Hey everyone, I know it's been a while but my life had literally been filled with coursework and exams. Anyway, here is my next chapter (the longest one yet whoooo!). Enjoy!

Chapter 7

Murtagh woke from his distressful dream. He was starting to get used to the nightmares that constantly haunted his nights, mainly because they had become reality, but this one was different. It was more vivid than the rest. Since his return from capturing Eragon, the King had kept him busy with torturing the one woman he had fallen for. Nasuada. He hated himself for it and he was sure she hated him. Now whenever he tried to comfort her or heal her wounds she flinched at his touch and looked at him with fear and anger. He didn't blame her for it, but in his nightmares it was not only her but Eragon as well. He would never really harm his brother, he loved him but he was sure they will never share the same bond as they had when they were traveling to the Varden. Yes they had, had their disputes, but they always forgave each other.

Murtagh dragged himself out of bed and splashed some cold water on his face before leaving his room, not taking notice of where his feet were taking him. Although it looked like he hated his brother on the outside, he only put on the act so that Galbatorix thought they felt nothing for each other anymore. If he knew they still had a bond, he would use these feelings against him and his brother until they became like mindless slaves, unable to feel pain, emotionally or physically.

Murtagh stopped walking becoming aware of where he had walked. He had gone to the place he least wanted to be. He turned to leave, hoping the person wouldn't notice him, but stopped unable to tear his eyes away. The person in front of him looked like Eragon only he was a lot skinnier and had dark circles under his eyes. He was covered in sweat and had matted hair that seemed darker than when Murtagh had previously seen him. His body was covered in an array of cuts, bruises, burns and scars which overlapped and blended in to each other. He held his breath as the figure looked up. At first he though Eragon couldn't see him in the shadows beyond the cell, but then he heard a faint voice.

"Murtagh?"

Murtagh flinched at his name and turned to leave again not wanting to hear the insults that were surely heading his way.

"Don't leave" the small voice begged almost in a whisper.

Murtagh stopped in his tracks and said "Don't you want me to leave, most people do?"

"Please stay, I've wanted you to come when I was first brought here"

"I can't help you" Murtagh said hesitantly "But I can heal you if you promise not to attack me"

Eragon nodded slightly let Murtagh enter the room and heal him. They sat next to each other in an awkward silence each waiting for the other to speak first. Finally Eragon said "Why didn't you come?"

"I didn't think you'd want me to after …" he trailed off

"I don't blame you for what you did, I just wished you hadn't"

Murtagh shrugged and replied "I was ordered to, just like I'm being ordered now to torture Lady Nasuada for the rest of her life until she joins the King, he had been rather impressed with her leadership skills"

"Really? I thought you took her because you loved her" Eragon raised an eyebrow and grinned then sighed "sorry you have to … err … you know"

"Was it really that obvious … as obvious as you and Arya"

Eragon scowled as Murtagh took his turn to tease and grin at his baby brother, but the grin soon faded as Eragon started going on about how they could help each other.

"I can't … I'm too far gone"

"Do you really believe that, or is it just an excuse to take the easy way out" Eragon snapped back regretting it immediately.

"This way is far from easy" Murtagh hissed "I cannot help you" and with that he turned to leave.

"Don't go" he little brother whispered again.

Murtagh swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat not knowing what to say. Finally he managed "I'm sorry" and walked away leaving the crippled boy alone in his cell unable to look at him anymore. What have I done he thought as he strolled back to his room to cry where no one else could see.