The Age of the Dragon 4: On Silver Wings

Chapter 24

Fallyn watched the brothers stalk around each other. Even with her sharp hearing, she could not make out the words that passed between the brothers, but it also didn't help the anxiety gnawing at her.

Glancing at her manacles, her eyes fell on her silver tattoos. "They should work, but will I be able to reach them before he stops me?"

She growled to herself in frustration, pulling at the bindings.

"So, you finally found a proper sword for yourself. The elves made it for you, didn't they?" Murtagh's voice carried over the silence, and she fixed her eyes on them again.

"You know they d-" Eragon started.

Murtagh lunged, and the duel was commenced. After the initial exchange, they resumed circling, before they locked again. Eragon got the first true strike in, hitting Murtagh's wrist and causing him to pull away from pain.

But ultimately, it was Murtagh who one the match, as Galbatorix stopped the match with Zar'roc inches from Eragon's neck.

Then the match was to recommence, and the brothers faced each other. Eragon struck first this time, and the combat went on in this manner for a long time. Fallyn watched carefully.

She wondered if there may be a way to escape by using the two brothers as a distraction...

The battle had begun to draw blood, and Fallyn felt the anxiety return.

She feared that if Eragon won, it would be the end of Murtagh and freedom would be out of her reach - for she needed them both to escape.

But if Murtagh won, then all would be lost for them all.

But she wasn't prepared for when the battle ended.

Eragon left himself open, allowing Murtagh to jab him in the side, which startled the elder brother. But it was seeing Eragon's blue blade drive into Murtagh's belly that had her fighting to stifle a scream that stuck in her throat. She fought the very instincts of her body, even as a lone tear escaped. Breathing heavily through her nose, she fought for control of her emotions.

"My long captivity has eaten away at my control," she thought tiredly.

Thorn's roar drowned out her strangled, muffled cry.

Zar'roc clattered to the ground from Murtagh's slack grip, as he wrapped his arms around his waist and doubled over, his head pressed against the polished stone. A word from Galbatorix had light fill the hall again, and she winced as the light stung her eyes.

"And to Eragon goes the victory," the king said in a sonorous tone.

She saw Eragon kneel beside Murtagh, who shuddered from the pain of his injury.

The two seemed to be in deep conversation, and she heard a sound from Thorn like a half whimper and half growl. Galbatorix ordered them to him, and Fallyn saw Murtagh mouth something to Eragon.

Ready yourself.

A thrill of anticipation lanced through her, as she realised that the two had something in mind. The thought that they were working together, almost had her think that she was trapped in yet another illusion. With a furious growl, she narrowed her eyes. She felt Murtagh's mind brush against hers, and she relaxed.

Not an illusion. Hope.

Then Murtagh pushed Eragon aside and rose up on his knees, still clutching his belly, where she could see blood seeping through his finger. He looked at the mad king. And he shouted the Word.