Torn Between Two

Chapter 4

Quick note: I want to thank those who have read the story and responded!! ) it makes me very happy!! I wanted to tell you that I have written quite a few chapters for this already, but have to type them up…it won't be long I swear!! I add as I go!

Reilyn let her eyes wander the pale chest, trying to decide if she even wanted to touch him. There were boot-print bruises all along the teens sides, blood caked his collar and part of his chest. The bruises that made up most of his upper body were a deep, ugly black-purple.

How could he stand to breathe, let alone move? she wondered.

"Just do it," he breathed. She watched as the boy shut his eyes and tried to relax his body.

I'm sorry, she whispered mentally.

She lightly set her fingers on his skin, waiting for his reaction. When he didn't gasp or bite his lip any harder, she moved farther down and pressed slightly harder. Bones crunched and ground together, Murtagh tensed and turned his head to the side, never making a sound.

Carefully, she ventured lower, to the darkest bruises on the teens muscular body. Here, she felt ribs that protruded outward from being broken so badly. Now, the raven haired boy did cry out, tears slipped from his tightly shut eyes, and he shifted his body-trying to escape her touch.

She snatched her hands away from the poor boy. Hazel eyes opened and looked at her inquisitively. She avoided those eyes, feeling horrible.

I'm a strong fighter, she thought, but I'm no torturer! I can't put him through this pain! I won't!

Reilyn slowly made eye contact with the traitor, battling herself internally. His hazel eyes were full of pain and understanding.

"Go on," he said firmly, "I can take it."

She said nothing to the boy, but rose a hand to silence him. She had to make a decision.

He's so badly wounded, she thought miserably. The healer won't even be able to fix him entirely. But, I may be able to. . .

Don't you dare!! her logic screamed at her. Lady Nasuada will be furious! You'll use so much of your magic, what if this kills you?

I won't use that much magic, she retorted.

The seal. . . her logic pointed out.

It prevents him from using magic, but not from someone else using magic on him.

I don't like this, you're too soft.

Maybe, but. . .

Just do it! Logic ordered. Eragon will at least be pleased with it, Lady Nasuada-we'll handle later.

Slowly, Reilyn summoned her magic, bringing it to her hands. Murtagh's eyes widened as her hands began to glow and shimmer with the silver light that was her power.

"Be still and stay silent," Reilyn ordered as she once again touched the teens broken body.

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Murtagh watched, stunned, as Reilyn's hands shone silver.

What is she doing?! his mind screamed.

When her hands fell on his body, Murtagh's back arched involuntarily, moving to the healing power that emanated from her hands. He sighed as he felt her magic move into his body, cool like moonbeams, slowly beginning to course in his veins.

Almost immediately, his cut-the one her sword had given him- healed and he felt sweet relief as the aches in his body dulled. He moaned quietly as he felt just how strong this girl was.


No wonder Father wants her as well as Eragon, he thought, she's barely below the power of a Rider. Properly trained-, his thought was cut short as another wave passed over him.

Her power flowed through him, as if it were his own and Murtagh moved against her hands, demanding more. He stared at her face, her eyes were closed in concentration and her lips never moved. She didn't need to speak the words, she was that powerful. Bones mended in his chest and bruises vanished.

You never realize how badly you're wounded until you're healed, he thought.

A small gasp caught his attention and he felt sudden pain. It wasn't coming from his body, but hers. He was too wounded for her to heal completely. She whimpered, but kept using her magic. A cry erupted from Murtagh as the pain intensified, yet she still wouldn't stop.

She's going to kill herself saving me! he thought desperately.

"Oh no she's not!" he said aloud.

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Pain racked her body as she healed the teen, but she refused to stop. He only had cracked ribs left, just a little more. She urged her magic to keep coming, even when her mind swam and she felt so weak she could barely keep herself up.

Come on!! she told herself. She shut her eyes tighter, trying to block the pain out and sank her teeth into her lip.

She heard a cry, almost a scream, escape Murtagh as he felt her pain, and her mind started to dull.

You're willing to die for him! Logic shrieked. Think of Eragon! He needs you!

She couldn't respond, she was too weak. Her body gave out on her and she started to collapse into the darkness that had begun to envelope her.

"Oh no she's not!" a voice in the darkness.

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Murtagh moved fast, thankful his ribs had been healed mostly, and he grabbed her wrists. He pulled them off his body, wincing at the loss of contact, and watched as the glow vanished from her hands.

Please, he begged, don't be too late!

Reilyn's entire body went limp and he rushed to catch her. He pulled the girl to him, turning her so his chest was to her back, and put his hand to her neck in search of a pulse.

"Please," he panted into her neck, "please!" He felt hot tears on his face and was startled to be crying.

Why does the thought of her death hurt you so? the animal side of his mind whispered.

"She-," he began, "was kind to me!"

I see. . .

An elated sob escaped him when his fingers found the beat of her heart. He kept his hand on her neck, until he determined the beat was strong and steady.

"Thank you!" he whispered to the sky. He held the girl to him, relieved to feel her breathing in a steady rhythm, and settled his head on her shoulder. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, and whimpered in pain when she tried to move.

"Shhh, Protector," he whispered, stroking her hair. She stilled for a moment, then opened her eyes in realization. She pulled away from Murtagh and spun to look at him in the face, her hand going to her boot.

"What the hell?!" she demanded, her brown eyes full of fear and confusion.

"Wait," he rose his empty hands, "I can explain!"

"You had better!" a rough voice demanded from behind him.