Chapter 2: Glimmer of Hope

Eragon stood outside of his tent conversing with Saphira. It was early in the morning, but a messenger had arrived just a moment before and requested his, Saphira's, Arya's, and even Roran's presence at a meeting that was to be held within the hour. He had grumbled to Saphira about how he had wanted to go and visit Roran to catch up, not meet him in the castle for a war meeting that was likely to put him back to sleep. If there was one flaw in Nasuada's leadership, it was that she clearly did not know how to conduct a semi-interesting meeting.

In his mind Saphira said, The meeting will start within the hour. I'm going to fly around until you and Arya are ready.

Enjoy yourself. I suppose I'll wake Arya up. He scratched his head and looked back towards the entrance of her tent. It's strange that she isn't up yet. She is usually awake before me.

It must be a conspiracy. She has decided to rest for once, Saphira said sarcastically. With a snort, she jumped into the sky and soared in a massive loop high above, showing off her talents to those who were awake at the early hour.

Eragon shook his head and walked over to Arya's tent. He knocked on the pole, but received no response. He glanced to either side, and then entered uncertainly.

The inside of her tent was identical to his own except for the sleeping elf lying in the bed. What surprised him, however, was the fact that Arya was twisting and turning in her sleep. She was either having a very unhappy dream, or a nightmare. He approached her cautiously and gently shook her shoulder.

Arya instantly reacted, whipping a dagger from beneath her pillow and slicing at Eragon. He caught her wrist effortlessly, perturbed by her violent reaction. Her arm shook briefly in his grip, attempting to free itself, but then it went limp as he met her gaze.

Eragon took the dagger from her now loose grip, examining the blade. The dagger was long and narrow with an elegantly shaped curve in the blade. The craftsmanship was unmistakably elvish. "Nice," he said, handing it back to her hilt first.

Arya accepted her weapon, looking rather embarrassed as she did so. "I apologize for my actions. I thought you were someone else."

"Who were you expecting?"

Eragon noted how Arya closed her eyes to keep from laughing at his joke. It was evident that she was hiding something from him. Continuing as if he hadn't asked anything, she said, "You startled me, that's all."

"Arya, you were twisting and turning in your sleep. Are you sure you're alright?"

Her lips curved in a faint smile. "Yes, now. Even elves have bad dreams sometimes."

She's hiding something, Eragon muttered to Saphira.

And you're not likely to learn what it is right now. Remember, you are there on a mission.

Ah, yes. Almost getting stabbed has a way of making you forget such things.

He gave Arya a nod in response to her half-truth, and then said, "Nasuada called for a meeting. I'm not sure why she decided to hold it so early, but we should be on our way." Arya yawned widely, nodding as she did so. The sight was so odd, especially for her, that he had to ask, "Is anything wrong? You normally don't sleep in at all."

"Well, I didn't sleep yesterday." She eyed him oddly. "Neither did you, aren't you tired?"

He shrugged. "I don't sleep much anymore, a few hours a night if I'm lucky."

"Are you alright?" the concern was evident in her tone.

With a nod he said, "Come, we can discuss our sleeping habits later. Nasuada is waiting." He could tell that she wanted to pursue the topic, but she let it go, probably because he had let the topic of her nightmare go.

Arya motioned to the leggings and shirt on the floor beside the bed. "If you could give me a moment to get dressed…" Eragon's cheeks flushed red. He hadn't realized that Arya was only in her undergarments. In all previous occasions she had slept with something more concealing on. He quickly excused himself and left the tent, waiting outside patiently.

It took her only a moment to emerge from the tent wearing her normal black leather. Eragon nodded at her, and they began walking towards the castle's entrance, which was only several paces from their tents. Blödhgarm and two other elves accompanied him and Arya, while the other nine stood guard outside the building and near the tents.

They arrived at the main room of the castle and exchanged glances, both remembering what had happened the day before. The Nighthawks let them into Nasuada's chamber without a word. Inside there was a large circular table with several people sitting around it. Amongst them Eragon recognized King Orrin, Roran, Nar Garzhvog, and Jörmundur. There were several other human advisers and a second Urgal that he did not recognize. Queen Islanzadi and King Orik were displayed in mirrors at the end of the table.

The room grew quiet as he and Arya entered. There were only two empty chairs remaining, one to the right of Nasuada and one beside the first. He quickly made his way to his chair, doing his best to ignore the gazes of everyone in the room. Eragon sat down just as Saphira landed in the massive hole in the wall. Maybe that's why Nasuada picked this room for her meetings, he thought. There is already an opening for Saphira.

Saphira crawled into the room slowly and settled behind Eragon. As she folded her wings she clipped Arya on the back as the elf was trying to sit next to Eragon, knocking her into his lap. He quickly helped her up, doing his best to appear emotionless about the situation. In his mind he heard the echo of Saphira's thoughts, Oops, sorry Arya.

Nasuada didn't give Arya a chance to respond, and instead said, "Now that we are all here we can begin." Eragon leaned back in his chair, fighting the urge to yawn. From the hole in the wall he noticed that the sun was just barely creeping over the horizon and bringing light to the world. "I think it would be a good idea to summarize our recent battle, as we have yet to confirm or deny any of the rumors that surround what occurred yesterday morning."

(Time Skip)**

Eragon yawned and stretched his arms above his head. He was standing outside the castle with Roran and Arya. His guards were a few paces away chatting amongst themselves. The morning meeting had just ended after several long hours of strenuous deliberations.

"You know, you should try to act a bit more interested next time. I think Nasuada was frustrated with you," said Arya with a frown.

He smiled at her. "Acting more interested wouldn't affect how boring it is, so I don't see the point. At least she knows where I stand." He noticed her expression change from a frown to a small smile.

Her mood soured a moment later and she looked down. "I need to go contact the Queen and talk to her about the Shade…and Oromis and Glaedr's deaths." She turned and started to walk away. Eragon wasn't sure if it happened on purpose, or if it was an accident, but her hand caught his. She paused. A moment later she continued walking, her hand dropping to her side.

Roran approached Eragon as he watched her go. He murmured, "Is she alright? She seemed sadder than usual."

"She was close to Oromis and Glaedr," said Eragon. During the meeting he and Arya had been forced to recount the tale of how they fought Varaug, and he had also been forced to discuss Oromis and Glaedr. Apart from that, only two other things were decided. The Varden would take Belatona before winter and wait in the city for the weather to pass. There was also going to be a celebration the following evening to boost morale and celebrate the victory at Feinster.

He returned to himself as Roran placed a hand on his shoulder. He asked, "Do you have a few minutes to spare?"

"Of course," Eragon replied. "What do you need?"

"Katrina and I wanted to talk to you about something. She'll be at our tent preparing."

Do you mind? Eragon asked Saphira. I know we didn't get to fly together yesterday.

We can fly after, as long as this is as fast as Roran has made it out to be.

"Alright, let's go."

Roran led Eragon out of the castle, through the city, and to the Carvahall section of the Varden's camp. Saphira trudged along next to Eragon, their guards following a discreet distance behind.

They walked mostly in silence, although Eragon and Roran did exchange a few words about the meeting. He was pleased to learn that Roran was equally bored by the proceedings, although he didn't show it nearly as much as Eragon did.

When they arrived at the Carvahall tents, Eragon found himself greeting many of his childhood acquaintances. He even had to refuse several offers to dine or hunt.

Katrina was attempting to muscle a long table into an upright position as they arrived at Roran's tent. The table was far too large for her...or any human to move. He walked past Roran, placed a hand beside where Katrina was heaving, and effortlessly flipped the solid wood table, causing a slight tremor in the nearby ground as it landed.

The golden haired woman spun around in shock. Her expression relaxed as she realized it was Eragon that had assisted her.

She smiled at Eragon, and gave Roran a quick hug and a kiss before turning back to Eragon and saying, "Thank you, Eragon. That blasted thing wouldn't budge for me."

Eragon twisted his hand over his sternum. "Anytime."

"What does that mean?" Katrina asked, referring to the gesture he had made.

Eragon shrugged. "It's an elvish courtesy gesture, symbolic for loyalty. Arya taught me it when we traveled to Ellesméra so that I wouldn't appear like an idiot before the Queen, but it also has many less formal applications."

"I see." Katrina shook her head like a dog trying to rid itself of a flee. "Never mind that; I had Roran bring you here because we had an idea while you were away and wanted to do it as soon as we had time when you returned."

"Do tell."

"A few months ago, Nasuada held a dinner for you with some of your friends. We had the idea to do the same, except with all of Carvahall. We really don't get to see you much anymore."

Eragon gave her a smile. "That would be wonderful. I have a difficult time finding ways to spend time with my old friends due to how...different I am now. This sounds like a perfect idea."

Katrina clapped her hands. "Good, good, because I already started the preparations. Be here tonight before sundown."

"Tonight!" Eragon exclaimed.

"Well yes, is that a problem?"

"No, no," Eragon said quickly. "I just thought it would take longer to prepare, and it is quite sudden."

Katrina winked at him. "As I said, we've been planning it for some time. The other women of the village are going to help."

"I'd like to help out as well," he offered.

No you wouldn't, Saphira corrected in his thoughts. We are flying today. What you do this evening is up to you.

Eragon laughed. "Sorry, disregard that. Saphira is insistent that we fly today."

"Do not trouble yourself. Everything shall be prepared by sundown. All I need of you is a list of anyone extra you plan to invite. Goodness knows you must have made a few friends since leaving us."

He laughed. "Not as many as you might think. I've realized an ugly truth about growing more powerful and influential."

"Which is?" Roran asked after Eragon did not continue.

With a sigh, he said, "You have those who wish to use you, and those you wish to use. Friends are a rarity."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Katrina said.

Eragon shook his head, laughing. "Don't be. The upside is that when you do make friends, they are good friends."

"And which of these good friends will be coming..." she prompted.

"All of my guards will be present one way or another. I'd much prefer them to attend as guests, as I consider them all to be friends at this point."

"We would be honored," Blödhgarm said with a bow, speaking for all the elves. Eragon gave him a nod.

"Also, I'd like to invite Jeod and Helen, who you obviously know. Other than that, there's just Nasuada and Arya."

"Nasuada?" Katrina asked. Eragon noted that she spoke the name angrily, as if she had a grudge with the leader of the Varden.

"If that's a problem-"

"No," Roran jumped in. "Just a bit unexpected."

"Enough chit-chat," Katrina demanded. "Roran, come. We have lots of work to do to set up for this. Eragon, we can take care of inviting Jeod and Nasuada if you can take care of Arya. I doubt she'd accept a visit from any of us in the first place."

Eragon chuckled. "Alright, and have I remembered to thank you for being so kind?"

Katrina smiled. "No need to thank family, now go!"

"Wait!" Roran insisted. "I have one more issue for you, Eragon." Eragon gestured for him to continue. "Out of all the villagers, I'm the only one that has seen you fight since you became a Rider, and that wasn't even with a sword. Frankly, the villagers are curious to see how proficient you truly are. Stories have been told about your epic duel with Arya in Farthen Dûr, which was before you even were changed into an elf. Could you fight her again? In front of the village?"

Eragon hesitated. He wasn't sure if Arya would even agree to come to the feast. He said, "I can't promise anything, but I'll see what I can do. If she doesn't come I can duel one of my guards."

"Thank you," Roran said, looking excited. "Go on, I know you have things to do. Be back here in a few hours and we'll have everything ready."

Eragon almost laughed at how she and Roran hurried him away, along with Saphira. Before he left he turned to Blödhgarm and said, "I'm going to go inform Arya, and then spend the day flying with Saphira. I know I can't order you to, but if you don't mind could you and the other elves help out Roran and Katrina if they need it?" Blödhgarm nodded, his mane rippling.

As Eragon and Saphira walked away from the scene, she said in his mind. This sounds like it could be fun.

Of course, I haven't really had the chance to see my old friends or even acquaintances since we fled Carvahall. This should be a good way to take my mind off of Oromis and Glaedr.

There had better be enough meat for me.

I'm sure the elves will attend to it.

And mead too.

Eragon shook his head.

It didn't take long before he found himself standing outside Arya's tent. He rapped his knuckles on the middle support post. "Who is it?" came her musical voice from inside.

"Eragon."

"Come in." He pushed the flap aside and walked inside. The tent hadn't changed at all since that morning, except that Arya was awake and sitting up on her bed, weaving a small basket. "What is it, Eragon? I didn't expect to see you again until later today or tomorrow." Her raven her was blocking his view of her face, so he couldn't gauge her mood properly.

"Roran and Katrina are having a feast with the village of Carvahall and I came to invite you."

She set the basket aside and stood up to face him. With a hint of a smile she said, "I'll come on one condition. I do not know any of your friends, so I'd appreciate being seated next to you or your guard." She hesitated. "Our guards."

Eragon laughed softly. "Of course, Arya. There was…one other thing." She motioned for him to continue. "Roran wants us to duel, as we did in Farthen Dûr, so that the villagers can see how powerful I have become. I've wanted a rematch with you for some time anyway, so it works out perfectly."

"I accept, of course. I have wanted to test myself against your abilities as an elf. I expect the outcome will still be the same, but maybe you'll put up a better fight this time," she teased.

"You might be surprised," said Eragon. "In any event I am going to fly with Saphira for the day until the feast starts. If you want, Saphira and I can fly by and pick you up on our way there."

"That would be fine. Have a good time," she said absentmindedly, clearly thinking about something else.

Eragon exited her tent and let the flap fall closed behind him. Saphira landed in front of him gracefully. The suns rays reflected off of her shining scales, making it seem like she was almost glowing. Smiling at her radiance, Eragon quickly strapped himself into the saddle.

The moment he was secured, Saphira leaped into the sky, flapping furiously to gain altitude quickly. She banked to the side and began a slow spiral downward, breaking out of it after a few revolutions.

Eragon reveled in the experience of flying as Saphira performed her aerial acrobatics. Together they were the ultimate rulers of the sky, free to do whatever they wanted. He took the opportunity to speak with Saphira about all that had happened in the past few days. During their conversation Saphira made an intriguing observation. But, she said, Vrael and the other lead riders did not use the Eldunarí to enhance their own strength, yet they were many times stronger than the average rider. How is it that they were so powerful?

Wouldn't Oromis have told us about how they were so powerful? It seems to me that the stronger riders ended up with higher ranks in the order.

Mm, Saphira agreed. What if it was something that even Oromis didn't know of? We can be fairly certain that Galbatorix's source of power is indeed the hearts of dragons, so if such a power exists he has no knowledge of it either.

Perhaps it was known by only the leader of the riders? Eragon suggested.

If that's true we should ask Glaedr about it when he comes around. He might not know exactly what it is, but he could help us find it.

I agree. It seems as if we might have discovered a possible way to grow stronger. Assuming that this power exists, if we could but find it we may be able to match Galbatorix on the field of battle.

I look forward to the day, but take care not to get your hopes up too much. It could very well just be exactly like you said; the stronger riders were given more prominent positions, cautioned Saphira.

True, Eragon said, some of the excitement fading from his voice. Saphira did a shallow dive down towards the Varden and glided low over the city, allowing her presence to be known and appreciated.

As she reached the outskirts Eragon noticed that Roran and Katrina had nearly finished setting up the feast with the help of their guards. He also noticed that the sun was quickly beginning to fade into the horizon. One more dive? He asked Saphira.

She roared enthusiastically.