AN: Chapter 14 is up. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. The fanfic has crossed the 5100 views benchmark! YAY! I will not be able to post the next chapter before Wednesday. Sorry
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Chapter 14: Father.

He felt nothing only a sense of numbness...It was the second day after the victory. Victory? At what cost? To lose the two people whom I could call father... The bodies were to be entombed deep in the bowels of the castle. A place Eragon had visited only once before. The long marble chamber held the remains of each and every Palancar King since the time of Anurin, the rider who added humans to the pact of the riders. Given the abnormally long lives of the Palancar kings, only twelve bodies were encased in soft marble. Twelve kings in a period of more than a thousand years... And now Brom and Garrow were to be entombed therein as well.

Eragon, Saphira, Roran and Arya were at the head of the procession which bore the bodies. The Royal Guards carrying their bodies on their shields were in the centre of the procession. While Orik, Orrin, Nasuada and Queen Islanzadi along with the rest of the nobility, both visiting and resident brought up the rear. They were descending the long winding stairs that led to the castle's foundations. After nearly fifteen minutes, the group came to a halt in front of massive golden doors. The doors were completely plain except for an inscription in the Ancient Language in the middle, "Beyond these doors, Lie the Mightiest of Our Realm. Tread Carefully for naught should disturb those who sleep in Angvard's Realm."

Opening the doors, Eragon and Roran strode in, before bowing low. Rising, they stepped aside to give the bearers room to enter. On the far side of the long hall lay two empty sarcophagi. The men marched solemnly to the centre of the room and lowered the bodies onto two biers. Roran and Eragon stepped forward to bear the bodies as it was lowered into the stone. Once the covers slid home, realisation finally sank into Eragon. He came to understand that never again would he see or hear his Uncle or Brom. He could never again turn to them for advice, he felt alone...The memories of his childhood, playing and training under them came floating into his mind's eyes. Eragon collapsed onto his knees and tears came spilling from his eyes which were till then, dry.

Saphira let loose a mournful keen as she too felt the loss of two loved ones and a mentor, a rider of the old order... Eragon gasped as he felt a sudden surge of massive energy from Saphira. She stepped forth and touched the sarcophagi of both Brom and Garrow. The receptacles started to glow brightly and changed shape and form in front of everyone's astonished eyes. The light grew to a blinding intensity before fading and a loud gasp was heard... each of the tombs had been transformed into one flawless, seamless diamond. The bodies of both Garrow and Brom clearly visible underneath.

He had no idea how long he had been kneeling there, staring at the peaceful faces f Garrow and Brom. Saphira was there with him, he could feel her through their bond, but otherwise he was alone or so he thought. A soft hand squeezed his left shoulder from behind and he turned around, surprised. He was astounded to see Arya, compassion and understanding written on her face and in her eyes. Guilt riddled his heart for having completely ignored her since he had returned two days ago. Standing up, he walked up to her, before throwing his arms around her and embracing her as tightly as he could. he buried his face into the crook of her neck.

"Arya... can you forgive me for ignoring you for the last two days? I didn't mean to but Brom and Garrow meant so much for me. To realise that I won't see them again is so ..." his voice broke as he started sobbing on Arya's shoulder.

Arya ran her hands through his hair soothingly, "Shh...there is nothing to forgive. I understand how you feel, Eragon," her voice was soft and sweet, her hand stroking his back, "they were both great men and their souls will find peace and happiness in Angvard's halls. You know that they would want us to celebrate their lives, to strive harder to rid Alagaesia of the Black Tyrant, don't you?"

"I know but could we stay as we are for some time? You bring me great comfort Arya."

"Of course we can. But let us sit."

And so they sat against Saphira's side. Eragon's head on her shoulder and his arms wrapped his arms around her waist while Saphira wrapped her tail around the pair and draped her wing over them as all three drifted off into the world of dreams.

He woke up to inky blackness. As he looked around, he realised that his face was swathed in Arya's hair and she was asleep on his chest. He smiled and stroked her beautiful silky hair. He turned his head to see the rising sun cast golden rays on Saphira, whose scales were glittering magnificently, and on Razorwings, whose head was tucked underneath a wing. What a wonderful morning... and then he remembered the burial on the previous day and his heart plummeted, yet he wouldn't give in to grief, not while their assassins were still alive. He would seek vengeance.

His thoughts were interrupted when Arya woke up, she lifted her head and stared into his eyes. He was mesmerised by her green ones as always and he leaned forward to kiss her. "Good morning, iet nuanen drottning." Eragon whispered against her lips.

"Good morning Eragon. I am very glad to see you in your normal self, Eragon. Is there anything important to do today?" she returned her head to his bare chest.

"Yes. Orrin, Nasuada and Orik are all set to leave tomorrow for Narda and thence to their respective realms. We will accompany your mother to Ellesmera in three days time. Enough time to see Roran and Katrina settled in with their duties. I am worried, Arya without Brom or Garrow to guide them, I don't know how they will cope..."

"There is nothing to worry about. Roran is wise and noble, his hot-headedness is neutralised by Katrina's calm bearing. He did take his father's passing very well, didn't he?"

"Thats because he had Katrina just as I have you."

She simply nodded. "As much as I hate to, we must get up. Both of us have several duties to attend to..."

Breakfast that morning was a rather quiet affair, the memories of the day before hanging heavily on everyone's heads. At the council meeting later that day, the battle and its implications were discussed thoroughly.

"Our losses are very light. We have lost less than a hundred men in this battle while more than seven thousand soldiers of the empire have been killed and close to four thousand taken captive. The rest have fled to Gil'ead. All thanks to you, my King." Paul spoke loudly while others nodded.

"The credit goes to each and every one of us who fought in the battle and to those who gave their lives in defence of our lands," Eragon spoke out loud.

"Now I think we should begin gathering ships to transport your cavalry from Narda to Dauth," Orrin spoke.

:

The meeting continued for hours before being adjourned for the evening. AS he was leaving with Arya, Islanzadi caught up to them, "Can we talk alone for some time?"

"Of course, mother. Where do you think we should go," Arya asked Eragon.

Before he could reply, Islanzadi said, "To Brom's quarters. I have something there to show to the both of you." Eragon nodded and they walked towards their destination.

Although he didn't show it, he was apprehensive about walking into Brom's house. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to control his emotions.

Are you sure you will be alright? Arya asked him mentally.

Yes, it will be fine. If not I have you and Saphira.

If you need me, I will come instantly Saphira said. She had gone hunting with Razorwings.

"So what did you want to speak of, ...mother?" Eragon said hesitatingly, not sure if the elven queen would accept him calling her that. They were seated in couches in Brom's study.

She smiled as if she realised the cause behind his hesitation, "it is alright Eragon, you are my son-in-law and I therefore consider you my family. Brom left a letter with me for you, in case he died. There are certain things in the letter which will shock you but remember, what he did was for your own good." She got up and walked up to a book shelf. Opening it, she reached in and brought out a fairth and a letter. She first gave him the letter, "read it first. I shall show you this fairth later on."

He nodded and turned to open the sealed letter,

Dear Eragon,
How do I put this? I have tried to write this letter a thousand times before, but have failed miserably each and every time. Now, you ride to your first battle as King and I fear that the coming many battles may be the cause of my death. If you are reading this, it means that I have been reunited with my beloved Saphira and with Selena.

Yes, Selena was my wife and you are my son. I can't begin to try and comprehend what you might be feeling. But if you feel anger and hatred towards me ,I understand. To answer your inevitable question of why I had never told you, I can't say. I was afraid. Yes, afraid that if Galbatorix learnt of your parentage, he would certainly kill you simply to hurt me and to prevent you from becoming a rider... But I was more afraid of what you reaction. Would we have shared the same bond that we do, would you have continued to love as a father, as you had admitted on the night Marian died...I can only hope that you forgive me, but if you can't then I understand.

Moving on to more important things, you have siblings Eragon. Namely an elder sister, my first born. She is seven yours elder to you and her name is Elva. She is ...different...I suppose is a good way to put it and lives in Ellesmera. Islanzadi will tell you more of her. You also have a half a brother, Murtagh Morzanson. I know you will have a lot of questions about his father...but those questions will only be answered by your teachers, who were my teachers as well. Don't hold his father against him, Eragon. A son doesn't choose his father. He is a captain in the Varden. I have met him and he has gained my trust. He is extremely loyal to our cause and he hates his father and Galbatorix to his core. When you meet him in the course of this war, tell him of your relation and trust in him.

I hope that you will listen to my advice, son. I have left my home and all of its belongings to you, as is natural. I also give you my ring, Aren. I have stored a large amount of energy in it. Use it wisely.

Above all, know that I and your mother and Uncle Garrow and Aunt Marian are extremely proud of who you are and what you have become. Also remember that we all love you dearly. We are always there inside your heart...I am also certain that Galbatorix's days are numbered and you will succeed for you were brought up to know no other way...

Give my love to Saphira and Arya,

With Love,
Your father,
Brom.

Hot tears spilled from his eyes as he finished reading the letter. For all this time, my father was right in front of my eyes and I couldn't recognise him...why did you have to die before I could confront you?WHY?

I am coming Little one, Saphira spoke as she examined his memories.

Arya placed a soft hand on Eragon's shoulder and squeezed, "are you okay?"

"No, but I will be."

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