Hello !
First of all, I want to apologise for the long time I took to update. I needed time to properly update. I didn't want to be rushed to write one chapter and offer a half finished work. So during these past months, I wrote, and wrote a lot ! So I'm almost done and I hope I'll be able to share every week a new chapter.
Thanks for all the people who still took the time to leave a review, fav or favorite this story! More than 200 followers, you guys are awesome.
For the kind people who left a review in the previous chapter !
Yonatanshahar : Thanks for your review!
jikker jack: Thank you very much.I've tried to adapt the toughts a bit to make it more readable :D Concerning Daenerys, you're right. But it's also because of her upbringing. This will have an impact soon.
SMASHton 2741 : Thanks, I hope you'll enjoy what's coming :D
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 !
"Now a Rider and a dragon form a very deep bond. While your situation is particular, there is almost certainly a deep bond between you and Drogon, which looks stronger than the one you probably share with Viserion and Rhaegal" explained Eragon to Daenerys who was listening to the words of the young Rider. "Usually, this bond grows with time and with the experiences shared. While this is certainly unusual, we will try to stimulate it in your case." explained Eragon to Daenerys and Tyrion.
"And as long as Daenerys doesn't mind, you're welcome to watch, if you can remain discrete and follow my instructions to the letter. Dragons remain dragons after all" he added, facing Tyrion, who was quick to nod.
The three of them were back in the wide plain surrounding Dragonstone's castle with Drogon and Saphira not too far from them, flying lazily above. Eragon had resumed their session after the previous interruption by Rhaegal. This event had hurt the faith of Daenerys in her dragons and she had wanted to continue their lessons as quickly as possible. Eragon had taken the time to reassure her and explain, from what he understood, that Rhaegal never meant to hurt Jon but had wanted to test Saphira. Indeed, after his initial sprint towards Jon's position, the green dragon had merely concentrated his attention on Jon without moving, following Saphira's order. It was the closest he could go without betraying Jon's trust and to tell her about his possible inheritance.
But, the issue of the Ancient Language was still there. They had started lightly but Eragon refused to delve deeper without some insurance, especially with the few things he had heard and learnt about the Targaryens. He didn't want to judge Daenerys for her ancestor's faults but he couldn't forget Glaedr's warning about blood transformation.
The presence of her dragons probably made her the most powerful leader here and he couldn't help her more without some reinsurance.
"I heard your concern about fealty in a language you don't understand. But I also need to think about the consequences of what I will share. I've been here for barely a month, and from what I've heard, you have already burnt people alive with your dragons while you have killed thousands with an explosion perfectly well calculated" he said, watching both Daenerys and Tyron. But he wasn't done and quickly continued, seeing the indignation rising in the young woman's eyes. "I'm not here to judge as I don't know anything about these events, only rumours. But this just proves you can fight, and I won't offer more tools to fight lightly, just like a King would never send weapons to his enemies," finished Eragon.
Tyrion nodded but Daenerys pressed "And I suppose you're exemplary and wise enough to handle such powers freely'
"Just like I'm asking you, I swore several oaths in Ancient Language who still bind me to not act rashly," answered Eragon, lifting a single eyebrow at the young woman.
She seemed to deflate and choose wisely to remain silent.
"Now, Daenerys, try to bring Drogon. Saphira will also be here" said Eragon.
As expected, Saphira was here moments later. She tried to land as delicately as possible but the earth still rocketed under her and Tyrion fell while trying to regain his balance.
Drogon too arrived with a mighty roar. He circled around them before landing a few feet behind Daenerys. The shock on the ground was smaller than Saphira's and he felt her annoyance at this small fact.
"You've been training with Drogon" stated Eragon, turning his gaze from the black dragon to face the young queen.
"Yes, I have" came her short reply, but he saw the small satisfaction that his comment had created.
The sun shone on the scales of the two dragons and for a few moments, they were all silent, watching the two creatures who were now sitting and eyeing them. It suddenly hit Eragon on how different the two were. Saphira usually slept like a dog would: curled with her wings in her back. Vaengr skulbakas, it seemed, used their wings as leaning just like Saphira would with her forelegs. So instead of being held back, Drogon's wings were around him and stretched forward.
"Well, this is great. Now that all the participants are present, we can start. Daenerys, I would like you to stay close to Drogon please" asked Eragon
She complied and with a few steps stood close to Drogon. Slowly, she started to gently pet the scales on his neck. The black dragon didn't seem very keen on being here, but Daenerys' request and Saphira's presence were enough at the moment.
"Tyrion, take a few steps back please. I'm not sure how Drogon will react," whispered Eragon and Tyrion slowly started taking a few steps backwards before standing a dozen feet behind Eragon.
When he was sure Tyrion was safe, he prepared himself for what was coming. Daenerys had assured him Drogon would never harm her. He could disobey her, but never had her dragons physically hurt her. The attention of all the Eldunaris was high, ready to interfere at the first sign of danger.
With Saphira's help, they started to slowly extend their mind in the direction of Drogon. It was impossible to miss. It was like looking at the sun with closed eyes. Drogon's mind was just as bright than the past few days, and Daenerys' usual shiny presence almost looked dull next to him. It also highlighted the similarities between the two. Each mind had its own identity, but Eragon now had enough experience to have a feel of the species he observed, and Drogon, Saphira and Daenerys definitely shared something in common.
How he had missed it until now, he didn't know. The lack of magicians in Westeros had somehow dulled his senses, just like his sword skills had evolved during the Varden's campaign.
But now that he had felt the similarities, he was unable to go past them. On a whim, he extended further, in the directions of the mines where he felt multiple people working. Focusing more, he was quick to find Jon's presence, and now that he knew what to look for, he couldn't miss it. Jon definitely had some of this light inside of him that indicated a close relation with dragons. It was less obvious than with Daenerys though.
"Focus on your task Eragon. What we see is indeed surprising but we can focus on it later. Drogon is starting to become impatient!" scolded Glaedr.
Sending a feeling of agreement, Eragon turned back his attention towards Daenerys and Drogon who hadn't moved during the past seconds. He slowly touched Daenerys' mind. He tried to be as delicate as possible while also making sure to be felt by the young woman, a tricky balance to find. He could have invaded her mind without her noticing, but that would have been useless.
She had been warned but still flinched at the light contact being made. It was easy to notice how focused she was. He perceived her love to Drogon and her dedication to learn more. There was also a faint presence hidden in the back of her mind. Someone else was also inside Daenerys' mind. Drogon was already inside her mind, and it just seemed to confirm their idea that these two shared a deep bond.
Drogon visibly flinched at the foreign contact but Daenerys who had expected this was quick to reassure him. Without losing a second, Eragon also started whispering words of comfort in Ancient Language.
His mind was a sharp contrast to what Eragon had just witnessed. It was wild, without any structure and the sonorities were harsher. There was also this deep sense of legacy that was proper to dragons.
Slowly, making sure to be as delicate as possible, he tried to bring Daenerys within Drogon's mind. The task was made difficult by the close physical distance separating Eragon and Daenerys from Drogon. He wasn't in the mood to fight against an angry dragon; it seemed that Daenerys's soothing words and the Ancient Language were enough to keep him alert but not aggressive.
Finally, when he felt that both minds were sufficiently used to their presence, he brought them together, on the verge of his and Saphira's own defences.
It was a unique experience, something which definitely required all the finesse he had at his disposal.
After some time, the two felt more at ease and Eragon could see a light smile on Daenerys' lips.
"Is this what you experience with Saphira?" she asked out loud with a shy smile.
"It depends, what are you feeling?" enquired Eragon.
"It's … like as if I could feel some emotions but I know these aren't my own. It's strange, but in a nice way. I feel closer to Drogon than I've ever been," continued Daenerys. Funnily, Eragon was able to see her internal struggle to express what she felt clear as day.
"Well, you're able to feel the front of Drogon's mind. And indeed, it's a strange feeling to experience. As if you were pinching someone's arm but feeling the pain yourself" tried Eragon.
Daenerys merely nodded, turning her attention to Drogon. Her hands automatically started to stroke the black scales, but she suddenly stopped
"I felt something I think!" exclaimed the young woman with clear surprise.
Tyrion perked up and Eragon merely smiled.
"What did you feel?" asked the young Rider
"He was happy, I think. Does that mean he likes it when I stroke him?"
"Well, I can tell you most dragon definitely like being stroked. So, you most certainly felt a wave of pleasure coming from Drogon"
"It seems amazing to be able to share such a strong bond"
Eragon decided to remain silent, and to let Daenerys have this very personal moment with Drogon. While she may have quickly realised that she was able to feel his emotions, she might need some time to fully understand that Drogon could also read her. This would certainly be a task for both of these very independent characters.
"From what you've told me, flying with Drogon could really become liberating. Would it be ok to try to fly with Drogon now?" suddenly asked Daenerys.
Eragon saw no reason to object and quickly agreed.
"Finally, a rider who's not afraid to ride his dragon!" teased Saphira. Eragon simply decided to ignore her comment but sent a wave of denial. Just for the form.
"Would Saphira and you like to join me? From what I saw in our last flight, my children enjoyed it as much as I did" told the young woman
"I'd be glad to come with you" answered Eragon, who had no pressing tasks to complete. He always enjoyed these moments with Saphira and couldn't wait to see more of the ballet the dragons offered them days ago.
Quickly he made his way towards Saphira who was just as eager to fly. As he made his way towards her left foreleg, he saw Tyrion Lannister who had remained during the whole session. Saphira followed his train of thoughts and quickly gave her agreement.
"Would you like to come with me and Saphira, Tyrion?" asked Eragon.
Tyrion's eyes went wide as saucers and Eragon was sure he wanted nothing more but to scream yes. However, the short man surprised him with his next words.
"Well, if her Grace goes on a trip in the air, someone needs to make sure that the plans for her invasions progresses well, and as her Hand, it's mostly my duty. I've already abused your kindness by staying here" finished Tyrion but Eragon could see his tone was forced.
But Daenerys had heard Tyrion.
"Tyrion Lannister, you've helped me a lot since you offered your service and while you never hid your love for dragons, I never could truly help you in that regard. Please, consider Eragon's offer as I know how much it means to you. I've seen your work. I know there's nothing you can do but wait for Cersei's answer. You brought Eragon and Jon here, perhaps without fully realising what it would bring, but still, I owe it to you" finished Daenerys.
Eragon saw the effects these words had to the dwarf who remained speechless for a few seconds.
"Then if it pleases your Grace" finished Tyrion, his voice cracking. But he quickly took the few steps separating him from Eragon.
"Saphira is alright to let you come with me don't worry. Just get slowly on her back, I will come after." Explained Eragon.
Daenerys was already on Drogon and was watching the scene unfolding with a smile on her lips. Drogon just wanted to fly and was looking at the scene with a bored look it that was possible for a dragon. But he was diligently awaiting Saphira's and Daenerys' approval.
In the meantime, Saphira had lowered herself and Tyrion was starting his slow climbing. He was breathing heavily but was putting in all the effort. Saphira had troubles remaining still with Tyrion's boots tickling her.
Thankfully, he managed to reach her spine and readied himself. When Eragon was assured Tyrion was firmly set, he joined him with three powerful jumps. Since they had no saddle at the moment, Eragon would hold Tyrion who had just realised his current predicament.
"Eragon, are you telling me that the only thing keeping me on your dragon besides my small arms and legs are your two arms?" chuckled the small man nervously.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine Tyrion. Saphira has never let anyone fall from her back before. At least, not willingly" chuckled Eragon. And before the small man could reply, Saphira spread her wide wings open. Eragon felt Tyrion tensing, probably a mix from the anticipation of what was coming and the fear at flying on a dragon with very little to hold him.
Drogon had seen that Saphira was ready and with two powerful wingbeats was in the air. Saphira followed suit and Eragon could hear Tyrion's mutterings to himself "should have listened to my father and looked after cats, not dragons" but it was too late as they were already high in the sky.
After a few seconds, Saphira stood close to Drogon and Daenerys who had mirth in her purple eyes as she watched her usually very exuberant Hand being so tense. Finally, as Saphira started to remain stationary, Tyrion managed to slightly relax and opened his eyes to admire his surroundings.
"How do you feel Tyrion?" shouted Daenerys atop Drogon.
"This is amazing, your Grace! Better than anything I could have imagined. I bet I'm the first dwarf to ride a dragon" answered Tyrion, his joy for all to hear.
"You're all dwarfs for me" replied Saphira through Eragon who repeated it at Tyrion who chuckled. "I can say that Saphira has probably been the first dragon mounted by a dwarf. And that this dwarf wasn't called Tyrion Lannister" added Eragon.
"Oh, this is something at least! And this sensation is amazing. Your Grace, I can certainly understand why you enjoy spending so much time with your dragons" exclaimed Tyrion.
The young woman merely laughed and with a slow nudge of her legs, pushed Drogon.
Saphira immediately followed, spitting a few flames in the air, which caused Tyrion to scream in surprise.
But before Daenerys could direct Drogon, Eragon shouted in her direction:
"With your mind now!"
She didn't question him and immediately paused before closing her eyes for a few seconds and for a moment, nothing seemed to happen. However, without any warning, Drogon started to spew massive flames. Daenerys had a smile plastered on her face.
Tyrion yelped at this show and rather quickly, started to relax, loosening his grip around Saphira's spine and looking around. Eragon could see small sweat marks around his neck, probably caused by his stress and the heat caused by the dragons.
The rest of their time in the skies passed quickly with Tyrion asking plenty of questions related to dragons, to which Eragon was glad to answer.
Rhaegal and Viserion also joined them very quickly but it seemed they were less interested in showing off and more eager to simply fly alongside Daenerys. Rhaegal was back to his usual self and no one made any comment to his past behaviour, something Daenerys was grateful for.
While their first flight had been intense, this one was more relaxing. It was a bonding experience, where Daenerys and Drogon started to understand each other on a deeper level.
They continued for an hour, peacefully flying over the small island which wasn't very big or surfing above the sea. Daenerys, Tyrion and Eragon took this time to talk about dragons, opportunities or just their life, learning small details about Essos, Westeros and Alagaësia.
In the meantime, Saphira was learning the patterns followed by the other dragons. She had learnt most of what she saw today from Glaedr and some Eldunaris had also given her some lessons over vaupna that she had remembered, but it was always different to experience it first-hand.
It was clear that Daenerys's dragons were used to this. Their coordination was almost flawless and from the little Eragon understood, it was an impressive feat.
Finally, they decided to go back to Dragonstone when the temperatures began to drop and that even close to Saphira, Tyrion started to shiver. Drogon and Saphira went back to the beach close to the mines. The two other dragons went for the cliffs, probably understanding that their time together was coming to an end for today.
The two dragons reached the ground, with a loud thud. Eragon managed to hold Tyrion and to prevent him from falling. After making sure he was stable, he released him from his grip before quickly getting off Saphira. He would be able to help Tyrion and to catch him if he were to fall.
With some fear, Tyrion looked over his shoulder to assess the situation. This wasn't the best idea and his eyes widened when he saw the height between his legs and the ground. Carefully, to avoid all the spikes littering Saphira's body, he began his slow descent. After a few steps, Eragon caught him by his waist and brought him back on the solid ground.
Tyrion stumbled but for once, it wasn't because of the wine. For a few seconds, he tried to open his mouth but no sound came out of it. After some time, he managed to splutter:
"If I can do anything to repay you for this, just tell me. A Lannister always pays his debts"
"Your kindness is very much appreciated Tyrion Lannister, but think nothing of it. Dragons take pride in their abilities and no amount of gold will ever be enough to buy our freedom. But I wouldn't mind a taste of some of this wine, it smells tasty." said Saphira directly to the dwarf.
Tyrion shivered from the touch on his mind but quickly nodded at her words before chuckling at Saphira's request. This certainly wasn't what he had expected Eragon thought.
The next days were spent in a similar fashion. In the morning, Eragon would help Daenerys to connect with Drogon. So far, they were able to transmit some sensations and ideas.
Daenerys loved to feel the affection from what she called her child towards her which would usually brighten her mood for long hours. Tyrion would sometimes join his Queen when his activities allowed him to free some time.
During the afternoon, they each would deal with their own activities. Eragon would usually read books about Westeros or talk with some people, like the Maester of the castle, while Daenerys continued to prepare her invasion. He preferred to remain distant during those times, to keep some sort of neutrality towards Westeros' politics. Sometimes, Daenerys would join Jon who was spending most of his time looking for more Dragonglass in the mines.
He could see the two being more open and less brooding. Eragon didn't know if Jon had shared his doubts about his parentage. He hadn't asked and for the moment, he didn't care if he did or not.
Saphira was also spending time with Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal. She cherished these moments, being the ladder of a small pack. It suited her and she took pride in teaching them some of the things she had learnt under the tutelage of Glaedr. She guided them to improve their flying skills or to focus their flames to one point. And she was learning as much as Daenerys' dragons, although for different reasons.
She had taught a few things to Firnen, but the circumstances were drastically different. Their relation had been different, induced by their common captivity in Urû'baen and the deep bond that existed between their riders. Here, she was starting from scratch and it suited her.
She was also working with the Eldunaris to communicate with Daenerys' dragons through their mind. They had never been taught nor trained when they were young, which showed today. If Eragon and Saphira had arrived a few years later, it might have been impossible to communicate with them without very long and taxing efforts.
So far, they had managed to get a few results but the task laying ahead of them was tedious, and it wasn't unusual to hear angry roars throughout the day. The first times, many people had been worried and Daenerys had come knocking at his door within seconds to understand what was happening. But after a few times, and seeing the evolution of the bond she shared with Drogon evolve, her worries had lessened. She still had an anxious expression whenever she heard her children but had stopped coming to Eragon. Still, he had confronted Saphira about this point, for his own piece of mind; However, she had merely laughed at him as if he had said a clever joke:
"What did you expect, little one? That we would deal with these issues like humans with papers or handshakes? We are dragons!" And thus, the discussion about this specific point had been closed rather effectively.
Maudria would often come with them to have a look at the dragons. Like all the elves, he respected and worshiped dragons. The elf had already done a few fairths, probably to show to his companions waiting for them in Winterfell.
Eragon had heard back from them yesterday. The remaining elves led by Blödhgarm had safely reached Winterfell a few days ago and were settling in. They hadn't encountered anything dangerous on the roads except for a few nights of harsh cold in the middle of a storm, which was to be expected given the current weather in Westeros.
The cold was now slowly reaching Dragonstone. Eragon could feel the temperature dropping. Each morning was colder than the previous one. They hadn't reached the temperatures they had felt a few weeks ago at the Wall or at Winterfell, but people had started to add a few layers of fur; the fires were lit earlier and kept longer ablaze. Winter was truly there and he couldn't fathom how the smallfolk would survive a winter lasting more than six months with the state Westeros was in. Wars had damaged the majority of the country, and at least three regions were still preparing for some rebellion with the North, Dragonstone and the capital, King's Landing.
He felt a duty to help these people, who were needlessly suffering. That was his duty of Rider, his first one. Killing mad kings or hundreds of soldiers wasn't what he wanted to pursue. But he needed to understand the reality of Westeros. He trusted no one here when it came to politics, not even Jon or Davos. He would help them to fight the dead, but the North's independence or the return of the Targaryen dynasty were entirely different situations.
Maybe he would go to King's Landing as a commoner. Brom had been able to hide for years in the castle of his nemesis, he could surely try to hide in an anonymous castle for a few days. He felt a small thrill of excitement at this prospect to hide like a farmer. It would be a small way to connect with his younger self, the Eragon he was before all this happened to him.
He felt Saphira's amusement at his idea.
"Troubles always find you Eragon, you would surely create a riot by tripping on yourself the first day," chuckled Saphira.
"Troubles always find me in Alagaësia Saphira! I'm a new man here" stated Eragon with the seriousness of a young kid.
"Careful, or I'll attach you to my back and we'll fly where no man has ever walked and far away from any dangerous animal. Perhaps this way you'll manage to remain safe for more than a week," threatened Saphira.
In the meantime, Jon and Daenerys had finally reached an agreement regarding the use of dragonglass. Jon would be able to mine and ship it freely. She had no real use of this and wanted to make a first step in the direction of the North.
Eragon thought that it was an incredible offer. While Jon would have liked some armies, he was being offered probably the only material that could save his people, without anything in return. He had been surprised by this fact and that Daenerys hadn't pushed for at least an oath of neutrality in her conquest of Westeros. But it seemed that the young woman had other plans for the North.
Perhaps the North would be able to have another image of Daenerys Targaryen.
This is the end of the chapter! I hope you've enjoyed it!
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