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Saphira drew back in surprise, believing there could be only one reason for Eragon's question; however, she hadn't expected to confront him so soon. She'd planned to when she'd felt he was ready, perhaps following several more days spent courting him; in attempt to soften him up before breaking the news. He'd kept his feelings so well guarded that she'd not known of his struggle. She'd underestimated the progress of his awakening, leaving her unprepared to answer him.

Saphira drew close and then sat down on her haunches. Her face softened as she looked at him, silently wondering the best way to answer. While thinking, it occurred to her that his question should not have come as a surprise. If there was one thing she knew well about Eragon it was his tireless determination at finding answers to matters he didn't understand. Untimely as the question was it had simply been the inevitable response to a transition that fate had clearly been working in him; however, she had doubts, thinking his feelings too new and puerile for him to understand, let alone accept.

She briefly mused over the memory of the time Eragon had doubted her. At the time her memory had been shrouded concerning the prophecy, and the love she held for him while in her egg. Once she hatched she'd been left with only the vaguest impression that he was simply the right choice. Consequently the answer she'd given him then was truthful enough, allowing the matter to be settled. The fact that he was now questioning her only confirmed that is was for a different reason. She knew Eragon well enough to know that he would not settle for silence, or an evasive answer. She was also unwilling to lie to him. This left her with little option but to attempt a play against his fear of offending her judgment again and so she replied.

Eragon, why would you ask such a question? I thought this matter had been settled. Was my last answer not sufficient? Did I not explain myself clearly enough the first time you questioned my decision?

Eragon looked at her, trembling. He'd done it, what he'd set out to do, and now all he wanted to do was take it back. He couldn't understand why he felt so apprehensive, after all her answer couldn't be that bad. Could it? Now that the question was out he found it wasn't fear of offending her that unsettled him, far from it in fact. Since the night the wave of heat - like fire - washed through him he'd felt different, as if its passing had awakened some unknown part of him that lay dormant.

The feeling was subtle, at first, but as the days followed it'd become more evident, leaving him keenly aware of other, more prominent, differences. He'd developed an unexplained craving for meat. He'd noticed, while at rest, an increase in his body temperature. Even Boldhgarm had noticed a difference in him. During one of their sparring sessions Eragon had fought with such fierceness that it'd left the blue elf exhausted, and astonished. Eragon, on the other hand, had been barely winded, leaving Boldhgarm to question if he'd used a spell to give him greater stamina. Eragon had assured him that he hadn't but could offer no other explanation, leaving Boldhgarm to eye him suspiciously.

Outwardly his appearance was the same it'd always been. Inwardly; however, he'd the sense of something accompanying his changes, a presence perhaps, lurking in the shadows of his mind. The first night while he lay beneath Saphira's wing, and each night following, there'd been moments during his waking dreams when he'd seen a pair of eyes flash a glance at him from a shadowy darkness; ablaze with an amethyst fire, filled with a mixture of gentleness and fierceness, and an ancient wisdom. The sound of faint roars - as though echoed from a distance - followed soon after, each time starting him from his waking dreams, leaving him to wonder in silence what the eyes and roars could possibly mean.

Then there was Saphira. He'd begun to notice her in a new light, especially over the past few days. He'd found himself regarding her beauty with more attention than usual. He'd often hear her song echo faintly in his mind. He'd even found himself softly humming it while reading his book, just before Saphira arrived. When he'd realized what he was doing he'd stopped and considered for a moment why he'd taken such a liking to the song. It was just a song, he'd reasoned. What was so special about it? So special that he'd hear it over and over again, humming it to himself during the times when she wasn't near him. Something moved him to look at her, differently, stirring him to levels of feeling he'd never known when near her. This morning's incident revealed to him just how stark the change was. It had so troubled him that he'd attempted to ignore it, to pretend it never happened, hoping it would go away; hoping it would all go away. And now he sat torn before her, as if from two distinct sources; as if one part of him desperately sought affirmation from her while the other sought escape. But affirmation of what he knew not, escape from what he knew not. He was in uncharted waters and felt as though he was skirting dangerously close to a dam ready to break, threatening to wash him away in a flood of his worst fears, or in the fiercest of desires. His determination to know had been another matter entirely. It'd stirred in him with such fierceness, as if from another, that at times it was all he could do to keep it at bay, forcing himself to wait for the right moment to ask her. His choice to ask her now had been born more of a desire to silence the fierce nagging and less out of his own need.

Eragon drew in a deep breath and then released it, steadying himself. Gaining up his courage he replied.

Yes, yes I remember what you said. That you chose me because you felt I was the best chance at defeating Galbatorix; the best chance for the dragons, humans and elves who all share an intertwined fate. He sighed then continued_. I don't doubt you Saphira; your_ answer was sufficient then. But why is it that I have this feeling that there was something more to it? Am ... am I mistaken to question that?

Saphira cringed and turned her gaze from him, looking out beyond the bow of the ship just in time to see another bend in the river approaching. He'd not fallen for her bluff. She wanted nothing more than to tell him the truth but she feared it was too soon. To tell him the truth now could be more than he was able to handle. She didn't want to put him through needless torment.

Eragon watched her silently. He could tell that she was having difficulty finding an answer to his question, only adding to his unease. In all the time she'd been with him he'd never known her to be so indecisive. Saphira had always been direct with him in her counsel; never withholding her opinion when she'd believed it was to his benefit. Like her earlier behavior he found her hesitancy uncharacteristic. It was simply not like her to dodge his questions.

After several moments Saphira looked at him and replied. Eragon you don't understand what you're asking me to reveal. I'm not sure you're ready to hear it yet. Are you sure you really want to know?

Eragon sighed. Saphira, if I've learned anything from the war against Galbatorix it's that we can never be fully certain about anything. Of course I'm not sure! All I know right now is a gnawing in my gut that has been growing each day since the first night we left. Your odd behavior only feeds my need to know. I'll have no peace until I have an answer. Eragon added weakly, his face riddled with concern. Besides ... h ... how bad ... can it possibly be? Nothing ... Nothing's changed between us ... right?

Saphira's heart sank. It was now clear to her. Eragon's budding affections left him at a loss, so much so that he didn't know what to do. They were unlike anything he'd ever faced before and it frightened him. She suspected he would sooner face Galbatorix again than face the reality of his new feelings. In that moment she likened him to the frightened and frustrated youngling he'd been while enduring the painful seizures inflicted by Durza's injury to his back. He'd experienced the fits so frequently during their training in Ellesmera, nearly convincing him to give up on a number of occasions. Back then he'd looked to her for reassurance and now before her was the picture of that same frightened youngling once again looking to her. Eragon wasn't necessarily seeking the truth from her. He was seeking escape from his feelings. He wanted her to reassure him that everything was still the same; that nothing had changed between them. Despite her instinct to protect him Saphira knew it was futile to give him the answer he sought. A lie would not suffice for she believed his feelings would not abate. Instead they would become stronger over time, just as the prophecy had implied, driving him full-circle to ask her the same question again at a later time. Prolonging his apparent suffering also would not do, so she decided that now was as good a time as any to reveal the truth. Sooner or later he would have to know anyway. She would not treat him as a youngling any longer.

Eragon the reason I gave back then was true enough but you're right, there was more to my decision. I've only recently come to learn of this. Saphira paused then continued. Haven't you ever wondered why our bond is so strong; stronger, in fact, than that of any dragon and rider before us?

Eragon's brow furrowed in thought. A moment later his features softened then he replied. Well ... aye, I have. But ... there were bound to be differences considering that we are the first dragon and rider to rise in over a century. Our situation was unique. There were moments when we only had each other. We didn't have the luxury of support from other riders or dragons. Considering the circumstances it is not so far-fetched an idea that we would become closer than those before us. He hesitantly added Right?

Saphira urged, wanting him to consider his answer more carefully. And you're certain there's nothing more to it than that?

Eragon flinched, a twinge of fear stirring his gut. Does she know about what happened this morning? He thought.

Shaking his head he pushed the feeling aside, thinking it absurd. After all, she would have told him if she'd felt it over their connection, been as concerned about it as he was. Wouldn't she?

Eragon looked at her for a moment then replied, eyes narrowed slightly. What are you getting at Saphira?

Saphira sighed. He's not going to make this easy is he? She thought.

Bringing her head closer she searched his eyes causing him to widen them a little. After a moment she replied. Don't you already know the answer to that question Eragon? Hasn't the reason already crossed your mind?

Eragon held her gaze for a long while. Afterwards he pressed his lips together tightly, becoming flustered, and then looked away from her. Why is she doing this to me? He thought. Why can't she just tell me? Why can't she just tell me nothing's changed, that everything's the same as it's always been between us? Gods please let it be true!

Eragon grimaced, closing his eyes tightly, as a torrent of emotion began to well in him. A part of him did know her reason, seemed to have known all along, rebelling against that part of him that sought escape. The knowledge came to him as flashes of thought, erupting from that part of him which had begun to emerge only hours following their departure, following the moment he'd first noticed something was different about him. It desperately wanted to respond to her - to her call - but he didn't know what the call could be, nor did he want to. Its struggle to emerge flared as another thought flashed in his mind. Answer her Eragon. Answer the call of your mate!

Eragon's eyes flew open has he pushed the thought away, quelling it along with the part of him that put it there. He'd not understood why such a thought would enter his mind. It was absurd - unthinkable - he couldn't accept such a notion. He and Saphira were dragon and rider, nothing more. Weren't they? He was no longer certain, torn between his earlier thoughts and the bond he'd always shared with her; a bond that'd given him lasting reassurance over the months. But now what of it? Would he loose that too?

Eragon shook his head as if attempting to cast the thoughts from his mind. A wave of desperation began to well in him, he yearned for her to give the answer he believed would silence his troubling thoughts, wrap him in the warm embrace of love and care she'd shown him so many times before. Gods can't Saphira just tell me! He thought. He didn't want to understand the thoughts. He couldn't. Nor could he accept them. He was certain of one thing, telling her of his struggle was out of the question.

Eragon looked at her and whined_. I don't know why Saphira! Please just answer the question!_

Nodding gently Saphira looked down then lifted her left claw and began to move a single talon lightly back and forth along the deck, carefully considering her next reply. The moment was silent, save for the scratching sound created by her talon and the light rustling sound created as the ship glided down the river. After several moments Saphira relaxed her claw, lifting her head to look at him.

Saphira, what are you doing? Eragon asked, impatiently.

I'm trying to decide the best way to answer you. She calmly replied.

Feinting desperation Eragon exclaimed_. Saphira just tell me!_

Saphira breathed a deep sigh. Eragon I ... I chose you because ... I love you. I've always loved you even before you were born.

Eragon hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. He let loose a rush of air, releasing with it some of his pent tension. Relief began to settle on him. I'm such a fool. He thought. Saphira just loves me as always, that's all. How could I ever doubt that or fear that I'd lose it!

But something wouldn't let him leave it at that, stirring in him the notion that there was something not quite right about her answer. With a quizzical expression he replied. I ... love you too Saphira. I've always loved you, since the day we bonded. But I don't understand what you mean when you say ... 'before you were born'. I also don't understand why you found it so hard to tell me something I already know. I know you love me. What's so hard about that?

Saphira shifted, settling into a crouch. Eragon even before you were born, while I was still in my egg, I loved you. I didn't even know who you were until our minds first touched but I still loved you because I knew we were always meant to be together. When I think about it I suppose it's why I was never able to pair with Glaedr or Firnen. I was always meant for you not them.

Her earlier response now seemed for naught as a new wave of apprehension rushed into Eragon. His heart quickened as the sudden realization of what she implied took hold of him. Saphira ... what ... what are you saying? What do Glaedr-elda and Firnen have to do with this?

Seeing no other way to put it to him, Saphira relented, a soft groan escaping her. Eragon you and I ... we ... are destined to be ... mates.

Eragon's face paled. No, no, no, no! He thought, shaking his head. This can't be! Her answer was what he'd feared most, and yet he still couldn't believe what he'd just heard. His breathing quickened as he slowly stood, stumbling back from weakened legs that threatened to give way beneath him. The urge to escape her - flee from her - suddenly flared in him, but something kept him at bay. Regaining his balance Eragon looked at her then inquired in a shaky voice. "What - what did you say?"

Saphira shuddered, feeling his sudden shock travel over their connection. She paused and then, regaining her composure, replied.

You and I are destined to be mates Eragon. I'm not sure how, it's simply our ... destiny.

With a look of disbelief Eragon countered. Our Destiny? You can't be serious? How's that even possible ... how ... how can we? You must be mistaken. How can you even think that?

Saphira cringed_. Eragon I feared this would happen. This was a bad idea, it is still too soon for you to know but please calm down. I have something to show you, if you'll let me ..._

Eragon's shock suddenly faded, his face coloring red as anger and betrayal welled in him. Too soon! What do you mean too soon? How long have you believed this? Who told you this? Who ... who bewitched you?

Surprised at the overstatement Saphira replied, tendrils of smoke rising from her nostrils. Bewitched me? No one bewitched me Eragon. Deep down you know I speak the truth. You've known for the past several days. Your flare of attraction towards me this morning was simply a reflection of what you already know. You just need help coming to terms with it. Let me help you ... let me show you that what I speak is the truth.

Eragon stepped back from her as a new wave of shock came over him, tears welling in his eyes. You felt that? I ... I ... I don't' know what to say Saphira. I can't ...

Eragon threw his hands over his head and began pacing the deck_. Gods this can't be happening!_

Saphira sighed_. I know this hard for you Eragon but how else can you explain it? How else can you explain your urgent need to pose a question that started our whole conversation, a question we'd both considered settled months ago? How else can you explain your feelings for me? How else can you explain the feelings I have for you?_

Eragon silently came round to face her, unable to answer her questions. Saphira sighed again. Look, if you'll let me show you it may make things easier ...

Eragon interrupted her in an outburst of pent confusion, hurt and anger_. No! I won't I am sorry but what you're proposing is madness! Gods Saphira! Do you realize what you're saying ... mates? How can we be mates? Look at me ... it's impossible!_

Eragon paused, taking a deep breath. Cupping his hands over his mouth and nose he released a sigh and asked. Have you consulted Umaroth, Glaedr and the other Eldunari` on this?

Aye, the day after our first morning swim.

And? Eragon inquired, dropping his hands to his sides.

They accepted my decision, although reluctantly, and cautioned me to be careful with you.

Careful? What do you mean careful? What decision?

Saphira cringed. My decision to ... court you?

Court me? Is that what you were doing all this time? Is that the reason behind your odd behavior, an attempt to ... to ... seduce me?

Saphira snorted in surprise. Eragon! Seduce you? Of course not! You're jumping to conclusions ...

Eragon interrupted her, tears now streaming down his face. I'm jumping to conclusions? How can you say that after what you just admitted to me Saphira? I can't even believe we're having this conversation. How could you betray my trust like this?

Saphira suddenly rose to her feet, smacked her tail on the deck and roared. She lunged at Eragon with a single claw, pinning him to the deck with swift and gentle force. She then moved to stare over him, tendrils of smoke rising from her nostrils. Eragon's eyes widened, her display of frustration jolting him to his senses.

Listen to me! You're not helping matters by your outbursts! I was not trying to seduce you! You may not be a dragon but I've already acknowledged my feelings for you and consider you my mate despite our differences, nothing will change this. I've given to trust that fate will provide a way for it to work between us. I don't know how, I simply trust. You and I already share a deep love for one another. I chose to court you by way of human customs in an effort to prepare you for a transition I've come to trust as our destiny! I was trying to prepare you for the moment when I would break the news to you. I didn't know until this morning that you were already beginning to develop feelings for me and was unprepared to answer your question. Now, rather than try to explain further let me show you what I'm talking about. Will you allow this or not?

Before Eragon could reply Boldhgarm came running up from the lower levels of the ship followed by several of the other elves; all with swords in hand and a fierce look on their faces, as if prepared for battle. They had each been alarmed at Saphira's roar and rushed up to investigate, believing that they were under some surprise attack, perhaps by one of Galbatorix's supporters who had unknowingly followed them. When they arrived on the main deck Saphira looked at them with a snap of her head and growled. They each stopped and then quickly surveyed the area for a coming attack. Realizing there was none Boldhgarm sheathed his sword then asked with a quizzical look on his face. "Shadeslayer, Brightscales is everything alright?"

Eragon shifted uncomfortably under Saphira's claw then turned his head to look at the blue elf. "Not exactly. Saphira and I were just in disagreement over a rather ... sensitive ... matter. I don't think there is any cause for you to be alarmed. I'm sure we can work this out amongst ourselves."

The tone in his voice suggested he was troubled leaving Boldhgarm slightly unconvinced of Eragon's assurances, leading him to ask. "Are you certain Shadeslayer? We can remain close by if you need ... assistance."

Looking back to Saphira Eragon replied with mild irritation in his voice. "No, I don't think that will be necessary. Considering the nature of our disagreement it would be best if we were left to discuss the matter in private. Thank you for your concern."

Boldhgarm hesitated for a moment then relaxed his expression and bowed. "Very well Shadeslayer. We'll retreat back to the lower levels. If you should require assistance contact me."

"Thank you, I will keep that in mind". Eragon replied.

Boldhgarm straightened, turned and slowly retreated back to the lower levels, the other elves following soon after.

Saphira looked at Eragon then impatiently asked_. Well?_

Turing to look away from her Eragon replied. Fine! Do what you must, but don't expect me to take you seriously!

As Eragon reluctantly closed his eyes and opened his mind to her. Still hovering over him Saphira withdrew her claw then gently set it down next to the other. Then she softened and began to gently enter his mind, returning to the memories of her encounter with the unknown consciousness. She replayed the memories beginning from the moment she'd felt the flush of feeling, while thinking of Eragon, to her initial reaction to it. She then followed with the encounter of the unknown consciousness and the images of her dream with the shadowed dragon who'd spoken the prophecy to her. During the play of images Eragon's brow furrowed in confusion; however, his eyes remained shut. He did not ask her to stop.

Following the memory of her dream Saphira moved to the struggle that'd ensued as her sense of reason battled against her feelings. Eragon twitched several times, experiencing the intensity of the struggle. Finally, Saphira ended with the memory of her anguish as she realized her defeat and of the acceptance that followed shortly after. It took considerable time to replay the events from start to finish for she spared no detail, believing it best to convey to Eragon as accurate an account as possible. By the time she'd finished the sun was already beginning to set in the western sky.

Still riddled with confusion Eragon slowly got to his feet and turned to look away from her. He was silent for what seemed like hours as he slowly digested what Saphira had just shown him. Finally he asked. And all of this really happened?

Of course it did. Have I ever lied to you before?

No, I suppose you haven't. It's just ... this ... this is a lot to take in at once. You can't expect me to just accept it ... can you?

Saphira shook her head. Eragon, it doesn't matter what I expect. You saw my dream yourself. The prophecy is already coming to pass concerning us. It's only a matter of time before you must accept what is our destiny.

Turning to her he inquired_. And if I don't?_

A look of hurt came over Saphira's face. Then I suppose I must accept that possibility. But consider the alternative. Do you really think your feelings are just going to go away? Denial of our destiny may cost you more than you expect. Are you prepared for that possibility?

Eragon remained silent, considering her questions. After several moments he replied_. I don't know Saphira. I certainly wasn't prepared for this! I need some time to think on it ... alone._

Eragon paused to consider his next reply then looked down_. In the meantime I think it best for us to part for a time._

Saphira inquired, a soft whimper escaping her. F ... for how long?

Eragon looked at her, his face riddled with sadness. I don't know that either. I just can't bear to be near you right now. Remaining together could just make matters worse. I feel that I scarcely know you anymore Saphira ... or myself for that matter. I need time alone to sort this out. Make sense of it somehow ... come to some kind of decision on where to go from here.

Saphira acknowledged him with another soft whimper_. I see. You know I hate to be separated from you, even more so now, but I understand. You need time, but know that I love Eragon and I would never willing hurt you. Please remember this as you contemplate your ... decision._

Eragon thought for a moment then replied_. I ... I love you too Saphira. Where will you go?_

I'll try to stay within the area. I can sleep on the banks of the river when I'm not hunting or exploring. If you should need me ... Her thoughts trailed off.

Eragon nodded, acknowledging her_. Okay. I promise I'll consider the matter thoroughly before making any decision. But I want you to promise me something._

And what's that?

To accept it if my decision is to reject what you're proposing. That means no more courtship play. Fair enough?

Reluctantly Saphira replied_. Very well I promise._

Good. I'll contact you when I've come to a decision.

Saphira spread her wings then turned, preparing to take flight. Before she did a light breeze blew across the bow, passing first over Eragon before reaching her. As it blew past she caught a scent, causing her to pause then stiffen and fold her wings. She knew this scent.

It was as if it had come from nowhere causing Saphira to briefly survey the sky for its source, but she saw nothing. She flicked her tongue, tasting the air, in attempt to pinpoint the source. She slowly turned back to face Eragon who stood with a questioning look on his face. She took a step closer to him then flicked her tongue again tasting the air. It appeared to be coming from him. She crouched, releasing a soft growl, and then slowly approached him.

Not knowing what was going on Eragon started to ask. Saphira what ...

Saphira snapped in reply. Quiet! And be still ...

Eragon immediately froze, uncertain of what she intended. His eyes carefully followed her movements as she began circle him, all the while staring back with an almost feral gaze. Saphira circled him slowly tasting the air with a flick of her tongue every few moments. When she'd circled round she stopped to face him and, after a moment's hesitation, flicked her tongue once more then drew her head close until her snout was mere inches from his face, her sapphire eyes staring directly into his. After a moment she began to gently smell him - savoring the new scent - starting from the top of his head then working slowly down along his neck, shoulders, chest and legs. Each breath she took confirmed and re-confirmed the scent's source. It was musky and over powering, scarcely that of an elf any longer.

Desire began to well in her for she already loved him - already considered him her mate - and now Eragon was beginning to emanate the essence of her desire; the essence of a male dragon.

Bringing her head up she gently nuzzled against his leg, maintaining the contact along his side, brushing against his hand, his arm and neck where she finished with a gentle lick along his collar bone. Breaking the contact she drew back slightly to stare into his eyes once more, her hot and steady breaths brushing against his face. Her gaze conveyed a pleading born of desire, as if she were begging him to accept his feelings for her, his destiny, his mate.

Experiencing a mixture of fear and confusion Eragon remained stiff and silent during her attentions, but now, staring into her pleading gaze, he began to tremble. He slowly lifted his hand and gently rested it upon her snout. He could feel the desire emanate from her over their connection causing him to stir as a faint burning began to build in the center of his chest, working its way outward. He likened it to the warm glow he'd felt the night of their departure except this time it was stronger, as if an inner fire was building in him, struggling to emerge. It was accompanied by a spark of knowing that began to flare in his mind leaving him with an inner sense of awe for it was vast and diverse. In that moment he saw Saphira as someone else, as if through the eyes of another; one who was majestic, fierce and powerful. An almost feral desire for her began to well in him.

The knowledge was unlike any he'd ever experienced. It was not elven or human. It was ancient, conveying the ancestry of a race interlinked by thousands of minds, spanning hundreds - even thousands - of years. The knowledge grew, entwining his mind with memories, revealing secrets that he could not possibly know, nor could he have learned. Secrets shared with no human or elf. Instead they were secrets shared amongst one race alone, dragons!

For several moments the memories flashed in his mind, comprising a mixture of images, smells, sounds and sensations he'd never experienced. He saw battles he'd never fought in lands with mountains and caves he'd never seen. He witnessed the images with a sense of detachment as if he were seeing them through the eyes of another. He experienced scents he'd never smelled or tasted before. He heard sounds resembling a chorus of distant roars or growls or shrieks. The flood of memories continued in no particular order for several moments then slowed until the last faded into darkness. For a brief moment there was nothing - a void of thought - then a sudden flash as one final image appeared. It settled in his mind, hovering as if intended solely for him.

The image was that of two dragons facing one another, staring intently into each other's eyes. Each was reared upon their hind legs, fore-claws clasped, with wings out stretched behind them. The dragons sat upon what appeared to be a ledge set before the opening to a large cave, overlooking a vast valley surrounded by towering mountains. The light outside was dim as if the time of day were in early morning or just before twilight. The dragon on the left was a sapphire blue specked with white spikes adorning its back and tail. It wore a ring of gold and silver around the middle talon of its right claw. The second dragon was slightly larger than the first. It was the color of amethyst, specked with sapphire spikes along its back and tail and adorned with sapphire colored scales plating its chest and belly. Upon each wrist it wore a gold and silver cuff.

Suddenly the image flashed to the face of a sapphire dragon, its sapphire eyes full of love and longing. It appeared to be the same dragon he'd seen before but now it was as if he were looking at it through the eyes of the amethyst colored one.

His desire for Saphira increased suddenly. As if in response to some awakened instinct Eragon uttered a low guttural sound, resembling the soft growl of a love-struck dragon. Saphira, who had been witnessing the exchange over their connection, replied in like manner. She nuzzled his hand then began to croon her love song for him. Eragon joined in soon after, matching her in pitch and tone as before. Both began to sway gently side-to-side, each mesmerized by the other, maintaining the song for a long while. Finally the image faded along with the soft burning that Eragon had felt in his chest. The scent that had been emanating from him also faded, leaving only a trace of its earlier intensity. As if coming out of a trance Eragon blinked then recoiled from Saphira, all trace of the experience fading from his memory.

What just happened to me? What did you do?

Saphira shook her head with a snort then inquired with a bewildered look on her face. What do you mean? I ...

Eragon interrupted, taking another step away from her. Saphira ... what did you do?

I didn't do anything Eragon. Didn't you see them?

See who?

The dragons ...

What dragons? What are you talking about?

Attempting to comfort him Saphira began to draw close.

Stop! Don't come any closer to me! Eragon exclaimed, taking another step back.

Surprise came over Saphira, giving her a moment's pause, and then she replied. Eragon I ...

Eragon shook his head_. No! I'm sorry Saphira I can't be near you. I've no idea what's going on and it troubles me ... your behavior troubles me!_

Saphira released a soft whimper, a look of pleading on her face. Eragon please ...

Saphira ... please just go!

Eragon ...

GO!

Saphira hesitated, hurt and disappointed, then turned about. Flapping her wings she leapt into the air, veering west where the sun had just sunk beneath the horizon. Filled with confusion and despair Eragon slowly walked to the railing and took hold of it, gripping it so tightly that his knuckles shown white. The wood of the railing cracked under the pressure of his grip.

He watched as her flight increased the distance between them until she became nothing more than a faint speck in the darkening sky. Tears began to flow down his face. At that moment his right palm began to grow hot then, before he could react, a pain - like fire - shot up his right arm.

Eragon let out a yelp then quickly loosed his grip from the railing and turned the palm to face him. What he saw both astonished and horrified him. His Gedway Ignasia was alit with a brilliant blue light. It shown so brightly he could barely look at it and as he watched it flared brighter for a brief moment then faded, taking with it the pain he'd felt in his arm. By the time it was gone the Gedway Ignasia had vanished leaving only the sword calloused skin of his palm. Despair overcame him. Eragon leaned over the railing, cupped his face in his hands, weeping bitterly.

After only moments he looked to the sky and shouted woefully:

"WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?"