The procession that carried Ajihad to his rest under Farthen Dûr was one of the grandest Eragon had ever seen. The dwarves, Orik explained, had allowed Ajihad to be entombed near their own dead, an honor that was never before bestowed on a human. They had made a special alcove so that the mourners would not disturb the dwarven dead, and Eragon marveled at the customs. That Hrothgar would do such a thing for the Varden spoke of the bonds between the humans and dwarves, as well as their love of Ajihad.
Ajihad was being lowered into the open crypt, and Eragon could see Nasuada in front of him, her stature strong despite the tears that were a steady presence on her face. Next to him stood Brom, his face somber and drawn. He knew that Ajihad and his fathers were friends, but Brom had no tears on his face. Both Eragon and his father, it seemed, had shared feelings in this regard. He had seen much death in his near three centuries, and to watch his comrades die, whether from wounds or time, always pierced Eragon's heart with sadness. Father and son knew all too well what death was, and now was not the time for his tears.
On his other side was Arya, her face showing a hint of grief. She had not spoken to him since their last conversation two days ago, but neither did she give him the indication that she was angry with him. The few times he saw her, she merely watched him closely, nodding her head in greeting as they passed one another.
Behind them was Saphira, her massive form towering over the two-legged creatures surrounding her. Glenwing was standing by her side, his hand resting on Saphira's flank. He was surprised, but glad that the dragon and elf seemed fast friends. Even further back, stretching from the chamber that would be Ajihad's resting grounds, a mile long group had gathered to see the leader.
Once they were done lowering Ajihad, Nasuada stepped up first. He did not listen to her words, but she spent a few minutes by her father's side. Eventually, she moved on, and the line shuffled forward as Jörmundur approached the crypt. Before long, Eragon and his father stepped up, gazing down at Ajihad's form. The man seemed finally at peace, his face showing for once a sense of calmness and clarity that Eragon had never seen before. Neither him nor his father said anything, and after a moment they moved on as well.
Arya stepped up next, but Eragon had already moved on. He moved to stand behind Nasuada, who had taken up near the side of the chamber, so to be close at hand for the end of the ceremony. His father followed, and they both waited as the mourners continued their trek to the crypt.
Eragon did not track the passage of time, merely watching as the last of the Varden said their farewells to the leader. Nasuada made her way back to her father's side, touching Ajihad's hand. He could feel her grief, palpable in the air, and Eragon observed twelve dwarfs approached, carrying a slab between them. They sealed the tomb, and thus ending the time of Ajihad, one of the greatest leaders Eragon had known.
The Varden moved, after the funeral, to an underground chamber. Various people stood around, speaking quietly of the funeral. Eragon was sitting on the lowest tier of steps, watching as his father talked a few of the Varden members he knew. He could overhear some ask if Brom was to be their new leader, but his father merely shook his head in denial. Eragon wasn't too surprised, seeing as Brom was instrumental in the founding of the Varden nearly a century ago.
Orik came up to him, calling out a greeting to Saphira softly as he approached. The dragon was next to Eragon, her form taking up a significant portion of the amphitheater steps. There was a large clearing around her, the members of the Varden giving her amble space to observe the chamber.
"Seems fitting to do this here," Orik said, before explaining, "This is where we dwarves have elected our own kings, since the time of Korgan."
"Hrothgar has done much for the Varden," Eragon commented. Orik paused, considering his words.
"Aye. Some would say too much." After a moment, Orik said, "I've been tasked with telling you that Hrothgar wishes to speak with you, once this is all settled."
Eragon nodded in acceptance, watching as Arya walked slowly towards their position. Glenwing was next to her, inclining his head and Eragon caught his gaze. Arya veered off, stepping over to Saphira, but Glenwing made his way over to the Rider and dwarf. After a quick greeting, Glenwing sat down on the steps next to Eragon. Orik stood on the ground in front of Eragon, his back turned to the center of the chamber.
Turning to Glenwing, Eragon said, "I haven't seen you much since the battle. How are you fairing?"
The elf's eyes lowered, and a hint of sadness clouded his features, "Well enough, I suppose. I have been busy with our arrangements to return Fäolin to Ellesméra. My people will mourn his loss."
Orik stroked his beard, his face frowning, "I don't know how you elves do it, burying your departed in the dirt. The dead need the stone of the earth to find their peace, lest their spirits seek out the living."
"The elves believe in returning the body to nature, Orik." Eragon explained, "There customs are as strange to you as yours are to them. Dwarves celebrate afterwards, honoring the life that was lost. Elves instead find their solace in giving back to the forest that has given them so much."
"True enough, I suppose." Orik responded. Eragon could still tell that the elves customs made him uneasy, but he moved on. "What is your wish, Eragon, for your own funeral? That of the elves, or the humans?"
Eragon could see the others staring at him, even Arya, who was standing next to Saphira. Eragon shrugged his shoulders, "I have not thought much of it. If I perished in battle, the only true way that a Rider can die, I suspect that Saphira will burn down the entire surroundings, so I doubt there would be much left of me."
Saphira growled at him, her lips raising in her ire. Eragon saw Orik and Arya take a step back, and even Glenwing flinched at the sound. Do not jest about such things.
"Sorry, Saphira." Eragon said, touching her scales. He patted her gently, his fingers trailing a path on her hide.
She relented, her lips falling to cover her massive teeth. I would, though. Not just where you fell, but the whole world would feel my wrath.
He heard Orik swallow hard, his face slightly pale at the dragon's words. Even Arya seemed upset, for her eyebrows were sharp in their slant.
Clearing his through, Orik said, "I always forget, that you will leave forever. The elves I can understand, I suppose, magical as they are. But to know that you will only die if another takes your life is a strange idea. I could never imagine outliving so many others, long though dwarven life may be."
"You forget, Orik," Eragon said, "That I am -aside from my father and possibly Angela- the oldest person here. Saphira and I have already seen many fall prey to the ever-flowing river of time. Nothing lasts forever, not even me."
"No, but your name will live on forever, Eragon." Glenwing said. "Already you have done more than any other. No one, not even the elves, knows of someone that has slain two Shades, and I think we are only just seeing what you will do. You are perhaps the most powerful being in Alagaësia, save for Galbatorix, who remains holed up in his castle."
Eragon made to reply, the words already half formed in his mind, when Jörmundur stepped onto the podium, the quell of voices in the chamber silencing at once. Orik and Arya turned around, watching as the old soldier gazed out around at the gathered members of the Varden. "Members of the Varden! Fifteen years ago, we last stood here when Deynor's death shocked us all. Ajihad was chosen, and he had done more against the Empire and Galbatorix then any of his predecessors! He marred the blade of the Shade Durza, and has led our people to victory not long ago. Now, we stand here to elect our new leader, who will carry on Ajihad's goal of ending the terror of the Empire."
High up behind him, someone shouted, "Shadeslayer!"
Eragon cringed, but did not speak.
Cheers rang up around the amphitheater, before Jörmundur raised a hand to silence them. "The Council of Elders and Eragon have spoken, and we have come to the agreement that he will not be our leader. There is much for him to do against Galbatorix, and we will not allow the Varden to hold back his victory over the mad king. No, perhaps one day, but for now we need a leader who knows our difficulties, who knows who we are in our very hearts. In that regard, we, the Council of Elders, have decided to name Nasuada as our choice!"
Jörmundur gestured at Arya, who took a few steps forward to see the gathered crowd. She gazed out at the Varden, waiting as the whispering of Nasuada's name quieted. "The elves supported Ajihad when he was chosen, and on behalf of Queen Islanzadí, I bestow the same hand of friendship and aid to his daughter, Nasuada. We will recognize her ascension; May the stars watch over her."
The elf stepped back, and Hrothgar took the podium. The dwarf king glanced around briefly, before stating, "I too support Nasuada, as do the clans."
The dwarf king stepped aside, moving back towards the other dwarves in attendance. Only Orik remained a part, but the dwarf made no move to join them. Standing, Eragon addressed the crowd. "As the only free bonded Dragon and Rider, we speak for the Dragon Riders. Saphira and I support Nasuada."
After he was finished, he sat down once more next to Saphira.
Jörmundur once more took the stage, his hand motioning for Nasuada to join him. She did so, she knelt before the soldier, her dress dragging on the stone floor underneath. "So now I ask, people of the Varden, do you accept our choice? Will you follow Nasuada, as she becomes the leader we need? By the right of inheritance and succession, Nasuada is our only choice. Have we chosen well?"
The Varden cheered, yelling out their agreement. The sound was deafening, and Eragon winced as his ears rang. He saw Glenwing flinch as well, the elf rubbing at his pointed ears.
"Then, by the powers granted to this Council, we hereby name Nasuada, daughter of Ajihad, as the new Varden leader!" He placed on her head a circlet of silver, and Nasuada stood. He motioned to her, saying, "I give you Nasuada, Leader of the Varden!"
Once more the crowd echoed their support, and the sound of hands clapping grew violent in his head. The people of the Varden and dwarves stomped, cheering for their new leader. Jörmundur and the council members glared at him, but Eragon made no move towards Nasuada. He remained seated, not joining in with the crowd.
Nasuada stepped forward, raising her hands to silence the crowd. "People of the Varden!" She cried out, "I thank you for your support. As my father has done before me, I offer you my life and my service to our cause. I will never cease fighting, to free our lands from the reign of Galbatorix! We have won the battle, here in Farthen Dûr, and struck a blow against the Empire. Now is the time to strike back, when Galbatorix's armies stand wounded by our victory! We must prepare now, to take on the destiny that my father has helped laid out before us!"
Others stood, giving various speeches, but Eragon barely listened. Orik leaned in close, his tone gruff, "The council members do not seem to like you, Eragon. I do not know what you did, but you've seemed to gather some powerful enemies."
"They wanted me to swear fealty to the Varden," Eragon admitted. He watched as Glenwing turned to him, surprise evident on the elf's face. "I refused. They weren't happy."
Orik grunted, and he could see Arya frown from where she stood. If she agreed with his decision, she said nothing. "Powerful enemies indeed," Orik muttered.
That is another reason we must leave, and soon. Saphira said quietly to Eragon. They would take their anger out on us, for this perceived slight.
Shaking his head, Eragon replied, they are upset for not doing what they wanted? This only reminds me more why I dislike politics.
Eragon made his way towards the hall the dwarves were using, considering the main hall was still filled with the shattered remains of the Star Sapphire. Saphira followed in his wake, her tail swishing as she strode forward. His father had left the gathering of the Varden when Eragon did, but he did not follow, instead stating that he had other business to conduct. He would need to speak with his father before long, and explain all that transpired between the Council of Elders and himself.
Eragon approached the chamber, nodding his greeting to the dwarfs standing guard. The large stone door was decorated with the sigils of the clans, and Eragon watched as the dwarves opened them, permitting Saphira and him entrance.
In the center was a table, Hrothgar seated behind it. There was no one else in the room, and Eragon watched as the dwarf king read from a scroll in front of him. He walked forward, hearing the door close behind Saphira as she entered. She stopped near the door, her head nearly reaching the table that the dwarf was using. The room, large as it was, could barely fit her size, and Eragon stopped before the Hrothgar.
He bowed, stating, "You have called for me, Your Majesty, so I have come."
The king placed the scroll down, stroking his large beard as he did. His hand rested on Volund, the hammer lying beside the table. "Thank you for coming, Eragon. Saphira as well."
Nodding, Eragon motioned to the seat on the other side of the dwarf. At his nod, Eragon sat down in the plush chair. "What did you wish to speak of?"
Hrothgar gazed at Eragon; his ancient eyes locked onto the Rider. His voice was harsh as he spoke, but the words less so. "I know what the Council wanted of you, Rider. I do not know if it was a wise choice to deny them, but there is little to be done about it now."
The fact that the dwarf knew of their plan to have him swear fealty was not surprising to Eragon. He was surprised, however, when the dwarf king continued, "If you were, I would have named you Orik's brother."
"Ah," Eragon uttered. The move was surprising, and Eragon knew it would have been a point of contention among the dwarves at the very least.
He had meant to stake his own claim on you, Saphira noted.
"What do you intend now, Hrothgar?" Eragon asked.
The king sighed, "I would instead like to name you dwarf-friend to mine clan. It will not give you the same rights of brotherhood, but it will grant you entrance to my clan. You would be able to listen to the clan's proceedings, but would not be permitted to speak."
"A kind offer, your majesty." Eragon said, bowing slightly in the seat. "I would be glad to call the dwarfs my friends."
And now, all three races have their ties set to you. Saphira commented.
Having the dwarves as allies is necessary, I think. Eragon told her. The elves have known us for centuries, and we have shown our willingness to fight with the Varden. It's only natural the dwarves would want assurances of our commitment.
"It is done," Hrothgar stated. "What are your intentions now, Rider?"
"Saphira and I need to travel to Ellesméra," Eragon confided. "The egg has need of the elves, for only they can provide the assistance required. I must speak with Nasuada as well, and see what lies in store for the Varden."
"I would ask of you two things, Rider. The first, that you wear this ring as proof of your status among the dwarfs. "The king passed a ring to Eragon, and he inspected it quickly. The ring was gold, and bore the mark of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum on its face. "The second, that you take Orik with you on your journey."
Puzzled, Eragon asked, "I would be glad of his company, your majesty. I only wish to ask why."
The dwarf king's hand left Volund before grabbing another scroll. He held the scroll up to Eragon, but did not move to hand it to him. "This is a missive to the Queen of the elves, and I would be remiss to not have one of my kin deliver it in person." He placed the scroll back down, his hand still holding it tightly. "And I think it would be good for Orik. He is found of you and Saphira, and him learning the customs of the elves will only be of benefit to the clans."
"So long as Arya has no issue with Orik joining us, I do not see why not." Eragon stated. Hrothgar eyed him, so Eragon explained how Arya would be travelling to return Fäolin to the elves.
The king nodded his understanding. "I see. When you leave, will you visit any of mine people's cities? I know you have been here before, but I must caution you. Many of the clans are angered that the elf and Saphira shattered the Isidar Mithrim, and I would be remiss if I did not warn you."
"If they are as angered as you say they are, your majesty," Eragon answered, "Then we will try to avoid spending too much time in them. I know how the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin feel about the Riders and dragons."
The kings face became grave. Saphira turned to Eragon, stating, Tell him.
Are you sure? It's a tall order, even from you.
I'm sure.
"Saphira has a question, your majesty." Eragon said, before Hrothgar could say anything about the dwarven clan. The king's eyebrow rose at his slight interruption, but beckoned him to speak. "She asks if the dwarves have the ability to reconstruct the Isidar Mithrim out of the remaining shards."
The dwarf king muttered under his breath, and Eragon caught a few curses in between the words. "We have the skills, yes. The venture would take months, if not years, and it would be far cry from the beauty that once graced the halls of Tronjheim. It would be an abomination that I will not sanction!"
"Saphira says that if you were to put the Isidar Mithrim back together, with not a single piece missing, she would be able to make it whole once more," Eragon stated.
The king straightened in his chair, his bushy eyebrows rising in surprise. "Is it possible? Not even the elves can claim to accomplish such a thing."
Saphira nodded her head beside him, but Eragon was the one to speak, "She is confident in her abilities, as am I."
"Then we will rebuild Isidar Mithrim, even if it takes us a hundred years! We will need to assemble a frame, and ensure that every piece is in its original place. Not a single speck of dust or stone will be left, and you will come then, and heal the Star Rose." Hrothgar smiled, and Eragon saw the pure elation that the thought gave him.
"We will come, and restore the Star Rose," Eragon stated. Saphira inclined her head, agreeing with him.
"If you did such a thing, Saphira, every dwarf would honor your name for generations. You have given on to me a joy I have long since forgotten, and remind me of why I live and rule. Go then, and do not keep this word for yourselves. Tell any and all, for the dwarves deserve to know what you have promised us. They will sing their joy, and this stone-city will know once more that our hearts will be made whole/" The dwarf king motioned at them, his countenance still showing the happiness that Saphira's promise had instilled.
Eragon stood and bowed to the king, listening as he left as Hrothgar summoned his guard to fetch stonemasons, the sound of hope ringing out of his voice clear. Eragon and Saphira left the dwarves, venturing back down the hallway as they went.
I will return to our sleeping chambers, Eragon. Saphira said. He nodded, stretching up and hugging her neck. She lifted her head, and Eragon's feet dangled above the ground. Laughing, he released her neck, listening as she rumbled in her throat.
Very well. I will see you later, Saphira.
Little one. Saphira blinked her eye at him, nudging him slightly as she turned down another route. He watched her go, smiling at the dragon as she left. He stood there for a moment, pondering where he was going to head next before the slight pang in his stomach decided for him. Eragon continued down the path in front of him, turning doing another avenue that would lead him to the kitchens.
When he was seated in the kitchens, eating some bread and cheese, Eragon noticed a tall woman approach him. She had black hair, and her blue eyes were intent as she made her way towards him. Around one of her wrists was a gold bracelet shaped like a snake, its mouth opened as though hissing.
She stopped in front of him, a flirtatious smile on her face, and greeted him, "Agretlam."
He inclined his head at her, and chewed the rest of the food in his mouth. When he was done, he responded, "Well met. How can I help you?"
"I am Trianna, sorceress of Du Vrangr Gata." Recognition flowed through him at her name. She was the magician assisting Jörmundur during the battle, and he had spoken to her through their minds. He had assisted her with the Urgal spellcasters, but he had never laid his eyes on her form.
"Ah, yes." Eragon said. "I'm glad to see that you are alright after the battle, and it's nice to finally meet you, Trianna."
"Thank you, Shadeslayer." She was still smiling at him, and Eragon motioned for her to take the seat across from him. She did so, settling down and leaning forward against the table. "I was hoping to speak with you. I am one of the few remaining magicians for the Varden, and we would be glad to have you take charge of our group. You are the only one who could now that the twins are gone."
"I see," Eragon muttered. Speaking louder, he said, "I'm afraid I cannot, Trianna. Technically, I am not part of the Varden. To add, Saphira and I will be leaving Tronjheim soon, and we will be unable to lead your group where we are going."
"You're leaving?" Trianna said. Her face fell briefly, before the smile returned. "I have not heard such."
Eragon nodded. "No, I suppose not. I need to speak with Nasuada, but Saphira and I have duties that we must attend to. I ask you do not share this information with anyone yet, but I'm sure we won't remain gone for long."
To the side, Eragon could hear footsteps approaching him, but he did not turn to look. Trianna bit her lip, and said, "I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps, if you have time, you might agree to spend some time together before you depart? There's many things you could educate me on."
Eragon felt amusement flow through him. It was rare that a woman was so forward with him, and though he was not as embarrassed as he would have been in the past, it was still flattering. He opened his mouth to respond to the sorceress, but stopped when she glanced to the side, eyes opening wide.
Arya sat down next to him, holding an apple in her hand. He turned his gaze to her, blinking in surprise. She hadn't approached him in days, only offering him polite greetings since the last time they spoke. She was staring at Trianna, and Eragon had a hard time discerning her face.
After a moment, which was extremely uncomfortable for Eragon, Arya inclined her head to Trianna. "Sorceress."
Trianna paled slightly, and with a tight expression replied, "Ambassador."
The tension, which Eragon only just noticed, grew. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to break it, so he pointed at himself with his thumb and said, "Clueless."
Trianna turned to him in surprise. He could see a small smile grace Arya's lips from the corner of his eye, but it was gone when he went searching.
"Right," Trianna said, standing from the seat. Her gaze found its way back to Arya, but the elf was impassive as always, and Arya merely bit into her apple. "I have duties to attend to. If you will excuse me, Eragon, Ambassador."
With that Trianna left, leaving Eragon and Arya alone. He didn't know whether he wanted to laugh or not, but he was glad that the tension had seemed to fall at his bad attempt at a jest.
He picked at the cheese remaining on his plate, stating lowly, "That was awkward."
"For you, maybe." Arya replied. Blinking at her, Eragon raised his eyebrows.
"You enjoy messing with her."
She took another bite of the apple, chewing it softly before she responded. "And you, it seems."
"Hmm." He shredded the cheese lightly in his hands, debating whether or not he should ask. He didn't know why she intervened, and Eragon found himself more curious at the elf then he was with Trianna. Deciding to leave the matter, Eragon stated, "What brings you here, Arya?"
"I was hungry," she stated. She waved the hand holding the apple at him, and Eragon sighed.
He remained silent, taking a small sip of the cup of water the kitchen servants had given him. After a moment, Arya placed the core of the apple down on the table before her. "How are you, Eragon?"
"I find myself curious at the actions of others, as of late." Eragon stated. "Those who make their intentions known, and those who would not." Eragon wasn't just speaking of Arya, for his mind drew up images of the Council of Elders and Hrothgar.
"Then let me speak, and make my intentions clear," Arya said. She turned to him, her body twisting in the chair. Her face, which before was indescribable to Eragon, now hinted at regret. "I cry your pardon, Eragon-elda. What Saphira told me had upset me, but I did not intend for you to take the brunt of it."
Eragon stared at her, watching as she waited for his reply. Arya's apology was sincere, even if Eragon believed it was unnecessary. "It's alright, Arya. I was not offended by you. I merely wanted to give you any time that you needed. What you learned was distressing enough, and I did not want to add to your anguish."
"Even so," Arya said. She turned her lithe body back, and Eragon's eyes caught on her raven hair as it swayed from her movements. "I did not mean to add to your own. The knowledge of what you had to do was shocking, but I know you, Eragon. Whatever the reason, I know that you would not kill unless you felt that you had no choice."
"There's always a choice," Eragon stated bitterly. "But we may find that we do not like the consequences of them. Did Fäolin never tell you his brother was a Rider? You seemed surprised when Saphira explained it to you."
She shook her head slowly, the grief at the mention of the name showing briefly, "No, he did not. I did not ask much after his sibling, and he never told me. Fäolin did not speak about his family, and never did I."
Eragon didn't know what to say, so he remained quiet on the subject. "Hrothgar wants Orik to journey with us to Ellesméra. I said he could, so long as you accepted as well."
"I see no problem with it," Arya said. "He will be the first dwarf to enter Ellesméra since the fall. I do not recall when, if ever, the dwarves have wanted to travel so far from their mountains."
"I don't remember any during my stay," Eragon reminisced, "but that was centuries past. But still, to have your approval will go a long way for Orik to be granted entrance."
Arya nodded, her gaze falling to the remaining food on his plate. He still had a hunk of cheese left, some that his fingers did not shred in their need to remain busy. He offered it to her, watching as her dainty fingers plucked it quickly from the plate. She nodded her thanks, "We will depart in a few days, if that is amendable to you and Saphira."
"Aye," Eragon responded. "It will give me enough time to talk with Nasuada. She may not have hold over me, but it will be tough to explain why I need to leave. Especially if morale is to remain high in the Varden."
"And Brom?" Arya asked, "Do you know what your father intends to do? He is still welcomed among the elves for all that he has done for us."
"My father's plans are known only to him, but he is someone else I must speak to as well."
Luckily, the next day he found his father with Nasuada, the two of them deep in discussion inside the chambers that they previously used for planning under Ajihad. Brom was gesturing at a few maps laid out, and Nasuada was nodding along, her face concentrated on the former Rider.
He closed the door softly behind him, walking forward to wait until one of them noticed him. His father was the first, the glance Brom gave him fleeting. Nasuada eventually caught sight of him, placing a hand on Brom's shoulder to stop his words.
"Eragon! Is there something you needed?" She asked.
"Nasuada, Father," he said, bowing slightly. "Forgive the interruption, but I needed to speak with you. Both of you, actually."
His father nodded, motioning for him to join them. "What is it, Eragon?"
Nasuada was staring at him, her almond gaze so much like her fathers. "I wanted to let you both know that Saphira and I plan to leave with Arya for Ellesméra." Eragon stated.
It was Nasuada who answered him, her face serious. "You mean to leave the Varden now? It will not be seen well by the people, but I suppose this could work."
Brom remained quiet, and nodded. "Care to share, Nasuada?" Eragon asked. He smiled at her when she looked at him askance, and her features softened.
"Of course, my apologies. Within the month, I plan for the Varden to march from Farthen Dûr. Brom has been helping advise me on the movements of troops and supplies." Nasuada continued, "Arya is travelling to return her Fäolin's remains, yes, but also to help ensure Queen Islanzadí's assistance going forward. We will need to have all of our allies with us, or this journey will meet a swift end."
"You mean to make war," Eragon stated. He rubbed his hand through his hair, thinking. "Without the elves, it would be difficult to pose a threat to Galbatorix. Where will you lead the Varden?"
"We will make for Surda, to join with King Orrin and his troops. Only he can resupply the army, and his cavalry will be most effective against Galbatorix's soldiers." She said, her eyes scanning the map in front of her. "Galbatorix will not leave his castle, and so we must go to him. I don't like it, but it will be better if we can prepare for him, versus him simply laying waste to our entire army."
"Also," she continued, "If you go to the elves, you can help press our case with the Queen. I'm aware that you used to be friends with the King before his death, and from what Arya has told me the elves already think highly of you. If you will, I will have you be my envoy to the Queen. I know I don't command you, but your assistance will be of much help."
Eragon pondered for a moment, casting a glance at his father. Brom inclined his head, and Eragon realized that Brom liked Nasuada. If my father can place his faith in her, he thought, then I don't see why I can't as well.
"In this," Eragon said, "I will accept. I will be your envoy to the elves."
Nasuada's posture relaxed. "Thank you, Eragon. With your aid, the elves will be all the more likely to join us. There is something else that I would ask of you."
At Eragon's nod she explained, "I would like to publicly announce that you, a Dragon Rider of old, have allied yourself with the Varden, and to have word spread throughout the Empire."
To announce such a thing will set Saphira and I firmly against the Empire, and Galbatorix. He no doubt still wants to capture us, but this will mark him firmly as our enemy, Eragon thought.
"If that is your wish," Eragon said. "Then do what you think best. Saphira and I will not sit idly by while Galbatorix's reign of terror continues. If this is what it will take, I see no other path."
"Thank you," Nasuada said.
"What of you, father? Do you intend to travel with the Varden?" Eragon asked.
"I do," Brom said, "Though I long for the forest of the elves, there is much I can do here. I do ask that you deliver a missive for me though."
"I will have one as well," Nasuada said, "For the Queen. One that explains all that has happened to us, and what my plans for the future are."
Nodding, Eragon bowed. "I will deliver your messages, on my word as a Rider."
"One moment, Eragon." Brom said. He reached over and grabbed a blank scroll, sitting at the desk as he began to write. Nasuada simply grabbed a scroll from her pile, striding over to Eragon.
"Thank you again," She said quietly, "Your support and sway with the elves will go a long way for the Varden. We are vulnerable right now, but now is not the time for waiting."
Eragon accepted the missive, and replied, "I will do what I can, for the Varden. And I agree with your assessment, Nasuada. The Riders fought for peace, but we also fought for justice. Galbatorix has a much to answer to me for his crimes as he does any other race."
"Be merciless in your justice, then," Nasuada said, her words hardening, "For if you are to falter, I fear that we all will as well."
Brom stood, finished with his writing. He gave his missive to Eragon as well, his hand clasping tightly to Eragon's shoulder. "Give this to the Cripple Who Is Whole. It will explain much of what I have discovered as of late, as well as some theories I have."
Eragon raised an eyebrow at his father. His father merely waved his hand at the scroll, "It's not sealed."
"Very well," Eragon said. "I know not if I will see either of you again before I depart. If I don't, be assured my journey will be as swift as I can make it."
His father hugged him, and Eragon returned the embrace. "You have changed much since you left two centuries ago."
Not knowing what to say, Eragon merely bowed again at the both of them. Nasuada held out her hand, and Eragon clasped it. "Be safe on your journey, Eragon. All of our futures rest with you, but Brom and I will do our part here."
Preparing to leave did not take as long as Eragon expected, but he did not have much to travel with. The dwarves would carry the armor Saphira used during the battle, explaining that they would fix it and make it more fearsome than it was before. Their stance towards her had changed after word spread that she would fix the Star Rose. Many bowed when she passed, their heads nearly touching the ground in reverence.
Eragon, upon seeing it for the first time, was reminded of how the elves treated the dragons. It was a far cry from the past, when the dwarfs would spit at the feet of any dragon they saw. Eragon and Saphira waited at the North gate of Tronjheim, and he was ensuring that Saphira's saddle was comfortable before their journey. Orik was the first of their group to arrive, carrying a large bag on his back.
"No horse?" Eragon asked.
The dwarf shook his head, "Nay. We will journey to Tarnag, and take rafts up to Hedarth. I won't need one until then, and my feet can carry me well enough."
Eragon tightened the last strap, glancing at Saphira to see if it was adjusted correctly. She blinked at him in response, and Eragon retightened it once more, pulling harder on the leather.
"Freaky, how you do that," Orik said, his brows furrowed. "Always speaking with your minds, moving and talking as if you were one."
Chuckling, Eragon replied, "We didn't speak just then."
"Oh?" Orik asked.
"After spending so much time with each other, Saphira and I can tell what the other is thinking, even if we close our minds off from another," Eragon explained.
"Ah," Orik said. He glanced at Eragon's hand, spotting the ring. "I see you accepted Hrothgar's hand in friendship."
Eragon examined the ring, turning it in the light. "I have. Does this concern you?"
Orik smiled at him. "Nay. It only proves that you are a true Dwarf-friend. You have the right to enter any of our cities, and sit amongst our councils."
"Though I cannot speak," Eragon said. "An odd thing, being able to listen but not answer."
"You may speak during the council, but only to offer advice, not in matters of the state." Orik explained. "An honor that has never before been given to a Rider."
Nasuada and Arya approach. Saphira warned.
He turned, spotting the two women. Glenwing was behind them, leading a black stallion. On the horses back, Eragon could see a flat wooden board, held in place by straps running around the horse. On the board, lied a wrapped figure in white linen, its features hidden. Eragon realized that it was Fäolin's prone form on the horse, and he turned his gaze back to Nasuada and Arya.
Arya wore a pack similar to Orik, as did Glenwing. Her emerald eyes were shrouded, and Eragon watched as she stopped before him. She said nothing, waiting for Nasuada.
The Varden leader looked their group over. "Have a safe journey. You go with my blessing that you would return to us."
Eragon nodded, "Thank you. You are no doubt a capable leader, Nasuada, and I am eager to see what you will accomplish."
She nodded her head, "Your words are heartening, Rider."
Arya motioned for them, and said, "Let us go then."
"Aye," Eragon said, glancing at the tunnel before them. Orik pulled out a lantern, his glow casting softly around him. The dwarf led the way, and Saphira followed behind him. Arya strode forward, and Eragon turned to fall in place as Glenwing passed him.
The elf smiled at him, though it wasn't as usually bright as normal. "A long journey ahead, my friend."
Eragon responded, "First of many, I think."