Torn Between Two

Chapter 11

Eragon felt too sick to even try eating his food, his stomach was full of butterflies and his body felt shaky all over.

Eragon? Reilyn whispered.

He looked up from his untouched food, and searched the crowd of people for his friend. He spotted her finally, she wasn't too far away. She stood staring at him, clearly worried for him. Eragon saw the three guards watching Murtagh carefully, they seemed angry over something.

Eragon? she said again.

Yes? he whispered back.

Now? Or the next time we rest?

Now, he said, it has to be now. Our next rest will be for the night.

Still nervous?

Terrified! But I'll be fine with you around.

Aye, you may want to start getting ready to leave.

Okay.

And, she said sternly, calm down! These idiot guards will smell your fear and devour you for it. He saw her cast a stone-hard look at the two older men.

Sure, I'll be joining you shortly.

See you then!

Yes. . .

Eragon took a shuddery breath and passed his untouched fruit out to a small group of laughing children.

Calm down, calm down, he chanted mentally, you'll be fine! Rei is going to be right there with you. . .

I'm here too Eragon, Saphira said nudging him lightly.

"I'd never forget that Saphira," he stroked her neck.

Be strong, Little one, she said

"I will. You'd better inform Thorn that we're leaving, and remember to keep a close eye on him."

I will, Little one. She turned and left.

He watched as his magnificent dragon soared in the sky, trying hard to call up strength.

Ready? he asked himself as he slowly walked through the crowd.

No, his mind responded.

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Murtagh could feel his heart pounding hard in his chest as he kept stealing glances at the brunette. Eragon was standing with Reilyn and the two older guards, discussing something, but Murtagh didn't know what.

Calm down, he told himself. They'll sense something is up if you don't.

He closed his eyes and breathed deep, exhaling slowly through his mouth. Finally, he managed to slow his heart and soothe his nerves.

"You must be Tolan," he heard Eragon say.

"Yes sir, that's correct."

Murtagh opened his eyes and stared at the blonde boy, who had recently been put in charge of the lead. Eragon was shaking his hand and talking, but Murtagh never heard the words. He was too wrapped up in absorbing the young brunette with his senses.

He smells like the forest, Murtagh thought, inhaling his scent deeply. He always smells of the forest somehow.

Murtagh's observations were cut short when it dawned on him that Reilyn was still around. The red-head had walked up next to Eragon and was speaking with Tolan.

"Lady Nasuada has asked that I stay close when Eragon's turn has come about, she dislikes the thought of us being too far apart," she was telling the blonde.

No! Murtagh panicked. No, no, no! This is just the thing I prayed wouldn't happen!

"Will you be staying with us through the night?" Dogon asked, startling Murtagh.

Reilyn looked to Eragon for an answer, concern showing itself on her face.

"I'm not sure," the brunette said.

Please, god, don't! Murtagh pleaded.

"I only ask because it could make sleeping shifts and guarding shifts a little easier," Dogon said.

"Then I don't see why not," Eragon told the rough guard.

No! Murtagh screamed inwardly. No! He can't do this to me! Torture would be better!

"Glad to hear that!" Dogon laughed, clapping Eragon on the back.

Murtagh groaned inwardly. This is going to be a very long trip, he thought as the group began moving again.

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"Eragon!" Reilyn hissed.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Do you really think this is such a wise idea?"

"I honestly don't know," he sighed.

Why did I agree to stay through the night? he wondered.

"This is what we get for letting you call all the shots!" she growled angrily.

"Reilyn, please," he breathed. He looked at her with pleading, caramel eyes. The torture he'd just assigned to himself was enough, he didn't want her angry with him as well.

"I'm only worried," she whispered, running her hands nervously through her hair.

"I know, and I really appreciate that," he sighed, "but right now I need your support, not your worry."

"Of course," she grabbed his hand and squeezed it briefly, "and that is what you shall have."

Tolan bounced up beside them, giving Eragon's hand in Reilyn's a brief unsatisfied look.

"Miss Reilyn," the blonde said, "will you show me another trick?" He extended his hand and showed her a pebble he had picked up.

Eragon fought the urge to laugh at the blonde guard when he heard Reilyn growl in her throat. He guessed the man had been attached to her since they met and she was getting fed up.

"They're called 'illusions', Tolan," she said, "and this will be the last time."

Eragon watched as Reilyn took the pebble from Tolan, studied it carefully, turning the thing over with her fingers, trying to decide what to do with it. Suddenly, she closed her fist over the pebble and smiled. Her closed hand shimmered like the desert air in immense heat, as she focused on the task.

She turned her back to Tolan, so he wouldn't ruin the surprise, and smiled at Eragon. He stared, fascinated, as a scaly tail slithered from one of her hand and coiled around her wrist. She opened her hand and let the snake that she created coil and twirl in between her fingers.

That's poisonous! he realized.

The snake, black as night, flicked it's forked tongue in and out, sniffing the air. Reilyn clicked her tongue and held her hand up by her face, making eye contact with the poison-filled snake.

"Rei," he whispered, trying to warn her not to.

She looked at him and winked, mouthing the words, "Don't worry."

"Lemme see! Lemme see!" Tolan cried, sounding like a very small child.

Reilyn turned slowly and held up her snake decorated hand, turning it to show the blonde how the snake coiled around her hand.

"Wow!" he breathed, extending his hand to touch the snake.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Reilyn said calmly, "he's poisonous."

As if on cue, the black snake struck at the hand, causing him to jump back and shriek in fear.

"I told you," she said, in a serious tone.

Laughter exploded behind them and when Eragon turned, he saw both Dogon and Jierden doubled over and Murtagh was laughing as well.

It's been ages since I've heard that sound, he thought, staring at the raven haired boy.

Murtagh stopped laughing and made eye contact with Eragon, stealing his breath away. The hazel eyes wandered his body, trying to take in everything as quickly as possible. Eragon let himself be studied very briefly, then spun around, trying hard to contain his new excitement. He felt Reilyn give him a puzzled look, but ignored it.

He still feels the same! he thought, grinning despite himself. Murtagh still loves me!