Lover of the Legacy: A Hidden Desire

Chapter 8

Galbatorix's army finally arrived. They made no attempt to attack first as they made camp a few miles away from the Varden. The king's army was vast, much larger than the Varden, but they did not have Eragon, which still gave the Varden hope, even if it was slim. Eragon put on his armor after he had put on Saphira's, ready to attack at any moment. He also placed wards around himself and Saphira as well as Nasuada, Orik, Arya and Satine. When night fell, he received order's to meet Nasuada at her tent.

"Ah, there you are Eragon." The woman looked exhausted and tried to hide her discomfort behind her dark brown eyes. Satine and Arya were there and so was Orik, the dwarf that Eragon had become good friends with. Saphira could not fit in the tent, so she stuck her head as far in as she could to see what was going on. Eragon had to admit that it was very awkward to stand in the presence Arya. He had already apologized for his actions in Ellesmera, but she still gave him the cold shoulder.

"I have called you here to tell you how proud I am to have you fight by my side. Also, I wish to say that whatever happens tomorrow-they had a notion that the Kings army would strike at dawn-you have to keep up your spirits. I was telling Satine that the people really look up to you, and if given the encouragement, they will fight by your side for as long as it takes to defeat the king's army."

Eragon respectfully inclined his head. "It is an honor, for the two of us," he pointed to Saphira, "to fight alongside you as well. We understand that we are outnumbered, and we intend to do whatever we can to tip the battle to our advantage." He had no idea how he would do that, but is seemed like a statement that would make her feel better about their predicament.

"Thank you. Orik has requested to have a band of his kin protect you whilst you are on Saphira. It is my deepest wish that you take his offer; you can use all the protection you can get."

Eragon turned his attention to the small bearded man. He had his battle axe with him, but his expression was gentle. "Of course I will accept your offer to have my brothers of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum fight next to me." He clapped his fist to his chest and bowed his head.

Orik followed suit. "Hrothgar will be pleased to hear that we have the chance to protect you in battle. May your sword stay sharp, Argetlam!"

"And may your axe stay sharp, my brother." He looked back at Nasuada and said, "Is there anything else you wish to speak to me about?"

"No, but if you have anything to add, please address it now."

Eragon thought for a moment and decided to remind her that he had placed wards around her. "I have also placed wards around Arya, Satine and Orik as well."

"You have some around you and Saphira—"

"Of course." He nodded. "Also," he paused to look at Satine, "I need to know how protected Satine's mind is. As the king's daughter, any enemy magician will want to invade her mind for information."

"You want to probe her mind?" Nasuada never liked the idea of intruding into someone's head and gave Eragon a sour look.

"Yes, but only to see how strong her resistance will be. It will not take long, I promise."

Nasuada glanced at Satine, then sighed. "Very well. Do what you must."

"Satine, are you alright with this?" He had to be sure, otherwise he would feel guilty entering her sacred mind without permission.

"Yes. I cannot guarantee that my defense will be strong, but we can give it a try."

Eragon nodded. "Okay. This might hurt a little." He approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He stared into her eyes and allowed his consciousness to sweep into her mind. He was not shocked when he was blocked by an image of what seemed to be a play. The actors strutted across the stage in a dance. What he was viewing was Satine's memory of Wicked, the musical she mentioned to him the other night.