Eragon: The New World

Chapter 9: Hadarac Desert

The sun beating off the sand was excruciating to the eyes and body. They were only half way threw the first day, and already the heat of the Hadarac desert was taking a tool on the group.

Kate had at least found comfort in the fact that her dark skin helped protect her from the suns rays. Although she couldn't help but feel sorry for her traveling companions the elves. She could only imagine how brutal the sun would be on their pale white skin.

Even though they would not admit it she knew the heat brought discomfort to them. The sweat dripping from the brows told her as much. Even the horse didn't seem to be coping well with the heat. Kate could feel the sweat of their body's soaking threw her deer skin pants as she rode.

The only one in the group who seem to find any comfort in this place was Draco. Kate couldn't believe how well he was taking the heat. With his already warm body, she figured he would be baking right now. But he almost seemed to thrive in it.

Even though she could not see him over the dunes, she knew he was loving this place. Running from dune to dune across the desert. Threw their mental link he constantly told her about all the new things he found throughout the desert.

Needing something to take her mind off the heat she rode her horse up next to Legontis. Using her arm to wipe the sweat from her brow she asked. " So when can we start my training, I need something to take my mind off the heat".

"Very well young one let's work on strengthening your mind while we ride. I have noticed that when talking to your dragon you use your voice instead of your mind. We need to work on that, for that is a very important ability to have. It will also help to strengthen your mind, so you will be better able to fight off attacks".

Kate gave Legontis a funny look. "How do I go about doing that".

"It is very easy. I'll enter your mind and start to talk to you. Then I want you to say your reply in your head and when you do it will be passed to my mind".

After he finished speaking Legontis entered Kate's mind. At first in felt weird to her, but then again it always felt weird. But she knew the more she it happened, it would get to be more of a normal feeling. Like it was with Draco now.

After letting him in her mind Legontis spoke to her. "First things first. Now that you are in training you will address me as Elda or Legontis-Elda from now on".

Wiping her sweat soaked hair out of her face. Kate nodded in agreement to her new orders. Even though didn't know what the word mint, she would follow the order.

After seeing her approval he continued. "We will start with some light conversation with our minds as we ride, I will let you ask me questions again and I'll answer them. You are not allowed at anytime durning our conversation, to use your voice or move your lips when speaking to me. Now young one I want you to try real hard to speak with your mind and not your mouth".

Putting all her concentration and might into her thoughts, Kate gave it her best try. " Elda, Legontis-elda can you hear me".

"Yes young one I can. I can feel your mind being over worked its not as hard as you are making it. Relax and ask me some question and we will have us a nice little visit while we ride".

Kate let herself relax like Legontis told her to. Thinking of what she would to ask him, she remembered a question she had been wanting to ask. Since the day of the egg touch ceremony. " Who is the elf that is leading this group and how did he get all his powers".

Looking at her a little confused Legontis let his mind speak. "The elf leading the group. You must mean Viseron the elf in the lead with the black hair. But I know not of what powers you speak of ".