Hope you all liked my first chapter! Feel free to write suggestions, questions, etc.! No flames please!
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for the creation of these characters. Sorry this isn't in the first chapter.
Murtagh stirred and moaned against Eragon.
"Hold on there, mate. Almost home," Eragon said reassuringly. His voice barely masked his concern for his brother. It had been hours, and although Ellesmera was near, Murtagh's condition needed to be tended. He had slept most of the way, although he shivered the entire time, and Eragon noticed how he was positively covered in cuts and/or bruises.
"Don't worry, we'll be home soon." Eragon tried to sound cheerful; anything that may comfort Murtagh was worth a try. "You'll get to meet your-our cousin, Roran. And Tornac, you remember him, he has been taken care of. Honestly, you'll be disappointed, he has gotten a bit heavy!"
Murtagh didn't reply. "Must be asleep again," Eragon said.
'I suppose it is useless to say that once we land, if anything happens to my Rider, I will roast the entire forest?" Thorn said calmly.
"Of course," Eragon said as the three found an opening in grove to land near the city.
"All right, Thorn, Saphira is in the large tree where I sleep. If you wish, you may fly there and wait for us. I will bring Murtagh up after he is seen by the healers. I don't think the whole of Ellesmera needs to see a ruby dragon walking about at midnight, no offense meant." Thorn consented, and allowed Eragon to lift Murtagh off of his back, and flew off, just after he gently nudged his rider's shoulder with his nose.
Eragon carried his brother to a nearby tree and waited. "Hang in there a bit longer, brother," he said, draping his cloak across Murtagh's shoulders. They waited there for a few moments, until a rustleing came from the bushes, and a tall young man who resembled Eragon came out and crawled over.
"Is this who you left for?" he whispered, coming near.
"Yes, Roran. I'm sorry I couldn't explain at all earlier. Thank you for coming like I requested. This is Murtagh," Eragon whispered, gesturing to his brother, who was still asleep against him.
"What! The Murtagh from the Battle? The traitor Murtagh?!" Roran raised his voice.
"Lower your voice Roran!" Eragon whispered, pulling Murtagh even closer. "No, this is my brother Murtagh, your cousin Murtagh, the Murtagh that had been kidnapped and forced to serve Galbatorix with absolutely no say in the matter, and who never wanted to cause any trouble in the first place. The Murtagh who we will heal and protect, and maybe he can help us defeat the king," Eragon said, beginning to rise.
"Oh, that Murtagh," Roran replied, rather surprised.
"Come on, he needs to be seen by the healers," and Eragon and Roran took the least busy paths to Angela's room in the trunk of a large tree to get Murtagh there with as little distraction as possible. Roran knocked on the door as Eragon held onto Murtagh, who seemed to be trying to awaken.
Angela opened the door. "Well, it's about time you showed up. I could use some help- oh dear!" she exclaimed, hustling the three inside.
"He's really hurt, Angela, can you-" Eragon was cut off.
"I can see that Eragon. Take him upstairs to one of the healing rooms, I'll be up with supplies. Go on, quickly." Eragon and Roran carried Murtagh upstairs to the nearest empty room. It was peaceful, with a bed and windows, large enough for a few people to be comfortable. Eragon and Roran placed Murtagh on the bed, and Eragon sat on the side while Roran stood near the door.
"Mhhmh," Murtagh tried to open his eyes slightly. It burned to do so. Everything burned, but why was he so cold?
Eragon leaned over him. "Hello there," he whispered, smiling and resting his hand on Murtagh's shoulder. Murtagh tried to look around, but could hardly move without gasping in pain. This, as well as not knowing where he was scared him. He shut his eyes tightly, trying not to show his pain. Eragon could see it though. He admired his brother's courage, but he knew that this was not necessary. No one had to handle this kind of pain alone.
"Hey, it's alright. You're safe here, Murtagh. Remember, I got you out of that place. Thorn is near, and Angela is coming up to help us. Don't worry, you'll feel better soon," Eragon tried to soothe his brother, but to no success. He was beginning to breathe hard, and seemed to become more upset that he couldn't control himself. Eragon did the next thing that he thought of.
"Look at me, brother," he said gently, but firmly. Murtagh's eyes remained shut. "Come on, it's okay," he said, leaning closer to him so that he knew he wasn't alone. Murtagh barely opened his eyes. "There you go," Eragon smiled. "See, we can handle this, right?" he whispered, trying to make everything a bit less serious. Murtagh didn't take his eyes off his brother. "Okay, just breathe, alright?" Eragon said, taking hold of Murtagh's right hand. "Here, you can squeeze my hand if it helps. I would say scream, but you might wake people up, so, let's try to avoid that if we can."
They stayed like that for a few moments, and it seemed to work a bit. Murtagh was still in pain, and Eragon was losing circulation in his hand, but Murtagh's breathing became more regular, although he hadn't said anything yet. Eragon didn't push him.
The door slowly opened to reveal Angela with a bowl of water and medicine bottles.
Hope you all enjoyed it! More to come soon!