Murtagh felt a stirring of remorse as Halen stalked out of the cave, her shoulders held tightly to keep from shaking. Her hair hid some of face as she walked away, but no one missed her tears. He didn't want her on her own, but before he or anyone else could move, Thorn was carefully turning around so that he could follow her out. Murtagh felt his own sense of anxiety at the thought of being apart from Thorn, and silently followed the dragon out as well, ignoring the stares of the men as he passed.

To his relief, Halen did not go far. She had carefully clamored down the rocky sides, jumping down onto the bank below by the pool of water. Thorn landed beside her just as she suddenly burst into tears. Murtagh froze, not having expected such an…onslaught of emotion. She dropped to her knees, hugging herself tightly as Thorn nudged the back of her head. Murtagh could feel the dragon's concern and appreciation, having heard Halen's refusal to abandon Murtagh to the Ra'zac. And with that thought, Murtagh climbed down to join her.

"This is ridiculous," Halen whispered vehemently to herself. "Stop crying, you idiot." Thorn watched her for a moment before slowly reaching out to nudge her once more. Hal turned in surprise, her eyes red and glassy, studying him carefully. Then, sniffing, she hesitantly reached out a hand, nervous. She carefully laid her palm over his warm scales. And Murtagh could see her visibly relax, barely smiling, as Thorn accepted her touch. Murtagh felt more confident moving towards her.

"Thank you, Thorn. You were so brave."

"So were you," Murtagh reminded her, coming up behind her just as she spoke. She didn't flinch, but carefully and hurriedly tried to wipe her eyes once more as he sat down in front of her, turning her head away from him as she did so. Thorn practically purred when Murtagh touched his nose, pretending not to notice as Hal dried her face. He stared pointedly at Thorn until she spoke again.

"Or apparently very foolish," she whispered with a pained smile. After several long moments, she finally looked over at him, her gaze full of guilt. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize the position I put you both in. You were separated because you were trying to look out for me. And I know you would've stayed with Thorn to fight that thing had you not been burdened with looking out for me."

"You were not a burden," Murtagh corrected quickly.

"You are too kind," she said with a shake of her head, her expression pained. "But yes, I was. I presumed that this was something I could handle. The warning signs were all there. But Ayo was right, just like Denu was right. And you were right. I rushed in without thinking. Had you and Thorn not been here today —" Her face contorted in fear at the thought.

"The feeling is mutual. Or did you forget blinding the Lethrblaka so I wouldn't get eaten?"

"That was only after you pushed me out of the way to save my life. I hate to admit it, but you are quickly surpassing me in live-saving attempts."

"Do not forget that you saved my life and nursed me back to health though. That's got to count for something."

She sniffed, appearing thoughtful for a moment. "You're right," she agreed. "You are clearly rather hopeless without me."

He hadn't expected her sudden wit, and he threw his head back in laughter. He couldn't remember the last time he had done that at all. Halen laughed as well, quickly wiping her eyes and removing any final trace of her despondence. When she had calmed down some, Halen gave him a gentle, grateful smile. "Thank you, both of you, for staying by my side. I couldn't have done this on my own."

Thorn hummed pleasantly. "You're welcome," Murtagh said. "And thank you for not abandoning me. Regardless of your reasons why…it meant much to me."

She nodded, apparently becoming flustered as her eyes quickly averted themselves to the ripples in the water. As she turned her head, Murtagh saw the cut on her shoulder and cursed himself for forgetting. "Let me heal your shoulder."

She looked ready to protest, but saw the look in his eyes and stopped herself, smiling bashfully. "Yes, thank you."

Murtagh moved towards her as Halen undid the fastenings of her vest, managing to pull her good arm through, but struggling to get her injured arm out. Murtagh reached out to help, and she shot him an appreciative look as he carefully pulled her vest off. The sleeve of her tunic hung off her arm, exposing the bloodied cut on her shoulder. Halen pulled her now uneven hair over to the other side, tilting her neck some to grant him better access. The wound was, fortunately, not so deep that it had severed any major arteries, but it still bled some.

Murtagh briefly met Halen's gaze as she watched him, her curiosity obvious. He flushed and she smiled, clearly amused. He worked quickly, repairing the torn muscle and skin, Halen's eyes unwavering as she studied him. When she continued to stare, he finally caved and asked nervously, "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head. "You are not what I expected, is all. And I like making the infamous Murtagh Morzansson squirm."

His expression softened at her teasing, his cheeks growing flushed at her comments. It felt strange, to hear someone jest so easily with him, especially in the context of his past. He stepped back to give her some space. "How does that feel?"

Halen rotated her shoulder in various directions, stretching the muscles. "It feels good as new. Thank you."

He nodded stiffly, unaccustomed being thanked so frequently. Exhausted, he sat back, tossing his hands out behind him. Now that things had calmed down, he realized just how dangerous the situation really was. Despite Galbatorix's warning that the Ra'zac would survive, he hadn't actually expected to run into them. And a Lethrblaka — it took those creatures far longer to grow to such a size. No doubt magic was involved.

Thorn, how did you find us, anyway?

It was like a fog lifted over my mind, and I heard you just as you called for me. I feel like such a fool. Whatever magic is blanketing this part of the island led me to believe that I was still following you and the young woman. It never occurred to me that it was an illusion.

And a good one at that — hopefully, now that we know, we will not be susceptible to it again. Although I still can't believe something clouded my thoughts like that. There's more at work here than either of us, or even Eragon, anticipated. And I have a very bad feeling about it.

Aye. I'm just grateful you're all right. When I realized what I had done —

You didn't do anything. You were deceived through no fault of your own. Murtagh's expression hardened. We were all very lucky today.

Aye…

Thorn trailed off, distracted, and Murtagh realized what had sidetracked him almost immediately. They both turned simultaneously, staring at Halen who had crept closer, and was now shamelessly staring between the two of them with wide, shining eyes.

"Halen?"

"You're doing it right now, aren't you?" she asked, her tone eager. "Talking to each other with your minds," she clarified as an afterthought.

"Yes," Murtagh said slowly.

"Outstanding," she whispered. "You mentioned in your notes that dragons and riders are connected through a sacred bond that allows them to feel emotion and communicate. Obviously since I can't see it for myself it's hard to know when you both are talking. But the last few days I've noticed that you both make random noises of agreement or disagreement or amusement, and so forth, and rider, you also make faces when you communicate with Thorn —"

"I make faces?"

You didn't know?

"Obscenely so. Anyone less observant than me may not be skilled enough to notice, but you really should work on it in case you ever want to take someone by surprise."

"I'll keep that in mind," he deadpanned, but she ignored him.

Her expression wavered slightly, and Murtagh sensed that something heavier was on her mind, although it wasn't hard to gauge what it could be all things considering. But she seemed hesitant, and he'd rather let her gather her thoughts before he assumed anything.

"Those things that we fought," she began carefully. "You know what they are."

It wasn't a question, nor an accusation. Murtagh nodded. "The winged one is known as a Lethrblaka, a full grown Ra'zac, which is what the two we ran into are."

She made a face of absolute horror that, under different circumstances, would've been insanely amusing. As it was, his lips twitched as she sputtered, "You mean to tell me those things get bigger? And fly?"

"That is what you're taking away from this?"

"It's like finding out snakes have wings." She shuddered dramatically at the thought and Murtagh snickered. She eyed him. "Do not laugh at me, it is a legitimate concern."

She wasn't wrong. It was a concern, but not for the reasons she thought.

"During the war, we believed Eragon and Saphira had killed the remaining Ra'zac and Lethrblaka, of which there were two each. However, Galbatorix told us that he had laid Ra'zac eggs all around Alagaësia. I didn't want to believe him."

"What are they exactly?"

"It's hard to assign them any simple description."

"Oh? Because I was thinking giant, man-eating, talking bird."

"You're certainly full of humor."

"Only to keep from crying, rider." The sobering thought hit them both hard, and Halen looked away, as though embarrassed when, in actuality, Murtagh understood exactly how she felt. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable by dwelling on her comment. He gave her a kind smile to let her know that he knew exactly what she meant. She smiled back. "So? The Ra'zac?"

"Well, you saw them for yourself, and that's about all anyone knows about them." He spent the next few minutes explaining their supposed origins, along with their strengths and weaknesses, which Halen found quite engaging.

"Why would they be on an island if they fear water and hate sunlight? That's practically all Illium is known for."

It does seem rather counterintuitive, Thorn stated in agreement.

"Well obviously there are still areas of the island they can roam without worry. And they thrive in the cover of night, so we will have to be careful. Not to mention Ra'zac can't use magic, but a magic user had to put those wards up that kept Thorn and I from realizing we could not sense each other."

Her eyes widened. "The presence in the village! The one that Thorn and I sensed — could it have been them?"

Murtagh looked to Thorn, then relayed the dragon's comment aloud to Halen. "Thorn thinks it's a possibility. He's never had to face off against them, so he wasn't familiar with their scent. But he is now, and you can rest assured he won't let them slip past again."

Halen shuddered, clearly distressed by this. She was quiet a moment, thinking, when another, terrifying thought came to her. She looked at Murtagh, eyes wide. "It said…it said I smelled like their master. Could that be the magic user?"

Murtagh could hear it in her voice, what was really bothering her. He leaned forward, close enough that she could not miss what he said next. "I won't let anything happen to you. I don't know what's going on here, but I won't let them take you."

"I don't know anything, I swear —"

"I never said I doubted you," he told her quickly, hearing her panic. He had seen the fear in her eyes when they had threatened her. Halen had as much involvement in this as he did.

Her shoulders slumped, relieved. "Thank you."

He nodded, pulling away and looking up at the cave where the others were waiting. But to his surprise, he saw four faces quickly duck behind the cover of a rock, and he shook his head. "It seems we have an audience."

Halen frowned, looking over her shoulder at where her companions had just taken refuge. She rolled her eyes dramatically. "They're so nosy."

"I'm sure they're just being protective —"

"No, trust me, they're being nosy." She stood to her feet, picking up a decent-sized rock and tossing it in her hand, weighing it carefully. "I tell you. Condescend me for trying to find them and yet they still have the audacity to spy on me like I'M STILL A CHILD!"

With surprising strength, she hurled the rock at the direction of the others, and Murtagh snickered when someone yelped in pain. There were shouts and laughter as the men ducked away, scurrying back towards the cave. Halen wiped her hands, turning as she then placed her hands on her hips. "Honestly. I can't take them anywhere."

Murtagh felt a sense of sadness and longing he hadn't anticipated at the playfulness of the group. It was obvious how close they were — how much they all cared for one another, even from what few interactions he had observed. He studied Halen carefully, wondering what it would be like to have someone like her for a friend. Someone who would rush into danger on his behalf without a second thought. Someone with which he could laugh and jest, even after arguing with them.

What am I? Decoration?

Murtagh snickered. I didn't mean it like that, Thorn. You know I didn't.

Humph. Clearly, I should shake you loose before I grow too attached and you hurt my feelings.

Do not joke so lightly, you'd break my heart.

Thorn seemed greatly satisfied at that, but shoved Murtagh back with his nose for good measure. He turned to find Halen watching them with a small smile on her face. A kind smile. "What?"

She shook her head. "You two are adorable, that's all."

"Adorable?"

Adorable? Tell her I am a fierce dragon.

"Thorn is a fierce dragon."

"Oh, of course."

"Many have trembled in fear at the mere sight of him."

She gasped in mock horror as he began to follow her back to the cave.

"Not to mention I am considered one of the most powerful spellcasters and swordsmen in the land."

"You can argue all you want, but Thorn liked watching me do laundry and I have seen you naked. It really undercuts your arguments."

He scowled. "I told you to stop bringing that up."

She threw her head back and laughed. "I will toughen you up somehow, little kitten, just you see."

…

Never, and he meant never, had Murtagh been around a more rowdy, tight-knit group of people than this one. Ayodele, or Ayo as he preferred to be called, Amon, Cado, Sam, and Halen. Even though Halen was both the youngest of the group and the only woman, there was something about her personality that not only worked well with the others, but somehow centered everyone. Where Ayo and Amon were often more serious and diplomatic, Cado and Sam were teasing and loose. And then there was Halen, nestled comfortably in between, swearing and joking with the best of them, but just as quick to sit back and observe, laughing and offering the occasional comment instead. And although her relaxed state made it hard to take his eyes off her, he could not help but watch this unbelievably upbeat group weather a difficult situation.

"You bastard," Halen swore, interrupting his thoughts as she pointed an accusing finger at Cado. "The only reason I even confronted Tengene is because you told me to. You nearly got Denu kicked off the council for that stunt! Tengene has hated me ever since!"

"They weren't going to kick your old man off anything," Cado countered. Murtagh hated that he missed what happened. "No one would've wanted to be at the receiving end of your mouth if that happened."

"I'm telling your wife, you ass."

"Go ahead — she doesn't scare me."

"You're a damn liar," Amon teased. "Remember that time Eniola chased him out the house after he brought ticks into the hut?"

The group was bowled over with laughter, and even Murtagh could not help but smile at their antics as Cado pouted miserably for getting called out.

"I think he ran faster from her than he did from those demons," Sam hooted, clutching his stomach.

"It wasn't that funny," Cado grimaced, but that only made everyone laugh harder. He noticed Murtagh staring in silence, clearly out of place, and said quickly, "All of you are being rude. Not including Murtagh in our conversation."

"Don't try to deflect by bringing him into this," Halen quickly countered, wiping her eyes with her hand. He couldn't help but gaze briefly at her long fingers, glad he had been able to heal them for her.

"No, actually, he's got a point," Sam added, looking at Murtagh curiously. "We don't know much about the rider."

"That's because it's none of your business."

"You got a story, Morzansson?"

"He doesn't have to answer that," Halen snapped, growing more pressed as she realized how serious the others were. She looked at him. "You don't have to answer that."

"He's a grown man, Hal," Ayo said in a low voice, less playful now. "Let him speak."

"Ayo —"

"It's all right, Halen," Murtagh said in a low voice, hating that the attention was on him. But it was only a matter of time anyway. Nothing good ever lasts.

"See, he says it's fine," Cado said lightly, as if realizing that mood went down faster than what he had been going for when he was simply trying to divert the attention of his friends off of him.

"This is not the time or the place," Halen said in a low voice, warningly.

"Now's the perfect time and place," Sam countered. "He's the one with the sordid past, not us. And he's been traveling with you, hasn't he?"

"Only for a couple of nights, and he's done nothing wrong."

"Halen, it's fine," Murtagh said gently.

"It's not!"

He looked at her, trying to understand her rationale. Understand why she was so upset and defensive on his behalf. She stared at him, as if trying to understand how he could be so calm and unassuming.

She turned on the others. "All you need to know is that if it were not for him and Thorn, I would be dead. They did not have to come, and they accompanied me here to look for all of you ingrates. And considering that monster is still out there, his past is currently the least of my concerns. So no, we will not turn what was a light-hearted conversation into an interrogation into someone's past when they have no inclination or desire to reveal it. Am I clear?"

Murtagh's face was hot, the only sound in the cave was the cackling of the fire. He, nor anyone else, could take their eyes off of Halen, who was growing increasingly flustered. It was similar, he realized, to that moment when she had snapped at him for being ungrateful, and then had looked almost regretful about it.

Almost.

But even then, just like now, there was shame in the eyes of the others that indicated that there was truth to her words. She ran her hand over her face. "I'm going to go lie down."

Everyone was quiet as Halen vacated her spot by the fire, walking over to Nani with her head down. Then she grabbed her blanket and walked over to the entrance of the cave, sitting down at the furthest spot from the others as possible, her back to the group.

Several minutes passed in silence before Amon said in a low voice to the others, "She doesn't like to talk about anything to do with the war."

Murtagh and the others flinched. Murtagh felt his throat constrict, shame making his cheeks and eyes burn at the thought. Had her family been a casualty of the war? But how? No one on Illium seemed to have even been remotely concerned with the on-goings of the mainland. Then he grimaced as he remembered. She had said she wasn't from Illium.

A shadow passed over him, and Murtagh glanced up as Amon sat down beside him, smiling broadly. He had a rather soft and passive face for a man that stood a head or so taller than Murtagh, and was perhaps twice as thick with muscle. Although his head was bald, his beard more than made up for it in thickness, black with bits of grey sprinkled throughout.

"Amon Geraldsson," the man said, holding out his hand. Murtagh hesitated, but eventually decided to be polite and reached out to shake Amon's hand. His smile was unbelievably kind and wholesome, it almost hurt to look at. This was the man whose hut Thorn had accidentally destroyed — Hal had mentioned it when he first awoke. "Known Hal since she was young. Fearsome, even then. And always a remarkable judge of character. She's sharp, that one. Hardly anything gets past her."

Murtagh snorted. "I've noticed."

The man chuckled. "Ah, I'm sure you have, Dragon Rider. Well Hal is the type of person who always trusts her gut and always puts others needs before her own. If she thought enough of you that she accepted your help to find us, then I know everything about you that I need to."

Murtagh stared, stunned at how easy the man made it all sound. Of course, Murtagh wasn't about to argue the semantics with him.

"Thank you, Murtagh, for keeping our girl safe."

Amon clapped him on the shoulder and smiled. And for the first time, Murtagh felt a tinge of warmth spread through his chest at the feeling of being accepted — not for who he was, but for the good he had done.

…

Hal tightened her blanket around her shoulders, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared at nothing but loud, rushing water from the falls that blocked her view to the outside world. But now that it was dark, she had less of a desire to step foot outside on her own.

She had reacted too harshly, she knew. She would have to apologize later, but her hands were still shaking from nerves and adrenaline at the thought of the conversation tilting towards the one area she had been adamantly avoiding with Murtagh. She already had her own qualms with the war that she did not want to think about. But more than that, she couldn't do it. Having traveled with him, having talked with him more, Hal had soon realized that Murtagh had a personality that she liked. She couldn't quite explain it in words. But she had felt it when he had tried to stay optimistic for her when she was searching for her friends, or how he had squeezed her tightly, trying to comfort her when the Leather — Leatherblacka? She couldn't remember how to pronounce it — had been sniffing them out.

But none of them had seen his eyes when he told her to run and save herself. He had been genuine, afraid for her. And he had been willing to risk his life for her. Those emotions couldn't be faked. Yet all she had seen of him and heard from him would clash with the man of his past. And whenever they did finally part after all of this was over, she wanted to remember him as he was now, for the sake of her own conscience.

"If you stare any harder, you'll burn a hole through the water."

She rolled her eyes. "And if you keep trying to make me feel better, we will become the talk of the village."

Murtagh grinned as he sat down in front of her. "I'm beginning to think you're ashamed to be seen with me."

"There's worse company I could be keeping. But I'm just warning you that we villagers have nothing better to do than hunt, sew, and gossip about each other."

"I think that sounds exciting."

"I'm sure it does after getting an arrow pushed through your leg."

They were both silent for a beat. "You didn't have to defend me back there." Hal turned her head, having already guessed he would tell her this at some point. "They're not wrong for being concerned for your well-being."

She shook her head, unable to comprehend his reasoning. "You are adamant about people seeing the worst in you, rider."

"Some would say that is all there is to me to begin with."

"Some might, yes. But not all. I certainly would not, nor would Thorn. I presume Eragon would not since he thought enough of you to send you out here —"

"That, or he really hates me."

But Hal could hear the teasing in his voice, even if his expression remained neutral, and she smiled. "My point," she continued, "is that eventually you will need to decide for yourself the kind of man you wish to be, rider. And when you decide, do what needs to be done to become that man. If you want to be a good man, continue to take a woman's face in your hands and tell her with sincere eyes to run for her life while you sacrifice yourself to man-eating birds."

"Man-eating, talking birds."

Hal snapped her fingers. "Right you are."

She settled back against the wall of the cave, chuckling as Murtagh moved to sit beside her for the support as well. Amon called out to them and Hal shouted back, agreeing to take first watch. At that, Amon pounded his chest twice, and Hal gave him a soft smile before doing the same. She saw Murtagh's eyes brighten in understanding from when she had done it to him before. As the others settled down, Hal felt a strange sense of tension sitting beside Murtagh. Yet she also felt the most at ease than she had before.

"I admit," she began, "that part of my reasoning for not wanting them to pester you about your past was rather selfish as well." She looked over at Murtagh who was watching her carefully, listening, and she looked away, embarrassed. "I just hate being reminded of it. I'm so used to walking in elements of black or white that I forget what a grey area looks like. I don't regret anything, that's not what I'm saying. I just —"

"I know," he said with a heavy sigh. "Trust me, I know."

And she knew, without a doubt, that he did know. He understood the burden of having a past like his, and the position it put him in — put her in — in moments like these. She wanted so badly to inquire as to what led to the forlorn regret in his eyes. Did he not want to serve Galbatorix or did he simply come to regret his decision to do so?

But she didn't ask, because she didn't think she'd like the answer. So instead, she asked, "What happens next?"

Murtagh nodded, as if he had been thinking about this very thing. "I want to perhaps take tomorrow to rebuild my strength. I want to go after that last Ra'zac, see what it knows. And then I'll destroy it, along with whatever wards have been put up here. I just hope there are no more surprises."

"I'm sure it's already a reach, but is there any way I or the men can help? We aren't magic users, but we're damn good hunters. You shouldn't have to do this on your own."

He gave her an appreciative smile. "I think Thorn and I can manage. But thank you, Halen."

Hal recognized that she was in no position to argue, and she was quietly grateful for the ability to pull back a bit. As much as she wanted to help, she was in no condition to fight a Ra'zac. She would probably slow Murtagh and Thorn down rather than be of any use. But she still felt a little guilty for being so useless.

"May I ask you a question?" Murtagh asked. He seemed rather serious, and Hal slowly nodded her head, unsure of what to expect. "Why didn't you run?" He turned to look at her. "You could've died. I was going to give you an out and yet you didn't take it. Why?"

Hal licked her lips, feeling her cheeks burn with her own foolishness. She stared down at the ground for a bit, knowing he would expect an honest answer. "There are multiple reasons. The main one being my own cowardice. I was scared, and I didn't trust myself to run fast enough. And I fear dying alone more than I fear death itself." He inhaled sharply, but otherwise didn't respond. She pressed forward. "I also would have felt responsible for what may have happened to you if I left you behind. I could not leave you without putting up some kind of fight. Lastly, I feared that if we did not stop the Ra'zac then they would find their way to the village. Whether by tailing me or some other means. I want to see them destroyed. I will not let harm come to my people."

She exhaled, then shrugged before glancing over at the rider. "There you have it. Clearly not as spectacular as you thought, huh?"

His gaze was unwavering and she struggled to maintain eye contact. "More so, if I dare say it."

She blushed in surprise. "You are too loose of tongue in your praise, rider. I did nothing to deserve it."

"Well then we shall agree to disagree." His expression softened, becoming almost sad. "Whatever kindness you continue to extend to me, I implore you to let it go. You may feel a level of responsibility to my well-being, but I cannot have that be your undoing. And it is a selfish request, but I do not want your death on my conscience."

"Why?" She asked, tilting her head with genuine curiosity.

He looked pained at the thought of answering, yet did so anyway. "You remind me of someone."

She recalled the way he would search her face, as if looking for someone. The idea of it was rather unnerving, and he seemed to think so as well in the way he avoided her gaze, as if embarrassed.

"Someone you loved?" He didn't answer, but his jaw was tight. Hal sighed. "Well," she continued, pressing forward, "I don't know much about that kind of love." Her throat grew tight and she glanced down as well. "But I do know a lot about loss. And how it feels to drown in sorrow until you can barely stand being trapped inside your own skin, let alone your own head. It is crippling and perhaps one of the most frightening things a person can endure." She looked over at Murtagh again and smiled, even though it hurt to do so. "So, it is hard for me to devalue any life, whether it is my own or that of a stranger's, because I have learned the hard way how precious it is. And I think you have too. I cannot simply care less because you ask me to do so. But I do appreciate your concern for me all the same. So thank you, rider."

Murtagh looked torn between awe and arguing, but stopped himself. "You are certainly not what I expected," he mumbled.

"And your life is all the richer because of it," she added haughtily. She poked his cheek. "You're welcome."

He raised a brow. "I never thanked you."

"After our conversations, I have decided that I will accept implied as well as verbal. A woman learns very quickly how to deal with the egos of men. And that is by generally accepting that although she must care for them in almost every capacity, she will never be properly thanked for it. It is the burden of all women —"

"Thank you, Halen."

She faltered. "Rider, I was just teasing —"

"Thank you, Halen," he repeated, his tone and gaze sincere. Hal swallowed, unsure of why she felt nervous at the look in his eyes. Her tongue felt thick, and all she could do was nod to show that she heard him. And satisfied with that, Murtagh turned away and leaned back against the wall in silence.

"You should get some rest," Hal said after a while. He looked ready to argue but she shook her head. "You said you wanted to regain your strength. In order to do so, you need rest. You used a lot of magic today. There's plenty of us that I'll make sure you sleep through the night. We can keep watch for now."

Murtagh slowly nodded his head, thinking it better than to argue with her. "Thorn will remain awake with you," he added as he rose to his feet.

Hal rolled her eyes. "You just had to get the last word in, didn't you?"

He smiled softly. "Goodnight Halen."

She smiled back. "Goodnight, Murtagh."