Title: Duty
Character(s): Ajihad, a little of Eragon
Summary: Sometimes... sometimes... it made him want to cry.
Notes: Takes place during the first book, after Eragon has arrived to the Varden.
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Christoper Paolini
Ajihad couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for the boy who stood in front of him.
"Eragon, I'm sorry, but I cannot allow your friend out", he said to the form standing near him.
"What did he ever do to you?! Nothing, that's what!" Eragon yelled in return.
"He will not allow the Twins to search his mind, we have no choice but to keep him under lock and key until such time as he submits to his mind being searched", was Ajihad's gentle response.
"I traveled with him, if he wanted to hurt the Varden he could have just killed me. He had plenty of chances!"
"I'm sorry, Eragon, I will not make an exception. He is an unkown and we do not know what his motives may be", Ajihad said, motioning Eragon to leave.
Eragon glared at him and stalked out the study grumpily, pout apparent on his face. Ajihad sighed as the door slammed behind the young Rider.
He sat behind his desk and lifted his hands to his face. Rubbing his temples, he winced at the headache forming. He wished that the boy could have what he wanted but letting Murtagh out would cause an uproar.
No, he would have to stay there until they could determine his loyalties. Even if Murtagh had traveled with Eragon without incident did not mean that there couldn't be an alternate goal in the other's mind. It was possible he was a spy, sent, not to kill those in the Varden, but to gather information. It was possible… so many things were possible.
Seeing Eragon's sadness struck a harsh blow, but he had to do this. There was always something nagging at the back of his mind. Forcing him to make this decision or that, not always what he wanted, but what was important to the Varden. What was important to keep them safe. What was important to make sure they were not destroyed.
It was his duty, to protect them, even at the cost of personal happiness and sacrifice.
And sometimes… sometimes… it made him want to cry.
I do hope I got Ajihad's character right. Review critique encouraged.