The Downfall
Chapter One
The roar of a dragon erupted throughout the plains outside of Urû'baen. Someone who looked to be just a teenager was running from the city. There was something wrapped in cloth that he held in his arms.
How could they have already discovered me? The person thought. In the distance he could see a red dragon. It let out another roar, and then overtook him in a matter if minutes.
A Rider stepped off of the dragon and approached the man. "Come now Teroh, did you really think you could escape?" The Rider questioned him. "King Galbatorix sees all."
"He's twisted your mind Murtagh," said Teroh. "Galbatorix is pure evil!"
"I've heard those words before Teroh. You echo what was said by my brother Eragon. It seems that it is your mind that has been twisted." Murtagh took another step towards Teroh.
"Stay back! You won't capture me," yelled Teroh.
"I will not let you escape when you have stolen the remaining egg!" All the rage Murtagh had concealed now became evident. He unsheathed Zar'roc and ran to Teroh. Murtagh brought his sword down in an attempt to kill Teroh right then and there.
Teroh dodged the blow and drew his own sword. "So it has come down to a swordfight. Be warned Murtagh, I am one of the best!" He swung his sword, trying to sever the connection between Murtagh's head and the rest of his body. Murtagh easily parried the blow.
This time there was no warning when Murtagh struck. He knocked Teroh's sword away and kicked him to the ground. The item wrapped in cloth was just to his side, and Murtagh picked it up. When he finished unwrapping it, his jaw dropped. Inside was a dragon hatchling. "How is this possible? The dragon hatched for you?"
"'Tis true Murtagh. I am a Rider as well," said Teroh.
Murtagh eventually recovered from his shock and walked over to Teroh. "I am going to have to take you with me."
He was quickly stopped as a flash of silver came out of nowhere. The sword hit Murtagh upon his chest plate. It was enough to get him to drop the hatchling, which Teroh caught. He looked up and saw, to his amazement, an elf lady. She easily beat back Murtagh, who, knowing he was beat, mounted Thorn and flew away.
The elf lady then turned to Teroh, who was still lying on the ground. "You can get up now," said the elf.
Teroh, who was obviously embarrassed, rose to his feet. "Thank you for helping me. What is your name?"
"My name," said the elf. "Is Arya."
"Then thank you, Lady Arya. May I as what you are doing here?"
"I was returning to my people, when I heard the roar of Thorn. As quickly as I could, I ran over here, knowing that when Murtagh is present, someone is bound to be in trouble," Arya explained.
Teroh laughed. "That may be true right now, but he may help us later."
Arya's face grew serious. "That is true. If I were you, I would head for the Varden. They are currently on the Burning Plains, in the southern part of the Empire."
"Thank you Lady Arya," Teroh said. Before walking away, he bowed.