Thank you for the reviews, everyone! I am enlivened greatly by your positive reception. Thank you for reading!

Regards,

Karldin.

CHAPTER 6

Emptiness echoed through the ornate throne room of Illirea, the seat of power for the current Royal line. History weighed down upon its occupant like a dread taskmaster as always, prompting him not to commit the mistakes of its past occupants.

King Palencar sat on the throne…a throne hundred years ago occupied by the dark tyrant, Galbatorix. He wore silver Chain-mail, crafted for him by the Elves more than half a century ago, and stood as tall as Queen Arya. "The Shining King" they called him, the humans and dwarves, for his valour and courage at the battle of Ithro Zhada five years into his reign.

Dark thoughts occupied his mind as he stared at the empty throne room, empty but for his trusted advisor. Barden was a skilled mage and had risen to this rank from the lowest of levels through sheer grit and determination.

Appreciation and acknowledgement ran through the old king as he thought of his mother's reforms. Nasuada had been a ray of hope that brought much needed peace and stability to the nations, her dedication and sacrifice had won her great renown and appreciation among all races.

Her philosophy of competence and merit triumphing over privileges of birth was the centrepiece of her rule…and Palencar still could not believe the peace and harmony that existed in Alagaesia thanks to her work. Nasuada, Daughter of Ajihad, had in many ways kept the spirit of the Varden alive for the duration of her rule.

"Majesty, are you quite fine?" questioned Barden gruffly, causing Palencar to shift his attention to the magician hoping it would be more tidings of the Rider Eragon. Even at his advanced age happiness bloomed in his heart at the tidings Lord Almen had sent him…Eragon was someone he had no hope of meeting in his lifetime, long though it extended.

"Yes, Barden. What matter did you wish to discuss with me?" asked Palencar, not showing his eagerness too much. Playing the game of politics was second nature to him just like it was to his mother. Barden's slightly lined face leaked its joy as he stood up straighter.

"We have much awaited visitors, your Majesty. Four Riders approach Illirea with a request for your audience. They spoke in the ancient tongue, and were sent by Eragon Kingslayer. Nuada, the elven rider I spoke to was certain they would arrive in three days…and requested permission to land."

However, great though his joy was at the fact that the Kingslayer had returned he could not help but wonder why he had done so. According to his mother, he had exiled himself from Alagaesia essentially resolving not to return. But Riders were welcome in the land, nevertheless.

"They have my permission, Barden. Do make the required preparations" he said, causing Barden to nod. Perhaps now, he would be able to see the prowess of the Riders with his own eyes. Their support was needed to drive the Urgals back…his Urgal counterpart Nar Garzhvog was extremely worried at the bloodlust awakening in his kinsmen. Palencar could understand the situation well, Nasuada had told him of the warlike but honourable nature of the Urgals at length. King Orik's words came to him from many years ago, back when he was a youth.

"Young Palencar, Nasuada might respect the beasts…Guntera bless, even I respect that old ram Nar Garzhvog. Truth is, I think they will have to be contained again. Arya also worries about the same thing, you know? She worries the bond will need many more years to temper their warlike nature…they are like vermin"

Dwarves hated Urgals, true. But the fact was that Orik had spoken a hard truth. Until such a time as their bloodlust decreased the Urgals were a race to be wary of. They had begun creating chaos across the spine, even intruding into Carvahall not a month ago. That was something his people could not stand…an insult they could never take lying down. Nor could he, for no one would let the land from which Eragon Shadeslayer was born to be besmirched by Urgals or anyone else.

"We may need to teach those Urgals a little lesson" said Palencar finally. "Nar Garzhvog has admitted to his inability to control the rams, and I have to finally take direct action. Attacking Carvahall was the worst thing they could have done. The Riders are arriving at a good time, old friend. Is the Kingslayer with them?"

Barden shook his head with open regret, and Palencar understood how he felt. If the Kingslayer were here then he had no doubt that the Urgal situation would be resolved with ease.

"He has business in Ellesmera, I believe, and the rider Ildarien was certain he would join us after it is done" said Barden. Palencar acquiesced, both of them falling silent. There was much to be done and said before the Kingdom returned to its previous state of peace. Though the Urgals were the only ones in open conflict, Palencar knew well that there were too many secret uprisings to count in the Kingdom. He had ruled for many years but his reign was becoming wearying to him. His life was long because of his father, but he was still human with all the concerns of one.

"What of the guild of magicians at Aroughs? Their outrageous actions still never fail to irritate me. The only reason I am not crushing them is because Trianna is leading them…mother and Trianna were comrades in every sense of the word. I don't want to raise my hand against her! Nor do I want to quell cruelly the Surdan border trouble…Barden, this land is fraught with history and emotions beyond one man's grasp. I cannot be seen as another Galbatorix in my actions to subdue my foes" he lamented at last.

"The Riders are here at last, Majesty" said Barden solemnly, grasping his King's hand in a show of support. "They are here and your neutrality will no longer need to be compromised. Every race in Alagaesia will defer to Eragon Darksbane, of this there is no doubt. Take heart, your Majesty"

Palencar nodded gravely, steeling himself. Barden was right, they were here. He was strong enough as a King to subdue his enemies but these were times that needed careful consideration. The smallest sense of tyranny could spark chaos unknown, and he did not want to ignite it.

If the Riders had returned, there was one thing left to be done. Palencar stood up strode out regally towards his quarters.

"Old friend, I would appreciate it if you could contact King Orik for me. Though he seems intent on receiving the Kingslayer in Tronjheim, I am of the opinion that we should gather here at Illirea. I have a feeling that Illirea will once again be the place of convergence for all the races. Set up a scrying arrangement, I need to speak to him at once"

Barden nodded and followed his King.

….

"Did you not sleep, Eragon?"

Eragon turned with a sigh to face Arya, who looked at him with concern. He shook his head with a preoccupied expression. The existence of the Elven Shade had caused him great disquiet, especially the deductions of the previous night. Arya slowly came to stand beside him, both of them watching the sunset in tranquillity.

"I do not require the trance or sleep anymore, Your Majesty" said Eragon in a distant tone as the first rays of the sun washed over them. "I can sleep if I wish, certainly, but I do not need it anymore. I can go for years without such distractions. A consequence of what my students call 'my sacrifice'"

"I…see" said Arya in an unreadable tone, looking down for a moment. The sounds of the others' awakening reached them, causing Eragon to sigh again and move towards the camp. There were many decisions to be made and those decisions would have to be made with the representatives of all the races present, for all races had a part in this.

"Eragon, would you like to hear my true name?" asked Arya softly, breaking him out of his reverie. Surprise bloomed on his face as he heard the offer of the Elven Queen. He had no doubt that her true name had changed from all those years ago, so his inability to utter that name was invalid.

He will not, resounded a strong voice in their minds as Laetri made her way through the foliage towards them, looking beautiful in robes of silver and white.

I will not allow it. The consequences will be too dire for Eragon-elda. It might very well break him to pieces once more if the name conveys certain truths.

Arya's eyes narrowed as she considered Laetri, who was standing beside Eragon with a firm expression. It appeared that she resented the intrusion of privacy, though she kept a calm demeanour.

"This does not concern you, Laetri. We are simply re-affirming a bond we created a century ago, well before all this occurred. I would appreciate your distance from this matter" she said, staring at Laetri for her strange behaviour.

"I will not distance myself, your Majesty. Eragon and I are bound in ways you do not yet understand. I can feel his pain every time you resurrect the love you once shared… you just do not understand, I am afraid, and I cannot blame you. The pain he feels will one day destroy him completely, and it is triggered by the void of what he once felt for you. I will not let you deepen that void with the absolute truths your name may contain!" she said in a clear voice, causing Arya to recoil slightly.

"I am sorry, your Majesty. She is right because the truths of your name might very well break me a second time. You will understand why if you think about just what it is that I sacrificed…" said Eragon sadly.

She had no choice but to accept, for they spoke exclusively in the ancient language. Eragon's eyes filled with a pity she could not stand, not even with Firnen soothing her from within. A memory flashed through her mind like an arrow, the memory of the Blood-oath celebration so long ago.

The memory of when she broke Eragon's heart for the greater good of the free races…she could understand exactly the suffering he had undergone. Whatever his reasons, refusing to hear her name was a refusal of the greatest trust she could offer him. It was possibly the greatest rejection he could make towards her, the rejection to know the essence of her being.

Be strong for now, Arya came Firnen's soothing voice accompanied by feelings of companionship and support. Arya looked at Laetri, through whose eyes ran several emotions. She knew Laetri had heard Firnen speak to her.

"I understand" she said with a slight smile, but knew that Laetri was not fooled. Nor was Eragon apparently, for he stared at her with pain-filled eyes. He stood in front of her, staring right into her eyes as if he could actually see the essence of her.

Beautiful.

That was the one word that fit Eragon now after all these years. His shining Indigo eyes drew her in like the elven saturnalias and from this proximity she could see the faint radiance of his skin that seemed as if it were lit from within. He reminded her more than ever of Oromis, and memories of Vrael she had seen from her advisors.

"You must understand the reason" whispered Eragon in her ear, causing her to shiver slightly. "After the sacrifice I can return your love with only loss and pain. I see what you feel for me. If you utter it in the old tongue the truth of it will be inescapable for me. The loss that will rear up in me in response will most likely drive me irrevocably insane."

Arya felt tears building, and felt shame at that. She did not cry, not when Durza tortured her, not very much when her mother died, not even when Eragon left her. But after a hundred years, her love for Eragon had grown like the vines of her home and had essentially become a part of her being.

She could see Laetri's sympathy as she looked at her. Eragon continued relentlessly, every word causing her a sharp pain she could not put into words.

"You must therefore let me go as you let me go during the Agaeti Blodhren. The way you did after the war and other countless occasions…you must do it. My Saphira comes before all else, as do the Riders" he said and the pain of his words actually caused Arya to falter.

Is this what he felt after I rejected him at the Agaeti Blodhren? This...agony is too much. Firnen…Firnen please come to me!

I am coming, Arya she heard Firnen say urgently. Not even her Dragon could shield her from the cruel words Eragon spoke, and she looked at him as if seeing him for the very first time. Unshed tears shone in her eyes and she saw Eragon falter at the sight before composing himself.

"You understand duty better than me. You were the one who taught me it's true import" said Eragon softly, still not breaking away from their stare. That statement caused her to lower her eyes, a single tear sliding down her flawless cheek. But there was no reproach in Eragon's tone, just a request.

"I hold duty in the same regard as you do. I choose it above all else. You must forget what existed between us, your Majesty. This is all I ask of you. Our friendship shall remain, however, if you wish it" he said and Arya knew he too was thinking of how their situations were being reversed back from the war. The worst part was that they now spoke only in the ancient language and the truth branded her like hot irons.

Having said his words, Eragon stared into her eyes a moment longer. "I am truly sorry for my words. I will leave you alone now, your Majesty" he said with pure sadness in his voice as he turned about to join the others. Laetri stared at Arya a moment longer with the deepest sympathy in her eyes.

Then she too left, and Arya knelt down on the forest ground slowly with burning agony in her heart. Why am I affected this way? she whispered as she felt Firnen land beside her and envelop her with one wing. She truly did feel a deep pain in her chest, throbbing in time with the beat of her heart.

Arya, you have me. You will ALWAYS have me, my Shur'tugal. Always, he said in his rich and deep voice as Arya shed tears of anguish for what was lost forever. Not since Faolin's death had she felt this pain…this pain that literally shattered her.

The Elven mask of control broke as she shed silent tears within the canopy of Firnen's protective wing. No one could console her as Eragon's words played through her mind like memories of Durza's tortures, each time breaking something in her heart.

Firnen, I hurt…I hurt so much!

…..

Eragon stood next to Saphira five hours later as he addressed his companions. The previous night's discussions had alarmed them all to no end, letting loose an undercurrent of tension among the group. This was further amplified when he saw Arya and Firnen standing a little aloofly from them.

You did hurt her this morning, Eragon. No doubt it was necessary but you hurt her terribly. She needs to be this way, came Saphira's regretful voice. Eragon shook his head…there was little he could have done differently. This was the least painful path for them all, for he could not have his personal flaws endanger his Order.

Already he saw Arya's demeanour changing back to what it once was, to what he remembered from Farthen Dur. He knew Arya was a strong person and would recover soon enough, her sense of obligation would not allow for anything else.

"From here we should tread carefully, for we are going down a path that has been erased for a hundred years. After considering all alternatives I have come to a single conclusion" he said in a composed voice. They waited patiently for his answer. Eragon looked once at Saphira and continued:

"We must talk to the Spirits"

It was silent for a time, silent as the grave. Then a low rumble seemed to emanate from the throat of every dragon except Saphira, joining to form a menacing sound. Sahloknir glared at him with his brilliant golden eyes, displeasure leaking off him.

Foolishness. I will not let you do such a thing, Ebrithil. I will NOT let you face those abominations ever again! Said Sahloknir with rage. Arya seemed to look at Firnen for a moment, before fixing her gaze on him.

"You were always difficult, Eragon. But this is new even for you" she said in a condescending tone. Eragon sighed as Laetri too supported their words with fierce eyes, as did Thorv.

"Madness"

"Foolishness, indeed"

He raised his hand, causing them to fall quiet. Staring each of them in the eyes he declared, "We have no other option I am afraid. It is likely that Spirits would know about other Spirits, and it is the fastest way of garnering information. Shades are a serious matter to all races of this land, and I am sure that a single summoning will yield valuable information"

"And who will summon them?" questioned Thorv curiously. Eragon looked him square in the eyes with a hint of his resolve showing.

"I will"

Laetri slowly walked up to him, looking at him as if he had lost his mind. Arya accompanied her and Eragon only stared bemused as a princess and queen of Ellesmera bore down upon him. Eragon, you need to convince them. Oh and be careful, Laetri might slap you, said his Dragon in an amused voice.

He just stared as Laetri slapped him hard, looking at him with shining eyes. Arya seemed like she really wanted to as well but she seemingly restrained herself.

He heard Thorv and Morgothal guffawing quietly in the background, and even sensed Firnen's amusement. Sahloknir looked like he would also slap Eragon if he had hands, which made Saphira's laughter in his mind increase.

"I will stop you if you try to summon those things by yourself, Eragon!" said Laetri in a sharp voice. Eragon supposed he should have foreseen it…Laetri was extremely protective of him, just like the others of the Nine. He was not surprised, for after what had happened between them it was only natural. When it came to sorcery, Laetri protected him like a mother hen.

Saphira snorted at the comparison, and then turned to Laetri. Her Rider was no fool to undertake such a task on a whim and she would make sure they understood that.

Eragon knows the dangers, Laetri. After all it was you who taught him sorcery. You know how proficient he is at that art, do you not?Asked Saphira, her voice echoing in all their minds. Arya turned to Laetri with a furious look.

"After all that has happened, you taught him sorcery?"

"It was necessary" said Laetri shortly. She seemed to be considering deeply as she stared at Eragon. Sahloknir seemed to hum in agreement as Laetri turned to Eragon with a look of resolve.

"We will summon together, then. Only then will I consent to this madness" she said in a certain voice. Arya too stepped forward, holding his gaze like she used to during his youth.

"I will join the two of you. These past centuries have seen me learn much, and I am also proficient at sorcery" she said in a voice that brooked no argument.

Eragon just shook his head. Let one pounce, and they will all pounce he thought ruefully, feeling Saphira's agreement. And maybe this would distract Arya even slightly from the pain he had caused her. He made his decision. This had to be done soon as possible.

"I agree. We summon them tonight. Thorv, you and the Dragons must stand guard, for the summoning of spirits is a confluence of powerful magics. We cannot be interrupted at any point" he said. Thorv nodded, still grinning at Laetri.

As if on cue, Eragon turned to Laetri incredulously, rubbing his cheek. "You…you slapped me?" he asked her in an amazed tone. Laetri stared at him for a moment, holding his disbelieving gaze. The laughter of the dragons and Thorv seemed to make the earth thrum slightly, and even Arya's mouth twitched upward slightly.

This is the way I remember him, she thought sadly to Firnen as she saw hints of the innocent youth Eragon had been surface. She had to supress the cutting angst that surfaced at this thought, using Firnen's composure and assurance like an anchor.

Eragon's incredulity increased as Laetri's pale and flawless cheeks became tinged with pink as she stared determinedly at the floor. Foreign feelings stirred in him faintly as he saw Laetri blushing like a rose, feelings he thought he did not understand at all.

"I…I am sorry. I was afraid" she said faintly as she laid a hand on his cheek and healed him immediately. Eragon's eyes grew wide as he saw the look in Laetri's eyes again, the look Saphira had told him was love. He slowly took her hand in his own, for the very first time appreciating its flawless softness. She looks so…so pure, he thought to himself. He turned to find Arya looking at them both with emotionless eyes, and cursed himself for his insensitivity.

Despite the pain contact with Arya would cause him, he extended his hand to her as well. Arya hesitantly stepped forward and put her hand in Eragon's. Eragon squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, opening them only when he felt the massive rush of support from Sahloknir, Saphira and Laetri soothe his tearing soul.

He thought he saw tears in Arya's eyes for just a moment before she controlled herself.

"Thorv, ready yourself. Let us begin the summoning immediately. Spirits are best summoned with daylight" he said, not letting go of Laetri and Arya. He merged their minds with the fringes of his, letting them know at the speed of thought his plans for the summoning. A few seconds later, he looked around holding them all with a serious gaze.

"Do you understand?" he asked Arya and Laetri gravely. They nodded and squeezed his hands tightly as Saphira and Sahloknir nudged him lightly with their snouts. "I will find Roran" he said and closed his eyes.

He closed his eyes, questing for Roran who he was told was hunting at the moment. He felt his cousin's awe as they touched minds.

Come, Roran. We need you.

….

"It has been a long time since we crossed swords, Barristan" said Leya as she sipped the Faelnirv they had brought with them. They were on their way to Illirea and had obtained permission from the current king to make contact. The fact that it was their first assignment as Riders only increased their wariness, knowing that their obligations to the land exceeded even those to their kin.

"With good reason, Leya" snorted Barristan. "I have carefully avoided sparring with you for a year. You, Dusan and Alanna…I do not enjoy being defeated like a child. Only the Nine can hold their own with you three" he said, looking down at the ground. Leya sighed…Barristan was a very young human who tried his best. He was only now inheriting the strength and power of the Shur'tugal and that put him at a disadvantage over old Elves such as herself.

"Come now, young Barristan" said Nuada with twinkling eyes. Leya smiled…for some reason, Nuada seemed to like needling Barristan. "Who knows what might happen to you if you let your swordsmanship…fade?". Ildarien did not even look at them, so absorbed was he in his tomes. With their master he was the soul of courtesy, but otherwise his dedication to magic did not allow him to do anything else. If Ildarien spoke a single word of his own volition, there would be a celebration in the halls of Aiedail.

"Ildarien, why don't you fight Leya?" demanded Barristan hotly. "You are always buried in those books of yours! Just because Ebrithil said he was reminded of himself when he looked at your hunger to learn doesn't mean-"

"Oh, keep quiet" said Ildarien, annoyed. "Ebrithil and the Nine said I have the potential to be a great mage, and I will not let them down. And I think I will take you up on your offer" he said calmly drawing his sword with a steely rasp. The grey blade shone slightly in the sunlight.

Barristan grinned slightly and drew his own blade. Hah! I got that elf to fight me at least for once. I'll teach him! He thought triumphantly to himself. He could feel Cirnathor rolling his eyes Idiot, Ildarien is Blodhgarm-elda's apprentice in swordplay. Do not underestimate him, or you might find yourself learning the same lesson Alanna taught you last year.

Leya looked at her fellow Riders who had forgotten about her so easily, and smiled inside. In Aiedail, Elves had shed much of their cold nature and had opened themselves to emotions. She could not imagine herself being back in Silthrim and playing the convoluted games of her people.

Before the two combatants could begin, they felt Eragon's mind reach theirs, vast like an ocean. Barristan's face took on a look of petulance before it settled into respectful deference.

Having fun, Barristan and Ildarien? asked their master in an amused voice. Everyone could feel that even that amusement had strain in it and wondered what had happened. They could feel a strange confluence of three minds with their masters'.

Yes, I have joined minds slightly with Laetri and the elven Queen. Ildarien, he addressed the Rider who had sheathed his blade regretfully. Can you follow the trail of my thought like I taught you?

Yes, Ebrithil.

Then open a scrying mirror to my location. We have important news for you, all of you. And Barristan…you can spar later. This is very important.

Barristan flushed, realizing he had been broadcasting his thoughts everywhere. I apologize, Ebrithil.

Ildarien had closed his eyes, and using the thought trail of their master had opened a scrying portal in the air wordlessly. Eragon stood tall within a circle of the four Dragons and Thorv, all of whom seemed to be guarding him from something. Nuada joined them along with their Dragons as Eragon stared straight at them with a grave look, as did Laetri and Queen Arya.

"I have found out what took my niece, Ismira. Listen carefully, you must know the truth if this does not go well. I uncovered traces of…" began their master, garnering their utmost attention. As he went on with his findings their faces grew all the more horrified…what had happened to the land during their absence?

"Elven Shade?" whispered Nuada quietly. "None of my brethren would ever consent to housing such abominations!" he snarled, and Leya nodded emphatically. Not in a thousand years would their kind willingly host spirits in their body. They did study sorcery, but the care taken was always high.

Through the scrying screen they saw Eragon's silver hair whip around in an unseen wind as he looked at them with burning eyes of Indigo. "You understand the gravity of the situation. I will summon spirits and talk to them, for I need knowledge about what is happening among them. I wish for you to watch the ceremony" he said.

Ildarien saw his master holding the hands of both the Queen and Laetri-elda, and wondered what that implied. Concentrate, there will be time for such thoughts later came the voice of his Dragon. Eragon and the women closed their eyes and began an advanced incantation of sorcery.

Ildarien's eyes widened in horror at the incantation, his master was summoning spirits that were suited to occupy a Shade. As they watched through Scrying, they saw the daylight in the arena dim enormously and clouds gather like a pall of gloom. Shadows were cast that were so dark that it almost seemed like night. Eragon's eyes were literally glowing as he completed the incantation in a calm voice, though Laetri and Arya were panting slightly.

The Dragons roared as one as a towering wall of light rose up with a roar from the ground to the sky, full of blinding colours. I must speak to them, said Eragon in a calm voice and let go of Arya and Laetri, striding forwards fearlessly.

Ildarien and the others had never seen their master use magic on such a scale, containing spirits with such skill. As they watched with frantic eyes, Eragon calmly approached the tower of multicolored lights and laid a hand on it. The light that erupted from that contact was so bright that it forced them to close their eyes, even the Elves.

Through the mental connection, Ildarien felt the otherworldly power of the spirits trying to break out but they were constrained well. Pride ran through him as he studied through the scrying wall the imprisonment his master had cast temporarily.

A few moments later the painfully bright light dimmed and they saw their master standing with eyes closed, the daylight restored completely. Laetri had fallen unconscious from whatever effects and Arya as well. The Dragons were however intact and they saw Firnen nudge Arya urgently. Sahloknir was glaring at the place where the spirits had disappeared, looking as if he wanted to destroy them on the spot.

A large depression was upon the site of the summoning. Eragon opened his eyes and whispered a spell, causing Arya to wake up along with Laetri.

"Ebrithil?" asked Barristan anxiously, causing Eragon to turn to them with a grave expression. "Ebrithil, are you alright?" asked Barristan worriedly. It was over within seconds, but the venture had been beyond risky.

"Laetri-elda, how could you allow this?" questioned Ildarien of a recovered Laetri. Laetri shook her head, "When he wants something done truly, I cannot stop him. He is stubborn"

Leya and Nuada sighed as one. They knew that fact all too well. Their master's tenacity and determination were enormous.

"Shadeslayer, your cousin is sleeping" came the voice of Thorv who had dragged Roran Stronghammer to the small gathering. Arya had stroked Firnen's snout, and was staring directly at the scrying mirror.

"Were any of you harmed?" questioned the Queen. Nuada shook his head, "We were unharmed. My Queen, you have grown considerably to have withstood such spirit-force" he said appreciatively. Arya shook her head, nodding to Eragon who was reviving Roran. The Dragons had gathered around the Riders in a circle, and seemed to be deep in conversation with their Riders.

"Eragon, what happened" groaned Roran, rubbing his eyes. All the Riders and their Dragon turned their eyes on Eragon and Saphira who seemed to be engaged in mind-speech. After a few minutes of that, Eragon turned to them with seriously.

"I have gleaned much from that conversation. The Elven Shade walks the land even now. He has apparently been walking it for a very long time now" he said amidst gasps of surprise. Things were happening too fast for the Riders, faster than they could cope with. Arya spoke briefly with Eragon, who nodded to her. Barristan saw her walk slightly off from the group and wave her hand, creating a scrying surface with ease. Who she was contacting could not be seen.

Thorv was incanting a spell to do the same in another area. Eragon and Laetri looked at each other with a contemplating expression.

"You must be careful, all four of you" warned Eragon seriously. "You have all studied the nature of Shades, and you know of the danger they pose. An Elven Shade is probably even more dangerous. All I can say is request you to reach Illirea as soon as possible. Do not wander the land unless I am with you, do you understand?" he asked, with his eyes never leaving them.

They nodded, taking no offense at his caution.

"And if you meet Ismira, Rider of Belegroch…you are not to harm her under any circumstances. Is that clear?" he asked again, glancing at a depressed Roran. Laetri laid a hand on his arm, and he looked at Ildarien.

"If anything is amiss, reach me at once. We four will leave for Tronjheim tomorrow, for I need to meet with Orik" said Eragon. "I will brief you all later from Tronjheim. For now, you must make haste for Illirea" he said, cancelling the spell.

The four of them stared at each other. At the roar of Isidar, they soared into the air gracefully and mounted their Dragons. Illirea it is, then echoed Ildarien's decisive voice in their minds as the Dragons sped towards their destination like arrows loosed from a bow.

….

It was night in the Beor range of mountains, and the Kostha Merna lake glinted softly in the moonlight. As a cold wind blew through the valley, the night sky was momentarily illuminated with a flash of Indigo light.

Standing on the doorstep of the entrance to Farthen Dur were Four Dragons and their Riders, staring impassively at the still concealed entrance to the mountain. Eragon stepped forward and said:

"Come forth, my kin. It is I, Eragon Shadeslayer; the first Knurla in all but blood, the brother of King Orik. Open your city to me!" he said in the ancient language, augmenting it with magic.

As the call echoed gently through the mountains, Arya sunk herself in deep thought. Since Eragon's return her slow world had been thrown out instead bringing in once more the desperation of the war. Her elven instinct thrummed in her veins, told her that these events were only a prelude to something in the future.

The races were headed towards eventual discord and nothing could stop it. Despite the influences of magic, they would all remain disparate. I still cannot believe he singlehandedly restrained all those spirits, Firnen. Even Islanzadi would require the support of four other magicians to do that, she broadcasted to Firnen.

Perhaps it has to do with his unique state of mind, suggested her green Dragon that flew above them with his fellows. She glanced upwards slightly to see the Dragon following them by air at a leisurely pace. The beautiful Kostha Merna Lake lay in front of them, wherein lay the entrance to Farthen Dur.

Eragon had insisted that they had little time to lose, that they could not afford to let fade the peace they had struggled for with so much. Using the strength of the Eldunari he had brought them instantly to the Dwarven mountain. The ride from the Hardarac, he said, would be fraught with unnecessary danger and would make them lose much time.

Thorv had been overjoyed when it was decided that their next destination was Tronjheim. Arya had no doubt they were going there for a reason beyond meeting with Orik, important though that was.

But she did not push for answers as she might have done before. Eragon was at least her equal in her status as queen, and above her as a Rider. She paused as Eragon called for a stop with a raised hand even as her supernatural senses picked out dwarven warriors coming out to meet them.

Little two-legs are coming out, Ebrithil, came the voice of Sahloknir. Eragon only stared at the assembling dwarf warriors with a smile. A dwarf wearing red chain mail stepped forward, and bowed deeply.

The hundred dwarven warriors knelt in respect for the Shadeslayer. Saphira snorted in the background. All this respect isn't good for you, Eragonshe said, broadcasting her thoughts to all the Riders. Laetri and Arya smiled fully and Thorv grunted a short laugh.

"It is mine honour to welcome you once more to our mountain, Eragon Kingslayer, brother of our monarch. Your brother the King has awaited your arrival with great eagerness and the council has not left the throne room for the entire day in anticipation of your arrival. I am Shrrngien whom you may remember from the past" said the dwarf in a guttural voice. Eragon nodded, clasping Shrrngien's arm briefly.

"I remember, Shrrngien. Thank you for answering my call so promptly" he said in his curiously musical voice. Arya could only assume that it was his heritage as a Rider that had changed him so much in body…but it could also be the spirits. She inclined her head slightly as Shrrngien bowed to her deeply as well.

"Arya, Queen of Ellesmera, my King bids you welcome to Tronjheim. Too long has he pined for his comrades. It brings him great joy that you can visit him after so long a time" said Shrrngien with a grin. Arya too smiled faintly. Orik was someone she respected and liked, a first among dwarves. She, Nasuada and the dwarven King had changed Alagaesia and its races considerably.

"This is Laetri, princess of Ellesmera and Rider of Sahloknir" said Eragon, nodding to Laetri who also bent her head slightly in acknowledgement. Shrrngien bowed respectfully to her as well. "Thorv is your comrade after all"

"That he is" said Shrrngien, thumping Thorv on his back. "King Orik awaits your presence, Eragon Kingslayer. But for the Dragons, going through the tunnels might be an issue" said Shrrngien thoughtfully.

We can enter through the open peak, came the voice of Morgothal. Eragon shook his head: No need, I can transport us the same way we came here. We must meet immediately with Orik to discuss diverse pressing matters, his voice echoed through the minds of every one present.

"How are we then to enter Tronjheim, Shadeslayer?" questioned Shrrngien. Eragon raised his hand, and Arya prepared herself for the transportation spell. "By magic. Brace yourselves, all of you" said Eragon as light consumed their vision for an instant.

As it cleared, they stood once more in sight of the dwarven city of Tronjheim. Your city's glory is undiminished, praised Eragon to the dwarves who were shaken out of their surprise and were looking at Eragon in awe. Shrrgnien shook his head:

"Thank you, Shadeslayer. That was a strong spell you cast, but you did slay Galbatorix after all" he said gruffly. Arya and Laetri walked by Eragon's side as the warriors and Riders followed behind them. As they entered Tronjheim, they saw the entire dwarven populace of that place gathered in front of them. Thousands of dwarves of all clans and trades watched as Eragon approached them with the Queen of the Elves and his Riders.

Arya watched as some dwarves actually shed tears in the silence that permeated the entire city. He has become a symbol to the people. He is a legend to this land and its races, of all races and none of them…Eragon, you have become great thought Arya wistfully as they stopped in front of the congregation of thousands. The innocent boy of seventeen was gone forever as was the infatuated Rider drunk on elven magic.

With a great rushing sound, Tronjheim's people knelt as one to the legend as Saphira roared in exultation. The city itself seemed to bow down to him in respect as he raised a hand towards the opening in the peak, a single tear flowing down his face at the great gesture of the dwarven race.

"Garjzla abr Evarinya"

The words of Eragon's spell echoed through the city-mountain like the notes of an instrument, and Arya's eyes shone with moisture.

Ebrithil, she whispered to herself, understanding to her bones the meaning of that word as used by the Riders.

A shaft of the purest white light descended from the peak of Farthen Dur, bathing the entire city and its occupants in its benevolent glow. The dwarves gasped as the entirety of the mountain was lit by that otherworldly light, making the marble city shine like the most beautiful treasure.

A feeling of benediction and thanks echoed through the thousands of occupants of the mountain, a feeling of familiarity and homecoming. Eragon's voice echoed through their minds gently, causing eyes to widen as it slipped through even the most powerful mental protections.

Thank you.