Chapter 20. Heart of Tronjheim

Eragon stood smiling as Saphira got closer to him. When she neared him she slid on all fours to stop and they stared at each other for a good while. ("Az Sweldn Rak Anhunin is lucky they failed…")

("I had good teachers…") Eragon replies.

("Yes we did…")

They start walking back towards the city, ("Did Nausada say anything about us returning to Ellesmera after the Coronation?") Eragon asked.

Saphira snorts, ("I left as soon as I got your message…")

Saphira is allowed to rest for an entire day before the coronation takes place. All the Dwarves both noble and common meet in the center of Tronjheim where the star sapphire lies in ruins. Undin stands before Orik. "Orik son of Thrifk…Let it be known to all Knurlan near and far that on this day…Orik is chosen as our King…Guntera King of the gods I ask that you bless this choice the children of Helzvog have made…"

A wind blew through the underground city, ("Where is that coming from…") Eragon asked to Saphira in the privacy of her mind. She growls as a powerful mind touches everyone gathered for the coronation. Then as Undin adds words from the ancient language to his prayer a shower of rose petals fall on the gathered guests. But the rose petals fall around the shape of an invisible Dwarf figure.

Eragon reaches his mind towards the rose petal form and grabs the sides of his head. ("ERAGON!") Saphira cries protecting his mind from the alien presence. The petals fall around invisible arms and hands as they reach down and touch Orik on his head. Then a golden crown appears on his head. The Dwarves clap as the petals fall to the ground unhindered. The invisible being is now gone. ("Are you alright?") Saphira asks.

("I am…what was that…")

("I know not…")

Saphira is bidden forward by King Orik, so she and Eragon walk up to the broken star sapphire. Saphira looks down on the shattered jewel held together by a scaffold. She starts to hum and Eragon starts to sing. A light starts to shine from her scales, a light that fills the underground city causing Eragon and all the Dwarves present to cover their eyes. When the light fades the Star Sapphire is whole again and in its place high above Tronjheim. The Dwarves clap and kiss the spot the where Saphira stands.

The celebration lasts all night, but Saphira needs rest as she and Eragon intend to leave. He meets in private with Orik. Then he contacts Nausada, "Good very good…So when can we expect the two of you back…")

Eragon sighs, "You remember that I asked if it was alright if Saphira and I returned to Ellesmera…"

Nausada smiles, "I do…Eragon…I do not believe it wise…We are a few days march from Feinster…We will need you if we are to succeed…"

"And this may be the last chance we have to speak with our teachers…and there is another reason to visit Ellesmera…" Eragon explains Solembum's words to him, "I have been in need of a Rider's sword ever since I lost Unbidtr…Can't you hold the attack off for at least five days?"

Nausada shakes her head, "I will give you five days Eragon…Then we attack the city…I just hope Murtagh and Thorn aren't in the area…"

"Thank you…We will go as fast as we can…" An hour before sunrise Eragon packs Saphira's saddle then he takes his leave of Orik and off they go.

Belatona

Murtagh and Thorn were flying towards the city when their minds were touched by Galbatorix, ("Change of plans…Head for Gilead…Help defend the city…")

("What of the Varden and Feinster?") Thorn asked.

("Irrelevant Gilead is more strategic…")

Murtagh sighs when he breaks contact, ("To Gilead…Red brother…") Thorn roars as he loops around and flies north towards Gilead.