The council was about to begin. Nasuada, Orrin, Nar Garzhvog, Arya, Eragon and Saphira, and a few others who would take notes. They sat in a circle around a great wooden table. Feinster had been taken not two days ago, but as Nasuada said they could not afford to slow down. Eragon's weariness continued to beat down on him. At some moments it rendered him totally thoughtless. The day after the battle Angela had come to him. She had given him a drink which seemed to ease his troubles. She then gave him the ingredients so that he could make it for himself.
Saphira was in a similar mood to Eragon, though her mind was more stable. Eragon hardly latched on to a single word of the council. Only once the conversation had heated up did he finally take an interest.
"It's only a matter of time Nasuada! Only a matter of time until we lose a battle." Orrin was on his feet.
Nasuada remained seated, "What would you suggest Orrin? Give up, stop our advantage out of fear of losing?"
"Not at all! I suggest we proceed with a little more caution. Your passion is commendable, but reason is a little more useful here."
Eragon couldn't decide who seemed correct. He felt a break from battle would not be unwelcome, but also knew they couldn't lapse in pressuring the Empire. It had occurred to him that Nasuada was being a little brash in her strategy, he had little militaristic experience however.
"If we slow down even for a second, Orrin, we not only give the empire a chance to regroup but also abandon the elves. It would fall apart," Nasuada gestured to Arya who had yet to take part.
Orrin looked at Arya, "The elves are more than capable of defending themselves were we to fall back, are they not?"
Arya nodded, "Capable of defending, yes. Of continuing their offensive? Perhaps not so much. The closer we, and the elven army, get to Uru'baen the harder and more intense the battles will become, until the inevitable."
Eragon and Saphira both doubted their abilities to defeat the King, which was another reason Eragon was not in favor of Nasuada's fast approach.
He decided to voice his concern, "The inevitable, as Arya puts it, is what matters. And as of now, I think everyone here will agree, we are not ready to confront it. Nasuada, Saphira and I simply are not ready or able to defeat Galbatorix, and barring some unforeseen event, we won't be for sometime."
Saphira gave a puff of smoke from her nose for emphasis. It was hard for Eragon to voice such things. Take rest little one, they must understand.
Everyone had fell into silence until Nasuada spoke; and when she did it was with a fatally restrained tone, "And you felt that now was the best time to give word to such things Eragon?"
Eragon was confused, "What?"
"You lack discretion."
Orrin replied, "Now you are dissatisfied with Eragon because he has proposed but one reason that contradicts with your plan. As for discretion what better time than during a war council to say what he has said?"
Nasuada lashed back, "The problem is Orrin, there is no alternative to my plan. It may not seem fail safe but nothing is these days. You just won't see that."
Little one, something troubles Nasuada.
Yes, how could she speak like that to us?
"Will either of you give way?" Arya asked, "Will either give in?"
Nasuada shook her head.
Orrin said, "No, not unless someone gives me a valid reason to do so."
Arya stood, "Will you listen to my Queen's council?"
Orrin said, "Absolutely, she will have the reason needed to solve such a conundrum. Reason and authority."
Nasuada crossed her arms, "She has no official authority here however. I will listen as long as it seems appropriate."
Orrin seemed outraged, "HOW-"
Arya gestured for silence, "That is as I suspected... For the moment I suggest we call for a recess. We are getting nowhere and it will do no good to continue."
Eragon was relieved for this, he needed fresh air.
As he turned and headed for the entrance he felt a hand on his back.
"You have my sympathy Shadeslayer." Orrin walked past.
Eragon found Saphira outside the room trying to stick her head in a bucket of water. Her head however was too large. He found it an amusing sight. He picked up the bucket and threw the water on Saphira's head. Thank you, the heat is getting to me.
It's getting to everyone.
Arya approaches.
He turned around and, sure enough, found the lithe elf striding towards him. His love for her had no way diminished, and the sight of her made his stomach jump. She wore a tight green tunic with black leggings. Her hair was held back in a ponytail.
"Greetings Shadeslayer," She said.
"You mustn't call me that, as you are also a Shadeslayer." She just smiled.
"We must talk." She guided him away.
As they made their way through a maze of tattered streets, Arya spoke.
"How are you Eragon? How is Saphira?"
"We are... lasting. Which is not really enough. I can't seem to shake off a feeling of grogginess. Saphira is the same."
Arya nodded, "It is fatigue. Both mental and physical."
"Angela gave me a little tonic and the means to make it for myself. It helps for a short amount of time."
Arya looked at him. "Do you have any now?"
They turned a corner.
"Uh... yes, hold on." He stopped walking to take out of his bag a little glass bottle. He presented it to Arya.
With thin graceful fingers she took the bottle and unstopped it. To Eragon's faint surprise she took a small sip. She pursed her lips then re stoppered it.
"Angela gave you this without a warning. It's a drug Eragon, you will become addicted to it if you are not careful. Don't have it more than once a week."
Eragon nodded and accepted the bottle back.
Arya took his arm and ushered him on.
"Come," She said.
Saphira, who was following behind, asked Where are we going?
"To my room. You surely noticed Nasuada was not herself, yes?"
"Yes we did."
Arya looked down, "I believe I know the reason, we must be in private."
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Eventually they arrived at a two story in. It's walls were made of stone which made it stand out from neighboring buildings. Arya entered the building through an unlocked door and took Eragon upstairs. Saphira had to stay outside due to her size.
The two of them walked down a dark corridor lined with weak candles. Arya opened a wooden door on the right and walked into the room.
After she had cast a spell to prevent eaves dropping, she said, "Sit if you will."
Eragon did so on a wooden box. Out of a dresser which sat below a barred window Arya drew a small book. She then sat next to Eragon.
"Nasuada can not keep up her strong independent persona all the time. She came to me in tears a few weeks ago. She had been drinking... a lot. She spoke of a lot of things most of which were anecdotes about her father. After a few hours however she confessed that she was cracking under the pressure of leading the Varden. She felt alone. It was then that she handed me this codex. This diary.
She told me not to judge her too harshly and left."
Arya hand the book to Eragon, "She loves him, Eragon. Murtagh, she loves him. And he's been here a few times to see her when we were caught unaware."
Eragon was stunned. He remembered that Murtagh spoke fondly of Nasuada but he had never thought she might reciprocate those feelings. He took the diary.
Arya continued, "My fear is that she her judgment is tainted now. No one can know. It would cause turmoil. People will call for a coup."
Eragon nodded, "He is the enemy. How could she do this."
Arya looked hard at Eragon, "She loves him, and believes she can release him. Surely that isn't beyond my understanding."
The hidden, perhaps nonexistent, accusation beneath that statement affronted Eragon.
"Beyond my understanding? No. Beyond my sympathy? Yes. Everyone has had to sacrifice. That she would do this, jeopardize everything is inexorable."
Arya raised her eyebrows, "You would condemn her for this? For her actions? Would you risk nothing for those you love?"
Eragon's temper was rising. He couldn't understand where this passion was coming from. "I risk everything for those I love. Her actions do nothing to help Murtagh. The ultimate result is all that matters. All that matters is that Galbatorix is dethroned. Then and only then will other things, loves, matter."
He looked at Arya. She was smiling. What could have made her smile he had no idea.
"What?" He asked.
Arya shook her head, "Peace, your arguments are mine exactly. We must go and confront her."
"Now?"
"Yes, the three of us."
Eragon and Arya met Saphira outside. They headed towards Nasuada's courtroom.
What do you make of all this Saphira.
Just what you do little one.
Why didn't you pipe in earlier.
Arya wanted to test you.
Why?
Saphira snorted, perhaps she wanted to make sure you both felt the same way before talking to Nasuada.
Eragon shrugged.
Just before opening the door to the courtroom Arya paused.
"You've grown much. Where Nasuada has failed, you must succeed. After all is said and done you are the Varden's only hope." With that she went inside.
Her words heartened Eragon. Anytime he felt he'd pleased her meant the world to him.
Stop dreaming Eragon and go confront your liege. I however will hunt. The passions of two-legs mean little to me.
Smug. He patted her on the nose and then followed Arya inside.
The large room was empty. It's lonely table sat unadorned in the middle while a great chandelier hung above it. On the far side of the room was a door which led to Nasuada's chambers. Either side of it a guard was posted.
Arya knocked on the door.
A voice floated from inside, "Yes?"
"It is I, Arya, come with Eragon. May we speak?"
The answer was long in coming, "Alright, hold on."
"Enter."
Arya and Eragon walked into the room. On the far end was a bed with silk drapings. A desk sat in the corner near the bed. It was littered with the papers. There were a few papers on the floor, and on the bed sat what looked like the contents of a dresser. Nasuada sat on the edge of the bed looking slightly put out.
"Why have you come?"
Arya once again put up a spell to stop unwanted listeners.
Then she said, "Do you remember nothing of the night you came to me?"
"What night?"
Arya gestured around, "Looking for something?"
Nasuada shrugged, "A hair brush, I lost mine."
Arya sat moved to the desk, and looked down at the papers.
"I have your diary Nasuada. You don't remember giving it to me."
Nasuada's eyes widened. "I never gave it to you! Did you read it?"
Eragon felt a bit of pity for her, she was panicking.
Arya turned her eyes on Nasuada, "Yes you gave it to me, yes I read it. Eragon and I both know about you and Murtagh."
Nasuada looked down at her hands. Eragon couldn't bring himself to speak. He wouldn't know what to say.
Arya sat next to Nasuada. "Our situation has always been precarious at best, this only makes things worse. You must put an end to these rendezvous. No one else knows, no one else can know. However your love for Murtagh is forcing you to make rash decisions. You must remain emotionally distant."
Nasuada stood, "Like Eragon? Why must I, when you yourself who pretends to be cut off from feelings get emotionally involved."
Arya also stood, "You are young Nasuada. Even so you must not let it get the better of you. You've stood out amongst the greatest leaders in history, and you are so close, don't let it slip."
Nasuada withdrew, "Would you lead the Varden Arya, in my place. Is that why you come now. My abilities are failing, you use this chance to strike."
"Never, I would be awful as leader of the Varden. I'm trying to help you Nasuada, help you maintain your position. I know it is hard, but if you do this thing, stay away from Murtagh, it may only be temporarily. After that you can live out your days in his arms."
Nasuada began to tremble, tears poured from her eyes, "I can't, I can't..."
"You can."
Eragon spoke, "Nasuada you must, this is your final test. Nothing more can be asked of you."
Nasuada covered her face, "You condemn me to failure! Don't you see! I can't, I won't, It's over."
Arya took a step towards her, "...why?"
"I'm pregnant!"
Arya's eyes widened. Eragon who had his head down lifted it in shock. Then horror engulfed him. It's over. That can't be hidden, he thought. Even over the distance he felt Saphira's dismay.
Arya remained silent. As did Eragon.
Nasuada said, "You must help me! What can I do?"
She began desperately to claw at Arya's arm. Arya just shook her head in disbelief.
Eragon gulped then said, "Alright, it's done. Now what do we do?"
Nasuada turned to him with pleading eyes.
Eragon's mind was racing. "Nasuada, how far along are you?"
"Two months."
"That gives us time." He locked eyes with Arya who nodded.
Arya placed a hand on Nasuada's shoulder, "You must resign."
"No, I cannot, not now."
"You must."
"Why, this war war can be won in seven months."
Arya's face hardened, "You would risk you unborn child? You must resign. Someone respected must take your place so as not to arouse suspicion about your motives. Jormundur perhaps."
It was the first time that Nasuada seemed like the young girl she was to Eragon. The whole ordeal made Eragon sad, to see this broken woman from the powerful empress she'd been not three hours ago.
"Nasuada," He said, "You must care for your child now. That must become your life. Let others bear your burden."
Slowly she began to regain her composure.
"Ok. You're right. I must."
Arya nodded, "Start thinking about who should succeed you. Rest, we will sort this out."
Nasuada began to weep, she hugged Arya who clasped held her tenderly. "Thank you, thank you."
Eragon took his leave of the room. After a minute or two Arya appeared.
She looked at Eragon and sighed, "That went well."
Eragon laughed.
"She's confident in Jormundur, as am I, to take over. We must speak to him." She glanced at Eragon. "Perhaps after some lunch though. You need food, I can see it."
"Aye," He replied, "will you eat?"
"Yes, I could do with something."
They set off together to find food.