"decided. Better yet, go back farther down the river, where the Empire can't attack you. We have to talk, Eragon. You have much to answer for. Eragon hesitated with a troubled expression, then said, I know. But not now, later. With no visible prompting, the dragon veered away from the ship and flew off to the east, vanishing in the haze over the Burning Plains. In an awed voice, Horst said, "A Rider! A real Rider! I never thought I'd see the day, much less that it would be Eragon." He shook his head. "I guess you told us the truth, eh, Longshanks?" Jeod grinned in response, looking like a delighted child. Their words sounded muted to Roran as he stared at the deck, feeling like he was about"