Murtagh leaned against Thorn, Galbatorix's plan echoing in his thoughts. It was a good plan, that was true, but if it worked, Rune would lose everything.

Oh, Thorn, he said, hitting the back of his head against the dragon's scales. What am I going to do?

Thorn hissed, swiping at an imaginary enemy. Why do you even have to ask? he snapped, blowing a tiny lick of flame at Murtagh.

The Dragon Rider jumped out of the way, instants before Thorn pulled the fire back into his mouth. He snapped his jaws shut in Murtagh's face. We're breaking her out, of course, Thorn said with a frightening grin.

It's different for you, Thorn, Murtagh sighed. You're a dragon.

You're making excuses! Thorn accused, shooting a stream of hot smoke at his Rider. How could you even live with yourself if you let this happen to Rune?

Murtagh placed a hand on Thorn's side, feeling defeated. I…I can't. I can't help her anymore.

Why? Thorn asked, scorning, has Galbatorix forbidden you to?

Not yet. But he'll punish me. You too, my friend. I just can't.

Thorn turned away, flicking his tail. If you won't, I will, you know. Rune is a person. She deserves more than being sold off for her father's gain.

Where would I send her? Murtagh asked. Surely you don't expect me to leave with her?

The Varden.

Thorn's answer surprised Murtagh. Send Rune to the Varden? That would mean sending her to Eragon. Could he do that? Could he let her go?

You will lose her just as much if you allow Galbatorix to do as he wants to, Thorn said, reading his thoughts. This way, she has an opportunity to be happy.

Murtagh ran his fingers through his hair. Fine, dragon. You win.

Thorn let out a rumble of satisfaction. I always do, Rider.

oooooooooooooooo

Murtagh watched Rune carefully, savoring this moment. She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping, a look rarely captured in the rest of her animated day. He brushed her hair away from her face, rubbing a single finger along her cheek.

A single tear slipped down Murtagh's cheek. He would never again see her like this, her eyes gently closed, a faint smile on her face. Steeling himself, Murtagh shook Rune awake.

She blinked groggily up at him. "Murtagh?" She sat up, stretching in her nightgown.

Murtagh smiled at her, tossing the scullery maid's dress on the bed. "Dress yourself, Rune."

Turning towards the window, he waited while Rune slipped into the dress. She touched his shoulder hesitantly. "Murtagh? What's going on?"

Murtagh brushed the question off. "Here, let me tie that for you," he said, tightening the stays around her thin waist. He spun her around, tipping her chin up with a finger, like he had earlier.

"All is not right," he said softly. "There's no time for me to explain it, but you are in danger. You need to leave."

The fear shone in Rune's eyes clearly. "Why? Murtagh, what's wrong?"

"Go to Erikkin, the man from the bar," Murtagh said. "He's a kind man, and he'll help you."

"But he thought we—"

"I doesn't matter what he said or thought. Just tell him you're in trouble. He won't ask questions." He handed her a small sack, containing some coins—only copper and a few silver, as a peasant girl traveling with gold would be far to obvious—a worn out cloak, and a map.

Rune shook her head, her lip quivering and her eyes wide. "Murtagh, I don't understand."

Murtagh fixed his eyes on her. "Rune, please, I can't say any more."

Rune nodded, biting her lip. She took a deep breath. "I trust you, Murtagh." Slipping on her shoes, she quickly and quietly rebraided her hair. She tucked her small hand in his.

Murtagh squeezed her hand briefly, before leading her down the stairs. He brought her through the twists and turns of the castle, before stopping in front of the door that led to the courtyard.

"Alright," Murtagh said, pressing Rune's shoulder comfortingly. "This is as far as I can go. You'll have to go through the grates in the wall. You can swim, can't you?"

Rune nodded. "I think so."

"Good. You'll have to swim across the moat. It's not too deep, but you mustn't touch the bottom. Understand? No matter what."

Swallowing her fear, Rune gave him a smile that doubled as a grimace. She went on tiptoes, kissing Murtagh's cheek quietly, before giving him a big hug. He hugged her back, enveloping her small figure in his strong arms.

He pressed his lips to her hair, before pushing her away. "Go now. To the Varden, in Surda. You'll be safe with Eragon."

Rune nodded hurriedly, before stepping away from him and giving his hand a final squeeze. She disappeared into the darkness.

Murtagh took a deep, low breath. "Dream of freedom, my dove."