Answering Bladewolf101's concern regarding Brom dying and the problems it may cause:

Yes, I did understand the risks involved with going ahead and allowing Brom to die, but people don't understand how crucial his death is for the story.

When he dies, Eragon has to start growing up. He has to act mature. He has to make difficult decisions that may not have consequences immediately, but will have repercussions later down the line. He has to be accountable for his actions now. On top of all of that, I may not have it all typed out yet, but I do have it thought out, and Brom dying was vital for the future of this story.

People don't get it, but those who understand the story do, so we must educate those who are less knowledgeable.

Also, if you hadn't known, I hate the 2014 Eragon movie, but I love how Saphira gave the old man one last flight as he died. That bit with Stargazer and Brom was a shout out to the one scene I liked in the movie.

That addressed, then let's wrangle with lucky number chapter thirteen.

Enjoy.

Chapter Thirteen

The moment Stargazer touched back down in the clearing, they knew Brom had passed. Saphira had taken one look at the expression of blissful peace frozen on the old man's pale face and knew he was gone. Knowing he had passed in peace gave the sapphire dragoness a sense of relief as that meant he hadn't suffered in his final moments.

The crystal dragon hadn't spoken a word since Eragon had buried his father, which was unknown to him at the time. The two humans had tried getting the female to talk to Stargazer, but she had vehemently refused, saying that she had no wish to interrupt whatever he was mentally going through.

And so they waited.

Around midday, the sounds of the male's heavy footfalls made themselves known to the group, and they turned to see him striding into the makeshift camp with three deer. One was hanging limp in his jaws, the other two were slung across his back as he made his way toward them.

Without a word, he unceremoniously dropped the deer in his mouth in front of Saphira, then reached up, grabbed one of the pair on his back and tossed it between the boys. He then made his way to his normal spot, pulled the deer off himself, laid down and set into his meal. Not once did he bother acknowledging the existence of the others around him, choosing to only focus on the priority of food before him.

"Stargazer, I–"

Eragon was interrupted by a loud growl from the male dragon, the blood from his meal staining his mouth red.

You have cost this world a great man in your blind want for revenge, boy. The crystal dragon snarled. If I had it my way, I would either kill you or leave you to fend for yourselves. Against my better judgement, and luckily for you, I am forced to scold you like a child instead. His eyes landed on Murtagh, who took an instinctive step back. I have no quarrel with you… The dragon then glanced at Saphira, who raised an eye ridge in an expression that said 'seriously?'. Or you for that matter. Returning his attention to the Rider before him, he continued. This may be your journey, but I answer to one individual. Myself. I will also not allow your foolishness to lead any of us here to an early, pointless death. Do I make myself clear?

Eragon crossed his arms, an aura of defiance surrounding him. "And why should I trust you at all? You had every opportunity to save my uncle, and yet what did you do? You ran away." The dragon bristled at his accusation. "That speaks of cowardice. I don't see how Saphira could ever wa–"

Whatever else the young Rider had to say was drowned out by an all encompassing, reality shattering roar from the crystal dragon. As they watched Stargazer leap toward the young Rider, claws extended outward to tear him apart, the air itself shuddered and then the ground disappeared from beneath Eragon and Saphria's feet. Stars wheeled around them for what felt like months before they fell onto a smooth, hard surface with groans of pain.

Get up.

The command was not in the thundering rumble they had come to associate with Stargazer. This voice sounded older and much, much more volatile.

The pair looked up…

And laid eyes on the dozen dragons around them, staring at them with expressions ranging from rage and disgust to disappointment and shame.

A sky blue dragoness stepped forward, her voice ringing loud and clear within the duo's minds. You have some nerve to accuse our chosen guardian of cowardice, Rider.

Brushing himself off and standing on his feet, Eragon mustered the courage to speak. "What I said–"

Was completely false. This response was from the white dragon, undoubtedly male from his voice and build, and his pale blue eyes blazed with the fires of rage. We specifically told him to stay out of it. Besides, he never arrived until after the Ra'zac had begun their raid on your uncle's farm.

So you see, Rider, blaming Stargazer is not the correct way of thinking. A black dragoness spoke, finishing what the 'council' had to say on the matter.

However, all that was good and all, but Saphira had her eyes locked on the sky blue dragoness that had first spoken.

I know you.

That same dragoness's lips curled into a smirk as she winked at the younger female before her attention focused on the issue at hand once more.

We will set you free on one condition. A crimson red male spoke, his voice sounding like rocks being crushed against each other. We will not tolerate more of this blatant defiance and disrespect to the one we sent to watch over and support you on your travels.

"My understanding was that he had taken an oath." Eragon replied with a look of confusion.

The dragons glanced at one another before an emerald green female spoke. What happens between him and us is none of your concern, Rider. He is vital to our continued existence and will right the wrongs we committed in our respective times alive. You needn't concern yourself with what he discusses with us and vice versa.

A bronze colored female then took over the conversation. It is high time you left. Know that it took much of our combined strength to restrain Stargazer and give us enough time to bring you here. He is… not exactly pleased with you, human. You would do well to earn his respect and trust back. When he is your ally, he is invaluable. If not… well… you don't want to know.

A dark blue dragon, male, visibly shuddered as he recalled the recent lesson in harnessing the young dragon's abilities. He had been electrocuted four times before being tossed around like a bird in a hurricane and knocked unconscious.

A playful nudge from the resident sky blue female, and the subsequent laughing of the others in his head, snapped him out of his thoughts.

Come now Bishop. The dragoness teased. How bad was it? It couldn't have been that bad… just some scratches, yes?

The now identified 'Bishop' glared at her, causing her smile to melt away. Next time, I'll leave him with you. Then we'll see who gets the last laugh.

And then he vanished on the spot.

Without another word said, Eragon and Saphira vanished from the council area and when they blinked, they were back in Alagaësia.

Stargazer was curled into a large ball, his back to them, but when they made to move, the tone of his voice could've frozen the land many times over.

I know where you went and what was discussed. He then lifted his head to look at the youth trembling beside the female. I will let this go, but you have made an enemy of the Stormwielder this night, Rider. You now have lost any respect I held in you and must now earn it back. How you might ask? In due time. Don't mess up, or I will happily… discipline you myself. Good night. He then cast his gaze to Saphira, his eyes roaming over her form before he rolled onto his side to face them, uncurled a bit and raised a wing in silent invitation. The female blinked and when she replied, she sounded uncertain.

But you said…

I know what I said. The male replied evenly, his voice calm and collected. I merely wish to spend time with you, as dragons normally did back in the days of old.

Saphira took a step forward, but then glanced down at her partner-of-heart-and-mind in concerned hesitation… only to find that Eragon was already making camp with Murtagh, the two humans having a hushed conversation. The female looked back at the male, who hadn't moved, patiently waiting for her to make up her mind, and decided to join him. Striding over, she laid down near him, with some respective space between them, before yelping as she was gently pulled flush against his warm flank. When his wing draped over her back, Saphira all but succumbed to sleep then and there from the sense of security she felt. She pressed into his side further, curling her neck back to rest her head against his neck as she couldn't reach his head before closing her eyes and entering the realm of dreams.

The last thing the group heard before they all drifted off was the deep, soothing humming coming from Stargazer as he lulled them to sleep while he kept watch throughout the night.