Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Forty-Two: Radiant

"Karí and I made this for you, it is imbued with many spells that will increase its durability and appearance." I stared at the front of the leather corset that went over my shirt. Its design depicted a forest that wrapped around my body.

"I don't know how to properly express my gratitude."

"None is needed, all that we wish is that you come back to us alive," Nearí said, forcing me to sit down so she could do my hair. "I think one braid and then twist it into a bun is appropriate."

Nearí did just that and placed my crown on top of my head before holding out my two scabbards. I strapped Islingr on first before placing the dagger on my thigh. Alethea flew around the room in her tiny size sporting a necklace with sapphires.

"We made Alethea a necklace with some basic wards, it will need recharging every once in a while but will stretch to adjust for her size."

"I-" Karí held up a finger.

"It is time you leave my lady; no thanks are needed. It is our honor." I gave them both hugs before Alethea, and I launched our bodies out of the treehouse and into the open air. I met Eragon and Saphira halfway to Oromis's hut. Eragon gave me a confused look to which I just sent a smirk his way. We descended into the clearing, and I saw that Glaedr was wearing a saddle, and Master Oromis was armed for battle.

"Are you going to fly with us to the Varden?" Saphira asked with excitement.

"We shall fly with you as far as the edge of Du Weldenvarden, but there our paths must part," Oromis responded.

"Will you return to Ellesméra then?" Oromis shook his head at us.

"No, Eragon. Then we shall continue onward to the city of Gil'ead." Saphira and Alethea let out hisses in surprise.

"Why to Gil' ead?"

"Because Islanzadí and her army have marched there from Ceunon, and they are about to lay siege to the city," Glaedr rumbled.

"But do not you and Oromis wish to keep your existence hidden from the Empire?" Saphira asked. Oromis closed his eyes for a moment, his expression withdrawn and enigmatic.

"The time for hiding has passed, Saphira. Glaedr and I have taught the two of you everything we could in the brief while you were able to study under us. It was a paltry education compared with that you would have received of old, but given how events press on us, we are fortunate to have been able to teach you as much as we did. Glaedr and I are satisfied that you now know everything that might help you to defeat Galbatorix."

"Therefore, since it seems unlikely that either of you will have a chance to return here for further instruction before the conclusion of this war, and since it seems even more unlikely that there shall ever be another dragon and Rider for us to instruct while Galbatorix still bestrides the warm earth, we have decided that we no longer have any reason to remain sequestered in Du Weldenvarden. It is more important that we help Islanzadí and the Varden overthrow Galbatorix than we tarry here in idle comfort while we wait for another Rider and dragon to seek us out. When Galbatorix learns that we are still alive and that his own daughter Khensamel is a rider, it shall undermine his confidence, for he shall not know if other dragons and Riders have survived his attempt to exterminate them. Also, knowledge of our existence shall bolster the spirits of the dwarves and the Varden and counteract any adverse effects Murtagh and Thorn's appearance on the Burning Plains may have had upon the resolution of their warriors. And it may well increase the number of recruits Nasuada receives from the Empire."