My Version of the Inheritance Cycle

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 Nasuada continued. "In any case, this is not a command, and I want you to think carefully before Replying. To help rally support for the Varden, I wish to spread word throughout the Empire that a new Rider named Eragon Shadeslayer and his dragon, Saphira, have joined our cause. I would like your permission before doing so however."

"It's too dangerous," objected Saphira. 

Eragon argued, "word of our presence here will reach the Empire anyway. The Varden will want to brag about their victory and Durza's death. Since it will happen with or without our approval, we should agree to help." 

Saphira snorted and said, "I am worried about Galbatorix. Until now we haven't made it public where our sympathies lie."

 Eragon replied, "our actions have been clear enough." 

Saphira said, "yes but even when Durza fought you in Tronjheim, he wasn't trying to kill you. If we become outspoken in our opposition to the Empire, Galbatorix won't be so lenient again. Who knows what forces or plots he may have kept in abeyance while he tried to gain hold of us? As long as we remain ambiguous he won't know what to do."

 Eragon said, "the time for ambiguity has passed, we fought the urgals, killed Durza and I have sworn fealty to the leader of the Varden. No ambiguity exists. No with your permission I will agree to her proposal."

Saphira was quiet for a while and then she dipped her head in agreement. She said, "As you wish."

Eragon turned to Nasuada and Said, "Do what you see fit if this is how we can best assist the varden, so be it." 

Nasuada replied, "thank you I know it is a lot to ask."

 She continued, "Now as we discussed before the funeral, I expect you to travel to Ellesméra and complete your training."

 "With Arya?" Eragon asked,

 "Of course," Nasuada said. "Ever since she was captured the elves have refused contact with both humans and dwarves. She is the only one who can convince them to emerge from seclusion."

"Couldn't she use magic to tell them of her rescue?" Eragon asked."

 Nasuada answered, "unfortunately not when the elves retreated into Du Weldenvarden after the fall of the riders they placed wards around the forest that prevent any thought item or being from entering it through arcane means, though not from exiting it, if I understood Arya's explanation. Thus Arya must physically visit Du Weldenvarden before Queen Islanzadí will know that she is alive, that you and Saphira exist and of the numerous events that have befallen the Varden these past months."

Nasuada handed him the scroll and said "this is a missive for Queen Islanzadí telling her about the Varden's situation and my own plans, guard it with your life, it would cause a great deal of harm in the wrong hands. I hope that after all that's happened Islanzadí will feel kindly enough toward us to reinitiate diplomatic ties. Her assistance could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Arya has agreed to press our cause, but I wanted you to be aware of the situation too so you could take advantage of any opportunities that might arise."

Eragon asked, "Do you intend for Maria to go with us? Is that why you had Arya test her so soon after she arrived?"

 Nasuada answered, "Yes I do intend to send her with you. I had her tested so soon so Arya will be able to tell whoever will be training you her abilities so they could get right to training her." 

"When will we leave?" Eragon asked.

 "Tomorrow morning unless you have something else planned."

"No that is fine with us," Eragon said.

 "Good," Nasuada responded," but we will have to inform Maria when Arya finishes with her." Nasuada said, "Eragon you should know that one other person will be going with you."

 He looked at her confused. "King Hrothgar insisted that in the interest of fairness there should be a dwarf representative present at your training since it affects their race as well. So he's sending Orik along." 

At first, Eragon was irritated he, Megan and Arya could have flown on Saphira and Evarína, sure they would have to make a saddle for Evarína but Eragon remembered how Brom had done it so he could have helped whoever made the saddle. Flying would eliminate weeks of travel. Eragon knew that Saphira couldn't carry three people and that Evarína could only carry her rider. So Orik going with them would confine them to the ground. After thinking about it Eragon acknowledged the wisdom of Hrothgar's request. It was important for Eragon and Saphira, and now Maria and Evarína to maintain a semblance of equality in their dealings with the different races.

Eragon smiled and said, "Ah well it'll slow us down, but I suppose we have to placate Hrothgar." Eragon asked her, "do you really mean to attack the Empire? You said yourself that the Varden are weak. It doesn't seem like the wisest course. If we wait-" 

Nasuada interrupted him and said, "If we wait Galbatorix will only get stronger. This is the first time since Morzan was slain that we have even the slightest opportunity of catching him unprepared. He had no reason to suspect we could defeat the Urgals which we did thanks to you, so he won't have readied the Empire for invasion."

"Invasion!" Exclaimed Saphira, "And how does she plan to kill Galbatorix when he flies out to obliterate their army with magic?"

 Nasuada shook her head when Eragon repeated Saphira's objection. She said, "from what we know of him, he won't fight until Urû'baen itself is threatened. It doesn't matter to Galbatorix if we destroy half the empire, so long as we come to him, not the other way around. Why should he bother anyway? If we do manage to reach him, our troops will be battered and depleted, making it all the easier for him to destroy us."

 Eragon sad, "You still haven't answered Saphira,"

 Nasuada said, "that's because I can't yet this will be a long campaign. By its end you might be powerful enough to defeat Galbatorix, or the elves may have joined us... and their spellcasters are the strongest in Alegasia. No matter what happens, we cannot afford to delay. Now is the time to gamble and dare what no one thinks we can accomplish. The Varden have lived in the shadows for too long- we must either challenge Galbatorix or submit and pass away." 

Although Eragon didn't entirely agree with her due to all the risk and danger that would be involved, he knew it wasn't his place to make the decision and he accepted that. 

Nasuada said, "go now Eragon, ready your horse, gather supplies and be at the north gate by dawn."

 After Eragon and Saphira left Nasuada's office he heard footsteps coming toward him. He turned and saw that it was Arya and Maria. He wasn't entirely sure why but he decided to wait for them to come out.