I own none of the characters here; Christopher Paolini does.
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Murtagh sighed as he walked down the cold hall in Galbatorix's castle to then dragon keep. It had only been two days since he had returned from the battle with the Varden, and he had just received orders to find and capture the next dragon rider. It would be harder than looking for a needle in a haystack. How Murtagh was supposed to accomplish such an impossible task, he had not the faintest idea. It was probably Galbatorix's punishment for his failure to capture Eragon and Saphira.
Reaching the keep, Murtagh told Thorn their orders through their mental link. Thorn heaved a huge sigh of annoyance. How exactly does he expect us to do such a thing?
I don't know. I suppose we can comb the empire's towns and villages for likely candidates and bring them one by one to the castle… Murtagh felt Thorn mulling this suggestion over, and then felt his consent. He gathered a few necessities for the trip. He then grabbed his saddle and slung it over Thorn's ruby shoulders. After double-checking all of the straps, Murtagh climbed into the saddle.
"Ready, Thorn?"
I always am. Thorn dropped gracefully into the open space of the keep and crouched. Through their link, Murtagh felt his leg and haunch muscles bunch. With a great gust of wind, rider and dragon were swallowed by the sky.
Sorry this chapter is so short… it's meant as more of a prelude than a full-blown chapter.