A/N: Look at my profile for more information about what I'm doing now; sorry, guys, but don't get too excited.
The next day found Eragon and Yuna sitting side by side at a stone table, eating lunch. Saphira and Arget were settled across them, each ripping into a haunch of what might have been a deer.
"Mm, by the way, you are very entertaining when you're drunk," Yuna said, laughing at his expense. Eragon's eyes grew suspicious but he groaned.
"What did I do?" he asked, already regretting his words. Yuna laughed again.
"Not much... Told me that you loved me... Twice," she said, her green eyes dancing. Eragon paused, thinking for a moment, before shrugging, taking Yuna by surprise.
"Glad to know I didn't do anything I wouldn't do sober," he said calmly, stabbing at a mushroom with a fork. Yuna's eyes widened slightly and Eragon looked up at, his eyes sincere. He took her hand, a smile on his face. "Yunalesca ei Caine, I love you."
Yuna beamed, pulling him closer and bringing his lips to hers. After moment, Arget rumbled with laughter and the two broke apart.
What? Yuna asked tiredly.
Turn around, Arget laughed. Yuna did and blushed. Jarsha stood behind them, staring at his feet awkwardly.
"Yes?" Eragon asked, smirking towards Yuna.
"Nasuada would like to see you, sir, ma'am. She's waiting in her father's study," he reported, stumbling over his words slightly. Eragon glanced at Saphira as Yuna looked to Arget.
Are you almost done?
He snorted but flicked the rest of the venison into his mouth with his barbed tongue.
I'm done, he said, getting to his feet.
"Alright," Eragon said as Saphira also finished her food. "You can go, Jarsha. We know the way."
"Yes, sir," he nodded before scurrying away. When he had vanished, the four began the long trek to the study. It took nearly half an hour to reach the room thanks to the sheer size of Tronjheim. When they arrived, they were surprised to see that, instead of the two men that had guarded it during Ajihad's reign, an entire squad of warriors stood at the door. They barred the way and alerted Nasuada to their presence, alert for any form of danger.
There was a single change in the study. A small vase of purple flowers rested on the desk close to the edge. The flowers were not immediately noticeable, but they effused a warm summery air into the room. Nasuada was seated at the broad desk, still dressed in mourning clothes.
"Eragon. Yuna." She was neither hostile nor friendly in her acknowledgement. She turned away briefly before her eyes focused on Yuna. "I have debated the wisdom of telling you what I am about to say, Yuna, for I have no illusions of control with you. You are a free agent in the eyes of the Varden but, since you wish for Galbatorix's downfall as well, I've decided to include you in this meeting."
"I appreciate your trust. I shall not betray it," Yuna vowed, knowing that it must have been a difficult choice for the new leader. Nasuada was silent for a moment before speaking.
"I have spent the last few days reviewing the Varden's affairs, such as they are. It was a dismal exercise. We are poor, overextended, and low on supplies, and few recruits are joining us from the Empire. I mean to change that.
"The dwarves cannot support us much longer, as it's been a lean year for farming and they've suffered losses of their own. Considering this, I have decided to move the Varden to Surda. It's a difficult proposition, but one I believe necessary to keep us safe. Once in Surda, we will finally be close enough to engage the Empire directly."
"It would also have the added benefit of convincing the Council that you are not one to be trifled with. If you succeed, you'll have the Varden's loyalty and Surda's strength and people behind you," Yuna reasoned aloud. Nasuada nodded.
"I thought King Orrin didn't dare oppose Galbatorix," Eragon protested. Nasuada smiled grimly.
"His stance has changed since we defeated the urgals. He will shelter and feed us and fight by our side. Many Varden are already in Surda, mainly women and children who couldn't or wouldn't fight. They will also support us, else I will strip our name from them."
"How did you communicate with King Orrin so quickly?" Eragon asked curiously.
"The dwarves use a system of mirrors and lanterns to relay messages through their tunnels. They can send a dispatch from here to the western edge of the Beor Mountains in less than a day. Couriers then transport it to Aberon, capitol of Surda. Fast as it is, that method is still too slow when Galbatorix can still manage to surprise us with an army of urgals. I intend to arrange something far more expedient between Du Vrangr Gata and Hrothgar's magicians before we go."
Nasuada opened a desk drawer, taking out a thick scroll.
"The Varden will depart Farthen Dûr within the month. Hrothgar has agreed to provide us safe passage through the tunnels. Moreover, he sent a fore to Orthíad to remove the last vestiges of urgals and seal the tunnels so no one can invade the dwarves by that route again. As this may not be enough to guarantee the Varden's survival, I have a favor to ask of you."
Both nodded. They had expected something along the lines of a request or order.
"I am yours to command," Eragon said. Yuna shrugged.
"I trust your judgment. What will you have me do?"
"Perhaps... In any case, this is not a command, and I want both of you to think carefully before replying. To help rally support for the Varden, I wish to spread word throughout the Empire that two new riders- named Eragon Shadeslayer and Yunalesca Farseer- and their dragons Saphira and Arget have joined our cause. I would like your permission before doing so, however."
"Farseer?" Yuna asked, amused by the name. Nasuada shrugged.
"We could not have one of you without a title befitting a rider. Brom was right to say that true premonitions are rare. If you continue to have these visions such as the one which warned you of the urgal attack, this war could be won simply because we stay aware of our situation."
"I suppose," Yuna nodded slowly.
It is a dangerous gamble... We've never made it clear that we are against the king, Arget reminded Yuna. Her lips quirked into a wry smile.
We haven't exactly done anything to say otherwise.
Even so. As long as we remain ambiguous, he won't know what to do.
I do not think it will make much of a difference. More likely than not, he's been waiting to get his hands on us ever since he heard of you.
Yes, but that does not mean that he wishes to kill us.
Either way, he would have us killed once he's sure that we have no information about where your egg came from, Yuna shot back. Arget's tail twitched.
If it comes to that, it will be too late for both of us... It seems the wisest choice to along Nasuada continue with her plan. We may only hope to avoid capture.
Thank you, Yuna smiled before turning to Nasuada, only to find Eragon already giving his consent.
"Arget and I have also reached an agreement. If you think this will help to rally support for the Varden, go ahead."
"Thank you. I know it is a lot to ask, especially since you are not officially bound to the Varden," Nasuada said, nodding to Yuna. "Now, as we discussed before the funeral, I expect you to travel to Ellesméra and complete your training."
"With Arya?" Eragon asked.
"Of course. It is a good thing that Arya got her message to Queen Islanzadí. From what I heard, the elves placed wards around the forest to prevent any thought, item, or being enter it through arcane means. I am curious to know how she managed it. But more importantly, I am glad that Islanzadí agreed to support us still. The spellcasters will be much appreciated, and needed, when they arrive."
Nasuada passed the scroll to Eragon, who noticed that it was stamped with a wax sigil.
"This is a missive for Queen Islanzadí, telling her about the Varden's situation and my own plans. Guard it with your life; it would cause a great deal of harm in the wrong hands."
"When will we leave?" Yuna asked as Eragon tucked the scroll into his vest.
"Tomorrow morning... unless you have something already planned?"
"No."
"Nothing."
"Good... You should know, one other person will be traveling with you."
Eragon's and Yuna's curiosity must have shown on their faces for Nasuada elaborated without prodding.
"King Hrothgar insisted that in the interest of fairness there should be a dwarf representative at your training since it affects their race as well. So he's sending Orik along."
"He'll be welcomed with us, I'm sure," Yuna nodded. Even with Orik, they could still manage to fly on dragonback. "Though I hope he's not averse to flying."
"You'll have to negotiate something with him," Nasuada said, chuckling.
"Do you really mean to attack the Empire? You said yourself that the Varden are weak. It doesn't seem like the wisest course. If we wait-"
"If we wait," Nasuada interrupted sternly, "Galbatorix will only get stronger. This is the first time since Morzan was slain that we have even the slightest opportunity of catching him unprepared. He had no reason to suspect we could defeat the urgals so he won't have readied the Empire for invasion."
Invasion! And how does she plan to kill Galbatorix when he flies out to obliterate their army with magic? Arget questioned, for once seeming truly caught off guard. Yuna moved to repeat the question aloud but Eragon beat her to it.
"From what we know of him, he won't fight until Urû'baen itself is threatened. It doesn't matter to Galbatorix if we destroy half the Empire, so long as we come to him, not the other way around. Why should he bother anyway? If we do manage to reach him, our troops will be battered and depleted, making it all the easier for him to destroy us."
"That doesn't answer the question," Yuna cut in.
"This will be a long campaign. By its end the both of you might be powerful to defeat Galbatorix together or maybe even separately. The elves will have joined us, and their spellcasters are the strongest in the land. No matter what happens, we cannot afford to delay. Now is the time to gamble and dare what no one thinks we can accomplish. The Varden have lived in the shadows for too long. We must either challenge Galbatorix or submit and pass away."
She's going to force this into full-war, Yuna muttered to Arget. He hummed in acknowledgement.
This late into the war, it may be the only thing that can save Alagaësia from itself, he reasoned. Yuna conceded, nodding.
"But what of you, Nasuada? Will you be safe while we're gone?" Eragon asked. "I must think of my vow. It's become my responsibility to ensure that you won't have your own funeral soon."
Her jaw tightened and she gestured at the door and the squad of warriors beyond it.
"You needn't fear; I am well defended." She looked down. "I will admit... one reason for going to Surda is that Orrin knows me of old and will offer his protection. I cannot tarry here with you and Arya gone and the Council of Elders still with power. They won't accept me as their leader until I prove beyond doubt that the Varden are under my control, not theirs."
She straighten in her seat, squaring her shoulders as she looked at the four.
"Go now, Eragon, Yuna. Gather your supplies and be at the north gate by dawn."
Eragon and Yuna both bowed then left with Saphira and Arget.
While Eragon and Saphira returned to the kitchens for dinner, Yuna and Arget decided to fly around Farthen Dûr, memorizing the details of Tronjheim's flowing walls.
Everything is so still here, she murmured to Arget. There is no wind. The dwarves remain still, only watching the rest of the world and joining when they deem necessary.
But when they do join, they fight fiercely, Arget interrupted, bringing up the image of Hrothgar driving Volund into the skulls of urgals. Yuna chuckled.
I am glad that we are not an enemy to Hrothgar.
Arget sniffed contemptuously.
He is hardly knee-high to me. He would be a fool to challenge me.
We are all fools if we thought to challenge a dragon, Yuna laughed. Arget's sides rumbled with laughter and he banked, beginning a slow descent towards the gates to the city mountain.
Look, Arget said suddenly, swinging his head around to look into the gray landscape below.
What? Yuna asked, unable to see anything aside from the plain below. Arget did not answer as he changed directions. When they landed, Yuna's eyes noted a small hill nearby, sporting a patch of white. She was about to question what it was when the patch moved about along the hill, revealing Angela, wearing a pale wool tunic.
The herbalist carried a large wicker basket that was all but full of mushrooms and fungi, most of which were unrecognizable.
"Gathering toadstools?" Yuna asked, approaching the mysterious woman. Angela laughed, lowering her basket.
"Hello. And oh no, toadstools is far too general a term. And anyway, they really out to be called frogstools, not toadstools." She lifted an assortment of the 'frogstools' into her hand. "This one is sulphur tuft, this is an inkcap, and here's a navelcap, and dwarf shield, russet tough-shank, blood rin, and that is a spotted deciever. Delightful, isn't it!"
"I thought you had discovered that frogs were really toads in the end," Yuna smiled. "Wouldn't that mean that the proper term would be toadstools after all? And which one is that?"
Angela threw the rider a disparaging glance before turning to the mushroom Yuna gestured to. It had a lightening-blue stem, vivid orange gills, and a glossy black two-tiered cap.
"Fricai Andlát, as the elves might say."
"Death friend?" Yuna asked, raising an eyebrow. Angela only looked at the colorful mushroom fondly.
"The stalk is instant death, while the cap can cure most poisons. It's what Tunivor's Nectar is extracted from. Fricai Andlát only grows in caves in Du Weldenvarden and Farthen Dúr, and it would die out here if the dwarves started carting their dung elsewhere."
Only now did Yuna realize that the small hill was, in reality, a dung heap.
"Hello, Arget," Angela said pleasantly, reaching past Yuna to pat the silver dragon on the nose. Arget blinked before looking pleased. At the same time, Solembum padded into sight, his mouth clamped down on a limp rat. He settled on the ground without acknowledging any of the three and began to nibble on his snack, studiously ignoring them all.
"So," Angela began, tucking back a stray strand of curly hair, "off to Ellesméra?"
"At dawn," Yuna confirmed, not bothering to ask how Angela knew. 'When in doubt, don't ask questions.' That seemed to be the code hovering the mystery of Angela the herbalist.
"Looking forward to it?"
"I'm not quite sure. I don't really know if I'm ready to be trained and just thrown back onto a battlefield...-"
"Well, chipper up! It's not as if it's your execution. And since it's not, smile. Jeez, you're as flaccid as Solembum's rat. Flaccid. What a wonderful word, don't you think?" she said, not letting Yuna get a word in. Even so, the dragon rider grinned.
"I don't know. I prefer the word ambiguity. Rolls of the tongue," she bantered. Angela winked, gathering her 'frogstools' once more.
"It's fortuitous we meet tonight, as you are about to leave and I... I will accompany the Varden to Surda. As I told you before, I like to be where things are happening, and that's the place."
"So our journey to Du Weldenvarden will be uneventful?" Yuna quipped. Angela shrugged before her eyes darkened seriously.
"Be careful in Du Weldenvarden. Just because elves do not display their emotions doesn't mean they aren't subject to rage and passion like the rest of us mortals. What can make them so deadly, though, is how they conceal it, sometimes for years."
"You sound as if you've been there, or at least have experience with elves. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me."
"No, it shouldn't," she responded, her eyes dancing with warmth. "You wouldn't happen to want that fortune now, would you?"
"I think I have enough to worry about. Learning who might die next, who I'll fall in love with, or how long I'll live won't do anything to help me," Yuna shrugged. Angela only smiled.
"I think we all know who you fell in love with," she winked. Yuna paused before rolling her eyes.
"You predicted that, didn't you? Eragon seemed startled to find that I came from a noble line."
"I don't reveal other people's fates, silly," she grinned. "Oh well. I suppose I won't see you for a while, so farewell, best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don't eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life!"
She strolled off, basket in tow, leaving Yuna, Arget, and Solembum behind her. Solembum waited a brief minute before lifting the rat in his mouth once more and padding after Angela, leaving the two in the darkness.