CH2

***TWO DAYS LATER***

Having just seen off Arya and Fírnen with Roran, Katrina and Ismira in tow, Eragon now had to say his own goodbyes. At least everyone I want to say goodbye to is already in this courtyard, he said to Saphira, that'll make things a lot easier. He didn't get a reply, only a sense of sadness that Eragon assumed was from having to part with Fírnen.

He said farewell to Jeod first. "If we find anything interesting in the other lands I'll be sure to make a note of it and send it to you. Maybe you can add to Domia abr Wyrda." Jeod's reply was to hug Eragon and a muffled "Thank you" could be heard.

Next he said goodbye to Angela and Solembum. "You know, when we eventually find a place for the Riders to settle, you are both more than welcome to come anytime you like. We will always have room for you." Turning to Solembum, he said, "Any and all werecats are welcome." Looking back to Angela, he added with a grin, "And I don't think I will need to give you directions, you always seem to find your own way!"

"For once, Blockhead, you're right," she answered, with a twinkle in her eye, "And I think that I may take you up on your offer one day, although I have to watch over Elva for the next few years, make sure she doesn't cause any mischief. It would certainly be interesting to see the home of the Riders. The next time I see you, you'd better have some interesting tales to tell. Remember Blockhead, avoid purple rabbits and watch out for toads. Goodbye!" And with that, she promptly turned heel and sauntered away, humming cheerily.

Shadeslayer, Eragon looked down, I thank you for your offer. I shall tell my kin. I am sure that some of them will find their way to you throughout the years. Remember Eragon Kingkiller, that duty is done for the good of the people and it is ever changing. With that, the werecat got up and followed after Angela.

Thank you Solembum, Eragon sent after the receding figure.

Eragon readied himself for his final goodbye, the toughest one. Nasuada.

"My Lady, I know you still mourn Murtagh," Nasuada looked up at him, tears in her eyes, "I mourn him too. He was my best friend and then my brother, and I loved him. I have an idea of what happened between the two of you, and I am sorry. But I think you should know that Murtagh would want you to live your life to the fullest. He died for you, for me, for all of Alagaesia. He died so that we could have a future, and you should make the most of yours. Do not forget him, but move on in your life and be happy, for him. He will not be forgotten. I swear it. The Riders will remember Murtagh and Thorn."

"Thank you Eragon," Nasuada whispered.

"You are welcome, my Queen. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a need. I will return to this land, do not worry about that. I have faith that you will lead the kingdom well, and when I return I expect it will have entered into a Golden Age. Goodbye my Lady."

"Goodbye Eragon. Safe travels."

As he turned away to walk towards Saphira, Eragon said privately, Jormundur, keep her safe. She will need a friend these next few months.

Of course, Shadeslayer .Farewell.

Farewell Jormundur.

Eragon went over the saddle-bags one more time and then leaped up on to Saphira's back.He fastened his legs on to the saddle using the leather straps. Are you ready, partner-of-my-heart?

I am, Little One. Let us be off. With a roar, Saphira launched herself into the air, driving her wings downward and causing the people below to shield their eyes against the clouds of dust that had arisen. Once in the sky, Saphira angled herself northeast and began to fly.

A few minutes later and the castle appeared on the horizon. Not long after and Saphira was touching down outside the gate. Just as Eragon was getting down, Blodhgarm came out with two other elves.

"Shadeslayer," came the greeting.

"Blodhgarm! How are you? Has there been any progress?"

"I am well Shadeslayer. There have been some minor improvements in a small number of Eldunarí. Most have to be kept asleep as they are so damaged they attack everything when awake."

A vast conscious touched every mind. What Galbatorix did was monstrous. Death was too kind for that vile creature.

I agree Ebrithil, Eragon said to Glaedr, but he is gone now and we must put right all his wrongs.

Well put, young one, came a thought from Umaroth.

Thank you, Master.

"Blodhgarm, I have news to give you, and then I have a request." Eragon proceeded to tell Blodhgarm of his plans to explore the other lands and then establish the Riders. "Here is my request; will you and the others with you take guardianship of the Eldunarí while I am gone?"

A look of pride came upon the faces of the elves. "Shadeslayer, we are honoured by your trust in us. I think I speak not only for myself, but for everyone here, when I accept your offer and say that we will guard the Eldunarí with our lives," Blodhgarm replied. The two elves with him fervently nodded, with looks of joy upon their faces.

"Thank you Blodhgarm," Eragon said gratefully. "I have one more request; that you leave this castle and take the Eldunarí with you to Du Weldenvarden. That is the safest place in Alagaesia for them while I am gone. I suggest somewhere outside Ellesmera, somewhere isolated, that is easily defensible. I would like you to continue the work you have started, and if you need any help you may allow ten others to assist you, but no more than that. Ask only those whom you trust with your life, and enquire if they would like to help the race of dragons. If they wish to, and I am sorry to have to do this, but before they are told anything about the Eldunarí, they must have their minds checked by you, Blodhgarm, only you, and they must swear not to tell anyone about the Eldunarí. Even if you trust them beyond doubt. It is one secret that must remain a secret. The Queen is allowed to see the Eldunarí if she wishes, she is not included in the ten. I will also give you a mirror bound to mine so that I may communicate with you on my travels. This will be possible due to the taking down of certain wards around the forest to allow for more communication between the races."

"Very well Shadeslayer. We will do as you suggest, I am sure we will all enjoy returning to the Great Forest. We will take every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of the dragons, there is no higher honour."

Saphira lowered her snout so it was level with Blodhgarm, Thank you, furry pointed-ear two-legs.

You are most welcome, Bjartskular.

"Blodhgarm, I shall see you in Ellesmera in a week. Farewell."

"Farewell Shadeslayer, farewell Bjartskular."

Eragon turned and jumped on to Saphira's back. He was hardly in the saddle before she took off, flapping hard to gain height and then wheeling around so she was facing northwest, towards Lake Flam and the urgal settlements.

Flying at a leisurely pace, they camped for one night on the great plain, Saphira hunting while Eragon prepared his vegetable broth, then curling up together to go to sleep.

Late the next afternoon, they arrived at the urgal settlement. The urgals insisted on throwing a feast in honour of 'Firesword and Flametongue.' With a drink even stronger than the dwarves' best mead, Saphira got quite drunk indeed.

The next morning, with a pounding head and a bruised body, Eragon presented his ideas for both the Games and the Riders to the Herndall, the council of dams.

The Games they were eager for, but the offer to become Riders shocked them into silence. Not knowing how to take this, Eragon stood nervously, rocking on the balls of his feet, until Nar Garzhvog said, "Firesword, you do not know how much this means to my people. If you do this, you will be the greatest friend we have ever had. We will sing your song to our young and they will never forget. We are forever in your debt."

Overcome by this show of gratitude, Eragon said simply, "You will never be in my debt. I am simply doing what should have been done long ago." They proceeded to work out some of the details, with more to be confirmed in the future. Before he left, Eragon also gave the urgals an enchanted mirror, bound to his like all the others. "If you ever need to contact me," he said, "get your magician to scry me through this.

Soon after, Saphira and Eragon were back in the air, rising above the urgal encampment to the sound of urgals and kull bellowing in farewell. Saphira responded with a bone-rattling roar.

Arya and Fírnen won't arrive in Ellesmera for at least four days. Let us take our time and enjoy our homeland before we explore the unknown.

As you say Little One, but then we go to see my mate, Eragon could sense feelings of lust through their connection and the tips of his ears turned red, and the one you want to be mates with. At this, Eragon's entire face turned crimson, and he could hear draconic laughter both with his ears and in his mind.

AN

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