Disclaimer: It's not mine. Everything and anything recognizable from the books belongs to Christopher Paolini, not me. The only things that I even claim to own are the OCs appearing in chapter one and on.
A/N: This has been rewritten since I first posted it, but if you want to read the original, then feel free to ask.
Still no news of the third dragon egg. Galbatorix paced up and down his throne room, his mind wandering from possibility to possibility. Just the fact that the egg had disappeared just before the capture of Arya the Elf-courier was rather disturbing. That Elf had caused him nothing but problems. And that Rider friend of hers! What a bothersome pair. Eragon Shadeslayer, the Rider of Saphira Brightscales, was more than a minor thorn in Galbatorix's side, he was like a festering sword wound.
Galbatorix paused to take a sip of wine from a crystal goblet. His mind drifted back to all the trouble that the blasted farmboy turned Rider had caused. His grip on the goblet tightened until it cracked and splintered into a multitude of pieces. He looked at the crystal shards with distaste, it was almost worse than the flimsiest glass, sometimes. Then he went back to his prowling.
He almost smiled when he thought of the excruciating death he was going to put the meddler Eragon through -but no. His dragon was the only female dragon in Alagaesia. It most certainly wouldn't do to lose the only female dragon, she was their last chance at reviving the dragons, and building an even greater empire that would be remembered forever…
Enough. No more plotting. Time for action, he thought. Instantly he ran through his mental list of plans. After a moment he settled on one. He had to have that third egg back. If it was female, then all his plans would be saved, and he could kill the rebel Rider, and get on with his reign. His gaze fell on a young servant near the door.
"Alert Rider Murtagh that I require his presence immediately in the throne room," he barked. Even as he watched the man sprang into action, bowing briefly and almost running to fetch Murtagh.
It was several moments before the servant returned. He bowed to Galbatorix, "He will be here momentarily, milord. He was asleep, and needs a moment to ready himself before coming before you." Galbatorix gave a sharp nod of acknowledgement, and the young man returned to his post.
Several more moments passed before the young Rider appeared. His dark hair was a bit messy, and he looked a bit tired, but his eyes showed that he was alert. Murtagh was attired in all black, from black boots to a black hooded cloak. The young man inclined his head as he entered, and stood at attention about three meters away from Galbatorix, waiting for the king to speak first. Galbatorix didn't even look at the son of Morzan, last of the Forsworn. He continued pacing for a moment.
"You are to search Alagaesia for my last dragon egg. If you find it unhatched, then bring it back at all costs. If it has hatched, and it is female, then capture the dragon and its Rider. If it is male, kill it, and its Rider," Galbatorix snapped, turning to face the young Rider. "If it does turn out to be male, kill it with this." He turned back to the table where the shards of crystal lay.
On the table was a simple silver case. Galbatorix picked the case up, and, giving it a treasured look, turned back to Murtagh, the look disappearing instantly. He opened the case and extended it to Murtagh. In the case, softly cushioned by velvet of light silver, lay a sword, the blade clearer than crystal, and sharper than steel. The handle gave off a soft silver sheen, the same color as the velvet.
"The Diamond Sword of Eragon, the First Rider." Galbatorix smiled maliciously as he watched Murtagh stare at the sword in wonder. It was an extraordinary piece of weaponry, if had survived for centuries, even longer than most of the stories of its legendary wielder.
Galbatorix snapped the case shut and placed it on the table once more. "You will leave in the morning. Remember, there will be consequences if you botch this. Should said blundering happen, recall what happened to Durza when he botched the job…" Galbatorix growled, thrusting the case at Murtagh.
Murtagh gave the curtest of nods and strode from the hall. His hand rested on the wire-wrapped hilt of Zar'roc, reminding him of his brother. He let out a long sigh once he was out of earshot of Galbatorix.
Sometimes, he really wished he had accepted Eragon's offer….
A/N: If you've finished, review! Reviews encourage me to write faster.