My first ever fanfic! Please give feedback if you can. I do not own Inheritance or any of the characters.
p.s. Just a warning, there is a lot of torture in this especially ch. 2 and later. So please don't read if you're not into that sort of thing.
Ch. 1: Flight
Wind and rain whipped viciously around Murtagh and Thorn as they flew swiftly towards Uru'baen. After the battle of the Burning Plains, Galbatorix sent a messenger instructing them to return immediately. His orders allowed them no food, little water, and only short breaks when Thorn was unable to keep flying. At this rate, it would take only two more days to reach the capital, assuming they didn't drop dead from exhaustion first.
Dread knotted in the pit of Murtagh's stomach as they flew through the storm. The king was surely furious at him for letting Eragon and Saphira escape. He knew the punishment would be severe, and only hoped that Thorn would escape the worst of the tyrant's wrath. It had been Murtagh's decision alone, after all.
No.
He started as Thorn's voice echoed suddenly in his head. Until now, the dragon had refused to open his mind to him, still bitter at his decision to let the other dragon and her rider go free, even with Thorn's protests.
No, what? He replied, confused.
The king will not see this as only your decision. I did not encourage your actions, but I did not stop you either, he explained sullenly. I expect he will punish us both.
Guilt washed over him at his partner's words. He knew Thorn was right, and couldn't blame him for his resentment. Already he was regretting his decision. Internally, he berated himself. How could he be so stupid? He knew the consequences of defying the king, of showing mercy to his enemies. He knew Galbatorix would have no such mercy on them, so what had possessed him to act so foolishly? A dull ache settled into the back of Murtagh's skull as he contemplated this question.
Because he is your brother, Thorn offered. But the answer didn't satisfy him.
And Morzan is my father, he retorted. What does it matter if we are related? Why should that motivate me to sacrifice my freedom and safety for his sake? It's not like we grew up together, he thought bitterly. His thoughts were racing too quickly as he struggled to reign in his emotions. The rain battered hard against him, contributing to his growing headache.
Perhaps, but he is also your friend. . .
He thought about this for a moment, torn between feelings of betrayal and loss. He was my friend, he replied. But he rejected me. He thought back to their battle, and Eragon's response to the revelation that they were brothers. "We are nothing alike," he repeated Eragon's harsh words in his head. And he's right. Bitterness tinged his thoughts as he remembered the past year. Memories of being dragged back to Uru'baen, tortured, and forced to swear fealty to Galbatorix flooded his mind. Shame and self-hatred welled up inside of him. I never wanted this. I tried to fight back. I tried… I thought I was strong, but in the end I guess I'm pretty worthl-
Stop this! Thorn roared across their bond, cutting through the chaos of emotions inside the young rider. An angry growl escaped the dragon's throat, partially drowned out by the torrent still raging around them. You had no choice. Had Eragon been in the same situation, he would have broken even sooner than you. You put up a valiant fight against a monster, and you are still defying him.
A long silence hung in the air between them. As they flew the storm began to abate. A light drizzle was all that remained as Murtagh took a deep breath to calm himself.
I'm sorry, he said, breaking the silence at last. I should have listened to you sooner.
Hmmpf, Thorn huffed. Yes, you should have.
Murtagh smirked. Despite his dragon's tone he could feel the bond between them healing.
Though perhaps I was too hasty in criticizing your decision, Thorn added. This isn't just about Eragon. If you had taken him back now, condemning him to torture and enslavement, you would have left a piece of yourself behind. A piece you cannot afford to lose.
Murtagh nodded. Perhaps you are right, but I still regret it. I acted too hastily. Now you and I will suffer instead.
Again, Murtagh remembered his earlier torture. No food, daily beatings, and mental probing had slowly worn him down. But worse than that were the hours spent in his dark cell, waiting for the next torture, wondering where his friends were and whether they would come to rescue him. Back then Thorn was still unhatched. He thought he would go insane all alone in that cell. Fear creeped into his heart at the possibility of going back to that place.
Yes, came Thorn's reply, interrupting his thoughts once more. You and I will suffer. But we will suffer together…
Murtagh sent a wave of gratitude through their bond at the statement. At least this time he was not alone.