Chapter 9: Tenga
Eragon and Saphira had flown nearly the whole distance to Tenga's residence in near silence. It wasn't until the end of the fight that Saphira finally begin to speak to him, and when she did it was not with the same loving tone that he was used to, but rather more of an angry and hurt voice. You love Arya more than you love me, don't you? His thoughts had been about nothing else but Arya for the entire day, and the dragon was obviously starting to get irritated.
Saphira! He exclaimed. How could you even suggest that?
Well you don't think of anything else, and you spend so much of your time with her. We don't even fly together anymore, Eragon.
That's not-Eragon paused mid-sentence as he recognized what Saphira was saying and just how much he had been neglecting her in favor of Arya. That was not my intention, Saphira. I guess I just got absorbed in what was going on with her.
Well it is to be expected, Saphira admitted with a sly wink. Being the mate of a princess, especially one as fearsome as Arya, must demand quite a bit of attention.
What do you mean 'mate'.
Oh come on, Eragon! Are you really that blind? She loves you just as much as you love her. She just doesn't know how to say it. You've been too busy trying to control your own emotions you have missed such obvious signs from her, and to be perfectly honest with you…that's the only reason I have waited until now to speak with you about it.
So you let me sit there in ignorance, why?
I let you sit there because it was funny; and also because it was payback for ignoring me. Yes, I envy the bond that you share with Arya and hope that one day I might find a dragon I can share similar feelings with, however I do not begrudge you of your happiness. Although, I do insist that you do not let her consume your thoughts at every waking moment. I am an integral part of who you are, as you are for me, and we cannot afford to ignore each other.
I know Saphira. I guess…he paused for a moment as he tried to articulate his feelings properly. I guess I realized that Arya was starting to actually love me; I just couldn't bring myself to believe it.
Eragon, we're here, Saphira said, ending their short conversation. She slowly descended through the clouds towards the scattered cluster of ancient ruins where Tenga resided. She landed as quietly as possible, although the impact still caused a slight vibration to run through the ground.
Eragon cautiously dismounted and approached the ruins slowly, keeping in mind that the madman whom inhabited them had the ability to use magic. Saphira crept along behind him for as long as she could, and when she couldn't fit through the ruins without destroying them she sat and stared at her rider. As he approached the door it began to open, and he made sure he had a clear line to draw Brisingr if anything were to happen.
Tenga stepped out of the door and looked him over for a split second before turning around and walking back inside. Over his shoulder he said, "Ah, Bergan, or should I call you Eragon? I had wondered when Solembum would send you." Eragon cast a look at Saphira, and then followed Tenga into the ruins cautiously.
After passing through the door Eragon found himself stepping over and around various scrolls and other strange objects. At the heart of the clutter was a single table with a few chairs around it, and on the table several ancient documents resided.
With his enhanced sight he could make out that one of the documents was a letter, and that the person who wrote it was Vrael. He didn't get a chance to inspect the letter or anything else before Tenga motioned to one of the chairs, and then sat down himself. Eragon eased himself into the opposite chair that Tenga sat at, surprised by how comfortable it was. After spending most of the day flying on Saphira it felt good to just lean back and relax, at least a little.
There was an awkward pause between them. Eragon wasn't sure how to begin, and Tenga seemed to be gathering a few of his thoughts. Tenga finally said, "Answer this question honestly. Do you believe that you can defeat Galbatorix should you and he meet in the new few weeks?"
Eragon tried to say yes, but knew that it was a lie. "No," he mumbled, not wanting to admit it to himself.
"Well at least I know you are honest," Tenga grumbled. "The information I have isn't a way in itself to gain more power, or even a way to bolster your chances of victory, it is just a chance for hope."
"You remind me of my father, the way you speak."
"I had only met Brom a couple times before he died, but it is an honor to be compared to him."
Eragon's hand slipped down to the hilt of Brisingr. Be careful, Eragon, Saphira counseled. We don't know what else he may know about you. I don't think we should trust him, not yet at least.
I agree. He decided not to question Tenga about his knowledge of Brom, for he reminded himself that many of the Varden knew and it wouldn't be so unusual for a man that a werecat takes interest in to be well informed. Eragon simply inclined his head in response to Tenga. "I was told that you had information for me about the Rock of Kuthian."
"Which is what I was already speaking of before you compared me to that old man," Tenga snapped.
A little cranky, are we? Saphira asked.
More than a little, majestic dragon, Tenga grunted. "This here," he picked up the letter from Vrael, "Is a letter, or rather a journal, written by Vrael himself. It talks about Kuthian and a secret that lies within. The only clue it offers is the name Eoam. I have concluded that this 'Rock of Kuthian' is undoubtedly the thing that you and I know as the Floating Crystal of Eoam, far to the southwest of Kuasta."
"And just how did you come to possess this letter?" Eragon inquired.
"For a Dragon Rider you aren't all that bright. We're in elven ruins, where do you think I found it?"
"An old wise man once said that there is always more to a situation than just the obvious. I was merely checking." Eragon let a hint of his irritation be displayed in his tone, and privately he felt Saphira's approval for his response.
Tenga inclined his head. "The journal described a great secret known only by the Lead Rider. What this secret was is not specified, and all that I can conclude is that it is some sort of a means of information, because if it was a great power then Vrael would have fled to the Rock of Kuthian rather than to Utgard." Eragon nodded his understanding. Tenga's assumptions seemed well reasoned and accurate. Before he could even ask a question Tenga spoke up again, this time talking much more quickly. "Well, you need to head to Bierland right away, I'm assuming. I have a place to go as well. Should you find the free time between now and when you meet Galbatorix at Uru'baen please come to Du Fells Nangaroth. I will be there waiting."
Tenga scooped up a few things from the clutter around the chairs, shouldered a pack, and headed for the door. "Wait!" Eragon called. "Why are you going to Du Fells Nangaroth?"
"Galbatorix has been monitoring me for the past thirty years, ever since he realized who I was."
"And who exactly are you?" Eragon interrupted.
"It would take too long to explain. I'll give you a more detailed explanation at Du Fells Nangaroth should you choose to join me there. The reason I'm leaving now is because Galbatorix no doubt has been informed that you are here, and that I have talked to you. He will come after me at this place." Tenga eyed Eragon with amusement. "You might want to leave too; he is probably on the way as we speak."
Tenga rushed out before Eragon could get another word in, completely puzzled by the madman's behavior. He grabbed Vrael's journal and looked around to see if there was anything else worth bringing back, but was unable to see any use in the random documents scattered around the floor.
He made his way out of the ruins, almost tripping several times, to stand by Saphira's side. Together they watched Tenga scurry away at a pace faster than Eragon would have thought possible for an old man.
What a strange creature, Saphira remarked.
Indeed. Doesn't what he said about Galbatorix worry you?
Saphira shifted her gaze to her rider and inspected him. Of course, we should probably head back. I bet Arya is waiting for you. The bones in her eyelid clinked as she winked at Eragon. He grumbled and jumped onto her back without bothering to retort.
With her powerful wings Saphira propelled them into the air and angled southwards. Eragon inquired, Shouldn't we be flying southwest?
We should retrieve Glaedr before heading for the Rock of Kuthian.
I agree, but what about Arya?
Eragon, you and I both know that she can do more good with the Varden than by traveling with us.
You have a point, but she isn't needed at the moment. The Varden are marching and preparing to strike Belatona. If all goes well we should be back before the battle.
What do you want me to say, Eragon? Saphira snorted. She seemed amused by Eragon's questions and reasoning. Are you asking me for permission to bring Arya with you to the Rock of Kuthian?
I wouldn't say it like that….well yes I am.
I won't object, and having her along might be a good thing because you two might finally stop dancing around each other and just admit what you really feel. It's bugging me that you are both so afraid of something that you both desire. I don't understand it. Typical two-legged logic. There was an awkward pause between them. Eragon was unsure of how to reply, and Saphira was unsure of how to create a proper joke to fit the situation. If you want my advice…she offered.
Go on.
I think that you could exploit our upcoming visit to the Varden. Tell Arya that she can't come with us; make her convince you to go. It should open up a large enough display of emotion for you to realize what I told you earlier.
I also fear that I may end up with several bruises if I try to force her to do something she doesn't want to do.
Saphira snorted with obvious amusement. Whatever happened to you male humans being more powerful than your females?
He shook his head, amazed by Saphira's taunts. Saphira we are both elves, and we both know that Arya is no average female. I'll consider what you have suggested. Meanwhile I think we should discuss what Tenga hold us about, the Rock of Kuthian.
It made little sense to me as well, Saphira offered, sensing his puzzlement. I doubt we will come up with anything more than he told us until we actually get there.
Fine, you win.
Something I would like to ask you now, Saphira said, out of character. Normally it was Eragon asking the questions between them. Why did you leave Glaedr behind at the Varden? You never did explain that.
I figured that, should the Varden be attacked, Arya could use Glaedr's strength to at least give them a fighting chance against Murtagh and Thorn. Also, he paused. I thought that Arya might need someone to talk to while I was gone. There was an overly loud snort, which Eragon clearly heard over the rushing wind that was ever present while Saphira was flying high and fast. He withdrew from Saphira's mind without response, and spent, the rest of the day attempting, without success, to figure out what the hope of a hope Tenga had described would do for him, and what exactly Tenga wanted to do at Du Fells Nangaroth.
Eragon sat upon Saphira, gazing out at the massive plain that surrounded them. They were nearly back to where they guessed that the Varden would make camp for the evening. A slight signal from Saphira caused him to look down at the ground. At their height there was little that could be easily determined by simply looking, but because of his enhanced senses Eragon saw the tiny patch of color moving along the surface, in their direction.
Saphira angled downwards at an angle to intercept the person. Eragon assumed that it was a spy running back to the Empire to report something on the Varden's encampment.
However, once they had descended to be only a few hundred feet above the ground Eragon noticed that the figure was a female, and she was looking upwards at them. Arya.
Saphira landed with a massive thud in front of Arya, and Eragon quickly dismounted. He swept his gaze around, noticing that some league or so behind Arya was a large group moving in their direction. There were a few thin clouds that Eragon hadn't noticed from above that had shielded them from his and Saphira's view.
Arya and Eragon approached each other, with Saphira watching from a short distance away. When they were no more than a foot apart both stopped and stared at the other, an uncomfortable silence reigning between them. After a few moments Eragon realized that he was going to have to speak first, so he posed a reasonable question instead of addressing his actions earlier that morning. "What are you doing so far ahead of the Varden?" He noticed that she wore her standard black leather, which complemented her hair quite nicely.
She motioned to Saphira and said in a relatively emotionless voice, similar to the one Eragon had heard her use when addressing a matter of politics, "I felt the vibrations in the air from Saphira's flying, and I told Nasuada that I was going ahead to scout our campsite. I was hoping to speak to a certain Rider before he was swallowed up in the machine of politics once he returned to the Varden."
"We are not returning yet. We have passed by only to pick up Glaedr; do you by any chance have his Eldunari with you?"
Arya tossed a bag at his feet in anger, but she was also careful to make sure it landed softly. "And where are you going this time? Or can you not tell me?"
"Saphira and I thought it would be best for the Varden if you stayed."
"Eragon," Arya said, her emotionless façade vanishing. She looked over her shoulder to see if the Varden were still a large distance away, and then touched Eragon on the shoulder gently. "I may sound selfish, but what about what I desire?"
"And what exactly do you desire?"
"Don't you know?"
"I know that you want to come with me, but it is impractical. Where I am going you wouldn't be able to help, I don't think."
"It's not just about helping you. You opened a door within me that has been closed for a very, very long time. I remember you saying to me, not long ago, 'Even if the whole world abandoned you I would still be here for you.' Did you mean that?"
"Of course I meant it," he insisted. Before she could reply again he said, "You can come on this trip with us, and any others that you wish if circumstance permit." He embraced her and swayed slowly from side to side, speaking now from his heart instead of his Rider's duty. "I wanted to bring you this morning, more than you could possibly know. Solembum was the one who told me about going to see Tenga, and he said that Tenga would not talk."
"So that's where you were…" Arya whispered.
"Shhh," Eragon said, breaking off their embrace and putting a finger to her lips. "I'll tell you all about it once we start heading to our destination."
"Which is…" she prompted.
"The island of Bierland, more specifically the floating crystal that resides there. Tenga says that it is the Rock of Kuthian." He glanced around and noticed that the Varden were almost close enough to see him and Arya clearly so he said, "Like I said, I'll explain when we're flying or when we make camp. We should go and greet Nasuada now."
"Very well. And Eragon," Arya began, and then hesitated for a moment. "Thank you for making the right choices today. I understand now that you couldn't bring me for your visit to Tenga, and I am grateful that you agreed to bring me on this upcoming venture."
"Arya you know it is no burden to take you with me. Actually, it makes traveling much more enjoyable. I wouldn't have it any other way than you and Saphira at my side." He saw her smile slightly, to which he mirrored. Privately he sighed in relief that Arya was not angry with him over his decision to leave her behind. He also realized what Saphira mentioned: Arya seemed to harbor feelings beyond friendship for him. Why else would she forgive him so easily?
After Eragon picked up Glaedr's Eldunari they hopped onto Saphira and the dragon quickly ferried them over to the Varden, landing softly near Nasuada. There were numerous cheers from the Varden as Eragon dismounted, followed quickly by Arya. Their sixteen elvish guards surrounded them quickly, shielding them from the Varden as they walked the short distance from where Saphira landed to where Nasuada stood.
There were cries of 'Shadeslayer, will you marry me?' and 'I'm naming my child after you, Shadeslayer!' However, one woman even went so far as to jump past Eragon's guards and tackle him, kissing him affectionately all over his face. He immediately pushed her up and away, and one of the elves, probably Arya, tossed her off to the side.
Arya extended her arm and Eragon gratefully took it. She pulled him back to his feet and they continued on their way to Nasuada as if nothing had happened, whereas in reality Eragon was embarrassed by the woman's actions. He wiped the sleeve of his shirt across his face, removing the excess saliva that was still there from the woman's kisses.
Eragon glanced to his side to see Arya walking next to him with a slightly pink color forming on her cheeks. He could tell she was doing her best to maintain her composure, but the sight almost made him burst out laughing. Instead, to distract himself, he said, "What a day."
"Eragon, who was that woman?" Arya asked, turning her head to look at him.
"I honestly don't have the slightest clue." He looked at her once again. In a teasing voice he asked, "You're not jealous, are you?" He spoke in the ancient language, signifying that he wanted a response in kind.
A deeper shade of pink flowed through her cheeks and she looked away. Her voice was soft when she said, "If I wanted to kiss you I would do it."
"That didn't answer my question."
She sighed in defeat. "Okay, maybe a little." She returned her gaze to him and added, "We can talk about that later, when we are alone."
Eragon smiled slightly, bemused by her reaction. "Well we don't have time now anyway. Look ahead; we just arrived." Arya glanced up and squared her shoulders as she saw Nasuada standing on a slightly elevated platform, surrounded by Nighthawks. She was wearing long pants with a short sleeved shirt, both the color of blue. It was the first time Eragon had seen Nasuada wearing what he would consider to be a man's attire. Apparently she had taken after Arya, at least while marching and fighting. He swept his gaze to the side and noticed Roran standing near her as well.
Saphira and Eragon had realized by then that they would have to make some sort of public statement, and that their return was being grossly exaggerated for political means. The dragon asked, Eragon, Arya, why are we here? We have Glaedr's Eldunari, let's just leave. Her voice had an unusual hint of distaste.
It was Arya that replied to her. Since when have you not wanted people to give you attention, Saphira?
The dragon snorted loudly behind them, blowing a small jet of fire in Arya's direction. I do not like being used.
Well we would have had to do this anyway because we weren't expecting Arya to come out and talk to us before we arrived. I'll see what I can do to make this end as quickly as possible, said Eragon. He hated public speaking, and was determined to have to say the least amount possible so that they could be on their way. Even as it was they would barely make it back in time for the Battle of Belatona, and that's assuming they spent less than a few hours at the Rock of Kuthian before having to leave.
The crowd gathered around the platform parted for Eragon's group to pass, allowing him and Arya to walk up to Nasuada while their guards mixed in with the Nighthawks. Saphira trudged around behind the platform and extended her neck so that she could participate.
Arya stood a small distance behind Eragon, near where Roran was, as he approached Nasuada. They shook hands, and Eragon asked as softly as possible, but loudly enough to be heard over all the commotion, "What in the world is all of this about?"
Nasuada gave an exasperated sigh. "You can't just leave without telling anyone, Eragon. This is to celebrate your return from…whatever you were doing."
"Blodhgarm will explain that to you after this is over."
"Fine. But, the real reason for this is because of what you did while I was unconscious."
"Oh?" asked Eragon.
Nasuada motioned to Roran, and he handed her a rolled up scroll. She unrolled it and presented it to Eragon. "This is the order that you issued yesterday, forming the Council of Alagaesia. It has been signed by Elves, Dwarves, Urgals, and Humans. All that remains is for you and Saphira to sign it, granting Rider and Dragon approval." In an answer to his confused expression of how the signatures were acquired she said, "We had our magicians transport it to the elves, and then to the dwarves. I felt that it shouldn't be delayed any longer than it had to be."
"So all I have to do is sign it?"
"You have to explain it to the Varden as well; we have yet to make the announcement. I figured since it was your idea, along with Arya, you two should present it."
"Nasuada you know how much I hate public speaking…" she stepped away without listening to him. He sighed, squared his shoulders, and turned to the Varden.
In his mind he heard Saphira whisper, I will help you.
As will I.
Arya? asked Eragon. He turned to her and she smiled at him slightly. Thank you.
"People of the Varden!" he began. "Yesterday we were attacked by Murtagh and Thorn, the Black Hand, and soldiers of the Empire. I regret that I was away on a mission in the beginning, but thankfully I arrived before it was too late. However, Lady Nasuada was injured quite seriously by an assassination attempt, which also killed all of the Council of Elders. Nasuada made me the provisional leader of the Varden, and in that time I was forced to come up with solutions to the Council of Elder situation, and a few other things besides." He paused, confirming one more time that they were doing the right thing with the Council of Alagaesia. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Arya whispering with Nasuada about something. He made a mental note to ask Arya about that later.
"To replace the Council of Elders, and also to create a foundation for better relations between the races after the war is over, we have decided to create a new Council, the Council of Alagaesia." There were a few cheers from the crowd, but most help their peace until Eragon took the time to give them a reasonably detailed explanation of what the Council's purpose and function was. Once that was done, Eragon held up the scroll that Nasuada had given him and proclaimed, "This is the scroll authorizing the Council to take up its duties. It has already been signed by Nar Garzvhog of the Urgals, Queen Islanzadi of the Elves, Lady Nasuada and King Orrin of the humans, and King Orik of the Dwarves. All that remains is for a Dragon and a Rider to give their approval. He removed the pen that was clipped to the top of the Scroll and signed his name next to Orik's." Privately he asked Saphira, How will you sign it?
The same way that you just did. She reached toward him with one of her paws and carefully extended one of her razor sharp talons so that it barely touched the scroll. In a slow and exaggerated motion she moved her talon, carving a slim line in the shape of her name. I taught myself to write by using the memories of your lessons with Brom. I thought it would be interesting to surprise you one day with it.
Eragon stared at the scroll in disbelief. A dragon had just signed a written document. There was a mental nudge from Arya, reminding him that all eyes were still focused on him. "It is done!" he proclaimed, and then stepped back to Nasuada and Arya. He handed the scroll to Nasuada, and then she took his place in front of the Varden.
Arya leaned her head over and whispered, "You did well, Eragon."
"Did I? I hope so." He glanced at her briefly then murmured, "What were you and Nasuada talking about?"
"Naturally," Arya began. "She wanted to know where you had been today. Since you have yet to give me the full details I wasn't able to tell her, but I did tell her that you and I, along with Saphira, will be leaving immediately for Bierland."
"How did she react to that?"
"She requested that we stay for the night at least."
"You know that we can't do that. We need to leave immediately."
"Yes, that's exactly what I told her. She reluctantly agreed. We can leave at any time."
Eragon swept his gaze over the Varden, and then looked at Nasuada. "I don't think we should leave until Nasuada finishes her speech, it would be considered disrespectful."
"See, there you go," Arya praised, patting him on the shoulder gently. "You're learning about politics." He grunted.