Chap 2 Traitors

Eragon! Eragon, wake up!

Eragon shot out of his bedroll. What is it, Saphira?!

There is something wrong. I do not know what but everyone is staying away here when they are usually crowding around.

I'll ask Nasuada, he replied as he belted Brisingr and walked out of his tent. As he made his way to Nasuada's tent he realized many looked at him fearfully and many turned their heads when he looked in their direction. Saphira? What would have happened to make them look at me as if I'm the enemy? I haven't done anything, have I?

None that I can remember, Eragon, she replied as he neared the Nasuada's tent leaving her by his own. Unless...they somehow found out what happened last night.

Saphira, that's impossible! You didn't sense anyone!

But the wind was blowing in the wrong direction, Eragon.

Eragon sighed as he realized he was in the entrance. The guards let him in giving him hard stares. Nasuada sat on the throne, two Nighthawks on either side. "Milady," he said bowing.

"Drop the fake act, Eragon. The Varden know where your loyalties lie," she replied coldly.

"I don't understand you, Milady. My loyalties lie with the Varden, the elves and the dwarves," he stated.

"Would you mind explaining to me why you were speaking to the traitor last night? Or why you were seen hugging him? If your loyalties lied with the Varden then you would have driven your sword through his heart! Not let him live to let him destroy the Varden!"

"I am not going to kill him, Nasuada! Keep him and Thorn way from us, yes, that I will gladly do but not kill an innocent man who has no choice but to do what Galbatorix forces him to!" Eragon shouted.

"You are putting the Varden in danger by putting your feelings for a traitor before everything else!"

"He is my brother. My half brother but a brother none the less! I let him go, yes, but we can't do anything about that now!"

Nasuada stayed silent. "No. We cannot get Murtagh back. The opportunity has passed. But...we can stop the person who puts the Varden in danger. We can stop that person from doing the same mistakes again...by getting rid of the person."

Eragon, you have to get out of there! They're going to kill you!

"Milady, are you suggestion that you are going to kill me? The Varden's only hope against the Empire?" he asked.

"Indeed, Eragon. The elves and the dwarves have concluded that it would be best to have no Rider than to have a traitorous Rider who will tell Galbatorix everything when he shows his true colours and who will join the Empire in battle. If we kill you now then the Varden will only have to deal with two Riders rather than three," she paused, "We know how to kill Galbatorix now."

"Nasuada, I am not a traitor! I fight for the Varden and the Varden only!" Eragon yelled.

"That is not what we see. Unless you can tell me otherwise in the Ancient Language that you did not in fact speck with the Red Rider on friendly terms."

Eragon was shocked. How can she do this to us, Saphira? We fought with them in every battle and now they are going to kill us?!

Eragon, you have to answer her question before she thinks to kill you now.

He sighed and looked at Nasuada, "I did not speak with Murtagh."

"I said in the Ancient Language. I do not know it but Arya will tell me," she replied indicating to a dark corner from where the elf stepped into view. "Go on, Eragon."

He opened his mouth but the word got caught in his throat. Damn it! I can't lie in the Ancient Language! What am I going to do?!

Don't worry, Eragon. Someone is coming to help us.

Who-? he said before Arya interrupted.

"He cannot lie in the language. Therefore he did talk to the Rider on friendly terms, Milady," Arya stated.

"Well, we have no choice then. Eragon, you are guilty of speaking with a traitor and will be sentenced to death," said Nasuada, "I cannot believe that you would turn against your own family and friends."

Eragon do not argue back! Saphira warned, it may truly be the death of us then!

You are taking this rather well, he replied sourly.

When that boy runs in, get out of there when everyone is distracted. Just cut a hole into the side of the tent and run. But run to where the Empires army is.

Are you insane, Saphira!

On the contrary. I know what I'm doing. When the boy says I'm fly to the Empires army, run and fast!

Before Eragon could protest, the boy that interrupted the meeting the day before entered the tent, panting. "Milady! Saphira is flying to the enemy's army!"

Taking his chance from everyone's shock, he pulled out Brisingr and slit the side of the tent big enough so he could climb out. Eragon jumped through and started to run north to the army. Up ahead he could see Saphira hovering over the Empires army. He shoved people to the side, using his elven speed to his advantage. After a few minutes of running, he was out of the Varden's camp but he could tell someone was following him. He turned his head slightly and saw Arya running after him.

They kept running, Arya steadily getting nearer. Saphira I can't outrun her.

Carry on running, Little one.

Just as Saphira spoke, large dark amethyst dragon flew over his head. The dragon was much bigger than Saphira; at least triple her size and its horns, spikes and claws were gold. It kept getting lower and lower before turning in a wide circle. Eragon, crouch down.

He did as he was told as the dragon flew practically centimetres above his head in the opposite direction he was running. He looked up when he heard Arya scream. He saw her try to run away from the dragon, but she was no match for the dragon. The dragon picked her up in its golden claws and flew high into the air, Arya screaming all the way until the dragon let go of her high above the Varden camp. The dragon roared as it flew low over the camp but high enough so the arrows couldn't reach, scaring any people as it blew a breath of amethyst coloured flame harmlessly into the air.

Eragon felt the ground shake under him as Saphira landed beside him. Quite a show, don't you think, Eragon? I wouldn't mind joining.

He looked at her for a second. Do you want to? Because I wouldn't mind scaring them a bit right now. The Varden have shunned us, tried to kill us even. I don't think I would want to join them again very soon.

In answer Saphira lowered herself to let him climb on. Saphira took off into the air roaring as she neared the Varden. The amethyst dragon looked at them and roared as if in greeting before giving the dragon equivalent of a smile. They heard a roar above them and a fiery-orange dragon, just slightly bigger than Saphira flew into their line of vision.

The dragon let out a jet of flame just above one of the tents but it passed harmlessly over it. Everywhere people screamed and tried to run as Saphira joined the harmless terrorizing the dragons were making. Eragon enjoyed the petrified soldiers try and restore calm, laughing slightly as the amethyst dragon flew over them and they scattered. Saphira was enjoying herself immensely as she flew with her kind, Eragon sharing her happiness.

"The Red Rider!!" someone screamed below.

Eragon turned on Saphira and saw Thorn and Murtagh fly in their direction. "Can we join in the fun," he smirked when he was within hearing distance.

"By all means," Eragon yelled back.

Thorn drove downward scattering more people. The amethyst and orange dragons joined him flying side by side. Saphira joined the formation before all the dragons roared in union and flew into the clouds before heading back to the Empires army. As they neared, Eragon could tell the soldiers were cheering. Thorn landed first, Murtagh jumping down just as the orange and amethyst dragon landed.

"That was incredible!" he shouted as Saphira landed next to Thorn. The soldiers crowded around them.

"I never knew you were one for terrorizing people, Eragon," Murtagh laughed, as Eragon jumped of Saphira's saddle.

"They were trying to kill me! What was I going to do: let them?" he waved his hands in the direction of the Varden.

"Milord," one of the soldiers came forward carrying a crying bundle.

You people are hopeless, said the amethyst dragon before a purple mist erupted around her. When the mist disappeared, Kali was left standing in its place. She lifted the crying bundle out of his arms and held it close. "Shh, shh, it's ok. Mummy's here," she said as she bounces the bundle gently.

Eragon stared in shock and he could feel Saphira confusion as well. She can turn into a dragon?

Apparently, Saphira replied as the bundle calmed down. The orange dragon looked at him for a second before an orange mist erupted around it. "Uncle!" Hunter yelled when the mist disappeared and ran towards him, giving Eragon a hug.

Kali turned towards him with a small sad smile, "Sorry Eragon."

Eragon knew what she meant, "It's not your fault. I think they've been trying to look for a good enough reason for a long time anyway."

"Ok. Someone can tell me what is going on whenever they want," Murtagh stated.

"Someone from the Varden saw me talking to you last night and came to the conclusion that I was working as a spy for the Empire," Eragon replied.

"I see," Murtagh smiled trying to hide the laughter in his voice and not succeeding.

"It's not funny," Eragon said unconvincingly serious, partly from the big smile on his face. "I'd love to see you running for your life!" At this some of the soldiers laughed but sobered at the look Murtagh threw at them.

"Don't worry, Eragon. If you come with us I'm sure you'll get quite a laugh," Kali said as she looked at Murtagh.

He looked at Saphira. He hadn't thought about that. He was not welcome in the Varden meaning that he could hide or join the Empire. What should we do?

I have been thinking this for a while. If the Varden did not exist then Galbatorix would not have to make men leave their homes and families behind to fight against them. I been thinking for a while now that maybe if the Varden hadn't formed then there wouldn't be a war, Eragon, Saphira said quietly, if the Varden hadn't formed, men would not have been taken from their families and the taxes of those people would not have risen. The taxes pay for the war mostly; a war the Varden started.

"Who are you and what have you done to my dragon," Eragon said fondly. "But in a way, I agree." He looked at Murtagh, "We will go with you as long as we do not have to swear loyalty to anyone, at least not yet."

Murtagh nodded, "You wouldn't be forced to anyway. The king has sort of..." he waved his hand trying to find the word, "softened a bit."

"I would hardly call it a bit," one of the soldiers said loudly. "Ever since daddy's girl-"

"Soldier, remember your place!" Kali declared.

"I'm sorry, Milady."

Eragon raised his eyebrows, "Well, I'm certainly missing something here. Mind telling me?" he asked.

"We will but once we get to Uru'Baen. Men! Pack! We're going home!" Kali yelled. The soldiers cheered again and hurried of to collect their belongings.

Eragon watched as everyone collected their things except for himself, Kali and Hunter. "What's wrong Eragon," Kali asked softly.

"I left my things in the camp and I can't go back," he looked at her smiling slightly.

"I have an idea," she said, "Hold River and make sure Hunter stays here, alright?" she handed the baby over to Eragon. "What do you need?"

"The only things in my tent are my bedroll, my armour, and a bag. Saphira's armour is somewhere else but that I guess I can leave behind," he stated.

Without a word, Kali disappeared in the purple mist and was gone. After a few minutes of waiting, Murtagh came back from collecting his belongings. "Where's Kali?"

"Good question," said Eragon as he handed the baby back to him. Murtagh kissed River's forehead. "Murtagh, how do you keep your family away from Galbatorix?"

Murtagh looked up guiltily, "I don't. They live with me in the castle but we have a home in the Spine that we go to when we can. He knows she is part dragon. She...she's lived in Uru'Baen and the castle since she was born except when she ran when she was five but she came back willingly and when she was sixteen, she ran with me and Torac but as you know, he died," he said quietly.

"Galbatorix knows? This just keeps getting better and better. Please carry on," said Eragon.

Before he could say anything Kali returned in a swirl of dark purple with Eragon's bag. "It might be heavier. I shrunk your and Saphira's armour and put it in there," she stated as she handed the bag over. He thanked her quietly. "Alright," she said after a moment of silence, "what's going on?" She didn't bother to beat around the bush.

"Murtagh was just telling me that you live in the castle and escaped twice. Once when you were five, the other when you were sixteen. Other than that, nothing much," Eragon replied as he looked inside the bag.

"Did he tell you why?"

"No."

"Do you want to know?" she asked. Eragon looked up in surprise. "You're going to find out anyway when you get to Uru'Baen sooner or later," she said.

"I'll admit that I'm curious but you don't have to tell me," he stated, looking up, "Anyway, the soldiers have finished packing so we can get a move on."

Kali looked around and saw that the soldiers had indeed finished. "We're going to be using magic; or rather I am. We will be in Uru'Baen in a few hours. It will feel very strange," she warned before she became a dragon again and leapt into the air, circling above them.

The soldiers grouped together with their horses closely by the dragons, Murtagh and Eragon. The wind started to swirl around them; a purple mist faintly swirled around them being pushed by the wind. The wind got stronger and stronger until they felt themselves moving even though they kept still. Before they could do anything, the wind stopped without warning.

Eragon's eyes flew open as his knees buckled. He hadn't realized he had closed them. Around him many soldiers fell but some managed to regain their balance like Murtagh. Good thing I was not holding the baby, he thought as he stood up realizing they were in a meadow.

A few metres away, Kali crashed into the ground, turning back into herself once she collapsed. "It worked!" she yelled as she stood up throwing her hands in the air before she stumbled.

"Hunter, hold River," Murtagh handed the tiny baby to him before running over to Kali and helping her up. She fell again before he gave up and threw her over his shoulder before walk over to his dragon.

"Put me down! I can walk perfectly well by myself! Murtagh!" she screamed as he threw her on Thorn. Murtagh didn't pay attention as he climbed up behind her.

"Hunter, take your sister, please," he said to his son before Hunter disappeared in an orange swirl. "Come on, Eragon. We might as well get to the castle. The soldiers are not going to get lost and Kali needs rest."

"I don't need to rest!" she yelled as Eragon mounted Saphira. Whatever she said next was lost in the wind as Thorn and Saphira took into the air. They headed north for five minutes until Eragon could spot a castle hidden behind a low hill. The city walls loomed fifty feet high but it was nothing compared to the castle itself. The castle towered in the centre; walls surrounding the castle, separating the castle from the city. There were five towers, one in each corner and the centre tower that shot up above all the others.

That is the Dragon Tower, Murtagh explained as they flew over the city and castle walls. It would be where Thorn and Saphira would sleep. They have their own spot, each connected to a door to where we will sleep so you can visit Saphira whenever you want.

Murtagh! Dragon Hold! Now! yelled an unfamiliar voice before it quickly disappeared. Eragon saw Murtagh cringe slightly.

I guess we'd better go up then. Thorn flew upwards to the tower, Saphira following close behind. Thorn flew into an opening in the south side of the tower. The opening was so large even Saphira felt small. They landed in a monstrous room with many doorways leading away from it; both dragon and human sized doorways.

Just as Murtagh jumped down one of the doors slammed open revealing a very angry king. "I TOLD YOU NOT TO LET HER USE MAGIC, MURTAGH!!" Galbatorix screamed as he stormed in. Murtagh froze on the spot, staring at the king. "AND YOU!" he said pointing to Kali who was still on Thorn, "DON'T EVER LET ME CATCH YOU DOING THAT AGAIN!"

Kali looked like a child being scolded at, "I'm sorry," she said quietly with overly wide eyes.

Galbatorix instantly deflated, "I hate it when you do that," he said as she smiled brightly before jumping off Thorn.

"I know," she stated before hugging him, "But I know you still love me."

Eragon stared in shock as Galbatorix returned the hug. Saphira, I am really confused. Either that, or insane, he stated as he jumped down from her back.

I know, Little one. I thought the king was supposed to be evil and insane. Although he does look slightly insane to me.

Eragon could help but laugh. Beside him Saphira started laughing too. "I think we've both gone nuts!" he laughed. Once he realized they had an audience his sobered up slightly.

Kali giggled slightly, "I love the irony. Galbatorix does something normal and the Blue Rider has gone crazy. It should be the other way round."

Murtagh chuckled slightly. Galbatorix smiled too, "You haven't heard the best part yet. People have constantly been asking me if I'm feeling well lately."

"How much have I missed in the last five months?" Kali asked curiously.

"A lot," both Murtagh and Galbatorix said in union. Just as they said that, an enormous black dragon flew into the cave. The dragon's fire-red eyes locked on to Kali. She looked alarmed before she started to run to one of the doors. She crashed into Murtagh who held her tight as she tried to run.

"No!" she burst out laughing, "Let me go!" she laughed as Murtagh started dragging her to Shruikan.

"I think Shruikan has planned the perfect revenge. I won't let his opportunity pass," Murtagh smirked as the black dragon lifted Kali from her top.

"No, Shruikan, Shruikan, please," she begged, laughing all the while as he started to walk back to the tower entrance. She hung limply from laughing, helpless as Shruikan opened his large black wings and flew into the air.

N/A: I know it's not a week but I thought I might as well put this chapter while I had the chance.