The days that passed after Ajihad's death were grim, as though a cloud hung over the entirety of the Varden. Even the dwarves were in mourning, whispering their prayers for Ajihad's safe journey to the next life. Eragon did not share their faith, but he tried to remain respectful when speaking to any of the priests offering prayers.
Saphira and Eragon were unable to stay in the dragonhold above the Isidar Mithrim, seeing as it was lying in several pieces in the Main Hall. The dwarves did not touch it, leaving the rumble and glaring at Arya whenever the elf passed. Though Arya hardly gave them a glance. She did not seem to regret her actions. The Rider and Dragon instead rested inside another large chamber, one that could accommodate Saphira's bulk.
Eragon was eating in the one of Tronjheim's kitchen, talking softly with Saphira, who was standing in the back of the chamber. He was resting next to her, leaned against her side as he ate.
Who do you think they will choose to be the new leader? Eragon asked, taking a soft bite of the red apple.
Jörmundur, perhaps? He was Ajihad's second in command. Though I suppose they could ask you.
Ha! Eragon snorted. He nearly spit out his apple, but managed to roughly swallow it. You know as well as I do that I could never accept such a thing. A Rider isn't mean to rule over the other races. Look at what has become of Alagaësia with Galbatorix at its head.
True, Saphira responded, but don't be surprised if they ask you. Nor if they ask for your approval. We sit high in the regards of the members of the Varden, and if we were to disapprove of whoever is chosen, it would cause discord in the ranks.
Eragon agreed with her. Regardless of who was chosen, Eragon couldn't publicly declare if he disapproved. He was watching the around the kitchen area, eyes tracking the movements of soldiers and servants alike. There was still much to do after the battle, and the members of the Varden were quick to eat in order to resume their duties.
Jarsha, the messenger used by Ajihad once before, approached Eragon, his eyes wide as he took in the sight of the dragon. Saphira turned her head to the boy, her movements slow as though not to startle him.
Jarsha bowed deeply to both of them, and when he spoke with a slight stutter, "The council of Elders wishes to speak with you, Agretlam."
The council I've heard so much about, Saphira commented. Whatever they want, I doubt its good.
Hmm. Eragon responded. To Jarsha he said, "Very well. Thank you, Jarsha. Can you please lead Saphira and I there?"
The boy beamed, bowing again to the Rider. "Y-yes! Of course! This way, m 'lord."
Eragon stood, and followed Jarsha out of the kitchens. They didn't travel far, stopping before a large stone door. Jarsha pushed the door open, and Eragon could see five people seated at a table. The table was of dwarven make, and the crest of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum was inscribed on its surface. At the table, Eragon saw Jörmundur, but he did not recognize the others.
Of the members, two were men; one of them was tall and lank, and the other broad and rather nondescript. The other two were women, one with painted cheeks and the other with a mess of graying hair.
Jörmundur waved at the boy, dismissing him. The messenger bowed, leaving the chamber quickly. Eragon walked over to the table, taking a seat opposite the council members. He heard Saphira approach from behind, her head slightly above his own. The members of the council had no visible reaction to her presence, though he could see them glance at her when she settled down.
Jörmundur began. "Thank you for coming, Eragon." His lack of greeting Saphira irked him, but he said nothing. The old soldier continued, pointing at each member as he introduced them. "Umérth, Falberd, Sabrae and Elessari. They are members of the Council of Elders, advisors to Ajihad."
Eragon inclined his head, but said nothing.
"We are here," Jörmundur said, "Because we have much to discuss. The Varden faces a crisis, and we must choose our new leader before someone else does. Hrothgar and the dwarves have already sent their condolences, and no doubt others will as well. They make their own plans even as we speak, so we must come to a decision."
Falberd sat up in his chair and said, "We have already come to a decision on who we will support. We must ask, however, that you keep silent about our conversation, whether or not you agree or disagree with our choice. We need your word, Rider."
"Very Well, you have my word," Eragon said. They spoke the common tongue, so the words were not binding, but Eragon was not one who would reveal secrets needlessly.
Jörmundur peered at him intently, but said nothing. "Who is it, then?" Eragon asked.
"Nasuada," answered Falberd.
Interesting, Saphira said. She has steel in her, that much is certain. But is she ready to lead?
Eragon relayed Saphira's question to the Council, debating if the woman he had only briefly seen would be up for the task. From what he had observed, she was cut from the same cloth as her father.
Elessari answered the question, but spoke to Eragon instead of Saphira, "I've been here seven years when Ajihad first joined the Varden. Nasuada has grown beautifully since, and though a bit light-headed occasionally, the people will certainly love her. My friends and I will of course be here to help guide her on her way."
So, they want a puppet leader. Eragon thought. But will they get one?
Eragon said nothing of his observation, turning to Jörmundur. "Surprised that you weren't chosen, Jörmundur. Ajihad had always deferred to your council as his second in command."
The room was suddenly stiff, as though Eragon had stumbled into a point of contention between the members. Understanding flowed through him, even as Jörmundur said, "Only in matters of warfare, I'm afraid. I myself am a member of this council, and no one here would rise above the other, otherwise we lose what power we do have."
Ha! Saphira said.
Lot there he didn't say, but not really our problem I suppose.
"What do you want of me? Why tell me this? I am not a member of the Varden, nor will I have any say in who leads you." Eragon asked. His mind was racing, examining the situation closely. He hated politics, but he did have some experience playing the game.
"Ajihad will be buried in two days," said Umérth. "Immediately after, we will have Nasuada sworn in as the new leader of the Varden. We would ask that you attend the ceremony and swear fealty to the Varden. Doing so will give our people the confidence that was stole with Ajihad's death, and could very well stop anyone from splintering this organization."
Fealty, Saphira said. They wish only to sink their claws into us. But notice, they said the Varden, not Nasuada.
This is getting quite complicated.
"And if I were to refuse?" Eragon asked. He wanted to know their argument, even if he had already made up his mind. Politics may not have been his strong suit, but he had learned much of the centuries. The games the Varden played were nothing compared to the elves.
"Nothing will happen, of course." Answered Falberd, "Only it will be a terrible slight if you're not present when Nasuada is chosen. If the Shadeslayer himself ignores her, what can she think but that a Rider has spited her and found the Varden unworthy to serve?"
"I will not swear fealty to anyone," Eragon stated.
All of their faces tightened, and they glanced at each other quickly. The tension in the room rose, and Eragon kept himself relaxed. They could make his stay difficult, though he doubted they would try anything too underhand. He would be bound by necessity to remain civil. Saphira, however, could always do what she wished.
"You would willingly break apart the Varden," Sabrae accused, "Stand aside as our people fight against one another, only to be crushed under the heel of the Empire?"
Eragon showed them his right hand, palm facing them. His gedwëy ignasia was displayed, the mark in full view of the council members. "I am a Dragon Rider, last of the old Order. I will not be subjugated by anyone, nor do you have the power to do so."
"You would doom us all, Shadeslayer. Without the support of a Rider the people will lose faith in the Varden, and we will be unable to stand against our foe," Jörmundur said.
Eragon felt his expression tighten, and he stated, "I will support and defend the Varden, so long as it is in my power to do so, and I find your cause righteous. I will even attend Nasuada's coronation if that will ease your worry. But I cannot interfere in such matters, not as my predecessors used to. I must remain neutral in all matters of state. "
The chambers were silent as the members glared at him. In this, he would not be swayed. It's becoming difficult to stay independent of all these major powers, Eragon said to Saphira.
Indeed. Are you sure about this, little one? Saphira asked.
If these people mean to control Nasuada, I will not let them control us. The Dragon Rider Order had too much sway in the other races, we both knew that, but I will not have us bend what remaining power we do have to their will. Eragon stated.
"You are making a mistake, Rider. We have been maneuvering the Varden for longer than you know, and we will not have you undue our work," Umérth stated. The heavy-set man placed his meaty palms on the table, pushing himself up. Eragon nearly chuckled from the sight. Umérth was trying to intimated him with his bulk, but Eragon remained unfazed.
"I am two-hundred-and-ninety-nine years old," Eragon exclaimed, "I was old before any of you were even born. I know politics, and I know how this would end. No, I will not swear fealty to the Varden. Nor will I ever swear it to any other leader."
Their eyes had widened when he declared his age. They made to speak, and Eragon cut them off, "On this I will not be moved. I will fight beside the Varden, and I will council and aid Nasuada should she but ask, but I am not anyone's puppet to command."
At once he watched as they understood him. He could see they knew he was aware of their intentions regarding Nasuada. Their faces were still set, anger flowing through them, but Elessari held up her hand. "It seems we will not be able to sway you, Rider. If this is to be our future, know that it is you who has doomed us."
Little dramatic, Saphira offered. If Nasuada is so loved, I doubt they will be able to control her as much as they think can.
Jörmundur sighed, "Do you still agree with our choice of Nasuada?" When Eragon nodded, he continued, "Very well. We have but one thing left to do then."
The old soldier summoned Jarsha, telling the boy to bring Nasuada and Arya. They chambers were silent when the boy left, and Eragon could still feel the tension in the air. He knew then that they were afraid of him, but did seem relieved that he agreed with Nasuada being chosen as the new leader.
Only a few minutes passed until Arya and Nasuada joined them, Jarsha bowing as he left the chambers once more. Jörmundur helped Nasuada into her chair, and Arya strode to the side of the chamber, a fair distance from the table. Eragon kicked the chair next to him hard, sending it out and nearly hitting Arya in the leg as she passed. She stared at him a moment, blinking, before deciding to sit. The chair scraped against the floor as she moved it back. Arya face was stoic, so he turned his attention back to the Council.
"Thank you for attending, Arya," Jörmundur said. Arya merely inclined her head in response. He turned to Nasuada and said, "Nasuada, Daughter of Ajihad, the Council of Elders wishes to formally offer its deepest condolences for the loss you have suffered. We all know what it is to lose someone to the Empire, and you have our personal sympathies.
Nasuada murmured, "Thank you." Eragon saw that she sat slightly hunched in on herself, as though vulnerable. Her shy attitude worried Eragon, for he remembered how fierce she had been standing next to her father after the battle. The grief was evident on her, and Eragon hoped that she would eventually be able to rise above it, especially if she were to lead the Varden.
Jörmundur nodded, and after a moment did he continue, "I know that this is a time of mourning, but we have need of an answer from you. This council cannot lead the Varden, and of everyone we have considered, no one is more deserving to be the new Leader than you. It is your right, as Ajihad's heir, and we will not deny you it."
Nasuada bowed her head, her eyes glassed over with tears. "I never believed I would be called upon to serve, or to lead the Varden. If this is to be my duty, then I will take the office of my father."
"This is your duty," Jörmundur said, his eyes sad, "For the good of yourself and the Varden." The other members of the council agreed, and together they offered her their congratulations. They also offered their support, but Eragon remained silent, as did Arya.
Once they were done, Falberd turned to Arya, "What do the elves think of the new leader?"
Arya stared at the man hard, and Eragon watched as the council member trembled under her gaze. He held in a chuckle, watching as she quirked an eyebrow. "I do not speak for my Queen, but I find Nasuada to be a good choice to lead the Varden. She has my blessing."
"Thank you for your kind words," Nasuada addressed the room, "But I find myself weary. Might we consider choosing another time to finish our talk?"
"Of course, Nasuada. We know that there is much on your mind, and we will do all that we can to help you. The arrangements will be made, and we will not trouble you until the funeral."
"Thank you, again. Will you leave now? I have much to think about," Nasuada stated. Eragon almost beamed at her, but he kept his expression blank. She was showing them the power they had just granted her, and how she would not let herself be cowed by them.
Some of the others made to argue, but Falberd held up a hand, "Of course, Nasuada. If there is anything else you need, do let us know. We are eager to offer whatever help we can."
The council members stood, making their way to the exit swiftly. Arya was still seated next to him, her gaze locked on to Eragon. He quirked an eyebrow at her, trying to read her eyes. She seemed apprehensive and worried, though Eragon did not know over what. He merely glanced at the door, and she nodded in turn. Arya stood and left the room, leaving Eragon and Saphira alone with Nasuada.
"Have I offended you, Rider? You did not greet me as the others did," Nasuada asked. Eragon tilted his head at her, considering her bearing. She seemed to regain some confidence, and Eragon watched as she drew herself up straight. He smiled lightly, glad to see that she was able to marshal such resolve in her grief.
"No, I merely have no part to play in proceedings such as this," Eragon stated.
"Oh?" Nasuada said, "I would find that many would be eager to have a Rider's council."
Eragon whispered a ward quickly, and Nasuada's face grew slightly concerned. Shaking his head, Eragon said, "I merely ensured our conversation would not be over head. Nothing else."
"Ah, thank you. That is a gift, one that I have not known for a long time." Her posture softened, relaxing back into her seat. She did not resume her earlier slouch.
Saphira stirred, her head stretching slowly across the table between Nasuada and Eragon. He watched as she peered at the woman, her sapphire eye unblinking in its gaze. After a moment Saphira withdrew, stating, Tell her that I grieve for her. And that she must hold on to her strength, and use it for the Varden, for there will be a time that they will have a great need for it.
Eragon repeated her words, watching as Nasuada blinked. "Thank you, Saphira."
"What did the Council want with you, Eragon?" Nasuada asked.
He drummed his fingers against the table, feeling his frustration at the council mounting again. "They wanted me to swear fealty to the Varden."
If she was surprised, she didn't show it, "What did you say?"
"I told them no. I will aid the Varden, but I will not be chained down by any one people," Eragon answered. He wanted to remain neutral and independent, but he knew that he would have to still provide assurances to the races. He was the last remaining Rider in Alagaësia, and people feared that he could become another Galbatorix.
"Ah," Nasuada replied. "I take it they did not like it?"
"No, they did not," Eragon retorted. "But enough about that. I do not know if you are aware, and as such I will speak plainly. They council means to control you, for you to be a puppet leader to them. If you are agreeable to this, then there is nothing more I can do. If not, I will promise you something."
Nasuada smiled at him, her teeth shining. "That you would speak so openly about this is heartening, Eragon. Few would come forward with such information."
"I tire of politics," Eragon said, "I understand the necessity of it, but I find myself a frustrated player, often no further closer to my goal then when I started. No, I will speak the truth when I have need to."
"I've known what the council was going to do before they did it," Nasuada explained, "My father has been preparing me for longer than I could recall. I thank you, Rider, but I will not let them control me."
"Good," Eragon responded. He was glad that she was so determined. Though she was inexperienced, the fact that Ajihad had trained her would prove useful for the Varden.
"You said you would promise me something," Nasuada said. "I'm curious as to what."
"Ah, yes." Eragon said. "I would promise, in the ancient language, an oath. Only here and now, to show you my intention of helping the Varden, and to clear any doubts you have that I would not head your council. It is not fealty, so you will not control me, but neither will I attempt to control you."
Nasuada nodded, pondering his words. "We would be equals. I see."
"I would hope to be in the same vein as Arya is to the Varden, at the very least. I will represent the Dragon Riders, low as their number may be," he waved his hand between himself and Saphira. "We cannot be bound to one people. It would not be fair, but I understand that we cannot be wholly independent."
"I will accept your words, Rider." Nasuada declared.
Standing, Eragon made his way over to her. He did not kneel, but watched as she stood as well. He reached his hand out, and waited for her the grasp his. When she did, Eragon switched to the ancient language and said, "Upon my word as a Rider, I intend to aid the Varden and fight with them, so long as I find their goal righteous."
When he finished he let go of her hand, watching as the words washed over her. She seemed to relax further, as though the words had given her comfort. "Thank you, Eragon. That means much to me. If you would please, I do have much to think about now."
"Of course, Lady Nasuada. We will no doubt speak again soon." Eragon said. He bowed respectfully to her, before turning to leave the room. Saphira followed after a moment, and Eragon closed the stone doors behind them.
Out in hallway Arya stood, leaning against the far wall. She was waiting for him, and Eragon motioned for her to join him. She fell in step beside him, her eyes curious. "Not here," was all Eragon said.
She nodded, instead asking in the ancient language, "Where is the egg?"
Eragon motioned with his head towards Saphira. "Safe."
Arya peered around him at Saphira, and Eragon watched as she raised her brow at him. Eragon chuckled, but did not elaborate. The elf followed along, and Eragon found himself asking, "Where's Glenwing?"
Her eyes fell, and Eragon briefly saw the grief that she held, "With Fäolin."
Her words were quiet, and Eragon merely replied, "Ah."
After a moment, her expression cleared, as though she pushed the thoughts away. "You and Glenwing seemed to have formed a fast friendship," Arya stated.
"I suppose," Eragon granted, "He's certainly friendly enough. Honestly, he's approached me more than I've him, but I find I'm glad for his company. I haven't had many friends these past few years."
"So, you've met others on your travels outside Alagaësia?" The elf asked. He could sense a kind of curiosity rising in her tone.
"We have," Eragon replied, "Elves, humans, even a few dwarves. Though them venturing out so far is indeed rare. We made friends, but I'm afraid we made plenty more enemies."
You mean that you've made plenty of enemies, Saphira sniped, most find me too fearsome to consider me an enemy.
Arya laughed, the musical tone washing over Eragon. "I think that you indeed inspire terror in your enemies, Saphira."
Saphira hummed, pleased at the elf's words. "Don't flatter her too much," Eragon jested, "She already thinks too highly of herself. Anymore and her head will-." Eragon's words cut off as Saphira's side bumped into his own, knocking him briefly into Arya as they walked. The elf stumbled with him, but managed to right them both before they ended up sprawled on the floor.
Saphira sniffed at him, turning her head away. Eragon chuckled, scratching at her scales. "Oh, come on, Saphira, you know I was just kidding! I love you more than anything, and I think that you are the most magnificent creature to ever grace Alagaësia."
She turned her eye back at him, blinking. Truly?
Smiling Eragon replied, "Of course! I would not lie about such a thing."
Good.
Saphira continued to their trek, and Eragon raced to catch up. He saw Arya match their pace, and he felt her gaze on him. When he caught her glance she raised an eyebrow at him, but did not say anything else. Arya was not one to mince words, often letting her silence speak for her.
When they reached the chamber he was temporarily assigned, Eragon held the door for Saphira, watching as she squeezed in through the tight door. Arya entered after, and Eragon closed the door behind. He had already set up wards in the room to ensure privacy, so he sat in one of the chairs the dwarfs had provided him. Saphira laid down gently in the area she had claimed, and Eragon watched as Arya sat in one of the two remaining chairs.
He reached out towards the table next to them, grabbing some bread to eat. He offered her some, but she declined with a sharp movement of her head. "What did you and the Council speak about, Eragon?"
Eragon sighed, placing the bread down on the table. He took a sip of water from a wineskin, and then answered, "They wanted me to swear fealty to the Varden during Nasuada's coronation."
Her expression tightened, her features sharp, "And what did you say?"
His own eyebrows drew in together, and Eragon said, "I refused."
When Arya said nothing, Eragon explained everything that transpired during the Council meeting. When he was done, she blinked at him, surprise showing on her face. "Oh. Your situation is better than I anticipated. But not as well as might be hoped. Still, you might have made some more enemies today."
"True," Eragon agreed, "but there are some things that I cannot budge on. If the Riders are to return, as I intend for them, we cannot be as we were in the past. That much is clear. We should not interfere in lines of succession in any race unless there is a great enough need from all the races that we do so. I can neither allow Riders to become indentured to other races. The Riders were originally created to keep the peace between the elves and dragons. It is my hope that one day we can we return what we were meant to be."
"I see," Arya said. "You will no doubt find that others will still try to control you, Eragon."
"I know," he responded. "But as I told the Council, I will aid the Varden as best I can." He moved the conversation away from the Varden, asking, "After Ajihad's funeral, do you intend to return to Ellesméra?"
"I do," Arya said. Her face fell, and Eragon could feel the sadness seep out from her. He had never seen Arya like this, and it was as though someone drained her dry. "How did you know?"
"I'm familiar with how the elves bury their dead," Eragon explained. When she nodded her understanding, he continued, "Saphira and I will most likely join you, if that is alright with you."
"Of course," she said, "But may I ask why? Are you not needed here more?"
He shook his head, his eyes moving over to Saphira. She was resting now, her eyes closed, and body curled up tightly. "No, I don't believe so. We need to bring the egg to Ellesméra."
Eragon could see a sense of worry take over her features, "Is there something wrong with the egg? Or did you intend to present it to the elves, to see if the rider is an elf?"
"No." Eragon said quickly in order to allay her fears. "Well, at least to the first. The second we will see about. No, there's nothing wrong with the egg. Saphira and I only wish to see if one more knowledgeable then us can help calm the confusion surrounding the unhatched dragon."
"Ah," she said.
When neither of them moved to continue the conversation, Eragon resumed eating the bread he left on the table. Arya leaned forward, her arms resting lightly on the table, and he could see her tracing patterns with her finger on it. She was staring at her finger as she went, seemingly deep in thought.
He continued to eat, and when he was finished Arya tentatively asked, "May I ask a personal question, Eragon?"
Surprised, Eragon responded, "Oh. Uh, yes, of course."
She turned her emerald eyes to him, and Eragon was briefly mesmerized by their hue. He blinked, forcing his gaze to her forehead instead. "Do you know why Fäolin disliked you so?"
Shocked at her question, Eragon took a moment to recover. "He never told you?" He asked quietly.
Grief was still apparent in her face, but at his question he saw a hint of frustration before it vanished under the sorrow once more. "No, he never did. No matter how much Glenwing or I." She paused, then continued, "No matter how much I asked. He would only say it was a family matter."
So that's what they were arguing about. Why didn't Glenwing just asked me? Eragon wondered.
"I suppose that's true enough," Eragon replied. " Normally I wouldn't tell you, but I think that with things being what they are, you might as well know."
Arya was staring at him; the intensity of her eyes almost more than he could bear. He held her gaze this time, knowing how important this was to her. "Does Fäolin have any siblings?"
Arya shook her head, answering, "No. Or at least, not anymore. He had an older brother, Naevir, but he sadly died over two centuries ago."
Eragon slowly nodded. Clearing his throat, Eragon asked, "Did Fäolin ever tell you how he died?"
Arya's face filled with confusion, her eyes questioning. She never asked why he was dancing around her own question, and instead said, "Not really, no. The only thing Fäolin said about his brother was that he was murdered."
"Well, I suppose that true enough," Eragon stated. He ran his hand over his face, before opening his mouth. "The truth is that I k-."
The words stopped dead in his mouth, the oath making his tongue freeze. Frustration welled inside Eragon, and tried again. "The night-."
He saw concern on Arya's face, and he slammed his hands hard into the table. "Damn it."
"What's wrong, Eragon?" Arya asked. He could still see her concern, and Eragon wanted nothing more than to explain.
The issue is the oath he's given, Saphira responded. But I've given no such oath.
Arya turned to the dragon, and they both watched as Saphira sat up from her position. She stretched her neck out, aligning her head next to Eragon, gazing at Arya.
"What oath, Saphira?" Arya questioned, and he could hear the steel in them.
Eragon? Saphira asked.
"Go ahead, Saphira," Eragon said. He was glad that she offered to explain for him. The oath that he swore only applied to him, as the Riders never extracted one from Saphira. Long ago he had asked why she did not need one, and she only told him that it was because the dragons trusted her to know better than to reveal such things.
Saphira remained staring at Arya, and he could feel her soften her words as she spoke, the truth is, the night that Eragon killed the Shade in Belatona, he did indeed also kill a dragon. The hatchling, no older than four months, was driven insane from the dark magic of the Shade.
"I know this already, Saphira." Arya said.
True, Saphira said, but there is more to tell. That night, Eragon had to not only kill the dragon, but the Rider as well. For the Rider had also gone mad, driven by the insanity that flowed through their bond.
Arya said nothing, but he could see the realization slowly encroaching on her face. The Rider he killed, was Naevir, Fäolin's older sibling. Why he did not share this with you, I know not.
Arya's gaze snapped towards him. He did not know if Fäolin ever told her that his brother was a Rider, but based on her reaction he assumed he did not. He merely inclined his head, unable to do more.
She did not ask if it were true, knowing how the oath would bind his words. He never hated the oath more in this moment, but even now he still understood why the Elder Riders made him swear it. The identity of the Rider was but only a small fraction of what he still knew, but could never speak of it. Saphira would not reveal more, knowing that Eragon would never want the world to know what the crazed magicians tried to do that night.
Arya directed her question at Saphira though she was still staring at Eragon. "What are you not telling me about that night? What else happened?"
Saphira laid back down, her head once more on the ground. I have said enough. If Eragon wishes for you to know, then he will tell you should his oath ever be lifted.
"Who can release you?" Arya asked. Her emerald eyes were still burrowing into him, and Eragon finally found him shying away from the fire of her eyes, turning his gaze to the table.
"Only a Council Elder can," Eragon answered. "For it is them I swore the oath to." She seemed to understand that he was talking about Oromis, and she nodded slowly in acknowledgement.
For an uncomfortable minute, no one said anything. His eyes finally found their way back to Arya, but he couldn't read her countenance. In the end, he was glad that she knew. He wished he could share more with her, but he needed to talk with Oromis and Glaedr first. Only they could release him, and he would heed their council on whether or not Arya should know.
"I need to go. If you will excuse me." Arya stood, and in instant she was gone, door closing softly behind her.
Eragon sighed, resting his head in his hands, his heart heavy.