Torn Between Two

Chapter 10

"Are you sure you can handle this trip Reilyn?" the leader of the Varden asked, slightly concerned.

The only thing she knew was that Reilyn had lived in the Forest of Twilight briefly as a child and that some terrible tragedy had taken place. She knew nothing of the details.

"I think it'll do me some good, actually," she replied.

How long has it been since I was there last? she wondered.

"Hmmm," Lady Nasuada looked at her. "So, I hear you're taking turns with Eragon traveling with Murtagh."

Reilyn winced slightly, she hadn't asked permission to do it, she just planned on doing it.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I want you to stay close to Eragon when it's his turn," Nasuada instructed, "we can't risk anything happening."

"Yes, Lady Nasuada," Reilyn said, bowing.

"And when we get close to the Forest, I will want you in the lead, prisoner and guards too, we'll need you to translate."

"As you wish," she bowed again. The Alluran language wasn't well known and rarely heard outside the city or forest.

"You best return to Murtagh," Lady Nasuada said, "it's close to departure time."

"Aye, m'lady," she bowed once more before leaving.

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Once she was near enough to where Murtagh and the guards were standing, Tolan appeared.

"I didn't mean to offend you," he said, staring at his feet.

"You didn't offend me, Tolan," she touched his shoulder. "It's just something I have to keep to myself, do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Reilyn."

He sounds like a scolded child, Saphira's amused voice said.

Saphira!? She wasn't even aware the dragon had entered her mind. She had to pay more attention.

You couldn't keep me from your thoughts child, she said. I'm forever linked to you. I can shut you out of my mind when I want or if you'd like, but you can't do the same to me.

That's right, I forgot. . . How's Eragon?

Nervous wreck. Though he's trying hard to hide it.

Will he be able to manage? Reilyn was having second thoughts.

Of course he will! Saphira said with pride. He's a Rider!

Reilyn smirked and shook her head.

Are you going to be able to manage? the dragon asked.

I hope so, she answered honestly, I really hope so.

Hmmm. . .Then I'll leave you to your own thoughts.

Thanks. The dragon shut her mind, allowing Reilyn some privacy.

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She has all sorts of mysteries surrounding her, Murtagh thought. Somehow she's very familiar to me, she entrances me without meaning to, and she knows Alluran illusions. . . She's an enigma herself.

He watched her walk beside him, graceful and silent. They'd been walking for maybe three hours, in complete silence.

The new guard, Tolan, humored Murtagh. The blonde reminded him of an energetic, love-struck puppy, always wanting to be near Reilyn and doing little silly things.

"Miss Reilyn!" Tolan called. Murtagh watched as the young man, a year older than the raven haired boy, bounced up beside them.

"Yes, Tolan?" Reilyn asked, using a kind tone, though Murtagh could sense her annoyance.

"Watch!" The young blonde started to juggle fist-sized stones effortlessly, trying to impress the mysterious red-head.

"Tolan!" Jierden barked. "Get your body back up here, now!"

Murtagh watched the man flinch and return to his post ahead of them. Reilyn let out a sigh when Tolan was with Jierden.

"Gets on the nerves, doesn't he?" Murtagh asked.

"Quiet!" Jierden hollered and gave the lead a pull, causing Murtagh to stumble.

"Jierden!" Reilyn caught Murtagh's arm, preventing him from taking yet another fall. "That's enough! He can speak if he wants."

"You're getting a little cozy with the prisoner aren't you?" Dogon sneered from behind them. It had been like this all morning, the two men jumping on Reilyn when she dated to be kind.

This must be how she's treated on an average basis, Murtagh thought, because she's the only female fighter besides Lady Nasuada and Arya.

"No," Reilyn replied calmly, "I just think it'll be nice to have an intelligent conversation with someone."

"Intelligent?!" Dogon rumbled.

"Yes," she turned and walked backwards, keeping eyes with the man. "Intelligent. I wouldn't expect you to really grasp the concept."

Murtagh held back the snicker on his lips.

She doesn't need a sword to cause damage, he thought, amused. She does enough damage with her tongue.

The guard fell silent and she turned back around, never losing pace.

"You were saying, Traitor?" she asked, her brown eyes showing her pent up anger.

"Tolan," he lowered his voice, so he would hopefully avoid offending the boy. "He gets on the nerves, doesn't he?"

She laughed and then slapped her hand to her mouth to stifle the noise before it fully left her lips.

I wonder what her laugh sounds like. . .

"He just has a crush, that's all." She had taken control of her laughter. "Some would think it cute and sweet."

"But not you?" he looked at her.

"I do find it sweet," she smiled, "but he needs to look for someone more. . .suitable for him."

"Suitable?"

"Someone he could understand. . . It's difficult for me to explain." she sighed and crossed her pale arms.

"I think I may understand what you're trying to say," he said coyly.

"I highly doubt that."

"Can I at least speak my thoughts before you shoot them down?"

"I'm sorry, continue."

"You think he's got feelings for the thought of you. The things he's heard about the secretive and strong Miss Reilyn have enticed him."

She gave his an amused look, amused yet pleased.

"So, you do understand?"

"I do," he said. "He's in love with this image of you, one that's perfect in his eyes, and doesn't even realize that you don't share the same feelings."

"Exactly right!" she rewarded him with her smile. Murtagh allowed himself to give her a real smile, something he hadn't done in a very long time.

"Was that the kind of intelligent conversation you were looking for?" he asked, making the question audible enough for Dogon.

"Why yes, it was." She gave Dogon a look over her shoulder.

Am I not realizing the same thing poor Tolan is blind to? he wondered.