It has been some months, something I DEEPLY apologize for. Currently being deployed in the Middle East means that other things come first before everything, my mission mainly. Again, my most sincere apologies. I make no promise of a set schedule, but do not think I have forgotten this story.
~NitexXxMare
This is the last of the dwarves everyone! Three cheers for this chapter! Honestly, I felt like I was dragging my feet with the whole new dwarf king business. As much as I like reading about politics and all that, I like the action part of the Inheritance series more. Anyways, I once more took out over embellished details and shortened things up considerably. (I used some of CP's speech here. I do not own anything related to Eragon but this is just my imagination-have to put a disclaimer every once and a while!) Anyways before you start reading, someone asked me about my personal opinion of Inheritance. I've said it before but I'll say it again, I was wholly disappointed. (Let me rant for a little bit-just my opinion): To begin with I felt that CP wrote everything the way he did just because he wanted to go against expectations. ExA would definitely happen we all thought, it's the last get a rather lacking ending and we're are stuck with the thought that never again shall they meet. Also, CP builds up all this excitement in that finally Eragon was going to get some amazing power to defeat Galbatorix and boom! Not one speck of action in the end between them. It was talk, talk, 's have a sideshow of you and Murtagh duking it out and then with a burst of emotions Eragon kills him...I must agree with what the reviewer said it was very much so. Another thing that irked me was Roran. (To Roran fans please don't get offend it's just my opinion) How can he defeat Barst and Islanzadi is taken down with a blow to the neck? You have one of the most powerful then Roran. After building up so much about the elves and how a powerful race they were I feel like that was a fluke. I may not like Islanzadi but I would've never thought that between her and Roran, Roran would survive. It just goes against everything CP has been writing in his books. Yes, Roran is indeed strong (hence stronghammer) but he's still a human and humans have limitations. Sometimes I feel like Roran can outmatch Eragon if he wanted to. Everyone just take this moment and imagine Eragon fighting Barst. Like almost every battle, he'll need help from a dozen different sources and yet Roran, goes solo, and kills Barst and the Eldunari he had. What else is there? one in the end I think that CP just let Murtagh and Thorn go. Why did he make a character like Murtagh become a recluse in the mountains? That just beats me. It makes no sense and I'll never understand it. Let's see, let's see. When Eragon leaves to become the leader of the riders, I felt that it was sort of hypocritical that he allowed Arya to stay as Queen. Yes, she is Islanzadi's daughter but she is also a rider and that means she has separate duties. Eragon denied being king because he felt like that wasn't his place as a rider and 's see what else? Half of the mysteries in the cycle was never explained. And it's very odd now to think that Urgals can become riders. I just don't see that happening. I'm all for peace in Alagaesia but I guess the idea never went well with me. And I can go on much longer but this is it for my opinion of Inheritance. To those who loved the book, please don't take offense. And to make up for it there were a few scenes littered here and there that I like. Anyways RR!
Despite the small amounts of sleep, Eragon felt rather rejuvenated as he woke. Opening his eyes he waited for them to adjust to the darkness of the chambers. If his senses were correct, he would judge that it was early morning. Rather surprised at himself for waking without any assistance, Eragon was about to sit up before he realized that his arm was pinned underneath the mass that was Arya. She was sound asleep—or rather as close to sleep as elves could get. Looking at her wrapped underneath the covers, he remembered the few hours before and felt himself smile, content.
He felt complete and overjoyed. Maybe that was why he couldn't sleep. Leaning his head back into the pillow, he stared up at the ceiling. Nothing of importance came to him, he couldn't find himself to focus. As he was thinking or rather merely dazing, he felt Arya shift beside him. Her arm which was draped over his chest moved showing her growing awareness. He felt her legs caress his as she stretched fully awake.
"Good morning," Eragon greeted her as he reached for his magic to illuminate their quarters with his werelight. Arya's head was tilted up towards him and she smiled softly, her emerald eyes were warm as she gazed at him with a great amount of affection. He rubbed her back as he studied her, "how do you feel?"
"Content," he could share in her feelings for he felt his body hummed from their earlier union. He stared at Arya for a moment ignoring her soft skin against his which was rather difficult. She was cradled against him, her legs intertwined with his own. He forced his mind and unruly emotions into submission. "It's early morning Arya. The dragons should be back…and you've yet to pack." He waited for her to fly from the bed and hurry about to pack but to his surprise she didn't. Was she tired? He would think that she was. "I could pack for you if you would like to rest."
She laughed lightly moving her hand to trace the muscles in his arm, "I would prefer if you did not. Good preparations takes time," she said repeating her words before he practically jumped on her. Eragon smiled feeling slightly sheepish as he watched her. Her hand glided to a stop to rest atop his shoulder before she leaned up to press her lips against his. Immediately Eragon responded to her wrapping his arms about her waist and pulling her closer to him. Before anything could get out of hand however, he pulled away remembering his promise to her. "Is something amiss?"
"I promised I wouldn't distract you afterwards so you can prepare for your journey back to the Varden," said Eragon. To his surprise, she laughed. Listening to her tinkling laughter he watched as she pushed herself up to lean over him, her hair falling down like a waterfall on one side of her face. His heart stuttered at the sight of her illuminated underneath his werelight.
"Of all the promises that you seek to keep," murmured Arya as she traced an elegant finger from his temple down to his chin, "You would seek to keep this one." She leaned down and kissed him smiling, "You are not bothering me Eragon. I want to spend more time with you." Giving him no room to argue, she leaned down and captured his lips with hers. He responded to her immediately his passion once more coming forth.
Much later, the two of them arrived at the gate where Eridor and Arya would depart from. The dragons were waiting for them as well as Murtagh. He didn't see Orik anywhere and when he asked Murtagh, his half-brother said, "He's gathering his wits about him for the voting. Orik may not see like it but he's rather anxious."
"As he should be," said Arya as she went to load her bags onto Eridor's saddle. The green dragon lowered himself to the ground to help her attach her bags. While she was doing that, Eragon went to greet Saphira glad to see she had returned.
How was the hunt? Eragon smiled at her as he rubbed the scales on her neck. She hummed turning to him. With a gentle nudge on his shoulders, he felt Saphira's affections for him rush through.
It went well, answered Saphira as she showed him an image of how she pounced on an unsuspecting boar, clamping down on the wild animal with her strong jaw. Eragon smiled at how ferocious she looked. She was a dragon after all. Not bothered by the rather graphic image, he blinked when her sapphire eyes turned to him. He felt her curiosity emanate from her over their link. Saphira sniffed him and he felt her surprise climb. You smell different Eragon.
I smell different? He reached up and smelled his hand. He didn't see any difference. But Saphira was still sniffing him as if he'd jumped into a lake filled with different aromas. He tried to smell himself again but couldn't find anything different about his scent. I do not smell anything Saphira.
As he said it, Eridor snaked his head towards him and sniffed him. He waited as the emerald dragon studied Eragon. Feeling Eridor's mind touch his, Eragon lowered his barriers for the dragon. It's a faint change in your scent but you smell differently now Eragon.
How? Even though his senses were now acute, he couldn't smell the difference that the dragons did. He glanced at Arya and she inclined her head showing that she didn't understand what the dragons were saying. Thorn was apart from the two, merely watching them with interest.
You smell like Arya, commented Saphira finally answering his question. Her answer surprised Eragon. He felt Saphira's emotions flow through him. She was overjoyed for him and like always her teasing side came out. But of course you would use this opportunity to mate with your elf.
You don't have to say it like that, thought Eragon as Eridor laughed his rumbling laugh. Arya raised a brow as she came to join him. Saphira titled her head to the side staring down at him with bright eyes. You are not unhappy with our union?
Why would I be? Arya is the reason you are here today, she is as much of a part of me as you are now, her words were sincere as she nudged the elf showing her affections for Arya as a part of their family. I'm overjoyed that you can share this wonder with someone such as her. It has changed you for the better Eragon.
I know, agreed Eragon turning to Arya. "The sun has reached its peak in the sky," said Eragon as the dwarves guarding the northern gates began to turn the gears opening the heavy stone doors. "If you and Eridor fly swiftly you should reach the Varden in three days time."
She nodded. Murtagh, who had been quiet since then, stepped forward smiling at Arya as one would a friend, "Fair winds to the both of you Arya, Eridor. I hope to rejoin you after I've traveled to Ellesmeŕa. Please take care of Nasuada and the Varden until then."
Arya's voice was kind as she spoke to Murtagh, "I shall give you my word until then may you meet good fortunes on your on your tasks Murtagh. And may you continue to grow into a strong predator of the skies Thorn," the red dragon acknowledged her words with a puff of smoke, pleased. Arya stroked Saphira's snout sharing a few words with her before turning to Eragon. He tried his best to smile at her already feeling rather empty despite Arya not having yet to depart.
She reached forward and took his hands in hers with a smile and he could feel her own reluctance to part with him for ever since they'd joined the Varden, they'd shared in each other's hardships. Now they would part to fulfill the duties given to them. "Let fortune watch over you Eragon," she said in a low whisper only for him to hear. "I will not be with you but do not let that dishearten you for we are a bonded pair in mind and body."
"I'll strive to complete what Nasuada wanted of me to rejoin you," promised Eragon. She didn't respond to him. The two of them stood there together letting silence reign over them. What they wanted to say they'd already said back in the chambers in words and in actions. Her hand gripped his tighter as she stepped forward to share a sweet kiss with him. It was with great strength when Eragon pulled away watching her jump gracefully from Eridor's leg to his shoulder where the saddle was. Strapping herself in, she spared them one last look before Eridor reared up and with a strong beat of his wing rose up into the air. Not the least unbalanced by the torrents of air that was pushed down at them, Eragon watched with a heavy heart as they departed flying out into the open sky the gates closing behind them with a great thud.
They will be fine, murmured Saphira also feeling rather lonely now that Eridor had left. He was her mate after all. Eragon nodded. He turned to Murtagh and the two of them made their way to the conference room deep beneath Tronjheim where the voting will commence in another hour. He had to worry about Orik's chances for the throne, thought Eragon. He couldn't just blindly think of Arya. Shaking his head, he cleared his mind. He needed to focus. It was all he was going to need in the upcoming meeting.
And he was right.
Standing up from the stone table in the center of the room, the white-haired dwarf woman Hadfala spoke, "On behalf of min clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king." Eragon watched as the first vote was casted from his seat against the wall of the circular room. Beside him Murtagh leaned forward looking rather tense. From what he heard from Orik, Hadfala had originally been backing Gannel as the new king. However that was before the attempt on Murtagh's life. Orik was in fair shape starting out.
Next, Gáldhiem of Dûrgrimst Feldûnost rose from the table despite his short stature. "On behalf of mine clan," he declared, "I vote for Grimstborith Nado as our new king."That wasn't a surprise thought Eragon as the dwarf resumed sitting. He could see Nado smiling looking rather pleased with himself.
Then Manndrâth of Dûrgrimst Ledwonnû said, "On behalf of mine clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king," Orik nodded towards him in thanks receiving a nod in return. Then it was Gannel who would cast his vote next. Before the assassination attempt on Murtagh, Gannel was a favorite to contend for the throne but now it seemed like he would no longer have a strong enough backing to take the throne for his clan. Though despite that, Gannel was said to have a great influence amongst his race and whoever he chose, the crown would most likely go.
"On behalf of mine clan," Gannel said, "I vote for Grimstborith Nado as our new king."
And so it went thought Eragon as a wave of soft exclamations broke out amongst the dwarves watching from the perimeter of the circular room. The pleased expression Nado wore broadened as if now he was certain to take the throne. Murtagh was on edge. Not moved Eragon watched the voting continue. He was certain that Orik had what it took to lead his people to glory but will the others realize it as well was the question. If worst came to worst, Nado would be voted as the new king and the Varden's position will be compromised.
Following Gannel, Ûndin of Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn proclaimed, "On behalf of mine clan, I vote for Grimstborith Nado as our new king." Orik was now outnumbered by one. Would Nado be a good king for his people thought Eragon. He glanced at the dwarf in question. He was a proud dwarf who only believed in the prosperity of his own race and could care less about the livelihood of those outside of Farthen Dûr. If he was voted king the Varden will be sorely crippled.
Thordis of Dûrgrimst Nagra stood. "On behalf of mine clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king." Now it was three to three. This was no doubt going to be a close vote. Not surprisingly, Nado was next and he voted himself as king. Following him Freowin of Dûrgrimst Gedthrall voted for Nado as well despite his promise to cast Orik his vote. It appeared as if Nado was using him to play Orik. Despite his anger at the betrayal, Orik stood and casted the vote for himself tallying up the votes five to four in Nado's favor. There was nothing he could do to ensure Orik as the new king but he could tell that Murtagh was struggling to think of a way to put Orik in the lead. Eragon was positive that Murtagh would only end up grasping at straws. This was an affair that wasn't of their realm the influence they had with the dwarves was slight.
The next dwarf to rise was Havard of Dûrgrimst Fanghur. He tapped the table once and then slapped the stone with the flat of his hand. Lifting his chin, he said, "On behalf of mine clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king." Now they were evened. There were only two clan chiefs left to vote. It would irk him greatly if this meet was declared a draw and they had to adjourn for three days before meeting again. By dwarf law, if the process to electing a new ruler was tied the clan chiefs with the least votes would be eliminated in the next round and they would continue voting until they ended up with one clan chief receiving a majority of the votes. They didn't have time for such a thing but still that was better than Nado becoming king. He had made it quite clear that he would not support the Varden in their war efforts against Galbatorix.
He watched as Hreidamar of Dûrgrimst Urzhad spoke after receiving a nod from Íorûnn, "On behalf of min clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king." Orik was now in the lead. There were only two choices left either Íorûnn voted for Orik and made him their new king or she voted for Nado and ended the voting in a tie. To Eragon, she didn't seem like one who would merely sit still for another three days to continue such a tedious process. No, she would likely vote for Orik and put her in his favor for she was now the deciding vote. And as the grimstborith of the War Wolves, he couldn't see her idly sitting by as Galbatorix's regime was challenged.
She stood and in a low, husky voice addressed those present in the meet, "It seems it falls to me to decide the outcome of today's meet. I have listened most carefully to your arguments, Nado, and your arguments Orik. While you have both made points I agree with upon a wide range of subjects, the most important issue we must decide is whether to commit ourselves to the Varden's campaign against the Empire. If Galbatorix emerges triumphant from this war, not even the Beor Mountains will protect us from his wrath. If our own realm is to survive, we must see Galbatorix overthrown. Moreover, it strikes me that hiding in caves and tunnels while others decide the fate of Alagaësia is unbecoming of a race as old and as powerful as ours. When the chronicles of this age are written, shall they say we fought alongside the humans and the elves, as the heroes of old, or that we sat cowering in our halls like frightened peasants while a battle raged outside our doors? I, for one, know mine answer," Íorûnn tossed back her hair, then said, "On behalf of mine clan, I vote for Grimstborith Orik as our new king!"
Eragon smiled slightly as the eldest of the readers-of-law stepped forward to announce the new elected king amongst the clans. Eragon wanted to chuckle as he watched the dead-eye expression that Nado wore. It seemed like no dwarf was graceful in the practice of concession. Watching as the clan chiefs swore their loyalty to Orik, they waited until Orik announced for the coronation to take place tomorrow before dismissing everyone leaving just Orik and his attendants, Murtagh, and Eragon. No one spoke, still sitting in his chair he watched as Murtagh and Orik faced each other in silence. Then a smile stretched across Orik's face and the two of them burst out laughing, relieved of the outcome of the voting.
As they were celebrating Orik's victory, a long, low note reverberated throughout the floor, ceiling, and the air of the room. He felt the chair he was sitting in vibrate along with the tone. "Listen!" cried Orik raising a hand. Silence reigned over the room as the bass notes sounded four times more announcing Orik's kingship. Congratulating Orik, Eragon took his leave to find Saphira and tell her of the good news. The Varden's position was now ensured with Orik as the new king.
The next day, Eragon and Murtagh stood beside each other dressed in fine clothing that Orik had gifted them with to attend his coronation. The Drums of Derva sounded continuously, summoning the of Tronjheim to witness the coronation of their new king. Normally when a dwarf was elected as the new king or queen, the dwarf can begin ruling at once. However the coronation would be held three months later for dwarves all over Farthen Dûr to settle their affairs and travel to Farthen Dûr. However, due to the haste of events outside of the Beor Mountains, Orik had it rushed to the next day.
They stood outside the central chambers of Tronjheim, listening to the pounding of the giant drums. The dragons appeared to be conversing silently to each other as they waited for the dwarves to file in occupying the archways of each level. He could feel their eyes on them. They waited until the final note of from the drums faded into silence. The crowd shifted, and he heard the soft rustle of clothes. A fanfare of dozens of trumpets rand forth, filling the city-mountain with its rousing call and to join the trumpets he heard choir of dwarves. He glanced at Murtagh, who nodded to him. With their dragons following the advanced into the central chamber where the ring of clan chiefs, guild leaders, and other notable individuals stood. In the center of the chamber rested the reconstructed Isidar Mithrim which was just finished an hour earlier for Saphira to repair. Eragon spotted the black granite throne upon the dais next to the star sapphire facing the eastern branch of Tronjheim. Thousands of dwarf warriors stood at attention and at the forefront of the congregation was Orik's wife, Hvedra whom Eragon met the night before.
It was a long procession thought Eragon as the trumpets continued playing for the next half an hour joined with the choir. Step by step, Orik came from the eastern branch of Tronjheim and approached the granite throne with a procession of twelve dwarf children behind him: six male, six female. As Eragon watched he thought of how Arya would've liked to see the coronation of the new king, one whom she knew for some time. Dressed in the finest clothing there was, Orik stopped before the granite throne and knelt bowing his head. The trumpets and choir ceased as Gannel stepped forward holding a tall staff with a clear, pointed crystal mounted on the top. Eragon watched as he lifted it high up in the air before bringing it down on the floor, exclaiming something in dwarvish. He watched interested in what it was the Gannel was doing. He was weaving a spell however it had no purpose for he spoke without directing the flow of magic to anyone or anything. As he spoke, Eragon kept his eyes open for any change in the central chamber. He couldn't feel the surge of magic but as he looked up, Eragon saw a disturbance in the air thirty feet above them. The tumbling petals refused to fall forming an outline of some invisible being in the air. He watched interested as arms were formed from the petal that could belong to any race but with different proportions. The head was as wide as the shoulders, the torso strong and bulky supported by crooked thin legs, and to give it an even stranger appearance its arms fell below its knees. Radiating within the petals were blinding lights and as the figure settled, he could feel a strong consciousness settled over Tronjheim. With a single motion, the dwarves sank to their knees.
The god spoke, if one could call it that, in strong dwarvish. Protecting his mind as well as Saphira's from the immense presence, he watched as the god questions Orik three times to which Orik responded each time. Apparently pleased with Orik's answers, the apparition extended his glowing arms and placed his forefingers on either side of Orik's bare head. The air between the god's fingers rippled and upon Orik's head materialized the gem-encrusted held of gold that Hrothgar had worn. The god slapped his bellow and uttered a booming chuckle and then faded into oblivion. The rose petals continued to fall uninterrupted. Eragon watched them fall uninterrupted.
Then with a great shout Gannel proclaimed, "Ûn groth Gûntera!" The trumpets blared with his shout.
Rising from his knees, Orik ascended the dais, turned to fact the assembly, and then he sank into the hard black throne. The dwarves rose striking their shields with their axes and spears all the while shouting, "Nal, Grimstnzborith Orik!"
Eragon refrained from joining in on the shout as Saphira and Thorn released jets of flames into the air, their bellows echoing in the large central chamber of the stone city. The petal of roses were incinerated before they could reach the ground. Then Gannel knelt before Orik and spoke in Dwarvish, swearing his fealty before the public to Orik. One by one the other clan chiefs followed. The only clan chief that was not public was Grimstborith Vermûnd who had been banned from the coronation. One the clan chiefs were done, the guild leaders were next until Murtagh walked forward to swear his loyalty to Orik for he was a sworn member of his clan. Then it was Eragon's turn, walking forward to the dais where Orik was sitting. He was not a sworn member of Orik's clan, only Murtagh was and therefore had asked of Orik if he could be exempt from swearing his loyalty. Though he was related to Murtagh and by law was considered a member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, it wasn't official. And they were using that to keep the balance of power between the races. He congratulated Orik as Nasuada's emissary and promised the Varden's friendship on Nasuada's behalf.
Then he made way for the other dwarves to go and pledge their loyalty to Orik. The procession continued onwards for hours each dwarf offering Orik gifts from their clan or guild. Gifts that were priceless or gifts that were touching. In exchange, Orik presented the dwarves with rings as tokens of his gratitude. Murtagh presented Orik with a golden armlet that he had enchanted with various spells to protect him while Thorn had used the dragon magic that he'd used when blessing Elva to create two way mirrors for Orik and his wife to use if they were ever separated over a great distance. Imbued in the mirror were several ruby scales of his that were on the outer part of his body and wouldn't be missed. Then it was Eragon's turn. Once again he knelt before Orik and withdrew from his tunic a wooden case to which he handed the dwarf king. Orik opened it to reveal a dagger with a golden blade and the insignia of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum on it. Arya had warned him while he was in Ellesmeŕa to think of a gift for Orik if he were to be crowned king and this was the only gift he could think of. "Though you fight with a hammer, one should always have another weapon equipped. It is a dagger made of the finest steel there is to be found on Alagaësia. I have set spells on it to cut through several wards if you find yourself up against a foe protected by magic. A king should always have his blade sharp."
Inclining his head, Orik accepted the gift from Eragon. "Your gift is most appreciated Eragon Shadeslayer." In full view, he slid the dagger into his belt the golden pommel shining brightly.
Saphira spoke next, projecting her thoughts to everyone who was watching: My gift is this, Orik. She walked past the throne, her claws clacking against the floor, and reared up and placed her forefeet upon the edge of the scaffolding around the reassembled star sapphire. The wooden beams creaked at her weight but held. Minutes passed but nothing happened, but Saphira remained where she was, gazing at the huge gemstone.
The dwarves watched her, never blinking, hardly breathing.
Eragon knew to trust in her magic. She had an inner strength that she'd proven time and time again. When he was younger, she changed him bestowing on him the characteristics of an elf. Just then a single voice, low and clear, wafted across the chamber, singing in a slow, wistful melody. One by one, the other members of the hidden dwarf choir joined in the song, filling Tronjheim with their music. Although he did not understand what the choir sang, Eragon could feel the lamentation of the song flow through him. It was a lament for the things that had been and were no more. He couldn't think of anything in his past that could give meaning to the song. He had nothing back then but now he had things that he'd never thought he would have in his life. He had Saphira, he had his family, Arya, and so much more. No, he wasn't going to turn back. The life that he'd abandoned in Urû'baen meant nothing to him. He was going to continue onwards and wander until he found what it was that he was searching for. He'll do it with the wings Saphira gave him. As a response to his thoughts, Vrangr grew warm.
As the song ended, he felt something awaken in Saphira in the most ancient part of her being. When the final note was sung, a surge of energy rushed through Saphira and she bent down and touched the tip of the star sapphire with her snout. The cracks within the giant gemstone flared with bright light, and then the scaffolding shattered and fell to the floor revealing an Isidar Mithrim that was whole. But not quite the same. The color of the jewel was darker and richer and the innermost petals of the rose were shot through with streaks of dusky gold.
There was silence as everyone stared in wonder at the restored jewel of Tronjheim. Then they leaped to their feet, cheering and applauding Saphira. She dipped her head towards the crowd and walked towards Eragon bending to touch him gently on the head with her snout. There was no need for words between them because he understood how she felt and she understood him. That was all there was to their bond.
Lifting his arms, Orik quieted the crowd and then he said, "On behalf of our entire race, I thank you for your gift, Saphira. Today you have restored the pride of our realm, and we shall not forget your deed." Eragon inwardly chuckled, Saphira was the very one to carry Arya, allowing her to shatter the star sapphire. "Let it not be said that knurlan are an ungrateful lot; from now on until the end of time, your name shall be recited at the winter festivals, along with the lists of Master Makers, and when Isidar Mithrim is returned to its setting peak of Tronjheim, your name will be engraved in the collar surrounding the Star Rose."
That was thanks enough for Saphira's hard work thought Eragon as Orik personally thanked them later on. After the conclusion of the coronation, Eragon merely sat long enough in the following celebration to have a short drink with Murtagh before he retired to his quarters now empty apart from himself seeing as Arya had left yesterday morn. It would no doubt take her another day or two before she reached the Varden. He spoke with her through the use of scrying last night and she had given her word that she would contact him once she safely arrived to the Varden.
Rather than use his time to rest, he turned to the mirror in the room and whispered a spell. The surface of the mirror rippled as if it was water before forming an image of a command tent. He waited. A minute passed before the image of Nasuada appeared before him. He greeted her formally. Her expression was anxious as she waited for his news.
"The new king was elected," said Eragon as Nasuada waited on baited breath. He smiled, "It may please you to know that grimstborith Orik of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum is now king of the dwarves as was his father before him." It took her a moment to digest his words and when she did, she looked relieved. Smiling Nasuada had him explain as best as he could what had happened since his arrival to Farthen Dûr. He did so trying as best to inform her of the details without overstepping his boundaries since this was indeed a sacred and secretive process amongst the dwarves. The deliberations that was. When he was done, Nasuada appeared satisfied.
"I would like to congratulate you, Eragon. By ensuring Orik became king you have preserved our alliance with the dwarves, and that might mean the difference between victory and defeat. How long until the rest of the dwarves' army will be able to join us?"
"The warriors have already been ordered to ready themselves for departure," explained Eragon from where he sat before the mirror. "It will probably take a few days to muster their forces, but once they do, they'll march immediately."
"It's a good thing too. We can use their assistance as soon as possible. Which reminds me, when can we expect you to return? We are upon the city of Feinster and need your help if we ever hope to take it for our own. Will it take you three days? Four days?"
At her words, Eragon's brows creased. Lately he'd been contemplating deeply about his next course of actions. He knew that he was her sworn vassal and that he had to abide by her decisions but he was worried about something. Instead Eragon stared Nasuada straight in the eyes as he spoke, "That depends. There is something I would like to request of you Nasuada."
She pursed her lips as if already knowing his request. "Continue on Eragon."
"I would like permission to join Queen Islanzadí and her forces at Gil'ead."
The end of the chapter? What did you think everyone? Well I'll keep this short since I made the A/N in the beginning rather long. Sorry for ranting! Anyways I hope to see you soon! Review if you have time! :)