A/N:

Yes! The sequel is finally here!

Well, without further ado- wait, no.

I don't own anything.

NOW, without further ado, I hope you like it!

It was still surreal.

Ajihad is dead. Ajihad is dead. The words repeated in Yuna's head, an unwanted mantra. Yuna shook her head clear of the thoughts but they only moved on to replay everything that had occurred since the ambush that had taken the lives of the Varden's beloved leader and seventeen of its men.

Arya returned very late that night, weary and sore. Her elven agility and magic helped little when chasing the urgals who had escaped after the ambush, taking the Twins with them. While no one was particularly fond of the Twins, they were fairly strong magic users and knew a good deal about the Varden's inner workings. It was almost good news when Arya revealed one of the Twin's purple robes, torn and bloodied, and explained that she had found it along the end of a near-endless chasm. She had tried to scry the Twins, only to see the blackness of the void.

Everyone had left once Arya had said her piece. Orik went to tell Hrothgar the news. Jörmundur then left with Ajihad's body, taking it to a secure location to rest before the funeral in just two days. Eragon, Yuna, and the two dragons were led to an old guardroom on Tronjheim's bottom level. It was large but felt cramped due to the low ceiling and dark walls. With the two dragons occasionally loosing small jets of flame, it grew hot and stifling too quickly. Because of that, Yuna spent most of her time wandering through Tronjheim, talking with the survivors of the battle, now named the Battle of Farthen Dûr. Everyone wore haunted expressions and wore dark clothing in remembrance of their fallen leader. Many women wore black lace veils to cover their faces.

Yuna was saddened to see how many of them were not inclined to speak to her. The majority of the men only bowed, murmuring "Argetlam" respectfully and disappearing before she could say a word.

Little one, Arget called. Yuna looked up instinctively before chuckling at herself. She was inside Tronjheim. There was no room for Arget to maneuver in the air.

What is it?

Eragon and Saphira are going to the kitchens. Would you like them to wait for you?

Yuna paused. It would be a welcome distraction from the depressing aura emanating from the Varden's population.

Tell them that I'll meet them there. Are you going to join us?

Now I am, Arget responded, his mind contented.

Yuna turned on her heel and followed the now-familiar route to the kitchens.

When she arrived, Eragon was already eating. Yuna noted with concern that he seemed to be picking at the stone platter more than eating the food on it.

"Hello," she greeted, forcing her voice to take a cheerful tone.

"Hey," Eragon smiled back. "I saved you an apple."

"Thanks," Yuna said, accepting the green fruit. She took a bite out of it, settling beside Eragon on the bench. After a moment, she spoke. "You should eat. I hear that the Council of Elders is meeting to talk about Ajihad's successor."

"Who?" Eragon asked blankly. Yuna sighed patiently.

"The Council of Elders. Basically, it's three men and two women that were Ajihad's advisors and elected by the people. Jörmundur is on the council. The other men are named Umérth and Falberd. The women are Sabrae and Elessari."

"And you know this... How?" Eragon asked, still blank. Yuna rolled her eyes.

"I'm not just walking around. I've been talking to everyone who deigns to say something more meaningful than 'Argetlam' before they leave. You'd be surprised how much you can learn."

"You're always going to be the thinker between the two of us," Eragon shrugged. Yuna only smiled.

"Well one of us has to think." Yuna paused to take another bite out of her apple.

"So who do you think will take control of the Varden?" Eragon asked curiously. Yuna shrugged.

"Not anyone from the Council. Jörmundur has the military experience but isn't very tactful with politics from what I've heard. The other four have the opposite problem: too much politics, not enough military. They're already too cautious of each other in any case."

"So who do you think?" Eragon repeated. Yuna shrugged.

"I don't know. Politics are a messy business. You've only been given a crash course. You don't understand the hidden meanings behind gestures. For example, if the dwarven clans give Hrothgar too much trouble, he'll have to support a weaker candidate to avert a civil war. That will no doubt please the Council if they have someone they can strongly influence or even control," Yuna said, shaking her head. Eragon appraised her for a moment.

"How do you know all this?"

Yuna glanced up from her apple.

"I guess I've never told you," she realized. "My family in Lairan was from nobility. Before you ask, we weren't wealthy. Either way, it actually complicated things when I went to Emelan but I learned how to deal with nobles during my first week and quickly made up my mind to spend my time with commoners and Traders. It was so much simpler."

Eragon turned slightly green and Yuna's eyes narrowed concernedly.

"Are you alright?"

"You're of noble birth?" he asked, his thoughts going to that damned fortune he had received in Teirm. Yuna sighed, crossing her arms.

"Yes, but I'm still me. Yuna Esmesdaughter, Yunalesca ei Caine, same person. And you, Eragon Shadeslayer, should eat something while you have the chance," Yuna said, poking him in the shoulder.

Eragon complied and began to eat.

Just as he was finishing, a pale-looking boy appeared beside the table. He eyed Saphira and Arget nervously, as if he were afraid that they'd try to eat him.

"Yes?" Yuna asked as Eragon swallowed. The boy started before bowing hurriedly, clearly flustered.

"You have been summoned, Argetlam, to speak before the Council of Elders."

"Would they like to speak with both of us together?" Yuna asked warmly. The boy nodded, the movement nervous. "Very well."

Eragon finished quickly and glanced at Saphira before standing, joining Yuna, Arget, and the boy by the door.

"What are you called?" Eragon asked as they were led through the tunnels. He had learned not to ask for someone's name.

"Jarsha, sir," the boy responded brightly.

"That's a good name. You carried your message well; you should be proud," Eragon said warmly. Jarsha beamed and hastened forward, a new spring in his step and his chest puffed out proudly.

They soon reached a stone door which Jarsha pushed open. The room inside was built into a circle with a sky blue dome decorated to depict the constellations above. A round marble table inlaid with the crest of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum- a hammer with twelve stars- stood in the center of the chamber. Seated at one end of the table were the five men and women that made up the Council of Elders. Jörmundur was joined by two men, one tall and somewhat gangly while the other being short and rather stout, and two women, one with pinched lips and elaborately rouged cheeks and the other with an immense mound of grayed hair sitting atop her warm features. Her matronly face was at odds with the dagger hilt poking out from her bodice.

"You may go," Jörmundur said to Jarsha. The youth bowed quickly before departing, closing the stone door after him.

Eragon and Yuna walked in step to the middle of a swath of empty chairs, arranging it so that the council members would have to turn to look at them. Saphira and Arget settled directly behind them, their heads held high above their riders.

Jörmundur stood half-way and bowed slightly to the two riders before reseating himself.

"Thank you both for coming, Eragon, Yunalesca, even though you have suffered as well." Yuna mentally grimaced at the use of her full name but did not interrupt. "This is Umérth, Falberd, and Sabrae and Elessari," he introduced, gesturing to each Council Elder.

"Now that introductions are out of the way," Jörmundur said, his voice growing serious, "we face a crisis the must be dealt with quickly and effectively. If we don't choose Ajihad's successor, someone else will. Hrothgar has already contacted us to convey his condolences. While he was more than courteous, he is sure to be forming his own plans even as we speak. We must also consider Du Vrangr Gata, the magic users. Most of them are loyal to the Varden, but it's difficult to predict their actions even in the best of times. They might decided to oppose our authority for their own advantage. That is why we need your assistance to provide the legitimacy required by whoever is to take Ajihad's place."

Falberd, the short and stout man, pulled himself to his feet and planted his hands on the table.

"The five of us have already decided whom to support. There is no doubt among us that it is the right person. But, before we reveal who it is, you must give us on your word of honor that whether you agree or disagree with us, nothing of our discussion will leave this room."

They are right to ask for that. It is a simple enough thing, and not binding, Yuna reasoned. Arget hummed behind her in agreement.

"You have my word," Yuna decided. Eragon nodded as well.

"You have my word as well. Now, who do you want to lead the Varden?"

"Nasuada."

Yuna's eyes stayed trained on the council members though Eragon looked down.

They are playing some angle.

"I would support Nasuada in her leadership, but there is one thing that concerns me," Yuna said carefully. "Nasuada is not much older than I am myself and, while I know little of her past, I cannot help but wonder if she has enough experience."

Elessari smiled, pressing herself against the table's edge as she leaned towards the riders.

"I had already been here for seven years when Ajihad joined the Varden. I've watched Nasuada grow up from a darling girl to the woman she is. A trifle light-headed occasionally, but a good figure to lead the Varden. The people will love her. Now I," she gestured to herself, her hand brushing her collarbone, "and my friends will be here to guide her through these troubled times. She will never be without someone to show her the way. Inexperience should be no barrier to her taking her rightful position."

There it is, Yuna said to Arget. They wish to control her. 'A good figure to lead the Varden.'

Their plan will not work, even if Nasuada does agree to take control of the Varden. She is strong-willed and very similar to Ajihad. She will allow none to control her, Arget said, a fierce satisfaction emanating from his thoughts. The satisfaction drifted to Yuna as she realized that he was completely right.

Neither let the revelation show on their face.

"Ajihad's funeral will be held in two days," Umérth said, adding in his own bit. "Directly afterward, we plan to appoint Nasuada as our new leader. We have yet to ask her, but she will surely agree. We want you to be present at the appointing so that no one, not even Hrothgar, can complain about it and to swear fealty to the Varden. That will give back the confidence Ajihad's death has stolen from the people and prevent anyone from trying to splinter this organization."

Fealty! Arget's thoughts were tinged with anger. They want you to serve their own needs alone. Notice how they want you to swear allegiance to the Varden, not to Nasuada.

They want to be the ones to appoint her as well. That would indicate that the council is more powerful than she. They don't want Eragon, Arya, or I to do it for that would mean placing ourselves over the Varden. Well played, Council... They assert their superiority over Nasuada, gain control over us, and have their new puppet publicly endorsed by two riders and dragons. None could fault them.

"What happens if I decided not to accept your offer?" Eragon asked. Yuna groaned internally.

He doesn't understand politics, she lamented to Arget.

"Offer?" Falberd echoed, seeming puzzled. "Why, nothing, of course. Only it would be a terrible sight if you're not present when Nasuada is chosen. If the hero of the Battle of Farthen Dûr ignores her, what can she think but that a rider has spited her and found the Varden unworthy to serve? Who can bear such a shame?"

Eragon was silent for quite some time, conversing with Saphira, before he suddenly nodded.

"As you wish; I shall attend Nasuada's appointment."

Eyes turned to me and I kept my eyes level on the group, refusing the break eye contact until they did.

"And what of me? I am not the hero of Farthen Dûr. Nasuada knows my mannerisms well from our accidental meetings throughout Tronjheim since the battle and will know not to be offended from any neglect I show." Yuna was lying through her teeth, but the Council didn't know that. "I understand and agree with much of what you are saying but I also possess the gift of independence. Neither this council nor Ajihad's successor, whoever that may be, has any claim to me. I am not a piece of land to be bought or sold amongst leaders just as I am not a sword for hire. If I fight for anyone, it will be because my own heart leads me to fight."

"I will not lie, Yunalesca," Umérth said, again earning prickling her agitation at the use of her name. "If Eragon pledges his support for the Varden and you do not, there will be unease within the people. There will be assumptions that Nasuada has some hidden fault that Eragon was not trusted to know. Her power will be faulted and the Varden weakened."

"Even so," Yuna started again, ready to lie again. "I do not begin to understand the complexities of politics. I am too humble to presume to know the difficulties of your lives. But there is one thing that I cannot help but remember. The riders of old were always fiercely independent of the kings and leaders of the realms they protected. After Brom had stolen Saphira's egg from Gil'ead, he and the elves devised a plan so that the new rider would not be tied to either race for any longer than their training demanded. Ajihad himself expressed a wish for both Eragon and myself to remain independent so that the balance of power would not be upset by our presence."

"The riders of old are no longer here to help us, Yunalesca," Sabrae cut in. "Your independence from the affairs of mortal men is a wonderful idea, but it is an idea that we cannot achieve without overthrowing this government."

She is right but I don't like this, Arget murmured. Yuna kept her eyes trained on the council.

"I could name a variety of ways through which I could maintain independence. The first comes to mind involves jumping on Arget's back and flying until exhaustion forces us to stop, leaving the Varden alone in this war. But I do not want to do that. I have traveled across Alagaësia from Carvahall to Furnost. I have seen the destruction and death Galbatorix inflicts on his own people and I tell you now that I have no love for him. But know that I have no reason to fight exclusively for the Varden."

I paused, letting my words sink in.

"However, I will not abandon the Varden. I shall attend Nasuada's appointment, in the case that she accepts."

Jörmundur looked relieved before he trained his expression. Yuna noted that others in the room displayed likewise signs of calm and satisfaction.

"Good, good. Then we have only one more matter to deal with before you go: Nasuada's acceptance. There's no reason to delay, with all of us here. I'll send for her immediately. And Arya too- we need the elves' approval before making this decision public. It shouldn't be too difficult to procure. Arya cannot go against our council and the two of you. She will have to agree with our judgment."

"Wait," Elessari commanded. There was a steely glint in her eyes. "Your word, though, riders. Will you give it in fealty at the ceremony?"

"Yes, you must do that," Falberd agreed immediately. "The Varden would be disgraced if we couldn't provide you with every protection."

Yuna raised an eyebrow.

"Once outside these mountains, we shall see who will need protection from the Empire's armies. Though I should warn you, I would not mention a need to protect me in front of Arget again." The silver dragon growled to back her words. "He gets rather protective."

Yes, I do, he growled even louder, a threat underlying in his narrowed eyes. Falberd paled slightly but gave the dragon only half a nod as acknowledgment.

Eragon was silent during the exchange, still speaking with Saphira.

"I'll give it," he said slowly. All around the table were signs of relaxation before the men and women remembered that Yuna had not yet answered.

"I have said that I shall not leave the Varden. Undying loyalty is earned, not given away," Yuna decided. She noted how many of the men and women's eyes narrowed but none spoke as Jörmundur called for Jarsha to fetch Nasuada and Arya. Once he had scampered away, the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

A/N:

Well, hope you liked it!

Also, this story tends to have rather long chapters, so I'm going to warn you right now. This is one of the shorter of them... I think my longest chapter for this as of yet is eight pages long... Whew... Long...

Anyway, thanks for reading!

^.^ Susie ^.^