Yeah, I had to split this chapter into two parts—the last chapter and this chapter. I own virtually nothing except this wonderful little laptop.

And I have been ignoring Ophelia for awhile, haven't I… this chapter makes up for it, I think. Or the beginning of it, anyway.

I'm listening to Brothers Under the Sun by Bryan Adams (Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron soundtrack—amazing movie with awesome music) right now and… just… what Eragon could have turned into if he wasn't such a prick sometimes… listen ASAP, because it's amazing. (aw, come on, it changed to Last Time by Paper Route… please… no… have mercy…)

Tania noticed Murtagh scanning the valley walls, and knew he was searching for a way out. Refreshing to know why, she commented to Ophelia.

Oh, now you talk to me, Ophelia said nastily

What are you so grouchy about?

Oh, nothing, I'll just sit on this mountain while you ignore me for days.

Tania was quiet for a moment, walking over to Cadoc. Ophelia, I know you don't like having to hide yourself, but you could be a strategical advantage—besides, I'm not really sure I want to get caught up in this war.

Really? Then after leaving Eragon and Saphira—the only other Dragon and Rider in existence—in the hands of the Varden, where would we go?

We could always accompany Murtagh to Surda.

You and I both know that that won't happen. I've shown you the valley from above, yes?

You have, Tania admitted.

There's no reaching Surda from here. Whether you like it or not, we're all in the hands of the Varden now—if we even reach there alive.

I know, I know… but…

Tania, your grandmother was one of the Dragon Riders before the Fall. Probably knew Brom, might even have been related to him somehow. I was named for her dragon, which probably means that even if you never met her, you still care. What do you think she would say? What do you think Brom or your mother would say? What would they expect from us? Like you said, I'm a strategical advantage—no one knows about me. Tania, think. The innocents in this country, they're in danger. You remember Yazuac, don't you? If we don't help, the whole country could turn into that.

Tania mentally cringed. Hard to forget that particular slaughter.

And?

The young Rider sighed. My grandmother would say that you are a gift that should be given to the people—whether they know it or not. My mother would tell me to stand for those who cannot protect themselves, and Brom… I have no idea what he would say, but probably something along those lines.

Exactly. I was given to you for a reason; the spirits led you to where my egg was buried for a purpose.

And saving the world sounds like a reasonable cause?

It's more than reasonable. It's a cause everyone should fight for, Ophelia said forcefully.

Tania smiled sadly as she put her foot in the stirrup and hefted herself into Cadoc's saddle. If only they did.

After they set off again, Ophelia contacted Tania once to inform her that she, Saphira and Eragon were dropping rocks on the Urgals. Tania had to hide her burst of laughter in a fake bout of coughing. Apparently sleep deprivation made grim situations hilarious… or maybe it was just her way of seeing things.

As the sun began to set, she could see Murtagh growing more and more tense beside her. Ophelia, are you sure there aren't any other valleys or a gorge or a ravine Murtagh can leave through?

Tania sensed Ophelia swoop higher, searching. Positive. There is nothing; even the cliffs are too sheer for a human to climb. The Rider bit her lip, casting her companion a sideways glance. I don't want him to get hurt because we were dumb enough to lead him into this trap, she told Ophelia.

Tania, I know, but we may not have a choice. If they lock him up, we'll just have to make sure they don't torture him for information he probably couldn't give anyway. And if they tried, I cannot guarantee anyone's safety from either you or me.

Quite, Tania growled in agreement. Rebel force or no. You, him, Eragon and Saphira are the ones I care for most. There is no way, in this world or another, that I am letting any of you get hurt.

She felt Ophelia chuckle. I know, little one. Just as you protect us, I will always protect you, too. All of you.

At some point after sunset, Murtagh dismounted and started driving the horses before him. Tania did the same, helping steady the elf in Snowfire's saddle. Overhead, they saw Saphira swooping down to land on the left of the Beartooth River ahead of them. As they exited the trees, nearing the blue dragoness—both of them, as Tania noticed a faint shimmer in the air where Ophelia circled above them—Eragon jumped off Saphira, stumbling a bit as he struggled to match their pace. Murtagh said, "I saw you dropping rocks with Saphira—ambitious. Have the Kull stopped or turned back?"

"They're still behind us, but we're almost to the head of the valley. How's Arya?"

"She hasn't died," Murtagh said harshly. His breath came in short bursts, and Tania wondered if it was just exhaustion. His next words were deceptively calm, like those of a man concealing a terrible passion. "Is there a valley or gorge ahead that I can leave through?"

Even in the dark, Tania could see Eragon's expression become apprehensive. "It's dark," he began evasively, dodging a low branch, "so I might have missed something, but… no."

Murtagh swore explosively, startling Tania into an abrupt halt as he stopped and dragged on the horses' reins until they came to a cessation as well. "Are you saying that the only place I can go is the Varden?"

"Yes, but keep running. The Urgals are almost upon us!"

"No!" said Murtagh angrily—and desperately, Tania thought. He stabbed a finger at Eragon. "I warned you I wouldn't go to the Varden, but you went ahead and trapped me between a hammer and an anvil! You're the one with the elf's memories. Why didn't you tell me it was a dead end?"

Eragon visibly bristled at the barrage and retorted, "All I knew was where we had to go, not what lay in between. Don't blame me for choosing to come."

Murtagh's breath hissed between his teeth as he furiously spun away. All Tania could see was a silhouette, a darker shadow against the dim forest. She had a sudden, desperate impulse to embrace him, to give him an anchor. Eragon put his hands on his hips impatiently. "What's your quarrel with the Varden? It can't be so terrible that you must keep it hidden even now. Would you rather fight the Kull than reveal it? How many times will we go through this before you trust me?"

There was a long silence. Saphira shifted worriedly, ice-blue eyes flicking between the trees behind them and the argument in front of her, though whatever she said was private between herself and her Rider. Tania slumped tiredly beside Cadoc, letting the dispute settle itself.

"Murtagh," said Eragon earnestly, "unless you wish to die, we must go to the Varden. Don't let me walk into their arms without knowing how they will react to you. It's going to be dangerous enough without unnecessary surprises."

Finally Murtagh turned. His breathing was hard and fast, like that of a cornered wolf. He shot Tania one brief, desperate look, but she shook her head. You need to do this, she tried to say with her eyes. He paused, then said with a tortured voice, "You have a right to know. I… I am the son of Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn."

I'm sad. Because I'm nearing the end of the book.

How… how will I react to the end of Inheritance… oh dear. :( I'm going to have depressed dreams tonight, I know it.

But I might not… BECAUSE I GOT INTO SCHOOL! WHOO! You probably think I'm crazy, being excited for school, but… I just am XD

Also, you get a lucky little double-post! How fun! So please, thank me in some reviews, people!

FF