Disclaimer: The Inheritance Cycle belongs to Christopher Paolini.
Summary: Post Brisingr. Much hope is lost for the Varden after the death of Oromis and Glaedr. That is, until a mysterious ally appears. But can a total stranger be trusted? Aid is offered in their most hardest of times, and the Varden is desperate, but is being influenced by a person who they know nothing about worth the risk?
Please Review to let me know if I should continue with this story.
Last time on Dawn of a New Era:
'Lady Nasuada, there is a visitor for you. A visitor, whom is not one of us.' he confided in her.
He then proceeded to walk out and lift the tent flaps to allow whoever Nasuada's unexpected visitor was to let themselves in.
Nasuada hurriedly returned to her seat at the back of the area, sat down and regained a dignified composure. She tried her best not to show her thoughts as her guest walked beyond the entrance and approached her.
Obviously she was taught manners, as she stopped and bowed, waiting for Nasuada's approval before saying anything.
The leader of the Varden herself was speechless at the person before her. She was a young girl seeming to be indefinitely younger than Nasuada herself, most likely no more than eighteen years of age. It wasn't her youth that amazed Nasuada the most, it was the way she carried herself, full of confidence and determination, and wisdom beyond her years.
Her physical appearance was also quite bizarre not common in humans. She was not tall, but not short either, and from what could be judged, had quite unblemished pale skin. She possessed long locks of golden brown hair that was twisted a hundred ways into a delicate hairstyle, held by a platinum circlet. Her eyes were the most peculiar of all; they were silver-grey, almost white.
Aside from that, her clothing, it was like nothing Nasuada had seen in her lifetime. She wore a long loose white linen dress, tightened at her waist by a thick silver belt. It was also noted that she had donned long white leggings underneath her dress, which was definitely not common amongst the Varden, or the women of Surda. Her white woollen riding boots were also unique amongst the usually leather riding boots worn by most of Alagaesia. Especially as it was not the snowing season, it was strange that she had also equipped a pair of white leather gloves. White symbolised purity, and every garment this girl was wearing emphasised it.
A sheathed sword also hung at her hip, but many women carried weapons around in this time of great danger, so it was not quite suspicious.
Nasuada realised she had been swimming around her own thoughts for a while too long. She studied the girl again before addressing her.
'What is the purpose of your audience today?' she asked, as she would do with anyone else.
A ghost of a smile seemed to appear on the girl's lips before disappearing.
'Lady Nasuada, the brave and mighty leader of the Varden are you not. I believe congratulations are in order for your latest triumph at Feinster, though I must profess too many injuries on your side had occurred. I also offer my sympathies for the death of your father; though I know quite a time has passed.' Her voice was soft but clear.
Nasuada's eyes visibly widened at this. How could a mysterious stranger possess so much knowledge about the happenings within the Varden? As far as she was concerned, no one knew how many of their troops had been injured, and the Varden was mostly a myth amongst most people. Nasuada continued in her long silence so the girl resumed speaking.
'Your father was a great man, as great a leader as your mother was a warrior. She is someone I truly admire, and it seems you carry many of their traits within you.' she let out a smile at this, as if recalling a happy time that had passed.
This caused the other woman to frown. No one knew about her mother, she was sure of it. Even she knew only what her father had told her and the little fragments of memories of times as an infant. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and she paused for a while yet, deciding her response. Caution, caution was the key here.
'It is evident you know all about me, yet I know nothing about you. So I do expect you to explain something, anything to me.' she whispered lethally, her hand resting on her dagger.
This only caused the other girl to smirk.
'I have great respect for you my lady, but I wish you no harm. There is no need for so much precaution is there?' she questioned mockingly.
'It is inappropriate to speak to the leader of the Varden like this is it not? Have you come here to only mock me? Because if that is the case, I am politely asking you to leave now. ' Nasuada responded, her apparent anger already evident.
'Questions, questions, so many questions. Unfortunately for you my lady, I cannot answer them all.' she replied calmly, as opposed to Nasuada's frustration.
'How dare she speak to me in the way she does. She is nothing but a mere girl, most likely a spy for the enemy. I should have her arrested, but I will force more answers out of her before doing so,' Nasuada thought to herself.
'Tongue tied are we my lady, you are so different when fighting of course. I didn't think you could be so easily at a loss for words,' she jested.
'Heed my warning girl, you should not address me like this. It may only end badly for you. Rudeness will not be tolerated here, towards me or any of my subjects. Here is one further thing, if indeed you are a spy for the empire I suggest you surrender now and be spared, or you will meet your death within the hour.' Nasuada knew those were harsh words to speak to a girl who was still so small in age, but for the good of her people she had no choice.
To her utter surprise, the young maiden let out a stream of laughter.
'My lady, you have no idea what you are talking about. On another note, I have even less of an idea what your ramblings centre around,' she stated.
Nasuada had almost had enough. How dearly she wished she had someone to back her up at this time.
'You should leave now, before I do something I may regret,' she warned.
'Speaking of leaving, I was just about to do so. But I will be back. In two days time, before sunrise, I will be here, and I wish to speak with your infamous dragon rider, Eragon. I will not be late, and you will be waiting for me.' The girl turned to leave.
'Oh and by the way, you can call me Evelyn.'
And with that, Evelyn strode gracefully out of the tent, disappearing from view, leaving a very angered and confused Nasuada.
Next Time on Dawn of a New Era:
'Fear me not, for I am your friend, though I profess Eragon, I would much rather be more than just your friend.'
Thank you for reading.
iDaringx3
