Chapter 24: Last Days in Alagaesia

Eragon woke up after that night feeling refreshed, Karliah left his tent well before he returned from his waking dreams. He did not see much of her nor Arya after that day, he knew Arya would be busy helping her mother with the political discussions over the future for the elven race. Karliah most likely had returned to the dark elven camp to gather her belongings, she came to him again a few days later to ask for a resting place near him. Eragon didn't know why the elf was so attached to him, but he granted her wish when he had another tent set up not far from his. He also had his duties to attend, many councils with the leaders of Alagaesia required him presence, as he is the Master Rider of the new order, his input was important. He did not do much in those meetings, for everything agreed he was only needed to give his consent, however he did propose one thing after much discussion with Saphira and Glaedr. The dwarves and urgals were to join the rider pact. That shall come to be once he returns to Ellesméra and alter the spell placed upon the riders with the ancient dragon of the twin guardian.

Many events were decided in the last two weeks, occasionally the dark elves would attend and tell the races of their return journey. They requested assistance for their war against the orcs, but the all the leaders apart from the elven queen refused. They had put the recovery of their kingdoms before their timely allies. It was expected, they have no relationship with this new race, but Islanzadí could not refuse, for the dark elves came to save her people. They have decided that the dark elves shall accompany them back into their shielded forest, the light elves must prepare, and this matter of travelling across the seas to their lost homeland is not trivial.

When Eragon had free time, he made sure to spend them with Roran and Katrina, they were about to be separated by leagues of oceans; he did not know if he will see them again. Murtagh and Thorn also received proper burial, they are riders and dragons after all; it is only fitting. It was after Murtagh was lowered to the earth and Thorn's ashes spread into the wind did Eragon finally realised that his true brother was gone. He was beyond devastated, knowing it was by his hands that Murtagh died. Alas, that was the price he had to pay, Galbatorix was cruel to pit them against each other. He wept for throughout the night on the day of Murtagh's funeral, with the company of Thorn's Eldunari, they mourned for the passing of the last rider apart from Eragon. Saphira left him be, she knew he wanted to be alone.

Galbatorix's body was preserved upon his request, displayed and guarded in Ilirea, free for all to witness and he shall be forever remembered for all of his crimes. Shruikan's remains were also burned and released into the wind, his shall be free after death. All the Eldunarya Eragon rescued were crazed, broken by Galbatorix, it would require time for them to heal, and Glaedr is trying his best to comfort the slain dragons. Some Eragon were forced to crush for they had no will to live, but most could be saved. Eragon could not help but feel an overwhelming anguish within him, mingled with Saphira's own grief as he witness the millions of Eldunarya pieces, their sacrifices shall not be in vain.

The weeks passed in a mere blink, and soon they were journeying towards the elven capital. Eragon bid farewell to Roran and Katrina, they embraced for possibly the last time; he also bid farewell to Nasuada and Orik, they shall be fine rulers of their people. Eragon gave them his blessings and left them as he ventured to fulfil his duty.

The journey was long, but their pace was fast, they were no more relaxed than they were before the death of the late king; another awaits for the elves. It seems that Blödhgarm and his elves still guarded him and Saphira, they were keen on staying near him. Arya would be constantly by his side, he encouraged her to spend time with her mother but she never left him, and he was forced to take her with him while he rode Saphira. Karliah had to keep her distance from him for fear of her brothers discovering her, she did not seem particularly happy about it. Still she manage to trap him alone and speak with him about the history of Alagaesia, and various other things including teasing him. Eragon always found these conversations pleasant, but he would also emerge confused by the princess's behaviour.

The times he spent with Saphira and Arya in the skies were always welcomed and soothing, the three of them spend time and spoke of everything, it was in those moments that he forgets the pain of separation, and enjoys a rare moment of contentment. The lush tranquil forests of Du Weldenvarden grew in size as they neared, the beautiful scenery was a pleasant change from the harshness of war.

Another fortnight passed since they left Ilirea they soon approach the grandiose city of Ellesméra, the dark elves marvelled at the site, their leaders spoke to Islanzadí of her city, they stated it was almost identical to the ancient remnants in Alalëa. Their large company of elven soldiers entered the city soon, the queen ordered her soldiers to return home and be ready upon summoning; they would have a short time to prepare the journey across the seas. She also issued orders to mass construct ships to cross the vast oceans. The dark elves had docked near Narda, Islanzadí already have permission from Nasuada to use that coastal town as a temporary stronghold for elves.

The first place Eragon visited upon entering the elven capital was the Crags of Tel'naeir, he had decided to pay his respect once more to his masters. Eragon took the liberty to clean Oromis' hut, he also created a memorial stone for the ancient elf.

Oromis Thrándurin, the last of this house

Rider of Glaedr, Grand master rider

The wisest of the old order

His name shall be forever carved into

The resurrection of the new order

May he rest in peace knowing his efforts were not in vain.

Eragon casted various spells to make sure this standing stone would not wither in time, he also used magic to carve a miniature version of Oromis and Glaedr behind the stone. They would serve as guardians to this place. Upon the permission from Glaedr, Eragon extract the valuable books in Oromis' possession, some books were from the remnants of the grand library of Vroengard.

His next visit was to the master smith Rhunön, he brought to her all the rider's lost swords and Galbatorix's cursed blade Vrangr, plus the dragon hide cape and gloves along with the dragon scale armour. Eragon told her of the enchantments upon the ancient blade, to which she replied.

"I never thought I would see my creations again." This was the first time Eragon saw Rhunön with any emotions, but she quickly composed herself and moved to examine Vrangr. "I have no doubt that this blade shall prove invaluable to you, if it does as you say, drains the victims life force and transfers it into you then keep it. I do not want to hold such an evil sword, its deeds in Galbatorix's hand has tainted its former name. If it shall do good in your hands I pray that you shall redeem its worth and regain Islingr as its title. As for the armour, do whatever you will, I did not craft such items so you have no reason to ask me and waste my time! I will take the rest of my creations for now, when you have recreated the order of the riders you can come and claim them. Now be gone!"

Eragon chuckled at the smith's personality, she do not care for titles and positions and always speaks her mind. The tomes of the shades were placed under the possession of elven scholars, they were tasked to study them and uncover the secrets of the shades. They would remain in the capital till they have decoded the writings, the knowledge would prove to be valuable against shades in the future. Their stay was swift in Ellesméra, he spend time with both Arya and Karliah, they would often walk through to ancient forests together, Arya introduced both of them to the proud elven capital. Eragon's stays were brief in this city, he spend his times training under Oromis, he had little time to enjoy the exotic scenery and unique culture, a large part of Ellesméra was unknown to him. Whenever they were together to explore the ancient city, there was always thick tension which hung in the air. Eragon felt that the two princesses were fighting a cold war, they seem to try and out done the other, he extremely perplexed by their behaviour. Their times in the fabled elven capital was short, it passed like mere rain over the mountains. Soon, they once again left the city on a journey to the western shores of Alagaesia.

Moments before their departure to the ancient elven homeland, Eragon and Saphira found themselves with the company of elven royalties; both the dark elf princes and queen Islanzadí and Arya were present, Karliah could not cling to him at this moment, her brothers are present. They had already drawn out the plan to cross the endless seas; the light elves must follow the dark elves' lead. Eragon would board with the queen and Arya; he assumed Karliah would travel with her kins. Farewells have been said long before they departed for Ellesméra, hence Nasuada, Orik and Roran were not present. Much had to be done after the death of the late king, they all have duties to attend to.

The elven army would cross the seas, a feat which their race had not done for millenniums. Many of the elves wanted to accompany them; however there were limited elven vessels. The rest of the race would cross in time but it will happen rather slowly. Some elves desired to remain where they are, but the vast majority felt that this land hold too much grief for their race; their desires to see their homeland once more spurred them to leave Alagaesia behind.

Eragon stood on the deck of the elven ship, intricate design, similar to those of the dark elves but they held distinctive difference which only separation by time and geography caused that change. Thousands of elven warships filled the harbour, a fleet which could only be rivalled by the last mass migration. This change in the course of the future of Alagaesia would be significant, Eragon worried for the humans and other races left on this land. He knew that he would not return for a long time, the new order would be difficult to resurrect, it would take decades if not centuries. He did not know how long it will take to defeat the Orcs, there seem to be darker evils involved, but if he emerges victorious he will make sure to set up communication between the two continents. The two different worlds across the seas would be legends no longer.

It was dusk, they will leave at dawn. Eragon stood alone, gazing with anguish at the land which he called home, if Angela's Prophecy is true, this would be the last time he will look upon this war-plagued land, the moment seems to fit the dream he had years ago, few months after Saphira hatched for him. He stood on the deck of a sailing boat, preparing to leave the land, however the only thing missing was another figure beside him. As if on cue, Arya's distinct scent of crushed pine needles floated to his nose, moments later she appeared beside him.

She was silent for a while, merely gazing at the land they will leave behind. She eventually broke that silence, "Eragon, do not dwell on your decision to leave, it is inevitable, I promise you that you shall return one day."

Eragon nodded, "What of your people? Your forest which you love so much, they will wither without the presence of the elves."

"They will not, the magic we placed upon our country will last, the Meona tree would look after the ancient forests."

"What about this land? The land you have fought so hard to protect?" Eragon asked again, their decision to migrate as a race did not involve him; he held no sway over it.

"The time of elves has passed, this land no longer need us, our power has diminished, and we have withered as a race." She paused for a brief moment, "Many of us lost hope after the fall of the riders, and they still have yet to rekindle that spirit which they once possess. Rediscovering our homeland is a more attractive choice as of now, perhaps Eragon, when you have re-established to power of the riders and resurrect the dragon then the elves will flourish once more."

"I had hoped to permanently link the two continents, and establish political relations and trade." Eragon told her.

"Yes, it will benefit all the races; but that is the future, now we will focus on discovering the elves' past and aid out allies in their plight."

"Yes." Eragon voiced his agreement. "Arya, I am glad to have you by my side."

A bright smile adorned her face, even more radiating than the sun, "And I you."

Eragon felt soft fingers touch his rough palms, they worms its way to be intertwined with his fingers. Eragon stared amazed at Arya, but she only looked forwards the remnants of her smile still on her face, and a faint blush crawled its way up her cheeks. A moment later a smile also spread on his features, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Perhaps a future with Arya was after all a possibility.

I apologise if the vast majority of this chapter seems rushed, I really just want to leave Alagaesia and truly begin their adventure. Thank you all for reading, and feed backs are always welcome.

~Six