35. Dinner
They arrived just as Eragon anticipated. The other Riders were already sitting together at one table, where two empty seats indicated their hope that Eragon and Arya would be joining them.
Eragon smiled broadly at everyone as they reached the empty places. One was at the head, which he assumed was for himself, and the other was to the right of that seat. Here he pulled the chair out for Arya and let her sit, pushing it in as she did. "What can I get for you, my love?" he asked before sitting, in case he needed to fetch something from farther down the table.
"I'll start with what's here, kind sir," Arya insisted, accepting his chivalry with a grateful smile.
Murtagh was to the right of Arya, and Willow sat at Eragon's left. They smiled at the exchange, and Willow murmured, "You win, brother. No dishes tonight." Murtagh laughed.
Eragon heard her words as he sat and asked, "What do you mean, 'I win'?"
"Not you, Eragon," Willow clarified. "Murtagh. He had a little bet going and the winner got out of dish duty for the night."
Eragon glanced at Murtagh with a raised eyebrow. "What bet might this have been, old chap?" he wryly asked.
"Oh, nothing much," Murtagh nonchalantly replied. "We each guessed how long you would stay away on your honeymoon. I guessed ten days, one for each year of your separation. So I won."
Eragon laughed. "Was no dish duty the only prize?"
"Yes, though I also jokingly suggested that the winner would be the next to enjoy the pleasures you have this last week and a half. If only that could be."
"I wish it could, brother," Eragon sympathetically agreed. Then he raised his voice. "Thank you, everyone, for not seeking us out this past week. We had a splendid time." This was met with a number of laughs and smiles.
Eragon glanced at Arya for permission, and she nodded encouragingly, so he continued, "For those who have not yet heard, we also have some most unexpected but welcome news. Arya is expecting a child, and we couldn't be happier about it."
The Riders and others present began their various forms of approval by clapping, stomping their feet, pounding the table, cheering, and trumpeting—from the dragons. Angela alone remained quiet and thoughtful.
When the clamor died down enough, Eragon said, "I'm sure it's no surprise how we discovered so quickly, as you all know how to perceive the energy of even the smallest life. The child is due in the spring and before its arrival, we intend to return to Alagaёsia for a time. But before even that, my new wife," he gave Arya a proud smile, "wishes to see what life is like for a Dragon Rider on the Isle."
He intentionally paused, as if letting that take effect, adding with mock sternness, "So don't make me look bad, am I understood? Pretend I have performed my job well." Then he laughed at himself for his silliness, and the others joined in as well. Eragon noticed Arya observing the sidelong glances of disbelief the other Riders shared with one another, which were proof of the truthfulness of Eragon's prediction in their room. It seemed they must have believed his levity at the wedding would not be long lived.
When Eragon saw that they waited for him to continue, he said, "Carry on. Forgive us for interrupting your meal. I know I am different from before, but I suppose you'll just need to get used to it. Your grumpy, stern brother will not be back so long as his lovely wife is by his side."
The Riders carried on at his request, though not without many cautious looks in Eragon's direction and many reverent glances at Arya, which clearly conveyed their amazement at the transformation her presence had wrought in Eragon.
"Soon they will cease," he assured Arya when she mentioned the deference they were receiving. "They have long tried to lighten my sour disposition, but their attempts were so often unsuccessful that they began to think it impossible. Indeed, I suppose it was without your help. But once they see that I am finally the happier man they always encouraged me to be, I think we'll all be better off." He glanced at Murtagh, who had snorted into his cup. "At least we'll still have old Murtagh here to carry on the irritable, lovesick wretch in my absence."
Arya and Willow giggled, and Murtagh raised his eyebrows in feigned shock. "What! I, a miserable wretch?" he jested. "Surely not!" Then with less jest he admitted, "I suppose it is somewhat true. It hardly seems fair that the younger brother should marry first and enjoy all that comes along with that blessed union. I made something of a similar observation right before suggesting my little wager."
Eragon once again agreed, more conscious than ever before of just what Murtagh was missing.
In his most serious reply yet, Murtagh said, "All joking aside, brother, I think I would like to accompany you and Arya when you journey to Alagaёsia. I have decided that I must present my suit before Nasuada or forever regret my reluctance. Do you object to that notion?"
Arya answered, "Certainly not, Murtagh! Having now experienced all that comes along with the blessed union of marriage, as you say, I would welcome your company. If you and Nasuada have a chance at the happiness Eragon and I have felt, then nothing should deter you from pursuing it."
Willow entered the conversation with, "Though reluctant to request an addition to your numbers, I feel I must also come, if only to learn more about these two women who have won the affection of such noble men. Perhaps if I discover something of their secrets, I might also hope to claim the heart of such a man in my future." She furtively glanced toward Varhog, who sat at her left, then looked again at Eragon.
Eragon grinned and, with a wink at Arya, said, "Well, that's easy. You must simply always be mysterious and discourage your suitor at every opportunity." Arya scoffed and pushed him. He caught her hand and kissed it.
Murtagh continued, "You must be intelligent and witty."
Not to be outdone Eragon added, "You must be wise and strong."
Murtagh took a turn, striving to defend the virtues of his love. "Fearlessly lead an entire army against hopeless odds, managing the whole affair with wisdom and leadership beyond your years, to finally emerge triumphant in the end."
"A good fighter," Eragon pressed.
"Able to endure agonizing torture and attempt an escape with only a spoon as your weapon," Murtagh rejoined. All save Eragon raised their eyebrows at his remark, for the others were not familiar with that incident. Murtagh shrugged and, with a hint of pain in his eyes, said, "Some other time, perhaps."
Finally Arya, who had been listening to the exchange with increasing exasperation as the two men sought to best the other, helpfully supplied with a twinkle in her eye but also in a tone of finality, "And above all, you must constantly complain of his age, for that is the true way to win a man's heart." Everyone laughed.
Once Willow had regained enough composure to speak, she mournfully said, "Alas, I fear I will never achieve such impressive deeds. Perhaps Varhog would have me," she teased, elbowing him meaningfully in his arm. "You're not as hard to please as these two, are you, Yelloweyes?"
Eragon had resolved to pay closer attention to Willow and Varhog, and he knew Arya was also intently observing them. Willow clearly hoped her implication would pass undetected by the others, and she glanced sideways at Varhog with an intensity that Eragon would have missed had he not been paying attention. Willow seemed to notice that her suggestion surprised Varhog.
Varhog replied in a light tone, "It would be an honor, Eartheyes." But Eragon clearly heard his deep sincerity, and Willow raised her eyebrows hopefully. Then her expression fell as Varhog continued with his own attempt at jest in an effort to hide his earnestness, "Of course, it would need be I who constantly complained of your age, since I am the senior between us."
Willow forced her expression into a smile, but Eragon saw that her eyes shimmered with a hint of tears before she turned them down to stare at her plate.
This exchange gave Eragon pause. In his mind he said to Arya, I see exactly what you mean, my love. It's as plain as the sun at noon on a clear day. That would be interesting, wouldn't it?
Indeed it would, Arya agreed. But Willow seems to feel differently than she did when we left. She encouraged his response and was obviously disappointed about something. I am very curious to learn what will come of this unique friendship.
Aye, Eragon concurred. An Urgal and a human. I know I have never before heard of it. Have you?
No, certainly not, Arya said. To think of all that may yet change as the pact with the dragons affects all the races.
Willow interrupted their mental dialogue by repeating her earlier request. "May I come with you to Alagaёsia? I haven't returned in all my time on the Isle, and I would dearly love to meet King Orik and Queen Nasuada. Even Roran and Katrina, if you will be visiting them. Roran is something of a legend among humans for the role he played in furthering the war with only the authority of his hammer and the creativity of his mind. No magic or special powers for him."
"I have no objection to the company," Eragon answered. "Do you?" he asked with a questioning look at Arya.
"Not at all," she assured.
Varhog surprised them by saying, "I too would accompany you, Firesword. I was the first of the new Riders to come to the Isle nine years ago, and I also have never returned home." He glanced at Willow while she wasn't looking, though Eragon saw that she noticed and gripped her fork more tightly. Varhog looked back toward Eragon. "Am I also welcome?" he finished.
"Of course, brother," Eragon said. "We shall be an impressive assembly of Riders converging on Alagaёsia together. Hanin, would you like to begin the first leg of your journey to Ellesméra for the Rider Choosing Ceremony with us? I know you meant to leave sooner, and your departure would need to be delayed somewhat. What do you think?"
"Certainly," Hanin acquiesced. When Eragon addressed Hanin, all other conversation at the table ceased, and Hanin continued, "Before Arya came here, I wasn't sure I would stay on after delivering the egg, but now it makes sense that I be the guardian Rider and stay to help the new Rider raise their hatchling. And I am now nearly in my sixth year on the Isle and haven't been home to visit my parents in two years."
"Perfect," Eragon approved.
Before Eragon could continue speaking, Arya commented, "That delay in having another egg hatch was very trying for me. I waited most anxiously for every opportunity to interact with a dragon and Rider."
"I'm sorry, my love," Eragon apologized. "I can see how that would have been difficult. I think it was for the best though, at least from our perspective here on the Isle. Though our first Urgal and dwarf brothers were then on good terms—"
"Thanks to Willow," Knilf inserted.
"Yes, thanks to Willow," Eragon agreed before continuing his previous train of thought, "Having a new Urgal and dwarf join our ranks required further adjustment, and we once again had to grow in unity and comradery before anyone else joined our ranks. Last year we received permission to deliver the next egg destined for a human, which was a pure white female who hatched for Tomath. He named her Snowfire after consulting with me. I told him the story of the noble stallion Brom had bought at the very beginning of our travels and how reliable he was. As far as I know, Roran still owns the horse, though he rests much in his advanced age.
"Anyway, the Eldunarí approve of having the next egg—a silver male—sent to the elves this summer. And already the dragons have made plans for next year, and another female is meant to go to the Urgralgra."
Eragon turned back to look down the table, addressing everyone else since they were all listening. "Does anyone else wish to join this ever-increasing company?"
The three newest Riders—Grintuk, Bodin, and Tomath—all shook their heads.
Grintuk had completed his first four years the previous summer, but since a new egg was not meant to go to the Urgralgra then—thanks to the two-year delay—he had remained on the Isle. His reason was that he did not wish to provoke the Urgal king's wrath with an unnecessary visit by dragon and Rider to Anghelm. And though he was still eligible to return, he once again declined.
"I think I will wait until next summer," Grintuk responded. "I can take the egg meant for the Urgralgra at that time and not trouble King Kulkarvek with the presence of another dragon in Alagaёsia any earlier than necessary."
Bodin would have been able to go, but he had received permission to accompany Knilf on his most recent visit, though he had been just shy of his four-year mark. He was therefore not allowed another visit so soon. And Tomath was still in his first year, so a visit was not yet permitted. That left Knilf, the first dwarven Rider.
Knilf shook his head regretfully. "Alas, mine brother, though this sounds a great adventure, I've only but returned from a visit to my kinsmen in the Beors. I suppose someone with a bit more experience ought to remain behind and keep these lads from getting into mischief." He chuckled merrily at the thought of being in charge.
Grintuk, Bodin, and Tomath also smiled at the idea of Knilf as their master. Knilf was a fine Rider, but he was more lenient than Eragon. Eragon saw no harm in a few months of less rigorous training, knowing that the elves and the Eldunarí who remained behind would keep everything in order.
Tomath did look slightly wistful, however. He had joined the Riders a year before at the tender age of thirteen, and Eragon imagined he was homesick for his family in Alagaёsia. He comforted Tomath by saying, "Take heart, Tomath. The next three years will go by swiftly. You will return to Alagaёsia as a powerful Rider, a fine swordsman and magician, and already a man in the estimation of most."
Tomath smiled bravely. He was so young that he almost regarded Eragon as a father. "I'll be fine, Eragon," he assured. Tomath was more inclined to refer to Eragon and all the others who were older than he as "master," but he was slowly getting accustomed to simply calling them by name. Willow had kindly taken to Tomath, filling in for the mother he dearly missed.
Blödhgarm quietly submitted, "I suggest you take the stores of brightsteel we have found here on the Isle to Rhunön, the elf smith. Though we have plenty of swords for future Riders to choose from and therefore do not need her to use it for the crafting of new blades, we have no use of the metal. Perhaps she might."
Eragon nodded. "We will have Hanin take it with him. Unless you also wish to come, Blödhgarm?"
"No, I have no desire to go," the elf replied. "I consider the Isle my home. Perhaps I can be of some use in keeping things in order around here." He turned a toothy grin on Knilf, with whom he was obviously on good terms.
The dwarf chuckled. "Indeed you would, Master Elf."
"I will also come, as you know, Shadeslayer," Angela contributed. "I only say that because you need to think of means of transportation where others but the Riders are involved. I could use the same method of travel I engaged in to arrive here, but I prefer to travel in your company."
Eragon understood why. He inclined his head to communicate as much then asked, "And would you ride a dragon?"
Angela nodded reluctantly. "I see no other way. We must not take to the seas, for that would add far too much time to the journey. All who are going are Riders except for me and Solembum, and all of the dragons are now plenty large enough to carry two, if they do not object."
Eragon reached out to Saphira, who—along with the other dragons—had been listening in keen interest. The other Riders' dragons shared a mutual excitement at the journey. Many of them had only made the flight from Alagaёsia once and had never returned. They were all much bigger than when they had arrived and rarely had opportunity to travel such a distance.
Before he could even ask, Saphira said, Little one, I would be glad to carry someone other than you, if need be. I already knew you and Arya would not likely wish to be apart so long on Fírnen and me, so I expected to fly riderless for at least some of the journey. But I would carry Angela.
Fírnen added, I too would be willing.
Willow spoke up, "Sunset is smaller and milder than some of these older dragons. Perhaps she would be a better fit for Angela." Sunset hummed her assent. "I suppose that means I would need to ride with someone," Willow innocently finished.
Varhog cleared his throat but didn't look up from what he was doing, which appeared to be trimming his black fingernails with a small knife. "Black Thunder is large. He could carry two," he casually commented.
Grintuk mockingly said, "All of the dragons in question are large enough to carry two, Varhog." Varhog glanced up long enough to glare at Grintuk.
Willow ignored Grintuk and smiled delightedly at Varhog's statement. "I've always wanted to ride him!" she exclaimed. "He's so huge and magnificent!" Eragon saw the effect her words had on Varhog and that Willow hoped this fortuitous riding arrangement might prove to be more than a convenience. Varhog kept his eyes trained on his task even as he swelled with pride.
Arya raised her eyebrows and glanced at Eragon. There it was again, she pointed out. And Willow is on to him. She seems to feel the same, but it's as if she is waiting for something very specific from him.
Eragon tried to temper his surprise, especially when he realized that everyone else at the table, save perhaps Tomath, seemed to have noticed Varhog's overtures of the evening. They're all on to him! he cried. I really must have been blind. Everyone here knows that Varhog cares for Willow, but he must not have told her, judging by the disapproving looks they are shooting at him. I can understand why no one would want Willow to be unhappy. She has tried to be an honest friend to everyone here and, as Knilf implied, she has been an essential element to the comradery between the Riders. I hope we will have more female Riders soon. Willow's calming influence has been irreplaceable among so many males of different races, where enmity and violence have such a long history. It will be most interesting to see if anything comes of this.
Then Eragon said aloud, "It sounds like the needful arrangements will be possible. We can decide on specific riding arrangements when the time comes. I suppose it will not be for some weeks yet."