Tale of a Princess
The elder and younger riders flew towards Tiahadri hall with all haste. Eragon was beginnig to feel nervous. It was his and Saphira's words against Arya's surely the queen would side with her daughter.
Do not abandon hope Little One. Said Saphira comfortingly.
Eragon smiled faintly, but still did not think this would end well.
Gleadr and Saphira waited outside as Oromis and Eragon walked into private chamber of the queen where Eragon had recited his side of the story. Eragon had his new sword wrapped securely in a cloth to keep a secret; part of him did not believe the elves were above stealing.
Everyone carried out the traditional elven greeting and sat down. Eragon couldn't bring himself to look Arya in the eye. Partially due to a small sense of betrayal, and another that he might have been wrong.
"Well Arya." Said Islandazi, "I have heard Eragon's side of the story. Now it is time to here yours."
"Very well," replied Arya getting up to speak in the ancient language, "Nasuada lied to Eragon when she said that her opinion didn't change when discovering his heritage. She tied Murtagh and Eragon to close together and grew suspicious of him. Then she started having him followed after he returned from rescuing his cousin's fiancée. She revealed her actions to me; I pretended to agree to gather information. I kept Eragon and Saphira in the dark because I thought they would have acted different and given away my plan. I believe that she now views Eragon as a threat whether his heritage is the only reason or if it was the proverbial straw I don't know."
She turned to Eragon, "I am sorry Eragon, I should have told you the truth and I understand your action upon discovering it."
"I apologise for my actions Arya." Said Eragon sadly; "I should have put more trust in you than I did and you deserved better from me."
Arya sat down and replied, "You have nothing to apologise for Eragon. Your actions were completely understandable."
"Well," said Islandazi, "both your actions are understandable so I see no need to take actions against either of you."
"Thank you your majesty." Smiled Eragon bowing his heads.
Oromis and Islandazi left soon after, leaving Eragon and Arya alone.
I am sorry for not trusting you also Arya. Said Saphira shyly.
Arya responded mentally, you have nothing to apologise for, you were protecting your rider.
Eragon smiled and got up to leave, picking up his katana still wrapped in its cloth.
"What's that?" Arya asked staring at the cloth in his hand.
Eragon placed the sword on the desk and removed the cloth. Arya gasped at the immaculate blade resting on the table.
"Where did you find this?" she asked.
"Beneath the Menoa Tree." He replied.
"So what Solembum said was true." She stated surprised, "There was a weapon beneath the Menoa Tree."
"Oromis asked me to arrange a duel with someone to test the blade."
"I'll do it." Said Arya quickly.
Eragon happily agreed to the duel and so plans were made for the next day.
The next day…
Eragon and Arya were in battle stances outside Oromis' hut. Saphira, Gleadr, Oromis and Islandazi were all sitting and watching.
Arya launched herself at Eragon, who casually stepped aside to avoid the blow. Arya slashed at his left side, but he simply leant back as the blade flew over him. Arya hacked down and this time she met resistance as Eragon's katana met her own blade. He pushed her blade back and stood back up.
Arya swung at Eragon's head he ducked under and swung his foot to kick her legs out from under her, and was met by a kick to the head as she jumped over it. He fell back, but flipped over to put some distance between himself and Arya and to get back on his feet.
Arya charged at him again and Eragon blocked with his katana, he forced the hilt of his blade past her guard landing a blow to the face. Arya stumbled back and Eragon pressed his advantage. He slashed at Arya from every angle, but was blocked each time as Arya backed away.
Eragon was pushed back as Arya locked their blades together at the hilt, but to could do that. He jerked his hands up, forcing Arya's sword out of her hands, he then slammed his shoulder into her making her stumble and fall down. She just managed to get to her knees, when her sword came back down and was caught by Eragon in his left hand. He placed both swords at her neck in a scissor shape.
"Dead." He stated, panting and with a bleeding lip.
He withdrew both blades, stuck his blade in the ground and flipped Arya's over so he held it by the blade for her to take. She grabbed the hilt and got to her feet.
"You've greatly improved Eragon." She said neutrally.
Eragon thought he could hear bitterness in her voice, but let it pass.
"Thank you Arya Svit-Kona." He replied, "You fought well."
Arya left Oromis hut with a quick farewell to her mother and Oromis. Queen Islandazi quickly left as well pleased with Eragon's skill.
"That was one of the most impressive displays of skill I have seen in along time." Said Oromis cheerfully as Eragon sat down.
"Thank you master." Replied Eragon tiredly, "I just hope I can get good enough to beat Galbatorix."
"Go in with a mind of victory." Said Oromis wisely, "If you think you will lose you shall."
"I'll bare that in mind master." Mumbled Eragon, now looking at his sword, as it's shadowy sheath enclosed it again.
Oromis put a parchment on the table between them and this caught Eragon's intention.
"What is this master?" he asked picking up the parchment.
"It's my will." Stated Oromis emotionlessly; "I'm leaving everything to you and Saphira."
Eragon was stunned at this news, and took a long time to reply as he absorbed the information.
"Thank you master." He said lamely, "but I doubt I will need this for a long time."
Oromis whispered something so quiet Eragon didn't hear it, what he said was, "Sooner than you think."