Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire
With much struggle, Murtagh was able to wake up his companions. Each acted in his or her own violent way to being awoken from such a deep sleep. Julius screamed; Eragon kicked; and Evan smacked. Realizing whom it was, they each apologized for the pain that they had cause him and shook themselves awake. After Murtagh was brutally battered, they were on their way.
"Well, since I had last watch, and not mention I was beaten for it," he smirked, "I'm going to sleep in Tornac's saddle. Please just watch and make sure I don't fall."
"Alright, sorry once again." Julius replied.
They started on their way, picking up the speed a bit and going much faster than the day before. Little could stop them now.
Littleā¦Hours crept by with almost no talk and the rhythmic pounding of the horses' hooves ringing in each of their ears. They stopped occasionally, but stayed for a short time and continued on their way.
Evan watched Eragon closely. She didn't want to lose him again. She couldn't handle it again. Now that she had him back, she wanted to be with him. Since they were on the run, she could not be next to him, but once Daret came, and it all blew over, she'd never leave his side. She loved him with ever inch of her being. It almost blew up inside of her. Although she did not know it, Eragon was thinking the same thing.
She is a noble woman, Eragon. Saphira said.
Yes, I know, Eragon replied.
Treat her well, and you will find great happiness, Saphira advised him.
It was seconds before Eragon could respond. When he finally did, he said:
I now know how Roran felt. It is a great feeling: love. Saphira, I love you most and will always come first, you're my dragon and are practically attached to me! I know Evan respects you and likes you too but, oh Saphira! I love her! I can't help it.
Yes, I know, Saphira said, it is all right and know one blames you. It happens. Everyone falls in love. But a word of advice little one, you both have a long life ahead of you, do not rush into anything too soon.
But I can't stand to be away from her! I couldn't possibly go through life without her! But I understand what you are saying, I-
A scream interrupted his thoughts. He looked to see Julius off her horse and on the ground unconscious. Blood pooled around her head.
"Julius!" Murtagh shouted. Evan jumped off Duff and propped Julius's bleeding head into her lap. Evan's tunic was soon bloodstained. She did not care; her friend was injured and needed help. Evan would be there to give it, "What was that?" she squeaked.
Saphira! We need you're help! Eragon shouted with his mind.
Eragon looked ahead and saw a sight that sent shivers through his body. A legion of Kull Urgals stared back at him. They were huge, the biggest he'd ever seen. He trembled under their menacing gaze. There were hundreds of them. They were outnumbered and could do nothing about them but fight. Saphira took action first. She roared down on them smashing many. Her fiery breath killed many more.
Anger surged through Eragon, taking away the fear from before. Why did they have to be so mean? He pushed Snowfire into a run heading straight toward the Kull. Getting close enough, he held out his palm and shouted, "Brisingr!" Many caught fire and the fire spread to engulf many more. Feeling drained, Eragon retreated slightly. Murtagh charged forward. His sword wielded, it seemed hungry to kill. Evan set Julius down gently and stood up. She jumped on Duff, her mighty warhorse she called him. She opened her mind and sent a steady stream of fire through her palm. It hit target after target and Evan was on a killing spree.
"Back to Saphira! Evan! Murtagh! Go back to Saphira! Go!" Eragon shouted cantering Snowfire back to his dragon. Their fight did not last long. It could not; they were all too tired.
Arrows whizzed past them as they ran. Murtagh felt one zip past his head. Another whipped past his neck. Eragon was having the same experience. They reached Saphira and she spread her wings over them like a tent. She whimpered as arrows pierced the thin membranes, but would not move her wings. Eragon eased the pain with his mind. What came next made all of their blood run cold.
The biggest of the Kull, (Murtagh took him as their leader) stepped forward and shouted "Kaz jtier trazhid! Otrag bagh!" Don't attack! Circle them! Eragon watched, terrified, as the many urgals circled them.
"Rider!" the leader shouted, "Step forward!"
"Why?" he shouted, his voice slightly quavering.
"Because our master wishes to meet with you." He spat on the ground.
"Who is your master? Is it the King?" shouted Murtagh, Eragon noticed the slight note of fear in his voice.
"Yes!" the urgal shouted back.
"I will not go!" Eragon cried.
"Then we will take you be force." And the army charged forward.
Saphira roared and few backed off, but the rest kept coming. Eragon could feel his heart seize up in his chest. A thought hit him: this was the end. He was going back into prison. He stared at the ground and spotted Julius. Anger swept over him at seeing his friend injured and he would NOT go back into imprisonment; he would not go down without a fight. He drew his blade and stood ready to kill.
Before he even got a chance to move, he was slammed over the head with the broad side of an urgal sword. The ground rushed up to meet him, and he fell unconscious.
