They entered an elegant, two-story study. At the far end of the room, a man stood behind a large walnut desk. His skin gleamed the colour of oiled ebony. The dome of his head was shaved bare, but a closely trimmed black beard covered his chin and upper lip. Strong features shadowed his face, and grave, intelligent eyes lurked under his brow. His shoulders were broad and powerful, emphasized by a tapered red vest embroidered with gold thread and clasped over a rich purple shirt. He bore himself with great dignity, exuding an intense, commanding air.
When he spoke, his voice was strong, confident: "Welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves."
Eragon, Murtagh, and Lorena sat in the three available armchairs facing Ajihad, while Saphira settled protectively behind them. Ajihad raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A man stepped out from behind the staircase. He was identical to the bald man beside him. Eragon stared at the two of them with surprise, Murtagh stiffened, and Lorena glared. "Your confusion is understandable; they are twin brothers," said Ajihad with a small smile. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."
Saphira hissed with distaste. Ajihad watched her for a moment, then sat in a high-backed chair behind the desk. The Twins retreated under the stairs and stood impassively beside each other. Ajihad pressed his fingers together as he stared at Lorena, Murtagh, and Eragon. He studied them for a long time with an unwavering gaze.
After what seemed like several minutes, Ajihad lowered his hands and beckoned to the Twins. One of the hurried to his side. Ajihad whispered in his ear. The bald man suddenly paled and shook his head vigorously. Ajihad frowned, then nodded as if something had been confirmed.
He looked at Murtagh. "You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dûr because the Twins have assured me that they can control you and because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. I understand that there may be things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."
"You wouldn't trust me anyway," said Murtagh defiantly.
Ajihad's face darkened as Murtagh spoke, and his eyes flashed dangerously. "Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear... I know that voice." He stood ominously, chest swelling. The Twins looked alarmed and put their heads together, whispering frantically. "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Get up."
Lorena clenched the arms of her chair and watched Murtagh with growing panic. Murtagh warily complied, his eyes darting between the Twins and Ajihad. "Remove your shirt," ordered Ajihad. With a shrug, Murtagh pulled off his tunic. "Now turn around." As he pivoted to the side, light fell upon the scar on his back.
"Murtagh," breathed Ajihad. A grunt of surprise came from Orik. Without warning, Ajihad turned on the Twins and thundered, "Did you know of this?"
The Twins bowed their heads. "We discovered his name in Eragon's, and the girl's minds, but we did not suspect that this boy was the son of one as powerful as Morzan. It never occurred—"
"And you didn't tell me?" demanded Ajihad. He raised a hand, forestalling their explanation. "We will discuss it later." He faced Murtagh again. "First I must untangle this muddle. Do you still refuse to be probed?"
"Yes," said Murtagh sharply, slipping back into his tunic. "I won't let anyone inside my head."
Ajihad leaned on his desk. "There will be unpleasant consequences if you don't. Unless the Twins can certify that you aren't a threat, we cannot give you credence, despite, and perhaps because of, the assistance you have given Eragon. Without the verification, the people here, dwarf and human alike, will tear you apart if they learn of your presence. I'll be forced to keep you confined at all times—as much for your protection as for ours. It will only get worse once the dwarf king, Hrothgar, demands custody of you. Don't force yourself into that situation when it can easily be avoided."
Murtagh shook his head stubbornly. "No... even if I were to submit, I would still be treated like a leper and an outcast. All I wish is to leave. If you let me do that peacefully, I'll never reveal your location to the Empire."
"What will happen if you are captured and brought before Galbatorix?" demanded Ajihad. "He will extract every secret from your mind, no matter how strong you may be. Even if you could resist him, how can we trust that you won't rejoin him in the future? I cannot take that chance."
"Will you hold me prisoner forever?" demanded Murtagh, straightening.
"No," said Ajihad, "only until you let yourself be examined. If you are found trustworthy, the Twins will remove all knowledge of Farthen Dûr's location from your mind before you leave. We won't risk someone with those memories falling into Galbatorix's hands. What is it to be Murtagh? Decide quickly or else the path will be chosen for you."
Murtagh looked down at Lorena, she tried to force a smile but her lips merely twitched. Finally Murtagh poke, the words slow and distinct. "My mind is the one sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I've learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts. You have asked for the one thing I cannot give, least of all to those two." He gestured at the Twins. "Do with me what you will, but know this: death will take me before I'll expose myself to their probing."
Admiration glinted in Ajihad's eyes. "I'm not surprised by your choice, though I had hoped otherwise... Guards!" The cedar door slammed open as warriors rushed in, weapons ready. Ajihad pointed at Murtagh and commanded, "Take him to a windowless room and bar the door securely. Post six men by the entrance and allow no one inside until I come to see him. Do not speak to him, either."
Rage boiled within Lorena, and as she saw the warriors step forward she shouted, "No!" She made to stand up, heat rising from her skin and her hands clenched. A tender touch stopped her. She looked back to Murtagh.
"It's ok. Come visit me when you can." Lorena lowered back into her seat and watched in despair as the warriors surrounded Murtagh. They watched him suspiciously. As they left the study Murtagh gave her an uncharacteristic wink, then stared forward resolutely. He vanished into the hallway with the men. The sound of their feet faded into silence.
Ajihad said abruptly, "I want everyone out of this room but Eragon and Saphira. Now!"
Bowing, the Twins departed. Lorena stood and walked out of the room, behind her she heard Orik say, "Sir, the king will want to know of Murtagh. And there is still the matter of my insubordination..."
Ajihad frowned, then waved his hand. "I will tell Hrothgar myself. As for you actions... wait outside until I call for you. And don't let the Twins, nor Lorena get away. I'm not done with them either."
"Very well," said Orik, inclining his head. He closed the door with a solid thump. When he turned back around Lorena held his gaze. He nodded, "Please wait here."
Lorena moved her back against the wall. She watched as Orik walked down the hallway and returned with the Twins. The four of them stood outside of the study for hours in silence. Lorena studied the carnelian floor, noticing the whitish veins running through the deep stone.
"Orik!" Ajihad called from within the study. The dwarf hurried to and through the doors, they thumped behind him. After a time the door cracked open and Orik motioned for her to come in.
Lorena stood before the desk, analysing Ajihad's face. He was undeniably ill tempered, but possessed an air of calm about him.
"I did not appreciate your defiance earlier," he looked at her from under dark brows, "But knowing of your infatuation with this boy I will allow it to pass as a lapse of thought on your part. Make sure it does not happen again." Lorena clenched her jaw, doing her best to contain herself she gave a jerking nod.
He stared at her for a moment.
"I knew your father." Surprised, Lorena opened her mouth to speak, before he quickly cut in, "Not well, but I remember that he was a good man. Your parents disappeared about fifteen years ago, so I assume your mother was pregnant with you at the time." Lorena nodded in confirmation.
Ajihad sighed and his expression softened.
"You're not much younger than my daughter, so let me give you some fatherly advice. There is no future with a boy like him, he won't marry you, or give you children. And if he does he won't treat you well. Find yourself a good man who can look after you."
Lorena felt the rage boil inside her, and took a breath to steady herself before forcefully stating, "You know nothing about him."
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Ajihad dismissed, "You all may go, send in the Twins as you leave."
Lorena started to protest when Eragon grabbed her arm and shook his head. Turning to Ajihad he asked, "Where can I find Arya? I would like to see her."
"No one is allowed to visit her. You will have to wait until she comes to you." Ajihad looked down at his desk in a clear dismissal.
