Gah, I told some people the next update is more interesting...

I'm thinking of the chapter AFTER this one! Sorry, I'll update tomorrow. I'm only really keeping this chapter because of was Kazryth has to say (even though it isn't all that much, I know). If it wasn't for that, I'd totally cut it out... so yeah, tomorrow! Promise )

The next day, Darcie avoided Murtagh. She knew he followed her at one point in the day, but she managed to outsmart him and get out of his sight. She wasn't up for any of his games; a day of quiet was what she was after and yet that small thing seemed impossible.

Getting into the library inside the castle, she went to the back of the room and behind many shelves. Pulling a book off one of the shelves, she found a comfortable chair in the far corner and read. She read the book for hours, only stopping when she finished it. As she put the book back on the shelf, the aroma of food was strong.

She left the library and entered the dining room and found it empty. The only inhabitants of the room were the food that lined the table. Unsurely, she moved forward and filled a plate. When nothing was said, she kept piling the food onto her plate and then left the dining room with it. She then walked into her tent and ate in silence.

How do you fare? Kazryth's voice came into her mind.

Horribly, but that's not new.

What's wrong? Kazryth sounded curious yet worried.

I've been trying to avoid someone that can't take a hint.

Murtagh means well...

He's been stalking me!

Kazryth was silent. Just as Darcie was about to say something, the dragon cut in and said, He probably wishes to talk. Give him a chance and he might prove himself.

That's funny, coming from you.

I know I was quick to judge back then, but I was young. As we traveled I began to realize... he isn't his father.

It took you that long to realize it?

I know what his father did, I know Za'roc. The sword is infamous for its deeds, so don't blame me if I was quick to judge.

Eragon carried Za'roc before Murtagh, yet you didn't seem to have a problem with him. Darcie had found how Murtagh had gotten Za'roc on the trip to Surda.

Eragon did not know his father until recently; he was raised completely differently compared to Murtagh.

So you admit to jumping to conclusions now?

No, I am merely pointing out Eragon had a different life, a more trustworthy life. While he worked to live, only knowing his mother had left him with his previous uncle and aunt, and Roran. His life was just as hard as Murtagh's, but in different ways. Eragon had a family life out in a small town in the valley; Murtagh grew up with the last of the last of the Forsworn and king, both treacherous.

You're still saying you jumped to conclusions because of Murtagh's past.

He deserves another chance Kazryth said, attempting to change the subject.

Because of his past, right? Darcie scoffed.

No, because he does mean well. He is trying to help, yet in your perspective he is being a bother. Listen to what he has to say; what's on his mind. You might just understand where he is coming from.

It was then that Kazryth cut off their connection. Darcie tried to get past and respond, but his barricade was too strong.

"Damn it..."

I heard that.

Before Darcie could reply, Kazryth cut the connection again. Then, in the distance, the sound of the wind being sliced by a large creature hit her ears. She could only assume either Kazryth or one of the others was flying off.

She thought about what Kazryth had said and was well aware it was true, but she didn't want to admit it, especially not to Murtagh.