For Alagaesia: 34. The wolves inside

He didn't remember sleeping on something as soft as what he was sleeping on now. As far as his memory permitted, Eragon remembered going to the balcony where Saphira lay curled and speaking to her about his encounter with Arya. He had suddenly felt so tired and had fallen into his waking dreams leaning against Saphira's body. But now he saw that he was covered in warm bed-sheets. Confused, he raised his head and tugged lightly at Saphira's wings. Saphira lifted her wings letting the bright morning sunshine hit his body. She stretched like a cat pushing away all sleepiness and said, 'Good morning, little one', brightly.

'Good morning, Saphira.', Eragon said getting on his feet scratching the scales on Saphira's legs affectionately.

'How, may I ask, I came to be covered in blankets?', he asked her wanting to clear his doubts.

'Arya came to visit me and seeing your pitiful state, had them brought here.', Saphira said nonchalantly. 'Oh..', Eragon said disgruntled by Arya's actions, given that she had strangely been silent all the while they walked back to the city, the last evening.

'You need rest Eragon. Go back to your room and sleep the day away. You do not have anything else to do', Saphira said. 'No, Saphira. Can't you see that I donot need any rest?' , he asked willing her to understand his situaton.

'Maybe not your body, Eragon. But your mind still needs rest, especially when you won't let me see the darkest confines of it', Saphira accused him.

'Understand, Saphira. I do not want to hide them from you. I merely need time to show you those'

'Glaedr thinks otherwise and you know your reasoning is not right. We are dragon and rider, Eragon. There must not be secrets among us.', Saphira said softly.

'There won't be any Saphira, I promise you that. I need time though', Eragon replied kindly.

'I can help you, little one. I can make you feel better. You sound too much like Arya when you say such things.', the accusatory tone was back in her voice. Eragon chuckled darkly and said, 'Perhaps, it is because of our common experience'

'I won't force you Eragon. But I can see it in your bearing. You have become too closed and donot consider Roran to be as forgiving as me. He will not let you like this for long.', Saphira said threateningly although there was an undercurrent of amusement in her voice.

'I know he won't. But I am not about to tell anybody anything.', Eragon said coldly. 'Peace, little one. You have changed so much indeed. But you are still my Eragon and I donot intend to hurt you any longer with this dark talk', Saphira said kindly.

Feeling guilty and mad at himself for not being open with Saphira, Eragon sighed heavily and rubbed Saphira's neck scales affectionately wanting her to know that he had not changed underneath. 'I know you have not, little one. If you had then Galbatorix wouldn't be alive now.', Saphira said calmly to him. Eragon smiled at the remark.

'What are you planning on doing, Eragon?', Saphira asked. 'I thought, I would visit Orik and then Roran and Katrina', Eragon replied. 'Might I accompany you?', Saphira asked.

'Do you have to ask?'

Saphira smiled a dragonic smile and said, 'Come my rider, we shall revel in the freedom of the skies.'

Eragon was more than happy to oblige and he climbed into the crook of her neck and settled in her saddle in seconds. Saphira took off from the ground and circled higher and higher, soon reaching the Leona lake. Blodhgarm contacted Eragon to ask where they were going. Eragon though irritated, said to the elf understanding Blodhgarm's fear at letting Eragon go by himself out of the city, 'We are just relaxing, Blodhgram. Don't worry. We will be back in the city soon enough' The wolf-like-elf passed on his understanding and let them both be.

Saphira revelled in Eragon's presence and he in hers. They thought of nothing else, leaving behind all worries, enjoying only the bright morning sun and the cool breeze from the lake. Saphira flipped and dived, glided and somersaulted and did all that made Eragon happy. 'Do you need a bath, little one?', she asked mischievously and without waiting for his reply dived into the lake. Eragon although stunned by the sudden coldness that hit him, enjoyed the view under water. The graciously swimming fishes of various colours and the mysterious looking sunshine gave him the chance to wonder nature and thus forget all his worries. But soon, his lungs cried for air and Saphira lifted herself to the surface of the water. The view outside the water looked unusually bright and beautiful- Eragon didn't know if it was because of the time he spent looking only at underwater beauty, but he felt so light at heart. The gentle movement of the trees in rhythm with the winds and the chirping of colourful birds were as good as any elven melody he had ever heard.

The mood was so light and happy, that he dreamt of sharing it with Arya and Saphira together rather than with Saphira alone.

'Yes. little one. It would be great if she were here with us', Saphira said sensing his thoughts. Eragon blushed unintentionally. 'Do you approve of my feelings for her, Saphira?', he asked as he saw that there was not a semblance of jealousy in Saphira's mind when she said, she too wanted Arya to be with them.

'Have I ever given the impression that I disapprove your feelings for her. I merely have pointed out to you that it is of no use if you brood over it when it was certain that it would never be.', she said. Eragon noticed the past-tense in her sentence 'when it was certain...' It gave him hope. 'I donot pretend to know more about Arya's feelings than you, Eragon. But I want to tell you that I would approve of a relationship between the two of you if she approves of your feelings. I won't be able to find someone more deserving of you than Arya and someone more deserving of her than you.', Saphira said kindly. Eragon hugged Saphira's neck and laid his head on her body. 'Thank you, Saphira', he said. Saphira hummed contentedly.

'Saphira, what did Arya come to you for?', Eragon asked all of a sudden peeved at why Arya needed to come see Saphira at night.

'Why? she just needed to talk to me.', Saphira said calmly. 'Forgive me. I didn't realise you were such thick friends.', Eragon said genuinely meaning it. Saphira chuckled, her throat vibrating, making Eragon shudder.

'We spoke about how to handle the egg, Eragon.', Saphira said.

'Oh? what conclusion did you come to?', Eragon asked. 'I offered to go with her to Ellesmera, Surda and other places when she takes the egg there.', Saphira said.

'I don't suppose she agreed to it.', Eragon guessed. 'Why, Eragon? You really do understand her. But she did.', Saphira said amused.

'How?', Eragon asked confused.

'I insisted.', Saphira said simply. 'Oh...', Eragon said still not believing that Arya would agree with him and Saphira going to help her. 'I didn't think her to be a person who could be persuaded that easily.', Eragon said, not giving up.

'Remember Eragon? The egg can be claimed by none other than me', Saphira said. It sounded so much unlike Saphira. Saphira threatening Arya into accepting something would never happen and knowing Arya she would simply have laid the egg by Saphira's side and left, if threatened so. 'You lie, Saphira. Arya can never be persuaded that way'

'Oh, fine then... I couldn't persuade Arya but Glaedr ordered her to take our help.', Saphira conceded.

'Ordered her? She is the elven princess Saphira and she has defied even her mother for what she believed was right. How could she obey to Glaedr?', Eragon asked more confused than ever.

'Have you forgotten Eragon that Glaedr was Arya's teacher for much more time than he was for us? Either way, I guess Arya was already torn between the choices and Glaedr's words merely made her choose one', said Saphira. This Eragon could relate to. But why Arya would want him and Saphira, he would never know.

'Perhaps, she considers us more close to her than we realise, little one', Saphira offered.

'Perhaps', Eragon said smiling at the prospect.

'Shall we go meet your royal brother?', Saphira asked after a while of silence. Eragon couldn't find about whom she was talking for a while but then remembered that Orik was the only 'royalty' among those he considered 'brothers' except that his real blood-brother was one of his bitter enemies.

'Hush, Eragon. Don't think of those traitors now.', Saphira said calming him.

'He met me when I was in prison, Saphira', Eragon said. He being Murtagh. 'I know. Those are one of the few moments you have shown me'

'He wasn't all that evil, Saphira. The old Murtagh, the one whom you approved of as a friend of mine is still there, only a bit suppressed.', Eragon said.

'Does that make any difference, Eragon? When it comes to a fight, he will still try to kill you. And don't think I have forgotten that he was the one who took you away from me.', Saphira's entire being emanated barely controlled anger. 'I know all that, Saphira. But what choice does he have? I know the potency of the true name now that I know mine. And I know that you know how much it controls one from me. So why should we hate him so much?', Eragon said wanting her to understand what he meant.

'I can relate, little one. But in this war we can't afford to show any leniency to anybody. Don't think of all that now. There is so much time for that. Now we are here at the dwarven premises.', Saphira said finishing the dark talk.

As Saphira descended, the dwarves hailed her. They surrounded her as soon as she landed and bowed before her. Orik came out from a strongly guarded house with his hands held aloft in a gesture of welcome.

"Your majesty", Eragon said and bowed.

"By the gods name, Eragon, I will have you banned if you address me so again", Orik whispered coming near him. Saphira let out an amused hiss of smoke curling up from her nostrils at Orik's words. Orik turned to her and said bowing, "How are you, mighty one?"

'Quite well, Orik. I believe your wife is in good health.', Saphira said.

'She is, Saphira', Orik answered. Saphira bent her head and touched Orik on his brow with her snout. The dwarves started praising her. 'Oh, not them too. The elves were almost unbearable', Eragon jested.

'Why Eragon? Are you that jealous of me?', Saphira replied back in the same happy voice, he said his part of the exchange.

Orik hugged Eragon closely and said, "So what do we owe the great shadeslayer for him to visit us?" Eragon laughed loud and put his hand around the dwarf king's shoulder. Then in a serious tone, he asked, "Do you approve of our decision to let Arya be the egg courier?"

"Oi, Eragon. I have no say in it but if I had my way, I would have chosen her too. Did you forget that I know her much longer than you do?", Orik said brightly. Eragon released a pent up breath and said, "Thank you, Orik. I wanted to hear your word on it."

"Come now, Eragon, don't pretend to be so nice to me", Orik said quite seriously making Eragon wonder why. He looked at Orik guardedly and said, "I don't understand"

"Gûntera forbid Eragon. When did you lose all your capacity to figure out a pun", Orik said. 'Ever since he returned to us, Orik.', Saphira answered in a slightly accusatory tone.

Eragon glared at Saphira for pushing him into difficult waters. But she merely looked back at him.

"Eragon, what has happened?", Orik asked leaving all amusement back. "Nothing, Orik. I am fine.", Eragon said in a cold and formal tone.

"Be cheerful, Eragon. I loved that quality in you", Orik said seriously as he led Eragon towards a seat in the front room of the house from which he had come from."I am, Orik.", Eragon said trying to hide the stiffness from his voice. But it won't go away. It was as if it had become a part of him: looking at everything with an eye of caution-never letting the true feelings show through. Only with Saphira could he behave as he did earlier. He felt guilty but he knew he couldn't do anything to it and so refused to feel bad for long.

"I know you, Eragon. Maybe we are not the closest of brothers what with all our duties. But I have known you for years now and you have never been this sombre.", Orik said. Eragon sighed.

"I am sorry, Orik. Have you ever seen Arya being cheerful?", Eragon asked. Orik looked surprised and confused. He didn't seem to understand why Eragon spoke about Arya at this time.

Nevertheless, he answered, "No. Never as much as you. She had always been distant. But after her return with you to Tronjheim, maybe she had lost even the little cheerfulness she had before." Orik paused for a while and then gasped as though he had just grasped the meaning of Eragon.

"Do you mean your time in captivity changed you, Eragon? You shouldn't let it get to you.", Orik said.

Eragon felt a momentary flare of anger. 'You wouldn't be yourself either if you had to go through such a thing', he wanted to lash out at Orik, but he knew that Orik spoke out of goodwill and so controlled himself and just nodded his head.

"Oh, Eragon. We are speaking too sombrely and it won't help your mood anyhow. So tell me, how is your day going?", Orik asked cheerfully. Eragon almost felt jealous of Orik for being so happy.

'You just have to open up to me, Eragon, to get back to your old self.', Saphira said.

'It really is not that easy, Saphira', he said and privately thought, 'If you knew how weak I was, you may hate me.'

Then he answered Orik's question, "It has been great Orik. The best day in the last two months, I dare say"

"Good. Very good", Orik said, "So will you have some ale with me?" Orik didn't wait for Eragon's reply though and ordered some ale be brought. When it arrived, Orik filled Eragon's cup for him and said, "For our freedom" They drank merrily and Eragon felt much better than a few minutes ago when Orik had interrogated him on his gloomy look.

Eragon asked Orik about how the mood in Tronjheim was for which Orik simply said, "Its great" Then they spoke of Orik's travels after Eragon left Tronjheim for Ellesmera. Eragon asked if Az rak Anhuin were causing any problems. Orik answered, "They are no part of our country now, Eragon". The discussion about the troubled clan was thus ended once and for all, since Eragon knew the potency of exile in dwarven culture.

Then Eragon informed Orik that Brom was his father. Orik was happy to hear that and said that he had met Brom two or three times and that Brom was as dedicated to bringing down Galbatorix as anybody. "You should be proud to be his son", Orik said.

"I am", Eragon said, his chest puffing up in pride and sadness. They spoke about the Varden's preparedness and spirit for sometime and soon when the sun had reached its zenith, Eragon thanked Orik for the company.

"It has been great seeing you again Orik. Please pass on my greetings to queen Hvedra.", Eragon said. Orik stood and hugged Eragon. He whispered in Eragon's ears, "Do you really want to be exiled Eragon? Hvedra is your sister-in-law first. Don't call her using exalted titles." Eragon chuckled and so did Saphira.

"Farewell, Orik.", Eragon waved his hands and climbed into Saphira's saddle in a quick fluid motion. As Saphira took off, the dwarves waved her off chanting about her noble deeds and looks.

'To Roran's house, Eragon?', Saphira asked. 'Yes Saphira. Roran wanted to me to be there for lunch. Further, I want to meet with Katrina to check on her health'

'Fine, we will be there in minutes',she replied as she flew towards the part of the city where Roran's house was situated.

Roran was standing at the doorstep when Eragon and Saphira reached there. On seeing them, he said, "I was about to come in search of you."

"Are Eragon and Saphira here?", Katrina called from inside.

"Yes, Katrina. They are here", Roran replied. Katrina was by the door by the time Eragon reached near it.

"Go in, Eragon. Rest for a while. The food is ready. I will come to serve", Katrina said kindly. Then she stepped outside and greeted Saphira. Saphira enquired about Katrina's health and they shared a laugh.

"Would you like to have some food, Saphira?", Katrina asked.

'Oh, no. It won't be enough for me anyway.', Saphira said. "Just taste it. Eragon won't eat meat and I was advised by Angela not to. Roran can never finish all that has been cooked. I promise that you will like it", Katrina said.

'Alright then, I will have a bit', Saphira agreed. Katrina asked Saphira to come in through the window in the dining hall of the home, so she could share the table. Eragon was already at the table when Saphira extended her head through the window.

It was an amusing sight to see Saphira with only her head and neck in the room, eating from a large bowl. Eragon eyed Saphira in the pose and for some reason couldn't control his laughter. Katrina saw it and joined in. Roran had a satisfied look on his face although it was clear that he was trying hard to control his laughter. Mirth bubbled in Saphira's mind too and she let out a roil of smoke into the room. 'Oops', she said as the three of them coughed due to the smoke.

However comical the situation was, Eragon lost the mood after that and started eating with an indifferent look on his face. Roran eyed Eragon for a while but thankfully didn't ask anything. Eragon still felt guilty for the look that was plastered on his face because he knew it would hurt Roran. But how much ever, he tried to change into a comfortable cheerful mask, he couldn't. He found then that it was incredibly difficult to act happy than to act emotionless.

He was happy indeed that he was back with his friends and family, but still he couldn't feel completely safe. A small part of his mind still felt unsecure as if doom was nearby, hence the grim, aloof look. 'feel threatened by a sense of impending doom', Arya's words from months ago echoed in his ears. 'So this is how she feels: almost unable to show what her true feelings are, forced to wear a mask of indifference.', he thought.

'It is all because you both don't put your trust in somebody and share all your fears with them, little one. Can't you see?', Saphira said. A cold hand clutched Eragon's heart. Fears. That was why he couldn't share everything with his Saphira. He couldn't fathom how she would react when she knows of his fears: will she consider him a coward? Will she lose her patience with Galbatorix and fly straight to Uru'baen to kill him? He couldn't guess and so he couldn't show her, his fears. And Saphira knew what it was that he was hiding from her: his fears.

After the lunch, Eragon moved to the front room of the house while Saphira returned outside the home listening on the conversation through her link with Eragon. "Katrina?", Eragon called.

"What is it, Eragon?"

"What are you doing in the kitchen still?", Eragon asked. "Cleaning the vessels", she replied.

"You are not supposed to do that!", Eragon said berating himself for making her work. He went into the kitchen and saw that Roran was already trying to stop Katrina. "Let me help", Eragon offered.

"No Eragon. You have returned only two days ago. You need to rest. Go to the hall in the front. We will finish this soon and join you.", Katrina said. Eragon wanted to shout at her that he didn't need rest, but restrained himself from doing so. "Please move back, Katrina. It will take only a few seconds", Eragon said instead. Roran eyed Eragon understandingly and pulled Katrina away from the utensils. Eragon cast a spell to clean the vessels and in seconds as he promised the vessels glinted clean.

"Tricky business, this magic. Arya repaired that door just like this: with some strange words", Katrina murmured. Eragon turned to face her and said, "That it is. Now may I ask you to rest. I would hate it if you have to work in these times on account of me." Katrina obliged and mumbling a thanks, she made her way to the front room, Roran closely following her. As Eragon followed them into the front hall, he thought of the information he just heard: Arya repairing a door in Roran's home. 'So much has happened at the Varden in my absence', he thought gloomily.

"I thought, maybe if you liked, I could listen to the baby's mind now that he or she must have a fully grown mind to check on the baby's health", Eragon said when they were comfortably seated in the room. Katrina's face emanated immense surprise. "You can know that?", she asked in admiration. Eragon felt a little uncomfortable. He didn't want to intimidate Katrina. So he said, "Well, yes... I can", a little hesitantly.

"Then hear her.", Katrina said excitement barely hidden.

"Her?", Eragon asked surprised. "Katrina has always wanted a girl. Not a stupid like me, I suppose", Roran said in a serious voice although Eragon could tell that he was just cracking a joke.

"Maybe so", Katrina said gently ruffling Roran's hair. "May I?", Eragon asked. Katrina nodded her head.

Eragon cut off all his connection with the outside world that would be a disturbance except for Saphira whose presence would only help him rather than distract and searched for the tender mind of the baby. After a few minutes of intense searching, he found it. The mind was unlike any of the life-form's mind he had seen before. But it was definitely human. So Eragon assumed that it was the baby's mind. Eragon had a difficult time decoding the thoughts that passed the little mind. It seemed that the human mind before birth thought too differently from that of the one after birth. It didn't help either that the child had no memories. But Eragon could figure out one thing: the entire mood of the baby was healthy if not entirely happy.

"I couldn't find if the baby is a he or she but I can tell that the baby is healthy", Eragon said.

"Is she happy?", Katrina asked. Eragon didn't want to lie to her. So he simply said, "As happy as she can be in these circumstances" Katrina seemed to get what he meant and her face became a little dull.

"Don't worry, Katrina. The baby is perfectly fine", Eragon reassured her. Roran put his arm around Katrina keeping her close to him, comforting her. Eragon felt bad for bringing this upon the pair.

"I'm sorry, Roran. I didn't mean to..", Eragon started but was cut-off by Roran, "Oh, leave it, Eragon. We are perfectly fine and happy that our baby is in good health"

Roran smiled at Eragon although it seemed a bit forced. It was clear that Roran and Katrina were worried about their yet-to-be-born-child.

"Ah, I see that the block-head has produced problems yet again.", Angela's voice came from the door.

"Angela", Eragon said irritated. She laughed him off as usual and said seeing Katrina, "Dear, Come, I have to administer these potions on you today"

Katrina got out of Roran's embrace and walked towards where Angela sat. Angela gave Katrina a tumbler with some potion which must have tasted as bad as any cruel poison if its smell was any indication, but which Katrina dutifully emptied unflinching. 'How much she should love her child if she drinks this potion for its benefit without even flinching', Eragon said to Saphira.

"So, rider, how is freedom?", Angela asked. Eragon always enjoyed the witch's direct questions although this particular one wasn't as pleasant as some others. It reminded Eragon that he was a miserable prisoner in Uru'baen just days ago. "It's been great, Angela.", he said nevertheless.

Then, a sudden question came upon his mind, "Angela, You were taking care of Elva, weren't you?"

"Yes, Blockhead, I was. And just when I had made up my mind to spend the next ten years to make her as good as me, the poor child went away.", Angela said in a sad voice.

Eragon couldn't comprehend how somebody as small as Elva could simply 'go away'. "Went away? What exactly happened, Angela?"

"You should know that better than me.", Angela said simply. Eragon found himself irritated once again. With all his will, he suppressed the feeling and took on an emotionless facade because he knew Angela would never give him any answers if she found out that he was irritated with her.

"Please do not twist my words, Angela. You know of what I ask.", Eragon said coldly.

"Are you trying to threaten me, rider?", Angela asked her mischievous smirk never fading away. Eragon glared at her wanting her to understand his serious intent. "Oh, dear, What has that king done to you? You have lost all your intelligence.", Angela said still not caring about his angry looks. Roran was looking at Eragon intently. Eragon though, had eyes only for Angela. "Fine, Eragon. I think Galbatorix contacted her through mental touch. Don't ask me how, because even I can't comprehend what that man is capable of. And as you know, Elva wasn't that strong mentally and it would have been easy for Galbatorix to sway her over to his side. The answer we need to know is how Galbatorix knew of the child's existence" Eragon nodded his head. "Thank you", he said to Angela.

'Would there still be spies in our army?', Saphira asked to him having heard the whole exchange.

'We can't be sure, Saphira. Besides, what use do we have brooding on such a thing about which we can do nothing of?'

'You were the one who wanted to know how Elva came under Galbatorix's control in the first place!!', Saphira said and snorted her disapproval.

"Why don't you sit down, Eragon?", Roran asked. "oh, no, Roran, I have to go. Take care of Katrina.", Eragon said and smiled slightly at his sister-in-law. She smiled back although Eragon could say that she was thinking deep and hard about her child. "Farewell, Angela", Eragon said to the witch who was in the middle of checking Katrina. She just nodded.

Eragon waved at Roran and Katrina and made to go outside. Roran walked with him while Katrina said, "Give my regards to Saphira", as she wasn't allowed by Angela to get up.

"Look after him well, Saphira", Roran said when they were at the door. Saphira placed him with a knowing look and nodded her huge head. Eragon didn't want to confront anymore interrogations and hence got into Saphira's saddle as soon as he could.

'Katrina sends her regards', Eragon said to Saphira.

'I heard her, little one'

'Fine then. Let us be off', Eragon said to her as he saw Roran contemplating hard on something.

'Running away won't help anyone, Eragon.', Saphira said. 'Gods, Saphira; Do you have to remind me of it every minute we talk?', Eragon said angry at Saphira for not understanding his feelings.

'Fine, I won't talk to you about it hereafter. But I warn you Eragon. It is not a good idea to keep me out of the darkest parts of your mind. We are not supposed to be this way', Saphira said with an air of finality. Eragon knew then that Saphira wouldn't ask him about his dark hours ever after unless he told her himself.

Eragon felt relieved. He could atleast enjoy his time with Saphira as before, without any fear. Eragon wished his cousin good-bye and in seconds Saphira took to the air and they were back towards the mansion of Belatona where Eragon had his quarters. Eragon thought of the next move to be made. It struck him that the Varden were stuck in Belatona for nigh on two months. 'All because of me', he thought ruefully.

Eragon didn't want the Varden to wait on his health, when they could march to Dras-Leona. Eragon felt that every minute wasted in times like these when the Varden knew for sure that Galbatorix wasn't in Uru'baen to command his forces was equal to taking a step closer to eventual defeat.

'I am going to speak with Nasuada', he said to Saphira.

'Should we really leave that soon, little one?'

'Yes, Saphira. This is the best time to attack Dras-Leona. That city can't be defeated if Galbatorix is there to supervise his forces. You know that. Dras-Leona is a mess.', he said to her and privately thought, 'And it will help me take my mind off these monsters of my own mind'

'Yes, Eragon. I know that. Atleast let us ask Glaedr.', Saphira said.

'He is with Arya, isn't he? You go and speak to him. Meanwhile I will talk with Nasuada'

Saphira left Eragon at the entrance of the castle and flew upward. Eragon walked into the mansion that was painted red by the rays of the setting sun. It surprised him that the day was gone so easily. Back in the dungeon, he didn't know when days started or when nights ended- it was all dark; always. But this world-of which he been a part of for nearly nineteen years-seemed alien to him now. Eragon sighed and pushed back the gloomy thoughts trying to enjoy the setting sun in all its glory. He lost track of time looking at the sun sink below the lake and the spine beyond it. When he came back to his senses, four soldiers stood around him trying to get his attention.

"My Lord, May I help you", one of them asked. 'Oh, I must have looked like an idiot staring at the sun like it was my only link to reality.', Eragon admonished himself and said, "No, Faeres, no. I was just enjoying the sun." The soldier Faeres looked stunned. Apparently he didn't know that Eragon could read all his thoughts.

"Yes, my lord. The sunset was quite awesome", Faeres said and the soldiers moved back to their positions.

Eragon walked into the castle, his head held high and his face stern. When he reached Nasuada's quarters, the night-hawks bowed to him and announced his arrival to Nasuada. He was admitted in once she approved of his presence.

"My Lady", Eragon said and bowed to Nasuada. "You really don't have to bow before me, Eragon. You are now the leader of the riders, holder of the highest position in Alagaesia.", Nasuada said calmly.

"I will always be your vassal, my lady and that position demands respect even if it were only formal" Nasuada smiled slightly. "You are a great man, Eragon. Whatever happens at the end of this war, your name name shall remain for eons to follow", she said.

'But all I need is a quiet life.', Eragon thought. "Now tell me, Why have you sought me for? I was thinking you would be resting now", Nasuada continued.

"We should march towards Dras-Leona tomorrow, Nasuada", Eragon said bluntly. Nasuada looked surprised. And for a while she didn't move then she shifted her leg slightly and said, "Eragon. Look. You have just returned. You need rest."

Eragon was fed up with hearing that repeated over and over again to him from morning. He was too irritated and that led to frustration. He ground his teeth and controlled his emotions. He brought the emotionless facade that he had seen on Arya's face always on his face and said, "I have rested enough. Two months is a long time to rest". His words sounded cold even to his ears. He could see Nasuada flinching slightly. "But Eragon, without rest you will never be in fighting state and we cannot win without your assistance", Nasuada said trying to reason with him.

"I have thought this over very well, my lady. With Galbatorix not in Uru'baen, Murtagh won't be coming to assist Dras-Leona. With a rider's assistance, that city will be nearly impregnable. Fighting anybody other than Murtagh and Thorn is not a problem to me even if am ill-rested which I am not. I am perfectly fine, Nasuada. Can you see anything wrong with me?", Eragon said.

Nasuada pondered over Eragon's words. She nodded after a while as if confirming something. Then she said, "If you think, attacking Dras-Leona now is the best option for the Varden, I will take your advise on that. You know your body better than others and if you believe you are fine then who am I to stop you? We will go. But not tomorrow. Tomorrow, I have arranged a party to welcome you formally back to the Varden. We will march the day after"

Eragon took in the new news. A party was the last place he wanted to be in, in his current mindset. But if he said that to Nasuada then she would stop the Varden's march citing his 'illness' as a reason. An illness that Eragon knew wouldn't be cured anytime soon if it were ever to cure at all. "Thank you, Nasuada. I shall take my leave", Eragon bowed to her.

"Wait Eragon, answer me as a friend.", Nasuada said. Eragon stopped in his tracks and turned to face Nasuada. He simply nodded his head. "Are you well, Eragon? You seem too.... distant" Ah, there it was. The question. "I am absolutely fine, Nasuada. Maybe I seem to you so because you are seeing me after long", he said. Nasuada nodded but looked unsatisfied. But she didn't force him further. "Know that I will listen to you, whatever you have to say. You have been a.... brother to me in these difficult times. I do not want to lose you", she said.

Eragon was overwhelmed. But he couldn't bring all his gratitude on to his face, the cursed indifference never allowing him to. His voice too was caught in a lump in his throat. He ended up nodding his head to Nasuada. Unable to stand there anymore, he said, "Thank you", meekly and left the room.

When he was back in his quarters, Saphira had brought Glaedr with her. Arya had chosen to give him to her because Arya had felt like he was happier with Saphira than with others. "You did the right thing by choosing to march into the next stage of the war without brooding on your experience", Glaedr said much to his surprise.

He realised then that Glaedr himself had gone through the horrors of captivity during the fall of the riders. 'Obviously, he would know what it is like after such a experience.', Eragon thought privately. 'Thank you, master', Eragon said as the world of dreams took over him and he fell into the inviting hands of the lady of sleep.

Author's Note:

This was predominantly nothing but a filler. But I wanted to concentrate on the change in Eragon's personality due to his time as a captive and felt that a chapter dedicated to it would be handy. Nobody can escape torture and captivity unscathed, not even the greatest of men. It was the case with Oromis & Arya and now it is the case with Eragon. He is basically, the same man but with a sombre and cautious outlook on things.