CHAPTER EIGHT: Sinister Intentions

"Don't say you love me, I don't believe it

Don't say the words if you don't mean it."

- If You Don't Mean It, Dean Geyer

They'd been too wary to light a fire, just in case anyone saw them. Brynja shivered in the darkness, drawing her cloak tighter around herself. She hadn't exactly chosen this – Angela had told her about her confrontation with a Shade, although she hadn't known what the verdict would be. This left Brynja uncertain and full of dread. Fighting a Shade…she hadn't been with the Varden when Durza had wreaked havoc upon Farthen Dur, but she'd heard what Tynan had said and that had been enough to convince her.

Mordecai was allegedly young for a Shade. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, or so the reports said. Brynja wondered how long he'd actually been a Shade. Had he been around since Durza's time, hiding himself? She doubted it.

"Tynan," she whispered through the darkness, "How are we going to go about this? It's the three of us against a Shade. I know this is what we're fated for…but can we survive?"

"I hope so," Tynan muttered back. "We're strong, Brynja. Stronger than we even know."

Right now, Brynja didn't feel strong. She had faced a lot in her time, but fighting a Shade was beyond anything she'd ever tried to accomplish. She felt like a fool. She knew how brash and reckless they must seem to Nasuada and the rest of the Varden. The Shade was apparently moving north-east towards Uru'baen, where there was no doubt in Brynja's mind that he would unite with Galbatorix. That was just what they didn't need. From there, the Shade Mordecai would most likely be sent to the Varden to attack them.

"I'm still not sure we can do this," Brynja was almost inaudible so that their youngest companion, Nolfavrell, would not hear her.

"Would you rather he attacks us first?" demanded Tynan. "This will not be what Mordecai expects. He would think us all to tremble in fear of his presence. We must prove that we are not daunted."

Brynja nodded mutely, not knowing what to say. Tynan was right, of course. Too long had they lived in fear of the Empire. Now it was time to strike back.

PARAGRAPH

Ashen looked upon Uru'baen itself with disdain. It was a bleak place and she later regretted that she'd asked Murtagh to show her everything. He'd taken her past the dungeons and she'd heard the prisoners' screams. Her face had paled and she'd staggered backwards. Murtagh had clenched his jaw and tugged at her arm, pulling away from that terrible place.

From there, he decided it was best to show her some of the nicer sights that Uru'baen had to offer…few as they may be. He led her down to the little courtyard outside his room. It was small and hardly used, but from the look of wonder on Ashen's face, it might have been a huge garden.

"I didn't know Uru'baen had any plants," she confessed quietly.

Murtagh released his grip on her arm. Ashen moved around the courtyard, observing her surroundings with interest. Murtagh gave a tight smile as he noticed how entranced she was. Maybe he might let her stay here, watch from his room. After all, he knew he needed to get ready for dinner with the king and his courtiers – Galbatorix loved showing off his pet Rider – and he knew Ashen was too smart to escape. She knew the consequences.

"Do you think you could stay here for ten minutes?" he asked of her, narrowing his eyes so she knew he was serious. "I'm expected for dinner with the king and I need to get changed. You understand 'stay here', don't you?"

Ashen rolled her eyes. "I could stay here for hours."

Murtagh moved up to his room. If Galbatorix knew he'd left Ashen alone, he would be furious. But Murtagh had known Ashen before. She knew there was nowhere left to run. She knew what it would cost her to try.

Thorn. Could you just…keep an eye on her for a moment?

I'll keep two on her, if that would help.

Murtagh hurried changing into his good clothes, unwilling to leave Ashen alone for too long despite the fact that he didn't think she'd escape. If someone loyal to Galbatorix found her there alone…

Murtagh. You may want to see this.

Murtagh was just pulling on his good boots when he moved over the window and looked out into the courtyard. He cursed angrily. Just when he'd been thinking about not letting Ashen be found by loyalists, Zander crossed the courtyard towards her with a smirk on his face and a sinister gleam in his eyes.

Murtagh marched determinedly down the corridor, back down into the courtyard. By the time he'd marched through the archway, Zander had reached Ashen and was talking to her. There was a look on his face that Murtagh didn't like, the way his eyes roved up and down her, seemed to bore through her.

"Zander." Murtagh nearly snarled the word.

The magician turned away from Ashen, facing Murtagh with a calm smile plastered across his face.

"Murtagh. I should have known you wouldn't have left this lovely young woman alone." Zander's voice was dripping with sarcasm as he turned back to face Ashen, whose eyes were wide with apprehension. Clearly she could see just how dangerous Zander really was. "What was your name again?"

Murtagh's hands clenched into fists as Zander smiled across at Ashen. This couldn't bode well. If Ashen knew Zander's name, chances were she remembered what Murtagh had told her about Zander asking for her.

"My name is Ashen." Her voice was strong despite the trepidation in her eyes.

Zander faced Murtagh. "Does Galbatorix know you're letting your prisoner wander around Uru'baen unsupervised?"

His tone was mocking and Murtagh ground his teeth, wanting nothing more than to punch the arrogant man in the face.

Careful, Thorn warned, You know he's dangerous.

"Leave her alone," Murtagh's tone was low, "If you come near her again…"

Zander grinned. "You are quite protective of her, Murtagh. Do you fear that she'll meet the same end as her brother?"

Ashen gasped and her eyes hardened as she glared at Zander. The mention of Colton's death was clearly not something she appreciated. Murtagh could see the pain in her eyes. He immediately felt a surge of pity for her, which increased his hatred of Zander.

"You may want to keep an eye on her, Murtagh." Zander's tone held nothing but malevolent amusement. "Otherwise Galbatorix may have her reassigned."

Murtagh knew the implications, saw the trouble flickering in Zander's cold green eyes. He grabbed Ashen's arm and pulled her after him. She didn't resist.

"Stay away from her. She's not your prisoner and not your concern." Murtagh snapped.

He steered Ashen out of the courtyard and back towards her quarters. Ashen grimaced at the bruising grip on her arm and when they reached her room, Murtagh grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.

"You are not to speak with him. Do you understand me, Ashen?"

Ashen had heard about Zander and although he didn't seem too intimidating in person, there had been something about his eyes. Green, cruel, empty. Eyes of evil. She didn't understand why Murtagh was so urgent about the whole matter though. He was a Rider, Galbatorix's right-hand man.

"Aye," Ashen pulled her arm from his grasp, seeing evidence of bruises in the form of finger marks.

"He is dangerous." Murtagh sounded annoyed, as though she wasn't really paying attention.

Her eyes snapped up to meet his. "So are you."

Murtagh couldn't argue with that. Instead he just frowned and opened the door, pushing Ashen into her room. When he closed the door, Ashen ruminated on what had happened. Zander disturbed Murtagh's calm. There was something about that magician that seemed to affect everyone. Ashen couldn't believe he'd mentioned Colton. How did he know?

PARAGRAPH

"Stenr risa."

Tristan felt a surge of elation as the stone rose three feet off the ground. He turned to grin at Delia, and immediately lost concentration. The stone clattered to the ground as Fafnir snorted in amusement.

What?

You need to focus on your training rather than your teacher, Tristan.

Tristan felt his cheeks heating up and knew he must be turning red as he crossed to retrieve the rock from the ground. Delia was observing him dispassionately, her arms folded across her chest.

"Focus, Tristan. Using magic will drain the energy from you – I will teach you how to draw it from your surroundings, but that will not be for some time yet. For now, you need to focus your entire being on that stone. Try again."

Tristan heaved a sigh and set the stone in front of him, his blue eyes narrowing as he focused his energy on it. The magic was starting to tire him out and he was surprised that such a small amount could leave him so drained. He'd seen the things Eragon had accomplished, and now he wondered how he'd done it.

Our strength will grow in time, Tristan. At least you are of full size.

Tristan smiled down at Fafnir. The green dragon was only up to his stomach.

One day, we'll both be unstoppable.

Yes. But for now, focus on that stone. Delia grows impatient.

"Stenr risa."

The stone rose again and Tristan managed to keep it there for a good twenty seconds before his strength drained from him and he dropped it with a hoarse gasp. Delia nodded approvingly.

"Good. You are improving. There is, however, one other issue – I have been reliably informed that your ability lies in the field of archery?"

Tristan nodded slowly. "Aye."

Delia smiled slowly. "Well, Riders are renowned for their skill with a blade. Therefore, I think tomorrow, we'll have to start you on some sword fighting training to do with your other training."

Tristan couldn't help but unleash a groan.

PARAGRAPH

Ashen found herself starting to feel sorry for Murtagh, no matter how much she might want to despise him for holding her prisoner. Sometimes he'd come to her and it would have been so obvious that he'd been tortured – although for what, Ashen didn't dare to ask. He came to her room at dusk about a month after he'd captured her.

Murtagh ran a hand through his dark hair, looking troubled. Ashen wanted to ask what the matter was, except she knew it probably wasn't any of her concern. The expression on his face was grim, but he forced a smile.

"Come with me. There's someone I want you to meet."

Ashen felt herself panicking. She shook her head and staggered backwards. There was no doubt in her mind that the person Murtagh was talking about was Galbatorix.

"I won't go to him!"

Something hard flashed in Murtagh's eyes and he stepped forward.

"You'll do what's expected of you, Ashen."

Ashen expected him to grab her by the arm, but instead his hand clutched at hers. A sudden shiver ran up her spine, a good kind. Holding Murtagh's hand was somehow more intimate, although he appeared not to notice.

As he led her down the corridors – most of which were deserted – Ashen started to let relief overcome her. It was clear they weren't going to see Galbatorix. So just who were they going to meet? Ashen didn't know whether she should be apprehensive or not. Finally they exited the maze of corridors that was the palace of Uru'baen and entered the biggest courtyard Ashen had ever seen. In the middle of the courtyard stood a mighty red dragon.

Ashen gasped aloud and Murtagh released her hand. This must be Thorn, Murtagh's dragon. He looked down at her with vivid red eyes, but she was unafraid. She moved towards Thorn, spellbound.

Greetings, Ashen.

Ashen felt the need to curtsy before the dragon. She hadn't failed to notice that several dresses had been hung up in the wardrobe in her room. They were all plain, but nice nevertheless.

"Greetings, Thorn. It's an honour to meet you."

Subconsciously, Ashen wondered what had brought Murtagh to show her his dragon. Somehow she doubted Galbatorix would approve of this. Murtagh already treated her too much like a guest, rather than the prisoner she really was. She glanced across at him, but he refused to meet her gaze.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, a note of suspicion entering her tone. Did this have something to do with Tristan and Fafnir, something beyond her understanding? What were the motives that lingered beneath the surface?

Murtagh clenched his jaw and didn't look at her. "Galbatorix is not pleased. A month has passed since you have been in Uru'baen and there has been no sign of your brother. He believes that either Tristan does not know you have been captured, or more likely, he does nothing because he has been instructed not to. Galbatorix believes he may need more persuasion to come to your aid."

Ashen understood the implications immediately and her heart starting hammering in her chest. So she would meet the same end as her brother, Colton. She shook her head, taking a step back. Murtagh had shown her Thorn because he knew what she must yet endure.

"No," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, Ashen." Murtagh sounded impassive. "He has not ordered me specifically yet, but I know that it's only a matter of time."

Murtagh sounded haunted and that was only reflected in his grey eyes when he looked at her. There was something devastated there and Ashen pitied him as much as she held fear for herself…and Tristan. Because that was what all of this was about: luring her brother to Uru'baen.

"We were friends once," Ashen murmured, "What seems like a long time ago now. In the battle under Farthen Dur…you saved my life. Now it's just…destroyed. Our friendship's gone now. Whatever we had…it's dust."

Murtagh shook his head vehemently, refusing to accept that.

"Ashen, I…you were the only one who understood me. You accepted me despite the fact that I was Morzan's son. It's too late to bring back what we had. I only wish I had told you everything earlier…"

Ashen frowned, not comprehending. "Told me what?"

Murtagh didn't answer with words. Instead he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her intensely. Ashen was taken aback, but she didn't pull away, not at first. Murtagh snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her in tight so that she was pressed against his chest. There was a fierce longing in Murtagh's kiss, and despite how much she wished her feelings for him had gone, Ashen found that in that kiss, she knew she still loved him.

"That was how I felt," Murtagh told her, his voice husky, "How I still feel. Only…it is wrong. It can never be."