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.. For exact page numbers check the bottom A/N


A Manor in Ilerea:

It had been a few days since Roran's Ennoblement as the Earl of Palancar Valley, a decision that many of the villagers of Carvahall supported, Roran had been extremely busy what with splitting his time caring for his wife and daughter and trying to figure out how many people were willing to go back to Carvahall village, return home once again.

Interestingly he had found not only the villagers but many of the men of the Varden he had fought with, who were now essentially homeless, wanted to join him in Carvahall Village many of whom had useful skills such as Stone Masons, Blacksmiths, tradesmen and not a few butchers just to name a few. The last one left a bad taste in his mouth what with the trouble they had with Sloan.

He was discussing the logistics of the matter with his wife when they were interrupted by the arrival of Jeod and Helen, who had come to offer to their congratulations on the new born babe.

Roran roared in delight upon meeting Jeod, for much like Eragon, he had been busy deciphering old and dusty scrolls penned by men long dead and forgotten. Not to say he wasn't as good with a sword as with a quill, however it was obvious that Jeod much preferred the quill to the sword; in that they were similar as Roran himself preferred the farmer's hoe then the warrior's Hammer.

As the women folk shared tea and fawned over the small baby, Jeod grabbed Roran by the arm and with a broad smile, and said "I am glad to see that something good has come out of this blasted war! Care for her well my friend, for children are our real treasures, the seeds we imbibe within them as young are the fruits they will yield when grown."

Roran chuckled and responded "who knew the scholar had such a mundane interest such as farming. Jeod laughed along and said "Aye that I may be but I was a successful merchant not a few years back and I am fortunate enough to be married to an even more successful merchant than I ever was." He looked fondly at his wife Helen who upon feeling his eyes on her, smiled fondly at her husband and her eyes seemed to sparkle with an inner light.

Turning back to his friend and once travelling companion he said "I hope you have kept up with your studies, in these past few months Roran. You know I find it both amusing and ironic, that two of the most powerful warriors Palancar Valley had ever birthed had to rely upon an Old Storyteller and a Bankrupt merchant to learn how to read and write!"

It had taken the hammer wielding warrior almost a year to finally become literate, what with having to learn between raids and skirmishes that still took place. However much like when he had initially trained to learn the arts of battle, he had applied a single minded focus on his studies. Additionally at Jeod's Insistence, he had also learnt about the language, social structure, language and politics of the different races of Alagaësia.

While he had learnt much about the Urgals and Dwarves when fought alongside them, he knew little of the Elves as except for Arya and a few others, as they rarely interacted with the Varden outside of battle, While he could appreciate their skill in Magic, he found their roundabout way of speaking and social formalities unnerving and useless.

Not to mention their barely restrained disdain for anyone who was not an Elf, Rider or Dragon, or some unholy combination of all three like his cousin. Who even now was traversing the cities they had captured and doing some blasted thing or the other. After all this time fighting all he wanted was to go home to Palancar Valley and tend to his farm.

The newly ennobled Earl of Carvahall nodded his head and said "aye, for that I must thank you Jeod, had it not been for your gracious offer to help me become literate. I was never the best student but you were always a patient teacher as you gave me an Education not only in literacy, but in politics as well. Not to mention the scrolls you gave me on the different farming methodologies used across Alagaësia in the years gone by. Who knew that the mad King had such a keen interest in subject as mundane as farming and irrigation techniques?

Before Jeod could answer however, they were interrupted by another knock at the door, this time however the intruder was Dwarven not human. He had a dark complexion and a full beard. His face was the color of saddle leather with flecks of snow. His nose seemed to have been broken so many times it looked like a lightning bolt. He was about five feet and five inches tall, Adorned in armor and a sword at his side; he wore the likeness of a wolf on his breast plate.

"Greetings Strong Hammer, mine name is Korrigan son of Thorin, I bring greetings and congratulations from my Grimstborith Íorûnn of Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn on the birth of your daughter and your Earl hood, and has asked if you will break bread with them in our hearth."

Roran although surprised at the sudden invitation and the fact that the Dwarves knew of his endowment only hours after it was officiated, prevented him from replying, however he was saved from replying, thanks to Katrina who managed to sit upright a bit and spoke in a respectful tone "My apologies for my ignorance in your customs master Dwarf, however if I am not mistaken I believe the term you used just now Grim-Borne Venshorne, is the leader of one of the Dwarven clans correct?

The dwarf chuckled at her mispronunciation and said "Grimstborith Íorûnn of Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn is the correct term, and yes, you are correct my fair lady."

"Katrina smiled impishly and said yes, that. While we would love to break bread with your lord I am afraid we are simple farmers, and have little to offer such a man of high nobility."

Roran who had suddenly come to life, fearing that his wife had offended the dwarf called upon his studies with Jeod and his silver tongue spoke in a formal manner " Katrina, you are mistaken in the fact, that Grimstborith Íorûnn of Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn is a man, in fact she is a woman, and if what I have heard of her is correct, she is as beautiful as she is fierce. However in this one point I must agree with my wife, we are farmers who are used to eating simple fair, not to mention that my wife has just given birth and I fear she would not be able to host a foreign diplomat of such importance."

The Dwarf seemed surprised and pleased at the same time, "You are correct in what you have heard of our leader, however you do yourself a dishonor by calling yourself a simple farmer; the bards of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, have spread as far as Farthen Dûr much of the risks you and yours took while traversing across the Continent and in facing the Ra'zac in Helgrind, not to mention the valor you have shown on the battlefield has impressed many. As for your wife's condition, you have not worried, as our leader has invited you to her manor not far from here, and to ensure your wife is able to make the journey with the least trouble possible, we have made arrangements for her as well."

Before Roran could respond, Helen broke in and after a short curtsy to the Dwarf said "forgive my interruption Master Dwarf Korrigan, however if it pleases her lady, I would also like to meet her, it is so rare to see a woman lead a clan of warriors and I would like meet her to discuss a few things that might interest her."

The Dwarf frowned and bowing his head slightly said "forgive me kind lady, however I know you not of you, if it pleases you may I please make your acquaintance?"

Suspecting his wife's motives Jeod spoke up and slinking an arm around her shoulders spoke in the Dwarven tongue "My name is Jeod Long shanks son of Bertram and this is my lovely wife Helen daughter of Cecilia, we are but a humble scribe and Merchant, plying our craft on Ilerea."

Korrigan had a sly smile on his lips as he said "you speak our language well, son of Bertram, hah simple scribe you are most definitely not! Much like those of Palancar Valley, your fame has also spread wide as well, I have heard of your travels along the Boar's eye, and a few of your manuscripts have even reached the Beor mountains."

Roran came to his friend's rescue and said "if you are able to arrange comfortable and safe travel for my wife and daughter, I would be happy to break bread with Grimstborith Íorûnn. As for Jeod he is a friend of mines and mine cousin Eragon Shadeslayer, I believe your Grimstborith would enjoy their company. After all what is better than making new friends and having intelligent conversation?"

The Dwarf nodded his head in agreement and said "Right you are Strong Hammer. I shall convey your regards to mine mistress and if she is amenable, I shall return shortly with her answer." With that he left with a short bow.

The Dwarf had barely left when Helen embraced her husband and kissed him fiercely on the lips until such time she could breathe no more. "Thank you so much Jeod for going along with my whims, I know I haven't always been the most supportive wife when times were hard, and I frequently belittled your love of the written word. However if not for you, I would not have the possibility of maybe meeting a Dwarven Clan Head and its all thanks to your fame as a scholar."

Jeod who had the look of a foolish love struck teenager was still reeling from the fierce kiss he had just received and could do little but nod as he tried to control the emotions his wife had just awaked within him.

Helen then embraced Roran tightly as well, her hair tickling his face and nose. "I must thank you as well Roran, if not for Eragon and your efforts this day might never have come. It seems the men of Carvahall posses a silver tongue along with nerves of steel."

Katrina called out in an amused voice "is it perchance the time of appearance of the Red Beast Helen? For never have I seen a woman's act so unpredictably unless under its influence."

Helen released Roran and blushed before replying to her friend "No, Katrina. I am simply trying to take an opportunity that I see in front of me and I did what I thought right to grab the opportunity, and I cannot thank Roran enough for coming to the defense of Jeod and me. Until such time that I am alive, My Hearth is your Hearth and..."

She was interrupted by Jeod's hand pulling at her elbow and bringing her towards his chest. His eyes dark with desire, he opened his mouth to speak, when he was interrupted by a knock at the door again.

The Dwarf Korrigan had once appeared at their doorway and after a short bow, said "I bring good news. Grimstborith Íorûnn has extended an invitation to the both of you Master and Madame Longshanks, if it pleases you mine Knurlan shall meet the four of you here and escort you to our manor in one hour."

Jeod who still had Helen in his arms and that dark look in his eyes said "make it two hours Master Dwarf Madame Longshanks and I have some personal matters to attend to, after which we will be honored to meet Grimstborith Íorûnn."

The Dwarf looked confused for a moment then after taking a closer look at the scene in front of him, an amused smile crossed his lips and a his eyes twinkled with mirth. "Aye two hours it is Master Longshanks. After all it is close to evening and the babe Ismira must be hungry, worry not I shall convey the message." His smile still in place he said "however please ensures you are not tardy. My lady dislikes tardiness in her guests."

Jeod shared the Dwarf's smile and said "Understood Master Dwarf, no later than two hours. On that you have my word." Taking his dumbstruck wife by hand and leading her out the door he said "Come along Helen, we have some personal business to attend to." With that Jeod disappeared around the corner to his home, nodding his head briefly to the Dwarf in front of him. .

The Dwarf let out a barking laugh before excusing himself saying "You keep Interesting friends Strong Hammer wouldn't you say?"

The new parents looked at each other in surprise for a moment before breaking out in laughter themselves.


A/N: so guys this is chapter one of five, of my Inheritance cycle Fanfic. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave your comments and let me know what you thought of it. As for the exact pages, this occurs somewhere between pages 802-807, as per the American edition.