Chapter 5 - Sweet home Alabama

In the mountain valley my day started early. When I left Horst it was still fairly dark but I had 10 miles to go. The journey did not take me too long and I hoped to find Garrow and Roran after breakfast. After 2 and half hours of walking I reached what would be my home in the near future. Shingled roof, brick chimney, whitewashed walls… Humble abode that stood here for more than a century. I wearily reached the porch and called.

Eragon: Uncle? Roran? It's me, Eragon… I'm back…

I heard steps from the inside. Garrow stood with his hand on the door. His worn clothes hung on him like rags on a stick frame. A lean, hungry face with intense eyes gazed out from under graying hair. It was surprising for me that he looked more like a mummy and yet he was capable of feeding two hungry wolves to have so much meat on their bones. It really shows how much he cared about Roran and Eragon.

Garrow: Finally you are here. I was expecting you to come yesterday night…

Eragon: The best hunter of the Spine can't come home empty handed.

I said pointing at the doe I brought home.

Garrow: Good. This meat will cover our needs for the winter. How was the weather?

Eragon: Cold, no snow but it froze each night.

This news worried Garrow visibly. If i remember correctly we had some crops left over to harvest.

Garrow: There is some leftover from breakfast inside. Rest quickly, you'll help Roran finish harvesting Barley. If we can get the squash picked, too, the frost won't bother us. So why the delay? Did something stop you?

It was tempting to tell him about dragon egg but i decided to keep with what i decided first and keep my babbling mouth shut. I don't know if this was some sentiment from "Eragon's" memories or just leftover from my last life but certain things are better left unspoken.

Eragon: Nothing much. I reached Carvahall pretty late yesterday and Horst invited me to stay over the night. It may be safer around the village but it's better to be safe than sorry. Where is Roran?

I tried to change the subject fast, remembering Garrow does not like the help much. He seemed he had something to say but decided to let it slide this time.

Garrow: Roran is taking care of the animals right now. Eat, rest and you need to help him with the harvest.

After a quick breakfast and rest I went to meet Roran. He was muscular, sturdy, careful with his movements and two years older than me or if you want - Eragon. They both were closer than blood related brothers, a relationship I wanted to capitalize on.

Roran: I'm glad you're back. How was the trip?

He said after greeting me with a smile.

Eragon: Challenging but fruitful, not without reason i'm the best hunter in Carvahall.

I said in a boastful tone. Roran laughed at that but he soon asked what was most important to him.

Roran: Did you talk with Katrina?

Eragon: Yes. I met her while she was talking with Horst. But i was able to have a word with her on the side.

Roran: Good. What did you tell her?

Eagon: All what you wanted. The meeting is set. But all the juicy bits you'll have to ask her yourself.

I ended that with a cheeky grin.

Roran: You… What did you tell her!?

Eragon: Wait… Stop! You are not allowed to kill the messenger!

Our interaction was just like that… Naive and careless. You need to cherish the peaceful moments while they last. The rest of the day went by on harvesting. The sun was cold and pale, providing little comfort. We quickly finished barley. Next gathered prickly vined squash, then the rutabagas, beets, peas, turnips, and beans, which we packed into the root cellar. After finishing our muscles were aching all over our bodies, but we were pleased we made it before the frost. While Garrow and Roran calmly went to rest my day was not yet over.