We’ll just have to tell them the truth and hope they believe us, said Eragon.Īnd what will we do if the Kull attack Murtagh?įight them, of course! I won’t let him and Arya be captured or killed, said Eragon indignantly. They’ll want to know why we’ve brought an entire company of Kull to their very gates. We aren’t arriving under the best conditions to gain their trust. For all they know, you might be returning to inform the Urgals of their hiding place. The Varden wouldn’t let you, said Saphira. Saphira, he said at last, cupping his ears to warm them, what if we did take Arya to the Varden? Once she was safe, we could fly back to Murtagh and help him out of here. He wished that he could lie on a soft bed and forget all their troubles. He grabbed their reins and trotted away, shooting an angry glare at Eragon.Įragon closed his eyes as Saphira took flight. “I’ll have more to say to you later,” he said shortly, stomping to the horses. You-” He stopped as a horn echoed through the dark forest. Consider it a life for a life-atonement for Torkenbrand’s death.” “Don’t say that,” insisted Eragon, pushing himself upright in Saphira’s saddle. But I’m warning you, she won’t live if you stay with me.” “I won’t leave you behind,” insisted Eragon, gaining strength with each bite. You should fly her to the Varden before the poison does any more damage.” What do you expect? Her strength is failing. “Of course,” said Murtagh with forced optimism, then slapped his thigh. Eragon knew he was searching for a way out. Murtagh scanned the valley walls, worry in his eyes. It was old and hard, but Eragon chewed on it gratefully. “Could you get me some bread? I need to eat.” Murtagh quickly brought him part of a loaf. Despite our skill and Saphira, we can’t hold off Kull.”Įragon swayed. If that happens, I only hope that the Varden have men posted nearby who’ll help us. It’s possible that we may have to face them. “They’re strong, determined, and large in numbers. Kull never leave their caves except for war, so they must expect a great slaughter if they are out in such force.” They don’t ride because horses can’t carry their weight-not one of them is under eight feet tall-and they can run for days without sleep and still be ready for battle. I should have guessed that the chieftain had been put in charge of them. “That explains it! Saphira, if you’re right, then those are Kull, elite of the Urgals. Murtagh cursed, clenching the pommel of his sword. “Saphira said they’re larger than any we’ve seen,” remarked Eragon. They would have to be birds to catch up with us.” “I can’t believe that the same Urgals have been following us the whole time. “Only on the gallows.” Murtagh rubbed his eyes. His muscles trembled, making it hard for him to concentrate. “Humor, Murtagh?” asked Eragon, a quick smile coming to his face. Otherwise there may only be enough left of me to roast in a thimble.” “I know you can’t enter the forest, but could you circle above me and the horses? That should keep these beasts away. There are animals around here that could be dangerous even to you, Saphira.” He turned to her. “I just found some wolf tracks, but the footprints are as wide as both of my hands and an inch deep. Scowling, Murtagh jerked his thumb over his shoulder. I tried to confuse them, but I forgot one of the rules of magic, and it cost me a great deal.” I made a mistake,” said Eragon truthfully. When Eragon did not dismount, Murtagh hurried over and inquired, “What’s wrong?” He sounded angry, worried, and tired at the same time. Saphira settled in a small field with a jolt, and Eragon was puzzled to see the horses stopped and Murtagh kneeling, examining the ground. Eragon would have helped her, but he barely had the energy to sit up. Saphira dipped toward the ground, searching for Murtagh and the horses. Don’t forget what Brom said about that, too. Next thing I know you’ll be trying to bring corpses back to life. I’ve never used magic at a distance, so how could I know it would be so difficult?
It’s just been a while, and I haven’t had an opportunity to think back on it. I paid attention, he insisted, rubbing his chin. Weren’t you paying attention to anything Brom told you? You’ll kill yourself if you keep this up. You shouldn’t have forgotten in the first place, Saphira inserted pointedly. If you try to lift or move something a mile away, it’ll take more energy than if you were closer.” I won’t forget that again, he thought grimly. Only now did he remember Brom saying, “Magic is affected by distance, just like an arrow or a spear.
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