Chapter 34

Cedric's face scrunched up. The idea of leaving just after arriving didn't sit well with him. It was a twenty mile walk here and back!

Neither did he like acting the thief, but confronting Eragon was too troublesome. Questions would abound, and while answering carefully could resolve the situation, Cedric didn't think he owed Eragon anything.

So what if he and Saphira met and talked behind Eragon's back? Cedric would do whatever he wanted. If Eragon found out, he'd certainly be upset, but that was hardly Cedirc's problem.

Briefly meeting the dragon's sapphire eyes, he snorted before turning, looking for a suitable tree. The nearest ones weren't the right size for hiding, but there was a big, rough-barked tree some distance away.

Making his way over, he grabbed the lowest branch, climbing deftly upward. Finding a spot near the canopy, he settled in and waited.

'You decided to stay, then? I suggested it as a jest, not thinking you would... Will you eavesdrop on our conversation too? How improper!'

Saphira's attitude was best described as cheeky.

Cedric shook his head inwardly, not exactly in the mood for mischief.

'Just don't drag it out. This is like sitting on sandpaper. Besides, you still need to revise the documents I brought.'

Saphira didn't respond, ruffling her wings while craning her neck toward a distant hill. It seemed Eragon arrived at last, his small figure cresting the brushed, grassy elevation. Given the late hour and damp weather, he dressed similarly to Cedric, bundled tightly in a hooded cloak.

When he spotted Saphira, his excitement was palpable, hastily closing the distance between them. She lowered her head in turn, letting him cling to her, lifting him a short distance off the ground.

Cedric found himself rolling his eyes. He didn't much enjoy such sappy displays.

'See how affectionate he is with me? This is the bond between a dragon and her rider.'

Saphira's mental tone was somewhat proud, though he couldn't guess why.

'Should you really be talking to me? What if he notices something odd?'

'So what if he does?'

'…'

Cedric suddenly found he didn't know what Saphira was thinking. She didn't seem the type to play with Eragon's feelings, but perhaps he was wrong?

'You are exaggerating. How am I wronging him? It's a harmless secret, and innocent fun besides. Nothing more.'

He had no clue how to respond to her way of thinking.

'In any case, did you not have me promise to keep our interactions private? It was part of our deal. You will also do the same, will you not?'

Cedric felt his brain being twisted into a pretzel. Wasn't she basically arguing 'what Eragon doesn't know won't hurt him'? Granted, his social skills weren't the best, but Cedric was having a hard time wrapping his head around it.

Sensing his feelings, Saphira's emotions shifted, becoming slightly standoffish.

'He may be my rider, but we are not the same being. Eragon is not my master. I do not need to inform him of, nor have his consent for every little thing.'

Cedric noticed a bite to her tone. Shrugging internally, he decided to clarify lest she misunderstand.

'It has nothing to do with me. You may act however you wish.'

'How gracious of you to give permission. I would've felt ill at-ease otherwise.'

Saphira's response was sarcastic.

'…that's not what I meant and you know it.'

With their minds in such close proximity, sensing each other's emotions was effortless. As such, Saphira did know. Her quip was mostly an act, being dramatic for the sake of it.

Cedric let her be, watching idly from the canopy. Aside from their gestures, her and Eragon's conversation was entirely mental. He didn't have a clue what they talked about.

'Would you like to know? I could tell you.'

'…no thanks. I'm not interested in idle chatter.'

He admired her ability to converse with Eragon and himself. He could do it, but it would take effort, and Saphira seemed entirely comfortable. Cedric supposed it wasn't strange—before the elves' arrival, dragons didn't even use language. They were natural telepaths.

Saphira didn't care about his refusal, turning her attention away from Cedric. Until after the sun set, she and her rider interacted silently.

Cedric soon grew bored of watching, reclining as best he could with hands behind his head. He was somewhat tired, but uncomfortable as he was, dozing off was impossible.

Eventually, Eragon parted with her, clearly reluctant. It seemed he wanted to stay longer, but Saphira pressed her forehead against his chest, urging him to return.

At her insistence, he did, but while sending forlorn looks over his shoulder. Saphira watched him go like a mother would her son, projecting comfort and reassurance. When he'd entirely disappeared, her attention returned to Cedric.

'He is gone.'

Nearly blind in the dark, Cedric huffed, carefully making his way down. Given Eragon's mental training, he couldn't keep a psychic 'eye' on him lest he be noticed.

'He visits you often, does he? How dedicated—I'd certainly think twice, making my way here and back when a mental exchange would suffice.'

Back on the ground, he patted himself down, dispersing leaves and scraps of bark.

Saphira regarded him with a single blue eye, slitted and reflective like a feline's.

'I know you are inconsiderate, but it is not to your advantage, broadcasting it so frequently and openly. Be more hesitant when speaking your mind.'

Cedric's motions stopped, looking at her incredulously. He seemed like he wanted to argue, but changed his mind.

'Females… can't live with them, can't live without them!'

Saphira turned her head aside, projecting aloofness.

'From my understanding, humans become interested in mating activities at thirteen summers of age. You are a year past that, yet Eragon says you had precious little interaction with the females of your village….'

Her teeth separated slightly, tongue flicking at the air.

'…I now understand the reason.'

Cedric's jaw went slack. Did Saphira just call him out for… being a virgin?

While the gears spun in his head, the dragon turned, whipping her tail at his nose.

'Come, you wished to show me certain things. Do so now. Enough time has been wasted.'

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'…these sketches aren't entirely comprehensive, but you should have a rough understanding of the human body's systems and functions. With your near-perfect memory, you can recall and revise as needed.'

Rolling up his documents, oiled for water-resisting purposes, he stuffed them in his pack. He expected the 'lesson' to take longer, given Saphira having no knowledge of biology. However, she was extremely smart with a near photographic memory. Learning proved effortless for her.

Cedric was somewhat jealous. Even in this life, with a psychically-enhanced intellect, he wasn't as freakish. Thinking of dragons' lack of civilization, he was even more confused. He could only attribute it to a lack of effort or interest. Having lived a modern life, he wouldn't fault them for it—it wasn't necessarily a superior lifestyle.

'I will do so, but I feel there is little point to this…'

Cedric's eyebrows scrunched together, not understanding.

'…I am no closer to changing form than before.'

'…'

Her disclosure made some disappointment well in his chest. Saphira's 'feelings' weren't to be dismissed. Dragon magic hinged on it, after all.

With his satchel over one shoulder, Cedric thought it over. How could they make this work? Did she require more information?

'Do not let it bother you overmuch. More importantly, will you return to Teirm? It is long after dark, and cold besides.'

Cedric tilted his head absentmindedly, still in thought.

'Yeah, I'm heading back. I'm certainly not camping out here. It's freezing.'

Saphira snorted.

'You do not have to. If you wish, I could have you return with me. A cavern opens near the cliff-top. It serves as my den, with room enough for us both.'

To say Cedric was surprised was an understatement. She was inviting him for a sleepover? Knowing she'd sent Eragon back, he was doubly confused.

'…it surprises me how foolish you can be. We had our lesson, and Brom wouldn't allow him to stay overnight. But enough about Eragon, tell me whether you agree or not.'

At this point, Cedric didn't even try keeping up with her thoughts.

'Well, if you're offering, I won't refuse.'

He'd meticulously taken care of his body since childhood. Along with minor enhancements, the return journey wouldn't exhaust him. However, a long trek in the cold dark was hardly pleasant.

Saphira huffed, lowering herself so he could get on.

'I am without a harness, but brave and strong as you are, Cedric, it shouldn't scare you.'

Cedric grimaced before leaping deftly onto her back. It did scare him and she knew as much, but given how dangerous this world was, he couldn't afford to be cowed by something so insignificant.

Muttering a spell, he cushioned the insides of his legs. Memories of the novel sprung to mind, where a prolonged flight saw Eragon's legs rubbed raw.

'I'm ready.'

The thought barely transmitted before Saphira leapt into the air, her wings buffeting wind against the ground. Despite the sun having set, her excellent vision made navigating effortless.

Cedric clung onto her neck for dear life. He wasn't exactly afraid of heights, but neither did he regret being unable to see the ground.

To his surprise, Saphira actually soothed him.

'It isn't far. Hold on and close your eyes. We'll be there before you know it.'

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It was perhaps ten minutes later that Saphira landed. Cedric didn't see much, aside from a looming, dark shape, drawing ever closer. The overcast weather saw little light, the moon and stars being obscured by clouds.

'We've arrived.'

Her touchdown was unnaturally graceful, contrasting her size.

Cedric didn't get off yet. Instead, he waited until she'd crawled into the grotto. It would be beyond humiliating, if his clumsiness caused a deadly fall.

"That was terrifying."

With shaky legs, he dismounted, putting his back against a cold, damp wall. Now and during the flight, he regretted not returning to Teirm.

'Don't be such a child. Here, draw closer to me. I will provide warmth.'

At this point, Cedric couldn't care less about Saphira's indulgent attitude. He was being treated like a kid, but pride and embarrassment were easy to discard given circumstances.

Pressing against her side, he felt Saphira draping a wing over him. She was warm indeed, entirely shutting out the chill. The sudden comfort was enough to make him go limp, his eyelids drooping.

'Humans are such fragile creatures.'

Cedric barely heard her. Already, he felt a languid, cottony feeling seeping into his limbs. In his past life, he was an insomniac, but fortunately, that was no longer an issue.

Within two minutes, he was fast asleep.

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In the cavern's darkness, Cedric's chest rose and fell silently.

Saphira couldn't see him, covered as he was, but her draconic senses made her acutely aware of his presence. Every breath, every small movement, rustling of his clothes or his faint, smokey scent were stark in her mind.

Snorting softly, she curled her neck inward, supporting it with her wing. Sometimes, she wished Eragon would follow Cedric's example. The red-hair was meticulously clean, smelling faintly floral with an oaky undertone—some concoction of his, no doubt.

Saphira's feelings toward Cedric wouldn't be appropriately described as 'affection'. Rather, she found him interesting. He was… different.

Eragon, well, she certainly did feel a great amount of affection toward her rider. He was forthright, honorable, a person of justice and he wore his heart on his sleeve. Saphira greatly appreciated those qualities, and was entirely satisfied with him. His spirit was as clear and transparent as crystal.

Not that it was bad – but those same qualities made him entirely known to her. There was no mystery to Eragon, no hidden depths. He was as he appeared: an upright village boy. One with the makings of greatness perhaps, but a village boy nonetheless.

Cedric was entirely different. If Saphira were pressed to explain why, she'd be unable to do so.

His surface thoughts were obvious to her – selfish and unkind by nature, but not without care for those he considered close. But beyond surface level… well, she didn't know him. Many of his thoughts and feelings were hidden behind an iron wall, unreachable without forcing her way in.

She suspected that hidden part of him was exactly the source of his strangeness. His mind was so different from everyone else she couldn't begin to make sense of it. It felt… alien.

Shaking her head imperceptibly, she gave up on figuring him out. He wished her well – she'd ascertained as much – and that was enough. Besides, as a dragon, she tended to take a long term view of things. In the coming years, she'd have time enough to know him better.

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