Ajihad
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[edit] Character
Ajihad was the leader of the Varden. At the time of the Eragon story, Ajihad had been in power for around fifteen years, and had lead the Varden extremely well. Rumors of him spread through the Empire's disgruntled citizens heighten the mystery surrounding him and the Varden, but he was known to be a master strategist and a brutal fighter. Ajihad is black, a feature apparently odd in Alagaësia, which may point toward a southern land like Surda, or a realm outside of Alagaësia as his home; his exact origins are not known. He is a brilliant tactician and a cunning warrior, and has lead the Varden to victory many times; he was even skilled enough to duel with Durza and survive, leaving a scratch on the Shade's sword. He lives in Tronjheim in the Beor Mountains, courtesy of the dwarves who assist them in their fight against Galbatorix.
Ajihad befriends Eragon when he and Saphira first arrive at Tronjheim. Ajihad governs all of the human rebels within the dwarf city and is given some jurisdiction over a few of the dwarves by King Hrothgar. Ajihad's history is mysterious, but he is a born leader and brave soldier. His daughter, Nasuada is known to help him in many of his diplomatic moves, subtly maneuvering his enemies (sometimes even without his knowledge) and planning with him the future of the resistance. He trains her from an early age to become his successor.
Ajihad is slain in Eldest shortly after the Battle of Farthen Dûr. He is attacked by Urgals, killing five before he was defeated; he had previously been hunting surviving Urgals in the mountain tunnels, and earned the nickname "Nightstalker" from them by his proficiency as a hunter. His daughter, Nasuada, takes control of the Varden. Later it was revealed that he was betrayed by his personal guards, the Twins, who recruited the Urgals to slay him. When Eragon's cousin Roran kills the Twins in the Battle of the Burning Plains, Nasuada acknowledges herself to be personally in Roran's debt. Ajihad is considered by many to be the greatest of the Varden's leaders. He is eventually entombed in the crypts under Tronjheim– a great honor when bestowed by the clannish Dwarves.
