Chapter 12 A Hope Renewed

A day after being wounded by Cadhla's unblocked blade, Aletheia awoke to the smell of lavender in the air. Her eyes fluttered open and she found herself lying in her room with a woman by her side. She sat up immediately. A wave of nausea hit her causing her to mentally kick herself for sitting up too quickly. She groaned, closing her eyes tightly, as she felt herself being pushed back down. Her muscles tensed as she tried to resist the cool hands on her arms.

"There, there, girl," the woman next to her said in a soothing voice. Aletheia relaxed at the woman's soft voice, her back easing comfortably into the fluffy sheets. Her gaze turned to the woman who was bent over steaming water in a porcelain basin. She had matted brunette hair that was pulled into a bun. The woman's face was squinted in concentration, showing numerous wrinkles etched on her face. Theia took in the lady's dress, which would have been a brilliant white had it not been sullied by ebony ink spots and layers of dust and dirt.

"How long have I been asleep?" Theia asked, slowly pushing herself into a sitting position against her pillows.

Not looking up from the basin, the woman replied, "just a day, dear."

Theia nodded mutely as she watched the woman sprinkle bits of lavender into the steaming water. She then took a bottle filled with a dense rusty substance and poured its entire contents into the bowl. The previously relaxing smell of lavender transformed into foul stench as it reached Theia's nose. Theia made a small sound of protest and grimaced, causing the lady to look up from her work. The woman smiled knowingly before she put a white washcloth into the basin and pulled it out, wringing out the liquid.

The woman lifted Theia's shirt to her ribs and took off her bandages to reveal a hideous gash across her midsection. Theia winced as the woman soaked her wound in the foul substance.

"It will help heal the wound in less than a week," the woman, whom Theia assumed was a healer, explained.

Aletheia put her head against the headboard as she let her thoughts drift to Cadhla. She had never fought against someone that powerful and malicious. How could she not block her blade? That evil wench! However, despite Cadhla's malevolent intentions, Aletheia couldn't help but grudgingly admire Cadhla's skill. Not even her father, who she knew to be one of the strongest men alive, could have beaten Cadhla. But then again, her father never cheated in a battle. He had always taught her to not take an underhanded approach to her opponent. His words floated back to her: "Cheating is a tactic used by the weakest of fighters. They use it as a substitution for their lack of technique." She remembered rolling her eyes at his comment. But how can I not? It seems foolish to not think and fight like my opponent. If it meant the difference between life and death, I would rather take a low blow and survive than play by the rules and get myself killed. The more she thought about it, the more she convinced herself that being cunning and deceitful in a battle, like Cadhla, would serve her purpose better than acting too noble for sneaky attacks.

She sighed tiredly as she let the healer change her bandages.

Two days later Aletheia pushed herself from her bed and got dressed. She was tired of lying around waiting for Galbatorix or Cadhla to venture in and torture her with betrayal and hate. Besides, she thought as she felt her stomach growl, I'm starving.

Walking down the deserted hallway, she glanced around her wondering where her "guard" was. She shrugged as she wandered through the halls. Her thoughts drifted to Tearlach, wondering if Galbatorix had hurt him. She briefly wondered if she could sneak around the castle to find the dragonhold. But her current hunger got the best of her. Several moments later, she found herself in a familiar hall. She recognized it as the hall outside of the sparring room. She was about to turn from the doors when she heard metal clashing rapidly. The door opened suddenly as a couple of servants walked out of the room, startling her. They paid her no mind as they walked towards a dark hallway. Pulling the door open, she walked into the bright room and found Cadhla and Murtagh sparring together. Judging by the way the two Imperial Riders were glaring at each other, they were extremely angry with each other. Aletheia's eyes left the battle and landed on Galbatorix who looked thoroughly pleased at the confrontation.

With her presence unknown, Aletheia hid behind a stone column and watched the two Riders fight. She felt her jaw drop as she watched the Riders utter spells and fight with a speed she had never seen before. While Murtagh bombarded Cadhla with a series of devastating blows, he would utter several spells in succession – the same went for Cadhla. Aletheia let a small smile slip across her lips as she watched Cadhla stumble from a swipe at her ankles. But something caught her attention as she examined their fight: they never used wordless magic. Wordless magic was one of the first things her mother taught her after she got the basic rules of magic down. Had Galbatorix not taught them that technique? It seemed rather foolish not to. But then her mother also taught her not to reveal this talent unless she was in dire need of a surprise attack, for it took a huge toll on her energy.

Aletheia was shaken out of her reverie as she heard Cadhla speak.

"I see you're not holding back, Murtagh," she spat breathlessly as she blocked a furious blow at her neck. "Why? Is it because that Varden wench isn't your opponent?"

Murtagh responded with a growl as he grabbed Cadhla's left wrist and twisted it behind her back, rendering her unable to retaliate immediately. She yelped painfully as she wrenched her wrist free, kicking him in his right shin.

The nasty grin she had on her face never faltered. "I see that I struck a nerve, Murtagh," she said sweetly, spinning her emerald blade in her hand before stabbing it towards Murtagh's stomach.

Not responding, Murtagh pointed Zar'roc at Cadhla briefly and yelled, "thrysta!" Zar'roc glowed a bright crimson as the spell shot from the blade toward Cadhla, sending her into the air. Aletheia gasped softly. She had never seen someone use their sword as a facilitator for a spell. She watched in satisfaction as Cadhla landed heavily on her back with a loud grunt.

Running towards her, Murtagh pointed Zar'roc at her neck and bent his face down to hers. Aletheia saw him mutter something furiously in Cadhla's ear. She saw Cadhla smile evilly and knew Cadhla was about to retaliate. Forgetting her place, Aletheia yelled, "watch out!" But as Murtagh glanced up at Aletheia, Cadhla took the opportunity to kick Murtagh in the groin, sending him to his knees in glaring pain.

Aletheia bit her lip, knowing she had caused it. She felt her stomach clench in guilt before she shook her head. Why do I care? He works for the Empire.

As she was about to leave the room, she felt invisible hands clench her arms tightly. She spun around to see Galbatorix's right hand outstretched toward her, his palm glowing brightly.

Cursing herself, she allowed Galbatorix to pull her towards him. She saw Cadhla strut towards Galbatorix's side while Murtagh was still kneeling on the ground in pain.

"I see you felt it necessary to warn my Rider of danger," Galbatorix sneered. "How touching."

Aletheia glared at him. Beside him, Cadhla smirked knowingly, eyeing Aletheia's blushing cheeks.

Looking past Aletheia, Galbatorix called for Murtagh. "Get up, boy. I want you to escort Aletheia back to her room," he snapped. When Murtagh didn't immediately rise, Galbatorix growled in frustration as he stood abruptly from his chair. Facing his right palm towards Murtagh, he yelled, "brisingr!" Aletheia watched in disgust as Murtagh fell to the floor, writhing in pain.

"I said, get up NOW!" Galbatorix yelled, amidst the snickering among his servants and Cadhla.

Aletheia felt the sudden urge to run over and help him but stopped herself suddenly. Although she sympathized with Murtagh, she did not want to put herself in the same position as him; so she stayed still.

Murtagh slowly stood. Aletheia watched as he stood still for a moment before heaving a deep breath and walking towards them. His face was defiant and stony – not wanting to show the real pain he felt inside. Their eyes locked and Aletheia felt a small understanding pass between them. When he approached her, Aletheia noticed he didn't grab her arm like he used to. He's probably too weak to do it right now, she mused as she followed Murtagh out of the room silently. She didn't trust herself to look back at Galbatorix or Cadhla. She knew she'd say something she'd regret.

As they walked towards her room in silence, Aletheia's stomach growled loudly. She stopped suddenly, covering her stomach. She knew this was a bad time to ask Murtagh to get her something to eat, so she kept quiet. But he turned around with an amused look on his face.

"Hungry?" he inquired.

Aletheia nodded mutely.

Murtagh sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as he clinched his eyes shut. Aletheia assumed he was trying to decide whether or not to disobey Galbatorix's orders. Nodding to himself, he turned to the left and led Aletheia down the adjacent hall. Aletheia made a mental note to memorize this path for future reference. I have a feeling I'll be here for a while, she thought bitterly.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Murtagh nodded in return as he pushed open a wooden door to reveal a large kitchen. As soon as she laid her eyes on the kitchen she felt her stomach clench hungrily. She wandered around the magnificent kitchen, trying to find something to fix herself.

Aletheia found a cupboard and opened the creaking door to reveal a myriad of different fruits, vegetables and bread on its numerous shelves. She made a quiet sound of glee at the sight of the food as she gathered several pieces of fruit and some bread. She turned to see Murtagh staring at her in amusement.

"You act like you've never seen food before," he said, sitting across from her at a small table.

She glared at him before taking a knife and viciously slicing an apple in half. She glanced up at him as she did this. His brow creased before he cracked his first genuine smile in her presence. Aletheia followed suit as she took a bite out of the apple.

She ate in silence, glad to have some food in her stomach. As she ate, she took frequent glances at Murtagh. He seemed lost in his thoughts and would occasionally grimace as he shifted in his seat. Aletheia blushed crimson as she remembered his "injury".

"Sorry," she said softly. In spite of herself, she let her previous feeling of guilt wash over her.

Murtagh looked up at her. "Don't worry about it," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "I wouldn't have been prepared for that attack either way. Besides," he added, his eyes twinkling uncharacteristically, "you were just trying to help me."

Aletheia broke their eye contact as she felt herself blush deeper – if that was possible. She mumbled something incoherent about not wanting to help him before stuffing some bread in her mouth. Something stirred in her midsection as she glanced at him again, but she brushed it aside. But in the back of her mind, she recognized it as the same sensation she had felt in Eragon's presence. Her heart clenched at this. Eragon. Her family. She desperately wanted to be with them. But that would never happen. Her family was probably in Ellesmera at that moment. They wouldn't risk rescuing her. She couldn't blame them. She knew that it'd be a huge risk. Her heart fell as she realized she'd be imprisoned in Uru'bean for a very long time. She knew Galbatorix would not take no for answer – it was only a matter of time before Galbatorix would take her before her dragon and make her watch him torture Tearlach until she relented. She felt dizzy at this thought and tried to push it from her mind.

Aletheia looked at Murtagh and saw him watching her closely. "What?" she spat, remembering her previous hostility towards him.

He blinked before shaking his head. "Nothing," he sneered. She felt a bitter smile cross her lips. Things are back to normal.

Soon after, Aletheia finished eating and stuffed a few fruits into her pockets. She stood from the table and waited for Murtagh to lead the way back to her room. He soon followed suit and led her back to her quarters. In the silence, Aletheia stared at the back of Murtagh's head. She didn't know a lot about him. Part of her wanted to keep it that way. After all, he's the enemy. But the other part of her found him extremely intriguing, not to mention handsome. Theia! She scolded herself. He's no friend of yours. He's the enemy!

It was only a few moments later that she realized that she had forgotten to block her emotions. She blanched, feeling her stomach twist in knots. Gods! No! But if he had heard any of her thoughts or emotions, he didn't show it. He continued on his way until he reached her door. He opened it for her and she walked in. But just as she was about to shut the door behind her, Murtagh slipped in with a small glance behind him. She was about to protest at his actions but he covered her mouth and shut the door silently.

He muttered a few spells toward the door and turned towards her with a grim expression on his face. Aletheia stared at him incredulously. "What in Alagaesia are you doing?" she said loudly.

"Look, I think it's best that you sit down, Aletheia," he said, indicating her bed.

She eyed him suspiciously before obliging and settling down on her bed. Murtagh sat across from her.

"Aletheia, I am a Rider for the Empire," he said in a low voice, "you know this."

"Okay?" she said, not knowing where he was going with this.

"Galbatorix has made me swear fealty to him in the Ancient Language," he said distantly. "He has also made me swear to him that I would not reveal any of his plans to our enemies."

Aletheia blinked in confusion. What is he talking about?

"When I was sitting across from you in the kitchen, I felt all of your emotions," he said bluntly, watching her. She felt her heart drop. Oh no.

"I know you want to be with your family and Eragon," he said, sounding somewhat bitter. "Believe me. I know exactly how you feel. I want to help you. But I can't. I am bound by the Ancient Language."

Aletheia continued to stare at him. Murtagh leaned forward, coming within an inch of her face and whispered, "Things are not as they seem here. The King will say many things to get you to relent to him. He did the same to me when I was first captured. But I do not want you to make the same mistake I did."

"And what is that?" Aletheia asked.

"Believing him," Murtagh whispered.

Aletheia rolled her eyes. "I know not to believe him, Murtagh," she scoffed. "I'm not blind."

"You sure seemed to believe everything he fed you about your dragon," he said softly, not moving his face from hers.

It took a few moments for his words to sink in. "He doesn't have Tearlach?"

Murtagh shook his head, leaning back. "No, he doesn't. I didn't know about this until I spoke with my dragon earlier today," he said.

"Wait," Aletheia said slowly. "Why should I believe you? You said yourself that Galbatorix made you swear not to tell me anything."

Murtagh sighed, standing from the bed and walking to her door. He opened it and turned towards her. "He made me swear not to tell the enemy anything about his plans," he said in the Ancient Language. He paused, staring at her. "You, Aletheia, are not my enemy." With that, Murtagh left the room, leaving Aletheia both elated and confused at the same time.

As soon as Tearlach left Ellesmera and took to the sky, he felt several familiar presences in his mind. He turned his brilliant orange head and saw several masses flying towards him. He felt joy course through him as he realized he would not fight for Aletheia alone. Saphira, with Eragon on her back, was gaining on him; As well as Gunther, Adelbert, and Anassa with their respective Riders.

As Saphira caught up with him, he felt determination flood through their connection.

We're with you, Tearlach. Saphira said softly.

He sent a wave of gratitude to everyone around him. I know.

Three days had passed since they had fled the forest of Du Weldenvarden. They were finally coming upon Uru'bean castle. The menacing spires stabbed the sky as the sun descended beyond the horizon. Tearlach felt something stir in his stomach as he realized that everything would change tonight.

Alone in her room, Aletheia walked out onto the balcony and watched the sun set. A cool, familiar breeze brushed her cheeks as she leaned against the stone railing. Her mood had lifted slightly when Murtagh told her that Tearlach was free. But her uncertainty about Murtagh overpowered her elation. She knew that Murtagh had unwillingly joined Galbatorix, but she didn't know that there was still a little bit of decency left in him. Today at the sparring session between Cadhla and Murtagh, Aletheia had realized that Murtagh did not want to hurt her during their sparring session. That's why she got by so easily. I still need more training. If I ever get out of here, I'm going to train harder. When I face Cadhla in the Last Battle, I will be ready. I will.

Pushing herself off the railing, she went back to her room and slipped into cotton leggings for bed. Maybe my imprisonment here won't be as bad as I thought if I stick close to Murtagh, she thought bitterly as she climbed into bed.

But just as she was about to lay her head down, Murtagh burst into her room. Outside of her room, she could see people running passed her door, yelling. He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of bed without a word.

"Where are we going?" she yelled over the din.

"To the sparring room to get your sword," he called back to her.

"Why?"

He didn't answer as he led her to the sparring room. They burst through the doors and Aletheia ran to get her sword from the hooks on the side wall. She ran back to Murtagh wanting answers.

"What's going on?" she demanded.

Murtagh looked at her. "Your family is approaching Uru'bean," he said. "I have been ordered to take you to the King."

"What?" she screamed at him. "After everything you said to me this afternoon? I thought you wanted to help me? Help me escape!"

But he shook his head. "I can't. The King has given me specific orders."

"So why do I need my sword?" she asked fiercely, swinging it to the side.

Murtagh looked down, speechless.

"Well?" Aletheia demanded loudly.

"He wants to give them your sword so they think you are dead," Murtagh said mumbled.

"I can't believe you!" Aletheia screamed. "I should've known not to believe you this afternoon! Galbatorix probably put you up to that little stunt! Didn't he? How weak and blind do we think we can make the Varden wench?"

But Murtagh was shaking is head. "No, Theia, please."

"Don't call me Theia," she spat angrily, shoving him. "Only my friends and family can call me that. If you want to take me to your King, you'll have to fight me. Otherwise, I'll find my own way out of the castle." At this she raised her sword and took a battle stance across from him, not bothering to block her blade.

Murtagh blinked, a shadow of hurt crossing his eyes. His eyes searched around frantically. He clenched his teeth as if he was having an internal battle. He nodded to himself, muttering "yes, yes", before he grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the door.

"What are you doing?" she yelled. "Are you going mad?"

Murtagh stopped, spinning around to face her. "I'm helping you escape."

Aletheia narrowed her eyes at him. "How do I know you're not lying to me?"

He rolled his eyes impatiently and repeated himself in the Ancient Language.

Satisfied, Aletheia ran out of the room, leaving Murtagh to catch up to her. As she ran down a hallway Murtagh grabbed her arm and shook his head. "Galbatorix is looking for you," he said. "I'll take you through a hidden way. Thorn and I will fly you to them."

Aletheia nodded curtly, following him down a hallway. She briefly wondered how he was managing to defy the King's orders, but that didn't seem very important to her right now. Several moments later, Murtagh stopped beside a tapestry. It seemed out of place in the sterile castle. Aletheia soon found out why: Murtagh pulled it back to reveal a secret passageway. He pushed her in the passageway and pulled the tapestry back in place. It was pitch black in the hallway, but that was soon rectified as torches lit instantaneously. Aletheia took off in a run down the hall with Murtagh in tow. She saw light at the end of the hallway and she sped up her run.

As she crossed the threshold, she found herself in a dragonhold. She glanced around and saw an enormous crimson dragon standing next to a window with a saddle attached to his back. Aletheia glared at the dragon, remembering him to be the one who injured Tearlach so severely. But she shook her head. There's no time for that.

Murtagh ran towards Thorn, forgetting Aletheia behind him. As he climbed onto Thorn's back, Thorn snorted and a cold voice reached his ears.

"My, my, my."

Murtagh turned to face Galbatorix standing next to Aletheia gripping her right arm tightly. Cadhla had her emerald blade pressed against Aletheia's neck cutting off her breathing.

Aletheia coughed, trying to fight against Cadhla's grip. Galbatorix turned towards her and grabbed her chin. "You are not going anywhere, my dear."

So, Murtagh's really not THAT bad. :) This change may have seemed abrupt, but I didn't want to keep Aletheia imprisoned for much longer (which would've been required if I was to develop the civility towards each other further).

Next chapter: Aletheia's escape.

Thank you so much for the reviews! I'd like to see more people reviewing, though - I know more people are reading this! lol.

So PLEASE review!

Review Replies:

MiyU Sato-Hi: I'm extremely sorry for misspelling your name. And don't worry about Cadhla – I have something special planned out for her : )

Super-hero fan: Thanks. Yeah, Cadhla is a better with a sword than Theia. But that will be rectified for the Last Battle.

Ariel32: Thanks so much! But I haven't fully decided about who she'll fall in love with. I have fans for both pairings, so either way I'm going to disappoint someone, lol. Although, I like hinting at both pairings.

Emerald Tiara: uhh, I don't know if dragons ever go mad – were you referring to Tearlach's sudden flight? Because that was out of fear and concern for his Rider.

Untamedspiral: Does the Murtagh/Cadhla sparring scene answer your question: )