Brom's Last Words
CHAPTER 69
Dwarves
Eragon was concentrating too much on Roran to notice that Saphira was moving back into the smoke, the harsh voices, the confusing, the clangs of metal upon metal, and the odd roar of Saphira, into of the Battle of the Burning Plains. It was strange that they had met in this way, both headed toward a desolate battlefield. From Roran's questioning, boring, harsh, relieved, enraged and even accusing stare, Eragon deduced that Roran had figured out his role in Garrow's unfortunate death. How Eragon wished he was there when the Ra'zac killed him. Eragon and Saphira might have been able to delay Garrow's death.
All of a sudden, an Empire soldier's longsword bounced off his chestplate. Eragon was rescued from his confusing maelstrom of thoughts and dreams, but if only to cleave the soldiers helm in two with a hoarse shout and a downward slash from Zar'roc. " Barzûlegûr" Orik swore, behind him and unable to rouse Eragon from his thoughts. "I am OK, Orik. No need for foul language."
Wait a minute… Saphira! Why didn't you warn me we were fighting again?
I couldn't get past your emotion for Roran… It was like catching a greased slab of polished granite, which we all know is impossile.
Eragon decided he would tell Trianna about the Dragon Wing now, while she was resting. He cast out his consciousness to include Trianna and thought to her, Trianna. Please tell Nasuada and the Varden not to attack the Dragon Wing. My brother is on board. If it is possible, also send someone to tell them what is happening.
Wiol ono, Shur'tugal.
From the lofty veiwpoint of Saphira's back, he saw the dwarves, and told Saphira to leave the brunt of the fighting and greet Hrothgar and his dwarves, or knurlan as Hrothgar called his race. Saphira, eager to see how the Dwarf King had fared, rushed to the army in a few steps, and let Eragon dismount. Eragon, now running, yelled to Hrothgar, "YOU'RE HERE!!!" Hrothgar, in reply, bowed down to Eragon and Saphira and said that the elves had changd him a lot.
"No, Hrothgar, it was the dragons. The caretakers Iduna and Nëya have a dragon tattoo that came to life and…. And, well, changed me, I guess. The full story is so much longer, so maybe after the battle?" "Oeì" said Hrothgar, meaning affirmative, or yes.
"Eragon, I see that you have accepted out offer to be Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. It is an honor to be kin with you."
"And the other way around!"
Hrothgar laughed, then looked at Saphira and said, "I can't believe you will be able to mend Isidar Mithrim, Saphira. Some of my dwarves are putting it together, even now. I cannot say I don't look forward to seeing the dragonholds floor whole again!"
Saphira killed a soldier that was sneaking up on her, then responded. I promised to mend it, so I will, using Eragon as her mouth.
Hrothgar looked at Eragon and Saphira's armor, and questioned, "Has our armor served you well?"
"Aye, Hrothgar. It has saved us from much pain, even maybe death."