Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Nine: Luminescent

"This is so embarrassing." I groaned quietly before I felt Murtagh laughing at me, I elbowed him in the stomach as payback. I sat in silence as we slowly made our way down a massive tunnel.

"I know you're still tired, you can try and get some sleep while the Varden is showing Eragon and Saphira off," Murtagh said in my ear.

"Okay but if you let me fall...."

"Which I won't, I promise." I sighed and closed my eyes as I let my body relax into Murtagh's chest. If I fall, I will set Alethea on him.

***********************

Murtagh gently shaking my shoulder brought me out of my dreamless sleep, I opened my eyes and blinked at the bright light. I shielded my eyes from the light until it became bearable. I dropped my hand and saw Eragon on Saphira.

"We have to go on foot from here. Do you think you can walk?"

"I can try, my eyesight is better but please don't let me do a face plant in front of bald rat-man," I said as Murtagh slid off of Tornac and helped me down. "I would be forever humiliated."

"I promise not to let you face plant in front of 'bald rat man,'" Murtagh said before we started walking. We proceeded into a smaller corridor and made some turns before we came across a massive cedar door. Bald rat-man opened the doors and conducted everyone but the guards inside. Murtagh, Eragon, and I slowly stepped into the ornate room.

"Welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon, and Saphira. I am Ajihad, please, seat yourselves." Using Murtagh as my crutch, I hobbled over to an empty cushioned bench and sat down with a big sigh. Eragon sat in the chair next to me as Murtagh settled into the empty spot next to me.

"Are you still having problems with your vision?" Murtagh whispered in my ear, I dropped my head on his shoulder and let out a small groan.

"Somewhat, I feel lightheaded now, it's giving me a headache," I whispered back.

"Close your eyes and see if that helps; you can always just listen to the conversation." I let out a quiet humph in agreement and closed my eyes from the bright light of the room.

"Are you still having problems?" I smiled a little at Alethea's words.

"Yes, not as bad, though, I just need more time."

"I do not like the bald rat-man."

"Neither do I Alethea, neither do I." I felt Murtagh's shoulders stiffen as another person entered the study.

"Your confusion is understandable. They are twin brothers. I would tell you their names, but they have none."

"Oh great, there's two of them," I muttered, crossing my arms. Saphira let out a hiss from behind me, followed by several minutes of silence. "You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dur because the twins have assured me that they can control you. And because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. I understand that there may be some things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."

"You wouldn't trust me anyway." Murtagh retorted.

"Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear......I know that voice. It came from another man, more beast than human. Get up." I lifted my head off Murtagh's shoulder and leaned against the side of the cushioned bench. "Remove your shirt.....now turnaround.....Murtagh, did you know of this?"