Read Online Paolini, Christopher - Inheritance Trilogy, Book 2 - Eldest (v1.5) by Unknown - Free Book Online Page B

to avoid seeing
    the wreckage of Isidar Mithrim.
    They came to a stop before the granite doors engraved with a seven-
    pointed crown. Seven armored dwarves on each side of the entrance
    pounded the floor simultaneously with the hafts of their mattocks. With
    the echoing thud of wood on stone, the doors swung inward.
    Eragon nodded to Orik, then entered the dim room with Saphira. They
    advanced toward the distant throne, passing the rigid statues, hírna, of
    past dwarf kings. At the foot of the heavy black throne, Eragon bowed.
    The dwarf king inclined his silver-maned head in return, the rubies
    wrought into his golden helm glowing dully in the light like flecks of hot
    iron. Volund, the war hammer, lay across his mail-sheathed legs.
    Hrothgar spoke: “Shadeslayer, welcome to my hall. You have done
    much since last we met. And, so it seems, I have been proved wrong
    about Zar’roc. Morzan’s blade will be welcome in Tronjheim so long as
    you bear it.”
    48
    “Thank you,” said Eragon, rising.
    “Also,” rumbled the dwarf, “we wish you to keep the armor you wore
    in the battle of Farthen Dûr. Even now our most skilled smiths are re-
    pairing it. The dragon armor is being treated likewise, and when it is re-
    stored, Saphira may use it as long as she wishes, or until she outgrows it.
    This is the least we can do to show our gratitude. If it weren’t for the war
    with Galbatorix, there would be feasts and celebrations in your name. .
    but those must wait until a more appropriate time.”
    Voicing both his and Saphira’s sentiment, Eragon said, “You are gener-
    ous beyond all expectations. We will cherish such noble gifts.”
    Clearly pleased, Hrothgar nevertheless scowled, bringing his snarled
    eyebrows together. “We cannot linger on pleasantries, though. I am be-
    sieged by the clans with demands that I do one thing or another about
    Ajihad’s successor. When the Council of Elders proclaimed yesterday that
    they would support Nasuada, it created an uproar the likes of which I
    haven’t seen since I ascended to the throne. The chiefs had to decide
    whether to accept Nasuada or look for another candidate. Most have
    concluded that Nasuada should lead the Varden, but I wish to know
    where you stand on this, Eragon, before I lend my word to either side.
    The worst thing a king can do is look foolish.”
    How much can we tell him? Eragon asked Saphira, thinking quickly.
    He’s always treated us fairly, but we can’t know what he may have prom-
    ised other people. We’d best be cautious until Nasuada actually takes
    power.
    Very well.
    “Saphira and I have agreed to help her. We won’t oppose her ascension.
    And”—Eragon wondered if he was going too far—“I plead that you do
    the same; the Varden can’t afford to fight among themselves. They need
    unity.”
    “Oeí,” said Hrothgar, leaning back, “you speak with new authority.
    Your suggestion is a good one, but it will cost a question: Do you think
    Nasuada will be a wise leader, or are there other motives in choosing
    her?”
    It’s a test, warned Saphira. He wants to know why we’ve backed her.
    49
    Eragon felt his lips twitch in a half-smile. “I think her wise and canny
    beyond her years. She will be good for the Varden.”
    “And that is why you support her?”
    “Yes.”
    Hrothgar nodded, dipping his long, snowy beard. “That relieves me.
    There has been too little concern lately with what is right and good, and
    more about what will bring individual power. It is hard to watch such
    idiocy and not be angry.”
    An uncomfortable silence fell between them, stifling in the long throne
    room. To break it, Eragon asked, “What will be done with the dragon-
    hold? Will a new floor be laid down?”
    For the first time, the king’s eyes grew mournful, deepening the sur-
    rounding lines that splayed like spokes on a wagon wheel. It was the
    closest Eragon had ever seen a dwarf come to weeping. “Much talk is
    needed before that step can be