Chapter 19: Training

Eragon was unsure of what to say. His mind was in frenzy. Of course, he thought, in wonder. I have to get her back. I love her, and she loves me.

Angela smirked, as if she knew what he was thinking. "Run along, Rider Eragon. You have work to do."

Eragon nodded and departed, Saphira hovering over him nervously. His steps were long and quick, bringing him to the door of Nasuada's room. He strode in without knocking, surprising the leader of the Varden.

"Eragon!" Nasuada cried, dismissing the man beside her, who scurried past Eragon after quailing underneath Saphira. "You've come! At the right time as well, Galbatorix is coming."

The Rider didn't reply, but instead escalated his head in a short nod. He knew this day would come, and was ready for it. Nasuada stared at him with inquisitive eyes, which softened into concern. When she spoke again, her voice was compassionate and low.

"Eragon, I realize that you are familiar with Arya, if you could not call her a friend. It must pain you to learn that she has been kidnapped by the king."

"Yes," sighed Eragon, fatigue setting into his features. "A battle broke out against the elves, against Galbatorix, and I was informed by one of his horsemen."

Eragon repeated the tale, with some promptings and reminders by Saphira. When he mentioned Murtagh, Nasuada's breath caught in her throat. This happened so fast, however, that Eragon scarcely noticed. As he concluded, the sun had set, and Nasuada stood.

"You have been through much, Eragon," she murmured, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Go to the Dragon Hold and rest. Report to me in the morning, you need to train Du Vrangr Gata. They require much practice before they have the ability to fight Galbatorix's magicians."

"Thank you, my liege," said Eragon, bowing low. He mounted Saphira, and they flew under the vaulted ceilings.

The Dragon Hold had an air of warmth and comfort. Eragon and Saphira journeyed to the corner and curled up together. Eragon's last thoughts were of peace and happiness before he drifted into an immediate sleep.

The morning roused Eragon, and he found himself wrapped in the coils of Saphira's tail. As he pulled himself out, a heavy fist hammered on the door. After flattening his hair, grabbing Liduen, and smoothing his clothes, Eragon shouted:

"Come on in!"

A heavy man lumbered in. The man's bulk was weighed solely by his enormous muscles, and his masculine face was obscured in a smile.

"Horst!" Exclaimed Eragon, rushing to him and disappearing in his arms. "I missed you, but I haven't had the chance to visit."

Horst beamed. "Well, I could say the same for you. We have been helping the Varden in repayment for their hospitality. Most of us are even going to war."

"As it should be," said Eragon sullenly. "We need all the help we can get. I only wish you didn't have to fight."

"Oh, no," laughed Horst boisterously, his mood oddly jovial. "We are honored to help the Varden in anyway possible. We owe them our lives, and we're eager to defeat the empire."

Despair took Eragon. "Victory is uncertain, Horst. I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but our chances of defeat are great."

"Some great Rider you are, Eragon. Have all your magical teachings led you to be ignorant to Garrow's? He always told you to keep your chin up, even when failure is waiting on the wings."

"Thank you, Horst. I'm glad you're here."

"As am I," said Horst, glancing for the first time at Saphira. "Your dragon is magnificent. Is she the one that came of that stone and made those marks on the trail to Garrow's farm?"

"Indeed," replied Eragon.

"And your appearance. I know I've seen it before, but I never had a chance to talk to you about it. How has this changed you?"

Eragon reiterated his adventures from when he left the village, explaining everything in complete detail. He had never had an audience quite like Horst, who always prompted him and praised his feats. Finally, when Eragon explained his recent ordeal with Murtagh, Horst nodded solemnly.

"That's a heavy price you have to pay if your brother doesn't come through," he muttered.

"Yes," said Eragon. "You'd better go, I need to train the Du Vrangr Gata this morning for the upcoming battle."

Horst gave him a questioning look. "What is that?"

"It's a group of magicians who have banded together to help the Varden. They are quite mediocre, but with extensive training, they could become very skilled."

"And I know no better man for the job!" roared Horst, patting Eragon on the back. Even though Eragon had a great muscular build, the gesture still sent him stumbling forward. "I'll see you later, Eragon. Good luck!"

Horst left Eragon to rouse Saphira. Wake, Saphira. We have work to do.

Saphira let out an enormous flame from her maw, singing Eragon's pant legs. Let a sleeping dragon lie, Eragon. You should be wise enough to know that.

Not when we need to assist the Varden! Or have you forgotten the battle that is at our step?

All right, little one. Let me get my bearings, and I will wake.

Eragon waited patiently for the dragon to rise and stretch like an immense cat. When she finally got to her feet and trudged over to the door, Eragon grinned. Thank you.

Saphira's only reply was a deep, rumbling purr. The two flew out of the hold at swept down to the training fields where the magicians were waiting. They looked shabby in their tattered clothing, and their faces were lined with fatigue. This was even more noticeable as the pair landed.

As if in response, the Du Vrangr Gata lined up in a straight, even row, like they had been practicing all night. Trianna was in the center, looking none too excited about being told what to do.

Eragon surveyed the line up with a critical eye, then spoke: "You are a great group of magic users, all though you need much practice before you are ready to march against Galbatorix. That is what I'm here to do, teach and aid you."

Trianna scowled. "Are you saying that we are insufficient?"

"No," replied Eragon patiently. "I am not. I am only saying that Galbatorix is much stronger than you. As is his pet magicians. That, you cannot deny."

"Of course you are right, Shadeslayer," said Trianna through clenched teeth.

"Now that we have that established, let us begin."