Chapter 15. Lost Hope
The Varden had been beaten for the first time in their war against Galbatorix. To make things worse Eragon was a prisoner in Belatona. They entered the city with their heads hanging low and sorrow in their hearts. All their hopes for the future had been crushed by the loss of Saphira and Eragon. The varden gathered before the steps of the palace to hear some encouraging words from their leaders. Katrina was waiting at the gate when Roran returned; they kissed and he told her how the battle faired and his encounter with Murtagh.
"I find myself unable to speak…" Nausada said; she looked to Orrin. "You were right… I should have waited…"
Orrin smiled and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder; "Every leader man or woman must face this sort of thing at some point. Do not think that I think any less of you…"
Arya entered the room; "Thanks to Angela… I was able to recover Jormunder's body… Captain Fredric has him until he can be properly buried…"
Nausada sighed she did not want to admit it, but because of Angela Arya and Roran were still alive. "Jormunder's death will stir up a hornet's nest…"
"All is lost…" Narheim said. "Without Eragon it is over…"
Roran became angry at his words and the tone of the room; "I don't believe my ears…" He said raising his voice drawing everyone's attention. "Eragon is one person…"
"A dragon rider…" Orrin said.
"Even so… the varden have existed and done many great things before Eragon and Saphira joined you… You mar his name with your sad words. If I know Eragon and I know him better than any of you he will fight tell his last breath against Galbatorix. He is probably planning his escape now as we speak… When he returns is he going to see strength in us… Remember before Eragon came along the varden had won many battles and gained many victories against Galbatorix. I will fight even if Eragon becomes Galbatorix's slave… To honor him and the people of Alagaesia."
Nausada looked at Roran in a whole new light and decided what his future should be. She walked up to him and simply said. "Thank you for your words Roran… I would like to use some of your words when I address the Varden…" Roran agreed then Nausada looked at King Orrin. "Your highness I would like your support in making Roran leader of the council of elders…"
He smiled; "You have my support…"
"Roran I would like to take you under my wing and train you…"
"I accept…" Roran accepted because he knew what Nausada was doing and he was always up for helping out.
Nausada gave an inspiring speech drawing a few words from what Roran said earlier. When the crowd disbursed, Nausada met with the council of elders and the allied leaders. Where she informed the council, that Roran would become the new council leader. They objected, but eventually Nausada was able to convince them that it was the best. They discussed plans to rescue Eragon, but all the ideas they came up with seemed far fetched. The hours stretched on, but no one could come up with an idea.
Jarsha entered the room, walked across the floor, and whispered into Nausada's ear. She smiled and stood up; "My friends… the dwarves have arrived…" The mood in the room changed and they all left together to meet with the Dwarf army.