Hello !
Here comes the twelveth chapter of the story! Thanks for all the reviews left in the previous chapter!
Jctherebel : Once again, thank you for your kind words and you review!
Mister LaGuardia: Eragon while a Rider, remains pretty discreet. He doesn't like to be at the center of the attention. He's still discovering Westeros and its old customs. Soon, he will see who the "good" people are. But at the moment, he has only heard one side of the story.
BrotherAnthrosOfTheBloodAngels:Thank you for your review! Now that most (like 90%) of the characters have been introduced, there will be interactions and real talking, secrets, plots ... Game Of Thrones ! Concerning pairings, this is one of my last remaining issue. I don't want to do something rushed, cringy.I hope you'll like this chapter and what's coming next!
Guest: It's true that he gave the North quickly and their romance was ... strange. In my opinion, this is because thye wanted this strange ending.
Obviously, I own a computer, some books and even a cat. However, I own nothing in the Inheritance Cycle and Game of Thrones franchise. They do belong to Christopher Paolini and G.R.R Martin.
Without further ado, here comes the chapter !
A few days later, Eragon was able to talk to Daenerys without too many people around. She was alone, tending Drogon, talking to him and gently stroking his scales. Saphira had wisely decided to remain at a safe distance but was focused on the coming discussion and on the possible threat caused by Drogon.
They already had been able to have a few discussions but she had always been surrounded by advisors and most of the talking was spent on the North's position.
Daenerys had also some guards around her, who looked quite different from those present he had seen at their arrival. They looked like a southern version of the Wildings. Just as free and reckless but with less clothes on and more refined weapons. Eragon had personally never seen men with hair that long but it didn't seem to bother them.
She surely had a way to surrond herself with interesting people thought Eragon.
After a formal greeting, he asked Daenerys "How old is he?"
She seemed to be thinking for a moment before softly telling him "Four years"
"That's interesting, Saphira here is barely three years old" he replied with a big smile
"But she's stronger than my dragons, and she made it look easy"
"Our lives have never been easy and we had to fight to survive. Just like you I believe. You've mentioned before that your dragons never faced serious threats, nor received proper training, right?"
"Well, it's not like there was a dragon teacher for me," she answered hauntedly but he could see that yesterday's defeat troubled her.
The fight with Saphira may have been the first time she had been soundly defeated and she was experiencing the bitter sweat of the defeat. Eragon wisely decided not to comment on this aspect, also remembering the countless night spent sparring with Brom and the numerous bruises he had collected. He was grateful of what his father had taught him but at that time, he hadn't always been that wise.
"I told you before that our role is to protect dragons and bring them back. I talked with Saphira and we were wondering if you would like to see and learn about the difference between our dragons. I understand there's something related to your Targaryen ancestry? We could help you bond more deeply with Drogon perhaps."
She didn't respond but he saw the effects his words had on her.
Eragon also saw the small wounds on Drogon's side, where Saphira's claws had found their marks. He knew Saphira didn't want to speed up the process of healing but maybe Daenerys would appreciate the gesture. She looked afraid and uncertain after hearing his proposition
"I had a very unfortunate encounter with a with who offered to save my husband years ago, before I had my dragons. She lied to me and my unborn child died along with my dreams to raise a family" said Daenerys, her voice cracking.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." answered Eragon
"You couldn't. But I noticed that your dragon still has some wounds, don't you want to heal her?" enquired Daenerys
"She's too stubborn. She wants to let time heal these wounds, she's proud of those." laughed Eragon and she laughed with him.
"Seems I'm not the only one with obstinate dragons" concluded the young woman and he simply laughed at her statement.
Eragon slowly walked towards the black dragon who was eying him warily. Saphira was just behind them, ready to interfere in case things got dirty. Daenerys was softly whispering words to him and Eragon was now a few feet away from Drogon.
Softly, he removed his glove to show his Gedwey Ignasia and said to the dragons "I'm a rider, friend and seek to heal your wounds, "to be understood by Daenerys before switching to the ancient language.
While the gashes were impressive, they were mere scratches for dragons. Drogon eyed him before closing is eyes and letting Daenerys pet him.
"Go Eragon, this is as much approval as you will get from a wild dragon" said Umaroth
Daenerys seemed to have reached the same conclusions but kept eying him warily. With a small nod, she let him go forward and kept scratching Drogon's black scales under his neck. Eragon started singing to heal the black dragon. When Drogon felt the first effects of Eragon's magic, he growled and swiftly turned his head but Eragon was ready for it. He waited patiently as Daenerys faced him again before continuing to pet him. The spell in itself wasn't complicated. Eragon simply repaired the dragon's skin and closed the open wounds and in a matter of seconds, it was over. Eragon barely felt the drain on his energy but the effects of his spell were there.
Daenerys looked impressed and quickly thanked him. The Eldunaris were looking intently at the scene unfolding, noticing the figure of the dragon. Drogon looked in shape and was quite tall but his muscles lacked some strength, probably from the absence of proper training. Eragon felt he would receive a complete lesson on vaupna skulblaka's anatomy and biology soon.
He briefly explained to Daenerys what he did and saw some of her stress lessen. Drogon looked calm and was breathing normally now that Eragon was done.
"We didn't have the opportunity but we'd like to understand more about Targaryens. We talked to people at the Wall or in Winterfell but we're not sure about everything. Here in Westeros, your family seems to be the only one able to hatch eggs and to bond with dragons, right?"
Daenerys answered by the positive before continuing
"I could give you some insight yes, in exchange of some training. I learnt a lot by myself and with experience with my three children," she explained before talking a small break.
"Well, around two hundred years, Aegon the Conqueror with his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, arrived in Dragonstone with three grown dragons. In a mere year, they quickly conquered the seven Kingdoms. For two hundred years, our family has reigned over Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms. That was until our family lost the Throne with the Rebellion led by Robert Baratheon, roughly twenty years ago" she finished with some spite.
Eragon was listening carefully, taking in everything. The Eldunaris too, were listening, trying the understand the mess that was the Targaryen family. He already knew most of what she had just said.
"At the Wall, someone told me about a Doom, is there anything related to this?" he enquired
"I guess they were talking about the Doom of Valyria. Before the conquest, the Targaryen family, contrary to most families here, lived in Valyria, a region close to Essos. This region was very active and many people lived there, along with dragons. However, for some unknown reasons, all the volcanos of the regions erupted at once, destroying the whole civilisation present there. Valyria was supposed to be a very developed region and some knowledge has been lost since that event. Fortunately, Aegon's mother, Daenys the Dreamer, had a prophetic dream, which pushed our family to leave Valyria with three eggs. A few years later, her dream was proven true." Explained Daenerys
A long silence followed her statement, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Do you know anything about it?" enquired Daenerys, breaking the silence.
"I have some ideas but I'll need some time to study, a day or two at most" answered Eragon after a moment of silence
"You certainly showed that I can't force you. But I hope you will share your findings with me Eragon Shadeslayer, I have certainly helped with most if not all of your requests" retorqued Daenerys with a serious look.
"Yes your Grace. I just don't want to raise hope or sprout silly theories without some thinking," explained the young Rider.
The Eldunaris and Saphira were also curious but Eragon didn't want to expose this while talking to Daenerys. They caught some glimpses of his train of thoughts but since Eragon wasn't completely sure, it came out very blurry. With a promise to tell them later, he turned back to his conversation with Daenerys.
"Do you mount your dragon? I haven't seen any saddle," enquired the young Rider
"I've been mounting Drogon for a few months now. A Targaryen only rides one dragon. But indeed, I don't use a saddle. There's a small place where I sit on his back. Not the most comfortable but still alright. You always use a saddle?"
"Not always but my first experience has been really uncomfortable so I prefer" said Eragon, wincing at the memory of his burnt legs.
Daenerys laughed at his embarrassment. It was the first time Eragon saw her that open. She had a beautiful laugh and, in that moment, looked so carefree and innocent.
"Saphira and I would like to have a quick moment in the air, to discover the island from above, if that is okay? You are most welcome to join us if you'd like." said Eragon
Daenerys seemed to be pondering for a small moment but the prospect to fly with her dragon and get closer to Saphira seem to get the better of her. She accepted his proposition with a bright smile. Moments later, Saphira who had heard the whole conversation took a few steps and came next to Eragon.
Daenerys looked surprised but didn't comment on her quick appearance. Drogon merely raised his head but didn't move more.
The soldiers started to move around their queen to protect her but Daenerys was quick to reassure them and they resumed their previous position, looking at Saphira with some suspicion.
"Greeting Daenerys Targaryen" said Saphira
"Hello Saphira" said Daenerys in awe automatically, not fully realising, before whispering to Eragon "This is unbelievable"
Eragon simply grinned before quickly mounting Saphira who was without saddle. In three jumps, he was on her back. With a quick spell, he made his bottom comfortable and watched as Daenerys climbed Drogon. It seems both were used to this and in no time, she was up and Drogon spread his massive wings.
Moments later, both dragons were in the air, circling peacefully around Dragonstone. For once, there was no clouds and the sun was slowly warming their body.
Within moments, the two other dragons joined them and went around Saphira. They greeted her with small screeches, to which Saphira quickly answered. The four started to growl and roar, playfully. Tears started to reach Eragon's eyes. He was surrounded by four dragons. Four dragons were lazily flying, enjoying the freedom offered by the skies above the small island of Dragonstone.
"Remember Eragon, this is what we fight for" whispered Umaroth.
He would cherish that memory forever. The last time they had met more than one dragon, they ended up killing one. This time, it seems all dragons were eager to fly and to show off. Saphira, having claimed the position of leader a few days ago, was proudly showing off her skills by making incredible figures, to Eragon's misfortune. His stomach started to feel sick after this combination of rolls and he wasn't sure if the dots of colours he was seeing were the results of the dragons' scales or his sickness.
While Drogon didn't dare to follow Saphira's lead, probably because of Daenerys, the two others had no such qualms and were quick to follow her example. The next moments were a combination of dives and rolls offered by Viserion and Rhaegal. They could fly around Drogon and Saphira, usually without any real symmetry. They were a few close calls with their tails but Eragon was too engrossed in this show to truly notice and care.
At some point, Rhaegal took a deep dive towards the se before disappearing in the deep water. The calm of the sea was broken for a few seconds but no one seemed overly worried by this. A few moments later, he came back straight as an arrow, small droplets of water rolling at his side before spinning on himself. The rays of the sun came hitting all the smalls droplets and for a short moment, Rhaegal seemed to be entirely made of shinning emeralds.
The show was something unique, a gift for the eyes and the dragons were clearly enjoying it as much as their riders. This moment was theirs and Eragon wouldn't stop it for anything in the word.
Eragon could see the awe on Daenerys' face. Later, she would admit that she had already seen her dragons perform like this before but not with such joy and freedom. Clearly, they didn't consider Saphira as a threat and were quite happy to be in her presence.
Eragon also had never felt this sensation of freedom coming from Saphira. Even when they had travelled on their own after the war, she had been a bit more subdued.
"While dragons can be solitary creatures, they still learn and enjoy a lot in each other's presence" said Glaedr to Eragon privately to explain Saphira's behaviour and he was reminded that while his dragon and partner had lived a few years alone, Glaedr had lived close to a hundred years as the last free dragon.
Now, the four dragons were tightly packed, above Dragonstone, with Daenerys and Eragon a few feet apart. A thunder of dragons capsuled in the regalest kaleidoscope of colours.
Gone was the proud queen used to hid her emotions. Instead, Eragon was seeing a young woman, happy of her dragon's joy and looking at this amazing and unique show offered by four majestic creatures. Her purple eyes vibrated with such intensity and in this moment, he saw the real beauty and kindness of Daenerys Targaryen.
High in the air, Eragon and the Eldunaris could have a proper look at the three dragons. They were quick to see that the black dragon was much bigger than the other two. He didn't know if the bond between Drogon and Daenerys was the origin of this growth.
"Let's see what they're made of" said Saphira, broadcasting her thoughts to Eragon and the Eldunaris
Suddenly, she spat a gigantic blue flame in the direction of the sea, before roaring in the direction of the three dragons, eager for them to answer her provocation. The two smaller quickly answered to the challenge and started breathing fire with no hesitation. Two jets of flames reached the sky but Drogon had barely moved. However, Daenerys also understood the challenge given by Saphira.
Perched on Drogon, she looked at Eragon and, while rising a single eyebrow, said "Dracarys"
Immediately, all hell broke free from the dragon's powerful jaw. Wide and powerful flames came from his open maw, in a endless repetition, during long and hot seconds. These flames were the most powerful Eragon had ever seen. He could feel the heat from them, higher than Saphira's. He never saw Glaedr spitting fire but judging from the Eldunaris' surprise, Drogon had performed quite a feat. Saphira only hummed in contentment, pleased by what she saw.
"He fights like a hatchling but breathes fire like no other" simply commented Saphira.
After this, they continued to circle above the cliffs for a few moments before coming back to the small plain next to the castle where Daenerys and Eragon got off their dragon, Viserion and Rhaegal preferring to remain in the air.
A small group of people were watching and waiting for them : Maudria, Tyrion Lannister, Missandei and a few of Daenerys' wilder soldiers.
Eragon was pleased to see the wonder in their eyes, slowly replacing the mistrust present the days before. Drogon started to growl from Eragon's close presence but a quick bite from Saphira stopped him immediately. Daenerys had a brief concerned look but seemed to quickly understand the situation and didn't comment.
"Thank you for sharing this moment with me Daenerys Targaryen" said Eragon, bringing his hand to his lips and slightly bowing his head
"Thank you for your help and your offer Eragon Shadeslayer. I hope we will be able to do this more often" whispered the young woman.
The rest of the day went smoothly. Jon and Davos were still looking in the mines of dragonglass and were probably looking at the quantities available and the number of people they would have to send to collect the material. Daenerys on the other hand, went to settle some points with her counsellors. From what Eragon understood, her campaign to take the throne wasn't well perceived in Westeros.
He decided to stay with Saphira. He wanted to get closer to the new dragons but Saphira and the Eldunaris had deterred him from this reckless idea. Without Daenerys close, her dragons would be more dangerous and less restricted, even with Saphira being so close.
Once more, Eragon and Saphira found themselves alone, with no one to disturb them except for a few guards posted a few dozen feet away. These few moments were always a welcome change after their years spent fighting Galbatorix and his armies.
"Things are changing fast here" said Saphira
"Indeed, in a few weeks, we've discovered and seen so much, "answered Eragon, nudging himself close to her left wing and absently stroking a few scales.
But it seemed that their moment of relative peace was coming to an end
"You need to learn more about these dragons Eragon and Saphira, there's something unusual about them" said Umaroth
"Why is that Umaroth-elda." asked Saphira
"Well, you two never met wild dragons. But there's something unique about them which makes them as different from dragons bonded with Riders as humans are from elves, as you've seen with Vysia and Glaedr. However, these three act unlike any dragon we've ever seen. No dragon would obey humans like this on their own. Remember how Drogon waited for Daenerys' agreement before spitting fire?" enquired the wise dragon.
Eragon remembered the pain from Shruikan and the darkness in his eyes. Death had been a mercy for him. He couldn't imagine Saphira being caged for a week, let alone a hundred years. Both of them would become mad.
"Don't have such dark thoughts Eragon, I'm not going anywhere" she said with kindness. "Now be kind, could you scratch that spot just above my shoulders"
With a laugh, Eragon jumped on her back and quickly started to scratch the spot Saphira wanted. She let out a contented purr and stretched herself before laying still and Eragon continued talking with the Eldunaris discussion about Daenerys' dragons.
Said dragons were looking at them a hundred of feet away with some curiosity, clearly expecting another behaviour from their new leader.
For a few moments, nothing troubled the silence except for Saphira's purring. At some point, she asked him "What were you thinking of when you talked to Daenerys Eragon?"
"Noticed that? Well, I want to check on the maps of Westeros" chuckled Eragon
"You think there's a link with Alagaësia" she asked excitedly
"I don't know, this is what I want to check"
"You know, you sound more and more like an elf now Eragon. At least, dwarves are direct if not small" she added
"And with all this sleeping and purring, people will start to mistake you for an oversized cat" chuckled Eragon
This is the end of the chapter! I hope you've enjoyed it!
I know some dates are incorrect (invasion of Westeros by Aegon, Doom of Valyria), but this is a change I've done to mix both lores. More to come in the next chapter!
As always, reviews and critics are appreciated! A good incentive to publish faster! Critics help me a lot to improve and adapt! I try to answer all your messages and take them into account! Can we try to reach 10 reviews ? That would be awesome!
Thank you all and stay safe!