Demons Chapter 8, an inheritance cycle fanfic

Chap 8 Nineteen Years Of Hell

Part 3

Kali sat in her little hidden clearing. Tear tracks where visible on her cheeks but she had stopped crying a long time ago. By now it was two hours passed midnight. She couldn't believe what he had said. Kali took off her mask and the purple slippers and placed her feet in the pool, making sure that the dress didn't get wet. I could really use some advice now, mummy, she thought, you said you'd be there and I need you now. What do I do?

You should follow your heart, she heard someone whisper. Kali looked around quickly but there was nothing.

"I'm going insane," she said quietly.

"You're not the only one," she turned quickly. Murtagh was slowly making his way towards her. She stood up, holding the dress and stepped out of the pool. She placed the shoes back on. "Kali, I...I'm sorry," he said pleadingly, "I was just...surprised I guess. I didn't think."

"That makes two of us," she replied. She took a good look at him and noticed he had been crying too. "I just got angry when you said that." Before she could say anything else, Murtagh kissed her, pouring all his love into the kiss. She looked into his eyes and saw only love. She smiled. "Why don't we go to my room?" he suggested, "Like that you can actually sleep on a proper bed tonight."

"What about...?"

"He knows. He forced me out of the castle actually; told me not to come back until I found you. Even Thorn's not talking to me." Kali couldn't help but laugh, "I'm glad you think it's funny." That just made her laugh harder. Taking advantage of her helplessness, he threw her over his shoulder. She yelped as he started back the way he had come. He ignored her shouting and carried on walking. They reached the gates and still Murtagh didn't let her go. They went inside the castle and he made his way to his room, still ignoring Kali as she screamed enough to wake up the whole castle.

Kali saw her father going into a room, "Daddy! Help me!"

He just looked at her before smiling, "Good night, Kali," he entered the room without another word. Kali was dumbstruck and stopped yelling. She didn't even notice they were in their room until Murtagh dumped her on the bed.

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"Good morning," said Murtagh as he sat down for breakfast. Kali followed him in slowly as she closed the door. She had borrowed some of Murtagh's clothes that were small. They had entered the room just off the kitchen where the king, Shruikan and Thorn were.

"You're happy this morning," Galbatorix stated, "Good morning, Kali."

"I'll just say the morning bit," she winced as she slowly sat down, "It's not a good one right now." Galbatorix looked at Murtagh, who looked shamefully guilty as he buttered a roll. Kali caught the looks passed across the table, "Don't ask. You don't want to know."

Yes don't, said Shruikan, you'll get nightmares. Beside him, Thorn snorted in agreement.

Galbatorix cleared his throat, "What are you going to do today?"

"Hopefully, kill Murtagh," she said quietly as she reached for a roll. She winced slightly as she stretched too far. "This is ridiculous!" she sat back. She made her dragon tail grow and stole the roll in Murtagh's hand with it. She took a bite out of the roll before he could take it back.

"That's mine!" Murtagh tried to grab it from her. Kali stopped him with her tail.

"Will both of you act your age!" both of them stopped and Murtagh huffed before getting another roll. "God, you're acting like children! Were the hell did you even get the tail from?" Galbatorix asked as he reached for his fork.

"It's mine," Kali replied. Her father looked at her. "It's my tail," she insisted as she waved it, "It's attached to me."

"Why a dragon's tail?"

"Er..." she looked at Murtagh.

"He's going to find out sometime," Murtagh said as he stuffed the roll in his mouth. "Might as well tell him now."

"Don't speak with your mouth full!" she reprimanded. He just shrugged.

"Tell me what?" he asked.

"That I can become a dragon... and a puma."

Galbatorix started at her, "That's impossible." Kali's eyes flashed gold and stared back at him. She cocked her head to the side and stood up. A dark purple mist surrounded her and when it disappeared, a dark amethyst dragon stood in her place. The colour of its spikes, tail and horns were the same as her eyes.

I'm not finding it impossible, Kali replied as she stepped next to Shruikan. Next to him, she looked very small. At least I can walk. Oh, she said as she sniffed, sorry, Shruikan. The black dragon huffed slightly, a plume of smoke coming out of his nostrils. He sniffed Kali on her neck, slowly making his way down her long neck.

She heard Murtagh growl, "Get away from her."

Murtagh, he's not doing anything, Kali said quickly as he stood up. A bronze mist swirled around him and he became a dragon. He growled at Shruikan as he jumped in-between them. MURTAGH, STOP IT!!! Kali nosed his neck with her snout. Murtagh stopped growling but didn't move. Kali moved away from Shruikan over to her father and lay down. Impossible people, she thought to herself. Murtagh backed away from Shruikan and stood over Kali before nuzzling her. Feeling better?

Much actually, he replied. Galbatorix stared in amazement at Kali and Murtagh. My, my. I have never seen you lost for words, Murtagh stated. Thorn chuckled.

"But...how did you...?"

Being a demon is a remarkable thing, Kali stated, and a curse too. I can't tell you if I prefer to be human or demon.

"Did you say demon?" Kali nodded slowly, "I knew that demon blood ran through you mothers side but I never expected this. No wonder you were always together," Galbatorix looked at both of them. "So how many children do you have?"

Kali and Murtagh moved so suddenly they both banged heads. Kali was dazed for a second, I don't get what you're saying, she said quickly.

"By your reactions, you do," he smirked, "So how many? One? Two? More?"

How do you even know we have children? Murtagh asked before a bronze mist swirled around him, "I mean you just brought that up too suddenly." Kali turned back into herself and sat down gingerly on a chair.

"Andra told me a few things on demons when we got married," he stated, "Two of them being that they mature at two when they find their shape and live with their mate and secondly, they start having children at fourteen. So, how many?"

"Just the one," Murtagh said quietly.

"Do you want to see him?" Kali asked. Galbatorix nodded. Kali looked at the ring on her finger that none of them had noticed. "Hunter sweetie, mummy wants to see you," she said to the ring. After a moment there was an orange mist on Kali and Hunter was clutching her top.

"Mama," he giggled. She had managed to teach him how to say it. He crawled on her lap towards Murtagh. "Dada," he said as he lifted up his arms so Murtagh could hold him.

"How's my little man?" Murtagh laughed as he picked him up and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Hunter giggled and looked at Galbatorix. He started to gurgle in baby language as he reached out his arms.

"He's not going to eat you," Kali giggled as Galbatorix hesitantly reached out for him. He sent her a glare but she knew he didn't mean it.

"I'm surprise you only have one child," he said, "I mean, you certainly have been sharing a room since you were four at least. There a gap somewhere there, but I know you both have." Kali looked at him in surprise. "I could tell. And Shruikan could hear you in the Dragon Tower. Especially last night." Kali could feel the blood rise to her cheeks. Murtagh on the other hand lost a little colour in his face.

"There's a child in the room!" she yelled, as she covered Hunter's ears, "This conversation should not be for innocent ears!" Galbatorix just shook his head as he smiled.

"Are you going to take him tonight?" Murtagh whispered.

"Going to take who where?" asked the king.

"Well...you see we were going to a gathering tonight and I was just wondering if Kali is going to take Hunter. Because knowing some people," he said looking at Kali in particular, "they are probably going to get drunk."

"Don't look all innocent because you won't even be able to get up tomorrow from the hangover," she smiled sweetly.

"At least I wasn't in the middle of a-"

"OK! CHILD in the room!" she shouted.

"I'm intrigued," Galbatorix stated as he held out the little boy. Murtagh grinned. "Kali, why don't you take Hunter?"

"Where?" she asked nervously as she placed him on her hip. Murtagh pushed her out the door without a word. "I am so getting you back for this," she hissed before he closed the door. Hunter looked at her with curious eyes. "You had better not turn out like your father. I can't deal with two of you." Hunter just gurgled.

Kali took him to the kitchens right next to the room. A lovely aroma drifted in the air. "Kali!!"

She looked around for the voice and saw the head cook coming towards her, "Maya?! God, it's been so long!" She would have hugged her but she was still holding Hunter.

"I know! And who have you got there?"

"This is Hunter, my son. Say hi, sweetie," said Kali as she waved his little hand for him. Maya laughed slightly and led her over to a table. She made Kali sit and placed a tray in front of her with a few muffins. Kali's mouth watered. They were vanilla, her favourite but resisted to take one.

"Stop drooling over them and take one," Maya insisted. Kali slowly reached out for one. "I made them for you. It's been too long since I cook something like this." Kali bit into the muffin, closing her eyes for a second from the wonderful taste.

"They taste wonderful," Kali stated.

"Good, because I haven't done them in over a year. I almost forgot how to make them. You and Murtagh were the only ones who liked them and both of you disappeared. Imagine how I felt when I saw you, only to find out you were being treated worse than a slave. I swear I wanted to kill your father with a spoon. The pain will last longer before he died."

Kali had to laugh, "You haven't changed."

They chatted for a long time before Maya had to get to work, "Don't disappear tomorrow," Maya said as she went back to work.

"I'll try but make some of your hangover potion. Goodness knows Murtagh and I are going to need it!" Kali yelled as she walked through the doors.

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Kali, Murtagh and surprisingly, Galbatorix made their way to the east of the city. They were dressed plainly, meaning Galbatorix had left the heavy cloak, expensive boots, etc, etc in the castle. Kali had warned him if he brought something worth money, they would take it and that he had to be ready for a few insults. Maya had said she'd watch over Hunter. The street rats swarmed around Kali asking what had happened the night before.

"Oi, give her some space!" Mitch shouted. Everyone took a step back. "So what happened?" everyone was dead quiet. You could probably hear a pin drop.

"Confidential," was all Kali said. Everyone started to protest.

"Why did you bring old coal?" everyone was quiet again.

Beside her Murtagh started laughing. "Well," she started laughing, "Er...I don't know?" she shrugged, "He wanted to?"

Everyone looked at Galbatorix. Mitch walked up to him and looked him up and down. He thought for a moment, "Anything that happens in the forest will not get to the soldiers, anything you hear will stay to yourself and you cannot take us to a cell when you sit your fat arse back on your throne tomorrow." Galbatorix nodded after a second. Mitch looked at him again, "Acceptable," he announced. Everyone cheered and went back to preparing everything.

"How can all of you get to the forest at sunset if the gates are closed by then and there are so many of you?" the king asked.

"We'll tell you later," Kali said quickly. They all started to gather things and place them near the wall by the crack. She saw Mitch, Luka and a few others going in and out of the small tunnel carrying the stuff needed for the forest.

"Kali! Murtagh! Are you going to go now or later?!" Mary called as she saw them.

"I think it would be best if we go now," Kali stated to Murtagh. He nodded and made his way to the crack. "Dad? Do you want to come with us? We're going hunting."

"I guess," he replied and followed her to the crack. He stared at it for a second before looking at her. She just waved her hand at him to go in. He did as she silently told him to do. She followed after him. "Do you know that anyone from the Varden could get into Uru'Baen because of that?!" her father yelled when she appeared, "They probably have spies everywhere!"

"Of course they do," she said sarcastically, "They are going to get past every street rat, manage to not be detected by my shields and get into the market without one of the street rats telling me first? I don't think so."

"How can they tell you if they see someone they don't know before that person can get into the city?" he asked.

At that moment they heard a flap of wings and Marlon landed on a branch above Kali's head. Hunting for how many? Oh, nice to see you, he added quickly.

"Nice to see you too, Marlon. A hundred? Maybe two?"

How many are actually coming? Marlon asked as he ruffled his feathers.

"Street rats, Murtagh, father, Shruikan, Thorn but they can get their own food, me and any other beggar and crook we've met and they heard we are going to be celebrating," Kali said.

Basically, every homeless person. Well, there are two deer herds near the river and I think there's a boar somewhere. Too much damage to be anything else and Shruikan and Thorn are not exactly small, Marlon stated.

Everyone nodded and separated to find their catches. Galbatorix got six, Murtagh got seven deer and Kali got ten plus the boar Marlon thought was around. They dragged everything to a huge clearing where the celebration was going to be. The clearing could probably fit Shruikan a few times over. Kali and Murtagh had changed into their dragon forms to drag everything. Shruikan and Thorn were sitting or in Thorn's case laying in a corner when they arrived and more than half of the street rats were already there. There was a huge bonfire in the opposite side of the clearing and a few small cook fires where they dragged everything to.

There was music played by some of the street rats with instruments they had stolen or made. Some people were dancing already while others watched as they drank mead or helped prepare the food. By the time the sun had set, everyone was there including a guard. When Kali saw him she couldn't believe her eyes. "GREG?!" The guard turned and smiled at her. She ran and hugged him tightly, "How did you even hear about this?"

"Crooks talk very loudly in bars," Greg laughed as he hugged her tightly. "If I hear you jumped off another canyon I swear I am going to smack you," he said.

Kali shuffled her feet in guilt and looked at the floor, "Oops?"

"OOPS? THAT'S THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH!? That's the only thing you have to defend yourself with!? Because I can have a field day with the many things I want to tell you about jumping of a canyon!" Kali looked very guilty by now, "But I'll leave it for another day. Right now, I want to know where the mead is." Kali laughed in relief and pointed to the nearest barrel. "Just don't do it again," he whispered. He left to go get some mead.

Kali turned and came face to face with Murtagh and Galbatorix, "What?" she asked avoiding their eyes and tried to sidestep them. They blocked her way.

"Who was he?" Murtagh asked.

"Just a guard I met," she said as she tried to get away from them.

"When?" Galbatorix blocked her way.

"If you're going to say why am I friends with a guard, don't. He was the one who stopped me killing myself in the castle because of what you did," Kali hissed, "He was the one who told the other guards to back off and to leave me alone. When I was doing my jobs, he made my life a little easier. He helped me. That's it, nothing else," she said softly as she saw Murtagh's face. He looked ready to kill but she couldn't tell why. "Can we just forget about it for now and have a nice time?"

Murtagh nodded, "Looks like Mitch hasn't given the others a chance." Kali turned and sure enough, Mitch has walking around like a drunken idiot, giving kisses to anyone, talking loudly about goodness knew what and everyone was laughing at him.

Suddenly he staggered to the centre of the clearing and started to sing very loudly.

(The song is 'Drink and Fight' by Flogging Molly)

Well I stumbled and I am all drunk and full of smoke,
My wife said, "I've had enough, that's it, I'm sick, get out!"
So I stumbled down to Kelly's Pub across the edge of town,
And I told the boys me story, and we had another round.

Everyone that knew the song started to join in. That included, Murtagh, Kali and Galbatorix (even though Kali was a girl, but it was just a song to her).

(One, Two, Three, Four!)

We'll drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink and fight! Hey!
We'll drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink and fight! Hey!
And if I see a pretty girl, I'll sleep with her tonight!
We'll drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink, and drink and fight!

And Mary McGregor, she was a pretty whore;
She'd always greet you with a smile, and never lock her door.
But on the day she died, all the men in town did weep,
For Mary McGregor finally got some sleep.

Well I once loved a girl, a child I'm told,
I gave her my heart, and she gave me a cold,
So now I sit, standing here out in the pouring rain,
I'll stumble back to Kelly's Pub and cry away me pain.

Everyone cheered, laughed and clapped when Mitch finished and stumbled as he tried to bow. "I didn't know that you knew those types of songs," Kali stated to her father.

"I had a life once," he replied simply.

A few more performed songs and dances, though not like Mitch, before the food was ready. Everyone ate as others performed. When that person had finished dancing or singing, others would get up. Of course, being as unorganised as they were, there were a few shouting matched, but nothing physical; Kali stopped it before it could go too far.

They did as was custom, they all had to do something; either by themselves or with the maximum of four people. What they did was their choice. Kali had a problem with that. If she was sparring with someone and the whole field was with men staring at her, she was fine. When she had to perform, even if it was with her friends, she couldn't. She didn't know why, but she froze and panicked. That was the reason why she never stood up for the whole night when everyone did something. Even Murtagh, Greg and her father did something (they were all drunk as hell and did a song together. To any sober person, they had to go into the forest for a few minutes.)

Everyone had performed. Luka stood up, "Who hasn't had a go?" No one said a thing, especially Kali. "No one?"

"Kali!" someone called. Everyone's eyes were on her in an instant.

"Er..." She got up and backed away before banging into a hard chest. She closed her eyes for a second not even bothering to turn. "I don't know what to do?" she said meekly.

"And why not?" Luka asked with her hands on her hips, "You should know that it's tradition."

"I was busy!"

"With what?" someone shouted.

"I was busy kicking and screaming the last two weeks for not wanting to go to the ball and taking care of my son!" Kali yelled. She knew they wouldn't let her go, not this time.

"That's it!" Mary yelled in delight, "You can sing the song you sang to Hunter! The one three, four days ago!"

Kali's eyes widened. It was true she had sung a song when she was with her son. She was checking that the instruments weren't broken; someone had asked her to mend one of the guitars. Kali had never learned how to play it but she sat on the floor, Hunter looking at her curiously as he crawled to her. She had just done what she liked and sung a song she knew, but she couldn't tell from where she had heard it from. What she had played when well with it. In her opinion, she had sung very badly. "I don't sing."

"Oh, come on, Kali! The song was beautiful! I liked it...even though it was a bit sad. Just do that one! No one's going to laugh and even if they do, hardly anyone is going to remember it!" Mary insisted as she handed her that guitar she had used. Kali looked around pleadingly, but no one came to her rescue.

"Fine," she huffed as she sat down on a long where everyone could see her. She could feel their eyes on her and felt really nervous. Her hands shook slightly as she adjusted the stings. She took a deep breath and started to play the guitar. After a moment she started singing,

(The song is 'Who will sing me lullabies?" by Kate Rusby.)

Lay me down gently, lay me down low,
I fear I am broken and won't mend, I know.
One thing I ask when the stars light the skies,
Who now will sing me lullabies,
Oh who now will sing me lullabies?

She felt a tear fall out of her eye. Everyone was staring at her as if they were in a trance.

In this big world I'm lonely, for I am but small,
Oh angels in heaven, don't you care for me at all?
You heard my heart breaking for it rang through the skies,
So why won't you sing me lullabies,
Oh why won't you sing me lullabies?

I lay here; I'm weeping for the stars they have come,
I lay here not sleeping; now the long night has begun.
The man in the moon, oh he can't help but cry,
For there's no one to sing me lullabies,
Oh there's no one to sing me lullabies.

So lay me down gently, oh lay me down low,
I fear I am broken and won't mend, I know.
One thing I ask when the stars light the skies,
Who now will sing me lullabies,
Oh who now will sing me lullabies?
Oh, lullabies.

Who will sing me to sleep,
Who will sing me to sleep?
Who will sing me to sleep,
Who will sing me to sleep?

She trailed off. She felt someone wrap their arms around her waist as people started to clap and cheer. "It was beautiful and captivating," Murtagh whispered in her ear. She smiled slightly. "You should sing more often. And not drinking songs," he laughed as she looked at him, about to protest. She just smiled again and rested her head on his shoulder. "Again anyone?"

"NO!" Kali yelled laughing while others nodded.

"Where did you learn that song?" someone asked.

"I don't know. I've heard it somewhere before," she said quietly. She suddenly looked at Galbatorix who quickly glance away. A series of memories passed through her eyes, none that she remembered but one stood out from all of them. "You spelled me?"

"I had no choice," he replied guiltily.

"I thought you were a horrible person! You did that to make me forget how you really were?! I hated you for all my LIFE, because you spelled me into forgetting!" She stood up quickly, shoving Murtagh way. She felt the fire start in her hands, slowly spreading upwards. She was losing control of her temper and the magic was fuelled by it. Above them, storm clouds started to gather and thunder could be heard in the distance.

"KALI, STOP!!" Murtagh shouted. He threw himself on her and brought them both to the ground. Kali's fire spread to him too, but it didn't burn. They started to punch and kick each other, rolling around to try and be the one on top and with the advantages. After a few minutes, Murtagh held Kali down. They were both still covered by flames, "Stop," he said gently as she struggled. The fire died down. She glared at him before her face and body started to change. She became a puma and roared at him. He got off her quickly, scared that she would hurt him. She glared at him then at her father before darting into the forest.

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It took Kali a month to decide to come back, only because of Hunter. When she did, she was still in the form of a black puma. She trotted down the halls into the throne room where Murtagh and her father stood. "How do you want me to fight him if I'm worried about Kali?!" Murtagh shouted.

"Just forget her for one day, Murtagh!" Galbatorix shouted, "You know, as well as I do that no one can kill her easily. She knows how to defend herself, she's not stupid enough to go near the Varden and furthermore, she's-"

"Right behind you?" Murtagh and the king jumped. They stared at her as she smiled, "And you should really take back the Varden bit. I was stupid enough to go."

"WHAT?!!" they both shouted.

"And I got a lot of nice information for you," she smirked. She searched in her pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. It started to grow in her hand and became a roll filled with the Varden's information. "So where should I start?" she asked as she looked at the paper, "For the near future?"

"How did you get it?" Galbatorix asked.

She looked up. "By listening. The Varden don't know a thing about secrecy. They go on and on, saying their plans in public where they can be easily heard. The plans are heard by the guards stationed outside the door and the Varden don't realize that by letting them go to the pub for a drink, they can easily spill for a pretty girl," she smiled slightly, "By the way, the Black Hand is really lazy in Surda. I've seen quite a few doing nothing.

"Well anyway, they are planning a battle in or near the Burning Plains. The Varden and dwarves want to take Feinster then Belatona, Dras-Leona and finally Uru'Baen. The elves will take Gil'ead, any small villages around that area, possibly Bullridge and they will join the Varden in attacking Uru'Baen. You might also want to know that Eragon cursed a girl by accident and that girl feels when bad things are about to happen. That girl is always at Nasuada's side so she can't be killed unless the child is removed or very far away. Eragon is with the elves in Du Weldenvarden and will join the Varden in capturing those cities and towns as well as the battle when the elves tell him."

Murtagh and Galbatorix stared at each other, "I should have given you that job years ago," the king said quietly in awe, "You've given me more information than the Black Hand has in a decade."

Kali smiled, "I did say that they were lazy. The few that I know have been drinking all night in the pubs and sleep all day they get too drunk to overhear the guards."

Kali helped them plan the battle giving all the information she knew from just one month. She pointed out all the flaws and showed them how the Varden were planning to attack. They worked late into the night stopping only to eat. Kali rubbed her eyes and yawned as she looked at the map again. She couldn't even think straight. "Kali, I think you should go to bed," her father said. She nodded sleepily and made her way to the door. Before she even reached it everything blacked out.

Kali woke up in her bed. For once in her life, she wanted to stay sleeping a bit longer. She curled herself into the warm blankets. She felt Murtagh lean over her shoulder, "You know, it's midday," he whispered.

"I don't care," she said sleepily. She turned over to face him but didn't open her eyes, "If it's midday, why are you here? Don't you have lessons with dad or something?"

"No. Day off...for once."

Her eyes opened at that, "You're kidding." Murtagh shook his head with a grin. "Why?" she smiled.

"I don't know. But I'm not going to complain. I'm going to enjoy the day," he replied as he let his head drop on the pillow.

"In bed?" she asked. Murtagh gave her a feral smile. "Aaargh!!" she screamed in mock horror as she scrambled out of the bed. Murtagh lung at her and pulled her feet making her body fall halfway off the bed. She placed her hands on the floor to stop her smacking face first. She felt her loose night shirt fall over her head.

Murtagh laughed. "Good, now all I have to do is get rid of this," he said indicating to her sleeping-pants.

"You wouldn't dare!"

He saw the tattoo spiralling up to her hip, "Where did you get this?" he asked as he traced it with this finger.

"I got bored during the day," she said trying to get up. Murtagh pushed her back down.

"I don't think so," he smirked.

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A few months later Murtagh went to fight Eragon in the Burning Plains. Galbatorix had made him swear in the Ancient Language at which Kali had given her father a good shout at when Murtagh was flying with Thorn, but he didn't lift it. She made a bet with him that if Murtagh came back twice without Eragon then Galbatorix would lift every single oath and if not then she will do as he ordered.

Kali flew with Murtagh to the Burning Plains but made sure not to be seen. She scouted while the armies crashed together. She told Murtagh everything she saw while he waited with Thorn. When the dwarves joined the army, Murtagh and Thorn launched into the air. When she heard the horns and drums she couldn't help but think, How dramatic.

The moment she saw Murtagh raise his hand, she screamed, NO! But she was too late. The spell had hit the dwarven king and he had fallen. She watched as both dragons fought and Murtagh beat Eragon on the ground.

Kali, what do I do? Murtagh asked pleadingly.

She thought quickly about his oaths, You've tried to capture him already. You're job is done. She watched as he let Eragon go, grab Zar'oc and fly away. I am so going to get it later.

When she reached the castle with Murtagh her father immediately went for her. "You let him!"

"Of course," she said calmly. Galbatorix opened his mouth, "It's not cheating. Well, it is, but so are you." He shut his mouth instantly. Murtagh had no idea what they were talking about but he knew that he wasn't going to get a whipping for disobedience. When he asked her what she meant she had just said, "You'll find out soon. Just make sure Eragon is not with you." I don't want to be bossed around by my father, she added quietly to herself.

Two days later, she disappeared from the castle to find out other things from the Varden; she had told them she was going. While she followed them, Murtagh had attacked them again and went back empty-handed. When she thought she would get everything she could, she travelled back to Uru'Baen. Her father unwillingly lifted all the oaths, though he didn't say why and neither did Kali when she was questioned by Murtagh. He knew she had done something.

She went back to spying in the Varden but returned three months later to speak with Nayara. When Murtagh heard she had gone to the infirmary, he had run from his lesson with Galbatorix to see her. Her father had also come.

Kali was sitting on a bed as Nayara asked her question after question, checking her temperature, pulse and the rest while Kali answered. Just as Murtagh and Galbatorix came in the room, Nayara has said, "You're with child...again." Kali couldn't help but smile slightly. Murtagh and her father stood frozen on the spot as Nayara turned and left.

"Another...?" Galbatorix whispered.

Kali nodded slowly, "I'm pregnant." She looked a little dazed, "Three months." Galbatorix looked at Murtagh. Murtagh cringed at the glare he was given. If looks could kill, Murtagh would have been incinerated in seconds. "Boys," she scolded.

The king stopped his glaring at Murtagh, "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?" he asked.

Kali nodded, "Murtagh do you want to know?" He nodded astounded. "Little girl," Kali smiled running her hand over the slight bump. You couldn't really tell it was there unless you had seen how thin she had been.

"A little girl?" Murtagh asked. Kali nodded. Before she could do anything, Murtagh kissed her, and again and again before his kissed her relatively flat stomach, "I love you," he said to Kali, "And I'm not going to let your mean grandpa hurt you," he said as he kissed her stomach again.

"Ok, ok, enough," Kali laughed.

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Murtagh didn't let Kali out of his sight, afraid that she would go back to spying. When he wasn't looking, Kali slipped back for the night to the Varden. When she had gone back in the morning, Murtagh was turning the castle upside down. She managed to find him and told him she was fine. He had almost killed her but instead had 'punished' her that night when he found out where she had been.

She had told them what she had found out. "They want to get rid of Eragon. They think that he would side with us when he wants to and that it would be better to have only two Riders to deal with, not three."

"Well, what do we do? It's not like we can convince him," said Murtagh.

"No," said the king, "But if the Varden have enough reason to kill him rather than kill him without one, they will use it. Now, the thing would be, what does Eragon not find guilty that the Varden find traitorous?"

"Murtagh," Kali said simply. They all looked at her, "It's true! Poor thing, finds himself guilty for not looking for you properwy," she said in a baby voice.

"Don't say that about him!"

Kali smiled, "See? Even by half-brothers they still look out for each other."

"Half-brothers?" Galbatorix asked.

"Brom's his...don't tell me you thought it was Morzan," she looked at them when they said nothing, "You did?!"

"We don't have your knowledge powers!"

"It's not knowledge! It's common sense! Why would Selena run from Morzan, her castle where she could be comfortable while she was pregnant if it was his child? She knew that Morzan would kill her and the baby if he found out she had a child with another man!" Kali shouted. Both of them were stunned. "Honestly! Where do you people come from?!"

"Ok, ok, whether we're half-brothers or not, I'm not going to let the Varden kill him," said Murtagh, "So how are we going to get him blamed for whatever you are thinking."

Kali thought for a while. Both of them stared at her while she paced. "Ok, but you're both going to hate me for what I'm going to say." Both of them stared at her. "If I go back I can do something that would catch Eragon's curiosity and Murtagh can talk to him about god knows what. If someone catches them talking they will tell Nasuada and she will try and kill him. Technically, we're not doing anything to force him here and he can't blame us for the Varden trying to kill him, because they were going to do it anyway, reason or not. And, the Varden can't blame us if he joins us because they were the ones that shunned him."

"It's a good idea," Murtagh said calmly. Kali waited for the explosion, "But I am not going to let you go to the Varden while you're pregnant!" he shouted.

"Murtagh-" she started.

"NO! I'm not going to let you go!" he yelled, "Get it in your head! NO!"

But Kali did what she wanted anyway. She convinced her father to let Luka stay in the castle because one of the shelters had collapsed beyond repair and the space was needed. Kali kept going back and forth for a month until she stayed with the Varden as they travelled. She stole some of the animals from the pens so she could eat. The animals from the forest were only predators and she wouldn't harm a fellow hunter. She knew that the Varden would start to worry if too many things went missing and no one would know why. She stayed there for five months, not finding anything new to tell her father.

Kali watched the capture of Feinster and felt Murtagh's pain while he was in Gil'ead. She wanted to help him but knew that she would be seen if she did so she stayed hidden. She waited for a week, panicking when they baby was overdue. Kali was desperately hungry, she hadn't eaten since morning and it was now dark.

Kali made her way to the Varden casting an illusion on her. Her father and Murtagh had told her not to use magic but she thought they would forgive her once. She went into the pens and killed two deer and dragged them to the edge of the forest. She knew she couldn't drag them into the clearing so she made her wings grow and grabbed one of the deer before flying to the clearing. She dropped it before landing. The baby was kicking her ribs harshly. She waited a few minutes until it stopped. Not wanting to risk falling from the air if the baby attacked her ribs again while she was flying, she made her way on foot. She walked through the trees stepping on a few broken twigs as she made her way towards her dinner.

As she bent down she heard a gasp. She turned quickly in time for the arrow to miss her wing but embed itself in her lower leg. She cried out in pain and opened her wings before flying back to the clearing. She quickly landed by the stream.

Kali?! Kali, what happened?! Murtagh asked quickly.

I got shot by an arrow. In the leg, she added hastily.

You are staying right there! Before she could say anything else he blocked her from his head. She huffed, sat down and waited. She looked at the arrow in her leg. It looked elven. She looked up as Thorn landed in the clearing. Murtagh dismounted and stood over her with his arms crossed. Wings?

Kali knew she would be in trouble. Unless you want me to stave, I had to find something to eat. You know I think that Saphira is nearby. Start talking.

He bent down, "How've you been?"

That's the best you can come up with?!Fine, just go with me here. "Lonely. Ow!" she said as he touched the arrow slightly. "I really want to go back to the Spine, but I'm forced to come out here to find out practically nothing because you can't tell me."

He knew she meant that she didn't find out anything new about the Varden. "I know. But it's not my fault, Kali. Do you honestly think that I want to be stuck in a war when I can be at home with you and Hunter and my precious bump here?" he smirked.

"You are really mean," Kali pouted.

"Yeah well tuff. This is going to hurt," he stated as he held the arrow. She nodded and Murtagh yanked the arrow out of her leg. She bit her lip to stop her screaming but instead it came out as a moan of pain. He quickly put his left hand over the wound before it sealed itself. "You ok, sweetie?"

"I'll live if that is what you mean." She felt Thorn look at the deer longingly. "Thorn, for god's sake, just eat them already!" Thorn looked at her in surprise before he settled down beside the pile of leftover deer and started to eat.

Murtagh said, "When is the baby due?"

Oh dear. "Two days ago," Kali replied quietly.

"What!" he yelled. He looked at Thorn for a second before he said, "We're staying."

"But-"

"No! I don't care what Galbatorix wants. I'm staying here, with my wife until at least, my baby is born!"

MURTAGH HAS A WIFE?! Kali turned her head and looked straight at where the voice had come from. She made her wings start to disappear. Murtagh stood up hurriedly and unsheathed Zar'oc looking in the same direction. "Kali, who is it?" Murtagh whispered.

Kali slowly stood up. "Eragon and Saphira."

"Eragon! Why I'm I not surprised," he sheathed Zar'oc. "You might as well come out Eragon!" he called.

After a second, Eragon cautiously walked out of the cover of the trees. Murtagh stood in front of Kali, shielding her. "I believe this is yours," Murtagh threw the arrow at him.

"You never told me you were married," Eragon stated.

"You never asked," he shot back, "anyway, why would I tell you? So you can kill my wife and children? I don't think so, Rider."

"Wait. Children? As in, more than one?"

Kali felt a kick. The top of her swollen stomach hardened. "Murtagh," she said softly.

He ignored her, "Yes, more than one. The one Kali's carrying and my two-and-a-half year-old son, Hunter."

"I don't see a boy, Murtagh, or maybe I'm going blind."

"In all honesty, I think that you were blind a long time ago, Eragon. Or maybe just stupid! You always ran head first into danger without even thinking!" Kali once again tried to get Murtagh's attention without success. "I was always the one to save your hide and what do you do in return?! You left me when I needed someone to help me!"

"I thought you were dead, Murtagh! How could I have helped you if I thought you were dead? Do you know what I felt when both my companions died? First my father, then you? Or are you as heartless as you look?"

Kali felt her water break.

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Eragon said, "Well I guess I'd better go."

"Yeah, you should." He hesitated before hugging him. Eragon was so shocked it took him a while to react. "I swear, you tell anyone about this and they're going to think you're crazy or that I'm going too soft," he said as he pulled away.

"Maybe you are," said Eragon as he climbed onto Saphira.

"Be careful of next time we meet Eragon. I don't know how but this time I can let you go. I can still feel Galbatorix at the back of my head but go before I have to capture you," Murtagh warned.

"I will." With that Saphira took into the air. Murtagh sat back down by Kali and looked at River.

"You want to...?" she held out the baby.

Wordlessly, he nodded. She handed him their daughter. "This is the same as with Hunter. She's so small," he smiled, "She seems so fragile." Kali laughed slightly. They were silent for a second as River fell asleep. Kali heard a rustle of dried leaves.

It worked.

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Kali stayed with Murtagh in the camp at night. When she woke up she felt something was wrong. She reached out with her mind and felt Saphira panicking slightly. Saphira, what's wrong? she asked quickly, It's me, Kali.

They're going to kill Eragon!

Ok, look, don't panic. Just tell Eragon to go to the Empire's army. Tell him to run as fast as possibly to the edge of the Varden camp at least, I can help him but I need you to give a distraction.

Alright but hurry!

Kali tried to get out of the bed before Murtagh wrapped an arm around her waist, "Where are you going?" he asked sleepily.

"Going to save your brother hide," she replied, "I want to terrorise the Varden a little; nothing spectacular." She started to put on her boots that Murtagh had brought from Uru'Baen. "If you want to join that's fine but make sure you leave River with someone," with that, Kali oriored to the edge of the forest.

She saw Eragon running and pushing people out of his way before arriving at the edge. He kept on running and Kali saw an elf pursuing him. She turned into a dragon and flew towards them. She turned in a wide circle before saying, Eragon, crouch down. He did as she asked and she soared towards Arya with a dragon smirk. She screamed and tried to run.

You can't outrun a dragon, dear, Kali said to her as she caught Arya in her claws and flying into the air before letting her go. She couldn't help but laugh slightly as she flew above the Varden camp, letting out a jet of flame harmlessly into the air and everyone trying to run. Hunter, come here. You'll enjoy this! Kali heard a roar and turned to see Saphira joining her with Eragon. She roared back and smiled. Hunter appeared as well. They flew around, Kali laughing as the soldiers tried to restore order. She flew over them, making them scatter.

"The Red Rider!" someone screamed below. She looked up and saw Thorn approaching them before joining in. I think that's enough, Kali. They look ready to piss on top. Kali laughed and told Hunter and Saphira to stop. They flew together before roaring and heading back to the Empires camp.

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PRESENT

Eragon saw everything swirl in black before finding himself back in the tree. He blinked to clear his head. Murtagh did the same. They both looked at her. She just shrugged slightly before looking at the window. The sun was setting in the distance. "We should start going to the caves," she said weakly.

"Ok," Murtagh said quietly. "Eragon, could you get to the tree house from the memories?" Eragon nodded slightly. "Then go and tell Saphira and Thorn were you are. You can't come with us and it would be best if you stayed in the tree house for a while until everyone knows who you are."

"I can answer your questions when we're done," Kali stated as she tried and failed to sit up. Murtagh helped her sit and then lifted her up. Eragon stood up and opened the door for them to go out. He followed them until he reached the tree house. He handed Murtagh the ring and went in the tree house before he could protest.

Saphira?

Eragon, where are you? I've been trying to contact you for the whole of the afternoon! Thorn couldn't contact Murtagh either. What happened?!

Sorry, Saphira, but I was in Kali's memories. She showed me what happened to her and partly to Murtagh. It was horrible! How could someone do that to them?! And then they forgave that person?! He paused for a second, I will show you later. Murtagh told me to tell Thorn and you that I'm in the tree house.

Alright, we're coming. Eragon waited a few minutes before hearing something land on one of the upper floors. He quickly climbed upstairs and saw Saphira and Thorn by the opening to a huge room. Thorn immediately went to one of the giant cushions on the floor and lay down. Saphira did the same and Eragon sat beside her. He let her see what he had. THAT MONSTER!! How could he do that?! Saphira screamed.

She kept a few things from you, Thorn stated quietly, she wasn't only whipped and branded.

She was...but the guards did nothing to her! Eragon shouted.

Not by the guards, or the magicians.

...By Murtagh? Saphira asked hesitantly. Thorn said nothing. Thorn?

Yes...but don't tell him I said anything. Look it wasn't his fault! Galbatorix forced him! Murtagh would never ever do that to anyone, especially not to Kali!

It's alright, Thorn. We know he wouldn't, Eragon stated.

Thorn nodded. You should get some sleep while you can. If I'm sure, you'll probably wake up at about midnight.

Why?

Don't worry. You'll find out.

N/A: What do you think? Review please!