Chapter 2
Their swords met in a fury of sparks and noise . Eragon pushed forward , struggling to gain the other hand . He refused to let Murtagh win again . They pulled apart and Murtagh slashed upward , slicing a large gash on Eragon's arm , cutting mail , cloth and skin , narrowly missing muscle . Eragon yelled and retaliated , slashing a tear in Murtagh's thigh , feeling the elf blade catch in muscle . He instantly made another cut in Murtagh's side , forcing him to his knees . Thorn instantly leapt forward , knocking Eragon to the ground , his paw on his chest , claws digging into him . Saphira roared , but just before she leapt forward , Eragon shouted
"Murtagh , call Thorn off , this fight is between you and me !" Thorn looked at his rider who nodded . The red dragon removed hid paw and backed away . Eragon stood , as did Murtagh , as blood spilled out of the 5 puncture wounds on Eragon's chest and arm and Murtagh's stomach and thigh . Eragon attached first , slashing at Murtagh's neck . Soon they stood in a pool of blood , many wounds all over their bodies . Finally Eragon whipped his sword up to Murtagh's neck , but held it there , Not wanting to kill him . Murtagh smiled and said
" We're even brother ." thorn swooped down , snatched Murtagh's upheld hand and flew off . Eragon could hear Saphira , Arya and Roran running up to him as he fell to his hands and knees and then to the ground , unconscious .