Chapter 58 – Come or Go

"He almost dropped the agreement when you were attacked, Arya."

Elva leaned forward in her chair to stare at her.

Eragon was gone for about two days, and for two days Elva and Arya had spent their time hunting the man who orchestrated the whole coup. When Arya was attacked by Niduen, possessed by Bachel, Elva was away following whispers of Däthedr, which caused her to not be by her side when it happened. Rumor said he had been seen heading to his hometown, Sílthrim, at the time. It was a very brave or a very dumb move.

"Eragon can be a little hot-headed. But you did well by not telling him about Däthedr."

Arya got up from her chair and paced around her study. It was night, and Fírnen was waiting for her on the patio outside so they could fly to the crags.

"What should I do next?" Elva asked with a determination that was strange to her.

A soft smile came to Arya's lips.

"You did enough, Elva. Thank you, but I cannot ask you for more."

Elva scoffed.

"Don't go all soft now, your majesty," she played with the words.

Arya turned to see her up on her feet, with her palms on the table.

"You just said it. Eragon threatened to redraw the agreement you two have, and you want to risk it? If you are away hunting Däthedr then you won't be watchful of me."

Elva shrugged.

"He's not here to see it, and we don't have to tell him."

Walking back to her table, Arya watched the other closely. Why would Elva be so invested in Arya's matters?

"Why do you care if I catch Däthedr or not?"

The strange woman shrugged again. Then she shook her head and turned her back to Arya. She walked slowly toward the map hanging on the wall. There was no map like that in the whole world. Eragon made it for Arya, so she could see how Fell Thindarë was not that far from Ellesméra, after all. Elva appreciated that piece of work, she confided in Arya one day. She was never very complimentary, but she was impressed with Eragon's dedication and attention to detail.

"Isn't that what you want? What you really want, to see his head rolling to your feet?"

Arya had to admit that the gory image wasn't far from what she desired.

"You don't have to be the one to do it."

"It would be fitting," she said as her finger traced the line of the Edda River that flowed to the east.

Arya stood by her side.

"Why is that?"

Elva kept her eyes on the map as she hadn't heard her, but Arya knew she did.

"I should've said something. About him, I mean." Her violet eyes focused on Arya's, and for the first time since Elva aided her on the horrible night she lost her baby, she saw the emotion in there. It made her throat tighten.

"It was not your fault. His actions are on him."

"Still, I knew he was rotten inside and did nothing."

Arya debated whether she should raise a hand to place on Elva's shoulder and comfort her or not. In the end, her indecision was worthless for Elva pointed at the little hill drawn on the far right of the map and teased without her customary malice, but with humor instead, "It must be nice to have two homes in the world. Poor little rich queen."

Arya squinted her eyes but softened up when mirth reached Elva's expression.

"So you really want to do this?"

Elva nodded once, firmly and resolutely.

"Fine. Go find him, but don't engage. Let me handle him."

"Can I bring someone along?"

Arya was surprised Elva wanted to work with someone since she was the definition of a loner.

"Even better. Be careful, Elva."

With a smirk, Elva made it clear that whoever crossed her path was the one in danger.

Renir climbed the steps to the top of the wall with a slowness that was atypical for an elf. Eragon already knew what that meant.

"Sir Urien?"

The elf nodded a negative and sighed.

"I think I was making progress though. If he had lasted longer like Lord Edd, I might've saved him. I learned a lot from the first time, and learned even more now."

"What did you learn? What kind of progress?"

"It's an experiment with true names. I figured that if I knew his true name I could bend it and bind it to something or someone else, annulling the spell cast on him. Not the actual name, but the essence. It's too subjective, you would have to see it."

"Why didn't it work?"

"He perished before I could even learn his true name in its entirety. The bits I learned were responding well though."

"I hope you register it so we can use these findings in the future if needed."

Renir pointed at the roll of parchment attached to his belt, next to Brisingr. Renir was a true Rider, the perfect combination of a scholar and a fighter. Eragon nodded and they stood on the wall, waiting for the others, mourning the passing of a great knight.

"When the others get here, I will ask something of you that is of extreme importance."

Renir didn't ask what, but his concerned expression let Eragon know he was ready for whatever task.

The other Riders and dragons arrived shortly, responding to Saphira's call. She and Vance were the last ones, after gathering them there. The dragons accommodated themselves the best way they could, hoping that wall was strong enough to hold their weight.

Saphira stepped back a little to make room for her wings to stretch when she stumbled on a loose rock that went rolling down the wall.

Do we really need to confer on the top of the wall? Why don't we go somewhere with more room to move? She asked him but opened their conversation to everyone.

"I want this to be private, Saphira. No one will bother us here," Eragon said, as the twilight reached Ceunon and the cold made everyone shiver.

"All right. Let us start." He blew warm air on his hands before putting on his gloves. "You all know we need to be more ready than never for the big fight. When it will happen we do not know, but what we do know is that we should never underestimate our enemies. So, the first thing we need to do is to assess the situation. We need as much information about our enemies as possible, numbers, weapons, routes. For that, I'm trusting Renir and Vance, Gulart and Sílvian."

Avelina stepped forward intending to protest against his decision, but before she spoke Eragon raised his hand to stop her.

"I know you would like to pair up with Renir, Avelina, but I can't risk you encountering the Ra'zac and be caught off guard. Elves and dwarves are naturally protected against their mental attacks. Besides, I need you here, working to shield the city with wards."

Avelina bit her lower lip but nodded, understanding his motives. A glance toward Renir made it clear she worried about his well-being.

The dwarf Gulart had a perpetual grumpy face but seemed excited to finally be doing something important. Renir traded tense looks with him, and if they had any differences, they would have to put it aside for the moment.

"Avelina and Amara. You, Runalla, and Norfir will be Ceunon's main protectors. You will oversee the defense in case the fight comes this way, which I believe will. Think of better wards and strategies, all that you can to make sure the people are safe. Put your knowledge of speechless magic to practice."

They agreed and traded a mischievous smile, which made Eragon think they were already working on something.

"The rest of you, listen up." The other Riders came closer to him as their dragons kept a watchful distance. "The Kingdom and Surda sent us their magicians. The best of them but also the not so talented ones. I need you to make them an army, competent and lethal, without giving up our secrets. Get creative."

Thom was impassive, but Fildr kept pulling on his beard. The others just tried to beat the cold wind that howled over the wall by standing close together.

"How much time do we have to do that, master?" Golak, the urgal, asked in his guttural voice.

Eragon raised his shoulders.

"It could be months, it could be hours. In any case, I don't think you have enough time, so you better hurry."

They weren't sure if it meant to go right now, but a restless feeling made them look at each other with uncertainty and sway in their spots.

"I know I ask a lot of you, but this is the work of a Rider," he walked around looking at them in the eyes. "This is just the first challenge of many. You will live long lives, filled with adventures and defining moments like this. And you were chosen for it, just as much as you chose it yourselves. Be great, and history will sing your names."

Fildr who seemed the most insecure about the mission was filled with a sudden feeling of pride. He stood tall, proud to be a Rider, as Eragon saw.

Little by little, they left to start their work, leaving Renir and Gulart behind. Vance and Sílvian watched closely.

"How should we do what you ask of us, master?"

Eragon sighed and faced the sturdy dwarf.

"Remember your lessons, Gulart. Battle strategy comes from observation. You will travel north, undetected, and will read the signs. Look for tracks, listen to the living creatures, watch closely. Then bring back what you find. Don't take long, however. We need you."

Eragon saw him become resolute. A deep crease appeared on his forehead.

With a last look, Renir said his good-bye with a nod and flew away on Vance's back, following the other two. In the morning, they would depart.

When all of them had headed to their posts, Eragon saw himself alone on the wall with only Saphira by his side. It felt less crowded, but somehow warmer that way.

Our watch begins now, little one.

"So it does."

He sat by her side on the edge and looked to the frozen forest that extended itself as far as the eyes could see. To the left, the bay that once became a reason for dispute between Ceunon and Carvalhal seemed almost asleep with the fishing boats anchored on the shore.

Do you think she is heading this way? Or she is trying to replace the energy supply she lost?

"If I were her, I would find another way. A weaker spot to penetrate the enemy field. A way that wouldn't take much of my energy."

You can't possibly be considering that.

Saphira read into his thoughts the option he had considered. The Riders had cast a spell that would warn them when Bachel crossed the line that went from the ocean in the west, going over the Spine to Du Weldenvarden. She didn't know that, of course. So, if he were her, and he knew that the Riders were protecting Ceunon's region and the elves guarded the entire forest, he would want to go as west as he could until he had gained enough territory to make big damage.

"If she does that, if she takes another course, then I don't think she will need that much energy."

A morbid thought crossed Saphira's mind, one that made his stomach churn. But she was right. If Bachel entered their territory far enough to reach the villages unnoticed, then it would be easy to decimate entire populations and fill her storages with their energy. Enough energy to infiltrate the Kingdom and reach the capital.

We need to stop her, Eragon.

"And the Ra'zac. But I don't even know how many of them she has as followers."

Renir and Gulart will bring news, and we will know.

"I hope so."

Eragon looked to his left where Saphira kept an attentive expression toward him.

I thought it would feel easier as we get older and wiser. Why does it feel just as nerve-racking as the time we defeated Galbatorix?

"Perhaps… Perhaps we have more to lose now."

Saphira lowered her head to rest it on her front paws. They felt the heaviness of their burden draining their liveliness. Losing the fight wasn't an option. They had too much to lose.

Arya drummed her fingers on her desk. Elva was taking too long on her assignment. Five days before she left to follow Däthedr, to gather information about him and hadn't returned yet, as they agreed she would on the fifth day.

"Vanir!" She called to the elf that stood on the outside of her study. He had become quite protective over his queen in the light of recent events. Arya didn't mind. Not anymore, at least.

"Yes, your majesty," he said getting into the room.

"Still no sign of Elva?"

He shook his head. Then remembered he was in the presence of his queen and straightened his stance.

"I am sorry, your majesty, but Elva hasn't returned yet."

Arya's impatience made her thoughts drift away. She had organized her realm to the best of her capabilities for the moment. The new council was being chosen by the noble houses, the surviving traitors were being punished and Alanna had the supervision of Fírnen in the care of her hatchling. Still, there was something that bothered Arya more than anything. It was strong enough to cloud her sense of duty when it claimed for her to go join the other Riders. Elva had to come back with favorable news.

Vanir cleared his throat to let her know he was still there.

"Anything else, Queen Arya?"

Arya squinted her eyes at him.

"Yes."

He waited for her to add her request, but she did not, still with a lost stare.

"And what would that be?"

"Find Elva, she shouldn't be far. Or maybe she is in danger on the way between Sílthrim and Ellesméra. Bring her to me."

Arya had that dreamy look on her face, as she was imagining what she would do when he found Elva. He was polite enough to hide his questions. Vanir simply bowed and excused himself. Arya knew it wasn't his job to run errands for her, but he was loyal to the core, and saying no to her would never be an option. If he offered help, she would gladly accept it.

"Vanir!" She called before he exited the study. "Bring her to the Crags of Tel'naeír. Don't rest until you find her."

Arya watched through the old hut's window as the new dragon chased a mouse out of the house and into the woods. It was early in the evening and the air already started to feel colder. Alanna rose from her chair to go after him.

"Leave him. He has to learn," Arya instructed.

The young Rider sat back down biting her bottom lip.

"This feels so strange, having someone so connected to me like that."

"You'll grow used to it."

Alanna nodded. Arya talked to her but her mind was somewhere else. Her eyes kept inspecting the trail to the house every two seconds as time seemed frozen.

"Your majesty, do you know why Dusan went along with Elva on this trip? He left so suddenly, I wonder what could be so important."

"I know why Elva left."

"Is it a dangerous task you asked of her?"

"Only if she gets caught," Arya said but then realized she had worried the other, "I'm sure they are all right and on their way back."

Alanna went to stand by Arya's side to watch the trail. Arya wasn't the only one anxiously waiting for their return anymore.

It was night when hushed steps made them hurry outside to meet with the newcomers.

Arya passed through Vanir and Dusan that walked ahead to go straight to Elva. As the woman removed her hood and brushed the snowflakes that fell from the trees off her shoulders, she eyed Arya with intensity.

"He's there, not doing much. I could only catch a glimpse or two of him."

"What do you mean by not doing much?"

"He might be waiting, I think," Elva said.

"Waiting for what?"

"A favorable conclusion to the battle of Ceunon, maybe. But that's only conjecture. Do you have any food? I'm starving."

Alanna led them all inside the hut and served the soup she had cooked. Dusan and Elva didn't waste any time and devoured their meal as fast as they could. Vanir seemed timid to sit at the dinner table with his queen, but eventually, he caved and started eating too. Arya felt nauseated by the thought of her traitor being so close, so she barely touched her food. She had been feeling nauseated for a while now.

"Is he alone?"

Elva shook her head then swallowed a big piece of bread.

"His house supporters are sheltering him. About fifty people. You should send your soldiers to apprehend them for a trial."

Arya felt conflicted. She knew that her soldiers were up to the task, but she didn't want to delay Däthedr's punishment. She wished to pass the sentence of his death as soon as possible, so the new council wouldn't have the possibility to unauthorize her on a political agenda. If she went there personally the job would be done in no time.

She walked outside so she could catch some air. Fírnen was watching the little dragon as he tried to climb a pile of rocks.

What do you think? She asked him.

Choose to go or stay. Either way, you won't be making the wrong choice.

I'm afraid I'm blinded by vengeance.

You are not blinded. It is true that you seek vengeance with fervor, but when the time comes you will be doing justice. A fitting end to a traitorous man.

Arya came to sit on his front paw to pet him on the neck.

"Maybe you are blinded by vengeance too," she said with humor in her voice.

Fírnen gave her a proud look and turned his head away.

I'm never blinded by anything. I see it all.

His vanity made her laugh.

"It's settled then. Tomorrow we will lead our soldiers to find and execute Däthedr and his supporters on the account of treason."

The morning of the fifth day after Renir, Gulart, and their dragons had flown north to gather more information on Bachel's army, Eragon felt a slight decrease in his energy level. Someone had crossed their invisible line, and it wasn't one of the Riders. Saphira jumped out from the wall and gained altitude so they could see from above, but there was nothing in sight. Ceunon's territory was clear as they already knew it would be. The signal had come from the west, as Eragon feared it would happen.

The orange dragon came flying at high speed toward them and soon Eragon felt Lorgas and his Rider Thom making contact.

Did you feel that, master? Thom asked.

Aye. This area is clear. It seems to have come from the west. Did we read it right?

Absolutely. The Spine, most likely.

Lorgas led the way back to the ground, but when he landed, Thom remained mounted as he was ready for action.

"We can go check, master. Just say the word and we leave now."

Eragon hesitated. If his suspicion was proven right then he would be sending his Rider to face their biggest enemy alone.

We should do it ourselves, Eragon. We can fight her, with Glaedr's help and the gem. It didn't feel like she has much of an army with her, or we would've felt s bigger decrease in our energy levels.

He agreed but wished they had more help. He was still to face Bachel in person, but he had come victorious every time they fought at the expense of almost losing Arya or his own life. He wished she was there.

"Stay here and intensify the patrol," he said to the pair of Rider and dragon. "Leave this to us. Let the others know they must be ready to fight anytime now."

Lorgas shook his tail anxiously, and Thom pursed his lips. They didn't challenge his decision though. With a last nod, they took flight heading to the castle's courtyard, where training was in course.

Before Eragon and Saphira could fly out in their mission, he stopped by Eragon's chambers in the Lord's castle. He needed to retrieve Bachel's stone and Glaedr's Eldunarí. Eragon had put the items in a chest and hid them inside with a delusion spell. If someone came snooping inside the chest, they would see anything and think it to be empty.

After grabbing the items and creating the pocket in space where Glaedr would be safely hidden, he met Saphira in the courtyard. She oversaw the training of Nasuada's and Orrin's magicians, a group of thirty people.

They have potential, she said as he approached her and attached his bag to her saddle.

But they aren't many, are they?

They will have to be enough.

Eragon nodded and jumped to the saddle. One more stop before they flew west, Angela's tent.

She was outside, arguing with Maud. When the catlike girl saw them approaching, she threw them an uninterested look and ran away, leaving Angela and Solembum behind.

"We came to let you know we are leaving for the Spine. We will probably find Bachel trying to make her way into Alagaësia through there."

"And you are going alone?" She raised her chin to look at him on Saphira's back.

"Aye. I don't think she has anyone with her. Besides, we have her gem."

"She doesn't need anyone, boy. Even without her energy supply, you need to acknowledge her power."

Eragon acknowledged it. He even feared it to a certain point. However, being a coward in the face of danger was not an option. He thought of explaining it to Angela but gave up when she disappeared inside her tent and came back with bread, cheese, and some pound cake she had bought earlier by an old lady in the tavern.

"Take the wine as well." She added the bottle to the pile in his arms when he jumped down to take it all.

He felt grateful and somehow ashamed he was defying her suggestion to stay. Thanking her, he put his new items in his bag and said his farewell. Solembum sat on his hind legs and looked at him with intensity. Eragon sensed he was trying to tell him something. It had been a while since the werecat had last spoken to him, so it was quite uncomfortable to hear his mental voice.

Stay away from the burning men.

"What?"

Solembum blinked slowly, which Eragon knew from living with Cherry and Pie meant affection in cat language. Despite his friendship, the werecat refused to elaborate on his statement.

"Right. I guess I will stay away from the burning men, thanks." Eragon said with humor before jumping to the saddle. He waved his hand to Angela and Solembum but didn't get a response back. Chuckling, he thought of how odd that pair was.

They took the skies to the Spine, hoping to be successful in their endeavor, but knew they had only half the chances of that happening.

In the castle's courtyard, Avelina watched as Nasuada's and Orrin's magicians practiced the spells she taught them. They were about thirty people under her guidance, but there were more learning from Amara and Thom on the wall. Impatience took over her. She wanted Renir back before he crossed paths with someone he shouldn't meet. Someone stronger. As it was a response to her silent prayers, Renir and Vance, followed by Gulart and Sílvian, crossed the city limits toward them. She released a deep breath. They were all right, after all.

Renir greeted them as he jumped out of Vance's saddle and started his report right away.

"I don't think they are all magicians," he traded looks with Gulart. "But they are at least five thousand people, as we could see from above. We were careful not to be seen, but some of them did see us. They wore armor like soldiers, and instead of attacking us with magic, they called for the hooded ones. Those did attack us magically, but we were quick to get out of their range. They are approaching fast, directly to Ceunon."

"How about Bachel?" She asked.

"We didn't see her," Gulart spoke as he scratched his red beard. "Nor did we see the Ra'zac. Although they left a few tracks we were able to spot in the snow, they were going west, across the bay."

Avelina felt her stomach stir, and Runalla, who flew over the courtyard, tried to soothe her discomfort.

The Riders suspected by the tracks to be at least two, still young, for they traveled by foot, not flying like the mature ones of their species, the Lethrblaka.

"Their parents shouldn't be far. We need to keep our eyes out for them," Thom said.

"Parents? You think there's more of those creatures?" Gulart asked.

"Murtagh found the eggshells inside Bachel's hut more than twenty years ago. The ones that left the tracks in the woods are younger, probably their offspring. Bachel must've found at least two eggs, so they would lay more eggs when fully mature," Amara explained.

Avelina saw Gulart swallowing painfully.

"What should we do now?" Renir asked. "Where's master?"

It was a difficult decision, but if what they discovered was true, then Eragon and Saphira needed all the help they could find. The fact that Renir, an elf, was completely immune to the Ra'zac's influence could only make her think about sending him to help their masters. She hated that, but it made sense.

Do you think it would be something master Eragon would want? Runalla asked.

I know it's something Renir and Vance would want.

Avelina informed them about Eragon and Saphira's departure to meet the intruder he thought to be Bachel in the west. Renir's afflicted eyes made her think that even if she didn't suggest that he would meet them there, he would make that decision for himself. Her only request was that he would wait until morning to leave when he was rested and calmer.

That night she held his body against hers as her mind raced, making it impossible for her to sleep. Renir raised his head to look at her, and she thought she saw goodbye in his eyes. Avelina hoped he could see something else in hers, maybe a come back soon, or an I will be waiting for you. Again.

Arya was putting on her gloves, already mounted on Fírnen's saddle. Elva was positioning herself on the back, ready for their short journey. It was when Vanir came running toward them from Arya's study.

"Your majesty, wait!"

"What is it, Vanir?"

The guards Arya had selected to go with her on the quest to find Däthedr stood around Fírnen, next to their horses. They waited for her instructions in silence and didn't even react to see Vanir's worried expression.

"A message from the Order. They request your immediate departure to Carvahall. They say an attack is imminent."

Arya felt Fírnen moving uncomfortably. He turned his head to look at her sideways as expecting an answer.

"Thank you, Vanir." She tipped her head to him, and to the guards she said loudly, "Go now! It's a long way to Sílthrim and I expect you to make it there before dawn tomorrow."

As soon as the guards put their horses in motion and sprinted out of the Tialdarí Hall, Arya grabbed tightly on the saddle, ready to fly.

"Your majesty?" Vanir walked closer to Fírnen's front leg so she could face him.

"Yes?"

"What should I say to them?"

She took a deep breath, conflicted between the two sides of her duty, as she always was.

"Tell them… Tell them we will be there. As soon as we can."

Vanir bowed and left, not before throwing a last uncertain look toward her. Elva remained silent, not wanting to share an opinion on the matter.

Are you sure? Fírnen asked already knowing the answer.

Of course not. But as soon as we get this done, sooner we will fly to aid the Order.

And are you sure we are not breaking the Oath? I mean, I don't want to suffer the consequences, it would be terrible.

A shiver ran through his body as he imagined being like his ancestors, devoid of the refined intelligence the dragons acquired after the bond.

We are not breaking the Oath, trust me.

Fírnen didn't feel convinced, but he jumped in the air to fly anyway.

They were flying at a slow pace so the guards wouldn't fall behind so much. That peaceful journey left her with time to reflect on the choices she had made, and it worked wonders to placate her nausea. The truth was that she tried to keep a rational line of thought when choosing her path, but sometimes things got more complicated than they should. It had been hard resisting Eragon's request to be back together, and she was willing to do that once her realm was in peace once more. And delaying her departure to Ceunon had nothing to do with the uncomfortable situation between them, she would never let personal matters get in the way of her duty.

Carvahall, not Ceunon. Fírnen said in her mind as he listened to her dwelling.

What?

Vanir said they were requesting us in Carvahall, not Ceunon.

That didn't make any sense. Why would she be wanted in Carvahall since the defense line was in Ceunon?

It makes no sense.

That's what he said. Does it matter where? We are not going anyway.

We are going, just not right now.

Fírnen blew a cloud of smoke in the air so she would see his hesitance.

They were going, just not at that exact moment. That's how Arya knew they weren't breaking the Oath. Orders were still being followed and keeping with her duty as the Elven Queen didn't qualify as a personal act. They were going to be fine.

A/N: Hello! I'm alive and writing like crazy, so don't worry, I'm finishing this. I've been writing the final 4 chapters simultaneously for last month, and I gotta tell you, it's difficult. This one is the last "peaceful" one, so Enjoy!

I'll be back soon, very soon.

Thank you for the patience.