Eragon sighed and turned away from the flap. What was he supposed to do? He didn’t know what to say. He looked at Murtagh, who was just standing there watching him.

Unsure of how to begin, Eragon said, “You came back.”

“I came back.”

“Why?”

“Because I didn’t want to go back to Urû’baen with you mad at me and tonight’s the only night I’m allowed into the camp. If I didn’t come back now, I may never have gotten the chance to apologize for what I did. I was so stupid.”

“One time, after I did something incredibly stupid, Brom told me, ‘There’s a reason why we’re born with brains in our heads, not rocks.’ He was right.”

Murtagh, who hadn’t known Brom when he was alive and well, laughed. “Did he really say that?”

Eragon laughed too. “Aye. He said many things like that. He was very wise.”

“I wish I could’ve known him as you did.”

“Me too.”

They sat in silence for a while after that, neither of them knew what to say. Eragon was about to open his mouth to try to break the silence when Saphira stopped him

Then tell me what to say because I don’t know.

Apologize? Why? For what?

For making him angry. For doubting him, the one you love.

“Yes?” He looked at Eragon, wondering what was going to come next.

“I’m sorry. I love you. I never should’ve doubted you.”

“Thank you. I love you too. Are we okay now?”

“Yes, I think so.”

Murtagh walked up to Eragon and held out his hand. Eragon grabbed it and allowed himself to be pulled into a tight hug. He was just about to pull away when Murtagh whispered something in his ear.

“May I kiss you?”

“Of course,” was the reply.

Murtagh pulled away just enough to look Eragon in the eye. Then he leaned in, touching his lips to Eragon’s.

Eragon was not prepared for what happened next. Murtagh placed his hand on the back of Eragon’s neck, deepening the kiss.

At first, Eragon was surprised, but then discovered he rather liked this kind of kissing.

When they broke apart, both men were out of breath. They looked into each other’s eyes and Eragon smiled. The came together again and again, separating only when they needed to breathe. Love and passion flowed through their joined mouths.

They had pulled away and were about to come together again when Saphira interrupted.

“Murtagh, you have to go. It’s morning.”

“What? Already?” He crossed over to the flap and pulled it open. Early morning light flooded the tent. “Why?”

Eragon moved to stand beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“Me too.” He turned to face Eragon and smiled. “But at least we got to talk.”

“Aye. I don’t know when the next time we’ll meet will be, but I hope that it’s soon.”

“Don’t worry it will be.” They came together for one last kiss before Murtagh turned and left, walking into the sunrise.

Eragon sighed as he watched Murtagh leave the camp. The time they spent together lasted for ever, yet only for an instant. He turned away from the opening, letting the flap close. He went over and sat on the bed, clasping his hands in his lap so they would not shake. He sighed again. He wished they could spend more time together.

Little one, do not worry. When all this is over, you will see him as much as you want.

I know, But I don’t want to wait. He smiled. You know how much I hate to wait.

No one does. Humans are naturally impatient.

And dragons are naturally stubborn.

Of course. We have to be to deal with our riders.

They both laughed at this, knowing it was true. When they stopped, Eragon thought for a minute, then asked, Do you think Roran’s awake?

I don’t know. Would you like to go find out?

Aye. I want to tell him what happened.

Then let’s go.

Eragon walked out of the tent. When he was just out of the opening, Saphira greeted him by touching her nose to his shoulder. He patted her on the brow with his marked palm, then dragon and rider walked into the camp.