Lord Beathan let Lynde and her friends stay at a local noblewoman's estate whose name was Lady Lorana until such time she could make her decision. The house was far more comfortable than any she'd lived in in her entire life. Outside were magnificent flower gardens that amazed her with their variety. Of course, the best part was the soft bed that she was given, which let her have the best night of sleep that she'd had in months. It put her in a state of mind to think so that perhaps she wouldn't make the worst mistake of her life.
She wondered whether to support King Orrin or to refuse his offer. She knew that if she helped him, the Riders might not accept her if she decided later to join them, as Rose pointed out the last night at dinner. At the same time, making sure that magicians were safe was very important to her. It was a complicated question for her, and it would take everything she had to answer it.
She decided to talk a walk in the gardens to help her think. The fresh air and warm sun would help take her mind off everything else so that she could think about her choice. It might help, but at the same time it might not.
The dress she wore had been supplied by Lady Lorana, and while she did appreciate the thought, there were some issues. It was a bit tight, and she needed help from a maid to get into it. It was rather beautiful though, and she liked the look of herself in it.
As she walked through the white cobblestone path through the gardens, admiring the smells and sights of the flowers, she encountered Lady Lorana. The kind old lady was sitting in a chair knitting something or other when Lynde came across her. When Lady Lorana spotted her she suddenly looked disappointed. "I wish you had told me you were going for a walk today," Lady Lorana said. "I would have given you a different dress had I known."
"Why's that?" Lynde asked.
Lorana sighed, smiling. "Your commoner ways are so charming sometimes," she said. "I don't think they'll do you well though if you intend to become a Rider."
"Now what do you mean by that?" Lynde asked.
"Eragon was of common raising, as was Alaric and many others, and while they may be great warriors, they are terrible at diplomacy," Lorana explained. "Though a diplomat couldn't have saved me as well, one would have at least been able to talk out a better solution."
"You met Eragon?" Lynde said, very surprised.
Lorana nodded. "When I was governor, the Varden attacked Feinster. The Varden were winning when the magicians on the Empire's side decided to summon a Shade to destroy both side. Eragon and Queen Arya—though she wasn't queen at the time—killed the Shade, saving me and my people. While Arya is credited with the defeat, I name Eragon my savior for not only that but also another reason.
"It was in the closing days of the war, after King Galbatorix was killed. Eragon came to Feinster, where I was imprisoned because of the oath of loyalty I made to Galbatorix. Eragon released me from my oath, and so I was released from captivity and given this estate as compensation for my disgrace when I was removed from my post."
Lynde was amazed by the tale. It showed that not all heroism was with violence, but sometimes it was with forgiveness. Though she did have a question. "How did he release your oath?"
"He used a word in the Ancient Language he kept hidden from me," Lorana said. She frowned. "Of course, once I had my freedom I was forced to say an oath of loyalty to Surda and the Empire. It was the most humiliating thing I have ever had to do."
Lynde was silent because of the intense look on Lady Lorana's face. The memories must have been angering to her to provoke her like that. The scowl on her face could put fear into even the bravest man. Lynde however found the courage to speak. "Lady Lorana, are you alright?"
Lorana's scowl faded and she relaxed somewhat. "So, have you come to a decision on King Orrin's offer?" Lynde shook her head. "Well if you want my help, then don't bother. My oath is to both Surda and the Empire, and while I am to be loyal to Surda first, I cannot forsake the Empire. If war is to come, I could not help either side's army but their people."
Lynde was inspired by this. "Who made you take it?"
"Queen Nasuada chiefly, but King Orrin agreed to it," she replied. "Why?"
"Then I will side with the one who may have been forced himself to agree," Lynde said. She was about to run out, but first she bowed and said, "Excuse me, Lady Lorana. I have to talk to my friends."
Lady Lorana nodded. "You are excused." But Lynde was already dashing off to talk to them.
It took some time to find them all, but Lynde eventually gathered her friends in the courtyard. She wanted all of them to know at the same time what she was going to do, except Artsanna who found out through their bond. Artsanna was being very quiet, but she hoped it was because she was resting—sleeping, it seemed, on the roof near the open courtyard.
Looking around was her father, Arlen, and Rose—and Artsanna of course. They were the people she trusted with her life, and she expected them to support her decision no matter what it was. She hoped they'd agree.
"I've decided to join with King Orrin to fight so that Surda will be a safe place for magicians," Lynde said.
The reactions varied. Rose seemed proud while Arlen was displeased. "You're starting a rebellion just like the Varden," Arlen said, his anger subtle but present.
"This is necessary!" Lynde replied. "This is to make magicians free!"
"I don't care!" Arlen said. "You're making war for an ideal. As many wars as my family has fought, it was always for the good of everyone. If you can solve this problem with talk, I'd support you, but I won't help you with this! If you go to Aberon, then I'm going back to Cathalorn!"
Lynde was saddened by this. "I'm sorry you feel that way," she said. Arlen stared at her, his gray eyes, like Artsanna's fire, burning with anger. "But I'm not changing my mind."
"Neither am I," Arlen said.
Rose was happier with this. "You know, Lynde, I might be able to help you with this."
"I don't need more advice," Lynde said.
"No, I think I'll serve your cause in a different way," Rose said slyly. "I have methods of spying that no one would suspect, and if that won't help then perhaps my bow will be of use."
Lynde smiled. "Thank you. I think that will help me greatly."
"Don't forget about me," her father said. "I want to help too."
"I'm not sure how you'll do that, but thanks, Dad." He smiled.
As they began to go back to wherever they were before, Artsanna spoke. She didn't open her eyes, as if she hadn't been sleeping at all. You should not have done that.
Lynde frowned. And why not?
Artsanna raised her head and opened her eyes, their redness—for the first time since their first meeting—scared her. I hold out hope that we may one day join the Riders, and your actions here might hurt the possibility of that. It is a childish hope to join my fellow Dragons, and one I do not expect you to understand.
Lynde cocked an eyebrow. What does that mean?
Artsanna's gaze intensified. Every day you talk to your own kind, and you divide them according to your liking. In fact, you speak with them so much that you want to get away from them. I have only met a handful of my own kind, and it was not rare that we fought at some point. I want to be with my own kind, live with them, hunt with them, and learn about them, and the only way I can do that is to go to the Riders.
Lynde sighed. Why didn't you tell me this earlier?
I thought Arlen or one of the others might talk you out of it, Artsanna said. Besides, when have you ever listened to me? After Lynde couldn't think of an example, Artsanna continued. Everyone else listens to me, but not you. But then again, I know little of how this world works, and my own wishes are little compared to that of yours and your people's.
Lynde was confused. Who are my people?
Magicians, Lynde, magicians. They are treated like a separate kind to be feared, exploited, and watched. I am willing to risk my happiness now for your people's freedom.
Then you support me? Lynde asked.
Yes, but do not take your decision lightly though, for I do not.