Dunei - A Murtagh Love Story - Eragon Fan Fiction

Chapter 19

   A growl echoed through the marble room. Lorena sat up with a start. She looked over to Saphira, she was still asleep but her upper lip trembled as she growled again. Lorena couldn't help but smile at the humorous sight. "Morning," Murtagh murmured.

Lorena turned and looked down, Murtagh lay on his back, their arms still around each other. "Morning," she replied before resting her head on his chest and cuddling in. She listened to the rise and fall of his breathing. "I love this."

"Mm?"

"Having a proper sleep. Not having to get up and run knowing that there's a horde of Kull chasing us, going to kill us." She smiled again, "It's wonderful."

They lay in silence, Murtagh playing with the ends of her long auburn hair. "You were still going to go to Surda with me, even after finding out who I am." Murtagh's voice was filled with emotion.

Lorena propped herself up and looked Murtagh in the eye. "I already knew who you are. You're heritage doesn't change that... you're not your father."

Murtagh smiled, the warmth and affection melting Lorena's heart. He cupped her face and they leaned closer to one another. She closed her eyes as he reached up to her, their lips almost brushed against each other when Saphira growled again. Lorena jumped, and flushed when she remembered they weren't alone.

Lorena spotted movement and looked up to see Eragon emerge from under Saphira's wing. "Morning," called Murtagh, as he let his hand slip from her face.

"How long have you been awake?" asked Eragon in a hushed voice.

"Awhile. I'm surprised Saphira didn't wake you sooner." Murtagh sat up, and they moved so their backs were against the wall.

"I was tired enough to sleep through a thunderstorm," said Eragon wryly. He came and sat next to Lorena and rested his head against the wall. "Do you know what time it is?"

"No. It's impossible to tell in here."

"Has anyone come to see us?"

"Not yet."

They sat together without moving or speaking. Lorena felt an odd emotion come over her, she felt strong with them here. Her bond with Murtagh, Eragon, and Saphira had grown through their travels and shared hardship, and she couldn't help but feel like an odd little family.

She reached out, with one hand she entwined her fingers with Murtagh and grasped Eragon's hand with the other. Both men looked at her, but she just smiled to herself. Leaning back, she rested her head against the wall behind her, sighing contently.

Saphira lifted her head and blinked to clear her eyes. She sniffed the air, then yawned expansively, her rough tongue curling at the tip. She stared at the three of them before she positioned herself by the door. Silence settled over them again.

Voices sounded outside the room. The door opened, and a dozen warriors marched inside. The first man gulped when he saw Saphira. They were followed by Orik and the bald man, who declared, "You have been summoned to Ajihad, leader of the Varden. If you must eat, do so while we march." Eragon, Murtagh and Lorena stood together, watching him warily.

"Where are our horses? And can I have my sword and bow back?" asked Eragon.

The bald man looked at him with disdain. "Your weapons will be returned to you when Ajihad sees fit, not before. As for your horses, they await you in the tunnel. Now come!"

As they turned to leave, Eragon asked quickly, "How is Arya?"

The bald man hesitated. "I do not know. The healers are still with her." He exited the room, accompanied by Orik.