For Disclaimer, Spoiler Alert, and Warning please look back in chapter 1.

Eragon and Harry had to wait another hour before they could leave. The soldiers decided to have a few mugs of ale after the bartender told them that he must have mistaken the two young men for the fugitives they were searching for. When they left, Eragon quickly led Harry out of the tavern giving the bar tender one last glare. They headed towards the city entrance they had entered from and were just in time because they were already preparing to lower the gate. The sun was quickly sinking below the horizon and the surrounding area became dark with only the half moon to provide some light.

I won't even say it, Saphira said to Eragon as they made their way away from the city to meet up with her.

Say what? Ergon asked.

Well, I guess I will say it then. I told you so, Saphira snorted in amusement. And I guess Harry wasn't lying when he said trouble finds him as well. You two are the perfect match for attracting trouble.

That may be so, but you must admit I've become much better at evading trouble, just like today. Eragon turned to look at Harry and smiled to himself when he saw the other trying to swat a fly away from his face.

Yes, but only a little better.

When they reached Saphira, Harry dropped the bag full of food he had bought and sat against a tree to rest.

"What now?" Harry asked as he rubbed one of his shoulders. "We never were able to get a map."

"We'll head north and follow the Spine. Surely we'll spot another town or city along the way." Eragon said as he tied the packs back onto Saphira's saddle.

"What about Murtagh? Did you find any trace of his whereabouts?"

"No, but someone said they saw a stranger with his description." Eragon said as he finished securing all the bags to Saphira. "At least we know he probably came this way."

Harry stood up and walked over to get onto Saphira and Eragon pulled himself up behind him. They flew further away from the city to look for a place to sleep for the night. After about an hour they found a small clearing within a large thicket of trees.

When they landed Eragon deemed it safe enough to light a fire and they began cooking their dinner. They gathered the necessary herbs and chunks of meat they had bought at the city into a pot for a stew. Once it was set, they sat back to wait.

"Can you fight with a sword?" Eragon asked suddenly.

Harry shook his head. "I used one once when I was twelve to kill a basilisk, but I was mostly just waving it around."

What is a basilisk? Saphira asked from her position behind Eragon.

"Its just a really, really giant snake. It could kill you if you stared into its eyes directly."

"That sounds terrifying. You'll have to tell me about it sometime." Eragon stood and walked over to the trees and started snapping branches. "But right now, I'm teaching you to fight." He said and threw the branch at Harry.

Harry was able to catch it, thanking his seeker skills for it. He quickly stood and waved the branch around to get a feel for the thing. He took a ready position and watched as Eragon took a stance a few feet away from him. He was waiting for Eragon to tell him what to do but instead noticed that Eragon was waiting for him to do something. So he did.

Harry charged with his branch and brought it down towards Eragon, but it was blocked almost immediately. Harry blocked Eragons branch as he swung it to his right and then from his left. In the seconds following, Harry's branch was pushed away in a circular motion and he was forced to let go.

"Very good reflexes." Eragon praised him and picked up Harry's branch. "You're a lot better than when I started." He smiled as he handed Harry the branch.

They took up their positions once again and this time Eragon instructed Harry on how to stand and how to swing the sword. Harry hadn't felt his muscles working this hard since, well, for a very long while. He hadn't played quidditch regularly in years and spent most of his time in his observatory. Sure he did play quidditch every now and again with the Weasley's whenever he visited but it was never a regular thing.

Harry gasped when his arm gave out, his branch was flung to the side, his body was forced around and Eragon grabbed him from behind, bringing his branch up to his throat.

"Dead."

Harry gasped from the efforts and he was immediately aware of how close they were. He could feel Eragon's body pressed against his back and could feel his breath on his ear.

"Your elf abilities give you an unfair advantage." Harry said quickly to distract himself.

"Your enemies will sometimes have an unfair advantage, which is why you must learn how to fight back and escape even in situations like these."

Eragon had another reason why he hadn't let go of the boy yet. Of course he did. He wanted him to learn how to escape. It was just the sensation of their bodies pressed together that kept telling him there was another reason why he was still holding on tight. He was warm and soft and Eragon liked how they almost seemed to fit together.

Eragon began instructing him on how to fight his way out of this hold and then they tumbled to the ground. They rolled around twice and Harry ended up under Eragon. Here, Harry couldn't help it when his cheeks burned from the blush he was now sporting. He hoped Eragon would just mistake it for exhaustion.

"Being pinned down by the enemy is not a place you want to be." Eragon said. "First, grab my hand with your left hand, use you other hand to grab my collar bone, hook your ankle to pin my leg, push your hips up very hard and push me to the side, so you end up on top."

Harry blushed when he pushed his hips up into Eragon but the moment was short lived when he was suddenly falling over on top of Eragon. Now he had the upper hand.

"I did it." Harry smiled as he looked down at Eragon.

"Yea, you did really good."

Eragon smiled and Harry smiled back with shy eyes, both not realizing that they were actually having a moment while resting on each other.

Ehem, I believe the stew is ready. Saphira said and watched in amusement as they quickly got up off each other and dusted their clothes.

"Smells good." Eragon said as he stirred the pot of stew while he composed himself. He didn't really understand why he was suddenly feeling nervous and shy. They were only sparring and mock practicing their fighting skills. He's done it a million times with other people, yet with Harry, he felt, well, he felt like he did when he used to spar with Arya.

Eragon dropped the spoon back into the pot as realization suddenly dawned on him. He took a deep breath of air and walked towards the thicket of trees.

"I'll be right back, just have to relieve myself." He said without turning to look at the boy.

Eragon, are you ok? Saphira inquired as to his sudden tenseness.

Saphira I, Eragon rushed past the trees to get away quickly. I feel something for Harry.

Well of course you do, if you didn't then you wouldn't have helped him in the first place.

Eragon sank down to his knees as he became overwhelmed. No, I mean, I feel like I felt for Arya. Eragon's brows furrowed in confusion. How is it possible to feel this way for another boy? He couldn't understand how it was possible. He'd never ever felt anything at all for any other boy, so why now?

But, how is that? He's male just like you.

My point exactly. I don't know why I feel this way. I've even forgotten how I feel for Arya everytime I think of her. Eragon said and brushed his hand through his hair.

Eragon, I don't really understand how this happened but, don't torture yourself over this. It is nothing horrible, as you appear to think it is. Saphira said.

No, I don't think it horrible, I'm just surprised and shocked about it, I guess. Eragon stood and took in many deep breaths to calm himself. I just don't understand how I came to feel this way for him.

Well, mysterious things usually tend to happen to you, just add this one to the list. Saphira joked and then more seriously, Will you pursue these feelings?

Eragon sighed as he headed back to their camp. I don't know. What would he think if he found out I felt for him what I should feel only for a woman? I couldn't stand his rejection and especially not his hatred for me.

I don't think he'd hate you. And what if he feels the same?

I'd rather not chance it. I've already been rejected by Arya and I don't think I could handle rejection like that again. Besides, I don't think it would be wise to explore these types of feelings for him, if he were a woman, then that would be another situation entirely.

Eragon walked into their small campsite and made his way over to sit by Saphira, avoiding Harry's eyes. He didn't even notice when Harry served him a bowl of stew and offered it to him.

"Thank you." He said and took the offered bowl. He quietly ate his stew as he kept thinking of his feelings. It would be better if he forgot he ever realized they were there.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked when he noticed Eragon's strange and somewhat foul mood.

Eragon looked up and gave him a reassuring smile. "Yea, I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

Harry smiled back and suggested they hurry and eat so they could have a good night of rest. Harry was tired too. They hadn't really slept properly since they left Ellesmera, and truth be told, Harry was not looking forward to sleeping on the cold hard ground for who knew how long. Tonight would be the first of many nights.

Wish I had my wand so I could transfigure a bed. Harry thought as he ate his dinner quietly, wondering why Eragon's mood shifted from one moment to the next. He sensed the rider was stressing over something and decided to give him his space.

When they were finished eating, Eragon put out the fire so they wouldn't attract unwanted visitors while they slept. They each spread out their own bedding and promptly fell asleep.

The next morning they headed north, following the Spine. They were hoping to spot another city or any village where they could stop and search for Murtagh's whereabouts. They felt a bit of pressure because the very tips of the Spine was already covered in snow and it wouldn't be long now that the cold winter storms would reach the base of the mountains. When that happened it would becomes a lot harder for them to travel and perhaps, even to track Murtuagh.

Eragon felt confused since the night before when he realized his unorthodox feelings for the boy were just as strong as his feelings were for Arya. He tried thinking of the feelings he had for the elf, but found there was nothing there anymore. All he felt was the same he felt for every other good friend he had. The yearning he once had for Arya died, or rather, transferred over to a different, male, raven haired and green eyes.

Harry's hair fluttered with the wind, tickling Eragon's chin. He looked down at the boy and stared at his head, his raven locks seemed as smooth as silk and he wished he could run his finger through the wild mess of hair to confirm that they indeed felt like silk.

Eragon turned his head away and gasped at his own unsettling thoughts. He couldn't help himself from thinking of the boy as such, and it frightened him. What would he do if his emotions got the better of him and he did something stupid, like he did with Arya? What if he confessed and proclaimed himself to be in lov…

No, he had to fight himself and put a stop to such emotions. It wasn't right and definitely not natural.

Saphira, can you land, I need…I need some space. Eragon told her and Saphira understood what he meant without having to ask. She knew Eragon was struggling, and she hoped things would work out soon, or else their journey would become a hardship on all of them.

I will run for a while. Eragon said as she descended from high up in the clouds with a swift dive.

What will you tell him? He is bound to feel that it is his fault you want to get away for a while.

I don't know, Eragon said and jumped off the saddle when Saphira was still a few meters off the ground

"I'm gona go on foot for while. You stay with Saphira." Eragon said to Harry, keeping his eyes averted from the boy.

"Is something wrong? I noticed you like this last night?" Harry asked, feeling like this was somehow his fault. Had he done something wrong?

"No. No, I'm fine. I just need to—think." Eragon flashed him a quick, forced smile and took off running.

Saphira jumped back into the air and took off after Eragon, keeping an eye on his rider in case of danger.

It's my fault isn't it, Saphira? Harry asked the dragon, allowing his mind to open up for her.

It is not. Eragon needs to clear his mind and felt he needed to be alone. Saphira said as she dived around a flock of birds. Do not blame yourself for a burden he holds in his heart, young one.

Harry nodded and knew Saphira couldn't see him, but he did it for himself, trying to reassure himself. Was it really nothing to do with him? After their little mock swordfight the night before, Eragon became like this. What if…?

Harry quickly closed his mind to Saphira in case she could hear what he was thinking.

What if Eragon became like this because of their strange closeness from the fight? Although they were only practicing, it felt different. He remembered back when he was trained in Hogwarts, to prepare him to defeat Voldemort. Although the two situations were different, they were both training sessions. One on one fights, but the way they had moved together, almost in an intimate way…

Oh Merlin, what if he realized I have a thing for him?

Harry had admitted to himself that he had a crush on the rider, a crush that seemed to be growing everyday they spent together. He was getting to know Eragon to be a kind hearted and caring person. Every time the rider did small acts of kindness such as keeping him warm during their flights, teaching him how to protect himself, even locking him in that tavern room to keep him safe—even though it upset him at the time—his feelings for him grew even more. And now, he couldn't help but blush whenever he was around. At first he thought it was just extreme gratitude he felt for the rider—because who wouldn't feel gratitude when Eragon, practically a stranger risked everything to help him—but then he started feeling those nervous flutters in his stomach when he was around, even longing for his touch. He knew it was the same he once felt for Ginny long ago.

The next couple of days followed in a similar fashion. Usually Eragon spent the day running on the ground, even if it slowed them down a bit, and their evening meals became as cold as the winter nights that were quickly approaching. It was getting far too cold for Harry to sleep comfortably but he didn't want to ask Eragon to cast a warming charm on him so as not to be a bother. Eragon would extinguish the fire and then hide under Saphira's wing until morning, where they would eat a quick breakfast and then he would take off running again. He felt that the reason Eragon was suddenly so cold and distant was because of him. The rider was most likely angry with him because of his feelings. They hadn't practiced fighting since that one time and Harry didn't want to bother the rider in case he became even more distant.

Eragon decided that by spending some time apart from the boy, perhaps his feelings would disappear. He didn't like being so cold to Harry, but perhaps it would help him get over these…absurd emotions that unfortunately only kept growing. He didn't think he could give Harry the cold shoulder for much longer because the sad look on Harry's face every time he tried ignoring him, was slowly eating away at his conscious and…his heart.

There's a group of Kull up ahead of you, Eragon. Saphira warned him as, once again, Eragon chose to run rather than ride along with Harry.

Do you think they're under Nasuadas command?

I don't think so. They look more like a wandering tribe. It'd be best if you joined us at least until we put some distance between us. Saphira said and dived once Eragon agreed.

Saphira circled back a bit so she wouldn't be spotted as she dived and so they had to wait for Eragon to reach them.

"I'll be right back, gotta use the loo." Harry said and jumped down off Saphira and walked further into the trees until he could no longer see the dragon.

He sighed as he finished relieving himself and turned to head back when he tripped over something and caught a mouth full of dirt.

"Bloody hell!" he groaned and rubbed his chin, which took most of the weight of his fall. He looked to see what he tripped over and saw a brown leather pack.

"What…?" He looked around quickly trying to see if there was anyone around and then froze when he saw a giant brute of a monster, looking almost like a giant troll. Except this fearsome creature was much more intimidating, especially with its twisted horns and yellow eyes. He figured this thing was one of those Kull Saphira mentioned.

The Kull was rushing at him and Harry only had enough time to get on his feet before he was tackled back to the ground. He tried yelling for Eragon but the creature stuffed some cloth into his mouth and then pulled some rope from the leather pack—which Harry now knew belonged to the monster—and began tying his arms and legs. Harry tried fighting the Kull but his strength was no match for the other.

"Ahgrat ukmar." The Kull gurgled out once he was finished tying the ropes. The deep guttural sound sent shivers of fear down Harry's spine.

He was flung over its shoulder and then it took off running at a fearsome speed. It scared Harry that by the time Eragon and Saphira realized he was gone, the Kull would and he along with it, would be long gone.

It came as a very big shock to hear that Eragon was wanted as a criminal. The posters of his sketch described him as a traitor who was helping another man to bring Galbatorix back.

Murtagh frowned and rubbed his rough, calloused hands over the stubble that began growing on his chin. He was confused as to what was happening. He saw Galbatorix die, so how could Eragon and this stranger bring him back? And he knew Eragon would rather die before helping Galbatorix, if he was, in fact, alive.

He couldn't believe that Nasuada would also depict Eragon as a traitor unless he had really done something terrible. Who was right and wrong then?

I am assuming that our journey will be a lot shorter than we had previously planned it to be? Thorn inquired while he hunted his meal far from the village Murtagh was currently in.

Murtagh thought for a moment that the empire's business was no longer his problem, but he couldn't just let Eragon fight this fight alone, for Murtagh knew, most assuredly, that Eragon was being falsely accused. Even if that meant that Nasuada was the cause of this. It hurt him to think that Nasuada would go after Eragon after everything that he's done, not only for her, but for all of Alagaesia.

We'll just postpone the journey for a later time. Murtagh said as he gathered the supplies he bought, took down and pocketed the wanted sketches of Eragon and of the man that was his accomplice and left the village. He would have fled the empire, right?

I believe so. Or perhaps he sought refuge with the elves. Thorn said.

But what if they are his enemies now, too?

Can you be certain that he is innocent? What if he really did become a traitor?

No, Murtagh said with confidence, Eragon is innocent.

If that is so, and assuming that everyone became his enemy, would he not come searching for you? To seek your help?

Hmm, perhaps.

When Thorn met him far from the village, Murtagh climbed into the saddle and they headed back the way they had come from.

* "Ahgrat ukmar." — Urgal language for, ''it is done.''

AN: Hello everyone! Murtagh is finally going to make his entrance. Sorry for the little cliffhanger there with Harry. You'll find out what the Kull meant when he said "it is done" in the next chapter. Thanks again for reading my story, please R&R

:3