Chapter 26
Eragon suddenly awoke after a terrible nightmare weaved its way into his head. In his dream there were guards outside his bedroom door pounding and screaming at him to let them in by order of the King. His heart thudded in his chest and a cold sweat beaded his brow. He shook his head to recollect his thoughts and after, he jumped out of bed and got dressed. When he finished dressing, he left his bedroom and headed across the living room towards the guest room.
Sitting on the bed next to Gwen was Garrow. His visage was tired and he yawned frequently, yet despite his weakness, he was able to keep himself awake to care for Gwen. As soon as he registered that Eragon was in the room with him he quietly said, "She's getting worse."
Eragon swallowed past the lump in his throat to keep himself from crying as he kneeled next to the bed. His warm hands embraced her chilled fingers as she slept, coughing frequently. Her face was still quite pale and her breathing was slower than before. "She needs medicine. Let me go to town and talk to Gertrude, she will know what to do." He was about to stand up and leave when his uncle clasped his hand firmly.
" Wait! Why should you go? You should stay here with Gwen. I will go tot town and get the medicine."
"I realize what you are saying, but it has to be me who has to go. She is my responsibility now-I think of her as a wife rather than a girlfriend. Besides, you have been up all night and look as if you might fall asleep any second, what good will that do you in town? I know the situation at hand and will be able to explain to Gertrude the particulars without delving too deep. Plus if anything goes wrong, I have enough dexterity to get through it and head back home with the medicine."
"What if something should go wrong here rather than in town?" Garrow asked.
"The trapdoor in my room. If something is amiss send her down there with a few supplies and then address the issue as if nothing is wrong. I will not delay this errand, so I should not be gone for very long. Now please, let me go. Every second we stand here discussing Gwen may be dying."
His last sentence filled Eragon with determination and vigor. Before he left he kissed Gwen on her brow. As he did so, Gwen's eyes fluttered open; it was as if she were in a trance and his kiss brought her back to life. Her eyes were filled with pain and barely shone in the light, causing Eragon's heart to burst with sadness. "I am glad that you are awake. Unfortunately, I am leaving to get you some medicine. I should not be gone long. In the meantime, Garrow is here, so do not hesitate to call him if you need assistance or comfort."
Her facial expression hardened as his words sunk in. Her eyes dimly glistened with concern and fear sending chills down Eragon's spine. In a pitiful croak she said, "Please, don't leave me."
"Gwen, I have too. You need medicine and I am the only one able to retrieve it. I love you. I left Garrow some instructions in case something should go wrong in my absence." Her expression was still the same despite his attempt to comfort her. "I will not be gone long, I will ride Nya."
Gwen just shook her head, weakly, in approval contradicting her visage. Eragon took her hand and squeezed it. "I love you." After, he kissed her forehead and left. As soon as he was gone, a single tear rolled down her pale cheek.