(A.N.) First, I'd like to apologize for the long wait. Next, I would like to apologize again for the length of this chapter. Unfortunately I had to split the battle yet again, so it will be a total of three chapters long (that's including the next one) with the aftermath in the same chapter (at least, that's what I'm hoping for)

Moving on, without further ado let me thank all of you loyal and wonderful reviewers!

Thebrotherofmany – Thanks! I'm glad you like it XD. Thanks for supporting the epilogue, I know it seems risky but since I'm %99.99 percent sure that I'm going to be writing a sequel it seems fitting (and CP didn't do a lot of things we probably wanted him to :P).

Dessert Maniac – Me too, I'm so excited! Haha

LongLoreLover – Awe :D thanks! I've found that when I right battle/action scenes I get really into them, haha. Yes, yes it is. The books and movies are incredible! I thought the Eragon movie sucked ass (sorry if you liked). They hardly got anything right, and I hate when that happens. I understand that they can't put everything into the movie but come on, where was Orik? Solumbum? And were they serious with the person they chose as Angela? Plus the Ra'zac didn't look anything like CP had described them, in addition to all the other characters in the film (well, minus Saphira)! *Sigh* sorry for my rant, I was so excited when I heard they were making an Eragon film…but it was a complete disappointment in my eyes.

Tamerlain85 – Yes, I know it was pretty obvious :(. I really wanted to come up with some awe inspiring speech of my own, but alas, I had to take that one and change it up a bit. Thanks for the review!

N-Six - ^Yeah…I really wish I could have come up with something on my own! Haha. Hey thanks! I really like writing scenes with E/A (who doesn't?) but also when Eragon, Arya and Saphira are together, it's awesome!

Fughp - *Sigh* yes, I like to throw in some things that may have been brought up from LOTR, I can't help myself :P Thanks for the review!

Belgrath - Atra esterní ono thelduin (Had to XD)

Elemental Dragon Slayer – Always a pleasure to hear from you man, and thanks! Nope things don't look good for our friends right now, and they're about to get worse ! Yeah, we can't let him get 50+ kills and nuke everyone, ending the game for good, right ;). No problem :), I can't wait to read the next update to your story!

Before you guys say anything; I realize that most of this chapter seems like cannon, but I didn't intend for that to happen. Don't worry, not all of it will seem familiar, trust me ;)

Alright you guys, it's time to plunge into the second part of this battle!

Disclaimer - I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or any of CP's original characters, thoughts or plotline.

Let's all thank RaphaeloftheDarkness for beta reading this chapter! XD

Enjoy XD

Chapter 19

Eragon

The horn rang out again and Eragon clenched his teeth in anger and frustration as he helplessly watched the main gates to the city open with a resounded grating noise. There was little they could do, however, for Murtagh and Thorn had done exactly what they had anticipated; they took the bait.

"Now Saphira!" Eragon cried across their mind-link.

Saphira was already preparing to lift herself off the ground as Eragon spoke, and within minutes the group was over the battlefield. On the ramparts of the city walls, archers mercilessly fired arrow after arrow from where the Varden Army had not yet reached.

Another deafening roar came and Eragon looked slightly to his left to see Thorn chasing shadow-Saphira further North into the city. Hopefully Blodgharm and the others were keeping Murtagh's mind occupied as well, for they could not risk him attempting to attack a very fake Eragon only to find that he has been tricked.

"In either case he will eventually find out, and when he does he will not be happy." Eragon thought cryptically.

"Blodgharm, I leave the rest to you and the others. Make haste to me once Murtagh and Thorn are aware that they have been deceived." Eragon said quickly as they continued to fly over the large sea of soldiers mixed in with dead bodies.

Blodgharms reply can a few seconds later. "As you wish, Shadeslayer. Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass."

"And yours as well." Eragon replied before he severed the connection; they were now very close to the gate.

The Royal Army marched forward, led by a man who wore lustrous black armor, and for a moment Eragon's heart nearly stopped as he thought the man was Galbatorix. But upon closer inspection, he found that he was, thankfully, wrong.

"That is Lord Barst." Arya noted.

"Who is he?" Eragon asked.

Arya was silent for a few seconds. "I do not know much about him. Only that he is not a man to be trifled with. He enjoys death and making others suffer almost as much as Galbatorix does. Lord Barst is also very powerful, though I do not know how he came to obtain it. My guess would be that Galbatorix instructed him in some way."

Eragon's body shivered slightly at the thought of a second Galbatorix. He watched now as the Royal Army clashed with the foot soldiers of the Varden Army. Arrows and spears alike flew in all direction and all manner of cries could be heard. As Eragon scanned the field of battle around him, it was hard to tell which side had the advantage. However, doubt gnawed at his mind and he couldn't help but think that the Varden had little chance of pressing forward. No, right now all they could do was hold the enemy at bay long enough for them to slip inside.

The ramparts came and went, and the three were now over the main wall and into the city; the large, black Citadel in the near distance.

"Saphira, fly around the Citadel. We should be able to—"

Eragon cut himself off when Arya's head suddenly blocked his view. He was about to question the matter, when the full comprehension of what had just happened smacked him in the face.

"Blast!" Eragon cursed. "I should have realized that Galbatorix would place wards over his city!"

Instantly Saphira's massive body could now be seen; as well as the two on her back. But oddly enough, Murtagh and Thorn did not come for them. In fact, they were nowhere in sight.

"Blodgharm and the others must be going a good job. At least we won't have those two to worry about right now." Eragon commented.

"No, we will not have to worry about them for now, but we do need another plan to enter the Citadel. Already people can see us." Arya replied as she looked over the edges of Saphira.

Eragon also looked down to see several onlookers gazing up them. Most of them were frightened out of their mind, while some were almost gawking at the fiercely armor-covered blue dragon.

"I have a plan." Arya suddenly said.

"What's that?" Eragon asked; truly interested in what she had to offer.

"Saphira, head for the Citadel. We will enter through the front gates."

Arya

Shouts and cries filled the air as arrows continued to fly through the air. Smoke rose up from the wall and the sound stone crashing against stone rang through her ear, but she remained steadfast in her mission.

Saphira pressed forward much faster now that they were all visible. The city below them passed by like a swift blur and Saphira suddenly dove downward, curling her wings inwards to keep from crashing into houses and other structures. A whirl of dust and dirt swirled around them as Saphira arched her body back and threw her wings forward, quickly flapping them to slow her descent until finally she landed on the stone ground before the towering Citadel.

With swift grace, Arya jumped off Saphira's back after unstrapping herself, with Eragon quick to follow her lead. She immediately drew her curved blade from her where it was strapped to her waist and quickly ran towards the towering structure before her. The doors of the Citadel were unlike anything she had seen; tall, wide and lined with large diamond-shaped spikes easily the size of hers…or probably Eragon's – who had a slightly larger – head. There was a long line in the center of the doors, splitting it into two.

The area around them was strangely empty and quite. This, mixed with the eerily designed doors, gave Arya a strange sense of uncomfortable-ness.

"Where is everyone? This is a city, so where are all of its inhabitants?"
Arya wondered.

They were standing directly in front of the large, black doors now and before she or Eragon could do anything, a small sliding strip moved aside to reveal a pair of golden-yellow eyes glaring back at them.

"Who goes there? No one's to be out 'ere! State yer –"

The man's words were cut short as Arya suddenly drove her blade through the slot and deep into the man's eye. Blood oozed down the metal door and the sound of blood and flesh being turned around could be heard easily.
The man sputtered a cry as blood leaked from his mouth and down his face, and Arya swiftly pulled her sword out; the sound of steel scraping against bone filled the silent area and she heard a soft 'thump' signifying that the man's body had fallen.

"What are you doing?!" Eragon cried.

Arya ignored him but turned to face him.

"Your sword." She stated with her right hand stretched out to him.
Eragon blinked twice but quickly drew his sword and handed it to her.
Arya took Brisignr and turned back to face the side-door. Re-gripping the sword so that she was now holding it by the haft with both hands, she quickly threw it over her head and, as she plunged it down to the lining of the smaller door from which the sliding strip originated, cried "Brisignr!"

The sword burst into hot blue flames and she caught sight of Eragon raising his hand up to block his eyes from the sheer brightness of the flames. As she plunged it into the thin crack, an almost invisible barrier shifted in the air as it caught the light of the sun.

Arya clenched her teeth and her face tightened from the force she was required to put into the feat. She tightened her hold on Brisingr and drove it downwards as hot, molten metal now fell from the door. It oozed down like molasses; much like the deceased guards' blood had earlier.

She finally reached the bottom of the door and withdrew Brisingr before slamming her right leg into the door. Her boot connected with the weakened side-door with a resounding 'clang', but the door did not budge. She pulled her leg back and slammed it into the door once more, this time it moved forward. However it was still not enough for her or Eragon to enter, and so she was forced to once again pull her leg back and drive it into the even more weakened door. As her boot connected with the side-door for the third time, it lurched with a loud scraping sound before falling down into the guard's dead body.

"Let's go!" Arya yelled as she handed Eragon his sword back.
Eragon nodded and quickly followed, unable to keep the half-grin/half-frown from covering his face.

"You know, you could have told me what you were planning on doing from the beginning." He said, slightly annoyed.

"Yes, I suppose I could have." Arya replied simply.

Eragon shook his head and rolled his eyes.

The two cautiously entered the dark Citadel, afraid that more of Galbatorix's wards would stop them from proceeding.

When none came, the two stepped further but froze when several footsteps echoed throughout the corridor ahead of them.

Arya quickly drew her blade and switched her footing to an attacking stance. Guards suddenly emerged from the darkness and ran straight for them. She heard Eragon boots shift on the ground, indicating that he was preparing to attack, before she herself charged the group of men.

They all cried out as she danced through several of the soldiers, slashing her blade and spilling their blood onto the cold stone floor and on to herself. It was hardly a fair fight…for the thirty or so guards, and just as Arya sheathed her blade the last soldier fell to his knees and then slumped onto the floor.

A set of footsteps echoed through the corridor, slowly approaching her, but she was not worried. Instead she slowly turned around to see Eragon walking over to her. Blood covered his finely crafted armor and it dripped down from his sword, however his face remained calm.

"That could have been bad." Eragon commented as he stepped over the strewn bodies.

"You know as well as I do that those men posed no threat to us." Arya replied coolly.

"Even so, we should be more careful in the future. Galbatorix may have several traps placed in here, we must be our guard." He replied.

Arya nodded and as the two made their way back to the front doors, an ear-splitting roar thundered through the area.

The two exchanged wide-eyed glances at each other before running to the door. Standing halfway outside of the side-door, Arya and Eragon looked up to see Thorn rushing towards the Citadel.

Eragon

"They know!" Eragon growled.

"Quickly!" Arya yelled as she turned and made her way towards the opposite side of the door to the right-side lever.

Another loud roar erupted, and Eragon looked up to see Thorn soar over the Citadel. Yelling a curse, Eragon turned and ran towards the left-side lever and glanced over at Arya. Catching her gaze, he gave her a nod and they both pulled the wheel-like lever down, grabbing the next pole that stuck out from the gap and continuing this process until the large double doors were open wide enough for Saphira to slip through; a task that would have normally taken several men.

Saphira wasted no time in entering the Citadel upon chance. When she was fully inside, Eragon and Arya began to close the doors, but froze when a third roar erupted. A glance outside the doors into the city ahead, and Eragon saw Thorn circle back around and dive straight for them.

He swallowed hard and looked at Arya before they quickly shouted a single word in the Ancient Language.

There was a loud grinding sound as the large doors suddenly began to bend inwards before the stone structure around them collapsed on itself, caving in the entrance.

Eragon was about to turn and head down the corridor when Arya suddenly ran for one of the mechanisms that opened the doors and attempted to break it, but failed against the wards placed by Galbarorix.

"Here, let me." Eragon said as he walked over to her. Releasing the bright flames from his sword, Eragon cut through the contraption on the right and left side of the doors.

"That should hold them for now." Arya noted.

"But it won't hold them forever, let's go!" Eragon replied with a shout.

He turned on his heel and the three made their way deeper into the dark chasm that was the Citadel of Uru'Baen

The corridor was unsettling, to say the least. There was no lighting whatsoever and it seemed that the ceiling was infinitely high and the sides were infinitely wide.

A loud rumbling sound echoed through the corridor and Eragon turned around as another loud thud rang out, and then something smashed into the doors mixed with stone and rock.

"Thorn is attempting to break through." Eragon commented.

"Then we had best hurry." Arya replied.

They ran further in until, after several yards of running, a suddenly grating sound rang out. Before the three knew what was happening, the floor beneath them rumbled and then split horizontally creating a gap that was almost two yards long.

Eragon and Arya cried out as they lost their balance, their feet half-on and half-off the newly formed ledge.

Arya fell first, crying out as her upper body tipped backwards and then dropped feet first.

"Arya!" Eragon cried out. He was just barely able to grab her wrist before he too was pulled down from being caught off guard; though he had managed to grab onto the ledge with his left hand.

He clenched his teeth and cried out as he pulled Arya up with his right hand enough for her to grab onto the ledge herself. The two hefted themselves up and took a moment to catch their breath before glancing back at the trap they had just triggered.

"This is not good." Arya said as her breathing slowed down to its normal rhythm.

"Perhaps the two of you should ride on my back?" Saphira offered.

"That might be a good idea." Eragon said.

"Indeed it may be our only option. However I fear that this was only a preamble for what is to come."Arya said with a trace of fear in her voice.

"What do you mean?" Eragon asked.

Arya motioned to the trap. "This gap is only a few yards long, not something a dragon would be worried about. Saphira or Thorn could easily walk over this without even realizing the trap had been triggered. However if the gap was several times larger..." She trailed off, indicating her concern.

"It wouldn't matter if I jumped the gap." Saphira said with the flick of her tail. "A hundred feet or so is not a far distance for me." She finished.

"Let's keep going." Eragon said as he stretched, preparing to hop the gap. "We'll just have to be more careful."

Eragon took a few steps back before running and jumping the gap with seemed-ease. Arya followed after and Saphira merely walking over.

They continued down the corridor until a second trap nearly caught them off guard, this one was increasingly more threatening. A large amount of stone and rock suddenly fell down from an opening high above them, but thankfully they were ready and with a cry Eragon and Arya yelled, "Jeirda!"

The boulders split into hundreds of small pieces and showered down on them before Saphira covered the two with her massive wings.

"Perhaps we should walk at a slower pace." Arya said after Saphia folded her wings.

"It's not something I want to do, but I see no other choice." Eragon replied with a frustrated sigh.

He caught Arya's gaze as she gave him a warm smile, and he returned it in full. Their moment was cut short when a grating sound filled the corridor once more.

Eragon turned around as a small light came from further down behind them; the caved in entrance to the Citadel now visible from the distance.

Eragon swallowed as his throat suddenly went dry. There, standing in front of the wreckage of rocks stood Murtagh.

He glared at them before turning to his right and walking towards one of the hidden mechanisms that Eragon had destroyed.

He sighed in relief. "He won't pursue us without Thorn."

"We must go, Eragon. We cannot linger." Arya said as she took his hand and pulled him forward.

Onward the three traveled, barely managing to evade other traps along the way. One of which was a pair of large sliding walls of stone several inches thick that smashed together whenever they got close to it. Saphria was forced to hold them apart long enough for them to slip through; though the walls were strong and injured Saphira's sides greatly, forcing Eragon to heal her quickly.

"Stop!" Arya said suddenly. Eragon heard her, but walked a few more steps than he should have and was nearly sliced open by a large set of spikes that jutted out from the ground, spanning two yards ahead and then leaving an open gap before another set of spikes came forth from the ground.

"Thank you." Eragon breathed.

A thought suddenly came to his head. "All of these traps are increasingly deadly as we go further along...could it be that he knows we are here?"

"It is certainly a possibility, little one." Saphria said as she eyed the spikes before they dispersed back into the ground.

"I thought Galbatorix wanted us alive? So why would he place these traps along the way to kill us?" Eragon thought frustratingly.

"The first few traps were not so deadly." Arya commented. "I believe those were meant to capture us, but we have been able to evade them."

"So," Eragon began as he eyed ahead of the sets of spikes that would jump from the ground if they stepped any further ahead. "Galbatorix must know that we have evaded capture once again -"
" - And has now resorted to more extreme measures to kill us...but if that is the case, then..." Arya trailed off.

Eragon licked his lips in apprehension. "Then he must be afraid...who knows what he has waiting for us ahead!" Eragon cried in anger.

His eyes suddenly grew wide as he caught sight of something far behind them. His heart nearly stopped when he realized that it was Murtagh, who was now making his way towards them.

"We must go, now!" Eragon yelled.

"How do you propose we cross this trap?" Arya asked rhetorically. "The gap is too far for us to jump, and any form of magic may trigger the trap to go off, so if you were thinking of attempting to hover over, we cannot."

Eragon licked his lips again. "I wasn't thinking that..." He lied, slightly annoyed.

"I can jump this gap." Saphira said. "Climb on my back and I will carry the two of you across."

Eragon turned back around slowly; fearful that Murtagh would be much closer now. He wasn't, which should have relieved Eragon but somehow it made him feel more apprehensive.

"It's seems to be our only option." Eragon said with a shrug as he quickly clambered onto Saphira's back, followed in equal quickness by Arya.

Saphira shifted her body from side to side, slowly crouching closer and closer to the ground.

"Wait!" Eragon suddenly shouted.

Saphira growled in annoyance. "What is it little one?"

"Just...just be sure not to let your tail touch the ground." Eragon replied, fearful of what might happen to them if it did.

"Of course, little one." Saphira replied before she dug her claws into the stone floor and propelled herself up and over the first set of spikes and then the second.

Eragon and Arya leapt off Saphira's back and continued on through the dark corridor, and thankfully they encountered no more traps along the way.

Reaching the end of the corridor, they now stood in front of a large, arch-shaped doorway that was embroidered in gold and gems of all kinds. Tendrils of branch-like artwork coiled up from the doorway frames, meeting together at the top of the archway.

Eragon released a heavy sigh. "This must be it." He said.

With a shaky hand, Eragon extended his right out to touch the door but stopped only a few inches from it.

"What if Galbatorix is on the other side?" He thought as fear suddenly gripped his body in full force.

"Then we shall face him and Shruikan together as we have been trained to." Saphira replied gently.

Eragon suddenly felt weak, and almost sick to the stomach. "I don't think I'm ready for this." He said, cursing himself in the process.

Saphira brought her head close to Eragon; her large left eye only half a foot from him. "Whatever happens, if Galbatorix is behind these doors then everything will change forever; for us and for all of Alagaeisa."

Eragon felt his knees buckle. "What if we cannot defeat him? What if, after everything we have been through, we fail?" He tried to swallow, but his throat was almost completely dry.

"Then it is what is and that is that. We cannot worry about the outcome of the future. Instead we must do our very best to complete the task that has been given to us. If, even after we have given our all, we fail then that is what was meant to be." Saphira replied as she gently brushed her snout against Eragon.

He smiled weakly and scratched under Saphira's chin. "I love you."

"And I love you, little one." Saphira replied.

Eragon suddenly felt a hand slip into his, and he turned to see Arya staring back at him. "Know that I – we – will never leave your side, Eragon." Arya spoke, taking a step closer to him. "We love you too much." She finished.

A large smile now covered Eragon's face as he pulled Arya closer to him and embraced her tightly. He felt Arya wrap her arms underneath his arms as he pulled her head to his shoulder. He took in a heavy breath and the rush of fresh pine cones enveloped his scenes.

"I love you so much." He whispered as he stroked her raven black hair.

"I know." She breathed.

They pulled apart and, after staring longingly into each other's eyes, brought their lips together in a blissful kiss. If was to be their last, then they had to make the most of it.

Eragon's hands moved to cover the sides of her head while Arya's rested against the armor that covered his chest. He felt Arya's tongue brush against his lips and he parted them quickly, eager to taste every inch of the inside of her mouth and tongue.

Breaking off a few minutes later, Eragon trailed his fingers gently over Arya's cheeks as she smiled warmly back at him.

"Younglings, it is time to go. Let us end the reign of that Egg-breaker." Glaedr said, interrupting them.

With a faint blush, Eragon and Arya broke off and once again faced the ominously large and intricately designed doors.

Glancing back at Arya, he bit his lower lip, "What do you think we should do?" "If only Blodgharm and the other elves were here. We could really use their help." Eragon thought.

"They are doing the best that they can." Saphria said. "Perhaps Galbatorix's wards prevented them from entering. After all, we were only able to enter by the help of your sword, and even then it was a difficult task."

Arya remained still, her face showing no signs of fear or apprehension like Eragon's was. The only thing he could make out was fatigue, and indeed their journey through this corridor proved to be tiresome.

Arya suddenly licked her lips. "Let us see if it is open before we try anything rash."

Eragon nodded in agreement and the two of them grabbed onto each of the large, curved, gold-plated handles and pushed forward with all their strength. The doors barely moved a few inches.

"Glaedr, Umaroth-elda! We need your help!" Eragon cried as he pushed his weight against the door to stop it from moving back to its original position.

"Our strength is yours." Glaedr replied.

The doors suddenly lurched forward as new energy flowed through Eragon. The doors scraped against the ground as they flew outward, slamming into the walls inside the newly revealed chamber.

The echoing sound of the doors slowly began to die down as Eragon, Arya and Saphira stood frozen to the stone floor. The chamber appeared to be almost as large as the corridor outside, and it proved to be just as dark. Shadows blanketed the walls, making it nearly impossible to make anything out apart from the few lit torches that lined high off the walls on either side.

At the far end of the large chamber rested a tall throne-like chair, and on it sat a man shrouded in black.

The three cautiously walked further in, when suddenly the large double-door slammed shut; seemingly on their own.

Saphira suddenly hissed loudly and then growled, showing her razor sharp teeth as the man slowly stood up.

"Eragon, Saphira, so nice of you to join us. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time…"

"Galbatorix…" Eragon whispered through gritted teeth. He immediately drew Brisingr.

Galbatorix make a clicking sound with his tongue and shook his head in disappointment. "Now now, there's no need for such unpleasantness." He slowly stood up and walked down the cobbled steps of his high thrown and down to the cold, stone floor; his heavy boots echoing across the dark chamber. Galbatorix clapped his hands together once and suddenly several torches lit up around the room, making every corner perfectly visible.

"Look Shruikan, look at all the guests that have arrived!" Galbatorix flashed a deadly smile as the ground suddenly shook, and out of his left hand corner and large shadow emerged, slowly taking shape as it grew in size.

Eragon's eyes widened and he felt his heart stop briefly before his stomach lurched. An enormous leg came out first, blacker than Arya's hair; something that seemed almost unnatural, like Helgrind, or the Ra'zac. A second leg came forth before all of Shruikan's black form became visible. He towered over Saphira, something that greatly instilled fear inside Eragon. Shruikan sniffed the air, looking around the room with his pair of red-orbed eyes. His jaws opened up slowly, displaying his large, sharp teeth.

Galbatorix stared down at Eragon for several seconds before he smiled. "So, that is where you have been hiding Glaedr-elda. I knew you must have dissolved your heart-of-hearts, but I could not believe you to have given such a precious thing to one so unworthy of its power." He sneered

"It is you who is unworthy, egg-breaker!" Glaedr boomed. "You will pay for all suffering and pain you have caused. You will pay for slaying my partner-of-mind!"

Galbatorix shook his head and smiled. "Tut tut." He said. "You are a fool, I have always known this. However, you are unimportant to me now. I am much more interested in you, Umaroth." His lips curled into a malicious smile.

"How does he know you two are here with me?!" Eragon asked in shock.

"Black magic." Umaroth replied simply.

"It matters not." Glaedr said. "Focus on the task at hand, do not give in to him!"

Eragon took a step forward but was suddenly stopped by a soft yet strong hand. "Wait Eragon, we do not know what wards he has placed around him or in this room. We must be cautious." Arya whispered into his ear.

Galbatorix watched as Eragon took a slow step back; a sly grin spread across the king's face. "Your elf is a wise one. I knew I should have just had sent straight to me, Durza never was good at getting information from her kind." His grin turned into a sneer at the thought of Elves. He then turned his attention to Saphira. "You truly are a magnificent creature, why cannot you simply join me, oh mighty dragon? You will be treated with the highest honor, and only the most worthy of rider shall be given to you."

Saphira growled as a puff of smoke ejected from her nostrils.

"I will never join you; I thought I made that very clear." Eragon cut in.

Galbatorix turned to Eragon, a slow anger boiled in his facial features, and then his lips curled into a smile. "Oh I didn't mean you, my boy. You will die for all the trouble you have caused me. No, I will kill you and then break your dragons mind before binding her to a rider that I will choose!"

Saphira lowered her body and make a deep throated growl while curling her lips to show all of her razor-sharp teeth.

"I'm trying to save this land!" Eragon cried out.

Galbatorix let out a suddenly burst of laughter before calming down. "Save? What is there to be saved? This land and its people, they love me! No, it is you who is the monster here. I, who have spent countless years trying to rebuild the riders and bring back the race of dragons, am a hero."

"The people will see who you really are!" Eragon yelled, taking a step forward. "If you want dragons and riders to exist in this world, then why did you kill all of them so long ago?"

"Because they were incompetent of protecting the land from threats that were beyond their comprehension; the riders then were a selfish group of old men and I saw fit to rid the festering disease that threatened to overtake this land." Galbatorix replied, as if his answer was common sense. "I will rebuild the order and create a perfect balance of strength and harmony! It will not matter what you do, Eragon Shadeslayer, for the people already see you as the true enemy!"

"You…" Eragon began as his grip tightened of Brisignr. "You will pay for what you have done!" He took another step forward but Galbatorix suddenly turned around and returned to his high throne.

"Fight me!" Eragon yelled again, taking another step forward.

Galbatorix laughed; a loud and gruesome cackle and bounced off every wall. "I have a much better idea. I know that you have some unfinished family matters, do you not?"

Eragon swallowed hard but kept his gaze fixed upon Galbatorix. That is, until a figure suddenly appeared through the shadows from far to the left of him. Eragon turned to face the man, and slowly dropped his sword hand to his side.

"Hello brother." Murtagh continued to walk towards Eragon before stopping several feet from him.

"Murtagh…." Eragon replied. Now he was in a tight spot. If Nasuada's words were true, then Murtagh had desired freedom, and so would want to fight against Galbatorix. However if what she saw was a dream or some trick, then letting his guard down even for an instant would decide victory for his half-brother.

"It was a clever idea, having your Elves create a shadow replica of Saphira to lure me away from the Citadel." Murtagh's face suddenly grew dark. "But it was a feeble attempt, there is more than one way into this tower."

Eragon chose his next words very carefully. He would not give his brother anymore advice. No, he was far done with that. "Murtagh…brother, if this is truly to be our last encounter then let me apologize for all that has happened to you. I am sorry that I was sent to Carvahall while you were left with your father. I am sorry that you have been forced into servitude for a man so cruel that hell itself would wish it gone.

Murtagh's lips suddenly twitched at the mention of his father.

"My my, isn't this a wonderful reunion?" Galbatorix chimed in with the clap of his hands.

Eragon flashed his eyes momentarily towards Galbatorix, anger reflecting back at the cruel and dark king.

"I know Murtagh will have no trouble in killing his own kin, but what about you Eragon? Can you truly end the life of your only brother?" Galbatorix laughed lightly through his words, eager to watch the current events unfold.

Arya clenched her teeth and scowled at the king; her sword hand slowly falling to her blades hilt. She glanced over to Eragon and caught his attention. "If anything should happen to you, I will come."

Eragon returned and quick smile before glancing back at Murtagh.

"Before we begin, we must ensure that the fight is fair. We are all men of honor, are we not?" Galbatorix said, releasing another laugh.

Saphira growled again, but then suddenly froze; as if time itself had stopped. She blinked twice before trying with all of her might to move forward, but could not.

Arya too now looked worried as she could not pull out her blade, in fact she could not even remove her hand from its hilt. "Eragon!" She shouted in frustration as she struggled more to free herself.

"What did you do?!" Eragon yelled angrily at Galbatorix.

He only smiled back at Eragon. "I told you, we must ensure that this is a fair fight."

"Come brother, let us finish this." Murtagh said calmly as he slowly walked closer towards Eragon.

Eragon turned his attention back to Murtagh, his armor and sword reflecting back through the dim torches. He licked his lips and swallowed before moving into a defensive position.

Murtagh's lips curled into a smile before he quickly drew his sword, faster than ever, and rushed at threw a side slash that curved upwards at Eragon neck. It met with Brisingr with a loud 'clang' and Eragon attempted to counter with his left hand as it enclosed into a fist and drove straight into Murtagh's side, but stopped short of its intended target; Murtagh had grabbed his wrist before his fist could connect.

The two were now locked; sword against sword and Murtagh's had around Eragon's wrist. Each tried their hardest to gain advantage, but when neither could Eragon tried to head-butt Murtagh. His half-brother had anticipated such an attack and tilted his head to the right as Eragon's head came down. In the brief second that Eragon's guard was down, Murtagh lifted his right knee and drove it into Eragon's side, effectively hitting him in the lower ribs.

Eragon grunted and tried to counter after Murtagh released his wrist, but he was too slow; Murtagh drove his fist into Eragon's chin. He stumbled backwards but recovered himself quickly. Eragon allowed a grim smile to pass across his face before he wiped the blood that dripped down from his lips.

He couldn't afford second-guesses here. A single second that was left for pause could determine the end of this fight. Eragon switched to an offensive position and rushed towards Murtagh.

Chuckling, Murtagh grinned and rushed towards his younger brother and delivered a downward thrust. The smile on his face vanished when Eragon performed a lateral around him and then swept his right leg off the ground, effectively dropping him to the stone floor. Murtagh's back hit the ground and he released a loud grunt; barely managing to roll over as Eragon drove his sword to the ground.

Eragon watched as Murtagh stood up and regained himself; they slowly traveled around in a circle, a few feet apart from each other. For the time being, Eragon felt comforted that he did not have to worry about Arya or Saphira, at least not for right now.

The brothers clashed again; Murtagh slashed his sword making x's in the air inches away from Eragon's face. Eragon blocked a few attacks but was forced back up at the speed Murtagh was attacking him. Upward thrusts, downwards thrusts, hits to the side, neck and almost anywhere on his body; Eragon was forced to dodge what he could, finally receiving a cut on his arm.

He cried out and clenched his arm, but was thrown down as Murtagh wrestled him to the ground; now they were far across the hall, several feet from Galbatorix.

Eragon struggled as best as he could, but still could not break free from Murtagh's strong grip.

"Calm yourself, brother."

Eragon froze as he felt Murtagh's hot breath hit his ear. "Just what exactly is going on?!" Eragon thought to himself.

"What are you doing!?." Eragon whispered back, struggling harder now to break free.

"I am trying to help you." He replied, struggling to keep Eragon down.

Eragon nearly snorted. "I do not believe you."

Murtagh laughed lightly and it almost sounded…real. Eragon blinked twice, it had been a long time since he had heard Murtagh laugh genuinely.

"I know you do not, Eragon. So I will repeat my answer. "I am trying to help you, Eragon." He repeated, this time in the ancient language. "I am free, brother." He said.

Murtagh sounded almost happy, joyful. Eragon swallowed and gambled a look at his brother's face, which looked genuinely happy. "How…how can this be?" Eragon asked, switching to the ancient language himself.

"I simply did as you advised." Murtagh replied.

"If you have indeed freed yourself then why are you fighting me now!?" Eragon growled.

"That," Murtagh started, "is a stupid question, brother. I must ensure that Galbatorix still thinks of me as his puppet."

"I cannot trust you." Eragon grunted.

"Brother, look in yourself; you know it to be true." Murtagh tried to reason.

Eragon struggled internally He wanted so badly to believe his brother, but reason had a way of snaking into his mind. He clenched his teeth, knowing that this decision could be his last.

"Very well, I believe you." Eragon said, the words tasting like bitter food inside his mouth.

Murtagh nodded.

Eragon wondered what would happen next, when an idea suddenly entered his ind. He smirked and then freed his leg before he drove his boot into Murtagh's stomach sending him rolling back.

Murtagh sneered, but Eragon quickly attacked him again in order to get close to him. "I have a plan, but do not think I will tell you what it is. I still have my doubts." Eragon whispered.

Murtagh nodded again, but no emotions crept forth from his face.

"All we need to do is get close enough to Galbatorix so I can use the spell." Eragon thought to himself. His heart rate accelerated at the thought of finally confronting Galbatorix, and with the help of Murtagh none-the-less!

Blood had continued to drip down Eragon's arm, but the pain was masked by the adrenaline that was pumping into his system. Attack after attack, the two brothers slowly made their way back to the center of the chamber, and then only a few feet from the throne itself.

"My my, such an intense battle. This is quite entertaining." Galbatorix commented; keeping his eyes fixed on Eragon.

"Are you ready, Glaedr and Umaroth-elda?" Eragon asked. As they were now close enough to attack the king.

"We are ready, Eragon. Begin the spell and we shalll assist you." Umaroth replied. Surely he too was feeling anxious and excited.

The moment he felt close enough, Eragon shoved Murtagh away and then turned to Galbatorix. Extending his sword arm, along with his mind, Eragon recited the spell with all his strength.

Galbatorix stood with a smile on his face, almost as if he had expected this kind of rash behavior from Eragon.

"My dear boy, such foolishness is unbecoming." His face turned to anger; eyes flashing dangerously. "It is time for you to die." He lifted his hand, probably intending to recite a spell, but stopped short suddenly a few seconds after Eragon completed his spell.

Eragon gasped as he fell to one knee, the spell had indeed taken a large amount of energy; thankfully none from his sword of the belt were gone, instead Glaedr and Umaroth's energy was more than enough.

"What have you done?!" Galbatorix cried. The ground began to shake, and a few moments later Eragon noticed Saphira and Arya beginning to walk freely once more.

"His wards must have been connected through the energy of his Eldunari." Eragon mused. He noticed Murtagh stand up and glance at him, and then he smiled and nodded; ready to fight the evil king that captured his mind and tortured him.

With a deep breath Eragon nodded and then faced the king again. "Galbatorix! It's time to fight me fairly! Your days of tyranny are over!"Eragon cried.

Galbatorix, whose face was in his hands, suddenly began to laugh; it was light at first, but as he raised his head up for all to see, his laughter boomed across the chamber. In fact, he seemed to be cackling…madly.

"You have made a grave mistake, stupid boy." He spat as he drew his blade. "And you, Murtagh, you will die for this betrayal!"

"Betrayal!?" Murtagh laughed. "I have never wanted to serve you! I have only ever done so to ensure Thorn's protection, but now I am free and you shall have to fight two dragon riders!"

Eragon grinned at his brother. A sudden movement out of the corner of his eyes caught his attention, and Eragon turned to his right to see Saphira and Arya walk towards him.

"Oh yes, you two will have to face me now. Pray that it will be a quick end, for I will try very hard to make your deaths as long and as painful as I can!" Galbatorix threatened. He quickly turned to Saphria and Arya and shouted in the ancient language, "Get them!"

Shruikan, who had been quietly watching the fight, suddenly released an ear-splitting roar before charging towards Saphira.