Murtagh continued to watch Serena from afar for three weeks. He sent messages updating Galbatorix whenever he could, but there was still no fault in Serena. She seemed to be almost too perfect for Murtagh to imagine. There was no one who was gifted at birth, but Thorn had kept on reminding him that she was Galbatorix's daughter.

So what? He would say. Korin is also Galbatorix's daughter, but she isn't nearly as strong as this Serena claims to be.

I agree, but—

Nevermind. And the conversation would end.

Lately, his messages to Galbatorix were more urgent; saying things like, "We need to act quickly," or "Korin would be of great use about now," but the King would not hear any of it. It seemed to Murtagh that he had some other plan.

"Wait longer," the King would press. "Korin will be in Surda soon enough."

It had been a week since Murtagh had last communicated with the King, and he was growing impatient. He had done his job; he had found Serena. But now what should he do? He was ordered to wait for Korin, but Ganbek could not even fly yet, which meant that Korin would have to make her way through the Hadarac on her own. This was not an idea that Murtagh especially liked. Korin had grown very strong, according to the King, but she was not nearly as strong as one should be when traveling alone in the Hadarac Desert.

Another two weeks passed, and, finally, at long last, a small tickle in his mind told him that Korin and Ganbek were in Surda.

Korin! He called to her. Where have you been?

Follow my lead. Is all she said.

Murtagh frowned. What? Korin, what's going—

I said, follow my lead. Disguise yourself as a lord-in-waiting and wait for Serena outside her room. Knock her unconscious, and contact me. We will have a one hundred and twenty-second window before the dragon figures out what we are doing.

But Korin—

Do as I say. She ordered and the connection was closed.

Still utterly confused, Murtagh did as he was told, because he had learned through experience that orders of this magnitude came directly from the King.

Murtagh changed his appearance to the face of one of the lords-in-waiting that he had seen at the castle in Surda. He made his way through the castle, avoiding the main hallways where the face would be recognized and his cover blown. Once he got to Serena's room, he knocked softly.

"Who is it?" a voice that matched Korin's exactly, but Murtagh knew it to be Serena's, called through the door.

"Clean bed sheets for your bed, miss," he said, disguising his voice. He heard feet shuffling behind the door and suddenly, the door opened. A face that looked exactly like Korin's appeared through the crack in the door and smiled brightly. Murtagh almost lost himself in her eyes, but snapped himself back into reality and grabbed her throat, pushing on the pressure points that would make her, quite literally, speechless. He pushed her into the room and shut the door behind him. Within seconds, Serena lost the air that she needed to stay awake, and fell into unconsciousness.

Korin, he called her. I've got h— Just then, the bedroom's large windows flew open and Korin jumped through them, a small, dog-sized Ganbek flying in behind her.

"About time," she said, unbuttoning her jacket. "What took you so long? And where's Thorn?" she ordered.

"I'm sorry, but it took a little while for me to change my face three times to get past the guards then infiltrate the castle and get up seven flights of stairs!"

"Shhh!" she pressed a gloved forefinger to his lips. Someone could hear us. Only talk telepathically from now on. Korin threw off her jacket and started to lift up her shirt, when she saw that Murtagh was staring at her chest. Ganbek started to growl viciously.

Your life depends on your turning around. He rumbled in a childish voice. Murtagh gave the dragon a look.

You couldn't hurt me if your life depended on it, dragonling.

Ganbek sucked in a large amount of air and then started choking. Murtagh laughed silently at him. The tiny dragon shrugged. So I'm not that good at breathing fire yet. No dragon is.

On the contrary, Edoc'sil breaths fire constantly and is almost three times your size.

Well, isn't he just perfect. Just like his perfect Rider. Beating three or…whatever Shades. A load of b—

Would you please turn around now, Murtagh? Korin asked, becoming impatient. Her dragon is already coming up here. I can feel him bounding up the stairs now.

Murtagh's eyes widened.

Start undressing Serena. I'll need her clothes.

His eyes widened even more. Korin glared at him.

Stop being so immature and help me Murtagh nodded and, with the help of Ganbek, undressed Serena and put Korin's clothes onto her, while Korin undressed and put on Serena's clothes.

When they were done, Murtagh could not even tell which one was Korin and which on was Serena. Korin looked stunning in Serena's crimson dress. It fit her every curve, the crimson lace sleeves puffing up to just the right height. Murtagh smiled. Even though they were twins, a certain radiance emitted from this twin. He shook his head.

"It's uncanny that you two look so much alike." He said. Korin stomped her foot and cupped her hand over his mouth.

Do I have to do everything around here? You used to be the sensible one and I used to be hiding behind you, do you remember that? Now please, be quiet! It's a wonder Edoc'sil isn't here yet.

How will you be able to hide your mind from him?

I don't intend to.

…Come again?

I told you; I don't intend on hiding anything from this dragon. Murtagh folded his arms. Korin smirked. You'll see, Murtagh, you'll see. Then, as if by cue, the purple and orange dragon burst into the room, a look of rage flaring in his bright-orange orbs.

Who are you? He snarled. You look like her, but you aren't!

Korin sniggered. Perceptive, aren't you?

Where is Serena? he demanded.

Oh, you mean her? Korin directed his attention to Serena, whose neck was secured in Ganbek's jaws.

The beast started to move for her, but Korin stopped him by signaling Ganbek to tighten his hold on her neck.

One more step, and my dragon will kill your Rider.

Edoc'sil shook his head. You can never kill Serena. She has a plan. There is no way that she would let this happen—

Oh, just face it, Doc. We're too good for Serena, because unlike her, we nurtured our talent. We worked and slaved to be even better than beings like her…and you.

Edoc'sil snarled at her. Korin seemed quite amused by this.

Now, this is what you're going to do,

I won't do anything— Ganbek's hold on Serena's neck tightened ever so slightly, and the smallest stream of blood began to flow.

Of course you will, Korin assured him. Because if my dragon tightens his hold like that again, she'll die. She needs healing, and right now, only we can do that. I can sense any and all thoughts that may flow through your mind, Edoc'sil. And if you want your precious Rider to continue breathing, you'll do anything I say.

A low rumble sounded in the back of Edoc'sil's throat.

Korin smirked. I'll take that as a 'yes'. Now, she continued. You will not tell Saphira or Eragon about this. You will continue to have that very strong barrier around your mind. If you do all of this, my dragon will not kill your Rider. Do we have an agreement?

You'll never be able to pull it off, Edoc'sil growled. Eragon will figure it out, and he'll kill you.

The replica of Serena chuckled. Oh, Doc, you make me laugh sometimes. Even if Eragon were to discover our plan, it would be much too late. Serena will have already sworn loyalty to our father, and I will have taken care of Eragon and Saphira.

Edoc'sil's breath stopped.

Oh, that's right, Korin folded her arms. You didn't know about your Rider's heritage, did you? She laughed. I have to admit I learned about it only about a month or so ago. It was quite a bit of a shock, I'll tell you that. But back to the point… Will you comply?

The large purple beast snarled in reply.

Korin shrugged. Fine. Since you are in such a rush to kill your Rider… Ganbek positioned himself on top of Serena, one of his silver claws right above her windpipe and he pressed down.

W-Wait! Edoc'sil stepped forward.

The female Forsworn Rider smirked once again. I'm glad that you have seen things our way.

Korin could feel her dragonling shudder with exhilaration. This is so much fun, he commented. His Rider nodded.

It sure is,

Murtagh stared at Korin and Ganbek. They've changed so much… he commented. Especially Korin. It seems like only yesterday that she was too weak to pick up a sword, but now…

They both are ruthless…just as we predicted they'd be. Thorn's voice sounded at the very back of Murtagh's head.

The youth smiled in relief. Thank goodness. Where were you?

I was flying above, as you instructed me to.

Yes, I know that I told you to fly above the clouds, but you could have at least contacted me. I was worried about you.

The ruby dragon's emotion softened. And I about you. He replied.

Korin fixed her sapphire gaze upon Murtagh. All right. King Galbatorix instructed us that when we retrieved Serena, for you to return to Urû'baen with her. Korin flipped a long strand of her ebony hair over her shoulder. Take care of Ganbek. If anything happens to him… she added, her voice filled with threat.

Murtagh nodded and smirked. I know, I know. I would never allow any dragon to experience pain, unless that dragon had inflicted any pain upon those of whom I cared about.

Korin blinked and her heartbeat quickened. "Y-You had b-better go…" she stuttered and turned away.

Ganbek straightened up. Hey! Wait one minute! You aren't leaving me here, are you Korin?

Korin's heart sank at the tone of her dragon's voice. She went to him and knelt to his level. She stroked his glittering emerald-green scales affectionately. I'm so sorry, Ganbek, she apologized. But there's no way that I would be able to conceal you. Saphira would be able to sense you without King Galbatorix watching our every move.

But he could still watch us, couldn't he? Ganbek pleaded.

Korin shook her head. He trusts us to do what we were sent here to do, and that is to infiltrate the Varden. You and I took oaths in the ancient language. We can't back out now, Smallie, not after we swore to him. And since he trusts us, he won't be looking down every second of every day. And without that protection, Saphira would undoubtedly sense your presence. Because of that, you'll have to do without me for awhile, all right? Ganbek looked away. Korin smiled weakly. She cupped her hands around his face and brought him to her face. Hey, she said playfully. Don't look so down, Smallie. You'll just get to have a lot of time with Murtagh and Thorn.

The emerald dragon snorted. Oh, joyous day, he said sarcastically. Korin giggled and kissed him on his forehead. She released him and stood. She turned to Murtagh. I'll be in touch always. Murtagh stepped close to her and pulled her into a hug.

Don't try anything stupid. No risks, and always keep your barrier up. We can't bear to lose you.

Korin shrugged and looked away. Galbatorix can always give Ganbek to another Rider—

I wasn't talking about them. Korin whipped her head back to Murtagh. He stepped away and scooped up Serena in his arms. Korin could not help but feel a pang of jealousy escape from her mind as he pulled Serena close. Come on, Ganbek.

Ganbek nodded and fluttered out the window. Murtagh turned back to Korin for the last time.

Keep in touch, he said warmly. Korin grinned and waved.

You bet I will. And with that, he disappeared out of the window, dropping onto a streak of red that flashed by the window. Korin sighed and turned back to Edoc'sil. He was glaring at her. She shrugged. What? Is any of this your business?

I want your word.

Korin blinked. I'm sorry?

I want your word that Serena will not be hurt! He roared. Korin gave him an evil look and grabbed his flailing head.

You have my word, she growled.

And how do I know that it means something! The purple beast demanded.

Korin snorted. One thing you need to learn about me, she said in the ancient language. I always keep a promise. And I promise that Serena will not be hurt.

so yeah, that was a fun chapter to write. my evil side came out. XD but yeah, just to tell all of you, in the next chapter, i will be refering to Korin as Serena when she's not talking to herself or to Edoc'sil. XP do enjoy!

Shadeslayer390