What do you think they're saying? I asked Obsidian, not even bothering to mask the worry in my voice.
I don't know. And they are speaking too quietly for me to make anything out. He replied, darkly. I sighed and leaned against him, casually.
Well they've been talking for a while now, we should find out soon enough.
Find out what? There is no way that they will be foolish enough not to accept our allegiance.
Hmm...I hope you are right. I don't imagine returning to father now would go down very well. I joked, nervously.
Eragon and Saphira had led Obsidian and I into the very centre of the mountains, to a vast, well-concealed city called Tronjheim. It was the living, beating heart of Farthen Dur, and also the home of the Varden. Upon arrival, we were met by countless guards: men, elves, dwarves and Urgals alike, although they were quickly dispersed with a few dismissive words from Eragon, but their looks of curiosity and wonder were not lost on me.
I realised that this was the first time that Obsidian and I had been seen together by anybody other than my sister and Eragon. The thought filled me with immeasurable pride and I could not stop the self-satisfied smirk that forced itself onto my face.
After that, we were led to the quarters of the queen, Nasuada, and Eragon had instructed me to wait outside while he spoke with her. I nodded, anxiously, and he gave me a reassuring smile and muttered a few words of encouragement, before squeezing my shoulder and sweeping into the large tent where Nasuada was waiting.
Saphira remained outside, a few metres away from Obsidian and I, eyeing us both with something like curiosity. Her sheer size intimidated me, as she towered over Obsidian, but I had heard the stories of her and Eragon's exploits, so I knew that I had nothing to fear as long as it was my intention to aid them in their cause.
I smiled politely at her and she blinked, before staring me down as though assessing me. I held her eye contact, determined that I would not show weakness before this great creature. I felt a whispering presence almost completely envelope my consciousness, though not in an entirely unpleasant way. After what felt like several minutes, she seemed satisfied and let out a low growl that could have almost passed as a sigh of contention.
I nodded, respectfully, marvelling at the unspoken ritual in which I was sure I had just participated. I knew without knowing exactly how I knew, that a mutual understanding had passed between the two of us. Somehow, in a way that was completely beyond my comprehension, she had read my intentions, and saw my heart, just by looking into my eyes. Of this, I was absolutely certain, and I took great comfort in the knowledge that I had been completely honest with Eragon so far, for if I had lied when I wanted to, I felt sure she would have recognised my insincerity.
Obsidian nudged me with his snout, and I realised that I must have slipped into a trance-like state, for when I blinked and turned to look at him, I felt slightly groggy, as though I had just woken up.
"Hmm?"
What's wrong? I was talking to you, and it was like you just...weren't there.
Oh...nothing...I'll explain later. I smiled, feeling suddenly light-headed. I turned to look at Saphira, wondering if this was normal, and my alarm must have been evident because she lowered her head, apologetically, although the movement was subtle and almost undetectable.
At that moment, Eragon emerged from the tent and flashed me a smile, before joining his dragon. A dark-skinned woman followed with two large Urgals trailing close behind her, flanking her in an uncharacteristically protectively manner. I instinctively rested my hand on the hilt of my dagger at the sight of the beasts, but Eragon caught me eye and gave me a 'don't-be-stupid' look. Thinking quickly, I turned my defensive move into a curtsy in one flowing movement.
"M'lady." I muttered. I had never had to be submissive to anybody before, other than Galbatorix on very few occasions, as I tried my hardest to avoid him as much as I possibly could, but I had seen many servants and 'common-folk' show me the same treatment.
"Lady Athem." She greeted in turn, inclining her head respectfully. I smiled, gratefully, and her gaze moved behind me to where Obsidian stood, proudly. "I am Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden. Eragon Shadeslayer has informed me that it is your desire to join us."
"That is so." I confirmed, glancing at Eragon whose set jaw gave nothing away.
"Well, then...that is very welcome news. Very welcome, indeed."
"I am glad to hear that." I sighed, relieved and flashed her a genuine smile, which she returned.
"Come. Join the council in my quarters...there is much to discuss."
Eragon made to step forward but Nasuada halted him with a hand.
"There is no need, Eragon, I think we can manage the...details...without you. I have a feeling that Lady Athem and I will be firm friends."
Eragon looked taken-aback and flashed me a look that I could not quite analyse. Was it fear that I saw behind those dark eyes? He watched Nasuada as she turned to me, and there was anger in his gaze. I tried to understand the source of his distaste, but somehow I felt like I did not have all of the puzzle pieces I needed to make a complete picture. There was nothing more for me to do than follow Nasuada back into her tent. As I brushed past Eragon, he looked me in the eye and I felt him inside my head.
I remained composed, although every fibre of my being was ringing out in surprise and mistrust, but his words were sincere.
Be on your guard, Lady Athem. The council are not above exploitation to achieve their own goals. He warned. I frowned.
Council? But I thought...
There is no time. They are expecting you. Just promise me that you will not swear fealty to them.
But...that was the point in me coming here, was it not?
No. Join us, yes, but do not utter a single syllable in the ancient language unless you are willing to surrender your free will to a group of corrupted, power-hungry old men and women.
"Lady Athem? Won't you join us?" Nasuada asked, re-appearing in the tent's entrance. I nodded, and with one final glance at Eragon and Obsidian, I followed her into the lion's den, wondering all the time what I was getting myself into.
AN: I know it's short, but I'm moving to the middle of nowhere for three months on saturday, and I don't know when I'll next be able to update, so I'm cutting this one short so I can get started on the next one and hopefully get as much done as I can...does that make sense? It's late. I haven't slept. Don't judge me!
Also, did I spell Tronjheim right? I can NOT be bothered to look it up...