(A.N.) First and for most, a thanks to everyone that reviewed the last chapter: Eureka and Renton forever, CrazyGeek31, funnelwebs, OechsnerC, Dessert Maniac, eragonfan117, burning book, AirGearisthewayoflife, LongLoreLover, N-Six, Kagega and Elemental Dragon Slayer, Ky111, CodeLyoko-Wroter, and stapet!
Lastly, a big thanks to RaphaeloftheDarkness for beta reading this fic!
I have decided that this will be the official final chapter of this fic. These next two chapters are very important, mainly because a lot happens
The Empire: Book IV
Chapter 21
[Eragon]
The first thing that he noticed was the gentle breeze that touched his skin. Eragon's brow furrowed and he shifted his body as much as he could before a wave of pain swept through him. The second was the soft, warm bed that was supporting his weight. His eyelids fluttered open and he immediately took in all of his surroundings.
He was in a tent.
Eragon's gaze traveled around the room, trying to find something recognizable, but he could identify nothing that he knew aside from a few of his personal belongings. Eragon forced himself to sit up and he covered his face with his hands. What had happened? Was he not inside the Citadel of Uru'Baen only moments ago? He wracked his brain, trying hard to bring back the memories of what had happened.
And then he remembered.
Eragon's hands slowly fell into his lap when as the memory of beheading Galbarotix played through his mind.
He killed Galbatorix.
A wave on immeasurable happiness burst forth from inside of him and he could hardly contain the large small smile that now began to cover his face.
It was over, the war was over.
Unfortunately for Eragon, he could not fully relish in celebration just yet. No, he had to make sure his loved ones were safe. He slowly pushed his feet out from under the blankets and sat at the edge of the cot. Eragon's eyebrows furrowed again as he looked at the large bandages that covered his chest, side and arm. A sharp pain hit him in the back of his head and he winced slightly before raising his hand to gingerly touch where the pain had originated from. There was a bandage there too, and it wrapped around his head; though it only wrapped around his forehead.
"I must have hit my head at some point..."
Eragon mentally shook his head and stood up, before crying out in pain through clenched teeth and falling back onto the bed. Eragon's jaw tightened and he willed himself to stand up once more. Just as he did, the tent flap flew open revealing a very tired looking old woman and a large cat beside her feet.
"My my, look who decided to finally wake up." Angela observed. Her expression changed from gladness and worry to anger and annoyance. "No, no, no!" She muttered fervently as she tried to push Eragon back into his bed. "You still need to rest -"
"I want to see Arya." Eragon interrupted in a rather stern voice.
Angela rolled her eyes. "Yes, I understand that, and you will...soon. But for right now, you need to get back into that bed and rest!"
Frustration and anger began to boil inside Eragon. If Angela thought that she could stop him from seeing Arya then she would be sorely surprised.
"Angela!" Eragon suddenly snapped.
She froze, obviously caught off guard by his sudden anger.
"I want to see Arya." Eragon repeated, enunciating each word through clenched teeth. His hard gaze met hers and it took Angela a few seconds before she responded.
"Very well." She replied with a sigh.
Perhaps she understood how much Eragon wished to see Arya, or perhaps she was too tired to argue with him. Quite frankly, he didn't care. But when he nodded weakly and attempted to stand up once more, Angela forced him back down.
Eragon glared at Angela and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off by throwing her hand in the air. "Arya is fine. I will send for her but only if you promise to get back in that bed!"
Eragon continued to glare at Angela, but he didn't have the strength to argue anymore, and he concluded that she probably wouldn't agree to anything else. So Eragon grudgingly nodded and then slowly returned to the cot. "How long have I been here?"
Angela helped him under the blankets but not before she looked over his wounds. "It's been two days, and although I was able to heal many of your serious injuries, two days is not enough for you even attempt at walking." She responded rather angrily, but Eragon did not seem to care.
Muttering something under her breath, Angela gave Eragon something to drink that tasted very bitter, and then she quickly left the tent.
Solumbum, however, did not leave right away. The large cat jumped up onto the cot and eyed Eragon looking rather interested in his current predicament.
"So, you were able to defeat him." Solumbum finally spoke.
Eragon jerked his head back slightly and raised his eyebrows as a small grin flashed across his face. "You didn't think I could do it?"
Solumbum licked one of his paws. "On the contrary. I knew you could. However, did you believe you could?"
Eragon blinked once and was forced to think about that question. Did he truly believe that he would be able to defeat Galbatorix? The answer was right there, he could see it, but he couldn't admit to it. How could he admit, not just to himself, but to all his friends and family, that he didn't believe that he could defeat Galbatorix?
"No, I did not..." Eragon finally replied.
Solumbum abruptly stopped licking his paw and looked up at Eragon. "Don't be so hard on yourself. You still have a long way to go."
Eragon looked slightly confused by this. "What do you mean?"
But the tent flap suddenly opened up and Solumbum quickly jumped off the bed and ran out the tent, in between the legs a tall, dark haired woman of immense beauty.
Eragon didn't bother to call for the werecat, because he was now too busy staring back at the tall woman.
"Eragon..." Arya whispered. She looked very tired and a large bandage was wrapped around her forehead. She was dressed rather casually, in only green tunic and brown leggings covered by a pair of tall leather boots.
Eragon seemed lost for words. At the sight of seeing her, his eyes became glassy and tears began to form; though none actually fell. "Arya..." He managed to say as a large lump began to form in the back of his throat. He swallowed hard as images of her broken body lying on the cold, stone floor of the Citadel flooded his mind.
She closed the distance between themselves and then took a seat beside him. She smiled at took his hand into hers. "Oh Eragon..." Her eyes, which just as glassy as his, suddenly began to dispense tears, and she lost complete control when Eragon grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into a tight hug.
He could feel wet tears travel down his shoulder and bare back. "I thought...I thought you were g-gone..." Eragon caught himself as he choked back tears.
"I know...I know...I...when I saw your body lying on the ground in front of the throne I thought you -"
Eragon gently pushed Arya back and cupped her face with his hands. "I know. I'm fine, and I thank whatever powers that be that you are safe and by my side once more." He used his thumbs to gently brush away the tears that slowly trickled down Arya's face before he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips.
He knew Arya was alive and safe after he saw her walk up to him, but he needed to feel her. He needed to hold her in his arms and kiss her until his lips cracked and burned from pain. He lightly pushed his head forward in order to deepen the kiss and he began to trace her soft lips with his tongue before she opened her mouth so that he could taste her once more. It felt like ages ago that he had last smelt that alluring scent of freshly cut pine cones and the taste of her sweet lips.
Arya moaned softly and pushed her body against his, obviously needing him more. They ran their hands through each other's hair and over their body's. Arya gingerly placed her hands on Eragon's chest and trailed her long fingers over his skin, stopping just above the bandage that covered his side.
Eragon groaned softly, trying hard to fight off the waves of pain that came and went.
"You need to rest." She said softly as she racked her fingers through his short, messy hair.
Eragon smiled. "As do you , my love."
Arya sniffed lightly and nodded. "Our tent has been erected. Would you like move there, or would you rather rest here? I do not mind staying here with you, if that is what you want..."
A small grin played on Eragon's face. "What do you think?"
Arya laughed lightly and leaned into him; her soft lips teasingly brushing against his neck and ear. "I think," She whispered, "that you would much rather return to the comfort of our bed, with me beside you."
Eragon released a breath of air as Arya brushed her cheek lovingly against his before resting her forehead against his own.
"You know me too well, Arya." He said with a warm smile.
A brief pause of silence filled the tent before Eragon gave a playful smile and gave no hint to Arya what he was about to do before quickly placing his hands on her waist and pushing her down on the bed so that he was now looking down on her.
Arya made no comment and stared at him unblinkingly as he gently lowered his body onto hers. Eragon trailed a line of soft, slow kisses from her collar bone up to her bottom lip where he stopped and sucked soothingly on the moist, red skin.
Arya remained silent, but her eyes were closed now. Her hands trailed up his bare back while his fingers ran up her exposed legs. Eragon's left hand went to her hip and then he moved around to grab her butt. He gave it a squeeze and mentally admired at how soft it was. He gave it another squeeze before he began to rub and massage it.
Arya moaned softly as small jolts of pleasure passed through her. "Eragon..." She breathed.
If this kept up, Eragon wasn't sure if he would be able to stop himself so that they may properly leave the medical tent he was currently in. He may just take her right now.
As the two continued their displays of affections, a loud knock came from outside, causing the two to stop abruptly and glance at the entrance flaps. Before the two could even think about who might be just outside, Roran burst through; a large grin was plastered on his face.
"Eragon!" He quickly stopped when he saw Arya. "O-oh...Arya." He smiled and turned his head down faintly. "Forgive me, I did not know you were here, Arya." He glanced over at Eragon. "I am glad to see that you are awake, cousin. I will return later. I'm sure you two would prefer to be alone."
Roran turned on his feet and began to make his was out of the medical tent for Eragon, when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back. Roran blinked in surprise and his eyes widened a bit more when he was that it was Arya who had grabbed him.
"Please," She spoke softly. "stay, Roran. There will be time for that later.
Eragon coughed vaguely as his cheeks turned a rosy pink.
Roran's look of puzzlement vanished and a smiled reappeared. "Very well, I shall stay."
It wasn't until later in the day that Eragon felt the familiar presence of his dragon brush against his mental barriers.
"Oh little one!" She cried when their minds merged again. Their reunion was much like the ones they had in the past, although this time didn't involve Saphira pinning Eragon down with one of her enormous hands.
"I have missed you, Saphira." Eragon said as he mentally hugged her.
Saphria hummed affectionately in response and stuck the tip of her snout into the opening of the tent.
"Where have you been all day?" Eragon asked her curiously.
Saphira stretched her body and laid down on the grassy field outside his tent. "I was out hunting." She replied.
Eragon raised an eyebrow."All day?"
"No, before I went hunting I...I went and saw Thorn." Saphira replied hesitantly.
Eragon's eyes widened. "You went and saw Thorn?! Of what did you the two of you speak about?"
"I did not go because I wanted to." She huffed defensively. "I only spoke with him because he asked me to. He wanted to make peace with us."
Eragon remained silent as thoughts buzzed around in his head. "And what did you tell him?"
"I told him that you and I do not wish to be enemies with him and Murtagh."
Relief settled in his mind as Eragon relaxed into his cot. "That is good to hear." He paused before continuing. "Did you happen to see Murtagh."
"I did not. Thorn met me outside the walls of Uru'Baen. After I told him that we wished to be friends with them, he spoke to me about the future."
"The future?" Eragon repeated. His voice was laced with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"They wish to be alone, Eragon. I am sure that if we asked them to accompany us to the island to train dragon riders, they would decline." Saphira stated.
Disappointment washed over him. Why would they wish to be alone?
"I believe it is something you should talk to Murtagh about." Saphira suggested.
Eragon gave a mental nod. "Indeed, I shall. Where are you now?"
"Circling above the encampment." Saphira replied. "But I shall soon be on the ground."
Not long after, the flaps to the tent began to whip back and forth from heavy gusts of wind that began to sweep through the surrounding area. When Saphira landed beside the tent, Eragon wasted no time in getting out and embracing her with his own body.
"We did it, Saphira. We succeeded..." He trailed off as a smiled broke across his face.
"I am proud of you, little one."
"And I you."
He stood outside the large, black gates of the Citadel in Uru'Baen. Blodgharm and the others elves were busy trying to break the many wards that still lurked inside the walls. Eragon sighed and looked up absently at the sky. It seemed that after Galbatorix had been vanquished, the dark clouds that loomed ominously over the capitol city vanished immediately.
While Eragon had never felt happier, among other jovial emotions, there was one thing that continued to bother him.
Murtagh.
His half-brother had yet to come and see him. Of course, Eragon knew he could not blame his older brother. After all, his mind was under the control of Galbatorix. He was made to do terrible things to those he cared about. His dragon, Thorn, was born into enslavement. But that was not the reason why Murtagh hadn't come to see him.
It was the free people of Alagaesia.
They thought they knew Murtagh for what he had done. Murder, betrayal, anger, fear.
Evil.
Those were the things that people had thought about when asked about Murtagh.
But Eragon knew better. Of course he knew better, how could be not? The problem now however, was that Murtagh had locked himself high up in one of the tall towers of the Citadel along with Thorn. He hadn't left the room since he helped to moderately heal Eragon, Arya and Saphira.
He had never really put much thought into what Murtagh would do once the war was over. In all honesty, Eragon half believed that Murtagh would die by his own hand. Orik had made him promise to avenge Hrothgar, in fact.
"Go on, little one. I will be right here with you." Saphira said encouragingly.
"I know." Eragon replied with a smile.
The gates remained open during the day so that work could be completed faster and Saphira walked through the entrance, her tail swaying gently back and forth.
"Do you think he will help us?" Eragon asked as started to walk.
"I do not know. Murtagh has changed a lot since we became separated. Truth be told, I was shocked when he broke Galbatorix's hold over his mind." Saphira replied.
"I haven't seen him for days now." Eragon whispered. He hoped that Murtagh and Thorn would join them when they decided to leave Alagaesia, but something told Eragon that Murtagh would decline the offer.
Perhaps it was a good thing that Arya was not here. She had mixed feeling about Murtagh and he wouldn't want anything to go wrong. Not that he didn't trust Arya, it was more because he knew Arya was still uncomfortable to be around the Red Rider.
Eragon searched out for Murtagh with his mind and was met with a barrier. "It is me, brother." Eragon said mentally. "I only wish to speak with you."
Silence was his answer for several long seconds, until finally the mental barriers fell. "Come then, brother, let us speak."
Eragon located Murtagh in a high tower towards the back of the Citadel and quickly looked at Saphira. "Shall we?"
Saphira gave a low growl and lowered her body to the ground. "Perhaps it would be easier if I flew you there."
Eragon gave her a confused look. "Is there a way for me to enter from the outside?"
Saphira gave a mental nod. "It is how Thorn comes and goes when he hunts."
"Very well then, let us go." Eragon replied as he climbed up her side.
The tower was indeed very large, as was the room where Murtagh currently resided in. An enormous archway served as an entrance and allowed Saphira to land and even enter herself.
"Murtagh?" Eragon shouted into the darkness ahead of him.
No answer came, but a minute later the silhouette of a tall man clad in armor came into view.
"Hello brother, it is good to see you are well." Murtagh's voice boomed across the large hallway.
The ground shook and soon Thorn's giant body could be seen. The red dragon gave a low growl and smoke ejected from his nostrils.
Saphira gave a similar growl and stepped over Eragon in a protective manner.
"Can we not speak as we once did, brother?" Eragon asked.
Murtagh, who had now stepped into the light, looked from Eragon to Saphira and then at Thorn. A few minutes later Thorn gave another growl and then walked towards the balcony where Saphira and Eragon stood. Thorn paused and eyed Saphira before pushing himself off the ground and flying off into the sky.
"Go on, I will be fine." Eragon said as he patted Saphira's side affectionately.
Saphira brushed the tip of her snout to his head and then took off after Thorn.
Eragon watched as Saphira caught up with Thorn and the two disappeared from view.
"What do you want, Eragon?"
Eragon turned around and looked at Murtagh.
"I wished to see how you were doing." Eragon replied.
Murtagh gave no response as he turned on his heel and walked back into the tower.
Eragon silently followed him inside and looked around the room. Dimly lit torches hung at angles from the stone walls. Eragon noted the enormous size of space and wondered what this chamber had been used form when Galbatorix was still in power. "Where are we?" He asked, his voice echoing off the walls.
"This is Thorn's chamber's, or rather it was his chamber's." Murtagh replied.
"Was? Are you not planning on staying here?" Eragon asked.
Murtagh stopped walking and turned around to face Eragon. "You already know the answer to that question, brother."
Eragon sighed and looked down. "I know. I only meant..." He looked back up at Murtagh. "I do not want you to leave. You are a dragon rider, Murtagh. You and Thorn are part of the new order now."
Murtagh shook his head. "You know as well as I do that Thorn and I would never be welcomed here. The people fear us, they hate us, and they are right to do so."
"They do not know you as I do, Murtagh. Once the people understand that you were forced -"
"That's just it, Eragon. They do not wish to know. The people of Alagaesia are thick headed. They do not understand things the way we do. Dragon's, Elves, Dwarves, they are above the understandings of such simple-minded people." Murtagh said sharply.
Eragon clenched his teeth in frustration. "If you think of the people like that then you are only giving them more reason to hate you, please brother, let me -"
Murtagh raised his hand to silence Eragon. "I am grateful that you care so much, Eragon. I truly am. However, it is not the right time to force such things. Perhaps one day, when the people are ready for it, I will return to Alagaesia with Thorn and live here."
"Then perhaps you and Thorn can accompany me to Vroengard to train future Dragon Riders?" He offered hopefully.
Eragon's hope's were crushed again as Murtagh shook his head once more. "I am afraid that I must decline that offer."
"But -"
"It is not because I do not wish to help you; however Thorn has never known a life outside of enslavement. I want him to be free and fly without boundaries. We will leave Alagaesia and explore what we can on our own." He gave a weak smile. "Perhaps we shall somewhere to live." He looked up at Eragon and smiled at the disappointed look on his brother's face. Taking a step closer, Murtagh placed a hand on Eragon's shoulder. "For what it's worth Eragon, I am glad I was able to help you bring down that evil man."
Eragon nodded and smiled back. "Aye, so am I."
Murtagh released Eragon's shoulder and then walked away from him. "Come brother, I have something to give that I think you will find most helpful."
Eragon raised a questioning eyebrow but followed his brother further into the chamber. Murtagh opened a set of double doors that led into a smaller chamber filled with ornate objects, jewels and other treasures. In the center of the room sat a stone pillar that stood about waist high. Eragon's eyes widened and he took a step closer. On the stone pillar, resting on a black cushion, was a green egg.
"Arya?" Eragon approached her as he exited the Citadel. Saphira and Thorn had yet to return and so he was forced to walk through the dark, empty corridors until he reached the throne room, where Varden soldiers and Elves bustled around.
When she heard her name called, she turned and faced Eragon, giving him a smile and walked towards him. She gave him hug and kept her arms wrapped around his waist even after the two pulled away.
"What are you doing here? I thought you went to see your mother?" Eragon asked.
Arya nodded. "I did, she is doing well. The Elves are in debt to your cousin." She said with a light laugh.
Eragon laughed as well. "Yes, well, I am sure Roran wishes for no one to be in debt with him."
"Still, what he did will never be forgotten. Elves will sing of his rescue for hundreds of years." Arya replied. She looked down at a leather bag that was slung across Eragon's chest.
"What is that?" She asked curiously.
Eragon followed her gaze and then grinned. "I will tell you later. It was given to me by Murtagh." He noticed her stiffen slightly at the mention of his brother and sighed. "There is no need to worry, Arya, I trust him."
Arya shook her head and smiled. "I know. I feel as though I can trust him a little more after what he did, but it will take time."
"Indeed." Eragon replied.
Arya's smiled slowly vanished and was replaced by a look of worry as she bit her lower lip.
Eragon furrowed his eyebrows. "What is it, Arya?"
She swallowed and slowly took his hands in hers. "Eragon, there is something I need to tell you...I -"
"My lord Eragon!"
He turned around as a member of the Nighthawks approached him.
"Yes? What is it?" Eragon asked.
"Lady Nasuada requests your presence." The man paused and looked at Arya. "Yours as well, Lady Arya." The man gave a bow after he finished.
Eragon sighed and turned to Arya. "We will talk later, ok?"
Arya nodded. "Very well."
Arya
"I'm glad you all could come."
Nasuada stood at the end of a long, wooden table. There were pieces of parchment scattered over it. She wore her armor, though not the full set; some of the heavier pieces remained unattached.
"It is good to see you, Lady Nasuada." Eragon said with a short bow.
Arya mimicked Eragon but remained silent.
Nasuada lips broke into a small smile when she regarded him. "Eragon, Arya, it is good to see you as always." She turned to the others. "And to all of you."
"Before you tell us all why we are here, I would like to show something to all of you. Something that was given to me by Murtagh." Eragon said as he unstrapped the bag that was slung across his body and placed it delicately on the table.
Everyone in the room visibly stiffened. "And what may that be?" Nasuada asked cautiously.
"You needn't worry. It is something we all have wanted for a long time." Eragon said with a smile.
Everyone leaned in curiously as Eragon opened the sac and pulled out a large, green orb.
"By the gods, is that...?!" Orik gasped.
"The last egg..." Arya breathed.
Eragon smiled. "Indeed. When I went to speak with Murtagh, he gave this to me. I will guard it now until we can properly decide how to transport it across the land to find its Rider."
Nasuada took a step towards the egg, as did Arya. She gently traced the surface of the egg with her fingers. "This is indeed a glorious day." She looked back up at Eragon. "The reason I have called you all here is because the time has come to choose a new leader for Alagaesia." She said with a hint of frustration. She was tired, as was everyone else.
"Oh...somehow I forgot that we need to pick a new ruler..." Eragon spoke as if he had just come out of a daze.
"Your mind has been on other matters." Saphira replied.
"Still, it's something the Lead Rider should remember. Now they may think me a fool."
Saphira huffed. "They do not think you a fool, Eragon. You are a smart and capable leader. You have altered battles to end. It is because of your quick thinking and will to act that have brought you here. You are no fool, Eragon. But you are young. It is natural for your mind to wander. Just be mindful of the present."
Eragon laughed mentally. "Saphira, you always know how to make me feel better."
Saphira snorted. "Don't get me wrong, if I wasn't with you, you would probably be dead by now."
Eragon mentally shook his head and chuckled.
Some coughed and while others shifted around, but the room remained silent.
"Let us begin, then." Nasuada said, sounding somewhat relieved that they had finally started. "Our first candidate is someone whom we all have thought would take up this position; I am sure even he knows..."
Eragon sucked in his breath. He could feel his heart pounding for some unknown reason. Why was he acting this way? He knew this day would come; the day when they all would ask him to be their king. It sent a shiver through his body. Who would have thought that Eragon, the farm boy from Carvahall, would be asked by high ranking leaders in Alagaesia, be wear a crown and govern the country? The answer to that was no one, of course. But that wasn't the real reason why Eragon should not have been acting this way. It was because he already knew what his answer would be, and that was no. He had known it all along really. Ever since the topic was brought up, in his heart, Eragon knew he could never take up the thrown. Disregarding the fact that Eragon didn't even want to rule over the people of Alagaesia and that he was a dragon rider, he still could not accept their offer. He was with Arya, and she was the princess of the Elves. It would give him too much power, as it were, and decisions would be biased, of course.
"Eragon Shadeslayer, Rider of Saphira Brightscales and son of Brom the Rider. Do you accept our nomination for you to be king of Alagaesia and her people?" Nasuada finished.
The room feels silent and all eyes feel upon Eragon.
He took in a sharp breath and closed his eyes.
"What are you thinking, little one?" Saphira asked gently.
"I cannot accept this." Eragon replied.
"And why not? You, of all people, deserve this." Saphira said.
Eragon mentally shook his head. "No, Saphira, I have a much bigger duty that requires my full attention. I cannot rule over the people of Alagaesia and the Riders! On top of which I am mate with Arya! I would have the Riders, the Elves, the Humans, and even the Dwarves in the palm of my hand! It is too much power for any one man."
Saphira laughed. "A wise decision."
Eragon frowned. "Why are you laughing?"
"Even when you do not accept this offer, you will still have all of that. You know as well as I do that Nasuada and Orik will support us." Saphira chuckled again. "And you already have the support of the Elves."
Eragon looked at Arya. She smiled softly at him and gently slid her hand into his interlacing their fingers. He smiled at her, feeling much more confidant now, and looked at Nasuada. "I am sorry, all of you," He started to say as he glanced around at everyone. "but I cannot accept this offer. To crown me King of Alagaesia would give me too much power." He gave Arya a small smile before continuing. "I have duties of my own that require my full attention. It is my job to rebuild the Riders, and I Saphira and myself cannot raise Dragon's here in Alagaeisa. The people aren't quite ready for that yet."
"And where will you go?" Nasuada asked calmly. She tried not to show it, but Eragon caught the slight indication of disappointment in her voice; she didn't want him to leave.
Eragon sighed. "To Vroengard. I feel that it is the best place to rebuild the order. Though the city lies in ruin's now, but with the help of Saphira, Glaedr, Umaroth, Blodgharm and the other elves, it shouldn't be too difficult."
Eragon eyed Blodgharm after he finished. Ever since the elf had been assigned to protect him, he never gave Eragon pause to doubt his loyalty. How strange it was the Eragon could call the furry Elf a close friend of his just after a year of knowing him.
"And what will you do, Arya? Will you go with him?" Nasuada asked, now looking at female Elf.
"That is yet to be decided." She replied with a quick glance at Eragon and her mother.
He remained silent. They had yet to discuss what they would do in the future, and Arya's response gave an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach, the kind he didn't like.
"Very well." Nasuada said with a sigh. "We shall move on then."
"If I may." Eragon said while clearing his throat. "I believe I would like to make a nomination."
"Oh? And who do you think should be the next ruler of Alagaesia?" King Orrin asked in a rather dignified tone.
Eragon smiled and kept his eyes upon Nasuada. "Lady Nasuada, of course." He said with a light laugh.
"I agree." Orik said confidently.
"As do I." Queen Islanzadi said.
Orrin's expression grew more and more upset as each leader gave their agreement for Nasuada to be the Queen.
"And what about me?!" He said with a growl. "I have given my entire resources to the Varden. I have given you my men, gold, and even Surda as a home for those who could not fight. What makes her a more capable leader than I?"
Eragon glanced at Arya. She did not seem pleased by Orrin's outburst.
Eragon coughed, but thankfully Queen Islanzadi stepped in. "My dear King Orrin, you were indeed a very valuable friend and ally during those troubled times of war, however I believe that Lady Nasuada has proven herself a capable leader of the Varden. You know as well as I do that she learned everything she knows from her father, whom we all loved and respected. Lady Nasuada has brought together all the races of Alagaesia together under one banner. She even earned the respect of the Urgals, which is something to say." She looked at Nasuada and smiled. "You have my support, Nasuada, and that of the Elves."
"Aye, you have the support of the my people as well." Orik said as he balled his right hand into a fist and pressed it against his chest.
"Tell Nasuada that she has my support as well." Saphira said.
"You have my support and that of Saphira." He paused and smiled. "And when the new order is built, you will have the support of the Riders."
Before Nasuada could reply, King Orrin let out a growl and took a step forward. "I do not except this!" He said, raising his voice. "I will not!"
"Do mean to say that you will go against Lady Nasuada? If so, know that you will going against the free races of Alagaesia. I do not think Surda has the means to take on the Varden, the Elves, the Dwarves and a Rider and his Dragon." Arya said roughly.
"How dare you! I am the King of Surda, you will not speak to me in such a manner -"
"And you will not speak to the mate of the Lead Rider in such a manner!" Orik growled back.
"Enough!" Nasuada shouted with the raise of her hand. The room fell silent, though the tension was still high. Nasuada turned to Orrin and smiled gently. "My dear Orrin, we are friends are we not? Let us settle this dispute in a peaceful manner."
King Orrin grumbled but said nothing. Nasuada walked back over to the table and placed her hands on either side of the map of Alagaesia that rested on the wooden table. "I can give you Aroughs, Feinster, Melian and Furnost. That will almost double the size of Surda."
"I want Belatona." Orrin said greedily.
Nasuada shook her head. "We will need Belatona as it a good transport city for goods from Dras Leona."
"I will not agree to anything unless you give me Belatona." Orrin said stubbornly.
Before Nasuada could argue, Eragon took a step forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "If I may. " He said with a whisper.
Nasuada nodded and Eragon placed his lips close to her ear. "It matters not whether Belatona is good city to have, my lady. You will control Dras Leona, Kuasta and Tierm. Those three cities alone control the import and export of goods in this country. Let him have Belatona, I do not think you will need it."
Nasuada sighed. "Very well." She said with a whisper.
She looked at King Orrin and nodded. "Very well, King Orrin, I can agree to those to terms. Do we have an agreement?" She asked as she extended her hand out to him.
He stared at it, unsure of what to do. If he wanted to get more, then he would be sorely disappointed. Thankfully, he did not.
"I agree to those terms."
"Then as witnesses, and as the leaders of the free people of Alagaesia, do we all agree to have Nasuada as the new Queen of Alagaesia?" Jormundur asked.
Erveryone nodded and he smiled before turning to Nasuada. "Lady Nasuada, will you accept our wish for you to be the Queen of Alagaesia and her people?"
"I do." She replied
"And do you promise to uphold the highest laws of this land, and to protect and watch over the people?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to be fare and treat everyone equally and to never abuse your power?"
"I promise."
"A proper ceremony will be conducted at a later date, but for now; hail Queen Nasuada!" Jormundur yelled gleefully.
"Hail Queen Nasuada!" everyone yelled.
"That was rather tiring." Eragon said as he gently took off the sac holding the green egg and placed it on the cot.
Arya walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She pressed her chest against his back and sighed. "We still have much to do."
Eragon sighed. "I know." His eyes fell on the egg. "I want you to watch over it."
"Do you not plan of taking it with you?" Arya asked.
Eragon turned around. "Arya -"
"Eragon, I'm pregnant." Arya suddenly sputtered out.
"I...what?" Eragon asked, confusion etched on his face.
"Eragon," She took one of his hands and placed it on her belly. "I am with child, your child."
Eragon blinked. His face remained blank as he tried to understand what Arya had just said. She was pregnant? When had this happened? Had she known for long?
"I found out after I awoke in the medical tent."
A smile began to form on his face. "You're pregnant?!" He breathed. He fell backwards onto the cot.
Arya knelt down in front of him, her eyes filled with worry. "Are you...upset?" She asked.
Eragon faced her. "Upset? Far from it!" He exclaimed excitedly. He took her hands in his and kissed them. "This is wonderful news!"
Arya laughed lightly and hugged him. "Oh Eragon! I love you!" She kissed him longingly on the lips and Eragon brought his hands up to cup her cheeks.
"Will you come with me?" Eragon asked when she broke away.
Arya furrowed her eyebrows and smiled. "Of course, Eragon. What sort of question is that?"
"A stupid one." Saphira snorted.
Eragon chuckled and kissed Arya again.
"Our family just got bigger."
Arya couldn't sleep. It wasn't that she was not tired, on the contrary, she was exhausted. But her mind was on other matters. The baby, for one. She was more than happy that her mother had accepted this. She was, admittedly, afraid that her mother would once again cast her out. But the look of utter jubilation that spread on the Queen's face gave her a sense of hope and that their family would now be whole again. She had yet to tell her mother that she would be leaving for Vroengard with Eragon, but that was to be expected. Elves held babies in the highest regard and there was no way she would separate Eragon from his child by staying in Du Weldenvarden.
She did have one wish, however. That the child be born in Elesmera, as she was. She had no doubt in her mind that Eragon would agree to this. After all, there was still so much that needed to be done, and she was sure that Eragon wouldn't leave before witnessing the birth of his cousin's child.
Eragon stirred just then, and Arya glanced over to see him shift slightly in his sleep. His eyes remained shut, and his face ever calm. She smiled and scooted closer to him, hugging her left arm over his body and placing her lips on his neck.
The moment was interrupted when a small rocking noise broke the peaceful silence. Arya looked around the room, casting out her mind to see what was wrong. When she felt nothing out of the ordinary, she sighed and settling back into the cot, embracing Eragon once more. A few seconds later the sound came again and Arya sat up fully this time as a cracking sound erupted. She swallowed as her heart rate increased. The sound came again, and then once more, this time much louder.
It could not have been what she thought. No, it was much too soon for that, wasn't it? Although it was true that, under the right circumstances, such a thing was possible, but Arya had never imagined it could happen to her.
"Eragon, Eragon wake up." She said.
Arya placed her hand on his shoulder and lightly shook it. "Eragon, something is happening."
"Mmmm." Eragon grumbled. "What is it? What's wrong?" He said as he sat up and rubbed his face.
"Listen." Arya whispered.
Silence filled the room for several long seconds, and for a brief moment Arya wondered if she was losing her mind. But then the sound came, a loud cracking noise, almost like bones breaking and rocking sound followed.
Eragon's eyes widened. Of course they did, he had experienced such a thing before. He would know better then most.
"Arya...is that..."
"I believe it is." She replied with a whisper.
They both slowly got out of the cot and walked over to the large, leather sac that held the green egg.
It was rocking violently now.
Arya sucked in a breath and knelt down to it. She carefully undid the straps and watched in shock as bits of the shell began to break off.
"Arya...the egg is hatching for you!" Eragon exclaimed excitedly.
No, it couldn't be. Could it?
"Who else would it be hatching for?" The thought came to her like a smack in the face. Of course the egg was hatching for her. But the shock was more then she could handle at the moment.
Just then, a sharp squeaking sound came from the egg, and a small green head poked out from the shell.
Ok, So this is officially the last chapter of The Empire: Book IV. The next chapter will continue the story through the Epilogue, followed by a sequel!
- Demonzmagic