Jeez, it's hard for me to write these things.
Oh, and do any of you know what the cities Melian and Furnost looks like? I need the information, if there is any. Thanks.
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Murtagh tensed on the back of Thorn. It was a cold night. The Jiet River ran beneath them like a silver serpent. They were close to the keeper now, for the feeling of powerful dark magic was very noticeable to those who could sense it.
Calm down, Murtagh. You wouldn't be able to defeat him if you are nervous.
I am not nervous; I am merely excited.
Thorn suddenly slowed down. I see a small campfire in the distance, slightly covered by those trees.
Just beside the river? Asked Murtagh.
Yes.
I can see it. It is him; the I can sense the Vault perfectly here without the usual concentration. I will go down now, by myself. You are too large and it is impossible for you to avoid being seen.
Thorn snorted and landed on the damp earth. Why cannot I swoop over this keeper without warning and burn him into a flaming torch until you bind him with your magic?
It is too risky. He might notice you before you attacked.
Thorn chuckled. Always trying to protect me, aren't you?
Yes. Murtagh jumped off the dragon, and unsheathing his blade, he quietly ran to the fire, where he knew the keeper was.
The forest was not dense, and Murtagh could navigate through it fairly easily. Now he could see a cloaked figure slumped before the fire, his back turned to the red rider.
Perfect. He would not use a spell, for Galbatorix had told him that the powerful force of the Vault could sometimes defend the keeper from magical attacks. He would instead use Zar'roc to slice open the man's back, sever the spine, and then capture the man with his magic when the keeper was weakened.
As he swiftly brought his sword down on the man, the person suddenly stiffened and whirled around to face him. Murtagh's eyes widened in shock, but he couldn't stop the sword in time.
A long, deep gash opened up in Eragon's chest, and the wound spat blood. He fell forward weakly into Murtagh's arms.
Murtagh swore. Why do these things always keep happening to us? He put a hand on the wound and started healing it with his magic.
Eragon groaned and opened his eyes. "Murtagh?" Eragon's crimson eyes were blurry with pain. "Why are you here?"
"Answer my questions first." Replied Murtagh, as he ran a hand over the still bleeding wound. "What the hell happened to you? You seem to have new surprises every time we meet. Tell me what happened."
Eragon croaked out a small laugh. "I'd rather not, Murtagh. Firstly, I don't want to talk about it. Second, I'm sure that your king will find out."
Then Murtagh saw his hand. "What happened to your gedwëy ignasia? It seems to have been destroyed by dark magic."
Eragon sighed. "I'll tell you what happened. I think I'll fade away if I don't empty my sorrow somehow. But you must promise me that you will never talk to anyone of this or reveal this memory to anyone else."
Murtagh frowned. "But Galbatorix—"
"I will hide the memory with my magic. Combined with your power, I believe that we can conceal it."
Murtagh relaxed. "Tell me then, Eragon."
So Eragon told him about the rescue, the Vault, the madness, the severing of the connection, and of the departure. Eragon talked faster with each word, seemingly grateful that he could finally talk to some one with such matters, though Murtagh could see he was pained by bringing up things that should best be buried.
Murtagh was silent throughout the story. After Eragon had finished, the red rider sighed and leaned against a tree. "They forced you to sever the connection?" he asked with a questioning glance.
Eragon stood up and looked at the campfire. "Yes…and no. I would of severed it myself if they hadn't. It would be too dangerous for Saphira to remain linked to me… and I am willing to sacrifice her company with me in order to keep her safe. But they did it without my agreement, before I could even talk to my dragon one more time." He clenched his fists. "I hate them for that."
Murtagh stood up as well. "I know what you seek; not pity, but a companion. And I will provide that tonight. Now that you're strong enough, would you like to spar?" Murtagh drew his sword and twirled it beside him.
Eragon's lips curled into a small smile as he remembered their first sparring match, and he drew his blade as well. "With sharpened swords? We could kill each other."
Murtagh chuckled and said, "Geuloth du knifr!" The two swords shone with sudden red light, and when it faded, an invisible barrier was placed around the blades.
With a cry, Murtagh leapt at Eragon. Eragon ducked under the crimson blade and twisted his sword around, aiming for Murtagh's neck. The red rider laughed and parried the swift thrust.
The two brothers twirled and danced as they dueled, the swords weaving a blur of light. Eragon was the faster swordsman, while Murtagh was stronger; and they were evenly matched, each drawing on the power of the Vault. On they dueled, none gaining advantage over the other, and they kept fighting until dawn the next day.
Finally, Eragon cried, "Halt!" The two brothers jumped away from each other, grinning. "That was the best fight I've had in a long time," Murtagh said with a smile. "Though Thorn obviously doesn't think so." The red dragon was asleep beside them.
"Murtagh?" called Eragon as Murtagh woke up his dragon and climbed atop it. "I have already concealed your memories with a spell. Be sure to do the same."
Murtagh suddenly stopped in his movements. "You do know that I lied to you about Katrina being in Helgrind, right?"
"I've worked that out. I don't blame you."
"I know you don't, Eragon. What I'm trying to say is…Katrina is in Uru'baen."
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Finally, a happy chapter for Eragon. Reviews, please!