Arya, Eragon, and their companions left the council chamber, their thoughts heavy with both the victory and the challenges that still lay ahead. With Firnen and Saphira going off to hunt, they walked back through the forested paths together in silence. The weight of the moment hung over them, but there was also a sense of resolve. Arya was finally free of the knotted throne, and she had to make sure Dathedr became King. Eragon knew she couldn't leave in good conscience otherwise.
Upon reaching their tree house, Dathedr was waiting for them, his expression thoughtful yet concerned. Arya and Eragon sat down with him, eager to discuss the outcome of the vote and what the next steps would be.
"I expected Fiolr to push harder," Dathedr said after hearing their recount of the council's session. "He will not give up easily, especially if he's considering himself as the next leader."
Arya nodded. "He'll try again. But for now, the council has spoken. We've gained an advantage."
Dathedr sighed, leaning back. "Yes, but the real challenge begins now. The council is still divided, and Fiolr's influence is substantial. We'll need to secure strong support before the next meeting."
Eragon's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You need allies, and not just here. The other races will need to be aware of what's going on. The decision of who leads the elves affects all of Alagaësia."
Dathedr agreed, his tone serious. "Start with the ones already inclined to support change. I can help reach out to those within the council who are more flexible."
After a long conversation with Dathedr about the political strategies ahead, they decided to take a moment to check in on Haroldun and his progress. Walking through the ancient halls of Tialdari, Arya sent a mental message to the dwarf, summoning him to discuss his training.
When Haroldun arrived, his face showed a mix of frustration and determination.
"Well?" Eragon asked with a smile, sensing the tension in the dwarf.
Haroldun huffed, adjusting his stance. "This 'seeing without seeing' business is a trick of the elves, isn't it? I tried to focus, but all I managed to do was sit there, and Dorzada's thoughts kept distracting me!"
Arya chuckled softly. "It takes time, Haroldun. It's not something you master in a single session. Ask Dorzada to cut off the connection, so it's not as distracting."
Haroldun crossed his arms, but the frustration in his eyes faded into a more reflective look. "I know, I know. But it's difficult! I can't see how this is supposed to help me as a Rider."
"It will," Eragon assured him. "Trust me, when you can feel everything around you, even with your eyes closed, you'll understand the world in ways you never could before."
Arya nodded. "Keep at it. It's a skill that will save your life one day."
Haroldun nodded, though still grumbling, and with a final word of encouragement from Arya and Eragon, he set off to continue his training in his own tree house.
As the day moved forward, Arya and Dathedr met with various council members.
Eragon was resigned to supporting from the sidelines. He didn't want to set the precedent of the Lead Rider influencing political appointments. Though he wished he could help. Arya had seemed a little more stressed since they'd arrived, and it was in his nature to be a bit of a fixer. He liked setting things right, and he was more than aware of the direction Fiolr would lead the elves if he were to be confirmed as King. It would be a negative outcome for the people of Alagaesia and for the tenuous peace between the races. Still, he wasn't going to meddle. All of the political maneuvering was on Arya and Dathedr alone.
As Arya and Dathedr navigated the political webs of the elven council, Eragon remained in quiet solitude, his thoughts swirling with the weight of their uncertain future. Despite his promise to stay out of the political fray, he couldn't shake the tension that clung to him.
Seeking clarity, Eragon decided to meditate. He seated himself cross-legged on the floor of the treehouse, closing his eyes and allowing his mind to drift. He focused on his breathing, calming the turbulent thoughts that circled his mind. Slowly, the chaotic swirl began to still, and he centered himself. His thoughts drifted, and after a long while of inner stillness, he shifted to the Rimgar, the ancient forms of the elves. He moved with grace, each motion flowing into the next, his muscles and mind aligning into a single, unified focus.
As Eragon moved through the final forms of the Rimgar, he suddenly felt a burning sensation, one he recognized instantly. Someone was scrying him.
Looking around, he spotted a reflective surface in the corner of the room—a polished silver bowl filled with water. He hurried to it, bending down to see who was on the other end of the magical connection.
In the reflection of the water, Yaela's face appeared, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly in frustration.
"Eragon," she said, her tone carrying a slight edge. "You promised you'd contact me after the games. Do you remember that?"
Caught off guard, Eragon ran a hand through his hair, feeling a surge of guilt. "I'm sorry, Yaela," he replied, his voice filled with genuine regret. "Things have been… complicated here. It slipped my mind entirely."
Yaela's reflection raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? You're in Ellesmera, not some forgotten corner of Alagaësia. What's so complicated that you can't reach out for a few moments?"
Eragon sighed, knowing she had a point. "It's not just the usual politics. Arya is stepping down from the throne, and Fiolr's pushing for power. It's a mess, and we've been tied up trying to prevent him from undoing everything Arya's worked for. I should've contacted you sooner—really, I'm sorry."
Yaela's expression softened slightly, though she still seemed unimpressed. "You should've, yes. But I can understand the situation, I suppose." She crossed her arms.
"You'll be happy to know the Riders are progressing well. We've had several new dragon pairings, and the trainees are improving. You'd be proud of them, Eragon."
Eragon's guilt lifted slightly as he smiled, grateful for the update. "I am proud. You've done an incredible job keeping things steady. How are the new dragons?"
Yaela's tone lightened as she spoke about the progress the new dragons were making, their training, and the challenges they faced. She mentioned a few specific Riders who had shown promise, and as she spoke, Eragon felt a surge of joy. Even from afar, his influence was shaping the future of the Riders, and Yaela was stepping into her role with confidence.
After a few more moments of catching up, Yaela's face grew serious again. "But Eragon, don't stay away for too long. We need you back at Arngor. The Riders might be doing well, but they still look to you for guidance."
Eragon nodded, feeling the weight of his dual responsibilities. "I'll return as soon as I can. There's still a lot to be settled here, but I won't be gone forever. Harodun and Dorzada are coming along as well."
"Good," Yaela said, her expression softening. "Be sure to teach him more than just how to use an axe. Tirgan wouldn't put his down for the first two years of his training. And don't forget to contact me again before you leave Ellesmera!"
Eragon nodded curtly, and Yaela cut the magic.
With that, the water stilled, and her face faded from the reflective surface.
Eragon leaned back and sighed, his mind still buzzing with everything happening in Ellesmera. Though the conversation had been brief, it reminded him of the responsibilities waiting for him outside the forest. He couldn't stay in one place for too long—not when the fate of the Riders, and perhaps all of Alagaësia, rested on his shoulders. It was good to be back, but he needed to return soon.
