Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Iridescent

"I've never been this far west." We left the tent and headed for a white and yellow tent. Once we entered, collections of beakers, alembics, retorts, and other instruments of natural philosophy assaulted my vision.

"Eragon, I would like you to meet Orrin, son of Larkin and monarch of the realm of Surda." Eragon did his greetings with the king. "There is one more person I would like to introduce."

The earls in the room raised their eyebrows. Nasuada gestured to me while I stepped forward.

"I would like you to meet Khensamel, heir to the throne of Aleagasia." To put it simply, most of the earls were flabbergasted, and one even passed out. It was stressed that my presence be kept under wraps and Nasuada directed the conversations so it not once went to my father. We finally managed to leave the tent.

"What shall I do now? How can I serve you?" Nasuada eyed Eragon with a curious expression.

"How do you think you can best serve me, Eragon? You know your abilities far better than I do."

"I shall take control of Du Vrangr Gata, as they once asked me to, and organize them underneath me so I can lead them into battle. Working together will give us the best chance of foiling Galbatorix's magicians."

"That seems an excellent idea," Nasuada said, nodding her head.

"Is there a place," Saphira asked, shifting her feet. "Where Eragon and Mal can leave their bags? I don't want to carry them or this saddle any longer than I have to." Eragon relayed the message.

"Of course. You may leave them in my pavilion, and I will arrange to have a tent erected for you, Eragon, where you can keep them permanently. My lady, I will have a separate tent set up for you as well. I suggest, though, that you don your armor before parting with your bags. You might need it at any moment... That reminds me: we have your armor with us, Saphira. I shall have it unpacked and brought to you."

"And what of me, Lady?" Orik asked.

"We have several knurlan with us from Dûrgrimst Ingeitum who have lent their expertise to the construction of our earthen defenses. You may take command of them if you wish." Orik looked pleased by Nasuada's response.

"I think I will at that. If you'll excuse me, I'll see to it at once." Without a backward glance, he trundled off through the camp. We returned to Nasuada's pavilion.

"Report to me once you have settled matters with Du Vrangr Gata." She said to Eragon before the both of us disappeared into the tent with Elva following shortly behind.

"Can you have a sound barrier cast please?" I asked, looking around at all the places someone could listen in on our conversation.

"Of course." Nasuada nodded, and I felt a barrier form around the tent. I sat down in one of the chairs.

"Eragon wasn't the only one who was changed during the blood ritual," I said before holding up my right arm. "I did too. My shoulder wound was healed."

I took off my leather corset and pushed my sleeve up so Nasuada could see the full extent of what was changed.

"When they healed me, this tattoo appeared," I said, running a finger over one of the black curves. "It's like nothing even happened."

I put my leather corset back on and ran a hand through my hair.

"I need to speak with my father," I said shortly.

"You, you want to speak with him?" I nodded.

"I can get inside the Empire. Currently, the Empire thinks I'm just a simple half-elf. Nothing out of the ordinary. As long as I pretend that my arm is still useless, hence why it is wrapped up, my father won't suspect a thing."

"Are you sure that it will work?" I looked down at my sapphire pendant.

"I was given this pendant as a way to hide who I truly am. If I'm wearing this, he's not going to be able to connect the dots."

"Who else knows about this?"

"Just us, Saphira and Alethea. Eragon cannot find out." Nasuada nodded her head.

"I see where this is going, where is Alethea going to be?" Alethea wiggled her way out of my backpack as coasted to Nasuada's lap.

"I was hoping you wouldn't mind taking care of my dragon for a while," I said while I crossed my legs. "She can't come with me."

"I would love to have the pleasure of taking care of your dragon." I smiled.

"I should tell you if she gets cranky." Alethea fixed her eyes on me and narrowed them. "Just give her a boiling bath; she loves those."

"So how do you plan on getting back to Ûru Baen?"

"When the empire attacks, I will purposely get captured. There is no doubt that my father is searching for me."

"How will you escape?" I smirked.

"Don't worry about that part Nasuada."