The First Dragon Riders

Chapter 15

It had been months since Jacques and Eragon had left them to explore regions beyond Alagaësia. Emeril still missed him terribly, they all did, but she had grown to love the young elf prince despite his arrogant and aggressive personality. To her it felt like she was losing Pyra all over again. A large shadow fell across the beach she was standing on and a few minutes later the ground shook, Toron jumped off Spectre’s back as the silver dragon landed near the beach and walked over, he had seen her here looking at the sky many times in the morning mists, this was nothing new.

            “Emeril, Anu wishes to speak with you.” He told her after a quick greeting.

            She nodded. “I will go see him. How was the patrol?”

            “Boring, we seem to be the only ones out here.” Toron sighed. “I wish something would happen.”

            “Careful, you might get what you want… and that could bring trouble.”

            “Of course… Care for a ride though? Spectre and I don’t have to leave for our next patrol until sunset.”

            “Okay.” Emeril climbed onto the, now giant, silver dragon’s back and held onto the neck spike in front of her.

            Are you two ready? Spectre asked them as he spread his wings.

            “When you are my partner.” Toron responded.

            Spectre launched off in two powerful wing beats, they rose higher in the air and Emeril grinned slightly as she enjoyed the feeling of flying again. The three of them headed for the highest tower on the island where Anu stayed with Sakura, his dragon. From their tower they could watch over the island and see far off over the ocean, recently Anu had been sending out more patrols claiming that Sakura had seen something out of the ordinary but so far nothing had appeared. Emeril wondered now if that was why he was now calling her to his presence. Spectre landed on the large landing platform for dragons and crouched down to allow Emeril to get off, she thanked him before sliding off and walking into the large hallway.

            “Anu, you asked for me.” Emeril stated as she walked into the large room where Anu was standing and looking out at the sea.

            “Yes.” He turned around. “I have become concerned with a matter that is crucial for us to continue as a peace keeping society.”

            Sakura, who had been lying on the other side of the room, opened her eyes to watch her rider walk across the room. Yes, because there are so many evils we are fighting against.

            “Maybe not yet.” Anu then spoke out loud again to Emeril. “As I was saying, we were established to make peace between elves and dragons. But I’m afraid we might have another war on our hands.”

            “Why is that? Has an elf killed another dragon?” Emeril asked worriedly.

            “No, but because Dellanir refuses to allow Dragon Riders into Ellesmèra, we cannot speak with the elves about possible threats or take eggs to hatch for new riders.”

            “What do you plan to do about it?”

            “You do not have a dragon any longer, therefore you cannot be considered a real rider…” He gave her an apologetic look. “Meaning, you can go back and ask her to reconsider without breaking any laws.”

            “You want me to convince the queen to allow us to speak with them again?” Emeril gave him a doubtful look.

            “I sent a letter to her with magic, she has not responded, but I will not be ignored by Dellanir.” Sakura growled, backing up her rider’s words.

            “Barging in and demanding audience can make it worse.”

            “You sound like Orelel.” Anu smirked. “But Dellanir deserves this, we need to work together… I have already made plans for Toron to stay in charge while we’re gone, you can’t exactly say no to this.”

            “You’re coming?”

            “Yes, as leader I can’t ask others to do what I am unwilling to.” Anu rubbed Sakura’s snout. “Plus without a dragon it would take too long for you to get there.”

            “When do we leave?” Emeril sighed, giving in to the fact they were going to go through with the plan.

            “Now.” Anu climbed onto his dragon’s back and waited for Emeril to climb on behind him. “Flying should take us only four days to get there if we fly from morning until dark without stopping.”

            Emeril grabbed Anu’s shoulders as Sakura quickly stood up. “Did you pack enough supplies?”

            “Of course I did. But if we run out we can always find more food.” Anu replied.

            Sakura hummed as he mentioned food before jumping off the landing platform and diving down a few stories of the building before spreading her wings and regaining altitude. A golden form caught their attention and Glaedr and Oromis soon joined them as the younger rider had his dragon glide over to them.

            “Toron told us you were leaving to speak with Dellanir.” He stated. “Is there anything you want us to do while you’re gone?”

            “Keep training in your magic and sword play.” Anu instructed. “And keep checking for dangers.”

            Keep your flying skills sharp, and continue working on your aerial maneuvers with and without your rider. Sakura added to Glaedr.

            The golden dragon snorted in response. I am already skilled at aerial combat, but if that is what you wish.

            Anu and Emeril said farewell to them and Sakura flew off towards the ocean that was slightly misted over in the morning light; none of them had seen or been attacked by any of those creatures that had killed Brazen and Kuthian, and now flew closer to the water without worry. Emeril glanced back at the island that was steadily disappearing behind them, she was positive that everyone there would be fine, but as she thought about going to Ellesmèra she couldn’t help but feel as if something was going to be wrong when they got there.