Wrath of Conviction

Krum Chick

Author's Note: Here's the third chapter of the Eragon story "Wrath of Conviction". Sorry it took me so long to update, but I've been really busy doing other stuff. Summer vacation can be a real bitch sometimes. Anyway, on with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Inheritance Trilogy or its characters. I only own Rain and an upcoming character which I will not yet reveal.

Chapter Three

Sounds of Nature

A fortnight had gone by since the day that Murtagh had laid eyes on Rain. Things started out slow and edgy, but Rain soon got used to him, and Murtagh got used to having her walk through the door every day. In fact, it made him happy every time he saw her. Anyone who would pass him in the corridors or spar with him in the courtyards knew the light step he had now, which confused them. Murtagh also worried if Galbatorix would ever ask him why. Murtagh took a walk in the fields to find Thorn and saw him eying a squirrel nibbling on an acorn in a tree. Thorn looked up.

Do you need to talk about something, my young master? Thorn asked him. Murtagh chuckled and shrugged, walking over to Thorn. Not in particular, my friend. I just feel a little bit lighter now. He responded with a happy air. Thorn narrowed his eyes at this. Don't let your feelings get caught up in that she human. You know the King will not be pleased at this. Murtagh looked at Thorn with an astonished look and sighed, running his hand through his hair. I know.

Murtagh went up to his quarters a few minutes later after talking with Thorn a little longer. Afterward, he looked over his shoulder to see that Thorn had clawed at the tree, knocking the squirrel down and swallowing the poor rodent whole. When Murtagh reached his quarters, he saw that the door of his room was cracked open. He cocked an eyebrow.

'Someone's in here that shouldn't be...' Murtagh thought, his hand slowly reaching to grasp Zar'roc.

He slowly reached up, putting his hand on his door and pushing it open. He drew Zar'roc out of his sheath halfway before stopping, only to see that it was Rain fixing things in his drawers. Murtagh sighed and sheathed his sword when Rain had jumped up, gasping, wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry!" She exclaimed.

"What were you doing, milady?" Murtagh asked, his nerves calming down as he closed the door behind him.

"I just came up here with your dinner and laundry. The other ladies said that you gave them a message to eat dinner up here for tonight, right?" Rain asked, feeling small.

Murtagh just smiled and nodded his head.

"That's right, and don't feel discouraged, I didn't know what you were doing," Murtagh said, waving his hand in front of him. Rain smiled back at him, which made Murtagh's heart flutter. Remember, Murtagh. Thorn's familiar voice rang in his head. He groaned and rolled his eyes, Don't bother me right now, Thorn. He tried to ignore him again until Thorn sprang up again, Don't get involved with her! You know what Galbatorix will do to you if he finds out that you are having happy relations with her! Murtagh got frustrated, and his face contorted in agitation.

Rain blinked and looked worriedly at the young rider. She walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Murtagh?" she asked in a sweet voice.

Murtagh snapped out of it and looked at her standing mere inches from him. His breath caught in his throat for a moment before he let it out. "Yes?"

"Are you okay? You seem frustrated," she said.

Murtagh just uneasily smiled. "I'm fine, milady Rain."

Rain just smiled, which brightened up Murtagh's mood a little. He just hated that Thorn kept on persisting that he treat her lower than garbage; it sickened him. Murtagh looked at his dinner and sat down in the chair. Rain turned to leave until Murtagh quickly snapped his arm out and grabbed her hand. Rain gasped in surprise and looked at him.

"Would you like to eat with me in here?" Murtagh asked her.

Rain blinked and sighed, "I don't know..."

"It's okay. If anyone finds out, I'll just talk my way out of it."

"Okay..."

Rain went over and sat on a small stool next to Murtagh's desk. She watched him eat and he often offered her some food, but she just shook her head and refused it politely. When he was done, he sighed and leaned back in his chair, staring at the wall.

"Are you alright?" Rain asked him with concern in her voice.

"I...I'm just...confused," Murtagh admitted.

"About what?"

"Everything."

"Then you can talk to me about it, if you want. What's on your mind?"

"You."

Rain blinked in shock, "Me?"

"Yes. I must admit to you that I've been kind of locked up and lonely for a long time. Thorn was the only one I could really trust and depend on. Close to a month ago, I was involved with a bloody battle at the Burning Plains. I faced off against my brother, Eragon, who is the first dragon rider to have ever been born out of Galbatorix's rule. He was a friend before I was told he was my brother, another spawn of Morzan. I lost the trust of Eragon and of the Varden. For the time period I've been here, I've been so closed up inside. But...for some reason you just lighten me up somehow, you know?" Murtagh explained, looking at Rain with compassion in his eyes.

Rain couldn't believe she was hearing. She let out a breath of disbelief and looked toward the crackling fire. She and Murtagh sat in silence for a long time until Murtagh jumped up, pushing back his chair and then looking down at her. Rain jumped in surprise and looked up at him.

Murtagh smiled and asked, "Would you like to take a walk in the gardens with me?"

Rain thought about it for a while before smiling back and nodding. Murtagh chuckled and bowed, twisting his hand in an awkward manner and offering it to the young maiden. Rain giggled cutely, and took his hand. Murtagh hoisted her up in his arms, causing him to put an arm around her waist to catch her as she was pulled toward him. They stood there for a while, unmoving, just soaking up each other's presence. Soon, they headed off toward the gardens, but Murtagh had to make up fake excuses to patrol guards at the entrance of the castle to get out with Rain.

They stepped foot on the stone walkway and just slowly paced themselves. After long a period of silence, Rain broke it with a small giggle. Murtagh looked at her with a smile.

"What?" he asked with a humorous tone to his voice and a small chuckle.

"Nothing. I just find it awkward that I'm living here as a servant for three years and then I find myself walking in the beautiful royal gardens of Uru'baen with the King's most trusted warrior," Rain said as she strode along the path.

Murtagh's smile faded. "Galbatorix doesn't trust me," he said.

Rain blinked and looked up at Murtagh with curiosity, "Why?"

"I was forced to swear an oath in the Ancient Language to the King against my will. I was captured very near the Beors on the other side of Alagaesia. Thorn hatched for me, so I had two reasons why I had to swear in," Murtagh explained in a darkened mood.

Rain looked down sadly and said, "I'm sorry for bringing that up then."

"Don't worry about it. I knew you must've thought that from the beginning," Murtagh told her, rubbing the back of his neck, "But I'm not a warrior, I'm more like a slave..."

"I see, kind of like me."

Neither of them said a word for a few seconds until Murtagh sighed and then took a seat on the edge of the pond. Rain took a seat beside him, pulling her legs up to her chest. They both sat in silence for a while, listening to the chirping birds, the sounds of the bugs whistling, and the running water in the pond. Rain was lost in her own world until she felt warm breathing against her neck. She snapped back to reality and felt Murtagh's lips to her ear. Rain blushed deeply, her insides churning. She expected something intimate.

"Would you like to dance?"

Rain's blush faded and she cocked an eyebrow. That was the last question she would ever expect. She looked at Murtagh who was looking at her with handsome brown eyes.

"There's no music," Rain told him. Murtagh just smiled and stood up, offering his hand again. When Rain took it, he hoisted her into his arms again. He put one hand on her waist and took her hand in his. Rain was uneasy about this, but placed her hand on his shoulder. Murtagh leaned in and whispered in her ear again, "Let the sounds of nature be the music to your ears."

Rain was unsure what he meant, but she just danced with him as he began to move. The steps were gentle, and the grip that Murtagh had on her was light. She wasn't sure what to think about this.

"Murtagh...why me of all people? I'm only your servant," she said.

Murtagh smiled, "I grew up in a world full of slavery and torture. I've learned to disregard superiority and look within the soul to find the greatness in people."

"Spoken like a gentleman."

"I try."

Rain giggled and felt herself being pulled into an embrace by Murtagh. Her heart fluttered and she felt heat rise in her cheeks.

"You're even more beautiful than the stars that liter the skies, Rain. I don't see how you can be ordered to a pig's job. It's putrid," Murtagh said in a disgusted tone.

Rain rested her head on his shoulder.

"I was captured by slavers away from my home in Carvahall," she said.

"If you ever got out of here, would you go back there?" Murtagh asked her.

"...now that I think about it, I don't know anymore," she replied.

Murtagh lifted his head and looked at her in the eyes before asking, "Why not?"

"Because I would miss you," Rain said with uneasiness clearly in her voice.

Murtagh felt almost too relieved to hear those words come out of her mouth. He smiled and leaned in slowly. Rain did the same, her eyes fluttering closed as he felt the softness of Murtagh's lips against her own. The kiss deepened and they stayed like that for a good while, both of their hearts throbbing, feeling as though they were ready to burst out of their chests. They broke off the kiss.

"We need to get back inside before the royals suspect something," Rain told him.

"Come back with me to the castle," Murtagh said.

"I know a way to get back to the servant's quarters without being noticed," Rain interupted.

Murtagh swallowed and nodded, "Then, I will see you tomorrow morning."

Rain smiled and nodded, "Right. Good night."

"Pleasant dreams," Murtagh said as Rain rushed off, holding her dress up so she could run better. Murtagh stood there for a good while, making sure that she got inside of the castle safely. He returned inside, not bothering to go see Thorn while he was at it, but Thorn did that for him.

You know this is bad, Murtagh. Thorn said. Murtagh looked down as he was walking passed the sleeping guards he had spoken to earlier. I know, but I'm willing to take that risk.

Even if it means both of your lives? Thorn asked him. Murtagh had gotten up to his room and shut the door. He slammed down on the bed and pulled the covers over his body before replying, Both of us know what we are doing. We're rebels with a cause, and I'm willing to take another giant leap forward even if it means my head doing it.