14. New Mysteries Arise

Breetuk and Grintuk wasted no time relating the events of their time in Anghelm, starting with the first time Bree held the egg all the way through to their audience with King Kulkarvek.

"Midnight assured me that meeting the king was my first crucial task as a Rider, and that it would set in motion events that needed to come to pass," Breetuk said. "Maybe because I look like my mother and that triggered certain memories. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that being from the Bolvek clan reminded him of Varhog, which led to his demand that we all visit next year."

Grintuk nodded. "He was completely hostile toward humans, saying he felt they should be swept off the face of the land. We fear what will happen when he learns about you and Willow, Varhog. We don't know if it would be better for him to learn it directly from one of us or indirectly."

Varhog responded, "I'll go with you to visit him next year, and I won't keep that information from him if he asks. I'm not afraid of him, nor will I let anything happen to Willow or the twins. Recently I've felt that our relationship is more important than we ever imagined in establishing peace between our two races, and I feel as you do that it will be hard for that peace to truly exist while Kulkarvek is king." He was silent a moment before asking, "So Kulkarvek implied that dragons took everything from him twice and that two humans with their black and red dragons once showed up, as Murtagh did? What could this mean, Firesword?"

"That's a very good question," Eragon said. "It seems clear he meant Galbatorix and Morzan, but it must have happened sometime after Kulkarvek killed Jarnunvösk. Galbatorix had already gained a great deal of power once he and Morzan emerged from their long study of dark magic. Oromis told me that once Galbatorix began his insurrection in earnest, with Morzan by his side, he was stronger than most any other Rider. One of their main objectives was to obtain as many Eldunarí as possible. I imagine he wanted the Eldunarí of his first dragon, so perhaps he went to seize it."

"And that would explain what Jarnunvösk said about being prisoner to Kulkarvek's wicked will for many years," Grintuk said. "The king's mention of his 'accursedly long life' also confirms the idea that he is all but invincible and can't die, no matter how much he appears to want to die. Breetuk and I both noticed that he seemed terribly agonized and exhausted, that his only reason for living is to exterminate the humans. Beyond that, he appears to want nothing more than to be released from his miserable existence."

"This is very troubling," Nasuada worried. "If Kulkarvek can't die and wants to eradicate humans, then we might be on the brink of another war. Even with all of you Riders, there would be heavy casualties. The Urgal king once killed a dragon and he could surely do it again. He very nearly killed Saphira. And if he can't die, he'll keep trying, throwing away countless lives in the process. I don't know what to say. There are too many unanswered questions."

"Yes, there are many new mysteries," Eragon agreed. "I think it's safe to say that for now, at least, the Riders should once again leave Alagaёsia. If Varhog plans to return with the other Urgals next year to visit the king, maybe we could all return together in time for the next Games. They'll be held next summer in Ilirea, correct, Your Majesty?"

"That's correct," Nasuada agreed. "And if there is a chance some conflict will arise should the king learn about Willow and Varhog, I would prefer all of the Riders to be here together. I feel much differently toward the Urgralgra than I once did, even when we were allies during the war, and I would hate for the loss of life to be high on either side. I'll do anything I can to avoid another war against a seemingly invincible foe. Any war, for that matter. Will my husband be permitted to stay with me?"

"I'm staying, Nasuada," Murtagh said firmly, holding Lena as she slept. "No matter what my brother might say."

"I agree," Eragon said. "We need someone who can get from place to place quickly, if it comes to that. But more than that, you belong with your wife and daughter. They come before the Riders."

"I'm glad you agree," Murtagh dryly stated. "So when will the rest of you leave?"

"I'm the newest so I'm sure my voice doesn't count for much, but can we at least wait until my friend gets back so Grintuk and I can get married?" Breetuk requested. "That should only be another two weeks at the most."

"The twins will be two months by then too," Willow added. "And I think I might finally be up for a journey like that."

"Two weeks from today is the day after your birthday," Varhog said, and Willow raised her eyebrows. "I remembered, Eartheyes. Aren't you proud?"

"Very," Willow approved.

"I've been trying to think of ways to make it special, as you did for me," Varhog explained. "But I'm coming up short."

"We'll help you throw a big party, Varhog," Maehrí offered. "If it really does end up being right around the time we leave, it can also double as our farewell party. If Willow doesn't mind."

"Not at all!" Willow cried. "But I don't need a big party. I have everything I've ever wanted."

In her arms, William blew a big bubble while eagerly waving his hand. Willow looked down at him and grinned when the bubble popped, splattering him with saliva.

"And you'll be two months old by then, William!" Willow animatedly said in her sing-song voice. "That is something that deserves celebrating, now isn't it!" She turned him around and hefted him up in front of her face, kissing his dimpled cheek, since he had assumed a huge grin on seeing his mother right in front of him.

"Oh my goodness," Willow continued in the same tone, also smiling. "What a big boy you are! I love these chubby cheeks!" William grabbed her face and brought his right next to it, slobbering on her cheek with wet lips.

"Thank you, William!" Willow cried, laughing. "Nothing beats one of your kisses. Well maybe father's, but only just." Varhog chuckled.

Baby Var was entertaining his grandmother in a similar fashion with animated sounds and movements. Garzhvog, who was sitting next to Myrintuk, was getting in on the interaction, and Var seemed to particularly appreciate that, perhaps because Garzhvog was so much like his father. Myrintuk finally just handed him over to his grandpa, and Garzhvog carried on just as easily as Varhog always did.

Eragon continued the previous discussion by saying, "I think on the way back to the Isle, I'd like to stop and visit Orik once more. We promised we would so we could introduce Brom and that will give us an opportunity to meet back up with Knilf and Bodin. So we have two weeks to plan and prepare. But I have another item of business. Before the rest of you arrived, the four of us here discussed the possibility of using some of this time to visit nearby cities and villages. We sensed from our time in Yazuac that many of the people resented our long absence, which is my fault, I'm afraid. We also saw how valuable it was for them to see Varhog get along so well with other races. I wouldn't expect Willow and Varhog to travel right now, especially when we have such a long journey ahead of us, but how do you others feel about this idea? When the dwarves left, I asked them to stop in as many dwarven cities as they could to become acquainted with the citizens."

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Nasuada said. "And I would like to accompany one of these groups. It might help foster goodwill between the races, and we're always trying to come up with ways to do that in the years we don't hold the Games. I think visiting Urgal villages, along with human ones, would be wise. What would be the most effective way to visit as many cities as possible?"

"Perhaps two groups would be sufficient," Eragon mused. "One could fly straight south, perhaps as far as Feinster, and stop at many of the coastal cities on their way back—Belatona, Kuasta, Teirm, Narda—before coming back here. We need not stay long in each city. A day would most likely suffice. Just enough time for us meet people, help them if we can, foster goodwill, as you say, and be on our way. We can also announce our intention of being present for the Games next year."

"The other group might also be able to fly south to Dras-Leona, but then veer east to stop at Bullridge, then Gil'ead, up to Ceunon, and back down through Yazuac and Daret," Nasuada suggested. "Would two weeks give enough time for this, if we stayed only a day in each city?"

"Most likely," Eragon said. "If we run short on time, we can either return here before completing our circuit or extend the time of our departure. We're far enough from Anghelm and have plans to take our leave directly. I hope that's enough to appease the king, as long as we avoid his territory."

"How shall we divide?" Nasuada asked. "I propose we have an Urgal Rider in each group so when we visit the various human and Urgal settlements, we can continue working on softening the enmity and prejudice dividing them."

"If one group goes to Feinster, I might actually like to go," Willow said, "since I'm from there. I've never been back, and they might like to see their native Rider again. So Varhog would naturally be in that group. Traveling a little with the babies before the long journey back to the Isle will probably help us prepare for that."

"That route would also take us through more of the Urgal villages," Varhog contributed. "Meeting Willow and hearing her speak Urgralish would probably be the best way to begin introducing them to the idea of friendship between our races. Every Urgal who has had any amount of time to meet Willow inevitably ends up loving her." The Urgals in the room nodded their agreement. "But I fear we might not make it to all of the human and Urgralish villages, if we did that."

"Would there be a problem with dividing into three groups?" Arya asked. "I know Breetuk and Grintuk wouldn't want to be separated, so they should probably go with Nasuada and Murtagh. But maybe Eragon and I, along with Hanin and Maehrí, could take the route through cities with the least human-Urgal conflict."

"Then maybe the two groups with Urgal Riders should divide between north and south, rather than east and west," Murtagh submitted. "Most of the interaction between humans and Urgals takes place around the Spine. I would prefer going north, since our group of me and Nasuada, as well as Grintuk and Breetuk, would involve only two adult dragons. That might be better, given our proximity to the king in Anghelm. But even then, it might be best for only Grintuk and Breetuk to visit the Urgal villages and discover their feelings toward Kulkarvek. Nasuada and I should probably steer clear of any Urgal villages that far north and instead visit the human villages. We can ensure them that we're working on a solution to the Urgal conflicts and continue encouraging tolerance."

"That's a good idea," Grintuk agreed. "We'll obviously avoid Anghelm altogether, but even if you and Lady Nightstalker don't stay in any of the Urgralish villages, I think Breetuk and I should try to come with you to the human ones. That way they would meet two Urgals who aren't trying to harass them in any way. It might prove useful at some future time."

"Good point," Eragon said. "So if we divide in three and Willow and Varhog go to Feinster before circling back up through the southern human and Urgal villages, who should go with them?"

"I guess that leaves me," Tomath said. "I'd love to go with Willow and Varhog."

"Perfect," Eragon approved. "My group will go east to Bullridge, and from there on to Gilead and the settlement at Marna. We stopped in Osilon on our way to and from Ellesméra, so visiting again may not be needful. We can go to Ceunon and maybe meet Murtagh's group in Carvahall to say goodbye to Roran before heading back. I think Roran would appreciate it, though we wouldn't stay overnight. Only an hour or so, at most. Once we arrive back here, we'll have the weddings and leave not long after."

Myrintuk tentatively said, "May I volunteer myself and Garzhvog to travel with you and the elves, Firesword? We aren't Riders, but we love you all and our human daughter-in-law and can both speak the common tongue. If you think having Urgals in every group would be beneficial, we can help you accomplish that end since the other groups already do. And since the two couples would likely fly together, there would always be at least one dragon flying alone. A flying adventure with my mate sounds exciting."

"That's very generous, Myrintuk," Eragon said. "Thank you. I think it's a very good idea and have no objections whatsoever." He glanced at his three traveling companions, who were also agreeable. "That will be good. I know human and Urgal relations are still strained in Gil'ead. Almost every human city, actually."

They discussed the matter until all of the details were decided, then everyone went their separate ways for lunch and to begin preparing for their travels. As they walked back toward their respective huts, Arya said to Willow, "Come by our place first. We have an early birthday present for you. And something for Varhog too."

Once they arrived, Arya went back to the bedroom and returned a moment later with two bundles. She handed one to Willow, and it wasn't a bundle but her steel-silk armor, neatly folded.

"Thank you again," Arya said. "It was amazing." She grinned, and Eragon nodded.

"Especially for me," Eragon added. "You'll enjoy it, Varhog."

"I'd nearly forgotten!" Willow cried. "Which is ridiculous! I'm so excited! What a marvelous early birthday present. We'll put it to good use."

"I have no doubt of it," Arya said. "We certainly have. And this is for you, Varhog. For some reason, we felt to give it to you first, though you'll undoubtedly want to share it with Willow at some point. We'll leave that up to you, but don't open it here. She's already dreadfully curious, and your reaction will give it away. I'm sure of it." Varhog curiously accepted the bundle but didn't unwrap it, moving his hand down when William, who was in his arms, reached out to grab the interesting new object.

"I guess we should be off," Willow airily said. "You know, plenty of packing to do. Among other things." She laughed, as did the others. "Farewell, you two. We'll no doubt see you again before we leave tomorrow morning."