Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing that Christopher Paolini has already created, as usual.
Three days passed since the three Shur'tugal left the dwarf city. Eragon and Tasha sparred every night before dinner. Every time, Tasha lost without even landing one hit on her mentor. She winced in pain as she moved with Saphira in flight. Amestat clung to her shoulder. The smallest dragon was beginning to get too heavy for Tasha to carry. Amestat, I think that its time for you to fly on your own, Tasha grumbled that afternoon as they flew north to Roran's castle. The rain poured down on them, drenching their tunics.
Tasha began shivering uncontrollably. She felt numb and miserable.
I would only slow Saphira and Galzra down, replied Amestat. I do not think that you should be exposed to this weather any longer than you should have to.
Eragon-ebrithil and Queen Arya are holding up just fine, so why should I not? Especially if Arya is holding up. Tasha looked at her rival bitterly. I need to get rid of her somehow.
I do not think that is a wise thing to do, warned Amestat cautiously. Focus on your training for now, and then we will worry about Arya and Galzra.
Tasha grunted rhetorically. She looked ahead. The rain splashing on her eyes made it difficult to see. Are we there yet?
"A few more hours," Eragon whispered in her ear. Arya, we should find a place of shelter, he pleaded. Tasha will be ill at this rate!
I do not see any caves nearby, replied Arya coolly.
We could go to Brom's tomb, suggested Eragon desperately. The last thing that he wanted was to take care of an ill charge. Do you know where we are, Saphira?
It is difficult even for me to see past this sheet of rain, little one, answered Saphira.
Galzra? Eragon looked at his mate's dragon. The downpour made it difficult for him to see the emerald dragon, but he could definitely hear wings beating beside him.
There are bandits camped below us, reported Galzra. It would be suicide to land now.
It would also be suicide to continue at this rate, cried Eragon. We must find refuge somewhere!
Eragon! You heard Galzra; it would be suicide to land now! Arya clenched her teeth. She wondered if this downpour would have any effect on the child growing inside her womb. She gripped Zar'roc's hilt tightly, ready to draw the red blade. We need to get above these clouds!
Galzra and Saphira ascended above the clouds. The raindrops slid from their smooth scales. Eragon quickly dried himself and Tasha, while Arya dried herself. They picked up speed.
"Why coul'n't we do t'is before?" cried Tasha in her old accent.
Arya gazed at her suspiciously. Something is oddly wrong with that child, she murmured to Galzra.
I agree, but how do we prove it.
No one answered Tasha. The remaining flight was kept silent.
An hour after sundown, Saphira and Galzra began circling. Ready to get wet again? Saphira smiled maliciously.
Land in the orchard, ordered Eragon.
Saphira and Galzra dove straight down and continued to accelerate. Amestat relinquished his grip on Tasha half way down. Tasha screamed in fright. Eragon fought to keep his charge angled properly for the rapid decent. At the last moment Galzra and Saphira leveled out and spread their wings. They landed with a soft thud.
Several guards greeted them. "We are here to see Roran and Katrina," announced Eragon loudly. He dismounted. "Where is my cousin?"
Roran strode forward. "Eragon!" he gasped, surprised at his cousin's sudden appearance. "Take them to the spare rooms and make sure that they get to bathe and have clean clothes," he ordered with authority. "Brother," he whispered in Eragon's ear. "We can exchange news after you rest from your long journey."
Eragon inclined his head. Arya and Tasha both dismounted. Tasha, tell Amestat to find a place to hide for now, he ordered.
Tasha looked startled, but under Arya's piercing gaze, she quickly composed her face. Amestat, did you hear Eragon's orders?
I did, and I cannot pretend that I am not happy over them, murmured Amestat.
Tasha followed Eragon and Arya into the castle. Several of the guards timidly removed Galzra and Saphira's saddles before hustling away. She was led to a private room next to Eragon and Arya's, which they shared. 'This is Murtagh's old room,' she thought with disgust.
In the next room, Eragon readied the bath. He rubbed his stubbles of a beard that had started over their journey as he had forgotten to shave. After he made sure that the water was warm enough he turned to Arya, whom had already removed her tunic. Smiling, he followed suit, glad to get out of his dirty clothing. They slipped into the water together. "It seems that Roran is adjusting quite well," murmured Eragon, soaking in the sudden warmth.
Arya nodded and leaned into Eragon's shoulder where she rested. "I do not think that Galbatorix had much loyalty within the Empire," she replied softly. She closed her eyes.
Eragon smiled fondly at her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. He looked up at the steam filled ceiling and allowed his thoughts to wonder.
They remained like that for several moments before washing away the grime. Eragon helped Arya wash her long, dark hair. They climbed out of the water together and found a clean set of robes on their bed that must have been left out by a castle servant. The robes were a matching red with gold embroidery. They dressed themselves and walked out into the hall. Two guards in plain green robes stood outside their door. Two more stood outside Tasha's door. "Lord Roran will see you now," murmured the guard to the right, a broad shouldered, built like a bull, and scars along his face.
"Could you tell us where Lord Roran is?" asked Eragon politely. He looked up at the guard, who was a head taller than him.
The guard bowed to Eragon. "I will lead you to him, Lord Eragon," he murmured. The guard led Eragon and Arya down the hall.
It feels weird to be welcomed here like a hero when a few weeks ago, we would have been killed on sight, commented Eragon.
I still think that there is some loyalty to Galbatorix, replied Arya cautiously. So keep your guard up.
What makes you think that, Arya?
Leaders usually do not get loyalty this quickly, answered Arya. Usually it takes years, sometimes decades. The only way that most leaders gain loyalty is by inheriting their position, or waging wars in foreign lands.
Are you saying that you do not trust Roran, my cousin? Eragon flared up dangerously.
No, of course not Eragon, Arya corrected quickly, slightly offended that her mate would suggest such a thing. I only meant to say that there might be nobles pulling the strings here.
Eragon nodded solemnly, finally understanding Arya's concern. Can you scout out the area tonight?
I already planned on it, murmured Arya. Keep a close eye on Tasha tonight. Do not let her leave her room.
It will be done, murmured Eragon dutifully.
The guard stopped. Four guards stood by the door in front of them. All were the same build as the one that led Eragon and Arya through the castle. They stepped aside after glancing at Eragon and Arya. The two Riders strode into the dining hall. Food was setting out. Roran sat at the head with Katrina directly to his left. "Eragon! Arya!" he exclaimed joyously. "Come, sit."
Eragon sat at Roran's left with Arya at his right. "I see that the two of you have settled to your new life quite well," murmured Eragon. He looked first to his cousin and then to Katrina.
"Ha!" laughed Roran suddenly, causing Katrina to jump in surprise. "You mean the constant paperwork and duties of living as King! Eragon, this life is boring."
"It is a step up from farming, is it not, Roran?" replied Eragon, keeping a soft voice. His eyes however betrayed his sadness. Bringing up their past together as being farmers brought back memories of Garrow's death. "You can get whatever you want in an instant."
Roran grimaced. "But that is not how I was raised, Eragon," he murmured softly, shaking his head. "We were taught by my father to live off of the land and to accept no charity from no one, no matter the circumstances."
Eragon nodded, understanding what his cousin meant. "I am sorry that I brought you into this, Roran," he whispered. "If I would have known, then perhaps I would not have offered your name for taking over the Empire."
"It will just take time to get used to," explained Arya. "And yes, the life of a noble is boring. There is no denying that, but there are also plusses to being at the top of your people. And any children of yours will be brought up in a life without war or famine that you would experience as mere farmers."
"That is the thing," murmured Roran. He turned to Katrina and said clearly, "Katrina is pregnant."
Eragon's eyes widened. After composing himself he exclaimed with joy, "That is great Roran! Congratulations, both of you!"
Katrina smiled and blushed, but Roran's lips thinned. "Arya, are you also pregnant?" asked Katrina, looking directly at the elf.
Arya nodded. "I am. By next winter I will have the child." She smiled and sighed. "When will you be having your child?"
"The spring after you," answered Katrina proudly, beaming delightfully. "Would it not be great? Our children growing up together!"
'Except that my child will still look young when your child is old and feeble,' Arya thought with great sadness, but she said nothing other than, "It is a blessing knowing that my child will have someone at the same age to keep company."
"Well, let us eat and celebrate!" exclaimed Katrina.
The four of them dished up. Both Eragon and Arya ignored the meats and ate only salad and fruits. "What about my charge?" wondered Eragon aloud.
"She has already been brought food by now," answered Roran through a mouth full of chicken.
"Do not worry about her, Eragon," murmured Arya, bitterness in her voice. "She knows her way around the castle. She can find the kitchens and get her own food."
They talked all through the night of happenings since they parted. The men drank mead, while the two women talked of the best places to raise children.
"I am sure that our child will be a Rider, Katrina," said Roran, his drunken words slurred.
"And if that does happen to be true, Eragon and myself will have to foster the child in Du Weldenvarden," informed Arya.
"What for?" asked Katrina, alarmed.
"Training," answered Arya calmly. "But it is doubtful that we will have any dragon eggs in our possession by the time that your child is old enough to be a Rider."
The rest of the night was spent making merry and avoiding solemn talk. Arya supported Eragon all the way back to their room, and Katrina ended up doing the same for Roran.
Disclaimer: I know that it isn't as long as normal, but I ran out of ideas. Please review.