Lover of the Legacy: A Hidden Desire

Chapter 14

Lover of the Legacy: A Hidden Desire

Chapter 14

Satine tried not to think about Eragon's absence, but she still ended up thinking about him constantly. As instructed, she helped the villagers of Carvahall get settled in, a task that took several days. As she worked, she conversed with the villagers, curious who Eragon had grown up with. Many of her conversations where about their journey, a long story that she had to fit together as she heard bits and pieces from different people. When she had exhausted that topic, she decided to ask about their feelings towards Eragon.

She was not surprised when several cursed his name, blaming him for their misfortune. Every time that happened, she felt inclined to correct them. "Eragon only did what he thought best," she said to a middle aged man with graying hair and green eyes. He only grunted and walked away, his wife shuffling after him. Sighing heavily, she returned to her duties.

Several days later, she heard news that Saphira was spotted in the distance. Becoming giddy, she exited her tent, running towards the edge of the camp. A crowd was already starting to gather as the dragon drew closer to her destination. She was later joined by Nasuada and Arya, who expressed their sense of relief upon his prompt return.

Long minutes passed, the anticipation inside Satine growing stronger and stronger.

Thund. Saphira landed before them, but Eragon was nowhere to be seen. Fear gripped Satine as her hands became clammy and her knees weakened. The couple jumped down from the dragon, Roran catching Katrina with his strong arms. Nasuada, Arya, and Satine remained quiet as they approached.

"Milady, allow me to introduce Katrina." Roran said, before explaining Eragon's absence.

Nasuada acknowledged the young woman to avoid being rude, but immediately shifted the conversation afterward. "Where is Eragon?"

With a sigh Roran began. "For reasons unknown, Eragon insisted that he remain in Helgrind. He said that there was something that he needed to take care of and told us to leave him. Saphira and I both tried to reason with him, but he ran off through a tunnel before Saphira could snatch him with her talons."

Satine felt sick, her head spinning. Placing her hand upon her lips, she swallowed back the bile that ascended her throat, tears forming at her eyes. In their shock, Nasuada and Arya did not notice Satine's behavior. "When will he be back?" Nasuada demanded her tone a little harsh.

"Saphira gave him three days before she would come after him."

"Three days…" Nasuada stopped herself from continuing further. Recollecting herself, she thanked Roran for the information.

The man nodded and sneaked a glance at Satine, his eyes full of sympathy. In the back of his mind, he noted that he will pay her a visit in hopes to comfort her. Taking Katrina by the hand, he led her away from the women.

Nasuada turned and was about to walk away, stopping once her eyes fell on Satine. Arya shifted her attention as well, wondering what had caught the leader's attention. Satine wiped her eyes, ignoring the looks from the people around her, locking her eyes on Saphira. Why?

For the first time in weeks, Saphira gazed upon Satine with gentleness. All will be explained in due time.

Of course. Satine shook her head and left the two gaping women and the dragon.

Nasuada found Satine lying on her bed staring at the ceiling, a line of salt crusted tears on her cheeks. After talking with Arya, they came to the same conclusion: Satine was in love with Eragon. Knowing that she had to do something, she found it prudent to talk to Satine. Slipping into the tent, she crossed her arms, waiting for the woman to respond.