I do not own any part of the Harry Potter or Eragon universes.
Despite the victory against Galbatorix, there was a solemn atmosphere inside Farthen Dûr. Brom couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy as he surveyed the remnants of the battle. As he moved through Tronjheim, he couldn't shake the images of the fallen soldiers from his mind.
The Varden were still busy recovering the dead. Brom looked off into the distance, where he knew where they had taken the dead Urgals. The stench of the burned bodies lingered in the air, and it made his stomach churn.
He looked down at his open palm and saw the mark that made him a dragon rider. The appearance of the riders in Kuasta was a sight that Brom would never forget. He could still hear the thundering sound of Beroan and Andumё's dragons as they soared over the spine, their grace and power leaving him awestruck.
Brom was at a loss. He couldn't wrap his head around the face that his son had become a dragon rider and defeated a shade, even if it had come at the cost of Ajihad's life. A feat that several had attempted and failed in the past.
After Durza was destroyed, the Urgals were freed from his grip. They were disoriented and confused, and many of them began fighting each other. But the Varden, with the help of the dwarves had little trouble pushing back the confused Urgals.
It didn't take long for him to arrive in front of his room. He took a moment to gather himself and removed the wards from his door and stepped inside. Due to the increasing number of injured soldiers, they had no choice but to move Arya somewhere else.
When Brom entered his room, he found her lying on the bed, still unconscious.
It was unsettling how long she had been unconscious for. Even though elves healed faster than humans, Arya was still too exhausted to come out of her trance. He sat beside her, watching her breathe slowly, his mind racing with thoughts of the different magic, that had put her in this state.
Suddenly Arya stirred. Her eyes flickered open, and her hands tightened their grip on the blanket.
Brom sat down by her bed and fumbled in his jacket pocket for the vial filled with the blue potion.
He carefully removed the stopper and had to pull himself together not to dump the potion on the floor.
"This stuff smells disgusting! I hope it tastes better than it smells," Brom frowned and carefully titled the vial and dropped a few drops of the potion into Arya's mouth. She swallowed reflexively and her breathing eased into a more regular rhythm.
Arya grimaced as if she had ingested something truly disgusting. Her muscles relaxed and her eyes began to open slowly.
"Good morning," Brom said softly, helping Arya up.
Arya groaned and rubbed her temples, her eyes still adjusting to the light.
"Hello Brom," Arya greeted him, her voice hoarse as consequence from the battle.
"Forgive me, Arya. Harry warned me that it's important for you to drink water right after waking up," Brom said apologetically, offering her the pitcher of water.
Arya accepted the water gratefully. She took a long drink from the pitcher and sighed with relief, as the cold liquid run down her throat.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Brom nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed, giving Arya a moment to collect herself.
"How are you feeling?" Brom asked gently. "I heard from Eragon about the ... wizard that appeared. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you."
Many thoughts raced through Arya's mind. Finally, she spoke. "It was beyond my imagination. They used magic I never thought was possible."
Brom sighed heavily. "Eragon told me the same thing. It is quite frightening that people like him have started to arrive in Alagaёsia."
"Just like Harry," Arya added silently.
She shook her head slowly, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to recall the events of the battle.
" I just wish we could have kept Harry's abilities and magic a secret from Galbatorix. But since the wizard was there, we have to assume that the king knows about Harry and his magic."
Brom lit his pipe. Colorful clouds of smoke rose in the air.
Arya narrowed her eyes at him, but Brom just shrugged. "I've been through so much in my life, this isn't going to kill me," he said with a chuckle.
"Without Harry, we would have lost," Brom added after he paused for a second and Arya's eyes flashed, when he mentioned his name.
Arya exhaled deeply. "Perhaps, but we were fortunate this time. I shudder to think what might have happened if no one stood up to that man."
She shivered slightly, remembering the cold feeling of this human- No, this monster using his magic.
The magic was twisted and dark, just like the one who wielded it.
"Do you know who that man was? He obviously knew Harry," Arya said in frustration.
"I don't know any more than you do. I had hoped to learn more about Harry's life, but the person I spoke with did not speak about him. I hope he'll answer us our questions because everything has changed now," Brom continued in a somber voice.
"What happened, Brom?" Arya inquired, sensing something was amiss.
"Ajihad," the name slipped heavily from Brom's lips. "He was killed in battle by the Ra'zac. Soldiers had seen them jump out of the shadows and attack him."
Arya felt a knot form in her stomach. "Galbatorix," she spat out the name. "He always has multiple goals in mind with every battle. It's never about defeating the enemy."
Brom nodded in agreement. "We need to be vigilant. Who knows what he has planned next."
Sorrow filled Arya's face. As she spoke a blessing for Ajihad in the ancient language, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside her.
"There will be a great deal of conflict."
Brom stood up and stretched his tired bones.
"The Council is already discussing the possibility of electing a new leader. They are like a pack of hungry wolves craving for blood," he said tiredly.
"And in the midst of them are Eragon and Harry. Come on, I want to see how the two of them are doing. Where are they now?" Arya asked.
She stood up with trembling legs. She took deep breaths in and out until her legs stabilized and she felt strong enough to walk.
"Harry is still with the healers, while Eragon was taking a break from everything." Brom answered when someone suddenly knocked on his door.
"Brom, sir! Please open the door!"
Brom exchanged an annoyed look with Arya and hurriedly opened the door.
It was a young soldier.
"I apologize to bother you but-" His eyes widened when he saw Arya.
Arya rolled her eyes and Brom elbowed the boy in the ribs.
"Ugh. I-I'm sorry," the soldier said, heaving for air.
"You must go to hall where the injured are, at all costs," said the soldier hastily.
"What happened?" Brom asked and rushed after him. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.
The soldier shook his head. "No, but one of the riders is in danger."
"Who?" Arya demanded. Her eyes were blazed with anger.
The soldier gulped. "The one called H-Harry."
Arya weaved through the people standing in front of closed doors, with Brom following closely behind her. As they approached the guards stationed at the entrance, they immediately recognized Brom and her, and quickly moved aside to let them in.
The door swung open with a loud creak, and Arya widened her eyes at the sight before her.
In front of her lay dozens of injured people, humans, and dwarves. They were all wrapped in blankets to keep them warm. Members of the Du Vrangr Gata and a few magicians of the dwarves ran around and gave the injured potions that glowed in all colors.
Amidst the chaos, she found Harry standing next to Artemis, with Orik in front of them. Orik's discomfort was palpable, and she could feel the tension in the air as they faced a group of angry dwarves led by Grimstborith Nado.
"What's going on here?" Brom's voice cut through the noise, causing everyone to turn and look at him.
Nado's face was twisted with rage as he pointed an accusing finger at Harry. "The rider has poisoned countless of my people!"
Harry's temper flared at the false accusation. "I'm not poisoning anyone, you idiot!" He snapped at the dwarf.
As the dwarves tightened their grip on their weapons and aimed them at Harry, Arya felt a sense of unease wash over her. She knew that the situation was volatile, and that any wrong move could lead to violence.
Artemis growled in response; her eyes fixed on the dwarves.
"Stop! Nobody attacks anyone here!" Brom cried out, but the dwarves did not lower their weapons.
"We should never have gotten involved with you! You became our bane when Hrothgar gave the Varden access to Tronjheim!" Nado shouted, his face turning red in anger.
"And this beardless fool continues to insult us by poisoning my brethren in front of my eyes!"
Harry's eye twitched with annoyance as he snapped. "I have had enough. Call me that one more time and you'll see what poison actually tastes like!"
He was about to more forward, but Brom quickly stepped in and held him back.
"I don't want to hear any more from you now, lad!" Brom glared at Harry and turned to the dwarves.
"I didn't fight in a battle a few days ago so we could tear each other apart!" Brom argued.
"Have you lost your mind, Nado? Harry is a dragon rider and possesses the same hospitality as any ambassador or other distinguished visitor!" Blurted it out of Orik, who was almost shaking with indignation.
"Since you refused to be part of the gathering yesterday, you may not have heard, Grimstborith Nado. Hrothgar has made Harry and Artemis guests of honor for their deeds in battle. As long as they are in Tronjheim, every Knurla is to treat them as such!"
Harry was taken aback by Orik's statement, and he quickly turned to face him with a look of disbelieve. There was a deep silence, which Nado finally broke.
"You have no right to speak to me in that way, Orik, son of Thrifks," Nado growled out.
"Oh, shut up," Harry snapped and silenced him with a wave of his wand.
The dwarf's mouth moved, but no words came out. The surrounding dwarves immediately run forward to defend their leader, but Harry waved his wand and immobilized them.
"I never have and did not poison anyone!" Harry snarled.
"All I did, was give them healing potions, or many of your own people would have already died!"
Harry twirled his wand in his hand and the dwarves fell to the ground in shock.
"I know you hate me, because I destroyed your sapphire, but I ask you this. Is your pride more important than the lives of your people?" He asked.
Before the dwarf could utter a word, a dwarf next to them groaned.
Arya saw a dwarf wake up and looked down his arm in wonder.
His arm was without armor, and you could see the skin, which was unusually pink.
"Your arm will be back to the way it was in a few days, dwarf," Harry snapped.
Harry glared at Nado and turned, beginning to tend to the next injured person.
"Farr, how are you?" Nado asked in a soft voice. His mood was now much more peaceful than before.
"My arm, sir. I lost my arm fighting a Kull." Farr wiggled his fingers.
"But by Helzvog, here it is! Thank you, rider! Thank you!" The dwarf bowed deeply towards Harry, showing his respect.
Harry gave the dwarf a gentle smile, but quickly concentrated on the man before him.
Nado patted Farr gently on the shoulder. With one last scornful look at Harry, he walked out of the door.
Brom exhaled a breath. "Harry, in the future, please try to avoid insulting someone who supports us."
Harry huffed. "Then he should not imply that I was poising the Varden."
"That may be so, but we should not fight among ourselves, even less after a won battle," Brom reasoned.
"Who was he anyways?" Harry inquired, directed his question to Orik.
"His name is Grimstborith Nado. He is the chieftain of the Dûrgrimst Knurlcarathn, a powerful clan of miners who possess vast amounts of gold and they wield great influence. He openly opposes the Varden and has caused headache for Hrothgar on multiple occasions," Orik explained and his beard twitching in annoyance.
"I see… I hope I don't run into him too often," Harry muttered, stifling a yawn.
"How long have you been awake, Harry?" Arya aske, when she noticed his exhaustion.
He run a hand through his sweaty hair and blinked when he saw her.
A familiar presence touched Arya's mind, and she quickly recognized it.
"He hasn't slept since the battle. I've told him to rest several times, but he's too stubborn," Artemis growled in her mind.
Arya gave him a stern look, while he looked betrayed at his partner.
"I know you would have lied, if I had not told Arya," Artemis continued, and Arya couldn't help but sense the dragon's smugness.
"I didn't have much of a choice," Harry muttered. "Many more could have died because of infection had I not helped," he argued.
He swayed on his feet, and Arya rushed forward to support him by his shoulders, feeling him tense up.
"You need to rest, Harry. You can barely stand on your feet," Arya scolded, but Harry broke away from her grip.
"Maybe in a few hours," he replied, looking at the sea of wounded around him.
"I won't rest until I've helped every last one," Harry declared determinedly.
Arya assisted Harry with the wounded. She couldn't help but feel impressed as she watched him work tirelessly, his movements quick and efficient as he healed broken bones, closed wounds, and administered potion of various colors to the wounded soldiers.
She had to snort when a soldier suspiciously refused the potion and Harry unceremoniously stunned him with a red spell. Arya made a mental note to ask him about the spell later.
It was moments like this that made her realize how much she missed her dear friends. She couldn't help but imagine Glenwing by Harry's side, using the ancient language to assist in the healing process, while Fäolin would join the group of dwarves and Varden to drive out the remaining Urgals.
While Harry spoke to the Varden who were conscious, ordering them to assist him by fetching supplies and helping to move the injured into a more comfortable position., she noticed Angela in a conversation with a portrait of an elderly man.
"I don't think I can move another muscle," Harry breathed out, while he leaned against Artemis in exhaustion. Artemis quickly joined his mind and gave him some of her energy. Something they realized they could do after they had left Teirm.
"You did well," Angela praised. She smiled and pointed a finger at him. "You will teach me how to brew these potions. Arcturus is very impatient at his explaining's."
Harry knew that too well. The man had always been a terrible listener, constantly interrupting and cutting off anyone who tried to explain something to him.
"There was a reason why I never wanted to become a professor at Hogwarts. I have the utmost respect for those who can handle teaching children day in and day out. It takes a certain kind of person to do so and unfortunately, those are not my strongest straits," Arcturus admitted with a shrug.
Arya moved towards the group and Arcturus's gaze sharpened. "You're the elf from before. I have been curious to mee you. Brewing potions is a difficult task and my great-grandson seems not to have inherited any skills from my sister, Harry's actual grandmother," he said, his tone clipped. "But make sure he finally rests. The idiot can hardly keep his eyes open."
With a quick flick of his wand, the portrait buckled through the air and disappeared into the pouch Harry left open.
The last thing he could hear was a number of insults directed at him.
Arya muttered under her breath as he helped Harry to his feet. "He is really rude," she whispered to him. She had always found it curious how humans didn't place as much emphasis on politeness as her own people did.
Harry chuckled in agreement, but before they could take another step, they heard a loud whooshing sound behind them. Turning around, they saw Artemis with flames shooting out of her nostrils, narrowly missing Harry's hair. Both Arya and Harry instinctively flinched and stared up at her in surprise.
"Oops," Artemis said, while she shook her head to clear the smoke in front of her eyes.
"Oops!" Harry repeated. "That was the second time today. You almost fried Arya and me!"
"I keep forgetting that fire will come out if I'm not careful."
A laugh escaped his lips when he could sense her excitement bubbling up.
"Just…try to be more careful. I rather like my hair the way it is," Harry retorted with a grin.
Arya tugged on Harry's sleeve and urged him forward. "Come with me, Harry." She grabbed his arm and he had to follow her out of the room.
"W-where are we going?" Harry asked, panting slightly from the brisk pace.
Arya didn't answer, but instead pushed open a door and ushered Harry inside a dimly lit room.
They walked through different tunnels until they finally stopped in front of a door. Arya opened the door and dragged Harry inside.
"Lie down and rest," she demanded, gesturing to a small cot in the corner.
Harry, too exhausted to reply, nodded quickly.
Arya's eyes lit up an immense green.
"Try to get those few hours of sleep. I don't think it will be long before they've selected someone new to lead the Varden," Arya said, closing the door behind her.
As Harry nodded and closed his eyes, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. The tension in his body slowly dissipated as he sank deeper into the soft mattress beneath him. The air in the room felt charged with magic, and Harry could sense a calming energy emanating from the walls.
As he lay there, his thoughts drifted to the events of the past few days. He had fought in battles, healed the wounded, and been forced to confront with new enemies. He took a deep breath and felt the soothing sensation of safety envelop him, like a warm embrace.
"How is he?" Artemis asked her. She stuck her head in the door to look around the room.
"He's still asleep," Arya replied.
Artemis let out a sigh of relief, and a small flame escaped from her snout. "Good. He needs the rest after all he's been through."
"I would be concerned if he wasn't breathing. He's so quiet when he sleeps," Arya remarked turned her attention to Harry, making sure he was still breathing evenly in his sleep. As she stroked his hair back from his face with her hand, she couldn't help but notice the peaceful expression on Harry's face as he slept. It was a rare moment of tranquility for him, and she didn't want to disturb it.
Artemis hesitated for a moment before answering. "There are things that Harry has been through that he doesn't like to talk about. But you'll have to ask him yourself. It is not my place to share his secrets," she said, her tone firm.
Arya shot a concerned glance at the rider who had rescued her from Durza's grasp. Suddenly another attack hit her, causing her muscles to spasm and a sharp gasp to escape her lips.
As Arya felt the pain hit her body, she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Harry's voice reached her ears. "It's okay, Arya. Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing."
She took a few deep breaths, while she felt her muscles slowly start to relax, and her breathing eased. She leaned back against the wall, feeling the cool surface against her skin, and let out a sigh of relief.
Arya frowned. "It is a cruel curse."
She turned to Harry, who withdrew his hand from her shoulder. His eyes were sparkling with warmth. "Unfortunately, there's nothing else we can do. Your body needs to rest until it can fully recover from the ordeal," Harry explained, handing her a cup of water.
"How long will this last?" Arya asked, taking the jar and sipping the water.
Harry stood and stretched.
"I'm not sure, but after a week the attacks should hopefully stop," Harry replied. "It took me a week to recover, and you mentioned that elves recover faster than humans. Hopefully that means you recover from the curse much faster too."
Arya raised an eyebrow. "You've been under this curse before?"
"Once or twice," Harry admitted, shrugging. "But never for too long," he said gravely, his face clouded with memories.
"I've seen what prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Curse can do to a person. People have been driven to the brink of insanity because of it. I have known people who were tortured so long that they lost their mind and could not even recognize their own son anymore. It is not something I would wish on anyone."
Arya's eyes widened in shock and horror at Harry's words.
Harry walked over to Artemis, who batted her eyelids impatiently. "Can we go out of here? My wings are falling asleep," she complained.
Harry rolled his eyes and Arya chuckled a small smile played at the corners of her lips.
Artemis pulled herself out of the room and spread her wings in the hallway.
"Oh, that feels good," she hummed.
"Come," she said. "I have been asked to accompany you to the council as soon as you were awake," she explained to them.
Arya smiled in amusement and showed them the way.
"Who is the Council? You didn't sound too enthusiastic when you mentioned them," Harry remarked.
Arya released a small breath. Her tone betrayed a hint of annoyance. "They are a group of individuals who believe they are the ruling authority of the Varden. Until recently, the Council represented the Varden before Ajihad and the Varden went to them when they had problems and mentioned them to Ajihad. Some of them have been in power for far too long and have grown complacent and corrupt. Their decision on who will lead the Varden will determine the future of their people, and the weight of that responsibility in now on their shoulders."
Harry scoffed, well aware of the Council's nature.
"Is there anyone you have in mind?" Artemis asked Arya.
A look of surprise crossed Arya's face, causing her to blink.
"Neither Harry nor I have been here long enough to get an idea of the people. The Council will want our support, for whoever they choose," Artemis explained patiently.
Arya agreed with her. "The Council will attempt to exert control over you, but you must not surrender your autonomy. As dragon and rider, you are above their authority."
Harry frowned. "Who should we support if they suggest someone we don't agree with?"
Arya remained silent for a moment. "Nasuada," she stated firmly.
She answered Harry's questioning look. "She is the daughter of Ajihad, and I have seen her fight in battle. She is cunning and determined and will strive for the welfare of the Varden."
"What about the council?" Artemis asked. "Will they back Nasuada?"
Arya slowed down her pace and replied, "They may view her as inexperienced and will attempt to manipulate her. Only time will reveal if she can stand up to their pressure."
Arya pushed open the convex stone door as they reached it.
The room inside was circular, with a sky-blue dome decorated with constellations. A round marble table, inlaid with the crest of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, an upright hammer ringed by twelve stars, stood in the center of the chamber.
Surrounding the table were six people.
Harry nodded to Eragon, who seemed to have arrived earlier. Judging by his expression, he wasn't satisfied with what he has been told. Behind him was Saphira.
Of the people sitting in front of him, Harry only knew Jörmundur. He had never seen the others.
"They probably fled during the battle and didn't come back until word reached them that the battle was won," Artemis grumbled.
Beside Jörmundur sat two other men, one slim and tall, the other short and wide. Two women sat across from them. A woman with pinched lips, close-set eyes, and elaborately painted cheeks. Her appearance strongly reminded Harry of Umbridge.
The age of the second woman could be recognized immediately. Her face was stretched with wrinkles and her hair was mostly gray belied by a dagger hilt peeking out of the vast hills of her bodice.
"Thanks for coming, Harry. I know you deserve to rest, however our priority at the moment is to choose a new leader for the Varden," Jörmundur said with a slight bow.
He then turned his attention to Arya and offered her a nod of welcome.
"This is Umérth," the tall man; "Falberd," the fat one; "and Sabrae and Elessari," the two women.
"Why is Brom not here? Is he not part of the council?" Harry asked them.
Sabrae shook her head sharply. "He is not. Brom decided years ago to not involve himself anymore. He is not part of the council and therefore has no influence on a successor."
The other members nodded firmly in agreement. Only Jörmundur refrained from voicing his opinion about it.
"Enough. We're not here to talk about Brom. The council of the elders have already agreed on a successor," Jörmundur said and at the same moment the door was pushed open.
Nasuada walked in with her chin held high and her eyes wide open. She wore black clothing, as was customary for mourners.
Jörmundur helped Nasuada to her seat. "Nasuada, daughter of Ajihad, the Council of Elders wishes to formally extend its deepest condolences for the loss you, more than anyone else have suffered…"
"He lays it on rather thickly, doesn't he?" Harry thought to himself as Artemis playfully nudged him with her nose.
"…We ask that you receive the position of your fathers. As his heir, it is rightfully yours- the Varden expect it of you."
Nasuada bowed her head, her eyes were glistening with tears, yet Harry detected a hint of something in her gaze. Was it amusement?
Her voice was filled with grieve, when she said, "I never thought I would be called upon to take my father's place so young. Yet… if you insist it is my duty… I will embrace the office."
The council was visibly relieved when Nasuada accepted the position.
Falberd turned towards Arya. "Will the elves find this agreeable?"
Harry struggled to contain his laughter as Arya fixed Falberd with a withering stare, causing the man to squirm uncomfortably. After a moment, Arya raised an eyebrow and spoke up. "I cannot speak for my queen, but I find nothing objectionable to it. Nasuada has my blessing."
Nasuada expressed her gratitude, and it was evident from the council's expressions that they were relieved. "Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Nasuada asked Jörmundur.
Jörmundur shook his head. "We'll take care of all the arrangements for the funeral. I promise no one will bother you until the funeral."
"Again, thank you. Would you leave me now? I need time to consider how best to honor my father and serve the Varden. You have given me much to ponder." Nasuada splayed her delicate fingers on the dark cloth on her lap.
Umérth looked like he was going to protest at the council being dismissed, but Falberd waved a hand to silence him.
"Of course," he said smoothly. "Whatever will give you peace. If you need help, we are ready and willing to serve." He gestured for the others to follow him and moved past Harry and Arya.
"Eragon… Harry will you please stay?" Nasuada requested.
With amusement, Harry watched as the councilors hastily made their way out of the room, their faces etched with concern. As Arya lingered for a moment, she cast a glance towards Harry, who gave her a firm nod of determination. She was the last to leave, and with a sense of relief, she closed the door behind her.
Nasuada straightened up. "Although we haven't been acquainted yet, it's a pleasure to meet you." She then shifted her attention to Eragon, who had been quiet up until that point.
"We meet again, Eragon. You haven't greeted me. Have I offended you?"
Eragon looked startled. "No, Nasuada. I was reluctant to speak for fear of being rude or foolish. The circumstances in which we live do not allow for any hasty statements."
Harry arched an eyebrow in surprise. It appeared that Eragon had undergone significant growth in the past few weeks.
"Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld Hórnya… There, now we may speak without being overheard by man, dwarf, or elf," Eragon declared.
The remnants of magic in the room were palpable to Harry, prompting him to nod towards Eragon, who in turn gazed at Nasuada with evident pride.
Harry sensed a change in Artemis' thoughts and nodded as she spoke, "I'll inform Arya about the situation."
He then teased her, "You enjoy talking to her, don't you?"
"Yes… I like her. You better listen to what they have to say."
"… My father's work will not go unfinished, even if it takes me to the grave. That is what I want both of you to understand. All of Ajihad's plans, all his strategies and goals, they are mine now. I will not fail him by being weak. The Empire will be brought down, Galbatorix will be dethroned, and the rightful government will be raised."
Her conviction was so strong that Harry couldn't help but believe she could make it happen. He wished there were more people like her who would have fought with the same conviction against Voldemort.
"And what of us, Nasuada? What shall we do for the Varden?" Eragon asked.
Nasuada looked both of them into their eyes. "You especially, can do whatever you want, Eragon. You are the hero to the Varden and the dwarves. The elves will hail over your victory over Durza when they hear about it. Right now, you are the most powerful person in the Varden," she held her hands up to placate him.
"Yes, not even Brom does have the influence that you currently have. But if you accept my leadership, I will continue the path laid down by my father: You and Harry will go with Arya to the elves, be instructed there, then return to the Varden."
Eragon nodded determined. He looked at Saphira and it seemed as if he had come to a decision.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise when Eragon stood. He grasped his sword and kneeled before Nasuada, Zar'roc flat in his hands.
"Nasuada, Saphira and I have been here for only a short while. But in that time, we came to respect Ajihad and now in turn, you. You fought under Farthen Dûr when others fled, including the two women of the council, and have treated us openly instead of deception. Therefore, I offer you my blade… and my fealty as a rider."
Surprise flitted across Nasuada's face. She grasped Zar'roc's hilt and lifted it. She stared at the crimson blade and placed the tip on Eragon's head.
"I do accept your fealty with honor, rider, as you accept all the responsibilities accompanying the station. Rise as my vassal and take your sword."
"I did not expect that from him," Artemis said in surprise.
Nasuada turned from Eragon to Harry. "Your situation is a difficult one. Hrothgar has already informed me that the dwarves are angry with you. The confrontation between you and Grimstborith Nado has ignited the embers into a fire. Will you swear to support the Varden? That should placate the king for the time being."
Harry declined her request. "I refuse to swear fealty to you or the Varden, Nasuada."
Nasuada looked at Harry with an expectant smile. "My father anticipated that response from you. Nevertheless, I held out hope that you might reconsider," she said.
Harry shook his head. "I'll work with you, but not for you. People change in times of war, and there's no telling what you or the Varden become in the future."
He let out a deep sigh. "I will fight against Galbatorix, but not at the cost of my freedom. The freedom of Artemis and myself is of utmost importance to me, and I will do everything in my power to protect it for as long as I live."
Nasuada placed her hands on the table. "What will you do about the dwarves? They are a powerful ally, and you would be foolish to have them as an enemy."
Harry rubbed his chin in thought. "I promised Orik that I would return their sapphire to its former glory, so hopefully they will accept my apology."
Nasuada grabbed the back of the chair to keep herself steady.
"You can restore their sapphire?" she asked in wonder.
Harry nodded confidently.
"That should appease the dwarves," Nasuada murmured. She straightened up.
"When can Hrothgar expect you?"
"Whenever he wishes," Harry assured her.
Nasuada clapped her hands happily. "Excellent. Go and leave me alone. I have many things to think about."
"Shadeslayer!"
As the people cheered for Eragon, he waved back with a hint of awkwardness. Harry and Artemis followed behind Eragon and Saphira.
"The way they're cheering for us, it's like they've won the war and killed Galbatorix," Harry remarked. His eyes swept over the crowd of people.
"Perhaps they just need a brief moment to revel in happiness. The last few days have been marred with sorrow and doom," Artemis reminded him.
"You are right, of course," Harry said. "I just hated it when unknown wizards or witches approached me and wanted to shake my hand. I just wanted to be left alone."
As the crowd cheered them on, Harry observed in amazement as an elderly woman carrying an infant made her way through the crowd towards Eragon. Though he strained to hear what was being said over the volume of the voices, he eventually turned his attention away, just as a dwarf he recognized as Orik pushed through the crowd to reach him.
"H-Harry?" Orik gasped. Orik rushed towards them with all the speed his little legs could manage, gasping out Harry's name.
"Yes?"
"My king is waiting for you. He hopes that you will keep your promise."
Harry nodded. "I will. Show me the way, Orik, and I will restore your sapphire to its former glory."
"Take care of it and I can promise you that our people will be forever grateful to you," Orik promised.
Harry jumped onto Artemis' back and sat on her saddle.
"You shouldn't make promises that you can't keep, Orik," Harry cautioned him. He knew exactly how quickly people's opinions can change. It had happened to him before.
Artemis soared towards the round hall where the shattered Isidar Mithrim lay on the floor, surrounded by a huge crowd of dwarves. It seemed that news of Harry's plan to restore the Star Sapphire had spread, as many members of the Varden had also gathered there.
Harry moved down from Artemis and saw Brom walk up to him and greet him.
"Are you sure you can do this? If you fail, there will be bad blood between you and the dwarves."
Harry grabbed Brom's arm with confidence. "I will do it."
Harry noticed Baldr standing next to Orik and the dwarf greeted him with a friendly nod, his black beard was trembling with excitement. He even caught a glimpse of Arya leaning against a wall from the corner of his eye.
"Dragon rider," Hrothgar said. He had a grim and weathered face, hewn by many years of experience, as well as deep set flinty eyes. He had a powerful chest and a long white beard He also wore the dwarven crown, set with beautiful rubies and diamonds.
Before he could say anything, Harry gave a low bow. "I apologize for my behavior towards Grimstborith Nado, and I hope that by doing this you will accept my apologies."
Hrothgar's eyes widened at the sudden bow.
"We'll talk about this later, Harry Potter. May Helzvog be with you, young rider."
Harry nodded and stepped with Artemis forward.
"You don't need to help me," Harry said towards his partner.
Artemis bent her neck downwards, gazing into his eyes with her vibrant blue eyes radiating with power. "You are my partner, and I am responsible for everything you do as you are for me."
She straightened up and smiled. "Let's do this together."
Harry returned her smile and touched her snout affectionately. "Together."
He took his wand from its holster and pointed it at the destruction before them.
He took a deep breath and conjured the image of the star sapphire before his eyes.
With only his will, he allowed his magic to flow through his body. Harry felt something wild and chaotic stir inside Artemis. She mingled her will with his and together they unleashed their magic. His wand trembled in his hand and Harry heard a gasp as a dome of golden light manifested around the rubble.
A piercing, high pitched sound emanated from the shimmering golden dome, and a white phoenix emerged from a bright flash of white light. The enchanting song of the phoenix reverberated through the halls of Tronjheim.
The phoenix glided in a sweeping arc above them, casting a white glow that linked with each fragment of the sapphire. As the last piece was touched by the light, the debris started to lift off the ground, rising slowly into the air.
The pieces surrounded the phoenix as it continued to ascend, emitting a final high-pitched cry before a blinding white light enveloped them all. When Harry's vision cleared, he beheld the Star Sapphire restored to its former glory. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and he collapsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted.
After Harry managed to open his eyes once more, he beheld the star sapphire in its former magnificence.
"Extraordinary," Hrothgar whispered in awe, and extended his hand to Harry. His dark eyes were filled with tears. "I and every dwarf are in gratitude to you. Our pride has been restored and it is even more wonderful than before."
Harry grasped the offered hand and pulled himself up to a sitting position. He and his dragon partner gazed at the fully restored Isidar Mithrim. In the center, a brilliant phoenix made of white flames glowed brightly.
Arya approached Harry and pulled him up by his arms.
"Was that a phoenix?" she whispered in a melodious voice.
"I have no idea," Harry replied quietly, exhausted.
Arya watched him with concern, as Harry fell back and leaned against her, asleep from exhaustion. Her eyes glimmered in the radiant light of Isidar Mithrim, and she gazed upwards with a glimmer of hope. The appearance of the phoenix had not only brought hope back to the dwarves.