The Name of Names

~33: Confrontation~

Eragon reentered the great hall, after everyone was in bed, or at least in their homes. "Dramr Kopa." he murmured, aiming for the mirror Nasuada had set up for him, in case he scried to speak with her. As the picture bloomed in the mirror, Eragon saw a guard, twiddling his thumbs as he leaned against the opposite wall.

"Excuse me," Eragon started, to get his attention.

The guard nearly bolted, his armor clanking as he looked around for the source of the noise.

"In the mirror." Eragon added, smiling a little bit.

The guard's eyes came down to the mirror, and when he saw Eragon, he said respectfully, "Shadeslayer."

Eragon nodded his head, "I wish to speak with Nasuada. It is urgent."

The guard left, his footsteps receding from the room, and after several minutes, new footsteps approached, and Nasuada entered the mirror's picture.

Nasuada's dress sleeves below her elbow were cut off, showing the seven scars from the Trial of the Long Knives. She waved one arm now at Eragon, or rather the mirror in which he was appearing.

"I set this up the day you left, you know. In case you should need-or want-to contact." She crossed her arms. "But you didn't." her features had hardened slightly, and Eragon almost winced.

"Things have been busy here." he explained, before waiting for a response.

Nasuada sighed, "No matter." There was a pause before she spoke again, "But I don't believe you came here just to get scolded by me, or to explain that you are busy."

Eragon nodded once, brought back to the unpleasant present, "Yes. We have reason to except that Illirea may be under attack very soon."

Nasuada's brows deepened, and she watched Eragon, "What do you mean? I believe all of Galbatorix's supporters have been either driven out, or sent into hiding. Who then, would attack?"

"Ismira." Eragon said grimly, still trying to think of a solution to the problem.

Nasuada thought for a moment, "Isn't that Roran and Katrina's daughter? The dragon rider?" she continued, "If so, I am at a loss to see how she could."

"Murtagh didn't explain?" Eragon asked, realizing that Nasuada was behind on her information, for this once in her life.

Nasuada's face tightened just a hair when Murtagh's name was mentioned, but said nothing until Eragon had finished, "No, he did not. One day he was here, the next day the new dragon Rider came for an unexpected visit, and then both of them were gone without a trace."

"To make a long story short... you know of the name of names, correct?" Eragon asked, continuing, "It was stolen from Murtagh's mind. By Ismira."

Nasuada's eyes widened in alarm, "You are sure of this?"

"Yes. Murtagh arrived here shortly before I contacted you." Eragon said, crossing his arms, "We believe that Illeria may be her first target. Keep Elva close at all times, and ready the guards. If she does have the names, it may be impossible to keep her off, though."

Nasuada's jaw worked, "I had hoped when you contacted that you would have had a bit more pleasant news."

"Sorry for that."

She waved a hand, "It's alright. There is nothing you could have done, and it is not your fault." she rubbed her forehead, "You would have thought that after Galbatorix died, all of our problems would have been solved."

Eragon nodded seriously, "I will send some of the Riders to Alagaesia to assist you, and attempt to find her wherever she is."

"Why not yourself?" Nasuada asked sharply.