reversed life

54/55

Chapter 54
Hello everyone, sorry for the delay but I had to work things out with my new Beta (Zukafew119) and I want to personally thank all of those who've PM me and offer to take the job. It's not easy being a beta reader and to know that you enjoy my story enough to consider doing so is just amazing really. Anyways, this chapter is a very crucial chapter that I needed to make sure didn't hold many mistaks because the plot will be unraveling from this point until the end. And hopefully all of you would understand the suddeness of it and enjoy it like I do. Anyways R&R!

Fixing the laces on his black leather boots, he stared at the worn leather with a critical eye. The once strong and fine material was worn away from the tedious ventures that he'd been through as of late. He was going to need new boots. Maybe when he returned to Ellesmera he would ask for some. Or he could always make himself a pair from magic. Debating the subject, Eragon felt himself frown when a shadow passed over him.

It was merely a vulture.

Who'd died now? He wondered wryly as he stared at the large, dark, bulky bird. So far, there was no sign of Saphira and Eridor. If they didn't return within the hour, it would delay them in their traveling to Du Weldenvarden. Straightening from his bent position, he rolled his shoulders lightly letting the muscle relax. The tent area was cleared up and the saddles were ready with their bags tied expertly to them leaving him with only one task and that was waiting. He hated waiting.

It made him feel restless. After a moment of merely standing there, he set out to find the one person that he found both amusing and knowledgeable: Angela, the herbalist. His feet carried him as he wove between the rows of tents and lines of men as they went about their everyday life within the Varden. Nodding to those who greeted him, he otherwise remained indifferent to most. They were very optimistic, he thought as he watched them, for all he could see there wasn't one show of discontent amongst the men. Appearances can be deceiving at times.

Though he doubted his thoughts, a thought struck him as he watched them work; defeating Galbatorix was the only thing that united them all. If they did manage to defeat him, after that what would happen to the Varden? Would it simply dissolve and become a part of the Empire again? What would Nasuada do when victory smile upon them? He hated to think about it but there was a great part of the Empire that was accepting and used to Galbatorix's rule and to suddenly have a resistance group overthrow an Empire that was around for a near century would disrupt society. If anything, riots and rebellion would erupt in the streets if there wasn't order to quell it.

But who would be that new order to uphold the laws of the land? For a long moment, the thought of Queen Islanzadi taking control made a chill run down his spine. If she could control Alagaesia, she would no doubt. But the land had always belonged to humans since the elves had abandoned the flat plains and raised mountains for their lush forests. He couldn't imagine the dwarves taking it for themselves; their mountains were enough for them. His thoughts wondered to the large, muscular race of the Urgals. Once the war was done they would return to their halls in the Spine and be done with it until their population grew and they needed to spread out.

That left the biggest concern: Surda and King Orrin. He wasn't merely supporting the Varden for his own will. No, there was more to it. He wanted the spoils of war that was promised to him upon entry in their fight. It was only natural that he would want so. Would he go as far as to fight for the crown?

A chilling voice answered his unasked question, "He will if he believes that it is his right."

The hair on the back of his neck seemed to stand on end as his ears registered the high voice and his mind felt the presence of another. He turned to find a young girl dressed in black, her violet eyes peering up at him, an unnatural smile upon her lip. "It's been a while since we've last spoke, Elva."