A/N: Hey everyone! Finally back with that sequel. Sorry it took me so long. -_-

For those new to this story, this is a sequel to my story "The Edge of Madness". Though you might be able to get this story without reading the prequel, you'd probably understand it more if you did.

Um, yeah...I hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed the last one. ^_^

Disclaimer: I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or any of its characters.

PROLOGUE

Murtagh walked through the large double doors. He stood confidently with his shoulders square, his head held high. He made his way into the large throne room, appearing collected though his last visit to this place was far from pleasant. The intensity of his punishment had lasting affects on his body and mind, no matter how many times he healed himself, and those affects naturally left him apprehensive. He wondered why he was summoned here, if it was only so Galbatorix could relieve some of his anger on him again.

He came to the center of the room, just before the flight of stairs that led up to the throne. Not once meeting eyes with his master, he went to his knees and bowed his head. "You summoned me, your majesty?"

Galbatorix stood from his throne, his back turned to his servant as he stared beyond at nothing in particular. "I have another task for you. I'm sending you to Gil`ead, to rid their army of a traitor."

Murtagh lifted his head slightly.

"In Gil`ead?"

"Yes. My spies within the Varden tell me of a source of information among the soldiers there. I want you to find him out, so we may rid ourselves of this nuisance."

"Yes, sire," he replied. He took a moment to ponder Gil`ead, remembering all he had heard about the city. Information and rumours were rampant in the castle, and he recalled many of them. Even though Gil`ead's army was vast, it was vulnerable. Many of their magicians and healers had been killed in raids by the Varden, and a good amount of the troops had gone to reinforce Ceunon since it came under attack from the elves. It was no surprise a traitor could survive among them, but Murtagh wondered how a mere traitor could cause Galbatorix so much unease. There were many men and soldiers feeding the Varden information, what about this one warranted sending a Dragon Rider after him?

"When will I leave?" he asked.

"Tonight. I want this problem dealt with incase Ceunon falls."

"If I may, your majesty..." he ventured. Galbatorix turned slightly, fixing one of his dark eyes on his slave. "Many of Gil`ead's magicians and healers have been killed, and their army is vulnerable. And many of their soldiers have been injured in the raids, even-"

"What are you suggesting?" he interrupted.

"Allow a healer to accompany me, your majesty."

Galbatorix's eyes narrowed, but he didn't voice any objection. He merely said, "You wish to take Zuriel with you?"

Murtagh was uncomfortable knowing his intentions were so obvious, but he confirmed his suspicions with a nod. He only hoped Galbatorix's need for the skilled healer wasn't too great in Uru'baen.

"Very well," he conceded in the end, although he didn't look very happy about the proposal. "Just make sure nothing happens to her. She is a valuable healer, and I do not wish to replace her."

Murtagh dipped his head even lower. "Yes, your majesty."

"Now go."

Without another word, Murtagh rose from his knees. With another quick bow that went unnoticed by his master, he turned and left the throne room.