Murtagh gripped Za'arok's hilt, admiring its beauty. You're all mine, he thought. In mock battle, he flung the sword about in twirls and hacked the open air. Visualising Eragon as his opponent, Murtagh swung his sword furiously at Eragon's face. Eragon grabbed the sword's metal body in his naked hands. The sharp edge cut deeply through his palm, forming a smooth laceration that stretched from his thumb to his smallest finger. Eragon did not wince or show any sign that he was hurt. His expression was composed and worried. He looked directly at Murtagh, who was trying to avoid his gaze.
"Murtagh, what you are doing is wrong," Eragon said. His voice remained calm and level. "You don't want to do this; Galbatorix is making you do this."
Murtagh screwed his eyes shut, aggravated by the war waging in his mind. "I – can't ... It's not ..." Murtagh stammered through his pursed lips. He fought with his thoughts in an attempt to control himself and take control of his mind, but Galbatorix's firm hand was always stifling his revolts.
After a few moments of struggle, Murtagh relaxed his mind, ready to give in to Galbatorix's control. "No, don't give in!" Eragon's image yelled.
"I can't," whispered Murtagh, defeated. "It's too much for me to handle."
Eragon walked forward and placed his un-injured palm on Murtagh's shoulder. Murtagh straightened and opened his eyes, renewed with a burst of strength and energy.
"You can do this, brother," Eragon assured him.
Once again struggling against Galbatorix's control, Murtagh screwed his face in a tight grimace and balled his fists. "You will not ... control me," he retorted through clenched teeth. "I will ... overpower – you!" Murtagh could feel Galbatorix's power receding from his thoughts and his mind slowly loosening from his hold.
In a final attempt, using up all his energy and strength, Murtagh inhaled and bellowed "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!"
Panting, Murtagh fell to the ground, the image of Eragon standing above him, disappointment etched across his face. Murtagh smiled viscously, gripped Za'arok's hilt again and began swinging it at Eragon's head.