Eragon did not have to think about it, since he had already considered the possibility, but he paused while he tried to find the right words. “I could, but in time, I think we would come to regret it.”
“So you won’t.”
He shook his head.
Frustration crossed her face. “And why not? What are your reasons now?”
“The name is too dangerous to bandy about lightly, Nasuada. If a magician full of ambition but lacking scruples got hold of it, he or she could wreak an incredible amount of havoc. With it, they could destroy the ancient language. Not even Galbatorix was mad enough to do that, but an untrained, power-hungry magician? Who knows what might happen? Right now, Arya, Murtagh, and the dragons are the only ones besides me who know the name. Better to leave it at that.”
“And when you go, we will be dependent upon Arya, should we have need of it.”
“You know she will always help. If anything, I would worry about Murtagh.”
Nasuada seemed to turn inward. “You needn’t. He’s no threat to us. Not now.”
“As you say. If your goal is to keep the spellcasters in check, then the name of the ancient language is one piece of information that is better to withhold.”
“If that is truly the case, then … I understand.”
“Thank you. There’s something else you should know as well.”
Nasuada’s expression grew wary. “Oh?”
He told her, then, about the idea that had recently occurred to him concerning the Urgals. When he finished, Nasuada was quiet for a while. Then she said, “You take much upon yourself.”
“I have to. No one else can.… Do you approve? It seems the only way to ensure peace in the long run.”
“Are you sure it’s wise?”
“Not entirely, but I think we have to try.”
“The dwarves as well? Is that really necessary?”
“Yes. It’s only right. It’s only fair. And it will help maintain the balance among the races.”
“What if they don’t agree?”
“I’m sure they will.”
“Then do as you see fit. You don’t need my approval—you’ve made that clear enough—but I agree that it seems necessary. Otherwise, twenty, thirty years from now, we may be facing many of the problems our ancestors faced when they first arrived in Alagaësia.”
He bowed his head slightly. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
“When do you plan on leaving?”
“When Arya does.”
“So soon?”
“There’s no reason to wait longer.”
Nasuada leaned against the railing, her eyes fixed on the fountain below. “Will you return to visit?”
“I’ll try, but … I don’t think so. When Angela cast my fortune, she said I would never return.”
“Ah.” Nasuada’s voice sounded thick, as if she were hoarse. She turned and faced him directly. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.”