AN: Hello again, first off: Disclaimer I own nothing as all source material and inspiration belongs to Christopher Paolini.

Heir to the Throne

Ch. 13

Murtagh, hesitated as he continued to heave the heavy pieces of debris away from the archway doors. His back ached as he moved more and more heavy stone work around the once beautiful hallways of Urû'baen's throne room halls. Murtagh more and more was amazed his brother had survived the fierce explosion that the king had unleashed, the ferocity at which the solid stone and granite walls were ripped apart showed the true extent of how much power was behind the blast and how much Eragon was lucky to be still breathing.

Murtagh slowly stopped resting his good arm on his lower back. Though his left arm was still injured and in a sling he had stubbornly refused to sit around and watch as Eragon, Arya, and a select few elves moved the debris away from the main entrance to what was formally Galbatorix's throne room halls.

Much had happened in the last two days since Lucius awoke Eragon to his old self, the last day especially had been filled with much planning and worrying.

Murtagh's thought turned back to only the previous day. He and Nasuada finally moved from where Arya and Eragon remained beside Saphira. A small tent had been posted not far from where they remained, ever close to the small group of mourners. The two retreated there for a few moments, speaking of what was to become of the Eragon's future.

"It needs to be done Murtagh; the vaults of Galbatorix hold many secrets. Weapons, books, and sources of power that are not to be held by the common folk of these lands. The king is gone and with him the last of the old order. Eragon and you are what is left of the Riders, the new order of the Riders. It is your responsibility and duty to clear those vaults so that the remaining wealth may be used to further the reconstruction of the Varden and its people.

Murtagh sighed; he did not like putting his brother in such a position, though Nasuada was right still all the same. Galbatorix held dark powers within those vaults, powers used to control the Shade and destroy the Riders. Articles that pertained to the Riders of old and the history of the Grey Folk. It was their duty as Riders to first remove what would be considered sensitive material, but Murtagh still feared that Eragon would still not be ready for such a course of action. The whole last day he remained motionless, out in the then still pouring rain, without so much as a word or movement. He had not eaten nor slept, nor had Arya for that matter.

Before Murtagh could speak on the matter Arya herself walked into the tent, her dark hair still damp from the early night's rain. Thankful the storm subsided sometime in the later night, which made Murtagh even more wary of what greater storm was to come. It was the calm before the massive surge of a far greater threat and a far greater evil behind it.

Arya bowed respectfully towards Nasuada as she found herself a seat, stretching her neck Arya spoke, "I heard what Lady Nasuada said and I do agree with her on this most important matter. The vaults with Urû'baen have remained sealed for far too long. Though Eragon may not be able to be with us, I propose a solution. Send Murtagh. Other than Eragon he is the most senior member of the Rider order, and to be even more correct he would be the second in command, behind Eragon. He is the just as experienced as Eragon in both age and training."

The small tent grew quite as both Nasuada and Murtagh thought the matter over, Murtagh never thought that he was not going to help them through the vaults. He knew Urû'baen better than any of them, it would take them days to find the kings vault. Not even to mention the small fact that half the throne halls were caved in, they would be looked for a ghost.

"I do not see why that would be a problem, of course I do wish we could speak to Eragon on this matter, but in his current position I don't think such would end…" Nasuada stopped as another figure entered the tent. Much to the surprise of everyone it was Eragon.

Dark circles remained under his eyes, while he looked yet awake; it was clear that his head was still outside with Saphira. He held a blank expression, not of sorrow or anger, more of just utter tiredness. Nasuada quickly offered the Rider a chair, to which Eragon thanked her and sat. His voice was still horse, the cold rain most likely not making it any better, still he seemed well mannered for one who had just lost so much.

Eragon remained sitting for several moments before he spoke. His hands gripped the arms of the chair as he steadied himself in his seat. "I, I would like to thank you Nasuada, for everything with Saphira. She looks as if she was but still asleep after a long day of flight."

Nasuada nodded her head as she smiled, "Thank you Eragon, but your thanks must go to the elves as well. They were sure that she would be presentable to you when you finally awoke."

"Yes I shall have to thank them for that," a small chuckle left Eragon's lips as he slightly smiled, much to the surprise of the other three. The three could not believe that Eragon was showing so much positive emotions in light of the last few day. "Yes, my awakening is quite a strange thing. I cannot say how it all happened for my memories are still mixed together in quite a mess."

Murtagh moved towards his brother, he did not what to say something, fearing Eragon would retreat into himself again if he pushed any matter too far, but he need to know if his brother was stable. "Eragon, are you… Are you alright?"

Eragon once again shocked everyone as he let out a small laugh, his facial reaction did not match though, he grew hard, his eyes darkened, yet as he spoke his tone was calm and collected.

"I will never again be alright brother; you understand that better than anyone. I simply have come to grips with what my reality is. I fought reality, I fought it with every ounce of my being. I fought it to the point where I became something else. Someone else. I did that because I thought I could not remember her, and in doing so I could not remember anything.

I see now what it all was, it was my own self. I locked away my mind even to myself because deep down I knew she was gone, I knew she had left me. I fought that, and in reality I fought all of you. The people I would call my family.

I would never been able to get over that if not for him, for that man, that elf, whatever he really was. When that Shade, Lucius was his name. When he opened my mind, I saw something. I saw someone. I awoke on another plain, one filled with nothing more than pure light. There was someone there, he called himself Eragon. I thought it was myself I spoke to a mirrored image or something else, but it was not. It was Eragon the First, my own namesake and first of the order of the Riders. He showed my many things, visions of you Arya and of you as well Murtagh. He showed me the two of you battling dark being, being of shadow and death. I watched the two of you fight those creatures with the same strange magic I used against the king. I questioned Eragon, and he in-turn told me everything. Of his pasted, of our new power, of the true origins of magic and the Grey Folk, and of his brother and how these Shade truly came into being.

I saw and heard this all. I wanted to deny it, but Eragon showed me the truth. He showed me a memory of her, of my Saphira. Of her last dying breaths. She spoke to me. She told me not to cry, that tears are the makings of dark things. That I must be strong and ready myself for there was so much I had yet to do."

Eragon paused as tears once more began to flow from his eyes, he looked down at his feet in shame as Arya and Nasuada moved to his side. Whipping away the tears he looked up, continuing his story. "She told me goodbye that she would always be looking over me. I thanked Eragon for that, I was nothing before, but now I was something once more. Not whole, but something. I could remember who I was. Who everyone was. And I knew what I needed to do."

Eragon grew quite as silence enveloped the tent once more. Murtagh grew tense as he thought Eragon to be finished. His own thought's turned to the Shades, Eragon now knew and with this it meant that he knew his own burden. Murtagh fear how this would impact Eragon, but a sigh from Eragon broke the silence as Murtagh's attention was turned back to his brother.

"But I cannot. I cannot best his foe. He has had thousands of years to prepare. I have had but a few, that is nothing compared to his. I could not even save the one person I need most in this world, how am I to save the whole of Alagaesia. Again…

So no Murtagh I am not alright, but it is not because of Saphira. I am at peace with that now, as much as it hurts me I am. I have avenged her and all of her kind. But this darkness, this evil, this I cannot overcome.

I will help you, I will help you and Arya in any way I can, but I cannot best this foe. I cannot fight this coming darkness. Not again."

Murtagh sighed as he returned to his original position. Eragon was safe, he had returned to the person he was before, but now fear had hold over him. He still did not trust himself, at least not with this kind of power. Murtagh did not know if it was the Grey Folk power or his own will that Eragon feared more, but he thought it was his will. That Eragon feared above all else to become evil, to become fixated with his power, the same power that he used to completely destroy the king and best one of the oldest and most powerful beings in Alagaesia. He was afraid of his own shadow, his own darkness. That darkness that Murtagh himself carried within him, the darkness that everyone holds within them.

So now Murtagh stood as the others moved ruble and rock from the archways to the halls, remember that in the end it was all frugal. Eragon would not best the king of Shades. He would not best the king, because he could not even best himself. Murtagh sighed as he moved more debris from the walls. Though Eragon was with them now his statement the previous day was all Murtagh could think of.

The four of them had agreed that the next day they would leave with a group of elves to loot the treasure of Galbatorix's vaults; afterwards a final consul of the Varden would be called to discuss the future of the Varden and of the final rule of Alagaesia. Then the following day the Varden would gather for Saphira's funeral and the naming of the new ruler over the Kingdom of Palancar.

Now they worked, moving stone after stone, as they moved their way closer to the vaults. Murtagh knew the halls of the king would be hard to reach, but what they found was even worse. Every door and every entrance was blocked in; even the back door that Arya and he himself had went through was now caved completely in.

The group had picked a path that Murtagh thought to be the quickest, as they worked until they hit the main archway that lead into the hall. The archway was completely destroyed, with rumble and stone piled up to the top of the ceiling. One of the elves asked Murtagh if Thorn could help them, but this was quickly dismissed by Arya, stating that a dragon would only cause more damage to the unstable framework.

Murtagh laughed at the comment, opposed to Thorn who became angered by the elf, stating that Arya had called him fat. Murtagh simply laughed at the nonsense, moving move stone from the now clearing archway.

With the last of the stone moved, a walk way was formed into the halls. As per their orders, the elves remained outside the arch way, clearing more of the debris until a dwarven team could secure the opening with reinforced parts. So Eragon, Murtagh, and Arya walked into the destroyed hall alone and in shock.

The halls were much worse than either Murtagh or Arya could remember. The columns that supported the ceiling were ripped apart, forming a large opening in the ceiling above what was the great marble throne. Pills of ruble and rock were stacked everywhere. Trying to gain his bearings Murtagh looked around to see if he could find the spot where Eragon and the king had dueled.

Motioning to the other two, Murtagh moved forward, moving around and over stone and rock. As they neared the center of the structure, upon were the large hole in the ceiling was, their surroundings quickly changed. The floor was now visible as little to no debris remained around the center. The explosion had been centered there, causing it to be the only place to remain free of rock, as the explosion had most likely vaporized all material around it, all except for Eragon that was.

Murtagh turned to speak to Arya, to see that she and Eragon had walked over to the left corner of the halls, Murtagh quickly walked over to see what it was they were so captivated by. Moving closer, Murtagh saw just what it was. Eragon stood before one of the only remaining columns that was still intact. Arya remained farther behind him as Murtagh stood beside her. She tried to move forward, but was quickly stopped by Murtagh as he looked into her eyes.

Lodged within the pillar was Helgrne, the Trident of two Kings. One evil and one pure. Eragon stared at the weapon with marvel, wielded by the hands of Galbatorix the weapon was nothing more than a tool of his cruelty, Eragon had firsthand felts its effects. It was before all of this Shade nonsense, before everything became so much more complicated. It reminded Eragon of when he first became a dragon Rider. How he felt so blind in his new world, and now was much the same. Before his battle with the king everything was known, he knew who his enemy was, and why he was his enemy. Now he knew nothing. He knew not who his enemy was, other than he was the king of all Shade, and that he put Galbatorix to shame.

Helgrne was there though, the weapon of his name sake, the weapon that brought light and peace. It now fell to him; the weapon of the old order of the Grey Folk now fell into the hands of the new order of the Grey Folk, to his hands. Reaching out he raised his hand above the silver shaft of Helgrne. His hand remained inches from grasping the weapon. Eragon looked at the silver hue of the weapon as he saw his own reflection.

His hand fell as he staggered back, Murtagh sighed in disappointment once more. Eragon would not take what was his. He feared himself too deeply.

Eragon staggered back until he turned around to face his brother and Arya. Arya showed no emotion, but his brother seemed angered. And he was, as he spoke to Eragon putting more anger into his word then he first meant to, still he trying to get the fact into his brother head that he did not need to fear himself.

"Eragon, that weapon is your birthright, it is no one else's. It is your, just as it was your name sake before you. It belongs to you." Eragon took Murtagh's word only as but a whisper, he did not believe his brother nor did he wish to. The thought of wielding Helgrne sickened him as he looked at his brother with disgust.

"My birthright brother, is this." Eragon quickly pointed down to Brisingr at his hip as its blade remained unsheathed and exposed to the outside air. "I am a Rider, not a Grey Folk. That is not my life. I do not want that power, it is not for me. It is not for anyone to wield. That power does nothing but destroy Murtagh. That is all it is. It is evil. Even now I would claim myself a rider, but such is not even true. I my still bare the mark, but I hold not such place anymore. I have lost that which would give me the right to call myself a Rider. I am just a man now, nothing more."

Murtagh shook his head in protest as he spoke back, this time remaining more calm. "But it is also good Eragon. No matter if you are a Rider or a man, that weapon is yours. You speak of how it was the power to destroy, but that is not all of its power. It has the power to heal and mend what has been broken, to shield those who cannot defend themselves against this growing darkness. No weapon holds a face of its own. No weapon is remembered by what the blade did. It is remembered for who wield it. Who used it to protect the innocent and punish evil. A weapon is what you make it in the hands of your own. Please brother. You made a promise to us and to Alagaesia. You said it yourself that you would help us, and you need that power to do such."

Eragon looked away as he slowly walked away, tile his body was side by side with that of Murtagh. Slowly Eragon turned his head as he looked over at Murtagh his eyes filled with sadness and doubt. "I will help you, but not as a servant of the Grey Folk or even as a Rider, but as a man. Nothing more, and nothing less." Eragon walked away as Murtagh shook his head in disappointment. What he thought of his brother was sadly true, he was afraid. Afraid of his own power and his own shadow. It was all wrong, this was not his fate, but there was nothing he or Arya could do about it. Their path was set, there was nothing more they could do about it then remain accurse on their current path.

Murtagh turned as he led the other two towards the vaults, as all the while his minded turned violently. Something was coming; something so vial and dark that even the likes of an original Shade feared it. Even Lucius fear what was coming for them. A darkness that cast a shadow upon darkness itself, and evil like nothing else. They were doomed to it. Eragon was their one last hope. He had fought so hard against it, against any of it. And yet when he finally returned he remained headstrong against this, against any of it just as previous mind state. Against the darkness, he stood nowhere.

The thought made Murtagh sick; it was as if the sun feared the moon. As if the sun could not bear to continue it's ever going battle against the moon for domain of the sky, allowing the darkness to remain constant and forever. All they could do was try to fight it, yet frugally fight it. In the end it was not up to him, it was not up to Arya, or the Varden, or anyone else in Alagaesia. It was all left up to Eragon, just as it always had been. It was somewhat demeaning, that no one other than Eragon could stop this darkness. That it all had to be put on his shoulders. Eragon was not the only one chosen for this fight, yet it somehow seemed that way.

He and Arya both held great power, but it was Eragon who was the true wielder of their power. And he wanted none of it.

Murtagh's mood darkened as he became more angered with his brother. He quickly tried to shake his thoughts away, they were foolish and hateful. Lucius had mentioned something about not wanting them to become this, and Murtagh finally now understood what he meant. Perhaps Eragon was right, there powers where not a gift, but a curse.

Eragon had lost almost all of his family, Arya had lost both her father figures as well as many of her close kin, and Murtagh himself had lost all of the people and family from his past. Perhaps it was all just a curse. A dark and sickening curse that prey upon their misfortunes.

Murtagh stopped as they entered the entrance to the vault room. This thoughts had stirred far long enough and he wish to rid himself of such a tainted mind set. Their fate was set, but it was not upon them, yet.

As the group neared the vault doors a tussling of noises came from the location. The group quickly and quietly moved into their own positions, each drawing their weapons, readying for any fight that might soon come. Arya slowly moved forward trying to get a closer position to the commotion. As she approached she heard the sound of talking, but it seemed as if there was only a single source.

Moving closer Arya came in view of the large vault doors. Each was of massive size. The doors remained closed as Arya spotted a figure passing around the doors, tools in hand.

"Blast these doors," The figure muttered, "Who would have thought they would be so hard to open." The figure moved to grasp the door as a bolt of electricity shoot his body into the nearby wall. Arya quickly recognized the figure by his apparel. The figure wore the same black robes as the assassins sent to kill Eragon, the only slight difference being this assassin seem to not be wearing his hood currently.

As the assassin swore loudy, Arya contacted Murtagh and Eragon, as Eragon reacted quickly rushing forward. The assassin easily spotted him as he fled down a nearby pathways. Murtagh sighed as he followed in pursuit.

The assassin led the three down a narrow hallway into a much large room. The hall could have been a ballroom if not for all they the debris littered the marble floor. Murtagh and Arya caught up to Eragon as he grasped the assassin by the shirt collar, hoisting him up. The assassin seemed scared out his mind as he looked anywhere but at Eragon. Eragon took unkindly to his as he violently thrash the man. The assassin let out a childish cry as Eragon threw him to the ground in disgust.

Zar'roc was soon at his throat as Murtagh neared him. "We have some questions for you. If you answer them, then your head will not find itself severed from your body." Murtagh's tone was calm and collected, still it seemed to hold more weight than any harsh or evil like tone would. He spoke soft and calmly, but with such assertiveness and force that even though he spoke calmly the threat more intimidating than any loud outspoken threat Arya had heard before. It made Arya feel uneasy. She knew that Murtagh could be carring and a sort of gentleman but she also knew of his violent turn for bloodlust and battle. His calm tone made him seem even darker, as he could kill the assassin without the slightest inconvenience or hint of emotion.

The assassin took to this as he fell back trying to get Zar'roc as far away from his as possible. Murtagh drew nearer as the assassin scooted away, his face was soon covered in sweat as Murtagh moved closer and closer to him. The assassin continued until he was against a column with no longer any room to work with. Murtagh slouched down as he faced the assassin face to face as he spoke once again, his soft tone continuing from before. "Tell us what we wish to know. There is little choice in this matter, so I suggest you hurry and do as you are told."

The assassin was struck with fear, Murtagh's confident expression quickly changes as he thought. Such a hardened assassin would not be broken by him so easily. A simple threat would not cause such effect. Murtagh stood up as a darkness moved above his head. Arya, Eragon, and Murtagh all drew near as they turned around looking about the ceiling as if became consumed with a familiar darkness.

The assassin went to run, but was stopped as the darkness consumed around him. Eragon quickly rushed his way as he yelled, "What have you done?" The assassin became frantic as he began to cry, tears falling rapidly down his cheeks.

"You're supposed to be dead! We killed you. I ran you threw." The assassin spun around hysterically as he yelled within the darkness. "I failed. I failed. And there's nothing left for me, not now, not ever." The assassin once again began to spin around franticly as he looked above him. The darkness seemed to congregate around him as it grew darker and darker.

The darkness grew as what sounded like thunder struck within the room. The sound was intense as Eragon went to clasp his ears the assassin struck at him. A knife flew out from his wrist as he tried to stab Eragon. Eragon easily blocked the wild blow, smashing his unarmed fist into the assassin's ribs.

The assassin fell to the ground, his hands clutching his side. The tears flowed even more so then before as the assassin began to convulse with shacks and trembles. Eragon backed away from the assassin fearing what was to come.

From within the darkness a voice came. It was of darkness and evil. The malice within each of the words was overpowering as the voice spoke slowly to the assassin. "You have failed coward! Above all else you have lied to me! What little hope you held is gone now! For there is only one certainty in life for you now…" The dark voice trailed off.

The assassin spun around yelling back into the darkness above him, conversing with it. "I didn't know! I thought that he was killed in the explosion. How was I to know? The Varden found a body, I thought it was him. I am sorry. I did not mean to wrong you my lord. I give you my word." The assassin whimpered. The darkness consumed his body as the voice once more spoke.

"Your word means nothing to me. You have lied once before and now you have lied yet again. Whether in truth or guilt there is but only one fate left for you." With that the darkness surrounded the assassin as it consumed all around him. Arya, Murtagh, and Eragon watched as the assassin thrashed about violently. The darkness finally left the assassins body as the assassin became still, his breaths caught as his neck slightly turned, as his eyes rolling back into his skull. The assassin raised his arm toward the three as his neck violently snapped to the side, fracturing his neck and ending his life. His body feel to the ground soon after.

Murtagh and Arya looked to the darkness with fear. The darkness swirled around as it seemed to focus on Eragon.

"Fiend of the Shadow, come forth and declare yourself." Eragon barked at the disappearing darkness, but the voice spoke no more as the clouds of darkness finally faded away. The three companions were left alone in the destroyed halls of Urû'baen as each ponder the extent of what they just witnessed.

Murtagh took the scene to heart, he knew who that was within the darkness. The fiendish voice that could kill a man with so much as thought. "See Eragon." Murtagh pointed to where the assassin's body remained. "This is why we need your full power brother. This power is more than any of us can handle alone."

The halls remained quite as Murtagh pushed his brother, "Eragon! Listen to me." Eragon glance final feel on his brother as Eragon slowly spoke. "Arya, the door to the vaults, can you see if it is open. I would wish to speak with my brother. Alone."

Arya's forehead fluttered as she began to argue, "Arya the vault is too important to be left unguarded, Eragon and I need to speak. Your sacrifice is duly noted." Murtagh knew his word choice would anger the elf, but he needed her to leave. He could tell Eragon want more than to simply talk and Arya would only get in the way, if his brother what to blow off some steam that so be it.

Arya turned her eyes showing dark glares at the Red Rider as she walked back to the vault doors. The brothers heard the faint mutters of curse as she left.

"So brother what is you..." A blow from Eragon came expectedly quick as Eragon struck Murtagh in the face. The blow disoriented Murtagh momentarily as he ready for Eragon to strike again but quickly realized the lone blow was all that was coming.

With his eyes still glaring at his brother Murtagh laughed as he held his check, "I guess I had that coming." Eragon snorted as he moved back.

"You deserve much more than that Rider."

Eragon choice of word quickly set the tone as Murtagh seamlessly cut the humor from his body expression, if his brother wanted to be cold that so could he. "It seems it has been awhile Eragon. Are you ready to start this, or do you need to make sure you don't hurt me!"

Eragon's glare turned vibrant as he rushed Murtagh, grapping his brother by the shoulders. The two stared at one another glaring into each other's eyes as the tension with in the hall built. Murtagh was ready for what need to be said. He need to at least get something through his brother's head. Anything of resemble to him being able to move forward into the future. Not just for the coming battle but for the role that Murtagh knew Eragon would play, the role he was ready to propose to his brother.

"You are not Galbatorix." Murtagh spoke with no emotion in his voice as he spook to his brother trying to get to him. Arya would have possible had more luck, but she was to wrapped in her own emotion to truly get to Eragon. She was not as hard and blunt with him, no this was his burden to take on.

Eragon lashed back as Murtagh followed after. "You are afraid of your own power. I see it in you. I see how you desire this new power, the power to protect and heal. But you cast it away in fear of something that you cannot control."

Eragon's rage grew as he flung his arms around speaking forth the truth that he had with held to only himself.

"I have demons within me, brother. Demons I cannot ride myself of. I try to drown them, but they have learned how to swim. I cannot cast them into the fire for they know how to fly. They are within me and they will not leave. I cannot trust myself, look what I did when those demons controlled me. The power I held was too much, I was uncontrollable, a monster. I will not allow these demons that power again. If I do then I will become no better than the likes of Galbatorix."

Murtagh sighed as he gripped his brother in anger, forcing him to face each other. "Eragon you miss the point. We all have demons within ourselves. Look at me not a week ago I was sworn to destroy the Varden, and now I am among them. I carry those demon with me; the people I hurt, I lives I took, the choice's I made. All of it is within me. Because you are right, you cannot defeat your demons they are who you are, whether good and bad. You must accept yourself Eragon. Except your demons as part of you. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I have been at this a lot longer than you. "

Eragon calmed as he listened to his brothers words. He felt selfish that he was so focused on his own pain he had not even thought of the likes of the others around him. The war was over, it was not just he who was affected, but everyone.

"I do not know Murtagh. This power, it is like nothing else. You saw what I did with it. What we did with it. You see it now, the destruction I could cause, the horror. I could become a monster greater that any before."

Murtagh smiled as he grasped his brother's shoulder, unlike before know he held his brother with brotherhood. "But you will not brother, I know because even in my own darkest moments you had hope for me. It is what Eragon the First said, that you are our hope brother. I do not say to accept this power now, I see now that it is just too much too soon, but brother accept yourself. You are not the only one who would want this for you…"

Murtagh's tone lightened as he grasped his brother's shoulder. "Anyway you got me to look out for you little brother."

Eragon laughed at his brother last comment as he remember a time long ago when the two of them had each other's backs. Even within the depths of the darkness that was about to become them it was amazing he could still remember to smile. It had seemed so long seems one had truly graced his lips. But know united with Eragon once more, just as they had all those long years ago, Murtagh felt at true peace.

Looking back at his brother Murtagh spoke, "Eragon there is one other thing that I must ask of you…"

The discussion of the consul of leader toned down as the members ended the previous discussion. Once more atop the peaks surrounding the ruins of the once capital city. These faces of the leader were worn and tired, each had given everything to be here. To sit atop the ruins of Galbatorix's rain. Victories.

The consul was well into the meeting as the last few hours had been spent discussion the various items that need to be address. Tension where high between the histories of the last two meetings ending in attacks. Eragon's return was not as much of an issue as Arya thought as the consul accepted his return.

The final preparation for tomorrows funeral service where noted at as well as my moments between the many leader and Eragon thanking him for his defeat over the king. The vaults of Urû'baen proved to be locked with too many spells for Eragon, Murtagh, and Arya to deal with as Eragon choice to deal with the issue later with a fuel team of elven spell casters.

Now came the final task, the final job in ensuring that Galbatorix's rain would never again come to pass. Each member feel quite. The previous discussion falling silent as they all awaited Nasuada to make what would be her final decree as leader of the Varden.

Murtagh shifted from his leaning position along a nearby tree. Though he and Thorn where invited formally by Nasuada and Eragon the pair still held their distance know full well the still underlying tension between many of the leaders and the pairs new found loyalty.

"Leader of Alagaesia, friends, and comrades. Now comes the time for the future. The time for peace, and the time to rebuild. Many of us here know the utter extent to which this war has cost use, some more than other. For it is our time to heal our nations, our people, and our wounds. But before all of this may begin there is one last issue that must be discussed between the combined nations of Alagaesia. Who shall rest atop the throne of the Palancar Valley Kingdom, who will take the mantle of ruler over the fallen king?"

The table grew thick with silence. Each member grew hard within their own thoughts. All knew what they wished to add or say, yet when the moment came to speak silence was the only thing they could give forth. Many knew there place was merely to give their opinion, their own nations held no true influence over the ruling parties of the Palancar Valley Kingdom. But with the outbreak of the war and the combined efforts of the Varden and the many nations that formed its armies, each held more hold over the others than ever before.

A short cough from Orik seemed to break up the silence as the dwarven king spoke. "I would believe that we should all declare any possible leader before we make any choice. As we all know this choice may become the single most important decision we make in our lifetimes. Recovering from this war will be a challenge unlike anything we have ever faced."

A small volley of nods flooded the table as the other leader agreed with Orik's words. Murtagh's gaze grew over Eragon as he hoped that Eragon had thought on his last request.

"I would then propose the name of Nasuada." Queen Islanzadí spoke up finally. "She has proven herself a warrior as well as leader with the confines of this war. She has lead her people as well as many other of our forces together in this conflict. She only seems fit for this position. What say the rest of you?"

There was a consensus of agreements throughout the group, though Orrin send irritate as normal. Nasuada though was the only one who seemed distant from the nomination. Drawing attention Islanzadí questioned her as to her hesitation.

"There is nothing more that I would want than to serve my own people. This war with the Varden was shown me many things. The strength of allies and friends. It has also shown me the cost and pain of war. Not just in the name of lives lost, but on the survivors. It would be a lie to say this war has not taken something from me, just as it has everyone here. No mater my own thoughts I would accept this great honor, but I believe I am not the one for his honor. That honor belongs among the one who has bleed more than any of us. The one who has proven and grown through this war in way none her can compare"

Nasuada's gaze turned to Eragon, who remain quiet and still. Murtagh's gaze was raised as he watched his brother closely for his answer. Murtagh's last request was that Eragon would take Galbatorix's position. Though still a rider and the most powerful of any single one at the table Eragon had shown his metal in the war. Leading the Varden and defeating the mad king proved just that. No one else, even Nasuada knew just how to keep Palancar safe from the force that would threaten it. With the shades about it would only seem right.

Eragon finally stirred as everyone stared him down. Many feared Eragon's reaction as the minds stirred with the last time they were in Eragon's presence. Though he was back to himself the many leaders where still hesitant about his mental state, though none would admit to such out loud. Eragon had thought on the mater Murtagh brought up to him in the hall of Urû'baen. Now he spoke his mind on the matter.

"I have thought on this for more time than I would have considered. From the very start of this war this single choice was placed upon my head. A choice that would only come to pass in the wake of victory. But that very victory has ripped from me what won us this war. This choice is mine and mine alone now. Perhaps in another life time, one where I was not left to be alone I would have not even thought of the matter. The king of Palancar has been ruled for over a century by a tyrant rider. For him to be overthrown and then another Rider to take his place would seem ignorant, as if we not learned our lesson.

But know everything has changed. Alagaesia has changed, whether for the better I know not, but it is not the world that it was at the beginning of this war. For the same matter nor am I. These land, these people deserve better than us. All of us. We must be better than this. We have been forced to make do with what was given to us. But now that is not enough. Not anymore. We are no longer bound to the armor of war, nor the comfort as a band of rebels. We are now together, all of us. Not as different race's and nation's but as a unified Alagaesia. So you ask know what I would say to the throne."

Eragon passed as the consul became gripped awaiting his final verdict. Eragon grew somber once more, Arya recognized his tone before when he spoke of Saphira. He seemed reluctant of his choice, yet firm. As is he was not fully sure of himself.

"I know that I am not the most experienced of leaders, nor the most qualified. I cannot look into the future to see what we will face and know if I can handle it, but for all that is uncertain I know that I will give everything I am to Alagaesia. To her people and her allies, just as I always have. Just as Saphira had."

The consul was quite as Eragon final finish what became a speech towards the other leaders. Most of the consul seemed to understand Eragon's choice as many seemed to agree. Orion though seemed to burst into a hysteric fit.

"You think yourself worthy of kingship, ha! Don't make me laugh. You were a boy when this war started and you're still a boy now. What do the likes of you know about ruling a nation, or leadership for that matter?"

The consul suddenly became riddled with anger and judgement. Murtagh grew tense resisting the urge to beat the Surdan King senseless. Nasuada and Arya kept appearance but remained angered within themselves. Eragon remained emotionless not even acknowledging Orion's insult.

"What do you know of leadership Surdan King?" bellowed Orik, breaking the rising tension. Orion swallowed down the rest of his wine as the consul braced for what was about to become a most heated argument.

Orion began to speak but Orik continued his rant angering the Surda more, "You sit there with a glass of wine in your hand and a chip on your shoulder calling yourself a king. You lead from a far, allowing your men to charge forwards as you lead them from behind, if you are even present at all. Such is not leadership, such is child's play."

Orion's brow furred as he yelled back, "I do believe you are mistaking kinship with leading an army. Of course for a dwarf the two are all the same. Besides such is the nature of war. Soldier are there to serve the rightful King. They wage battle when and where they are told. They are the extension of the Kings property."

Orion's word echoed though the landscape as the consul watched Orik exploded in anger. Nar Ghost snorted loudly as he mutter, "This is not leadership."

"Silence your tongue brute!" Orion commanded as Nar Garzhvog quickly rose, only to have Nasuada calm him as Orik continued. "You cannot even see past your own greedy paws. What you speak of is not leadership it is orders and commands. You may command your men, but in the end you do not lead them. You people hold you as a joke not fit to rule."

Orion waved his hand in dismissal as he muttered words about dwarven kings. "Your claim is invalid but my own will not be. You would claim Eragon king, but he holds no right. He holds no royal blood. He is not of noble blood. Unlike myself."

For the first time sense Eragon had declared his intentions Nasuada spoke forth. "I am disappointed my old friend. You have forgot all that you once were." Nasuada spoke more out of disappointment for one who was once her friend then in mockery.

"It seems that you as well as many here forget of the line of the Palancar Kingdom. The bloodlines of Carvahall are littered with such lineage. One was Eragon's own mother. Her children and her family line all inherited such claims to the throne of Palancar. Eragon, Roran, and even Murtagh hold more claim that you, by blood alone."

Orion seemed to become even more enraged by the mention of Murtagh. "You allowing that traitor swine within our ranks is one thing. Allowing him to join our private consul another. But you would declare him rightful of king. The closet thing he will ever be to king is a murderer of one!"

Orion's war against Murtagh finally provoked Eragon on as he slammed down his fist on the stone table, admitting a small level of energy to gain everyone's attention.

"Silence!" Eragon tone bellowed as he spoke louder than any other yelling consul member. "Orion your war against my blood is enough. You owe Murtagh your own life. If not for him everyone one here would be dead or enslaved. Such has been said before by other, but now I am her to say it. My voice will be heard by you. There is no arguing about that fact, you hear me." Eragon looked Orion down speaking to him directly.

"If you every again speak against me or those of my kin I will take such as a direct attack against myself and all of my power. You claim me as but still a child, but your idiotic claims are long hence over welcomed. You have for too long mocked the hard work ever one at this table has given. I will not stand for it. You have no right to declare anything at this table. If you do not understand what I am say, let me make it perfectly clear. Silence your tongue before I silence it for you, and yes that is a threat."

Murtagh found it hard not to laugh as Arya held her concern as to Eragon brutally. The consul once again found itself silent but out of utter shock. Never before had any member of the Varden spoke so bluntly and degradingly to any other member, let alone Eragon. Orion seemed to hold his tongue until his gaze turned back to Nasuada as he started his one man crusade again.

"How dare you Nasuada. What would the Varden be if it were not for me, for Surda? You would still be nothing more than a band of rebels hiding in the mountains."

It was Islanzadí who spoke up this time calmly addressing the enraged king, "I do believe it was Eragon who allowed the Varden to mobilize. And while I will not discredit you effort within this war and with the Varden you were not the only on to help them. Both the dwarves and my own people have helped the Varden in our combined efforts against the king. You forget that, King. This war was not just the yours but all of Alagaesia's. We as a combined force unified to defeat our enemy. Such should not entitle you to the throne."

Orion once more settled in his set as practical fumes emitted from his brows. His rage was apparent and blatant as every member of the consul stared his way awaiting him to burst out in anger once more.

But the silence that engulfed the consul table remained as Orion remained mute and unchanged his demeanor growing darker and darker. With no more commotion Nasuada rose to address the consul once more.

"So let it be settled then. Eragon shall take the rain of Palancar and the Varden shall disbanded never again to be need." Nasuada words radiated well as the leaders of the Varden realized just what was to happen after this final meeting. Eyes turned back to Eragon as Nasuada brought up the issue of the future riders. Eragon was quick to respond.

"Both myself and Murtagh had discussed the matter. Due to the effect the riders had as well as the growing conflict with the Shades we have found it better to let Alagaesia heal before reintroducing the Riders to it. Perhaps in a few decades Alagaesia will be better off and in need of the Rider, but now the time is to heal."

The consul seemed to agree on the measure as many began to ready to leave. Eragon motion as attention was draw back to Eragon. "There is one last measure I would like to discuss. Nasuada was nominated to take over ruling Palancar and I believe such is a strong idea. She has proved herself time and time again. I will accept the duties and responsibilities of this kingdom, but I will do it alone. Nasuada, I would like you to rule at my side."

Nasuada was by all means speechless. No one expected anything of the sorts to be proposed. The thought seemed wrong after what Nasuada said before, many of the consul remained in their state of confusion as Eragon clarified what he meant.

"I full intend to fix the destruction that that bastard King caused, I do. I will take charge of this kingdom and all within its domain, but do not intent to rule as a god. An immortal ruler who holds no bonds of death. One who could plunge Alagaesia into another dark time. My full intent is to complete my bonds to the Rider and I cannot do such as king. Therefor I would like to have you, Nasuada, be my heir to the throne. To rule beside me so that in a few years you make take full leadership of this kingdom."

The consul was to all regards speechless. Eragon's suggestion quelled many of their concerns with Eragon taking over the throne. Known he already was willing to give the throne over clear the air of any fears of another rule to the likes of Galbatorix.

"Eragon," Nasuada once more addressed the consul and Eragon, "I must thank you for this chance to rule beside you. There is no need to question over this choice, my answer is simple. Yes, I shall accept this offer."

The consul grew silent as Orik stood up followed by Islanzadí as the two leaders bowed their heads. "Then let it be so. Tomorrow we proclaim Lord Eragon leader of the new order of the Rider, King of the Palancar Valley Kingdom. As Nasuada rules beside him. May the two of you rule in peace with the new found unity among the nations and people of Alagaesia."

With the last regards made the consul and its members departed, each heading their own ways, Arya lingered though hovering over Eragon. The two loomed over each other neither speaking nor moving as the winds blew through the streets of the ruined city. Murtagh hovered closely but soon moved off as he shook his head, a faint smile forming across his lips.

A call from the rear caught Eragon's attention as he saw the figure of Queen Islanzadí heading off towards the outer limits of the destroyed city. Arya hesitated, she knew that whatever her mother wanted was probably in a cord with the future of the allies between the kingdom of Palancar and the elves of Du Weldenvarden. Eragon had just sentenced himself to the next few years filled with nothing but a constant stream of duties. Duties that she herself had once claim would be in the way of any relations between the two. Now those word worked ever against her as she hated herself more and more for what she had said all that time ago.

Eragon bowed slowly as he pulled away heading for Islanzadí. Arya reactively grabbed for his wrist as she held the too be king in his place. She quickly drop Eragon's arm, relieving them of the unfamiliar yet not unwanted contact. Eragon looked once more at her as the two looking back into one's eyes.

Arya's mind feel to piece, she had not truly seen Eragon like this sense the battle with the king. His exhausted eyes relieving everything about himself. Arya wanted nothing more to simple remain in that moment forever. To not have to worry about the future or the past, but simply exist in that moment when the two of them connected together. Eye to eye. Soul to soul.

"Arya." Eragon's voice shattering the moment as his eyes return disconnected and blank. "We are held to our duties. I see that know. Before I truly was just a child, one who could not see his own misjudgment. I am sorry for that. I know it is the past, our past. But I hope you can forgive me for my wrong doings to you."

Arya's heart shattered as every word Eragon spoke destroyed another piece of what little control she held. Eragon was using the very word she herself had used on him not a few years ago. She wanted to tell him everything. How she felt and just how much he meant to her. But Eragon whisked it all away as he turned away walking towards her mother, not even fully addressing her as he spoke.

"My duties now carry me elsewhere. I shall see you tomorrow, Lady Arya." Eragon's finally words swept Arya up as the winds blew through her. Arya remained there, standing in the ruined city that her people once called home. The hollowing winds whip her hair around throwing it in her face, as if mocking her on her predicament. As tears began to flow down her checks Arya left, leaving the city for what little comfort she could find. In solitude.

Eragon neared the Queen as he bowed in respect, giving the formal greeting of the elves. "I trust my daughter does not cause you trouble?" Eragon quickly brushed the matter off as Islanzadí smiled kindly in return. "Of course not. What is it that I assume you would desire to speak with me about?"

The Queen turned as the two headed back towards the consul grounds. "There are many things that will be different with in these lands now. Galbatorix has left too much of a mark upon these lands and their people. They will need a strong leader. It does please me to see you forth take this responsibility. I do not believe I would I thought you of it, but I am still glad. Oromis would have been very proud to see his last student strive into the greatness that you have become. Please pardon my praise, I sound as if an old fool. But it is worth it, these lands would not be the same if not for you and your great dragoness."

Islanzadí paused as the two neared back to the round table, Islanzadí once again sitting down at the table as Eragon remained standing. "I have discussed with Blödhgram as well as many other of my finest warriors in a proposal. Arya tells me of a darker evil heading our way. Something that these Grey Folk power that the three of you have been gift was meant to battle. Still I believe more can be done on the matter within the realm of more normal means."

Eragon crossed his arms as he ponder what the elven Queen was getting at. "Please go on." With a nod from Islanzadí, the elven Queen began her proposal.

"What I am proposing in the formation of a special task force, specially headed and trained by you. Comprised of all the races and talents of Alagaesia. Sense you have made it clear the Rider will not return to their duties for some time I think such a force would be proactive. These individual could together bring enough skill and power to provide the protection and skill that the riders held in their days."

Eragon remained silent as Islanzadí continued, her proposal begin far from finished. "This war has proven many thing, among it is the partnership between all the races of these vast lands. We have shown that together we are at our strongest. Pulling together the talents of all the races, with the power and knowledge of both the Riders and the Grey Folk, we can create something special. Something new. A guardian force that can help all races and all people. That would represent all the nations of Alagaesia. Something for a better world."

Islanzadí final feel silent as Eragon remained every still, his mind running through the idea that the elven Queen proposed. "Tell me, why is it that you would even suggest such an idea. The elves of Du Weldenvarden have never before invested in the safety of those outside there woods."

"Such is true Eragon, but our times are different now, the barriers that once protected my people no longer seem to even be able hold back the forces of darkness. We my look the part but our ways are sorely behind the power that awaits us." Eragon still held a slight eye as he questioned the elven queen onward.

"I know there is more behind this all, what is this other intention you hold?"

Islanzadí seemed resistance at first but quickly seemed to give into to Eragon's probing as she sighed in defeat. "You know as well as I that this war has consumed much more than a few lives. With this war finally over the presence of another is something I will not handle lightly. My family has given much up in this war, I do not indented to allow for it to lose anyone anymore."

Eragon's head rose as he understood what the Queen was getting at. "You desire to remove Arya from this coming conflict?" Eragon grew hard as he starred down the elven Queen. "She is a part of this war whether you are in favor of it or not. Why would you feel the need to remove her from this, you do not even fully understand what it is that comes for us all."

The Queen grew hard herself as she rose starring the future king eye to eye. Eragon had never seen the normally formal Queen be so emotional before. "That is the exact issue I see. This war is over a power that none of us truly even understand. What hope we have if left with you and your brother, leave Arya out of this. She has given enough of herself to this blasted cause. Allow her to come home, live another life away from all of this. Please, Shadeslayer. I ask only this of you. Let her go. Let her return to the trees and people of her own folk. She has belong to the world of men, dwarves, and Riders for far too long."

The anger in the Queen's eyes slowly faded as she stepped back. Eragon still remained silent as he ponder further on the Queen. Perhaps what she says it right Eragon thought to himself. Arya had been among her own people only a select few times in the last decades. He and Murtagh could handle the Shades, the formation of a guardian group would help them more than Arya alone could.

Still Eragon the First had chosen her, gifting her the powers that allowed them to fight the Shades. It seemed a waste. But Eragon knew that no matter what his opinion or her mother own position Arya controlled her own fate. With a sigh Eragon spoke.

"Then let it be the will of Arya to choice her own fate. You ask me to release her, but you forget that she I not mine to begin with. Her loyalty follow her duties, they always have and always will. Allow her to choice her own fate. But I do promise you shall see no pressure nor judgement from me, or any of the Varden. Is such ideal for you Queen Islanzadí?"

The elven Queen nodded as Eragon once more relaxed allowing the wind to take hold of his mind as he moved away, heading for what was to be his resting place for the rest of the afternoon.

His walk was stopped as a strange feeling loomed over him. His eyes turned side to side looking around him to see nothing about him. Nothing but the wind.

Eragon's guard feel as he continued walk never aware of the darkness that watched his every moment.

"I'm coming my boy…"

AN:

Well that, if you cannot tell, that was left open for a specific reason. I original had the chapter ending with the introduction of another character, but choice to cut it to later chapters. Hope all enjoyed his chapter as Eragon finally proclaims himself King, which is of course a change from the book. Look forward to the next two chapter as I wrap up his story.

Hope ya'll enjoy the early post, though it was well deserved. Re-uploads are being worked on and are coming, but Chapter 14 is a priority.

So about the whole ExA think, I no its probably not what people want right now, but give it time. All thinks come with time. Hope ya'll enjoy my return to the land of Alagaesia the next two chapter will come down like rain from a hurricane I promise.

As they say, I all comes crashing down!

Thanks to all my followers and reviewers!