Chapter 25

Eragon and Arya made their way to Nasuada's tent. Eragon had decided to wear a simple rough cotton shirt and brown leather leggings in favor of his armor. He belted the new version of Blodhren on his hip. Arya was next to him as graceful as ever, in her usual black leather.

The pair arrived at Nasuada's tent to find Galbatorix's body surrounded by the elves maintaining a protective barrier around it. Nasuada, Orik, Orrin, and Murtagh were waiting there. Nasuada sat in a simple chair while Orrin and Orik paced around the tent. Murtagh simply leaned on one of the wood beams supporting the tent.

As the two entered Nasuada jumped up and growled, "Eragon, Arya the two of you had better be able to explain yourselves."

Eragon launched into a long and detailed explanation of why Galbatorix did what he did, who the Grey Folk actually were, and the truth about the devastating event in the past. The elves around Galbatorix echoed cries of shock at the news. Even more surprising to everyone there was that Galbatorix had revealed to Eragon the name of the Ancient Language.

"Eragon... What is the name of the Ancient Language?" asked Murtagh hesitantly.

"I'm sorry. That is something I cannot reveal to anyone but Saphira, Arya, and Oromis. I cannot run the risk that any one of you might be captured and have it extracted. As such Saphira, Arya, and Oromis-ebrithil, are the only ones I can be sufficiently sure that their minds will not break under torture and pain. Galbatorix left this to me and I cannot in good faith reveal to people I believe could compromise my only weapon against the Grey Folk." said Eragon as he shook his head.

"Bah! You have become a coward Eragon!" spat Orik vehemently as he left the tent.

Eragon stared sadly at the entrance of the tent that Orik had just left through. Arya her hand in his and interlaced her fingers with his. "Do not worry. He just needs time to clear his head."

"So you see... This leaves us in a predicament. I will not allow the body of a man who lived a lie to save Alagaesia to be desecrated. But if we do not allow his body to be desecrated the Varden will disintegrate and civil war will erupt in the Empire." said Eragon.

"I have a suggestion." whispered Blodhgarm as he stepped forward out of the circle of elves maintaining the barrier around Galbatorix's body.

"We could take the corpse of any person, a convicted criminal maybe. I am confident in the abilities of the elves assembled here along with Eragon-elda's powers to properly disguise it as Galbatorix's body. We could then let the crowd do what we want with it."

"Hm... Do you think it can be done Eragon?" asked Nasuada as she turned to stare at him.

Eragon gave a sharp nod betraying the fact that he was not totally human anymore. "I am confident in the abilities of myself, Arya, Blodhgarm and the other elves."

"Go then and do it." sighed Nasuada as she dropped down onto her chair looking entirely exhausted. "No one really did see through his illusion in the end... Not even you Eragon. I don't think we will ever figure that man out."

"Before you go Eragon-elda, Arya svit-kona... There is... a matter we must discuss.... Nasuada svit-kona, Orrin, Murtagh-finariel... If you would please give us a moment of privacy." said Blodhgarm lightly.

Nasuada nodded and beckoned for Orrin and Murtagh to leave as well. Once the three had left the tent, the only ones that remained were Eragon, Arya, Blodhgarm and the other elves.

"Eragon-elda... Arya svit-kona... I need to know hat your relationship with each other is. I must inform Queen Islanzadi about this. She has a right to know." said Blodhgarm as gently as possible but still with a hint of force in his musical voice.

"Eragon and I are... together." said Arya as she looked at him.

"You are mates then?" asked Blodhgarm.

Eragon was painfully aware of the other elves stares as Blodhgarm asked this question. He felt Arya's hand tighten slightly in his as the words echoed around the tent. He opened his mouth to respond when Arya answered first.

"Aye.... we are."

Blodhgarm's eyes widened and his eyes opened slightly. The other elves displayed similar states of shock. Eragon spirits soared. He felt happier than he thought he ever had in his life.

"Do not trouble yourself overmuch over this Blodhgarm-vodhr. Rest assured Eragon and myself will personally inform my mother." stated Arya. Blodhgarm seemed to relax at these words.

"I understand. As there is nothing more to discuss let us to it then. We shall find the corpse. I will lead the illusion to yourself and Eragon-elda." said Blodhgarm as he and the other elves left the tent.

"Should we tell her using drauma Kopa?" asked Eragon.

Arya shook her head simply. "This is too important. We should inform her in person. Besides it would be impolite."

"Alright, after the corpse is prepared we can leave for Gil'ead. I will ask Oromis-ebrithil and Glaedr-ebrithil come as well."

"Very well."

After the corpse was finished Nasuada gave it over to the Varden. The mob literally tore it to shreds. The very sight of it sickened Eragon to the extent he had to leave.

Eragon was able to get permission to leave for Gil'ead along with Arya, Oromis, and Glaedr. The two riders and elf set off at the first crack of dawn. By that time news of Galbatorix's defeat had already started to spread throughout the Empire. Many cities had already surrendered to the Varden and the elves.

They arrived at the elves military base in Gil'ead two days later.

"Eragon... Why have you decided to speak with Islanzadi? You could have informed her about Galbatorix's death through the dream stare. If you had to meet her in person I suspect the news must be more serious than just Galbatorix's death. What have you been keeping from me."

"I will tell you along with Queen Islazadi. I do not wish to have to explain it twice within one day. The idea still disturbs me."

As they approached the Queen after she had been informed of their arrival elves cheered when they saw Eragon, Oromis, Arya, Glaedr, and Saphira. Eragon had donned his armor for the occasion. Oromis had decided to stay with his traditional white robe. Arya was still in favor of her normal black leather.

Eragon bowed before the elven queen but she said, "Shadeslayer.... It is I who should bow. You have freed us from a century of fear and hopelessness, and for that you have our eternal gratitude."