Chapter 3
The two girls walked slowly down one of the paths of Tronjheim, each immersed in their own thoughts. To her surprise, Amirah couldn't get Murtagh's image out of her mind. She still felt his fingers pressing against her hand and touched the spot with a smile on her full lips. "Amirah," she heard Nasuada say. Amirah shook herself a little and looked up at her sister. "What?" "I believe Father is preparing for battle," Nasuada said slowly. "I am sure he will send all who cannot fight to Surda." Amirah stared blankly at Nasuada, not yet grasping what she was saying. Nasuada grasped her sister's shoulders. "Even with Eragon, we will be outnumbered," she said. "Father will want us to leave with the others to Surda." Amirah's eyes widened in understanding. "But we can fight!" Nasuada nodded. "Exactly." "Then we will remain here?" Amirah asked. "Yes. I plan on positioning myself with the archers," Nasuada said. "I would prefer to use a sword, but I won't risk Father's wrath by placing myself in the midst of the actual fighting." "Good idea," Amirah said, toying with her hair. "I will use my magic to the best of my ability. I'll wait until the battle begins before letting Du Vragnr Gata know I am present."
Nasuada smiled. "You wouldn't do so bad with a sword either, you know. Arya taught you well." Amirah laughed. "I will keep a sword on me, just in case. As I'm sure you will as well." Nasuada nodded soberly. "Yes." The two of them began walking again. "Father said we might visit Arya, is that where you'd like to go now?" Nasuada asked. "Or would you rather get something to eat?" "I want to see Arya," Amirah said quickly. They walked on in silence until they reached the rooms where the healers resided. Nasuada knocked three times on the door. To their surprise, Angela the herbalist opened the door. "The daughters of Ajihad!" she said cheerfully. "What a pleasant surprise!" "Hello Angela!" Amirah said happily. "We came to see Arya," Nasuada told the herbalist.
"Now you've hurt my feelings," Angela said. "I thought you came all this way just to see me. But never mind. You're lucky, she woke up about an hour ago." Angela moved aside so the girls could walk in. They followed her down a hallway lit by torches until they reached Arya's room. "In there, sweetings!" Angela said, ushering them in. Amirah rushed into the small room where Arya lay propped up in bed. "Arya!" Amirah cried. She threw herself down on the floor beside the bed and took Arya's pale hand. "I thought the worst when you didn't return!" Arya's mouth creeped up at the corners into a small smile. "Amirah, can't you see I'm here and alive?" "Welcome back, Arya," Nasuada said, smiling at the elf. Arya nodded at her in reply. "Thank you, Nasuada."
"What happened to you, Arya?" Amirah cried. "Father said you were captured by Durza!" "I was, but all is fine now, Amirah," Arya said softly. "If I ever see Durza I'll kill him!" Amirah spat. "If you ever see Durza, I should hope you would run away and save your life, Amirah," Arya said sternly. "But thank you. I am glad to have a friend like you." She gave Amirah a hint of a smile. "Have you been practicing, or lying in bed crying over my loss?" Nasuada hastily hid the smile that spread over her face. It was the first time she had ever seen the elf tease someone. Amirah leaned back on her heels and stuck her tongue out at Arya. "I have been practicing. Very hard, in fact." She blushed. "I . . . I didn't want to disgrace you, Arya. I thought you were dead, so I did the best I could with that thought in mind."
Arya smiled gently. "I am sorry, Amirah. I didn't mean to anger you." "You haven't," Amirah answered. "Father wanted you to know that Murtagh is here," Nasuada interrupted. Arya raised a black eyebrow. "Murtagh? How?" "He came with Eragon," Amirah said. "He and Eragon saved your life." Arya straightened up in bed. "What has Ajihad to say about this?" "Murtagh is comfortably housed, but a prisoner," Nasuada replied. She glanced over at Amirah with a worried look that wasn't lost on Arya. "He spends his time reading scrolls." "He was reading The Song of Altheria," Amirah said, smiling. Arya and Nasuada exchanged glances, and then Nasuada cleared her throat. "I am sorry, Arya, but Father wanted to see us after our errands were complete." Arya nodded. "I will see him later today," she said. "There is much to discuss." Nasuada extended a hand to help her sister up. "We will see you later," Amirah told her friend, and followed Nasuada out the door.
Nasuada and Amirah found their father with the Council of Elders, examining a huge map of the Beor Mountains. The Council greeted the girls politely before leaving them alone with Ajihad. "What did you think of Murtagh, girls?" Ajihad asked nonchalantly as he studied his map. Nasuada's glance flickered over at Amirah before she answered. "He seems nice," she said. "I liked him very much," Amirah told her father. "And what of Eragon?" was Ajihad's next query. Nasuada smiled. "I think you have nothing to fear, Father," Nasuada said. "I believe he will make an excellent Rider." Amirah nodded in agreement. "Saphira is wonderful, Father. She and Eragon are exactly what we need." Ajihad smiled at the compliments. "I am glad you think so, daughter," he said. "And I pray you are right." "We saw Arya," Amirah went on. "She is doing well. She told us to tell you she will see you later today."
"If she were a human woman, I would insist upon her resting for another week at least," Ajihad said. "The rate at which elves recover is amazing." "If only we could do the same," Nasuada remarked. "But I am sure you did not summon us to talk about such mundane things, Father. What is it you wish to tell us?" Ajihad's expression hardened. "I am sure Galbatorix is sending an army here, my daughters. We have recovered a scroll from the Urgal leader of the force that chased Eragon and Murtagh here. Its contents prove what I expected." "It is certain, then?" Nasuada asked solemnly. Ajihad nodded. "I would bet my life on it." "What are your plans, Father?" Amirah asked, her face grim. "I will send those who cannot fight on to Surda," Ajihad said. "I want you two to go as well."
Nasuada and Amirah remained silent. Ajihad looked from one girl to the other with an eyebrow raised as if he was expecting an argument. When none was forthcoming, he began to pace the room. "If something happens to me," Ajihad said slowly, "the two of you must be prepared." Nasuada and Amirah exchanged glances as he continued. "Nasuada, it is certain the Council will attempt to gain control of the Varden through you. They will put you forward as the new leader, expecting to use you as a figurehead." "What can we do to prevent that?" Amirah asked. Ajihad smiled and put his hands on Nasuada's shoulders. "You, daughter, are my chosen heir. I know you are the best person to lead the Varden if aught should happen to me." He looked over at Amirah and took her hand, placing it in Nasuada's. "The two of you must trust each other and help each other, no matter what. Nasuada will be leader, Amirah, but without your love and assistance, she and the Varden cannot be all they can be."
"I understand, Father," Amirah said soberly, feeling as if she were making a pact. "Do you?" Ajihad asked. "The two of you are sisters . . . even if you are not bound by blood, you are bound by mutual love and respect for one another. Together, your strength will know no bounds." Nasuada nodded. "I understand," she whispered, tightening her grip on her sister's hand. Amirah smiled up at Nasuada. "I do too," she said. Ajihad nodded and kissed both girls on the forehead. "Good. I have ordered your handmaids to pack your things. I want you both ready to leave in a few days time."