Chapter 4

On a small knoll stood a tall, silver haired elf. Behind him was an enormous white dragon and both were illuminated by the light of a dozen great funeral pyres upon which lay the bodies of their fallen comrades, over the past century some few humans had joined the ranks of the riders and now most lay upon the pyres before them. As the pyres died down the ashes of the fallen would be scattered to the winds allowing the fallen one last chance to ride on the currents of the wind. The Urgals who had followed the humans to the shores of Alagaësia from their original homeland had brought with them a hunger for war but they were to numerous for the slowly thriving human race, and so the riders had intervened. Eventually humans had joined the elves in their pact with the dragons and the first two human riders had been king Palancar's son Roran and his young nephew Murtagh. Now both lay slain; their wounds had been sealed and their bodies along with those of their dragons had been transported back to the city of Illeria where they had been buried with great honours and entombed together in the purest diamond.

Eragon stood and for the first time since the end of the war allowed his grief to wash over him.

From behind the knoll approached a woman in her early twenties she was shorter than any man or elf but she was also taller than any dwarf her usually dark curly hair was straight and silver today "I am sorry for your loss, today is truly a day of mourning"

Eragon looked at her he approved of her hair it oddly matched her grey ageless eyes, she held a bundle right to her chest "I managed to find these in what was left of your fallen tower."

As he unwrapped the bundle Eragon saw eighteen precious gemstones, sapphires alongside rubies, amethysts, emeralds, topaz, grey moonstones, kyanite and white jade. Nine formed the bodies of miniature dragons and hung from fine silver chains, the other gemstones were a fixed to rings made of a dark wood. "The eyes and hearts of the dragons, I thought these would be lost forever."

"For now they are returned to your order but they will be lost for a century when your order succumbs to darkness."

Eragon frowned "what is this coming darkness wise one?"

She looked at him and cradled his chin in her hand "you will fall, all of you shall fall but do not despair for even the darkest night must give way to a new dawn, and with the dawn light you shall once more lead the people's of Alagaësia into the light." she laid a hand atop the gemstones in the riders hands. "As for these. These stones have no power of their own but with enough time they could hold a force strong enough to level the Beor mountains." She reached up on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek

"Until we meet again Shur'tugal." With that she left stopping only to lay a hand on the white dragons snout as it lowered its head to look at her with his ice blue eyes.

Eragon sat leaning against Saphira's foreleg musing over his dream from the previous night, as well as all that had happened with the council of elders and afterwards when he had spoken with Olwen as he carefully oiled Saphira's saddle, he watched as Murtagh and Arya sparred against Roran and Nassuada whilst Katrina practiced with her bow around them the dragons snoozed enjoying the lazy day before them it was then that Mika came striding towards the group with four guards trailing behind him, though it was only Eragon who noticed his approach greeting the younger man as he came within hearing.

It was then that the others noticed Nassuada's brother who still wore black though the wide fabric belt to which he had fixed his fathers sword was gold today, as the others approached Mika spoke "I have come to speak with you all," he paused collecting his thoughts "yesterday I spoke with King Hrothgar, Queen Islanzadi and Eragon about your oaths of fealty, and the fact that should all six of you pledge yourselves to me it would create an imbalance between the factions that make up our alliance and as such we have agreed that publicly it would be wise if only two riders were to pledge themselves to me and then two to the dwarves and two to the elves. We decided also that it would make sense that one of the publicly declared riders should be Nassuada as she is my sister, after that there was a much heated debate as to who should be sworn to who at the end of it all the only thing was decided was that King Hrothgar wishes to have Roran since he saved his life during the battle of Farthen Dur."

"I must apologise Mika I did not realise my error when I suggested the idea to circumvent the councils plans." Apologised Katrina

"There is no need for your apology Katrina." Said Eragon "even I did not realise what our collective decision would mean until after we had already committed ourselves and whilst privately, we have pledged our fealty to Mika as I'm sure we all would have done even if I caught our error earlier what matters most is what is seen to be done and so Nassuada shall give her oath publicly at Mika's appointing."

"And what of mother and father?" Asked Murtagh

"I cannot refuse their oaths as they are both prominent members of the Varden and were friends of my father." Answered Mika

"Very well then if you have no objections brother, I would like to be the second rider to give my public oath to Mika."

"Very well then brother I have no objections what say you, my lord."

"It would be my honour to have a rider of the old order as my vassal alongside my sister."

Eragon looked at Arya "I would assume that you would prefer to swear your oath to the elves my love?"

She smiled at him gently. "It would make sense that if we are to bind ourselves to the races of this land that I should be the rider to swear to my homeland." Then she looked at Katrina "and what about you Katrina will you join me as the second rider to the elves."

Katrina was dumbfounded and it took her a second before she answered. "It would be my honour."

"Well that settles the issue rather nicely" said Eragon clapping his hands together. It was at this point Orik came walking into their midst he smiled broadly at them all and bowed to Mika before he spoke to the riders "good morning Argetlamr," he looked directly at Eragon, "I trust you are well this morning?"

"I am well thank you Orik." Replied Eragon, "what can we do for you it has been a while since we last saw you."

"Oi so it has I came partly to see how you are Eragon I have not had a real chance to thank you for saving Tronjhiem or give you my condolences for your back, but mostly I have come because Hrothgar wishes to speak with you all."

Mika smiled. "It seems like the right time for me to be going then." And with that he turned and left flanked once more by his guards

They watched the young man leave before Orik spoke once more "so what say you shall I take you meet with mine king?"

"Yes." Said Murtagh "we are always free to talk with Hrothgar he must know that."

"Aye I'm sure he does but still it is polite to ask first." And with that he led the back towards Tronjhiem.

Roran could hear the dragons talking amongst themselves as they walked and at one point her heard Breoal say "I think he's leading the little ones around the central chamber and the shattered fragments of Isidar Mithrim, curious how one gemstone can hold such a sway over an entire race."

The granite doors to Hrothgar's throne room were once more guarded by fourteen heavily armed and armoured dwarves who as the group approached pounded the hafts of their mattocks, spears, axes and hammers upon the floor, the sounding echoing around them before eventually the door swung inward and they were allowed to pass.

As one they strode passed the carved stone hirna of the former dwarf kings until finally they came before the granite throne of the dwarves and there upon it as usual sat King Hrothgar with the hammer Volund across his lap. Eragon and the other bowed deeply before the king and he inclined his head the rubies inlaid into his crown flashing in the light of the erisdar that illuminated the room "welcome once more to my hall riders, you have achieved much since last we met one of you is a Shadeslayer, another saved mine own life on the field of battle," he inclined his head once more to Roran, "you have proven yourselves worthy of the title of riders." He stopped and observed them all "we wish for you to keep the armour you wore during the battle, right now our finest smiths are working to repair it all including the dragon armour, I know you will soon leave for Ellesmera and cannot take it all with you so we shall entrust it's safe keeping to the Varden."

Roran bowed once more "you honour us with your gifts your majesty."

"You fancy him don't you little one?" Asked Nuanen teasingly

"Stop it" snapped Katrina

"Forgive me riders I wish to talk of more pleasant matters but time moves on and there are other matters we must discuss such as Ajihad's successor." His brow furrowed, "the clans have been pestering me to do one thing or the other ever since the council of elders announced their intention to back Mika yesterday. I will be honest with you all, their announcement caused an uproar amongst the dwarves the likes of which I have not seen since I took the throne, it took some persuading but most have come to agree that he is the best candidate for the position and I'm sure the others will agree eventually. I wish to know where you all stand on this matter before I officially give my voice to one side or the other."

"How much can we tell him?" Asked Katrina

"He has always treated us fairly and I believe him to be honest enough." Added Nassuada

"We do not know what exactly he has promised other people. We must tread cautiously until Mika actually takes office." Said Arya

"Very well then." Said Murtagh before he continued out loud "we have all promised to help Mika in our respective positions, we shall not oppose him."

"And we plead that you do the same." Added Roran, "The Varden requires unity right now, we cannot afford to fight battles amongst ourselves as well as against Galbatorix and the empire."

"Oei" Said Hrothgar leaning back on his throne "you speak with a new authority rider. It is a good suggestion but I must ask do you have other motives for choosing him after all he is related to one of your number. Do you believe he will make a wise leader?"

Before the others spoke it was Katrina who answered "he is quiet and more than a little bit timid but behind the mask he presents to those who would try to control him he hides a core of steel, he is adamant in his resolve as was Ajihad before him. Yes, he may be young especially when considered by those with a long life span such as elves, riders and even you own race your majesty, but he has been trained and prepared by one of the greatest men Alagaësia will ever know, he will be good for the Varden in the coming years."

"Your words relieve me, to often nowadays does one see people caught up in attempts to gain individual power, it is hard not to get angry at such idiocy, but it pleases me to see young ones who strive to achieve what is good and right."

"What is to be done about the dragon hold?" Asked Eragon

Hrothgar sighed audibly, he looked mournful and ready to weep "much talk will need to be had on the subject. I almost wish that Tronjhiem had fallen to the Urgals before Isidar Mithrim was broken."

Eragon could feel the current of regret that came from Nassuada, Arya, Solus and Firnen when the king paused for breath.

"Do not misunderstand me rider I am glad you are still alive and I understand why the gem was broken but with the destruction of Isidar Mithrim not only has the heart of Tronjhiem and Farthen Dur been broken but the heart of every dwarf has been shattered as well."

To Eragon's surprise Arya and Nassuada stepped forward "Your Majesty Firnen wishes to know whether the dwarves have to skill to reconstruct Isidar Mithrim."

"Aye the skill we have but what of it it would take many months to reconstruct the gem and even then, it would be a ruined mockery of its original beauty and splendour." He shook his head "I will not sanction it."

Eragon could sense the conversation between the two riders and their dragons before he felt Firnen and Solus communicate with their fellow dragons until finally Nassuada spoke. "If Isidar Mithrim were put back together with not a single piece missing the dragons believe that they can heal the great star sapphire, and truly make the heart of the mountain whole once more."

Hrothgar was stunned and he looked at Eragon and Murtagh. "Is this truly possible?"

The brothers eyed each other and the dragons. "Do you know how much energy a spell like that would require Saphira?"

"We do little one and we believe that when the time is right, we will be able to restore the jewel. Have faith in us Eragon you have personally witnessed one of the great miracles we dragons can perform, now answer Hrothgar he awaits you and close your mouth you look like a simpleton with your mouth open like that."

"If his maw hung open any more an Urzhad may decide to hibernate through winter in there." Commented Thorn and this made Saphira laugh and caused her to loose a small jet of fire from her nostrils.

Everyone save Murtagh was startled by the flames for he was to busy clutching his sides as he laughed at his dragons comment and the expression upon Eragon's face.

After apologising for the sudden burst of fire Eragon said, "Saphira believes that they truly can make Isidar Mithrim whole once more. The magic of dragons whilst wild in nature is unlike any other, I have seen it before and it can achieve many wondrous things I would never dream of attempting."

Hrothgar beamed and setting Volund aside he rose from his throne and walked over to the riders who had gone down on one knee when he stood, he stopped before Arya and Nassuada who were both still slightly in front of the others. He kissed them both on the brow. "Thank you both," then he looked at them all before he turned his gaze on the dragons "and thank you as well mighty dragons, today you have not only restored the hope of an old dwarf but also the hopes of all mine people. Feel free to spread word of this to anyone you should meet." He then called out in dwarvish and Orik entered the hall, quickly Hrothgar spoke with his nephew in their native language before he turned back to the riders "please excuse me I must spread word of this news amongst the clans."

After standing and bowing the six riders and their dragons left with Orik once outside with the doors to the throne room closed turned and in turn threw his short but powerful arms around each of the riders before he went and performed the same act to each of the dragons though he could only manage to hold their fore legs. He stepped back from Saphira with tears standing in his eyes. "Thank you, you wonderful, beautiful dragons truly you have restored the hope of my race especially when such dark times lie before us all. I will wager that there will be much drinking tonight once word spreads of what happened here today."

"And tomorrow is my fathers funeral." Said Nassuada softly.

The look upon Murtagh's face spoke volumes to Eragon and he smiled to himself.

As they reached the more occupied areas of Tronjhiem Orik began to move between dwarves conversing in dwarvish as he spoke all eyes turned to look at the riders hope and joy radiating out from them all, eventually they arrived at one of Tronjhiem's dining halls and Orik jump atop one of the tables sending stone platters crashing to the floor, wooden and horn mugs went spinning dumping their contents on the owners, food splattered everywhere and all eyes focused upon the dwarf, quickly he spoke in dwarvish and when he finished, it was as if someone had shattered one of the myriad flameless lanterns hung upon the walls, the sound exploded as dwarves cheered sending more ale flying as they threw their arms up in rejoicing the now unanimously empty tankards we refilled with ale, mead and beer and over the heads of the congregated dwarves was passed a full stone tray which bore seven horn tankards, when it reached the riders Orik handed each of them a foaming cup before taking hold of the last one himself and taking a deep quaff that left him with a foam layer adorning the moustache of his beard.

Roran took a deep draft from his tankard after he watched both of his cousins drain their own tankards. The liquid inside coursed down his throat causing him to cough once he had swallowed his mouthful, he had tasted ale and beer before in Gedricks tavern The Seven Sheaves back in Carvahall but nothing compared to this, it was well chilled but warming and tasted of apples, honey, blackberries and several spices he didn't recognise, all of this combined was enough to bring a cheery grin to his face. He turned to Breoal, "would you like to try some?"

The Amethyst dragon lowered his head and parted his lips enough for Roran to pour the rest of his tankard into his dragons mouth, imperceptibly the dragon swallowed. "That is a most wonderfully delicious brew not that I have drunk anything of the kind before but I have your memories of times when you have and nothing compares to that."

"Indeed I think however you and the other dragons could easily drink the dwarves dry if you wanted to."

Breoal gave the dragon equivalent of a smile "I don't think we could drink that much but I'm sure we could give it a try."

This last statement made Roran laugh out loud though it largely went unnoticed with all the raucous the dwarves were making.

Katrina found it quiet easy to join in the dwarves revels allowing the thoughts of Ajihad's funeral, their discussion with Hrothgar and all her other worries to fade to the back of her mind not forgot by any means but for now she decided that she would live only for this single night of joy.

Steadily dwarves streamed in to join with the festivities as word of Isidar Mithrim's restoration at the hands of the riders spread throughout Farthen Dur and soon musical instruments were borne forth and lively music joined in the cacophony of sound. As the first notes rang out a small area was created whereupon dozens of dwarves began to dance alongside many men and women who had joined in with the celebrations.

After a while Roran saw three dozen dwarves stagger through a side door bearing six enormous casks each could have easily held enough water for his entire family back home for several days. One by one the dwarves set the casks before the Breoal and the others and they carefully broke open the lids to allow the dragons access, with little effort Saphira and Thorn carefully clamped the rim of two barrels between their fangs and with sift movements upended their own barrel and drained the lot in a single massive swallow.

Breoal, Firnen, Nuanen and Solus watched this with awe as none of them could replicate the awesome feat their elder compatriots had just achieved.

The efforts of Saphira and Thorn caused every dwarf in the vicinity to redouble their cheers and without pause two more barrels were brought out.

After nearly three hours Brom and Selena appeared, making their way through the crowd. As they approached, they saw Eragon was supporting a slightly tipsy Roran, Murtagh and Nassuada twirled elegantly on top of a large round table, Arya had rolled her sleeves up and was with some speed working her way through a crowd of drunk dwarves who wanted to test their strength against an elf, Katrina was the odd one out she's sat alone sipping at her tankard. Over the next several hours ale and mead flowed like water and Eragon and Arya joined Murtagh and Nassuada on an adjacent table and Roran had taken a seat beside Katrina who had looped her arm with his and rested her head on his shoulder.

Eventually Orik tipsily clambered on top of one of the tables and with his legs spread wide he raised his tankard and called for silence and waited until slowly the room fell silent "Hear me all, tonight we have properly celebrated. We should have celebrated much sooner. We have rallied together and chased the urgals from our home." Dwarves cheered at this and Orik had to wait for silence once more. "And lest we forget the riders who slew the villainous shade and saved us from certain destruction. With the return of the riders and their ferocious dragons we once again have hope that Galbatorix and the forsworn can be defeated." At this the dwarves pounded their stone tankards on the tables.

The riders felt both pride and embarrassment at Orik's words and they all bowed nervously, but that was hardly the most exciting thing for as Eragon straightened he saw Saphira rear up and bow herself, and it was all going well until she lost her balance and fell sideways. Dwarves scrambled to get clear of her and more than a few barely made it before she landed on her left wing. As she landed Eragon cried out in pain and clutched his left arm just then his back arched and he bared his teeth in a soundless shout of agony before he to collapsed in a heap by Saphira's tail where he curled into a ball twitching occasionally.