Author's Note: So this is unquestionably the hardest chapter I've written so far, for many reasons. I believe I wrote about four drafts for this one, because for some reason I just wasn't happy with it. But I believe I've finally got the emotional rollercoaster right, or at least to my liking.

As an extra note, this past month I've also been writing some stuff out for a future chapter, how far into the future I'm not going to tell you. Unfortunately I had ended up in the hospital for a few days—understandably unfortunate for anyone who knows how boring hospitals are—but the experience has helped me for writing a more realistic version of that future chapter. Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine, and it actually wasn't me who was admitted to the hospital. It was my sister-in-law, who is now perfectly healthy, with a beautiful baby girl! If you are wondering, the answer is yes, there will be pregnancies and babies in this story, but I'm just not going to tell you how long you have to wait.

So, I hope you like the chapter, and I'm going to get started on the next one, as it'll probably be a long one.


"What?"

"If you haven't sworn any oaths preventing you from leaving, then you can escape," Murtagh explained, "It'll have to be as soon as possible, Thorn has begun speaking, and it won't be long until he's forced to swear his own oaths."

"We're getting out of here?" Lorena whispered in disbelief, feeling suddenly light headed. Murtagh smiled and she giggled, gripping his shirt and lifting onto her toes she kissed him hard. When she pulled away she found she had to keep hold of his shirt from stumbling over her own jelly like legs. Then she noticed the smile didn't reach his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I'll miss you."

She stared at him for a moment, racking her brain, certain she misheard him. "You're coming with us."

He shook his head and Lorena gaped at him in horror. "I've sworn oaths."

"I don't care, you're coming with me." When he shook his head again she responded by tightening her grip on his shirt and giving him a good shake. "You are coming with me!"

"I can't! I've sworn in the ancient language that I wouldn't leave, but nothing about stopping, nor even aiding you and Thorn. You can get him away from here, away from Galbatorix."

"I want you away from him. I don't want to leave you, I won't leave you!"

"You say that like we have a choice," Murtagh exclaimed, exasperated, "This may be our only chance."

"You mean my only chance. I may get Thorn and myself away, but what's going to happen to you? What's going to happen when Galbatorix finds out? If he was angry before I wouldn't want to know how ferocious he will be after this."

"You won't."

"But you will! I can't risk that."

"Though you expect me to risk letting this opportunity slip away, to ignore possibly our only chance to get you two out of here. Since you haven't sworn oaths this will be the easiest it will probably ever be." Lorena felt his hand tighten on the nape of her neck. "You must be willing to protect yourself and what you cherish, no matter what the cost."

"But you're not thinking of yourself." She gave him another good shake. "You're not protecting yourself at all and that's the problem, don't you realise what's going to happen to you when Galbatorix realises that you've helped!"

"You don't understand." Murtagh grasped her hands in one of his, as if that would stop her from shaking him again. "I'm not planning on staying here. The moment I get the chance I'll follow you, I just need to come up with a way first."

"Do you have any ideas?" Lorena asked, desperately hopeful.

"No," Murtagh admitted, "he knows my true name. I need to do some research, I'll have to find a way."

"What about that book?" she exclaimed, remembering the leather bound book Galbatorix had handed him the day before, "Didn't that have something to do with oath bound servants?"

"The benefits yes, but none of the negatives. I read through it last night, expecting our lessons to be on it today, but it seems that it was just a game, a ruse to make us uncomfortable."

"You're not going to find a way." She lowered her gaze. "He's already won."

"I'll find a way. I'll catch up with you eventually."

"You can't!"

"I will."

"You can't, you hard-headed fool!" She shook him again, causing Murtagh to turn and pin her between him and the table, the hard wood digging into her thighs. "You're going to get yourself killed."

"Just do it!" Murtagh boomed, his anger finally boiling over, causing Lorena to gape at him, "You're my woman remember. Do as you're told and we may all get out of here, ignore me and I'm sure we'll be slaves forever."

"I'm no one's woman," she whispered, not knowing what else to say.

"You're mine," he corrected, suddenly calmer, "the same as I'm yours. Trust me. I have no intent to stay here, when I'm free we can start our lives as we planned, but right now I need you to do as I say. Once you and Thorn are safe I can save myself, it's the easiest way. Do you trust me?"

"Murtagh-"

"Do you trust me?"

She tried to control the involuntary tremble of her lip, and whispered, "With my life."

"Good." Murtagh nodded and kissed away salty water that splashed onto her cheeks. "I will find you when I can."

"When are we going?" she asked, avoiding his gaze.

"You and Thorn need to go as soon as possible. Thorn is going to be able to speak any day now and Galbatorix will probably make him swear fealty straight away, so there is no time for me to do the research I need." He paused as he contemplated the information. "I'll have to get you out tonight. After Galbatorix is asleep come here, I'll meet you in the hall with what supplies I am able to muster. It will be scarce though, I won't have time to collect a lot in such little time without bringing up suspicion. I'll need you to take care of Thorn, he can't take care of himself yet, he's still a hatchling."


The training grounds were covered as usual, though it didn't take long for Murtagh to spot his training partner. Feelings of guilt set heavy on him as he thought back to his conversation with Lorena. He hadn't intended to be so harsh, and the defeated look she had given caused him to feel odious. But he decided that what he said was right, she may be upset about it—and rightly so—but it was no more enjoyable for him. It was simply what they had to do. Attempting to push away the guilt he approached Brant who raised his weapon, apparently ready to get started right away.

"Actually, before we begin, I was wondering if we could try something different." Brant lowered his sword with a raised brow, and Murtagh continued. "I was wondering if I could try using two blades."

The weapons master looked him over as he contemplated the proposal, then frowned. "I don't think that will be very practical for you."

"I'd like to try it, just once," Murtagh claimed, successfully covering the trepidation ready to break through his voice.

"Fine," Brant nodded, then made his way to the weaponry.


Having never attempted two handed sword work before, Murtagh was unsurprised to find himself covered in bruises. Tired, and sore he found that he wanted to collapse for a minute, but knew better than show weakness in plain sight of anyone from the Capital. Instead he sheathed his blade glared at Brant while the older man grinned in apparent satisfaction. Murtagh had the sudden urge to knock it from his face.

"I'll put that back," Brant claimed as he held out a hand for the other sword.

"Actually," Murtagh replied, keeping the blade by his side, "if you don't mind, I'd like to take it with me. I'd like to practice some combinations tonight before I go to sleep."

Brant gave him a calculating look, and Murtagh could tell that he didn't believe him. He doesn't know about Lorena, he told himself before he could worry, he may think something is amiss but he won't be able to tell what.

"Bring them both tomorrow for your lessons." He finally relented, then pulled the bundled up sword belt from his pocket, and threw it to him. Murtagh gave him a nod as he latched the sheath back onto the leather and left the training grounds.


Slipping out of bed Lorena searched the floor for her slippers. One had fallen under the frame and she found the other under her silken nightdress. She threw the clothes on as quietly as possible then, glanced at Galbatorix's sleeping form. She noticed nothing different, no change in breath nor a shift in body movement.

Crossing her fingers she made her way to the door—too worried about making a noise that might wake him to look for more suitable clothing—and pulled the carved monstrosity open. She winced, expecting a creak that would wake the King and she would be caught before she even escaped, but it slid open silently like every other door in the Capital. Pulling it shut behind her, she kept the handle turned, then slowly released so it would not even click.

Resisting a sigh of relief she turned left, then made her way down the hallway. It took all her willpower not to run, she knew that if she did and was spotted by someone they would question her. She glanced behind her to make sure she wasn't being followed, then took the first turn and bumped into someone. She bit her tongue violently in an attempt to stop a scream. The person who she bumped into must have thought that that was what she was going to do too, as their hands clamped down, one on the back of her head the other over her mouth.

Lorena pushed herself away, panic rising inside her, before her head was forced up and she recognised the form as Murtagh. Nodding to her she realised he was waiting for her confirmation that she recognised him and nodded back. He released her and she noticed a bundle on the floor which Murtagh quickly scooped up. "I got you some supplies, it's not much but it was the best I could do on short notice."

"Do you have some clothes?" she asked as she crossed her arms. The nightgown covered much less than what she was use to.

"I couldn't get you any dresses, but," he patted the bundle, "I do have some of my travel clothes. I had wished to get you some of my old ones, they're smaller but I'm now housed in Rider chambers and my old clothes are gone."

Lorena nodded. She spent her time travelling with Murtagh and Eragon in trousers, she felt she could do it again. "I'll change now."

"I'd prefer not," Murtagh replied hesitantly, "if someone sees you here in ill fitting travel clothes they'll probably ask questions. Keep the dress on, it's less likely to bring attention."

"It's a nightgown Murtagh, it's going to call attention."

"But less than these. You can change in a bit, once we're out of the castle." He offered her an arm and she decided against protesting. Slipping her arm through his, then they turned and walked down the hallway.

Lorena watched the way they went and decided they must be going near Murtagh's bedchambers. "Where's Thorn?"

"In the stables," he whispered back, "we'll make our way their now. Try not to ask questions, you don't know who might be listening."


The first person they ran into was a soldier. He came around a turn ahead of them, wearing armour and the common red tunic with a stitched tongue of flame, and began walking their way. Panic rushing through her Lorena glanced up at Murtagh who remained calm. Lorena faced forward, attempting to duplicate his composer. She found the soldier looking them over, before nodding to Murtagh. She glanced back at him in time to see him return the nod. The soldier passed them, a smirk on his face, then she let out a sigh of relief.

Turning back to Murtagh she examined him, attempting to decipher what happened.

"Did you know him?"

"No." Murtagh stared ahead of them, refusing to catch her eye.

"Then what was... he thought I was whore!" she hissed in realisation.

"Not an uncommon occurrence here, not something that people would question."

"Can I change now?" she asked, holding her free arm to her chest in a futile attempt to cover the obvious nightwear. "It's this damn gown that's the problem."

"I'd rather you not, this is still a better disguise."

"Fine," she grumbled, pressing her cheek against his arm. If she was going to be mistaken for a whore, then she might as well not feel embarrassed to show affection as they walked through the halls.

She then caught onto something he said earlier. "Is it a common occurrence for you?"

"What?" He asked looking down a side walkway.

"Is it common for people here to see you with a woman?"

Murtagh turned and looked at her deliberately. "Women, whores, the answer is the same."

She held her breath, staring into the storm coloured eyes, scared to hear his response.

"No." Resisting a sigh of relief, she looked ahead. "When you live here you can't risk having people you care about, there's always someone ready to use them against you."

"I've noticed," she whispered in response.


When they reached a pair of large double doors Murtagh carefully pulled one open. Craning her neck, Lorena tried to peak through the gap, before he reached back. Grasping the offered hand she was pulled through the doors.

On the other side she found that she now stood in a courtyard. Darkness covered the area, which had minimal lanterns hung around the perimeter. At first she was surprised that they had come out the front doors, then realised that this yard was substantially smaller than the courtyard they had been taken through when first brought to the Capital.

The doors closed behind her, then the hand holding hers gave a tug and she was pulled off into the shadows. Jogging to keep up Lorena tried to be as quiet as possible, trusting him to lead the way. It wasn't long before he pushed open another set of doors and pulled her inside a building.

The smell hit first. After becoming use to the scent of perfumes, the small manicured gardens around the courtyard of her chambers, and overall cleanliness, the odour of a stable filled with horses was harsh to say the least. And remarkably welcome.

She grinned at the creatures, happy to suddenly feel like she was back in her element, before Murtagh began dragging her towards the back. The horses ignored them as they rushed past, then he opened the last stall and they slipped inside. At first Lorena had thought it to be empty, since there was no visible horse, but now it was impossible to not see the ruby dragon lounging in the straw.

"He's huge," Lorena exclaimed, realising he was bigger than she had thought yesterday, "how are we going to sneak him out? How did you even get him here?"

Murtagh, who knelt in the corner next to a bag she had overlooked, glanced at Thorn. The dragon still lay on his back, wings spread, and tongue hanging almost comically from his open maws, but now he stared at Lorena, and she wasn't sure if he was curious or attempting to best decide how to eat her.

"Luck." Judging by his expression she decided he must not have enjoyed the experience of transporting the creature. "As for the former, I do have a plan."

He removed a saddle bag from the large canvas bag in the corner and held it up expectantly. She glanced from the it to the dragon and guessed, "We're putting him in a bag?"

"Yes."

"You're joking."

"Unfortunately not." He threw the it next to Thorn who glanced at it unamused. "I'm going to put him into a slumber, then we can throw it onto your horse, just like any other saddle bag."

"Will he be able to breathe?" she examined the material in concern.

"Of course. He'll be fine, and the spell will only last an hour or so. That should give you enough time to get a safe distance away from the Capital, and let him out. You can change now," Murtagh announced as he opened the bundle he'd carried out.

"Thank the gods." Lorena watched as he sorted the items. "Why did you bring those with you? You could have just left them here."

"I only wanted to take one trip. Avoid attention." He stood with a shirt in hand.

"Did anyone notic-" she was cut off as he pulled the woollen material over her head. Lifting her arms she allowed him to work them through the sleeves, then he gave the hem a good tug and she could see again.

"No one saw us," he claimed as he pulled her hair free, "well, maybe me, but definitely not Thorn."

He held out the pants next. Gripping his shoulders Lorena stepped into them, then allowed him to tie a knot with the excess material in an attempt to make them fit. Twisting her hips she confirmed that they weren't going o fall around her ankles, then gave him a nod. Next came the boots. Grabbing her slippers she attempted to pull them off, but Murtagh pushed them firmly back on.

"They'll help make them fit." He pulled a pair of socks from inside and slide them over the slippers, his fingers gently stroked against her skin, then he grabbed the boots. Even with the slippers Lorena realised the boots were still too big. Holding onto his shoulders she watched as he worked her feet into the footwear and tied the laces, so tight she could almost feel the circulation loss. She ran her fingers through his soft dark locks as he tied the last knot, and forced a smile when he looked up at her.

"Just need the robe." He grabbed the material the other clothes had been wrapped in and threw it around her in a fluid motion, before clasping it at the base of her throat. "Pull the hood up before we leave, and try to stay out of the torchlight. Brunettes are common, but if they see its red it'll leave a longer impression."

He then knelt beside Thorn, who hadn't bothered moving and already looked drowsy, causing Lorena to think that maybe he had been knocked out to be brought here as well. Running a hand over his stretched neck, Murtagh whispered in the ancient language, and soon Thorn was asleep. His hand lingered for a moment, and Lorena could plainly see from his touch, the affection that he held for the creature.

"Could you grab the stallion in the next stall," Murtagh asked as he reached for the canvas bag.

"Sure." Lorena slipped out of gate and into the adjacent stall. A russet beast turned from the feed trough to look at her. He was sleek muscle, and she could see that he was bred for speed. She noticed the stall could do with a muck, and was careful of where she stepped, as she reached out and ran a hand along his side.

The stallion was already saddled, so she grabbed the bridle from the wall, as she scratched under his jaw, bristles rough against her skin. She spoke to him softly as she slipped the leather over his head, and he didn't fuss when she positioned the bit. Holding the reigns she lead him from his stall, into the walkway.

Sticking her head through the last stalls door she watch as Murtagh finished closing up the canvas bag, then brought the stallion in when he motioned to her. Together they tied the saddle bags onto the horse, consciously placing Thorn so that he lay stomach down. The stallion fidgeted, unhappy with the scent and Lorena whispered to him until Murtagh spoke in the ancient language, calming the animal quickly.

"One more thing." Lorena looked up as Murtagh stepped around the stallion, he held a sword belt, which he buckled around her, before removing his own dagger and adding it too. "Hopefully you won't need them."

"I know how to use them if I need to," she claimed as she reached up and ran a hand along his cheek, then smiled as he leaned into it, "don't worry about us."

"I won't worry when I know you're safely away." He held his hand over hers. "There's a map in your bag, it's detailed, you can use it to decide where to go, don't tell me," he added quickly, "I don't want Galbatorix to find out from me after he discovers you are gone."

"How long do you think you'll be able to hide it for?"

"Not long, you'll have to ride all night."

"I can go longer, as long as I know you're going to catch up eventually."

"As soon as I can, my love," he claimed, then kissed her wrist, "I'll say goodbye here, where no one can see us."

"Are you sure you can't come with us?"

"I'm sure," he sighed pressing her hand harder against his cheek, "I need to do some research, figure out how I can get out of here despite my oaths."

"It's not too late, we can still go back, wait until you figure it out, then all leave together."

"What if I don't figure it out before Thorn is able to speak? Galbatorix could make him swear his oaths, and whilst doing that realise his mistakes and make me swear additional ones to correct them. It's too risky."

"You don't think that after he realises Thorn and I are gone that he'll have you swear new oaths to correct his mistakes. It's the same problem."

"But, I won't have you two to worry about after this. It'll only be me, and it'll be easier to get one person out than three," he stared at her for a moment, and the intent gaze coupled with the breath on her wrist made her shiver, "Say goodbye."

She licked her lips, and brushed her fingers over the dagger hilt, "Turn around."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't think I can say goodbye any other way."

He obliged, turning his back to her. She trailed her fingers from his cheek, down his neck and back before wrapping her arm around his stomach and pressing herself against him.

"I don't want to say goodbye," she confessed.

"It's not permanent," he sounded so certain that he almost convinced her. Instead she nodded, knowing he could feel the movement against him, then gently pulled the dagger free. She raised it high, careful not to let him feel the movement, before he spun around.

She tried to bring the hilt down against the side of his head anyway as he wretched from her grip but he caught her arm, then pushed her against the wall. The stallion whined in protest.

"What are you doing?" he hissed, then looked her up and down in shock, "Galbatorix knows, he's gotten you to play along."

"What? No!" He shoved her harder against the wall momentarily winding her. Gasping to get her breath back she glared up at him as he pinned her arms above her. "If you weren't going to leave with us I was going to make you."

He looked shocked. "You, make me? How did you think that was going to work?"

"I was going to throw you over the horse and tell the guards that I had a delivery to make on Galbatorix's orders."

"They never would have believed you, I have this all planned out!"

"But you couldn't come with me! This way you wouldn't have broken any oaths, but you still would have gotten away!"

"I wish that could have worked, but it won't." He pulled the dagger from her hand, and slipped it into its sheath.

"You're stubborn, and hard-headed!" She pulled against his grip but he didn't allow her to move. She felt hot tears begin to spill down her face and in cried out in furry and desperation, "I hate you."

"You love me." The voice was stern, and she noticed suddenly that his cheeks were wet. "And I love you, but you need to get out of here, and Thorn definitely needs to get out of here. Save him for me."

"Don't be a martyr, Murtagh," she choked.

He let out a mirthless laugh, "Me? A martyr? That'll be the day."

Lorena leant her head back against the wooden wall and bit her bottom lip.

"Are you going to say goodbye, or are we going to leave things like this?"

She glanced up at him, taking in his wet lashes and cheeks, grey eyes that looked as worried and scared as she felt, and a tremble of a lip so light that she wasn't sure if it actually happened. Feeling sick about what she had said, and his reaction, she nodded, "I'll say goodbye."

The hand around her wrists hesitated, then released. Before he could step back, she slid her arms over his shoulders, buried her face into the crook of his neck. In response he lifted her from her feet, his arms wrapped comfortingly around her. Taking in his smell she tried to savour it, despite what he said she couldn't get rid of the ball of turmoil in her stomach, worried that she would in fact not see him again.

When he placed her back on her feet, she pushed herself onto her toes and found his lips with hers. She felt a thumb gently caressing her side, and she ran a hand along his neck, before reaching into his dark locks, feeling them slide through her fingers. Their movements were slow and tender, causing Lorena to become certain in her own feelings, and know that if Murtagh had any doubts about her love or yearning for him, that they would be put to rest.

"Don't," she sniffed, pulling away and wiping the wetness from his eyes, so gently it was almost a caress, even as he did the same to her, "If you've ever needed to be strong, now's the time."

"Are you telling me, or yourself?" Murtagh gasped a laugh, causing Lorena to smile despite herself.

"Promise you'll make Galbatorix's life as difficult as possible."

"You have my word." His hands slid simultaneously from her hip and cheek, as he stepped back. "It's time to go."

Trying to swallow the lump in her throat, she pushed herself off the wall. Murtagh stepped beside the stallion and gave Thorn another check as Lorena picked up the reigns. Reaching over she pushed the stall open, then gave a cluck to signal the stallion to follow before something grabbed her arm.

She turned to see Murtagh, grasping onto her tightly, his face barely concealing desperation, "I love you."

With a sad smile she reached up and cupped his face, then gave him a light kiss. "I love you."


The streets were quiet, setting Lorena on edge, though she had to remind herself that it was to be expected at night. Glancing down at Murtagh she saw he didn't look much more composed than she did, with his jaw locked and brows lowered. Holding the reigns he led the horse through the capital, and Lorena gripped the saddles pommel consciously trying to sit calmly, concerned that her discomfort would be felt by the stallion. Ahead the perimeter of the capital came into view, with tall walls and high gates.

"Open up!" Murtagh called.

A soldier's head appeared from the parapet, a young man with a mop of gold hair. "Who asks?"

"No one asks. I, Murtagh son of Morzan, command you to open the gates for one of the Kings servants."

"Which servant would that be?"

"One of the Kings magicians."

The soldier stared at Lorena, but had no luck with her hood up. "Can't he speak? Nor show his face?"

Murtagh paused and Lorena glanced at him. "No he won't."

"Have him prove it. I'm not opening the gate at this time for someone I don't know."

"Do you really want to question the Kings orders?" Murtagh snapped irritably.

"We'll just have him perform some sort of magic, he looks quite effeminate, can't be sure if he is what you say."

"You should never question the strength of a magician by their appearance. Looks mean very little when it comes to magic."

"I'd still like to see some proof."

"How about you open these gates, before my temper gets the better of me."

"While I'm sure your temper is to be feared I doubt it is one to match the Kings if he finds out I've allowed someone to leave the city under suspicious circumstances, and without any proof to what they say they are."

"You want an example," Murtagh called crossly, before turning to Lorena, "Give him one."

Lorena felt her mouth go dry as she stared at him, wondering if he had gone insane, then she noticed a slight movement of his lips. In deliberation she held her hand out and watched as a stone the size of her head was pulled up from the pathway. Dirt fell from the levitating stone, then a chunk the size of her fist cracked and began to fall. Before it hit the ground the piece lifted and flung itself through the air, directly for the soldiers head.

He shouted in surprise and ducked, just before the piece's route curved through the air. It flung itself towards Lorena, and she was surprised at how much willpower it took to stay still, especially when it pressed itself against her still outstretched palm.

"Alright!" the soldier's voice could be heard from the parapet, before he slowly stood back up, "I'll open the gates."

"Good to hear," Murtagh called, "It would seem that he doesn't like his strength questioned."

The soldiers head disappeared, then gates began to open as the pieces of stone worked their way back into the pathway. Lorena turned back to Murtagh.

"Good luck." His voice was tight, and if she didn't know him better she would have taken it as angry.

She swallowed the proper goodbye she desperately wanted to give, and whispered, "Good luck."

Then she dug her heels into the sides of her stallion and rode off, through the gates. Leaving Urû'baen and the man she loved behind her.