Chapter 7
Saphira sniffed. Your mind is flopping about faster than a beached trout. Stop; it's making me dizzy.
Eragon stared at the ground. Do you think it's too soon?
It's been almost three days already. Arya has as much right as Nasuada to know the news; maybe more, since she's a Rider. Also, I am curious as to what she'll think of Nasuada's plan. Saphira's tone grew gentler. Distancing yourself from her is not the answer, little one. It will only make you bitter. Besides, I know she will want to know that we're safe.
Eragon stroked her side, feeling her rough scales beneath his hand, and nodded. All right, I will.
Saphira hummed with satisfaction. Good.
Eragon stretched, his face only partially illuminated with firelight. The elves where seated around a roaring bonfire- save for a scouting party of five that was still exploring the enormous island, which Eragon estimated to be slightly smaller than Palancar Valley. He had informed the elves of Nasuada's idea, and although they had not particularly liked it, they had agreed that it should not be much harm. As long, they had insisted, that it was only temporary and the prisoners had no knowledge of the eggs or Eldunari. Eragon himself was still unsure. Regardless, he and the elves planned to begin construction in the morning.
Right before dusk Blodhgarm had informed him, with uncharacteristic excitement, of a pocket of molten rock he located with magic deep in the heart of the mountain. "It will do wonders for the eggs," he had said. "The heat rising up will keep them warm and comfortable, until it's time to lift the enchantments and allow them to hatch."
This had pleased Eragon.
Positioning himself closer to the firelight, Eragon pulled out the small enchanted mirror out of Saphira's saddlebag and uttered the scrying spell.
A cloud of fog formed inside the mirror's smooth, reflective surface, then solidified into a blank, dark scene. With the spell that allowed him to hear as well as see, Eragon could hear the flapping of wings and a deep, thudding heartbeat. She was flying with Firnen, then.
Eragon waited patiently, sometimes stroking Saphira and other times conversing with the elves. After five minutes or so, the noises emanating from the mirror ceased. There came a rustling sound, firelight flooded the mirror, and then Arya came into view.
Eragon's heart ached with sorrow and longing when he beheld her lovely face, but also a great joy filled his heart. He grinned, and he knew his elation showed. Slowly, she smiled back, and her emerald eyes reflected the firelight as she gazed into his.
She was sitting beside her own campfire, which had obviously been hastily lit. Firnen crouched behind her. From what Eragon could see of him in the cramped background he still wore his saddlebags, and it pleased Eragon to know that she had not even bothered to unpack before contacting him.
"Eragon!" Arya exclaimed. "I hadn't expected to hear from you for a while." Concern replaced the joy on her face. "Are you hurt?"
He shook his head. "No, Arya. We're all right. Excellent, actually."
She looked relieved. "That is good." Her eyebrows creased in confusion. "Where are you?"
He began to explain to her how they had chanced upon the island, its ideal conditions (other than the issue with building materials) and how they seemed to strike him as odd, their plans of construction, and the mountains and forest. "It's a very large island," he finished. "I just find it strange that I've never heard of it before, nor seen it on any map. It's close enough to the mainland that it must have been discovered before."
"It certainly is perplexing," Arya agreed. He could tell she was concerned and puzzled. "But, it seems as if it's safe enough. With magical barriers to deflect any non-magician intruders, as well as a wall, perhaps…Are the elves satisfied?"
"We are, Arya Drottning," Blodgharm said from his spot near the fire. The other elves nodded, and from their expressions Eragon sensed their longing to speak with their queen, but they remained respectfully silent.
"Well, then," Arya declared, "I support your decision." She paused and frowned again. "Although I, as well, find this place odd…but no matter." Her eyes lit up, although the smile didn't touch her lips. "When do you plan to have the place ready for the Riders?"
Eragon paused. "I'm not sure. We're planning to begin in the morning, but I don't know how quickly it will progress. I guess it depends on whether or not I accept Nasuada's offer."
"What offer? Nasuada has not mentioned anything to me."
Eragon reached across to his pack and pulled out a waterskin. He drank, using the pause to his advantage as he pondered the best way to answer her question. As he did, he noticed Firnen had positioned himself behind Arya, trying to see into the mirror. Eragon placed the waterskin behind him and waved at the emerald dragon, who blinked in return.
Hoping that Arya wouldn't react too harshly, Eragon said, "Since the island is within sailing distance to Alagaesia, Nasuada wants to send prisoners here to help with the labor. It would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak; it would allow the criminals to work off their sentences while helping us as well. I'm not sure how I feel about it; the plan was to isolate ourselves in order to raise the dragons. The unbonded eggs will be hatching soon, and I don't want humans around when that happens."
Arya looked thoughtful. "As long as they leave when the structure is complete, and as long as they are away from you, the elves, and the eggs and Eldunari, I see no harm. Remember, Eragon, our previous plans no longer apply. You are closer to the mainland then we thought you would be. You're a hero, and once more eggs hatch and you can officially claim the title, the leader of the Riders. With those accomplishments, you can't assume that everyone will leave you alone when you're a mere three day's trip away!"
Eragon nodded, humbled. "I know. I'm just trying to do the best I can." By the expression in her eyes, he could see that she got his meaning; not even two years as a Rider, and already so much was expected of him. He hated to admit to himself, but he'd almost been looking forward to a break from people. I should have guessed, he thought. But he pushed the selfish notions from his mind.
Arya seemed to relax. "I know. May I ask, when do you plan to hatch the wild eggs?"
"As soon as everything falls into place, and the human prisoners leave, the elves will lift the enchantments that keep them from hatching." He began to explain his plans. "Most of the Eldunari with us were from wild dragons. We plan to leave most of them with the hatchlings, so they can guide them as they seem fit. Once they grow older, Saphira can fly with them to the Spine, Beors, and Du Weldenvarden in isolated places, to rebuild the wild populations." He paused. "Is that agreeable?"
"It is," Arya said. "Just be cautious. Time is ever so always our enemy. We must get everything ready for the wild dragons and the Riders, while ensuring that the hatchlings do not remain in their eggs for too long. We are young, Eragon, so young compared to the Riders of old, and here we are, already ushering in a new generation."
He nodded, unsure what to say. Searching for a topic of conversation, he asked. "Where are you?"
"Firnen and I," she said, "are on our way to Farthen Dur. The dwarves are in an uproar. They were beginning to settle back into their old routines after Galbatorix was killed; and then you added them to the dragon's pact. Some of them are overjoyed; others, furious. Orik was of the opinion that perhaps Firnen and I should make an appearance to quell their fears and speak to them; explain to them that this is in the best interest for their race."
Eragon lowered his gaze. "You think I made the wrong decision."
"Of course not," she said gently. "I just think it will be a while for everyone to get used to. In any case, we have the eggs with us, and as soon as you feel that everything is in order, we will begin exposing the dwarves to the eggs. We'll do the same with the Urgals." She paused. "I must admit, I'm a little nervous as to how the Urgal Riders will affect the balance of things, but I trust you and your ability to show them the right path, along with the rest of the Riders."
Eragon felt the first thread of nervousness. Do not worry, Glaedr said. Eragon jumped, unaware that the golden dragon had been listening on his conversation. I, along with Umaroth and the others, will assist you. You won't have to teach the Riders on your own.
Thank you, Ebrithal, Eragon said. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the newest responsibilities he knew he would quickly have to undertake, but it was comforting to know that, with the elves and Eldunari, he had centuries of wisdom to guide him on the right path.
After that, he enquired of the goings-on in Alagaesia. Arya had nothing to report, other than the fact that Nasuada was quickly winning favor across the country. "Other than the magician's anger at her attempting to control them, and Galbatorix's few remaining supporters, she seems to have no opposition."
"That is good." Eragon paused, and gathered his courage. Awkwardly aware that the elves were listening, Eragon said, "Arya, does this change anything?" His heart beat fast in his chest as he gauged her reaction and waited for her response, and he felt sick with longing.
Arya hesitated. "Well…this is more than I hoped for. We made decisions in accordance with the fact that you and Saphira would be far away. Now, however, it seems as if it was all for naught." She smiled. "Firnen and I would be more than happy to visit. Perhaps, before we begin looking for Riders amongst the dwarves, we can take a break from our duties in order to come."
Eragon cleared his throat and tried to smile; his emotions were so overwhelming that he could hardly believe that he might see her again, and soon. "I would love that," he said in the ancient language.
"As would I," she replied in the same way. "In any case, we all have much to do. I've scarcely had a break since I left Elesmera."
They continued talking for a while, Arya speaking to Blodgharm briefly about various goings-on back in Du Weldenvarden. After she resumed speaking to Eragon, she paused and said, with a small apologetic smile, "Firnen would like to see Saphira, is that all right?"
Eragon was about to reply when a bump from Saphira's head nearly unseated him as she twisted her neck to see into the mirror. A musical tinkling of laughter arose from the elves, and Eragon heard Arya laugh as well.
Sorry, Saphira said distractedly. She gazed into the mirror at the emerald dragon, then said, Will you tell them for me?
Eragon grinned. For a moment he had forgotten. "Of course. Arya, Firnen, Saphira is expecting eggs!"
Firnen did not roar with joy, as Eragon expected, but his eyes grew soft, and an odd expression came upon his scaly face. He hummed loud enough for the entire camp to hear, and Arya's eyes filled with tears of joy, although she brushed them aside fairly quickly. She smiled, and her eyes were alight with pride. "That's very good news indeed," she said enthusiastically. "To bring forth young is the greatest honor anyone could have. And it brings us one step closer to the restoration of the dragons in full." She paused. "It'll be awhile yet before she's ready to lay her egg-or eggs, as the case may be- but this is certainly a joyous occasion."
Afterwards, Arya and Eragon talked for a few more minutes, until she said gently, "It is late, and Firnen is tired from flying. We should get some rest."
Eragon nodded, sorry to see her go. "I understand." He cleared his throat. "This is harder than I thought it would be. I miss you." If he had spoken those words before the battle of the Burning Plains, or even before the battle at Uru'baen, he would've been mortified to let so much of his feelings for her slip, or anxious to see her response. Now, however, he was content to simply tell her his feelings and let her respond as she would.
"As I have you," she said softly, and his heart ached. "But now that you're closer than we thought possible, I can take an active role over there with you and the Riders, and you; you can come back to Alagaesia for brief periods, and assist where you are needed. And who knows, in time…" She trailed off.
"But the prophecy-"
"May very well come to naught," she said calmly. "Do you think every prediction, even those we elves make, is set in stone? The only way you will be forced to never return is if you bring it upon yourself to stay away."
"I suppose you're right. It's just a lot to adjust my mind to." They sat in silence, then Eragon said, "I suppose I should let you and Firnen get some rest. Fly safely."
"As you, Eragon Shadeslayer." She touched her lips, and the mirror went dark.