"Anna...you in here?" I asked after knocking on her door. It was late evening now and time was already running. I tried to remain natural as I waited for her to answer. 'Breathe in, breathe out, don't think, just smile.'
"Miss Kailee, did you sleep well?" asked Anna smiling after she opened the door and saw me.
"Yes, I feel so much more rested now," I beamed and took her hand, "but I would love it if you could have tea with me, please. It has been a while since we have had tea together and who knows when I'll get the chance again."
"Of course, my dear, I'll make us some tea right now."
"No! It's okay, I already did," I laughed, "I couldn't help myself and you work a lot too, so I thought you should also take a break." I pulled her away from her room and bounced happily over to mine. "Here, sit down, like we used to," I said leading her over to my bed and then going to close the door.
"Kailee, what has put you in such a good mood?" she laughed, yet her eyes remained cautious.
"Nothing!" I smiled and picked up a small tray from my desk and set it on the bed next to Anna, and quickly picked up her cup and prepared her tea just the way she liked it. "Here you go!"
"Thank you, dear. And don't lie to me, tell me what happened."
"Well...," my mind scrambled around thinking of what to tell her as I poured myself a cup of tea. I blushed a little and sat next to her, leaving the tray between us.
"Well..?"
I smiled shyly and looked down at my cup of tea. "Well, I have many things to tell you. But there's one that..I just don't know..."
"Go on.." she said and sipped her tea.
"Well...it is about Murtagh, the young man who was here this morning and the day before. And well, he is rather...interesting..."
"Ohhhh, I see," Anna smiled, "I know who you are talking about. I can see why you like him."
"You can? Why?" I asked, quickly turning to look at her and then just as quickly looked away, "I mean...I don't like him. I just think he is interesting,"
"How so?"
"How? I..uh..well, he...he's sort of...mysterious. I suppose. I mean, I can't help but wonder what goes on in his mind. And the other day, we sparred in the training field. You should have seen him! I haven't seen anyone that good in a long time!" I gushed over him, hoping I wasn't overdoing it.
Anna laughed at my unusual behavior. "And here I thought Phillip had a chance," she said.
"Phillip? Oh come on, Anna, you know he is nothing more than a brother to me. The best one I could ever have. And I told you I don't like Murtagh. At least not in such romantic ways you so unrightfully assume."
"Ah dear, so you say right now. Just you wait and see," she yawned and I could see her eyes begin to droop.
"See what? There will be nothing to see," I huffed and sipped my tea.
Anna only chuckled and yawned again. "You and Murtagh have so much in common. And by the sound of it, it looks like you will be seeing him more often."
We do? I could only wonder what we had in common. "Maybe. But I won't be so childish as to fall in love. I have much more important things to do."
"My dear, love is beautiful. Don't scorn it. I can already see the blush settling in your pretty cheeks," she yawned, "King Galbatorix might even approve your relationship."
"Oh Anna," I laughed. "I doubt it. But in any case, it doesn't matter. Love is childish, a weakness, one I can not bear to have," I said quietly.
She looked back at me sadly, "Kailee, you love too much."
I remained quiet and stared into the remaining dregs of my tea. Did I? No. Of course not.I felt the bed move and I looked back at Anna who had finally fallen asleep. Her cup rolled from the bed and fell to the floor, shattering into many pieces.
I closed my eyes and sighed. Maybe I did love too much, and it made things so much harder. But it had kept me alive all these years. So what was it then? A weakness or a strength?
Doesn't matter right now. I stood up and rearranged Anna in a more comfortable sleeping position and covered her with my blankets, all the while willing myself not to think.
It should be starting soon.I hurried to get ready, taking out my pack from where I had hidden it and checking once more if I had everything that I could need before hanging it on my shoulder. Then I took a long black cloak from my closet and put it on, briefly looking at myself in the mirror. This should do.
Maybe I shouldn't have drank tea. My stomach and nerves seemed to agree as I paced the room anxiously. I kept glancing at Anna as I did. She looked so peaceful.I am so sorry Anna. It felt like I was letting her down. All the secrets I have had to keep from her all these years, and now this? After all she has done for me? After being the mother I never had? But I had to. For Liam, for Darin, for the Varden. To end Galbatorix.
A knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts and I glanced at Anna once more before going to open it.
"What is it, Phillip?" I asked as I opened the door and saw him there, apparently having come running as he leaned over trying to catch his breath.
"Quick, Kailee! ...we...we need your help. The city...is under attack!"
"Attack? What do you mean?"
"Fire...someone has set fire to the eastern part of the palace, as well as...as well as...you have to come, the captain...he thinks it is an attack from the Varden. Please hurry!" he panted and then mouthed, 'One hour.'
"Tell the captain I'll be there soon." Phillip nodded and hurried off again.
I went back inside and grabbed my bow and quiver then rushed out, only stopping to look back at Anna, once again apologizing to her. "I am so sorry Anna, I...I love you," I whispered and went out, locking the door behind me and leaving to do what I had to do.
Panic rumbled clearly in the halls as news of the attack spread quickly around the palace. Phillip had mentioned the fire was from the east, I was heading into the hallways that led down below on the northern side. I passed through the crowd, changing course as need be to take the less passed through hallways and to lose anyone if there was someone possibly following me.
When I had gotten to the stairs that led down below the palace, I continued walking. Walking even if I wanted to run. Hurrying through the halls that not so long ago I had walked with the king, unknowing of what it would bring me to.
It was quieter down here. My pulse throbbed loudly against my head. And my heart, if I still had one, poisoned my mind with panic. It's okay. It is just another mission. Simple. Breathe. Don't feel.
Oh, but it seemed like an eternity. Like a horrible nightmare as time ran against me. My mind just didn't want to stay still. My eyes darted around, making sure no one was following. But I thought I heard footsteps nearby. Or where they my own? I stopped to look around, but if there was someone, it might as well have been my own shadow.
After another eternity of walking, I finally stopped before the golden doors. Golden as the future Galbatorix had beautifully painted for us in our minds. I placed my hands over the door and pushed it open, surprised at how light they were and how effortlessly they opened.
I hurried inside after checking no one was there and the doors shut soundlessly behind me. This seems too easy. It should have been locked. Or there should have been guards around here. Or something.
But there was nothing. That is, nothing other than the dragon eggs who were seemingly untouched by time or by any other earthly element other than that of pure beauty.
I held my breath, taking small steps towards the eggs even though I should be running away as fast as I can. But I couldn't. It felt as if time had stopped. And then, out of nowhere, a soft touch filled my mind. A gentle lullaby. So beautiful and exquisite, as if the land itself were singing. I closed my eyes, feeling drawn to it as it filled my entire being, My hand reached out towards its delicate fingers. I gasped as our fingers touched and I opened my eyes. It was so white. So white and pure.
I picked up the dragon egg and brought it close to me, surprised by how light it was. Bluish silk-like veins ran over the smooth white surface like shimmering rivers. A shiver ran down my spine as I stared, unable to look away or think or breathe, or anything at all.
But a sharp pain suddenly sprang from my chest and one hand immediately moved towards the affected area while the other hand held the dragon egg close to my side. My legs buckled and I fell to my knees, falling prey to a harsh coughing fit that made it hard to breathe.
I had to get out of here. But it felt like fire was clawing at my very lungs. No no no, I need to get out! I struggled to stand back up and stumbled to the door, taking shallow breaths as I barely managed to see. I pushed open the doors that now didn't seem so golden as it had before.
Once out of the room, the pain seemed to lessen and I could think a bit more clearly. But my knees still shook and my lungs burned. There's no time, I have to hurry.
I turned the hall and was pulled to an abrupt stop as a sword appeared only a few inches away from my throat. I stared at it with shock for a few seconds before looking up to see who wielded it.
"You don't look so good." The calmly spoken words speared my stunned silence.
"Murtagh, I -"
"You what? What are you doing, Kailee? Can you really explain that?" he asked and nodded his head towards the dragon egg I still held by my side.
Out of all people, I hadn't expected to see Murtagh. I guess I should have. I held the egg closer to me as my mouth tried to spit out an answer.
"I have heard so many things about you, Kailee. Despicable things. But I thought, if all the things you've done are for the kingdom's sake, then maybe, you weren't so bad. I see now you are so much worse," he spoke. His eyes were so cold, void of any emotion.
"What can I say? Things aren't always what they seem," I said and smiled even though my lungs still burned painfully and I felt myself getting tired with every passing second. I coughed, feeling a familiar metallic wetness in my mouth. This wasn't good. Time was running out, and now, apparently my life was too.
"So what are you then?" Murtagh asked, glaring at me with disgust.
"Does it matter?"
"I suppose not. Still, humor me," he answered, his sword still so close to my throat. I stared back at him as he waited for an answer.
"Kailee. The king's pet. The next Black Hand? The Forbidden Rose? A pathetic traitor? What are you?"
"Nothing you know of, Murtagh," I answered, my eyes darting between him and the way out.
"Then enlighten me," he snickered. "Or would you rather wait until King Galbatorix is here to listen himself?"
Another coughing fit passed through me and my legs trembled. I tried to stand still and kept my head held high, not wanting Murtagh to see how weak I was becoming. "Pardon me, but I have somewhere to be. I won't stay here and watch King Galbatorix's 'golden future' unroll before us. He is a cold tyrant and nothing more. He cares naught for the people of his kingdom but only for the crown he wears and the power he yields. If you can't see it, then I know not where you have been or how blinded you are by his power and honeyed whispers."
Murtagh scowled and his expression darkened. "Blinded? King Galbatorix many not be perfect, but his dreams and plans are sound. It is the best for this kingdom. I suggest you hand over the egg or your traiterous head will soon be rolling on the ground."
"Ouch," I whistled. "And here I thought we were getting along. For I was starting to enjoy your company, Murtagh."
"Lies. I can't help but believe everything your mouth spills are filthy lies. Stop wasting time, you know you won't succeed getting out of here alive with that egg."
"I suppose I have no choice then but to fight you, right?" I sighed.
"You can't," he laughed bitterly. "You can barely even stand. And don't forget we have fought before. I already know your style, your strength, your weakness. You have no chance against me."
"Oh, but do you really know me?" I smiled and shook my head sadly. "I am but a traitor and a liar, am I not?" Before Murtagh could answer, I took a step back and tossed the dragon egg to him, instantly missing its presence and regretting letting it go. Murtagh's eyes widened and he lunged forward and caught the egg with both hands, letting his sword fall to the ground. He soon realized his foolish mistake, looking up from the egg in his hands to see me draw my sword. His eyes searched for his sword, locking eyes with it just as I kicked it away.
Despite my draining strength, I attacked Murtagh fiercely, this time not holding back as everything I've worked for laid precariously on the line. Murtagh gritted his teeth as he dodged each attack, striving to get closer to his own sword as he used the dragon egg as his shield.
"Is there anything you haven't lied about?" He asked as I searched for a way to get to him without hurting the precious egg.
"Perhaps, but you wouldn't believe me if I told you, right?"
"Right. Though do tell me this: why do you want the egg?"
"It doesn't belong here," I answered simply. Every attack pushed Murtagh closer to the wall, yet every breath I took pained my chest and he seemed to know.
"Then in your opinion, where does it belong?" He asked raising an eyebrow almost mockingly.
"The Varden."
Disbelief passed by his face, momentarily slowing him down and giving me the chance to increase my attacks, sending him stumbling backwards against the wall.
"The Varden?" He scowled darkly still clutching the egg closely.
"Yes," I nodded, my breathing heavy, almost whizzing. I held my sword to his chest as steady as I could as another coughing fit caught up to me. "It would be nice if the Dragon Riders lived once more, but not under Galbatorix's rule. So, if you would please, hand over the egg."
Murtagh glared at me, refusing to hand over the dragon egg. I shook my head impatiently and moved my sword towards his neck, pressing the tip against his skin. "Now. I won't ask again."
He kept glaring but held the egg out with his hand. I took it, making sure Murtagh didn't make any other movement. "You won't get far," he muttered angrily, "just look at you. Your health's deteriorating by the second."
"Hmm, we'll see," I answered, relieved to have the egg again. But now what would I do about Murtagh? He was an enemy, like it or not, it would be best to kill him. But I couldn't.
I looked at him and he only kept glaring at me with a deep scowl. His eyes so cold.
"What?" He asked. "Go ahead and kill me if that's what you're debating. If you don't, I'll make sure to kill you."
My mouth twitched, unsure if whether to frown or smile. "Should I keep your sword then?"
Murtagh's face turned blank and I took it as a sign. I stepped closer to him, keeping the sword pressed against his skin. But. I sighed and removed the sword, momentarily changing my mind, but as I did, he lunged at me, pinning me down to the ground. We struggled as he tried to take my sword.
Honestly, Kailee, what were you thinking? I gritted my teeth and kicked Murtagh on the stomach. He groaned and rolled over to his back, and before he could recover I hit Murtagh's head with the hilt.of my sword, knocking him out.
I stayed kneeled by his side, catching my breath. Why didn't I kill him? I couldn't bring myself to answer.
After a short minute, I looked at the dragon egg I held, it's beauty as always captivating. Now, to get it out would be the challenge. I wondered if Galbatorix already knew. In any case, there was no going back now.
~~~
I ran as fast as I could to get out of there, the egg now safely inside my bag. It's weight so light before, now seemed a hundred times worse as I ran for my life and possibly, Alagaesia's future.
How long had it been since I had seen Phillip? Not so long, right? I couldn't tell, having lost account of time with Murtagh.
Come on, Kailee. Hurry.
I tried, but my lungs ached. And the more I ran, the more the walls felt as if they were closing in on me and the less air there seemed to be. Almost, just keep going.
A buzz suddenly went past me and I saw an arrow hit the wall mere inches from where I had been. I took a quick look backwards but didn't see anyone. Only more arrows. And they weren't stopping. They dangerously sped towards me, always landing a breadth away. I kept running, going faster once I saw the stairs that led back up to the palace.
But I stopped abruptly as out of nowhere a sword sprouted from the wall, nearly poking my eye out. I watched as before me the swords kept appearing. They were all in different angles, making it difficult to pass through without their sharps edge grazing skin. And the arrows still kept coming.
I gulped and without wasting more time, wound my way around the swords and clutched the bag that held the egg close to me, wincing as the swords eagerly cut through fabric and skin. They kept sprouting from either side of the hall, from the ceiling and even from the ground, making what would have been a short distance seem like an unending maze.
And the arrows. Some buzzed past me, others impacted against the swords, the loud clanging signaling their change in direction. I bit my lip, holding back a cry as one found its way through my shoulder. I clenched my teeth tightly and broke off the ends of the arrow and moved away as fast as the swords allowed me before another arrow could claim me. A few other arrows, however, managed to graze my skin.
Relief swept through me when I finally overstepped the last sword, but it was short lived as the arrows continued their pursuit. I bounded up the stairs not stopping to see if the arrows still followed when I reached the top, and ran out to the hallways.
Startled eyes followed me as I ran through the more populated areas. But I couldn't stop running, for if I did, I felt as if I may not be able to move again, as my burning lungs reminded me, begging me to give them a break. Thankfully, confusion still reigned over the palace and disinterest soon replaced the startled looks as they themselves looked for safety. As I passed through the halls on my way to the stables, I didn't notice any soldiers and desperately hoped that they were still taking care of the situation. And that Galbatorix had still not found out about the missing egg.
That thought alone pushed me to go faster as I raced to meet Phillip and my close friends.