Sorry that it took so long, I've been uber busy at school, getting ready to become a freshman. I wanted to do something. The chapter before this is null and void. I wanted to complete a few things before Eragon was captured, so I want to hold it off a little longer. Another thing, read and REVIEW, I know that a lot of you who read this don't bother reviewing, but do so, please. I made a good friend by reviewing their story. Thanks guys, hope you like it.

-Eragon

Chapter 20:

Betrayal

Eragon opened his eyes to see light filtering through the hole in his tent. The light temporarily blinded him, so he squinted to keep the sunlight directly out of his eyes until he adjusted to the bright rays. He lay in bed for a few more minutes, listening to the birds chirp. Once he felt ready to get up, he rolled out of bed and stumbled over to his small mirror and comb. He hastily brushed his hair and then shaved with magic.

As he stepped out of his tent, a cool breeze from the east ruffled his hair. This made him angry, because he had worked so hard to straighten out all the cowlicks and stray hairs. He strolled to the food tent and grabbed himself two small slabs of bacon, eggs, and a biscuit with cream over he top. He also swiped a glass of milk from the beverage table. After finishing the measly meal, he downed the milk in two gulps, and then ventured back to his tent to see if Saphira was awake.

He decided to take the long way around so the he could pass by Nasuada's tent and see how long it would be before they attacked. Just as he passed the red pavilion, he heard voices inside. He wasn't by the opening, so the guards didn't alert Nasuada of his presence. He was able to discern Arya's and Nasuada's voices through the rough fabric. He couldn't make out the words, so he quietly whispered, "Thverr stern un atra eka horna!" A whispering voice crashed upon his ears.

"But I do not wish to harm him. Our friendship is sacred to me, and I don't see how this is helping. In fact, I believe it is hurting more than helping."

"It will not be a problem. Don't worry, it's all under control."

"Does anyone else know?"

"No, I don't, unless Saphira has been able to read our thoughts. But even then, I doubt she will have told him."

"Nasuada, I still think it's a bad idea! I want to cease this mindless trick, and return things to the way they were!" Eragon was surprised by the venom in her voice despite his high level of curiosity.

"Arya, Eragon is unsuspecting. We must keep this ruse up for as long as possible. If you don't continue, then all will be lost. As long as you pretend to love him, there won't be a problem."

"I still don't think…" And Arya's voice was lost by the whistling of the wind as Eragon broke off the spell, slumping to the ground. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, his head in his hands. He quickly murmured a spell that would make him invisible, and then he trudged back to his tent.

When he arrived, he threw himself on his cot and wailed. He cried until his throat was raw, he cried until his cheeks stung from the salt, but most of all, he cried for Arya. After hours of balling on his bed, his loud wails subsided into gentle sobs. As he finished, he vowed that he would never speak to Arya again.