Adurna

First Flight

Chapter Thirteen-

Eragon lead me through the forest easily, despite the darkness I couldn’t see through. My hand grasped his so tightly I was amazed he didn’t cry out in pain as we ran for what felt like eternity. Where are the dragons? I thought in panic. I didn’t recall having to come this deep in the woods to reach the clearing we always meet at. Fear gripped me as I thought Eragon had gotten lost in the dense trees and pitch blackness.

                “Just a little further.” He called softly back at me, not sounding as out of breath as I felt. My panicky thoughts melted away as Derikia’s presence brushed my mind gently. I opened my thoughts to his, grateful for his comforting thoughts as they filled through me.

                I hope we’re doing the right thing…leaving them.  I confessed easily to him, knowing he’d understand. Images of my night replayed as I gave Derikia details of my leaving.

                Everything will be rewarded in our leaving. Remember, Eragon said we are saving them. He threw the peaceful Gran sleeping in her bed and Marcus smiling down at me in the pub images back at me. My heart ached with sadness, which he shared with me easily. Though he did not meet these two people, he loved them like I had through the memories I shared.

                I hope you’re right. I sighed loudly as I noticed Eragon begin to slow. My eyes scanned the clearing in search of Derikia, but found nothing.

                I am here. An image of the dazzling stars and the dark forest below fluttered into my brain once Derikia read the fear I had so easily produced from not finding him. Confusing overcame me at the sight of him flying. Saphira is with you, I have no use being there.

                When will we be together? I asked, desperate to be near him again.

                Soon. He promised. I had no better option than to allow our connection to fade as he flew higher and higher in the air, though never too far away to reach him if needed. I couldn’t help the loneliness I felt as he flew away yet again even though Eragon was still right beside me. We stood there hand in hand until I remembered to free his hand from my fearful grip. Embarrassed, I let his go and witnessed it dropped uselessly at his side. I eyed the sword on his waist quickly as he absentmindedly grasped the hilt without seeming to concisely meaning to.

                “Why do you carry that around?” I asked, slightly annoyed while gesturing to the weapon in his hands. He looked down with wide eyes, like he just realized he had it.

                “Does it bother you?” Eragon challenged, raising a dark eye brow high at my face. Normally, I would have surely blushed at his direct look and instantly drop my gaze, but I didn’t find the energy to do so. My cheeks stayed its paled white and my empty eyes looked into his beautiful ones. He swallowed hard and looked in the distance.

                “Yes.” Even my voice was bleak with emotion.

                “Why?” He questioned, returning my gaze with interested eyes. The most normal answer I had given him had somehow sparked inquisitiveness inside the rider that my awkward and unexplainable ones hadn’t. He was strange…and a bit too curious.

                “I don’t like the idea of you…hurting someone.” I saw a small smile play at his lips before he turned deathly serious to me. The playful look had vanished inside him, making me widen my tired eyes in surprise.