AN. I know that there isn't any action yet, just give it a few chapters.
I am really grateful to everyone who reviewed, so here is a big thank you. THANK YOU!
I will only do this once, as it makes me mad. Disclaimer: Christopher Paolini owns all of the Inheritance Cycle.
Eragon found himself curled up against Saphira, a wing draped over him, in the morning. He hadn't slept at all last night. After Arya kissed him, she pushed him out of her out of her tent, not unkindly, and told him to get some rest. He had started to walk back to his tent, when Saphira stopped him, and demanded he ride her. He happily obliged, and it wasn't very long until they were up flying over the open ground. Saphira was happy Eragon was awake and well, and he was simply happy that she was happy. When they had returned to his tent, Saphira requested that he sleep next to her for the night. He gave his assent, and she repositioned herself, allowing him to lay up right beside her. He tried to sleep, but thoughts of Arya kept him up all night, and there he was at dawn, still awake thinking of her. Was she just happy that I was alive? Was there something more to it? Whatever the answer might be, I can't go around wondering. He then resolved to ask her about it next time they were alone. Was that the kiss of a friend, or has her feelings towards me changed?
Good morning, little one, was the response when he tapped Saphira's side.
"Good morning, Saphira. I am going to talk to Nasuada now, something I should have done a week ago." The last part was said more to himself than Saphira. She lifted her wing, so he could get out, and stated,
I am coming too, Last time I left you alone you went and got yourself hurt! You always get into trouble when I am not there. I think I should never let you go anywhere without me! Her tone was completely serious, but Eragon could tell that she was joking. At least I hope, he thought. Regardless, he had been hoping that she would go with him, so when she stuck out her foreleg for him, he happily climbed up to his customary seat at the hollow of her neck. She then took off towards Nasuada's red pavilion.
When they arrived, Eragon walked up towards the guards, while Saphira went around to her hole in the side. Even though they recognized him, and knew that if he had wanted to he could kill them easily, they crossed their weapons to block his path. They immediately announced the arrival of Eragon Shadeslayer, which was met with a semi angry voice, which he could tell was Nasuada's. "Well, don't just stand there, let him in!" he smiled to himself as the guards let him through, mumbling their apologies. Nasuada was sitting in her chair, wearing a dazzling blue dress and a warm smile on her face as he approached her. From the side of his eye he noticed Saphira stick her head into the tent.
When he was halfway to her, she stood up, walked over to him, and gave him a hug. When she released him, she took a step back, looked him in the eyes, and stated, "I am truly glad to see that you are all right. Last I heard you were still unconscious. I am sorry that I wasn't able to see how you were myself, but," motioning to his dragon, "Saphira wouldn't let anyone in." He looked into her eyes for a while before responding, and was slightly confused with his findings. He could tell that she was glad, surprised, and something else… was she embarrassed?
"It is okay, really, but there is other stuff that we must talk about. For now at least, it would be better if we left the past in the past. Agreed?" He could tell that she was a little dismayed; she had probably wanted to talk about it in great detail. In the end, however, she gave her assent with a quick nod, and moved to sit back in her chair. She motioned for Eragon to take a seat, and then they began discussing what he had come there for: the future.
"We would've pulled our troops out of Feinster two days ago, but we were unable to do so because of your… injury. The Varden are ready to move out at any time, the question is, how soon will you be ready?"
"Tomorrow at dawn," was the immediate response. They then began discussing various routes to Belatona, as well as various attacking strategies. Through the whole discussion, Saphira remained quiet. Then, during a lull in the conversation, one of the guards announced the arrival of Arya Shadeslayer. Eragon was caught off guard, but was thrilled nonetheless when Arya walked into the room, her elven form moving majestically across the room. He was surprised to see the change in her appearance from the previous night, as he could barely see any of the uncharacteristic marks that had been there the night before. His stomach did a flip when she sat down in a chair next to him, though he managed to maintain an expressionless appearance. She turned her head and sent him a small smile, which made Nasuada glance curiously between them, before turning to Nasuada asking,
"What news do you have for me?" Eragon cast her a curious glance, unaware of when Nasuada had sent for Arya. Before he could further ponder his question, Nasuada spoke again, her voice dropping to barely over a whisper, "We heard from a spy that Galbatorix has decided to move the final dragon egg later this week, presumably to Dras-Leona.
This statement surprised Eragon as much as it excited him. One question remained, though. Why would Galbatorix move the egg? It has sat in Uru'baen for years, what is different about now? Before he could voice these concerns, however, Nasuada continued, "We suspect that he has recognized the advantage a third rider would be to his cause. In fact, another rider for his side, especially one as powerful as Murtagh, would spell certain doom for the Varden." Eragon hung his head slightly in shame as he heard that. She didn't seem to notice, however, and continued "Our spy says that Galbatorix has already presented the egg to all who reside within his black city, with no success."
This new information stunned Eragon, but Arya appeared to have expected it. "And you want me to steal the egg. That is why you called me here, or am I wrong?" Arya's response came as a sensible option to Eragon, but he still didn't feel safe letting her go on such a dangerous mission by herself. As if she was reading his mind, Nasuada responded,
"Yes, I was going to ask you to go and take the egg, but I suspect that it will be too dangerous for even you to be able to handle it alone." Arya started to protest, but was cut short by Nasuada, "I know how skilled you are, Arya, but my spies also tell me that Murtagh and thorn will be personally transporting the egg." When she said this, Arya relented, and Eragon realized what was about to happen. "I wish to send Eragon and Saphira along with you." For a second, Eragon could have sworn that Arya smiled at the notion. "Together, you should be Able to steal the egg from Murtagh and Thorn and transport it back to the Varden."
Eragon turned to Arya, interested in seeing how she would react. He was pleasantly surprised when she favored him with a quick smile, before turning back to Nasuada and saying, "Yes, I think Eragon and Saphira would be the perfect pair to accompany me." Was he hearing things, or did he detect a hint of joy in her voice? She then continued speaking, this time very gravely, I do not think, however, that we will be able to defeat Murtagh. Must I remind you that it took 13 elven spellcasters, plus Eragon and Saphira, just to drive him away last time?" In response, Nasuada replied,
"I remember, but I have the utmost confidence that you will be able to get the egg. That is, if Eragon agrees to go?" He wanted to go, but he asked Saphira her opinion anyways, "Do you think we should go?"
Do we really have a choice?
"No, not really. If Arya is going, then so are we."
Hmph. Well I think you should tell them that we will go, and that we will try our best. He then relayed her thoughts to the two women in the room. "When do we leave?"
Nasuada replied, "Tomorrow at dawn, same time as the Varden in general is moving towards Belatona. One last thing, try not to get into an open fight with Murtagh, unless it is absolutely necessary, okay?" Both Eragon and Arya dipped their heads to display their assent. In as regal a voice as she could muster, Nasuada commanded, "Now, be gone! You have much to do before tomorrow, I am sure, and I'll not waste another minute of your time." With that they murmured their goodbyes, and left the pavilion.
Wishing to inquire about the previous night, Eragon approached Arya, and heard in the corner of his mind, I am going to check on Glaedr, and give you two some space. He touched his two fingers two his lips, twisted his right hand over his chest, and began the traditional elvish greeting. She surprised him, because instead of finishing the greeting, she simply said, "Hello, Eragon, how are you?"
"I am fine, thanks. How are you? When I left last night you looked like a starved wolf, and now…" he left the sentence open, just gesturing to her to make his point.
"I too am doing well. Elves recover much faster than humans do. Now, what is it you wish to speak of?" Suddenly embarrassed, he stumbled over his words, his face a shade of deep crimson. Eventually, he found his tongue and managed to say,
"I wanted to know about last night. Do-" he couldn't say anymore, as he was cut short by Saphira, who came crashing down beside him. Eragon, come quick!
Startled, he replied, "Slow down, Saphira, now, what happened?"
It is Glaedr, he has awakened! He asked me, no demanded, that I bring you to him right away. Frozen from shock, Eragon simply stood there, mouth hanging wide open. Pulling him back to reality, Saphira shouted, Come on, let's go! She bent down low so that he could climb up. So complete was his focus on thinking about Glaedr that he didn't even notice that Arya had climbed up behind him.
Didn't notice, that is, until she wrapped an arm around his waist. When he turned around in his seat, she replied to his curious and confused expression, "I am coming too." Her tone left no room for argument, so he just nodded and turned back around. Saphira took off, and as excited as he was about Glaedr, he still couldn't help but blush when Arya's arm tightened around his waist. He knew she was just holding on during the flight, but he couldn't stop himself, and he interlaced his fingers with hers. She started to pull away, which made Eragon's face flush, but then she decided against it and just left her hand in his. This helped turn his face back to its normal color, but it still had a tinge of red on it from blushing when his tent came into view, and Saphira dropped to the ground.
Eragon and Arya jumped off of Saphira's back, landing with a thud, and ran inside his tent. Saphira followed, and stuck her head through the doorway. Eragon quickly ran over to where he had hidden Glaedr's eldunari, grabbed the bag it was in, opened it, and let it slide down onto his bed. He glanced back at Arya, who gave him a reassuring nod, before reaching out to the golden gem-like stone that contained the consciousness of his master. He now proceeded slowly, hand hovering over above the heart of hearts, when he felt a mind press against his. He was just throwing up his mental walls, when a familiar voice came through, "Eragon, it's me, Arya." Embarrassed, he dropped his defenses and granted her entry into his mind.
"What is it you want, Arya Svit-kona?"
"I wish to hear what Glaedr has to say, and since I believe he will only be saying it to you and Saphira, then this seems like the only logical option."
It was with three different minds in his head that he finally touched the eldunari. Instantly, it started glowing, and a powerful new mind entered his head, and threw Arya's mind out of his head. Eragon tried to fight it, but it brushed his defenses aside as easily as one would brush aside ash on a stone hearth. Then, a deep, loud voice boomed throughout his mind. Enough! I will only talk to you and Saphira! You may tell Arya Drottningu what is said and done at a later time.
Giving a mental nod, both Eragon and Saphira said, "Yes, master." Then Eragon continued on by himself, "What is it you want, master?"
Softening a bit, Glaedr replied, I need to make you stronger, Eragon. We both know that you can not do what needs to be done until you are. Also, I have come to fulfill my duty in giving you all of my knowledge that may be of use. You will need what I have to give you before the end of your next mission.
This confused Eragon to no end, and he wondered to himself how Glaedr knew about his next mission, when he himself hadn't learned until that very day, and he hadn't told anyone yet. Seeking some answers, he inquired, "How can you do this, master, and why now?"
I have decided that I shall try something only done once in history, to Irnstad Shadeslayer, which was done to him so that he could defeat the shade. I will funnel all of my energy, all of my strength, and all of my power into you. I will channel all of my vas knowledge into Saphira, and then I will be no more.
"No more, master?" asked a confused Eragon.
My eldunari will shrink into a tiny golden bead, and my consciousness will pass into the void after the-partner-of-my-life Oromis. Eragon could feel the sadness radiating from the dragon's eldunari at the mention of its rider. When I am done, you will have power far greater than before. Power enough, I think, to do what needs to be done.
"Why now, master?" asked Eragon, repeating the question.
I was visited by a certain werecat who foretold of you needing these gifts, and reminded me of the story behind Irnstad. Eragon nodded his head, recognizing the werecat as Solembum.
When will you begin, asked Saphira, her voice barely louder than a whisper. Excited anticipation and dread about the eternal loss of Glaedr washed over Eragon from his link to her.
We begin now! At these words, the golden eldunari, that was a house for the consciousness of Glaedr, began to glow extremely bright. A voice told Eragon not to remove his hand. He has about to wonder why the instruction was necessary, when a searing pain shot up his arm, and through the whole of his body. He vaguely understood that Saphira was also in pain as great as his. It took all of his will power to refrain from yanking his hand back off of the eldunari. A cry of pain escaped his lips, and saw, in the corner of his eye, that Arya was stepping closer to him, a terrified look clearly visible on her usually expressionless face.
When she was right beside him, he managed to grunt, "Stay back, Arya, I will explain later." Appearing even more confused, she stepped back away from him. The pain increased again, and Eragon let out another involuntary cry. Then, the golden heart of hearts began to shrink under his hand, until there was nothing left. In a small corner of his mind, he managed to hear a whisper on the wind, saying, Goodbye, before it was completely gone.