Hello, I know its not been a week but Darth Sadist, who doesn't really seem that sadistic, said I should post my chapters on the weekend because people will have more time then to review and stuff, perfectly reasonable. If its not the weekend wherever the hell you live it is in the UK, that's were I live, Great Britain, England, its a small island just off of Europe, in case you don't know what Britain is.
So here's the second chapter, read and review, if you want, don't if you don't, and enjoy.
Chapter 2: Bunch of Old F*ucks.
"You are weak. It's all you've ever been. A worthless, wretched, pathetic thing. Not worthy of even the tarnished legacy of the Dragon Riders. But I could make you strong."
The room was dark, the torch outside his cell the only light and the shadows it cast mutated reality in terrifying ways. But those eyes, maroon and always watching, he could see them. They glowed in the darkness, not letting his relax, giving him no room to rest, ensuring that he never forget they were watching.
"Your mentor murdered by the Ra'zac, you uncle killed by the same, your home destroyed, your life ruined, and soon enough, your dragon will be in chains again, and this time she will not escape."
His mouth was dry, he wanted some water, but he couldn't move, not with those eyes upon him.
"But why serve a traitor and a murderer, when you could... aid a fellow man."
"You're no man" he croaked, the effort of simply speaking leaving him exhausted.
"A fellow being then" it growled. There was a soft hiss of released breath "We sit here, waiting. If your dragon if not caught soon, you will be taken before the King and he shall own you. And all you can do is make jests 'Du Sundavar Freohr', death of the shadows, ha-ha" its laugh was cold and cruel and mocking "Do you know how I respond, little rider? Sundavar ach neiat deyja. Shadows do not die!"
He didn't respond, not having a response. That had been stupid, a foolish attempt to unnerve it and it had only annoyed it.
"You desire power, I know it, I know men, they all crave power, and once they have power they crave more. Do you know what I crave, rider?"
More silence.
"I suppose you wouldn't, ancient bastion of order, justice and learning the riders may have been, but now they are a farm boy, with a pet dragon."
How many hours had it spoke, how many hours had he denied it? Even after his reasoning's had been torn apart, ripped limb for limb, he kept rejecting it.
"You want power?"
"No."
How many times had they been through this, how many times had he said no?
"You crave power?"
"No"
Why did it keep asking him a question they both knew the truth of, yet he denied?
"Money, women, followers, power can bring you these things, and you don't desire it?"
"No."
Why did he keep saying no?
"You do."
"No."
What kept him saying no?
"You do."
"No."
Would it be so wrong to say yes?
"With power you could destroy the king, the empire, Alagaesia itself, wouldn't that be preferable to this tyranny?"
"N-n" his breathing was ragged, as if he had been running but he steeled himself "No."
"With power you need never suffer a loss again, no uncle and no mentor need ever die again, because you could kill all those who threaten them, don't you wish for that?"
"N-no."
It leaned forwards, until those eyes consumed all of his vision, until there was nothing save them. And then it spoke, soft sweet words "With power you could protect your precious dragon, I know you want that."
This time he could not deny it, there was no response, there was nothing, just those eyes, and he surrendered.
It stood till it towered above him, a giant before an ant, those maroon eyes still gleaming in a nonexistent light, gleaming with a victory now certain.
"What do you crave?" it asked, its voice tantalizing and taunting.
He could hear his heartbeat in his chest, the sound of his rough breathing, the scrape of skin on cloth.
"Power."
Compared to those sounds his voice was weak and quiet, less than a whisper, less than a hiss, barely admitting its existence to itself.
Its smile, filled with sharp pointed teeth, could break lesser men, and put the fear of the dark into even the strongest "And I can give it to you?" by contrast its voice was, almost kind, almost, there was a hint, a suggestion of something else, something dark and evil in that voice, but he was past caring "Do you want it?"
"Y-yes."
This was even quieter, even more pathetic than his previous answer, only heard by his own ears, and picked up by the unnaturally sharp senses of the thing before him.
"Say it" it encouraged, a note of desperation entering its voice "Say it in the language where you cannot lie" there was madness in its voice and its expression and wild unbound madness "SAY IT!"
And he did.
"Reminiscing?"
Eragon snapped awake.
He glared around the room, the low ceilinged stone walled room that was his now, due to the dragonholds unfortunate lack of a floor after the massive ruby that had been its floor was shattered in order to save the Varden and the Dwarves from complete destruction. Eragon missed the dragonhold.
His breathing was quick, too quick, he was covered in cold sweat and there was this annoying throb in his forehead that made him want to kill something.
"Are you alright?"
He glanced to the partner of his mind, Saphira, then back at his bare knees.
"No."
Standing he stretched, naked and cold, before glancing around the room, it was dark and boring. No light save the shuttered red lanterns the dwarves so loved, no decorations, it was plain and dull and boring.
"What were you dreaming about?"
"Death" he responded, not missing a beat. It wasn't exactly lying, but he didn't tell the truth either.
"Murtagh's death was not your fault little one, nor was Ajihad's, there was nothing you could have done."
He didn't answer, there were things he could've done, he could've gone with them rather than racing off on his own with Arya in tow, he could've used his magic if he hadn't wasted it all killing Urgal's, he could've... but that didn't matter, because he didn't.
Eragon sighed long and hard before standing up on his tippy toes and stretching his arms as high as he could.
He rolled his shoulder, stretched his arms out widthways, bent to try and touch his toes, then clutched his right forearms in his left hand over his head before pushing his elbows up as high as they would go.
Then it struck.
A strangled cry escaped his lips as pain raced up his spine, right along the scar that Durza had cleaved onto his skin.
'Eragon?' Saphira was instantly alert, sensing his pain.
Eragon let out a long, slow breath, keeping himself from crying out from the gut wrenching agony still flaring along his back.
"Well that stung" he said, grinning slightly as he stretched again, the very thing that had likely started the pain off, and reached even further up this time, stretching it even more than before.
A smaller flicker of pain went across the scar, nowhere near as intense as the first.
'Are you alright?' Saphira's voice was stern and kind at the same time, demanding answers.
'I'm fine Saphira, just my back. Did that before, wonder what's up with it?' he thought of the time when it had gone off in the tunnels. The cut on his shoulder he had gotten for his lack of attention during the pain still stung a little, he having not bothered to heal it.
Saphira flinched away after touching the pain he was shielding her from 'It feel like knives slashing repeatedly over my back, how do you stand it?' she wondered, shivering from the pain.
'It's just pain, nothing more' he could deal with that, just the hurt, it was the other things that were harder. The anger that instantly raged, the hate pouring into his mind, the lust to cause carnage, they were far harder to deal with than pain.
"Waise heill" he held his marked hand over the cut on his shoulder, leaving unflawed skin below, and then moved onto the other injuries on his body fixing each.
Then he came to the scar.
Using Saphira's eyes he examined the flesh, it was inflamed and painful to touch, but the scar hadn't opened.
'Should you really do that?' Saphira wondered, watching him stretch again, intent on pulling the scar further, testing its limits.
'No' was his witty response.
Not matter how far he stretch the scar didn't open, remaining sealed. A small bloodstain at the bottom of the scar, however, indicated that it had opened up at some point.
Eragon slumped down onto the bed, laying back and staring at the ceiling again.
'Are you strong enough for this?' Saphira asked, worry seeping through her thoughts.
'Course I am Saphira, strong enough to take on an army... or seven. Throwing my support behind the next leader of the Varden is...'
'Much more terrifying' she interrupted.
'Way to boost my confidence babe... but on the plus side it's less likely to end with me dying a horrible painful death, so yay!' Eragon frowned 'More likely for me to end up with numerous enemies holding pointless petty grudges though' he sighed 'The next leader of the Varden, huh?'
'Jormundur seemed like a good man, and Ajihad described him as his right hand man, so he will be a candidate, and there is also the dwarves to consider if they disagree with the chosen leader it could cause problems.'
'I know' said Eragon with little interest.
There was a moment silence as they both considered the situation, well Saphira considered the situation, Eragon just couldn't be bothered to get up 'If Ajihad's last words were to be taken that way, you could be the leader, of course.'
'Pfft' Eragon chuckled at the thought 'Yeah right. Me, leader of the Varden? I have better things to do than babysit a bunch of warriors, murdering people for instance. I'm a frontline fighter, not a leader, a leader need to sit back, survey, strategize and all that bullshit. The only plan I have consists of charge in, and kill 'em dead.'
'And a fine plan that is' they remained in comfortable quiet for a few more moments, savouring the peace while it lasted 'Come, we should go now.'
Eragon nodded and located his clothing, the bloodied and ripped trousers he had dumped on the floor yesterday, strangely he also found his tunic, which he was certain had been left in Angel's room three days ago, folded on top of them, and his boots sat next to them.
But he paid it no mind and dressed, the only thing he did give mind to was how to place his swords, today he decided to put Zar'roc on his left side and Durza's sword on his right.
Sitting at a table in one of the kitchen's in Tronjheim Eragon was still deep in thought, or rather he looked deep in thought but really he just didn't want to get up.
Saphira guarded him while he ate, growling at any who dared approach, which meant that he had at least some peace. He closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair, half asleep.
'Eragon, there is someone here to see you. I can't scare him away.'
'Huh?' he cracked open an eye sleepily, and glanced about.
A young boy stood not too far off, but not too close either, and he was eyeing Saphira nervously as if afraid she would try to eat him.
"You want something?"
The boy jumped slightly, shocked at being addressed, then bowed "Um, yes... I, um..." Eragon tossed a mushroom up into the air and leaned back to catch it in his mouth "Y-you have been summoned, Argetlam, to speak before the Council of Elders."
"Oh?" said Eragon, figuring his chin "And what right does this council have to summon me?"
"Um, I, well, um..." the boy babbled on for a while.
Eragon sighed "Who are the Council of Elders?" he asked, giving the small boy a break.
However his question seemed to confuse and startle the boy further "The... the council is... are, people that we, that is the Varden, choose to speak on our behalf to Ajihad. They were his trusted advisers and now they wish to see you. It is a great honour?" he finished with a quick smile.
It faded as he looked at Eragon's stony face and harsh crimson eyes. Then the Rider stood, smirking cockily "Well, no point pissing off people before I've met them" 'I'll save it for once I have' "Okay. I'll meet with them, where?"
"Um, I will lead you to them, if you wish, sir."
"Sure" Eragon gestured with his hand for the boy to show him the way, leaving a plate of barely eaten food on the table "Lead the way."
The boy eyed Eragon's two swords with bright eyes, then hurried off at a small run, only to turn to find Eragon and Saphira following at an unhurried pace, so he just came to walk slightly in front of the Rider, he still had to jog to keep up with Eragon's far longer strides.
"What's your name?"
"Who, me sir?"
'Sir... I like it' he said to Saphira who rolled her eyes in response "Yes."
"Um, it's Jarsha, sir."
"Jarsha... good name, you carried your message well, thank you" the boy stopped in place and stared up at Eragon, stunned, before quickly apologising and hurrying on, a grin on his face.
'You're being awfully nice to him' commented Saphira.
'Yeah, its physically painful actually, but I'm trying got save all my annoyance for this Council of Elders who think they can summon me' there was spite and anger in Eragon's tone, and as he spoke his crimson eyes darkened.
Saphira nodded in agreement, letting loose a faint growl that caused Jarsha to jump and look at Saphira fearfully, and a few people around them to come close to pissing themselves in shock.
They came to a convex stone door, which Jarsha opened. Inside was a circular room, capped with a sky blue dome decorated with the constellations. A round table made of marble and inlaid with the crest of Durgrimst Ingeitum sat in the centre of the chamber and the Council, Eragon assumed, were sat around it.
Jormundur and two other men, one tall, one broad, and two women, one with pinched lips, close-set eyes and elaborately painted cheeks, the second woman had an immense pile of gray hair above a matronly face, a look that was rather ruined by the dagger hilt poking out of the vast hills of her bodice.
"You may go" said Jormundur to Jarsha, who quickly bowed and left.
Eragon ignored their stares as he looked up at the dome of the room. It was rather pretty actually, a nice architectural feature. Then, bringing his gaze down, he eyed up the five before picking a chair, as none of them spoke he assumed they were waiting for him to sit, one in the middle of the swath of empty chairs, forcing the council members to turn in their seats to look at him.
Jormundur got halfway up to make a slight bow, then re-seated himself "Thank you for coming Eragon, even though you are no doubt tired and have suffered you own loss. This is Umerth" he gestured to the tall man "Falberd" the broad man "Sabrae and Elessari" the two women.
Eragon didn't even glance at them, keeping his eyes locked in Jormundur "Pleasure" he spoke to them at large, but there was clearly no pleasure in his cool tone.
The council members looked unsure at this, but Jormundur persevered "We face a crisis that must be dealt with quickly and effectively. If we don't choose Ajihad's successor, someone else will. Hrothgar has already contacted us to convey his condolences. While he was more than courteous, he is sure to be forming his own plans even as we speak."
The council nodded clearly they had heard this before.
"We must also consider the Du Vrangr Gata, the magic users. Most of them are loyal to the Varden, but it's difficult to predict their action even in the best of times. They might decide to oppose our authority for their own advantage."
Here Eragon saw his chance "And what authority do you hold?" he asked, his voice still the harsh, freezing cold tone.
Jormundur smiled unsurely "We are the people voice to the Varden, all of us hold authority in our own right and we support each other, but this council is only really an... advisory group."
"Oh? Then what makes you think you have the right to summon me?" his crimson eyes glowered at the assembled, who had all stiffened at his confrontational tone.
Jormundur moved quickly to diffuse the situation "That is my fault, not the councils, I sent you that message" he said calmly "However I assure you it was merely a request, I'm afraid in my haste I may have overstepped my bounds, forgive me."
He stood and bowed low, his nose nearly touching the table.
Eragon shrugged, watching him while showing little emotion "Try not to do it again... I don't like being ordered."
"Of course, my sincerest apologies, we merely sought your opinion and your... assistance to provide the legitimacy required by whoever is to take Ajihad's place."
Falberd heaved himself up, pressing his meat hands on the table to help him in that feat "The five of us have already decided whom to support. There is no doubt among us that it is the right person. But" he raised a chunky fingers "before we reveal who it is, you mus..." he paused to reconsider his wording, Eragon's earlier anger at being ordered fresh in his mind "Please would you give us your word of honour that whether you agree or disagree with us, nothing of our discussion will leave this room?"
Eragon frowned and looked down, resting his head on his knuckles, looking deep in thought.
'Not like I have an honour' he said to Saphira 'still you can tell whoever you want without me breaking my word, right?'
'Of course, foolish humans, forgetting I'm smarter than any of them.'
'More foolish for forgetting that words in this language aren't binding' "Alright, you have my word. Now who do you want to lead the Varden?"
"Nasuada."
Eragon raised an eyebrow in surprise, thinking of the young girl, attractive young girl, he reminded himself. He hadn't even considered her because she was so young, only a few years older than Eragon himself, but that wasn't a real reason for her to not lead.
But why did the council want her? What did they gain?
"Nasuada would be a good leader" he agreed calmly, the council smiled at this "like her father before her. But why not you Jormundur? Ajihad called you his right-hand man. Doesn't that mean that you should take his place now that he is gone?"
Unease trickled throughout the council, Sabrae sat even straighter, hands clasped before her, Umerth and Falberd shared a dark glance while Elessari just smiled, the dagger hilt jiggling on her chest.
Their unease made Eragon grin for the first time since entering.
"Because" said Jormundur slowly, picking his words very carefully "Ajihad was speaking in purely military terms at the time, nothing more. Also..."
"Of course, and for a rebel group, a mainly militant force, military terms mean nothing" Eragon said sarcastically greatly enjoying their unease.
Jormundur nodded, slowly "Perhaps, but I am a member of this council, which only has power because we support one another. It would be foolish and even dangerous for one of us to raise himself above the others."
The council relaxed and Elessari patted Jormundur on the forearm.
'Ha!' exclaimed Saphira triumphantly 'He probably would have taken power if it were possible to force the others to back him. Just look at how they eye him. He's like a wolf in their midst.'
'A wolf, huh? And the rest are what, hamsters?'
'I was thinking more jackals'
'Oh! Then thank fuck we have a dragon, eh. I mean that definitely beats a wolf and four jackals, right?'
'Naturally.'
"And what of experience, does she have the knowledge and skill required to handle the men?"
Saphira considered hitting him 'You purposefully made that sound dirty, didn't you?'
'Of course not, I wasn't talking about that sort of experience at all, Saphira, because I'd be happy to provide her with all the experience she needs in that area.'
Elessari pressed herself against the table's edge as she leaned forwards "I had already been here for seven years when Ajihad joined the Varden. I've watched Nasuada grow up from a darling girl to the woman she is. A trifle light-headed occasionally, but a good figure to lead the Varden. The people will love her. Now I," she patted herself affectionately on the bosom "and my friends here..."
It was actually a struggle to keep his face straight as she said that 'Friends?' he thought with amusement 'They're about as friendly as a pack of jackals, fighting over a scrap of meat.'
"...will be here to guide her through these troubled times. She will never be without someone to show her the way. Inexperience should be no barrier to taking her rightful position."
Eragon gazed at her disinterestedly 'They want a puppet.'
"Ajihad's funeral will be held in two days" Umerth broke in "Directly afterward, we plan to appoint Nasuada as our new leader. We have yet to ask her, but she will surely agree. We want you to be present at the appointing, no one, not even Hrothgar can complain about it then, and to swear fealty to the Varden. That will give back the confidence Ajihad's death has stolen from the people, and prevent anyone from try to splinter this organization."
'These foul little gods forsaken shits...' he screamed in his mind, his face a perfect facade of pensive thought 'They want my fealty, MY FEALTY!' they had tried to slip it in, as though it wasn't worthy of notice, but Eragon ignored nothi... well, a lot of things, but not something like that.
'Notice they don't want you to swear fealty to Nasuada, just to the Varden.'
'And with them appointing Nasuada the council would be seen as even more powerful than she is. They could have asked someone like Hrothgar, Arya or even me to appoint her, but that would mean acknowledging whoever did it as above everyone in the Varden. This way they assert superiority over Nasuada, gain control over us through fealty, and also get the benefit of having a Rider endorse Nasuada in public... um, Saphira?'
Saphira almost blinked, his inquiring tone as the end sounded almost nervous 'Yes?'
'What's fealty?'
'Oh, little one, it's a pledge of allegiance. Sometimes your stupidity does surprise even me, and I share your mind!'
'I'm a farm boy god damn it how am I supposed to know this courtly shit' Eragon glowered at the council through his now murderous crimson eyes "And if I decide... to decline your offer?"
"Offer?" Falberd asked, seeming puzzled "Why nothing, of course. Only it would be a terrible slight if you're not present when Nasuada is chosen. If the hero of the battle of Farthen Dur ignores her, what can she think but that a Rider had spited her and found the Varden unworthy to serve? Who could bear such a shame?"
The message was clear.
Eragon griped Zar'roc's pommel under the table. He wanted to rip them apart for even suggesting they should have power over him, for trying to force him to serve the Varden. And he was seriously contemplating doing so.
"Since the Riders are so highly though of I could decide that my efforts would be best spent guiding the Varden personally, no?"
The mood in the room hardened "That would be unwise" stated Sabrae.
Eragon chuckled, remembering something Arya had said to him, and his response "I'm not wise. But please, wise ones, tell me why would it not be wise? A dragon rider at the helm, would that be such a terrible thing. You said my fealty would provide the confidence lost by Ajihad's death, surely with me guiding them in these times their confidence would grow even greater."
He grinned menacingly as they all glared at him, none speaking. Those who stood strong, Eragon decided, would receive an honourable death. Those who ran would be utterly eviscerated.
"Still" he spoke, seeing that none of them were going to speak "Nasuada does sound like a fine leader" he agreed, his smile turning pleasant "I will agree to be at the appointment ceremony, to pay my respects to her father, and to congratulate her on taking in his footsteps... but..."
Words were whispered from his mouth, so quietly than he barely heard them himself, but it worked. A small pressure would be placed on the shoulders and lungs of the council, a pressure that would steadily increase.
It was purely for intimidation, nothing more. They would feel like his presence was suffocating them, not understanding what he was doing, and intimated them he would.
"Pledge my featly? You asked for my featly" he stared up at the ceiling as if in wonder, before bringing his gaze down, glaring at them with such force that they would never forget his crimson eyes "MY FEALTY?!"
He stood, resting his hands on the table "I bow to no one, not man, not dwarf, not elf, and not to the Varden!"
He increased the pressure, making sure they could physically feel it now "You fools, I was quite content to accept your apology for daring to summon me but then you had to go and do something stupid."
They stiffed and backed their chairs up as much as they unnoticeably could.
"You stupid imbeciles dare to ask for my featly, DO YOU?"
Silence met his question.
Eragon folded his arms, standing tall "What, no answers? No justification? NOTHING?"
Jormundur struggled to his feet "Shadeslayer... please, we only..."
"Shut up" Eragon's words were cold and Jormundur listened, dropping immediately into his seat.
"You ask for my featly" he started pacing around the table "You ask me to pledge myself to the Varden, to make myself a soldier to be ordered as you will? Ajihad did not command me, neither will you!"
'Eragon! Calm down!' Saphira shouted at him mentally, loud enough for him to wince, her panic clear. Eragon was close to killing them, all of them, and she feared the repercussions of such an act, strong he may be but an army against one man, even with a dragon, was suicidal for the man.
Eragon glared at her 'Why?'
'Their deaths would bring you little joy' she reminded him 'But many vengeances, I know you're angry right now, I know you grieve for Murtagh, but you must calm down' he gritted his teeth but listened all the same 'Now think, find a way to appease them, yet don't give them anything, make your peace and set their minds at ease.'
'Fine' he growled at her"Jormundur" he snapped, the man jumping to his feet as he was addressed and turning to face Eragon, who had stopped behind his chair "Did Ajihad tell you?"
Jormundur frowned, till Eragon lifted his hair, allowing his blood coloured eye to be seen in all their nightmarish glory.
The older man stared with nought but fear, utter and complete terror, then nodded very briefly and only as an incredibly slight tilt of his head.
"And did you tell anyone?"
"N-no, Ajihad ordered me not to tell anyone, I would not betray him" though shaky at first Jormundur tone soon gained conviction and Eragon knew he was telling the truth.
"Did he tell anyone else?"
"Hrothgar" he answered swiftly.
"Anyone else."
"Not that I know of."
"Good... less people I may have to kill" he mumbled, then brought his attention back to Jormundur "I would advise you to remember, when you stand before me, just who you stand before" Eragon smiled pleasantly.
"I will" Jormundur bowed his head.
"Good" Eragon continued his walk around the table coming back to the seat he had vacated. Saphira widened an eye at him as he approached, her version of raising an eyebrow.
'So what's your plan?'
'What makes you think I have a plan? I don't make plans.'
'No, but you have this time.'
He grinned, his back still turned on the council 'True, but it's a simple plan, I'm going to play their game.'
Smugness flowed from her mind into his, showing that she approved.
"You asked for my featly, my answer... no, I will not pledge my fealty to the Varden" they nodded relaxing as the weight pressing down on their shoulders slowly reduced "But you are right" he said, sitting down and leaning his head on his palm "The Varden must regain their lost moral, so I will agree to pledge my utter and complete loyalty instead."
They all blinked in shock, not at all understanding the fundamental difference between loyalty and fealty, then it turned to smiles, earlier fear forgotten as smugness took hold, they foolishly assumed they had won his power and strength no longer on their minds.
'You have the wit of a dragon, little one.'
'The vilest most corrupt dragon to ever exist, and given my partner is the purest, most beautiful dragon to ever exist I'd say we match up pretty well.'
"Shadeslayer" Jormundur stood "We must beg your forgiveness for trying to force you into such a pledge. We merely wish to ensure the survival of the Varden, please understand" Jormundur bowed his head again, the other stood and did the same, hiding their smiles. They were all confident in their victory, except one.
'I think I'll give him a merciful death either way' Eragon said to Saphira, looking carefully at the concealed frown on Jormundur's face. Eragon nodded at them a friendly smile on his face "Of course I understand! The survival of the Varden must come first, regardless of any... personal reservations on the matter."
"You will to forgive is truly great" said Jormundur with another bow.
'I never said I forgave them' Eragon thought, as they sat down. Saphira growled lightly in agreement.
"Then there is only one more thing before you leave, Nasuada's acceptance. There no reason to delay, with all of us here. I'll send for her immediately. And Arya too, we need the elves approval before making this decision public. It shouldn't be difficult to procure. Arya cannot go against our council and you, Eragon. She will have to agree with our judgement."
He stopped suddenly "Of course if there is something you need to do we could delay?" Jormundur was more courteous than before, but also more confident, so maybe Eragon was wrong.
It didn't matter either way though so Eragon shrugged "I've got nothing except for an eventual meet, greet and kill with Galbatorix on my plate right now. I'm sure I have some time."
Jormundur smiled at his antics, far more relaxed than but a few minutes ago when he looked ready to shit himself.
Jarsha was quickly sent off after Nasuada and Arya, and whilst they waited Eragon considered the table. Then the door opened.
Coming in first was Nasuada, chin held high and her eyes steady. Her embroidered gown was the deep shade of black, deeper even then her skin, broken only by a sash of royal purple than stretched from shoulder to hip.
Behind her was Arya, her stride lithe and smooth like that of a cat, and an openly awestruck Jarsha.
Eragon winked as their eyes met, and touched her mind with his own.
She flinched as he did so but opened her walls.
'I'll warn you now, these cunts are practically forcing me to give my loyalty to the Varden' he didn't explain the exacts of the situation, wanting to keep that to himself, and Saphira as well 'The council are being a wee bit brazen today. Anyway, accept Nasuada as the next leader or you'll be going against both me and the council, and that's not a good place to be, against me that is, don't know about these old fuckers.'
It took her a few moments to form a response 'Meet me in the library afterwards' she said emotionlessly showing him where to meet her, before retreating from the connection.
Jarsha was dismissed and Jormundur helped Nasuada into a seat whilst they spoke.
Arya stood some distance from the table.
"Arya" Jormundur acknowledged her with a nod, then concentrated on Nasuada "Nasuada, Daughter of Ajihad, the Council of Elders wishes to formally extend its deepest condolences for the loss you, more than anyone else, have suffered..."
"You have our personal sympathies as well" he added in a lower voice "We all know what it is like to have a family member killed by the empire."
"Thank you" murmured Nasuada, lowering her almond eyes.
She sat there, shy and demure, with an air of vulnerability that made Eragon want... to crush her.
'Why can't people be stronger, I wonder if this is what Brom felt when watching me after Garrow's death?' Saphira didn't answer, not that Eragon wanted her too.
Nasuada's demeanour was tragically different from that energetic and hot young woman, who had visited him and Saphira in the dragonhold before the battle, and it was utterly pathetic, and a real turn off.
"Although this is your time of mourning, a quandary exists that you must resolve. This council cannot lead the Varden. And someone must replace your father after the funeral."
'Gods above, and below, and behind, left, right and forwards, he's taking his damn time' Eragon said to Saphira once again receiving only silence in answer 'You're very talkative today, aren't you?'
"We ask that you receive the position. As his heir it is rightfully yours. The Varden expects it of you."
'HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O, Saphiiiiiira, you there?' still no reply 'Come on, answer me baby.'
'Eragon' she said sternly 'Shut up.'
Nasuada bowed her head, her eyes wet with emotion. Grief was rampant in her voice as she spoke "I never thought I would be called upon to take my father's place so soon. Yet... if you insist it is my duty... I will embrace the office."
'Are you on your period Saphira, you're certainly giving off all the bitchy symptoms.'
... I don't know what to say here, I used up everything up at the top.
OH! If you spot any mistakes in this fic... keep 'em to yourself. If you really can't figure out what its supposed to mean however feel free to send me the entire sentence, the whole sentence specifically, not the whole paragraph and not just the words you don't get, and if you have an account, and are signed in, I'll PM a response and if its bad enough possibly change it. I probably won't I'm a lazy son of a bitch, actually I'm not I'm a lazy person, the other was offensive to my mother.
Well toodles.