Disclaimer: Yea, I own nothing. This story is going to start coming to a close.
The first few days after the funeral were the hardest for Eragon. He spent a lot of his time in the room with Arya and Murtagh, deep in thought. As he sat on the balcony, he wondered how all this could happen. Tasha had betrayed them. That stung more than anything. And she had suddenly gotten so much stronger.
"Eragon," called Arya.
Eragon turned to look at his mate without truly seeing her. She sat on their bed. "Yes, Arya?" His voice was as hollow as his eyes.
"Go and ride Saphira for a couple hours," said Arya. "You haven't ridden her since the last battle."
"I cannot leave you," grumbled Eragon. He turned back to look at the busy street below them. It amazed him at how fast people could just forget the dead and move on with their lives.
"Eragon Shadeslayer, you need to quit moping around," replied Arya. She was surprised when Eragon did not cringe at the dangerous tone in her voice. "Go…I will be fine. I would ride with you, but I am too big for it to be in any way comfortable."
Arya is right, little one, said Saphira.
I am not moping around though, snapped Eragon irritably.
You have hardly eaten anything, you don't interact, and your thoughts are obsessive over Tasha's betrayal, replied Saphira calmly, but with a hint of annoyance. Tasha has nothing to do with Nasuada's death.
I know that, snarled Eragon. He stood. "I'm going for a walk," he announced.
"Good," murmured Arya softly.
Eragon walked out of the city walls. Once out, he sprinted off, not caring where he went. All he wanted was to be away. He did not choose to become a dragon rider. He would have lived a happy, normal life on his uncle's farm if Saphira's egg had not come to him that night while he was out hunting in the Spine. He found a tree and leapt into the highest branch.
Eragon, what is bothering you? Saphira asked.
You should know, growled Eragon. You can read my thoughts.
Your thoughts are jumbled though, replied Saphira, sounding worried. You may not realize, but in your mind, Tasha is responsible for Nasuada's death…but Nasuada died in battle…I looked into the minds of the soldiers that were around her when she died, and she was just worn out and a Loyalist soldier took advantage and killed her. There was no foul play in her death.
I know, grumbled Eragon. But Tasha must be held accountable for her actions…she is with Trianna now.
Trianna has her bound, explained Saphira softly. Amestat tried to protect his Rider, but Trianna was too powerful for him. To be honest, I pity them both for this slavery that Trianna is putting them through.
Saphira…do you think that we can save them? Eragon asked.
If we can kill Trianna, answered Saphira. She landed next to the tree. Let's fly, little one…and quit focusing on the past or worrying about the future…what's done is done and what will come will come. You have a future with Arya, and a child on the way.
Eragon could not help but to smile at that prospect. He was going to be a father soon. He jumped into the saddle on Saphira's back and scratched the scales on her neck. What would I ever do without you, Saphira?
You would still be a simple farm boy, chuckled Saphira. She launched them into the air.
Eragon laughed as he familiar sensation of flight reached him. He held out his arms. How could I ever stay on the ground for so long? This is our element, Saphira.
--
Eragon did not return to his room until late that night. He found Arya standing in the balcony with Murtagh asleep in her arms. He snuck up behind her and kissed her softly on the nape of her neck. "I'm sorry, Arya," he grunted huskily.
"You have no reason to apologize, Eragon," replied Arya softly. She watched as the children were rounded up for the night. She felt a sudden fondness at the sight.
"Arya…where do you want to have our child?" asked Eragon. He reached around her and placed both hands around her swollen belly.
"Ellesméra is my first choice," answered Arya. "But I will not be able to travel…."
"I can carry you," offered Eragon. "I want you to be comfortable…and I agree that your own people will be more help than the nurse maids in this castle."
--
Several weeks passed. Each day, Arya grew bigger. She could hardly move out of bed in the mornings. Eragon stayed with her to help her move.
He watched her as they bathed. "How much longer?" he asked, embarrassed that he did not know.
"Two more weeks," answered Arya. She waded across the stream to him and rested against his chest.
They had decided a few days ago to take their chances and travel to Ellesméra so that Arya would have a chance at a safe delivery. The dragons watched them from the distance.
"We'll make it then," promised Eragon. He kissed her softly on the forehead. "How do you feel?"
"Tired," murmured Arya, closing her eyes.
Eragon frowned. He helped her out of the stream by carrying her. "C'mon, get dressed…I want to get past Urûbaen by tonight. Then we can take a boat upstream to Lake Isenstar and be in Du Weldenvarden by next week." He hated the idea of pushing Arya so much by traveling, but they both agreed that this was the only way that they could make it. They dressed in their tunics. Arya got on Eragon's back at his request. Eragon ran as fast as he could with Saphira and Galzra flying above them.
He did not stop until nightfall. Roran's castle stood lit up in the distance. He walked through the gates after explaining to the guards that he is Roran's cousin and had his pregnant mate with him. He strode into the castle with Arya still on his back. She was apparently sleeping.
"Eragon, what do I owe such a meeting?" asked Roran.
"You have learned a lot since becoming King, my cousin," chuckled Eragon. "Sorry that I have arrived unannounced, but I must get Arya to Ellesméra before the next full moon. Do you have a spare room? Then we can talk."
"Of course…anything." Roran turned to one of his servants. "Rosemary, show Eragon Shadeslayer to the room next to my quarters."
Eragon followed the woman through the castle. Once in the room, he set Arya down in the bed and kissed her lightly on the lips. She stirred in her sleep and opened her eyes. "Hush, I am going to speak with my cousin about lending us a boat." He left the room and returned to Roran. He was surprised at who was with him.
"Eragon!"
"Joed Longshanks! How long has it been?"
"Too long! But we must catch up later…I have some errands to run for King Roran." He hurried off.
Eragon could not hide the delight from his face at seeing Brom's old friend, and he had helped Roran escape to Surda. "Roran…cousin…I am need of a boat to get to Lake Isenstar."
"So that's why you have come," replied Roran. "How is Arya? She looked exhausted when you brought her through here."
"Her pregnancy is getting the better of her," answered Eragon. "And Roran…did you hear the news?"
"About Nasuada…yea…and I heard that she had a baby before dying. Where is the babe?"
"Saphira has him," answered Eragon. "Nasuada named him Murtagh. And Tasha has betrayed us all…she is fighting for Trianna."
"Things are worse than I thought then," murmured Roran. "I suppose that you want me to gather an army so that we can march against this Trianna."
Eragon nodded. "After Arya has had the baby…we will gather what elves we can and send messages to you, King Orik, and King Orrin. This has to end…soon."
"Aye," agreed Roran.
"How is Katrina?" asked Eragon.
"She is expecting our first born," answered Roran with a smile.
"That's great Roran!" exclaimed Eragon.
"I will see what I can do about your boat…you should get some rest…Aberon is a far distance from here." Roran strode away, leaving Eragon to return to his room.
Eragon laid next to Arya and wrapped his arm around her rather possessively. He inhaled her sweet pinecone scent. The smell soothed him more than anything at the moment.
Arya woke first the next morning. She blinked back the tiredness that she felt. She looked down at Eragon's arm and found herself blushing.
"Good morning, love," murmured Eragon.
Arya shifted so that she faced her mate. "Good morning to you too," she giggled.
"How did you sleep?" asked Eragon.
"Better than I have in a long time," replied Arya. "Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow to leave…."
Roran won't be able to get a boat until tomorrow morning, informed Galzra.
"That settles it then," murmured Eragon. He kissed Arya lightly on the lips. "We should get some food."
Saphira, feel free to hunt today…I do not know when you will get another chance to hunt for food.
Stay out of trouble, teased Saphira.
Oh ha ha, very funny, grumbled Eragon, playing along with Saphira's little game.
I know I am, chuckled Saphira.
Eragon felt the two dragons take flight and leave the city. The loss of their presence created a small hole in his chest. He helped Arya out of bed. "At least we can get a chance to rest," he said lightly.
"You must be tired after running all the way from Aberon," commented Arya. "I'm sorry that I couldn't ride Galzra."
"Do not try and make me feel burdened, Arya," groaned Eragon. "I'm doing this so that you are as comfortable as possible when you bring our child into the world."
Arya smiled as she leaned into Eragon's chest. She looked up when Roran walked up to them. "King Roran," she murmured.
"Queen Arya, it is good to see you again," replied Roran, inclining his head politely. "Eragon, I have a boat ready for you to depart tomorrow. However, I wish that you could stay longer. We are family after all."
"I know, Roran," said Eragon softly. "But Arya is due any day now, and Ellesméra is the safest place for her right now."
"There are dark rumors going around," whispered Roran. "They say that there is another dragon to have hatched and the Rider has already pledged their allegiance to Trianna. The odds are not in our favor, cousin."
"Eragon and I will fight to protect the New Empire," promised Arya. "But a possible second Shur'tugal is not promising."
"I will have an army ready in six months," informed Roran.
"Six months!" cried Eragon. "But Roran, by that time a new Rider could be ready for combat! And every day, Tasha grows more powerful."
"I know, Eragon," sighed Roran. "You're as impatient as always, you know that. I am doing what I can while still protecting my own boarders. This will also give you time to gather your own forces and plan an attack."
Eragon scowled at the idea of having to wait. He sighed heavily. "Very well, six months. Then we march for war and victory."
You have indeed grown wise, my love, said Arya.
She looked up at Roran. "Could you get us some bread, fruit, cheese, and vegetables for the rest of our journey…and for breakfast?" she asked.
"Of course…Katrina is in the courtyard…she can't wait to see you both." Roran strode away with all the dignity of a leader.
"He's grown into his role as king quite well," commented Arya.
"He has," agreed Eragon. "Come. Let us go and see Katrina." He led Arya outside.
Katrina ran to them and embraced them both. She was more careful with Arya. She beamed at them. "Roran told me that you two had returned!" she exclaimed. "Tell me, what has come to pass on both of you?" She sat with them on a bench, holding Arya's hands in hers.
"We are on our way back home," informed Arya. She winced as the child in her womb kicked her.
Eragon, where is Murtagh?
Saphira's got him, answered Eragon. He cringed at Arya's death glare. Saphira, bring Murtagh to us.
Within moments, Saphira and Galzra landed by them. Eragon went to take the sleeping Murtagh from Saphira.
"Who is this?" asked Katrina, cooing at the sleeping boy.
"Murtagh," answered Arya. "Nasuada's son."
"What happened to Nasuada?"
"She died in battle," answered Eragon bitterly. He handed Murtagh to Arya and sat next to her.
Katrina gasped. "But how?"
"People die in battle," explained Eragon. "Even the best of warriors depend on luck to survive each battle. Before she died, she made Arya and I promise that we would raise Murtagh as though he were our own son."
"I'm…sorry to hear that news," murmured Katrina. "Nasuada was kind to me."
"She was kind to everyone," agreed Eragon softly. "But I will not allow her death to be in vain. I will crush the Loyalists…to ensure peace and prosperity."
Eragon, who do you sound like? Saphira asked, critical.
What do you mean?
Think for a moment about your words.
He thought about what he had said. I will crush the Loyalists…to ensure peace and prosperity. His eyes widened as he realized just what he had said.
Oh no…I sound just like Galbatorix, he said with disgust.
Now think of the reasons that you fight now, said Saphira.
To keep another tyranny from existing, answered Eragon.
That day passed without event. Eragon and Arya spent the afternoon catching up with Roran and Katrina. As the two Shur'tugal sat in their room, they silently prepared for the rest of their journey. A knock echoed loudly from the door. Eragon cast out his senses and realized that Joed had come to visit them. He went to open the door.
Joed walked in. "Eragon, I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you are here," he said.
"Why so relieved?" asked Eragon, curious.
"There are shadows within the Empire. The Loyalists are the least of your troubles."
Eragon frowned suspiciously. "What are you talking about?" He quickly glanced at his sword. It was within reach should Joed betray them.
"I have heard rumors since leaving my home to escape with your cousin," began Joed. "You remember those elves who betrayed you when you were on your way back to Ellesméra shortly after the battle of the Burning Plains?"
"How could we forget?" said Arya. Her eyes narrowed at him. "What about them? They were all killed, weren't they?"
Joed shook his head. "No…and they were the reason that Galbatorix was able to find Ellesméra. There are some that remain…hidden within Du Weldenvarden. You have at least one traitor in your midst."
"And how do we know that its not you?" snarled Eragon. He grabbed his sword with inhuman speed and unsheathed it. He pointed the tip of the blade at Joed's throat. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Joed Longshanks, and I suggest that you be quick about it."
The older man sighed heavily. "You can search my memories if you wish…I have nothing more to hide." He knelt down on one knee.
It couldn't hurt, said Arya through their mental link. I will be right here if it is a trap.
Eragon grunted as he sheathed the sapphire blade. "Alright then, but if you are the traitor we will first turn you in to my cousin for him to pass judgment." He stepped forward and reached out with his mind.
He dove into the depths of Joed's consciousness. He saw Joed's memories. Joed and Brom stealing Saphira's egg and getting separated; years of little to no news from the Varden; Eragon and Brom coming to him for help on the Raz'zacs whereabouts; Roran arriving, offering a way to escape the Empire and Galbatorix; escaping to Surda; and eavesdropping on an elf by the name of Falkor and Trianna exchanging information on the Varden. Eragon returned to his own mind.
"He's telling the truth." His own sentence shocked him. Ellesméra wasn't safe for him and Arya anymore.
"Who is the slime that calls himself an elf?" snarled Arya in all her fury. Her body shook more than Eragon had ever seen it.
He had never seen the elf lose so much control at once. "Falkor."
Arya's eyes grew large. "No!" she gasped.
"You know him." It was a statement.
"He was a friend of Evandar," murmured Arya. She fell to the bed.
Eragon rushed to her side and pulled her close to him. He turned to Joed. "Is anywhere safe?" It was a rhetorical question.
"Define safe," snorted Joed.
"We need to get to Ellesméra as soon as possible," whispered Arya.
"Are you mad?" gasped Eragon.
Arya looked up at him. "We…I have to warn my people. If it isn't already too late…."
Eragon looked up at Joed. "You're coming with us," he commanded.
"It will be an honor," murmured Joed.
"We leave first thing in the morning," informed Eragon. "I suggest that you prepare for the journey. I expect that it will take at least a week…if not longer."
--
The three travelers met at the north gates at dawn. Eragon strapped their saddle bags to Saphira and Galzra. His mind buzzed with the new danger facing them. No one can be trusted, he grumbled to Saphira.
You can trust us, replied Saphira. She nuzzled him lightly on the shoulder. At least now we know what is happening…we are no longer in the dark.
Roran strode toward them. He clasped Eragon's shoulder. "Travel safely, my cousin."
"I will do my best," replied Eragon.
"I will see you in six months."
"Six months then…and we may fight again side by side." As much as he disliked it, he turned his back on his cousin and boarded the barge that Roran had provided. Arya and Joed followed him.
Why do I get the feeling that I will never see him again?
Never say good-bye little one, said Saphira. She took flight with Galzra. Only that you will see each other later.
"She's right," whispered Arya. She rested her head on his chest.
Eragon was not surprised that she had heard the mental conversation. The two of them had grown so close to each other. It took their strongest mental barriers to keep the other out. He traced the yawë tattoo on her shoulder with his finger. "I know," he replied softly.
Disclaimer: Well, this is a nice little twist. I will tell you that in the next chapter, they reach Ellesméra. I own nothing.