Popularity War

Fateful Letter

Popularity War

Chapter 13

“Uncle! The traders have come; they made it through the snow!” Eragon shouted as he dashed inside the small farmhouse. He was not expecting to see their tracks in the snow, so the sight filled him with excitement. Inside, he found Eva, Garrow, and Roran sitting in chairs near the fireplace to keep warm as the winter chill found its way through the cracks in the logs.

“Excellent,” Roran replied in his father’s stead.  He knew how dire things have become for his family and the news was like sweet music. “Perhaps we should prepare for our journey now?”

Garrow nodded and said, “That’s a good idea. We still have enough daylight to get things ready. Tomorrow morning, we depart for the village.” He sat up from his chair to stretch and put on his winter coat, gloves, and hat. Roran mimicked his father while Eragon headed back outside to get a head start. Eva remained where she was sitting, knowing that she would be unable to help the men pack. Several minutes passed before she made herself get up from the chair to boil some water for tea. When the men returned, she wanted something hot for them to drink.

As she placed the kettle over the fire, she found herself thinking about the next day. With the traders in town, she was bound to have an exciting day filled with music, laughter, sweets, and dancing. Her daydream from the other day may come true and that made lips form into a huge smile. She had already kissed Eragon, so it would be the dancing part of her dream that she looked forward to.  

Early in the morning the next day, they hitched up the horses to the wagons full of bagged vegetables. Before they left, Eragon ran back inside to grab something. When he returned, he had the large blue stone tucked under his arm, covered by a cloth. Instinctively, Garrow raised his eyebrows.

“What? I am going to ask the traders about it and maybe it can be sold.” Eragon said as he hopped onto his seat.

“Fine, but I don’t want to hear about you getting into any more trouble regarding that stone.” His uncle grunted.

“I’ll be fine.”

Garrow was unconvinced but pressed the issue no further as the horses began to pull them towards the village. With the snow slowing their journey, it took them an extra two hours before they made it to their destination. Despite the frigid weather, all the villagers seemed to be out enjoying the company of the visitors. Music mixed with the wonderful smells of pies and candies intoxicating the people further.

Addressing Roran and Eva, Garrow said, “Why don’t you two run along and enjoy yourself for a bit.” He grabbed some coins from his purse and handed over two copper and a silver to each before continuing, “I am going with Eragon to have that stone looked at. Make no mention of it to anyone, you understand?” Eva and Roran nodded in unison while Eragon gave his uncle an annoyed look.

“Uncle, I can take care of this on my own.” He had his arms crossed like a child pouting after he could not get his way.

“You have good intentions, my boy, but not everyone is like you. The traders have been known to give fair deals, however, this stone is not some ordinary gem or trinket. I am not sure what you may be offered and I want to be sure you will not be steered wrong. With that in mind, I warn you not to mention its magical qualities. I have a feeling that will do more harm than good.”

“Fine, but can I please do the talking? You can step in if I missed anything or, if I do say something wrong.” He didn’t want to appear like some useless boy.

Garrow rubbed his temples as he thought over Eragon’s proposal. “If you say something wrong, I am not sure how I can fix your mistake and still sound convincing. No, let me do the talking. I will not make you look bad if that is what you are afraid of. This stone came to you and that is not your fault.”