Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Forty-Four: Radiant

"Thank you..."

"Mal," I responded with a smile.

"Your highness, your title is queen," Jörmundur muttered. "You're supposed to say, queen Mal." I rolled my eyes and laughed off Jörmundur's statement.

"I am a rider Jörmundur, not a queen." Jörmundur scowled at me.

"You are the ruling queen until Galbatorix is overthrown." I sighed, I wasn't going to change his mind. Lady Lorana looked at us with a perplexed expression, I turned back to her with a smile.

"I'm the heir to the throne, don't let Jörmundur confuse you." Jörmundur started to sputter while a smile flashed across the Lady's face.

"I am most grateful to you, elf, and to you as well, Dragon Rider, for killing that monster before he could wreak sorrow and destruction upon Feinster. Fate has placed us on opposite sides of this conflict, but that does not mean I cannot admire your bravery and prowess. We may never meet again, so fare thee well, both of you." Eragon bowed.

"Fare thee well, Lady Lorana."

"May the stars watch over you," Arya said before we headed off to find Nasuada. We found her riding down one of the streets, inspecting the damage.

"I'm glad you have finally returned. We've needed you here these past few days. I see you have new swords, Eragon, My Lady, a Dragon Rider's sword. Did the elves give them to you?"

"In an indirect way, yes," Eragon responded.

"Nasuada, if you are surprised by my presence I will inform you that Alethea and I offer our services to the Varden," I said with a smile. "Of course, I want to hide my identity, for now, seeing as it is an advantage."

"Nasuada, we must talk with you alone. It's important." Eragon said, looking around nervously.

"Very well," Nasuada said before pointing to one of the buildings. "Let us talk in there."

Two of Nasuada's guards, the Nighthawks, ran forward and entered the house. They reappeared a few minutes later and bowed to Nasuada.

"It's empty, my Lady."

"Good. Thank you." Nasuada dismounted her horse and handed the reins to one of the men in her retinue before the four of us walked inside. Arya cast many spells to put up sound barriers so we wouldn't have uninvited listeners.

"We may speak without fear," Arya announced after she was done. Nasuada rubbed her arms and shivered.

"What is this all about, Eragon?" Eragon looked at me, we both didn't want to talk about Oromis and Glaedr, but it had to be done.

"Nasuada . . . We were not alone... There was another dragon and another Rider fighting against Galbatorix."

"I knew it," Nasuada breathed, her eyes shining. "It was the only explanation that made sense. They were your teachers in Ellesméra, weren't they?"

"They were," Saphira chipped in. "But no more."

"No more?" Eragon pressed his lips together and shook his head as my hands turned into fists.

"Just this morning they died at Gil'ead. Galbatorix used Thorn and Murtagh to kill them; I heard him speak to them with Murtagh's tongue." The excitement drained from Nasuada's face, replaced by a dull, empty expression. She sank into the nearest chair and stared at the cinders in the cold fireplace.