Slightly shorter chapter with double the content!
Chapter Eight
Stargazer stared dumbfounded at the dozen figures surrounding him.
How is this possible? He cautiously inquired, glancing from one figure to the next as if ensuring they were actually the dragons from when he died as a human.
A familiar black scaled female huffed in amusement before replying. We are your guides, little one. We will always be with you to lend you our support. You have only but to ask and we shall assist in whatever way we can.
Eyeing the light blue dragoness who had questioned his requests before his transformation, Stargazer addressed her with venom clear in his tone. So, old one, was it really necessary to question my motives before? Would you have been happier had Saphira been potentially injured in that storm? Can you now see my reasoning, or must I further prove myself to please the likes of you?
The dragoness flinched, leaning away from him slightly as the other dragons looked on as if waiting for a response.
Well? He asked you a question. A red scaled male growled after several moments of silence, causing the female who was pinned by Stargazer's glare to flick her eyes over to him. Now answer him!
I– I thought– I perhaps– The blue female stammered before falling quiet and bowing her head, letting out a pathetic whine.
We will deal with your… complacency at a later time, Vervada. This voice was, again, female, and it came from an emerald green dragon with bright amber eyes.
Looking around, Stargazer voiced a question that had been gnawing at him from their first encounter. What is the female to male ratio in this little group of yours here? Just out of curiosity.
Four males, eight females. Came the response from a large yellow male dragon. And since you noticed that, then I will happily divulge more information and sate your curiosity by also telling you something else. Eyes twinkling, he continued. The males are seated at the three, six, nine and twelve o'clock positions while the females embody the rest.
Wow… Stargazer muttered in shock. He then spared another glance at the miserable looking light blue female once more, the young male noticing many similarities that he knew he'd seen before.
In… in…
Then the name clicked in his head.
You're Saphira's dam. Stargazer breathed in awe, causing the dragoness to blink in surprise.
Yes. Yes I am. Vervada then dipped her head in respect before looking into the crystal dragon's eyes. While I appreciate your honesty with my daughter… you may have rendered a future relationship with her moot.
Stargazer rolled his eyes, sighing. I do not think any of you would understand my point of view on this matter.
A rumble of laughter came from the massive white male dragon who was seated at the top of the hour. Do enlighten us then.
The land is descending into war. Stargazer began, confidence and clarity in his voice. The last thing I want to happen is for Saphira to become distracted when she and Eragon… He trailed off, not knowing if they knew of Glaedr and Oromis.
We know the Bejeweled pair endured and hide amongst the elves. The black scaled dragoness stated, confirming the young dragon's suspicions.
Nodding, he continued. When they begin their training as the duo's pupils, I want Saphira to focus on them, not on me. As much as I feel the pull… He snorted in amusement as the older dragons exchanged glances. Believe me, I do. You have no idea how hard it was to tell her to stay away. Pausing, Stargazer shook his head. I'm getting off topic here. My point is: I do not want to be an unnecessary distraction that may hinder her progress that results in either her capture or death. I am no main character and I do not want to be. I am a supportive figure. A friend. An ally. Someone they can rely on. Nothing more… for now.
There was a pregnant silence that hung over the meeting. The air felt heavy and the tension was so thick, Stargazer figured that if he gave the slightest movement with a talon or wing, he would cut the fabric of reality itself.
A loud, rumbling chuckle from the white male dragon slowly turned into a full on roar of laughter while everyone looked at him in confusion.
What is so funny? Vervada inquired, curious as to her friend's strange behavior.
Composing himself after a few more moments of laughing, the dragon replied. Why couldn't we have found someone like you sooner?
The crystal dragon glanced around, noticing everyone was as confused as he was. Someone… like me?
Yes. The white dragon confirmed. Someone who places themselves last. Someone who is so selfless, he would push away those who care for him should it interfere with an objective.
It isn't about that… Stargazer muttered glumly, hanging his head. I did it because I would never wish to see her mourn for an individual like me. I'm actively lying to her and Eragon and even though I hate myself for it, I know it is necessary for the time being. Cover ups are one thing, altering reality is also forgivable to an extent. But me just straight up lying to their faces? No. I wouldn't be surprised if she shuns me and lashes out at me once I do eventually reveal the truth to her. I also want to ensure that any potential children she may bear are safe. The young dragon's lip curled into a snarl. In the land's current state, that is impossible. They would never be safe. We would always be on the run, looking over our shoulders… I, for one, will never raise any hatchlings I sire in a land like that.
Oh little one… The young male was suddenly dragged over and enveloped in an embrace with Vervada. You are right, she will be extremely upset with you. But, if I know myself, then I know she will at least give you an opportunity to explain yourself before passing judgment.
There were rumbling chuckles as the sky blue dragoness squished the embarrassed young crystal male in a tender embrace, but he had to admit…
It felt nice.
He felt wanted.
The sound of a throat being cleared snapped the two dragons out of their moment, and they turned their attention to the black scaled female who was trying her hardest to keep her mirth at bay. Could you please release him? We have much to discuss and little time to do it.
Huffing, the mother of Saphira gave Stargazer one last tight squeeze, which made him squawk like a bird, before relinquishing her hold.
Left gasping like a person with asthma who went too long without their inhaler and yet ran three miles, the young dragon sucked in air to his lungs while laying spread eagle upon the ground.
With a toothy smirk on her face, a ruby red female spoke once he had recovered. When you meet the Varden, we will contact you upon the first night.
Thank you. The crystal dragon replied, dipping his head in a show of respectable acknowledgement.
Vervada stepped forward once more, walking around the young male, before bringing her snout to press against his. Her intense gaze with her electric blue eyes that pierced his soul was rather unsettling, but Stargazer found himself unable to move. Without a word, the crystal dragon felt as if he were significantly lighter. Like a great weight was lifted off of his very soul.
Withdrawing herself and taking her seat once more, the dragoness only winked and uttered two words that would shape the course of Stargazer's future.
Be free.
Then everything turned white.
-x-
Stargazer woke with a start, then flopped his head back down on the soft grassy ground while letting out a groan.
Opening his eyes again and getting to his feet, the dragon immediately noticed several things.
One, he was alone.
Two, it was night time.
Three, judging by the positioning of the stars, it was not the night after the storm.
And four… there was a pack of two dozen wolves surrounding him, sleeping peacefully.
Glancing back up at the starry night sky, the crystal dragon's lip curled into a slight snarl as he bit back a curse.
He had been knocked out for eight days.
The rest of the party would be in Teirm by now.
Stargazer glanced at the wolves lying haphazardly around him, and noticed that it was the exact same pack Saphira had almost stolen that one deer from. Deciding to do the right thing before he left, he soared into the night sky on a moonlit hunt.
He had morals, and simply leaving those guarding him without a meal to wake up to would be rather disrespectful of him.
-x-
Saphira was bored.
It had been roughly five days of her being alone for the majority of the days and nights, and she hated it.
She missed her scaly companion, but Brom had told her that the chances of him waking from the comatose state they left him in were slim to none. He said the dragon would be better off becoming a meal for the wild animals.
That he was as good as dead.
And so they left the following evening.
The female was lying in a small clearing, basking in the midday sun, outside of the coastal city where her Rider and the old man were staying to find the trail of the Ra'zac.
Leaving a person behind is rather rude, you know.
The familiar, thundering voice Saphira had missed rang out in her mind, causing her to scramble to her feet with a gasp.
Turning around slowly, her eyes locked onto the crystal dragon sitting on his haunches in front of her.
H-How–
I wasn't even close to being dead. The male interrupted, not batting an eye or caring about letting her speak while getting to his feet. Whatever that old fool told you was false. I was just drained of energy. I was also part of a meeting, but I will not delve into the details. Striding towards Saphira, he stopped when he was a mere three feet from her, forcing her to crane her neck to look up at him. Now, I want you to tell me everything that has happened since you three left me for dead when I was very much alive. It would be in your best interest to leave nothing out.
Sighing in defeat, the sapphire dragoness began.
Well, we stopped at Yazuac…