Chapter 18: Herbalist
Arya warily let go of Murtagh's hand, and backed away. Murtagh straightened and rubbed his wrist, eyeing the elf with annoyance.
"Look--" Murtagh cast a glance at the guards. "Excuse me, men, but I'd like a moment alone with the prisoner. Unless you'd like to take it up with the king?"
"No, Sir Murtagh." The guards shook their head simultaneously, and marched out. Murtagh watched them go with a look of disdain.
"Sir Murtagh?" asked Arya, who couldn't help but raise her eyebrow at the title.
"Just listen," replied the Rider. "Eragon's safe and heading back to the Varden. He learned my true name and set me free. Now that I am acting of my own free will, I can help you escape."
Arya took a moment to digest this. "You cannot be lying…. We're conversing in the Ancient Language. But your story is so ludicrous. How did this happen?"
Murtagh repeated the previous day's events. Hearing the words from his own mouth made him realize the importance of what Eragon had done. It could either make or break the Varden; give them two Riders or none at all. It also told him the extreme risk of what he was about to do.
"I believe you, Murtagh," said Arya slowly; as if she regretted what she was saying. "There is nothing to lose if you are lying, because I would be killed here anyway. What we need, however, is the aid of a dragon."
Murtagh smiled grimly. "That I can do."
Eragon sighed with relief when he saw the Beors. Saphira took a sharp upward turn and when they cleared the peaks, she dove into the dragon hold. As Eragon slid off the dragon's back, he noticed a small figure in the corner.
"Solembum?" Asked Eragon, squinting through the darkness.
So you took my advice. The werecat stepped out of the shadows and nodded toward the new sword that took up residence in Eragon's belt of Beloth the Wise.
Yes, said Eragon, as Solembum journeyed to Saphira and greeted her happily. It was amazing. What you predicted put heavy power on the Varden; we may be able to rescue Arya!
Just don't get overconfident. Wars are not won by strength alone. You must have wisdom and cautiousness.
Solembum suddenly vanished, and was replaced by a small boy who beckoned to them. Come.
They followed the boy down long, winding halls, and finally to a room that Eragon recognized as Angela's.
Solembum slipped through the door, and then returned seconds later to allow them entrance. Eragon admired the place with happy familiarity. Herbs lined the ceiling ominously, while giving the area an enticing smell. Angela sat in the middle on the floor, examining a rancid-looking mushroom.
"So, you're back," she said, not bothering to look up.
"Yes."
"Did you learn anything more?"
"Yes."
Eragon wondered where the conversation was going, until Angela tidily put away her studies and folded her hands in her lap.
"So, Solembum tells me that you have freed Murtagh. Didn't I tell you he was trouble?" Scolded Angela.
"He had no choice!" Protested Eragon, and Saphira hummed with agreement.
"Perhaps…." Said Angela. "He has gone back to Galbatorix, has he not?"
Eragon steamed. "Only to save Arya!"
"I understand that, Argetlam, calm down," Angela reassured. "I was just saying, are you going to trust him to do as instructed?"
"Yes," said Eragon defiantly. "He won't rejoin the man he hates. I know he won't."
"If you believe so strongly in him, then I suppose I will be quiet. But don't be surprised if he betrays you. Don't wonder why."
"Thank you, Angela."
"All right, all right. You've been here long enough all ready. Go see Nasuada, and come back later."
"I will."
Good-bye, Angela.
"Wait, do you know how Arya was captured?"
Angela's spirited demeanor suddenly darkened.
"She sacrificed herself, for you."
A/N: Why, hello. I brought Eragon back to you because of popular demand, and he'll stay. There are only about 5 chapters, at the MOST, left in my story. This is a very short version of book 3.
P.S. Post on my forum!
