Flying over the desert, they were surprised to see that cities dotted it. It was evident that at one time, these cities flourished near rivers and hilly landscapes, instead of the barren Hadarac. Eragon thought how difficult it must be to live in the desert after living on fertile land.
They flew on, only stopping at night when the sun was too low to see anything. The first night was eventless. At first Eragon was worried that his owl wouldn't be able to find him, or worse yet, the desert air would be hard on the bird. But the owl was hardy, and caught up to him in the middle of the night. The owl showed no sign of distress.
Eragon flew off again, having carried as much water as he could. Not caring if anyone saw them, they flew as fast as they could. If the Muggles didn't know about the existence of magic already, they will soon enough. He wasn't going to hide from everyone, just because certain people want to stay hidden.
Most of the towns and villages he past, the ones of the other world, were empty. Being stuck in the desert, there must not have been enough water to go around, so everyone must've either died or left. There were still some stragglers left in some of the larger cities, mostly the poor folk. Eragon wanted to stop and help, but knew that there was nothing he could do.
They came to the end of the desert, the Beors just ahead and to the left, while some rolling, fertile hills were to the right. They continued to fly straight towards Surda. The forest of Du Waldenvarden hadn't changed, though the desert had been dotted with abandoned cities, towns and villages. It seemed as if some of the other world have disappeared.
They reached Surda, and Saphira kept going on towards the capitol, Aberon, as fast as she could. As they flew into the capitol, Eragon could see the tall buildings that other the cities of the other world boasted. Skyscrapers, if Eragon recalled correctly. Saphira wove in between them, and Eragon was glad for the earlier training in aerial battle techniques, for Saphira couldn't resist showing off a little. She corkscrewed, and dodged buildings nimbly, while Eragon moved with the flow. Then, Saphira landed in the courtyard of the large castle where King Orrin and Lady Nasuada were awaiting them.
"Eragon!" Nasuada cried when Saphira had landed, the dust settled, and Eragon had dismounted.
"Lady Nasuada," Eragon replied calmly, walking up to her.
"Arya said you were coming. Did you encounter any trouble on your way here from Du Waldenvarden?" Eragon's liege lord asked.
"No, but I suspect you've heard some of what's happened since I left," Eragon replied. "Have you had any trouble?"
Nasuada and Orrin hesitated a bit, then both replied "Yes."
"We are in the middle of some negotiations about the world changing, and who's territory goes where. We need to end these negotiations quickly, so we can strike Galbatorix, while he's weak and busy," King Orrin said.
"We've explained the situation in the Empire, yet these diplomats insist on getting approval from a group called the U-N, or something like that, to strike the Empire." Nasuada said.
"There's a small faction in there that says that because Alagaesia is smaller than the rest of the world, it will have to assimilate," Orrin said.
"I received word just before I left that Murtagh had escaped his confinement. He's not going to be happy," Eragon said, wishing he didn't have to pile this piece of bad new on top of everything.
"Oh no," Nasuada whispered.
"I have more news, but it'll have to wait until we have some true privacy," Eragon said, noting the servants, guards, and other people walking around the castle.
Eragon could tell who was from the other world, for they bolted at the sight of Saphira. Many, though, were Surdans and members of the Varden. Those in that group who've never seen Saphira this close stopped and gawked a moment, before moving one with pressing duties.
Eragon followed the King of Surda and his liege lord through the halls of the castle. They came upon a room filled with guests, some of who were arguing over something in a strange language. The argument stopped when all realized that a new player had entered the field. Eragon could feel the penetrating stares, and all of these ambassadors were sizing him up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Eragon Shadeslayer, our Rider?" Lady Nasuada said.
"Shadeslayer, that's an interesting last name," One man said.
"I earned it by slaying a Shade," Eragon said, stressing the word "earned". "I prefer to be called Eragon."
"Ah, well then…" the man spluttered a little. "We're talking of whose boundaries goes where, since everything is askewed now.
"Shouldn't the leader of the Empire be in these negotiations?" A woman asked.
"NO!" Eragon, Nasuada, and King Orrin yelled at once.
"If you want to be dead all the sooner, go to his castle in Uru'baen, and try to negotiate. I, for one, plan on seeing the Empire free from his rein. Galbatorix is a madman, and a dabbler into dark magic. He's power hungry, too. And unfortunately, he won't die after a normal span of years," Eragon said, surprising himself with the ice in his voice. "In fact, he's already passed a normal span of years."
Many of those in the room stared at him, incredulous. Then, a woman said, "That's impossible! First off, there's no such thing as magic…" the woman didn't finish before Eragon left, utterly disgusted by the closed mindedness of these people. No wonder the witches and wizards of the other world don't like Muggles. They're ignorant, and foolish. Not many who use magic are much better, though, Eragon thought, remembering the power struggles of the magic users in Du Vrangr Gata, and also of the foolishness of the two most powerful villains in the world.
Eragon went out to the courtyard, and Saphira greeted him. He stood next to her, stroking smooth scales as he composed himself. It would not do for him to lose his temper, especially among the ignorant diplomats. He told himself that's all it was: ignorance. But he also knew that was a lie. Not only was there ignorance among those diplomats, but also a refusal that magic existed. They've lived thousands of years without sure knowledge of the existence of magic. Odd reports, here and there, a few mysteries, but nothing more than that.
His thoughts roamed to the wizarding community. Eragon knew that only a handful of Muggles knew of the existence of magic, mostly relatives of those who are witches and wizards. Some seemed happy for their child or relative, while others, like Harry's folks, were not happy about it at all.
After he was composed, he walked back to the room. All eyes turned on him again, and Eragon felt strange mix of emotions, mostly from others in the room, wash over him.
"Sorry, but my dragon needed me for a moment," he lied smoothly. He'd tell those of his world the real reason later. It would not do to call the diplomats ignorant when he himself was ignorant of their ways, he had realized while composing himself.
"Dragon?" a diplomat asked. "This is ridiculous!"
"What, that dragons exist, or that I'm the Rider of a dragon?" Eragon asked coolly. He realized that he'd have to make a fool out of one or two of these diplomats, though subtly. "Cause if you doubt the existence of dragons, mine's out in the courtyard, ready to prove her existence."
The diplomat spluttered. Another got up and said, "But dragons are supposed to be evil! The church says so!"
"Dragons are no more evil than humans, elves, dwarves, or even Urgals," Eragon said simply, an anger edging into his voice.
"Elves, dwarves?" As if on queue, Arya and Orik came in. Eragon greeted the dwarf warmly, and exchanged a nod of acknowledgement with the elven princess. Their friendship hadn't come back since his first trip to Du Waldenvarden.
Many of the male diplomats stared at the beautiful, raven-haired elven princess, if only for a few moments.
"There's too much confusion in the Beors," Orik said. "Many of the dwarves don't like how some of the mountains are a little shorter, or that there are human habitations on dwarven farmland."
"Has the clan chosen a new clan leader? And did the clans choose a new king yet?" Eragon asked.
"Not yet," was Orik's gruff reply. "We've come here to tell you that there's been reports of the red dragon being spotted over the Empire, heading towards Uru'baen."
"I thought he was supposed to be contained," Arya said.
"He escaped," Eragon said simply.
"Apparently," Arya replied back. "You knew?"
"I had received a message about his escape, yes," Eragon said. "I certainly hope I don't meet him again anytime soon."
Eragon waited patiently then for the meeting to continue. Nothing was decided. The faction that Orrin had talked about earlier made themselves a nuisance, and then everyone adjourned to continue the next day. Eragon knew that it would take forever, for there seemed to be no boundaries between the cities, let alone the countries.
Eragon wondered, since the diplomats there only represented the countries that had mixed with Surda, if Galbatorix was angering many countries by refusing to negotiate borders. The mix made everything so confusing. Everything changed, and Eragon only hoped that they could adapt to the change.
Before he had left for Du Waldenvarden the second time, Eragon had been assigned a room in the castle. He headed there now, finding Roran sitting on his bed.
"You're back, brother," Roran said.
"Not for long. There's a new threat, and I'm afraid that I've become entangled in something else entirely," Eragon said.
"How long will you stay?" Roran asked.
"A day or two. We'll get our revenge on the Ra'zac soon enough, if that's what you're worried about."
"I'm also worried about Katrina, Eragon. Will she still be there when we go?"
"I've tried scrying for her. Nothing came up, but I think it's merely because of scrying wards. Even though the Ra'zac cannot use magic themselves, it doesn't mean that they don't hire a magician to cast protective spells on their liar in Helgrind," Eragon explained. "Don't give up on her. She may still be alive, waiting for you to rescue her."
Roran nodded. Then the two talked of other things, and finally Roran bade Eragon good night. Eragon sent Garrow with a message to Harry. The message was simple and straight to the point. That Eragon wished to meet him someplace, and soon. Eragon knew that there really was no place safe from a wizard of the Dark Lord's capabilities.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all in the Burrow, talking of how they were to find the last of the Horcruxes, when Garrow flew in the window. Harry took the message and read it, then frowned.
"Eragon want's to meet me again. It's probably about Vol—I mean You-Know-Who," Harry hastily amended himself. "And Galbatorix. If those two joined forces, there would be no stopping them."
Ron agreed, but Hermione said, "But that's impossible, isn't it? They're both power hungry, and both will probably be at each other's throats." She was thinking logically.
"We have to prepare for the worst, though," Harry said. It was late at night, and their discussion was taking entirely too long. Garrow hooted. The owl had waited for a reply.
"They may form a temporary allegiance," Ron said, for once being smart.
"So, when and where shall we meet Eragon?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.
"I dunno. Somewhere where Muggles can't see us, and somewhere where we can actually talk with some peace," Harry said.
The three discussed location in a very lengthy conversation, each listing one place, then canceling it as soon as it was said. Finally, the only place left was the Burrow.
"No way!" Ron almost yelled when it was suggested. "Mum would have a fit, and besides, how would he know how to get here?"
"He could follow Hedwig and Garrow. After all, Garrow found us here, didn't he?" Hermione asked.
"Mum would still have a fit, having a dragon nearby," Ron muttered, almost too low for the other two to hear.
"We'll just have to explain to her that Saphira is special," Hermione tried to soothe.
"Uh-huh." Ron wasn't convinced.
"I don't see any other place, Ron. Unless you could come up with something better?" Harry asked.
"Uhm… no, I can't," Ron admitted, resigning himself to his mother's ire when she found out.
"It'll turn out okay. Just see," Hermione said, optimism in her voice.
Harry sent a reply, and the three continued going over supplies that they would possibly need for their adventure.
