Murtagh felt a rush as Thorn leapt into the sky to take off, it amazed him how flying still managed to excite him even though he had ridden upon thorn a countless number of times. No matter how much excitement he felt they still couldn't effect his emotions and they were still in turmoil inside him. So much had happened over the past few days and he was still shocked that his life was completely different now. The hold Galbatorix used to have on him was over and now he was free and could do whatever he wanted to. For the first time in his life he would be free from anything and anyone, apart from Thorn but Thorn was part of him and he would never want to part from him.
Murtagh decided to let his mind ease and melded his mine into one with Thorns so he and Thorn seemed to be one being. Watching the land pass underneath through Thorns eyes captivated him. The travelled for many leagues when Murtagh finally returned back to his body and he realized that they must have been flying for hours noticing the dark sky for the first time. Why didn't you tell me that we had been flying for so long, you must be tired flying for this long especially after what we did today?
You think me that weak little one? Your mind felt so much at ease I did not want to move you from your peace. Warmth ebbed through their bond as Murtagh asked Thorn to land.
Despite Thorns earlier comment he fell into a deep slumber moments after his touched ground. Murtagh soon followed suit after he curled up underneath Thorns wings.
The sun rose over the horizon as Murtagh woke the next morning, he lay still watching the sun slowly rising over the horizon taking in all the different colours savouring each moment of it. Eventually the emptiness in his stomach forced him to remove himself from the warmth of Thorns body into the crisp morning air.
After digging a hole into the soil he summoned water into it and washed himself, then, after taking a drink he ended the spell and let the water return to the earth. Digging through his pack he found some bread and sat down to eat.
For the first time since the battle with Galbatorix he started wondering about what he should do now that he had his freedom. At first he thought about going to the Varden as they would most likely need help to rebuild after all the damage that old king had to the land and the people who lived on it, but he knew that it wasn't an option. I was on Galbatorix's side and it was my hand that brought about the end of King Hrothgar as well as Oromis. The Elves and dwarves are unlikely to forgive me so soon.
But all that meant naught if he could be with Nasuada. Thinking of the times he had spent with her during her captivity. The closeness he had felt to her was unmatched other than by his bond with Thorn. The affect that she'd had on him was unexpected; he had all but given up on his freedom until Nasuada had been captured. He never believed that someone would be able to have such an impact on him. She had been chained in a dungeon, been tortured for days and she had still been strong enough to have hope. His ability to break free from Galbatorix's command was all down to her strength. She probably thought that the only reason that she was able to survive through all the torture, physical and mental, was due to him but she had saved him from a place within him much darker then the Hall of Soothsayers.
He wanted to be by her side to give her strength as she returned to her old health and as she helped rebuild Alagaësia, however he being there could affect her standing among the leaders and in the eyes of the people of the Varden. The actions of my past seem to be intent on ruining my future, am I really free at all or will I still have to live within walls, even if the walls are no longer physical?
Maybe with time people will be able to forgive my actions, if not that then forget them and let the past be, but now the Varden is not where I belong.
His dragon started stir and he allowed his thoughts drift away wanting to allow Thorn to enjoy their freedom without impeding on his mood. Before long they were in the sky and Murtagh allowed his mind to clear of all negative thoughts as Thorn cut through the air and let out a mighty roar.