". . . We can be confident that you won't shrink from the path when you are confronted by the injustices and atrocities that the Varden will inevitably commit. We cannot afford to have you consumed by doubts when your strength and focus are most needed." Oromis steepled his fingers and gazed into the dark mirror of his tea, contemplating whatever he saw in its tenebrous reflection. . .
"Alas, there is a greater danger than the evils of the Varden. It is a throne that is emptied suddenly and filled hastily. You cannot effect an instantaneous change of leadership; you must raise up a sovereign who can be trusted with the throne. Be it you, your cousin, or someone in the Varden, whoever becomes the master of Alagaësia cannot be tossed onto the throne for the sake of expediency. You must prove him worthy of the throne."
A bewildered smile darkened Eragon's face. "After what Galbatorix has done, no one could possibly be any worse!"
"Mind your words, Eragon," said Oromis sternly. "The new king will not be measured against the failings of his predecessor. He will be judged on his own merits and actions. If he is a grave danger to Alagaësia, no one will be able to excuse him by saying, 'Well, at least he wasn't as bad as the previous man.'"
"But he couldn't possibly be as bad. Even the worst of the Varden are infinitely better than Galbatorix."
"Do you really believe that, Eragon-finiarel? Is there no evil in the hearts of men? Can only the worst of them be driven to madness?"
Eragon kept looking bewildered. "Galbatorix is a tyrant and a monster whose evil is beyond reckoning. Is it not enough to be a better man than him?"
Oromis was less than pleased.