Chapter 6: Warning

"--the elves have seized Gil'lead," Nasuada continued, "and are now planning to take Bullridge as well as gain control over the northern parts of the Ramr river. If all goes well, they will have finished this task in a month's time."

"If all goes well." Replied Arya, expressionless. "Murtagh and his dragon have been called north to battle against my kin, and even as we speak Galbatorix is drawing more and more soldiers to aid the red rider. There will be hard battles."

Nasuada nodded. "Indeed. Though the elves are great fighters, against such a difference in numbers they will be faring less well than before. And because of this, we will have to act swiftly. The siege of Belatona will have to succeed in less than four to five days, and almost immediately afterwards we will move on to Dras Leona. Galbatorix will have little time to organize his forces to fight on two fronts effectively."

"It is the best course of action as we see the situation now." Agreed Jormundur.

Eragon shifted slightly in his seat, but said nothing.

"But… this does not seem right." Muttered King Orrin. "Any sane person would be doing what we are planning to do. In all my studies on Galbatorix and warfare, I have discovered one thing: he may be mad, but he's one of the best tacticians Alagaesia has ever seen. He will be waiting for us, and he will destroy us if we do not move cautiously."

"And yet if we wait, he will gain the upper hand that we have worked so hard to obtain. For the first time in many years, we are truly on the offensive. If we do not move now, the confidence that our people have gained will fade into doubt, and eventually—"

The rider watched the debate silently, thoughts running through his mind at a quick pace. All of them were right in some way, and their arguments were convincing to those who heard them; and while he agreed that they should begin as soon as possible, he also knew that the Black King had much more than just a vague idea of their plans.

"Those soldiers that Galbatorix created." He began. The others in the tent ceased in their talks and turned towards him. He pushed down the nervousness that rose in his heart, and spoke.

"Once he has learned of the astounding effect those painless soldiers have against our men, he will be making more. He will not be sending any to the north; the elves have the ability to counter this tactic through their own skill. He will send them to combat the combined force of ours in the south. It will eliminate his disadvantages, and it will pose a major threat to our men."

Jormundur looked grim. "I have contemplated this particular problem of ours, but it came to me as a passing thought as I do not know the intricacies of magic well enough to think about them. Does anyone here have a solution?"

"It is a problem that I have already sent Trianna and her men to solve through their own means. If we are lucky, then our magicians will be able to think of a spell to dissolve the enchantments. If we are not… I will simply have to devise a way for our soldiers to combat them." Nasuada sighed. "It will be harsh for us indeed, if it is so."

Eragon frowned, lines creasing his brow. "I have thought of two ways. The first, and most obvious, would be to use Galbatorix's trick against him."

Nasuada shook her head. "It is out of the question. I had discussed the matter with your cousin once, and he was of the same opinion. And we cannot force our men to do such a thing, lest we lose their loyalty."

The rider nodded slowly. "I know. I was thinking of a more flexible approach, such as strengthening a group of soldiers in some way or another with magic. But that would be currently out of our reach, as we do not have much time. The second way would be to ask Queen Islanzadi to provide us with some elves of hers."

"I do not think that she will do so, seeing the circumstances at this moment." Said Arya quietly. "But I will request this of her. If the war goes well for the elves, she may agree."

"Let's hope she will." Muttered Jormundur.

King Orrin laughed bitterly. "The majority of the men do not know it, but we are in a much tighter spot then they think we are in. The string of victories has given them confidence, and that is good and well. Yet, the Empire still has numerous advantages against us, and it is a personal feeling of mine that Galbatorix is simply toying with us before he crushes us all into oblivion."

Nasuada chuckled. "While it may be so, keep that thought to yourself, your majesty. If we do not want our people to lose faith, then we must not lose any ourselves. Now… if there are no more problems to discuss, I suggest that we return to our respective duties. It will be a busy week for all of us."

"Aye." Grunted Jormundur, standing up from his seat. The King of Surda murmured an agreement and stood up as well.

"The best of luck for the Varden, Surda, and all the people of Alagaesia." Orrin smiled tiredly after he spoke, and walked out. Jormundur followed, and soon the tent was empty except for the three who stayed behind.

Eragon turned towards Nasuada. "You wished to speak to us in private, my liege?"

"Yes." The leader of the Varden walked over to a small table and pulled out a scroll. Spreading it out, she said, "I have dealt with the various problems that have come after the attempted assassination. I have instructed the Du Vrangr Gata to remove the memories of the event from the passing guards, as well as search the minds of all the captains."

"And the results?" asked Arya.

"They found nothing whatsoever." Nasuada said with a sigh, placing the scroll back to its original place. "I have been considering the possibility of people in the council or other high positions conducting this treachery… but it would be unwise to search their minds now, when the scales of power have finally balanced. However, I will order my men to keep a close watch on them in the future."

Eragon ran his hand through his hair. "And from what you have told us before, Jormundur does not know of this. Neither does Orrin, correct?"

"It would be unnecessary for them to know, as that will merely sow dissention. I have already posted my spies among their men. If they find anything, they will take care of it without creating a ripple."

Eragon bowed. "Thank you."

Nasuada grinned. "And finally, as a friend, I wish you good fortune and luck. Also," her tone grew more serious, "never, ever let your guard down. We wouldn't know what we would do if you suddenly died."

"Indeed." Said Arya quietly.

"It will take more than trickery to best me." Eragon smirked and touched the hilt of his sword. "My new blade will make sure of that."

"Ah. Brisingr, was it?" A childish curiosity crept into the woman's eyes, but it was quickly pressed down by another force. "I ache to know about it, and how you have gained such a magnificent blade; but I fear that we do not have such times at the moment. Another time, perhaps?"

"Another time." Promised Eragon as he walked out of the tent as well, Arya following him. "Definitely."

The sky was a pewter gray, doing nothing to improve the moods of the numerous soldiers rushing about on various tasks. Swords were being repaired and reforged, shields remade and strengthened, and the entire camp was full of activity and noise. In a few days time, the army would be moving on to Belatona.

Blodhgarm joined them like a shadow. "Shadeslayer." He purred.

Eragon raised an eyebrow. Blodhgarm looked surprised for a moment, and then an amused look came over his face.

"I apologize. Shadeslayers." He added with a gallant bow. "It would be rude to ignore the fact that there are two here who have done the great deed."

The rider thought he saw a hint of a grimace flit across the princess's features, the most human expression he had seen on her face in a long time.

"There is no need for that title, Blodhgarm-vodhr." Arya said, voice somewhat strained. "I do not truly deserve it, after all."

"If there was ever someone who did not deserve to be called that name," Eragon looked up at the grey clouds above. "it would be me. But whatever the cause, those monsters were killed, and sent to hell where they belong. And that is what truly matters, no?"

"Wise words, Shur'tugal." Blodhgarm's fur rippled slightly in the windless air. "But the ones who struck the finishing blow deserve to be respected nevertheless."

"Shadeslayer…"

Eragon whirled around, his hand flying to Brisingr. But what he saw was a crippled swordsman, leaning on a crutch. His eyes were covered by a black cloth, and yet he moved unhindered by it. A smirk twisted his lips.

"It has been a long time, Shadeslayer." He whispered. "A long time since you met me in that filthy healer's tent. A long time since I told you about the lights. A long time since I told you of your brother."

Blodhgarm immediately moved himself in front of Eragon, but the rider waved him aside.

He is that soldier from before… Quelling his uneasiness, Eragon stood to face him.

"And what business do you seek with me now?" Eragon demanded. "Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"

The man cackled, and scratched at his blindfold. "Tell you? Nay, warn you. Lights are gathering in different places, and the murmuring of the world grows ever more urgent. Every passing day you shine with light, and yet the King moves towards his final goal, the thing that has been his intention since his rebellion against the elders. Move with care, Shadeslayer, for one day you will find yourself strengthened with power that is not yours."

"What do you mean?"

"A solved riddle is not an interesting riddle." The man chuckled, and started to limp away. "Fare thee well, Shadeslayer. I am placing my money on you."

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Passerby No. 1: So, how did you do on the exam?

Me: What exam? (looks away evasively)

…truth is, I got royally screwed. Very, very badly. If I was old enough to drink I would be drowning myself in alcohol now.

Well, that's a thing of the past. If you can, please review so it'll lift my spirits from the bottomless depths of despair…