Popularity War

Left with Nothing

Popularity War

Chapter 8

Left with Nothing

Instinctively, Eragon ran over to Eva and held her in his arms. Instead of whispering useless phrases about how everything will be alright, he allowed her to grieve in silence. Watching Eva cry was painful for him, but he managed to keep his composure for her sake. If he remained strong, he knew he could help her much better. When she began to cease, he lifted up her chin to look into her tear stained eyes. When their eyes locked he whispered, “We should tell Gertrude.”

Gertrude was Carvahall’s healer and would know exactly how to handle a body in death. She would also provide moral support and could keep situations confidential.

Wiping her eyes, Eva took a deep breath and nodded. “I just wish I could have said goodbye.”

“I know,” Eragon responded, his voice soft and sympathetic. “He was a good man and he should not have gone like this—all alone.”

Oddly enough, Eva disagreed. “I almost think he planned it this way.” Eragon gave her a quizzical look but did not press the issue when she stood up and walked out of the room. “Come, let us talk to Gertrude. I cannot bear to stay here much longer anyways.”

The afternoon progressed slowly, though by early evening, it still felt like a blur to Eva. Gertrude determined that her father died from a heart attack, which explained the symptoms he was having the day before. Eva chastised herself for dismissing his condition so easily, but her father had made it sound like he was fine. Now that he was gone, all she could do was reminisce about the good times they shared.

The memories made her cry, and soon she was in another fit of tears. When she broke down, Eragon would immediately hold her so that she would not be alone. He knew what it was like to lose a loved one—he did lose his aunt—and he had the support from his cousin and uncle, so he understood how important it was to be there for her. He never said much; he just held her close and let her cry until her tears could fall no more.

With Eragon’s help, Gertrude had placed Lord Whikim’s body upon his bed, as if he were only asleep. Eva sat on a chair that was placed next to the bed and for most of the day she did not leave the bedside. While she sat there, Gertrude was busy preparing a solution meant to preserve the body until it could be buried. Out of courtesy, neither Gertrude nor Eragon discussed funeral plans with Eva; they agreed to wait until the next day to allow his death to sink in and to give her the day to grieve without the burden of funeral arrangements. If she brought up the topic, they would discuss the issue, else they remained silent.

“We should make something to eat,” Eragon said when Gertrude finished administering the body preserving solution to Lord Whikim.

With a quick nod of approval, Gertrude said, “We should make soup. I brought a few herbs that we can use—they will help soothe Eva.”

“Good. Want me to start boiling some water?”

“Sure, go ahead. I am almost done here and will join you soon enough.” Gertrude placed a stopper on an empty glass vial and placed it on the bedside table.

“What about Eva?” Eragon whispered as he looked at the distraught woman sitting on the other side of the bed.

“We have been in here with her all day. Let us give her some time alone with her father.” As always, Gertrude knew the right words to say in such a delicate situation. Exiting the room, Gertrude said, “We are going to prepare some dinner. I will close the door so you can have some privacy, but please let us know if you need anything at all and we will be here to assist you.”