I Do Not Own The Inheritance Cycle.

All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.

A/N: This is essentially a missing moment from the last book Inheritance and takes place after the death of Galbatorix, and a few days after Roran's Ennoblement.

Nasuada was listening to a report from Jörmundur on the trouble spots in the l where how to focus their attention.

It was at this moment that Jeos was announced by the guards, before being showed in.

Nasuada Jörmundur greeted him warmly, after a few moments of small talk, she got right to the point.

"Jeod, forgive me for being abrupt, however i have many things that dem my attention very liitle time for all of then."

The former merchant smiled at that said, "burning the cle at both ends only makes the cle burn faster, Lady Night stalker, however maybe I can help you by telling you what I know so far.""

Jörmundur was amused "I see your already prepared for this meeting Master Longshanks."

Jeod shrugged with a smile "old habits die hard Captain, I was a merchant for most my life, it was my job to know what was going on around me understand the needs of my clients, my job as a scholar requires similiar skills."

Nasuada shoulders relaxed as she laughed softly, "it seems you people of Palancar Valley never cease to amaze me."

Jeod frowned "forgive me your majesty, but I was born and brought up in Tierm."

"True but you were part of the Palancar Pirates, helped Eragon on his Journey, not to mention you were indirectly responsible for Saphira hatching for Eragon, by helping Brom in founding the warden. Not to mention Roran & the others think of you as one of their own."

Jeod smiled "fair enough, now then this is what I have learnt so far. I know Eragon has been looking for a place to restart the Riders, the Elves have not yet chosen a new ruler that makes you nervous, even though you know how their political system works.

I also know that after the war, Orrik is busy trying to get his kingdom back together is looking to expabd his reach as well, not to mention trying to unite the xlan xhiefs into one cohesive unit.

you also know that despite the victory in war many of your subjects are still afraid distrustful of other races.

Therefore to ease that mistrust & fear, you have decided to grant the Dwarves lands to the Far East just off the coast of Surda, because of the similar culture. However there are a few problems with that,"

"the first is obvious: price, you can't agree on how much to charge the dwarves & knowing their nature of haggling are not making it easier."

The second is finding someone you can trust to supervise the whole situation."

Third most important: by granting ls next to Surda, you are... shall we say hesitant of stepping on king Orrin's toes, you are not sure of how to explain the situation."

Nasuada smiled "astute as always Jeod, not to mention diplomatic. However you have yet to state why you are here."

"

That is not for me to say your Majesty, I am but a humble scholar, besides I am here at your behest Milady."

Indeed you are Jeod, now getting straight to the point, during the war, I made it a point to promote those who had done the Varden a great Service, or had displayed great valor & skill in their assignments, however while no doubt capable as a leader & a fighter, you seemed more at home reviewing texts than wielding a sword.

After which I admit I promptly forgot about you. That is until the time you found that secret passage into Drass Leona.

Unfortunately what with my subsequent capture I couldn't do much about it. After my coronation I was so busy trying to quell dissent I could do little except put out fires.

I tell you this so you understand the reason behind my decision. Despite my efforts I could not find a proper place for you within my court that would suit your talents. It wasn't until I saw you at dinner yesterday."

Jeod's expression slipped a little as he processed the new information, he had expected many things, but a confession was not one of them.

"Well now Milady, we have both surprised each other with information that was supposed to be hidden. While I am grateful no doubt, I am not sure what to do with this information. Although I hope you are not here to present me with an Ambassadorship. I am afraid I am too old to be a diplomat."

Nasuada smiled "no, Jeod not an ambassadorship, however you might be a good one at that. No, in fact I have another job in mind for you."

She then nodded at Jörmundur who reached for a stack of parchments before handing it to her.

Nasuada looked it over once then looked at Jeod said in a formal voice "Jeod Longshanks: as thanks for your valor in battle service to the Crown I hereby name you Viscount Longshanks grant you ls on the western shores of Alagaësia, near Du Weldenvarden, where the Elves reign. It is my belief that your relation to Eragon & Brom would endear you to the Elves.

From here on out you shall be known as Count Jeod & your wife as Countess. This title may also be inherited by your children. Do you accept this title?"

Jeod was silent for a few moments, while his brain had suddenly hit upon a new idea. It took only a few seconds but it was long enough to for Jörmundur to clear his throat, said "Master Longshanks, i believe her Majesty asked you a question."

Jeod looked startled for a moment then looked at Nasuada said "I am afraid O cannot accept your Majesty."

Nasuada was silent for a moment before her voice grew cold like the winds of winter cant' or won't Jeod?"

Before Jeod could answer however Jörmundur interrupted her and said " you just thought of something you old goat, I have worked with Roran long enough to recognize that expression on your face. Now spit it out! "

Nasuada's expression looked confused for a moment,aaa what does strong hammers have it do with all this?"

Jeod side stepped the question and instead asked one of his own, Lady Night stalker, while I am no doubt honored, I am afraid it is a bit presumptuous to assign lands to the west.

Especially when we do not yet know who is to be the ruler of the fair folk and what their stance towards us will be, let us not forget they have not one but two rulers to what they might deem a human war. Not to mention having lost one of their oldest Riders to the hands of a novice rider under the control of Galbatorix."

Nasuada seemed thoughtful and said "none of this was our fault, however technically speaking I can see how the Elves might see this course of events."

"But they might not elect another ruler for many months yet if we are lucky and years if we are not!" Jörmundur exclaimed.

Nasuada sighed and said "be that as it may, Jeod is right. Assigning someone there now, when we don't know who their next ruler will be is not a risk I am willing to take."

She then looked at Jeod and said "while your words ring true Jeod, I am afraid I am back to my original quandary of how to reward you, unless as Jörmundur says you have another idea?"

Jeod smiled sheepishly "perhaps I might indeed lady Night stalker, however if I may ask

Have you found a solution to the treaty with the dwarves yet?"

Nasuada shoulders hunched and she frowned at the sudden change of topic. "No, I am afraid not."

Jeod nodded his head and said "if I may Milady do you remember what our hostess told Helen last night?"

Nasuada got a faraway look on her face as she recalled the events but nodded her head and signaled him to continue...

Well I have an Idea, but it's crazy and has its risks but if we play our cards right. We might be able to mitigate the risks."

"What type of risks are you talking about exactly?"

"Before I answer that I have to know something, are you willing to lose face to King Orrin of Surda now in order to prevent a war with him in the future?"

Jörmundur looked alarmed for a moment "what do you know Jeod?"

Jeod was solemn and said "nothing but conjecture at this point I may be out of the game so to speak, but my wife runs a successful construction company and many of my old friends are merchants, who occasionally are either calling in a favor or two or looking for one.

Anyway long story short I heard from a few of them that King Orrin is stocking up on wheat and rice. Not to mention that many Surdians are equally unhappy either with the fact that it is you who sits upon the throne and not their king.

Now while that in itself is not a sign of malicious activity, it is a field of peat just waiting to catch fire."

Nasuada snarled in response "that sniveling son of a..."

Please don't complete that statement Milady, I am no fan of King Orrin, however I must agree that many times during the war, you unintentionally perhaps, but still injured his pride on many occasions, and at the end of the day there is only so many times you can provoke a snake before it strikes to kill."

"You presume much Master Longshanks, what I did, was whatever I thought was good for the Varden. Do you honestly think Orrin could have done half of what I did?"

I had to sacrifice much as well; I lost my father to a war! I had to make peace with his killers! I had to endure torture by Galbatorix himself! Not to mention I had to see the man I…."

Jeod interrupted her "It matters not what I think, Milady, it matters what they think. I don't know about you but I am not eager to pick up a sword and shed more blood, and I doubt anyone else is either!"

More than anything else the thought of another war cooled the Queen's ardor as she said "no, there shall be no more bloodshed. Not if I can help it."

Jeod nodded his head and said "then the first thing you need to do is speak to Grimstborith Íorûnn and get her to sign the agreement by agreeing to an amount ten percent higher than they are willing to pay, but insist on them leasing the land instead of an outright purchase. Make the lease for one years first with an option to extend it another fifty years.

You both then announce to the world that you have signed the agreement at Thirty percent higher than what was previously quoted. At the same time you make my wife instead of me, the rank matters not, as I will Inherit her title anyway.

Then I ask you to grant her lands to the East instead; the very same lands that the Dwarves are asking to settle in."

"But how will that benefit us "we still lose out on a lot of money, and how does all of that neutralize the Surdians." Jörmundur asked

It helps us very much Jörmundur, because while normally it doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches the mice, in this case it does."

"I don't follow."

No, you don't my dear fellow because unlike Jeod, Roran and myself. You were not at dinner yesterday. It's a master stroke because the lands to the east, bordering Surdan are a matriarchal society, and will be more receptive to the idea if it was a group of women haggling with them."

Jeod nodded his head " Add to the fact that if lady Íorûnn was to personally oversee the project with a few good Dwarven women from Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn mostly then from the other clans slowly by surely, but making sure at all times that they be mostly female, or at least women being in charge, at all times with Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn being at the head of the food chain.

"This benefits the Queen sure enough but I highly doubt your doing this out of the goodness of your heart."

"Your right, not to pat my own back, however I have a certain reputation in the merchant community that my wife has not yet earned, and while those smart enough to do their research and know where and who to ask will know better, most will not and just believe what they hear."

The Military council member started nodding his head, I see, so when Orrik's chieftains hear of Lady Helen becoming Nobility instead of you, because of her nonentity the dwarves, will force Orik to renegotiate the contract."

After which we will agree to a twenty percent cut and increase the lease to a total of one Hundred years. However as a compromise, we stipulate that seventy five percent of all materials used by the Dwarves be locally sourced or else they would face additional taxes. The Dwarves will agree readily to it as they would expect that. Nasuada said catching on.

"That solves the first two problems plus solves a problem for the dwarves, but how does that help us with King Orrin and his subjects?"

Jeod smiled "that is easy, when the news hits, it will seem like a huge political blunder on Queen Nasuada's end, and this will cause King Orrin much amusement, and soothe his pride at the same time."

The locals will also be happy because it will stimulate the local economy, they might not like the dwarfed much at first but they will happy to fleece them of their gold, the Dwarves want complain much and simply see the extra gold as the cost of doing business, eventually as it always does trade will lead to co-existence, which will lead to friendship and eventually peace.

The last piece is where you come in Captain, as a military specialist what is the easiest way to make an enemy an ally?"

"That's easy offer the hand of friendship, by making them understand that attacking you will cause Mutually Assured Destruction or MAD for short.

"Exactly, now I assume you have your spies everywhere, so you have heard about how well regarded Orrin is with the scholars of his realm, because unlike her Majesty, he dedicates most of his time to engineering, natural Philosophy and other sciences."

Jörmundur nodded his head and said "I believe I get it, it will take some finesse and a few palms greased with silver. But I think I can manage to sway the council my way. Not to mention when the Scholars hear of King Orrin winning against Queen Nasuada, they will further boost his ego and salve his wounds.

He then turned towards Nasuada and said "this also means Milady you will have to bow that stubborn head of yours and go to king Orrin's Palace personally and not only ask him for his help in creating a similar order that exists for Magician's, but for scholars. Ask that he not only include scholars of both countries, but insist that he be the head of the division as well, if he is unable to he may appoint someone in his stead, and if and only he agrees will you appoint a second in command to decrease his workload, however he will have the final say at all times, tell him you are willing to fund the project for a year as long as he agrees to house and feed them.

Nasuada seemed silent for a long time before sighing in defeat and nodding her head, if bowing my head is what needs to be done then that is what I shall do, if I must swallow my pride, and admit fault then so be it, but there shall be no more bloodshed, if I can help it. She then looked at Jeod "I understand how this benefits Helen, but how does all this benefit you Jeod?"

Jeod laughed and said "that's easy, there is less chance of war, I get to dabble in history and Economics, not to mention once Helen Is ennobled, it will force the dwarves on a more equal footing and allow her to make a name for herself. Besides you won't have to go alone Milady, if you allow me to, I would like to pitch him the idea myself, I have a feeling he will take it better coming from me, besides If needed I can always call in a few markers of my own.".

Jörmundur snorted and said "which will make her happy, and a happy wife means a happy life. Not to mention even if you have to call in a few favors of your own, you might burn a few bridges but gain a King as a friend, one whose people incidentally your wife is making more prosperous, which makes him less inclined to wage war, and forgive our Queen. If I didn't know better I would say you're actions are more like an Elf than a human.

Jeod smiled and said "the mind is a powerful weapon, and I enjoy using it from time to time, not to mention if what Roran said is true "I have a few controversial pet projects I want to complete, one of them involving the redemption of the Red Rider and his Dragon. Now then if you will excuse me I need to go tell Helen the good news." With a small bow to his queen and a shared smile with her aide he left the Throne room.

It was a few moments before a shout from Jörmundur could be heard "what did he just say?"

The only response was a barking laugh from the corner of the palace when Jeod heard the shout.

Her aide grumbled "When the council hears about this, they will insist on making him a Duke and his wife a Duchess instead of a Countess and Count.

"Which is exactly what he wanted in the first place; a decision I will be forced to accept, in order to keep the council happy, but if we manage to pull this off he more than deserves the title of Duke."

Not to mention many of his friends are not only merchants but also scholars, and when not if but when the story breaks because someone, somewhere won't be able to keep their mouth shut, their reputation will rise on the backs of Dragons themselves, not to mention the gold they will earn, might end up making more richer than the dwarves."

Jörmundur grunted "he might not be much for the sword but he is one of a sharpshooter the man just killed a whole flock of birds with one single arrow. No wonder the man is a scholar; with his intelligence making money probably bores him. The man has an innate ability to put together a series of unrelated facts, and put them together to make a picture that makes sense. I wonder if I could find a way to cultivate him. But then what do you offer a man who finds gold boring."

"Why captain if I didn't know better I would think you're in love."

"Aye that may be, but I'm afraid my wife might not understand."

Nasuada laughed said "you men and your wives. Now then let's figure out how much of what he said is true then we are going to discuss exactly how you're going to betray me to the council while I have a chat with Grimstborith Íorûnn of Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn and figure out how to horse trade with a Dwarven chief."

~Fin~

A/N: I enjoyed writing this fic, and it is my hope you enjoyed it as much as you did. this is the final chapter and there will be no more sequels after this. So hoped you liked it.