Thanks for all the reviews. All questions will be answered soon but not yet because I didn't rush this story.
Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Twelve
Murtagh's POV
The stench of the cell smelled like decayed human flesh. Murtagh was of course used to it by now. He had been a week in the cell after he had attacked Arya; or tried to the Varden's soldiers had placed him in there. It didn't matter to him though; nothing did, at least not anymore. Thorn had died and a part of Murtagh had died with him. Murtagh had never felt more isolated and dejected in his life. Murtagh heard heavy footsteps approach but he feared nothing and didn't care. He sat in a corner in his cell, his eyes closed. The footsteps stopped and a soldier rapped on the cell. His voice sounded tired as he spoke;
"Lady Nasuada has come to see you,"
This was nothing new for Murtagh for Nasuada had visited him frequently. She spoke to him, offered him help but she couldn't help him; nobody could. Murtagh heard a new set of footsteps approaching; lighter ones. Nasuada had come.
"You may leave us." he heard her say to the soldier.
"I must remain here to assure your safety." the soldier said, loyally.
"Very well, but stand guard by the door." she said.
He heard the soldier's footsteps fade away but Murtagh knew he had not gone far. He kept his eyes closed.
"Murtagh."
Reluctantly Murtagh slowly opened his eyes. He could not see her clearly due to the fact that his messy, dirty black hair partly covered his eyes. Nasuada wore a purple garment and she looked concerned as she stood by the cell.
"Murtagh, I know this is hard for you. We want to release you but you have swear in the ancient language you won't harm Arya or Eragon." Nasuada said.
"Very well." Murtagh said, "I need clean clothes though."
Nasuada looked stupefied. Murtagh knew why; he hadn't spoken to her for the five days she had visited yet now on the sixth day he agreed instantly. Murtagh heard Nasuada ask the guard to bring clean clothes. He stood up, and nearly fell. He had sat in that corner for hours and his legs had to get used to walking again. Also his legs were not very strong for he had grown extremely thin for he had refused the meals he was offered. The guard's suspicious eyes rested on Murtagh's face as he handed Nasuada the clothes. She handed the clothes to Murtagh. As soon as she did this Murtagh grabbed hold of her wrist and with his other free hand wrapped it around her neck.
"Open the cell and I won't kill her." Murtagh hissed at the shocked guard.
"Drop your sword and your crowns," Murtagh ordered.
The guard looked at Nasuada as to what he should do next.
"Do as he says." she said.
The guard dropped his sword to the ground and emptied his pockets and started to open the cell with his set of keys. As soon as he was done, Murtagh yelled;
"Slytha!"
And allowed Nasuada to fall to the ground. This distracted the guard as Murtagh had hoped and when he ran to Nasuada's aid Murtagh snuck out after he took the soldier's sword and crowns with the clothes under his armpit. He ran out the unprotected door and straight outside. He knew he didn't have Zar'roc but there was no time to find his father's sword; the soldier's sword would have to do. The sunlight from outside pained his eyes. Murtagh after recovering from the sunlight realized where he was. The Beartooth River. He knew he was far from his desired location for he knew where he wanted to go. More importantly he knew what he wanted. He wanted to avenge the death of his dragon. Murtagh had swam across the river and had sprinted for as long as he could. He was now in a mountainous area, as he changed into clean clothes. As he changed he found himself staring at his gedwey ignasia. This only made him more motivated to complete the task he had assigned to himself. That night, Murtagh made a fire using magic to keep him warm. He fell asleep but awoke in the middle of the night.
The Varden will be following and I must not let them catch me.
Murtagh thought he left his old clothes as he began walking. He had to do some climbing which he found strenuous as his body was weak and not accustomed to this. Murtagh walked for hours not certain of where he was going. He reached a place called Tarnag and found a place to rest. He rented the cheapest room as he didn't know when he would need the crowns for something else. In the common room Murtagh sipped ale from his mug as he surveyed the dwarves in the room. Nobody appeared to recognize Murtagh which he was grateful for. In the time Murtagh was in the cell, he had grown a full beard and his hair had become long and unruly. Murtagh went to his room; small and unclean but Murtagh didn't mind; he would be leaving by the time the sun had set. Murtagh fell into an uneasy sleep. He dreamt of Thorn and the times they had spent together; they were more like memories meshed together than dreams. He woke up and found that his eyes were wet with tears. Murtagh sheathed the guard's sword and left his room. The common room was half empty, when Murtagh walked past before leaving. As he walking through the village he found a beige horse in a yard. There was nobody around which made him convince himself to steal the horse. Murtagh heard yells as he horse plummeted forward. He didn't bother looking back. A guard was keeping watch at the gate that led to the exit of Tarnag.
"Where be you going?" the guard asked, in a bored voice.
"To visit my brother." Murtagh replied without hesitation.
He was glad he could abandon the ancient language at least for the time being. He wondered what briefly what a horse was doing in a predominately dwarf land when he knew dwarves preferred donkeys to horses. He let the thought drift out of his head.
"And where be your brother?" the guard wanted to know.
"In Ellesmera. Now may I pass or not?" Murtagh asked.
The guard frowned but opened the gate and allowed Murtagh to pass. Murtagh passed through the barren fields of Tarnag's base before he reached a stone quay. The water was still and looked grey due to the darkened night sky. There were a few dwarves busy with a raft by the quay. Murtagh stopped his horse and dismounted him. He approached the dwarves who looked startled when they noticed him.
"May I use one of your rafts for my horse and myself?" Murtagh asked, being polite as he could.
The dwarves still looked at him with caution and suspicion in their eyes.
"I am willing to pay." Murtagh offered.
The dwarves agreed and helped Murtagh load his horse.
"What is your mighty steed named?" asked one of the dwarves.
"Aldur." Murtagh said.
"Farewell, Aldur and…"
"Yaxley." Murtagh said, thinking fast.
The dwarves used poles to push the raft forward and soon Murtagh found himself drifting away from Tarnag.
And further away from the Varden
Murtagh thought. Murtagh ignored the centre cabin that was built on the raft inside he preferred to sit on a log and keep an eye on his horse and any potential threat. When night fell the darkness was blinding, Murtagh didn't mind though. He had become used to the darkness in the cell. Nevertheless he went to light a lantern that he found in the cabin for he had to see where they were going. Murtagh would not had preferred to stop for the night but he feared his horse would be too hungry when the time came for them to travel on solid ground once more. Thus he moored the raft to dry land. Carefully he guided his horse off the raft after he secured it first. Murtagh had no choice but to hunt. He only caught a measly bird but he collected wild berries as well. He allowed his horse to eat first before he ate the remainders. Instead of making a fire Murtagh decided to sleep. In his dreams he was plagued with memories of Thorn again. He awoke to the shinning sun. Loading the horse on the raft once more Murtagh poled his way down Az Ragni River. Murtagh cursed. He looked back; he could still see the Beor Mountains and he wanted to get as far away from them as he could. Two days passed until Murtagh reached the Edda River. He stopped at Hedarth to find food for both himself and his horse whom he called 'Aldur' now. Murtagh found a place where he bought bread and cheese. He shared his food with Aldur and bought himself a hooded garment which could conceal his face. He wasted no time and only relaxed when he reached Eldor Lake. Murtagh knew he was closer to Du Weldenvarden and closer to his objective. He smiled at the thought.
For you, Thorn. I will do anything.
Arya's POV
She stared at his face. He looked peaceful but she didn't know for certain he was. Saphira was in a state over Eragon's coma. She understood the dragon's fears. It was not a good sign that he hadn't woken up for the past four days. The healers were baffled. They claim they hadn't seen anything like this before. They weren't sure if Eragon would ever wake up. To make matters worse Murtagh was on the lose. He had assaulted Nasuada Arya was told by an Elvin messenger who had decided to remain by the Varden. The water had definitely been the source of the poison. Queen Islanzadi wanted to know where every elf was at the time for she knew if had to have been someone from their own race.
You need to rest.
Beroan advised Arya.
No, I am not tired.
Beroan knew it was no use arguing so instead he went off to comfort Saphira. He told Arya where he was going though before he left.
It can't end this way.
Arya thought to herself. She heard footsteps long before the person entered the room where Eragon was being kept in. It was Megiltura. She looked at Arya as she strode to Eragon's side though only for a few seconds. Her gaze was cold nonetheless, almost accussing. Arya didn't like it; she didn't trust this elf. Arya refused to leave though even as Megiltura sat on the stool beside Eragon's side.
"He didn't deserve it." Megiltura murmured, as she reached out to touch Eragon's forehead.
"Of course he didn't." Arya said, "You didn't have anything to do with this, did you?"
Arya was skilled in reading people. It came with age, and Megiltura's eyes held regret, maybe even guiltiness. Megiltura's eyes darted to Arya's.
"How dare you accuse me of something so vile and distasteful." she spat.
"Why would I try to kill Eragon?" she asked.
Arya shrugged, "Maybe you couldn't handle him rejecting you."
"That's none of your concern. Eragon will realize his mistake as soon as he wakes up." Megiltura said, she sounded hopeful.
"And if he doesn't?" the words just seemed to slip out.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I can assure you he will. You have rejected him too many times. There's only so much rejection one person can take." she sounded confident.
Arya was starting to despise this elf more and more as time passed.
"Eragon needs somebody. But I don't think that person is you." Arya said, calmly.
Megiltura stood up abruptly; her eyes blazing. At this exact moment Queen Islanzadi entered the room.
"How is he?" she asked Arya, as she came closer to examine Eragon.
"No change." Arya said.
Megiltura remained standing but she concealed her rage behind an impassive stare.
"Our healers will be trying more methods they have been working on," Queen Islanzadi informed them, "Megiltura, how fortunate that you are here, would you mind staying by Eragon. Arya and I have matters we need to discuss."
Without waiting for anyone to answer Queen Islanzadi walked away. Arya could have sworn before she left she saw a smug expression on Megiltura's face. She followed her mother inside to Tialdari Hall. Arya followed her mother inside the council room. She seated herself in her usual chair at the front of the long table. Arya found a seat next to her mother's.
"Where are the other council members?" Arya asked her mother, looking around.
"They're not coming. I summoned only you here." the Queen said, seriously.
Arya braced herself, she knew this must be important then.
"What troubles you, mother?" Arya asked, trying to interpret her mother's facial expressions; she hid her emotions well.
"There is something I am growing concerned about. I only hope this is not true…"
Arya sighed inwardly. She had a feeling she knew where this conversation was going and her instinct was telling her it would not end well.
"I do not understand." Arya said.
"Then let us shed light on this matter once and for all," the Queen said, "I have heard that Eragon has feelings that go beyond the borders of simple friendship, what have you got to say on this?"
"Yes, this is true," Arya said, "I have, however told him I am not interested."
The Queen sighed, relieved, "Then you do not feel the same way?"
Arya did not answer, for she had known this had been a question. The Queen stared at her, waiting for her to answer.
"Well?" she said.
"I…" Arya paused, "I can not lie anymore. I refuse to lie to myself as well as to Eragon, no more."
"What are you saying?" Queen Islanzadi asked, bewildered.
"I do have feelings for Eragon that go further than friendship. I had no idea myself but I can not deny them anymore."
Queen Islanzadi couldn't hide the surprise that took over her facial expressions. She recovered quickly though.
"Arya, this is…not possible. Surely you have thought about all the complications. You are much older and experienced, not to mention you are expected to take the throne after me. After all of that must I bring to your attention that Eragon is part-human."
Queen Islanzadi finished looking satisfied with herself, as if her points had convinced her daughter otherwise.
"Of course I have thought about these things. I have decided that they do not matter."
The Queen raised her eyebrows, "Do you wish to disown me?" she demanded.
"I do not wish to," Arya said, "But if you can not accept my decision then I will."
Queen Islanzadi frowned, which Arya had not seen her do often, when she did this the lines on her face could be seen.
"You would everything up?" the Queen asked, "For him."
Arya nodded. A sudden thought then occurred to her.
"Mother, where did you hear this particular piece of information?" Arya asked, "Or rather from whom?"
Queen Islanzadi was still recovering from her shock, nevertheless she answered;
"An elf told me. I do not-" she said, "Yes I remember now, Megiltura. Why do you ask?"
"I think she may have poisoned Eragon." Arya said.
"Have you any proof? I would hate to think that any elf could do something so-"
"Vile and distasteful?"
"Well, yes."
Arya turned to leave.
"Arya." her mother's voice called.
She turned around.
"We have not finished discussing this matter," Queen Islanzadi said, "If you do not put a stop to this madness then I shall intervene."
There was definitely a warning in her mother's voice, Arya noted. She took no notice and left. Arya, herself was amazed at what had been said. She never thought she could be so honest, to her mother.
Beroan?
Arya called, in her mind.
Yes, Arya?
Did you…hear everything that happened with my mother.
Arya asked, not wanting to hear his answer.
Yes. But I haven't told Saphira. I thought you would like to do that yourself whenever you feel it is the right time.
Is there ever a right time? I should have told Eragon long ago. Now he might pass without knowing the truth.
Beroan felt a wave of sadness seer through their connection. He shared the pain his rider was feeling.
Everything will work out. You have to believe that.
Beroan said as an encouragement.
I do not know what I would have done if you hadn't come into my life.
Arya said. She thought about what Beroan had told her before. As soon Eragon had uncovered their connection a flurry of memories had returned to Beroan. He remembered a Shade; Durza who had taken him away from her in Gil'lead. They had worked out the rest for themselves. Durza was most likely taunting Arya with the last dragon egg but the egg had hatched unexpectedly for Arya. As soon as the gedwey ignasia appeared Durza had cast a spell to hide it. He also informed Galbotorix and together they let somebody else raise the dragon as their own. They knew the dragon had to remain hidden as the dragon might find his true rider and join the Varden thus they hid both dragon and the new rider in an isolated place. So much had taken place and was yet to come. Arya made a stop by Rheunon. She was busy pounding metal together working on another project as usual; her work was her life.
"You, again." Rheunon said, as a form of greeting.
"Rheunon-elda, I need a favour." Arya said.
"What is it?"
"I need to know if you still have that special liquid that makes elves tell the truth. It's like forcing them to answer questions in the ancient language only they have to tell the whole truth and not just a part." Arya explained.
Rheunon stopped pounding and went inside her tree home she returned within seconds later and handed a small flask to Arya.
"Thank you, Rheunon-elda." Arya said and left.
Arya went in search of Blodhgarm; she found him in his quarters. He was taken aback by her appearance but welcomed her in graciously.
"This is not a social visit," Arya informed him.
Briefly Arya told Blodhgarm of what she wished to do. The elf was silent once she had finished.
"I suppose if she has done nothing wrong the potion will not cause any harm. Only why can you not be present when I attempt this task?" Blodhgarm wanted to know.
"She does not trust me. It would be best if you two were alone. Only once you are done and know the truth please contact me, Blodhgarm-vodhr."
Blodhgarm agreed and Arya went back to Eragon's quarters; where he was being kept in. Megiltura was already gone by the time Arya reached Eragon's side. Two healers were hovering over him.
"Have you any news?" Arya asked them.
"It appears that the potion was a very strong one," one of the healers said, "A spell was used to strengthen the spell. It strengthens the longer the victim remains in its trance."
"What does this mean for Eragon? Can he come out of it?"
"He might. But at the moment he's in a deep dreamless sleep. According to one of the scrolls I've read that only the petals of a moonflower along with a few other plants might help. This would take a least two days to complete and even then we might be too late." the healer explained.
"Is there nothing else that can be done?" Arya asked, desperately.
The healer looked at her oddly, "You might try talking. They said in the scroll it might shift the victim from their sleep. That's all I can say. The scroll is ancient and the writing had faded."
The healers left the room leaving Arya alone with Eragon. She looked at him, and then reached out, and held his hand uncertainly.
You have to wake up, Eragon. You just have to…
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