Unexpected Ally - Eragon fanfiction

Chapter 1 - The Dragon

A deer fell dead on the crunchy leaves, an arrow protruding from its breast. Blood spilled from the wound, its glassy eyes staring endlessly into the sky. Ruth stalked out from behind the bush she ran over to the deer, pulled out the arrow and returned it to her quiver. She began to measure the size and weight of it from experience, to see if it was carriable when she heard a low growl. She whipped her head to look for the original source of the sound. She saw a large, blue dragon with scales that glinted in the moonlight, its intelligent eyes scouring the area before it. Their pupils darted around as it surveyed Teirm, which lay before below the cliff where the creature was perched, a few leagues away. The eyes went in her direction so Ruth ducked, as she did so she stepped on a twig causing a snapping sound to echo atop the cliff.

The dragon's interest and curiosity was now engrossed in finding what the source of the sound was. It sat there, silently, and waited until the creature responsible would reveal themselves. Ruth decided it was best for her to show herself instead of hiding until the creature came and found out, so she stood before the dragon. It was still approximately 20 metres away but Ruth was still fearful. Once the lizard's eyes fixated on Ruth they didn't leave her. Shivers darted swiftly down her spine, the dragon's strong gaze pierced through her like a sharp spear. She edged toward the creature with caution, she had never come across a wild dragon before; they were extremely dangerous for they felt no love toward humans. Once she was in the clearing atop the cliff, the dragon moved her head so she was face to face with Ruth. Its bright sapphire eyes watched Ruth as she shifted uncomfortably under its impenetrable gaze.

Who are you? she heard a female voice say in her head. Ruth had used mental connection before, only to ask where her brother was when she lost him. She reached out with her mind and brushed against a peaceful presence, she guessed it was the dragon sitting before her.

Who are you? the voice repeated, Ruth presumed the dragon was female

I am Ruth, I was hunting when I came across your presence

How can I trust you?

I fled from Yazuac when the Urgals attacked I have been living outside of Teirm trying to escape a group of slavers that are after me

The scene at Yazuac was quite distressing

You've been there?

Yes

What happened?

We were attacked by remaining Urgal scouts

We?

The dragon hesitated, Ruth felt she was about to reply when her attention changed to Teirm. She (as in the dragon not Ruth) watched as a small figure left the gates of the large, coastal city and was making its way to the cliff

Who's that? Ruth inquired, maybe she was a dragon to a dragon rider and their rider was coming. Excitement filled her bones as she saw the individual disappear below the cliff, she assumed they were climbing up. She heard a few grunts and a hand appeared on the ground from the side of the cliff. Grass clump under their fingers which were covered in small cuts and bruises. A young boy, roughly around the age of 16, scrambled upon the cliff. He walked straight over to the dragon and said aloud

"Saphira, I'm sorry we couldn't be together again today"

The dragon nuzzled him with her large snout which he returned with a hug around her robust neck. Saphira nodded her head toward Ruth - as if to tell of her presence - and the boy turned around to look at her. He looked surprised to see her just standing there watching them both.

"Hello? Who are you?" he asked curiously

"I'm Ruth, you?" she replied, outstretching a hand for him to shake

"Eragon" he answered, shaking her hand "How did you come across Saphira?"

"I was hunting in the forest beside her, when I saw her I thought I would greet myself. It is extremely rare and unheard of to find a dragon"

"Aye it is, quick question, why are you living out here if Teirm is so close by"

"Well, I'm avoiding a group of slavers for I do not wish to be part of their vulnerable victims"

"Oh" Eragon said, looking troubled. He thought for a bit; a concentrated frown plastered on his face. After 5 minutes of silence Ruth questioned

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is troubling me I was thinking over a matter with Saphira that may improve your unfortunate situation"

"But you just met me? Surely it would be foolish to help one you hardly know"

"That is not quite the case here, I will return to see Saphira tomorrow if you're staying with her then I shall see you again tomorrow. I must hurry back before the gates close" He then wished Saphira goodnight, climbed carelessly down the cliff and slid just below the gates.

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How was that for my first chapter?

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839 words

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