A/N: Before I forget, Vrîend'dräcois pronounced 'vree-end-draw-co' and Gonoszság Skämd is pronounced 'go-nose-saw-g sk-ah-md' at least, that's I've been pronouncing them. I wont' tell what Vrîend'dräcois because that would just totally blow everything. The original roots of the word(s) are Latin and German (I think).

Eight:

Vrîend'dräco

You're late, Thorn said at the city gate, saddled and ready to go. Dawn had already pierced the horizon, bathing the fields surrounding Aberon in liquid gold.

Murtagh twirled the new blade proudly. It flashed menacingly against the morning glare. Sorry, he smithy took longer than I thought. The sword he had taken from the Varden's armory was as close to his old hand-and-a-half blade as he could get.

You were just being picky, Thorn said.

If being picky keeps us alive, then I have every right to it. This one's not immortal like Zar'roc, but it was the best they had. Sheathing the new blade, Murtagh glanced around uneasily. Where's Nasauda?

She's late too.

Murtagh shook his head regretfully. I still don't want her to come, he admitted. I don't care what she says. I don't want to risk her life.

No man has ever wanted to put his beloved in danger, Murtagh.

Murtagh felt his face go red. He tried to conceal his embarrassment, but he failed miserably. It's not just that, he said, kicking at the ground with the toe of his boot. But we'll be flying with her the whole time! He shuddered at the thought of being so close to such a noble woman as Nasauda. He had never been in such a situation before, and well, he wasn't sure how to handle it.

The scaly curves of Thorn's lips curved into a teasing grin. My O my, do I love love!

Murtagh groaned and pressed his forehead against the dragon's saddle. It's not love, he said grimly. I'm in no position to love anyone, let alone Nasauda. That'd be the stupidest thing I could do.

How so?

Murtagh scowled. They might think I'm influencing her decisions somehow. They might begin suspect I am…corroding her virtue.

A shame, Thorn said. But love works two ways you know.

Murtagh forced a smile. Now you're being silly.

Am I?

I won't argue waste time arguing, Thorn.

Deny it all you want, Murtagh. But I know the truth. You may keep me locked out of your head sometimes, but I can still hear the words of your heart. You speak too loudly with it, you know.

Murtagh gave a dubious laugh. For a creature as powerful as you, you sure are being sappy.

Thorn growled loudly. I only tell the truth, pinhead. All living creatures speak what's in their hearts. You civilized folk have just forgotten how to listen. You're hearts have grown deaf.

Just then, a smooth voice called out Murtagh's name. He whirled around as Arya approached them. "Arya? What are you doing here? I thought you went back to—"

"I ran fast," Arya said shortly. "Have you seen Nasauda? I must speak to her soon."

Murtagh looked at her curiously. "Did it hatch?"

"No. The Rider has yet to be chosen. I've left the egg in trusted care so that I may continue to offer my counsel to Nasauda." She paused. "I've been looking for her all morning."

"She's late."

Arya raised a pencil thin brow. "You're going to Helgrind." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes. To help Eragon and to kill a monster called Gonoszság Skämd." He felt dirty saying the name; it left him feeling soiled and his soul unjust, as if he had just committed some heinous crime.

"Be wary. That monster is no myth. We have records of when…that beast was driven from Farthan Dur. Exterminating it may very well decide whether you will launder your name or be continuously cursed for past deeds." She paused."I would also advise you to steer clear of politics when standing before a council. Keep your opinions strictly to yourself, especially if it is on behalf of Nasauda's argument. We don't need the Varden assuming you are influencing her decisions. " Her voice was smooth and nonchalant, but her gaze was icy cold and sharp as needles. "That is the last thing we want, yes?"

Dropping his eyes to the cobblestone road, Murtagh avoided her pointed stare. "Indeed," he said more heavily than intended.

"We must all make sacrifices."

"So it is the way of the world."

Arya scanned the busy streets. The market was overcrowded. Varden members and Surdan citizens alike mingled together in a crowded, despite the early hour. "Many say that love is the most important thing in the world," Arya said. "But is it not because of love that we fight this war? To ensure that our decedents and those we cherish may have the chance at a better life? Love for many strangers is much nobler than selfish romantics, don't you think?"

Thorn hissed. He snapped his jaws warningly. You don't have to rub it in his face. Murtagh is not ignorant. He knows the stakes are high, and unlike Eragon, he does not beg for love. So there is no need to be cruel.

"I was only making certain," Arya said evenly.

And for the record, Arya, Thorn continued, Just because you turned away from love, doesn't mean everyone else has to.

Arya flinched slightly, just barely. She said nothing more.

You didn't have to do that, Murtagh said irritably.

You're embarrassed that I stood up for you?

Yes. Why didn't you just let it go?

She was being mean.


Two wrongs don't make a right.

Wise words, Thorn observed.

So I've learned.

They waited for several minuets in an aching silence, until Nasauda came trotting out of the market. She wore a simple ridding dress, light brown in color and split down the sides from mid-thigh to ankle. Her cloak whirled gracefully in her wake. She blinked with surprise and then marched over looking very concerned. "Arya, you've only been gone a week. Has something gone wrong?"

"No, everything is well. I have left the egg at home with my family," Arya said. "They will watch over it safely until the Rider is chosen." She reached inside her tunic and took out a package wrapped in fine yellow silk and thin, colorful ribbons. "You have pleased us with your courtesy, and my mother wishes you to have this relic. It's called Vrîend'dräco."

Nasauda took the package warily. It was round and heavy in her hands. "The title is foreign to my knowledge," Arya continued. "But it is a very ancient relic and you would be wise to take good care of it. Its power is incredible, and its mysteries many. It has been in my family for many generations. Keep it with you at all times and it will protect you, as it has done for those of my house."

"Many thanks, Arya," Nasauda said. "I am deeply honored. The next time you are in Ellesméra, will your tell express my gratitude to your Queen?"

"I will."

Nasauda tugged at the colorful ribbons cautiously, as if expecting it to explode. But Arya stopped her. "Perhaps you should leave it. I have had to bind it because Vrîend'dräco's power is so incredible that were you to release it outside of Ellesméra Galbatorix would sense it. Just…keep it on your person at all times, and it will serve you well."

With a sweet smile, Nasuada tucked Vrîend'dräco into her dress pocket. "Again, thank you. I am deeply honored and I will carry this treasure with me at all times."

"Consider it a gift of friendship." Arya glanced at Murtagh quickly. "And you, you take good care of her. I'm in no mood to see the Varden loose another good leader."

"Death will take me first," Murtagh swore.

"But that won't be necessary," Nasauda said with certain confidence. "Because all three of us are coming back alive and unscathed."

Then let's be going, Thorn said. Before I grow a beard.

Murtagh laughed slightly. I wasn't aware that dragons could grow beards!

I might if we wait any longer.

That would be quite a sight, Murtagh mused before mounting himself into the saddle. Then he held his hand out to Nasauda. "Shall we?"

Nasauda looked up at him, accepted his hand, and smiled. Her touch was warm and welcoming. It made Murtagh's stomach squirm uneasily. "We shall," Nasauda agreed.

A/N: Okay, I've been lots of positive feedback from you wonderful reviewers. Especially concerning Thorn and the romantic tension. Thanks. I'm glad you like it. They'll be more of it, I promise, and I'll try not to let it 'overpower' my plot (even though this is a romance!)

Thnx for the reviews guys! I'm glad you like my portrayal of Thorn. Thorn and Murtagh…and Nasauda totally rock.