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Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…
Chapter Thirteen
Murtagh's POV
Murtagh rested from paddling. He had travelled far in a short period of time. He felt better to a certain extent; one of the things that made him better was his sleeping. Although he longed to see Thorn again it only brought pain to him whenever he slept at night. Lately, he hadn't been dreaming at all which was a good thing, he thought. Another pleasant thing was that his body had retained it normal shape. With all the meals and strenuous activities Murtagh could feel his body gain more muscle and stamina. He felt more energized and ready to take on anybody who would stand in his way.
The raft drifted lazily as the sun burnt brightly. Murtagh's skin too, had changed. The cell had made his skin become abnormally pale but all the time in sun had changed it back to its usual colour. Murtagh decided he had to stop once more for he felt fatigued and he thought Aldur felt the same. He set up campfire and secured both the raft and Aldur before going to look for food. He found and killed a gyrfalcon which he cooked on the fire he had made. This satisfied his hunger better than anything else had for the last few days. Aldur had the remaining pieces. That night Murtagh looked up at the stars. He had been alone for so long; it had gotten to him mentally. The only thing that was keeping him sane was his goal. It gave his life a purpose.
With this in mind Murtagh slept for a few hours until he awoke the following morning. He loaded Aldur and fruit he had collected the previous night before boarding the raft once more. He continued up the Gaena River with fierce determination. Murtagh started to notice a change in the river. It was getting wider and deeper. He managed to navigate the raft to the left shore and unloaded everything again. The unloading and reloading was tiring him out already.
I have to stay focused.
Murtagh told himself.
He hefted the raft and guided Aldur along a hiking trail. Fortunately the hike did not last long and Murtagh had come to the Gaena River once more. He reloaded everything and set sail once again. Murtagh sighed in relief when he noticed he had reached Ardwen Lake. Murtagh slid on his hooded cloak as he noticed there were other boats as he approached the shore. This placed seemed eerie to Murtagh. There was a magical glow and Murtagh knew he must have reached Silthrim. Murtagh smiled as he abandoned the raft and mounted Aldur. He was in Du Weldenvarden and he knew he would reach Ellesmera in a few days. In a few days that followed Murtagh had grown bored. He longed to get to his destination but he seemed trapped in a forest of endless trees and vegetation. Murtagh stopped as he knew what was to come next. He had finally reached Ellesmera but he had to initiate the first part of his plan. An elf guarded the entry to Ellesmera thus he had to eliminate him. Murtagh fingered the ring Galbotorix had given him. He had said it was his father's ring; Morzan's ring. Inside the ruby stone was still plenty of power. The ring had been called Ama poldora which meant strength. Murtagh started to summon part of the power that was inside the ring then left the rest. Murtagh contemplated on what to do next.
If I kill him he might alert others of my whereabouts and then I can never enter Ellesmera. However if I tell him in the ancient language Eragon is my brother and I mean him no harm he would undoubtedly allow me in.
Murtagh marvelled at his plan he allowed Aldur to be set free and walked the short distance left until he came to an elf in flowing garments.
"Stop, there." the elf said, "State your name, and reason for entering."
The elf spoke in the ancient language thus Murtagh did the same when he answered.
"I am the half-brother, of Eragon Shadeslayer," Murtagh said, and showed his gedwey ignasia, "I have come to visit him and mean him no harm." Murtagh said solemnly.
"Release your hood and you may pass."
Murtagh did not hesitate and dropped his hood to his shoulders. The elf bowed and allowed him to pass. Murtagh slid his hood back over his head as soon as he reached the entrance of Ellesmera. It was nothing like he had ever seen. The smells of the vast variety of flowers was enough to confuse his nose. There were wild animals who seemed to have a special connection with the elves. Murtagh however did not remain distracted by this for long he knew he had a task to do and it started right now.
Arya's POV
Arya looked at Blodhgarm, her expression sombre.
"How could this happen?" she wanted to know.
"She confessed but she fought against the potion as soon as she realized what was going on she ran. We couldn't find her any where. I think she left Ellesmera." Blodhgarm said.
"At least she's gone. But what about Gilderon The Wise, surely he would have seen her leave." Arya said.
"He has had quite a strange day. A man entered Ellesmera just a few moment's ago who claimed to be Eragon's half-brother. He swore in the ancient language he had not come to do harm to Eragon."
"Murtagh." Arya, murmured, "I should've known he'd come."
"Yes, well. He didn't get very far. He put up quite a fight but we have him detained."
"This can't go on, Blodhgarm. Murtagh has to be stopped. What about Megiltura, did she mention anything about a cure for what Eragon has?"
"Nay. I doubt she knew if there was one. What would you have us do with Murtagh?"
"Keep an eye on him. That's all for now." Arya instructed.
Blodhgarm left and Arya sat on the mattress beside Eragon. It had been a few hours since the healers had given him the potion yet his body had still not responded.
"Eragon, I do not know if you can hear me. I need you to wake up. We have a lot to discuss and…" Arya stopped talking and let go of Eragon's hand which she had been holding.
She stood up and went to the balcony. She heard a meek cough. Turning around she saw Eragon start to move. He eyes flickered open and he looked around, bemused.
"Eragon, are you well?" Arya asked as she came moving quickly to his side, "How do you feel?"
"Sore, like I haven't moved in hours. I don't understand-"
"That's not important just yet. There is something I need to discuss with you."
"Go ahead." Eragon urged, as he tried to refocus on his surroundings.
"I-"
"Eragon! You're awake." Queen Islanzadi said.
Arya cursed inwardly.
"There is much to discuss," Queen Islanzadi said, "Murtagh has escaped from our Elvin guards."
"What? When did he even get here?" Eragon asked aghast.
"He has I fear for revenge," The Queen said, her eyes darting to Arya.
"I don't understand," Eragon said, "Revenge for Thorn? From whom?"
Eragon's eyes trailed to Arya's.
"No," Eragon said, "We won't let him get that far."
Arya saw him try to stand up bit he was still too weak.
"Don't strain yourself, Eragon. You were asleep for a long time. You need to take it slowly." Arya advised.
"That would be best," Queen Islanzadi said in agreement, "Saphira wishes to see her rider, Arya. I think it would be best for us to discuss matters elsewhere."
Arya followed her mother outside and walked within her pace whilst they spoke.
"Arya, you require the protection of the elves. Murtagh is truly dangerous; the fact that he could elude our Elvin guards proves it." Queen Islanzadi said.
"I understand, but I need to finish this," Arya said firmly.
"Must you always be this stalwart?" the Queen demanded.
"I have years of experience and I know I can defeat him in combat." Arya said, determinedly.
The Queen sighed.
"There is no point in quarrelling with you," The Queen said, "Only know Arya that if you pursue this 'relationship' with Eragon then I shall have no choice but to disown you and your inheritance shall be no more."
Arya had no desire to be a ruler but she despised the manner in which the Queen was trying to forget about Eragon and her feelings. Instead of answering Arya walked away.
Well, that could have been worse.
Beroan said.
Never mind that, have you seen Murtagh. He is going to try and kill me, most likely when I least expect it and I need to be prepared.
Nay, I have not. I wish it didn't have to end this way; in a death. But I fear we do not have any other choice.
I grasp at what you are saying; I do not take pleasure in knowing I have to be the one to slain Eragon's half-brother.
Arya said, gloomily. She went into Tialdari Hall and into her room. She decided she would wait for Murtagh.
How can you be so sure, he shall come?
Beroan asked. He had taken guard over by the entrance of Tialdari Hall as he too waited for Murtagh.
Because he has waited and travelled too long and far to give up now. He will come.
Arya said thought, firmly. She was that certain of herself. In the meantime, she started to write a poem on an empty scroll. Night fell upon Ellesmera and Murtagh had not yet shown up. Arya was still awake although she felt slightly fatigued. A knock sounded at her door. Arya sat still; frozen in her place. Beroan had not alerted her of a visitor.
Beroan?
It is only, Eragon. Saphira has taken guard with me outside.
Arya was still tense. She didn't want Eragon to be here now. He would get caught in the midst of the battle. Reluctantly she went to open the door. Eragon went straight in, he looked anxious.
"Good, he hasn't come," he said.
"No. Eragon you have to leave; now." Arya said.
He looked at her, not understanding.
"He's my brother. I have to end this." Eragon said, resolute.
Arya sighed. Eragon and herself were the same; each would not relinquish a task until they had fulfilled it. Nevertheless Arya thought she had to at least try to convince him, otherwise.
"Eragon-" she started.
The sound of crashing glass and a thud stopped her from continuing. Footsteps approached. Followed by Murtagh who entered. His appearance troubled Arya. He looked scruffier; he had a full beard and he looked older. His hair reached slightly over his shoulders. His eyes were most threatening; black and empty. He looked like a man who had no soul. His eyes ran to Eragon's face.
"This does not involve you," Murtagh said, in a raspy voice.
"If it concerns Arya it involves me," Eragon said, adamantly.
"I have come too far. You won't stand in my way."
Without warning Murtagh raised his hand and using the magic from his ring thrust Eragon against the wall. Arya saw Eragon smash into a table before his hand collided with solid wall. She drew he sword. She noticed Murtagh didn't unsheathe Zar'roc. He had a slender sword of Elvin make she assumed; mostly likely stolen. They paced in a circle neither moving forward. Murtagh watched her every move.
"This doesn't have to end like this, Murtagh. I can help you."
Murtagh laughed. The sound was disturbing.
"I've heard it all before. But nobody can help me. You…killed…Thorn." The last words seemed to induce him physical pain.
"I am sorry. Thorn was about to kill Beroan. I was protecting myself and my dragon."
A sudden thought struck Arya.
"Don't worry they're asleep. I haven't taken the task to killing them yet. I'm saving that. I want you, in your last living breath watch the life drain out of your dragon." Murtagh whispered the last part.
Arya struck forward. Murtagh's sword collided with hers. She was skilled in the sword but Murtagh was slightly stronger. They each struck and parried. A few scars were given on each side but no serious blows.
"Enough of this," Murtagh said, as he drained the last energy from the ring.
He struck against Arya with full force. She found herself pressed up against the wall. Murtagh's sword was inches away from her throat. Eragon started to rouse from his blackout. He charged and struck Murtagh in the back with Brisingr. Arya saw Murtagh fall, his sword falling too. He laid in a pool of blood which was only increasing. Arya saw Eragon stare at his half-brother's body.
"Are you hurt?" Eragon asked.
"No." Arya said.
Before Arya could say what she had been wanting to say for a long time, four elves burst through the door. Arya found she was able to communicate with Beroan again.
What happened?
She asked her dragon.
Murtagh cast a spell on Saphira and I from behind. It only broke once he couldn't supply enough energy to hold it. He also cast a shield to prevent any other interference from elves.
Beroan explained.
"We are well," Arya said to the elves, "Please remove Murtagh's body."
She looked at Eragon. This would be the right to tell him. He had just lost his half-brother…
Eragon's POV
The following day Eragon felt it. He felt the pain; the pain of Murtagh. He wished they had had time to reconcile before his death. Now, occasionally the image of Eragon striking Murtagh with Brisingr would flash through his head. Saphira did her best to comfort Eragon but sometimes he would feel inconsolable. He would feel Saphira's helplessness at these times but he couldn't help himself. Roran had noticed though. Last night when Eragon had scryed Roran and Katrina. Seeing their son; whom they had decided to name Garrow had lightened Eragon's mood somewhat. Garrow had small blonde hair, his had Katrina's eyes but that was all, he had Roran's sharp facial features. Roran wanted to visit Eragon for he could see Eragon was in pain. Eragon didn't want Roran to leave his family and he was elected the King of Alagaesia by the Varden's council which made him more important. Roran had said that as he was the King of Alagaesia he was entitled to some free time to himself. Eragon laid in his cot, his thoughts shifting back to Murtagh.
Eragon, do not torture yourself like this.
Saphira said. Eragon had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he hadn't realized Saphira had landed on the balcony.
I can't just forget about it, no matter how much I want to…
Eragon said, still not looking at her.
I know that this is hard for you, But you have to distract yourself; or at the very least try to.
Saphira said, as she pulled the bedcovers off Eragon with her sharp, pointy teeth. She did this carefully so as not to hurt Eragon.
What are you doing?
Eragon asked her, as he sat up, feeling chilled.
Helping you. Queen Islanzadi wishes to see you. Now.
Saphira said.
How do you know?
Eragon asked, thinking this was her way of getting him out of bed.
Beroan told me. I wouldn't keep the Queen of the elves waiting now would you?
Reluctantly Eragon bathed and changed his clothes. He sheathed Brisingr at his side before he went to Tialdari Hall. He found Queen Islanzadi waiting for him in the council room. She was alone and was seated when he entered.
"Eragon," she said, "I must let you know how sorry I am about Murtagh. I had not known before of your relation to him. However there are pressing matters we need to address."
"Such as?"
"The burial. Murtagh was not an elf thus I thought it best to leave the decision to you."
Eragon had flinched at the word 'burial'.
"Anything else?" Eragon asked, trying to keep his voice even.
"Also I heard from the elf Megiltura; the one who poisoned you-"
Eragon frowned;
"Megiltura poisoned me?"
"Forgive much has happened, I had forgotten nobody had told you. To answer your question, yes we uncovered, well Arya came up with the idea, that Megiltura poisoned your water with a rare and toxic potion."
Eragon's head hurt. He didn't know if it was the pain from yesterday or all the information his mind was processing that caused the aching pain.
"What were you saying?" Eragon asked, trying to compose himself and hide his head pain, "What did Megiltura said?"
"She says you expressed interest in Allea. I do not know if this is true, but if it is I'd be happy to give you the co-ordinates. You have served the elves well." Queen Islanzadi said.
"Thank you, I would appreciate that," Eragon said, forcing a smile, "Although I do not know whether I shall be able to go anymore."
"Why is that?" The Queen asked.
Eragon felt uncomfortable, "Well, Saphira has chosen Beroan as her mate and doubt she'd leave without him."
Queen didn't say anything in response. She handed Eragon a folded piece of parchment and said;
"If you and Saphira change your minds." she said and turned to leave.
"Where is Murtagh's body?" Eragon, forced these words out.
"He lays in the sword chamber; the room around the corner."
Eragon had no problem finding the sword room; although he hadn't known the elves had a sword room to begin with. Elvin swords were hung up against walls. It looked more like a work room for smiths like Rheunon, Eragon thought. There on a metal table laid Murtagh. Eragon stopped beside him and stared at him. He didn't recognise this man. He looked nothing like the Murtagh Eragon thought he once knew so well. Eragon decided to by magical means remove the beard on Murtagh's face. It made a remarkable change; it made Murtagh appear younger. As soon as he had done this though Eragon felt a wave of emotions envelope me. He wept bitterly over Murtagh's body. He blocked his mind from Saphira so she couldn't share in the pain he was enduring. Once he had stopped himself he lifted Murtagh's body and called for Saphira.
I am here, waiting outside, Tialdari Hall. Why did you block your thoughts from me earlier?
Next chapter will be the last so keep reviewing.