Author's note: What can I say? It has been like a year since I last updated this story, and for those who actually reads this I am really, really sorry. I guess I just wanted to wait till I was better at this language, but now I've realized that it is a evil thing to do if people still want to read this. So ... thanks so much to those who have rewieved! You made me sit all evening and write this chapter and the beginning of the next (which by the way probably will be the last), and this chapter is dedicated to you. And thanks to shadowed breath! You are the reason I started reading my reviews again, and that this story is finally updated. Thank you so much, you made my day!

So here is it ... in which we find out if I can kill Murtagh ( ! ), and if Eragon can.

Enjoy! :D

Chapter 7
For one last time

What do you say to monsters of an unknown race, when you want them to let go of your brother…?

I don't know, Eragon! But we better think of something in a hurry, if you seriously want to save our second biggest enemy, who is nobody to you but a former friend and your half brother.

Eragon looked at his dragon with true surprise. Why shouldn't we save him?

Hmm, that was a hard one. You have to let me think a bit about that. Let's see … Oh, he tried to capture us at the Burning Plains. He let us go again, but made you feel miserable as a widow because you thought Morzan was your father. Then he tried to take us to Galbatorix later, and we were inches from being beaten again. It is only because of the elves strength that we are not in Galbatorix' power right now, as he is! Oh, and now I think of it, he also killed Oromis and Glaedr. And Hrothgar who you swore to revenge! And many other men who shouldn't have died.

I have killed men who didn't deserve to die, said Eragon low and with a somewhat hurt voice. In his eyes he and Murtagh were not that different, even though he wanted to deny it. They did the same things, just for different reasons and different sites. But if I was in danger, you would still rescue me, right?

Of course I would, little one. Of course I would. She hummed friendly to him. But you have to face the fact that Murtagh - despite of what you may think of him - is our enemy. I have helped him so far because we wanted the same thing, but now it's different. If he gets killed, and we then kill the beasts, then we get what we want. Do you see it?

Eragon nodded slowly. Yes. I see it. I hear it. And I remember the time Murtagh and I travelled together and he killed that slaver, Torkenbrand was his name, for exactly the same reasons. Remember? I don't think I ever disgusted a person as much as I disgusted Murtagh in that moment! How can I let myself make the same mistake?

Queen Islanzadí was right when she said that you figure the most complicated things from rather simple problems. She sighed. Okay, I shall help you save Murtagh, but it is your decision, and I will not ever be blamed for it. I do this for Thorn; as one of the last remaining dragons he is worth taking care of.

Thank you, Saphira. You know what your support means to me.

Thank me when I've saved you - once again.

Though the dark seriousness of the current situation he found himself smiling at Saphira's comment. No great big adventures of the old Riders ever described the dragons as funny. If an adventure was ever written about him and Saphira, he would make sure to have the writers mentioning it.

He turned his attention towards the creatures, feeling Saphira standing mighty and proud behind him. "Noble creatures of a race unknown to me … do you understand my words?"

Creative way to address them, commented Saphira dryly.

Just then they both felt the air vibrate with magic for a single second. Eragon's senses felt it as if someone had wrote a sign and put up in front of his face. Then he could suddenly feel the creature's presence - which he had not could before - and hear and feel one of their deep, rumbling voices in his mind. We understand you, rider of a killer.

Saphira sneered hostile, while Eragon just was revealed that they could communicate. "Why have you hurt my … companion? And why did you attack us the other day? We haven't done anything to hurt you."

You don't understand anything! The dragon-like thing shook it's head and showed a glimpse of a fang. It is not you or your dark-haired friend we want to harm. You are nothing but simple human beings. You couldn't hurt us even if you should want to. No, it is them we hate! The dragons!

Now Saphira could not shut up. Thorn just stood frozen, watching his Rider who still had not moved, but Saphira stepped forward, sneering. What have we done to deserve your hatred? The red one there is almost just a mere hatchling, but yet you hurt him. He can't have done anything to offend you or any of your kind in any way! Tell me … why do you hate dragons? And if you unexpected should have a good reason, I might not rip your head off.

All three creatures made some strange noises, and it took Eragon but a second to realize it was their way of laughing. The biggest one, who also had spoken before, said mocking: Even if you wanted to, dragon, you could not. We have the ability to make our minds invisible so no one can feel us coming; we are faster than any living creature; and we are not held back by weak feelings as dragons are. We are so much better than you! But through history there have only been so few of us, and dragons like you have stolen all attention.

Eragon raised an eyebrow. Is that why you hate dragons? Because they steal all the attention? Come on! That is a stupid reason. And even if you believe it in, you shouldn't feel offended. You look like them! How do you think I feel compared to Saphira?

Saphira turned her big head and looked at him with sparkling blue eyes. Seriously? Do you feel so little compared to me? … And my beauty?

Saphira, I don't really think there is any living creature in this world that doesn't fell small compared to you. See, even the weird things over there feel small compared to dragons! Try to imagine the feeling you have when you are among the Beor Mountains … that describes pretty good how I feel.

She hummed flattered.

Suddenly Murtagh moved a bit. He opened his eyes slowly and looked at the creature standing above him. Thorn growled worried, but when Murtagh rose to look at his dragon, the creature slapped him with a snip of the bat-like wing, and the Red Rider fell to the ground, once again gone in his dreams.

Auch, the creature commented and looked at Eragon and Saphira with mocking eyes. Don't you want to save him? After all, your races care so much about family and friends. Hah! That is the true difference between us. You are weak, and we are not.

What is it you want? asked Eragon hostile. Behind him he felt Saphira sneer. What will you have us give you in return for my travelling comrade?

The creature's eyes sparkled eerie. Oh, you will be surprised by the easiness of our request. It requires, in fact, nothing of you or your seasick dragon. The other two creatures behind the first one laughed in their special way now. Eragon felt goose bumps at his arms. No, this time you are not our prey.

Saphira growled and seemed very impatient. What do you want?! Stop playing with words and draw time. That you don't get anywhere with. Just tell us what you long to say. And by the way, my scales are beautiful in a more complicated way than you obviously are able to understand, and their colour has nothing at all to do with seasickness!

I had almost forgotten the fire that rests inside your dragon hearts, commented the creature with the creepy eyes pointed at Saphira. You like riddles and poems, but deep inside you will never be anything but simple hunters. Why have a conversation with a lower creature when you can just burn it with a flick of your tongue, eh? But those days are over, dragon. Your kind is dying, and even you won't live forever. The time of my race is approaching. And we will not let anybody control us! Fire is strong, but it is too easily maintained and lit out. We are more like stones. Stones can survive anything, and as will we.

Fire is used to melt stone into tools, Saphira said. Even water can destroy stone when given enough time. Stone might be all hard and strong, but its problem is that it can never be different. And faster and faster the world around it will change, and the stones disappear. I think your stones are about to vanish; why don't you find a new place to settle down, a place where water and fire can't reach you?

Now who are playing with words? mocked the creature, but it was clear for Eragon that it had lost the conversation. He could still hear the low sneer deep in Saphira's throat. If she really wanted to, she could maybe kill one of the beasts. But not three at once. For now it would be wisest to play along with the game.

Please just give us the Rider back, said Eragon and nodded towards Murtagh, who still laid on the ground without moving. I don't know what you did to him, but he might need help. What is your price?

We want the red dragon! growled one of the other creatures. The first turned its head around and sneered at the one who had spoken. Eragon looked at Thorn who hardly had noticed what the creature said. The young dragon was busy watching his Rider for any signs of life.

It's true, confirmed the biggest of the strangest creatures and fixed his gaze at Thorn. Without the red dragon your evil king can't use him to recreate the dragon race. When we have destroyed your king's egg - the last dragon egg in the world - there will be no way back for your race, dragon. You will be doomed to live alone forever; never to see another of your kind. That is a punishment so bad that you even might consider killing yourself. And we will rather have you dying slowly and painful than just killed like we will do with your red friend here.

Eragon. Saphira appeared unaffected by the creature's threat as she shielded their minds. We can't give them Thorn; not in return for the life of a traitor. He is far too important.

But we can't just let Murtagh die! protested Eragon. He has saved us both many times over, Saphira! I know he is in Galbatorix' power, but if we could just find a way to free him so he could be our ally …

Will you stop dreaming, Eragon! Murtagh is on Galbatorix' site, and he enjoys the power he has. The creatures just stood watching them while they argued. If he had an actual choice, he would never join the Varden, and you know that. Murtagh is smart; he cares about himself and only himself. If you would do the same, everything would be easier. Don't misunderstand me; I love you for who you are, and I never want you to become like him. But now is the time to make a tough choice, and you need to consider what's best for the Varden. Her voice changed to a gentler tone. It's not just about you and I anymore, little one. Remember what an old friend of ours once said: you must be willing to protect yourself and what you cherish, no matter what the cost. Eh? And if Murtagh had been here with us, he would have told us to save Thorn … no matter what the cost.

But … Eragon looked at Murtagh. There was now visible stains of blood in the dark hair. In fact it was rather seldom that the older boy was not hurt in one way or another. Everybody always condemned him; always claimed to know who he was just because of his father. No one ever saw the Murtagh Eragon thought he had known.

I am sorry, little one. Really. I know you liked him, maybe even admired part of him, but it is time to say goodbye. The Murtagh we knew is dead. Now we must also kill the shadow that has taken his place.

Eragon shot a last glance at Thorn. He remembered Glaedr's sorrow when Oromis had died, and he could hardly bear the thought of Thorn mourning over Murtagh. He remembered his own pain last time Murtagh had 'died'; the even bigger pain when they had found out that he was alive. Was now time to end it all?

He sighed. Okay. We have to do it.

Saphira hummed calming to comfort him. The paths of life led you in different directions. He would have wanted this, Eragon. I know he would.

Eragon closed his eyes briefly. Then he reached out and found the creatures' mind, trying to hide his own feelings. Creatures … We can't let you have the red dragon. Normally I would say that I am sorry but in this case I am not. You let your anger and jealousy control you; that is no way to lead a life. And Thorn will never be under your control!

The creatures were silent for a while. They looked at each other, at Eragon and Saphira, Thorn and Murtagh. Then the biggest of them turned its attention towards Saphira. Are you sure? Think carefully and fast because your so-called 'comrade' here is about to die because of you.

We can't let you have the dragon, answered Saphira firmly.

Fine! We will have him anyway, and this Rider has seen his last flash of sunlight!

With a roar the creature picked up Murtagh and threw him high up into the air. In an instant the time had stopped, but then Saphira roared as the creatures headed towards Thorn. That made the red dragon break out of his coma and jump into the air after his Rider with a sound that sounded both like a scream and an angry roar. The creatures spread out their wings to pursuit Thorn, but Saphira were faster than them. She immediately sent a dangerous flame after them, so they had to spread out to avoid it. Then she created a shield of fire between herself and the creatures which they would have to fly through if they would get to Thorn and the falling Murtagh.

Eragon made a decision. He quickly gathered all his energy and contacted Thorn who currently had no shields around his mind. Thorn! Can you catch Murtagh?

Yes, I have him now, answered the younger dragon. Eragon looked into the air and saw Murtagh in Thorn's claws.

Good. Eragon had hardly time to notice that Thorn sounded very young compared to the depth of Glaedr's mind. You get a good grip on him and then you fly far away! Saphira and I will take care of the creatures, but we need you to be safe.

Suddenly a third mind broke into their conversation, and Eragon felt a wave of relief when he recognized it as his half brother's. Eragon, Thorn … what happened?

The creatures came and knocked you out, explained Eragon quickly. They wanted us to give them Thorn, but we couldn't do that, and now we are about to fight them.

I thought they would kill you, said Thorn, and Eragon felt the concern in his young voice. It was very close. If they hadn't decided to throw you up in the air, I couldn't have saved you.

Then I'm glad that you are by my site, Thorn. Eragon tried to ignore the private feelings that the two of them shared. They were meant for them only. Though I would have preferred you not to put yourself in danger like that. My life is empty without you, Thorn. No matter what happens you must survive this; you must be happy.

I won't survive or be happy unless I have you with me, said Thorn with a strong voice. I know that you want what's best for me, but I won't - I can't - exist without you. You have followed me from the moment I hatched, young one, and nothing can change that.

Well … Then I suppose we just have to survive together, eh? Eragon was almost surprised to feel the happy flicker in Murtagh's mind. He never remembered to have seen such a happiness on his face, and he had to realize just how good Murtagh was at self control.

You have to get out of here, said Eragon. He was worried about Saphira who still fought all the three creatures herself. She needed his help. Saphira and I will take care of these creatures. If we can't persuade them to leave the dragons alone, then I'm afraid they have to die. Right now it is you they want, Thorn, so …

No, interrupted Murtagh. We stay here and fight.

What?! Have you missed the fact that you are wounded and that Thorn is in mortal danger here?!

My wound is nothing, they just hit me. A dark shadow flickered through the back of Murtagh's mind. I am used to that. Besides Thorn and I are much stronger than you and Saphira! You need us.

No, we don't, but Saphira needs me. Eragon grimaced. Well ... Stay if you think you can, but don't blame me if Thorn gets wounded again. I have to get to Saphira, and I don't have time to argue with you.

We will distract them while you get on her back, offered Murtagh. Eragon saw that he now sat on Thorn's back, and that he had already healed the wounds to his head. A fierce sparkle similar to the one in Thorn's eyes could be seen in his dark eyes.

Fine. I contact Saphira.

… Ehm, Eragon?

Eragon frowned. What?

Thank you for, you know, not giving Thorn and me to the creatures. I am not sure we would have done the same for you.

Well, I am not you, am I? Eragon hesitated. But you should know … I was prepared to let you die. It was Thorn we had to save. He is one of the last dragons in Alagaësia, and the creatures intend to destroy the dragon race. We will not let that happen.

Murtagh smiled harshly. No surprise. Thank you, anyway. And for what it's worth … I know you are not like me.

I guess I'll take that as a compliment.

Yeah … Eragon, I am sorry for what I've done to you. Really. You have no idea how many times I considered taking my own life rather than betraying you, Saphira, Nasuada and the Varden, but Galbatorix knows me. He would never let me do such a thing, and in the end I gave up and tried to accept the fate Thorn and I had to embrace. And I am also sorry for what we have to do when the creatures are dead. The darkness crept through the other Rider's mind. I don't wish for anyone to have a fate like mine, but I have no choice.

I know. Eragon hesitated. And it's hard for me to hate you. But we are enemies, Murtagh, and I must despise you and your actions and everything you stand for. I …

… have no choice? said Murtagh with a weak, wry smile. I understand better than you think. I guess someone is just meant to be enemies.

Enemies or not, in this fight we must stand together. Eragon took a deep breath and made his hand into a fist. Will you fight with us, brother, site by site, wing by wing, against our common enemies?

In the sky high above him Thorn roared, and Eragon felt in his mind that Murtagh like himself made his hand into a fist. We will fight with you. For one last time the sons of Selena will be at the same site and protect each other like brothers ought to do.

Eragon smiled, ready for the battle that was about to begin. For one last time …

Author's note: Well, I guess I have to apologize again for the missing action! Hoped you liked the Eragon/Murtagh friendship though .. And Saphira of course. She is really an amazing character :) .. This time I promise you that I will update really, really fast compared to last time :D

So the next chapter will probably be the last. In that we find out what happens to the creatures, if Murtagh really bring Eragon and Saphira back to Urû'baen, and where Thorn stands in it all. Eragon said to Saphira that he would sacrifice Murtagh if it was neccesary, but also if he had to be the one holding the sword? Muhahahahaha, you will have to read next chapter to find out xD

Once again thanks to all my lovely reviewers and especially thanks to shadowed breath who made me go back to this story. See you soon with the final chapter :D