A/n: Yes, I know I haven't updated in three months. Please don't kill me. If you do, I understand, but the fic will never be finish and I'm not even close to being done. So, yeah, thanks for your patience and thanks to Song of the Storm who pointed out that I haven't updated and I should continue. Well, a lot of people pointed that out, but after that last review, I decided what the hell. Why not? So, let's continue with the story.

Twenty Four

Funding

Nasuada ran her eyes across the Council's many faces. They were all so old and wrinkly, and every one of them returned her gaze with nervous eyes. She stood before the Council, fully clad in her light, lady's armor, even though Eragon had assured her the threat was over.

For now, she reminded herself. Only hours ago, Murtagh had sent her a message that there still remained Unseelie in the wheat fields. The city was not infested, thank the gods! But only because Eragon and Murtagh had successfully put up barriers around the entire cropland would have to be burned.

King Orrin, though, seemed less inclined to agree.

Nasuada glared at him.

"We have to burn it," she said, attempting to keep a firm grip on her patience. "It's the only way to get rid of them."

Orrin was furious. "Those crops are a big part of Surda's economy. If you burn them, not only will I be unable to feed my troops, but it'll screw up out entire trading system!"

Nasuada placed her hands neatly on either hip. "We don't have a choice," she said firmly. "You can't harvest anyways, not with those monsters there. You heard what happened to Thorn, think what they'll do to a farmer! It has to be burned."

"But-"

"You're being irrational," Nasuada said. "Don't risk innocent lives for money, Orrin. "

Several of the elders and politicians gasped at Nasuada's informality. Finally someone said, "What are these things? Where could they have from?"

"Vroengard."

It was Murtagh who spoke. He stood at the door, covered in black crust and grime that smelled of rot and death. His chain mail was torn, the silver links shredded like paper. He seemed tired. It was the first time she had seen him since the attack. The room was filled with gossiping whispers.

"Vroengard?" Nasuada said. "What makes you say that?"

Murtagh stepped into the room, shooting the council a wary a glare. "I've talked with Arya's friends. They say that the monsters from Vroengard are too similar. The fins, the eyes, the horns, and the smell. Those are all the distinguishing traits of those strange monsters from Vroengard. It's the only explanation we could come up with."

Nasuada frowned. "Why would they come all the way from Vroengrad?"

"Because of Galbatorix, of course!"

"What makes you think it was Galbatorix?" piped one of the elders. The Council stared at Murtagh with great suspicion.

"Well it only makes sense," Murtagh said smoothly. "He had control of Urgals didn't he?"

The elder turned to Nasuada. "My lady, he's a spy!"

Nasuada laughed. It was a hollow sound. "You jump to quickly to conclusions, man. I've had Murtagh's mind checked. He's no spy." The man opened his mouth to protest. "If you disagree, take it up with Arya. Unless of course, you don't trust her either."

That shut him up. She looked at Murtagh. He wore a puzzled expression.

"Is there a reason why you've intruded on our meeting?"

Murtagh blinked at her. "Well, as a Rider I think I am entitled to give advice."

Nasuada smiled. "So you think," she said. It was better if she kept him separated from the Council. "If you have nothing to discuss with me, then I think you should leave."

He was a little surprised, perhaps even affronted, but Nasuada reminded herself that it was better to keep a distance between Murtagh and the Council.

Then Murtagh shrugged. "I was going to offer to pay for Orrin's crops. Morzan left me a great sum of money. I thought I could put it to good use." He glared at the Council. "But since I've been accused of spying, I might have changed my mind."

He turned to leave and as he reached the door, Orrin blurted, "You'd do that?"

Murtagh gave him a flat look. "Not if I'm going to accuse me of treachery. I won't waste my time on fools."

He stalked off. Nasuada let him go. She knew he would fund Orrin. Orrin had done no wrong. It was the Council he was irritated with. He would speak with both of them later.

Nasuada scolded the Council. "You shouldn't accuse your allies of treachery," she said. "Now, Orrin, will you burn the fields now, or what?"

Orrin looked at her. "I think, first, I will speak with Murtagh privately."

A/n: I didn't feel like writing a whole lot today. I know this chapter was nothing special, but this was an idea that I needed to get out in the open and off my chest. So, sorry about the delay. Thanks reviewers!