Chapter Twenty-Seven
A gust of cold wind blew from the ripped sides of the red tent, but Eragon did not feel it. He touched the egg with his long forefinger, reverently tracing the veins of white on it's smooth surface.
The egg was a deep forest-green colour, with dapples of a lighter shade in patches. A little larger than he remembered Saphira's, perhaps, but still with the same white-veined, meandering trails across it. The last of it's kind. Eragon knew his knee was digging into the dirt and that his side was still aching and his sword was lying on the ground beside him, but he didn't care. There was too much to think about, too much to do ...
"Eragon?" Someone called from outside the ragged tent. The voice shook him out of his daze, and he blinked a few times in quick succession.
"Eragon, are you ...?"
It was Islanzadi and Dathedr. Eragon stirred, awakening from his daze. The two elves came slowly to stand beside him where he knelt in the dirt.
"The egg ..." breathed the Queen. "Oh, Eragon!" She put a cool hand on his shoulder. "We must take it to our camp. Come, now, we must get away from here."
Eragon closed the lid on the box, hardly bearing to hide the vivid green. Saphira pushed her nose into the tent and nudged him gently.
Bring it out, little one, let me see. He could feel her suppressed excitement, but also her worry.
I'm coming.
Outside, the huge tent-ground was still smoking from the fires the elves had started, and the stench of burning flesh wandered up to the rapidly-arriving dawn. Elves were piling the bodies, retrieving unhurt arrows and any of their lost swords and deadly daggers. Eragon held the box tightly; it's contents seemed as heavy as a tonne of lead, in a strange way.
Islanzadi and Dathedr made their way through the wreckage and back to the elven camp. It was alive now, the elves singing, alight with the thrill of victory.
Islanzadi's tent was not overly adorned or furnished, but it was a change from all their travelling. She pointed him to a chair wordlessly, and he, not bothering to argue, sat. She also sat and Dathedr brought some food and drink.
"Where do we start, Eragon?" she asked, as if they were still in Tialdari Hall, discussing tactics of a far-off battle. He did not answer, but held her gaze quietly.
The Queen looked at the wooden box containing their long-sought after prize. "Never mind," she said slowly, "I suppose it is not so important, is it, Eragon?"
He grinned at her insight; she had seen that he did not wish to tell her. "Perhaps not, your Majesty."
"Indeed," she inclined her head gracefully. "But now we must decide what to do with the egg."
"It should go to Ellesmera," said Eragon at once. "Arya is there – she is the egg-courier, and it is the safest place for it."
"I agree," said Dathedr, but the Queen frowned.
"You know what happened when my daughter carried Saphira's egg from Ellesmera to the Varden. I will not have it happen again."
Eragon leaned forward. "It will not. Saphira and I can carry the egg, if need be, or guard Arya as she performs her duty. But egg-courier she is, and egg-courier she shall be."
Islanzadi's eyes were unreadable, but perhaps she was puzzled over his vehemence. "We shall see, then. But yes, it must go to Ellesmera. May I ask you and Saphira to take it?"
Eragon knew he had to, but his heart felt heavy at travelling again. "Yes, Queen. When would you like us to take it?"
Islanzadi's expression softened. "You may go when you wish, I think. There is a tent close by you can use, if you wish, and food and drink will be brought to you accordingly. But Eragon ..." she hesitated, " ... how are you?"
He raised an eyebrow. She sounded like Arya. "Well, thank-you, your Majesty."
She frowned. "You have just fought your brother, Eragon. I find it hard to believe that you are perfectly all right."
Eragon sighed. He had known he would have to tell her at some time. "He is only my half-brother, Queen."
The Queen stared, saying nothing. Eragon continued.
"Brom was my father. He met Selena, my mother, after he killed Morzan, her husband, and they fell in love. She returned to Carvahall to have me, then went back to visit Murtagh one last time before she died." Eragon looked at the Queen calmly. He didn't know what she would do, but to him it was not that important.
Islanzadi's face was an unemotional mask. "I see. And when did you find this out?"
"When we returned from the Burning Plains. Brom had told Saphira before he died and she, in turn, told Oromis."
Islanzadi was silent for a while, but when she spoke, it was not at all hostile. "I see many of your fathers characteristics in you, Eragon. Permit me to say that I think he would be proud. Brom himself brought about these current times, despite his death." The Queen, now standing, touched his arm briefly. He was once again forcibly reminded of Arya.
"Thank-you, your Majesty. May we go, please?"
Dathedr watched Eragon closely. The way he held himself – and the quiet assurance with which he did so – suggested that he deferred to no one, and that perhaps he would surprise any challenger. To Dathedr, he seemed so very different for the human boy that had once walked into Tialdari Hall, very much awed, and the strong young man that now stood beside his Queen. And yet, there were similarities. He had the same deliberate way of thinking, and he had looked, even then, as if several heavy burdens were laid on his back; now there were even more.
"Of course," the Queen said gently. "Of course you may."
Dathedr watched the Rider greet Saphira, and saw how they communicated for a long while before he ducked down into the tent the Queen had had put up for him. Dathedr turned back to his Queen and smiled cautiously.
"We have the egg, Majesty, at last."
She turned to him, lips compressed. "Yes, it was great victory. And we have our most valuable treasure." But he could see that she was not completely happy.
"Does something bother you, my Queen?"
She folded her arms, staring at the canvass of the tent. "Few realise this, Dathedr – and some of the elves that do despise him for it, and the Varden do not realise it at all – but Eragon is very young."
Dathedr blinked at her topic of conversation; he had difficulty concealing his surprise. Her lips curled upwards slightly.
"Not young amongst humans, you know, but for a Shurtugal – and certainly for an elf – he is just old enough to swing a sword."
"Do you ... do you know how many summers he has?"
"Sixteen perhaps – maybe even seventeen, though it has not yet been a year since the battle of Farthen Dur." The Queen left this comment unexplained and carried on, "and Saphira has perhaps fifteen moon-cycles. On Vroengard, they would still be doing the chores. Too young, I think."
Dathedr watched his Queen's face sadden, like the sun going behind a cloud. "He has done very well despite that, Queen."
"He has," Islanzadi agreed, "but think, Dathedr: when the new rider emerges – whether now or in ten years – Eragon will be the one to train them." Her face clouded over. "I cannot deal with the problems that might arise. I hope my daughter will handle them accordingly."
"Princess Arya is wise and clever. She will lead the remaining elves well."
"Arya is very clever," agreed the Queen, a far-off look in her eyes, "but there are some things that only age can learn." She turned away, but Dathedr could tell she was troubled.
--
Eragon slept fitfully, thoughts of the egg swirling in his mind, waking him from, and then consuming, his dreams. Eventually, he gave up.
Saphira?
Yes, little one? She had not been able to sleep either.
When do you want to leave for Ellesmera? It was not foremost in his mind, but he could find little else to say.
Whenever, little one; I have energy enough for that.
I think you should rest, he frowned. Unless the elves need help in capturing Gil'ead?
I don't think so. Their forces were not so badly depleted. Besides ... the egg should be taken to Ellesmera as soon as possible. Oh, but Eragon! The egg, the last egg! I never thought it would happen!
Her excitement coursed through him, making him fidget under the thin blanket. I know, Saphira. I never thought so either.
Perhaps it will be male, perhaps ... I will have a mate after all.
I hope so, he told her feelingly. You deserve it, Saphira.
She was silent, but now something clouded her jubilant mood. What about you
Excuse me?
You will have to train the new Rider, Eragon – both of us, really, but you will be interacting most with the Rider. There is so much doubt and confusion surrounding that matter ...
I know what you mean. When your egg was stolen, the elves and Varden nearly came to blows over who was to train it; it cannot happen again, not when their cooperation is so important.
Exactly. And what if it is a human?
Eragon pondered this solemnly. I feel wrong saying this, but I hope it is an elf. A human just won't be strong enough, even after being bonded, to succeed. It must be an elf.
I seem to remember Glaedr telling me that the age limit for being bonded – for elves – was twenty-five, after what happened to Talana and her Rider. I also understand that there are few under twenty-five in Ellesmera at the moment.
Eragon huffed in frustration. Oromis also said that, in our current situation, the age might have to be raised.
How high to, in that case?
I don't know! He cried exasperatedly. I have no first-hand knowledge of these matters, and there is no one I can ask; only a Shurtugal would know.
Oromis said seventy-five to fifty – as a rough guideline.
The egg might hatch for someone very old. Then we would have to enhance their bond, somehow ...
And there is, as well, the fact that elves hide their emotions so well, and are so conserved, that if they had to share their memories with a dragon, they might not be free with them. I knew your mind, simply because we trusted each other. An older elf may have trouble doing so.
Eragon sighed. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Indeed. But all is not so bad, Eragon. We won a great victory, and ...
And we found the egg. I'm so happy for you, Saphira.
Thank-you, little one. Still there is no guarantee it is male ...
Murtagh told us that it was male on the Burning Plains! You may have a mate yet.
I hope you find one as well, little one. I would not feel right if I were to have one and you not.
There is only one, Saphira, and you know that.
Mmph. Quite.
He didn't understand her tone of voice, and so ignored it. When do you want to leave, then?
She yawned. We'll see. I might be rested enough on the morning.
He turned on his side and checked his knife was under the mattress. Goodnight, Saphira.
Goodnight, little one.
--
"There will be many troublesome, nearly unsolvable, very important debatable issues -" the Queen said quickly and sternly.
"We can deal with them," Eragon replied calmly, staring straight ahead.
"You realise that with Oromis and Glaedr's death that you will both be Leaders of the Riders, and will have according power and weight in elven politics -"
"We realise that, yes, your Majesty."
"Such a thing has never happened before ..."
"We will tread carefully."
Islanzadi was about to say another worried thought, but the stopped, scowling at herself for letting her emotions show in such away: she sounded like a mother hen squawking after her chicks!
"Very well then, Eragon. If you and Saphira are ready to go -" privately, she thought they should wait, "- then you can, of course, go."
"Thank-you, your Majesty," Eragon said earnestly. "We will do our best – we know that there may be problems."
She inclined her head and smiled a little. "I know you will, Eragon. Send my ... regards ... to Arya. She will help you, I know. You are good friends, I perceive."
A hint of a flush rose up Eragon's neck, showing that he was not quite as old as he appeared. "We are, your Majesty."
"Go, then. If there is any way you can possibly send me any news concerning the egg, I would be very grateful."
He nodded, and touched his two fingers to his lips, bowing briefly. "Goodbye, your Majesty."
"Goodbye, Eragon. May the stars watch over you." Islanzadi also put two fingers to her lips, then smiled. "Go well."
Eragon swung into Saphira's saddle, checking that the egg was still in the saddle-bags, then smiled back, albeit a bit grimly, at the two elves. Dathedr thought the smile was that of a much older man. "May what Gods there are watch over you – the stars too." He added. Saphira took off heavily, leaving two surprised and slightly confused elves behind them.
--
Eragon watched the elven camp disappearing steadily into the distance as Saphira gained height. He patted the bulging saddle-bag, making sure it was still there. He had spent all last night, after Saphira had fallen asleep, thinking of what had happened. He felt more at peace now, ready to do what he had to do.
And, now he was calmer, he was starting to get excited at the thought of bringing the egg back to Ellesmera. It could change the whole of Alagaesia, the whole world ...! Eragon paused in his thinking abruptly. No matter what people thought, Eragon knew that Alagaesia wasn't the world. It was only one part of it ... there was more of it over the sea. The elves had come from Alalea, the Lethrblaka and Urgals from somewhere as well. No, Alagaesia was only a part of the world.
Saphira?
Yes, Eragon?
Did you like the sea, when you saw it?
Surprised by the question, she took a moment to answer. I didn't really see it, little one. I was hiding in those cliffs, and Teirm had so many mists and bogs I hardly saw a clear view of it. Why do you ask?
I was just ... thinking about the other lands across the ocean, where the elves come from. Kuthian said that Alalea was being destroyed because of the energy Galbatorix is taking from it.
I see. I wonder what it is like?
So do I.
They fell silent again, both thinking deeply. It was only as Saphira breasted a particularly violent gust of wind tat he looked up to see the green fringe of Du Weldenvarden appearing out of the morning mist. Saphira crowed happily.
The wind is our ally today, Eragon! We might be in Ellesmera by evening.
I'm glad. I want to sleep in my own bed tonight.
Hmph. Saphira dropped lower until she was skimming the dark pines, still swathed in morning mist. And I wish to hunt. I have not eaten for ... a while.
We can stop whenever you want, Saphira, if you are hungry.
No, I can wait until tomorrow, if I must.
Eragon nodded and bent lower to her neck to avoid the blankets of damp mist. It was suddenly much colder.
--
Eragon screwed his eyes up as Saphira dived down to Ellesmera. It was still light enough to see by, but night was fast approaching. She touched down with a slight jolt. Eragon blinked and looked around. There was absolutely no one.
The ground was covered in old, brittle pine needles, and everything was as peaceful as always. But, Eragon noticed, the flowers, normally all manner of bright colours, were now all black and grey, as if even the plants were in mourning.
Where is everyone, do you think?
Be careful, warned Saphira. We should try Tialdari Hall.
Eragon unstrapped his legs and arms, then slung the cloth bag that held the egg onto his back. His feet landed with a soft crunch on the pine needles. Unnerved by the silence, he dropped his hand to Daiithil's pommel, keeping one hand protectively on the egg.
Behind you! Saphira hissed, but with little alarm, as though she already knew who it was.
Eragon turned to see a lone elf emerging from the undergrowth opposite him. Black hair tumbled slightly wildly around her, and her green eyes brightened, however guardedly, at seeing him and Saphira.
She said nothing until she was standing before him, then quietly touched her two fingers to her lips. "Eragon."
He also brought his two fingers to his lips and bowed briefly. Arya stared; she looked as if her mind was on something else.
"What happened?" she asked quietly, locking Eragon's eyes with her own.
He gave a half-smile, then took the cloth bag from his shoulder and gave it to her. "Your Highness."
Arya took the bag, opening the drawstring neck. Holding the thing inside, she let the bag fall to the ground.
"Eragon ..." she held in both hands, staring as if she could not believe her eyes. "Oh, Eragon!"
Eragon smiled again slightly awkwardly, waiting for her to say something. "We should go to Tialdari Hall, Princess."
"Yes, we should." Arya raised shining eyes to meet his brown ones. "You look ... tired," she said quickly; but Eragon was sure it was not what she was going to say at first. He smiled.
"We have been travelling for a long time." He said briefly. Arya frowned.
"Yes, I know." She laid a hand on his sleeve. "We will try to be swift talking to my cousin; I expect you want to rest."
"I do."
Arya bent gracefully and retrieved the cloth bag that lay on the forest floor. Placing the egg carefully back in it, she handed it to him. But he took it and gave it straight back to her.
"Are you not taking it?" She raised an enquiring eyebrow.
"You are the egg-courier." Eragon said quietly but firmly. Arya's eyes widened. She held the egg, then turned to go. Eragon walked by her side, Saphira following.
Arya was holding the egg protectively, a secret smile on her lips, and her eyes were full of far-off dreams; but she looked at Eragon with strange mix of emotions, as if her normal mask had fallen away.
"How is the Queen?" she asked quietly, eyes fixed before her.
"She is well. She sends her ... regards," Eragon said, remembering the slightly awkward way in which the Queen had given him the message and wishing there was something better he could have given her.
Arya nodded, looking relieved. "The elves are ... upset, to say the least. Oromis' death has saddened them, and then your departure before the burial ... I will be glad to give them this news."
"I see. What .. what happened at the burial?" Eragon asked tentatively.
Arya stopped beside a thick beech tree and turned to him with a strange blank expression. Eragon stopped as well, looking at her in surprise. "Oromis and Glaedr were the first Dragon Riders to be buried in Du Weldenvarden. We gave them honours the Riders of old would have, and buried them accordingly. But," Arya stopped talking; Eragon thought she looked older than he remembered, bowed with many thoughts. "But I must show you something there tomorrow. Please do not go the Crags of Tel'naeir before then."
"As you wish," he said slowly. Arya nodded sharply, then carried on walking. Tialdari Hall came into sight and Arya stopped. "Niduen is here; the other Lords are not." Arya passed beneath the sung-wood arch and stood before the doors. "Say as much as you want; you are under no obligations whatsoever."
Niduen stood in the centre of the long room, conversing with a tall, pale-haired elf. He left just as Arya and Eragon, Saphira behind them, entered. Arya watched him go coolly, yet another strange expression on her face, before looking at her cousin. Niduen raised an eyebrow, then smile at Eragon.
"It's good to see you again, Eragon. And you, Saphira." She said, coming down to meet them.
And it is good to see you as well, Niduen. Saphira said, nudging the elf on the shoulder. And we have something for you, for the elves.
Niduen turned hopeful eyes on Eragon and Arya. "Did you get the egg?"
Eragon nodded. "We did. We fought Murtagh Morzansson and Thorn for it and won."
"I see. I hope you hurt him – badly. Traitorous murderer!" said Niduen heatedly, a look of real anger showing on her face; Eragon sighed inside, thinking of his 'brother'.
"Yes, Niduen, we hurt him badly. I ... I was close to killing him – but his dragon took him away; we didn't give chase. "
"Hmm. But you got the egg?"
Arya dropped the bag from her shoulder and handed it to her cousin. Niduen looked at, touching the smooth green reverently, then she looked up. "This presents rather a lot of problems, doesn't it?"
Arya took back the egg quickly, though she tried to conceal it. "Only minor ones that can be overcome. This egg is the greatest blessing that has happened to the Varden since Saphira hatched for Eragon! And," she said, lowering her voice and looking at Eragon, "I am sure that Eragon and Saphira will help as well as they have in the past to try and make the process go well."
Eragon blinked. Arya was suddenly as fierce as a badger disturbed in it's den, and he wondered what it was all about.
Niduen closed her eyes slowly, then opened them. "I'm sure he will. But still ... I know there will be much strife over this."
"Yes, there will be," Eragon said strongly, "but Arya is right -"beside him, Arya stiffened "- this is a wonderful thing. If a new Rider hatches, it could turn the tables of this war for good. There are many dubious possibilities many problems, but it will be good in the end."
Brom's arrangement still stands, and we will help it to happen. Said Saphira firmly.
Eragon nodded in agreement. "Arya will be courier, as before, and we will help. It will go well, and there will be another Rider."
Niduen stared at them both, then smiled slightly. "You speak rightly, Eragon, and I have no business doubting you. Excuse me."
Niduen left as well, as graceful as ever, but slowly. Arya looked at Eragon, holding the egg. "You will go back to your tree now?"
Eragon smiled tiredly. "Yes, and sleep straight through the day, I expect."
Arya smiled as well. "Then I will say goodnight. Sleep well, Eragon."
"You too, Arya. It is good to see you again." He bowed quickly.
Arya's lips flickered upwards in a friendly, if disant, smile, and bowed her head. As Eragon walked out of the throne room, he saw her bending over the egg again, eyes shining with hope and joy.
--
Eragon stepped through the trap-door and looked around at his house. The pedestal, two winding hands the same as ever, stood before him, standing in front of the door that led to the rest of the house.
His bed, open to the stars, was the same as it had been when he had left, the scrolls of Dwarvish, elvish and Urgal in pigeon holes in the wall, the dining room dusty and unused, as he normally ate elsewhere, and Saphira's bed already filled by her.
It's good to be back, isn't it, little one?
It is. Tomorrow will be ... interesting, to say the least.
Don't worry about it until it comes, said Saphira wisely, and we have the egg, don't forget.
I'm not likely to, he said dryly. Saphira snorted, and settled down for sleep. Eragon, too, fell asleep quickly; and both dragon and Rider slept peacefully, tired out.
--
Arya's bed was long and low, and she was comfortably warm underneath the many blankets that lay on her bed; but she was not sleeping. In a chest near her bed, the green egg was hidden beneath duck-down pillows.
Arya tossed and turned, thoughts turning to Eragon, then to Saphira, then Niduen and her mother, all sorts of things to stop herself from dwelling on the egg. Eventually she could not prevent herself.
Kneeling before the dark wooden chest, Arya turned the clasps and pulled aside the pillows. The egg was there, it's smooth surface cold as marble. Arya picked it up reverently, holding it up, watching it gleam in the moonlight.
Soon it would hatch; soon, there would another Rider to help Eragon and Saphira, soon they would able to challenge Galbatorix so thoroughly that he would have to fight all-out against them!
Lost in dreams, Arya fell asleep on the floor, clutching the egg protectively. Soon, everything would change.
--
