This isn't exactly my best chapter ever, but whatever. Enjoy it. (Hopefully)
Chapter 7: The Cost of Family
Eragon cracked his eyes open as he woke to the new day. The sun was just starting to rise above the horizon, and out of the corner of his eye he could see Saphira watching it. He made to get up and join her, allowing Roran and Arya to sleep in as long as they needed because of their recent ordeal. His efforts were halted as he realized that Arya's grip on his hand had only intensified over the night, and she was now nearly lying next to him, but not quite.
A slight smile came to his face, and once again he was puzzled by her subconscious, but figured that she would eventually explain herself when she was ready, so he didn't bother to pursue the topic with her. He gently pried Arya's fingers away from his hand and stood up. Eragon stared at Arya for a moment longer before walking up next to Saphira and resting one of his hands on her side. The mighty dragon hummed with contentment, and Eragon smiled.
Arya awoke a few minutes later; Eragon could hear her rummaging around behind him. He wasn't surprised when she walked up beside him, but what took him by surprise was when she gripped his hand loosely and carefully laid her head on his shoulder. Eragon hesitantly slid his hand out of her grip and instead wrapped it around her back, holding her close to him as the sun rose above the plains.
She finally said, "I am growing weak, Eragon. I understand now that confiding in you does help to ease my pain from past events, but it also weakens me in a way. I'm unaccustomed to all of these emotions, and I fear that I will lose myself among them. How can you and Saphira stay so strong while being so open with each other about your feelings?" As far as he could tell Arya was scared, but she did a very good job of hiding it behind a normal, friendly tone.
"You are not growing weaker. There are simply more difficult struggles being set before you. It has nothing to do with your emotional state right now." Eragon paused for a moment, allowing his praise to have the desired effect. "Also, to answer your question, Saphira and I remain so strong because we have something to fight for; something that we must accomplish, and people we must keep safe." He took a risk with his next words. "Oromis once asked me why I fight, and I did not have an answer immediately. So now I ask you the same question, Arya. Why do you fight?"
The sun rose another inch or two on the horizon before Arya finally looked up and gave a response to him. Her eyes were glossy with tears, as if the question had forced her to question everything that had led her up to where she was now. "I thought I was fighting for all the elves, and for Alagaesia. But…" here she hesitated. "I now fight for that and a new age where I can share my life with those who I count among my closest of friends."
"And who are your closest friends that you would fight so strongly for?"
"My mother, although we are not close she is still family, Saphira, and…you." A few of the tears she had kept dammed in her eyes fell at the mention of his name, thin streams running down her cheeks.
Somehow Eragon knew that she was also thinking of Faolin when she said that. It was just a gut instinct that he couldn't ignore. He whispered, "I'm sorry that things have turned out so difficult for you Arya. I know that you would rather be riding with Faolin right now." He did not speak with resentment, but his tone did have a slight edge that had been absent only moments before, as he remembered what she had said two nights before. Eragon was acutely aware of Saphira watching them with one of her eyes, doing her best to appear inconspicuous.
Eragon made to let go of her, but she quickly stopped him. "No, Eragon. I would not. I may have loved Faolin, but you are now more important to me than he was." She embraced him tightly, wrapping her other arm around him. Eragon returned the gesture in kind, wondering what exactly she had meant by her words.
A few minutes later they heard a slight rustle behind them and they quickly separated and resumed watching the sunset as if it was their daily procedure and nothing was out of the ordinary. In a way Eragon was puzzled by Arya's desire to hide even something as simple as a hug from Roran, but he dared not protest.
"Morning," came a grunt from Roran as he staggered upright.
Eragon turned around to look at Roran with an eyebrow raised, pretending that it was the first indication of being awake that he had given. "Are you doing better today, Roran?"
"Much! A good night's rest is always a wonderful thing, and being out of the shackles is even more exhilarating."
"I am pleased to hear that." Eragon glanced briefly at Arya, who was still watching the sunrise with Saphira. "In that case, unless we have any pressing matters, I suggest that we pack up and leave. The sooner we return to the Varden the better. I don't want Murtagh showing up right now."
"Then let us make haste," Arya said as she spun around and immediately headed for her sleeping bag.
Eragon joined her and quickly rolled his up. He gathered a few scattered things and walked around Saphira so he could place them in the proper saddlebags. A few grunts and low curses could be heard from the opposite side of Saphira as Roran tapped the fire down.
Arya quickly appeared beside Eragon and handed him her bag so that he could put it in the saddlebags. She set a hand on his shoulder before he could turn around and put the sleeping bag next to his own. She looked him in the eye and said, "I am sorry for constantly comparing you to Faolin. You are not the same person and never will be."
"Arya…" Eragon said, feeling another major rejection coming his way.
"You are better," she finished, ignoring his interruption.
Eragon was stunned as Arya said that, and then gave him a quick hug, which was made difficult by the sleeping bag in Eragon's arm. She stayed next to him for a moment longer as he placed her sleeping bag on Saphira, and then lowered her hand and began to walk away to do another scan of their camp and make sure nothing was missing.
He stopped her by saying, "Arya." She looked over her shoulder at him, a strange glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I'm happy to help you deal with your situation, and I thank you for recognizing that which made me uncomfortable." She nodded once, and walked around Saphira, vanishing from his sight.
**
Better than Faolin? Saphira asked with amusement. When do you plan to tell him the whole truth?
And what is the whole truth, Saphira?
That you love my rider.
Do I?
Yes.
Maybe, I have yet to decide.
The decision is not yours to make. Your heart has already chosen; all that remains is for you to face the situation.
I am still unsure, but I promise that if what you think ends up being true, I shall tell him with all possible haste.
I will hold you to your word, but don't take too long.
I won't.
**
After packing Roran's belongings as he had done with Arya's, Eragon climbed onto Saphira. Arya quickly jumped up behind him, apparently eager to get the seat behind him, and wrapped her arms around him. Then Roran slowly clambered up one of Saphira's forelegs and sat in front of Eragon, so that he could make sure that Roran did not fall.
Saphira raised her wings slowly, and then flapped three times in quick succession, launching them off the ground and into the clear sky. She angled south, and began the return journey to the Varden.
**
It was midday when Saphira approached the Varden. Before they even came in sight Eragon could hear the clashing of swords against shields, and also the roar of a dragon from below. He soundlessly drew Brisingr, and Arya did the same with her slender elven blade. Roran did not have a weapon to draw, so he just hung on tightly and watched the proceedings.
Saphira covered the remaining distance with only a few flaps of her wings, trying to be as stealthy as she could. They did not yet know if the dragon was Shruikan or Thorn.
She slowly descended through the clouds and, as if a veil was removed from his eyes, Eragon saw the Varden. There were sections on fire, and others that had already burned out, and there was a red dragon flying above sixteen figures, whom Eragon assumed to be the elves. His heart caught as he saw two bodies next to the sixteen that still stood, and he assumed that two of the elves had died while fighting against Murtagh and Thorn.
Little sunlight penetrated the cloud layer, which gave the battlefield a dark and ominous feeling. Saphira slowly positioned herself above Murtagh and Thorn, preparing to dive down on the pair and catch them unawares. While she moved Eragon surveyed the rest of the Varden more closely. There was a large group of soldiers attacking from the North, but the fight look like it was reasonably well contained and would be won. What concerned Eragon was the fighting amongst the rear of the Varden, where the women and children were.
His thoughts were cut off as Saphira said to her passengers, Here we go. I'll try and drop Roran off during a lull in the fighting so that you two will be able to fight without fear of protecting him. Arya's arm tightened around his waist, and he could have sworn he felt a slightly damp set of lips touch the back of his head, but he paid no heed as he focused his thoughts to one thing; the defeat of his half brother.
Saphira roared loudly, causing everyone to pause mid-slash and look up at her as she dived out of the sky towards Thorn. Cheers erupted from the Varden, while the Empire immediately returned to fighting, apparently unconcerned, or incapable of being concerned, about Saphira's arrival.
As Saphira neared Thorn, her talons outstretched to grip his back and maybe pull Murtagh off his dragon; he shied to the side and allowed her to pass, moving away at a quick pace.
Saphira barely had the time to slow their fall and land softly on the ground, and when Eragon looked up he was shocked to see Thorn winging his way northward, abandoning the fight.
That was too easy, Eragon thought. However, despite any misgivings he might have had about Murtagh and Thorn's departure, he did not voice his concerns.
Roran was the first to slide down Saphira's side, followed by Eragon and Arya, who jumped off together. Saphira had landed only a few feet away from the elves, who tiredly ran over to greet them, the two bodies still lying immobile on the ground.
"We are grateful for your arrival, Shadeslayers and Bjartskular. We were on the verge of being defeated by Murtagh. Had you showed up a few minutes later all could have been lost and the Varden could have been completely destroyed." Blodhgarm spoke more quietly than usual, which meant that Eragon had to strain his ears to hear him over all the nearby. His breathing sounded labored, and the elves did not carry themselves with the same proud demeanor that Eragon was accustomed too. He extended his mind to Aren and transferred a small portion of energy to each elf, enough to restore their strength to a reasonable level. They nodded their heads in thanks to him in return.
As the elves thanked him and spoke of a few things from the battle Eragon scanned each of their faces, looking for Vanir. Before jumping to any conclusions Eragon asked, "Blodhgarm, where is Vanir?"
This time Blodhgarm spoke in a sorrowful tone. "He and another elf, Eowa, were killed in the fight against Murtagh. I'm sorry, Eragon. I know that you were friends with Vanir."
Eragon fell to his knees, fighting to keep tears from spilling from his eyes. He had not always favored Vanir, but through the time he spent in Ellesmera they grew to be good friends. Not only that, Vanir was a young elf with so much to live for, yet here he was dead because Eragon had come back a bit too late to save him.
He was aware of someone behind him, either Arya or Roran, he assumed Arya, placing a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. He took a few moments to brood on the thought of Vanir's death before the emotions were swept from his mind by Saphira. Be strong, little one, she whispered in his mind.
With a clear head he stood back up and wiped his eyes, staring directly at Blodhgarm. "What else should I know? Bring me up to speed as quickly as possible."
"Murtagh and the soldiers attacked at dawn," Blodhgarm began. "We have been fighting against Murtagh most of the morning, once or twice he was able to cast some sort of diversion spell and slip away for a moment, often times causing damage to the Varden in the process, but overall we fought reasonably well against him. Vanir and Eowa were killed some thirty minutes before you arrived." Blodhgarm paused for a moment. "When the soldiers first attacked numerous members of the Black Hand, whom we thought we had exterminated, rose up and joined the fight, causing chaos within the Varden's ranks. I seem to remember something about the deaths of several leaders and nobles, but I was too busy fighting against Murtagh to listen to the blabber of others that were nearby."
"Alright, thank you. The situation isn't quite as bad as I had predicted at first, but this definitely is not good."
Just as Eragon finished, Jarsha trotted up to him. Eragon's guards didn't bother to question the boy or wait for Eragon's permission because they knew he was no real threat. Jarsha did his best to ignore Saphira's fangs, which were sticking out menacingly as she stared northward, towards the fight. The boy said quickly, as if in a major hurry, "Nasuada bids you see her in her tent immediately. She was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt, but the healers tell me she'll survive. But she probably won't be able to lead the Varden for a day or two, according to Trianna. It's just my thoughts, but I think that she plans to hand you the reins for the next few days. Please go see her at once."
"I will. Thank you, Jarsha. Stay safe!" Eragon called as the boy shied away.
Eragon turned to his guards and Arya and Roran, whom were all watching him, waiting for him to do something. He shuffled his feet, trying to decide upon the best course of action. Finally, "If I'm to become the provisional leader of the Varden then I had better start now, when I can do the most good. Roran, go find the commander of the northern forces and unless it is Jormundur himself, I want you to replace him under my orders and authority. The rest of you," Eragon motioned to his sixteen guards. "Split up into groups of either two or four, I leave it up to you, and go rout the Black Hand members from inside the Varden." He didn't give them time to respond or question his orders before he turned to Arya and said, "Arya, you're with me."
He turned and jogged away from the group. Arya hesitated for a moment, and then ran to catch up with him. Saphira, however, did not follow. Instead, she jumped up into the sky and flew northwards, unleashing a massive jet of fire towards a group of soldiers.
From beside Eragon Arya said with frustration, "I'm no weakling human woman, Eragon. You need not protect me. You should have sent me with the other elves."
Eragon slowed to a stop and turned to Arya, determined to remedy the situation once and for all, because he was getting irritated with her misinterpretations of his actions. "I did not order you to come with me because I wanted to protect you, Arya. I asked you to come because if what Jarsha said is true and that I am the leader of the Varden for a time, be it a day or a week, I want you there to help me out. I trust your judgment more than anyone else, so please don't think you are coming just because I want to protect you." Arya looked down, obviously a bit embarrassed by her assumption. She muttered a brief apology, and a thank you for his compliment and trust, before they continued running in the direction of Nasuada's pavilion.
As they approached the Nighthawks, their numbers triple the normal, turned around and pointed their weapons in their direction as if they were expecting an assault. They quickly lowered their weapons when they recognized Eragon and Arya, but they kept them ready incase anything should threaten their leader that was undoubtedly inside the tent.
The two elves briskly walked passed the two nighthawks closest to the flap, two broad Urgals that nodded in respect to them as they passed. Eragon returned their nod, clearly perplexed by how loyal the Urgals appeared, both to him and to Nasuada.
Once inside Eragon noticed the usual décor, along with two healers and Angela the Herbalist, whom were attending to Nasuada's wounds. To Eragon Nasuada looked very weak and unstable, but the same fire still burned in her eyes as the day that they had first sworn fealty to her, which brought a slight comfort to him.
Oddly enough, just as Eragon was about to address Nasuada, the dark skinned leader of the Varden passed into the realm of unconsciousness. Eragon frowned at the terrible timing, but knew that he could do nothing short of using magic to wake her, and he doubted that she would be very happy with him for doing such a thing.
Angela tapped down a bandage before standing up to face Eragon. She was a far sight shorter than him, but nonetheless she looked up and stared him in the eyes as she spoke. "She left instruction with me before she fell unconscious, and I can assure you that baring any unforeseen circumstances Nasuada will make a full recovery and should be back in shape to lead within a day. However," here Angela paused slightly. Eragon had also noticed that she seemed to have forsaken her customary banter in favor of clear and concise statements. "She said that while she remained unconscious you were her choice to manage the Varden. Unfortunately for you…all of the Council of Elders were killed in the assassination attempt, including Jormundur. King Orrin was wounded a bit, but last I heard he was on his way over here to help out as best he could."
Eragon gave an unpleasant grunt, obviously dismayed by how much he had to deal with. As if just to annoy him, Angela said, "I find this situation amusing. Nasuada falls unconscious right after her entire command staff is killed, because many of the captains were killed as well, and here you are in her shoes. You get to create her new staff, and then you never have to command them again if you don't want. I think she is lucky that you mean her no ill will, because you could create quite a catastrophe if you pick the wrong people."
"Thanks for the boost of confidence," Eragon said sarcastically.
In a more serious tone the witch said, "Oh don't be so down on yourself, you'll do fine. If you need my help have Saphira contact Solemnbum."
"Wait-" said Eragon, but Angela had already dashed out of the tent. How would Saphira know how to contact a creature as elusive as a werecat? Oh I don't have the time to ponder pointless things…let's get started.
Saphira said, I'll explain later, and Blodhgarm gave me a message to relay to you. He says that Vanir placed Naegling in your tent this morning, so if you have need of it's strength for whatever purpose that is where it is.
Thank you, Saphira. Will you be done fighting soon? He quickly ran through a quick mental examination of his dragon, and was satisfied when he found that his wards had protected her from any injury.
I do not know. Roran makes quite the commander, maybe you should have him fill Jormundur's shoes.
Yes, that might work. I don't want to force it on him though. We can come to a decision about that after all the enemies have been defeated. He cut off the contact so that he did not distract Saphira any longer from her bloody work. In a way he felt like he was betraying his responsibility to the Varden, but he also knew that the command must be preserved to prevent the Varden from falling into a power struggle.
Eragon dragged the blanket that Nasuada was lying on over to the side of the tent so that she wouldn't be in the way, and then sat down at the table in her tent. Arya lowered herself into the chair beside him a moment later and rested a hand on his arm. "How are you holding up?" she asked.
Before Eragon got a chance to respond King Orrin barged through the tent flap and looked curiously first at Arya's hand resting on Eragon's arm, and then at Nasuada's unconscious figure off to the side. To Eragon's relief Orrin didn't bother wasting any time with pointless chatter and he got right to the point. "I'm aware of what has happened, and also of Nasuada wish for you to lead in her stead. While I don't agree with her, it seems there is nothing I can do about it right now. So, what are your thoughts about replacing the Council of Elders?"
"Perhaps replacing them would not be the best idea," Arya thought out loud.
"But-" Orrin began.
Eragon cut him off without even noticing. "Actually that brings up an interesting idea, Arya. The Council of Elders was originally for the human Varden, because that was what it consisted of some few months back. Don't you think that given the recent change in the Varden's structure there is a need for something better…a Council of Alagaesia, for example."
"The Council was quite irritating," Orrin admitted with a grin. "Please elaborate on your idea, Shadeslayer." The king grabbed a chair and sat on the opposite side of the table, staring at Eragon with interest.
"What if we had one representative from each race for an advisory council for all the leaders? The Council of Elders never really did that much for the Varden anyway, I think that we could get away with eliminating them entirely as long as the people see it as if we have created something as a suitable replacement, which we have. This council would be the ultimate deciding factor about how the war against Galbatorix would unfold, whereas each respective King and Queen would remain in control of their people. I hope I'm explaining this properly." Eragon had been speaking very quickly throughout his explanation due to his excitement.
Arya spoke a bit more slowly. "The idea is intriguing and it guards against poor decisions. We can implement the idea and have Nasuada officially sign off on it when she resumes her post, but until then I think we should go about contacting Islanzadi, Orik, and Garzvhog to make sure they agree with us."
King Orrin gave a slow nod. As he stood up his chain armor jingled slightly. It was the first time that Eragon had realized that the king had been in the fighting and had abandoned it to meet with him.
Orrin called in a messenger and instructed him to fetch Garzvhog. Eragon rummaged around for a few mirrors and set two up so that they would have a view of the table. After intoning the spell of scrying, and adding the extra lines to make it possible to speak and hear, Eragon greeted the elf queen and dwarf king. Islanzadi returned his greetings with the standard elvish lines, whereas Orik took a more open approach to the greeting.
"Greetings Eragon, how are you faring?" he asked pleasantly. From his surroundings Eragon surmised the Orik was marching with the dwarves and that one of his magicians had handed him the mirror.
"Not too well, Orik. We have an important matter to discuss and I'll give you an explanation later, for as of now I am terribly pressed for time." Eragon's voice was more serious than usual and Orik gave him a slightly concerned glance, for Eragon had always found it in himself to speak friendly to the dwarf in the past. He scratched his head slightly, a thought occurring to him. "Actually, Nasuada will explain it to you tomorrow when she takes back her position as leader of the Varden."
"What has happened, Eragon?" asked Islanzadi, concern in her voice.
"The Varden were attacked while I was away and Murtagh was with the attacking forces. I'll explain more later, but I am currently filling Nasuada's shoes until she recovers, which the healers say should only be about a day."
"I shall hold you to your word. What is this matter that you must discuss with us?"
"It would be easier to only explain it once, so if you wouldn't mind waiting until Nar Garzvhog got here…"
"Of course," said Orik.
An uncomfortable silence reigned for a short time, until the massive Urgal pushed his way into the tent, unhealthy amounts of blood and guts covering him. In a gruff voice he addressed Eragon, "Firesword, what is the meaning of demanding my presence during the middle of a battle? It is a great shame to abandon a fight."
"I apologize, but it will not be a blight on your honor. We have something to discuss and I hope that the three of you," he motioned to the mirrors which held the figures of Orik and Islanzadi, "agree to it." Eragon wasted no time answering questions or entertaining pointless banter. He dived right into what was happening. "Moments ago I arrived at the Varden and somehow scared Murtagh, I guess he wasn't inclined to fight me along with sixteen elves. In any event I was given temporary command of the Varden because Nasuada was injured during an assassination attempt from the Black Hand. The Council of Elders were all killed, which brings us to the point of this meeting. After a bit of deliberation Arya, Orrin, and I have come up with an idea of how to replace them with a more useful council, The Council of Alagaesia."
"The name sounds intriguing," Orik thought out loud.
Arya picked up where Eragon had left off, ignoring Orik's voiced thought. "The Council would consist of one ambassador from each race; dwarves, elves, humans, Urgals, and dragons if the opportunity arises for their race to be reborn. Presently Saphira would be too occupied to participate. In any even the council would act as the war planners, a sort of war council, and together each race could contribute what they felt best. Each king and queen of their respective race would retain full authority over their people, but the council would act as a means of easier communication and decision making to occur between the races. We can go into more detail about the idea later, when there isn't a battle raging outside, but we wanted to see if the idea was generally agreeable to you so that we could focus on other things at this moment."
There was a long silence from both Orik and Islanzadi, but Garzvhog did not take long to accept. "For hundreds of years the Urgalgra have been treated like beasts and animals because of our love for war. We have no major quarrel with any particular race, save for Galbatorix himself, and I believe that this council would help the races familiarize themselves with the others, thus preventing future conflicts over misunderstood actions."
"I find myself in agreement with Nar Garzvhog," said Orik. Garzvhog inclined his head in Orik's direction. "This council is a necessary thing and will play a far greater role than I think any of us can assume at this point in time. It could be the very foundation of the rebuilding of Alagaesia after the war."
"The elves," Islanzadi began, "will benefit greatly from this. Too many humans and dwarves have false stereotypes for us, such as emotionless and sleepless shadows. You have a unanimous yes vote for this, Eragon. The only thing that remains is to pick representatives for the council from each race. I offer you the position, Arya."
All eyes turned to Arya; she had moved to stand next to Eragon at the start of the meeting and had remained rather quiet except for her early contribution. Nobody except for Orrin, if he looked, noticed her clasp Eragon's hand strongly at her mother's words, as if she needed the support.
The silence reigned for one long minute before Arya said confidently, "I do not accept this position. I have already served as the elves' ambassador and egg courier. If the third egg is recovered from Galbatorix I shall take up the responsibility of ferrying it from city to city, and I have my own ideas about what to do after the war. I do not wish to be bound to the council."
Nobody had expected her denial. From all of their experience she would have jumped at the opportunity to work against Galbatorix, but they did not question her motives, because she always had reason for what she did and they all knew that. Only Islanzadi seemed worried from her words, and Eragon just smiled ever so slightly, mostly from the contact between their hands, but also a bit from his amusement at Islanzadi's expression.
Eragon then spoke up, "In that case I suggest that Blodhgarm fill the spot on the council. He is already here and we can spare a guard without any problem when a meeting is called."
"The nomination is acceptable, and I know that he will take up his duty willingly," Islanzadi said, apparently relieved to have her representative out of the way. Arya's denial of her own mother was not something to be taken lightly.
"I am unsure of whom to appoint to this council. I have many trusted advisors," Garzvhog said uncertainly.
"Then I will make a suggestion," came a voice from the entrance of the tent. It was Roran, his armor splattered with gore. "Yarbog."
"Aye, he is a fine ram. May I ask why you make this suggestion Stronghammer?"
Roran took his place in front of the mirrors. "On a mission, just a few weeks ago, he questioned my authority and I wrestled him for the right to be chieftain." Eragon cringed slightly, remembering all the stories of his missions that Roran had told him when he accompanied him on his mission. "I won. I nominate him because since his defeat he has become a trusted friend and ally. His opinions of humans are also a bit more lenient than most of your rams, so I think that he would do very well in such a position."
"Then so it shall be," Garzvhog said. "You have convinced me Stronghammer. I am impressed you managed to best him, he is considered one of our best fighting rams." Roran inclined his head, accepting Garzvhog's praise.
He then turned to Eragon, and he seemed to ignore the fact that they were cousins because he spoke as if he was speaking to Nasuada. "The northern battle is nearly over, they are just routing the last few. Blodhgarm and the elves informed me that they had nearly finished exterminating the Black Hand, all of them this time."
"That is wonderful news, thank you," said Eragon. His eyes were wider than normal, surprised that Roran had managed to achieve victory so quickly, and somehow be informed of what was going on inside the tent. He surmised that a Nighthawk must have briefed him before he had entered. He turned back to the mirrors and the rest of the council. "With the addition of Yarbog we now have two out of the four members, as a member from the race of dragons will have to wait until their race is restored. Who shall be the ambassador of the dwarves?"
"I think that Iorunn would be a fine ambassador," Orik said after considering the idea for awhile. "Don't you agree, Eragon?"
"As long as I don't have to talk to her very often. She makes me feel…strange." At this Arya glanced up at him and raised an eyebrow slightly, obviously interested in the talk about any other woman Eragon might have had contact with.
Orik laughed at Eragon good-naturedly. Eragon ignored him and said, "Until Iorunn arrives here at the Varden we will have Narheim hold her seat."
"Agreed."
"I think," said Orrin, "That leaves us with only the human nomination to this council. Somewhere in my mind I remember a man named Martland Redbeard that stood out from any other commander or advisor that Nasuada had. He is my nomination."
"Martland was the captain that I was placed under on my first raid. He lost his right hand during the battle, but has still served the Varden faithfully since then. I think that the Council would be the perfect place for him, considering his disability." Roran spoke strongly in support of his old captain, the one that had saved his life.
"It is acceptable," Eragon agreed. "The dragons and riders will select representatives when there is more than just me to select from."
Arya then spoke up, bringing forth the final stipulation rule regarding the council. "The final thing to know about this Council is that at any time any king or queen of their race can participate in the Council's meetings. More concrete rules surrounding the minor details of each members conduct can be created later when there is time. But it is now safe to say that the Council of Alagaesia has been formed!" She spoke with enthusiasm, something that Eragon had rarely heard from her in public.
There was a bit of applause, and then everyone took their seats and spent the next few hours debating back and forth about what had happened at the Varden, why it had happened, how it had happened, and what should be done about it. Eragon ordered a few of the Nighthawks to carry Nasuada back to her personal tent and stand guard so that she could rest in peace, away from all the arguing between the leaders. Saphira also finished her work and curled up outside the tent, keeping watch while the 'two legs' had their fun.
In the end they came to the conclusion that the Black Hand was no longer a threat, seeing as how the elves had eliminated it once and for all. They also generally agreed that Eragon and Saphira had a strong chance of defeating Murtagh and Thron with the help of his guards and Arya, so the Varden could proceed without thinking they were about to be destroyed. Galbatorix, however, had rarely come up. Everyone was reluctant to discuss things regarding him, especially considering that most things looked negative when related to Galbatorix.
Finally, Eragon said, "I've had enough. We have been discussing these things all blasted day and it is time to cease. Tomorrow, when Nasuada again leads the Varden, we can continue."
Garzvhog and Orrin left quickly, obviously annoyed by how long they had been in the meeting. Just as Roran turned to leave, Eragon called, "Wait." Roran turned around and looked at Eragon, who was still seated beside Arya. "Jormundur was the Varden's general, and he is now dead. We decided to offer you his position, will you accept?"
Roran frowned. He looked up at the tent's ceiling for a long while as he considered what would happen if he accepted or refused. Finally, "I will accept this under one condition, that once this war is over I may set down my hammer and move on."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Go and return to Katrina now and rest, you deserve it." Eragon shooed Roran off with a sly grin on his face.
Orik said a few things to Eragon, bit Islanzadi and Arya farewell, and shut off his connection as well. Once again it was just Eragon, Arya, and Islanzadi together, with Saphira listening from the outside.
Eragon held up a hand before Islanzadi could begin and said, "I am exhausted, and I am sure Arya is equally tired. Let us have our conversation through the mirror in my tent, so that I may at least be comfortable while we talk."
"Go," said Islanzadi, waving a hand.
**
Arya walked alongside Eragon back towards their two tents, Saphira padding along lazily behind them. Their guards were ranged around them, and Blodhgarm had just finished telling Eragon that he had created a small tent next to theirs to hold the bodies of Vanir and Eowa until a proper funeral could be conducted.
She followed Eragon into his tent, Saphira coiled up outside, and watched as he lay down on his bed comfortably, facing the mirror. Arya intoned the scrying spell, and Islanzadi slowly materialized on the mirror.
"Where to start…" the queen thought out loud. "Ah, what has happened since the last time I talked to you in private?"
"Apart from what you heard today," Arya said tiredly, "Roran was captured and we had to go rescue him. I was injured quite seriously, but Eragon managed to heal me, barely." There was no reply from Eragon, only a slight snore. Arya extended her mind to the Rider that lay in his bed, looking rather peaceful. He was asleep.
"He's sleeping." Arya smiled as she looked at him.
"Good, good. That means I can talk to you without asking him to leave. I wanted to inquire about how your relationship was doing."
"I definitely feel something strong, very strong, for him. I am just unsure of what exactly that emotion is." She yawned expansively.
"I can see that you are tired and need rest, so I shall wait to inquire further about the recent events. I will only say that you should take care to not take too long with your emotions. At any moment of any day one of you could die or be captured by Galbatorix, and the chances of seeing him again if he were captured are beyond slim. Live your life to the fullest, and don't be afraid to take a chance." Her words carried the gentle, counseling tone that Arya had missed for seventy years.
"Thank you mother…" she looked at Eragon. "I shall speak to you tomorrow, I think." She finished exchanging farewells and then cut off the spell, still eyeing Eragon with a thoughtful expression.
Live your life to the fullest. At any moment of any day one of you could die… her mothers words rang in her head over and over again. After only a few moments she found herself climbing into the bed next to Eragon and cuddling up next to him.
She accidentally woke him as she was settling herself into her position, but he was too tired to inquire as to what exactly was happening. All he did was wrap one of his arms around her before dozing back off.
With her head rested on his chest Arya slowly drifted off into her waking dreams, feeling more at peace than she had the past few nights where she had been away from Eragon.