Author's Note: Once again I am starting a new fanfic but couldn't resist once the idea came to mind. Thus, I don't know how long it will go for or if it continues at all so keep those reviews coming! While I realize this is unrealistic, this is my fanfic so some of the character's personalities might be slightly different. I will try to keep them the same though and this takes place at the start of Book IV the day after Brisingr. Also, I don't own the Inheritance Cycle at all nor do I wish to. It was sadly cliché which is a shame although it does make for a nice way to pass the time. Well, here it is!
*takes a deep breath*
Chapter One: Dragonling
Eragon!
The draconic roar that awoke the weary Rider from his sleep caused the said young man to jolt up with a start. He winced as pain lanced up his back.
An unexpected largeness attached itself to his senses. He felt far bigger and stronger than normal.
And he was hungry!
He was so starving hungry he could even eat meat. Surprisingly, that felt right up his alley now.
He shrugged off the feeling and attempted to stand.
He failed miserably due to his legs and arms feeling thick, heavy, and cumbersome.
His ached something fierce.
What in the Empire had happened to him?
Giving up on rising from where he lay, he collapsed back onto the floor and decided to survey his surroundings.
He was alone in a huge stone room. He could only see a few windows way up top at the ceiling. To his surprise, they were at the ground level and he could see the feet of men, or elves, standing in front of them.
Hushed but excited voices descended from them ever downwards. They rippled like a wave rolling across the ocean. It was obvious that a lot of people were curious.
About me? Eragon wondered.
Heaving a sigh, he shook his head and ran a hand through his brown hair only to freeze in mid-motion.
Chains stopped him from moving.
What in damnation was going on here? He was starting to panic and an alien fear of being caged in on all sides with no way to escape to the air and fly away.
What was he thinking?
He couldn't fly! He was a human, hybrid-thing! Or was he?
"Eragon," A voice called softly.
Eragon turned his head cautiously downwards and his heart skipped a beat.
Arya sat there on the floor. Her legs were folded beneath each other and her back was straight and erect. Lush, black hair cascaded down her shoulders contrasting sharply with her pale white skin. Her keen eyes stared out at him with evident concern.
She swallowed hard and Eragon began to feel afraid. The elf princess had never shown so much emotion before. What in the world was going on?
"Yes?" He asked.
Alarm hit him when his voice came out husky and guttural. He sounded like some kind of beast instead of a human. No. Not a beast – a dragon!
"What is happening to me?" Eragon asked Arya, desperately trying to ignore how strange his voice sounded.
"I know not," Arya whispered, looking at him with great sympathy. "All I know is that you are not what you once were. Something is happening to you Eragon. Whether it is for good or for evil, I cannot tell. But do not try to fight it..." She hesitated and then added. "...for me."
Eragon's heart did a little relay race as she said the last two words but then fear replaced the joy. What was she talking about.
Arya was already standing up though.
"I will show you what has befallen you if you swear to me in the Ancient Language not to panic," She said. "It may be a good thing, what is occurring within you, what is changing. Whatever the case, please promise me that you will not resist."
Eragon took a deep breath and it was his turn to gulp.
"I swear to remain calm and controlled," He said solemnly in the Ancient Language.
Arya favoured him with a small smile and walked over to a corner of the room. Eragon hadn't noticed it before but a curtain had covered the wall behind her.
Eragon's heart raced with a myriad of confusing emotions raging from excitement to suspicion. What was she hiding? What did she not want him to see?
At an agonizing pace, Arya reached towards the curtain and pulled it down. The thick cloth rippled and curled as it fell to the floor revealing a massive mirror hanging on the wall behind it.
Eragon gasped.
For there in the mirror, where his reflection should be, was a massive, silver dragon!
To be Continued...(hopefully)