Chapter 1

Eragon sat outside his tent, pondering over the deaths of Oromis and Glaedr. He missed them bitterly. Saphira mourned them as well. 'I am alone now.'

'No never alone little one. We have Arya, Nasuada, Orik, Roran, Katrina, and remember Glaedr's Eldunari is with us.'

"That doesn't make it easier."

They hushed then, as Arya came to join them. She looked at him concernedly and sat next to him, "How do you fare, Shadeslayer?" Asked the elf kindly.

"Why do you want to know?", a bite was in his voice when he responded. Before his companion could answer, Eragon sighed and shook his head, "Forgive me Arya Svit-kona. I am slightly distraught as of recently."

"Eragon, you are allowed to grieve, and know I will be here if you need me." As Arya replied, Eragon visibly stiffened and began to weep perfusely. She suddenly grabbed him and held him to her. "Shh Eragon, it will be okay. I promise. Let us go, Nasuada needs us for a meeting."

Eragon drew away from her slowly, obviously reluctant to leave the warmth of her arms. She smiled at him. His reaction, however, was unexpected. Instead of smiling in return, his eyes darkened considerably. Before she could ask him, he turned his head and annoyance sparked his eyes as he looked behind her. Arya turned to see Trianna heading torwards them. Arya let go of Eragon immediately and instead slid into his mind. Once she had touched his mind and he had immediately allowed her in.

"Shadeslayer, elf. Nasuada wishes to speak with you."

Eragon forced himself to be cordial and responded with a brisk thanks. Arya sent him comforting thoughts. Eragon grimaced but then smiled at his beautiful elven friend. He gently nudged her out of his mind. He didn't want to let himself lose self-control.

Arya seemed to recieve the message and quickly left his mind and threw him a quick smile. They walked together to Nasuada's courtyard.

When they arrived, Roran, Orrin, Orik, and Nar Garvzhog were also there. Izlanzadí sat in the mirror.

"Greetings Eragon and Arya. I called you here to discuss a theory that I have." Surprisingly it was Izlanzadí who spoke first, "As you know, Brom, your father, was a Rider. His father, was Vrael. You know Vrael's history. Oromis was also the son of a Rider. What I mean to tell you is that throughout the years, the children of Riders have become Riders themselves. In every case."

Arya asked, "So history aside, what is it that you plan to ask of or tell us, Your Majesty?"

Eragon was busy in thought, his mind speeding as understanding flowed through him. Before they could say anything else, Eragon stated, "You want me to have a child."

Izlanzadí nodded, "I have thought long and hard about this and I have discussed this with Nasuada and Orik, we agree. If you are willing, we wish for you to have a child. I understand this is hard to ask, but we believe this is the best way to ensure the training of a new Dragon Rider."

Eragon sighed and then decided to speak to Saphira, "I agree with what she says Saphira. She speaks truthfully, but what do you think?"

Saphira replied so that all could hear, 'It is a good plan. However I do have requirements, as this child will as much be mine as his, albeit in an indirect way.'

"What are your requirements, Oh Great One?" Izlanzadí's voice was filled with respect.

'First I must be the one to choose his mate. You will assemble a group of women who meet my requirements. Second, she must be an elf.'

This caused a stir, Eragon fidgeted, Arya stiffened, Nasuada's face went cold, and Izlanzadí's face was warped with confusion. "Why Dragoness, must she be an elf? This restricts our choices greatly."

"I believe I must answer this one Saphira." Eragon spoke for the first time in a while, "I am human, however as a Rider, if I survive this war, I will live for hundreds if not thousands of more years. I cannot in good conscience take a human wife knowing that within fifty years she would die. Nor could I take numerous wives throughout the years, it would be too painful for myself and it would be disrespectful to take a mate simply to please my desires. I know I have spoken to Roran over this subject, and I believe he would agree with me. I cannot take a human mate. I will also, if she is willing, bind myself to her in the ancient language. The reason I do fhis is because, while we are planning to end this war with a viable solution, we must plan for of the consequences of this decision that will happen after this war. An elven mate would also allow her to leave me if she so chose to do-"

'No Eragon, that is my third requirement, if we go through this, the maiden must be willing to go through this and if we should win this war, she must be able to realize that this child will bind her forever to him. I will not allow Eragon to go through emotional pain for any of your sakes. No she must be willing to remain as his mate through the rest of his life.'

Islanzadí looked tired, "Do you have any other requirements Saphira Brightscales?"

'Yes, fourth, she must be older than him. Naivety is to great a risk in this game you have chosen to play. She must be at least twenty years older. Maximum of one hundred and fifty years older than him. My final requirement is that the child and mother be given quarters in Ellesméra, this is to protect the child, mother, and to an extent Eragon. Whether we like it or not, if this bond is formed, than emotional attachment will be created, this creates an extra weakness for Eragon. We understand duty, but Orik, Roran, and especially you Your Majesty, would understand family loyalty. Another advantage of having residence in Ellesmera, is that the child would have the best education possible. Do you agree to my terms?'

Izlanzadí nodded with relief, "I will have a list made by the end of the week, how will you choose Saphira?"

'That is for me to know.'

Eragon spoke, "I have a single requirement. She must be willing. I do not want to take a mate who simply does it out of duty. For myself to produce a child, both sides must be completely willing to bare their souls if need be. The elves consider the consummation of love as its highest form, I will not betray this as it would cause grief for my family, my people, myself, and through that, our cause."

Orrin broke his silence, "Shadeslayer, if given a choice who would you choose as your... mate? And also, why can you not take a mate for a single night, allowing for the lady to be human?"

Eragon's face spoke anguish as he was forced to remember Arya's rejection. Saphira sent him love through their bond. Izlanzadí noticed it immediately, and Arya stiffened suddenly, worry and anger flashing briefly in her eyes. Orik's face spoke of his anger and his grief over the pain his brother endured. After a moment, Eragon spoke, his voice barely above a whisper yet it rang perfectly in their ears, "I will save you the wrath of the elves, the dwarves, and Saphira by not answering that question. The woman I would prefer would not take me, and as I have said, I will NOT take an unwilling mate. I will NOT disrespect her by telling YOU her name. As for why I cannot take a human mate for a single night is that if it was a human I would have to become her husband and I believe I have already explained that. Now if you will excuse me, I need to gather my thoughts."

As the meeting finished, Eragon rushed from the tent. He didn't glance back as his name was called by a familiar voice. Arya begged him to return, but he continued forward.

He reached his tent, and he sat down on his cot. They wanted him to give them a child. He could do this, and he would for the sake of the many. At least if the child did not become a Rider, it would have a future in Ellesmera. But who would the mother be? Who could be the mother? He loved Arya, but knowing her she would make sure to stay off the list. She didn't nor would she ever be willing to be his mate. He began to sob on his cot, his tears spilling across his face.

A knock at the tent interrupted his crying. Eragon glanced up as Roran and Arya came in. At the sight of Arya, he sighed lightly. This would roughen their friendship. Arya held her mask, but Eragon could see the guilt and anguish in her eyes. Roran grimaced upon hearing the sigh and looked openly at his cousin, "How are you holding up Eragon?"

"I will be fine, I guess. Entering an arranged relationship. I always thought I would take a mate for love Roran, never to give the Varden a second hope." Eragon kept his gaze on the ground.

Arya spoke, "You don't have to do this Eragon. There must be another way."

"Oh but I do, Arya Svit-kona. In this case I will submit, in any case, I know Saphira will choose in both my best interests and tastes. I am glad about the age requirement. I need someone who will ground me to the reality of things.

Roran glanced at Arya before asking, "What about our prior conversation? I thought you would surely go against it based on what you told me."

"The game has changed Roran, I would love to stick by what we discussed that night, however, in this case, even though I loathe doing it, I must yield." Eragon looked at his cousin when he spoke before returning his gaze to the ground. "The night is late, and I need time to think about this. Good night Roran, good night Arya Svit-kona."

Roran nodded and left immediately. Arya however stayed for a moment before she cupped his cheek. "Do not stress yourself over this. Things may yet end well Shadeslayer." She then left and Eragon laid down as Saphira slipped into his mind and asked, 'I hope you are okay with my requirements.'

'Of course Saphira, thank you. I love you. I know that you have my best interests at heart and will do what is necessary for me.' Eragon sent his love and gratitude over their link.

'I love you too little one. Now get some rest.'

'Good night Saphira. I love you.'

With that the Blue Rider fell asleep.