Magic is Force: Chapter 32
Each step Karn took upon the raised platform, he couldn't help but feel surprisingly alone. Ajihad's crypt laid open, his body exposed, as the funeral procession made their rounds, a sign of respect towards the once respectable leader of the Varden. For others, it was a time of closure – for those who knew the man as a friend and to others as a father. Nasuada had taken those short steps up to seeing her father one last time. And she remained up upon the dais for what seemed like a lifetime. Her sobs were a quiet noise against the lamentations of mourning of the giant congregation of mourners. Before she left her father's body, she leaned over the walls of the crypt and lightly kissed Ajihad's brow. Tears poured down from her cheeks, her pain and grief were like waves splashing against Karn's mind.
The only people allowed to pay their respects towards Ajihad were those whom he knew personally such as his daughter, the Council of Elders, military leaders and a select other few – Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Meetra and Karn. Each person went up to the raised platform and in their own way paid their respects. Karn was the last of the procession.
All eyes fell upon him as he made his way up the short flight of steps. As the crypt drew closer, Karn wasn't even sure what to say. The others that came before gave great eulogies dedicated to the fallen commander. Many brought more sorrow and grief to the gathering of people – knowing that the loss was a terrible one. He brought no tokens to be laid to rest like what many other members had done. One of the members of the Council of Elders placed a decorative knife within the stone casket; another brought a wreathe of lovely scented flowers to be laid as well. He had nothing.
Stopping alongside the tomb, Karn gazed down at Ajihad. He appeared far more calm and tranquil than he ever did in life, as if death had recognized his greatness and honored him by removing all traces of his worldly cares. Karn had known Ajihad for only a short period of time, but in that time he had come to respect him both as a person and for what he represented: freedom from tyranny.
Stricken, Karn tried to think of the greatest praise he could give. In
the end, he whispered past the lump in his throat, "You will be remembered, Ajihad. Your dream shall live on in your daughter. And the Varden will grow stronger because of your sacrifice. May you find peace in death; and may the Force guide you home." Karn stepped off the platform to come stand beside Meetra, she wore a black mourning gown in accordance to funerals and her hair was let down. She stood tall, but her face was troubled with grief.
Twelve dwarves came forward to the crypt hauling a giant marble slab. They placed it over the tomb, the stone grinding upon stone. It slowly enclosed Ajihad's body, until it finally upturned his face. And Ajihad, the leader of the Varden, was no more.
The funeral procession and congregation of people soon moved to the underground amphitheater. The spacious arena echoed with a babble of voices discussing the funeral that had just concluded. Karn sat at the lowest tier, level with the podium. With him were Orik, Arya, Hrothgar and Meetra. Gazing up at the podium, Karn looked on as Eragon knelt before Nasuada – the Council of Elders behind her back- and Saphira's hulking mass lingering behind her rider. In palms of his hands, Eragon lifted Zar'roc towards Nasuada. This was what they had discussed – the best course of action. Eragon to offer up his fealty to Nasuada and to her alone. Everyone was quiet as they anticipatingly waited for Eragon's declaration. Karn could feel the nervousness and anxiety wash off the young Dragon Rider. He was about to make a power ally, but quite possibly make many enemies.
Eragon's voice rung out across the amphitheater. "Out of deep respect... and appreciation of the difficulties facing you... I, Eragon, first Rider of the Varden, Shadeslayer and Argetlam, give you my blade and my fealty, Nasuada."
The Varden and dwarves stared, dumbstruck. In that same instant, the Council of Elders flashed from triumphant gloating to enraged impotence. Their glares burned with the strength and venom of those betrayed. Even Elessari let outrage burst through her pleasant demeanor.
Only Jörmundur—after a brief jolt of surprise—seemed to accept the announcement with equanimity.
Nasuada smiled and grasped Zar'roc, placing the sword's tip on Eragon's forehead, just as before. "I am honored that you choose to serve me, Rider Eragon. I accept, as you accept all the responsibilities accompanying the station. Rise as my vassal and take your sword."
Eragon did so, then stepped back with Saphira. With shouts of approval, the crowd rose to their feet, the dwarves stamping in rhythm with their hobnail boots while human warriors banged swords across shields.
Turning to the podium, Nasuada gripped it on either side and looked up at all the people in the amphitheater. She beamed at them, pure joy shining from her face. "People of the Varden!"
Silence.
"As my father did before me, I give my life to you and our cause. I will never cease fighting until the Urgals are vanquished, Galbatorix is dead, and Alagaësia is free once more!"
More cheering and applause.
"Therefore, I say to you, now is the time to prepare. Here in Farthen Dûr—after endless skirmishes—we won our greatest battle. It is our turn to strike back. Galbatorix is weak after losing so many forces, and there will never again be such an opportunity. Therefore, I say again, now is the time to prepare so that we may once more stand victorious!"
After more speeches by various personages – including a still-glowering Falberd – the amphitheater began to empty. As Eragon stood to leave, Orik grasped his arm, stopped him. The dwarf was wide-eyed. "Eragon, did you plan all that beforehand?"
Eragon briefly considered the wisdom of telling him, then nodded. "Yes."
Orik exhaled, shaking his head. "That was a bold stroke, it was. You've given Nasuada a strong position to begin with. It was dangerous, though, if the reactions of the Council of Elders are anything to judge by. Did Arya approve of this?"
Karn and Meetra approached, overhearing the Orik's questioning. Meetra piped in, "We all agreed it was necessary."
The Dwarf studied the three of them thoughtfully. "I'm sure it was. You lot just altered the balance of power. No one will underestimate Eragon because of it… Beware the rotten stone. You have earned some powerful enemies today." He slapped Eragon on the side and continued past.
Saphira watched him go, then said, We should prepare to leave Farthen Dur. The Council will be thirsty for revenge. The sooner we're out of their reach, the better.
"Agreed," spoke Karn curtly. Their mental links still established. "We need to hurry and make preparations and be on our way to Du Weldenvarden."
Eragon and Saphira both eyed him with surprise. "You mean to say that you're coming with us?"
"We both are," Meetra added. She laid a hand on Karn's shoulder as she spoke. "Karn and I discussed it, and we both decided that it'd be best to accompany you as you travel to the elves. For your safety, and for our own interests as well."
What interests you in Du Weldenvarden? Saphira asked as she swung her large head down to match their level.
Karn spoke with a tone a voice that was a mixture of determination and yet also worry. "We don't know when we will be facing Galbatorix. But when we do, we have to be ready. I – we – all have to be stronger for when that day comes." He wrapped an arm around Meetra pulling her close to him. "If we don't become stronger, then everything we hold dear will be lost."
"Galbatorix has had decades to prepare himself and to develop his powers," Meetra continued. "And who knows what other servants he will have at his disposal. We're going to train as well. By doing this, hopefully we can prevent you or anyone else from coming to harm."
Eragon felt a sense of appreciation and closure. He could feel the same from Saphira. She was glad that the two force-users had decided to join them on this next chapter of their life. And more importantly, Eragon felt more assured that he wouldn't have to face it alone.
Thank you, Saphira gratefully inclined her head. We would be honored to have you accompany us.
"You do not need to honor us, Saphira." Meetra quipped as she motioned with a brush of her hand. "We are all in this together," she looked at Karn, to Eragon and back to the sapphire dragon. "Just think of us as one big family."
At the mention of the words, feelings long since dulled suddenly lit anew within Eragon. His throat began to choke as the feelings began to intensify. He had long since forgotten about his family – of his Uncle Garrow, Cousin Roran.
Garrow died at the hands of the Raz'zac and Roran he left Carvahall – for all he knew, could have been dead too. The idea of having any semblance of a family had abandoned him. But to hear Meetra say those words, it only made him realize how precious his bonds to Karn, Meetra and Saphira were.
Before he could even realize it, small tears began to swell around Eragon's eyes; feelings of delight and gratitude overcame Saphira. They two only had each other but now they had the chance to make their little circle a little bigger.
"Eragon," Karn spoke gently. He looked at the force-user and saw that his face was also twisted with emotion. His grip on Meetra seemed to get tighter, leaning on her for support. "Months have passed since I've been in the world. And in that time, I've grown to know you and Saphira and better understand the both of you. I've enjoyed my time spent with you and tried my best to watch over you. You were both my first friends that I made here in Alagaesia."
He stopped for a moment and when continued to speak, his voice was slightly strained with emotion. "…I lost my family," tears began to swell around his eyes as well. "And I don't want to lose the family I've made now."
Eragon looked upon Karn with a new sense of admiration and respect. And deep inside him, something seemed to click into place: a sense of belonging. To belong to something far meaningful than just his own desires. His emotions couldn't be held back any longer and the tears began to slowly fall down his face.
"So, what's that make us?" He said through choked words.
"Family," Meetra whispered. She broke free from Karn's embrace and approached Eragon, wrapping her arms around him. "You and Saphira are family."
Eragon wrapped his arms around her; his tears now streaking down as if a dam had finally given way.
The air seemed to vibrate as Saphira began to hum in her throat. Her large snout coming to rest a few inches above the two. Meetra and Eragon placed a hand on each side of her muzzle, welcoming her into the moment.
Karn had come up to Eragon and placed a hand on his shoulder. Eragon pulled away from his embrace and welcomed a new one from the force-user. "…brother," he heard Karn whisper.
Eragon's grip only tightened more as he let the word wash over him. "Brother," he replied in kind.
The two broke away from each other, both dabbing at the tears that were falling down their cheeks. Karn gave him a clap on the shoulder as a sign of encouragement, "We'll be with you every step of the way."
"I know," he glanced between him and Meetra. "And I'll be more than happy to have you both come along."
"We best be getting prepared for the journey then," Meetra exclaimed. "The trip to Du Weldenvarden will be a long one."
Eragon nodded and placed a hand on Saphira's forearm. Are you ready for this next chapter in our lives?
Saphira unfurled her wings letting them stretch as a slight determined growl echoed across the amphitheater. My entire being is bound with anxious excitement.
Good answer, Eragon replied with a smile on his face.
"Very good," said Karn. "Let's get going then." He started to make his way to the large dark stone doors that led out of the amphitheater. The other three followed up behind him; and as they were preparing to leave, Eragon turned back to stare one last time towards the coffin that held Ajihad's body. And in that moment, he recalled his past triumphs and failures: from Carvahall to Terim; from Dras-Leona to Gil'ead. From the Hadarac Desert to the Battle of Farthen-Dur. After reflecting over those travels, one thing for certain stood out to him – he and Saphira were getting stronger. And they would only continue to grow stronger. And with that strength, Eragon would ensure that no more lives would needlessly be taken by Galbatorix. It was time for him to become what his mentor, Brom, had wanted him to be.
A Dragon Rider.