Um… how many chapters have been in Ajihad's office? Gah… why, Paolini, why… torture… thank goodness it'll end soon… SOOON…

City of Angels by Thirty Seconds to Mars is an amazing thing to listen to while reading/writing-fanfiction-about Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle. Listen, please. : / / www. youtube / watch? feature= player_ detailpage &v= xtk8ro_ eJZE (just remove the spaces (and because FFN is super-catious about things, add an http at the front, in front of the ellipses).

"And what about Murtagh?" Eragon asked bitingly.

Ajihad's face darkened. He reached beneath his desk and lifted up Zar'roc. The sword's polished sheath gleamed in the light. Ajihad slid his hand over it, lingering on the etched sigil. "He will stay here until he allows the Twins into his mind."

"You can't imprison him," argued Eragon. "He's committed no crime!"

"We can't give him his freedom without being sure that he won't turn against us. Innocent or not, he's potentially as dangerous to us as his father was," said Ajihad with a hint of sadness.

Tania opened her hands placatingly. "Couldn't you teach him the right words of the Ancient Language for him to tell you that he won't turn against you?"

Ajihad shook his head. "We don't want to risk him knowing the words of power, even ones as simple as those you speak of."

Tania nodded. "That's enough for me. I may not completely agree with my friend being locked up, but I can see your reasons. But—and I think both Eragon and I are curious—how did you recognize his voice?"

"I met his father once," said Ajihad shortly. He tapped Zar'roc's hilt. "I wish Brom had told me he had taken Morzan's sword. I suggest you don't carry it within Farthen Dûr, Eragon. Many people here remember Morzan's time with hate, especially the dwarves."

"I'll remember that," promised Eragon.

Ajihad handed Zar'roc to him. "That reminds me, I have Brom's ring, which he sent me as a confirmation of his identity. I was keeping it for when he returned to Tronjheim. Now that he's dead, I suppose it belongs to you, and I think he would have wanted you to have it." He opened a desk drawer and took the ring from it.

Eragon accepted it with obvious reverence. The symbol cut into the face of the sapphire was identical to the tattoo on Arya's shoulder; Tania wondered if it was some sort of symbol of the Varden. Eragon slid the ring onto his index finger, admiring it as it caught the light. "I… I am honored," he said.

Ajihad nodded gravely, then pushed back his chair and stood. He faced Saphira and spoke to her, his voice swelling with power. "Do not think I have forgotten you, O mighty dragon. I have said these things as much for your benefit as Eragon's and Tania's. It is even more important that you know them, for to you falls the task of guarding him in these dangerous times, and passing the knowledge to Ophelia so that she may guard Tania as well. Do not underestimate your might or falter by his side, because without you he will surely fail."

Saphira lowered her head until their eyes were level and stared at him through slitted black pupils. They examined each other silently, neither of them blinking. Ajihad was the first to move. He lowered his eyes and said softly, "It is indeed a privilege to meet you."

He'll do, said Saphira respectfully. She swung her head to face Eragon, obviously conversing with him privately. Eragon hesitated, then spoke. "She says to tell you that she is impressed with both Tronjheim and you, and that the Empire is right to fear you. She wants you to know, however, that if you had decided to kill us, she would have destroyed Tronjheim and torn you apart with her teeth."

"And Ophelia would have done the same," Tania supplied confidently.

Ajihad looked at her seriously. "I would expect nothing less from one so noble—but I doubt you could have gotten past the Twins."

Saphira snorted with derision. Bah!

Tania smirked, knowing what she meant, as Eragon said, "Then they must be much stronger than they appear. I think they would be sorely dismayed if they ever faced a dragon's wrath. The two of them might be able to defeat me, but never Saphira. You should know, a Rider's dragon strengthens his or her magic beyond what a normal magician might have. Brom was always weaker than us because of that. I think that in the absence of the Riders, the Twins have overestimated their power."

Ajihad looked troubled. "Brom was considered one of our greatest spell weavers. Only the elves surpassed him. If what you say is true, we will have to reconsider a great many things." He bowed to Saphira. "As it is, I am glad it wasn't necessary to harm either of you." Saphira dipped her head in return.

Ajihad straightened with a lordly air and called, "Orik!" The dwarf hurried into the room and stood before the desk, crossing his arms. Ajihad frowned at him, irritated. "You've caused me a great deal of trouble, Orik. I've had to listen to one of the Twins complain all morning about your insubordination. They won't let it rest until you are punished. Unfortunately they're right. It's a serious matter that cannot be ignored. An accounting is due."

Orik's eyes flicked toward Eragon, but his face betrayed no emotion. He spoke quickly in rough tones. "The Kull were almost around Kóstha-mérna. They were shooting arrows at Eragon, Tania and Murtagh, but the Twins did nothing to stop it. Like… sheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Eragon shouting the opening phrase on the other side of the waterfall. And they refused to take action when Eragon did not rise from the water. Perhaps I did wrong, but I could not let a Rider die."

"I wasn't strong enough to get out of the water myself," offered Eragon. "I would have drowned if he hadn't pulled me out."

Ajihad glanced at him, then asked Orik seriously, "And later, why did you oppose him?"

Orik raised his chin defiantly. "It wasn't right for them to force their way into Murtagh's mind. But I wouldn't have stopped them if I'd known who he was." Tania felt like growling. Why were people so judgmental of something Murtagh didn't have any control over?!

"No, you did the right thing, though it would have been simpler if you hadn't. It isn't our place to force our way into people's minds, no matter who they are." Ajihad fingered his dense beard. "Your actions were honorable, but you did defy a direct order from your commander. The penalty from that has always been death." Orik's back stiffened.

"You can't kill him for that! He was only helping me," cried Eragon.

"It isn't your place to interfere," said Ajihad sternly. "Orik broke the law and must suffer the consequences." Eragon started to argue again, but Ajihad stopped him with a raised hand. "But you are right. The sentence will be mitigated because of the circumstances. As of now, Orik, you are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in military activites under my command. Do you understand?"

Orik's face darkened, but then he only looked confused. Tania hid an amused smile as he nodded sharply. "Yes."

"Furthermore, in the absence of your regular duties, I appoint you Eragon, Saphira, Tania and her dragon, Ophelia's guide for the duration of their stay. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. The dragons will stay above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon and Tania may have quarters wherever they wish. When they recover from their trip, take them to the training fields. They're expecting him," said Ajihad, a twinkle of amusement mirroring Tania's own in his eye.

Orik bowed low. "I understand."

"Very well, you all may go. Send in the Twins as you leave.

Tania and Eragon bowed and began to leave, before Eragon 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.

YESSSSS! IT'S FINALLY OVEEEEERRRRR!

Yeesh. I want to kill myself after this… but I won't, because I know you're all expecting more, right? ;)

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FF