Chapter I: Eternal Wanderer
Solitude was nothing new in Murtagh's life. Since he was a boy, living in fear of his abusive father, Morzan, one of the Empire's last Shur'tugal, solitude appealed to him, at first as a balm. Later, for years, as he fled the empire, hunting in the Spine, he was wary of any encounter, until Eragon. Even with their brotherly rivalry, and near fatal duels, his younger brother looked to him to compassion. But now, as the empire fell, and he and Eragon had overthrown Galbatorix, he and his only true friend and dragon Thorn fled North, solitude returned like a well known friend. It wasn't that he didn't invite it. He'd had his chance to join Eragon and the Vanir in victory. But he was afraid they might not really accept him. He was rash, too determined, cared for few, saved for Thorn, Eragon himself, and (though it pained him) Nasuada. He had betrayed the Empire in the end, but even that was more out of stubbornness than any allegiance to the Elves. It was better this way. He scratched Thorn's scaly forehead, gazing toward the foothills. Determination will always set us apart, my friend, Thorn said in his mind, those bold enough to face themselves, shall seize a better fortune. Murtagh looked at his dragon thoughtfully "But how can I search for something I don't even know exist. My entire identity is back there, and I won't die a vagabond." An amused growl came from Thorn's throat. Have faith. We shall soon find one whom we can acknowledge as a brother. Murtagh stroked the scaly beard of his dragon. "Time to hunt," he said. The Northern mountains were abundant with wild elk and deer. He grasped his bow and scabbard of arrows. Thorn, at his side sniffed the air, catching a scent of what would become the prey. A deer peered into view behind a bush. Knocking an arrow into place, Murtagh pulled back the bow, and let fly, immediately ending the deer's life. He was ready to approach to clean it, when Thorn let out a warning growl I sense something…wait. Thorn approached the prey when, out of nowhere, a trio of dogs all pounced on the dragon. They were all black, and each at least fifteen feet long, with long claws and ruby eyes. Pinning him with their combined weight, they started biting at Thorn's hide. Roaring in pain, the dragon snapped at them, but was soon overpowered by the dogs. Murtagh, for his part, was launching arrow after arrow to no avail. It simply seemed to annoy the dogs. He yelled and raised his palm, using and energy shaft, and crackling ruby energy launched from his palm. It hit one of the hounds, and it disintegrated into a powder on the spot. He brought out Zar'roc and charged the beasts. And a huge paw slammed into him, launching him into a boulder wall. His vision immediately faded as he saw his friend attacked, while a dark shaggy creature walked toward him.
I plan to introduce Nico Di Angelo next chapter...