Lady of - daughter of Ajihad - Varden leader and -

Nasuada.

The chances of you ever actually getting this letter are slim at best – that's probably the only reason I'm writing it.

If you are reading this though then I'm dead and Thorn's still managed to get the package and its contents to the Varden. I hope you enjoy the celebrations held in honour of my demise; the rejoicing should be heard throughout the land.

This being a dead man's confession I may as well clear my sins now. Firstly I'm sorry about Ajihad – about your father. I fought to save him and fought hard but that just wasn't good enough – and perhaps it would have been better if I'd died then instead of him; everyone would have been a lot happier that way. He was a great man and a great leader, I'd say it wasn't fair he had to die but since when is there any justice in this world?

I am also sorry if my 'betrayal' (as it is viewed) hurt you in any way. I don't know what your feelings were in Farthern Dur; if you started to visit me in prison due to curiosity to examine the worthless whelp of Morzan or to keep a close watch on an enemy or out of mere pity for a captive. However in that time you managed to earn my respect – and even more significantly and miraculously – my trust. If even a fraction of that trust was returned then I regret its destruction which would surely have followed. Believe me Nasuada if you believe nothing else in this ridiculous letter when I say I would have withstood integration and torture to protect the Varden. I have never believed in a cause in my life, never put any hold in ideals, yet you convinced me in a few short days what others failed to do in years – to trust in hope. I may not have agreed with exactly what you foolhardy freedom fighters stood and stand for but I would have endured much to hold on to that hope. However it was not a question of endurance but knowledge and ability. For while physical breaking failed Galbatorix succeeded in forcing his way into my mind and discovering my true name, my true identity in the Ancient Language and there is no defence for that. I was his slave and unwillingly held against my will no matter what any bastard says. Guard yourself wisely Nasuada – lest secrets be torn from your mind.

I admit that after Thorn hatched and torture turned to training (there is little difference be assured), I succumbed to Galbotorix's will, I was hypnotised by his lies and lust for power. For the first time in months I wished to live; my existence actually had meaning and through that I was truly trapped as never before. When Eragon revealed to me that true names could change, a seed of doubt (or was it that dormant hope?) was planted in my mind about Galbatorix's power and as that took root and grew, recently I have come to my senses and been able to act.

I do not beg forgiveness – I am sure few of your precious Varden could have withstood Galbatorix's torture chambers and I will not be subjected to anyone's judgement or blame. If I have no one's support or protection (save for Thorn) then I am beholden to no one's command or opinion. However I hope that at least through the deliverance of this egg I may sway the tide of war enough to give Galbatorix the end he deserves. If nothing else revenge fuels me onwards – the most effective weapon of all I have found.

In the end I only request one thing of you Nasuada – just one. I am no hero or saint but nor do I deserve the title of tyrant or to be labelled forevermore as Morzansson. I ask merely that you remember me as a man, flawed and imperfect but truly, wholly –

Murtagh