Eragon found himself, once again, seated in the court room. Around him sat Arya, Nasuada, Orrin, Jormundur, and Orik, note takers were forbidden from this meeting. Nar Garzhvog was yet to arrive, so the group waited in silence.
Finally great heavy footsteps could be heard leading up to the door. The Urgal leader walked in with a heavy grunting pant and stood against the wall, ignoring the vacant seat meant for him. "I apologize for my tardiness, Lady Nightstalker. Two young rams got into a struggle over a female- I won't get into it."
Nasuada smiled. "Don't apologize." To Eragon her smile appeared to be crooked with anxiety.
It was then that Arya stood. "Now that we are all here, let's begin." She surveyed her audience briefly, before continuing. "The content of today's meeting will be a little heavier than it previously has been. A situation has arisen that has complicated things. I must ask, for the sake of order, to keep your thoughts to yourself until I am done explaining. Also it is vital that nobody lets slip any of the information that passes through my lips outside of this room."
Arya paused until everybody nodded in agreement. Orrin looked a little worried as did Orik, Garzhvog, however, looked impatient.
After she was satisfied that everyone would remain discreet, Arya launched into a narrative of what the past week had wrought. She spoke of the infiltration of Empire controlled cities first. Eragon could tell that no one was interested in this. They wanted to hear the cause for the secrecy imposed on them.
Apparently Arya also noticed for she sighed, glanced at Nasuada, then said, "Nasuada is pregnant." She let the revelation stand.
Eragon took a quick sweep of the room, despite being mildly frightened of what he would find. To his surprise nobody had much of an expression, whether out of shock or not he wasn't sure.
Arya spoke again. "Nasuada is pregnant and must resign from her post as leader of the Varden. We-"
"Who is the Father?" Orrin interrupted. Eragon noticed he directed the question to Arya not Nasuada.
Faint lines drew across Arya's brow. "That, we will keep private."
Orrin's eyebrows rose. "Why? If she is able to be pregnant, surely she won't mind letting us know who is fathering the child."
"It is not relevant." Arya looked down at Nasuada who shook her head, eyes locked on the her hands in front of her.
Orrin began to say something else but Arya overrode him. "Your reaction is understandable, Sire, just please let us first deal with the situation objectively for the time being."
His mouth opened a little, then he sighed and sat back with a slight dip of his head.
Arya continued. "We already have an idea of who would be fit to lead in place of Nasuada, but we cannot make this decision without the blessings of everyone here."
Once again Orrin's voice resonated around the room. "Sorry, who has decided?"
Arya frowned. "Eragon and I. Nasuada also believes he is an appropriate replacement."
"How long have you known?"
Eragon now answered. "Why does it matter?"
Orrin shrugged sarcastically. "I don't know! It's just as King I would expect to be told things like this, but apparently not."
Arya said, "We didn't tell you sooner because it was initially a personal matter, not a political one."
"As was choosing Jormundur as successor?" Orrin asked.
Arya hesitated.
It was then that Orik spoke. "I too could have been informed earlier, Orrin. However I must take into account the delicacy and, indeed, intimacy of the situation. We all know each other here, and I, for one, am confident that none of us harbor malcontent for one another. How we proceed is in question... not how things have been done. A stagnant rock is harmless."
With that the tension seemed to ease, as did Orrin's demeanor.
"Were that speech a word less impressive I might not be satisfied. As it were I am content... and willing to move forward." The Surdan King crossed his arms and settled further into his chair, so far in fact that he almost slouched.
Arya nodded to Jormundur who stood. "Arya and Eragon have asked me to bear the burden of leader. I am willing to take it upon my shoulders. That is, if you will have me." He sat.
Orik stood. "Jormundur. I have known you for many years, and though you will never quite be knurlan, despite how much you drink," Orik laughed nervously, "you have may whole stone-hearted blessing." Orik sat down again and let out a sigh.
When they came to Garzhvog the ram lifted his head, exposing his throat. "I am honored that my presence was permitted today. I know my race is the most hated among us, and least trusted, but it warms my heart to know that there is a hope for peace among us." He then turned to Jormundur. "A have come to know you as a fine general. I believe you will make a fine lead ram." The urgal rose his hands to his horns.
Nar Garzhvog's words seemed to lighten the mood somewhat.
Then Orrin turned on Nasuada. "Have you any to add?"
Once again Eragon pitied Nasuada. As all watched her, he couldn't imagine the shame and embarrassment wracking her body and soul.
Eragon tried to save her from replying, but she laid a soft hand on his arm.
"I've got nothing to say. Nothing that you would hear, that is. All I can do is offer an apology for those who would take it. I have failed. Failed my Father, my peers, and my Country. I can only hope that the effort which I have put in will be enough for Jormundur to make use of it." Tears began to fall from her eyes.
Eragon's pity was mirrored in the eyes of everyone in the room. Even Orrin's face softened as he looked upon the broken leader.
The group agreed to recess and replenish there stamina for a few minutes. Eragon approached Arya as they left the room.
"May I have a quick word?"
The elf nodded and gestured a empty corner of the courtyard.
Eragon took a quick assessment of her delicately formed face before asking, "How did you know Katrina was pregnant?"
Arya answered, "Angela told me..."
Eragon did not question how the curly haired witch new; as she knew most. Instead he asked, "How, though, did you know of their predicament? And why did you tell them I requested that favor of the elves?"
Arya pursed her lips. "Are you unhappy with my decision?"
"No! Not at all. I just wandered what charity you thought you owed me."
Arya nodded vaguely, she glanced at the floor. "It was clear something had come between you and Roran. I knew the girl was pregnant, so I put two and two together." She rubbed her elbow, seemingly reluctant. "You need to keep your friends close, Eragon. It would do no good to have you feuding with allies when our enemies are many."
She hesitated, then stepped closer. "Charity? Are we not friends, Shur'tugal? Despite what you may think, keeping you alive and healthy is more than a professional matter."
With that she turned and left him gaping.
It could have meant nothing more than a confirmation of their friendship, but for Eragon it felt like an opportunity for much more. His elation quickly dissolved, however, as he remembered he had worked himself up like this before, only to be rejected.
Saphira padded up to his side.
I understand you and Arya had a nice chat while in the Empire. When returning from Helgrind?
Yes.
It did her good, she is grateful.
Eragon gazed emptily at a pot of soil out of which grew a single long vine. I'm glad I could help. A touch of resentment bit Eragon when he remembered what Arya had told him of her previous companion, Faolin.
Eragon, you disrespect her that you would envy the dead. Savor what feelings she does have for you. Don't regret what she doesn't feel for you.
He shook himself from his reverie. You're correct, as usual. His gaze drifted upward and towards the east. We should travel the vast desert and search for the Rock of Kuthian.
Within the material that Joed had given Eragon, he had indeed learned more. Though he had to link many half stories together, he was able to discern the following information; The Quoztacs took their dead, in some ritualistic manner, to a great sandstone monolith that stood isolated by miles of flats sands. The said monolith was meant to house the dead souls and harbor them until they were ready to enter the next plane. It was all very unclear and how much could be taken seriously, Eragon didn't know. He couldn't ignore the fact that Solembum's first words proved to not be an empty hope, however.
Saphira said. You realize, don't you, that once Jormundur has assumed Nasuada's position, our ties will be severed. You will no longer have to dedicate your loyalty to the Varden.
Eragon hadn't thought of that. You're right! Although it hasn't really caused us problems. It will be nice to be completely untethered. Unless Jormundur expects my same oath.
Saphira laid her massive head next to Eragon. I doubt it. The council are not an issue anymore; there would be no need. Also, while he is a good leader in his own right, he lacks Nasuada's forceful personality. I doubt he would have the spine to ask you for it.
I hope he does. Have the spine I mean. If not, he may prove to be less than adequate.
Saphira snorted, loosing a whirling torrent of dust into the air.
You should tell the others of our wish to find the Rock of Kuthian.
I may bring it up. There are so many aspects of this war we've yet to address.
Eragon noticed that most had returned inside. He hugged Saphira then headed through the great wooden doorway.