Chapter 37
And so I decided to continue the Formora Arch for two more chapters. After that would be the time jump and such. I'm sorry for the length in updating but I've been busy with this new independent project that is taking up a great deal of my time and I'm afraid to say that it will continue to do so for a few months. Hopefully, I'll be able to continue updating this story even though it may be infrequently in between. But don't worry too much, I'll work hard to finish this story. Anyways, there's not much that I want to say except for happy reading! R&R!
There were no words to describe how he felt as he stood before Formora, trying to understand the extent of her request. She wanted to tell him her true name but he could never give anything back to her in return for it, could he? Telling her his true name would be the same as declaring his true identity to her. Trying to reign in his emotions, he studied Formora intently. Her expression was serious and touched with a hint of anxiety. Knowing that if he reacted wrongly to her true name, he would only mean to insult her. Eragon tried to search for the right words to say. This was unlike the exchange of his true name with Arya in every way possible.
"Formora," said Eragon quietly hoping that his words could adequately voice his feelings. He had never been one to speak about his emotions openly and even now after having known Formora for more than thirty years, he still had trouble managing. "I cannot give you anything in return for such."
"I am not asking for anything in return," said Formora, her cold and mocking demeanor gone to be replaced by an elf maiden that he hardly recognized. Her eyes left his to focus on her dragon momentarily. Making no effort to elaborate, she stood there allowing the silence to lengthen and Eragon's mind to try and make light of her sudden decision. "Will you hear it?"
"You have nothing to prove to me, Formora," said Eragon, trying to sound reassuring. If she was having doubts about her situation, he would put her to ease. She needn't tell him her true name because she thought she had to.
Formora shook her head and levelled him with a resolved look. "I am not trying to prove anything. I know what I am, Eragon. I had told you once before and I will tell you again that I have no self-doubts about myself nor my history. I merely wish to tell you my true name."
"It does not excuse the fact that I have nothing to give you in return," said Eragon adamantly. He refused the notion of having Formora's true name at his fingertips without her having nothing to have leverage over him with. After living many years underneath Galbatorix's rule and without any freedom herself, he did not want to have her chained to his authority.
"If it bothers you so," said Formora as she reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Then think of my telling you of my true name as part of my own selfishness and not otherwise. Do not think of it as anything else."
Eragon fell silent trying his best to think of a response to Formora only to come up empty handed. Eventually, he found himself asking her, his voice low and the ancient language flowing from between his lips. "But why? Why tell me your true name?"
She chuckled lightly as her blue eyes returned to his, a hint of her usual spark within the sapphires. "How unlike Galbatorix you are," observed Formora. "Had it been him, he would have taken it all in stride whether he had something to give in return or not. Your belief of fairness and justice has always been interesting…Why do I want to tell you?" She closed her eyes in contemplation before opening them once more. "You gave me the will, Eragon. You gave me the will to break free from Galbatorix."
He blinked as a touch of bitterness shifted Formora's features. "After agreeing to join the Forsworn, my will was all but taken from me by Galbatorix. My dragon's will was taken from him by the Du Namar Aurboda— the Banishing of Names. What was I but a puppet to a king who was growing paranoid and power hungry as the days went by? I had given up seeing life for what it really was and was ready to accept my fate and do Galbatorix's bidding for as long as I lived. And then, you came along."
Her sapphire eyes sparkled as she held his gaze which no doubt showed his surprise at her truthful confession. "From first glance you were arrogant, aloof, and harsh but I would not deny that I was curious as to who you were for I have never met you on Vroengard and I had heard word that you were responsible for killing Aegnor. Yet, in that one instance when you rescued Elvina, I came to understand that you were selfless and strangely kind." Eragon raised a brow and Formora's lips twitched as if she was fighting a smile. "Albeit, you lack any sort of mannerism and your bluntness oftentimes came across as rude—little faults in your character but they are what defines you."
"Thirty years I have spent as Elvina trying to understand you better and in turn, it helped me to understand myself better," she hesitated, her fingers clenching and unclenching just like he would his, were he nervous. "I had always been…alone, Eragon. My dragon was—is—unable to fill that void for he is without a mind of his own. I cannot enjoy his company as I once had anymore. Everything always seemed so bleak but knowing you helped bring back what I lacked in life. Being with you…I never felt lonely. Without knowing it, day by day I found myself changing. The change of my true name is testament to that."
She smiled at him and it was a dazzling smile that showed no hint of mockery, scorn, or indifference. It was radiant enough to match that even of the sun's. "I wish to tell you my true name because I want to trust in someone else for once and know that they require nothing of me. Trust me, Eragon, just as I trust you to bear my true name."
"Formora, I…" Words failed him and he found himself falling silent as she took another step towards him, her hand reaching out to cup his cheek once more.
"Will you listen to my true name, Eragon?" she asked quietly.
I do not deserve to, thought Eragon as he held her gaze. But he would not deny her. She was putting her trust in him after years of betrayal and putting her lot with the wrong Rider. He would listen to her true name and protect it just as he'd promised to protect Arya's. He would show Formora that she wasn't wrong to place her trust in him.
"If you deem me worthy enough," said Eragon solemnly. Her red lips curved upwards into a faint smile and she leaned forward, to whisper into his ear a name that meant her entire being. He felt a slight tremor in her hand as the words left her lips, her breath ghosting over his ears and then she was silent, waiting for his response.
Closing his eyes, he heard her name ring in his mind and how much it represented Formora. It encompassed her coldness and mockery just as it showed her underlying kindness. Formora's loyalty was the key to her true name but also the weakness of it. She was loyal to a fault to those she laid her lot in. Then there was her anger and resentment at the loss of her dragon and the pain she felt whenever she felt his pain. What really stunned him was how much she wanted to trust in others but found herself lacking or rather, she found the world lacking of those for her to trust. Her weaknesses, her strengths, her dreams and wishes, and her insecurities were all laid out for him and he understood them just as he understood her now. The puzzle that was once Formora was now complete and she was giving it to him without asking for repayment.
Suddenly, he found himself wishing he could give back to her his true name but if he did, it would only cause her to question what she knew of him with what his true name spoke of his character. And there was also the fact that his true name was tied to Arya's even if it was not obvious to the casual observer.
"Your name," Eragon began, opening his eyes to meet Formora's, "fits you. It is a good name, Formora. I will guard it with my life since you have trusted me with it."
Her smile widened and she lowered her eyes to the ground, deep in thought. After a minute, she released her breath and returned her focus to him. "Not only guard it, but use it to guard your life, Eragon."
"I do not understand." Confused, he waited for her to elaborate.
"I cannot make you a sword like Vrangr to protect you," said Formora, her eyes darting to the sword that rested against his back. "But I can give you my true name to do so, at least in regards to the Varden." When his confused expression didn't change, she continued. "You had told me on numerous occasions that the Varden was your life's greatest work, Eragon. What is happening now is going to change that if you cannot stop it…use my true name if you have to and put an end to this turmoil that is plaguing your people."
"I will not use your true name for such a cause," Eragon shook his head, his expression hard.
Formora made a sound between exasperation and a scoff. "This is where you lose to Galbatorix. Your morals are not worth your life," she said looking as if she wanted to roll her eyes.
"Mock me if you will but I will not take a gift you have given me and make light of it. Your true name is not a bargaining chip, Formora," said Eragon, his determination as hard as brightsteel. "Do not make me out to be Galbatorix."
"Then do not use it as a means to an end," said Formora, eyeing him as if she was willing him to try and understand her point of view. "Use it in appearances. Allude to it, mention it, and give your leaders a reason to trust in your judgment. If you are to defend me, Eragon, that is all I ask. It is not a sword but it is as good as one in a political battle such as this."
He stared at Formora as if he was seeing her for the first time. He had not thought that she had cared for him enough to give him her true name. In part it was also to protect herself and keep the truce from being cast aside by the Varden but she had meant it to protect him and his cause to the Varden. Like she said it was not a physical sword like Vrangr but it held the same weight, at least in his mind. He thought of Vrangr and how Arya had forged the blade so that he could use it to defeat his enemies and protect himself in battle. She had done it out of love and now Formora…
My only regret is that I cannot return her affections, thought Eragon feeling a tinge of despair in his heart. He did not want to seem aloof and ignore Formora's affections but it was impossible to return the Forsworn's ardor when a part of Arya still remained within him. But could he have loved Formora if he had met her first? Trying to imagine himself in such a situation, Eragon found himself unable to do so.
"I do not know what to say," said Eragon eventually.
"You do not have to say anything, just having you listen is enough," said Formora simply. They were too alike, thought Eragon as he evaluated the Forsworn, seeing her in a different light than he had but moments before.
"Thank you, Formora," said Eragon seriously as he reached for her, deciding to do something for her that he had never given thought to before. As if he were reuniting with an old friend, he pulled her into his arms and embraced her. He heard her quiet gasp as his arms wrapped about her waist. "For trusting in me."
She didn't respond but he felt her hand against his chest and how her fingers flexed against his tunic. After a moment, he pulled away and was glad to see her back to her usual self but there was a hint of something else that spoke of her true person.
"I wonder what would happen if I met you first," wondered Formora, her eyes flickering to Vrangr. Eragon stared at her for a long moment trying to picture her beside Arya. He believed that his heart would still belong to the elven princess.
"We can only wonder," said Eragon as the door to Formora's prison opened. Eragon tensed as Blödhgarm and Yaela strode through, their expressions masked but a hint of distaste on their features, followed by King Evandar and Arya. The elf king stared at Eragon with a questioning look before his gaze turned to Formora. It was then that Eragon was able to see firsthand that Arya's cold stares came by her naturally. Behind the king, Arya's emerald eyes were focused on him and he could see in them her confusion.
"Evandar Könungr," Eragon greeted him respectfully as Formora leveled the king with an indifferent stare.
"Of all the people you would bow your head to," murmured Formora for only Eragon to hear, "It would be the king of the elves."
"Do not speak to offend," Eragon barely moved his lips as he responded to her. "It will not do well to anger the one person who holds the most power over your fate." Formora's brows furrowed and her lips thinned but she made no move to mock the king as she had Deynor. Hoping that she could keep such a façade, Eragon returned his attention to King Evandar as he stopped before them, his two guards standing directly behind him. Coming to stand beside her father, Arya held his gaze for a moment, some sort of emotion flashing in her eyes before turning her gaze to Formora.
The tension at the moment was so thick that it felt tangible. Glancing between the Forsworn and the king whom she'd abandoned, Eragon cautiously spoke, his words calm and collected for he did not want to startle anyone into pulling out their weapons. "I apologize for not coming to greet you formally, King Evandar."
Evandar turned his gray eyes on Eragon. "It is of little concern. You have just recovered from your injuries during your imprisonment," his eyes flickered to Formora before returning to rest on Eragon. "I am glad to see you are well."
"Had it not been for Formora and Arya I would not be standing here," said Eragon, taking a risk to show his position on where he stood about the entire debate over Formora's fate in the Varden. If anything, his spoken words caused the atmosphere to plummet. Evandar stared long and hard at Eragon and then his eyes turned to Formora.
"Yes, I would believe that our gratitude should lie with them. I am proud that Arya has sought to rescue a friend and trusted companion in his time of need. However, I do not trust your role in all of this Formora," said Evandar, his eyes hard.
"Within reason," said Formora, not bothering to show any sort of respect to the king. But Eragon knew that asking any more from her would only be pointless. She was already putting in her best efforts and he knew he could trust her as she had trusted him with her true name. "I must say, it is an honor to see you step foot outside of Du Weldenvarden for my sake."
I spoke too soon, thought Eragon as the Forsworn's comment washed over them. The looks of displeasure became more pronounced on Blödhgarm's and Yaela's face. Arya's brows furrowed dangerously as she had to stand witness to the Forsworn mocking her father whom she held in the highest of regards.
Evander regarded Formora with piercing gray eyes before he spoke but not to her but instead to his guards and Arya. "Wait outside," he ordered surprising them all. "I would like to speak with Formora and Eragon alone." The three of them looked ready to protest but when King Evandar held up his hand to silence the beginnings of any, they fell silent and with a bow of their heads retreated.
Watching as they left, Eragon's eyes made contact with Arya as she was the last to leave. In her emerald eyes, he could see how difficult it was for her to leave. She wanted to stay by her father's side, naturally. Though she tried to conceal it, Eragon understood Arya well enough to know that she was upset that her father would send her away as if he didn't trust her. Trying to convey his feelings to Arya, he sent her a reassuring look as she softly closed the door behind her.
"Now," said Evandar when the three of them were alone, "Let us speak our thoughts and nothing else. And make no mistake Formora that I will not leave until I have the truth from you."
"Taking to threats already, Evandar Könungr?" asked Formora, her eyes focused on the king.
"Enough jesting, Formora," said Eragon, his tone firm. If they could manage to convince Evandar not to have Formora done away with, it would leave him with less work to do. Then all he had left was to speak with Vermûnd.
"I am not bothered by it," said Evandar, his tone stern and yet calm as his gaze never wavered from Formora. "A Forsworn's respect is unneeded by me, especially if she is a traitor to her people, brethren, and order."
The only response to Evandar's words was a quiet, menacing growl from Formora's dragon as it seemed to sense the potential threat against Formora. Eragon eyed the brown dragon and as if understanding his stare, the creature quieted.
"I should say that I should not be shocked that you decided to show up at the Varden to incite chaos into the leaders and the people. What is it that you want, Formora? Has power not been enough for you? Has the fear that the people harbor when they see you become insubstantial that you must bring it all the way to the Varden?" Evandar's eyes narrowed. "Tenacity is unbefitting of you."
"I do not need you to tell me what is fitting and what is not," said Formora, her gaze hard. "I do as I please. I wanted to join Galbatorix and so I did. I wanted to help Eragon and so I did. I do not need you to say otherwise. You are not my king."
Evandar did not say anything for a long moment. He studied Formora as if trying to divine what it was that the Forsworn was seeking. After a long moment, he spoke once more. "This is not Galbatorix's Empire, Formora. You are in the dwarves' territory and outside of Farthen Dûr lies Surda and then Du Weldenvarden. Unless you wish to renounce Alagaësia, I would suggest that you tread lightly."
Formora looked ready to argue but when Eragon caught her eyes, she stopped herself and allowed King Evandar to continue. "Had it not been for the fact that you saved a close friend of my house, I would have not given you any consideration in these deliberations," said Evandar humbling Eragon once more. "Yet, you saved him and have brought him and my ambassador safely back to the Varden. Do not be mistaken Formora that these two deeds will be enough to wipe away your past crimes."
Understanding dawned on Eragon in that moment. King Evandar felt indebted to Formora for not only saving Eragon, a vital part of the Varden, but for making sure that Arya returned to the Varden unharmed. If Formora had wanted to, she could have left Eragon for dead or until he was dragged by Morzan to the feet of Galbatorix's throne. She could have fought Arya for they were sworn enemies but she didn't.
"Then why are you here?" asked Formora, her gaze turned away from Evandar but focused on her dragon. "To lord your authority over me?"
"You may deny it Formora but you are an elf, being a Rider and a Forsworn does not change that," said Evandar, a frown coming onto his face. "There was a time when I was your king. I saw you off on your journey to Vroengard to join the Order and though you have long since abandoned your people, I cannot say that I have disregarded all of your transgressions. I am the only one that has any right to judge you. Take away the Varden and the dwarves and what remains is a woman who has betrayed her kind, nothing more."
Formora laughed mirthlessly, shaking her head. "You have abandoned the safety of your forest to merely come and exert your authority over me? You came to show Deynor and Hrothgar that it is your right to pass judgment over me? My, how petty you have become."
Rather than becoming angered, Evandar made a motion of his hand. "Say what you will but you know just as I do that you would have had to answer to your crimes in due time, Formora. Are you so cowardly that you would deny me my responsibility as your king to see to them? If you had any pride, you will not fight against me. When your betrayed the order half a century ago, you gained power under Galbatorix. Now that you have betrayed Galbatorix, you will have to resign yourself to your past crimes."
"Your responsibility as my king?" Formora repeated. She turned away from the king, her hands clenching into fists by her side. "The past has a way of reemerging it seems."
"You can forget but that does not mean the rest of the world will," said Evandar, his tone resolute. "I came here to meet you Formora not only because I have to see the traitor with my own eyes but to offer you one chance to convince me why it is that I should not see to it that you and your dragon never see the light of day."
Eragon opened his mouth to speak in defense of Formora but then found himself abruptly stopping himself. He would protect Formora, he knew that. Yet staring at King Evandar, he knew that it was more important for Formora to regain her footing before the very person whom she had once represented as a Dragon Rider. She needed to do this for herself. If she was serious about abandoning Galbatorix, she had to prove herself.
Both Evandar and Eragon watched as Formora turned and walked away from them, appearing agitated. Her pride was no doubt taking a battering thought Eragon. "I am guilty for each and every crime I have committed," said Formora keeping her back to them. "I will not deny them nor will I plead for innocence and forgiveness. To do so is to deny my history. However, I will give you one reason and perhaps this will compel you from condemning me."
"And what is such a reason?" asked Evandar, his expression not betraying what he truly felt about the Forsworn.
At his question, Formora turned to him, her eyes ablaze with emotion and when she spoke it was in the ancient language. "The both of you know of the Eldunarí, do you not?" Eragon and Evandar stiffened and Eragon's eyes darted to the doors of the chamber. It was a good thing they were warded. "Then you both know that the source of Galbatorix's power is from them. That man is too weak to be strong enough to control an entire empire without them."
"What of them, Formora?" asked Eragon wanting her to get to the heart of the matter and not speak of such sensitive matters only to lead them on.
"My freedom for theirs," said Formora simply as her eyes flickered to Evandar all mocking and sarcasm gone from her expression. At their expressions she elaborated. "I have quite a few since Galbatorix is too occupied to think much of the ones that he has given to us, his Forsworn. After Eragon and that fool, Brom, began to conveniently pick off one Forsworn after the other, I managed to gather the Eldunarí they had and kept them for myself. Galbatorix never suspected."
"How are they?" asked Eragon wondering if their state of mind had been shattered yet.
"The answer depends on personal observation," said Formora as she drew herself up to address king Evandar. "Now, the question remains with you, King of the Elves. Will you agree to my trade or will you deny me and forsake the remnants of an Order lost to Galbatorix?"
The king's face hardened and Eragon waited on bated breath for his decision. He knew that Evandar was thinking of Oromis and Glaedr as well as Formora's act of treason and betrayal. Would he see Formora's usefulness or would he cast her aside? It was a conflict of morals as well as politics.
"Even if I did grant you what you desired, I cannot trust you not to terrorize those living outside of the Empire," said Evandar shaking his head. "Freedom without boundaries can alter those with power. Your word, Formora, is not enough."
"Then I shall give you my word," said Eragon watching as surprise entered Evandar's eyes. "I will take responsibility for Formora. If she does anything to betray us, I shall accept punishment along with her." Formora opened her mouth to argue with him but one look from Eragon caused her to concede to his wishes. "I understand that my word alone is little comfort but I swear I shall not let you down, Evandar Könungr."
"I have always trusted your instincts, Eragon," said Evandar. "However, your word will not be enough to convince a people to trust in their sworn enemy. Formora may have the means for us to fight against Galbatorix but she could easily turn against us if she so wished."
"Not when I know her true name," said Eragon stunning Evandar into silence. The moment the words left his mouth, Eragon instantly felt as if he'd ate something rotten. Even if it was only for appearances, he felt too like Galbatorix in the moment.
Even without saying anything else, Eragon knew that his words were enough to change Evandar's mind about Formora or at least make him pause in his considerations. Evandar was silent for a long moment before he nodded curtly. "Then Formora shall be your responsibility, Eragon."
That was all he said before he swept out of the chamber, leveling Formora with one last look. When he was gone, Eragon released a breath of relief and turned to Formora with a raise brow. She made a noncommittal gesture and from the aura about her, he knew that she was not in the mood to speak anymore. Wanting to leave her to her thoughts, he said a brief farewell and left the chamber.
The promise of the Eldunarí as well as Formora being under Eragon's supervision seemed to change the situation significantly when it came to Evandar. He knew that the elf king would do anything he could to free what Eldunarí he could and though Eragon disapproved of Formora using them as leverage against Evandar, it was the only way in her situation.
As the door closed behind him, he was surprised to find Arya waiting for him, an unreadable expression on her face. Unsure of what it was that was bothering her, he approached her saying cautiously, "Are you waiting for me, Arya?"
At the sound of his voice, she turned to him. He took a moment to examine her features. They looked strained and she appeared to be paler than normal. Concerned, he waited for her to speak.
"King Evandar requests to speak with you," she said simply.
He frowned at the sound of her voice. Though she tried to hide it, he could hear the underlying exhaustion in her tone. "Are you feeling unwell, Arya?" He couldn't remember a time when Arya was sick in his world but if she was coming down with something, he would have her rest immediately. He didn't want her to overwork herself.
"No," she shook her head, averting her eyes. Stung by her response, Eragon decided to take the risk and he reached out to cup her face in his hands watching as her eyes widened slightly at the contact. Keeping his gaze connected with hers, he studied her features. There was a slight hint of weariness in her eyes and from what he could tell it didn't seem like she was sleeping well.
"Are you not sleeping well?" asked Eragon in the ancient language, practically forcing her into honesty.
Her lips thinned and a dangerous expression flashed on her face for a moment. One thing that he understood best about Arya was that when it came to her well-being, he often had to push boundaries for her to admit that she was not taking care of herself enough. This was just one of those times and he would say that forty years of friendship was more than enough to give him permission to look after her. After a silent struggle, her lips parted and soft breath left her.
"I have been…busy as of late," Arya answered hesitantly in the ancient language.
Busy? His mind tried to take the ambiguous word and apply it to a situation that made sense. Was it her father? Was it Formora? Or was Vermûnd causing her troubles once more? At the mere thought of assassins trailing after Arya, his blood began to boil and his expression darkened into a stormy rage.
At the sight of his sudden fury, she brought both hands up to lay atop of his, the pressure snapping his attention back to her. "It has nothing to do…with what happened in the library the other day," said Arya, alleviating his fear.
"Perhaps you are overworking yourself too much," said Eragon as his thumb ran across the silk of her skin. "The situation with Formora is something I can handle."
"No, I must show my king that I am his ambassador in every word and right," said Arya unintentionally revealing to Eragon the source of her problems. Eragon blinked. It was odd thought Eragon as he stood there closely with Arya. His Arya never gave much thought to what Islanzadí thought of her but the one before him was determined to bring honor to her father.
It was strange to see Arya dependent on her father's approval. Then again, hadn't he also wanted his father's approval at one point in time?
"I know that I am in no position to say this, Arya," Eragon began watching as she opened her mouth to no doubt refute his words. He smiled at her as he continued, his voice soft and only for her ears. "But I believe that King Evandar is proud beyond words about what you have done for the Varden during your time spent as elven ambassador. Do not worry too much about what he might think and only focus on your duty. You cannot fail by doing so."
"I just—seeing him in conference with the other leaders made me realize how much I truly have to learn to be representative of my father," murmured Arya, her emerald eyes tired but determined. "There is still much left for me to do if I am ever worthy enough to be called my father's ambassador without feeling as if I am lacking."
"I do not believe you are lacking in the slightest. You are a capable and talented woman, Arya," praised Eragon, his smile widening as she averted her eyes. "Any father would be proud to call you his daughter. I see no shame…So hold your head high and show the world your capabilities."
Holding her face in his hands for a moment longer, he released her, his hands dropping to his sides as she, too, lowered her hands. Her emerald eyes which appeared dim moments before were bright and shining at him. The two of them shared a smile and with an incline of her head, they both began to make their way down the hall with Arya leading him to wherever it was that Evandar was staying.
Deciding to move on from Arya's moment of insecurity, Eragon asked, "Has Evandar Könungr told you why he wanted to meet with me?"
Arya shook her head. "He merely said that once your were done to request that you see him."
That was odd. What could the king possibly want with him? The two of them walked side by side, enjoying the comfortable silence that had settled between them and when they approached a corner, he felt soft fingers curl about his own. Pausing in surprise, Eragon turned to Arya to see that she had stopped moving and was staring in the opposite direction from him, her face slightly flushed.
"Thank you for comforting me," her soft words floated over to him. "I do not say it often but your words mean much to me, Eragon."
He smiled even though Arya could not see it with her head turned. He gently squeezed her fingers. "Do not be afraid to speak with me, Arya. I will always be on your side," he said sincerely as he uncurled his fingers to let her retract her hand. She nodded and spirits uplifted, the two of them turned the corner, coming to a corridor in which stood one lone door that both Blödhgarm and Yaela were guarding.
"His Majesty is awaiting your presence," said Blödhgarm formally which made Eragon feel awkward since he knew Blödhgarm in his other world. Nodding, he exchanged one last glance with Arya and entered the room. Closing the door, he glanced around the living room of the extravagant quarters and using his senses made his way to the study where he found Evandar standing in, drinking from a ceramic teacup.
"You asked for me, Your Majesty?" asked Eragon.
Finishing his drink, Evandar lowered the teacup to the desk and turned to him. "I merely wanted a moment of your time to speak with you," said Evandar as he stared at Eragon from head to foot. "How are you feeling?"
"As I should."
"That is welcoming news, when I heard news about your capture, I held little hope in that you might be able to break free," he smiled slightly. "I am glad that you had escaped and are well. Though, it is odd to think that Formora would be the one to save you." At Eragon's expression, Evandar continued. "I was told by Arya that Formora is the same as a woman named Elvina, who has lived amongst the Varden for nearly thirty years."
"I apologize," said Eragon as he bowed his head to Evandar. "I was the one to examine her memories to see if she was a threat. I had not thought that Galbatorix had taught her methods to cover her identity and was unable to see through the fake memories and thoughts in her mind."
"What is done is done and I do not blame you. If you were fooled, think of the hundreds of others that would be as well. What I called you in here for is because I wanted to ask you a question without Formora within our midst," at Eragon's alarmed stare, he chuckled. "No, I will not ask you about her true name. I trust you, Eragon. The question I want to ask is: do you trust Formora?"
Cautious of his answer, Eragon nodded. "I do. In the thirty years, she'd lived as Elvina, she has never given me reason to distrust her. I believe she has changed. Her true name is evident of such."
"I will trust in your word," said Evandar. "Though Arya speaks to me about the events about the Varden, there is no one better to look to than you when asking about the state of the organization. I trust that you will protect the Varden that you devoted so many years to building."
"What of Oromis and Glaedr?" asked Eragon.
"I believe they will understand. Formora is willing to hand over the Eldunarí in return for her freedom, I say that is a fair enough trade so long as you are there to keep her under your scrutiny," said Evandar. "As for the rest of the elves, they will understand that there must be concessions to be made in war if we want to come closer to victory. The only difficulty left to deal with is the dwarves."
"I shall take care of it," said Eragon with a determined expression.
"I know you will."
The king fell silent signaling to Eragon that the conversation was done and over with. Saying his farewells, he moved to leave before the king called to him once more. "And Eragon, take care of yourself. You are invaluable to the Varden and a close friend of my family, but above all you are perhaps, Arya's only friend amongst the Varden that has not been swept away by death either by time, disease, or weapons."
A feeling of warmth blossomed in his chest at Evandar's words and he nodded. Exiting the room, he nodded to the two guards stationed outside and turned down the hallway intent on finding Vermûnd and sorting the dwarf out.
He was going to teach the belligerent dwarf clan chief the consequences when it came to targeting Arya and when he was done with him, Vermûnd would not have it in him to raise his hand against Arya nor his head during the next clan meet to decide Formora's fate.
To be honest, my birthday was Thursday and I was celebrating with my friends and family so I didn't have time to finish the chapter. But I did get a lot of presents! In any case, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The reviews was pretty much split fifty-fifty with the last chapter about whether or not to do a time jump or continue Formora's arch. I decided to do the latter as you all can tell. In any case, there's not much I have to say since I am exhausted and I'm about to hit the hay. I hope to see you all soon!