Eragon walked through the Varden's main camp with the early morning mist hanging around him. He hung his head, contemplating the startling news he had received yesterday in battle. "My father was the leader of the Forsworn, and my brother is a traitor." This he thought as he walked in between the tents unknowingly headed for the battlefield. "My sword has been stolen by my brother. He defeated me with ease. How can he be so powerful?" Eragon swore under his breath as he stumbled over a rock. He stopped and stared out across the great expanse that was still littered with bodies. He wondered why the greed of a madman had to cause such grief, loss and destruction. "Why me?"
"Because, Eragon, you are our only hope to defeat Galbatorix." The hand of the one who had spoken fell on his shoulder and Eragon jumped with surprise and a bit of anger at himself for not noticing the person. He turned to look in Ayra's eyes.
"Arya Svit-kona. How are you this fine morning?" he said in a slightly cocky yet crisp tone.
"Just out for a bit of exercise. I assume you have a reason to be up so early, have you?"
"Mulling over thoughts of yesterday."
"Ah. You will not forget your promise to Elva will you?"
"No, I was planning on taking care of that bit of business later to day."
"Well you'd better not if you know what's good for you," Arya said through clenched teeth, her voice strained as if she was holding in emotion. She turned and stalked off back into the camp without another word.
Eragon, fearing he had wronged and angered her in yet another way, ran after. "Arya, wait!" He stopped and touched two fingers to his lips. She did the same. "Is there something I have done to anger you?"
Arya look exasperated and sucked in breath as if to start yelling. She let it go in a long sigh and shook her head. "No Eragon, you have done nothing to anger me. I am just tired. Now if you please I have to meet with Nausada." With that she started off again.
Eragon stood, confused and disbelieving, since when was Arya tired, he thought. He pulled at this new idea as he walked back to his tent with the mist now gone, burned away by the morning sun.
As he reached his tent, his mind was attacked by a very worried Saphira. "Where have you been, I've been so worried."
"Don't worry I only went for a walk. I happened to run into Arya. She seemed stressed."
"I'm sure it is nothing, little one."
"I hope so."
He pulled aside his tent flap to find Roran still sound asleep. Eragon quietly snuck up on his cousin and positioned his mouth by Roran's ear. "BOO!" he yelled as he then fell into fits of hysterical laughter. Roran jump up with a yell and started slashing around. He slowed and then stopped as he realized that no one was attacking him. He caught a glance of Eragon and glared. Eragon took one look at his cousin's red face and broke out in fresh gales of laughter. He yelped as Roran jumped on him and wrestled with him. Feigning defeat Eragon said breathlessly, "Enough Roran, enough. I cry mercy." Chuckling he got up and caught his cousin in a rough bear hug. "Tomorrow we will go after your fiancé and avenge our fathers death."
Roran sobered up immediately and replied, "And why not today dear brother?"
"Today I must heal Elva and then rest."
"Who is Elva?" said Roran puzzled.
"Here lets go get some breakfast, I'll tell you on the way."
Saphira watched as her Rider and his cousin walk out of the tent talking in undertones. Through her connection with Eragon, she knew that he was telling Roran about Elva. She uncurled herself and followed them.
Orik stood in the 'mess hall,' which was really just a large tent with stoves and cook-fires jutting out the back, waiting in line to get some food. He finally arrived at the tables with the food on them and grumbled, "Ah. What have we got for breakfast today, more gruel and old, stale potatoes?" He got his food and turned to sit at a table when Eragon, Roran and Saphira's head and long neck entered.
Everybody grew quite and looked at them. Someone shouted, "Hail Shadeslayer." People and dwarves slowly started talking again as Eragon caught sight of Orik and hurried over with his dragon and Roran at his tail.
"Orik, I haven't seen you since yesterday where have you been?"
"Attending Hrothgar's body and seeing it of to Tronjheim."
"I will be at the funeral."
"I'll be glad to have a friend at my side for such a sad event."
"I am honored," said Eragon humbly. He sat across from Orik with Roran on his right and Saphira in between.
They sat there for a few minutes until Eragon said, "I'm going to the training fields before I have to heal Elva."
"But I thought you were hungry?"
"Not anymore. Roran keep Orik company while he finishes. I believe our hairy friend is a little down." With that said he turn and left before anyone could complain.
He walked in silence to the training fields, muttering a few greetings to some passer-bys. When he arrived the field was already ringing with the sound of metal on metal. He selected a sturdy sword from the armory tent, briefly saddened by the memory of Zar'roc. Shaking it off he went out and started sparing with a nearby warrior of the Varden. Soon a small crowd gathered around the two as they fought.
Eragon had struck a few glancing blows on his opponents shoulders and one off his helm. The other fighter was good by Eragon's standards, very good for a human. He or she had struck him once with the dulled training sword. A feat to be proud of considering that Eragon was very much an elf. Finally Eragon disarmed his opponent and flicked his sword up to their throat. "Dead," he said and then stepped back and lowered his sword. His opponent took of his helm and shook out neck-length, night-black hair. His eyes were a dark gray-green and his face had a slightly elven look to it. But he had no pointed ears as Eragon noticed. "You are a good fighter. What is your name as you already undoubtedly know mine?"
The stranger replied, "I am Ilan Starborn. I am honored to meet you in person and am humble by your praise." Then to Eragon's utter surprise Ilan touched to fingers to his lips and said, "Atra esterní ono thelduin."
Eragon touched to fingers to his lips and said, "Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr."
"Un du evarínya ono varda," completed Ilan.
Eragon still surprised yet under control of himself said, "Come with me I must speak with you in private." Leading Ilan away from the crowd that was slowly dispersing, Eragon spoke to him in the voice of one who hope to find a friend. "You are elven, that much I can see in your face. Yet you have normal ears and part of a beard. You are not a full elf, are you?"
Ilan sighed, "No, I am not a full elf. To be exact I am about a third elven. My grandfather was an elf and my mother was half elven. My father and my grandmother were both human."
Eragon mulling this new revelation over in his head said, "Your grandfather passed some of the ancient language down to you. Have you any capabilities in magic, to use a rough term.?"
"As to the first yes, my grandfather passed some of the ancient language on to me. As to the second, I do not know. I haven't a clue to wether or not I have the pontential."
"Come I know someone who may be able to tell." This Eragon said as he turned and headed toward the command tent in the center of the large, military camp. Ilan followed at a slightly slower pace still unsure of this situation.
As they neared the command tent Eragon asked Saphira, "Can you tell if he has any ability at all?"
"I'm sorrylittle one but I cannot. His mind is gaurded by a shield that I cannot pass unoticed."
"Thanks for trying anyway. Maybe Arya will sense something being an elf."
"Maybe, maybe"They entered the tent to find Nausada, Arya and a few generals talking over plans. "Eragon, good morning," exclaimed Nausada, "Who is this?"
"This is Ilan Starborn. Ilan this is Nausada the Varden leader as I'm sure you know and Arya." Eragon said this as he gestured to each woman in turn. "Arya with your consent, and Lady Nausada's permission, may I ask a favor of you concerning my friend Ilan?" Arya glanced slightly at Nausada and accepted the scarcely notice able nod as permission granted.
"Yes, I will hear this favor of yours." Eragon led the way out of the tent and asked Saphira to convey the favor he was asking for to Arya. They stopped and after a brief silence Arya said, "No, he does not have it." Eragon and Ilan turned to walk away when Eragon heard Arya's voice in his head. "Wait."
"Ilan I'll catch up with another time. It was nice to meet you."
"And you Shadeslayer. Lady Arya." He said bowing to the latter. He then walked off.
"What is it?" Eragon asked Arya.
"He does have it there. It is just untapped. It is very strong in him. Strong even by elfin standards."
"He in part elf."
"Is he now?"
"Yes, on his mother's side. His grandfather was a full elf. He is also an excellent fighter."
"I must think over this. As an elf, even only partly, he is entitled to visit Du Weldenvarden. He must be trained in magic as well, he has great potential."
"As my elder and the Elven Princess, I leave the decision up to you, Arya Sivt-kona." Eragon bowed as he said this, being both polite and formal.
"Remember you still have a promise to keep to Elva."
"I plan to heal her this afternoon. First I must eat and rest."
"Then I will see you then."