I don't the Inheritance Cycle OR its characters, that's all CP. Also, someone asked about a very certain poll, and when I would close it, via PM. So, here is my answer: I will close it once we're so close to the Eldest era it'll take too much work to change it. The results will then be shown until I switch it back to Tania's sword's name (despite what the vote results are right now, though, I might be calling it Solus), so bear in mind that it will be closed… probably after 'Agon kills Durza.

Edit: Blegh, I hate this chapter.

Ajihad said abruptly, "I want everyone out of this room but Eragon, Saphira and Tania. Now!"

Bowing, the Twins departed, but the dwarf said, "Sir, the king will want to know of Murtagh. And there is still the matter of my insubordination…"

Ajihad frowned, then waved his hand. "I will tell Hrothgar myself. As for your actions… wait outside until I call for you. And don't let the Twins get away. I'm not done with them, either."

"Very well," said the dwarf, inclining his head. He closed the door with a solid thump.

After a long silence, Ajihad sat down with a tired sigh. Warily, Tania slipped back into her chair, waiting. Finally Eragon blurted, "Is Arya all right?"

Ajihad looked down at him and said gravely, "No… but the healers tell me she will recover. They worked on her all though the night. The poison took a dreadful toll on her. She wouldn't have lived if not for you. For that you have the Varden's deepest thanks."

Eragon's shoulders slumped with relief. "So, what now?" he asked.

"I need you to tell me how you found Saphira and everything that's happened since," said Ajihad, forming a steeple with his fingers. "Some of it I know from the message Brom sent us, other parts from the Twins. But I want to hear from you especially the details concerning Brom's death."

Eragon shifted uncomfortably, then began his story. It was awkward at first, but clearly grew easier as he continued. Saphira helped him to remember things with occasional comments.

When he reached the part where he had met Tania, he paused, glancing at her. Remembering that he had promised, in the Ancient Language no less, to tell no one of Ophelia, she said, "This is the difficult part to explain." Carefully, she pulled off the glove that covered her right hand, showing its palm to Ajihad. He breathed in sharply and demanded, "How is this possible?"

Tania shook her head. "I have no idea. Before I met Eragon, I lived on my own in the woods north of the Spine. Circumstances led me south, before I came upon a dragon egg buried in a shrine. I took it with me, having no idea what it really was, and after a few weeks it hatched."

"My scouts only reported one dragon," Ajihad said carefully.

"Ophelia isn't a normal dragon," Tania replied. "Your scouts never saw her because she was camouflaged."

"How do you mean?" Ajihad asked.

Tania took a deep breath. "Her scales can change color. Most often she shifted them to match the sky, but when we were in the mountains she was barely skirting ridges and outcrops, trying to take as much cover as possible. The only reason I did not tell you right away is because I want as few people to know about her as possible."

Ajihad nodded in understanding. "A secret weapon."

"A protected friend," Tania corrected sharply.

"And where is your dragon—Ophelia—now?"

"Circling Farthen Dûr. I haven't been able to contact her because the walls are so thick," she explained.

Ajihad frowned. "And yet you came in without her. Why?"

Tania smiled wryly. "Well, if the Varden were hoping to hatch a dragon and raise a new Dragon Rider, they would need a place to keep them that was open to the sky—hidden, of course, but open. I doubt Ophelia will be able to find it, if the dwarves are as clever in their architecture as they are masterful, but I should be able to contact her then."

Eyebrows shooting upward with surprise, Ajihad assessed her carefully for a few minutes. "I must admit," he finally said, "at first glance, one most likely would never see the wisdom you carry within. Indeed, we have a dragonhold that is open to the sky, though I am not sure your dragon will be able to enter unseen."

Tania shook her head. "During the day, her shadow would block the sun, yes, but there is no moon tonight for her to be seen by."

Ajihad smiled. "Very well. I shall ensure that preparations are made for your dragon, and that she is not known."

Inclining her head, Tania said, "Thank you."

Ajihad nodded before turning back to Eragon. "Continue, please."

Launching back into his story, Eragon talked for hours, often pausing between his words. He told Ajihad of Teirm and how he and Brom had found the Ra'zac. He even related his dreams of Arya. When he came to Gil'ead and mentioned the Shade, Ajihad's face hardened, and he leaned back with veiled eyes. And Tania didn't fail to notice that he didn't mention his relation to Murtagh, though she wasn't entirely sure that was a thing to be kept from the leader of the Varden.

When his narrative was complete, Eragon fell silent. Ajihad stood, clasped his hands behind his back, and absently studied one of the bookshelves. After a time he returned to the desk.

"Brom's death is a terrible loss. He was a close friend of mine and a powerful ally to the Varden. He saved us from destruction many times through his bravery and intelligence. Even now, when he is gone, he's provided us with the one thing that can ensure our success—you."

"But what can you expect me to accomplish?" Eragon asked.

"I will explain it in full," said Ajihad, "but there are more urgent matters to be dealt with first. The news of the Urgals' alliance with the Empire is extremely serious. If Galbatorix is gathering an Urgal army, the Varden will be hard-pressed to survive, even though many of us are protected here in Farthen Dûr. That a Rider, even one as evil as Galbatorix, would consider a pact with such monsters is indeed proof of madness. I shudder to think of what he has promised them in return for their fickle loyalty. And then there is the Shade. Can you describe him?"

Eragon nodded. "He was tall, thin, and very pale, with red eyes and hair. He was dressed all in black."

"What of his sword—did you see it? Did it have a long scratch on the blade?"

"Yes," said Eragon, surprised. "How did you know?"

"Because I put it there while trying to cut out his heart," Ajihad said with a grim smile. "His name is Durza—one of the most vicious and cunning fiends ever to stalk this land. He is the perfect servant for Galbatorix and a dangerous enemy for us. You say that you killed him. How was it done?"

"Murtagh shot him twice. The first arrow caught him in the shoulder; the second one struck him between the eyes."

"I was afraid of that," said Ajihad, frowning. "You didn't kill him. Shades can only be destroyed by a thrust through the heart. Anything short of that will cause them to vanish and then reappear elsewhere in spirit form. It's an unpleasant process, but Durza will survive and return stronger than ever."

What did I tell you? Tania said sharply.

Well I don't exactly have a huge book filled with facts about Shades, do I? Eragon drawled sarcastically.

Ugh… the most boring scene in the book… AND IT'S SO LOOOOOONG…

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FF