5. Passing Through
With plans in place and destinations in mind, the group made the journey to Hedarth in five days. They took time to enjoy their stops, and Murtagh showed them the natural wonders he and Thorn had discovered on their many flights to and from the Isle.
In Hedarth they parted ways with Hanin. From thence, the remainder of the group journeyed in a southwesterly direction in sight of the Az Ragni River, winging their way toward Farthen Dûr. They arrived at their destination after only a few more days' travel, on the last day of summer.
When the dwarves learned of their arrival at the entrance to the mountain, a great bustle and noise filled the air. To have five dragons arrive all together with an Urgal Rider among them was unprecedented. King Orik himself soon appeared, booming his approbation.
"Argetlam! Mine brother! And his new wife! And three other fine Riders, besides! Welcome to Tronjheim!"
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Their time there was merry and full. Orik and Hvedra were elated to hear that Eragon and Arya were expecting. Arya had a blissful time playing with the children. Much to her delight, they called her 'Auntie' at their father's insistence, since Eragon was his adopted half-brother. Orik insisted on holding a grand feast every evening of their stay, for the bounty of the first harvest was upon them. The dragons all had the experience of tasting the dwarves' fabled mead. Orik recounted the tale of Saphira's first encounter with joyful glee, much to the amusement of all. He even asked if she would care to demonstrate the graceful bow she had favored them with at that time, which suggestion she politely and primly declined.
Varhog's presence was at first met with some reluctance. Many dwarves were still fearful and prejudiced toward the Urgralgra race, as the memory of the terrible battle on their very doorstep was still so fresh in their minds. But his friendship with Knilf had preceded him, and his fluency in their tongue surprised even the most hardened dwarf. Eragon came to see that Varhog had the most potential of all the Riders to be a diplomat, as well versed as he was in all the languages and customs of each race.
Varhog spent every spare minute he could in the great library, just as Willow had predicted. He stayed up late into the night, and Willow often fell asleep on a nearby couch as he tirelessly read tome after tome.
Murtagh's presence provoked great anger in many of the dwarves. The memory of their former king's murder was still raw and painful. But Orik finally found it in his heart to forgive Murtagh of his terrible crime. Orik's happiness in his personal life, the dwarves' prosperity under his reign, their inclusion in the Dragon Rider pact, and even Eragon's happiness, all combined to serve as a foundation on which Orik was able to understand Murtagh's difficult situation when he had taken the old king's life. Orik finally let time heal old wounds.
Orik accepted Murtagh's contrite repentance and graciously offered forgiveness in private. But Orik went so far as to call a public assembly to implore his people to lay aside their hatred and forgive Murtagh as he had. Orik recited great praise for King Hrothgar as a beloved father and ruler, but in the same moment acknowledged that with his unfortunate passing, the dwarves had been able to move forward into a new age of prosperity and safety. This was due largely to the fact that Orik's reign and connection with Eragon had provided the needed prerequisites for their participation in the pact with the dragons. The dwarves received the speech well, and many looked on Murtagh with greater tolerance than before, though he was never beloved like Willow and Arya.
Angela spent her time telling and hearing stories, showing keen interest in tales from the oldest dwarves and seeking any clue into her father's departure. She learned nothing, however, of a young dwarf lad and his mother who had fled north to the forest over seven centuries before.
Eragon couldn't have imagined their time passing more smoothly or fruitfully, but after a week of visiting, Eragon regretfully informed Orik that they meant only to pass through. Orik was disappointed since it was his first reunion with Eragon in over a decade, but it was softened when Eragon promised that he and Arya would return with their new baby so Orik could meet it before they returned to the Isle.
After many farewells and embraces, the traveling party took their leave on a cool misty morning, heading through the Beors toward the valley of the Beartooth River. From thence they turned north, soon emerging from the wide mountain pass and continuing across the southwestern edge of the great Hadarac Desert.