Chapter 29. The Power of One

("This is incredible!") Eragon shouted with his mind.

Saphira's flying ability and endurance had tripled. They had covered two days of travel in one day.

("It is incredible… but we must be careful… Remember Brom's words and what Paneer told us…")

("Yes… yes… yes… Land I am thirsty…")

When they landed Eragon pointed his hand at an area of sand and used the same spell he did when he escaped Gilead with Murtagh. A twenty-five foot area of sand was transmutted into water. The pool was twenty-five feet deep as well. He took several gulps and filled his water skin.

("Eragon… listen to me… Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should or don't you remember the lessons Brom and Oromis taught us…")

He sighed and turned the water back into sand; ("I remember them well and you are worried that I am too excited about our new power…")

She was about to respond when a bright flash popped and Jaerden's Eldunari appeared to them. ("Eragon…") The voice was Draco's calling to them from his Eldunari buried in the alcove in the beor mountains. ("While you slept Jaerden placed a spell on you that his eldunari would be inherited by you… The dragons on the inside have agreed to bond with Elva take them to her and hurry time is against you for Galbatorix is preparing for war…")

Oromis had taught Eragon how to transport himself when the need arrised so he said the proper spell and with a blue flash of light he, Saphira, and Jaerden's Eldunari vanished. They reappeared ten miles from Feinster. Eragon immediately took some vines and made a sack for the Eldunari then they took off.

Everyday since the day Eragon left Nausada would come to the balcony and stare in the direction they flew off too. Sometimes Arya would come and watch with her.

'Do you think they are alright?" She asked Arya.

"Yes I know they are…" Nausada was about to speak when Arya pointed. "…Look here they come." They looked down in the courtyard and Elva jumped onto Galmore's back and flew towards Saphira. The two dragons cirled each and flew towards the palace. As they flew over the buildings a thunderous cheer arose from the city and the people gathered at the palace to greet Eragon and Saphira.

The allied leaders tried to ask him questions but he calmed them and told them he would hide nothing from them. Eragon turned his attention to the gathered forces of the varden and cleared his throat.

"People of the Varden… Elves, Dwarves, and Urgals… My friends we have fought long and hard against numerous enemies… Believe me when I say that our journey is nigh to an end. Saphira and I have the power to crush Galbatorix and all who fight for him…" A thunderous cheer went up as Nausada and the other leaders looked at each other in concern. "…Galbatorix will die and all races will walk freely throughout the lands of Alagaesia… Prepare yourselves for war… Prepare to march… Long live the Varden…" The people shouted and clapped as they chanted Shadeslayer.

Upon Eragon's orders the crowd dispersed to prepare for the march north. "Jarsha spread the word we travel light and fast… no catapults or wagons…"

Jarsha saluted; "Yes sir…"

Eragon and the leaders gathered in the courtyard one last time; "If any of you were offended by my speech then I apologize…"

"It was unexpected…" Nausada said.

"You all must have many questions about where I have been and Jaerden and I will answer all as quickly as possible…" He turned his attention to Nausada. "But first… Nausada you are my liegelord so I ask your permission to kill Galbatorix…"

"By all means do so…"

"Thank you…" Eragon sighed and told everyone gathered the sad tale of Jaerden. Where his memory failed Saphira helped him. "Jaerden sacrificed himself to buy us time…"

"I wish he would shown himself long ago…" Nausada said.

"They will be honored…" Arya said; "…Both Orwin and Jaerden along with their dragons…"

Nausada stood up; "Eragon is there nothing else you have to tell us…"

"Nothing I am permitted to speak of…"

"Very well then… We will march north and put an end to Galbatorix's tyranny…"

As the leaders dispersed Eragon pulled Elva to the side; "I have something for you…" He went to Saphira and removed the vine bag. When Eragon showed Elva what was inside she gasped. "They have agreed to bond with you… This will make you more powerful than Murtagh… but do not become overconfident… Thron and Murtagh still have more experience than you two be careful…"

("If we can we shall aid you after we have dealt with Galbatorix…") Saphira said.

Within an hours time the varden's troops were marching out of the city and as usual Katrina stood at the main gate to see Roran off. "Come back to me alive…" She whispered.

"Don't I always?"

"You just be careful… I don't know how I would live without you…"

He hugged her a little tighter; "Quit well I should think… When the battle is over I will send for you…"

Roran released her, jumped onto Snowfire's back, and galloped away to join his knights.