My Version of the Inheritance Cycle

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Eragon's point of view

While he and Saphira ate they discussed the unusual events that had just occurred. Eragon could tell that Saphira was excited that she wasn't the only female dragon in Alegasia. Eragon was pleased as well, since now he wouldn't be the only rider the varden had. He would have help in the fight against Galbatorix. Eragon said, "I suspect that Nasuada wanted Megan's testing done right away because she intends to send them with us when we leave which will be quite soon I imagine."

 "You are probably right," Saphira agreed.

"Evarína's scales are almost brighter than yours" Eragon teased. 

"No, they're not!" Saphira retorted. 

"I never knew that the king even had a daughter," Eragon said.

 Saphira said, "Yes, but you grew up in a tiny village where you didn't always hear all the news in the empire." 

"True," Eragon agreed.

After they finished eating they headed to Nasuada's Study, when they got there Eragon said their names and that Nasuada had summoned them, and then one of the guards opened the door and told Nasuada about her visitors. When they were told that they could enter Eragon and Saphira went into the room. When Eragon sat down Nasuada spoke. She said, "I have spent the past few days reviewing the varden's affairs, such as they are. It was a dismal exercise. We are poor, over-extended, and low on supplies, and few recruits are joining us from the Empire. I mean to change that."

"The dwarves cannot support us much longer, as it's been a lean year for farming and they've suffered losses of their own. Considering this I have decided to move the Varden to Surda. It's a difficult proposition, but one I believe necessary to keep us safe. Once in Surda, we will finally be close enough to engage the Empire directly."

Even Saphira was surprised when she heard this Eragon said, "The work that would involve, it could take months to get everyone's belongings to Surda, not to mention all the people. And they would probably be attacked along the way. I thought King Orrin didn't dare openly oppose Galbatorix."

 Nasuada said, "His stance has changed since we defeated the urgals. He will shelter and feed us and fight by our side. Many varden are already in Surda, Mainly women, and children who couldn't or wouldn't fight. They will also support us else I will strip our name from them."

Eragon asked, "how did you communicate with King Orrin so quickly?" 

Nasuada answered, "the dwarves use a system of mirrors and lanterns to relay messages through their tunnels. They can send a dispatch from here to the western edge of the Beor Mountains in less than a day. Couriers then transport it to Aberon, capital of Surda. Fast as it is that method is still too slow when Galbatorix can surprise us with an urgal army and give us less than a day's notice. I intend to arrange something far more expedient between Du Vrangr Gata and Hrothgar's magicians before we go." Nasuada removed a thick scroll from the desk drawer, and then she said "The Varden will depart Farthen Dûr within the month. Hrothgar has agreed to provide us with safe passage through the tunnels. Moreover, he sent a force to Orthíad to remove the last vestiges of urgals and seal the tunnels so no one can invade the dwarves by that route again. As this may not be enough to guarantee the varden's survival, I have a favor to ask of you."

Eragon wasn't surprised he had expected a request or order. Eragon said, "I am yours to command."

 Nasuada said, "Perhaps," And glanced at Saphira for a moment.