For two days they travelled in the tunnels with Orik's guidance, but very little was said between them. Only Eragon and Glenwing spoke, filling the otherwise oppressive silence. Arya and Orik would listen as Eragon would tell tales from Saphira and his adventures to the east, but they had forgone commenting on them. Mostly he would speak of the little things; how Saphira had once nearly crashed into a fog-covered mountain, how Eragon had once stumbled upon some human's performing a strange ceremony that involved not a stitch of clothing and some knives, and how Eragon actually fallen from Saphira's back when she tried to perform a difficult maneuver.
Glenwing would chuckle and make remarks, but the elf was an attentive listener. All the while, the others would be silent, save Saphira who would add to his tales, but never told her own.
It was after near the end of the day when they arrived at an outcropping, and Eragon saw the lake that Tarnag bordered on. The city was to their left, and Eragon gazed upon the tiered city, with its interlocking buildings that led to the massive domed roof of the temple. Eragon had seen the city before, but he had never actually stepped foot in the city.
Orik pointed to the temple, stating, "That is Celbedeil, home of Dûrgrimst Quan."
Nodding, Eragon recalled the clan, who claimed to act as servants and messengers to the dwarven gods. Arya led the way, her movements slightly stiff. Orik gestured at her as she led them forward, "Arya is known to argue with the priests."
"Is she?" Eragon murmured. He appraised the elf, but made no comment. It didn't really surprise him, considering what the elves thought of gods. Nearly all the elves Eragon had met never believed in any gods, but most where somewhat polite enough to refrain from arguing with other's beliefs. That Arya would spoke much of her character, and how strongly she believed in her ideals.
Glenwing said nothing, his eyes soft as he continued forward. As they continued a dwarf appeared, the rider sitting astride the odd goat creature the dwarves called Feldûnost's.
The rider shouted at them, the harsh dwarven language ringing out, "What Clan? Who passes?"
Orik responded, and Eragon struggled with keeping up with the quick words, "Orik, Thrik's son, and Shadeslayer Eragon, Dragon Rider. Also, the elf-couriers Arya and Glenwing. We are hall-guests of Ûndin."
The Rider stared hard the group, before saying, "Then you may pass."
I don't want to spend to long here, Eragon said to Saphira. The dwarves will not like our presence, and it would be best if we moved along as quickly as we could.
I agree. See what Orik has to say. Saphira responded.
"Orik," Eragon said, gaining the dwarf's attention. He was still following behind Arya, but the dwarf turned his head to acknowledge Eragon's words. "Saphira and I feel its best not to remain in the city. We should make for the rafts and continue on, even if night falls."
The dwarf turned to him in surprise, his bushy eyebrows belaying his disapproval, "We are to be guests here in the city. To turn away such prestige may cause many offense. Why do you wish to move on so quickly?"
"There are dwarves who will not approve of Saphira and I," Eragon said. "I know the stories. You yourself told me of the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin. I would rather avoid having a clan war started, simply because Hrothgar named me as friend of your clan."
Glenwing joined in from beside Eragon, his hand still leading horse that carried his fallen comrade. "Perhaps its best that we discuss the matter with Ûndin. We need the dwarves assistance with the rafts."
When they entered the city proper, Eragon watched as observers lined the fields, and seven dwarves riding Feldûnost approached them. The dwarf identified himself as Thorv, bid them welcome to the city. Orik responded, as did Arya and Eragon, thanking him for the hospitality.
They followed the riders, Eragon taking in the city around them. The dwarfs had built the city with only their kind in mind, and the streets where narrow as they ventured forward. Dwarf's bustled about, many stopping to observe the strangers who had entered their city. It was until a group of dwarves, faces covered by purple veils, did Eragon's intuition prove true.
He guessed that the Dwarves where of the Az Sweldn Rak Anhûin, his hand travelling down to grasp Brisingr. A dwarf stepped forward, and raised a fist towards the group. He cried out in dwarvish, "This Shadeslayer, this Dragon Rider has no place in Tarnag, our holiest of cities! Do you forget our curse, that we bear from the Dragon War? We will not let him pass!"
Thorv, their guide, shouted, "Enough!"
Eragon studied the other veiled dwarves as Thorv and the stranger argued, his hand still gripping Brisingr.
"He is here as is his right, granted by King Hrothgar!" Thorv shouted. "Unless you wish to start a clan war, leave!" Though the two dwarves argued, Eragon had the sense that Thorv and the stranger knew each other well.
He watched as the dwarf pulled an iron ring from his pocket, plucked three hairs from his beard, and wrapped them around the ring. A sense of dread filled Eragon as the dwarf tossed it towards the group, the ring bouncing on the street. The Az Sweldn rak Anhûin left quickly down the alley they emerged, and Eragon cursed quietly. Even Glenwing and Arya seemed taken aback, but none of them said a word.
The dwarf's leading them were agitated, but Orik strode forward to pick up the ring. Seeing no immediate threat, Eragon relaxed his hand. To Orik he said, "This is why I did not want to come here."
The dwarf said nothing, his gaze stuck on the ring. After a moment he placed it inside a bag, and motioned for Thorv to continue.
They arrived in a courtyard with tables set about, and Eragon saw a gray-bearded dwarf spread his arms in greeting, "Welcome to Tarnarg. I am Ûndin, son of Derûnd and clan chief."
Another dwarf stepped forward and said, "And I Gannel, son of Orm Blood-ax and clan chief of Dûrgrimst Quan."
Eragon nodded at them and said, "It is an honor to be your guests."
They greeted Orik, Arya and Glenwing in turn, but Orik's response was to show them the ring.
Ûndin made to speak, but Eragon cut across, "It was intended for me, by the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin." Shock rang around the group, and Eragon continued. "We are honored to be your guest, but I must insist that we do not remain in the city. I will not have a clan war start on my account."
Orik nodded, his eyes on the ring, "Aye, I agree. We thank you for the hospitality of your clans, and ask that the rafts be prepared for our voyage."
The two clan chiefs were silent, eyes intent upon the iron ring Orik was holding. After a moment they glanced at each other, and Ûndin spoke, "I understand. Our apologies, Shadeslayer, that such a thing would befall you. We will have the rafts readied at once, but I must insist on you staying for the feast. It would honor us greatly to have you with us."
Eragon glanced at Arya, who merely nodded her head at him. Orik responded for the group, "Of course. We have yet to dine for the evening."
They had partaken of the feast, and though the dwarves had offered him meat he had declined. Saphira was tearing into a chunk of Nagra, a giant boar that roamed the Beor Mountains. The elves as well as Eragon had their fill of soups and other vegetables the dwarves provided, as well as some of the cakes. Ûndin was speaking, telling him how he had moved the tables outside for Saphira to feast as well. Eragon knew how the dwarves had thought of dragons, but hid his irritation at them.
After they were done, Eragon and the others retired inside the halls, the dwarves providing them spaces to change and wash. Task complete, Eragon waited in the courtyard with Saphira, leaning against her flank. Orik and Arya joined him not too long after, conversation quick between them. Glenwing eventually joined them, taking the leads of the horse carrying Fäolin from the dwarves who had carried for the stallion during the feast. Ûndin eventually came upon them, and gestured for them to follow. Guards led the way silently down towards the lake, and Eragon peered through the empty city streets, his eyes alert.
They wanted him to wrap cloths around Saphira's feet, but Eragon merely whispered a spell to muffle their steps. Two rafts waited for them down at the lake, and Eragon saw the Ûndin gesture for guards to board. Stopping the clan chief, Eragon said, "You honor us with your guards, Ûndin, but we will have need of them. Please, we only need those who would steer us on our journey."
The dwarf considered him for a moment, his expression blank. Ûndin sighed before inclining his head the Rider, "Very well, Shadeslayer. I only apologize that your stay could not have been longer. That your stay was darkened by the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, and I hope one day that you would honor us again with your presence."
Eragon bowed lightly to the chief before turning to join Arya and Orik on the raft. Glenwing was softly speaking to the horse in the ancient language, helping the dwarves to secure it to the raft. The board that held Fäolin was removed and secured, and Eragon clasps hands with the Ûndin before the rafts set off down the lake.
They were to follow the river Az Ragni down till it joined the Edda River, then venture on foot to Ceris. Though Eragon was unused to the slow pace, he found the journey down the river somewhat relaxing. Saphira was swimming beside them, her head the only thing protruding from the river. He would smile at her as she passed, watching her glide smoothly through the water. Even the few dwarves that remained with them to steer the rafts would gaze at her form.
Glenwing was on the second raft, though he did not seem upset at it. He would call out across the river at them, pointing out various bird species as they flew by. He would sing their melodies, and Eragon watched as the birds would return his calls. They had stopped late in the night before, holding at the entrance to the river Az Ragni after their quick departure from the city.
Eragon had removed Saphira's saddle before the left, placing it on the raft with him. They set off again a few hours after dawn, and Eragon was leaning against the side of the raft when Arya approached him. She joined him, both of them watching Saphira as she swam forward.
He nodded his head in greeting to her, Arya's presence causing his heart to lurch in his chest. Surprised at his reaction, Eragon frowned at the river in front of him. She remained at his side for nearly ten minutes before she spoke, her words soft. "Eragon, may I ask to see the egg?"
Blinking, Eragon responded, "Of course. Come, its over here." He motioned at the saddle that was positioned in front portion of the raft, hidden from sight. He had placed various spells around the bag containing the egg and Eldunarí, but he always tried to keep it in view.
She followed him forward, and Eragon kneeled down beside the saddle as he opened the bag. He glanced up at her as he did, watching as she became curious at the other object hidden inside. The Eldunarí was covered, but the stones shape was still visible through the leather that surrounded it. He retrieved the egg quickly, closing the saddle bag and opening the smaller one that contained the green egg.
Eragon glanced around quickly to ensure their privacy, removing the egg to hand it to her. She was silent as she went, her fingers sliding against his own as she accepted the weight of the egg. Arya was staring at it intently, and he briefly felt her mind stretch out, her mind brushing softly against his own. "The confusion has calmed some since last time I tried," she whispered.
"Aye," he matching her volume, "I'm relieved at that."
"I've never seen a dragon egg before I took it from Hefring, and I did not have much time with it during your battle with Murtagh. Only enough to ensure that the dragon inside was safe," Arya said. Her fingers trailed over the egg, tracing patterns on its surface. To Eragon's eye, it almost seemed as if the veins pulsed lightly at her touch.
"Saphira and I once visited Du Fells Nángoröth," Eragon admitted quietly. Arya's eyes shot up to his own, her fingers still tracing over the egg. "We visited again when we returned to Alagaësia, though it was barren when we returned. The first time, we visited the wild dragons there, Saphira was given permission to… leave something of value in their ancestral home, but she decided against it. Not many bonded dragons had the honor, but they were always fond of her," he trailed off, his words morose.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Saphira's dam was Vervada, a wild dragon. She allowed Saphira entrance to their home, and I only had the honor later. When I did go, I once caught sight of the egg laying grounds."
Arya's expression became excited, her features twisting into a smile. The sight had stilled something in Eragon's mind, and he had to take a second to gather his thoughts. Casting his mind out to Saphira, who remained near their raft, he sought her permission wordlessly.
After a moment, Saphira granted it, retreating from his mind. He could feel her grief at the reminder of what she had lost, and Eragon did not begrudge her for not wanting to experience what Eragon was about to do. "If you'll allow me, Arya, I will show you the memory. Saphira has given her permission."
"You honor me, Saphira, Eragon." Arya whispered, her gaze remaining locked on his features.
Saphira had heard her, but did not respond. Eragon stretched his mind out, slowly pressing against her own. He had felt her mind before, and he knew the feel of the pull of the elven mind, tempting him to lose himself in its depths. The sharing of memories, however, would involve him allowing her entrance into his own, and Eragon hastily shoved aside memories and thoughts that he did not wish to share with her. There were things he knew, secrets that he could not reveal, even to her.
She accepted, opening her mind to his, following their connection back into his own mind.
Your mind… she whispered to him, I know the feel of your mind, but to experience the full strength of it is…
Sorry, Eragon responded quickly, I forget how much Saphira and I have trained our minds.
Before she could respond, he delved into his memories, feeling her mind trace gently behind his own. His memories flashed before him as he looked, though he knew it was too fast for Arya to catch anything but mere shimmers. He alighted on the memory, pulling her deeply with him as he relieved the experience.
He stuck close to Saphira's side, watching around him as she led him down the mountain path. It was a natural formation, but the path had been smoothed down by the centuries that the dragons had walked it. The entered a massive cave, guarded by two massive dragons, and Eragon saw that they were each easily as big as Glaedr. The one on the left was a brilliant shade of yellow, the light reflecting of his scales nearly blinding Eragon. The female on the right was perhaps the darkest shade of green Eragon had ever seen, and he watched with barely contained glee as Saphira greeted them.
She spoke no words with her mind, only impressions and flashes of thought. The two dragons peered at him, their lips twitching as though ready to growl. Few Riders ever ventured into wild dragon territory, and only when invited to receive new eggs. He was not here for that, as he was summoned instead by Vervada to meet.
After a long moment passed, the two dragon's mind pressed into his own, and he granted them entrance quickly. He knew better than to speak to them in the ancient language, and instead he pressed his thoughts and feelings in the way Saphira had shown him how. Their ancient minds were a mystery to him, but he could feel their recognition of him, and a moment later he felt the feeling of being welcomed flow through him.
Eragon bowed to the two wild dragons, and though they did not know the customs of others, he could feel their amusement at the sight, as well as their understanding of his intentions. Saphira continued forward, her feet sure upon the path. The interior of the cave was smooth, and Eragon could see colors streaked across the sides from where the wild dragons had rubbed against it. Parts of it looked like an mismatched rainbow, the odd blending of colors somehow beautiful. Saphira turned down a path leading to the right, and Eragon could see various off shoots from the tunnel, each large enough for dragons to pass by without touching.
He knew that the caves were one of many entrances for the dragons, and that some of the dragons preferred sleeping inside the mountain, while other wild dragons like to make their home atop the various cliffs and overhangs. Saphira passed the entrance to another cavern, and Eragon glanced inside as he walked.
There were at least a dozen dragons laying inside, the multitude of colors stunning him as he went. A few of them were staring down at some stones on the floor, each a different color, and Eragon felt his eyes widen in surprise. At least ten eggs were in the center of the cavern, each one of the eggs differing in size. Never before had he seen so many eggs in one place, and he strained to keep his eyes on the sight as he continued walking past. As his feet carried him onward, he saw two of the dragons glance up at him, four pairs of eyes meeting his own as he disappeared behind the cavern wall. He opened his mouth to speak to Saphira….
Eragon ended the memory, breaking it off quickly. For a moment he could feel Arya's joy mixing with his own. The sensation was sharp, cutting into him, and he felt his mind tumble down into his memories, dragging Arya with him.
A gasp of air as he felt soft flesh beneath his fingers, soft and pliable. A sigh came up from…
No!
He pulled away from the memory, and he felt the old sting of pain that always arose whenever his mind wondered in that direction. He felt Arya's own surprise at the memory, but the pain dragged him back down…
Brisingr was heavy in his hand as he panted, blood flowing steadily from a wound on his shoulder. He ignored the pain, blocking a blow that was aimed at his chest. He pushed the blade aside, twirling to strike. His foe was fast; quicker, and stronger than he was. But their movements where slopy, and he saw a mix of pain and sorrow on the elf's face. Eragon opened his mouth to speak, to try to pull Naevir back to some measure of sanity.
It was as he did that he felt it, the searing pain flaring brightly in his mind. Teeth dug into his torso, piercing the leather tunic and armor, digging into his soft flesh. He screamed in agony, shock ringing out, and Eragon saw that the purple dragon had finally caught him. It squeezed him in its mouth, and Eragon let out another howl as he felt his bones begin to break.
He could barely control himself, but he felt Brisingr swing in his hand, the blade biting deeply into the neck of the dragon, the blue Rider blade flashing with blood as it….
He slammed his mind closed, expelling Arya from the memory and his head. He realized his eyes were closed, and that Orik and another dwarf were standing over them both as Eragon and Arya panted from their positions on the deck. Neither had moved at all, and Arya still held the egg tightly in her grasp.
"We are fine," Arya panted. "Nothing to concern yourselves with." She was holding her head as though in pain, her words sharp as they escaped. He could feel Saphira's mind brush against his, so he opened his mind to her, feeling her worry wash over him. Her mind calmed him, helping him to slow his breathing.
Eragon nodded his head, standing. He leaned heavily against the railing of the raft, his eyes catching Glenwing in the distance. The elf was peering at him, but Eragon waved him off, trying to allay the elf's concern. Orik clasped Eragon's arm, "Are you alright, Eragon? The two of you were locked together, and nothing we said could rouse either you or Arya. Saphira said that you were both deep in a memory, but…"
"I'm fine, Orik," Eragon said. "Thank you for your concern my friend."
The dwarf looked at him, and Eragon could see that Orik didn't believe him. None the less, Orik nodded his head, motioning for the other dwarf to follow him as he turned away. Eragon walked over to Arya, who was still kneeling on the ground."
He kneeled in front of her, touching two of his fingers to his lips as spoke, "Forgive me, Arya Svit-kona. It was not my intention to drag you into those other memories. I cry your pardon."
Her wide eyes met his own, before they softened. "It's alright, Eragon." she said softly, before standing. He followed her, his gaze tracing her features. She didn't seem upset, only slightly saddened. "I apologize as well, seeing as I did not resist the pull that the memories had."
Eragon nodded, swallowing as he went. "Did you like the memory at least?"
Arya's mouth opened and Eragon quickly amended, "The egg one, I mean."
He felt his ears grow hot, but was glad when the blush did not extend to his face. She nodded, and Eragon was glad she was choosing to ignore the flash of the more pleasant memory. "Yes, thank you Eragon. That is something I will always cherish, and that you would share it with me means much."
Eragon responded, his words nearly a whisper, "I'm glad."
Arya's eyes flicked across his face, before her eyes dipped down to his torso briefly. He could see her face flash briefly with pain as she recalled the memory of the wound. He knew she had questions, but Arya was polite enough that she would not ask them unless he gave her permission.
"You can ask, Arya." Eragon said, "I might not be able to talk about the events, and the fact that you were even able to see the memory despite my oath is surprising, but I can certainly discuss that."
Her hand came up to the same side the purple dragon had grabbed him on, but stopped before making contact. "Those were the injuries that the dragon's healed you of?"
He nodded his head, his hands clenching as he recalled the pain. "After… I barely managed to heal myself some. I can't really recall anything after the battle all that well. I remember Saphira holding me as she flew, and I can remember her pouring energy into me. I think I was still healing myself as we went, but I don't know if that's true or not."
It is, Saphira said to the both of them. He could feel her distress as she explained, it was all I could do to keep you conscious, forcing your mind to stay awake and to keep speaking the words of healing.
He pushed his gratitude into her, even though she already knew how thankful he was that she had saved him. His mind filled with his love for her, and he tried to drown out all the feelings of despair that she was remembering.
"It doesn't trouble you anymore?" Arya asked. Her concern was heartwarming, and Eragon smiled at her.
"No, the dragon's healed me completely." Eragon said. "I don't even have any scars from it. They actually healed all of my scars completely."
Her brows furrowed at him, as though she did not believe him. When he questioned her, she said, "I remember seeing you, once before, without shirt. You were in the dragonhold when I entered, and I caught a glimpse of the scars."
"Ah." He felt heat wash across him at the thought of her looking at him half naked. Saphira rumbled from where she was still swimming next to the raft, but the sound was muffled by the water, and Eragon pushed the thoughts away. "Those I got later, I'm afraid."
Not giving her time to ponder his words, Eragon gestured at the egg still in her hands. "If you ever want to see the egg, you'd need only ask. I don't mind, and I'm sure Saphira doesn't either."
Arya inclined her head at him, "Thank you for your trust, Eragon. It means much to me."
Arya returned the egg to Eragon, and he stowed in safely in the saddle. After sitting around for another hour or so, Eragon told Arya to watch over the egg. She nodded at him, but raised one of her eyebrows at him. In response to her nonverbal question, Eragon merely smiled at her before diving into the water of the raft.
He swam next to Saphira for a while, brushing up against her scales as she moved closer to him. When he tired of swimming, he climbed as best he could onto Saphira's back, her form barely submerged in the river. The water came up to his thighs, so he twisted around on her back, leaning his head on the part of her neck that was sticking out of the water, his head next to a spike. Eragon brought his legs up as well, feeling her twist and turn under him as she swam. Luckily, Saphira was large enough that he remained mostly undisturbed, only having to hold on briefly to one of the spikes on her neck for balance.
Eragon had fallen asleep on Saphira's back, even with the chill of the river washing over him. He was awoken, however, when Saphira suddenly dived, her entire body swallowed by the river. He surfaced with a gasp, listening as Glenwing and Arya laughed at him. Eragon smiled at them, before climbing back into the raft, chuckling as he went. Saphira surfaced, told him she was going to fly, and took off after climbing ashore. He waved at her, watching as water dripped from her scales.
The sun made her shift hues, turning her scales to a lighter blue than their normal color. Eragon returned to his spot near the saddle, thanking Arya for watching over the egg.
That night, as they moored the rafts, Eragon laid on the raft, next to the saddle bags. Brisingr was lying across his chest as he hugged the blade, and he tried to will himself to sleep. The others were sleeping in the small center cabin that was on the raft, the sounds of the dwarves snoring loud and oddly calming in the night. Still, he could find no sleep, his mind racing through the memories that were dragged into focus earlier in the day.
He was embarrassed that he had little control over his mind in such a way, and that Arya would experience memories that Eragon tried to keep away from his mind. The regret that both memories caused was strong, but the grief he felt over the purple dragon always made it harder for him to rest. After lying there for nearly an hour, Eragon gave up, opening his eyes to take in the night sky.
The stars that glittered above him where beautiful, with nary a cloud to cover them. His eyes roamed their brilliance, and he spent time trying to spot the various constellations he knew were there. He was drawn away from them when he heard movement from the cabin, watching in the darkness as a tall lithe form approached him. Sitting up, Eragon motioned for Arya to join him, watching as she sat down. She was sitting to his left, and Eragon moved closer to saddle bags on his other side to make room for her.
"What are you doing awake, Eragon?" Arya asked. Her melodic tone swept across him, causing him to shiver in the night.
Internally blaming it on the cold, Eragon shrugged his shoulders, "Could say the same to you." He sighed, turning his gaze back to the night sky, "Sometimes have difficulty sleeping, that's all."
"Aye," Arya whispered, "I understand that all to well." He could feel her eyes gaze passed him, and Eragon knew she was starring at the bag containing the egg. The pull of the egg must have been great upon her since he always found Arya looking towards it.
Eragon reached over and removed the bag from the saddle, placing it between his legs before him. He dispelled the wards and opened it, feeling the magic placed upon the bags disappear at his words. Arya reached into the bag; her hand alighted on the Eldunarí contained instead of the egg he knew she was searching for.
When she touched it, Eragon grabbed her wrist tightly, feeling her stiffen next to him. She stared at him, her gaze burning into his own. "What is that Eragon? I can feel power coming from it, stronger than anything I've ever felt."
Shaking his head, he withdrew her hand. After a moment he released his grip. "I can't tell you, Arya, I'm sorry."
Her features tightened and her eyebrows drew into sharp point. "Can't or won't? You keep many secrets, Eragon, and it's becoming worrisome how many oaths you have sworn."
Eragon searched her face, trying to make her understand, "This isn't my secret to tell, but I did not swear an oath. No Rider has, not for this."
"It's a secret of the Riders?" Arya hazarded, "Do all Riders know of it?"
Debating his answer, Eragon wished that Saphira was awake. The Eldunarí was her races greatest secret, and only a dragon had the right to disclose it. "Most, when they have proved themselves capable of understanding it."
"Galbatorix knows it," Arya guessed. Eragon nodded, and a pit formed in his stomach. Galbatorix's Elduanarya and the madness that was most likely upon the dragon's weighed heavily on his heart, and he could feel the burning desire to free them rising once more inside.
"Is that the secret of his power, how he has only gotten stronger over the century?" Her eyes were burning into him, and Eragon wanted nothing more than to shy away.
"I can't answer that." Eragon stated. "There are those who you could ask in Ellesméra that would be able to answer your question, if they decided to."
Arya inclined her head, and her expression cleared slightly. Now she looked to be deep in thought, as though pondering what he contained in his saddle bag. "I know you want to know, Arya, but you must promise me not to open that bag. If you did, you would not understand what you would find."
She scowled at him, and Eragon nearly flinched. "I promise, Eragon."
She made to get up, but Eragon stayed her with a hand on her arm. She glared at him, but he merely said, "Stay, please, and let us forget this unpleasant talk. If you still want to see the egg…"
He could see her debating, whether her ire at him would win out over her desire to see the egg once more. Eragon watched as she let out a breath, before nodding her head. Eragon withdrew the egg, placing it in her hands.
He watched as she gazed at it, turning the stone-like egg over in her hands. They were silent once more, and Eragon turned his attention back to the sky. For a long time, they sat there listening to the flow of the river around them. Arya was stroking her hand over the egg, her gaze taking in nothing and everything.
A sudden familiar squeak had his heart lurching in his chest.
Saphira!
He watched as Arya jumped slightly, her eyes and mouth wide in surprise. He met her gaze, shock reverberating in his bones.
SAPHIRA! Wake up! He felt Saphira awaken abruptly, her thoughts incoherent as he called out to her.
Arya placed the egg on the wood flooring of the raft, and Eragon backed up from the egg. It let out another squeak, and Eragon would have laughed at how shocked Arya looked if it weren't for how flabbergasted he felt. What's wrong little one? He heard Saphira respond, and he could hear her rising from where she slept on the shore.
Get over here, you're not going to believe it, was all Eragon said to her. He could feel her curiosity rising, but the sense of worry inside her remained.
The egg squeaked a third time, before rocking back and forth on the floor. Eragon backed up further, not wanting to get in the green egg's way. Arya's hands were nearly shaking as she steadied the egg, and Eragon smiled at her.
She returned his smile with one of her own, the beauty of it burning it into his mind. Later, he knew, he would make a Fairth of this moment for Arya; the night sky behind her was illuminating her features as she knelt on the deck of the raft, one hand holding the egg steady, all the while smiling at Eragon.
Saphira stuck her head over the railing of the raft, and Eragon briefly noted that the dwarves were still asleep, judging by the sounds still coming from the cabin.
The rocking of the egg stopped abruptly, and Arya frowned. He nodded his head when she glanced at him, and they both watched as a crack began to form on the surface of the egg. He felt Saphira's elation flood into his own, her own surprise echoing inside him.
The cracking continued, all of the lines meeting at the top. Then, much like Saphira did when she hatched for him, the piece fell to the floor and a small angular shaped head poked out of the egg, and Eragon froze all of his muscles in his body. The hatchling crawled out of the egg, spilling out on to the deck of raft before trying to stand. Its body was about the same size as Saphira's was, and Eragon watched as it tumbled unsteadily on the slow rocking raft. Arya reached out a hand as if to steady it, but her hand stopped before she did. He glanced up at her, and her eyes briefly met his own.
After a moment, the dragon was able to stand, squeaking into the night as it turned its gaze around its surroundings. Its gaze passed over him as he remained unmoving, and he did not know if it could see Saphira behind him, but it ignored them as it finally faced Arya. The two of them stared at each other, and Eragon watched as she slowly reached out her left hand to it.
The dragon reached out and touched her hand with its small head, and Eragon saw a blinding light, watching as Arya collapsed.