Paolini, Christopher - Inheritance Trilogy, Book 2 - Eldest (v1.5) by Unknown

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 stirred with surprise. The work that would involve! said Er-
    agon. It could take months to get everyone’s belongings to Surda, not to men-
    tion all the people. And they’d probably be attacked along the way. “I
    thought King Orrin didn’t dare openly oppose Galbatorix,” he protested.
    Nasuada smiled grimly. “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.”
    “How,” asked Eragon, “did you communicate with King Orrin so
    quickly?”
    “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.”
    Opening the desk drawer, Nasuada removed a thick scroll. “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 nodded. He had expected a request or order. That was the only
    reason for her to have summoned them. “I am yours to command.”
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    “Perhaps.” Her eyes flicked to Saphira for a second. “In any case, this is
    not a command, and I want you to think carefully before replying. To
    help rally support for the Varden, I wish to spread word throughout the
    Empire that a new Rider—named Eragon Shadeslayer—and his dragon,
    Saphira, have joined our cause. I would like your permission before doing
    so, however.”
    It’s too dangerous, objected Saphira.
    Word of our presence here will reach the Empire anyway, pointed out Er-
    agon. The Varden will want to brag about their victory and Durza’s death.
    Since it’ll happen with or without our approval, we should agree to help.
    She snorted softly. I’m worried about Galbatorix. Until now we haven’t
    made it public where our sympathies lie.
    Our actions have been clear enough.
    Yes, but even when Durza fought you in Tronjheim, he wasn’t trying to
    kill you. If we become outspoken in our opposition to the Empire, Galbatorix
    won’t be so lenient again. Who knows what forces or plots he may have kept
    in abeyance while he tried to gain hold of us? As long as we remain am-
    biguous, he won’t know what to do.
    The time for ambiguity has passed, asserted Eragon. We fought the Ur-
    gals, killed Durza, and I have sworn fealty to the leader of the Varden. No
    ambiguity exists. No, with your permission, I will agree to her proposal.
    She was silent for a long while, then dipped her head. As you wish.
    He put a hand on her side before returning his attention to Nasuada
    and saying, “Do what you see fit. If this is how we can best assist the
    Varden, so be it.”
    “Thank you. I know it is a lot to ask. Now, as we discussed before the
    funeral, I expect you to travel to Ellesméra and complete your training.”
    “With Arya?”
    “Of course. The elves have refused contact with both humans and
    dwarves ever since she was captured. Arya is the only being who can
    convince them to