"Roland…" Nasuada came up next to him, "So these are the survivors?"

"Ay…this is them." The people were talking with Otto, and Lily. Emera was hugging old friends.

"Who has been in charge here?" asked Roland looking around. A young man standing next to the elderly healer answered him, "Caitir…has been." He was referring to the elderly healer. Roland smiled at her. "You've done well."

"We have prospered greatly. Our population has grown as well."

"Good." Breathed Roland. From the crowd stepped a woman just a few years Roland's junior. He knew her face immediately and his heart sank. Ripley's wife. The woman made her way to Roland. She was clutching something her hands, close to her chest. Her eyes were searching for something or someone. She drew closer to Roland. Her name was Fiona.

"Roland…Where is Ripley? Was he not with you?"

"Ay he was, but Ripley…" Roland took a deep breath, "Ripley was killed in battle yesterday."

"What? How?" tears welled up in her eyes as she searched Roland's.

"He was trying to protect…" Roland didn't think he would be able to say without breaking down.

"Who?"

"Lucas…Ripley died trying to protect Lucas." Fiona broke down in his arms. He held her close and stroked her hair. "I'm so sorry, Fiona. I'm so sorry." Another woman from the crowd came and gathered Fiona, but before she could be taken away she handed a necklace to Roland.

"This was Ripley's…I want you to have it."

"No I can not take it. You keep it. Keep it close to your heart and keep Ripley in it." Fiona left with tears streaming down her face.

The crowd of citizens stood speechless. Caitir touched Roland's arm. "No one blames you, Master Roland. They gave our lives to protect us…we all understand that."

"Then why do I feel as if I failed them."

"You didn't fail anyone, Roland. You are our King. We trust you and your judgment."

That night was one of celebration. A large table was placed in the center of the town and a great bonfire created as well. The villagers sat around the great fire. Laughing, talking and drinking. Roland knew they couldn't stay long. There fight wasn't over yet. He knew he would have to face Galbatorix. But he wanted this night this moment of joy and celebration to last until the end of his days.

Roland stood a distance away from the fire, a mug of ale in his hand. He watched the flames dance about. He scanned the group of people. He watched them smile and listened to their laughs. And although he felt happier then he had in years he still felt distant from them. Roland knew he would until Galbatorix's body lay at his feet. He finished off his ale.

"What are you doing over here?" Nasuada asked him.

"What do you mean?" he smiled and made a false laugh.

"Don't give me that, Roland. I know why you distance yourself from everything."

"I can't shake their faces. I let them die. I should have been the one to die not them."

"Roland you can not change the past. There was nothing you could have done. You must accept that."

"But I can't! They were my riders…my friends. I was supposed to look after them. That's my job. I am their King."

"Roland people die. It's life. They died so this…all this could remain alive and free. Celebrate their lives do not mourn them. I may have not known them personally, but I know that's what they would have wanted you to do."

Roland nodded. "Why did you come here, Nasuada?"

"To see it for myself. My father told me stories of your people, Roland, of the great dragon-riders from Vroengard and their valiant fight against the evil king. And when you came to me that day in Surda I had hope again. That what my father had told me wasn't just a fairytale. Not only did you give me hope, Roland, but you gave the world hope."

Nasuada words made him feel better, but he still needed to be alone. "Thank you." He said. Roland walked away from her. He would let his riders enjoy themselves for the time being. They needed it. This break was well deserved. But Roland needed to be a lone and he needed to think. They were close to the shores. The rider meandered onto the beach and sat down. The night was clear and the stars could be seen.

"What am I to do?"

Roland hoped for answer from somewhere, but received nothing. "My heart tells me to stay here, but I have to fight. I must defeat Galbatorix."

Do not beat yourself up about this.

Sirrush…Nasuada words are true, but I don't want to leave them again.

You know what you must do, Roland. In leaving them again you'll be saving them. Do not let the same fate befall them again.

Roland sighed and stood. He made his way back to the celebration. Arya caught him wrapping her arms around his waste. They stood together in front of the fire.

"And where have you been?"

"Thinking."

"What about?"

"Oh many, many things."

"Did you sort everything out?"

"Not quiet, but it's getting better."

"Good." She kissed him deeply and passionately. "You need to have some fun." More ale was poured into Roland's mug and he drank it down. Roland smiled at Arya and kissed her, "I love you."

She smiled up at her rider, her love and her king, "I know."