Chapter 11: Return to Aberon

A/N: I'd just like to say that I just got the chance to see the Eragon movie last Friday. To say the least, it nearly slaughtered the book. Don't get me wrong, it was a great movie, but anyone hoping to see a perfect adaptation of the book will be sorely disappointed. So if you have read the book and want to see it, keep in mind that they cut out a lot of things but it's still a great movie. Jeremy Irons is perfect. I can think of no one better to play Brom. Rachel Weisz was a great voice for Saphira, and Ed Speleers did a good job as well. But I'm not here to give you a movie review, so on with the story.

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The next day, everyone was eager to make it to Aberon. Soon after Link awoke, Eragon, Roran, and Katrina followed suit. Vanilor and Saphira had been awake for some time, and were talking back and forth. Link quickly packed the campsite together, eager to get out of here and back to Aberon, where he didn't have to worry as much about hiding Vanilor.

It was only minutes later that they were airborne, enjoying the lush countryside of Surda. Link talked with Vanilor the whole way there. Katrina kept silent, as she had on the past two trips. Link didn't press her. She was most likely wishing she were with Roran.

Roughly two hours later, Link was setting his sights on the familiarity of Aberon and its castle. Link knew instantly where he had to land.

Vanilor, tell Saphira that we're landing in your courtyard, and tell her to inform Eragon. Tell her everything about Nasuada's plan of keeping us hidden until the time is right.

Vanilor confirmed the order and relayed the message to Saphira. Link could tell she had told Eragon when they both swooped down in the main courtyard right in front of Nasuada's quarters. Vanilor spiraled downward, making sure nobody had seen them, and touched down lightly in his courtyard. Link helped Katrina off his back and left the courtyard, heading straight for the Council's meeting room.

Without knocking, Link opened the door to find the entire Council and Nasuada were sitting around the table, as usual.

"Link," said Jörmundur, "you're back!"

"Yes, I am," said Link. "I've brought them back. Where are the villagers of Carvahall?"

It was kind of sudden and it threw the Council back. They were ready to congratulate him before he asked his question.

"They are residing in the castle for the time being," said Sabrae slowly.

"Where in the castle?" Link asked.

"In the east barracks. We are looking to move them into the city soon," said Nasuada.

"Thank you," said Link. "I'll be right back." He then closed the door and guided Katrina to the east barracks.

"I'm sure your father will be happy to see you," said Link.

"My father isn't here," she said. "Don't you remember? I told you he stayed with the others in Carvahall."

Link kicked himself mentally for bringing up such a painful subject.

"Well I'm sure there will be others then," said Link.

"I lived with Horst and his family with Roran for a while," said Katrina.

They arrived at the east barracks. Katrina's face brightened when she saw so many familiar people. They didn't notice she was there for a while, and it was a moment before they took in the fact that she was back.

"It's Katrina!" said the only blond-haired woman in the group. She, along with several other women, rushed up to her.

Link was ignored for a while until Katrina introduced him.

"Elain, Gertrude," she said, "this is Link. He is the one who saved me, Eragon, and Roran from the Ra'zac."

Instantly, the women turned their giddiness on Link, who was slightly shocked at their sudden warmth toward him.

As they were hugging him, an enormous man and who appeared to be his sons approached him. The large man had a grin on his face, and the other two were smiling warmly.

The women stepped away from Link and the blond one spoke.

"Link, this is my husband, Horst," she said, gesturing to the large man. "And my two sons, Albriech," she gestured at the blond son, "and Baldor." The second had the same brown hair that the rest of the villagers appeared to have. It appeared that Albriech had inherited his blond hair from his mother, and his large stature from his father. Baldor was also large.

"And I am Elain," she said. "Who you see here are most of the villagers of Carvahall."

Link knew what had happened to the rest of them. Roran told him there were those of who came with him to Surda that perished in the journey. He told him that some died of bear attacks in the Spine, and others were frozen to death.

"Well, I have business to attend to with the Council," said Link. The villagers nodded and waved as he left. Link then backtracked all the way through the castle to the Council's meeting room and entered in the same fashion as he had with Katrina.

"Ah, Link," said Sabrae smugly. "You've decided to join us?"

"For the time being?" Link asked.

Be with me on this one, Vanilor, said Link. I don't know what they'll try.

Do not worry, Link, he said.

"Excellent work in returning Eragon and Roran," said Nasuada. "I've spoken with them already. I sent them to the villagers of Carvahall. I imagine it will be an awkward reunion, but warm still the same.

"Before I present my next idea to this Council, Jörmundur and I need to speak with you in private," she said to Link. Then to the Council, "Could you leave us, please?"

The Council began to object, but Jörmundur stared them down. They reluctantly left the room. As soon as the door was closed, Link uttered a spell.

"Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld hórnya." Let us be warded from listeners.

"Thank you, Link. Eragon used that same spell once before," said Nasuada. "Jörmundur and I wish to speak with you about your loyalty to the Varden."

Link relayed the message to Vanilor quickly.

Wait until she finishes. I think we should ally ourselves with Eragon, but make sure she's asking the same thing of you.

"I don't know much about the Varden," said Link. "I've only been here for a few months."

"I understand," said Nasuada. "But I'm sure you dislike what you've seen of the Empire."

"Yes, Galbatorix needs to be taken down," said Link.

"Eragon has dedicated himself to that very cause," said Nasuada, "and has also sworn fealty not to the Varden itself, but to me. I am not suggesting that you do so. I am giving you a choice. If you decide to fight Galbatorix without swearing fealty to me, you leave yourself vulnerable to his bidding but also you give yourself a little more freedom. If you do swear fealty to me, I think it will be much easier for the rest of the Varden to trust you, with the exception of the Council who don't trust anyone. It's your decision."

Link told Vanilor everything she said while she was saying it. He pondered it in his mind with Vanilor.

I think it would be a good idea, said Vanilor. But be cautious of the Council. They will undoubtedly reproach you and do everything in their power to bring you down.

Link nodded. He then stood.

"Nasuada," he said, drawing the Master Sword. He went over to her and bent down on one knee.

"I, Link of Hyrule, swear fealty to you, Nasuada, leader of the Varden, and give you my blade and word as a Rider and swear to protect you when needed and to serve you in battle or any other cause you should need me for."

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A/N: It took me a little longer to update this one for no particular reason. Let me know what you think with an R&R.