Eragon faced Shay, grasping his nameless sword tightly. Shay stood erect, one hand on her hip. The other held her blade, Thornessa. She swayed slightly, rocking on her heels.
Rune watched from the sidelines. Súndavar hadn't shown up. Where was he? She hadn't seen him since last night's kiss, and was beginning to worry.
Eragon made the first move. He whirled his sword brilliantly, striking and retreating. Shay parried his every move, sending sparks flying as the swords clashed against each other.
Shay's movements were liquid, catlike, but Eragon had strength on his side. Twirling his blade, he struck Shay on the arm. She recoiled, letting out a sharp, startled yelp of pain. Then all was silent again, save for the swords in their deadly dance.
It seemed as if neither could gain mastery. One moment Eragon was winning, the next Shay succeeded in scoring another hit. Finally, in a stunning display, Eragon knocked Shay's sword from her grasp.
Hoping he had finally won, Eragon advanced. He brought his sword in a sideways swipe. Shay's boot met the flat of his blade, sending it whirling. Both were weaponless.
Shay grinned at him, before attacking with a confusing mixture of kicks and jabs. Eragon fended them off. Shay went on the defensive as Eragon forced her backwards. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Eragon knocked her over. He had his foot on her chest before she could blink.
"Point, Eragon Shadeslayer!"
Eragon removed his foot, helping her up. They bowed to each other, both bending at the waist. Rune wondered why Shay didn't curtsy, but she decided it was because she wasn't wearing a skirt.
Shay punched Eragon playfully in the shoulder. He smiled back. "You're a remarkable swordswoman, Captain Shay," he said teasingly.
Rune joined him in the center of the battlefield, unsure quite why but feeling the necessity to do so.
Shay looked at her, smiling. She glanced at Eragon. "You've developed a talent for picking up stray children, Argetlam," she said. Rune could tell from her voice she didn't intend it to be mean.
Rune gave her a half bow. "I'm Rune, Captain."
Shay's face lit up even more, if that was possible. Rune decided she liked the Captain as well. Her eyes were bright and she seemed to like jokes. "The girl staying with the witch. Yes, I've heard about you."
Rune's eyes widened. Had Angela revealed her secrets? She couldn't have! "Exactly—what—have you—heard?" she squeaked, fearful.
Shay smiled kindly. "Only a rumor that you bravely battled the Ra'zac, standing beside your faire knight," she said in a grand tone.
Rune couldn't help but giggle. "Súndavar fought them. I screamed and got hurt. Not very brave at all."
"Ahh, but it was your scream that alerted Trianna," Shay said. "You have a very convincing shriek, my lady. Just out of curiousity—what lead to your being attacked by Ra'zac?"
Eragon put his arms on both of their shoulders. "Perhaps that's a tale to tell over lunch."
oooooooooooooooooooo
Rune sat in front of a table set with all sorts of wonderful things. She picked up a piece of bread, buttering it lightly and taking a hesitant bite.
"So, you see," she continued her story, "I've been…captive to Galbatorix all my life."
Eragon frowned thoughtfully. "It doesn't make sense…what use would Galbatorix have for a girl?"
Rune shrugged. "I think it was more a matter of a grudge against my sire than actual use for me." She felt awful for lying to Eragon. But she couldn't tell him about her past. No one could know. This was as close to the truth as she dared.
Eragon nodded. "I suppose you must be right. The question is, were the Raz'ac sent for you, or for me and Saphira?"
"Or Lady Nasuada?" Shay put in. "Or King Orrin? There are endless possibilities."
Rune bit her lip. "I don't know. Galbatorix isn't the type of man to give anything up once he considers it his. I was…a possession."
Shay was playing with a lock of hair absentmindedly. She pursed her lips. "What if the Ra'zac were sent, not to kill anyone, but to provide a distraction, or help fulfill a goal?"
"Like what?" Eragon asked.
Shay shrugged slowly. "I don't know. I'm just pouring out ideas here."
Eragon took a deep breath. "Rune, another thing. Did Galbatorix ever…give any indication he meant you ill will? Ever hurt you, or anything?"
"He hit me," Rune said softly. She quickly added, "but just once." She looked at the ground. "I think be felt bad about it later," she whispered, so softly Eragon couldn't hear
"Perhaps the Raz'ac were sent as a warning."
Eragon rubbed his temples. "This is making my head hurt. Come, let's move to pleasanter subjects. Like Rune and Súndavar's acceptance into the Varden, for instance. I've set up an appointment for the two of you tomorrow at noon with Lady Nasuada."
"Oh, Eragon thank you!" Rune cried, getting up and throwing her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly.
"You're strangling me," Eragon said with a choking laugh. Rune quickly let go, abashed. She retreated, blushing.
Eragon let out a chuckle. "Come on. Saphira must be wondering where we are."
Rune nodded.
Súndavar watched them from the table farthest away. His heart beat angrily. Rune hadn't even noticed him. She'd gone on with her day, as if he didn't even exist. And what was with her, hugging Eragon like they were best friends or something? Had she told Eragon about watching the stars back home? Had she laid by his side, feeling soft and wonderful against his body? Súndavar got up.
He couldn't stay here another minute. He tried to push thoughts of her out of his head. She was just another girl. They came and went. She was no different then any of them he had met. No different.
Súndavar felt a hard lump in his throat. Swallowing it, he broke into a run. He had to get away.
Because no matter how much he denied it, Rune was different. Rune was special.
ooooooooooooooooooo
"Did my plan work?" Galbatorix asked, not facing the Ra'zac who stood in his office. Ugly creatures, he thought, straightening his rings. He could barely stand looking at their vile faces. Too bad they had such skill carrying out his bidding, or he would have made it a sport to slowly, excruciatingly kill them. Yes, too bad indeed…
"Yesss, master," hissed the shorter one, which was technically female, although Galbatorix could tell little difference. "The Rider feels ressssponsible for her. He ssshares his persssonal chambersss."
Galbatorix was disturbed to hear this. Yes, he had wanted Eragon to fell for Rune. But his original plan—the one Murtagh had so carelessly postponed—would not work nearly as well if Rune bedded the Rider. She would be…tainted.
"Bring me Murtagh," Galbatorix said, dismissing them with a careless wave of his hand. "Then leave, and bring your foul stench with you."
The Ra'zac bowed, ignoring his comment about their scent. They had learned to ignore such.
A few seconds later, they returned with Murtagh. The young Rider was carelessly thrown through the door, landing on his knees.
"Pick yourself up," Galbatorix demanded, finally turning around. He waved at the air. "Uh, those vile creatures. Their smell makes me sick."
Murtagh stood, unsure what to say.
Galbatorix met his eyes. "In a week's time you will retrieve Rune from the Varden."
Murtagh's face lit up.
"Don't look so hopeful. You know the fate that awaits her when she returns." Galbatorix inspected his manicured nails. "Now, tell me exactly what you're going to do when you reach the Varden. I've told you before, so it shouldn't be too difficult, even for you."
Murtagh sighed. "I'm going to go to Rune. Wake her up. Ask her if she's told anyone. Leave the note, kidnap her and those she's told." Betray her. Break her heart, and her trust.
"And if she's told Eragon?"
"Leave him."
"What if she's told the entire Varden?"
"Then just bring her."
King Galbatorix nodded. "Very good. You have one week, Murtagh. Prepare yourself."
Murtagh sighed. He nodded. "Yes, my lord."
Closing the door behind him, Murtagh sunk to the floor. What next? How could be doom Rune to this? This was worse than death. She should have had a right to choose…But Murtagh could do nothing. He had sworn, and now he was bound to his word.
Murtagh felt tears leaking out from under his closed eyelids. There was nothing left to believe in. "I can't dream of freedom anymore, Rune," he whispered. "I just can't…"
Author's Note: Sorry Arya hasn't been in this story so far, but she'll be in the next chapter. After all, a story wouldn't be complete without Eragon drooling over her! Hearts to all, KittenofShadows
Ancient Language (forgot to put in last chapter):
Kvetha: Greetings
Un gán ono: And to you