Disclaimer: The Inheritance Cycle belongs to Christopher Paolini.

Summary: Post Brisingr. Much hope is lost for the Varden after the death of Oromis and Glaedr. That is, until a mysterious ally appears. But can a total stranger be trusted? Aid is offered in their most hardest of times, and the Varden is desperate, but is being influenced by a person who they know nothing about worth the risk?

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Capturing Feinster should and would have been a cause for celebration within the Varden, but alas the news their leader Nasuada was about to deliver them would change it all.

They had retreated back to a safer area, making sure all the soldiers that had surrendered to them were properly taken care of. The elves stood unwavering behind Blödhgarm, most already aware of what had caused this sudden emergency meeting. The other members of the Varden, humans, dwarves, and urgals alike were all unsure as to why they had been gathered up here. They were rejoicing in the glory of their success, yet still mourning the loss of loved ones. No one said a word as they stood in front of the building, waiting for Nasuada.

The door creaked slowly open and three figures emerged. The first was the aforementioned leader Nasuada, who had substituted the armour she was wearing before for a simpler tunic and pants. Her ebony skin made her clearly stand out from her two companions. Following directly behind her was Eragon Shadeslayer, their only hope for winning the battle against Galbatorix. His great sword was resting within its scabbard but the majestic dragon Saphira was nowhere to be found. The third figure was without a doubt the elven princess Arya. She looked the same as usual, calm and collected, her raven hair flying out as the wind blew. As they approached the larger group, the dragon rider and princess stayed back while Nasuada stepped forward to address her people. She eyed each of them individually, before looking at them as a whole and started her speech.

"To all those here in this audience, today should be celebrated, for another step taken in defeating the tyrant Galbatorix. But it is with my great displeasure to announce to you that a great loss has been had at Gil'ead. It will not only affect all of us here today, but the future generations of Alagaesia also." As she spoke these words, she looked down towards the ground, hiding the tears that had started to form. She thanked the stars when Arya stepped forward to announce the misfortune. Murmurs erupted from the crowd until Arya silenced them by speaking.

"Before I begin, I wish you will all forgive me, for this information that has been kept from you. It all revolved around safety issues, and I assure you we did it only to protect us all."

More whispers were interchanged before she decided to resume.

"Aside from Eragon and Galbatorix, there was one other living rider and his dragon. Oromis was an elf and his dragon's name was Glaedr. They are both ancient and wise, but sadly had suffered injuries that consequently caused them to be hidden in Ellesmera. There, they were to await the birth of the next dragon rider and were given the task to train him or her so that Galbatorix could be defeated. It is a great sadness for us that they have now moved on to another place though we will all one day join them. Oromis and Glaedr died fighting for our freedom. They died with no shame. I believe it is our duty to all those who have died because of these battles and all those who futures will be affected by this, to win against Galbatorix, no matter the end cost." Her voice gradually became louder as members of the Varden began to cheer for the cause.

She walked back over towards Eragon and together they left the group who had begun questioning Nasuada about future plans. They took a path that lead behind the hut they had come out of and into a small forest. Neither of the two spoke until they had reached a clearing and seated themselves upon the dry scattered leaves. It was peaceful and quiet here and secrets could be discussed without being misheard by those who made potential enemies.

"Saphira is still hunting at the moment, and she wishes to inform us that she will be back by sunset tonight. But now we should discuss our next moves." he told her.

"She can take as long as she likes with hunting. I am sure we will be safe enough until she returns. As for what we can do, I honestly don't have a clue. " she said, feeling quite defeated.

It was true, those words that were spoken. Eragon had only a short amount of training, nothing compared to the extensive amounts required to become a fully mastered dragon rider. There was no one here now to teach him either, leaving Saphira and him to fend for themselves. To be honest, Arya could help him very little. She could teach him of the Ancient language and magic, but he needed to learn from a master.

The two sat together in silence, pondering the future, and trying to put the past behind them.

What they weren't aware of, was that they were being watched. Beyond the clearing, perched in a tree someone was making note of their every action.

"Well, well, well, I believe it is time to meet those who fight against the empire, don't you Tourmaline?"

Next Time on Dawn of a New Era:

'Lady Nasuada, there is a visitor for you. A visitor, whom is not one of us.' he confided in her.

Thank you for reading

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