Shock, pure shock, and disbelief crossed Eragon's face. "Guest? What do you mean guest?" he asked trying to control the rage that was ripping him apart.

"Eragon put the sword away and then we'll talk," Nasuada said calmly but with control.

"Yes Eragon why don't you put the sword away for now," Murtagh said in a sneering voice.

"May I solicit a private audience with our new guest?" Eragon asked in overly clipped and formal tones.

Nasuada glanced nervously at him and then her gaze turned inquiringly to Murtagh. He smirked at Eragon, "I'd be happy to oblige my little brother. Please, there's no cause for alarm you may leave us."

As soon as the others had left Eragon drew his sword and held it dangerously close to Murtagh's throat.

"What did you do?" he hissed venomously.

Murtagh laughed. "I simply did what you could not. I returned to the Varden and gained their trust," he explained.

"How did you do that?" Eragon asked bewildered.

"And here is the part of me doing what you could not. I rescued Katrina from the Razac. Roran was so pleased when I brought her back. After I submitted to a mind search and they found no evidence of me being evil. So I could stay," Murtagh finished, Eragon let the blade fall from his throat.

"You lie. You didn't rescue Katrina. What are you scheming?" Eragon asked fiercely.

"Nothing little brother, nothing at all. Go see Roran yourself." And Eragon did just that. He ran to Roran's tent and burst in only to be shushed by Roran. Sure enough Katrina was there sleeping soundly.

"No Roran. I was going to go help you rescue her. I was supposed to," Eragon said in an almost whining tone. Roran simply shrugged.

"You were obviously too busy. I couldn't thank Murtagh enough. He risked his life for Katrina. I'm forever in debt to him," Roran said in awe. Eragon couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Don't you see? This is all part of his plan for evil. He'll betray you in an instant and kill Katrina too," Eragon said nearly shouting. Katrina had woken now and was staring at Eragon like he was a mad man.

"Are you feeling ok Eragon," Roran asked in a concerned voice, "Murtagh apologized, and reformed from all his wrongs. He's good now. Isn't it wonderful?" Eragon gaped at him in horror before tearing his way out of the tent and running through the camp. He needed to find Saphira. To tell her of this.

Eragon sprinted past Nasuada and Arya who both looked genuinely concerned at his fright.

But when Eragon got to Saphira, the sight that greeting him was far from reassuring. Murtagh was standing next to Saphira whispering softly to her. Saphira looked far from alarmed. Pleased would have been a better word.

Saphira, what are you doing, Eragon shouted in mind speak.

Little one, I know this would be hard for you but he really has changed. He talked to me in the ancient language. Or course he couldn't lie.

Eragon was dumbfounded. Maybe he found a way around it or something. I don't know. Saphira you believe me right. He is evil.

I'm sorry Little One but I can not. He saved Katrina you know.

I could have saved her just as easily, Eragon protested.

But you were too busy. You just didn't have the time to help your cousin.

First Roran, now you. No this is his scheme, his plan. Eragon argued profusely with Saphira but she would not agree. Murtagh went stood a ways off pretending to be indifferent in the matter. People from the camp had gathered around staring at him in slight pity. Nasuada was saying something to Eragon but he didn't listen.

You out of all...should…believe… Eragon said weakly but before he finish he fell down with unconsciousness slowly wrapping itself around him. His dragon, practically his second part of his soul, didn't believe him. That sheer fact sent him into mild shock.