Title : The pros and cons of breathing (10/?)
Author : Amy Shinomori
Characters : Murtagh, Galbatorix, Eragon, Saphira, Thorn.
Rating : R.
Disclaimer : Would I be there if I owned them ?
Warnings : none yet… maybe slash, but you would have to squint very hard.
Notes : Takes place after Murtagh's 'kidnapping' by the twins. Wrote this while listening to 'The pros and cons of breathing' by fall out boy. Dude, I have a life… just not right now .

Additional notes : Thanks again to Beccaforver for beta-reading this

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life

Welcome to my life…

The Pros and Cons of Breathing

)))oOo(((

You almost killed him…

Crying silently as he kneeled over Lucian's broken body, Murtagh clenched his blood covered fists in the fabric of his friend's tunic… slaughtered by one of his own soldiers.

Where's the glory in that…? Have you got no pride… are you really no better than Galbatorix, fighting from a distance, resorting to such treachery…?

'Sir, we need to take him away!' someone said to his right.

Blinking rapidly, Murtagh looked up just enough to see a young man, even younger than Magdal had been, dressed in nothing but peasants clothes, bent down by his side and helped a big, burly man drag Lucian's motionless body from the battlefield…

Light-headed from the pain of seeing yet another friend fall in this pointless war, the young man gritted his teeth as he jerkily pulled himself up, his face blank and ashen, his bloodshot green eyes brimming in the light of the fire that had been set by the Varden's enflamed arrows.

Wherever he looked, he could see nothing but chaos and destruction. His men were running, disoriented, most of them too delirious to take whatever initiatives they needed to take.

…and Eragon was using their confusion to break through their mental defences and control them… to make them turn against their own acting-general.

This is not a battle… this is butchery…

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Murtagh could feel Thorn nodding sadly in agreement.

This won't go unpunished…you won't get away with this felony…

Growling low in his throat, the young Rider bent over to retrieve Lucian's bloodied axe, relishing in the delightful weight of it in the palm of his hand, the muscles in his shoulder tensing in anticipation…

'I'm borrowing this, my friend.' he said, a sad little smile quirking his lips…

…it did never reach his eyes though, for in this instant, they were as blank and emotionless as the eyes of a soulless puppet.

You seem to think that the end justifies the means…

You seem to think that the people you are slaughtering aren't worth your compassion. You must think that they are evil… as evil as their monstrous leader.

Whirling his axe, his ink-black blood-soaked hair obscuring his pale features, Murtagh relaxed his jaw slightly, a bitter smirk stretching his reddened lips as his listless green eyes filled with grim determination.

I'll give you a monster to fight, Eragon… you won't be disappointed.

His body still sore from his last encounter with Galbatorix, Murtagh released a wild battle cry and launched himself onto the battlefield, swinging Lucian's axe with a savage look on his face…

Murtagh, Thorn exploded, following suit behind his Rider, his jaws snapping and his claws tearing through their enemies' flesh as he went, his flamboyant red body snaking through the corpses as he charged the front line of Nasuada's army.

We need to take off, Murtagh. I can see the blue Dragon less than a mile ahead, in that direction.

Snapping his head up from the now beheaded corpse of a man twice his size, Murtagh snarled, his chest heaving with effort as he extracted his axe from the floor and slipped it into his belt before turning to face Thorn.

Murtagh ! a distant voice called out to him. Hrothgar has joined Nasuada. The Dwarves are tearing through our ranks… we can't pierce through his mental barriers, his mind is too well guarded.

Snorting at the Twins' display of incompetence, Murtagh gave Thorn a pointed look.

Let's hurry…

Reluctantly dragging himself away from the fight, Murtagh reached for the helmet that was firmly attached to Thorn's saddle and jumped onto his Dragon's back. He absently kicked his feet into the straps, feeling the huge beast beneath him brace itself on its strong hind legs and unfurl his wings.

They rose through a thick cloud of acrid smoke, their silhouettes obscured by the raging sun that shone behind them, making them both impossible to recognise from the ground.

With only the loud thudding of Thorn's flapping wings to betray their identity, they shot through the air with maddening speed, Murtagh's piercing eyes thoroughly searching the battlefield for any trace of Eragon's huge blue steed.

Not now, Murtagh… We need to stop the dwarves before it's too late…

We can't take a whole army by ourselves, Murtagh hissed. Let's just get this over with… if I capture Eragon and Saphira, this fight is over…

Your men, Murtagh… Lucian and Magdal would have wanted you to protect them, you can't give up…

Snarling in both anger and annoyance, the young Rider quickly sought the dwarf King out and raised his hand, palm down, towards him.

'Kyssa abr freohr…' he growled, a thick ray of sparkling red light bursting from his marked palm, piercing through the dark clouds, pausing only slightly, a few inches from Hrothgar's chest as Murtagh broke through the dwarf's spell casters' defences, before it struck him, right above his heart.

You want to fight from a distance, Eragon…?…this is what you get for murdering Magdal from afar…

His jaws working furiously as he listened to the dwarves' wails of grief echo through the plains, Murtagh lowered the barriers around his mind to let Thorn wrap himself around him protectively.

Vengeance is not officially part of your duty as a Rider, Murtagh, the Dragon snarled.

This is not vengeance… this is retribution.

Grimacing slightly as he heard Saphira's vibrating growl of anger, Murtagh lowered his helmet over his face and braced himself for the upcoming battle, his hand twitching slightly as he unsheathed his long sword, his eyes never leaving Eragon as the younger Rider got into his Dragon's saddle and took off in their direction with wild cry.

So, this is Eragon, Thorn glowered. This puny little human… this weakling…?

Enough, Thorn, Murtagh grunted, his fist clenched around the pommel of his sword in determination.

But the pain in his heart ailed him, making him flinch and recoil from the prospect of this upcoming fight with Eragon…

Eragon, whom he knew was his brother… Eragon whose hatred he would never be ready to face… but he had to… for his men.

…and for Thorn.

How he wished he could just turn around and forget everything that had ever happened after his capture by those damned Twins…

We'll be alright, Murtagh. Don't fear, I'll be by your side… always, Thorn promised, growling low in his throat as he saw the Varden warriors looking up at the both of them with hateful eyes, pointing their menacing fingers at them…

Traitor! Egg breaker, oath breaker, murderer!

Bitter tears filling his eyes as he readjusted his helmet once again to hide his face and delay the confrontation, Murtagh gritted his teeth as he felt the sorrow numbing his heart slowly turn into despair…

That look of pure hatred and disgust distorting Eragon's usually friendly features froze the blood in his veins, made his stomach turn and his hands start to shake slightly.

Murtagh, get a grip, you'll get yourself killed !

Killed… Eragon was out to kill him…

Murtagh…

Eragon wanted to kill him…

Cold numbness spread through his chest then, calming his racing heart, steadying his grip on his sword, covering his eyes with a veil of dark grey. He let himself forget then… forget that Eragon had once been his friend… that he would have given up everything for the boy…

Forget that he didn't have a choice…forget that he didn't want to kill the boy…

Calmer than he had been in weeks, Murtagh bent down over his Dragon friend…

Dive in, Thorn…

Yes…

They both felt it then… Eragon's messy attempt to break through their mental defences…

They are exhausted, Thorn remarked.

Hold back, then…

Murtagh, we can't ! They'll…

Thorn !

Fine…

Narrowing his eyes in concentration, Murtagh pulled back from Thorn's consciousness slightly before charging on Eragon's mind.

Take care of Saphira… he commanded, clenching his jaws in annoyance as he felt the other Rider retreat deep within his own barriers and start to recite an odd scrap of doggerel.

Murtagh was about to pierce through the young man's defences when their two Dragons finally crashed together, roaring and clawing at each other, flapping their wings furiously to keep from falling towards the ground.

Hold on, Murtagh, Thorn exploded, struggling to keep the blue Dragon from untangling herself from his grasp.

Unable to keep flying any longer, the two beasts spread their wings wide to slow down their descent as they kept snapping their jaws, determined to throttle each other… his heart thundering against his chest with worry, Murtagh bent over to press himself over the back of Thorn's neck, pouring a great amount of his own strength into his Dragon…

When they finally disengaged, Murtagh quickly recited a few lines of an incantation to heal Thorn's scraped flanks.

Murtagh ! Fire !

Jerking his head up just in time to see the tongues of fire that were bursting in their direction…

skölir nosu fra brisingr! he recited in his head, raising his palm slightly.

Relieved to see the fire bifurcate in front of them and slide along their sides harmlessly, Thorn took a deep breath, proudly puffing his large chest out.

Thorn, what are you doing…? Murtagh snapped. Don't expose your chest like that, you'll…

But words failed him as he saw the thick torrent of red flames that erupted from Thorn's widely parted jaws.

Surprise ! Thorn barked enthusiastically as he watched the conflagration shoot towards the enemy.

Thorn, you…

I wanted to tell you, but… so much happened those last few days. I didn't have the time…

Pride softening his bitter mood slightly, Murtagh reached out to stroke his young Dragon's neck, too ecstatic to pay much attention to the fact that Thorn's fire never hit it's target.

Let's race them, Thorn said, feeling more alive in this instant than he had in months.

As you wish, my friend, Murtagh smiled faintly, bending himself over his Dragon's neck as they shot through the air, their minds so tightly wrapped around each other that Murtagh could feel the cold wind sliding over their scales…

My scales, Thorn laughed. You're not a Dragon Murtagh.

I feel like one when I'm with you ! Murtagh grinned, adrenaline pounding through his veins as he took a look back at Eragon and Saphira.

They can't keep up, Thorn scoffed.

They're tired… let's get back down.

Okay, Thorn sighed, swiping his tail to change his direction.

Tearing through another cloud of dark smoke, the young red Dragon slowed down his pace until he could hear Saphira shoot past them. He then started flapping his wings enthusiastically to catch up with her and playfully nipped her tail.

Gotcha !

What are you doing, Thorn…

I'm… I…

This is not a game… Murtagh barked in his mind. She's bigger than you are, you should be more careful.

Yeah… big she is, Thorn snickered, snapping his jaws at her again.

Stop it !

Grunting with annoyance, Thorn slowed down his path slightly, snorting as Saphira executed a tight backward loop, ending up just behind them, and pivoting slightly to spiral over her.

This is way better than training with Shurikan…

Thorn, Focus… Murtagh scolded, stabbing at Eragon's consciousness with his mind. Dive, now !

'Catch me !' he heard Eragon yell, then.

What is he doing !?

Panic freezing his blood in his veins, Murtagh watched the younger Rider sever the straps around his legs and let himself drop from his saddle.

Eragon ! he cried out, his eyes wide with shock as he saw Eragon rush towards them, his limbs spread wide to stabilise his descent, Zar'roc in hand.

Catch him, Thorn !

No, he's going to kill you, his Dragon snapped, diving left to keep Eragon from crashing into them.

Thorn ! Murtagh growled, taking over his friend's body, preventing him from diving fast enough.

In a flash, Eragon was on them, lashing out with Za'roc as he saw Thorn's exposed flank flash by.

White pain exploded through the young Dragon's flank, taking Murtagh completely off-guard… he had been about to extend his arm and grab Eragon when he felt his father's sword tear into his Dragon's flesh.

'Thorn !!!!' he cried out, feeling his friend's warm blood seep through his side, soaking the leg of his pants.

Thorn roared in agony, his head spinning, his mind racing as he tried to keep his injured body from crashing to the ground.

Murtagh, he moaned plaintively. Murtagh, are you alright…?

I'm fine, Thorn, his Rider hissed with concern…we need to land so I can take care of your wound.

I can fight…

I know you can… let me just check on you. Then we can resume this battle…

Yeah…I'm going to make them land too…

Roaring menacingly, he folded his wings by his sides and dived in, wincing slightly as he felt the cold wind bite into his wounded flesh.

He hurtled at Saphira from above, harrying her this way and that as he forced her toward the ground. Saphira tried to manoeuvre out from under him, but every time she did he dove at her, biting and buffeting her with his wings in order to make

her change course. The dragons twisted and lunged until their tongues lolled out of their mouths, their tails drooped, and they gave up flapping and merely glided.

Land, Thorn, you've lost too much blood, Murtagh commanded, his voice thick with worry.

Nodding his head in resignation, the red Dragon detached himself from Saphira and let himself hurry after her towards the ground.

He landed barely a few seconds after her, on the other side of the plateau, clenching his jaws to keep a pained groan from escaping his mouth as his sore body finally made contact with the ground. He held his left hind leg off the ground to avoid aggravating his wound : a long, angry gash that nearly severed the muscle. Thorn trembled his entire length, like an injured dog. He tried to hop forward, then stopped and snarled at Eragon.

Don't move, Thorn, Murtagh scolded. Let me take a look.

The gash was deep and blood was flowing from the huge wound, already soaking the dry ground of the plateau.

Seething with barely contained anger, Murtagh tilted his head to glare at Eragon before he positioned both his hands over the wound and started an incantation…

'Heill Likami, heill sàl !' he chanted softly.

No sooner had he said the words that he felt an intense wave of warmth wash over the both of them, instantly knitting Thorn's tissues back together, leaving no trace of the wound on his flank and hind leg.

Thank you, Thorn sighed, feel the soothing warmth wrap itself around him…

I'm sorry, it was my fault. Murtagh apologised. I let my emotions get the better of me…

It's alright, Murtagh… let's get this over with…

Snarling under his helmet, Murtagh turned around and stepped forward to meet Eragon in the centre of the plateau.

I remember a time when I would have been delighted to see you again, Eragon, Murtagh thought to himself. Now I just wish you hadn't come…

Bracing himself, Murtagh unsheathed his long sword and swung it over his head towards Eragon. But the boy was fast… he lifted Zar'roc's ruby-red lame and blocked his blow, their swords crashing together in a burst of crimson sparks. They engaged in a complex series of moves then and Murtagh had to admit that Eragon was not as exhausted as had thought. He let him advance on him, smiling sadly as he let the memories of their first sparring session resurface.

It had been so good to finally find someone that matched his skills in both swordsmanship and stamina.

But though he now had the agility and strength of an elf, Eragon was no longer skilled enough…

What did they do to him, he wondered. His face… he looks like… like an elf…?

When they reached the edge of the plateau, Murtagh stood his ground, using his sharp mind to anticipate Eragon's every move. They kept exchanging blows for some time and Murtagh marveled at how agile Eragon had become…

Murtagh, stop playing around… focus, Thorn scolded.

It's like… he's exhausted, I can't just… just…

He'll kill you if you keep holding back…

And then…?

Growling menacingly, Thorn snapped his jaws at him, his strong tail beating the ground as he circled around them with Saphira.

Slowly but surely, Murtagh pushed Eragon back towards the centre of the plateau. One step at a time. He could see Eragon's chest heave with effort as he slowly lost the last remnant of his energy. He was gasping for air, sweat pouring off his face as he used the last of his strength trying to parry one of Murtagh's lateral blows.

Murtagh was now frowning under his helmet, trying hard to not let his feelings get in the way of what he knew he had to do but failing miserable, holding back every time his blade made contact with Eragon's breast-plate.

Sighing interiorly, he watched as the exhausted young man slipped and fell, face down into the dust. He tried to roll over and stab him in the leg with Zar'roc, but Murtagh gave a soft snort and knocked the red lame aside with a lazy flick of his wrist.

He then flourished his sword, spinning it in a quick circle by his side, just to see if Eragon would recognise the move.

And he did… oh yes, he did…

'I know you !' he cried out, his eyes widening in horror as he focused his eyes on Murtagh's.

The younger man threw himself at him, then, reaching for his helmet and tearing it from his head…

…Murtagh let him, fighting hard to keep his anxiousness from showing on his face.

Eragon's surprise quickly melted into disgust as he let his hands fall back to his sides.

His whole face contorted, obviously torn between shock and revulsion…

Murtagh felt something crack deep inside his heart and his whole body tensed.

Still, he gave a short snort and let a grin stretch his lips as he raised his hand, the palm of it facing Eragon.

'Thrysta vindr' he muttered, and a hard ball of air coalesced between them and struck Eragon in the middle of his chest, tossing him twenty feet across the plateau.

Murtagh grimaced, then, taking a deep breath to recompose himself while Eragon rolled into a tight ball and waited for the pain to recede.

Calming his shaking limbs with a few words in the ancient language, Murtagh felt his chest tighten as he watched Eragon squirm on the floor.

Lowering his sword, he then pointed at Eragon with his steel-encased hand, curling every finger but his index into a spiny fist.

'You never would give up.' he said, fighting the urge to just cross the twenty feet that separated them and drop to his knees to help Eragon in a sitting position.

Pushing himself to his feet, he coughed and said, 'Murtagh... how can you be alive? I watched the Urgals drag you underground. I tried to scry you but saw only darkness.'

Murtagh uttered a mirthless laugh. 'You saw nothing, just as I saw nothing the times I tried to scry you during my days in Urû'baen.'

He felt bad for the boy, he looked so lost and confused…

But definitely not relieved to see me, Murtagh growled to himself.

What were you expecting, Thorn hissed back. I told you he wouldn't care…

Not now, Thorn…

'You died, though!' shouted Eragon, almost incoherent, unaware of Murtagh's silent conversation with his dragon. 'You died under Farthen Dûr. Arya found your bloody clothes in the tunnels.'

A shadow darkened Murtagh's face. 'No, I did not die. It was the Twins' doing, Eragon. They took control of a group of Urgals and arranged the ambush in order to kill Ajihad and capture me. Then they ensorcelled me so I could not escape and spirited me off to Urû'baen.'

His winced slightly as Eragon shook his head in disbelief.

'But why did you agree to serve Galbatorix? You told me you hated him. You told me--'

'Agree!' Murtagh laughed again, and this time his outburst contained an edge of madness. 'I did not agree. First Galbatorix punished me for spiting his years of protection during my upbringing in Urû'baen, for defying his will and running away. Then he extracted everything I knew about you, Saphira, and the Varden.'

He gave another sharp bark of laugh then, the growing pain threatening to make his heart burst out of his chest as he watched Eragon's soft eyes harden…

'You betrayed us!' he cried 'I was mourning you, and you betrayed us!'

'Mourning me ! Who are you kidding, Eragon… you didn't even try to rescue me from the Urgals ! I risked my life for you and you… you let me down !' Murtagh exploded, his pain clear on his face, contorting his features as he glared down at his former friend.

Eragon gaped at him, visibly unable to some up with an answer to his accusations.

'I had no choice.' Murtagh continued.

'Ajihad was right to lock you up. He should have let you rot in you cell, then none of this--'

'I had no choice!' snarled Murtagh. 'And after Thorn hatched for me Galbatorix forced both of us to swear loyalty to him in the ancient language. We cannot disobey him now.'

'You have become your father.'

For an instant, it felt as if Murtagh's heart had stopped beating. His blood was frozen in his veins from the shock and his whole body seemed to be refusing to obey him.

He wanted to cry then… he wanted to fall to his knees and sob and pull his hair out and scream until it was all over, until the disgust disappeared from Eragon's features and the hatred from his cold, sharp voice.

Instead, he just stood there, unable to cope with the pain any longer…

Murtagh, Thorn called out to him. But his voice was weak, too weak to be heard over the deafening thundering of his heart.

A door cringed then, and broke inside of him, unleashing something he hadn't known was there… something dangerous, something cold and powerful.

'No, not my father' he said, his voice calm and steady. 'I'm stronger than Morzan ever was. Galbatorix taught me things about magic you've never even dreamed of... Spells so powerful, the elves dare not utter them, cowards that they are. Words in the ancient language that were lost until Galbatorix discovered them. Ways to manipulate energy... Secrets, terrible secrets, that can destroy your enemies and fulfil all your desires.'

He stopped then, a strange numbness enveloping him. But unlike the numbness he had felt after Magdal's death, this one was like a soothing blanket being wrapped around his broken soul, gently shielding him from the cold hatred burning behind Eragon's eyes, holding him together.

'Things that should remain secret…' Eragon said softly.

'If you knew, you would not say that.' he heard himself retort. 'Brom was a dabbler, nothing more. And the elves, bah! All they can do is hide in their forest and wait

to be conquered.'

Then, after giving Eragon a quick once over, he added.

'You look like an elf now. Did Islanzadí do that to you?' When Eragon remained silent he smiled and shrugged. 'No matter. I'll learn the truth soon enough.' He stopped, frowned, then looked to the east.

Murtagh, Thorn called him, worried by the distant look on his Rider's face. Murtagh don't block me from your thoughts, please, answer me…

But the young Rider just heaved a sigh, losing himself in the observation of the Twins as they struggled to break the last of the Varden's defenses…

The curtains of smoke made it difficult to tell, but he could see the hairless magicians grinning and laughing as they slaughtered the men with whom they once pledged solemn friendship.

'Those two bastards…' he said, then, regaining part of his wits as he snorted in disgust at the obvious unfairness of the fight between them and the Dwarves…

Then, a small grin broke on his face as he noticed a silhouette creeping in their direction from the side. A man, probably as tall as he was but somewhat broader in the shoulder, was silently making his way towards them, hammer in hands…

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Eragon open his mouth, as if to cast a spell, and raised his hand to stop him.

'Wait, I want to see what he'll do…'

'Why…?' Eragon asked suspiciously.

A bleak smile crossed Murtagh's face. 'The Twins enjoyed tormenting me when I was their captive.'

Eragon glanced at him, suspicious. 'You won't hurt him? You won't warn the Twins?'

'Vel eïnradhin iet ai Shur'tugal.' Upon my word as a Rider.

Together they watched as Roran hid behind a mound of bodies. He jumped up then,

swung his hammer and bashed one of the Twins in the head, cracking open his skull. The remaining Twin fell to the ground, convulsing, and emitted a wordless scream until he too met his end under Roran's hammer.

Then, Roran planted his foot upon the corpses of his foes, lifted his hammer over his head and bellowed his victory.

'What now…?' Eragon asked him, turning to face him once again. 'Are you here to kill me…?'

'Of course not !' Murtagh growled… then, as an afterthought, he lied. 'Galbatorix wants you alive…'

It's Saphira that he wants… you could kill him, Thorn growled.

'What for…?' Eragon inquired.

'You don't know…?' Murtagh hid his indecision behind a small smirk, but once again, it did not reach his tired eyes. 'Ha! There's a fine jest. It's not because of you; it's because of her. The dragon inside Galbatorix's last egg, the last dragon egg in the world, is male. Saphira is the only female dragon in existence. If she breeds, she will be the mother of her entire race.'

Taking a deep breath too steady himself, Murtagh let a blank mask of indifference cover his face.

'Do you see now…? Galbatorix doesn't want to eradicate the dragons. He wants to use Saphira to rebuild the Riders. He can't kill you, either of you, if his vision is to become reality... And what a vision it is, Eragon.' he continued, his own words making him want to gag. 'You should hear him describe it, then you might not think so badly of him. Is it evil that he wants to unite Alagaësia under a single banner, eliminate the need for war, and restore the Riders?'

What the devil are you talking about, Murtagh ! Thorn erupted inside his mind, his anger almost palpable as the young Dragon mentally shook him to make him snap out of whatever trance he was in.

Murtagh couldn't quite believe it himself… the words he was speaking were completely alien to him. He was not speaking his mind, he was listening to himself lie blatantly about his true opinions.

Growling with frustration, Thorn jumped and swung his tail in the hair furiously, thus attracting Saphira's attention on him.

Stop jumping around, fool, she said. You are not achieving anything…

Galbatorix is controlling him ! And I can't do anything to help him ! What do you want me to do, you pig !?

Visibly exceeded, Saphira snapped her muscled jaws at him, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

Traitor, she burst out, oath breaker ! How dare you speak to me directly !

Hypocrite, Thorn bellowed. You know nothing of what we had to endure…

I know that your Rider is a bloody traitor, like his father… and that you were too weak to make him honour his duty as a Dragon Rider !

Loesa! Murtagh is stronger and more righteous that your Rider will ever be! You are the traitors, the cowards who poisoned our food and killed us from afar ! Thorn roared, latching himself at Saphira.

The two dragons rolled over in the dirt, clawing at each other while their Riders were obviously too caught up in their own misery to stop them.

Thorn, stop, Murtagh groaned absently as he watched Eragon's face contort in a mix of anger and despair.

'I can understand that you were compelled to act against your will and that you aren't responsible for killing Hrothgar. You can try to escape, though. I'm sure that Arya and I could devise a way to neutralize the bonds Galbatorix has laid upon you... Join me, Murtagh. You could do so much for the Varden. With us, you would be praised and admired, instead of cursed, feared, and hated.' Eragon pleaded, his eyes shining from the tears that had gathered at the corner of his lids.

Murtagh felt a heavy weight lift from his heart as he felt Eragon's concern seep through his shaky voice. The relief was short-lived though, for he knew that even though Eragon's words were kind and soothing, there was just nothing the young man could do for him as it was…

For a moment, as Murtagh gazed down at his notched sword, Eragon hoped he would accept.

But then Murtagh said in a low voice, 'You cannot help me, Eragon. No one but Galbatorix can release us from our oaths, and he will never do that... He knows our true names, Eragon... We are his slaves forever.'

He watched then as Eragon's confusion slowly turned to sympathy…

With the utmost gravity, he said, 'Then let us kill the two of you.'

His eyes going wide with shock, Murtagh felt his heart shrink and break once again…

For a long moment, he seemed to consider this option, but then felt a strong jolt of pain in his mind as Thorn detached himself from Saphira to break into his defences with a forbidding howl.

Kill us ? We're stronger than this Murtagh ! Only cowards chose the easy way out !

'Kill us…?' he repeated. 'Why should we allow that?'

Eragon chose his words with care : 'It would free you from Galbatorix's control. And it would save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Isn't that a noble enough cause to sacrifice yourself for?'

Yet, Murtagh shook his head with renewed vigour as he felt Thorn lace their mind together once again. 'Maybe for you, but life is still too sweet for me to part with it so easily. No stranger's life is more important than Thorn's or my own.'

He didn't know what exactly had changed in him during this fight with Eragon and Saphira, but he wanted to live, more that he ever had…

And more than that, he didn't want die by Eragon's hands, however poetic that would seem.

Sappy, Thorn corrected, snorting haughtily as he watched Saphira glare at him.

Eragon jumped then, launching himself at Murtagh, obviously intending to stab him right through his heart.

I told you, Thorn groaned, feeling Murtagh's heart give another sinister crack in his mind. Just knock him out already. Do it, or I will.

Exceeded, Murtagh barked : 'Letta !'

Eragon dropped back to the ground as invisible bands clamped around his arms and legs, immobilizing him. To his right, Saphira discharged a jet of rippling fire and sprang at Murtagh like a cat pouncing on a mouse.

'Rïsa!' commanded Murtagh, extending a claw-like hand as if to catch

her.

Saphira yelped with surprise as she felt herself being lifted from the floor, unable to break free from the millions of red tendrils that wrapped themselves around her body.

Thorn, come over here, Murtagh said.

Yes, Thorn nodded, hurriedly making his way towards him.

Help me hold them in place…

'Brakka du vanyalí sem huildar Saphira un Eka!' Eragon barked, trying to break free from his grasp.

Murtagh made no attempt to stop him, only gave him a flat stare, as if he found Eragon's resistance a pointless inconvenience. Baring his teeth, Eragon redoubled his efforts. His hands went cold, his bones ached, and his pulse slowed as the magic sapped his energy.

In two minutes, Murtagh felt the last of Eragon's and Saphira's strength desert them as they struggled to sever the binds he had conjured.

A thick vein was pulsing on the side of his neck, but it didn't seem to affect him.

Finally, Eragon was forced to release the magic. He sagged then, utterly spent as Murtagh walked up to him, pointing his sword at the young man's neck and pricking his skin, impressed when Eragon resisted the impulse to flinch.

'You cannot hope to compete with me," said Murtagh. "No one can, except for Galbatorix.' he said, his voice dispassionate as he let his weary eyes rest on Eragon's shivering form.

'It would be so easy to take you back to Urû'baen.'

He shivered involuntarily as Eragon gazed into his eyes…

'Don't…' he said softly, obviously trying to appeal to Murtagh's softer side. 'Let me go…'

Does he know…? Murtagh asked himself. Does he know that he could probably ask me anything with those eyes looking at me like this…

Murtagh, be strong, it's almost over, Thorn came to the rescue, wrapping his mind around him like a blanket of unconditional trust and love… be strong…

'You just tried to kill me…' he said, with a touch of disbelief in his voice.

He knew he sounded much younger than he was, right then, his voice thick with emotion, his eyes searching Eragon's for any trace of that concern he had shown earlier.

'And you would have done the same in my position' Eragon said softly.

That's where you're wrong… Murtagh thought bitterly, averting his eyes from him. I would dig out from my chest my heart for you.

'We were friends once. We fought together. Galbatorix can't have twisted you so much that you've forgotten... If you do this, Murtagh, you'll be lost forever.' Eragon continued…

A long minute passed where the only sound was the hue and cry of the clashing armies. Blood trickled down Eragon's neck from where the sword point cut him. Saphira lashed her tail with helpless rage.

Murtagh absently watched the trickles of crimson liquid roll over Eragon's golden skin, longing to just latch himself onto him and wrap his arms around him.

Instead, he just looked back up into his eyes, staring at him with an intense gleam in his gaze, as if trying to pierce his soul and find a solution to all his problems there. Blushing faintly, he remarked how beautiful Eragon was, his golden hair glowing in the orange light of a dying sun, his warm blue eyes brimming slightly, his lips slightly chapped from the heat.

Averting his eyes once again, he looked over at Thorn for support…

Thorn knew… Thorn accepted him for who he was… Thorn was his sanctuary… he wouldn't let him down… Murtagh couldn't betray him.

Yet, he couldn't help but release his grip on the boy, shaking his head softly as he sheathed back his sword.

'I was ordered to try and capture you and Saphira." He paused. "I have tried... Make sure we don't cross paths again. Galbatorix will have me swear additional oaths in the ancient language that will prevent me from showing you such mercy when next we meet.'

Eragon crashed to the ground then, heaving a deep sigh of relief, his eyes never leaving Murtagh's tortured features.

"You're doing the right thing," he said. He tried to step back but was still held in place.

'Perhaps. But before I let you go…' Reaching out, Murtagh pried Zar'roc

from Eragon's fist and unbuckled Zar'roc's red sheath from the belt of Beloth

the Wise.

'If I have become my father, as you said…' he snarled, his voice once again harsh and bitter, his eyes full of pain and resent. '…then I will have my father's blade. Thorn is my dragon, and a thorn he shall be to all our enemies. It is only right, then, that I should also wield the sword Misery. Misery and Thorn, a fit match. Besides, Zar'roc should have gone to Morzan's eldest son, not his youngest. It is mine by right of birth.'

Struggling to understand Murtagh's cryptic words, Eragon furrowed his brow.

A cold pit formed in his stomach as realisation slowly dawned on him... It couldn't be.

A cruel smile appeared on Murtagh's face.

'I never told you my mother's name, did I? And you never told me yours. I'll say it now: Selena. Selena was my mother and your mother. Morzan was our father. The Twins figured out the connection while they were digging around in your head. Galbatorix was quite interested to learn that particular piece of information.'

'You're lying!' cried Eragon, his face a strange mix of disbelief and disgust.

'How does it feel to be me, Eragon.' Murtagh snarled. 'How does it feel to be ashamed of your own birth…? Tell me…'

Murtagh merely shook his head and repeated his words in the ancient language…

Then, taking a few hasty steps towards Eragon, he grabbed him by his shoulders and pulled him until their chests collided. Putting his lips to his brother's ear, he whispered, in a soft, gentle voice. 'You and I, we are the same, Eragon. Mirror images of one another. You can't deny it.'

'You're wrong,' growled Eragon, struggling against the spell. 'We'r nothing alike. I don't have a scar on my back anymore.'

White pain shot through Murtagh's chest as he felt the younger Rider struggling to get away from his as fast as he could, as if his touch burned him. His eyes burned, his whole body ached to just envelop Eragon in his arms and never let go…

But Eragon's words stunh him like needles piercing to the bottom of his haunted soul…

He took a step back, then another, until he could see Eragon watch him with a mixture of revolt, confusion and regret in his gentle blue eyes…

His face going hard and cold, he lifted Zar'roc and held it upright before his chest. 'So be it. I take my inheritance from you, brother. Farewell.'

Then he retrieved his helm from the ground and made his way towards his Dragon.

'Murtagh, wait !' Eragon cried out, limping after him as he reached out to pull the other man back by his elbow.

'Don't touch me, Eragon !' Murtagh pleaded softly, refusing to look him in the eye.

Pulling his hand back, the young Rider circled around him to meet his eyes.

'Why…?' he asked, his hands clenched at his sides. 'Tell me it's not true, Murtagh… tell me you just made this up to spite me…'

'Sadly, no, Eragon… I'm afraid you'll have to live with the shame of having a traitor as a father… and a monster as a brother.' Murtagh laughed bitterly.

'You're not…' Eragon began, but then stopped himself, realising that he didn't really know what he was talking about anymore.

Biting hard onto his lower lip to keep himself from saying something that he would probably regret, Murtagh tilted his head back up to look at Eragon, tears brimming in his eyes. He fought to hold them back, swallowing back the lump in his throat, but couldn't keep a few of them from rolling down his pale cheeks.

'I'm sorry, Eragon… I really am.' he said softly. 'All I wanted was to protect you… all I wanted was… was to be a good friend for you. I wanted to help you, I really did. But I failed you… and for that, I apologise. But you don't understand… you don't know what it's like to be me. I've spent all my life alone… everyone I really cared about died. Mother, Tornac… but now, I have Thorn. And though I can't bear the thought of serving under Galbatorix, I feel more alive right now than I ever did…'

Shaking his head sadly, he closed his eyes and let his Dragon's consciousness wash over him.

'I won't let anyone tear us apart… not even you.' he said, letting his eyes travel back to Eragon's face. 'After eighteen years of fear, pain and rejection, I have gained the right to be selfish… just this once… Thorn is the best thing that's ever happened to me… I won't let him down…'

Murtagh, Thorn whispered softly in the back of his mind. Thank you…

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Morzan's eldest son took one step in his brother's direction and hugged him fiercely before he tore himself from the boy and went back to his Dragon.

Please hold me back, Thorn… I swear, I'm not strong enough for this.

You are way stronger than you think, Murtagh, Thorn sighed, arching his long neck to rub their foreheads together. I love you, my friend… do never forget that.

Smiling through his tears, his back turned on his brother, Murtagh jumped onto Thorn's saddle and fastened the straps around his legs as the young Dragon crouched, stretched his wings high above his head and pushed himself off the ground.

'Murtagh…' he heard Eragon murmur behind him as they took off.

'I only wish it didn't have to end like this…' Murtagh whispered to himself as he rested his forehead against the back of Thorn's scaled neck with a deep sigh. 'I wish you could understand…'

)))oOo(((

Long chapter, neh ? lol

So… I was planning to end it there… I don't know, eerfff… I feel like I have accomplished nothing at all…

I decided to not kill Lucian at the last minute lol. So, he'll live another day. Until I lose the last remnants of my sanity and start killing everyone off… lol.

Not gonna happen…

I wanted to bring them together, damn it ! I am SOOOO frustrated now xD

I decided to stick to the book ('til the end of this chapter, that is…). Now, if I decide to continue… ah god… --. I guess I'll just go to sleep for now…

Kyssa abr freohr : the kiss of Death.

Loesa : shut up!

ah well, I may switch from Old Norse to Gaelic from now on... well, we'll see.

Also, I'd like the thank all those who took some time to review on this (be it on or on LJ). You guys are the best ! I mean, come on ! 51 reviews in 10 days ? I think I had never had so many reviews lol. This is very encouraging ! I hope you guys are still enjoying this as much as I am lol. You guys rockzor (copyright Riotfox311 xD, schmoodles you !)