AN: This is probably the longest chapter I've written so far! I hope you all like it. I worked really hard on it. Reviews would be nice :)
Alianna and Murtagh arrived back at the castle and were relieved to discover that Galbatorix had not found out where they had gone. When they reached their chambers, they thanked Argus for covering for them.
"There's no need to thank me." Argus said.
Alianna smiled, "You're so good to us Argus. I hope you didn't get into any trouble for this."
"Not at all." Argus told her. He realized it was getting late, so he said good night to Alianna and Murtagh, "I'll see the two of you in the morning."
"Good night," Alianna and Murtagh both said.
Once Argus left, Alianna and Murtagh got ready for bed. They were so tired that they fell asleep not long after their heads touched the pillows.
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The next morning just after dawn, Murtagh was getting ready to leave for his training. He told Alianna that he would try and make it back early. Alianna sighed and slowly got out of bed.
"I don't like this anymore then you do." Murtagh said as he kissed his wife, "But I have to go."
Alianna just nodded as she watched Murtagh leave the room. She then got up and got dressed. A few minutes later, Argus walked in.
"Is everything alright?" Argus asked, sensing something was bothering her.
Alianna sighed, "I'm just worried about Murtagh."
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Your father trained you when he thought you might become a Rider and you came out of it alright."
Alianna shook her head, "It's different this time. Everyday when Murtagh returns, he's in so much pain, although he refuses to admit it. And he never goes into details about his training. I don't know how much more of this Murtagh can take. This is all my fault."
"How is it your fault?" Argus asked, puzzled.
It then occurred to Alianna that although Argus knew Murtagh was serving her father, he did not know the reason behind it.
"He's doing this to protect me. My father told Murtagh that he would hurt me and never let him see me again if he didn't do as he ordered."
"I knew there had to be a reason behind it." Argus said, "I'm so sorry."
Alianna replied, "I've tried to talk him out of it, but he won't change his mind. He's so stubborn."
Argus couldn't help but smile, "You mean he's like you?"
"I'm not stubborn!" Alianna insisted.
Argus gave Alianna a strange look and she finally admitted that perhaps she was a little stubborn.
"I have something for you." Argus said, hoping to change the subject, "I was in the library yesterday when I came across this." He handed Alianna a book.
Alianna skimmed through the book and smiled, "I've been looking for this one for awhile. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Argus replied.
Alianna put the book on her nightstand, intending to read it that night when she had a chance.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Argus asked her.
Alianna thought for a moment and then said, "I'd like to go down to the training field. It's been awhile since I've sparred."
Argus didn't think it was a good idea. He was afraid that Alianna might hurt her bad leg. When he told Alianna this, she insisted that she would be fine.
"It doesn't hurt so much anymore." Alianna told him, "Please…"
"But Murtagh won't be back until tonight." Argus said.
"I'll spar with you then."
"Spar with me?" Argus asked, surprised, "Alianna, it's not proper for me to…"
Alianna interrupted. "What's the matter Argus? Are you afraid I'll beat you?"
"Of course not."
"Then lets go," Alianna insisted as she stood up.
Argus had every intention of saying no, but somehow he couldn't. "As you wish." he said as he followed Alianna out of the room.
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As Alianna and Argus made their way to the training field, Alianna noticed that several women of the royal court were staring at Argus and smiling.
"I could introduce you." Alianna offered.
"Introduce me?" Argus asked.
"To those women over there." Alianna said.
Argus looked at the women and then back at Alianna, "I don't think so."
"Why not? They're very nice. They're not like Lavina was."
"I'm not interested." Argus told her.
"But why?" Alianna wondered. She had always thought it was a bit odd that Argus hadn't married yet. After all, Argus was 33. Most men in Uru'baen that age had been married for years and had a couple of kids.
"I don't want to discuss this! I said no." Argus said harshly.
Alianna was taken back. In all the years she had known him, Argus had never spoken to her like that.
Argus quickly apologized, "Forgive me, Alianna. I shouldn't have…"
Alianna interrupted, "It's alright." She decided not to bring up the subject again though.
When they arrived at the training field a few minutes later, Argus still didn't think sparring was a good idea.
"Would you relax?" Alianna said to him, "Nothing bad is going to happen."
"I hope not." Argus sighed as he drew his sword.
Alianna drew her sword and said, "Geuloth du knifr." She took Argus' sword and repeated the phrase. She did this to dull their swords so they wouldn't kill each other when they sparred.
Argus positioned himself, "Ready?"
"Ready," Alianna told him.
Argus turned out to be very good with a sword. This didn't surprise Alianna at all. She knew that at one point, Argus had been one of the most skilled soldiers in Galbatorix's army (that's why he had been given thejob as her head guard).
As their sparring intensified, Alianna found it difficult to keep up with Argus. This she figured was due to the fact that she hadn't practiced in awhile. Alianna's leg also began to bother her a bit (although the pain was not unbearable), but she didn't dare mention this to Argus.
"You're good," Alianna said to Argus as they were taking a break.
"So are you," Argus replied.
"I'm not as good as I use to be." Alianna sighed.
"You just haven't trained in awhile, that's all. I'm sure you'll be back to your old self soon."
"I hope you're right." Alianna said as she began to stand back up, "Lets get started a…" Suddenly, Alianna felt very lightheaded and nearly fell to the ground.
Argus rushed over to her side, "What's wrong?"
"I just don't feel good." Alianna told him. She couldn't understand it. Just a moment ago she had felt fine.
Argus shook his head, "I knew sparring was a bad idea. I never should've let you talk me into this."
Alianna told him that this didn't happen because of them sparring, although to be honest, she didn't know why she was feeling this way. Argus wanted to take her to a healer, but she refused.
"I'll be fine." she assured him, even though she seemed to be growing paler by the minute.
Argus rolled his eyes, "No you're not. You're sick. Stop being so stubborn and let me take you to a healer."
"I'm not a child, Argus." Alianna said, "You can't make me go if I don't want to."
"You're right, I can't." Argus admitted, "I'm just concerned. If you won't let me take you to a healer, at least let me take you back to your chambers to rest."
Alianna agreed to this, mainly because she knew Argus wasn't going to give up. They sent for Alianna's horse (she didn't feel well enough to walk back) and then the two of them slowly made their way back to the castle. As soon as they got there and up to Alianna's chambers, Alianna immediately layed down in bed. Argus had some soup brought up, but Alianna was only able to eat a few spoonfuls before she felt sick.
Argus really began to worry at this point, "Maybe you should get some sleep." He sat down in the chair next to her bed.
Alianna didn't argue with him this time. She pulled the covers over her body and was asleep within a few minutes.
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Alianna woke up a few hours later. She was feeling a lot better then she did before, although she was still a little lightheaded. She sat up and noticed that Argus was still sitting in the chair next to her bed.
"Have you been sitting there the whole time?" Alianna asked.
"Yes," Argus admitted.
Alianna smiled and was about to say something, but Murtagh walked into the room. Right away Alianna knew something was wrong with him, but she couldn't figure out what it was.
Murtagh looked at his wife, concerned, "Are you alright?"
Alianna told Murtagh how she and Argus had been out sparring when she suddenly felt lightheaded. She tried to tell Murtagh that she was feeling much better now, but he wouldn't listen. He wanted Alianna to go and see a healer.
"Good luck," Argus said, "I tried telling her to go, but she wouldn't listen."
Alianna looked at both of them, "I'm fine, really."
Once Argus left, Murtagh sat down next to Alianna and kissed her, "There's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" Alianna asked, curious.
"Tomorrow, Galbatorix is taking me down to the dragon eggs. He says I'm ready."
Alianna couldn't believe it. She knew this day would come eventually, but it still came as a surprise. A part of Alianna wanted Murtagh to become a Rider, he'd certainly make a good one. But the other part of her didn't want either egg to hatch for him. She knew what would happen- lots more training, he'd be in the front lines when they eventually battled the Varden again and worst of all, he'd be forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix (once that happened it would be very difficult to get out of). Alianna could tell by the look on his face that Murtagh was scared, although he would never admit it.
"Everything will be alright." Alianna said, "No matter what happens." She tried to give Murtagh a hug, but she saw that he was wincing in pain and favoring his back. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Murtagh said as he stood up and tried to act like he wasn't in pain.
Alianna wasn't convinced at all, "I don't believe you. Let me see."
Murtagh was very hesitant, but he eventually gave in. Alianna walked over to him and slowly lifted up his shirt. She gasped at what she saw- Murtagh's back was covered in large, purple bruises. When Alianna gently ran her fingers over Murtagh's scare, he cried out.
"Sorry," Alianna said.
Murtagh turned and looked at Alianna, "It's really not that bad."
Alianna couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Not that bad? Murtagh, you're hurt! You can't keep doing this to yourself."
"We've been over this a thousand times," Murtagh said, "I'll do what ever it takes to protect you. Even if that means having Galbatorix…"
Alianna interrupted him, "My father did this to you?"
Murtagh nodded yes.
Alianna stood up, "Excuse me…" She started to walk towards the door.
Murtagh knew exactly what Alianna was planning. He quickly walked over to her, "Alianna, don't! You've been sick all day."
"I don't care!" Alianna replied, "This has to stop."
Murtagh grabbed her arm, "Alianna…"
Alianna yanked her arm back, "Don't try and stop me." She walked out of her room and into the hall.
Murtagh didn't go after her. There wasn't much he could do. He knew that once Alianna made up her mind about something, there was little he could do to change it.
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Alianna went out into the hall. She managed to sneak past Argus and walk down the long corridor to Galbatorix's chambers. When she got there, there were two guards outside of the door.
"My lady, what are you doing here?" one of the guards asked.
"I need to see my father." Alianna said.
"The king is not in the best mood."
"He never is. But I still need to talk to him. Step aside, please."
Both of the guards looked at each other, and then back at Alianna.
Alianna was becoming annoyed, "I said step aside!"
"As you wish my lady." the two guards said as they walked away.
Alianna stormed into the room. She could see Galbatorix sitting at a table looking over some maps.
"Father!"
Galbatorix looked up, "Alianna, what are you doing here? How'd you get past my guards? Did you threaten them again?"
Alianna stepped forward, "No, I didn't threaten them. Father, I need to talk to you."
"I don't have time for this." Galbatorix told her.
"Then make time" Alianna replied, not caring how she spoke to her father. The anger inside her was growing, "This has to stop!"
"What has to stop?" Galbatorix asked.
"You know very well what I'm talking about!" Alianna shouted, "Murtagh has bruises all over his back because of your training. You're going to kill him at this rate."
Galbatorix stood up, "Murtagh chose this."
Tears filled Alianna's eyes and she said angrily, "He didn't choose this! You threatened him. You said you'd hurt me if he didn't do as your ordered."
Galbatorix looked surprised as she said this.
Alianna continued, "Yes Father, I knew all about it. I also know that you're teaching Murtagh dark magic and training him in the hopes that he'll be a Rider. You're trying to turn him evil and have him be just like Morzan. Well it won't work. I won't allow it."
Galbatorix walked right up to Alianna and smacked her across the face, "Don't you dare speak to me that way again or you will regret it."
Alianna winced from the pain and then said, "What are you going to do Father? You can't kill me. You can't kill Murtagh either since he may very well become a Rider."
An evil smirk came across Galbatorix's face, "Then I'll have Argus killed."
Alianna's eyes widened and she could feel her heart tightening in her chest. Argus meant so much to her. The thought of losing him brought her to tears.
"So if you dare try and interfere with what I do again," Galbatorix said, "I will not hesitate to kill Argus. Have I made myself clear?"
Alianna nodded, "Yes, Father."
Galbatorix sat back down, "Good. Now get out of here and don't you ever come into my chambers again unless I call for you."
Alianna didn't say another word and just walked back out into the hall. She looked in a mirror and saw a large bruise forming under her eye. As quick as she could, Alianna made it back to her chambers and was relieved to see Argus waiting by the door.
She threw her arms around Argus and started to cry, "Argus! You're alright!"
Argus was confused, "Of course I am." He saw that Alianna was hurt and brought his hand up to her face, but quickly put it down, "Alianna, you never should've run off like that. Murtagh and I were worried sick."
"I'm sorry," Alianna said, "I just needed to talk to my Father. I thought I was doing the right thing. But I was wrong. Argus, I have to talk to you."
"Not now," Argus replied, "You should talk to Murtagh. He'll want to know you're back."
"But Argus, it's important!"
"We'll talk in the morning." Argus said as he walked away.
Alianna slowly walked into her chambers. Murtagh was sitting on their bed, but stood up as soon as he saw Alianna.
"What happened? Are you alright?" Murtagh asked, seeing the bruise on Alianna's face.
"I'm fine," Alianna told him.
Murtagh didn't believe her, "You're lying. Please, tell me what happened."
Alianna started to cry again, "I made a horrible mistake. I never should've talked to my father. Maybe I am stupid…"
Murtagh wiped the tears from Alianna's face, "Alianna, listen to me. You are not stupid. You're the smartest person I know. Everything is going to be okay."
Alianna shook her head, "You don't understand! My father said he would kill Argus if I tried to interfere with his plans again."
"Does Argus know about this?" Murtagh asked.
"No," Alianna said, "I tried to tell him. I think he's upset with me. Are you upset with me too?"
"No, I'm not." Murtagh admitted, "I was worried. Please don't do that again. I'd die if something were to happen to you."
"I know. Believe me, I won't." Alianna assured him.
The two of them at dinner alone that night and then decided to go to sleep early. As Alianna layed there in bed, she thought about what would happen tomorrow when Murtagh was brought to the dragon eggs. No matter what happened, she would support him. Even though Alianna knew that if Murtagh became a Rider, they would spend even less time together then they did now. Alianna sighed, then rolled over and tried to get some sleep.
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The next morning, Alianna woke up and saw that Murtagh had already left. She got up and got dressed, then went out into the hall where Argus was.
"Murtagh didn't want to wake you." Argus said to her as they walked back into Alianna's chambers, "He was going down to the dragon eggs."
"Has one of the eggs hatched for him?" Alianna asked.
"Not that I'm aware of." Argus replied. He looked at her face, "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Alianna told him, "Argus, I'm sorry about last night."
Argus smiled slightly, "There's no need to apologize."
"You don't understand Argus," Alianna said, "Because of me, your life is in danger!"
Argus looked at her strangely, "What are you talking about? What happened?"
Alianna and Argus both sat down and then she said, "Last night when I tried to talk to my father, he told me that if I tried to interfere again that he'd…" Alianna hesitated saying the next part.
"He'd what?" Argus asked her.
"That he'd kill you! I'm sorry Argus. You must be so angry."
Argus hugged her, "I'm not angry."
Alianna was surprised, "You're not? But…"
"I don't care what happens to me. Alianna, all that matters to me is that you're safe."
"You're so good to me Argus." Alianna said, "I promise I won't run off like that again."
"I know you won't." Argus said. He decided to change the subject, "Why don't you have some breakfast and then we can go for a walk."
"Can we just go for a walk now?" Alianna asked, "I'm really not hungry." Her stomach didn't feel so good, but she didn't tell Argus this.
Argus insisted that Alianna eat something. So to make him happy, Alianna ate a few bites of some fruit. They then took a walk all around the castle. Alianna tried to find out what was going on with Murtagh, but no one she talked to seem to know anything. They walked down the hall to the room where the dragon eggs were, but Alianna didn't dare try to enter it. Instead, she and Argus stood in the hall and waited. Alianna figured that Murtagh must still be in there.
"It's not interfering if we wait here." Alianna said to herself.
It seemed like hours passed before the door to the room finally opened. Alianna saw Galbatorix walk out of the room. Luckily, she and Argus were far enough away so that Galbatorix didn't see them. Once Alianna was sure he was gone, she slowly opened the door and entered the room.
The room was dimly lit, but Alianna could see Murtagh standing in the middle. When she called out his name, Murtagh looked up at her with the strangest expression on his face. Alianna couldn't tell what had happened based on this look, so she walked closer to him and that's when she saw a silver oval shaped mark on Murtagh's right hand. Before Alianna had a chance to say anything to her husband, she heard a loud squeaking. She looked over and gasped- there in the far left corner of the room was a red dragon hatchling!