A/N: Thank you for all of your comments to my poll! Keep them coming.

Chapter 12: Reunited at Last

While Murtagh hesitated, Eragon reached out desperately for anything he could draw energy from. Suddenly, his mind touched a weak presence, and without a thought, he searched the presence until realizing that his clothing was giving off the aura.

Eragon absorbed the power, just in time to roll to the side and push himself up with his feet. Murtagh cursed loudly and rushed at him, their swords clashing again. With a roar, Eragon lashed out with his sword while screaming "Brisingr!" A blue flame shot down his blade, and it caught Murtagh off-guard. With a yelp, Murtagh fell to the floor after being struck in the arm by the fire.

Eragon leapt to his feet and put the tip of his sword to Murtagh's throat. Murtagh smirked.

"I guess you're going to kill me now, little brother? Go ahead," scowled the Rider through his teeth.

"No," replied Eragon, pressing his blade harder, "I'm going to do this. Slytha."

Murtagh fell limp, in a deep sleep. Without releasing his sword, Eragon contact Saphira. I have Murtagh in a deep sleep. I can do the same to Thorn if you lend me your strength.

I can't do that while holding him! He is smaller than me, but very powerful.

Can you try? That's the only way we can stop them, unless you want to continue fighting him.

You put me in a difficult decision, Little One. But I will come. Be quick in your intentions. I won't be able to hold him for long.

There was an enormous Thud! And Eragon turned to see Thorn being pinned to the ground by Saphira's claws. Eragon rushed up to her, and felt a buffeting sweep of energy fill him.

"Slytha!" He shouted, and fell to his knees with the effort. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that Thorn was fast asleep, and Saphira let go. Eragon was then free to survey the current situation: Both elven and soldier bodies littered the once-sparkling floor. Oromis and Glaedr stood in the middle of it all, watching.

"Master!" Cried Eragon, "Where did the soldiers go? They aren't all dead?"

Oromis shook his head solemnly. "No, they have escaped into the city."

Eragon ran towards the door. "We have to stop them!"

Oromis held him back with magic, and pulled him onto Saphira. "Yes. First, however, you must find a safe and secure place for Murtagh and Thorn. Somewhere secret."

Glaedr picked Thorn up in his claws, maneuvering to get the better of his infirmity. Murtagh was placed in Saphira's saddle, snoring against Eragon like a drunken sailor.

The two dragons swept out of the ballroom majestically. Where are we going, Eragon? Asked Saphira.

Um…. the…. the shack I found, where I got my new tunic! Eragon said, inspired.

Are you sure? It could be dangerous. Dark magic.

Trust me. If it is dark magic, then we can handle it. It certainly does have some magic surrounding it. Won't that keep them under lock and key?

Little one, I trust you with all our lives. If this thing is as dangerous as I think, we could be unleashing something more deadly than Galbatorix himself.

Eragon walked in the shop with Murtagh leaning on him precariously. The dummy still sat in its chair, regarding the pair imperiously.

You're back, Shadeslayer. What is it that you need? It asked.

I need a safe place to keep my br—another Rider, so that he and his dragon. Can you do that?

Of course, what you are asking is no problem at all.

Eragon sighed with relief. Saphira, it's okay, bring in Thorn.

There was a commotion out side as the sleeping dragon was heaved through the tiny doors. Somehow, he managed to fit inside with Murtagh comfortably.

Will I be able to come back? Asked Eragon.

Yes.

Eragon sighed and looked at the sleeping Rider.

"Well, brother, we are reunited at last."

A/N: Love it? Hate it? Sorry it took so long to update!