Chapter 6. Glaedr's Council

Eragon rose up early the next morning and shaved with magic. Then he bathed, dressed, and took Glaedr's Eldunari in his hands. He had grown accustomed to Glaedr's powerful conscious emanating from his Eldunari so he was able to hold it bare handed. Everyone arrived at the meeting at the same time.

Eragon stood up holding the golden Eldunari in his hands "Everyone… may I present my master… Glaedr." With his mind and voice Eragon said. "Master Glaedr may I present my Liege Lord Nausada…" As Eragon said their names he pointed to each of them. When he was done Glaedr's Eldunari engulfed them in a bright gold light. When the light faded an apparition of a golden dragon stood before them.

("Greetings to one and all…") Everyone even Eragon was caught off guard by the display of power. ("I am honored to meet you all… My council in regards to the assault on Belatona is to attack. Blodgharm has prepared Eragon for the spells Murtagh would use against him. As for Murtagh himself and Thorn… they lack the experience Eragon and Saphira have… with a few more spell casters from the Urgals we can over power Murtagh and Thorn…")

King Orrin spoke up, "Master Glaedr… The Dwarves are marching towards us… I think we should wait for their arrival before we attack."

("King Orrin… I understand your desire to wait, but there are things happening in Alagaesia that you are unaware of…") Glaedr's apparition took a look at Elva and she nodded in turn.

"Perhaps you would care to educate us…" Orrin said.

Glaedr grunted, ("I am not at liberty to discuss those things… but attack Belatona with all haste…")

Orrin stood up, "Lady Nausada… I plead with you one last time… please… hold off on this attack."

Nausada sighed, "I am sorry your majesty… but we will attack."

Orrin put his head down; "I will support you Nausada, but I do not agree with your decision…"

Jarsha entered the courtyard and walked right up to Nausada handing her a scroll. "Good… I have just received word that General Vaer is one days march from us…" Nausada turned her attention to Jormunder. "…Have our troops start preparing for the march north."

"Aye my lady…"

"General Vaer's troops will rest for one day and then we march the following…"

Nausada dismissed everyone, but she pulled Elva to the side; "You have been quiet…"

"I had nothing to add to the conversation…" Elva said.

"Am I doing the right thing by attacking Belotona? Should I wait?

"You heard Glaedr… time is against us and there are things going on in Alagaesia we are not aware of…"

Nausada took a deep breath and stared into Elva's pink eyes, but Elva wasn't someone that could be intimidated. "Are you aware of any of those things?"

"No my lady…"

As Elva walked off Nausada wasn't sure she believed her. The entire day was spent by the Varden preparing for the march north to Belatona. Eragon helped where he could, but most people didn't want the last free Dragon Rider doing manual labor and he had to insist whenever someone refused his help. The next day General Vaer's army arrived an hour after sunset. Nausada held a banquet in his honor for his victory at Aroughs.