A/N: Not quite sure I'm liking the title. :/ I may change it later. If I do, I'll let you know before hand.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or any of its characters.

CHAPTER ONE

The night was clear, and he could see the stars perfectly from his place on the balcony. The air was cool and calm, the city below shining with many lanterns, which shown brightly even from that height. Murtagh took a moment to enjoy the silence, only accompanied by Thorn's incoherent dreaming thoughts. He focused on the flow of feelings and emotions, but they were not enough to keep his own thoughts grounded. His mind wandered back to the duel he had had with Eragon only a few days ago, and once again, he went over everything they had discussed.

He relived the mix of emotions, from anger, to hope, to fear...

His gaze went to Thorn, and he watched his dragon as he lay in slumber, for the moment free of the reality of his life. For a moment, sorrow almost overwhelmed him, a sorrow he had forced himself to abandon a while ago. The encounter with his brother had brought it back. The doubt he had in his existence, the hope that it could somehow be different, was all rekindled by Eragon. And he wasn't enjoying it.

The rap that came to his door was barely audible from that distance. Quietly, he left the balcony, taking once last glimpse at Thorn before he made his way through his chambers. He went to the door and pulled it open without hesitance. After all, he knew who would be there for him.

He was greeted by a soft smile, and the elder woman's warm gaze. The healer Zuriel stood in his doorway, garbed in her heavy black robe and hunter green dress. She was as calm and as collected as ever, though he could see the relief in her eyes.

Murtagh returned her smile weakly, as she remembered her place and bowed to him. Thinking nothing of the gesture, he stepped aside to allow her in.

"You're back," she stated, looking him up and down, obviously for any sign of injury, "How did you fair?"

"Not well," he answered quickly, turning away from her. He slowly made his way back to the balcony, the healer following a step behind him. Once they were out in the open, he faced her again, leaning his back against the railing.

"So...I assume you didn't succeed?" she asked cautiously, sensing his mood, knowing he was troubled.

"No." If he had succeeded, Zuriel would be among the first to know. No doubt she would have been called to attend to Eragon's injuries, just as she had been called to attend to his, all those months ago.

He felt her hand on his arm, and the touch pulled him from the daze he hadn't realized he'd fallen into. His thoughts had once again consumed him, and knowing him as well as she did, she knew he was troubled. For a moment, he contemplated telling her about his fight with Eragon, and about what was said between them. But he quickly tossed the idea aside, knowing that she would have no reason to keep that information from Galbatorix. He was, after all, her king, and any friendship she had with Murtagh could not supersede that.

Murtagh learned that a long time ago.

"Were either of you injured?" she inquired, looking at Thorn.

"Nothing I couldn't heal," he replied, taking her hand as she reached for his head, gently pushing it aside. "I'm fine."

He forced his thoughts aside for good, knowing it was unhealthy to dwell on them. What was, was. Hoping after things beyond your grasp was simply pointless.

"There is a reason I called you here," he said after a drawn out silence, "Galbatorix is sending me to Gil`ead, to discover the identity of a traitor there amongst their soldiers. You're probably aware that they've had serious casualties due to the Varden and approaching elves. They're in desperate need of a healer, and the king has given me permission to bring you along."

Zuriel was obviously shocked. "He has?"

He nodded. "We shouldn't be there too long. And you don't have to worry about getting hurt. If anything close to a battle breaks out, I'll make sure to protect you."

"I'm not worried," she said, gazing down at the floor, something strange in her eyes, "Only surprised. When do we leave?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yes, as soon as Thorn wakes." He gestured briefly to the dragon.

Despite what she said, Murtagh could tell she looked a bit uneasy.

"I suppose I should go gather my things then," she said.

"Meet me back here when you're ready, and bring everything with you."

She nodded, looking distant for a moment. She offered him one last affectionate rub on his arm, then turned to leave the balcony. Murtagh watched her walk away, surprised when she suddenly stopped and turned back to him. She was smiling warmly, "I'm glad you made it back alright, Murtagh."

He smiled as well, the gesture more genuine than the last one he attempted. With that, she turned and left the balcony for good, leaving Murtagh to wait with Thorn till she returned.

A/N: Please review. *nervous smile*