They didn't ride for long before stopping as it was obvious that the soldiers nor Urgals were following. They picketed the horses, and Saphira joined them when she saw they had stopped. The dragon was unquestionably fuming with anger.

"How the hell are we going to get Eragon back?" Lorena asked angrily, as she wiped blood off of Cadoc's flank.

"No idea," growled Murtagh, equally as aggravated, "There's only two of us, Saphira can't be seen, and we can't fight our way in there. We'll be overwhelmed by sheer numbers."

The two sat in silence, wracking their brains. An orange hue had touched the sky when Murtagh stood up.

"I can sneak in, disguised, into the gaol. Break Eragon out of his cell, and march him out. I'll just tell anyone who asks that I've been sent by the king to take him to Urû'baen."

"There are heaps of flaws in that idea. You may be able to sneak in but there is no way that you will convince anyone that a single man has been instructed to transport a dragon rider to the king. They'll want proof."

Murtagh scowled, "Well I don't see you suggesting anything."

"What about we sneak in, free Eragon from his cell, get him to the top of the building and have Saphira come fly us out?"

"Are you crazy?" said Murtagh through laughter, "We can't have Saphira seen."

"Why not? They have the rider, wouldn't they know there's also a dragon? There's no other way to sneak him out without fighting every soldier in the place." Lorena turned from Murtagh to Saphira, "What do you think Saphira?"

Saphira lifted her head off the ground and looked at the young woman. Lorena hesitantly lowered the defences around her mind, she could feel Saphira's conscious brush against hers before retreating. "Tell me Saphira." Lorena felt Saphira's conscious brush against the edges of her mind, where she could barely hear her words.

Though you can sneak in, I don't see any way to for us to sneak Eragon out. I like your idea of me getting you from the building. Though I can carry three it would be much easier and faster to only carry two, especially if I have to fight as well.

Lorena relayed Saphira's thoughts to Murtagh. "Hmm, I guess." Murtagh pulled out his bed rolls, "I'll go in tonight, but first I want a good sleep."

"Who said you were going in." Lorena asked, hands rested on her hips.

"We've already talked about this. I will not allow my woman to enter a barrack's filled with the king's soldiers."

"Your woman?" Lorena scoffed, "I'm no one's woman."

"You know what I mean." Murtagh paused to look up at her, "Whether either of us like it or not I'm responsible for you. You may be a good fighter, and useful on the road but as far as the world is concerned you're still a woman. And if you go in there they won't have as much respect for you as Eragon and I do. You'll be vulnerable. You can stay here and guard the horses and supplies. Saphira and I will rescue Eragon tonight once it is dark."

"Fine, I'll take the first watch... that is if you think a woman can handle it." said Lorena sarcastically.

"Fine," Murtagh scowled, then grumbled under his breath, "Bloody women."

They slept in turn through the day, late afternoon they had a meal and when the light had faded from the sky Murtagh was prepared to leave. Lorena watched him walk a short distance before running after him.

He turned as she gently touched his shoulder. His face was hidden behind shadows and the fake beard, so she wasn't sure if he was curious or annoyed.

"I just want to clear the air. I get it; you're just trying to protect me. On the road it's been easy to forget that most of the world doesn't see women as equals. I'm just feeling a little lost, and I'm trying to pull my weight." Lorena turned her face away as she felt it heat up, "Any way, good luck in there. Bring him out safely, and don't get yourself killed."

Uncomfortable and unsure of herself, she tentatively embraced him. She felt his quickened heart beat against her ear, as his arms wrapped around her slim waist. Then she let go and briskly walked back to the camp.