Chapter 5. Gathering

With Dras Leona taken Nausada only needed Queen Islanzadi's forces for the march on Urubaen. Word had been received that Islanzadi had taken Teirm and was marching towards Dras Leona to join the allies. Meanwhile Katrina was now seven months pregnant while Elain was ready to give birth. She had a baby girl and named her Avaline.

"You seemed worried Eragon…" Arya says as Saphira is off hunting.

"I am your mother is on the way and when she arrives it will be time to march on Urubaen…I have no plan of attack and to top it all off my brother is still a name slave to Galbatorix…"

"Well you did manage to place that amulet around his neck so he is no threat…"

Eragon smiles, "Unless Galbatorix has taken it off of him somehow. He is very powerful!"

They are interrupted by Elva who walks up, "Stop worrying yourself Shadeslayer about things you have no control over…You have prevailed over every obstacle set before you…Take comfort in what you have accomplished…And busy your mind on something that has nothing to do with defeating the Empire…"

Eragon smiles, "Your words are…" He pauses as something occurs to him, "That is it! Elva! You are the perfect weapon against Galbatorix…You will know what will make him happy and then we can take that and use it against him…"

Elva frowns, "I don't know Eragon…I mean you curse me!"

"Unintentionally!" Eragon says interrupting.

"Even so you ask to fight in this war…"

"I am sorry, but will you consider it…"

Elva sighs, "I will think on the matter and ask that you respect my decision…"

Eragon smiles as Elva walks away, then he looks at Arya, "Would you care to spar?"

Blodgharm and a few of the Elves join in on the sparring session. Eventually Saphira returns and watches as well. As Eragon and Arya dance around each other the crowd grows to include humans and Dwarves. Then a powerful mind touches everyone and says, ("You are wasting your time…") Glaedr says from his Eldunari.

("Are we Ebrithil? Any training Eragon does against us will help him when he faces the oath-breaker Galbatorix…")

("Do you presume to know more than I Elf-wolf?")

("No! But you have been silent as of late…Islanzadi is on the way and we have yet to come up with a plan or spell that will obliterate Galbatorix…You have allowed your grief over Oromis and your body to consume you…")

Eragon gasps and Saphira growls, but the worse reaction comes from Glaedr's Eldunari as he lashes out from within everyone in Dras Leona grabs the side of their heads from the waves of mental energy from within. Then as suddenly as it started it stops.

("You are correct Blue Fur! I have been neglecting my duties…I may not have a body anymore but I still can teach…Leave me now and return in three days Eragon…I will have a plan of attack…")

Eragon and Saphira can both feel Glaedr retreat into himself. Then Eragon walks up to Blodgharm, "Thank you!"

"I did only what was necessary Shadeslayer…"

The next day at noon Islanzadi arrives with her forces causing great jubilee among the allies. Nausada declares a celebration the next day, but before the celebration Nausada meets with King Orin, Queen Islanzadi, King Orik, Arya, Nar Gharzvog Eragon, Saphira and two advisors of each of the respective leaders. Roran is there as well. They discuss logistics and battle strategies for marching on and attacking Urubaen.

"Tomorrow is the third day and Glaedr said he would have a plan ready for fighting Galbatorx…" Eragon says.

That is when Elva stands up, "I know many of you are afraid…Galbatorix is the most powerful foe in all of Alagaesia…Eragon asked me to help and so when we march on Urubaen I will accompany him and Saphira into the palace…I believe Arya is needed as well…We will have a glorious victory but not in the way you all believe…"

"What does that mean?" King Orin asks.

"Just what I said Surdan King…For a more clear answer you must wait until we reach Urubaen…"

Elva's words comforted even Islanzadi's heart, but she was more worried about the future her future. She felt as if her days were coming to a close and she wondered if Arya would take her place on the throne. King Orin wondered what would become of Surda. Will Nausada allow him a King already to sit on the throne of Urubaen. Whatever happened he was not going to allow anyone to take Surda from him. King Orik wanted one thing above all…Revenge on the Red Rider for Hrothgar even if he is Eragon's brother.