Thanks to both DeadlyCreative and CanadienGirl14
So I'm thinking there is only going to be one more chapter after this. If you find any loose ends I didn't tie up, let me know.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Plans for the Future
Eragon looked around at the crew of people seated in Nasuada's tent. Representatives from every race and faction that made up the Varden and Surda's forces had been called together to decide what action they should take next. Alagaësia was now without a leader, and action had to be taken quickly if anarchy and chaos were to be avoided.
Nasuada represented the Varden and Orrin represented Surda. Arya, Orik and Garzhvog were present for the Elves, Dwarves and Urgals. Trianna spoke for Du Vrangr Gata. Horst was called to speak for Carvahall, as they made up a large group in the Varden, and Eragon was there to speak for the Riders. Also present were Roran, Jörmundur, Angela, Solembum and Murtagh. Saphira, Thorn and Garrow had been invited but declined the offer, opting to spend their time in the sky and not involved in the politics of other races.
"Perhaps the most important question that needs answering," said Nasuada regally, "is who shall rule Alagaësia now that Galbatorix is dead. Having completed my father's goal of destroying the Black King, I have no desire to take the throne."
"Nor do I desire to claim it," said Orrin.
Eragon shifted uneasily. He could already feel some eyes on him. He shook his head. "I have already made it clear that I do not wish to rule," he stated.
"No one from my race will try to take it," said Arya. Orik and Garzhvog nodded in their agreement.
"Perhaps we should forgo the monarchy in favor of a High Council?" suggested Jörmundur.
Nasuada sighed. There was no way she was going to let the Council of Elders take over Alagaësia. She had hoped someone like Eragon would step forward and volunteer to rule. "Who ruled Alagaësia before Galbatorix?" she asked, hoping that the past could reveal an answer.
"The Broddring Kingdom," replied Eragon, remembering his lessons with Oromis.
Arya shook her head. "King Angrenost was no good against Galbatorix. If we were to find his heir, if one still exists, I fear it would only invite another tyrant to come in."
Nasuada nodded. "Who ruled before the Broddring Kingdom?"
"King Palancar," answered Angela. "And when he was exiled, where did he go? Way up north to what is now called Palancar Valley." Her eyes fell on Eragon, Roran and Horst. "The blood of the Kings still runs in Palancar Valley."
At that point in time, everyone turned to look at the three men from Carvahall. "Who is in charge of Carvahall?" Nasuada asked. "Who would you trust to lead you?"
Horst looked at Roran. "Him," he answered simply. Before Roran could say anything in protest, he continued, "It's all because of Roran that we made it to Surda. It's all because of Roran that our village survived the Empire. He speaks for all of Carvahall now."
"Is this true?" asked Orrin.
Slowly, Roran nodded. "Aye, it is true," he admitted. "But I'm no King."
"Nonsense," said Horst. "You could rule Alagaësia better than anybody else I know."
Eragon nodded. "I agree. Roran would be a magnificent King."
"Aye," said Murtagh. "Alagaësia needs someone with his zeal."
"What say you?" Nasuada asked Orrin.
"I think that we've found our King," he answered, "unless somebody here has good reason why the Green Rider should not rule."
Nobody said a thing, not even Jörmundur.
Nasuada turned her attention to Roran. "Well then, Stronghammer. You have proved yourself numerous times and have accomplished feats that few can match. I am personally in your debt for slaying the traitors that murdered my father. We all support you and it is with great respect that I ask you now: do you accept this position?"
Roran thought for a moment and did not answer right away, though it didn't take long for him to convince himself what he should do. With one thought of all the wonderful things he could do for Alagaësia and Katrina, he knew that this was his destiny. Finally, he raised his gaze to Nasuada's and nodded. "Aye," he declared. "I will be your King." He paused for a moment and took in the satisfied expressions on everyone's faces. "But I have one request."
"Name it," said Nasuada.
"I have no experience in ruling a region as vast as Alagaësia," Roran stated. "Therefore, I would like to assemble a group of trusted advisors to guide me and my successors."
"That can be done," said Jörmundur.
"Aye," agreed Nasuada. Orrin also nodded his approval. "Do you have any ideas of who you would like on this council?"
"You, My Lady," Roran answered. "As well as Jörmundur and a representative from Surda, the Elves, Dwarves and Urgals. I would ask for a Rider as well, but I already am one and Eragon and Murtagh's skills would be best used elsewhere. Will that be feasible?"
Nasuada nodded. "I would be honored to serve on your council, Your Majesty."
"As would I," said Jörmundur.
"I would serve myself," said Arya, "if I did not have other duties. I shall send another trusted Elf."
"And I shall grant you one of my best Dwarves," nodded Orik.
Garzhvog made similar promises, but he also had one more request. "My race was promised land, a place where we could thrive without being attacked by other races."
Roran thought for a moment, still not completely over his bias against Urgals. "I believe there is land east of the Hadarac Desert and west of the Az Ragni. Your race may have whatever land is there and unpopulated and any part of the desert that you desire." He paused for a moment. "I would like my reign to begin a time of peace among all races." His eyes wandered from Arya, to Orik and finally rested on Garzhvog. "Under my rule, there shall be a severe punishment for anyone who attacks an Urgal simply because he is an Urgal. Likewise, no Urgal will attack a member of any other race simply because he is not an Urgal. Do I make myself clear?"
Garzhvog nodded. "I shall take my kin and depart, then. I will tell the other tribes to do the same."
"Very well," said Roran, dismissing the subject.
Eragon glanced at Arya. "You're going to become Queen." It was more a statement than a question.
Arya nodded. "My life has long been dedicated to the well being of my race," she stated.
"What does that mean for me?"
Arya didn't reply right away. "Elves do not marry," she reminded him, "and you cannot become our King, as you are not an Elf." Eragon's face fell at her disheartening words. She continued, "But I would be honored if you would take up residence in Ellesméra. You will be granted the same apartment as last time and the Elves would be overjoyed to see you and Saphira again. That is, if you wish to come with me."
"Arya Svit-kona," answered Eragon, "I have desired to go with you ever since I first laid eyes on you. What would make you think I would not follow you until the end of time? Of course I will come with you to Ellesméra."
Arya smiled. "I am glad."
Eragon looked at Murtagh. The Red Rider had been silent for most of the meeting. "Where will you go, Murtagh?" he asked. "What will you do now?"
Murtagh sighed. "I do not know." His dark eyes fell on Nasuada. "What are you going to do with Circe?" There was a hint of concern in his voice.
An expression of surprise came over Nasuada as he asked his question. "She will be tried and punishment accordingly," she responded.
Murtagh frowned and shifted uneasily in his chair. "Release her to me," he said anxiously. "Release her to me and she won't bother you ever again."
Nasuada raised an eyebrow curiously. "How can you promise me that?" she inquired.
"We will withdraw into my father's castle between the Silverwood Forest and Tüdosten Lake," answered Murtagh quickly. "There we will stay unless the need for our skills arises."
"If that be the case, Murtagh," said Roran, "I have a job for you."
Murtagh turned his attention to the new King of Alagaësia. "As long as Nasuada releases Circe to me, I shall do whatever you ask," he stated, looking back at Nasuada.
Nasuada sighed in resignation. "All right, all ready!" she gasped. "But if she causes any trouble for the new regime, you should be held accountable."
"Aye," said Roran, "He shall be."
Murtagh nodded in understanding. "Thank you, My Lady," he said to Nasuada, then turned back to Roran. "What do you wish of me?" he asked.
"Look over the southern portion of Alagaësia for me," answered Roran. "Everything south of Furnost and north of Surda would be your domain. All you would have to do is make sure laws are obeyed and report any problems to me."
"Aye," agreed Murtagh. "That I can do."
"Excellent," said Roran, turning to Horst. "I would also like someone to look after the north for me."
Horst looked at him. "Are you asking me?"
"Aye."
"Anything for you Roran," said the blacksmith in agreement. He grinned. "Garrow would be proud. You started off with nothing, and now look at you! King of Alagaësia!"
"Katrina."
Roran breathed in her intoxicating scent as he embraced her, his wife. He knew that he was still sweaty and dirty from the battle, but he didn't care and neither did Katrina. All that mattered was that the battle was over and they could finally live together in peace. There was no longer anything that would tear them apart.
"Roran," she whispered as he released her. Roran couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Because she wasn't called to the meeting, she had time to wash herself and fix her appearance. Before she could say anything else, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, relishing in their love.
She kissed her back, but soon drew away. A playful smile danced across her lips. "How was your meeting?" she asked. "Productive?"
"Aye."
"So you've reached a conclusion, then?"
"Aye."
"Well?" she demanded impatiently. "Who is going to rule Alagaësia?"
"Me," Roran answered simply.
"You?" asked Katrina with a raised eyebrow. "Come on, stop joking. Who's going to rule Alagaësia?"
"I told you," Roran repeated, "Me."
"You're not joking are you?" Katrina asked in disbelief.
"Would I lie to you?" he asked.
Katrina smiled. "Well then, Your Majesty," she said cheerfully. "Would that make me your queen?"
"Aye, it would," Roran replied, kissing her gently. "I started out with nothing, Katrina, and now I can give you all of Alagaësia. Whatever you want, you can have."
"Good," said Katrina as she kissed him softly. "Then the baby will be well taken care of."
Roran stared at her in stunned disbelief. "What did you just say?" he whispered, barely able to talk.
Her eyes met his and she whispered back, "Roran, I'm pregnant."
Without saying a word, Roran leaned in and kissed her passionately. When the couple finally broke apart, it was Roran that spoke first. "This is one of the happiest moments of my life," he breathed. "You're going to be such a good mother."
Katrina blushed. "And you're going to be the most amazing father in all of Alagaësia."
"Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?" Roran asked curiously.
"No. I want it to be a surprise," Katrina said sternly. "Don't you go figuring it out with your fancy magical powers, Dragon Rider."
Roran frowned. "But I want to know," he pouted. It would be so easy. All he would have to do is touch the mind of the child. "If you let me check, you can pick the name."
"No," Katrina insisted stubbornly. "We're going to sit down, have a nice little chat and agree on a nice name for our child," she told him, placing her hands protectively on her abdomen.
"Katrina," Roran whined. "Why must you be so difficult?"
Katrina laughed and kissed him. "I love you, too," she said with a smile.