Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Ancalagon.


"We go no further until you explain yourself!" Brom demanded, glaring into the annoyed orange-yellow eyes of the black-scaled dragon who was starting to lose his patience with this stubborn old man. They were maybe two hours away from Carvahall when Eragon had contacted Saphira, telling her that she and Ancalagon needed to come down as Brom wanted to speak with the black dragon.

The 'talk' wasn't really a talk, more like an interrogation in Ancalagon's opinion.

What are you talking about? Ancalagon asked, withholding the annoyance at Brom's suspicion of him and the stubbornness. But he did understand, a man like Brom did not survive this long in the world by trusting every face he saw. He glanced at Eragon and Saphira, who were watching off to the side, knowing not to interfere but their eyes were going from Brom to him and back again repeatedly.

"Don't play dumb with me." Brom growled with a scowl, his attitude only causing Ancalagon to give his own growl back to show how much his patience was being tested but he wouldn't snap... not that they knew that. "There just happens to be a free wild dragon roaming the lands, looking the same as the King's own dragon, and also just happens to have made his home near where Eragon found Saphira's egg and raised her."

Ancalagon clenched his talons into the earth at being mistaken for SHuriken for the second time. Has Brom even seen Galbatorix's dragon in person? If not, then he had better stop comparing the two of them. The only thing they shared was the colour of their scales, that was it. Shuriken did not have the same body as Ancalagon nor the same eye colour... nor was he capable of even thinking for himself freely, thinking like a free being, only thinking like a mindless puppet.

"And add to the fact you go and save Eragon's uncle from the Ra'zac. You just happen to be there as well." Brom added, not breaking his staredown with the male dragon. "You will tell us everything or-"

Or else what, Dragon Rider? Ancalagon snarled, speaking privately to Brom and only Brom, especially since he intended to mention what Brom once was in his response. Brom's eyes widened slightly at the title while Eragon and Saphira looked confused, not sure what was going on.

H-How? Brom asked, getting over his surprise. How do you know?

Ancalagon snorted. He asked the dragon. I can sense it. Just as I can sense the same from Eragon. You know full well that we dragons are mysterious and remarkable creatures, we can sense things, physical of magical, so don't insult my intelligence again. He really was getting fed up with Brom's distrust of him, though it was understandable, but he didn't want this journey to be filled with distrust and suspicion. And he doubted that him knowing what Brom is helped in that regard. If only he knew the Ancient Language...

Suddenly, words he didn't know nor had he even heard of came to the forefront of his mind, as if some hidden password unlocked them. Suddenly... he knew exactly what to say, even when he didn't just a couple of seconds ago.

What the... Focus on that later. He scolded himself privately then looked Brom straight in the eye and said. Eka eddyr ai fricai. Eka mulabra ono né mïnen. I am a friend. I mean you no harm.

Brom's eyes widened at hearing the Ancient Language, and his tense posture seemed to relax somewhat since it was impossible to lie in the Ancient Language, and to break your word after speaking an oath in it... there was consequences. It did help put Brom at ease though.

"Wasn't expecting you to know that." Brom grumbled under his breath before he gave a slight nod and turned away to go to his spot in the camp, taking a pipe out and lighting it. Ancalagon snorted and padded over to the edge of the camp, laying down and staring out, looking out for any possible threats.

"What was that about?" Eragon asked, breaking the silence that had stretched on while Brom and Ancalagon had spoken privately.

"Nothing. Just him assuring me he can be trusted." Brom said, casting one more wary glance at the black dragon before directing his gaze back to the campfire.


When Ancalagon woke up the following morning, he saw his companions were already awake. Though maybe not as long, since he could still see they were still waking up. He knew what that was like, not 100% waking up until you've got something to do so. Like coffee or tea. Unfortunately, this world had no such things. As the black-scaled dragon yawned and stretched, showing off his huge teeth perfect for ripping through and tearing flesh apart, Saphira came over to him with the man-made saddle on her back.

Ancalagon, I never got to ask you yesterday but... what do you think? She asked, showing him the saddle. Ancalagon tilted his head, wondering why Saphira wanted to hear his opinion on it. Maybe she was still getting used to the fact she wasn't alone anymore, and wanted to interact with a fellow dragon. Besides, giving a compliment or his opinion couldn't hurt.

Ancalagon gave a pleased rumble. I approve.

Saphira puffed her chest out in pride.

Dawn was gray and overcast with a cutting wind. The forest was quiet . After a light breakfast, Brom and Eragon doused the fire and shouldered their packs, preparing to leave.

Ancalagon stood, stretched his wings and took off before anyone else. Saphira followed him and they veered west toward the mountains and out of sight. According to Brom, they had to stay hidden in case Eragon and Brom meet a fellow traveler on the road.

When evening came, they were near Therinsford. The sky darkened as Eragon and Brom found a comfortable place to spend the night and set up camp. They were just making dinner when Saphira and Ancalagon returned.

Did you have time to hunt for food? asked Eragon once Saphira settled down beside him and Ancalagon went to a tree on the edge of the camp, curling up right away.

Saphira snorted with amusement. If the two of you were any slower, Ancalagon and I would have time to fly across the sea and back without falling behind.

You don't have to be insulting. Besides, we'll go faster once we have horses.

She let out a puff of smoke. Maybe, but will it be enough to catch the Ra'zac? They have a lead of several days and many leagues. And I'm afraid they may suspect we're following them.

Eragon said nothing in response. Saphira curled up beside him, and he leaned against her belly, welcoming the warmth. Brom sat on the other side of the fire, whittling two long sticks. He suddenly threw one at Eragon, who grabbed it out of reflex as it whirled over the crackling flames.

"Defend yourself!" barked Brom, standing.

Ancalagon lifted his head and saw what was about to happen and couldn't help his draconic lips curling into a grin of sorts. I'm not going to miss this. Giving the two enough space for a ring, he went to Saphira's side she too interested in the fight. Ancalagon nudged her with a wing. I say Brom will attack Eragon once he is given up already, then he will throw himself on the sheets when finished. Whoever wins will catch the other dinner.

You're on.

Eragon and Brom faced each other for a moment, then Brom charged, swinging his stick. Eragon tried toblock the attack but was too slow. He yelped as Brom struck him on the stumbled backward.

Without thinking, he lunged forward, but Brom easily parried the blow. Eragon whipped the stick toward Brom's head, twisted it at the last moment, and then tried to hit his side. The solid smack of wood striking wood resounded through the camp. "Improvisation—good!" exclaimed Brom, eyes gleaming. His arm moved in a blur, and there was an explosion of pain on the side of Eragon's head. He collapsed like an empty sack, dazed.

A splash of cold water roused him to alertness he sat up, sputtering. His head was ringing dried blood on his face. Brom stood over him with a pan of melted snow water. "You didn't have to do that," said Eragon angrily, pushing himself up. He felt dizzy and unsteady.

Brom arched an eyebrow. "Oh? A real enemy wouldn't soften his blows, and neither will I. Should I pander to your... incompetence so you'll feel better? I don't think so." He picked up the stick that Eragon had dropped and held it out. "Now, defend yourself."

Eragon stared blankly at the piece of wood, then shook his head. "Forget it; I've had enough." He turned away and stumbled as he was whacked loudly across the back.

That's gotta hurt. Ancalagon commented in their heads. Eragon shot him a look before ee spun around, growling.

"Never turn your back to the enemy!" snapped Brom, then tossed the stick at him and attacked. Eragon retreated around the fire, beneath the onslaught. "Pull your arms in. Keep your knees bent," shouted Brom. He continued to give instructions, then paused to show Eragon exactly how to execute a certain move. "Do it again, but this time slowly!" They slid through the forms with exaggerated motions before returning to their furious battle. Eragon learned quickly, but no matter what he tried, he could not hold Brom off for more than a few blows.

Saphira growled as Ancalagon look pleased that he won the bet. He gave the dragoness a fanged grin. Go fourth and fetch my dinner, servant!

He got a tail smack to the face from the annoyed dragoness before she took off.

Don't get used to it! She called back to the male.

Ancalagon huffed then glared at the snickering Eragon and smirking Brom. Don't you two know that you should never laugh at a live dragon?


Ancalagon growled softly and snarled as he woke up the next morning. The sun was barely rising in the sky, the black dragon's vision still slightly blurry from sleep, but he could make out Brom already awake and had gotten breakfast started for himself and Eragon. Ancalagon yawned and instinctively nuzzlked into the source of warmth next to him, wondering when a very large and warm pillow was made for him.

"Sleep well?" Brom asked with a sly grin, confusing the black dragon.

I did. Why are you grinning like that? And where's Saphira, out hunting for breakfast? Ancalagon asked, not seeing the dragoness anywhere. Brom's grin grew wider and he looked at something... directly next to Ancalagon. The black-scaled male followed the old man's gaze and froze in shock.

The warm 'pillow' that he had nuzzled against was none other than Saphira! Saphira was sleeping right next to him! She was cuddle against his side, her head leaning against his chest and sleeping peacefully from the looks of it. When did she even come over and decide to cuddle with him?! He didn't remember this! She was a little annoyed with him due to losing the bet last night, but she got over it.

Ancalagon shot Brom a panicked look, silently shouting for help but the old man just smirked and shook his head. Ancalagon tried to move, but then realized that he had wrapped his front legs around Saphira and pulled her close to him.

There are no words to describe the embarrassment Ancalagon was feeling, as a rosy hue came onto his black-scaled cheeks. He panicked as Saphira started waking up, letting out a yawn as she did so, not fully aware who she had been sleeping against... until Brom decided to make her aware of it.

"Have a nice sleep, Saphira?"

Saphira simply nodded and moved to get up, but that's when she noticed a weight on her body, as well as something wrapped around her. She looked down, only to see black-scaled forelegs. She slowly followed them up until she locked eyes with the frozen Ancalagon. Realizing their position, she growled in warning, telling him he better release her or else. Ancalagon got the message and quickly did so... but Saphira decided to smack him in the face with her tail for good measure.

Again?! Ancalagon groaned as he rubbed his snout.

Keep your paws to yourself! Saphira snarled, feeling embarrassed that she had woken in such a position, cuddled against the dragon that had been plaguing her thoughts since she met him. She didn't even know how she ended up cuddling against him, as she was sure she slept near her Rider, so she assumed Ancalagon had something to do with her position.

I didn't do anything! Far as I know, you weren't anywhere near me when I fell asleep last night. What, did you sleepwalk over to me? Ancalagon asked with a huff.

Dragons don't sleepwalk. Saphira scoffed, then made to leave when she paused, glanced at him, then lifted one of her hind legs and brought it down hard on Ancalagon's left forepaw.

Ancalagon felt his eyes ready to pop out of his skull at the pain and he slowly brought the pained limb to his chest while Saphira took to the skies. Ancalagon shot a glare at the quietly chuckling Brom and grumbled to himself.

Females...

Soon enough, everyone was awake and on the move. Ancalagon took to the sky, though he asked what the plan was. Eragon wasn't as obsessed with the Ra'zac as he was in the book, saving Garrow might have had something to do with that, but he still wanted to pursue them. Ancalagon had to shake his head at that, wondering if perhaps he could tweak things and change Eragon's goal from the Ra'zac to the Varden. If Brom was still alive when Eragon reached the Varden, then Brom would potect him from the politics, right? But then again, how would he be able to save Brom?

He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not see Saphira coming for him until she tackled him, nearly out of the air, but Ancalagon manged to regain his composure enough to throw her off. There was no anger in her attack, as he could sense playfulness from her as well as a desire for a challenge.

And that was? Ancalagon asked, raising a scaly brow.

Saphira growled excitedly. I want to see what you're capable of. So we'll start with a race... unless you want to back down because you're scared to lose to a female.

Oh she did not just...! Ancalagon growled as he felt his draconic pride flare at being challenged like that. He gave her a nod. You asked for it, female. But you better prepare to stare in envy and awe when you lose.

Saphira narrowed her eyes. I was just about to say the same thing to you. Go!

She flew off with great speed, causing Ancalagon to growl before he chased after her, determined to win and show this female who she's messing with.

They spent hours in the air, racing, while Brom and Eragon visited Therinsford getting supplies and horses. Once they were finished in the small village, and also gained a bit of information about the Ra'zac, they left. Eragon contacted Saphira to let her know they were leaving the village and to meet them in the woods. She responded, though sounded a little distracted with something. When the two humans came to where the pair of dragons would meet them, they came across a surprising but amusing sight.

Saphira and Ancalagon arguing.

I won that round! Saphira growled, not backing down as she glared at the black-scaled dragon.

You did not! I know I beat you, you just don't want to accept that you lost. Ancalagon scoffed, shaking his head at her stubbornness. He was so sure he had won their race, with it being the fourth one they participated in due to their stubbornness to accept defeat. Saphira won the first two, Ancalagon won the third race, and now thry were arguing over who was the victor of the fourth race... and it was an argument they have had since Eragon contacted Saphira.

You males and your pride. Saphira huffed. We both know I was the one that won, and therefore I am 3-1 against you. Unless you want to settle this with a combat challenge?

I'd like to see you try and beat me in a fight. Ancalagon challenged, getting into a fierce staredown with the dragoness.

Brom and Eragon shared a look, Eragon looking a little worried while Brom looked very much amused before he cleared his throat to remind them of their presence. "Problems?" The old man asked rhetorically.

No... aside from this stubborn female refusing to admit she lost to me twice. Ancalagon replied, shooting Saphira a look that she returned, looking ready to pounce and start their little fight that was just proposed.

"Well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until tomorrow to start a little fight." Brom cut in before a fight could happen. "There's not enough space here for you two to start scrapping, which would likely draw the attention of the villagers. Save your rivalry for tomorrow."

Fine. Saphira and Ancalagon reluctantly agreed, shooting each other looks that said 'we'll be finishing this tomorrow'. Eragon smiled and shook his head as he went over to join Saphira.

Have fun, Saphira? He asked her, getting a huff in return.

Aside from a stubborn male that refuses to admit he lost?

I heard that! Said male called from where he laid at the edge of the camp, keeping an eye out as he always did. Saphira ignored him.

But yes. We did have fun. She hummed.

Eragon smiled and rubbed her neck. Nice to see you two are getting along. Guess a little rivalry was inevitable due to dragons and their pride.

He'll soon learn that I am the best. Saphira said, puffing her chest in pride. Eragon laughed and patted her neck before she laid down and curled around him.


And that's it for this chapter. Hope you liked Ancalagon's interaction with Saphira, the little 'rivalry' he's got going and the two arguing with each other in a playful manner due to their competitiveness.