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Eragon stood at the aft of the Talita, arms resting atop the railing, looking out upon the river and the way they'd come; a subtle reminder that he drifted farther and farther away from a life he'd only once knew. A life, he feared, he would never know again. The morning air was cool, the sky a deep blue, spotted with several wisp-like clouds scattered high above. The sun sat low above the eastern horizon, basking the region in the soft orange hue of a new day. Taking note that their journey was now entering its fifth day he mused over all that had happened in such a short time; bewildered, once more, at the stark turn of events that'd occurred over mere days.

It seems as if each new day brings with it some new and disturbing trial. He thought. I fear of what tomorrow may bring.

He paused to look up; then, in a tentative effort, reached out with his mind to touch Saphira's but felt not even the slightest twinge of her consciousness, so followed with a heavy sigh.

She must have flown beyond the reach of our connection. He thought, lips pressed tightly, brow furrowed with regret.

It ... it must have hurt her terribly to be sent away so harshly.

His expression relaxed and with another sigh he looked down to the pearly-white object he'd been rolling around in his hands since he'd emerged from his cabin. It was a tooth, Saphira's first to fallout as her hatchling teeth gave way to her permanent, adult teeth. She'd given it to him as a gift during their training in Ellesmera, stating that Glaedr had taught her it was customary for a dragon to give its rider their first, fallen tooth. It was believed to serve as a good luck charm when dragon and rider were apart. Eragon forced a smile, remembering that it was precisely that which he'd come to believe about it. There'd been several occasions, during the war, when he'd believed fortune had favored him simply because he'd carried it. Following the war he'd asked Rhunön, the elves' metal worker, to set it in a base and attach a chain to it so that he could wear it round his neck, never allowing it to be apart from him.

If this is such a good luck charm why don't I feel so lucky right now? He thought, shaking his head.

Still, the tooth had come to mean so much more to him than a mere charm. It'd served as another tangible reminder of his fortune at being chosen by Saphira. Although, events from the day before left him with mixed feelings concerning how that fortune might turn in the end. The revelations Ar'Din had given only left him with more questions, piling his uncertainty with new and gnawing mysteries he'd no answers to.

He'd already teetered on the verge of madness from the loss of his Gedway Ignasia, but the loss of reassurance he'd enjoyed through his steadfast friendship to Saphira cut deeper still. Until the day before he'd thought nothing would ever change that, but now everything seemed out of place, supposedly part of a wondrous future promised him. A future whose prospects he couldn't understand, nor desired.

What's wrong with the future that awaited us before all of this happened? He thought, then shook his head.

What did he mean by 'wondrous' anyway?

And what's so special about me that I'd be the first chosen for it? I am ... was ... simply a Rider. That's all I want to be ... to ensure the return of the riders and dragons! And now what's to become of them ... of me? Eragon huffed, clenching his fists and slamming them down on the railing.

I don't like this, any of it!

Ar'Din had said that Eragon was the first of his kind to be chosen for such a future, leaving him to wonder what kind of future it could possibly be, and what made it more than the one he'd already looked forward to. Moreover, he feared what new trials might accompany it. Until the day before he'd thought nothing could be worse than the trials he'd endured in the war against Galbatorix, but now he was no longer certain. His throat tightened with the thought that the newly revealed future might awaken his worst fears through overwhelming trial. A prospect that soured his stomach.

Ar'Din had also promised it a future bringing great reward; although, to this he remained skeptical, questioning what reward there could possibly be to appease what he'd already lost, and what he feared losing still.

W_hat did Ar'Din mean when he said I'd get what I desired most of all?_ He thought.

I don't desire any of this!

After, resigned to the fact that there was simply no changing what already was, he slumped atop the railing, hands dangling over the side as he looked at them, thoughts suddenly drifting to another topic.

It seems that Saphira is the only one to get what she desires. He huffed, the memory of the dragon pair Ar'Din had shown him coming to mind.

"Who is this amethyst dragon anyway?" He growled under his breath, gaze fixed intently on the tooth twirling between the fingers of his right hand, in quick, agitated revolutions.

"And ... and what did he mean that I'd meet him soon?"

It simply didn't make sense to him and with every failed attempt to understand he became more confused and frustrated. Suddenly he stopped rolling the tooth, clenching it tightly within his hand. So tight in fact the hand began to tremble, anger flaring from some deep well with in him.

What did Ar'Din mean when he said the dragon was Saphira's mate? I thought I was supposed to be her mate!

His jaw tightened, breath coming quicker through his nose, thoughts narrowing and focusing on the image of the dragons embracing one another outside the cave. Then another memory flashed through his mind, an image of the amethyst dragon looking lovingly and longingly into Saphira's eyes. He didn't remember seeing the image before and yet it was familiar to him.

What ... what if Saphira encounters the dragon while away from me?_ _

_Maybe that's what Ar'Din meant when he said I'd meet him soon. What if he returns with Saphira when she comes back? _

Eragon's fist clenched the tooth tighter, his wrist tensing and flexing, the knuckles of his fingers turning white as the blood was slowly squeezed from them, teeth grinding from his clenched jaw.

No! Surely if there had been other dragons occupying this region Glaedr-elda would have known about them.

Moments later, his thoughts narrowed further, merging and twisting to draw from within him a single, fierce emotion that overtook him. He seethed, gripping the tooth tighter still, while uttering a low, feral growl.

NO! She's mine! He can't have her! I won't ... I won't let him have her!

Strong as it was, the tooth cracked under the pressure exerted from Eragon's elven strength, breaking in two with an audible snap. Eragon blinked, jerking his arms from the railing, startled at the sudden release. The two halves of the tooth fell from his hand, into the river along with the base and chain.

"What the ... ?" He whispered, eyes widened in surprise. _Was that ... jealousy? _

Realization suddenly washed over him. Jealousy! Never have I felt it like that! That was on an entirely new level!

Eragon remained still as Ar'Dins words echoed in his mind "Your new heart burns faintly now but will grow, waging war against your mind ... your love for her will be fierce ..."

Eragon whined, shaking his head in disbelief as he paced the deck._ _

"Gods! What is wrong with me? Why should I feel so jealous? If anything I should be relieved. If Saphira does encounter this dragon she will have her mate, and then, perhaps, things can go back to the way they were. We can move on with our mission!"

Taking his head between both hands, he exclaimed. "_Argh! I fear I'm going to lose my mind over this!"_

"_Are you alright Shadeslayer?"_ Boldhgarm hesitantly inquired.

Eragon froze briefly; then, dropping his arms, slowly turned to see the blue elf regarding him with a quizzical expression. Following a moment's silence Boldhgarm looked around. "Who were you talking to?"

Eragon fidgeted, rubbing the back of his neck with his left hand. "Uh, I ... I was talking to myself. There ... there are some ... uh ... troubling matters I'm trying work through right now."

The fur on Boldhgarm's neck ruffled. He looked across the sky, and then back to Eragon and asked. "Where is Saphira?"

Eragon paused, uncertain how to answer; then, looking down, replied. "I ... I don't know. She left last night."

Boldhgarm looked at Eragon, eyes narrowed slightly, as the fur on his neck ruffled again. After a moment his expression softened and he offered, head nodding a bit.

"I see. Well, if I may Shadeslayer. Perhaps you should attempt to work out your ... troubles ... using the meditative exercises Oromis taught you." A faint smile formed on his face. "It might spare you from future ... embarrassment?"

Eragon looked up; then, lips pressed tightly, nodded several times, silently acknowledging the blue elf's wise suggestion. Boldhgarm nodded then turned and walked off, heading towards the fore of the ship.

Eragon released a rush of air, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. Remembering the tooth, he walked to the railing, extended his right hand and uttered the spell to return the charm to him. As the two halves settled gently on his palm he sighed.

Saphira's not going to like this if she finds out.

Scratching his chin, he thought. Hmmm ... I wonder if Glaedr-elda knows of a way to repair it.

He cupped his fingers around the objects then put them in one of his trouser pockets.

I'll worry about this later. Right now I should do as Boldhgarm suggests. He thought, moving to sit on the deck.

He crossed his legs and closed his eyes then took several deep breaths, picturing his troubled thoughts leaving him with each exhale. As he calmed, he remembered the instructions of Ar'Din concerning his newly given memories. Taking a moment to consider it he decided that now was as good a time as any and so accessed them, slipping into a trance-like state as they freely flowed to the fore-front of his mind.

Eragon caught his breath as a vivid image, accompanying the first memory that'd come forth, took shape. In it he was flying low above a vast sea of the deepest blue, stretching in all directions as far as his eyes could see. Breathing in he could smell the salt air and feel as the breeze gently caressed his face and wings. He felt the comforting heat of a noon-day sun that shone high above, and he could hear as the air rushed past his ears. In the distance, to the left, he could see a lone island, filling him suddenly with a fierce longing. Home!

On the deck his body swayed left as he, in the image, banked towards the island, arriving a short time later. Circling round he noted that it was larger than any he'd ever seen before, possessing a diverse ecology of dense forests teaming with wildlife; vast plains surrounding crystal clear lakes; rocky beaches lining crystal blue coves; massive mountain ranges with deep-set valleys and roaring waterfalls that poured from vast rivers; and several large volcanoes billowing smoke and ash. Reaching the island's northern edge he dove, entering a large valley that was lined by towering mountains with snow-white peaks, their sides specked with large caves too numerous to count. He banked again, following the valley to the east and then saw it; a great city nestled among the mountains, in what appeared to be a desert-like region of the valley, colored by a reddish-brown floor of stone and sand. In the city's center were a number of large stone structures - monuments - some in the shape of a dragon's claw while others towered and curved, as if to resemble the shape of a dragon's horns. Surrounded by the structures was a large courtyard, occupied by a multitude of dragons of every color and size imaginable. The dragons appeared to be bowed in reverence to a large stone structure carved in the likeness of a large dragon, larger than any Eragon had ever seen before, than even the largest among the multitude. The dragon sat upon its haunches with wings outspread, casting a shadow over the multitude gathered around it as the sun shone from behind. It possessed not one but two sets of horns protruding from the rear of its head. One of its claws was raised, palm up, holding what appeared to be a living fire of the most brilliant violet Eragon had ever seen. Eragon managed two more passes, his sense of awe and wonder increasing with each, before the image faded and the memories withdrew to the back of his mind.

He opened his eyes, trembling and gasping as he digested the experience. Gods! That was ... amazing! He thought. What did I just see? What kind of memories are these? It was so ... so real!

Taking several deep breaths Eragon calmed as the effects of the experience subsided, leaving in its wake a single, penetrating impression. East! We need to continue east to the sea and then beyond. He thought, suddenly sure of where they were going. He blinked several times more then looked up at the sun which had risen to its mid-morning position in the sky. Un-crossing his legs he stood and stretched; then turned and sat back down, preparing for the talk he'd planned to have with Glaedr and Umaroth. Reaching out his mind he spoke. Umaroth-elda, Glaedr-elda may I speak with you?

Umaroth replied. Aye, we've been waiting for you. Speak and make your thoughts known.

Surprised Eragon replied. You've been waiting for me? Then ... you already know?

If you mean about Saphira's confession; aye, we know. We've known since yesterday when you confronted her.

Slightly unnerved Eragon inquired_. Then why didn't you say anything?_

We did not wish to intervene without invitation Shadeslayer. Glaedr began. This matter is between you and Saphira. We also believed that you would need time to consider it. We believed you would seek us out when you were ready. Were we mistaken?

Eragon sighed. No ... no Glaedr-elda, you weren't mistaken. I did need some time but I'm not sure how much it has helped so far. Is it true that Saphira consulted you before telling me?

Aye, it is. Did you believe otherwise?

No, I guess I didn't. It's just that I am not sure what to believe about all of this. It isn't just her confession that troubles me. It's everything that has happened since we left ... to me, to her. Shaking his head he continued_. Everything just seems out of place. This isn't the future I pictured, not by a long-shot._

A low growl echoed in Eragon's mind as Glaedr replied. We know about the feelings you've been experiencing and of your encounter with the black dragon.

Eragon shifted, uncomfortably_. You do?_

Aye, we will get to those in a moment. But first I assume you wish to hear our thoughts concerning what Saphira revealed to us?

Aye, I do.

This time Umaroth answered_. Then let us begin here. We've been in deep discussion over this matter since Saphira revealed to us her dream, and the encounter with the unknown consciousness. We have reached a conclusion concerning it._

Eragon leaned forward slightly_. And?_

Although we are not completely convinced of this prophecy we have decided to at least be open to the possibility that it is true. The fact that you appear to be developing feelings of a like nature would seem to support it's ... authenticity. How long have you been experiencing them?

Eragon hesitated; then replied_. Since the night we left ... I think. They seem to come in spurts. So far I've no control over them._ Eragon shifted again, embarrassed. Just this morning I ... I experienced a jealously the likes of which I've never known before.

Another growl echoed in his mind. Have you accepted these feelings for her? Glaedr inquired_._

Straightening Eragon replied_. I don't know Glaedr-elda. Part of me wants to but another doesn't. It's difficult to know which to follow._

Umaroth answered_. We understand. This can't be easy for you; however, it would appear to add merit to the prophecy._

Aye, but how can we be? This has never happened between a dragon and rider before. Eragon gulped. Has it?

No, not that we know of. Glaedr began. Y_ou and Saphira are the first._

Eragon sighed. That's comforting ... I think. But how is it possible? If Saphira and I are the first how can we know whether or not it's truly meant to be? Is it possible there is some kind of dark magic at work here?

We don't know how this has happened Eragon. Umaroth began. However, we've sensed no other magic wielders in the area. We do not believe this to be the work of magic. You both appear to share the same feelings for one another. As far as we can tell they are genuine. Although you are having greater difficulty coming to terms with them they have appeared to surface in both of you at approximately the same time. In a gentler tone Umaroth continued_. You must be patient Eragon. Matters concerning fate are not always clear at first. Perhaps there is more which has yet to be revealed. Did anything come of your encounter with the black dragon that might shed some light?_

Eragon remained silent for a moment then hesitantly offered_. Maybe ... but first what is your opinion of it ... uh ... him? What do you know of him?_

That Shadeslayer is a mystery. Glaedr began_. We've shared the image given by Saphira amongst ourselves but even the oldest of us have never seen the likes of it before. We've also searched our ancestral memories which go back much farther, to our races' known beginnings, and have found none giving indication that our race ever encountered a dragon such as this. Can you offer more information on this dragon?_

Eragon nodded. Aye, but I'm not sure how much it will help. I'm still trying to understand what he revealed to me myself. Eragon paused, thinking a moment; then added. I can offer one bit of information right now ... his name is Ar'Din.

Eragon felt a sudden stir from the Eldunari`. Concerned he asked. What ... what is it?

After a moment's silence Umaroth spoke. We're not sure Eragon. An impression ... feeling ... coursed through us just after you'd spoke the name of this dragon. It was fleeting, too brief to fully grasp. The closest words I can think of to describe it are ... recognition ... or ... reverence. But this is a mystery. We've never met this dragon before.

Will ... will you allow us to view your memories of the encounter with him? Glaedr hesitantly inquired.

Of ... of course Glaedr-elda. Eragon replied, still concerned_._

He opened his mind, allowing the Eldunarito view his memories of the encounter with Ar'Din. The exchange took only a few moments but the effect it left on its recipients as they silently withdrew from his mind lingered far longer. Eragon waited as the Eldunari silently considered among themselves the memories they'd just witnessed. After a short while, with no answer from the Eldunari` forthcoming, Eragon began to fidget with concern. As each moment passed thereafter his apprehension grew until he could take the silence no longer.

Well, what do you think? Is everything okay? You've been silent for so long.

After another brief moment Umaroth replied, concern emanating from him.

We apologize for the lengthy silence Eragon. There was much to consider about this dragon who appears to be more than meets the eye. Some of us are ... unsettled.

Unsettled? Why?

The dragon appears to be more than a simple messenger. It seems to possess an authority and a magic, or abilities, never before seen in another of our kind. Naturally we are concerned; we don't know if he is friend or foe.

Eragon considered Umaroth's answer then replied.

Forgive me Umaroth-elda, but if he possesses such power - as you say - and intended us harm do you not think he could have harmed us by now if he chose to?_Eragon paused then continued. I've been face to face with him, and while I agree he should be treated with a measure of caution I don't believe he is an enemy. This may sound crazy but I almost feel as if I know him myself. I can't explain how I just ... know. Besides, it appears our only option is to trust him. He clearly possesses answers to what is going on between Saphira and I._

A fair point Shadeslayer. Glaedr began_. I agree, but we should proceed with caution. Based on your memory Ar'Din has promised another visit?_

Aye, he did.

Then perhaps you should express our concerns and extend the invitation for him to speak with us directly.

Of course Glaedr-elda, but I don't know when. He comes in his own good pleasure. I don't think I can just summon him like a dog.

Glaedr replied, a faint chuckle in his voice_. We do not expect you to summon him Shadeslayer. No dragon can be summoned like a dog. A fact you should already be aware of. In any case don't worry about it. Simply pass along our message at your next encounter, whenever that is._

There was a brief silence; then Eragon inquired. W_hat do you make of the new name he's ... given me or these ... memories?_

Umaroth growled softly_. These were the primary source of our concern. It is a bold claim that can only be backed by the power to do so. Have you considered what the name means?_

Eragon thought a moment then replied. I've never heard the name before. It seems to be a new combination of words in the ancient language. 'Skulblaka' meaning dragon and 'hjarta' meaning heart. When combined I guess the name means ... Dragonheart?

Our conclusion exactly Shadeslayer. Glaedr began_. Now about these memories, have you considered them as well?_

Aye, I have. As a matter of fact I experienced a rather vivid memory just this morning, during mediation. I have to admit it was unlike any I've ever encountered before. It was so real. Ar'Din explained that I should meditate on the memories often. He claims understanding will come to me if I do. Do you have any idea what he'd be talking about?

There was another brief silence as the Eldunari` considered Eragon's question; then Umaroth replied_. We have a theory but we don't wish to reveal it until it has been tested. We have a test in mind but I have a final question to ask before we begin._

Eragon bit his lip_. Alright. What ... what do you have in mind?_

Have you experienced any strange sensations since your feelings for Saphira began to change?

I ... I don't know. Like what?

Like an unexplained warmth or burning sensation in your chest?

Eragon tensed, surprised at the specific nature of Umaroth's question_. Aye, the first night of our departure and, I think, during my encounter with Ar'Din. Why? What does it mean?_

Sensing Eragon's apprehension Umaroth replied_. Peace Eragon. Considering the danger involved with our proposed test we wanted to know for sure if the risk was worth taking. Your answer proves that it is._

Glaedr inquired_. Do you remember the exercise I assisted you with; the one where you summoned forth the true form of your sword?_

Aye, Glaedr-elda I do. Eragon began. But what does that have to do with this?

Our proposed test is for you to summon forth ... your true form.

Eragon felt his throat tighten. With a gulp he replied_. W ... what? Why? Considering the danger do you really think that's necessary?_

Peace Eragon. Umaroth gently began_. We will provide you with the needed strength to complete the spell. It is the only way to know for sure._

Eragon sighed_. As you wish Umaroth-elda, but I want an explanation when we are done._

Should it be needed one will be given Eragon. But if we are right an explanation will not be necessary. It will be given in its own right.

Eragon breathed deeply then replied_. Alright, what do I need to do?_

Glaedr answered_. The same you did to summon the true form of your sword. Hold the thought of everything you are in your mind then speak your name to release the spell._

Eragon slowly stood; then, taking another deep breath, emptied his mind of all thought save those containing everything he knew about himself. He found the nub in the back of his mind; then, reaching through, tapped his body's store of energy and spoke his name "Eragon-Shadeslayer-Bromson!"

He felt a slight drain as the spell took effect. It completed with a quick flash in the air before him then nothing; no image appeared as did when he'd summoned forth the true form of his sword. He opened his eyes and, seeing nothing before him, became confused. I don't understand. Shouldn't an image of me have appeared? Did I do something wrong?

There was a brief silence before Umaroth answered. This is indeed curious. You said Ar'Din instructed you to mediate on these memories you've been given and that in so doing understanding would come?

Aye, but ...

Umaroth interrupted_. Then perhaps you should attempt the spell using a different approach._

I don't understand Umaroth-elda. What kind of approach?

Instead of focusing on everything you know about yourself try focusing on these memories and then cast the spell again, but this time use the name given you by Ar'Din.

What good will that do?

Just try it and we shall see what happens.

Eragon sighed. Alright, very well.

Closing his eyes once more Eragon calmed his mind and accessed the memories given him by Ar'Din. He stiffened briefly as the soft burning he'd experienced before began to flare in his chest, working outwards to his arms, legs and head. As the sensation leveled he relaxed then, tilting his head back, raised his arms slightly and once again found the nub in the back of his mind. Reaching through Eragon tapped his body's store of energy and spoke the name given him by Ar'Din. "Eragon-Skulblakahjarta!"

He felt a massive energy drain escape from him as the spell took effect. Working to completion it continued to drain him of energy. He was unable to move or open his eyes and so became afraid that it might kill him. Sensing his fear Umaroth, Glaedr and the other Eldunari merged their strength with his, feeding the energy necessary to keep him alive until the spell completed. Several moments passed before a brilliant flash erupted in the air before him, followed by the appearance of a startling apparition. The spell had completed.

Attempting to regain his strength Eragon doubled over, kneeling on his hands and knees. The Eldunari` continued to feed him their energy until he was able to speak. That's enough Umaroth-elda. Just give me a moment.

Drawing their energy back Umaroth replied with concern in his voice. Are you alright Eragon?

Aye, I think I am, thanks to you. That spell would have killed me if you hadn't intervened. It took much more energy than I expected.

Aye, much more than any of us expected. Do you see anything?

Just a moment my eyes are still closed. Eragon looked up then opened his eyes. He blinked several times, bringing them into focus. What he saw widened them in astonishment. What in the Gods?

The apparition before him was of an amethyst dragon seated on it haunches, wings folded, eyes alit with a soft amethyst glow. The dragon was adorned with sapphire spikes along its back and tail. Sapphire scales plated its chest and belly. In form the dragon resembled Saphira but was slightly larger, possessing a broader chest and muscular limbs. The dragon's scales shimmered in the afternoon sun, causing Eragon to squint as he stared at it.

He stood; unable to speak, then slowly circled the dragon in silent wonder. After several moments Umaroth spoke again, a tone of urgency in his voice. Well Eragon, what do you see?

Struggling to find the words Eragon slowly answered. This can't be. I ... I see ... I see ... a dragon. An amethyst dragon!

Is it the one from the pair shown to you by Ar'Din?

Eragon trembled as realization hit him. Coming back round to the railing he paused, turned and sat back down. He looked again at the apparition which was already starting to fade; as if to confirm what he already knew. Feeling light headed he answered. Aye, it is. And I suspect much more than that.

Glaedr inquired, hesitantly_. Then ... you see it confirms our earlier suspicion was correct?_

Eragon's expression relaxed as an unexpected peace settled upon him._ _

Aye, I do. In fact it explains quite a bit of what I'd been experiencing over the past week. Somehow it makes sense. I think I'm even beginning to understand what Ar'Din meant.

Then you understand that what you've been given are more than simple memories; they are the ancestral memories of dragons. Moreover, the heart Ar'Din spoke of is the heart of a dragon. This would explain the burning in your chest for a dragon's heart is the source of its inner fire. We suspect you also possess the soul of a dragon. This would explain the image that appeared before you. This ... this you understand?

Eragon nodded_. Aye Glaedr-elda, I do. I can't explain how, I just ... do. One question I do have though ... if I'm a dragon then why don't I look like one?_

Glaedr paused then replied_. Hmmm ... the change seems to be working from the inside out. It is very likely it will continue until you not only possess the heart, soul and memories of a dragon but the physical form of one as well. It is impossible to say how and when this will occur. But, given time, I suspect it eventually will. In any case, at least you know what you'll look like._

Do you think Ar'Din is the one who gave me this heart ... this heart of a dragon?

This time Umaroth replied_. It is a reasonable assumption that he is the one who gave you the heart. It is also possible he's given you the soul as well. If this is true then we are not dealing any ordinary dragon. There is no dragon who ever existed that possessed such power. Even so, I have to admit you seem to be taking this quite well. Does it not unsettle you?_

Eragon thought a moment then smiled_. I suppose it should, but it doesn't. Considering what has happened to me over the past five days I don't think anything about this surprises me anymore. I guess I'm just relieved to finally have some solid answers._

Indeed. Glaedr began_. Then what of your decision concerning Saphira?_

Eragon's smile faded_. At this point I'm not sure Glaedr-elda. I've only just learned of my feelings for her ... and that I'm apparently to become a dragon. It's still quite a leap for me to give way and accept her as my mate. No, I think I need more time to decide._

Reaching into his pocket, he added. _By the way, do you know a spell that can mend broken dragon teeth? _