traveled with them. He saved all of them on many occasions, her more so, and acted with all their best interests in mind. Then there was the discovery of his secret. Even now she couldn't believe it, he had acted much more like a dragon than a human. No. She corrected herself. There were many times he acted respectfully, and thought first where a dragon would have acted first. She scoffed privately to herself, she certainly wouldn't have gotten away with slashing at his muzzle if he was truly a dragon. However he also didn't lack the ferocity of a dragon. She was pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of stone grating against stone and when looking at the source, she was surprised. There was a human like figure moving about and digging through Wrathion's bag while he laid there motionless and with his eyes closed. The thing pulled out the strange object she saw before, another square that was thinner and black, and a flattened white sphere. The thing proceeded to connect the white square and white squashed sphere to the black square with more strange thin ropes then seemed to fall apart and turn into dirt once it was done. When he opened his eyes, she couldn't stop herself, the questions just flowed from her mind in a rush. Her embarrassment rose when he chuckled and actually started to give her explanations, and even some examples. She followed his every word, only more sure that he was far more intelligent than she thought was possible. Having a sudden need to be at his side, she waited until he was done explaining then shuffled closer to him and then leaned against his side once she was close. She flashed him a smile when he looked down at her confused. She was taken aback when he snorted smoke in her direction before looking out to the water again.

He did it again! Ooh this is so confusing! Is he or is he not aware of what he's doing?

They stayed there listening to the sound of the crashing waves and the bird calls, watching the sunset until she heard Eragon's call. She sent him the mental image and soon he appeared on the beach below them.

"How am I supposed to get up there?"

"I can come down there to get you." She tilted her head, noting no one could see in this direction.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll just climb up"

She shook her head. "It's too dangerous."

"And you worry too much. Let me have some fun."

She just huffed and pulled her head back, glancing at Wrathion and giving a frustrated shake of her head. They both watched him make his way up, and when he came to a dead end, she let him hear her titter at his stumped expression. With a sigh he looked up at her.

"I could use some help"

"This is your own fault"

"Yes! I know. Are you going to get me down or not?"

"I am thinking about it."

"Saphira!"

"Oh, alright, stay there. Why are humans so impatient Wrathion?"

Eragon could hear a draconic laugh from somewhere on the cliff while he glared up at his grinning partner before she dived off to retrieve him. Once his feet were on the ground and she landed, they both watched as Wrathion excused himself and took to the air, leaving them on their own. She settled back down and Eragon sat next to her with his back against her side.

"Do you think this friend of Brom's is trustworthy?"

He shrugged. "They have a history." So she listened to all they did and what she overheard.

"Why does everyone need secrets? I feel like we're drowning in a sea of them, Is it too much to ask for honesty?"

She thought about the secrets she knew, those of Brom's past, those she felt belonging to her kin, and the one Wrathion confided in her to keep.

"Some secrets are meant to protect others… and some remain hidden in fear of being hated."

"Do you have secrets?"

"Yes, but many belong to others, and I couldn't say what they are without permission. That is another use for secrets, little one, as a test of trust."

They lapsed into silence with her rider stroking her neck making her hum.

"Are you and Wrathion getting along alright by yourselves? Not causing mischief? I know your feelings towards him so I hope you are careful."

Her heard turned towards him, her maw agape as her body heat rose. "Eragon!"

He only shrugged and grinned back. "I mean you have him and this secluded place all to yourselves."

She shook her head. "No, knowing exactly who Wrathion is, I will not push it. I can wait until he wants to. Until that moment I will enjoy his company. Maybe get him to sing some more."

Her rider frowned up at her as he considered her words.

"Did he tell you anything about himself? Brom and I have been puzzled about who he is."

"Better, he showed me all that he is, where he is from. The lands he once called home is almost like another world." Eragon laughed at that. "Well, just be careful with-" He paused briefly then got up. "What's that?" Turning her head, she saw that Eragon found the tiny music box of Wrathion's. "That is Wrathion's. It was a gift from the humans from his lands for his journey. I suggest not touching it. It is more fragile than glass and means a lot to him… I will not protect you from his wrath if you break it."

"But what is it?" He asked but ignored her warning and began to poke it.

"A music box that plays all kinds of music from his homeland. Stop poking it!"

He waved his other hand at her when suddenly sound started coming from it, making him jump back in fright.

"What did you do?!" She panicked and rushed over looking down at it.

"I don't know!" Eragon was looking around frantically, possibly for a certain drake to swoop down and deliver punishment when the voice, a female, started to sing a strange song.

You're so hypnotizing,

Could you be the devil? Could you be an angel?

Your touch, magnetizing,

Fells like I'm floating,

Leaves my body glowing

"Saphira! Help me! I don't want to die!"

She heard his pleas but only barely. She waved a paw in his direction. Her eyes staring down at the device. Even If she didn't know half the strange words being used, she still seemed to understand them.

You're from a whole other world,

A different dimension,

You open my eyes,

And I'm ready to go,

lead me into the light!

Some of the words she knew, but the feeling she was getting was the girl singing was in love with someone not from her world. Almost like… Her and Wrathion! Her eyes widened and she listened to the rest of the song. The device fell silent once the song ended and she heard her rider give a sigh of relief. "Finally, What kind of music was that! And what did some of those even mean?"

"I do not know, but I can ask Wrathion, he won't be too mad at me."

"Thanks Saphira, thought I was in trouble for a moment there!"

"Oh you are, little one. You ignored me when I told you to leave it alone, and Wrathion will be told."

She giggled at the strangled noise he made and gave him a nudge. "Climb on, It is late so I will help you down. You need to get back quickly." He took notice of the sun and swore, leaping to her back. It was a quick flight down and he took off at a run, giving a wave back at her. Once he was out of sight, she returned to the cliff to lay down and gaze up. Ever since that night when she had her view of the world shattered by Wrathion's knowledge, she found herself seeking out the stars. The lessons he imparted made her feel smaller than she ever felt before and it did a lot to temper the feeling that she was unconquerable.

The thud she'd come to know as Wrathion landing, made her divert her attention from the stars to the drake folding his wings then coming to lay next to her.

"Welcome back, did you enjoy your flight? You were gone for a while."

He chuckled.

"Indeed, I found a place where we could have fun tomorrow, we'll have to fly early though. How was your time with Eragon?"

She grumbled, telling him what her rider said, that they had to remain here for at least a week and that she just knew he'd find trouble or start it. She passed on Eragon's thoughts on Angela and their plans on tracking the Ra'zac, and silence fell after he made his own remarks.

"What does 'Extraterrestrial' mean?"

His reaction made her laugh as she explained what happened after he had left.

After he got done cursing his own stupidity, she listened avidly to his explanations. I knew it!

When she stated she didn't care, he called her "Saphy" again. At first she thought it was funny, but after hearing his reason, she came to like it.

" I… I wouldn't oppose it. I-it sounds nice and… I like it, Wrath."

The week was one of the best she ever had. She came to fall in love with the beach and had a great deal of fun with Wrath. He even agreed to teach her how to read and write in the common tongue and she, to her immense satisfaction, was learning a great deal quicker than her rider. Wrath never hesitated to point out various creatures, even that vile octopus that refused to let go of her face, no matter how much she thrashed about. She was let down somewhat when she found out the specific peculiar seashells she liked to admire were gone, but it was a minor loss to her. Not even the sight of the king's ship hunters spoiled her good mood. Many nights of star gazing, walks on the beach next to the drake she came to love seemed to be one big fantastical dream and hers came to end on the sixth day with Eragon's declaration.

"We leave tonight or tomorrow"

"This is unexpected, do be safe.. I'd hate for these people to face an enraged guardian, but knowing you and your luck I will not be surprised."

"Hey!"

"You know it to be true, little one."

"It'll be alright. Brom and I can use magic, and we're good fighters."

"If you say so, just be careful."

She felt his love pulse through their bond to her before he severed their connection. When the time came, Neither the stunning sunset or the comfort of Wrath could ease the worry she had and only when they safely reached the archives did she let herself relax. Wrathion, she couldn't be more grateful for the drake. He successfully distracted her by getting her to think of names for star clusters and talking of those from his world. The relaxed poster she gained disappeared from the mental shout of her rider and she proceeded to go off on him for scaring her out of her scales then for almost getting into trouble again.

Saphira soared high, performing loops, rolls, dives and spins for they were finally back on the path. There was a small part of her that was saddened to be leaving such a relaxing place but she took solace she could always return. Nowhere is out of reach when you have wings. Impatient she waited until her friends below were far out of sight of the city before diving for them, her sudden appearance spooking the horses.

"Come fly with me!"

Eragon gave a grin and wasted no time dismounting his horse and getting on her. No sooner had he gotten settled, did she leap back into the sky, giving a wild bugle as she eased into a backward loop and they didn't come down until it was noon for lunch. After the humans had eaten, Saphira had her saddle back on and was back in the air. This time with Wrath to keep her company.

Evening brought their first conflict since Yazuac. Saphira was out searching for prey when she received Eragon's distant pain.

"Eragon!"

"It's alright… did something stupid… fell… broke my wrist."

"I'm coming"

No-I can make it back. Trees too close for… wings."

She snorted and sent him an image of her tearing the forest apart then her plea for him to hurry.

She had just turned to head back to camp when her rider contacted her again with alarm in his mental shout.

"Saphira! Urgals! Keep Brom safe!"

She used the curse she heard Wrathion mutter and dropped right behind the old one, Wrapping her wings around him before he could utter a protest. Across from her, Wrath leapt to his feet and looked around, letting a threatening hiss to the night. Behind her, the foliage rustled and branches snapped. She immediately swung her tail in the direction and instantly she heard her foolish rider yell out.

"Stop. It's me!"

"Oops"

"Oops? You almost took my head off! Where's Brom?"

"I'm right here, tell this infernal dragon of yours to let me go! She won't listen to me."

"Let him go, didn't you tell him?!"

She sheepishly shook her head and released Brom, mortified that Wrath saw her mishap.

"No, you just told me to keep him safe."

The next few moments were a blur. Saphira was back in the air with Eragon and Brom pushing their beasts as far as they could and Wrathion kept pace in the rear as that giant wolf. She was sure they'd covered miles by now but she could still hear them coming. Soon Brom called for those on the ground, and went to see about Eragon's wrist. She would be amused to see Wrathion sprawled out on the ground, visibly panting, but now wasn't the time. She fretted about the enemies hunting them. Her flight jerked when Wrathion contacted her.

"Come get your damaged rider Saph, he cannot keep a faster pace with that injury."

She felt herself calm down and even smiled a little. If Wrath was willing to joke and feel at ease then she shouldn't worry too much. She landed close and Brom helped her rider into her saddle then strapped him in.

It hurt her to feel so much fear coming from her rider. His eyes wide as he stared at the old man.

"What about you?!"

She heard Wrath's reassurance and calm mind brushing against her partner's.

"I have his back, go and stay out of sight, I have a plan."

"Trust in Wrathion, Eragon. He won't let any harm come to Brom." She added once she was back in the air, her head down to track the others.

"It's not that I don't trust him Saphira, it's the problem of them getting overwhelmed that worries me." She snorted and shook her head.

"I do not think even the entire army of the Empire AND Urgals could overwhelm Wrathion."

Despite their position, she felt his amusement over their link. "Fallen hard for him have you? I didn't know dragon's did love. You act just like my cousin and Katrina, though I haven't seen any signs from Wrathion."

Her sadness bled over to him. "Saphira?"

"I am so confused by him.. He does things you expect mates to do… but it seems like he doesn't see those actions as such. Sometimes I worry He doesn't want me."

"Nonsense, look if you'd like, I can talk to him once we get out of this mess."

She sent her love and gratitude to him. "Thank you, little one… I'd like that."

Their moment was shattered when a horn went off right below them. As one they looked down to see Wrathion skid to a stop facing the way they came while Brom kept going. It wasn't long before the first of many Urgals came crashing out of the brush on horses.

Both Dragoness and rider cried out to him.

"Wrathion!"

The disguised drake's calm mind brushed against theirs and his relaxed voice laced with malice both calmed and terrified them.

"At ease you two, these are my prey and I can assure you, not a single one will get away from me. Watch if you wish but stay away lest you get caught in my trap as well. You'll need to go higher Saphira, I have no intention of playing around."

She immediately heeded his suggestion and they settled to circle overhead. Watching Wrathion's magic for the first time in action was a sight that Saphira knew she'd never forget, nor would her rider. There had to be a small horde down there, surrounding him, then walls rose all around, trapping them in a large circle, mounts and all. Both her and Eragon agreed that the Urgals never stood a chance. Wrathion sat there, just staring at what had to be the leader as lances of stone erupted from the ground and the walls as some tried to scale them. The slaughter was over in seconds, ending with Wrathion spinning in place and beheading the leader. Then Wrath leapt and hung in the air, it took the two watching a moment to realize he was flapping his invisible wings. Their amazement grew, when the ground within the trap suddenly acted like water, the center where Wrath had been sinking and all the ground within the wall, dirt, trees, corpses and weapons all converging onto the point then the walls themselves collapsed inwards. Once it all was over the area just appeared to be where the stone under the dirt was exposed instead of the tomb it was. They joined him on the ground when they saw him land. By the time they reached Brom by following Wrathion, they still hadn't found their voices. The cold detached way he reported their enemies' demise made them shudder and once more they were glad he was their friend as opposed to their enemy. The rest of the night was seen in silence.

For a time, the next morning was just as quiet until Wrathion spoke up, lightly chiding her and her rider for almost endangering themselves. Most was directed at her rider who recklessly stated he would've used magic. Even she was surprised but instead of letting Brom yell at him, Wrathion calmly explained and got her foolish rider to see reason. That then started the discussion about what Wrath did. To let him fully understand, Saphira shared what she saw with Brom. They spent much of the time trying to understand the explanation Wrathion gave them. Brom helped her take off her saddle then placed it on his horse after he helped her rider onto his.

Their group traveled far that day. Enough that everyone seemed tired, but her partner remained awake after the old man. He ran his good hand against her side as he made his way to the silhouette of their protector, giving her a smile and a wink when he saw her looking.

Is he really?! She quickly shut her eyes and calmed her breathing to appear to be asleep while she reached through her connection to Eragon until she could hear Wrath's mental voice and her partner's vocal one.

At first Eragon talked about missing home, and asked Wrath if he did, then Wrath mentioned the spell Brom told her rider about. After some quiet rushing and a struggle to uncork his waterskin, her rider tried it with Wrath watching over him.

Then he asked Wrath a question, she herself was scared to ask.

"Wrathion? If the king is dethroned and we gain peace… are you returning to your home?"

The drake's reply made it hard to keep her from crying out in happiness.

"No, I much prefer to stay here. I now have connections in this land. Beings I care for, while there I have no such reasons." "Care for? I bet it's mainly a certain blue dragoness."

She held his breath for his reply but when he did, the happy feeling left her.

"That would never work out regardless if it's true or not. She is a great friend just like you but I highly doubt it'll end up becoming anything more."

"Why not? I know she likes you, and I saw how you've been staring at her."

"She likes me because I'm the only free male. Remember… I practically grew up around humans, adopting your traditions as mine. That is unfortunately the same with relationships. Wild dragon my tail, I'm far too 'civil' to hold that title. A wild wouldn't be willing to hide, or carry things, or let anyone near them. They'd go where they'd wish, kill what'd they wish, and fight anyone who'd try to give them orders. Saphira is more wild than I and she's bonded to you."

"I do not really understand what the issue is."

"Humans do not court each other just because they are of different genders, they do it because they care for that person… or for power. And humans choose lifelong mates. Dragons do not. I spent seventeen years amongst humans Eragon, and barely two years as a true dragon, which I spent learning my powers and strengths and traveling with you. Your human traditions and values have been a part of my life since I entered this world. By now I could no more change my way of living to a dragon's, than you could."

She felt her rider's surprise at his age. She was surprised for other reasons. Is the eternal bonding the only thing keeping him from accepting her? She looked deep within herself at her feelings, at how she felt around him. Could she see herself being his only? Yes… yes It felt right to be only his and no one else's. Besides while dragons didn't choose to mate for life, it didn't mean they couldn't… right?

'It was rare but eternal mates did happen.' Saphira flinched from the unexpected contribution of that voice she associated with her ancestral instincts. Quickly she refocused on her rider's conversation in time for his question.

"But why not talk to her about it?"

"One, I have no idea how I feel about her right now. Two, we're in much too dangerous territory to be thinking about this. And three, I'm pretty sure you're as clueless about females as I am so don't go thinking you know how things work." Her rider must have made a face because the drake grunted and added.

"Fine, if we manage to get out of the kingdom then we'll have time to see."

Feeling hope for her chances growing, she let herself drift off to sleep when she felt her partner-of-her-heart laying next to her, giving him a final thought with all the love she could muster. "Thank you, my little one…"

Dras Leona

What a journey. Saphira thought, waking up and watching Brom and Eragon pack up their camp to enter the city. She turned to look out over the lake, a soft smile forming as she remembered the swim her and her partner took a few days ago and how she constantly splashed Wrath while he walked along the shore. Maybe now that they were here, he'd join her in the water. This part of their trip seemed to be the longest. The slow pace, the turning of the seasons, it all made time feel like it had slowed. She waited until they were about to leave then reached out to her rider.

"The two of you must be careful, You never know who are spies of the Empire"

"We'll do our best to remain inconspicuous."

She put a half-lidded eye level with him and didn't bother hiding her skepticism.

"Fine, 'I' will do my best to remain inconspicuous and out of trouble."

She blinked and withdrew. "I suppose that will be the best I will get from you."

Brom and Wrathion both chuckled as he threw up his hands in resignation. Then the drake came close to give his own advice to her rider.

"No matter what you may witness within those walls, remember, trying to fix how things are by yourself will often make the situation worse. To truly stop the things you will see, you'd have to stand with others. Now, off you go."

Saphira told her rider she agreed with Wrathion and he knew she was right.

"We'll leave the Empire soon, don't worry, I agree too. We cannot do things on our own. The Varden would be my choice, you with me Saphira?"

"Always Eragon."

Ending their conversation, she joined Wrath in watching the fishermen. Feeling a bit mischievous, she leaned her head over and bit his wing, knowing he'd lift it out of her reach. Just as she wanted, he instinctively raised the massive limb and seizing her chance, leaned against his side. He just chuckled, draping the wing over her and looked out at the humans in tiny boats fishing.

"Have you ever done something like that? Back when you were human I mean?"

"A few times. First was just for fun, then I had to do it for survival after my mother passed. There was this one place that made me feel so at peace. Heh, was there for three days and caught nothing then. I never had the patience to sit still and wait as a kid, but even if I didn't catch anything, I still had a lot of fun… times before everything came crashing down."

She looked up at him, a smile on his face but it didn't have his usual warmth. Feeling the need to do something, she rubbed her head against his neck, or what she could reach of it.

"Did you go with your mother?"

He shook his head and his answer confused her until he tried to describe what these "boy scouts" were. When he saw she still didn't understand, he offered to show her instead. She didn't hesitate to say she'd like that. Any chance to see his world and learn more about him. She watched from her mind's eye as his memories flowed into her. He took time to explain what everything was, their purpose, and how they worked. The one thing that got her attention were the covered sleep spaces and cloth mini homes he called "tents" and the large houses on wheels called "campers" or "arvees". The idea the humans of his world could take their homes with them intrigued her. She felt embarrassed for getting distracted and after an apology, focused on what he wanted her to. She cooed at the adorable little ones in their "uniforms" and even learned a few things on how to always know where she was, or how to heal just with what's around her. She giggled at how excited little Wrath was to learn how to fish. Even seeing his memories it was hard to imagine this adorable child was now the fierce drake next to her. Wrathion proved to her then that he had no heart when he showed her a delicious looking snack then shared the taste and smells with her! What was even worse was that he stated it wasn't possible to even make it in her world!

With a growl she decided to bite the next best thing, him. Clamping her jaws on his neck and releasing a few curses she heard from her companions… and secretly tasting him while she was at it.

Once she settled down she realized while she knew what he was like, she didn't know "who" he was, and after a moment watching the humans, she decided she would just ask.

"Wrath?"

"Hm?" She glanced up to see she had his attention then looked away, using a claw to pick at the dirt to ease her nervousness.

"I wanted to ask ages ago.. But I didn't know how to. But… Do you think I could know your original name? I… I just wanted to know, Wrathion isn't very human, not that it's a bad name, but it doesn't fit the human image you showed me, and I want to know you more."

When he fell silent, she chanced another look up and saw a frown on his muzzle, his eyes thoughtful.

"I understand if you don't want to tell me, I'm sorry for-" Her mental rambling got halted when she felt a talon touching her snout right between her nostrils making her scrunch her muzzle and she tried to see it.

"Jason. My old name was Jason Maxton."

Instantly she forgot about the offending talon and smiled up at him, happy that he trusted her that much.

Wrath decided then would be a good time for her to learn sensing a being's intention to pass time. At first she couldn't sit long enough to meditate without the need to move, then he suggested swishing her tail at a steady rhythm while keeping rest still and clearing her mind. She followed his advice, imagining her mental presence as a mist, slowly spreading out from her and gradually what seemed to be tiny lights began to appear. The amount of them had her reeling. Each of these are living things?! This is what Wrath sees every time he does this? How can he keep track?! She lost track of time so when Eragon's mental voice reached her, it gave her a fright.

"We're going to be here for a few days, but shouldn't be as long as Teirm. Brom wants to have time to only make sure any information we get is right. I'll talk to you in the morning. Right now I'm not thinking too clearly."

"You've been drinking… I won't envy you in the morning."

"No," he groaned. "But Brom will. He drank twice as much as I did."

She withdrew to let him regret his choice on his own and grinned at Wrath who was watching her.

"Eragon and Brom were 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."

He grinned as well then dipped his head, stretching a wing out to the now empty lake. "Aye and in the meantime, fancy a night time swim?" She gave him a happy nod and join him at his side to wade into the water.

The next morning, Saphira was laying on the ground, laughing as Wrath took it upon himself to wake their inebriated companions with a grin on his muzzle, and once he was sure they were, he switched to scolding them which made her renew her laughing fit. When she saw him looking at her and asked "What?"

She shook her head. "It's amusing listening to you scold them like unruly hatchlings. Eragon I can understand, but Brom too? And their reactions!" A fresh set of giggles hit her at remembering. "Are you done yet?" Finally getting control of herself, she gave a nod and he started her reading lesson. The mental book he gave her today had no pictures and more words. He said it was called "The Lord of the Rings" and there were three.

"Now, let's give you a challenge. From the start and take your time…"

She felt she did well by the time he called the lesson to an end and after a break to get a drink from the lake, She settled into her meditation, determined to get better at it.

To some degree, she did, the pride he felt that night when she came out of her trance and told him what she learned made all the effort worth it.

Their nightly swim had to be short, but being able to sleep curled against his side more than made up for it.

The next day was a disaster. Wrathion woke her with his pacing and once she found out why, she had to restrain herself from flying to the city and grabbing their friends.

The Demons were there.

Wrath went into what he jokingly called his "sensor mode" whatever that was, where he dedicated all his mental prowess on observing. Something had to have happened, She started to hear bells going then Wrathion stiffened. To her shock, his scales started to dull then fade, his strong legs began to wobble then collapsed under his weight. When she reached out to Eragon, she found he was in trouble yet again. Suppressing a growl, she looked through her rider's eyes and the amount of things that could only be Wrath's doing amazed her. Finally they were out of the city and after sending Eragon a scolding and an image of where they were, she refocused on the collapsed drake at her side who looked more white than silver now. She released a breath she didn't know she had held when he reassured her everything was ok and he simply needed a little rest. Rest he got when she subtly angled his drooping head onto her front limbs, he didn't fit and was a bit heavy but she didn't care.

The moment Brom and Eragon made it to them, everyone left quickly. With her rider on her back, she was once more their eyes but it didn't last for long. A strange storm hit them unexpectedly and forced her to land. That moment was one of the worst for her, she wasn't used to traveling on the ground for long distances. Their group were forced to take shelter behind some large rocks and Wrath, appearing much better than her now, went out to hunt for them both. He was gone for a while now when she saw Eragon get up and stare into the night. At first Saphira thought Wrath was back, but then something came out of the dark and hit the back of Eragon's head and she roared in anger. Before her rider hit the ground, one of the monsters was there, a dagger to his throat. There was another thud and Brom was out with the second next to him. She started for the one that had her rider but it pressed the blade closer.

"Easssy dragon, wouldn't want thisss blade to slip."

She growled but laid down, she didn't want to give them an excuse.

"Yesss good dragon. You will ssstay still while we put these chains on you, yess?" She growled, watching them tie up the humans, the one that was near Brom approaching her with thick chains and a muzzle.

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

Her fear eased when he instantly responded.

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

Feeling reassured, she laid her head down, letting the Ra'zac put the muzzle on and start to bind her wings and legs.

"That'sss it." She growled when they shoved some kind of liquid down the throat of both humans. At first she worried it was that vile oil but when neither looked in pain, she relaxed. She had no choice but to watch the creatures go through Eragon and Brom's bags. Slowly she began to worry that Wrathion wasn't going to get back in time when a dome of some sort of see through rock appeared over her, and her friends. While the Ra'zac shrieked and pounded on the dome covering the humans, she saw the glowing eyes of a large creature coming closer. Instantly she knew who it was before Wrath stepped into the firelight the ra'zac made and growled. What followed, she would later share with anyone who wanted to see the ease in which the drake dealt with the demons. After everyone was freed, she had hoped there was no more surprises but she was disappointed as another human, this one a bit older than her rider was forced out of hiding. She didn't know what happened in the next few moments after the stranger showed his face but it seemed both Brom and Wrathion knew who he was. After a tense stare down between Brom and Wrath who came to the stranger's aid, Brom seemed to realize he was making a mistake and invited the young man to join them. After introductions were made, Murtagh was his name, and she finally got food thanks to one of Wrath's golems, the tension eased.

That night everyone got some much needed rest.

Gil'ead

Saphira cursed privately to herself. Here they were, even further in the Empire to meet some human. She wouldn't normally be this short tempered but they ended up almost doubling back on their trail and had to cross the same plain where she had that nasty scare. The only upside was that her partner took a liking to their new companion. Now they acted more like siblings than friends. That is good. Along their journey, Murtagh began to tell more about himself. He seemed clever, resourceful, and informed about what was happening in the Empire. What she found amusing, Was that Murtagh never seemed to be far from Wrath, and when it was the drake's turn to hunt, Murtagh seemed restless. Is it because something about his past that Wrath knows and he feels safer around him? That she could understand.

I guess mutual respect is a great way to win anyone over. She thought.

For now she had to wait..again.

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A/N:

This nearly broke me. I let the Saphira section get waay behind and the sheer amount of stuff I needed because it's important kinda made me sick to look at my own Story. But here it is, 10, yes 10! Freaking! Chapters! alll condensed into 1. I tried not to make it rushed or feel forced but its caught up. I might go back and iron it out once I have book one covered. Stayed tuned though because Chapter 22 IS done as well but I'll give you guys time to read this one.

Disclaimer: this literally drove me to drinking.. so huge shoutout for Jordan and Undead for cleaning up my mess.