Letters from a Mentor

A change had come over Eragon over the past few days, but no one noticed it as much as Roran, Katrina and Arya. He now looked frail, depressed and hopeless.

When ever they asked Saphira about it she would get angry and reply Talk to him if your worried about him don't sneak around him to me!

However, any one who dared ask him what was troubling him would get no reply. He would simply change the subject or end the conversation.

He did allow Roran and Katrina to return to Varden, much to their surprise. They did not wish to leave now when he so sorely needed company.

Arya like every rider before her told her worries to Veravanda and it was her who decided to take action. Inm the Dragon hold she approached Eragon, she now towered over him and could see why her mother revered to him as little one.

Eragon. She said.

Eragon who was sitting down and clad in simple blue clothes look up from where he sat against the wall.

"Yes Veravanda?" he replied.

What is troubling you?

"Nothing." He answered sourly.

Do not insult my intelligence Eragon. Something is bothering you.

"I do not wish to talk about it."

I don't care. You're worrying your friends and family.

"I am not going to talk about it. This is my problem."

Ah ha, so something is bothering you. What?

"None of your business."

It worries Arya so it is my business.

"It is none Aryas business either."

You're her friend. What happens to you will affect her, so it is her business.

Eragon could not come up with an argument to this. Veravanda could tell he was trying to contact Saphira. Saphira had given Veravanda the go-ahead on this.

Eragon we want to help you but your not letting us. Everyone needs help sometimes.

"You can't help me. No one can."

I may not be able to solve your problems but I can help you come to terms with them.

"I do not wish to talk about my problems."

Veravanda lay down and simply stared at him. After half an hour like this Eragon relented.

"I left the woman I love behind and now she is suffering for it."

Arinel?

"Yes."

You had no choice in the matter. If you had tried to save her after your escape then you would both be suffering. Now you can release her by killing Galbatorix.

"But if it weren't for me she wouldn't be suffering at all."

If it weren't for you thousands more would be suffering under his rule.

Eragon said nothing, as if he could not accept this as the truth and Veravanda finally uncovered something about him.

You feel that you must be bad person if Galbatorix has forced those you care about to suffer.

Slowly Eragon nodded.

Then let me tell you something. You are not a bad person. You are a good person whom bad things have happened to. It is Galbatorix's fault that those you care about are forced to suffer not yours.

Veravanda could tell her words got through to him even though he said nothing.

Their silence was interrupted by a dwarf appear at the door. He was a plain dwarf wearing plain clothes. He approached Eragon a pulled out a letter.

"Lord Shadeslayer." He said, "This letter was found in the Vaults of the Varden. It is addressed to you."

Eragon got up and accepted the letter; he thanked the dwarf who left instantly. Veravanda feeling her task was done began to leave.

"Please don't tell Arya." Pleaded Eragon.

I won't reveal anything. Your secrets are safe with me.

And on these words Veravanda left Eragon in peace.

Eragon examined the letter curiously. He leant against the wall and opened the letter.

Dear Eragon

If you are reading this I am no longer with you and you have reached Farthen Dur safely. I hope this letter finds you in good health.

I wrote this letter when we stayed with Jeod so everything after that I had no knowledge of. The reason of this letter is to tell you this. I, Brom am your father.

I hope I can tell you this in person and explain why I kept this from you for so many years. I am one of the riders of old. I fought against Galbatorix and if he knew that you were my son, the son of one of his worst enemies he would've hunted you relentlessly.

To keep this secret I encouraged a story that you were the son of Morzan. That is why your tutor will think you are his son. I apologise for any problems or grief this may cause you.

I met your mother after she left her husband Morzan. He had attacked your Half-Brother a man known as Murtagh. After this she left and she recognised me from old portraits of the riders. We travelled for a time and we fell in love. She was being hunted however and when she had you she kept you in hiding with her brother. To protect you from Galbatorix's agents she continued to flee and I stayed behind to watch over you.

I do not know what happened to her and mourn her loss. She was a beautiful, kind woman and would be very proud of you. Saphira realised this the moment she saw me. I made her swear not to speak a word of this to anyone including you. Do not bear her ill will for she was acting to protect you and I compelled her to keep the secret.

I have nothing to give to you by way of inheritence, but my name. You are Eragon, son of Brom.

From Brom.

Brom was my father. Thought Eragon stunned.

I am sorry I could not tell you Eragon. Said Saphira who landed in the dragon hold. When Murtagh told you Morzan was your father I wanted to tell you terribly and it pained me to keep the secret.

I know Saphira. You would have told me if you could.

Eragon walked over to Saphira. A smile, his first in days was on his face. Come let's go for a ride.