Hello again everyone! It seems there has been some confusion in the last chapter. For that I apologize. Some of you think I had Eragon "abandon Saphira to die" This is simply not my intention. I tried to communicate how difficult is was for him to delay his care for Saphira. I will explain this in the following chapter a little more clearly. Saphira's life was never in danger, and if it had been, Eragon would have been able to sense it through his link with her and thus said #%!# you Murtagh and accordingly helped Saphira and risked loosing Murtagh again. And I believe it would have been very easy for the king to assume control of Murtagh's actions again and woke him up and forced him to return to Uru'baen. That is why I thought it was important for Eragon to free Murtagh immediately.
Anyway, its my story :) lol... I really do hope that you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 13: As The Dust Settles
Eragon walked briskly through the unfamiliar halls and passageways of the castle in Belatona. All about him moved various servants and nobles as they scurried to and fro on various errands and missions attempting to put Belatona back together after the short siege the Varden had lain upon the city. From what Eragon had heard, the city had taken minimal damage, most of which was inflicted upon the outer walls. The castle had been set as the new headquarters for Nasuada and the various leaders of the resistance.
But none of this was on the rider's mind. All his attention was bent upon one task. A dull pain throbbed in his right shoulder, reminding him of the tremendous wound Saphira was still suffering from. It had been four days since the battle between the two brothers, yet Saphira was still under the supervision of Angela who was trying desperately to completely heal her shoulder. Worry and fear flooded the rider's thoughts. Even with Saphira fully healed, they would still have a monumental task ahead of them. But if Saphira was going to be hampered permanently by this wound…
Eragon pushed those thoughts away as he quickly negotiated the several twists and turns of the passages to find Nasuada's headquarters deep within the heart of the castle's center. As always, six Nighthawks were standing watch outside the main doorway. They announced the rider and Nasuada admitted him immediately. Eragon squared his shoulders and lifted his head high as he entered the room.
Inside, he found Nasuada, Jormundur, Roran, (who had recently been promoted to one of Nasuada's battle advisors) Arya, Nar Garzhvog, Orik, and Orrin. The grand hall was light and airy due to an open ceiling which let golden rays of sunlight flood the room and reflect off the white stone floor. The various leaders were seated at a long table at the end of the hall, waiting for Eragon.
The rider's eyes fell first upon the beautiful elf standing off to the side of the room. Her raven hair hung straight down beyond her shoulders and spread carelessly upon the deep green shirt she wore. Even from across the room, he could see the deep pools of emerald that formed the irises of her eye. The next thing he noticed was his adopted brother and clan member, King Orik, leader of the dwarves. Eragon could see that the dwarf was happy to see him, but he could also tell that something weighed heavy on his mind and Eragon had little trouble figuring out just what the king was thinking about.
Eragon quickly turned his attention to their leader, Nasuada, who stood and greeted him formally, "Eragon Shadeslayer! It is good to see you up and about again. Dark have the days been while you were recovering." The rest of the council stood to acknowledge his entry, an action that surprised and somewhat embarrassed Eragon. He studied each and every face present and noticed a slight change in the way they looked at him. Even Roran and Arya, two of his closest friends, seemed to respect and admire him a little more than normal.
"It is good to be well again. I do not wish to seem rude my lady, but we have much to do and little time to do it in." At that, Eragon took his seat at the table and the rest of the leaders followed his lead.
"Very well" said Nasuada, "I have called this meeting for several reasons. We will save the most important for last for I wish to get the minor things out of the way first."
The council agreed with a united nod and the dark skinned woman proceeded. "First, the elves are marching on Teirm as we speak. It took them a while to isolate the city from Narda and Kuasta, but they are making progress. Of course, the city of Teirm is heavily fortified and highly important so the king will not abandon it lightly. Islanzadi sends word that an entire army is housed within its walls." A hushed silence filled the room as Nasuada paused to collect her thoughts.
"The queen predicts that it will take them up to three weeks before they can fully control the city. Meanwhile, we have our own problems to deal with." The leader of the Varden turned her eyes on Eragon who was impatiently awaiting her next words. "Eragon, what is Saphira's condition?"
Eragon stood and addressed the council as confidently as he could, "The wound she suffered was very severe as you all know. Thorn bit down all the way to the bone and shattered most of the joint in her right foreleg."
The members of the audience shifted nervously in their seats as Eragon continued, "Angela has been working almost without rest since the battle with the aid of my elven guardians and every healer we have, but Saphira is still not quite whole yet." The rider looked at the ground and tried to break the news as easily as he could, "We may need to prepare ourselves to win this war with a wounded dragon."
An uneasy silence ensued. Saphira had been, and always would be the Varden's greatest hope. No one wanted to think about how they could manage without her full strength on their side. Eragon sat slowly, discouraged by his own words.
Nasuada stood to replace him and spoke loudly, "Let us pray then, that Saphira is stronger than this wound. Let us trust in the abilities of our healers." Another moment of silence blanketed the council as they all sat in deep thought for several seconds.
Finally, Nasuada addressed them again. "I am afraid we have a few more matters to discuss. It will do you all well to know that the rest of the elvish army is on its way." Eragon perked his ears up. This was indeed good news. Nasuada had told him long ago in Feinster that a large portion of the elven army had not left from the north, but had departed from the southeastern borders of the forest beyond the Hadarac Desert. They intended to meet the Varden in Dras-Leona and then march on to Uru'baen, but Eragon had not heard of them since they left Feinster.
"Do we know if Galbatorix is aware of their presence" asked King Orrin?
"We believe he is blind to their movement. His attention has been focused on the south and west for many months now. It is unlikely he has had time to scout and protect his eastern flank" answered Nasuada.
King Orik spoke up, "That will be a shock indeed if they can fully achieve the element of surprise."
"Aye" said Nasuada, "Islanzadi tells me that they should reach us in time to aid in our assault on Dras-Leona." The council continued on for several minutes discussing more trivial things such as troop movements and scouting reports, but everyone was waiting for the last topic to come up.
Finally, nearly an hour after Eragon had entered the room; Nasuada turned to him and spoke gravely, "I believe it is time to get to the real issue at hand, Murtagh." An uneasy silence fell heavily on the room. Nasuada paused briefly before continuing, "I have decided that his trial will be held tomorrow night here in this room, but there is much more we must decide before we proceed." At that, the young leader strode around the table as if contemplating how she was going to phrase her next words.
"The first thing we must decide is how we are going to judge the situation. We all have our own thoughts and opinions about how Thorn and Murtagh should be punished, but we need to set some rules before we begin, else we risk starting a feud in the midst of a war we cannot afford to loose."
A collective rumble of agreement surged through the room. Nasuada waited for all to be silent again before she continued. "I am the leader of the Varden, thus I will judge the situation in a way that best benefits my people."
Nasuada was cut short as Orik stood to his feet and spoke heatedly, "This is not about judging the matter in a way that most benefits us, My Lady. This is about finding justice for the actions he has committed. If we become a den of thieves and murderers now, what will happen if we do defeat the king? Will the land become a hive for warmongers and traitors?"
Nasuada raised a hand to silence the dwarf, "Peace, your majesty! I assure you that justice will be done. But there are certain circumstances in which special considerations must be entertained." Orik sat down uneasily, quieted for the moment, but not at all satisfied.
Nasuada continued, "As I was saying, I will judge this from the Varden's viewpoint, but ultimately, this decision does not rest with me." Eragon knew what was about to happen before Nasuada spoke.
"Murtagh is a Dragon Rider. He is out of any normal jurisdiction. The elves, urgals, dwarves, and humans all have suffered from his offense, but the judge of this situation will not be any of us. Nasuada looked at Eragon who met her gaze and shifted uneasily in his seat. "Ultimately, the power to condemn or pardon Murtagh is up to the leader of the Riders."
All eyes turned to Eragon. The council members nodded their consent and Eragon began to speak. "Murtagh and Thorn have caused us much grief. There is no way to deny that fact, nor do I wish to let them go unpunished for their crimes. But I need to establish that I am the rightful leader of the Riders and ultimately, the terms of his punishment are left to me." The rider studied each and every face in the room. Most were not looking at him though; they were all looking to King Orik. Eragon turned his gaze to the king of the dwarves and quietly awaited his decision.
The dwarf king stood and spoke in a loud, commanding voice, "This red rider has inflicted untold damage to my people and all the races of Alagaesia. If it was totally up to me, he would already be dead. But these are not normal times, nor is his life mine to take. I and my people are not so blinded by hate that we cannot see the light; however, I will retain the right to sentence him in my own lands."
Eragon had expected this. He knew there was no way to completely restore Murtagh, but he could at least keep him alive and well enough to aid them in the fight against Galbatorix. "I accept your terms King Orik and extend the same to the other leaders. Nar Garzhvog, Queen Islanzadi, King Orik, King Orrin, and Nasuada will all retain the right to sentence him in their own lands, but his life is in my hands."
A long, uneasy silence filled the room. After a long period of tenseness, Nasuada broke the silence. "I will accept your terms, Eragon."
"As will I" said Orrin.
"And I" repeated Nar Garzhvog.
Arya spoke up from her seat at the end of the table, "I will speak with the Queen and inform you of her decision before nightfall."
Eragon nodded in assent. "This is a monumental decision that lies before us. Tomorrow night we have a chance to alter history in a way that may impact eternity." He let those words sink into his listeners for several seconds before continuing. "I beg you; please keep our ultimate goal in mind while you decide the fate of Thorn and Murtagh."
He studied each face slowly. Everyone seemed to be struggling with a deep rooted bitterness which Eragon was well familiar with. It would be hard to free Murtagh and even harder to get him into a place where he could actually benefit the Varden, but he had to try.
Nasuada broke his mental conversation by rising suddenly, "I am certain you all have plenty of business to occupy yourselves till tomorrow. Please be here by sunset tomorrow. That is all."
With that, everyone left the room. Eragon tried to speak to Arya, but she left abruptly before he could get her attention. This puzzled him, but he had no time to debate this, he needed to go see Saphira.
He had gone to visit Saphira several times since he had awakened after the battle, but she had often been asleep or under Angela's relentless healing remedies. His heart longed to be with her, and his fear was mounting about her condition. Eragon half ran through the streets of Belatona to get to the castle stables. Saphira had been healed enough to where she could walk easily, so Angela had moved her into a large, covered building which normally housed the finest horses for the lords and ladies of Belatona. The stables consisted of two main areas. One was the actual stable that contained numerous airy stalls which housed the various mounts. The second was a large, open building that contained a training yard in which the horses could be ridden and exercised. It was in the second building that Saphira rested, for it was the only structure with an opening large enough for the massive sapphire dragoness.
After a short walk, Eragon entered the open building and quickly found his dragon lying upon the ground within.
Little one! Saphira greeted him with a warm mental embrace and began showering him with concern and questions.
For a moment, Eragon forgot all the world's problems as he allowed himself to fall recklessly into the sweet embrace of his closes friend. Saphira! I have missed you dearly!
For many minuets they shared memories and bore each other's sorrow from the days past. Suddenly Eragon felt tremendously guilty.
This is all my fault! How could I have let you to bleed in the dust while I made others safe?
Eragon don't, Saphira said as if she was softly berating her child for blaming himself wrongly. You did what was best. The only thing you would have accomplished by healing me is weakening yourself and possibly letting Galbatorix resume control over Murtagh and Thorn. You could not have healed me any better than I am now.
Eragon knew she was right, but he still blamed himself, I should have defeated them quicker. I could have prevented this entire thing from happening, he said as he stroked the long, twisted scars Thorns teeth had left on Saphira's muscled shoulder.
It was so awful to see Saphira in such a state. She was power and strength and will, but now she was maimed. Her resolve was not damaged, but Eragon could tell by the dull pain in his shoulder that the wound was going to affect Saphira forever, much as his back had afflicted him before his transfiguration.
Do not even try, said Saphira as she read his thoughts. This trifle is no where near as painful as your wound was. Do you think a mere scratch will end my determination?
Eragon looked into her deep, sapphire eyes. It was still there, the knowledge of a thousand centuries brimming beneath the surface, deep wells of wisdom older than time, and a wild fierceness that would last throughout the ages to come.
Nothing can match the strength of a dragon, Eragon laughed with a smile.
Well I can still fly without any discomfort. That should be enough for the rest of our lives. The dragon eyed Eragon playfully.
Oh no, he said hesitantly. You are not flying for a while, you need to rest.
He could sense Saphira beginning to protest, but she yielded without a fight. Aye, I will recover, and once I do, our enemies had better fear the coming of our presence.
They talked on for several long moments before Saphira finally asked about the trial. Eragon explained the details as Saphira listened quietly. After he had finished the dragoness sat in quiet refrain for many minutes.
You want to pardon them.
Aye, answered Eragon, but there are a few questions I must have answered before I do so.
And your questions are?
Eragon pondered for a moment before he began. First I would like to know if Murtagh killed Hrothgar unwillingly or of his own accord. Second, I want to know what happened out in those fields. Eragon said the later while referring to the plains outside the city upon which he and Murtagh had dueled four days ago.
I am also confused by his actions. He obviously had his mind made up to surrender before he came here. Why then did he fight us?
The pair sat in silence for several minutes pondering the answer.
Eragon spoke up, maybe he thought his chances for survival were better if he had us at death's tip before he gave in.
Maybe, retorted Saphira. It definitely helped to prove his intentions, but I think Thorn could have done without almost tearing my leg off.
Eragon agreed with a low rumble, we were not giving in though. They had to resort to drastic measures to defeat us. That battle could have gone either way in an instant.
Saphira growled deep in her chest, I still do not know how that dumb brute bested me. I was in total command of the fight. At one time I even hesitated because my blow probably would have killed him. That was the instant he seized me.
Eragon could sense vast amount of frustration seething from Saphira. Do not hate yourself for being merciful, Saphira. Their united mind flashed back to Sloan.
Saphira chuckled slightly; I guess you are starting to wear off on me.
And it may prove fruitful. Tomorrow we may have two dragons on our side instead of one.
Later that night-
Eragon had spent the rest of the day with Saphira and the other healers trying to find a way to restore Saphira's maimed shoulder. It was frustrating to the point of madness. Thorn had completely crushed the joint when he bit down and putting the fragmented pieces together was difficult work. When they examined the wound everything seemed to be in order, but Saphira was still suffering from a sever pain when she put weight on the leg.
Eragon made his way to his quarters located in a high tower on the northern end of the castle. From his window he could see the building Saphira was resting in. Far beyond the walls of the city stretched the vast expanse of Leona Lake. If Saphira were well, they no doubt would take a swim in its clear waters as they had so long ago when they first past through this land. But times were different and the weight of the world had fallen upon Eragon's shoulders. He longed for the innocent days when he and Saphira hid in the north, unknown to the world and blind to their part in its turmoil.
He turned away from the window and moved over to his bed. He slowly removed his light armor and clothing he normally wore when he moved about the Varden. He replaced his formal clothing with a light cloth shirt given to him by the elves during his stay in Ellesmera.
Eragon was in the midst of washing his face in a small basin of water when a knock came at the door. A familiar scent was already seeping into his room. Arya, Eragon thought to himself.
"You may enter" he spoke just loud enough to be heard. The door creaked open slowly and the elf stepped gracefully through the doorway. Eragon could feel his heart quickening against his will. He breathed deeply to calm himself, and then turned to face the elven ambassador. Arya gazed at him with an unreadable expression.
"It is good to see you again, Eragon" said Arya.
Eragon smiled weakly, "I am glad to see you as well, Arya Drottningu." He knew he had not concealed his emotions well, and he knew Arya could sense his distress.
Arya ignored it for the moment and began to speak in a formal tone, "The queen has accepted your terms to Murtagh's sentencing."
Eragon stood puzzled for a few seconds before he remembered what she was talking about. "That is good news; I doubt I would win an argument with her." Arya seemed to find that statement amusing. A short, crystal clear peal of laughter broke the silence. The sound was like a balm for Eragon's aching heart. All of his problems and troubles were erased for a brief moment. It was as if her laughter drowned out all other noises. There was nothing in the world but her, and him. Only two beings in the world could affect him like that, Saphira and Arya. He was brought back to reality as Arya started to speak.
"I doubt it is a fight you want to wage" she said, still with a hint of laughter in her voice.
Eragon caught himself smiling broadly as he looked into Arya's eyes, something he had not done since before her rejection of him. He quickly diverted his eyes, but continued to smile. The light moment slowly faded as Eragon felt a dull pain throb in his shoulder. He must have winced or shown some sign of pain for Arya took notice and stepped farther into the room and studied him with concerned eyes.
Eragon smiled weakly and motioned for her to stop, "Saphira" he said remorsefully.
Arya understood immediately, "You can feel her pain all the time?"
He nodded in affirmation, "It helps to ease her suffering."
"It is very kind of you to aid her."
Eragon half laughed at the comment, "She did much more for me during my bout with Durza's wound. We are dragon and rider; it is what makes us unique."
Arya nodded. Silence stretched on uneasily before Eragon spoke again, "What do you think of the upcoming trial?"
The elf seemed to choose her words very carefully, "Part of me screams for revenge. I do not need to remind you of what he has done to us." Eragon's mind flashed back to the images he had seen through Glaedr's eyes when Murtagh and Thorn had killed them.
Arya continued, "But the other part of me realizes that they were not willing instruments. Part of Galbatorix's power lies in that fact that he distorts the truth. We cannot loose focus on who the real enemy is." Eragon pondered her statement for several moments.
"What are your thoughts on the matter" asked Arya?
Eragon looked at her for a long while before answering. "I am torn, Arya. I know what the right decision is, but I want to make sure I make that decision for the right reasons."
Arya offered him a confused look, "I am not sure what you mean."
Eragon paced around the room while trying to frame words in his head. "There is no question in my mind that allowing Murtagh to help us is the right thing to do. I know he was mostly unwilling," his voice trailed off.
"You think he was willingly serving the king?"
"Maybe not completely, but" Eragon paused, "but when I fought him, at times I felt as if he enjoyed what he was doing."
Arya looked at the ground, "You are the leader of the Riders Eragon. The decision rests on you. The leaders respect your abilities and will follow your decision. I believe part of the reason Nasuada left the decision to you is due to the fact that no one will cross you. They respect you too much to go against your decision."
Eragon smiled, "You mean they fear fighting the king without Saphira at their side" he said with a chuckle.
Arya smiled slightly, "And none wish to cross blades with you either."
The two continued to talk well into the night about the upcoming trial. After both were ready to rest their tired bodies; Arya dismissed herself and left Eragon alone to journey through the waiting embrace of his waking dreams.
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I actually wrote the next chapter at the same time as this one. The only reason I divided them was for length reasons.
Read and review!