The Inheritance Cycle: Anghelm

Chapter Four: Counsel

Kulkarvek stood at the top of the Igualda Falls, looking over the town of Carvahall. Tempted though he was to ravage the town alone, he could not reveal himself to Alagaësia yet. Instead, he turned his focus further to the west, in the foothills of the Spine, where he knew his Urgal brethren had created a living. Once he had them doing his bidding, this small town would make a good first target to blood his troops. And, he thought with a hint of satisfaction, it would do well to draw the Rider Eragon back to his homeland if he destroyed the town of his birth. For Eragon was a worthy challenge – and his only chance of defeat. Continuing his journey, Kulkarvek stomped away towards the mountains where his army awaited.

Eragon sat in front of the mirror, which had divided itself into five segments. Arya, Nasuada, Orrin, Orik and Nar Garzhvog all looked back upon him. He explained the events of the past few days, including the attack on his mind for what seemed like the fiftieth time. Four expressions of utter confusion stared back at him – but for Arya, who looked grim and as though she knew something. "I had some knowledge of this, for Eragon looked to us for consultation first," she confessed. Orrin spluttered, an enraged look bursting onto his face. "Why would you not consult with all of us?! We have as much right to know if we are in danger as any!" Clearly, Eragon thought, the end of the war had not helped his demeanour. In a placating tone, he replied. "For I did not know of the threat that we faced – I still do not, for that matter." Orik interrupted him, his gruff tone as commanding as ever. "Aye, if you do not believe Eragon has our best interest at heart by now, Orrin, then you are more foolish than I thought. Now, I'm sure Arya has more to say on the subject, and were you not so intent on being heard, we would know more about this threat already." Orrin sat back, visibly red faced and insulted. Arya continued. "Thank you, Orik. I do have more to share, but first I would have you swear oaths of secrecy in the ancient language, for this could well be our saviour in the face of this newfound threat." They all swore, Orrin very much grudgingly, and Arya began to speak. "We do have more information. What attacked Eragon is, we believe, an Urgal King from times before humans had settled in Alagaësia – when we elves first arrived from Alalëa. He was truly a force beyond reckoning – he would have entirely wiped out our race in this country were it not for pure chance – a thunder of dragons swept down upon him and his army of Urgals as they prepared to sweep through Du Weldenvarden, obliterating their forces and severely wounding Kulkarvek, forcing their retreat to the barrows of Anghelm."

Nasuada leant forward slightly, her attention still on Arya, and asked the obvious question: "How did you learn of this? It seems to me that if the elves had this knowledge all along, it is something that should have been shared." Arya looked slightly uncomfortable at this. "Forgive me for the secrecy, Lady Nasuada, but after the defeat of Galbatorix, a boat of thirteen elves – thirteen of our oldest and wisest – arrived on a boat from Alalëa. Their purpose was to assist in the re-development of Alagaësia in the absence of the Mad King's reign, yet we deemed it prudent that they remain a secret, for their limbs grow weak despite the razor sharp nature of their minds." Silence ensued for several minutes as each party considered this new information. For his part, Eragon consulted with Umaroth and Saphira. Umaroth, you warned Murtagh of the danger of Anghelm when he left! Why did you not know that it was Kulkarvek immediately after the attack?! A sense of deep disapproval emanated from the dragon. Calm yourself Eragon. I did not know what it was because no dragon in living memory has actually encountered the Urgal. I only passed on a message, much as the werecats did in telling you about the Rock of Kuthian and the Menoa tree. Frustrated, Eragon withdrew from the mental contact with the Eldunari, speaking only to Saphira. What are we to do? We rid ourselves on one threat and another pops up, even more powerful than the last. Is there no end? Saphira replied: This is what it means to be dragon and Rider, little one. We cannot despair at every threat we face. All we can do is know that we will be the ones to face it, and that it will be tooth, claw, sword and shield once more. But this time, we are not alone. The younglings are growing powerful, and there is still Arya and Firnen over in Alagaësia. Do not give up hope.

Nar Garzhvog spoke in his guttural voice, shaking everyone out of their thoughts. "This is a history the Urgralgra do not know. How is that, Elf-Queen? We would remember a chieftain of such power." Arya had no answer for that. However, Umaroth interrupted, speaking into Eragon's mind. If you would relay these words for me, Eragon. After Du Fyrn Skulblaka, the elves and dragons met and spoke of the events of Kulkarvek, and agreed it best to wipe it from the minds of the Urgals, for they would surely seek out a power such as that, bloodthirsty as they were. The elves created the wording of the spell, and several dragons laid down their lives in a similar manner to Galbatorix in order to provide the energy for this spell, and provide safety for Alagaësia.

Garzhvog rumbled. "Such a thing should not have been done. Many Urgals must have lost their lives and receive no glory in death as they should. However, I see why you did. The past is in the past. The Urgralgra will stand with Firesword and Brightscales, and the rest of Alagaësia."

As the others declared their support in the battles that would surely come, all attention turned to Nasuada. Orik spoke. "What would you have us do, Your Majesty?" After a moment of careful deliberation, she spoke: "Gather your armies, and march to Ilirea. We will face this threat unified." Looking directly to Eragon now, she spoke. "Eragon, we will have sore need of you if we are to face this threat. Ready your students. You must return to Alagaësia."