For Alagaesia: 37. Beyond help

Roran turned back to get one last look of Belatona that had been his home for the past two months. The days spent in the city had been rough what with the capture and return of Eragon and the departure of Katrina. Ever since his wife had gone towards the elven homeland that morning Roran hadn't had any free time to think of her, being occupied with the preparations for leaving to Dras-Leona. It was probably a good thing because if he had had time then he would have brooded over all the improbable things and lost even the little peace of mind he had now.

The Varden had left a few soldiers and some women and children at the city trusting the patrols to inform of any empire troop movement in the area. Further, the perimeters of the countryside surrounding Belatona had long been secured by the Varden and it would be absolute madness for even a king as mad as Galbatorix to attack, especially when he knows that his enemy has moved on to attack his largest city after the capital, namely Dras-Leona.

For Alagaesia: 36. Heart-wrenching

"Is it a good idea, Eragon?", Roran asked for nearly the hundredth time that morning. Eragon, although fed up with answering the same question repeatedly said, "Yes, Roran. It will be for the best."

"Will she be safe?", Roran asked.

"Roran. Be calm. Vanir has promised me that he would do all he can to keep Katrina safe."

"Yes, I know. You said that already. Still, how will somebody else watch over Katrina like me or you?", Roran said, his voice etched with worry. Eragon was left speechless. Roran had, as a matter of fact, included Eragon as Roran's equal in caring for Katrina. The trust Roran had in him astounded Eragon. Feeling slightly embarrassed for sounding irritated, Eragon said, "Roran. You have seen the elves. They keep their promises whatever the price and Vanir has grown to be one of the few elves, I truly trust. I know of his skills. And Arya has promised Saphira that the other elves going are no mere warriors either. No harm will come to Katrina"

Roran nodded slowly as if pondering Eragon's explanation.

"Who will attend to her during the birth? Elain and Gertrude are here.", Roran asked after a period of silence when Eragon waited patiently for the next question to come for he knew there would be plenty of questions. Roran would never allow Katrina to leave if he had even the slightest doubt about her safety. But for this question, Eragon was unprepared.

"There will be many elves where she goes, Roran. They will take care of her.", Eragon managed to stammer out a response.