Roran sat stiffly upon his chair in the main hall of the castle that now stood on the hill in Palancar Valley. Katrina stood at his right side, Ismira resting quietly in her arms. The hall that they were in was grand compared to the buildings that had once inhabited Carvahall, but humble in comparison to Tronjheim or the citadel in Ilirea. It contained modest wooden furnishings, a few dozen windows, and was just tall and long enough to comfortably house a dragon.

"Katrina, you have been standing too long," Roran said, turning to his wife. "What say you take Ismira back to the house? That way you can rest some?" His scarred right palm rested on his legendary hammer, which he had only needed to use twice since the defeat of Galbatorix almost five years before.

"Why should I have to go to rest, when you have been up and working longer than I?" As the toddler in her arms shifted, Katrina lowered her voice and leaned towards her husband's ear. "I do not enjoy leaving your side, especially when you are holding your monthly audience," she whispered.

"Well…" he started, unsure of what to say. While it was true that he had been working since an hour before dawn, Roran enjoyed giving the people under his care a chance to place their burdens and crises at his feet, much like Queen Nasuada had while she led the Varden. When Carvahall was rebuilt about a year-and-a-half after the mad king's demise, it was built larger and better than before, with a wall surrounding the city that was 15 feet high. The population of Carvahall had increased to nearly 3,000, with Therinsford at almost 2,700. Many people had flocked to Palancar Valley when they heard that Roran Stronghammer had been named Earl of the valley.

Some of these individuals had been men who had been under Roran's command in the Varden. Others were citizens of the Empire who wished to see the land that had borne both Eragon Kingkiller and Roran Stronghammer, hoping to see the man related to the Dragon Rider who had become the stuff of legends himself. A few people, however, had been soldiers and officers under Galbatorix. Because of this fact, Roran had been wary of potential assassins, and so had mustered a force of guards that circulated around him, Katrina and Ismira. At any given moment, no fewer than ten men were within striking distance of Roran, and five for Katrina.

"I just think that it would be better if you were at home. I worry about your health, what with you being six months pregnant," Roran answered after a thoughtful pause.

"I'm not leaving with Jörmundur on his way! I don't want to miss hearing whatever message Queen Nasuada has sent him with," Katrina replied haughtily.

Just before Roran could concede her wishes, the double doors at the end of the hall creaked as they opened. "Her Majesty the Queen's envoy, General Jörmundur has arrived!" a herald exclaimed as the man himself entered the hall.

"Lord Stronghammer!" boomed Jörmundur as he leisurely made his way towards the head of the hall, passing dozens of tables along the way. He walked in a way that caused his long black cape to swish from side to side, mirroring his shoulder-length brown hair. He wore a full set of gleaming, silver-colored plate armor. "It has been too long, my friend!"

Rising from his chair, Roran responded, "Aye, that it has. Tell me, have you been dying your hair?" A grin spread across his face, almost hidden by his thick beard. He grasped Jörmundur's forearm, then pulled him into a tight embrace, causing the armor to clank against itself. Roran's burgundy tunic and black trousers brushed against the polished metal, causing the shine to be slightly marred as the polish came off on Roran's clothes. When he puled away, his old friend turned to Katrina.

"My lady Katrina," he said with a slight bow. He then strode towards her and planted a light kiss upon each of her rosy cheeks, taking care not to crush the still-sleeping Ismira. "Had a long day, this one?" he asked, indicating the child.

Katrina chuckled and nodded in response. "Aye, a long day of chasing hens, laughing at the jokes of bards, and playing with the dogs, amongst other things. She fell asleep almost an hour ago, just after her bath. How are you?" she questioned as she flattened a crease in the pale blue dress she wore.

"I fare well, as does all of Alagäesia," he answered happily. He then turned his attention back to Roran, who stood with his hands behind his back. "I come bearing excellent news, my lord!" he said, pulling a folded piece of parchment out from under his left vambrace. He handed it to Roran, a bemused grin on his face. "Last we saw each other, I would have had to read this to you!"

"Aye, but what kind of earl would I be if I had to rely on others to write my statements and read to me the replies? Queen Nasuada was right; I was a liability when I didn't know how to read. Now though, reading takes up almost half of my day!" he said as he unfolded the parchment. He bowed his head over the letter as he sat.

Lord Roran Stronghammer,

I hope that this letter is finding you in good health. I'm sorry that there has been so little correspondence between us these past few years, but I'm sure that you understand that I have been busy running the Empire. Speaking of which, I must now to business. I am sending you this letter to inform you that Carvahall is now on the list of cities to be visited by the couriers that carry the two dragon eggs appointed for the human race. The eggs will remain in Carvahall for one month, and will then be taken to Narda. The egg-couriers have travelled from Ilirea with Jörmundur. I trust that you will keep them and the eggs safe while they are under your care. Give Katrina and Ismira a hug from me, and congratulations to both you and Lady Katrina. I hope that the pregnancy goes well.

Your friend, the Queen,

Nasuada

"Roran, is everything alright?" Katrina asked, concerned. "You look almost as if you have seen a Shade…"

"Jörmundur, is this true?" Roran demanded, disbelief evident on his face.

"Aye, it is lad," he answered. He then brought his hand to his lips and whistled shrilly. As the note faded, the doors swung open again and two men entered, carrying a large wooden chest each.

"Roran, what is going on?" Katrina asked with a misty voice.

"Her Majesty the Queen has decided to send the eggs given to the human race…" he paused. "She has sent them here, Katrina!"