We last saw Yarron and Delva on the threshold of their training. We now continue the story inside the hall.
CHAPTER 8
The hall was massive, in proportion to Saphira. Dragons and Riders were everywhere. There were even a few unbonded elves. Off the entrance was a large chamber. Saphira led us inside.
This is where you will nest, young Delva, Saphira said. I noticed that Saphira's nest was the largest. Inside were multi-colored eggs. She curled around them protectively. Go. I will see out at dinner, little ones, she said.
As we left, I saw Eragon scratch her briefly.
The dining hall was built with the comfort of dragons in mind. Each pair sat together. As far as I could tell, we were the newest pair. Eragon's next words confirmed it.
"We now have two new members of our order here to train with us. Delva hatched in Therinsford for Yarron. Sit, both of you. It seems that fewer and fewer egs are hatching. You two are the first new pair in several years. I fear that the time of the Riders is finally at an end." The last part of his speech was spoken quietly to us. "While you are here, Saphira and I will train you. You will refer to us as your masters. We start in the morning, if you are ready."
Delva then spoke. Master, in the stories about your adventures, it is said that many back then believed that the Riders would never return and that Galbatorix would rule forever.
"I see Yarron did not neglect to teach you some history on the road. Before Saphira came to me, there were no other dragons in Alagaesia, aside from Shruikan. I loved hearing my father's stories about the Riders. When Saphira came, I saw her as a mere animal, incapable of intelligent thought. Before my uncle died, I was able to tell her anything."
But Master, how can the dragons be in decline when there are so many Riders here?
"That I am not sure of. Most likely, it is because of Galbatorix. At the time I bonded with Saphira, she was the last female dragon alive. It wasn't until after the Battle of Dras-Leona that I learned that she was not alone. Unless more Riders are found, I fear there may be no hope for our order."
"Master," I chimed in. "I heard that dragons lived forever. So, does it not follow that dragons will never be in decline as long as there are dragons alive?"
Eragon thought for a long while. I then realized that he was not going to give us an answer.
When the lengthy meal was finally over, Eragon had an elf show us our chambers. The elf was covered in midnight-blue fur. His name eluded me for many moments. Then it came to me. The elf was Blodhgarm, one of the twelve elven spellcasters that protected Eragon. He had also come with Eragon when they left Alagaesia.
Our chambers were simple. There was a bed for me, a blanket-lined bowl for Delva, and a small writing desk. The one window faced west, back the way we came. I leaned against the sill and thought about how far we had come.
Here ends Part 3 of their tale. What lies ahead as Yarron and Delva begin training?
CHAPTER 8
The hall was massive, in proportion to Saphira. Dragons and Riders were everywhere. There were even a few unbonded elves. Off the entrance was a large chamber. Saphira led us inside.
This is where you will nest, young Delva, Saphira said. I noticed that Saphira's nest was the largest. Inside were multi-colored eggs. She curled around them protectively. Go. I will see out at dinner, little ones, she said.
As we left, I saw Eragon scratch her briefly.
The dining hall was built with the comfort of dragons in mind. Each pair sat together. As far as I could tell, we were the newest pair. Eragon's next words confirmed it.
"We now have two new members of our order here to train with us. Delva hatched in Therinsford for Yarron. Sit, both of you. It seems that fewer and fewer egs are hatching. You two are the first new pair in several years. I fear that the time of the Riders is finally at an end." The last part of his speech was spoken quietly to us. "While you are here, Saphira and I will train you. You will refer to us as your masters. We start in the morning, if you are ready."
Delva then spoke. Master, in the stories about your adventures, it is said that many back then believed that the Riders would never return and that Galbatorix would rule forever.
"I see Yarron did not neglect to teach you some history on the road. Before Saphira came to me, there were no other dragons in Alagaesia, aside from Shruikan. I loved hearing my father's stories about the Riders. When Saphira came, I saw her as a mere animal, incapable of intelligent thought. Before my uncle died, I was able to tell her anything."
But Master, how can the dragons be in decline when there are so many Riders here?
"That I am not sure of. Most likely, it is because of Galbatorix. At the time I bonded with Saphira, she was the last female dragon alive. It wasn't until after the Battle of Dras-Leona that I learned that she was not alone. Unless more Riders are found, I fear there may be no hope for our order."
"Master," I chimed in. "I heard that dragons lived forever. So, does it not follow that dragons will never be in decline as long as there are dragons alive?"
Eragon thought for a long while. I then realized that he was not going to give us an answer.
When the lengthy meal was finally over, Eragon had an elf show us our chambers. The elf was covered in midnight-blue fur. His name eluded me for many moments. Then it came to me. The elf was Blodhgarm, one of the twelve elven spellcasters that protected Eragon. He had also come with Eragon when they left Alagaesia.
Our chambers were simple. There was a bed for me, a blanket-lined bowl for Delva, and a small writing desk. The one window faced west, back the way we came. I leaned against the sill and thought about how far we had come.
Here ends Part 3 of their tale. What lies ahead as Yarron and Delva begin training?