Answers to reviews:
MaxTheMagnificent24: Why not? Give me a reason. I haven't made a final decision, but I'd like to hear different opinions.
Tempest Shedow: if I can work that into the story, then I might go for it. Not confirming it, just saying MIGHT.
DarkDragon; Hmm...
Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.
Weeks passed since my arrival in this world, which I discovered was The Inheritance Cycle world, and now I was simply waiting for the plot to advance and also keep my eye on the village of Carvahall. I had found a higher, larger cave in the mountains that gave me a view of the village. To a human, they wouldn't be able to see it, but a dragon had better eyesight and so I was able to watch the village and the villagers go about their lives.
Of course, I had to hunker down when a blizzard came just as it did in the books. That means the merchants and traders would be arriving not long after it ends. Eragon will attempt to sell Saphira's egg, but that doesn't happen of course, and it won't be long until Saphira hatches.
On the eighth day after the storm had passed, I came out of my cave and approached the ledge, my brilliant eyesight catching sight of the wagons that belonged to the merchants and traders, who made camp in a meadow not too far from the village, perfect walking distance.
Saphira will be hatching soon. I thought. The Ra'zac will come soon, and Garrow will... die.
I had to wonder, was it possible to save Garrow and not outright destroy the timeline? Destroy Eragon's reason for going after those accursed beasts? It's that journey that lets Eragon discover his power, his gifts, strengthen his bond with Saphira, and it the catalyst that would inevitably lead to the death of the King himself.
Was that why I was brought to this world? To provide an alternative to outcomes that could've had a different outcome?
I will not lie, there was somethings in the series that could've been avoided in my opinion. Brom's death is one of them. Seriously, this whole storyline is basically Star Wars but with dragons, we've already had too much of the 'mentor dies' trope. And I think Brom could still be useful in the storyline.
But would he himself want to live?
This is so frustrating and confusing... and headache-inducing. I thought with an annoyed huff at the headache my conflicted thoughts gave me. I shook my head and focused. For now, focus on the present, not the future.
I journeyed close to the village, but not too close to be spotted, namely placed myself near Eragon's farm and watched as the Rider-to-be, his uncle and cousin left their home and made their way towards the village where the traders were. I followed, keeping myself hidden in the trees and the dark shade that could cover me, but I knew I shouldn't stay long.
I wasn't that completely hidden and could be discovered if I'm reckless with this.
I laid in a position where I could see the village, my mind turning back to what to do about Garrow. After several minutes of thinking, I nodded to myself.
I was going to save him.
Now came the task of planning that out and not destroying the story in the process.
This day I woke before dawn, flicking the air to taste the air as it blew towards me. Easily, I caught onto the new scent that filled the air, the sense of life joining the world. Maybe it was a dragon thing, able to sense the hatching of other dragons joining the world. Nah, that was too far-fetched, even for dragons.
It was the scent, one very unfamiliar to me, so that's how I knew that Saphira had hatched.
Welcome to the world, Saphira. I thought to myself.
I was back down at the plains near Eragon's farm, hidden in the darkness of the trees, watching as the door crept slowly open letting Eragon hurry out and towards a forest on the other side of the farm. With my draconic sight it was easy to see Saphira as a hatchling.
She looked just as cute as she did in the movie as a hatchling.
watched him make a shelter then something like those leash halters parents put unruly kids in when at stores. Her expression as he returned to the farmhouse almost broke my heart but knew it was something she had to learn.
As the day went on, my eyes followed Eragon as he went through his chores with a zeal I approved of, and I also kept an eye on Saphira as best as I could without being seen by her. I watched when a robin foolishly landed on one of the branches that made up her shelter, and that robin soon ended up a meal. The young dragoness's first kill was savage and quick and I had to admit, I felt a sense of pride for some reason. Most likely the dragon instincts at seeing a fierce predator-to-be.
I gave a quiet, mental chuckle when the hatchling belched up feathers.
Now I was curious, would the real, breathing Saphira be like the one in the books or will she be completely different?
The day went on and when Eragon visited his dragon again with more food, we were both laughing as he picked her up and turned her over. No doubt trying to check her gender. I made sure to add that moment to the mental scrapbook labelled "Saphira's baby memories" with diabolical glee.
If I was going to eventually befriend them and join them on their journey, then I wanted some perfect teasing material to use... that is if Saphira doesn't see me as an enemy when she's older.
The pair then took off to explore the forest together with Saphira on Eragon's shoulder. I decided to leave them be and return to my cave, finish on strengthen my mental defences. Given the mages in this world, I wanted to ensure my mind would not be so easily broken into, my defences torn down. I don't know if they would do well against Galbatorix should I ever encounter him, and I just know that day will come, but it would do against the likes of those damn baldy bastards.
The Twins, I mean.
I had also been wondering what else I had within me, in terms of power beyond simply breathing fire. Dragon were amazing and mysterious creatures, with some myths and legends saying they were capable of many things. Do I have magic? Could I use anything beyond it? Was it possible to learn stuff even beyond this world?
Like say, the Dovahzul from Skyrim? Maybe I could learn to breath ice and frost. Or hell, maybe even have similar abilities to Spyro and Cynder from The Legend of Spyro series!
No harm in trying, I suppose. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to speak physically again rather than just with my mind... that'll be something to scare the crap out of people with.
I took my time flying back to my cave, taking in the feeling of freedom in the sky. This, This is what we dragons were. Free, Free and ruler of the skies. I knew that I'd have to be careful when Saphira is capable of flight, I'd most likely need to keep to the ground, but for now... the skies belonged to me.
Hours seemed to have past as I flew, before a herd of deer caught my eye and I gave a draconic grin before swooping down for some lunch. They never saw me coming until it was too late and their blood spilled onto the ground. I took no pleasure in spilling their blood, and I would take no pleasure in spilling the blood of anyone else just for the pleasure of it.
The voice warned me of giving into dark desires such as killing for sport, and I would ensure I did not fall pray to those desires.
Over the next few days, my routine was simple. Hunt for breakfast, then go to watch Eragon and Saphira, while remaining out of sight. Eragon himself set a routine to adapt to having to care for a dragon. He worked hard with determination and we could tell his family was curious of the reason and had the foresight to keep an eye out for being tailed. Saphira continued to grow, and it wasn't long before she reached Eragon's knees, causing the young Rider-to-be to let her hunt for herself in the wild.
At first she remained in the immediate vicinity, but as days and weeks passed she ventured further. I had to keep moving so she did not spot me, but I ensured I would remain hidden as best as I could.
It's not easy being a black-scaled dragon trying to hide when it's daylight.
By the end of present month, Saphira reached her rider's elbow and I could see how close the two had grown. Of course I didn't slack off either, had to keep my skills sharp in both flying and on the ground. I had a feeling that, if I was to accompany them, I'd most likely get pulled into a few scraps with Saphira so it's best if I already have experienced in combat to prepare myself.
Now I had to begin the first stages of my plan to keep Garrow from being killed by the Ra'zac.
On the day I planned to make a move, I waited until Eragon and Roran left for the village, then I made my way to the foothills of the Spine, and then just waited. I waited until Eragon came running back, saw him glance at his uncle as the older man made his way towards the barn, then Saphira kidnapping him. The moment she was away, I acted.
Poor Garrow didn't expect to be snatched up from behind and flying into the air.
As he started to yell in fear, I quickly invaded his mind and spoke. Be still and silent, human. I'm saving your life. I spoke with authority, adding a growl for emphasis and Garrow went silent while I redirected my gaze back to the house in time to see the Ra'zac arrive. When they found no one home, they took their anger out on the house until it was destroyed.
A groan of grief left the human I clutched by the back of his shirt in my mouth. "There goes so much work... so many memories..."
I turned and flew off to my cave, which Saphira thankfully did not go in the direction of so I didn't have to worry about a unexpected meeting with them. I arrived at the cage and set Garrow down gently. As soon as I did, the old man turned to me and locked eyes with me. Not once did his gaze falter, they had a firmness and while there was fear in them, he never acted like it.
I had to respect him for that. Picked up by a dragon, saw his home destroyed, brought to the dragon's cave, and he did not show fear on his face, only hiding it as best as he can.
"They were here because of the stone, weren't they? They were looking for it and I can tell they weren't the friendly types either." Garrow said. I merely snorted and bobbed my head in the form of a nod.
If I hadn't acted, you'd be dead and your nephew would have been devastated. I said firmly, keeping my stare with him. But you are correct, they were indeed looking for the blue stone your nephew had picked up. But it was no stone, it was in fact a dragon egg.
Garrow raised his eyebrows. "Yours? Eragon stole your... hatchling?"
I snorted in amusement and shook my help. No, she is just one of my kind. I'm here to protect my charges, and to see an end to the King himself.
"And.. Who are your charges? Who drew you to our humble village?" Garrow asked, blinking.
So I told him what I could, of the Ra'zac, them being here at the behest of Galbatorix himself. I told him how I had been watching Eragon and Saphira, also mentioning that Eragon never slacked in his chores while raising Saphira. I mentioned the last part when I saw the scowl forming on Garrow's face, but upon my words his scowl softened and he sighed.
"I knew something had gotten into the boy. In the past it normally took him a whole day to do as he was told but lately he went about his chores like he was possessed and never did he complain like he once did." He said, shaking his head.
I chuckled in amusement. Garrow sat against the wall of the cave, and I decided to warm him up. Having already planned this in advance, I had brought some logs and leaves to burn as a fireplace, shooting a small bit of flame at it to get it burning and keep the human warm.
"Thank you." Garrow thanked me as he huddled near the fire before looking at me. "What do you intend to do with me now? Are you going to keep me here? I need to inspect what those.. creatures did and to see if anything can be saved."
Until I am certain those creatures are gone and far from Carvahall. you need not worry, I will fetch food for you to eat during your stay with me. Once the time is right, I will take you to your nephew... and his dragoness, both of whom I will have to introduce myself to later on. Wait here, I will fetch you supper for tonight. I said. Then I turned and flew off into the sky to hunt for my temporary human roommate.
It was easy finding prey, evidently deer and other game had fled the territory Saphira hunted, hoping to evade her. Well... that just means more for me. I dragged the buck back and was pleased to see Garrow still seated.
Being a good host, I assisted in skinning the deer, and placed a broad flat riverstone on top for him to cook the pieces of meat he claimed. I suppose he didn't expect me to know the ways of man, being a dragon and all if that raised eyebrow was any indication. So I decided to test my cover story a bit.
I am not sure where I came from, but when I hatched I saw a human woman. She took me in, treated me kindly, raised me, I saw her as a mother. However, she died several months ago due to illness.
For some time only the crackle of the fire and the sizzling of the meat filled the clifftop, then he spoke up.
"I'm sorry to hear it, I think she raised a good.. Er.."
Drake. I helpfully gave.
"Drake, right. Well mannered and civil. She would be proud."
Thank you.
Another moment of silence passed before Garrow spoke. "I never asked, what's your name?"
Shit...
That was one thing I had NOT thought of yet. I mean, yeah I expected that question would eventually be asked, and I doubt Michael sounds like it fits as a dragon's name, especially in this world, but I have been too busy to think upma name to use. A new identity. As I internally panicked, a jolt passed through me and a name sprung to mind, one that I spoke out loud before I could think about it.
Ancalagon. My name is Ancalagon.
"Well, that's quite a strong name. Suits you well." Garrow said with a grin, and I couldn't help but snort proudly. Guess dragons really do enjoy flattery, and I'm no exception to that.
The next day came, with me being the first to wake up. The fire had dwindled, and I must've curled around Garrow to keep him warm, even had him leaning against my side. I nudged him awake and told him we'd be going hunting for breakfast first, and then venture to his destroyed home. By then, Brom would have taken an exhausted and unconscious Eragon to the village and Saphira is off doing whatever she did for those couple of days while Eragon was resting in Gertrude's.
I picked Garrow up in my right foreleg, telling him my scales would only destroy the skin of his legs if he is on my back, which he accepted... plus part of me revolts at the idea of someone on my back like I was a common horse. How do bonded dragons handle such things?
Once Garrow was seated and gripped in my paw, I took off out of the cave and flew down towards a clearing, telling Garrow he was most likely thirsty so he can drink from the river stream that was in the clearing.
I landed and gently placed Garrow down. Once he was on his feet, he made his way over to the river while I laid down, smelling the air for any nearby prey to hunt down. However, my nose then picked up a new. Well, it was new... but familiar. It smelled like-
Oh no...
There was a enraged snarl before I was tackled from behind and was rolling across the grass with a certain sapphire-scaled dragoness trying to claw my freaking face off!
Dammit! I did not account for this! Did she just look at me and assume I destroyed Eragon's house? That I was Shuriken or something?!
Please! I'm far more striking than that pathetic waste of a dragon.
Woah... where did that thought come from?
Shaking it away, I quickly threw Saphira off my and rammed into her, forcing her back. However, I had no intention of harming her, so I backed off and growled at her warningly but she didn't take the hint as she scrambled to her feet and prepared to charge at me.
"STOP!"
Our gazes darted down to the human who had ran in between us, arms outstretched and facing the enraged dragoness. Garrow stood in-between us, facing Saphira, who's expression melted quickly from enrage to shock.
She stared at him, then looked at me, then looked back at Garrow, then me, then Garrow and then... I bore witness to the most unexpected yet humerous sight along with Garrow. Something I did not expect a dragoness, especially one like Saphira, to do.
Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fell over onto her side, shaking the ground slightly.
She had fainted.
...Well, that was unexpected. I commented as me and Garrow stared dumbstruck at the unconscious dragoness.
And I think we can end it there on that humorous note. A fainting dragoness... who would've thought?
So yeah... BIGGEST change ever is having Garrow live. I've never seen any other Inheritance Cycle stories attempt this, least the ones I've read, only one other has went through with it.
Next chapter will put the story into third person perspective, by the way.