Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Twenty-Three: Iridescent

"Do you wish to hear why?" Oromis cooly responded.

"Very much, Master," Saphira replied before Eragon had the chance to talk.

"We withheld the tidings for two reasons. Chief among them was that we did not know until nine days past that the Varden were threatened, and the true size, location, and movements of the Empire's troops remained concealed from us until three days after that when Lord Däthedr pierced the spells Galbatorix used to deceive our scrying."

"That still doesn't explain why you said nothing of this," Eragon said with a scowl. "Not only that but once you discovered that the Varden was in danger, why didn't Islanzadí rouse the elves to fight? Are we not allies?"

"She has roused the elves, Eragon. The forest echoes with the ring of hammers, the tramp of armored boots, and the grief of those who are about to be parted. For the first time in a century, our race is set to emerge from Du Weldenvarden and challenge our greatest foe. The time has come for elves to once more walk openly in Alagaësia."

"You have been distracted of late, Eragon, and I understand why. Now you must look beyond yourself. The world demands your attention."

"I am sorry, Master," Eragon muttered. "I'm as blind as a bat."

"Hardly, Eragon. You have done well, considering the enormous responsibilities we have asked you to shoulder." Orom said, looked at him gravely. "We expect to receive a missive from Nasuada in the next few days, requesting assistance from Islanzadí and that you rejoin the Varden. I intended to inform you of the Varden's predicament than when you would still have enough time to reach Surda before swords are drawn. If I told you earlier, you would have been honor-bound to abandon your training and rush to the defense of your liegelord. That is why Islanzadí and I held our tongues."

"My training won't matter if the Varden are destroyed."

"No. But you may be the only person who can prevent them from being destroyed, for a chance exists—slim but terrible—that Galbatorix will be present at this battle. It is far too late for our warriors to assist the Varden, which means that if Galbatorix is indeed there, you shall confront him alone, without the protection of our spellweavers. Under those circumstances, it seemed vital that your training continues for as long as possible."

Eragon went quiet as he realized the logic behind Oromis withholding the news.

"You were right. My oath of fealty compels me to ensure the safety of Nasuada and the Varden. However, I'm not ready to confront Galbatorix. Not yet, at least."

"My suggestion," Oromis said, "is that if Galbatorix reveals himself, do everything you can to distract him from the Varden until the battle is decided for good or for ill and avoid directly fighting him. Before you go, I ask but one thing: that you, Khensamel and your dragons, vow that—once events permit—you will return here to complete your training, for you still have much to learn."

"We shall return," Saphira and Alethea said in the Ancient language.

"We shall return," Eragon and I repeated. Appearing satisfied, Oromis reached behind himself and produced an embroidered red pouch that he tugged open. "In anticipation of your departure, I gathered together three gifts for you, Eragon."

From the pouch, he withdrew a silver bottle.

"First, some faelnirv I augmented with my enchantments. This potion can sustain you when all else fails, and you may find its properties useful in other circumstances as well. Drink it sparingly, for I only had time to prepare a few mouthfuls."

He handed the bottle to Eragon, then removed a long black-and-blue sword belt from the pouch. Eragon put it on, and Oromis explained how the diamonds worked.

"Master... Is it safe to give this to me?" Eragon said, shaking his head.

"Guard it well so that none are tempted to steal it. This is the belt of Beloth the Wise who you read of in your history of the Year of Darkness—and is one of the great treasures of the Riders. These are the most perfect gems the Riders could find. Some we traded for with the dwarves. Others we won in battle or mined ourselves. The stones have no magic of their own, but you may use them as repositories for your power and draw upon that reserve when in need. This, in addition to the ruby set in Zar'roc's pommel, will allow you to amass a store of energy so that you do not become unduly exhausted casting spells in battle, or even when confronting enemy magicians."

Oromis turned to me before pulling out a glittering sapphire pendant. He hooked it around my neck before sitting back down.

"This pendant has been spelled by many of us here in Ellesméra. It will make anyone looking at you think that you are just an ordinary elf." I looked down at the pendant and ran a finger over it. It was almost like he knew what I had been planning.

"Thank you, Master." Oromis turned to Eragon.

"May good fortune rule over you. May the stars watch over you. And may peace live in your heart, now go and fly." Eragon nodded and headed back to Saphira while I stayed behind.

"How did you know?" A ghost smile appeared on Oromis's lips while Glaedr let out a huff.

"You are much like your mother, young rider." Glaedr rumbled with a twinkle in his eye. I let out a breath of air and looked down for a moment before we exchanged farewells. We headed for the enclosed gardens and quickly dropped to the ground.