Omg- how many months has it been.. reaally sorry :(. I hate myself for makking my readers wait so patiently... as well as probably lose some of them because i took way too long to update .. really sorry. really really really sorry. i repaid you by making this chappie lengthy.. hope you like it:

Eragon and Arya fought side by side, side, surprisingly not careful for their well-being, but for the well-being of the other. The new-found love that is shared between the two is what triggered such a care. It was unhealthy. It was life-threatening. Eragon's concentration faltered during battle as a result of this. This caused him to gain more bruises than he usually does. He saw that he was no longer the elf-like warrior that was expected of him, and that he thought he was, rather a distressed lover. It was odd, he thought, that something as simple as love could cause such a distraction. He thought that while in battle, and gained yet another bruise on his arm. He healed it as soon as he could. He soon realized that he was spending more energy healing than fighting.

As he fought one of Galbatorix's soldiers, those who feel no pain, he heard Ayra scream. He looked at her, a perfect distraction so that soldier could strike again and cause him yet another bruise that would cause any normal human tumbling to death. He cursed, striked at the painless soldier once, twice, three times, until the soldier closed his eyes and faltered into eternal rest.

It was then that he tended to Arya, who was struggling trying to defeat the men that surrounded her. Eragon charged to the rescue, attacking and sending three of the soldiers to death. Arya thanked him and healed her wound while she had the chance. He healed his own wound, although it was not completely healed. The pain was bearable, so he didn't waste a second trying to heal it.

Hours passed. The battle was not over. Arya and Eragon still fought side by side, both panting heavily.

Just as Eragon restored his energy from Brom's ring, he saw a creature, a Dragon, in the sky. Thorn.

Eragon cursed. Saphira told Eragon to get onto her; he did as he gave her a surge of energy.

"Be careful," said Arya as she stabbed a soldier through the heart. She was crying.

"Do not worry," he said as Saphira rose to encounter Thorn. Eragon was never so desperate to win. It was because he wanted to have a bigger relationship with Arya, and this time, the time in which she admitted her affection.

As Thorn approached, Murtagh became visible. Anyone who sees him would pity his existence. His face was pale and his eyes were blank and red. It looked as he had been tortured. Eragon knew that he has and hated himself for being his enemy. He hated that he had to kill him. Eragon knew not to blame him for Oromis' and Glaedr's death, his body was what killed them, not his mind.

Thorn, as well, looked as lifeless as Murtagh. Although he is a child, he has been forced to grow, and to train and to gain more and more power. Saphira was teary at the sight. We have to kill them Saphira. We cannot begin to think otherwise. I pity them as well. Be consoled. We just have to strip them from their Heart of Hearts, and then they would be helpless.

"Your trainer is dead," said Murtagh.

Eragon knew, so he didn't answer.

"You do not seem upset."

Eragon wanted to spare not time. He charged with Saphira, and cut the saddles on Thorn's back, which bruised his back harmlessly. He did not hear anything shatter, so he knew that the Heart of Hearts that they held were not there.

Murtagh healed Thorn, a distraction in which Eragon had a chance to cut the remaining saddlebags, and his sword also cut into Thorn's flesh. Eragon heard no shattering.

"What are you playing at?" Murtagh sked as he healed Thorn's wound.

They must be under Murtagh's armor, Saphira said to him.

Eragon tried to pierce the armor, but Murtagh blocked him, and with inhuman speed, stabbed Eragon's shoulder.

Eragon let out a cry of pain, as Murtagh began twisting the sword in his flesh. "Stop!" Eragon cried helplessly. Saphira blew fire at Murtagh. Murtagh let the Za'rac go and it was hanging on Eragon shoulder. Saphira flew as fast as possible away from Murtagh, giving Eragon time to remove the sword from his shoulder and drop it on the ground. Now that Murtagh had no sword, Eragon had an advantage.

Murtagh and Thorn flew to try and catch the sword, and from above them, Eragon pierced Murtagh's mail, into his skin. Murtagh screamed. Eragon knew that his sword caught onto his scar.

"What master wouldn't heal that scar of yours, although he is capable of it?" asked Eragon as Murtagh removed his armor. To Eragon's dismay, the Hearts of Hearts were not there.

"You believe I chose this, you believe I chose my master," said Murtagh before healing his wound. They conversed as Eraong attacked and Murtah dodged. "A true master would also not place a boiling metal rod on my stomach, before healing it and torturing me again. A true master would hot force my arm into a pot of boiling oil. A true master would not cut off my arm continuously and placing it back on just so I could battle. I am a toy to Galbatorix. I am a tool to his tyranny. I know, Eragon, that he does not care if I die."

The use of his name made Eragon feel guilty for fighting him. Murtagh was innocent.

Avenge him, Eragon, he heard Arya say to him. Avenge the one who has killed Ormis. Kill him.

Avenge him, Eragon, he heard Orik say, Avenge the one wwho has killed Hrothgar.

Avenge him! He heard a whole group of people say. He knew that his mind was clouded which was why he was hearing such nonsense. He did not want to kill Murtagh. He vowed not to, to his surprise.

Eragon! Focus! Said Saphira. The Heart of Hearts are somewhere in his clothes. Stop him from wearing the armor!

Eragon used his sword to cause Murtah to drop his mail. Murtagh swore. Even with the Heart of Hearts, he was quite helpless. Eragon vowed not to kill him, so he kept ripping his clothes with his sword until he realized that the Heart of Hearts were not around him, they were inside Thorn.

Saphira, I want you to grab Murtagh from Thorn and place him on the ground. Try not to hurt him. Do not Let him anywhere near a weapon. Place me on Thorn.

Aye, aye, and she did just that.

As Eragon placed himself on Thorn, Thorn roared and twisted, trying to make him fall. Eragon Stabbed his stomach. He knew that, if he wanted to, he could kill Thorn, but he didn't. Instead, Thorn fell unconscious on the ground, with that, victory was clearly for Eragon and Saphira.

Shortly afterwards, the battle was finished. Murtagh and Thorn were held as captives and tied with the thickest possible rope, which Eragon charmed to be against magic. As Nasuada walked to inspect the battle, she gasped when she saw Murtagh and Thorn.

Eragon bowed to her. He wondered where Arya might be, but was too tired to reach out with his mind to hers. Nasuada leapt from her stallion and inspected Murtagh, who was looking at the ground.

"It has been a long time, Murtagh," Nasuada said to him.

He didn't answer.

"Look at me, Murtagh," yet Murtagh kept his head down.

Nasuada lifted his chin up herself, surprised to find he was smiling. She pulled her hand away, afraid he might attack.

"Thank you, brother," Murtagh said to Eragon. "Thank you for preventing me from going back to Galbatorix, where torture awaits me."

Eragon gazed at Murtagh, trying to find a hint of sarcasm in his voce, but there was none. Murtagh was serious.

Murtagh continued: "thank you for not killing me or Thorn. Keep us in these ropes until time ends. I would be more comfortable here than I would be with Galbatorix. At last I am free to think what I want and to say what I want to Thorn. Do not you dare allow me a chance of escape! I am bound to Galbotorix, and I will take any chance there is!"

Then Arya appeared. She saw Murtagh and then gazed suspiciously at Eragon.

"Why isn't he slain? Slay him. Kill him now!" she yelled angrily.

"No," Nasuada said, "He will keep this way. He is innocent."

"How can you say such? His hands killed Oromis!"

"His hands, not his mind," said Eragon, as calmly as possible; he did not want to fight with Arya, not now.

"Well, his mind killed Hrothgar! You swore to kill Murtagh, to Orik, you swore!"

"I also vowed not to kill him," Eragon said quietly. In this particular subject Eragon completely disagreed with Arya. He wished not to start a fight.

"Then I will," she unsheathed her sword.

Eragon stopped her hands from moving. "No."

Her face was angry. She sheathed her sword and walked away frowning. Eragon hated for cooking such a situation between the two.

"No worries, Eragon. She will understand, give her time," her head turned to Murtagh. She called one of her guards. "Get a meal for a human and a dragon. And a barrel of water" At first Eragon thought she was referring to them, but then realized she was referring to Murtagh and Thorn. She took her waterskin, lifted Murtagh's chin and put the waterskin against his mouth. He accepted, and drank the whole of can you say such lies!

"Thank you," he said, obviously very content.

Eragon did not want to watch Murtagh any longer. He searched for Arya. He found her, talking to Roran and Orik. Eragon felt both relaxed that the two were alive, and worried as to what Arya was saying to them.

When Orik saw him, he muttered something angrily in Dwarvish ad stomped towards him. "Eragon Bromson! You will kill that deceiver, you will fulfill you oath to me and break the vow to yourself!"

"Orik, please, not now."

"Coward! You rodent! You… you are the true deceiver! Blemish to all good things! An Urgal in disguise!"

"I ask you, as a brother, that you excuse me from my oath. I was mistaken to make it."

"Never. He killed Hrothgar! How can you want him alive?"

"As leader of Ingetuim, as well as king of all dwarves, I command you… Eragon of Ingetuim, to take the soul of he who has taken Hrothgar's."

"You forget that I am also under the command of Nausada, who wants him alive."

"Ha! You use that as an excuse! Nasuada did not command you not to kill him, she only implied it. So don't be a fool and unsheathe your blade," Orik was grumpy, and Eragon knew that he made sense of what he was saying. Yet, he did not want to kill Murtagh. He would rather be undeclared from Ingetium.

"How dare you, king? How dare you order me to kill my brother? He is as well innocent. How can you not forgive him for being weaker than Galbatorix and surrendering to his power? Why will you not forgive him if he wants to live, no matter the consequences?"

"Silence! That may as well be true! But he still killed the King," he began to cry. "He killed my father, not just my king. He killed a family member. You would not understand unless someone you loved was killed. How can you not understand my urge for vengeance?"

"Murtagh has killed someone I loved…"

"That master, Ormi, or whatever? Him? He is not a father. He is a master. I know you more than you think. Arya… to Arya, Ormi was a father, which is why she wants Murtagh killed, yet you refuse to feel empathy for us. What a disgrace to the names of Dragon Riders." He spat on the ground and walked away, angrily. More angrily than Eragon had ever thought possible. He walked away, as if only to resist killing him. In the midst of his way, he stopped, let out a fierce growl that could be heard from a mile away.

After that encounter, Roran met him.

Eragon sighed. "has she convinced you to convince me to kill him.

"I respect your choices, Eragon, but I believe it is too big of a risk keeping him alive. If he escapes…"

"He will not."

"If he does… the result would be disastrous. Galbatorix may as well be looking for him, and would set him free."

"Ha! You expect Galbatorix to care. The only reason Galbotorix has to go looking for Murtagh is to torture him, to torture him until he is an inch away from death, heal him, and then retorture him."

"How can you be sure that he is not looking for Murthagh just for the pleasure of torturing?"

Roran had a point, but Eragon was refused to admit it. He thought about it for a while, and the mentally slapped himself, for considering to kill Murtagh. "You are ignorant of his condition."

"Wrong. I know about it, and killing him would be putting him out of his misery, as well as avenging Arya and Orik, as well less riskier. Arya has put everything clearly to me, and I personally believe you should kill him."

"He wants to live," Eragon counteracted. Of all of the conversations that he had involving Murtagh, this would be the most convincing.

"No one knows what they want anymore."

Eragon did not answer.

"I am guessing that your relationship with Arya has faltered as a result of your sympathy to a traitor."

It was true. Eragon was afraid to admit it, but it was. Arya was angry with him, just as Orik was. His heart sank. It ended as soon as it lasted. It was a horrible feeling. Roran seemed to notice his dismay and the misery in his face.

"Another advantage of killing Murtagh, your relationship will develop once more."

"I am not so selfish to kill Murtagh just to be with her!"

"It is not selfish, it is selfless. Killing Murtagh would result in the good of everyone, including him."

Eragon sighed. "Ask his permission."

"What?" Roran asked.

"Convince him to allow me to kill him. If he says yes, then I will gladly kill him."

Roran laughed. "His permission?!, How can someone be convinced to die?"

"Some can. It is where suicide came from. Ask him, and that is the only way I will allow it," Eragon then left Roran laughing at the stupidity of his request.

Eragon hated his current position. So many are opposing his decision to keep Murtagh alive, even though Eragon was certain that Murtagh was innocent. It was not fair that Murtagh had to be under Glabotorix's command. It was unfair that Murtagh had to be tortured. It was unfair that he has to be killed as a result of that. Life is unfair. But I will never kill him.

It was then that Eragon realized that Saphira was not around.

Eragon touched her mind. Saphira? Where are you?

I'm with Thorn.

I think you found a mate, Saphira. Eragon laughed.

Very funny.

Everybody want me to kill Murtagh.

Do not do it or else I will kill you.

At least someone agrees with me.

Doesn't Roran?

No.

What did you say?

I told him if Murtagh gives me permission to kill him. I will kill him.

What?? Wait, Roran's here. He's talking to Murtagh.

Through Saphira, Eragon heard the conversation:

Roran: I have always wanted to meet my cousin.

Murtagh: You are Roran?

Roran: Yes.

Silence.

Roran: You do not seem bothered at all by the ropes that are digging into you flesh.

Murtagh: I am used to pain. This is ease compared to the pain I feel with Galbotorix.

Roran: Well understood. I pity you, Murtagh. I know a way it can all end peacefully, all the pain and suffering that you face. It is a good ending… and not only will it benefit you, but the whole of Alagaesia, especially Eragon.

Murtagh: To kill me?

Roran: Well…

Murtagh: Your'e asking my permission, and I say no. (He was very mad)

Roran: You have no idea how much Eragon is suffering keeping you alive.

Murtagh: You have no idea how much pain I suffered keeping him alive! Much more pain than any Eragon could ever feel.

Roran: Were you ever in love?

Murtagh: No.

Roran: Eragon was in love, and he lost her as result of your breathing, and that is more pain than any man can feel. It is unbearable, and will lead to suicide if you are weak. I felt this pain once, and I do not want Eragon to suffer from it. But he insists to get your permission before he touches you.

Murtagh: God bless him. Love, ha! I did Eragon a favour! Arya is a stubborn, lifeless, serious, strict, ruthless, heartless, selfish, unkind, yet exceedingly beautiful elf. I know Eragon loves her. It is obvious. Beyond obvious. Eragon deserves better.

Roran: (Laughing) I like you.

Murtagh: Thank you.

Roran: But I still want you dead.

Murtagh: Yet you're not crushing me with that hammer of yours.

Roran: I respect Eragon.

Murtagh: As you should. He is no ass like some people.

Roran: If Galbotorix is dead and you're still alive, I want to make you my best friend.

Murrtagh. Too many ifs.

The rest of the conversation was friendly talk. Eragon cannot help but to ponder the words, the descriptions or Arya. Arya was stubborn. Arya was lifeless. Arya was serious. Arya was strict. Arya was ruthless. Arya was a bit heartless. Arya was a bit selfish. Arya was unkind. But Arya was exceedingly beautiful, and Eragon still loved her.

Was I a bit harsh on Arya? I think i might be, but teeny tiny bit. She is really stubborn actually... please review. i swear that i will update within three days of i get more then five reviewss.... sorry, again, for the lack of romancee.. but i added murtagh cause i planned out whats gonna happen next so that romance does happen... and it involves him. i'm sure you'll like the future chapters, i'm impressed with myself for coming up with them... PLEASE REVIEW so i wont cry... and so i can try... to make the next chappie quality high... OK? luvyu soo much. kisses to all u readers! muah muah ---i promise to update sooner-