Chapter 21
Arya ran outside the elven camp and joined the growing crowd of elves. They all looked to the horizon, where the bat-like silhouette of a dragon stood out against the setting sun.
"Shur'tugal," someone said in a pleased voice. "He's returned!"
A contented murmur spread throughout the crowd.
Arya left the group and started for the city, knowing that Eragon would land in the courtyard of the palace.
Vanir caught up with her. They both needed to speak with him.
"You think he was foolish enough to bring Nasuada back?" Vanir asked.
"He better not have been," Arya grumbled. "If she returns, we will have a hard time ever sending her back with Jormundor around. He wouldn't let her go."
"I don't think the Rider is that stupid, but if he is, I'll have a few choice words for him…" Vanir smiled grimly.
They wove through the buildings and finally came to the palace, where the guards let them enter without question.
In the courtyard, they waited patiently for Eragon.
"Perhaps we should start a big fire so he knows where to land?" Vanir asked, laughing.
Arya grinned. "No. I think we would need to spell it out for him. A sign, perhaps?"
Vanir seemed surprised at her humorous attitude. "A sign would do."
Heavy wing beats cut their conversation short. They backed away and looked to the sky.
Saphira descended in the center of the courtyard, shaking off dust from the dry journey. Eragon slid from the saddle and strode to them, speaking the elven greeting.
Arya and Vanir replied according to custom and Arya added, "Times are dire, Shadeslayer."
Eragon nodded. "About the Shade, do you think it will be back?"
Vanir spoke up. "It was poking around our business, which makes me assume it was serving under Galbatorix. If I'm right, it will be back as soon as its master allows. I somewhat embarrassed it by stabbing it in the back… revenge will be a main motive."
"That is not good," said Eragon, "But it will be a while before it can return, depending upon where it appeared after you stabbed it."
"Yes. But we need you here just in case," Arya said. "Jormundor will have tasks for you, and probably a short trip or two, but we want you available at short notice."
He nodded. "I will do my best."
"Good," Arya concluded, "we will meet to discuss plans in further detail at sunrise. Now go rest."
Eragon nodded and returned to Saphira, removing her saddle and taking his belongings inside.
The next morning, Jormundor sent Eragon and Saphira to help build a wall outside the city of Lithgow. It was not only meant to help them with construction, but create a stronger impression among the people.
With Saphira and Eragon helping, the people were given hope. Rumors spread throughout the countryside about Eragon's and Saphira's good nature and strength. Everyone looked up to them.
Every day, Saphira would fly large rocks to the construction site and help place them appropriately. With her assistance, the job was done in only three weeks.
Soon after, Eragon spent time in Dauth helping the Varden smuggle supplies across the border. He became a sort of icon to the people, sending messages here and there and performing good deeds in public. They grew to love him and trust him.
Word spread across the border and into the Empire, causing a great underground movement of immigrants. More people joined the Varden every day.
Eragon heard no more of the Shade. He did not know if that was a good thing or not, but still kept a close eye out. Occasionally, he would ask Arya about news from Ellesmera, wondering how Nasuada was doing in her training. But Arya always replied, "All is the same," a very unfulfilling answer.
Thus the next three months passed in a blur of missions and waiting.
Barzul raised his wings and roared. It wasn't yet a mighty roar, as Saphira's was, but a loud growl. He pawed at the dirt, begging to join the fun.
No! Nasuada insisted. I'll never learn a thing if you win all my battles for me! She gripped her sword, light reflecting off the edge.
"Center your weight, Nasuada. Light on your toes now," said Dathedr.
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The number of times she had heard that numbered in the thousands. Trying to catch the elf off guard, she charged at him, going for a stab in the stomach.
He deflected her blow with inhuman speed and began a complex attack routine.
Nasuada struggled to parry, bringing her sword up to sluggishly meet Dathedr's. She tried every move she knew, attempting to turn the fight around, but her muscles were weakening already.
The elf kept his movements slowed to a human-like speed, but he still had the advantage. He abruptly changed his method of fighting and went for her legs, tapping his blade against her shin. "You've lost your leg, Nasuada."
She clenched her teeth, lifting that leg and continuing the fight on one foot.
Barzul laughed at her mentally. Still want to fight this alone?
YES! She said irritably, ducking to avoid another of Dathedr's deadly swings.
Dathedr brought his sword abruptly to her neck. "Do you give up?" he asked.
"A Rider doesn't give up," she answered.
The silver dragon snuck up behind Dathedr and reared up, cleanly knocking the elf over.
"I'm sorry, Ebrithil," Nasuada apologized, but she couldn't hide the smile.
Dathedr stood up, sheathing his sword. "It's about time you two started acting as one. I've been waiting for this a long time."
She scowled. "So that's what you wanted? For me to cheat?"
"It's not cheating," he said, "it's using your natural advantages. Life isn't fair. I'm an elf—does that mean I should act like a human while fighting humans to take that advantage away?"
"No sir… I just thought that, for training purposes, you'd want me to…"
"I'd want you to avoid using your natural advantages as a Rider? I think not. You should practice fighting together and using that advantage. It will help minimize your weaknesses. Having said that, I don't want Barzul or myself to get hurt, so tell him to hold back his strength when we spar."
She nodded. He always spoke of using advantages, and it was finally coming together. The whole time he'd been telling her to use Barzul, but she hadn't seen it.
"You are dismissed for today. Good work, Shur'tugal."
Nasuada bowed her head in respect. He was letting her go early for once.
Barzul strode to her side. He was the size of a large horse already, and his muscles were strong and bulky from all the hunting he had done. We did well today, Nasuada. I could hear it in his voice.
Yes. He was pleased, she agreed. I'm exhausted though. Will you carry me to the cabin?
Her dragon bent his head down in answer and she climbed onto his back. Though he wasn't yet big enough to fly with her, he often carried her over ground.
When do you think you will be able to fly me? She asked.
Not today, he groaned, you're too fat!
She slapped his neck playfully. Look who's talking! You took Saphira's hunting lessons a little too seriously.
Did not! He snorted.
You hardly think about anything but food! She laughed.
I do too…
They arrived at her cabin and went through the door. Nasuada collapsed on the bed. You should be glad you don't have to train! She said.
He lay next to the bed and rested his head on her stomach. I wish there was a dragon to teach me in Ellesmera.
You're too young anyway, she said before drifting to sleep.