Author's Note: Hello fellow fic readers. For those hiding under a rock Inheritance-wise, the third of FOUR books is coming this September, I just wanted to do a fic of my thoughts on how the third book will be. I am nowhere near as skilled as Paolini and bore easily if writing about politics and funerals, so the chapters concerning those things may move kind of fast pace. I will try to make coherent sense and give a sense of novelization to my story though. Also, all characters and places and all that mumbo jumbo are owned by people who are as of now much more well off than me. So without further adieu I present... P.S. He should have stuck with the E theme!

Inheritance: Brinsingr

By: David Ingrassia

Aftermath

Eragon awoke from his trance-like state early in the morning to the squawks and screeches of the gore crows. The pungent smell of sulfurous smoke and the iron smell of blood caused his eyes to water and bile to rise to the top of his throat. It hurt to even move his head to the side, his body objecting. He felt as if he'd been trampled beneath a stampede of Kull. He reached out his mind to Saphira and greeted her wearily.

Good morning little one, I trust you had no trouble resting. She said tenderly.

No not at all, although I do miss actually sleeping sometimes. Then, with tremendous effort, managed to sit up and look at his surroundings. He was in a small canvas tent shared by his cousin--brother-- Roran. The memories of yesterday's struggles assaulted his already tired mind. I need to find Nasauda and Arya soon, I wonder if they're up yet. He instinctively -- for it had become second nature for him to do so -- opened his mind and touched the minds of those in the camp searching for those familiar consciences of the women.

Eragon tried to dress without waking Roran, but it seemed he had been awake as well. "Eragon. So what do we do today? I am anxious to be on our way to rescue Katrina."

"I know, and we will rescue her soon, but in our current state we'd be killed before we even see the enemy."

Roran knew his brother's words were true, but he was so close he could feel it. The thought of Katrina served to renew his resolve to rescue her. A scowl rose on his face as he thought of the Letherblaka and their ghastly riders. Not a day ago they seemed to be Death incarnate. He looked at Eragon again and then at the shadow Saphira's enormous form cast on the tent. With a Rider on my side they won't stand a chance, we'll wipe them out before they know what hit them.

The brothers walked out of the tent and headed to the rear of the camp where Eragon knew he would find Nasauda. The sun was just rising over the horizon adding to the already orange hue that hung perpetually over the Burning Planes. The only thing that remained unaffected was Saphira herself. Her scales shimmering like thousands of brilliant blue diamonds.

When they arrived at the pavilion they found the Varden's leader already presentable with an air of dignity around her that even King Orrin, who was there as well, had to respect. "Ah, Shadeslayer, just the man I wanted to see." Orrin said with a smile. His smile was genuine but there was a sadness that permeated the entire camp, so it was more of a sad expression. "I saw you fight that red dragon, and although Nasauda informed me that it escaped, managed to injure it. Thereby turning the tide of the battle and forcing the Empire into its first ever retreat. We are all in your debt Shadeslayer."

Eragon bowed gratefully to Orrin before turning his attention to Nasauda. "What would you have me do now my liege?" Eragon asked Nasauda. She considered for a long moment before wording her answer very carefully.

"I trust your judgment Eragon Shadeslayer and say this. The Varden have won their greatest victory and the Empire has retreated so that they can regroup. I hereby release you of your bond to me with two exceptions. First, if the Empire mobilizes against us again, you will come to our aid. Second, if I am killed you are still to take control of the Varden as their new leader. Other than those two obligations you are a free man Eragon."

Eragon bowed low on one knee, surprised that Nasauda would give him such freedoms. He then realized that by doing so she had made it possible to help Roran without any trouble and after return to Ellesmera and complete his training. He rose and was heading out when Nasauda reached and turned him by the shoulder, looking him directly in the eyes. "Thank you Shadeslayer, you saved so many lives and saved the country of Surda. Thank you." She said as a single tear of gratitude ran down her dark cheek.

It seems you've become a hero, little one. Saphira said.

None of it could have happened without you friend of my heart. He sensed gratitude and pride trickle through their bond.

Eragon began walking back to Roran to tell him the news when he was stopped dead in his tracks. Standing in front of him, violet eyes looking at him unwavering, was Elva. She looked as beat up and ragged as any of the soldiers but Eragon knew it was not from fighting men, it was from fighting the dreadful curse he'd accidentally placed upon her. The curse that made her need to protect everyone from harm and the battle had wreaked havoc on her poor young mind.

You gave her your word Eragon, you should undo the curse. Saphira said.

"Elva," Eragon choked as tears welled up in his eyes. "I am so sorry, I had no idea what I had done. Please let me rid you of this horrible curse." For the first time he'd ever seen, she smiled, tears streaming freely down her pale face. She came up to him and stood with her eyes to the ground as he studied her. He recalled his lessons with Oromis and using one of the very few spells of undoing began to recite the incantation in the ancient language. Tremors jolted through the girl, her body convulsing and flailing in place, and the violet in her eyes began to fade.

Energy drained from Eragon at such shocking pace that Saphira had to lend him her strength else he would have been overwhelmed. For ten minutes the spell continued to drain him but he could sense a peace come over Elva's mind. Finally with a harsh gasp Elva slumped to the ground. Kneeling down Eragon helped her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a grateful embrace as she began sobbing uncontrollably. Ergon could sense the innocence of a child when he touched her mind. Traces of the spell still lingered as Oromis told him they would, but Elva would no longer be pained if someone was hurt, she would just be the gentlest most compassionate person in the world.

The feeling of relief came over Eragon so strong that he to began to shed tears. A weight he'd been living with since he learned of his mistake was finally removed.

Saphira, it feels so good to make things right. She answered by nuzzling him with her snout. Elva stared in wonder at the Saphira's beauty and showed no fear whatsoever of her.

Eragon's news overjoyed Roran and he knew that once they had both come to health that Katrina would be in his arms where she belonged again. So for a few more days the two busied themselves doing work around the camp, whether tearing down tents, burying or burning the dead, keeping the soldiers entertained with their tales of adventure, and just keeping busy. During this time it was decided that the dwarves would return to Farthen Dur to bury Hograthar and select a new king, the Varden would return to Surda and attempt to recruit more soldiers for the next phase of their plan.