Eragon Rewritten

Chapter 6

It had been nearly two months now since the hatching, and Saphira had grown too big to comfortably fit inside Eragon’s room. Logically, he knew the best place for her to go would be the dragonhold, situated above the Isidar Mithrim, the Star Sapphire. It would be able to accommodate her size better than any other room in Tronjheim, but there were a couple problems that presented themselves to Eragon.

First, in order for her to get up there she would either have to fly in from the top or Eragon would have to carry her up Vol Turin, the endless staircase. Saphira flying in wouldn’t be a problem, if everyone knew of her existence, but since they were keeping quiet on that piece of information, Eragon would have to conceal her as she flew. This would be terribly difficult, even though Eragon was highly skilled in magic, because the higher she flew the more energy it would take for him to keep the spell working. Vol Turin was not an option for basically the same reason. He could not maintain the spell and walk up the staircase at the same time without taxing his energy.

Second, delivering food to her would be nearly impossible, and her hunting herself is out of the question. It would be too risky for her to wander on her own, and again she may be seen and they did not want that to happen.

He was sitting on the edge of the training field, watching the soldiers train to increase stamina and muscle strength, spar with each other, or practice with a bow and arrow. As he sat there contemplating what the best solution to the problem he was facing would be, he heard someone clear their throat from behind him. Looking behind where he was sitting, Eragon was surprised to find Arya standing there looking at him sheepishly.

“Yes?” He asked when it seemed apparent that she wasn’t going to speak first.

“Ajihad requests your presence in his study.” She mumbled, but due to his Elven hearing Eragon was able to catch what she had said.

“Very well.” He rose fluidly from his seated position, before beginning to make his way towards the room he had been summoned to, with Arya falling into step next to him.

“So how is your dragon?” The human girl spoke, taking Eragon slightly by surprise since most humans didn’t talk to him on account of him being an elf.

“Her name is Saphira, and she is doing quite well.” Eragon answered.

“That’s a pretty name for a pretty dragon.” Arya said with a slight smile.

“Indeed.” The prince stated.

“How come you’re the only elf here? Aren’t the Elves and the Varden allies?” She asked curiously.

Eragon’s posture stiffened somewhat at the mention of his people, but Arya didn’t seem to notice.

“Aye, we are, hence the reason I am here. There is no need for any others of my people to be here when I am perfectly capable of performing my duties.” The elf responded stiffly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just curious, is all.”

“You should learn to keep your curiosity in check, else you might offend someone who is not as forgiving as I am.” Eragon advised her. The rest of the journey to Ajihad’s study was spent in silence.

Eragon had not meant to be so rude to Arya, but she had hit upon a sensitive subject when she spoke of him being the only elf in the Varden at this time. She had brought memories he would much rather forget to the forefront of his mind. Not so long ago he had had two immortal companions by his side in the midst of the ever changing human world, but then that malevolent shade, Durza, stole them from him. He stole Glenwing, his closest friend. He stole Faelwen, the very woman he loved, and who loved him. He would have his vengeance, even if it was the last thing he did, but for now he had his duty to his people, the Varden, and the people of Alagaësia to uphold.