Hum, hum-de-dum…
*sees new review* WOAH. DUDE. CALM DOWN. I NEED TIME. However, YOU ARE COMPLETELY RIGHT! And thank you for reminding me that people actually like this thing…
Tania nodded. It made sense. Nasuada was just as steelhearted and cunning as her father, and popular among the Varden. She could be—would be—a good leader. The only thing she didn't understand was why they chose her, instead of someone who might have been more flexible to the Council's wishes.
Beside her, Eragon voiced the same thought as he asked, "Why not you, Jörmundur? Ajihad called you his right-hand man. Doesn't that mean you should take his place now that he's gone?"
Tania narrowed her eyes as a current of unease ran through the council: Sabrae sat even straighter, hands clasped before her; Umérth and Falberd glanced at each other darkly, while Elessari just smiled, the dagger hilt jiggling on her chest.
"Because," said Jörmundur, picking his words carefully, "Ajihad was speaking of military matters then, nothing more. Also, I am a member of this council, which only has power because we support one another. It would be foolish and dangerous for one of us to raise himself above the rest." The council relaxed as he finished, and Elessari patted Jörmundur on the forearm.
Ha! exclaimed Saphira. He probably would have taken power if it were possible to force the others to back him. Just look how they eye him. He's like a wolf in their midst.
A wolf in a pack of jackals, perhaps, Eragon replied. "Does Nasuada have enough experience?" he inquired.
Elessari pressed herself against the table's edge as she leaned forward. "I had already been her for seven years when Ajihad joined the Varden. I've watched Nasuada grow up from a darling girl to the woman she is. A trifle light-headed occasionally, but a good figure to lead the Varden. The people will love her. Now I," she patted herself affectionately on the bosom, "and my friends will be here to guide her through these troubled times. She will never be without someone to show her the way. Inexperience should be now barrier to her taking her rightful position."
Tania could feel Ophelia behind her resist the urge to growl. They want a puppet! Eragon exclaimed.
Perhaps more than one, Tania muttered as Umérth broke in, "Ajhad's funeral will be held in two days. Directly afterward, we plan to appoint Nasuada as our new leader. We have yet to ask her, but she will surely agree. We want you, Eragon, to be present at the appointing—no one, not even Hrothgar, can complain about it then—and to swear fealty to the Varden. That will give back the confidence Ajihad's death has stolen from the people, and prevent anyone from trying to splinter this organization."
Fealty! exclaimed Eragon. Tania nearly growled in agreement.
Notice, they don't want you to swear to Nasuada—just to the Varden, Saphira pointed out.
Yes, and they want to be the ones to appoint Nasuada, which would indicate that the council is more powerful than she. They could have asked Arya or us to appoint her, but that would mean acknowledging whoever did it as above everyone in the Varden. This way, they assert their superiority over Nasuada, gain control over us through fealty, and also get the benefit of having a Rider endorse Nasuada in public.
This is why I hate politics, Tania muttered in return. Hidden meanings and obscured threats hidden beneath perfume and smiles. So much simpler to just face a wolf across the clearing, trying to decide who would be the first to get at that rabbit in the center.
No joke on that one, Eragon agreed. "What happens," he asked, "if I decide not to accept your offer?"
"Offer?" Falberd asked, seeming puzzled. "Why, nothing, of course. Only it would be a terrible slight if you're not present when Nasuada is chosen. If the hero of the battle of Farthen Dûr ignores her, what can she think but that a Rider has spited her and found the Varden unworthy to serve? Who could bear such a shame?"
The message could have been no clearer. Tania's eyes narrowed dangerously, knowing from how long she'd spent with him that Eragon would immediately try to shy away from the forced support of the Varden. "Since Riders are so highly thought of," he said, "I could just decide that my efforts would be best spent guiding the Varden myself."
That was new. Tania raised an eyebrow at him, even as the mood of the council hardened. "That would be unwise," Sabrae stated bluntly.
With Ajihad gone, said Saphira, it may be impossible to remain independent of any one group, as he wished us to. We cannot anger the Varden, and if the council is to control it once Nasuada is in place, then we must appease them. Remember, they act as much out of self-preservation as we do.
But what will they want us to do once we are in their grasp? Eragon asked. Will they respect the Varden's pact with the elves and send us to Ellesméra for training, or command otherwise? Jörmundur strikes me as an honorable man, but the rest of the council? I can't tell.
Tania snorted mentally through their connection. They wouldn't command us to not go to Ellesméra if they didn't want all-out war with the elves.
Saphira brushed the top of her Rider's head with her jaw, humming softly in agreement. At least agree to be at the ceremony with Nasuada; that much I think we must do. As for swearing fealty, see if you can avoid acquiescing. Perhaps something will occur between then and now that will change our position… Arya may have a solution.
And if you can't wriggle out of acquiescing, said Tania, give them a vague answer. One that doesn't specify exactly who you swear fealty to.
There was a pause. Then, without warning, Eragon nodded and said, "As you wish; I shall attend Nasuada's appointment."
Jörmundur looked relieved. "Good, good. Then we only have one more matter to deal with before you go: Nasuada's acceptance. There's no reason to delay, with all of us here. I'll send for her immediately. And Arya too—we need the elves' approval before making this decision public. It shouldn't be difficult to procure; Arya cannot go against our council and you, Eragon.. She will have to agree with our judgement."
Tania noted with some amusement that all of them seemed to have conveniently forgotten her in the shadows beside Saphira.
"Wait," commanded Elessari, a steely glint in her eyes. "Your word, though, Rider. Will you give it in fealty at the ceremony?"
"Yes, you must do that," agreed Falberd. "The Varden would be disgraced if we couldn't provide you every protection."
A nice way to put it!
It was worth a try, said Saphira. I fear you have no choice now.
They wouldn't dare harm us if I refused.
No, but they could cause us no end of grief. It is not for my own sake that I say accept, but for yours—and Tania's, and Ophelia's. Many dangers exist that I cannot protect you from, Eragon. With Galbatorix set against us, you need allies, not enemies, around you. We cannot afford to contend with both the Empire and the Varden.
Just remember, Tania added, be vague. Very vague.
Finally, "I'll give it." All around the table were signs of relaxation—even a poorly concealed sigh from Umérth. They're afraid of us!
As well they should be, sniped Saphira.
They'd probably be shaking in their boots if they knew that I was here as well, Ophelia said.
Jörmundur called for Jarsha, and with a few words sent the boy scampering for Nasuada and Arya. While he was gone, the conversation fell into an uncomfortable silence. The Riders ignored the council, brainstorming on ways to possibly get Eragon out of his situation. None sprang to mind.
When the door opened again, everyone turned expectantly. First came Nasuada, chin held high and eyes steady. Her embroidered gown was the deepest shade of black, deeper even than her skin, broken only by a slash of royal purple that stretched from shoulder to hip. Behind her was Arya, her stride as lithe and smooth as a cat's, and an openly awestruck Jarsha.
The boy was dismissed, then Jörmundur helped Nasuada into a seat. One corner of Tania's mouth curled upward in amusement as Eragon hastened to do the same for Arya, but she ignored the proffered chair and stood at a distance from the table.
"Arya," acknowledged Jörmundur with a nod, then concentrated on Nasuada. "Nasuada, Daughter of Ajihad, the Council of Elders wishes to formally extend its deepest condolences for the loss you, more than anyone else, have suffered…" In a lower voice, he added, "You have our personal sympathies as well. We all know what it is like to have a family member killed by the Empire."
"Thank you," murmured Nasuada, lowering her almond eyes. She sat, shy and demure, with an air of vulnerability that surprised Tania. First meeting her had given an impression of great strength and energy, tragically different from this quiet creature.
"Although this is your time of mourning, a quandary exists that you must resolve. This council cannot lead the Varden. And someone must replace your father after the funeral. We ask that you receive this position. As his heir, it is rightfully yours—the Varden expect it of you."
Nasuada bowed her head with shining eyes. Grief was plain in her voice when she said, "I never thought I would be called upon to take my father's place so young. Yet… if you insist it is my duty… I will embrace the office."
I… am so tired. I LITERALLY DID THIS BECAUSE I SAW A REVIEW. I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY, ANONFANBOY, BECAUSE I AM GOING TO BED RIGHT NOW AND POSTING THIS IN THE MORNING BECAUSE MY WIFI SHUT OFF AND I NEED TO SLEEP. LIKE NOW. GOODNIGHT.
*next day* Dude, I'm not mad. I'm actually thanking you over here, because writing all of this up gave me something to do before I went to bed. So, thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful time as I try to find a way to write more!
FF