Torn Between Two
Chapter 32
Reilyn wanted to pace the vast study they were waiting in. Anxious energy pulsed through her, compelling her to move-to release it- but she didn't want to raise alarm in either of the boys. Since kidnapped, she'd never spent more than a few seconds in the presence of Morzan and luckily, she'd never had to even see King Galbatorix. Now that her memories were resurfacing, she wanted nothing to do with either of them.
Those bastards destroyed everything I ever loved, she seethed. Then they beat me and "trained" me! Turning me into what they are. . .Now, they want me to join them?!
She lost the battle to hold still and slowly began to pace, fingers drumming on her swords handle. Eragon looked at her with worry, but Murtagh merely gave her a knowing glance, he expected something like this.
I'll never join them! I'll not fight the people who saved me from my reckless life, gave me a job, and shelter. I'd prefer deathshe growled continuously as she paced, fingers drumming impatiently on her sword.
Laughter in the halls caught everyone's attention, they all stared at the large wooden door. Eragon shifted nervously, Murtagh straightened up, and Reilyn continued her enraged growl. In strolled Morzan, tall and proud, clad in the black and blood red colors of his King, and behind him was Galbatorix.
The King was dressed in black, the color of his wretched dragon, bones from the many dragons he'd been the demise of stitched to his flowing cape. Jewels of every color dotted his hands, twinkling with false warmth in the firelight. His black blade rested on his hip, the blood-red ruby perched at the top glimmering thirstily. His gray eyes fell on Reilyn, a smile that made her skin crawl spreading on his lips.
"My, Morzan!" he crowed. "She certainly has grown up since we last had her here! Turned into quite a beautiful young lady, Murtagh is only so lucky."
Her anger surged in her and she fought hard to keep it from showing. She direly wanted to kill both men, show them just what they had created. Her fingers danced on her blade's handle, but a sharp warning look from Murtagh repressed the urge to kill them, briefly.
"I told you sire," Morzan laughed darkly. "Murtagh is lucky indeed."
A look passed between father and son, a look that showed secrets.
Oh my god! Morzan knows about Murtagh and Eragon!
Galbatorix seemed not to notice the look, he was too taken in by Reilyn. He stood back and looked her over, noting her strength, among other things. She growled in her throat and glared at the man vehemently, not caring if Murtagh wanted her to or not. A pleased smile passed the man's mouth.
"Her attitude hasn't changed much, I see," he laughed, keeping his distance.
"Mmm," Morzan mumbled, moving to her. "I guess it hasn't. . ."
The evil man stepped just in front of her, reaching out and touching her face.
"I guess we didn't beat it out of her," he muttered.
Reilyn flinched back from the rough hand, snarling. The dark eyes went wide, then mean as he slapped her.
"Stupid wench!" he bellowed. "I'll teach you!"
Her anger's stranglehold on her broke and she let the emotions control her.
"No!" she snapped. "I'll teach you!"
She unsheathed her moonlight colored blade, using her anger to amplify her power, and swung down hard. The blow was deflected by his own black blade, his laugh fueling her anger, and she spun slicing at him. He deflected her again with ease, knocking her blade form her hands. He pinned her to a tall bookcase with the tip of his blade at the base of her throat.
"Magnificent!" Galbatorix laughed in delight. "She's improved her skills!"
Morzan stared at her, seeing pure hatred radiate from her soul, and smiled.
"Ahh, improved yes, my lord," he chuckled. "But she'll never surpass me."
Oh really? she thought, smirking.
Carefully, she reached to her belt, fingers touching the handle of her dagger, and she looked into the black eyes.
"Maybe I won't surpass you in strength," Reilyn growled, removing the dagger unnoticed. "But I've always had more wits!"
"You little brat!" he said, chest heaving. The black blade was pulled back from her throat, presenting her perfect time.
She lunged, ducking under his arm, and slashed his exposed side with her weapon. The evil man roared in pain and spun, knocking her sprawling to the floor. Her dagger clattered away from her, far form reach, but she didn't care--she got what she wanted: his blood.
He reached for her and she kicked at him, trying to scramble away at the same time. Strong hands grabbed her shirt by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet, slamming her into a bookshelf hard enough for several books to fall. Her feet barely touched the stone floor as she was pinned and she thrust her fists out, connecting with a sturdy chest. Hazel eyes locked with hers as the pale teen pressed to her.
What?! her mind shrieked.
Over the strong shoulder she saw Galbatorix stop Morzan with his arm, telling him to watch his son. She growled as Murtagh's lips brushed her ea.
"Reilyn! Listen to me!" he hissed, pressing closer. "Don't speak or nod, merely listen and look angry at me!"
I get it! she realized. He's protecting me. . .
His hands moved from her shoulders to her hips, pinning her more, and his body pressed right to hers. She shoved uselessly on his shoulders, keeping the illusion going and growled in frustration.
"You better start behaving like a good little girl, or I swear. . ." he growled loudly, for his father and the King to hear.
"Get the hell off me!" she snapped.
Murtagh released her hips and grabbed the sides of her face, bringing his own close to hers. He smiled proudly at her performance, hazel eyes twinkling, and moved as if to kiss her.
"Promise to behave and I will," he growled, still smiling.
"Murtagh, you best control that girl," Galbatorix warned.
"Promise!" he snapped, bushing his lips to hers.
She shoved at him again, turning her face form his and growled violently, baring her teeth. He shoved his face into her neck, teeth grazing flesh. She gripped his shoulders and let out a real whimper, trying to move away.
"Please," he breathed, lightly kissing her skin. "Promise."
"I promise!" she said through clenched teeth.
Murtagh released her, thanking her with hazel eyes and apologizing at the same time. He stayed close to her, not knowing what to do now. She growled when Morzan walked over, earning a sharp look from his son. Murtagh was clapped loudly on the back, jumping when his father touched him.
"Good boy!" his father commended.
He looked to his father, then to Reilyn with sad, hurt eyes. She wanted to smile, offer comfort, but knew better.
"Murtagh," the dark king said, moving forward. "After that little show, I'd like for you to be the one to release their seals."
Reilyn watched as the hazel eyes widened, filing with pure terror, and he protested.
"I don't know the spell. . .I haven't the strength."
"You have Thorn!" Morzan beamed.
"I will have Lazaar teach you the spell in the morning, rest tonight to restore your strength. You'll release their seals in the morning," Galbatorix said, motioning Morzan to follow. The door to the study was shut as the two dark men left them alone.
"Murtagh?" Eragon whispered, moving and embracing the pale teen.
"I can't release your seals! Won't!" he gasped.
"Murtagh," Reilyn said firmly, "what's the problem?"
The hazel eyes burned into her, emotions storming within them. The older man gently moved Eragon away, shoving his against the bookcase beside Reilyn. He looked at both teens with utter sorrow.
"Releasing your seals is a painful experience. . .for you. Reilyn, remember what you felt when Lazaar-?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Amplify that thousand-fold!" he cried, a tear slipping down his face. "And that's the damn problem! I can't-won't do that to you!"
"Murtagh," Eragon kissed the older boy. "I trust you. I know you wouldn't harm us because you enjoy it, you have to."
"He's right," Reilyn murmured, feeling her own fear build up. "Would you rather Lazaar do it? We all know he'd love to."
"Reilyn, Eragon. . ."
"I trust you, Murtagh," she breathed, running her hands in his hair. "I wouldn't want anyone else to release this seal."
"Really? Both of you feel this way?"
"Yes," they said in unison., both hugging the boy at the same time.
"Then it's settled," he sighed, "I'll release your seals in the morning."
"We should all rest up," Reilyn said gently. "We'll need it."
Without further conversation, the three teens went to Murtagh's room, collapsing into the large bed without even bothering to change.
End of part one Don't worry! Part two will be up very shortly, hopefully by tonight! I'm already started on it!