Special thanks to: PhoenixRage92, EvilBunny101, , schnauzerlover, Canadian-Girl14. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter and hope this one is soon enough!
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Chapter 25 – Sweat, blood and pain
The fatigue of two nights with little sleep washed over him, but his mind was too caught up in the recent events to let sleep be considered for even a moment. He let his mind wander.
Instead of drowning in self-pity and regret, Murtagh started making plans. He would have to train Kaila, and there wouldn't be much time to do it. Methodically he put aside everything that was irrelevant and soon he had a mental list of what had to be done.
As the morning light began to pour through, Murtagh looked out the window of the room. Another sleepless night… Thorn had begged him to try to get some sleep and heavens knew he had tried, but to no avail. If he wasn't a Dragon Rider he would have collapsed by now.
'You will need to rest soon enough, though', Thorn reminded him gently. 'You are strong, but we don't know what Galbatorix has in mind for us, so it is best if we are prepared.'
'I know. You are right, as usual, but you have always been better at shutting out your emotions.' Murtagh's voice had come out more harshly than he intended, but Thorn did not seem to take offense. The Rider knew his loyal friend was worried about him, and his way of showing concern was by scolding him.
The sun had yet to show its face, but Murtagh knew the servants would already be up and seeing to their tasks. He got up, determined to speak to Jonathan before Kaila brought him breakfast. If he was to train her, he would need her to be free of her other duties.
'What will you say to Jonathan?'
'I'll come up with something', Murtagh replied, belting his dark pants. 'My position in this castle allows me to do pretty much anything I want without giving explanations to no one – well, not counting with our beloved King.' The last two words were said with undisguised mockery. 'But Jonathan is friends with Morcant, and he is watching out for Kaila, so I think it is wiser to warn him.'
The Rider finished dressing and strapped Zar'roc to his side. Ever since he had taken it back from Eragon, he carried the sword with him at all times, even inside the castle.
As he strolled through the echoing hallways, servants bowed awkwardly and shambled out of his way. He could feel their frightened stares burning on his back, but that didn't bother him. Nor did he feel bad because it didn't bother him.
Even though he had never given them a reason to fear him, Murtagh knew the castle staff would always keep their distance. And that was how it was supposed to be. Kaila, however, had seen past the Rider image; she had seen Murtagh for whom he really was. Grinding his teeth in frustration, the young man shook his head; he was on a mission and he would focus only on that.
'One thing at a time…' Thorn encouraged.
'One thing at a time…' Murtagh repeated uncertainly. Perhaps that was the key to restore some order into his weary mind: overcoming each situation as it appeared and only then moving on. Feeling somewhat relieved, Murtagh pushed open the door that led to the kitchen.
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As Kaila stared at the bedroom ceiling, she was almost paralyzed with inaction. By now she should be with the other servants, cleaning the halls or making beds, and then rushing to prepare Murtagh's breakfast.
Yet, here she was, lying in bed, still trying to grasp the implications of last night's conversation. An exasperated grunt broke through her lips while her fists slammed down on the bed. She felt as if her thoughts were tied into a knot and not even her best efforts could untie it.
By sheer will she forced herself out of bed. She wrapped her arms around her torso, for the room was cold. Morcant had provided that small room for her, but a fireplace was a luxury reserved only for the nobles.
Her two dresses were neatly folded inside a small wooden chest, resting beside the clothes Murtagh had given her. Kaila stroked the dark outfit fondly, speculating if she would be wearing it frequently in a near future.
A gust of wind rattled the window and Kaila picked up the cleaner dress, the dark green one. She would have to wash her scarce wardrobe later on that day. Sighing, she dressed, her cold fingers fumbling with the buttons.
Jonathan was going to scold her anyway, so Kaila spent another minute making the bed, all the while searching for a good excuse to give him.
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Jonathan was a short and thin man, with a sharp nose and hollow eyes. Nothing about him inspired fear, but Murtagh was starting to feel uncomfortable under his steady gaze. He had exposed his request and the other man had been deliberating for the past minute. "So…" Murtagh urged.
"Not now!" Jonathan bellowed, looking over Murtagh's shoulder. He craned his head to see a young girl hastily retreating and then turned to face Jonathan again. The older man cleared his throat before speaking: "Kaila's duties already include serving you and keeping your quarters in order. What else do you need her for?"
Jonathan's bold question took Murtagh by surprise. He understood what was implied in the man's words and felt a warm flush colouring his cheeks.
"Look here, Rider", Jonathan pressed on, "you are young and I am sure you have your needs, just like any other man, but Kaila is a decent sort of girl."
Murtagh could only stare dumbfounded at him, but Thorn was roaring with laughter on his mind.
"Not to mention", Jonathan continued, oblivious to Murtagh's embarrassment, "that Morcant asked me to take care of her, and that is what I intend to do. With all due respect, Sir, there are plenty of girls out there willing enough to-"
"That will be enough!" Murtagh hissed, raising his hand in an imperious gesture. Jonathan eyed the 'Gedwey Ignasia' uneasily, apparently wondering if he had crossed the line. Murtagh followed his stare and slowly lowered his hand; he had not intended to scare the old man.
'If you weren't so hot-blooded…' Thorn hinted.
'That is easy for you to say! He wasn't making assumptions about you.' Focusing back on Jonathan, he said, in what he hoped to be a soothing tone: "I am afraid you misunderstood me. I do not wish to use Kaila for… those purposes."
Jonathan crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, clearly doubtful. "So, what do you need her for?"
The truth was out of the question, so Murtagh rolled his eyes in frustration. 'Guess I'm going to have to do this the hard way…' He conveyed all the authority he could muster into his voice. "I think you are forgetting your place, Jonathan."
The other man took one step back reflexively, noticing the difference in the Rider's posture.
"I do not need to explain my actions to you. I warned you out of courtesy, but that does not give you the right to question me. Are we clear?"
Jonathan nodded his understanding and then looked again over Murtagh's shoulder, this time with concern.
"Murtagh?" He spun around, coming face to face with Kaila. She looked white and fatigued, and he wondered if he was the only one suffering from a sleepless night. "I was just about to go look for you", he explained, meeting her questioning eyes.
"I- I overslept", Kaila replied apologetically; her words seemed to be more directed at Jonathan, whose eyes flicked from her to Murtagh. "I'm sorry, I will tend to my duties as quickly-"
"That won't be necessary", Murtagh replied calmly. "Henceforth, you are relieved from your other duties. I shall be waiting for you in my room."
Jonathan threw him a contemptuous glance and Kaila stared after him as he dashed off before she had a chance to say anything. She turned back to Jonathan, who didn't look pleased. "Morcant is going to kill me", he grunted in defeat.
"What? No! Why would he?"
"Why?" Jonathan asked incredulously. "Leaving you in the hands of the Rider… Morcant made me promise I would keep an eye out for you!"
Kaila did not like the tone of his voice, but it was only natural that he worried. Murtagh's reputation preceded him, and the words whispered about him were not pleasant: dangerous, powerful, introverted…
Suddenly, Kaila's mood softened. Her expression changed to one of reassurance. "Thank you for your concern, Jonathan, but Murtagh isn't all that bad. If Morcant was here, he would tell you that Murtagh can be trusted."
"I can't believe that. Morcant, of all people, has little reasons to trust in Riders", he said, his raspy voice low and almost compassionate.
"What do you mean?" Kaila inquired sharply, but it seemed that Jonathan was done talking. He wished her luck and walked away. Kaila voiced a low imprecation; thoughts and questions came in torrents, but she couldn't keep up with them.
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Lord Art crossed his arms firmly against his chest. His eyes fixed the mud stains that tainted his precious rug and then moved to the men who had left them. His face twisted in a grimace of disgust; he was obviously bothered by their presence.
"Be careful with that, you idiots!" Art barked, for the men had started removing a heavy painting from the wall and had almost dropped it.
"Aye, aye, sir", one of the men replied, smiling reassuringly. The sight of his yellow teeth made Art's stomach twist uncomfortably. Tristan was incompetent and lazy, but at least he kept his personal hygiene at an acceptable level.
"Finish as quickly as you can, but don't break anything." The men nodded obediently and then proceeded with their tasks. Art's sharp eyes followed them relentlessly, but his mind was racing.
A look of pure hatred flashed across his face as he recalled how Murtagh had cornered him in his own room. The Rider had left his room frustrated, but Art's reluctance to reveal his thoughts had no doubt motivated Murtagh's suspicions even further. It was time to leave, but he would not go alone.
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Kaila was still lost in thought when she exited the kitchen. She only saw Murtagh when she was standing but a few steps from him. His manner was distant, as if remembering, and she felt reluctant to interrupt him. She slowed her pace but his head suddenly jerked up. "I thought you would be waiting in your room." Her eyes indicated the small tray in her hands.
Without saying a word he took it from her and then inspected her from head to toe; Kaila felt embarrassed under his steady gaze. "Are you planning on learning how to swordfight wearing a dress?" he asked, half-exasperated, half-amused.
Kaila blushed and stuttered: "Oh… I- I didn't know we were going to start today…"
Murtagh smiled as he glanced up and down; the corridor was deserted. He leaned forward and kissed her head quickly. "We have no time to lose. Come, we'll stop by your room so you can change."
"And then?" she asked nervously, as they started walking.
"Sweat, blood and pain." Murtagh laughed at Kaila's alarmed expression. "Look, it's not going to be easy and you'll go to bed with a few bruises and nicks, but at the end of the day you will be more prepared to fend for yourself."
His words made something click inside of Kaila. That was the moment when she truly understood that her life was about to change irrevocably. She was astonished by that realization, but the fact that Murtagh believed in her was comforting. His presence soothed her fears and doubts, but for how long? How long before she had to leave? A lump formed on her throat and she looked up at him.
Murtagh saw the question in her eyes and freed one hand from the tray, holding it out between them. Kaila took it without thinking about who might be watching and they headed towards her room.
Murtagh squeezed her hand tightly as he walked beside her, blissfully blocking out the rest of the world, even if only for a short time.
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Against the far wall of a spacious room a massive fireplace sent forth warmth and light. Katherine watched the fire, hypnotized by the orange flames. Her little hands were balled into fists, which rested upon her knees. Even though her eyes were stubbornly set on the fire, she glimpsed a faint movement from the corner of her eye. She did not turn.
"Where are your manners? Are you not going to greet your older brother?"
Still without turning, Katherine mumbled a hasty greeting. She held her breath, waiting for his outburst, but he did not budge. She risked a glance.
He was smiling, but it was a smile void of warmth. Little in his appearance offered a reassuring image, yet his next words came softly. "Oh Katherine, I know you think I'm a monster, but I just want the best for you. You see, I am going to rule this place one day, and it is only fit that my sister is educated as a proper lady."
Katherine felt her insides boiling with anger; he and his obsession with manners and rules! She looked away, fighting the urge to punch his smiling face.
"Galbatorix has grandiose plans for the Empire", he continued in a hushed voice, "but so do I! Just imagine, Katherine, Alagaesia at our feet. Together we-"
"Shut up!" Katherine snapped, getting up and staring down at him contemptuously. "You are insane! Do you really think you can fool the king and somehow destroy him? If you want to kill yourself, so be it, but don't drag me into your crazy plans!"
For a moment, the young man was too stunned to react, but he needed less than a minute to get back on his feet. He started advancing on Katherine, a cold fury distorting his beautiful features. She looked at him with imploring eyes, but it was too late. "No, A-"
"NO!"
Katherine sat bolt upright, listening; she hoped that her scream hadn't been loud enough to wake Morcant up. As no sound perturbed the tense silence, Katherine let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. She huddled under the blanket.
No matter how many years passed by, Katherine suspected she would always be haunted by those dreams. Even though she felt safe now, part of her would always fear the memory of him. The scars he had left on her body were healed, but her soul was a different matter entirely.
The first sunrays kissed the top of her head and Katherine peeked from the covers. As the light warmed her skin, she felt the shadows of the nightmare creeping away – at least for the time being.
Pushing the blanket aside firmly, Katherine got up to face the new day; another day away from him. That thought alone was enough to get her through the day.
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Murtagh sighed impatiently. How long could it possibly take for a woman to change clothes?
He stared long at the door, as if he could will Kaila to move faster by looking at it. Free to wander, his mind started producing enticing images.
With a devilish grin playing on his lips, Murtagh thought of Kaila in tight-fitting trousers and tunic. His pulse quickened, but it seemed that his imagination wasn't fully satisfied yet. It took him back a little, right to the point where Kaila started to strip-
The door opened with a loud creak and there stood Kaila in her black, tight outfit. She fidgeted nervously; Murtagh was looking at her in unabashed appreciation.
Slow, uncomfortable seconds went by until Kaila could no longer bear to stay under his gaze; she cleared her throat. Murtagh's head jerked up in response. "Oh…"
"Oh?" Kaila repeated; her tone was slightly disapproving, slightly amused. "You have seen me with those clothes before…"
"Yes, and I still think they look great on you…" His eyes met hers with a playful wink. "But now I'm starting to think they might be a bit distracting." He took one step forward.
Kaila raised an eyebrow. "But it didn't seem to bother you before…"
"Well, before I hadn't just thought about-" He let the sentence unfinished, but his eyes lingered on hers expectantly.
She looked long at his face, and saw both desire and fear there. Fear that she would leave running and screaming. Only a few months ago she would have, Kaila mused. Deliberately, she crossed the distance between them, her eyes never leaving his, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips.
One step, two steps, three steps… Murtagh gulped audibly. Why was she taking so long to cross such small distance? The teasing smile never abandoned her lips as she walked slowly, but steadily. If he just reached out…
In the short seconds she took to reach him, Kaila found herself thinking about how much she had changed. Before, she would get nervous just thinking about getting close to him, but now… Time was not on their side.
Murtagh could no longer bear it. He pulled Kaila into his arms and hungrily kissed her mouth; a slap would soon follow or perhaps the running and screaming. The seconds ticked by and Murtagh was astonished to discover she returned the kiss with the same intensity. Her fingers were tangled in his hair while his hands travelled down the back of her dress- He sighed in defeat.
Kaila took one step back, her arms falling limply along her body. Her cheeks were flushed and her breath came in shallow gasps. At least she did not look mad or horrified.
"Too much?"
"Yes, too much", she replied, smiling shyly. She had indeed changed a great deal, but some things still made her feel uneasy. "Besides, I assure Jonathan you could be trusted. Don't make me regret that."
"Wouldn't dream of it." She marched past him and he leaned down to pick up the empty tray. Smirking, he imagined the mess they could have done in that hallway if he was still holding the tray when he had pulled her into his arms.
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He stared about, feeling completely lost. Once again he was facing a dilemma that could cost him his life. At this point, no decision seemed viable, but his inaction would not lead him anywhere either.
Grunting in exasperation, Tristan sank deeper into the armchair. Lord Art expected him to have the place in order upon his arrival, but if he were to walk in at that moment, he would be confronted by a chaotic sight. And then Tristan would be dead.
And that was why he couldn't make a decision. Every possible scenario ended up with him dead. If he ran back to Urû'Baen to inform Art about Murtagh rescuing Morcant, he would no doubt have one of his raging fits.
If he chose to stay here and get everything ready for Art's arrival, he would probably be mad at Tristan for not warning him.
And if he tried to escape… Art was cunning and resourceful, whereas Tristan… If he fled, Art would find him and kill him.
What the hell, he thought, rolling up his sleeves resignedly. It didn't hurt to hope for the best, so he set off to work, praying that it would somehow appease his Master.
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The blind was removed by gentle hands; she looked around in wonder. Never in her life had she seen such an immense room. She could see him watching expectantly, waiting for a reaction, but she could only stare.
Thorn was sitting in the other end of the room, next to massive black doors – big enough for him to fit. His vermilion eyes observed her intently and she breathed slowly, attempting to stay calm. Even from that distance he had an impressive figure and she still wasn't quite sure if he liked her.
Tearing her eyes away from the dragon, Kaila finally found her voice. "So, this is where…"
"Yes, this is where Galbatorix trains me", Murtagh announced. "I am sorry about the blind, but it was necessary. If someone tries to read your mind in the future, at least they won't learn the precise location of this place."
"I understand", Kaila replied, and then added, "Is it safe to be here? I mean, if Galbatorix-"
"You have nothing to worry about. The King is stuck in a meeting with the representatives of the noble families; it will take the whole morning."
Kaila relaxed her muscles and then seemed to remember something. "Is it possible to protect our mind from attack?"
Murtagh smiled approvingly. "Yes, but we will get there on time. I must warn you, though, it won't be easy and it will cause you some discomfort."
"As long as it helps me to protect myself, I can endure it." There was a harsh note to her voice that Murtagh had never heard before, but perhaps that was a good thing. Kaila would have to be able to defend herself.
"Before we start", Kaila said, her voice revealing a deep curiosity, "Why do you need to make a secret out of this room?"
With a humourless grin he said: "Our worst enemies live inside this castle, Kaila. There are many people here who know how to use magic, and they would love to learn new words to increase their power." He paused, as if pondering his next words. "There is one person in particular we need to be wary of – probably the only thing in which Galbatorix and I agree."
Kaila nodded with a frown; it wasn't hard to guess who he was referring to. "Lord Art…"
A low growl came from the corner where Thorn sat and Kaila looked across the division at him. His eyes were still fixed on her, but this time she thought she saw in them a softness that hadn't been there before.
"Yes." Murtagh's voice made her turn back to him. "He is the only person brave enough – or foolish enough – to try and go against the King."
"But…" She seemed to be struggling with something. "Why doesn't Galbatorix crush him?"
Murtagh offered her a large grin and said: "Your curiosity knows no end. But I suppose you should learn more about what is going on in Urû'Baen; let's sit, this will take a while."
There was no place to sit, except upon the ground, so they hunkered down upon the stone floor. Thorn joined them and installed himself beside Murtagh, his head resting between his front legs. Murtagh waited for him to settle and then began speaking.
"Art is not so stupid as to oppose Galbatorix directly, and the King does not want to lose Art's support without proof of his real intentions. Galbatorix is feared by everyone, but it has been years since he left the capital or showed his face in public. Art controls many soldiers and the King needs those men."
Kaila began to understand, but something didn't make sense. "Well, you once told me that Galbatorix is the most powerful Rider Alagaesia has ever seen, so why can't he read Lord Art's mind to discover if he does have a plan to overthrown him?"
Murtagh sighed in frustration. "For whatever reason, Galbatorix took care of Art's education, just like he did with me, and that includes teaching the basics of magic. I think Art was Plan B, in case I did not become a Dragon Rider. And I just bet Galbatorix now regrets teaching Art so much…"
"So he can wield magic?" Kaila tried to keep the alarm out of her voice, but it was impossible.
"To a certain degree, but what he is most accomplished in is blocking out people from his thoughts. And that is why Galbatorix doesn't trust him. If I hadn't become a Rider, Art would now be in my place."
"Thank Heavens he isn't."
"Oh, is that so?" he snapped, and Kaila flinched at the bitterness in his voice. "If those damned Twins hadn't dragged my ass to the King, I could be a free man now!"
"Yes, and if that hadn't happened, Thorn would now be bound to a man who is no better than the King! If you were a free man now, you wouldn't have the power to help the people!" She had not meant to lose her temper, but the defeat in Murtagh's voice was unbearable.
'She speaks wisely', Thorn commented, 'but she cannot understand the heavy burden you carry.'
'So do you, my friend. You have a noble heart, and I am proud to be your Rider, but I am not as gracious as you are. I do not feel compelled to use my Power for a greater good.'
Kaila watched both Dragon and Rider. Thorn had lifted his head a fraction, so that his eyes were level with Murtagh's. Murtagh's brow furrowed as he stared into the dragon's eyes and Kaila knew they were deep in conversation.
Long moments dragged by and Kaila started to feel anxious. Had her words been unreasonable? Murtagh had made it quite clear on more than one occasion that he did not enjoy the responsibility of being a Rider, but Kaila was certain that he loved Thorn… She watched on, resting her chin on her arms.
"I am no better than the King or Lord Art", Murtagh said at last, and Thorn blew a thin line of smoke through his nostrils, clearly indicating he wasn't happy. "Thorn here disagrees."
"So do I", she stated firmly, straightening.
"I am selfish, Kaila. I have no desire to destroy Galbatorix or to rule the Empire. I just want to get rid of these shackles that bind my body and soul." He looked sideways at Thorn, whose eyes were filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry…"
Kaila wondered if the last words were meant for her or Thorn. She considered what he had revealed, feeling rather disappointed. He was powerful, yet he had no desire to use that power to do some good and help the people of Alagaesia. That made her feel angry, and she looked up, ready to deliver a speech, but then froze.
Murtagh was running his hand over his face, his expression one of worry and fatigue, a tiredness born of long suffering. "I simply can't do it, Kaila", he muttered. "I wasn't born to change the World."
Kaila dropped her gaze to the floor, feeling ashamed. Who was she to judge him? If she was in his place, could she really be that selfless? Could she really take upon herself the task of freeing the Empire? The answer came easily. The mere thought of having such responsibility was enough to freeze her blood.
She recalled what Murtagh had told her about his past, all the hardships he endured, all the loneliness. No wonder his utmost aspiration was freedom. Freedom was the one thing he never had.
Murtagh looked up when a soft hand touched his left knee. Kaila's green eyes met his with an affectionate gleam. "You are not selfish. You just want what should be yours rightfully. Let Eragon be the people's hero."
"Eragon, a hero… Yes, I suppose he would love that."
An engaging smile reached Kaila's lips as she knelt before him and kissed him. Murtagh pulled her tighter, desperately trying not to think about the war that was about to begin.
To be continued…