Doubt

Eragon could see the vast landscape of the plains from the mount of Helgrind. If it wasn't for the dread of the place then the sight would have been magnificent. No matter what Murtagh had done in the past it hadn't been his fault, he had being forced to do all of those dreadful things and Eragon knew it was up to him to save his brother from this fate.

'If only there was a way I could break Galbatorix's hold over him' thought Eragon. He sighed and gazed back out.

Arya silently glided over and placed her hand on his shoulder, they held each other's gaze for several moments before Arya pulled away.

'Eragon' She started, but he cut her off.

'Arya, I know you and me could never be, I won't let my feelings for you get in the way of what I have to do!' She raised her lip into a curved smile.

'I know' She said softly. 'You look troubled Eragon, are you worried about Murtagh? I know you want to help him but I don't see a way that we can. We must defeat Galbatorix, that is the only certain way that we can free your brother.'

'I know.' sighed Eragon, turning back to look out over the plains. What was he going to do? As the last free dragon rider everyone looked to him to be a saviour and defeat the King. But how could he defeat the King when he couldn't even save his own brother! And he was in love with someone he knew he could never be with. She was sat so close to him but she would never be his, how his heart broke at the thought of that.

They sat there for a long while in silence before Arya bid her farewells and left Eragon in his thoughts.

Meanwhile in the centre of the city UrĂș'baen Galbatorix's castle stood tall and magnificent, standing proud amongst it's city. Here an army of grand scale was preparing for war on the Varden. The King had enjoyed several months of beating Murtagh for betraying him in such manner and the twins took every opportunity to cause pain for making a mockery out of them in Fathern Dur.

In this time, the 2nd of the 3 eggs had hatched; Thorn, a strong red male dragon for Murtagh. They had both been forced to swear fealty to the King and were completely under his command.

Murtagh felt so alone, he was the King's puppet and there was nothing he could do about it. 'At least I know you are a true and loyal friend Thorn' The great dragon curled up and lay it's tail around Murtagh.

'You can always count on me little one, you have a good heart and are head strong. I know you to be a wise choice and I stand by that choice, one day we will be free of this curse' Thorn's voice was strong and full of confidence, but Murtagh could not bring himself to believe it to be true.