[searing light dragon]

Note: this story is posted here on IF and on FanFiction.net. Both copies are mine and everything belong to Christopher Paolini except for certain characters (namely Raxmon and Narssia and a few others that will be added later)

Table of Contents:

<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1645698" target="_blank">Chapter 1-Past and Future</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1648140" target="_blank">Chapter 2-Finding the Past</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1649636" target="_blank">Chapter 3-Release</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1652002" target="_blank">Chapter 4-Awakening</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1654400" target="_blank">Chapter 5-Settling Differences</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1655839" target="_blank">Chapter 6-The Fury of a Dragoness</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1661032" target="_blank">Chapter 7-Imprisonment</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1663282" target="_blank">Chapter 8-Discovering Strength</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1671109" target="_blank">Chapter 9-Troubled Past</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1673640" target="_blank">Chapter 10-Discussions</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1677545" target="_blank">Chapter 11-Broken Promise</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1683655" target="_blank">Chapter 12-Chained Memories</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1686995" target="_blank">Chapter 13-Awakening in a New World</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1688223" target="_blank">Chapter 14-Fiery Tensions</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1693465" target="_blank">Chapter 15-Narssia's Decision</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1699317" target="_blank">Chapter 16-Reawakened Passions</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1702777" target="_blank">Chapter 17-A Murderer's Choice</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1705459" target="_blank">Chapter 18-The Seeds of War</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1709351" target="_blank">Chapter 19-A Truth Explained</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1710569" target="_blank">Chapter 20-Matters at Hand</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1712214" target="_blank">Chapter 21-Understanding the Past</a>
<a href="http://www.inheritanceforums.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=53679&view=findpost&p=1714748" target="_blank">Chapter 22-Steel and Fang</a>
Chapter 23-Damaged Wounds
Chapter 24-Repercussions
Chapter 25-A Promise Kept
Chapter 26-Forgotten Love
Chapter 27-Broken Mind
Chapter 28-Dangerous Deal
Chapter 29-Rekindling Old Flames
Chapter 30-Twisted Feelings
Chapter 31-Drawn by Instincts
Chapter 32-The Duty of a Dragon

*Edited Version*

Chapter 1-Past and Future

The harsh, heated air of the desert plains greeted two dragons as they trudged through the blazing conditions without a word between them. It had been days since their arrival at this barren place in search of something that had been called “a oddly shaped chamber that bears the mark of otherworldly involvement in our lives” that now drew the two into this heated environment.

Perhaps we should turn back? A black dragon named Narssia suggested as she struggled to keep up with the male beside her.

Perhaps but would it be correct after what we have gone through, I doubt. The golden dragon beside Narssia named Raxmon growled in annoyance at her fear of the unknown and timidness at anything unnatural to their kind.

A fierce gust of grainy wind blew straight into them and the two closed their eyes automatically to prevent possible eye irritation from the sand. For miles sand twisted and swirled around them as the two continued to move even with their eyes closed, their thought of finding the odd object luring them into continuing on their dangerous path.

I believe we should rethink heading back Raxmon. There seems to be nothing out here but sand and more sand, Narssia sighed as she shook her head after getting another blast of grainy wind thrown in her direction by the ever changing winds of the harsh desert that takes up nearly a third of their land.

Raxmon snorted and growled fiercely at the thought of turning around and leaving now. They had been through too much now to just turn around and go back without knowing what the object is. Besides, should they go back, he might never get to see Narssia again and his secret feelings for her would be lost.

No. We go on and find this object. Is it not our chance to impress the older dragons who have all failed to accomplish this? Would they not say that we, as the newest offsprings of our race, are too weakly minded and lacking of skills to even complete this task? This is our chance to show them Narssia, our chance to make things right! Raxmon commented as pride filled his usually soft voice and gave it new strength that helped convince Narssia to even continue on.

Shoving her own secret feelings for him to the back of her mind for the time being, Narssia surged ahead and broke free of the grainy windstorm that had enveloped them for the past few minutes. Raxmon steadily followed suite and the two continued to trust the leaders of their kind as to where the object is. Said to be buried in a deep underground room, the object was more precious then all of their gems or even the swords of their riders who were said to be as strong as they were at birth even after years of practice. Only those with mastery over their element and extreme mental control were allowed a rider and thus all new dragon hatchlings had hoped to be picked as choices for a future rider for centuries now by doing any task assigned to them by the older dragons that had taken to training the new hatchlings to do what they had done.

We should be close, Narssia muttered as she struck a solid object with her left foreleg, the blackened scaled paw hurting as she drew it back and lifted it up to lick at it.

It seems that we already are close, Raxmon chuckled as he stopped and lowered his head to sniff the sandy grains above where Narssia struck her foreleg on something.

Drawing back a coming hiss for that comment, Narssia simply nodded and licked at her injured foreleg, hoping to soothe the pain and make it tolerable for her to manage. Raxmon lifted his head after confirming the object was there and gave the sand before him a quick swipe with a paw to reveal a single glistering red ruby laying in the sand before them.

A ruby? We came all this way for a ruby! Narssia roared, snapping angrily at the air before her as she placed her foreleg back onto the ground and put weight onto it.

Perhaps there is more to it. Certainly our teachers wouldn’t send us out here for nothing, would they?

Narssia snarled and twisted her head away, her yellow irises deeply clouded with raging emotions. Their teachers were supposed to be trustworthy and now that might not even be true. So much for dragons who decide to appoint their young future generation with mindless tasks like this.

We should attempt to move it. Help me out here Narssia, please.

Narssia sighed and brought her head back around to lean forward and push with all her strength and with Raxmon helping her to move the ruby that they had found. Shoving against the stone cold surface of the gem, the two young dragons soon ran out of strength and discovered that they had not moved the stone even an inch. Both hissed in anger and bared their teeth. It should had moved and yet it did not. Certainly this was a trick for the older dragons must have known that they did not even have control over their elements yet although they had discovered them in various circumstances.

It is no use. It will not budge one inch despite us using all of our strength. I believe this is impossible to move with strength alone, what do you think Narssia? Raxmon sighed as he leaned back and relaxed his tense back.

I believe you are correct. We must try another-

Narssia stopped suddenly as the ruby that they had tried so hard to move glowed fiercely and nearly blinded them. Taking a step back, both dragons blinked in shock as the gem shone brightly and lifted itself out of the sand. Even the wind quelled itself as the ruby floated silently and continued to shine brightly with an amber light that started to frighten the two young dragons as the minutes passed and the stone did nothing but just shine. Narssia panicked and tried to turn and flee but before she could move, the ruby exploded and let its shattered shards circle the two dragons and trap them into a red crystal as sand and wind swirled violently around them, the two becoming preserved in the crystal to only be awakened in another time period. Of course none of this time period would know where they were or even where they ended up, they would just think the two got lost and died while searching for the ‘object’.

Time swirled around the two imprisoned dragons as the crystal itself traveled through time, being lead almost to the call of a lonely female dragon and her rider who strived to rid the land of tyranny. This meeting of the past and present just might have been the most shocking realization to both young dragons for everything that they once knew was soon to be replaced by that of a time connected strangely with that of their own.

This post has been edited by searing light dragon: 17 March 2010 - 09:07 PM

[Burrosis]

You might want to let us know what the premise of your story is. Is it before the Fall of the riders? After? During? What's with the new dragons? Why aren't the riders with their dragons? Why did they bring along a hatchling?

Tough to pass judgement on this based off not knowing much.

[RenegadeShroom]

Ooh, an interesting start. I'm guessing that they're being transported to Eragon and Saphira's time? If that's the case, I'm assuming this as a Book Four, unless you state otherwise.
As far as I can tell, no glaring grammar or spelling mistakes, it's well written. I'm sure you already know this, but sapphires are blue, and rubies are red, so unless it is intended, I suggest you change it.

@Burrosis

I get the feeling that the hatchlings are going to tell Eragon, Saphira and any others involved when they come from, or it's supposed to remain a mystery. I'm pretty sure that they didn't bring a hatchling with them and that they don't have Riders, although that wasn't exactly clear.

Anywho, it looks like it'll turn out to be a good story, so far. I hope you do well with it!

[searing light dragon]

Yay reviews! For one this does take place right after the ending of Brisingr and I know that sapphires are blue but this one was a different color for a reason, mostly to give the impression that the two shouldn't go near it.

RenegageShroom: They do not have riders as they were only about the age of about nine or so months as their calander runs shorter then the one in the IC. As for the secrets that they reveal about where they come from, I have yet to decide how much to reveal from both.

Burrosis: The story takes place right after the ending pages of Brisingr and more of both dragons, although they small size will make them seem to be the size of a hatchling to later characters.

This story will pick up with the next chapter which will be posted in a few days to allow it to get more readers. I am glad that you both have spoken your opinions on the first chapter.

This post has been edited by searing light dragon: 08 October 2009 - 06:46 PM

[ptcruiser]

This is an interesting start, better than most, but it needs a little work.

First of all, I would strongly advise you not to write in the present tense in a book. It is hard to read, confusing, and just sounds weird. An example of what you should change:

The harsh, heated air of the desert plains greets two dragons as they trudge through the blazing conditions without a word between them. It has been days since their arrival at this barren place in search of something that has been called “a oddly shaped chamber that bears the mark of otherworldly involvement in our lives” that now draws the two into this heated environment.

Perhaps we should turn back? A black dragon hatchling named Narssia suggests as she struggles to keep up with the male beside her.

This should be more like:

The harsh, heated air of the desert plains greeted two dragons as they trudged through the blazing conditions without a word between them. It had been days since their arrival at this barren place in search of something that had been called “a oddly shaped chamber that bears the mark of otherworldly involvement in our lives” that now drew the two into this heated environment.

Perhaps we should turn back? A black dragon hatchling named Narssia suggested as she struggled to keep up with the male beside her.

Corrections in red. See what I mean? It is much easier to read, and less confusing.

Also, work on your description. As I said, it is better than most beginners, but it needs a little work. Perhaps try describing the stone thing. You said it was a red sapphire, which is confusing, but was it in a particular shape, a certain size? In short, what did it look like?

One other thing, I think the dragons could be a little more, well, dragonish. Take Narssia. She is kind of timid - very few female dragons are. They are fierce, and rather arrogant. Raxmon seems a bit closer to dragon.

All in all, nice start. It will be interesting to see where this goes, hope this helps!

[lt dragon]

Ah, wow. Interesting. I agree, present tense is slightly weird, but I guess if it's the way you write... then there's not much to be done. However, I agree that past tense sounds better. I like that the sapphire was red, but how did they realize it was a sapphire? While sapphires can be other colors besides blue, how did they know it was a sapphire? I agree that the dragons are a little different, but, then again, they are from a different time period, so I think it's understandable. Surely even dragons would change over time. So far a pretty good start.

Lt. Dragon

[searing light dragon]

Yay even more reviews so now to comment on each of them!

ptcruiser: The advice of the present/past tense has been noted and changed. As for Narssia, we will see her personality change over time. I plan to work on the descriptions some, although it might postpone the next chapter.

lt dragon: To the question about them figuring out that the stone was a sapphire, just had been told that the object might be in a solid form and so when they found it, a sapphire just came to their minds.

[searing light dragon]

*Edited Version*

Chapter 2-Finding the Past

Stirring his sleep driven mind, Eragon awoke under Saphira’s wing and sighed, thinking back over the past few days. Since the deaths of Saphira and his mentors, Glaedr and Oromis, Glaedr’s elundari had been silent. It made sense that the shock of losing his partner still affected him but nevertheless they needed his help and wisdom to aid them in the fight against Galbatorix. Realizing that her partner was awake, Saphira lifted her wing and greeted Eragon cheerfully.

Good morning little one, did you sleep well?

Brushing her question aside, Eragon sat up and dusted the dirt from his brown tunic that the elves had made for him before standing and stretching. Feeling his mood lighten slightly after the stretch, Eragon finally answered Saphira.

I have woken up in better moods, he replied truthfully as he walked over to grab his bow and quiver from where it laid nearby.

The Varden request our presence. I believe it would be wise to go to them as soon as we can, Saphira commented as she folded her wings against her back and watched Eragon strap Brisingr’s sheath to his hip and throw his quiver with elf made bow already strung onto his back before turning back around to face her and quickly glancing around the surroundings of their simple tent. A simple dirt floor and a canvas covering the sides and top as the Varden were still on the move toward Uru’baen.

I am ready.

Good, let us be off then, Saphira commanded as she waited for Eragon to join her before they moved off to find out what the Varden wanted.

Saphira stood only when Eragon had climbed upon her back and even then she slowly slipped out of the thin canvas entrance to their shared tent. Eragon noted Saphira’s careful steps and asked her about it but the Saphira denied his request and asked that he question it no farther. Stopping before a quite plain white tent, the largest out of all of them in the Varden’s camp next to Saphira and Eragon’s, the dragoness halted just at the entrance to allow Eragon to get down because of small entrance that Saphira was unable to venture into.

“Ah Eragon and Saphira, welcome,” Nasuada commented joyfully as she ended an apparent discussion with Arya over something that they had talked about before the two arrived.

“We are sorry to be late and I suppose that Saphira would have woken me sooner had we known the urgency of this meeting with you,” Eragon explained as Saphira growled softly, focusing one of her sapphire eyes on her rider.

“It is fine Shadeslayer, but I couldn’t trust anyone else with what I have sent for you and Saphira to know as several Urgals have returned recently with information coming from the Hadarac Desert about the sudden appearance of a ruby within the sandy wasteland that covers most of the middle of Alagaesia. I believe you understand my predicament, correct?”

We do, Saphira nodded as she spoke through her rider.

“Good then would you both go and check it out to discover if is of any worth or use to the Varden,” Nasuada explained as Arya walked out past Saphira, her long hair swirling around behind her like a black velvety cloak.

We would be most honored to go and do this. Should we find something of value, we will bring it back with us, Saphira promised as she focused her eyes on Nasuada.

“Very well. All of the Varden wishes you luck. May you be safe on your journey,” Nasuada commented as she bowed before Eragon and Saphira.

Turning around, both dragon and rider left the tent to discuss their plan for the fastest time possible to get to the desert from the outskirts of Feinster. After a long discussion while returning to their tent, the two decided to leave at night to avoid having to encounter any of Galbatorix’s forces or worse, Thorn and Murtagh.

- - -

The cool night air washed over both dragon and rider as Saphira skimmed over the barren, dry lands of the Hadarac desert, the air stinging with chilled malice for those that came to unearth its sand covered secrets. Saphira spotted a crested sand hill and landed sharply on the dark sand on top of it, her hind legs taking most of the shock from the land as Eragon dismounted and drew Brisingr.

See anything Saphira?

Nothing that is unusual but we should remain on guard just in case, the blue dragoness replied, a deep growl vibrating from within her throat as both made their way down the slope.

Eragon carefully stepped forward as they reached the bottom of the sandy slope as Saphira stayed behind him to observe for danger. Certainly this was not the most peaceful place in the Empire but there should not be too much danger for them here at night.

Take a look at this Saphira, Eragon requested as he halted before a single large glittering ruby, the night too dark even the moon covered by a thin haze to see the inside of the mighty crystal.

A ruby? This is certainly a surprise. Perhaps we should try to move it, what do you think little one?

Eragon paused, unsure of what to say. Certainly a ruby of that size would be difficult to move even with magic.

Little one? Saphira asked as she nuzzled his back with her snout. Why have you not given me an answer yet?

Because I believe I might have found what we need to do. This might be dangerous however, Eragon replied as he advanced forward and pressed Brisingr’s flat blade against the cold crystal.

The result of this pressure to the cold surface of the crystal was almost immediate as Brisingr’s blade grazed the still and hard surface. The ruby shimmered and glowed brightly as though it was being lit from the inside out. The gem’s light faded as the air above lighted up faintly with an amber colored light to reveal two young dragons held within the massive crystal, both certainly younger then a year old from the viewpoint of Eragon and Saphira.

This post has been edited by searing light dragon: 03 November 2009 - 09:56 PM

[bPhoenix]

I like your story, I think it's quite interesting. It's definitely something that hasn't been thought up of yet.

A few things though, you have a couple of run-on's that makes reading somewhat annoying. Also, you would occasionally speak in present tense when it should be in past tense.

Turning around, both dragon and rider leave the tent to discuss their plans for the fastest time possible to get to the desert from the outskirts of Feinster.

That, for example, should be left instead of leave.

And I know you explained this before, but I still don't understand the reasoning. How come the two young dragons knew it was a sapphire? And then Eragon and Saphira as well? I mean, if you see a red gemstone, your initial reaction would be to think that it's a ruby, right? So why would they assume sapphire?

This post has been edited by bPhoenix: 09 October 2009 - 05:38 PM

[RenegadeShroom]

Hmm. I liked this chapter, but I think it could have been better. You still need to stop using present tense words in some places:

Realizing that her partner is awake, Saphira lifts her wing and greeted Eragon cheerfully.
Should be: Realizing that her partner was awake, Saphira lifted her wing and greeted Eragon cheerfully.

This sentence, IMO wasn't done very well, because of one word. That's right, one word screwed it up:

Saphira stands only when Eragon had climbed upon her back and even then she slowly slipped out of the thin canvas entrance to their shared tent. Eragon noted Saphira’s careful steps and asked her about it but the female denied his request and asked that he question it no farther.

"but the female denied his request"?
Ok, first off, Eragon would think, "but Saphira denied his request".
Second, when I was reading it, to me it sounded like it was being used in a derogatory way. Now, some of you may think, "it's seems sexist if you are sexist!". You're right, but that's exactly the point. If there are any here (not accusing any one or anything) then they'll see that as a sexist remark. Others may also see it as a sexist remark. Not because they are sexist, but because it just crosses their mind as sexist. And honestly, I think it does sound quite sexist for Eragon, of all people. I wouldn't mind if it was any other of the majority of the male human characters, as sexism is quite common in their age. Or even another dragon, albeit, male.

Moving on, I really don't think that Nasuada would risk sending Eragon and Saphira, their only great protection against Murtagh and Thorn, out into the desert because she heard something about an object. If you're going to do this, say that she sent scouts out to investigate, or just provide a better explanation as to why she sends them. It isn't in Nasuada's character to send E&S places far away from the Varden on a whim.

Aside from that, it was well written, but I think that it wasn't up to the standard of the first chapter. Your description is great, and the cliffhanger is good at the end of the chapter, though.

Hoping I didn't cripple you with my critique, Shroom.

[searing light dragon]

Alright, review time for those that have given me comments on the second chapter.

bPhoenix: For the red sapphire thing, I will change it to a ruby merely because of the vast number of comments about it. Also the correction was well appreciated.

RenegadeShroom: Thank you for the corrections, I cannot believe I did not see that myself as I checked it to make sure it was ready for posting. You are probably right about Nasuada sending the Varden's protection off to check out the stone and I will change that later tonight. I was not crippled by the critique and in fact I welcome it to make my stories better. Correction to chapter 2 are coming up in a matter of moments.

[RenegadeShroom]

Err, hang on a sec. About the Eragon thing where he thinks, "but the female denied his request", I think it was a foolish thing for me to make a biggish deal out of. But I am glad you changed it. It's not really sexist, but think of it more as if you share an intimate bond with somebody. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't think of the person as 'the (fe)male said', but rather "(name) said."
I apologize if I offended anyone somehow with that. :/

[searing light dragon]

I do not mind that you made a big deal about it. Now that I think back on it, it did not sound right when I first wrote it so that might be why. Here is a tiny spoiler to get everyone ready for chapter 3:

Raxmon and Narssia awaken to find themselves within Alagaesia. One of them will snap after Saphira breaks up a fight between them and flee to join with the Empire.

[RenegadeShroom]

O_O
Well, if it's Narssia, then the Varden, the dwarves and the elves are all screwed, being a female and all.

Why do I get the feeling that Saphira is pregnant? It might just be cause she is in my fanfic, but it seems a little suspicious the way she was moving around when Eragon noticed and asked her about it...

If you're gonna answer me about the last question, you might wanna PM it, rather than say it in the topic.

[searing light dragon]

*Edited Version*

Chapter 3-Release

Saphira blinked as Eragon drew back while both stared at the two dragons held within the now quieted and yet glowing crystal. These two dragons seemed somewhat like what Saphira was but yet more different between their kind and her own. Even with the amber light shining above them to light the crystal, it was difficult for both dragon and rider to make out the two smaller dragons’ color and gender.

The first one that drew their joined attention first was the slightly larger of the two. This dragon stood perfectly still with its tail pointed upward, eyes closed tightly, and teeth clenched; it certainly had a lighter color then the other one and the tail ended in a sharp point that resembled Saphira’s own. The dragon also had two horns that curved backwards slowly, almost as if they were still in the process of growing. Eragon turned his attention to the other dragon as Saphira continued to gaze carefully at the lighter colored dragon.

The second dragon was certainly darker in color and the thinner snout was more curved then the first dragon’s, whose snout was more squared and wider as well as the slightly broader shoulders. This particular dragon was most certainly female, Saphira decided as she turned her attention to the darker colored dragon. She was turned slightly, her head buried into the lighter one’s neck with her wings fanned out slightly. The tip of the wing closest to both Eragon and Saphira revealed a single thin scar running down along the curve of her right wing, from an injury perhaps? Her tail also had the same scar like pattern as her right wing but only deeper and more visible as her tail appeared to be curved toward Eragon and Saphira. Her position and the lighting above made it difficult to see her face and head but Eragon and Saphira managed to make out the shape of four horns that lined the back of her head. The horns curved backwards behind her head and decreased in size as they went down but the two directly on top of her head were certainly the largest of the four.

They both look so young, Saphira commented thoughtfully as she continued to gaze upon the both of them, They probably aren’t even a year old.

Perhaps, how should we wake them Saphira?

Saphira contemplated the situation for a moment before speaking again, having taken time to think over a well thought out response. Perhaps Brisingr’s blade might break the crystal? It is worth a try at least.

Nodding his head in agreement with his dragon’s suggestion, Eragon advanced once more towards the crystal and raised Brisingr to point directly at the gem like surface. Saphira watched silently as she waited to see if this worked, her eyes going to the male dragon held within the crystal as the faint thought that one day he could be her mate after growing up some crossed her mind. The sharp ping that resounded as Eragon struck the ruby with Brisingr brought Saphira back to focus and she took a step forward, curious as to a web like design of cracks along the crystal’s left side that she nor Eragon had seen upon first examination of it.

Little one, look at the crystal’s left side. I believe that we are achieving something with our efforts. Perhaps another strike with Brisingr in that area will bring about the release of the two?

Eragon agreed mentally with Saphira’s idea and walked over to the left side of the crystal to strike at its polished surface. The thin cracks that lined the left side widened after being struck with metal from a sword and as Eragon stepped back the entire frame shuttered and broke apart sending glass like shards everywhere with several of them traveling so far as to puncture Saphira’s wings. She growled as the sharp bursts of pain radiated from her wings while Eragon held up an arm to shield himself from the remains of the gem. The two young dragons held within the crystal collapsed onto the ground as the amber light that had shone above them vanished into nothing as the last of the ruby shards struck objects.

Are you hurt Saphira? Eragon questioned as he moved his arm, a slight sting coming from his elbow as he lowered his arm back to his side.

It is mere surface wounds, nothing to be concerned over. How are the two hatchlings? Saphira replied as she drew back her injured wings, cringing as she smelled the scent of her blood that rolled down the beautiful blue membranes of her wings from the ruby shattering because of Brisingr.

Finding faint relief from knowing of the extent of Saphira’s wounds, Eragon walked over to the two now released dragons, crossing over a small ring of left over crystal fragments and looked them over as the moon shone blurrily above them, the sky itself in coated in a dull greyish haze.

They are unhurt but we should get them to safety as soon as possible, Eragon commented as he waited silently for Saphira to join him as that she would probably aid him in picking up the two young dragons.

I understand. I will be there in a matter of moments to help.

Retreating her mind from their mental link, Saphira folded in her wings and laid them against her back as to avoid any more possible injury despite the sharp pain that radiated from them as the crystal that had pierced through her wings cut deeper into her wing membranes. Stepping over the still sharp shards of the ruby that remained from the gem’s explosion as they laid scattered about throughout the small moonlight area, Saphira walked over to join with Eragon, considered slightly for the safety of her rider and the two dragons that they have found. Eragon glanced quickly at Saphira as she halted beside him, her eyes focused on the two young dragons that laid out before them, surrounded by a thin layer of crystal fragments on the ground from where the ruby exploded. Saphira advanced through the barrier of red that blocked the two dragons from her and Eragon and picked up the female in her jaws, careful with her movements as she turned around and approached the outer rim of the crystal circle, handing the female dragon to Eragon to hold for just a moment. Turning back around, Saphira collected the sleeping male, the two young dragons no doubt exhausted. Who knew how long they had endured being held within the crystal?

Why did I have to hold the female? Eragon asked Saphira as she stepped over the barrier of ruby fragments for the last time, the male held within her jaws lightly but still secure to prevent him from falling out should she have to take flight for any reason.

Because I insist on carrying the male as a mother would for her young. Her bitter tone bared a slight twinge of disappointment in it as Saphira walked past Eragon without even glancing at him, stopping only to allow Eragon to lay the female upon her back.

The long walk that ensued the rescue of the two younger dragons bared nothing but silence as neither Eragon or Saphira spoke, their thoughts elsewhere as they moved quickly through the desert, hoping that Murtagh and Thorn were currently elsewhere in Alagaesia so that they could return to the Varden by nightfall the next day without a fight.

I am sorry I snapped at you little one. I was contemplating having two dragons join our side to even the war for even though Galbatorix has one egg still yet to hatch, it is considered an enemy by the Varden as therefore the Empire has three dragons on its side, one having not hatched yet, while the Varden have one and yet maybe two more will join our cause.

Perhaps you are right Saphira. We might be able to even the odds and that very well might help in the overall war against the Empire, Eragon commented as he nodded at his dragon’s words.

The faintest rays of pale light stretched across the darkened sky as the new dawn approached quickly. These light rays made Eragon and Saphira realize that they had been out in the desert for the entire night now. Both dragon and rider decided to stop for a moment and rest. Saphira lowered the two younger dragons they had obtained onto the cool sand below, both appearing to be peacefully in sleep. Sitting down upon the cool sand as Saphira laid down and curled her tail around him, Eragon finally got a chance to see the two dragons actual scale color but it was Saphira who pointed out the color of the male to him first.

Little one, see the color of the male’s scales? See how they glisten like the finest gold? Perhaps he is a golden dragon like Glaedr was?

Eragon blinked as he too noticed the color of the male’s scales. How was it possible that another dragon wound up gold after the first had died? Forcing himself to look at the female, Eragon observed her blackened scales with caution. If rumor was correct, Shruikan, Galbatorix’s own dragon, was black as night and his color matched her own. Saphira appeared to notice this as well for she lowered her head in the sand beside Eragon with a snort as both stared at the two new dragons that they had picked up with wonder and excitement as the discovery that they had made might turn the tides of war.

Both rider and dragon blinked jointly as they saw both new dragons twitch faintly, the end of their tails quivering as their eyes fluttered beneath their eyelids, a clear sign that they would awaken soon.

This post has been edited by searing light dragon: 06 November 2009 - 08:03 PM