Eragon glanced at his menu. Fortunately for Arya, there was indeed a salad, but unfortunately for him, there was nothing else that didn’t contain meat. It would look suspicious if I didn’t eat meat anyway…He reasoned.

“So where do you come from, Neal?” Lord Gorling asked. “Feinster, was it?” Eragon nodded. “How is life there?”

Before Eragon could respond, Arlon cut in. “I thought Feinster was captured by those blasted Varden a few days ago?”

“Yes, we evacuated from Feinster a few days ago,” Eragon said, attempting to look sad.

Lord Gorling nodded somberly too. “I was the former governor of Gil’ead…now, Gil’ead has been taken over by those rebels. I was one of the few who was smart enough to leave early before it happened.”

He shook his head, as if attempting to get rid of a troublesome thought, before addressing Arya. “But we have been ignoring you, my lady friend! My, aren’t you pretty!”

Arya smiled demurely.

Tazanis, the captain in Gil’ead, peered at Arya for a closer look. “I’m not exactly sure, but it feels like I’ve seen her before…”

“Well, a woman like that is bound to draw some attention!” Lord Gorling exclaimed. The ladies around the table burst in laughter, while the men chuckled. However, Tazanis continued to look suspiciously at Arya.

The waiter arrived. After giving their orders, talk resumed amongst the table. From the beginning to the end, Lord Gorling dominated the conversation. The subject of the Varden was a hot topic; Lord Gorling was especially infuriated with what he referred to as, “blasted rebels”.

“Those insolent infidels, the blasted Varden!” Lord Gorling exclaimed. “Galbatorix ushered in a new age of prosperity for us and those stupid Varden just have to ruin it! Remember all that wealth that we had to leave behind? Remember?!”

“Peace, father,” Arlon said, with a calm voice. “I’m sure the Varden won’t stay a threat very long…either they will take over, and life will resume its course, or Galbatorix will quench the rebellion and we will regain our estates.”

Lord Gorling, still huffed, apologized and placed his napkin on his knees. Eragon was somewhat shocked by the outburst. He had always pictured the Varden cause as necessary and righteous, yet here was a person whose social rank and career was shattered by them. Nothing is entirely good or entire bad, He reasoned. There are no heroes without any criminals…

When the courses were finally served, Eragon was amazed by the quality of the food. A scrumptious chicken, fried brown to perfection, lay on his silver tray, surrounded by leaves of lettuce and various fruits. It both smelled and looked delicious. He tried to put aside his qualms and eat the chicken, whilst Arya picked at her salad.

The chicken soon made him thirsty, and he browsed the menu for a drink. Lord Gorling, ever the gentleman, recommended a wine for Eragon and picked up the tab, telling him, “It’s my favorite.” After some coercing, Arya went with the same wine as well.

The conversation continued late into the night. The food was delicious, and wine and mead were aplenty. At last, when Eragon felt sleepy beyond belief and it was probably nighttime, did he politely excuse himself and head upstairs.

They tottered up the stairs, fumbled with the keys, opened the door, and headed straight for the beds. Feeling remarkably sleep deprived, Eragon collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep immediately.

The next morning, Eragon woke, feeling fuzzy. His winced and started to prop himself up, only to see a razor sharp sword suspended a few inches above his neck. As he looked around desperately, he saw Arya bound with ropes on the bed beside his and Lord Gorling smiling. “Good morning, Neal…or should I say, Eragon Shadeslayer of the Varden?”

A/N: I made this chapter way too long in the middle. I already tried to condense it, but the fact is, it drags in the middle and makes you sleepy…only to realize the impact of the last paragraph. Yup, it’s a cliffhanger. Noting that the primary concern was the length, I made this chapter far longer than my other ones. Well, enjoy. =D Reviews would be appreciated…especially considering that this is my longest chapter so far. Give me too little reviews, and I might start doing demands…YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Mwhahahahaha….*evil laugh*.