Murtagh stared at the emerald green egg before him. He knew that the fate of Alagaesia rested on the egg, if the egg hatched for the Varden, then they had a fair chance of winning. If the egg hatched for someone in Galbatorix's control, the Empire would win.
Murtagh wanted to help the Varden, but his oaths to Galbatorix prevented him from doing so. He reached out for the egg, all the magic within his oath trying to stop him.
Thorn's voice boomed into his head as he painfully wrapped his hand around the egg.
What are you doing? asked Thorn angrily.
Saving Alagaesia.
Have you forgotten your oaths to Galbatorix? exclaimed Thorn. This could kill you!
Maybe. But I won't be able to sleep knowing that I helped bring Alagaesia to it's doom.
You didn't care when you first swore fealty to Galbatorix.
It wasn't right. I should have let him kill me. I realize that one life is not as important as an entire country. Murtagh felt his veins pulse with the magic that held him to Galbatorix.
And if you don't die where will you go? You won't be able to help the Varden if you're still sworn to Galbatorix!
Murtagh pondered that for a moment. If I can do this, I will be free from Galbatorix.
You might not be. You know that.
Then, when he kills me I will go with a clear conscience knowing that I helped the Varden.
How do you know he would kill you?
He... would. If I helped the Varden... and Eragon. Besides, you don't like our Lord either.
Perhaps not. Do what you must Murtagh. But be wary of the consequences. Then Thorn withdrew from Murtagh's mind and he was alone once more with the egg.
Murtagh reached out and touched the cool, smooth surface of the egg. It was entirely emerald green with the exception of the white lines that spiderwebbed across the surface.
Murtagh gripped his hands around the egg and pulled it over his head. "Ganga Varden!" he screamed into the night. The egg disappeared into the air.
Murtagh felt pains all over his body, growing and mounting into unbearable pain.
Thorn! he called. Help me! Soon, he felt energy rushing into his body, but the pain was still there.
He stood up, shaking, and walked over to the window. He hoped the egg made it to the Varden. And if it didn't... Murtagh didn't want to think about it. He knew that as soon as he found a loophole in Galbatorix's oaths he would go join the Varden and his brother. He stared out of the window as he felt his connection with Thorn.
Why did you do it? questioned Thorn.
Do what?
What you did. With the egg, replied Thorn
I had to. It was something I just had to do.
Alright. But be careful, hatchling. Thorn withdrew the contact.
Murtagh continued to stare out the window as the sun slowly rose, illuminating Alagaesia as far as he could see. He wondered where the Varden were and how Eragon was doing with the elves, if he had returned to them, that is. He still ached from last night's activities. He knew that those pains might haunt him forever, like his scar. The Varden better appreciate this, thought Murtagh.
"Wiol pomnuria ilian, brother." For your happiness, brother.