Note to my readers: Ciao ciao everyone! I'd like to begin with a disclaimer. I do not own any of the characters mentioned below from the Inheritance Trilogy. I do, however, have claims to my very own character, Natalie. I would like to say thank you to Christopher Paolini for my inspiration for this story. Now, please enjoy! It may start out slow but I assure you guys that you will love it! –yours, Caulfield.

-Chapter One-

Market Day Commotion

Solembum watched the inhabitants of Teirm hurriedly pass by seemingly not to notice anything but the swift motion of their own two feet. That's the problem these days. These people have become so wrapped up in their own affairs that they don't realize any of the problems that are right under their noses. Surely it cannot go on much longer. Galbatorix has become increasingly worried about the Varden gaining followers and his soldiers have been killing innocent people left and right!

"No! Stop it!" Solembum's attention turned towards a noise coming from amongst the street vendors. What he saw was a little girl of about eight being violently seized by a pair of the King's soldiers. The girl had blonde hair in a braid and was dressed in threadbare rags. She was holding something tightly in her fist that shimmered in the sunlight.

"Where are you going with such a pretty little trinket young lady? You know, the punishment for stealing is death by hanging," one of the soldiers sniggered, clearly enjoying the helpless struggling of the child.

"Lemme go!" The girl kicked one of the guards on the shin. "I didn't steal! This is mine!"

"Ha ha! And how did you come by it? A family heirloom I presume?" The soldiers proceeded to drag the little girl by her arms when-

"Hey! Let her go!" Solembum observed a boy of about ten break through the crowd of vendors that had gathered around the scene. This boy was not any ordinary boy, Solembum concluded. He recognized him as the son of Morzan of the Forsworn, Murtagh.

"Or what? Listen, boy, if you dare defy one of the Great King's soldiers you shall also be punished by death! I promise I won't make it a quick one."

Murtagh drew his dagger and said, "Not if you die first; and I as well shall not be so merciful!"

The soldier did not take this threat lightly. He drew his long sword and charged at Murtagh. Murtagh readied himself then swiftly sidestepped the soldier as he thrust his sword and quickly gouged the man's side with his dagger. The soldier doubled over and fell to the ground in pain.

The second soldier was not quite so easily overcome. He gave a few blows that just barely missed Murtagh. The soldier threw Murtagh to the ground and was just about to give him the fatal blow when the little girl tripped him with her foot, a maneuver that gave Murtagh the upper hand. Taking advantage of the soldier's minor slip-up he delivered a mighty strike with his dagger and the soldier fell dead. The first soldier crawled along the dirt, blood dripping from his wound. Murtagh walked over to him, fully intending to kill the soldier when the little girl cried, "No, please! Let him go."

He stopped and slowly turned around. "This man tried to kill you. Do you really want to take the chance that he will go back to Galbatorix and kill you and the rest of your family? Do you?"

"Please, just don't. It doesn't matter. I have no family that needs protecting. Just let him go." The girl looked at him with pleading green eyes. She was clearly resolute in her judgment. It was the type of look that even he couldn't say no to.

After a long moment of silence he said dejectedly, "Alright. If you wish." The girl gave him a slight smile in thanks.

The street cleared as the commotion had ended and there was nothing else of interest to see.

"What's your name, girl?"

"Natalie. And yours?"

"My name is of no importance," Murtagh replied.

"That is not true. Why shouldn't I know the name of the person who just saved my life? Thank you, by the way."

"It was no big deal at all. Those guys are just big bullies. I can't stand people who try to take control of others as if it's their right."

"Yes, I agree, but you didn't answer my question."

The boy hesitated, and then said, "Murtagh."

"That's a nice name. I like it," said the little girl sweetly, "I will never forget it so long as I live."

"That might become a problem for you."

"How so?"

"I'm not one that you should associate with."

Natalie looked at him puzzled but didn't press the subject as he plainly wasn't willing to say more on it. "Well, isn't there anything I can do to repay you?"

"Yes, there is. Just go home and carry on. Never think about me again."

"But, why?" asked Natalie, confused.

"You ask to many questions, girl. Just stay away from me and you will be fine. I promise," his words were steadfast. He turned his heel and left her in the market square.

The wind blew around her and dust swirled at her bare feet. Once again, she was alone. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Solembum leapt off of his observing place and stalked up to the little girl. He rubbed up against Natalie's legs and contacted her with his mind.

Don't cry little Natalie. Someone as special as you should never have tears, and in such pretty eyes too. Tell me, where is your family? Of course he already knew what had happened.

Natalie was startled at first but then replied to the werecat. They're dead. My mom, dad, and Andy. They're all gone. They left me. She began to cry harder.

Please, dry your tears. Come and follow me. I can find you a place to stay with a very nice lady. Her name is Angela and I know that she will like you very much. She can take care of you.

Ok. Natalie sniffled and followed the werecat through the threshold of Angela's Apothecary.

End of chapter one

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