Chapter Two
Eragon lay still on his small cot. His body felt as if he were being compressed by some huge stone. He was Morzan's son! The weight of such a horrible truth was crushing him. How could this be true? He fought against everything that his father, and now, his brother, was. What cruel mix of irony and fate was this?
You are too worried, little one, Saphira cooed. Why do you think that this will change you?
Because it does, Eragon snapped childishly. How will I face Galbatorix? The elves?
You will go before them as always; just because your name has changed doesn't mean you have. Saphira murmured into his thoughts. When Eragon remained stubborn and glum she snarled fitfully into his mind. Do you think I would have chosen you were you destined for such evil? Do you doubt my judgment as much as your own?
You are part of me, Saphira, Eragon replied closing his eyes, perhaps your judgment has gone askew due to my presence.
Yes, and maybe you'll sprout wings and start breathing fire, the point is that you are Morzan's son not Morzan. Saphira stamped her feet outside Eragon's tent irritably. Now, stop being a lazy malcontent and come out!
Yes, mother, Eragon chided.
Getting dressed itself was a challenge to overcome. All his battle ware was piled in the corner and it reminded him forcefully of the secret he had learned on the Burning Plains. Focusing his eyesight elsewhere, Eragon found his clothes. As soon as he pulled his pants on, Eragon realized with regret that he didn't have a sword anymore. The empty place where his sheath had once hung seemed blatantly vacant.
Hurry now, we haven't got all day; Galbatorix isn't going to wait for you! Saphira cried again.
Grumbling, Eragon stepped out of his tent only to come face to face with stunning green eyes. Jumping back, surprised, Eragon managed to regain control, and found himself staring into Arya's impassive face. She studied him for a moment, as if he were some exotic animal.
"Arya," Eragon mumbled, pinning his gaze to the ground, "I didn't expect you here."
"I expected you," she observed quietly. "A council is going to be held to plan our next move on Galbatorix; you are supposed to be there."
"I heard." Speaking with Arya had become quite a trial. Eragon couldn't forget how he felt, and more so, how little she felt. It made his heart ache just to stand in her presence.
Careful now, little one, Saphira trilled. She scooted closer to Eragon and Arya making it evident that she wanted to be part of the conversation. Eragon grinned and patted her scales.
"Well, thank-you Arya," Eragon managed to crow.
Can we offer you a ride? Saphira asked before Eragon could quickly fly away. Arya tilted her head to the side, interested in the prospect.
"I have never ridden on dragon back, is it fun?" She reached out and stroked the saddle on Saphira's back.
"It's- well it's something," Eragon commented, not going into all the amazing ambiance of flying.
"I accept," Arya murmured, bowing her head.
In minutes Eragon and Arya were strapped into the saddle awaiting Saphira's action. As always, there was a moment when they first took off that Eragon felt the whole world drop, but then it was like the sweetest sensation. Feeling the wind stream through his hair was relaxing, and being able to gaze down on the world seemed to push away all his worries. Here was where he belonged.
Arya though, did not seem to make such a connection. She sat behind Eragon, and at the first dive into the air she had clung to him. Since then, it seemed, she wasn't quite ready to let him go. Clutching nervously, Arya would catch a peek over the side of Saphira's flank then hide away. Eragon couldn't conceal the smile that played on his lip.
The second they had landed, Arya had dropped from the saddle with as much grace as she could conjure. Eragon followed, sighing at the sight of the tent. Inside he was no longer Eragon the farmhand, the boy. He was a Dragon Rider, a warrior, a leader. So many people looked up to him, sought him for help. What did they see in him? At least, he thought, none of them know my secret.
Pushing aside the flaps of the door, Eragon entered the dimly lit tent. He was surprised at the number of people in the room. So few, had that many died? Orik, Jormundur, Nasuada, Orrin, Arya, and a few other minor generals were crowding around a table. As soon as Eragon made himself clearer Roran emerged from the darkness. Saphira stuck her head into the tent as well.
"You've arrived," Nasuada commented, her voice was as flat as Eragon had ever heard. She knew his secret: she knew who he was, what he was.
"Yes," Orrin burst in, "we were just discussing our battle tactic for…well you!"
"Me?" Eragon blenched. "I had no idea I was the topic of the day." No matter how he tried, Eragon could not keep the bitterness out of his voice.
Orik quickly picked up on the matter, even if he didn't know why. "I was thinking, you had best complete your training now that a new Rider is out there." Orik wanted nothing better than to see that Murtagh was killed in the most brutal way possible. He needed Eragon to finish his training, even if it meant going back to the elves.
"Is that the best course of action?" Jormundur asked critically. "We need him here, what if we are attacked again?"
"What good will Eragon be if he can't fight?" Orik demanded. "No offense Eragon, but that Rider was good, real good, and you need to complete what it was you were learning."
"Speaking of," Orrin exclaimed, "what were you learning?"
For a moment, Eragon had the urge to strike Orrin, but he quickly gained control over himself. "I hardly see how that matters, seeing as you're not a Dragon Rider." Saphira snorted in agreement.
"A secret, eh?" Orrin laughed. "Well, I suppose you can keep those secrets to yourself, that's what the elves do, leastways." Orrin cast a suspicious glance at Arya.
"What is your plan?" Eragon asked directly to Nasuada.
"Well, you must complete your training, no doubt, but I still wish for some form of protection here. You can't just up and leave us," she laughed.
"Islanzadi is sending elvish spell casters here as we speak," Arya asserted, "they will be here by weeks end."
"It's certainly not as good as a Dragon Rider," Orik grumbled, "but better than anything."
For some time Roran had remained silent. Without hesitation, he finally spoke out. "Wait, Eragon has promised to help me before he leaves. Once he's gone I doubt I'll get the assistance I need."
"What's all this about?" Orrin demanded, outraged at the request. "Why should Eragon have to stay here? Who are you?"
"Roran," Eragon said speedily, "is my cousin. I said I would help him."
"Help him do what?" Arya asked, her brows furrowing.
Eragon had wished to keep this more private. The less his leaders knew the better. They were going to try and stop him from fulfilling his original quest. Kicking at the dirt, Eragon faced Arya.
"His bride-to-be was taken by the Ra'zac, and it was partially my fault. I have to help him."
"And," Jormundur asked, "what would this 'help' entail?"
"Killing the Ra'zac," Eragon said hesitantly.
Silence greeted this last remark, but only for a moment. "Are you insane?" Orrin snarled. "What if you were defeated? What if you were killed?"
"What if you were captured?" Arya piped up.
"Minor risks," Eragon scoffed.
"I don't care if it's the risk of a paper cut," Nasuada snapped, "you're not going."
Roran muttered something under his breath. Eragon just stared down his liege lord. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and her mouth formed a straight line.
"He needs me," Eragon growled. "It's my fault!"
"What is her life measured against thousands?" Arya said hurriedly. "You are too valuable to be lost.
"Ah," Eragon said, relying heavily on his anger at Nasuada to fuel his argument, "so what you're saying is that my life is more important than her's?"
Before Arya could respond in a kind, Nasuada cut in. "I'm sorry Eragon, but it's my final say."
"Then her life is forfeit?" Roran demanded.
"I do not think that Galbatorix wants her dead," Orik grunted. "It seems like she is just the bait set in a trap."
"I don't care," Roran cried. "She still being held prisoner, who knows what they're doing to her!"
As Roran said this, Arya's face darkened. Eragon caught sight of this quickly. Roran went off again, but Eragon held up his hand to stop this. Roran, thinking Eragon was about to defend him, became silent. Eragon though, had other thoughts.
"I won't go, at least not yet. When I complete my training, I will rescue her, but for now you are right." Eragon could just see out of the corner of his eye Roran's mouth drop.
"I had hoped you would agree," Nasuada sighed. "Now, as for the rest of our plan…"
Why did you do that, Eragon? Saphira asked quizzically, but with no sense of anger.
They were right. I can't compromise all the hopes and lives of these people for my cousin. Eragon sighed. I wish I could just be normal again. This life is so different, why can't I enjoy life, help those I love, do something daring?
That is the price you must pay, Eragon. Saphira whispered knowingly. You are bound to this fate, and though it may seem cold and hard you will find it most rewarding.
No, I won't, Eragon remarked. I never have the chance to just be what I am. I am always watching now, never a moment of peace. Must I surrender everyone I love to gain everything?
"Eragon," Nasuada said, splicing the connection he had with Saphira, "do you understand? You will go back the elves to finish your training, you will probably have to leave tomorrow if you want to make it back to the dwarf cities, we will send messengers to gather you and the rest of the elvish armies when we have a ready plan."
"Alright, all I have to do is pack. Will Orik be coming with me, as a guard?" Eragon asked presently.
"No, no," Orik said darkly, "I have matters to attend to with the King. Arya will be going with you."
A pit formed in Eragon's chest. Traveling with Arya, was this another cruel twist of fate? Why was he always being pitted against something? Just to be around her made him feel somewhat foolish, but to be in her company for days, alone? Eragon left the tent once the meeting was finished. He met with Saphira outside and mounted her.Saphira had been silent for a long time since his final question. Her voice, when it returned was soft and depressing, almost frightening. To your question Eragon, because that is the price of this cause. When all is truly gained, then all is truly lost.
