Wrath of Conviction

Krum Chick

Author's Note: Thank you for entering into my Eragon story about Murtagh and a character I have made up. Since I had no other idea how to use this idea, it is going to take place during Book 3. Also, this story is pretty long, and it WILL have a sequel! Just to let you know, mid-story, it will surprise you. And also I have a warning for you, this will possibly contain sexual themes later on. So if you don't like to read that kind of stuff, then I apologize.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance Trilogy nor any of its characters. The only characters that I own is Raine and a future character that I will not yet describe to you.

Chapter ONE

Companionship

The sun sank lower beneath the earth, and in its stead, it spread a blanket of fire across the sky. As the large star kept disappearing, the flames in the sky slowly began to quench. In Uru'baen, it wasn't a shock that the heavens were colored that way because of the blood that has been shed throughout Alagaesia. Even by being a servant Dragon Rider of King Galbatorix, Murtagh never liked that meaning. His dark brown eyes gazed outside of his window towards the beautiful sunset.

'Beauty is a gift...' he thought to himself as the look of the sunset gave him a sense of security and a wonderful calming feeling.

Murtagh drew in a deep sigh and slowly let it out as he leaned back in his desk chair, his head hanging backwards. He ran his hands down over his face and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He wasn't bound to go to bed yet, he still had things to work over through his mind. His eyes shifted from the desk to the fire that was crackling beside him in the stone engraved fireplace. He saw the flames beginning to die down, so he reached his hand towards the fire and muttered, "Brisingr."

The fire ignited once again with a roar and began to pop. Murtagh groaned and doubled over onto his desk, his entire body aching from the battle that occurred not even three days ago. The realization of being Eragon's eldest brother brought a bit of guilt to him, and even Thorn could sense it.

Young one, you mustn't be discouraged. King Galbatorix may not like that you are doubting your path. A voice echoed through Murtagh's head, and he slowly responded to his companion, I know, Thorn. It's just...did I make the right choice by swearing an oath to him in the Ancient Language? Oh my God, what have I done?

Murtagh let out a shaky breath and covered his head with his arms. He felt crying, but refused himself of that luxury. Murtagh looked up, his eyes and throat starting to burn from keeping back the tears. He bit his lip and got up, the chair screeching against the floor as he rose. He walked over towards the window and opened it, letting the cool night air whip at his brown locks. He looked down at Thorn, ripping into a large piece of meat. Murtagh just smiled, realizing that Thorn was the only thing he had left now to hold onto. He lost everything else; his mother, his brother, his friends...

I wish I could take away your sadness, Murtagh. Murtagh just smiled and nodded his head towards Thorn who had lifted his head up from the ground to look up at him. I know you do, my friend. I just feel like I'm slipping...falling so far beyond rescue. I'm so close to the edge...I can feel it.

Murtagh heard a low guttural hum coming from Thorn and he swallowed the rest of his meat before standing up and looking all of the way towards his Rider, Even if you do slip and fall, I'll always be there to break it. You may be my Rider, but you are also my companion...my friend.

Thorn's words brought tears to Murtagh's eyes, and soothed his aching heart. It amazed him how close a Rider and his dragon could get. Two tears made their way down Murtagh's face and he just let more come. He had waited a long time for those tears to come...to let them all out. He wanted to cry louder, but Thorn's thunderous voice interrupted his emotional outburst.

Murtagh! Dry your tears, someone is approaching your doorway!

Murtagh didn't waste any time with that warning. He ran his hands over his face and quickly got rid of the moisture on his face. He spun around just when there was a loud knock on his door. Murtagh cleared his throat and just shut the window behind him.

"Come in," he said in his normal tone as he walked over to his desk to act like he was doing something.

Just then, the door swung open slowly, and when Murtagh looked up, he thought his heart momentarily stopped...

Author's Note: Sorry for the short chapter, I just needed to set up Murtagh's dilemma in a way. I'll come out with the second chapter shortly! Thanks for reading and please review!