7. Catching Up

For the next hour, Eragon and Arya walked hand in hand toward the canyon, catching up on the major events of the last ten years. Arya didn't have much to tell. The highlight of her time as queen had been helping the first three new Riders, save the human girl—whose name was Willow, Eragon reminded her—raise their dragons. She mentioned that Nasuada had called on her a couple of times to resolve minor disputes that had arisen in Alagaёsia. She told Eragon that Fírnen had been her greatest source of comfort during her suffering with the cold, always patient and understanding.

Arya confessed to Eragon that he had been the subject of nearly all her waking dreams, the last thing she thought of before she went to sleep each night, and her first thought every morning.

"It sounds pathetically needy and romantic," Arya mocked herself.

Eragon smiled at her. "I'm pleased I was often on your mind even before you admitted you loved me," he observed. Then he repeated again as he had before, "And it's not a weakness to need each other, Arya. Men and women complete and complement each other, finding their greatest strength in union, not independent of one another. You seem intent on denying that we're better together, insistent we always be at odds. We needn't worry about one being superior and the other inferior. Don't you remember how many times we fought together as a team and came out victorious because we knew the other was by our side? Cannot my strengths complement your weaknesses, as yours do mine? We're stronger together than as individuals."

"You have become most wise, Eragon Shadeslayer," Arya approved, alluding to one of the significant instances that perfectly illustrated his point. "What you say is true, and I have been trying to open my mind to this concept ever since admitting I loved you. We achieved our greatest triumphs together and escaped many difficult circumstances by looking out for one another. I'll continue to reevaluate this misconception that I'm giving in to weakness when I allow myself to need someone."

Arya then told him that Sloan, who was prisoner in Ellesméra at Eragon's hand, had made improvements in his penitence and lived relatively peacefully in his advancing age. "His miraculously restored sight filled him with gratitude and led him to greater remorse and repentance of his wrongs," she shared, regarding Eragon meaningfully as if she suspected that he had healed Sloan's blindness.

"I'm glad you told me that," Eragon replied.

"You know," Arya went on, "your display of mercy in that instance gave me great insight into your character. I always assumed that I knew just how I should and would act in similar circumstances, but you made me question and that made me better. Compassion is also not a weakness." Eragon agreed with her.

"Nasuada finally decided to pull down the rest of the destroyed citadel in Ilirea and build a great palace in its stead," Arya then informed him. "Though I suppose you might have known that."

"Not much about it," Eragon admitted.

"She called on Fírnen and me to help the most skilled architects and artisans of the elves, dwarves, and humans. It was a huge project, and she commissioned thousands of workers for the space of many years. The palace is magnificent, with the most modern luxuries and advancements of which any of our races are aware. But Nasuada does not live in excess or gluttony. Hundreds of people live in the palace with her, and all are treated equally and respectfully. She has taken special interest in the widows and orphans after the war. It's very admirable."

"I have no doubt," Eragon said. "Nasuada is a born leader and stateswoman. Everything she does serves a dual purpose—to satisfy the demands of her caring heart and to further her position as queen. What were your observations of the society for magical enforcement? Whenever I speak with her it seems her most constant frustration. Though lately I've also sensed that she grows more concerned about the friendship between humans and Urgals, which seems to be under strain."

"I believe her efforts have not been as successful as she would wish," Arya answered. "The lesser spellcasters, whose abilities are already so meager, resist the supervision less than the more powerful magicians. The elves refuse to participate, feeling their efforts are above reproach, isolated as they are in Du Weldenvarden. There is some truth to that, I suppose, though I can see where Nasuada is coming from. It's too invasive, however. I know she lost four spellcasters whom she sent to retrieve an old magician named Tenga. Those sorts of things invariably happen when she attempts to control a more gifted spellweaver. I know that Angela spent some of the years since the end of the war in Du Weldenvarden, attempting to avoid Nasuada's regulatory measures."

"Tenga, Angela," Eragon mused. "Angela once told me that she apprenticed with Tenga for some years, though I got the impression she didn't think highly of him. There's a woman with many secrets."

"Indeed," Arya agreed. "While Nasuada is determined, I believe her initial fervor is flagging. It really is quite a difficult thing she proposes."

Arya concluded her report with what she considered the last noteworthy occurrence during her tenure as queen. "Two new elven children were born this last decade, which is impressive considering that the two before—Alanna and Dusan—were the first and only in many decades. I'm hopeful that the rise of the dragons will mean good things for my race. Now I have nothing more to share, at least that I can presently think of. I want to hear your account."

"What you said about children reminded me of something," Eragon began. "I don't know if you ever stayed in contact with Orik?"

"Infrequently," Arya admitted.

"Well, he and Hvedra now have three strapping young sons. Fine lads if ever he saw any, according to Orik. He's very proud."

"Three?" Arya breathed, and Eragon understood her awe. Three to one couple when her entire race had only produced two in all ten years. "That's wonderful," she said. "I'm happy for them. How fare the dwarves?"

"Well," Eragon responded. "I scry with Orik every couple of months or so. The kingdom is thriving. He feared he might lose his crown by agreeing to enter into the pact with the dragons, but he tells me that having two Riders is a source of great pride among the dwarves. All but the clan nearly wiped out by the dragons, that is."

"How do the two dwarven Riders feel of their calling?" Arya asked. "Is it difficult for them to mount their dragons and take to the skies? When Knilf left my tutelage, Blaze was still small enough that Knilf managed to scramble up to his back without too much difficulty."

Eragon grinned. "He still manages just fine. As does Bodin. Very nimble, the dwarves. And the bond with the dragons has given them a fondness for the sky, though they also still like the familiarity of being in the earth. Knilf and Bodin are fine Riders, their dragons very noble creatures."

"I thought I heard rumor that they were recently in Alagaёsia for a visit," Arya said. "But unless it was summer and a Rider Choosing Ceremony was happening somewhere, we otherwise heard little news of Dragon Riders."

"Yes, the dwarves just returned from a visit yesterday before I left for the lake. The Riders are free to return to Alagaёsia whenever they wish after their first four years of training on the Isle are complete. That's probably why there was little notice of them, especially since Willow and Varhog have never gone home. They're expected to return after a few months of each visit to continue their instruction and stay for at least six months when they do. There is much comradery here among the Riders, though our numbers are still few. I'm sure it will continue to grow as do our ranks."

Eragon kept hold of her hand as he skirted a large boulder in their path and continued, "The construction of the city was the focus of much of my time in the early years. Murtagh joined me here not long after the elves and I arrived. It was extremely helpful having Thorn around. He and Saphira were able to lift much larger stones together than Saphira alone could have, which sped our efforts considerably. To do such heavy labor with magic quickly became too exhausting, even with help from the Eldunarí, for the structures we have built are necessarily immense. Early on, the other dragons on the island were only hatchlings, so they couldn't help as they now can, though we rarely rely on the wild dragons to pitch in out of the goodness of their hearts. When Varhog arrived with Black Thunder, who hatched from a larger egg than Thorn or Saphira, their assistance was also invaluable. Black Thunder is now the largest of the bonded dragons, which seems to fit, for Varhog is the strongest Rider.

"But we have already built many edifices—more than sufficient for our current needs—with plans and resources to expand as necessary. The Eldunarí instructed and guided us in our efforts, and we have patterned the stronghold after Doru Araeba." He glanced over at her.

Arya said, "I saw more of Murtagh than anyone, even Hanin, who went to Ellesméra a couple of years ago. It must have been the first time he was allowed to visit. But it has been years since I last saw Murtagh. How is he?"

Eragon became less animated. "Murtagh is slowly finding peace. He has had a hard life, and the road toward forgiveness and healing has been long for him. Isolation here with other Riders served him well, I think. Although he's nearly as lovesick as I was, only for Nasuada."

At this Arya truly looked surprised. "Indeed? How did I never know that? I must have been blind never to notice such a strong attachment as this sounds."

"They first met in Tronjheim," Eragon explained. "Murtagh took a deep liking to her there, enchanted by her intelligence and nobility. I noticed it to a certain extent but was too preoccupied with other matters to realize how deeply Murtagh came to feel for her.

"Then he was kidnapped, though we all assumed he was dead. Things became so much worse when Thorn hatched for him, for it gave Galbatorix significant bargaining power. Murtagh couldn't stand to see Galbatorix torture Thorn, so he quickly gave in to his demands. Being Galbatorix's pawn was the worst of any of it, I believe. Murtagh felt he had come to follow in the footsteps of the father he always hated, though against his will.

"You're familiar with many of the skirmishes involving Murtagh from that point on." Arya nodded, and Eragon continued, "He revealed that the attack on the Varden's camp to kidnap Nasuada after the capture of Dras-Leona was his doing. He convinced Galbatorix to take her alive rather than assassinate her, which was the king's original intent. Murtagh couldn't bear the thought of it.

"It surprised Murtagh that Galbatorix never caught on, since he had invaded Murtagh's mind, but Murtagh was able to help Nasuada significantly during her imprisonment. Galbatorix forced him to act as the instrument of her torture, which intensified his loathing for the king like nothing else had. I believe it was one of the main reasons—along with encouragement from Nasuada—that he began helping her. He healed her pain after those torture sessions, alerted her mind when Galbatorix was creating illusions to break her will and bring her into submission, and devised a plan to help her escape, which he would have carried out just the day after we attacked. He was desperate to help her and somehow atone for his wrongs, which was enough to change his true name ever so slightly. That is how he was able to defy Galbatorix at the last moment, when it mattered most."

"Amazing," Arya said. "Are the dwarves as angry as ever about King Hrothgar's death at Murtagh's hand?"

Eragon answered, "They're a stubborn race, slow to forgive, quick to remember past wrongs and hold a grudge, but I believe there is hope even there. Murtagh has slowly become friends with Knilf and Bodin by overcoming many of their prejudices through his honest goodness, quick humor, and willingness to assist them in their training. He even once appeared before Orik with Knilf, when Knilf accompanied him for the most recent Dwarf Choosing Ceremony.

"I have spoken to Orik on many occasions of the events surrounding Hrothgar's death, including my oath to take vengeance on Murtagh, of which he has generously acquitted me. Orik is slowly learning to accept the idea that forgiving Murtagh is possible, and if he is able to—where Hrothgar was his adoptive father—I believe many others will be able to follow suit. They may not ever be the best of friends, but I feel that healing will come in time, as it often seems to."

"Time often seems to be the best healer and teacher, doesn't it?" Arya mused. Then she prompted Eragon for more information by saying, "I would imagine that the elves who accompanied you have stayed quite busy with all of the hatchlings and your other efforts."

"Indeed," Eragon agreed. "Blödhgarm and the elves have helped all of the Eldunarí recover from their imprisonment under Galbatorix, though some will never reach their original levels of clarity and insight. The Eldunarí work together with me, Murtagh, and the elves to ensure that the new Riders receive their education and instruction in the ways of the Riders. There's so much to learn, Arya. I'll never absorb it all should I live to be a thousand years. The wealth of knowledge and experience between all the Eldunarí is vast and overwhelming."

Eragon changed topics slightly. "Saphira has been overjoyed to help the elves raise all of the hatchlings who have so far joined us. There are now over two hundred dragons, and many of the wild ones have established their nests on neighboring islands. They all view her as a matron of their race, which I suppose she is in a way. The wild dragons have benefited from the presence of the Eldunarí as well, since many of the Eldunarí are from wild dragons. Though not tame in the same sense as the bonded dragons—if you can even call them tame—they're easy to reason with and completely in support of the measures we've taken to preserve the resources of the island and surrounding areas. But our dragons or the Eldunarí have to oversee communications with the wild dragons, since they don't use any verbal languages. Trying to understand the series of images and feelings they convey is difficult, at best, and they've never taken much interest in the smaller sentient races." A breeze rippled by, and Eragon looked over as Arya tucked her hair behind her ear to keep it out of her face. She smiled encouragingly that he should continue.

He returned her smile and said, "When we first landed here, there were many predatory animals—large hunting cats, enormous snakes, and many fearsome, winged creatures. Different predators than we were wont to find in Alagaёsia because of the different climate. They naturally controlled the population of prey animals. Saphira and Thorn—and then the growing hatchlings and the new Riders' dragons—removed them within the first several years. The dragons then took over the role as dominant predators while ensuring that the other populations can maintain their numbers. We hope we have achieved a good balance, but there are many other islands within flying distance for the wild dragons to hunt and nest.

"We feel it wise to limit the addition of Riders to one a year, and the dragons agree. To give only one or two eggs to the Riders each year was also their habit in old times, as you know. This approach gives us time to progress in the ways of our order without overwhelming numbers. We're still using the eggs intended for Dragon Riders from the store in the Vault of Souls."

"How many are left?" Arya asked.

"Nineteen," Eragon answered. "Hanin will take a silver egg with a male inside to the elves this summer. Soon, in fact. The Eldunarí have assigned a female dragon to go the Urgralgra next year."

"From what little I heard and observed, it seems that the peoples of Alagaёsia hoped to have more interaction with Dragon Riders," Arya said. "Is there a reason you keep it to a minimum?"

"We wish to have a presence in Alagaёsia and always be available to be called on should the need arise," Eragon explained, "but I don't want it to be overbearing. The power of the Riders is so great—with all the gifts of being bonded to the dragons—that we don't want to create fear or undue deference among those not blessed with our abilities. It was one of the very reasons I wanted to leave Alagaёsia in the first place. But now that some of our more senior Riders are nearing their ten year mark, we may relax that approach somewhat.

"Usually if one of the senior Riders is planning a visit to Alagaёsia around the time we would normally deliver an egg, we arrange for them to take it along and be presented to the respective race during that year's Choosing Ceremony," Eragon went on. "You're familiar with this thanks to your interaction with Murtagh. The dragons have agreed on the pattern we have previously discussed of hatching for a human, elf, Urgal, then dwarf, which makes it easy to know where to take the next egg. We stay in close communication with Nasuada, Orik, and Nar Garzhvog. It's a bit easier with those three since we can scry them at will, but having you contact us from Ellesméra at a set time helped considerably. Now that our strange dynamic is no longer an obstacle, I'm sure things there will also flow more smoothly." He smiled at her, and she returned it.

"I often wondered why you never spoke with me when I scryed each spring," Arya said.

"It was unbelievably painful, Arya. As I have told you, my feelings for you have grown every day we were apart. Seeing you in the scrying mirror six years ago provoked such desperate longing that I thought it best not to risk it again. I tried not to let my feelings be obvious. Was I successful?"

"Your eyes betrayed you, though nothing in your word or manner was anything but polite and formal," Arya reassured. "I thought I could sense from the way you looked at me that you still felt the same." She held his hand tighter, moving closer to his side. Then she exclaimed, "Everything you have told me is fascinating, indeed! Yours has been the far more interesting adventure."

"It has been very interesting," Eragon agreed. "Never a dull moment, always something to oversee or learn or accomplish. But in spite of how full my time was, I always felt empty. I tried to ignore it by dedicating myself with untiring zeal to my duties, but I always missed you and felt you belonged with the Riders and with me."

"Thank you, Eragon," Arya tenderly said. "I'm glad I finally came to agree." She then pressed, "What of the Urgals? How do Varhog and Grintuk feel of their calling?"

"That has been a very good thing," Eragon said. "Both Urgals are fine Riders. Varhog is exemplary in every way. Grintuk speaks highly of the Games, but Varhog came here before the first were held. I've never been to them so I wouldn't know from personal experience. Have you been? Do the races of Alagaёsia enjoy the competition?"

"Yes, they're wonderful," Arya replied. "After the first several years, the races agreed to move them to a more central location, and they are now held every other year in Ilirea, where the dwarves can reasonably travel. They had only just concluded when I left. They're held in the early summer right before the Choosing Ceremonies and create much anticipation. The young members of each race who aspire to compete spend many years in impressive preparation. A worthy endeavor, and it keeps them out of trouble, which I'm sure was one of your intended objectives."

"Indeed, and hopefully the Urgals also feel that the competition satisfies the requirements for proving their valor and eligibility to mate."

"For the most part, from what I could tell," Arya confirmed. "As you know, I entrusted Garzhvog with the black dragon egg that hatched for Varhog, since I was unable to personally oversee that Rider Choosing Ceremony and knew my inability to speak Urgralish would be a hindrance. He mentioned something about revising their ways. My understanding is that a ram is now required only to subdue three opponents to the point that he could kill them if he so desired. But actually ending their life is no longer a condition of proving their eligibility to marry. I got the sense that many of the various clans have adapted these modifications, though I don't know that all have.

"Nasuada has occasionally mentioned some conflict between the more northern Urgal tribes and the neighboring human villages. Perhaps this is what you alluded to a moment ago. As of the time I left, she had never asked me and Fírnen to attend to it. But perhaps these clans are among the number that haven't fully embraced the revised customs."

"The northern tribes," Eragon thoughtfully repeated. "I wonder if that could have anything to do with King Kulkarvek of Anghelm. When Murtagh returned from the last Urgal Choosing Ceremony with Grintuk, he mentioned how hostile the king was toward him and Thorn. Garzhvog warned Murtagh to keep his distance and did all the talking and explaining for the Ceremony."

"I believe you're right," Arya said. "Nasuada mentioned an Urgal king once or twice. I know very little of him. Is he dangerous?"

"Right after we defeated Galbatorix, Murtagh and Thorn left, and Saphira and I followed them. When we learned they were determined to depart for a time, the Eldunarí warned Murtagh to avoid a few locales in Alagaёsia. The barrows of Anghelm, where the one and only Urgal King Kulkarvek lies in state, was the first on their list. That the Eldunarí would warn a Dragon Rider to keep his distance from the king has often made me wonder if he could actually be a threat to a dragon. If that's true, however, I have no idea how it could be. That mention of the Urgal king was the first I had ever heard of him. Nar Garzhvog never once named him in the time we spent together during the course of the war. Perhaps this king is stirring up trouble, but I have no idea why he would."

"How mysterious," Arya said. "He must be very secretive and isolated for the elves to have so little information about him."

"I'm not entirely sure where Anghelm is," Eragon said, "but I believe it is far in the northern Spine. Roran has occasionally let on of minor skirmishes near Carvahall, which makes sense. There are few human settlements north of Carvahall. He mentioned that few Urgals bother them there, however. He built the castle we always imagined, complete with admirable fortifications and defenses. And the Urgals also came to respect him during the war, so they're reluctant to disturb his territory. But if this Urgal king is demanding that his rams seek out conflict, I fear what it might mean."

Arya was pensive for a few moments as she contemplated the troubling information. Then, in an effort to lighten the conversation again, she said, "I do know, however, that having the first egg after the revised pact hatch for an Urgal was very significant. From the way Garzhvog spoke of you, I could tell they honor you for including them, as prejudiced as the other races have always been toward them. Change has been slow but steady."

"I was always just as prejudiced as any," Eragon confessed. "The first creatures I killed as a Dragon Rider were Urgals. Brom and I came across an entire village they had massacred and slaughtered. They even speared an innocent infant and left it atop the pile of bodies." Eragon shuddered at the memory, and Arya's face darkened at the mention of the baby. "I never thought I would forgive them, thought the wrongs they received were deserved. It's amazing what a little understanding does toward increasing acceptance of those who are different. I'm heartened to hear that relations are improving and prejudices softening, for the most part at least."

"And how are Roran and Katrina?" Arya asked, hanging on Eragon's every word.

Eragon smiled broadly. "They're still as happy as two lovesick fools. He's a beloved leader among the people of Palancar Valley, having gained their loyalty when he saved them from Galbatorix. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Roran also tills the ground as he always wanted, which brings him great satisfaction. Ismira has been joined by three younger siblings, two brothers and a sister. Another is on the way, due this winter."

Arya became very still. "So they will have five children?" she confirmed.

Eragon immediately noticed her change in demeanor. "Yes, five. Can you believe it?"

"No. I mean it's lovely, but just . . ." she trailed off, speechless, and looked away, but not before Eragon noticed a look of deep sadness and envy in her eyes.