B.W.- I swear to God, the next time you lock me out I will murder you and make it look like an accident! And I know people, I can make that happen.

S.S.- Sure, sure you can.

Answers to reviews (Stryker is speaking):

Walkmanapprenticewordsmith: Yes. We realize that. It takes inspiration from Pyramus's story, so that is why it is so similar. There will be much much more original content from here on out though, so sit tight, unknot your panties and relax.

NotHornyAtAll: It's a rated M story... think about it.

Bladewolf101 does not own the Inheritance Cycle characters or the world of Alagaësia. He only owns Ancalagon and shares the character of Almandine with myself, Stryker. Bladewolf101 also does not own the crystal dragon that appears here and there. I (Stryker) do.

Now, let's get into chapter 26.

"So, you're the big, bad dragon everybody's talking about, huh?" Angela the Herbalist said with a small grin as she stood in front of the black dragon who was allowing the werecat, Solembum, to doze on his head… though he wasn't sure about the tail hanging over his eye. He let it be as his attention was more on the herbalist in front of him.

And you're the witch that told Eragon his fortune. Ancalagon retorted lightly. What can I do for you?

"You can do nothing for me, though I do need some things unpacked and-"

I meant why did you come to see me? Ancalagon cut in, amused. He should've expected her to twist his words or take them in a different meaning. She did that often in the books.

"Wanted to see you for myself, especially after hearing how you allowed children to climb all over you." Angela said with an amused smile, getting a small huff from the dragon in front of her. "Someone's a big softie."

Careful. It is unwise to laugh at a live dragon, my dear. Ancalagon threatened playfully.

"And yet, I'm not scared, am I?" Angela winked at him before she plopped herself down on his left foreleg without even asking, and started to draw something in her book. Ancalagon just rolled with it. He already had kids climbing over him this evening, he might as well let an adult lean against him. "But some do fear you, given the way you reacted around one of the Twins. Some of the guards spread that around."

Of course they did. Ancalagon almost rolled his eyes but resisted the urge to do so. The spread of rumors and whatever fantasies the masses come up with to make their own assumptions of me do not concern me. I'm sure I destroyed their expectations of me when I played with their children.

"Was that something to practice for later then?" Angela asked with a knowing grin as she nudged Ancalagon. "You and Eragon's dragon, Saphira, seem to be awfully close."

We're just close friends. Ancalagon shot her a look, but Angela just smirked and went back to sketching.

"Hmmm. That's how it starts and then it shifts." She muttered, though he still heard her.

Why did you come to see me, Angela? Be honest. Ancalagon asked, now getting serious.

"Curiosity." Angela shrugged. "There's a mysterious air around you, quite unlike anything I've felt around others. I've met many who give off 'mysterious' vibes, but with you… it's much different than them. Why is it that you are mysterious, I wonder. Could it be your origin?"

Ancalagon shifted, a little nervous, but tried not to give anything away. That's personal… and private. He said defensively.

"Peace, young dragon." Angela stood and faced him, but did not back away from him so her legs brushed against his snout. She patted his snout with a smile. "I was only curious. Now, I feel I've bothered you for long enough, so I shall depart but I do hope we'll speak again soon. But then again, with a battle coming soon, that may wait until after."

Ancalagon wanted to ask how she knew that a battle was coming, but opted against it. Angela was also mysterious and just knew what was happening. It's possible she was in Ajihad's council, which is how she knew. Watching them leave, Ancalagon laid his head down and closed his eyes to sleep.

The following day, it was time for Eragon's visit to the training fields. Ancalagon and Saphira flew half a mile, the male dragon carrying Murtagh and Orik in his claws when he decided walking would test his patience. He had been enjoying, though he wouldn't admit it to anyone lest he wanted to be teased, a snuggle with Saphira when Eragon woke them up to tell them he'll be going to the training fields.

Orik's screaming and cursing for the first minute or so was definitely worth it to Ancalagon's amusement. He had privately told Saphira he would never let the dwarf live it down and the dragoness nearly fell out of the sky from laughing so hard.

The unruly clatter of fighting reached them from the field: the loud clang of steel clashing on steel, the solid thump of arrows striking padded targets, the rattle and crack of wooden staves, and the shouts of men in mock battle. The noise was confusing, yet each group had a unique rhythm and pattern.

The bulk of the training ground was occupied by a crooked block of foot soldiers struggling with shields and poleaxes nearly as tall as themselves. They drilled as a group in formations. Practicing beside them were hundreds of individual warriors outfitted with swords, maces, spears, staves, flails, shields of all shapes and sizes, and even, Eragon saw, someone with a pitchfork. Nearly all the fighters wore armor, usually chain mail and a helmet; plate armor was not as common. There were as many dwarves as humans, though the two kept mainly to themselves. Behind the sparring warriors, a broad line of archers fired steadily at gray sackcloth dummies.

On you go. Ancalagon said, nudging Eragon and Murtagh forward. Murtagh, you might as well spar since Eragon will be doing it as well. Keep your skills sharp, especially with a battle looming on the horizon.

"Agreed." Murtagh nodded.

Before either of them could wander and find a place for them to spar, a bearded man, his head and blocky shoulders covered by a mail coif, strode over to them. The rest of him was protected by a rough oxhide suit that still had hair on it. A huge sword—almost as long as Eragon—hung across his broad back. He ran a quick eye over the dragons, Eragon and Murtagh, as if evaluating how dangerous they were, then said gruffly, "Knurla Orik. You've been gone too long. There's nobody left for me to spar with."

Orik smiled. "Oeí, that's because you bruise everyone from head to toe with your monster sword."

"Everyone except you," he corrected.

"That's because I'm faster than a giant like you."

The man looked at Eragon again. "I'm Fredric. I've been told to find out what you can do. How strong are you?"

"Strong enough," answered Eragon. "I have to be in order to fight with magic."

Fredric shook his head; the coif clinked like a bag of coins. "Magic has no place in what we do here. Unless you've served in an army, I doubt any fights you've been in lasted more than a few minutes. What we're concerned about is how you'll be able to hold up in a battle that may drag on for hours, or even weeks if it's a siege. Do you know how to use any weapons besides that sword and bow?"

Eragon thought about it. "Only my fists."

"Good answer!" laughed Fredric. "Well, we'll start you off with the bow and see how you do. Then once some space has cleared up on the field, we'll try-" He broke off suddenly and stared past Eragon, scowling angrily. Ancalagon followed his gaze and his lip curled into a snarl.

The Twins stalked toward them, their bald heads pale against their purple robes. Orik muttered something in his own language as he slipped his war ax out of his belt. "I told you two to stay away from the training area," said Fredric, stepping forward threateningly. The Twins seemed frail before his bulk.

They looked at him arrogantly. "We were ordered by Ajihad to test Eragon's proficiency with magic… before you exhaust him banging on pieces of metal."

Fredric glowered. "Why can't someone else test him?"

"No one else is powerful enough," sniffed the Twins. Saphira rumbled deeply and glared at them. A line of smoke trickled from her nostrils, but they ignored her. "Come with us. Just Eragon." they added when they saw Murtagh stepping fourth to follow, and strode to an empty corner of the field.

"Bastards." Murtagh scowled at the Twins' back before looking at Eragon. "You shouldn't go with them."

"I fear I have no choice." Eragon sighed, but glanced distrustfully at the Twins. "I don't like them anymore than you do… but I've got Saphira and Ancalagon. After what happened last time, I don't think they'll be looking to get on his bad side."

If they do, they'll find out real quick how sharp my teeth are. Ancalagon growled.

Seeing the Twins waiting impatiently, though he took some satisfaction in making them wait, Eragon followed them with Saphira and Ancalagon. Behind him he heard Fredric say to Orik, "We have to stop them from going too far."

"I know," answered Orik in a low voice, "but I can't interfere again. Hrothgar made it clear he won't be able to protect me the next time it happens."

Eragon forced back his growing apprehension. The Twins might know more techniques and words… Still, he remembered what Brom had told him: Riders were stronger in magic than ordinary men. But would that be enough to resist the combined power of the Twins?

Don't worry so much. I will help you, said Saphira. There are two of us as well.

When I feel they are getting out of hand, I will step in. Ancalagon added, sending a reassuring look at Eragon. Don't allow them to bully you, Eragon. Prove to them, and everyone here, why Saphira chose you.

You do have a way with words, don't you? Eragon softly smiled, patting him on the leg as well as Saphira, thanking them for their support. He turned his attention back to the Twins.

The Twins looked at Eragon and asked, "And how do you answer us, Eragon?" They were referring to yesterday when they practically cornered Eragon and wanted him to join their group, to which Eragon said he would consider it.

Overlooking the puzzled expressions of his companions, he said flatly, "No."

Sharp lines appeared at the corners of the Twins' mouths. They turned so they faced Eragon obliquely and, bending at the waists, drew a large pentagram on the ground. They stepped in the middle of it, then said harshly, "We begin now. You will attempt to complete the tasks we assign you… that is all."

One of the Twins reached into his robe, produced a polished rock the size of Eragon's fist, and set it on the ground. "Lift it to eye level."

That's easy enough, commented Eragon to the dragons. "Stenr reïsa!" The rock wobbled, then smoothly rose from the ground. Before it went more than a foot, an unexpected resistance halted it in midair. A smile touched the Twins' lips. Eragon stared at them, enraged. They were trying to make him fail! If he became exhausted now, it would be impossible to complete the harder tasks. Obviously they were confident that their combined strength could easily wear him down.

But I'm not alone either, snarled Eragon to himself. Saphira, now! Her mind melded with his, and the rock jerked through the air to stop, quivering, at eye level. The Twins' eyes narrowed cruelly.

"Very… good," they hissed. Fredric looked unnerved by the display of magic. "Now move the stone in a circle." Again Eragon struggled against their efforts to stop him, and again—to their obvious anger—he prevailed. The exercises quickly increased in complexity and difficulty until Eragon was forced to think carefully about which words to use. And each time, the Twins fought him bitterly, though the strain never showed on their faces.

It was only with Saphira's support that Eragon was able to hold his ground. In a break between two of the tasks, he asked the dragons, Why do they continue this testing?

Because they haven't been allowed to see into your mind, they want to learn what you know in terms of your magical skill. Ancalagon told him, patiently watching with his eyes narrowed on the Twins.

Speak softly. Saphira instructed her Rider. So that they cannot hear you, and use the simplest words possible.

From then on, Eragon used only a handful of basic words to complete the tasks. But finding ways to make them perform in the same manner as a long sentence or phrase stretched his ingenuity to the limit. He was rewarded by the frustration that contorted the Twins' faces as he foiled them again and again. No matter what they tried, they could not get him to use any more words in the ancient language.

More than an hour passed, but the Twins showed no sign of stopping. Eragon was hot and thirsty, but refrained from asking for a reprieve—he would continue as long as they did. There were many tests: manipulating water, casting fire, scrying, juggling rocks, hardening leather, freezing items, controlling the flight of an arrow, and healing scratches. He wondered how long it would take for the Twins to run out of ideas.

Finally the Twins raised their hands and said, "There is only one thing left to do. It is simple enough—any competent user of magic should find this easy." One of them removed a silver ring from his finger and smugly handed it to Eragon. "Summon the essence of silver."

No. Ancalagon now chose the time to step in as he placed a foreleg beside Eragon, in a subtle, protective stance.

The Twins scowled at him, though Ancalagon noted with some delight that the one he threatened when they arrived looked slightly fearful of him but was trying to hide it. The other one, he had not met until today, but he could see the mage was a little afraid.

"Do not interfere, dragon." The mage said in a cold, hard tone. "This is his test, not yours."

Ancalagon made to speak but was cut off as the ground beneath them trembled. Everyone's heads whipped around, trying to find the source of the power. An angered feminine voice entered Ancalagon's mind and he could see from the way the Twins paled that they heard it as well.

Listen here, mages. The voice snarled. I did not come here just to see you harass our Rider. You are both henceforth banished from the Varden and her allies. Pray my mate does not find you and tear you apart. Now leave.

The Twins bolted, disappearing into the tunnels before everyone turned around and jaws hit the floor.

There, sitting casually before them all in broad daylight, was the maroon dragoness. Her eyes glowed a warm reddish orange while feelings of safety and acceptance enveloped everyone. She walked over to Ancalagon and he stiffened as she approached, only for her to nudge Arya to the dueling circle with her nose.

The elf had been standing by his right foreleg and he didn't even notice. Ancalagon mentally slapped himself for not paying closer attention.

Go on, elfling. She urged softly. Let us see what our Rider has to offer, hmm?

Eragon visibly flushed and Arya just paled a bit before nodding and the pair made their way to the circle. They introduced themselves, had a brief conversation about her condition and then settled into their fighting stances. Eragon began the duel, lashing out at the elf while she lazily blocked and sent a quick parry at him.

As the duo went at it, Ancalagon and Saphira noticed the maroon female lay down behind them… and yet her head still towered above them. She snaked her head around to look at the black-scaled dragon. Saphira growled, and the maroon female just winked at her in response before pulling her head away.

Hello Ancalagon and Saphira. The female spoke. I am Almandine, mate of the crystal dragon who our kind look up to as our leader. He has taken a great interest in the two of you and has allowed me to reveal my identity to you both. He will grant you his name once you have proven yourselves and earned his trust.

Saphira's mind reeled. W-What? Why us?

Almandine snorted softly, causing a plume of black smoke to curl from her nostrils. Do not mistake us for fools, Saphira. We know much more than we let on. We know of over three dozen ways this war can end, but since Mic- Ancalagon has arrived, things have changed a bit. The end goals remain the same, but certain contingencies have been erased and a few new ones have taken their place. Rest assured, all pieces are still in play as of yet. The first major battle is soon to take place and it will determine how we respond: will we march forth or remain hidden for a few more years? Our remaining numbers after this upcoming battle will allow my mate and I to assess our situation better.

Ancalagon was floored. He caught her slip up and knew that she knew his real name. His Earth name. How? Only he knew this.

A strangled yelp and the clattering of a sword being dropped drew their attention and Ancalagon almost laughed out loud at the sight before them.

Arya had Eragon pinned face down on the ground, his sword cast aside and the elf had her blade pressed against the back of his neck. Her right knee was planted firmly on his back while her left pinned down his left arm.

"You have passed," she said neutrally. "But do not become arrogant. Keep your eyes open and your guard tight."

Eragon nodded and Arya got off while everyone cheered until a blue flash blinded everyone temporarily and a figure emerged.

The crystal male strode forward while everyone gawked at him and booped Almandine's nose, making her snort.

Care for a dance, my lady? The male asked cheekily.

Almandine rolled her eyes and got up. Oh but of course, my dear.

The pair made their way to the center, everyone making a wide berth to accommodate the massive dragons. As they stood across from one another, the pair began circling and analyzing each other.

Think you have what it takes to defeat me, my love? The male quipped. You have yet to win in the fifteen hundred years we've been together.

Almandine snarled and lashed out with a paw. The male easily dodged and tackled her to the ground. She roared and threw him off before he could set his stance to pin her. Their spar shook the ground, and the growing crowd bore witness to a sight nobody thought possible anymore. The two mates fought viciously, but their forms were fluid and graceful which baffled Saphira. It was definitely, like the male had said even as a joke, more of a dance than an actual fight. As the fight progressed and ticked over the first hour mark, Saphira and Ancalagon could see Almandine was tiring. Her evasions had become sluggish and her strikes were slower. Her mate, on the other hand, seemed as energized and fresh as when he arrived. His indigo eyes burned with glee and he nimbly leaped at his mate. The two crashed to the ground, rolling head over tails until the crystal dragon stood atop the maroon female with her neck in his jaws.

Yield? He asked teasingly.

Almandine sighed. I yield. You are the victor, yet again.

The male got off her and shocked everyone present by letting her climb tiredly onto his back. She simply laid there while her wings and tail drooped and he turned to address the two young dragons.

He looked at the two and his mouth twitched slightly before uttering a cryptic line and disappearing with a flash.

You must learn to see what you are looking at.

Ancalagon let out a frustrated sounding huff. I'm getting fed up with the crypticness from them. He did not like this game. Questions still boggled his mind since that dream he had when he first saw the male dragon, and so far nothing has helped him learn what he wanted, what the female wanted.

It frustrated him to no end.

A snout brushing against his neck snapped him from his angered thoughts and he looked to see Saphira nuzzling him comfortingly. I'm sure we'll find out someday. She said softly, then looked somewhere before nudging Eragon when he came over to them. Arya wishes to speak with us.

Ancalagon looked over and saw the elf standing away from the crowd, looking at them, and gesturing that she wanted to talk.

Let's not keep her waiting. Ancalagon said as Eragon got onto Saphira's back.

The dragons took off over the training field, which turned into a sea of faces as everyone looked at them.

As they soared toward the knoll, Eragon saw Arya running below them with clean, easy strides. Saphira commented, You find her form pleasing, do you not?

Yes, he admitted, blushing.

Yeah well, just don't think with your dick and you'll live longer when talking to her. Ancalagon teased, causing Eragon's face to turn tomato red. Ancalagon chuckled in amusement, shaking his head.

He and Saphira landed heavily on the ground, kicking up dirt with their landing. Arya was close behind them. Her strides carried her faster than any runner Eragon had seen. When she reached the top of the knoll, her breathing was smooth and regular. Suddenly tongue-tied, Eragon dropped his gaze.

No time to be tongue-tied when staring at the woman you like, Eragon. Ancalagon's voice said in his head and he shot the dragon a look, his cheeks red, but Ancalagon just continued to look amused.

Arya strode past the tongue-tied Rider and said to the dragons, "Skulblaka, eka celöbra ono un mulabra ono un onr Shur'tugal né haina. Atra nosu waíse fricai."

Ancalagon merely blinked but inclined his head a little while Saphira surveyed Arya curiously. Then she nodded, humming deeply. Arya smiled.

Nice to see you again, Arya. Ancalagon said with a soft growl.

Arya nodded at the male dragon with her smile remaining. "And you as well, Ancalagon."

Seeing the confusion on Eragon and Saphira's faces, Ancalagon explained. Yesterday, when I was taking a walk I came across Arya…

(Flashback)

The day before, after an hour or two of sleep after his meeting with Angela, Ancalagon was now taking a walk through the hallways of Tronjheim. A lot was on his mind, as it had been since before he and the others arrived at the Varden. And with no clear answers to the questions on his mind… it was annoying him.

But, just like when he was human, a walk always helped to ease his troubled mind. He could remember the depressed state he was in after the death of his mother, and he took more walks than he usually does, trying to keep his mind off it but it was easier said than done. He was in the stages of grieving after all.

He stopped when he heard a door opening and looked to his left to see… Arya?

The elf stopped when she saw him and there was silence as they stared at each other for several seconds, which felt long to Ancalagon if he was honest. He could not read Arya's emotions, which didn't help him in figuring out what she thought of him. But she did not seem wary of him, or even afraid, which was understandable given her race's worship of dragons.

Boy, was that going to be a pain.

Walking a few steps until he came to be beside the elf, he looked down at her and then nudged his head in the direction he was going.

Care to take a walk?

(End flashback)

…We merely chatted as we walked, though Arya did have questions concerning how I wasn't found when I was still an egg. Ancalagon said, finishing his explanation. Chatting with Arya had helped in taking his mind off his worries, and he found himself enjoying her company.

"I was informed not to do anything strenuous, given I was recovering from the poisons in my body… my walk with Ancalagon had helped me." Arya said with a small, grateful smile at the black dragon who inclined his head.

"I am glad that you recovered," Eragon said. "We didn't know if you would live or not."

"That is why I came here today," said Arya, facing him. Her rich voice was accented and exotic. She spoke clearly, with a hint of trill, as if she were about to sing. "I owe you a debt that must be repaid. You saved my life. That can never be forgotten."

"It—it was nothing," said Eragon, fumbling with the words and knowing they were not true, even as he spoke them. Embarrassed, he changed the subject. "How did you come to be in Gil'ead?"

Pain shadowed Arya's face. She looked away into the distance. "Let us walk." They descended from the knoll and meandered toward Farthen Dûr. Eragon respected Arya's silence as they walked. Ancalagon and Saphira padded quietly beside them. Finally Arya lifted her head and said with the grace of her kind, "Ajihad told me you were present when Saphira's egg appeared."

"Yes." For the first time, Eragon thought about the energy it must have taken to transport the egg over the dozens of leagues that separated Du Weldenvarden from the Spine. To even attempt such a feat was courting disaster, if not death.

Her next words were heavy. "Then know this: at the moment you first beheld it, I was captured by Durza." Her voice filled with bitterness and grief. "It was he who led the Urgals that ambushed and slew my companions, Faolin and Glenwing. Somehow he knew where to wait for us—we had no warning. I was drugged and transported to Gil'ead. There, Durza was charged by Galbatorix to learn where I had sent the egg and all I knew of Ellesméra."

She stared ahead icily, jaw clenched. "He tried for months without success. His methods were… harsh. When torture failed, he ordered his soldiers to use me as they would. Fortunately, I still had the strength to nudge their minds and make them incapable. At last Galbatorix ordered that I was to be brought to Urû'baen. Dread filled me when I learned this, as I was weary in both mind and body and had no strength to resist him. If it were not for you, I would have stood before Galbatorix at this very moment."

Even with multiple poisons in your system? Ancalagon asked, with what was the dragon equivalent of a frown. From what Eragon told us, you would've been on death's door by around the time you were to be brought before Galbatorix.

"He would've found ways to ensure I was still alive so he can put me through his own form of torture." Arya said grimly. "If I had been… I would've wished for death after everything."

Eragon shuddered inwardly. It was amazing what she had survived. The memory of her injuries was still vivid in his mind. Softly, he asked, "Why do you tell me all this?"

"So that you know what I was saved from. Do not presume I can ignore your deed."

Humbled, he bowed his head. "What will you do now—return to Ellesméra?"

"No, not yet. There is much that must be done here. I cannot abandon the Varden—Ajihad needs my help. I've seen you tested in both arms and magic today. Brom taught you well. You are ready to proceed in your training."

"You mean for me to go to Ellesméra?"

"Yes."

Eragon felt a flash of irritation. Did he and Saphira have no say in the matter? "When?"

"That is yet to be decided, but not for some weeks." Arya said, then glanced at the dragons. "I assume you will come with us, Ancalagon." It was a statement rather than a question.

Where they go, I go. The same as our friend, Murtagh. Ancalagon said firmly, his tone brokering no argument.

"The son of Morzan." Arya frowned at the mention of Murtagh. "Can you trust him?"

"Yes." Eragon said firmly. "Brom wanted him to be relocated to Surda when we planned to make for the Varden, but things… got difficult. We lost Brom, and we ended up on our way here. Ancalagon promised to get him to Surda, but with the battle coming up… Murtagh wants to wait until after it's done before he disappears. Though I have tried to convince him otherwise."

Stubborn bastard. Ancalagon muttered, causing Saphira to snort, Eragon to smile and Arya's lips to twitch as a flash of amusement danced through her eyes.

"What did the Twins want me to do?"

Arya's sculpted lip curled with disgust. "Something not even they can accomplish. It is possible to speak the name of an object in the ancient language and summon its true form. It takes years of work and great discipline, but the reward is complete control over the object. That is why one's true name is always kept hidden, for if it were known by any with evil in their hearts, they could dominate you utterly."

"It's strange," said Eragon after a moment, "but before I was captured at Gil'ead, I had visions of you in my dreams. It was like scrying—and I was able to scry you later—but it was always during my sleep."

Arya pursed her lips pensively. "There were times I felt as if another presence was watching me, but I was often confused and feverish. I've never heard of anyone, either in lore or legend, being able to scry in their sleep."

"I don't understand it myself," said Eragon, looking at his hands. He twirled Brom's ring around his finger. "What does the tattoo on your shoulder mean? I didn't mean to see it, but when I was healing your wounds… it couldn't be helped. It's just like the symbol on this ring."

"You have a ring with the yawë on it?" she asked sharply.

"Yes. It was Brom's. See?"

He held out the ring. Arya examined the sapphire, then said, "This is a token given only to the most valued elf-friends—so valued, in fact, it has not been used in centuries. Or so I thought. I never knew that Queen Islanzadi thought so highly of Brom."

"I shouldn't wear it, then," said Eragon, afraid that he had been presumptuous.

"No, keep it. It will give you protection if you meet my people by chance, and it may help you gain favor with the queen. Tell no one of my tattoo. It should not be revealed."

"Very well."

He enjoyed talking with Arya and wished their conversation could have lasted longer, though he didn't let Ancalagon know because he would be teased about it. When they parted, he wandered through Farthen Dûr, conversing with the dragons. Despite his prodding, Saphira refused to tell him what Arya had said to her.

Eventually, they met up with Murtagh who wanted a spar with Eragon, which the young Rider agreed to. They did so under the watchful eye of the dragons, who laid nearby to just watch as the day shifted into the night. As the day progressed, Saphira leaned against Ancalagon, her head resting across his back which he didn't mind, choosing to lay down so she could rest her head on top of his.

Back to being your pillow, huh? Ancalagon asked softly, but his tone was still playful.

Saphira hummed while continuing to watch her Rider and Murtagh. Yes.

Eventually, the grip of sleep came down on the four companions and they decided to call it a night. Returning to the dragonhold, Murtagh bade them goodnight and went to his room. As they settled down, Saphira made sure Ancalagon was still her pillow and blanket as he draped his wing over her back and felt her rest her head on top of his. His lips curled into a draconic smile, feeling at ease and relaxed just by being this close to her.

The sound of a door opening stirred Ancalagon from his slumber and he opened his eyes, slowly lifting his head. He had to be careful as Saphira was still sleeping peacefully with her head on top of his, cuddled against his side. However, the sight of a dwarf made the black-scaled dragon narrow his eyes before he nudged Saphira.

Saphira, wake Eragon up.

The blue dragoness cracked an eye open and, upon seeing the dwarf's expression, smacked her tail against Eragon's bed. There was a dull thump followed by a groan and muffled cursing.

"What was that for?" Eragon demanded.

Ancalagon chuckled before becoming serious once more. We must go. Get ready, and be quick about it.

Eragon threw on his clothes and mounted Saphira before following the dwarf once they reached the main level. They met up with a grim-faced Murtagh who was already wearing armor. He ushered them down the corridor that led to Ajihad's study. As they neared, Ancalagon and Saphira could hear voices shouting from the other side of the door.

As the door opened, they could see dwarves and men arguing with each other and gesturing furiously at different points on maps that were strewn across the table. What caught their eyes, however, was the massive figure of Almandine calmly assessing the maps. Arya was standing directly under her chest while Hrothgar and Ajihad stood next to her forelegs.

She looked up as the doors swung open and growled, causing the room to shake slightly. That immediately shut everyone up and they all looked at the newcomers. Almandine immediately addressed the Rider, a hint of mirth shining beneath her words.

Well well well. Didn't think I would see you so soon, Eragon. Last I heard, you weren't a morning person so I wasn't expecting you here for another hour or so. Step forth, younglings. Now is the hour we unite and stand as one.

E/N- Okay then! We finally have a name for the Varden's patron! If you're wondering how her being in the story is of benefit to Ancalagon and Saphira… here's a little description of her personality.

Think of Almandine as a stern queen with an easy-going aura. She is, to put it simply, formal with a splash of cheek. Almandine is usually cool, calm and collected. She tends to think of all possible outcomes before making a decision. She is the tactician between the crystal dragon and herself.

This little insider piece aside, remember to drop them dank reviews, favorite and follow the story.

Until next time.