Thank you to my reviewers, I'm glad you like it so far and I hope you will like this chapter. Murtagh's not gonna be an evil person in this, you'll find out some things later in the story. And thanks to Torilei for helping me with the title.
Ch 2: News Among Few
Sunrise came quickly across the camp. Men gathered their belongings quickly, not wasting any time. Supplies and tents put up, men packed their bags for the short trek back to Surda. The battle had taken place between Melian and Cithri. Bodies of fallen comrades were either a meal for the ravens and crows that flew above the corpses or were to somehow be transported back to Surda for the sake of their families.
Eragon felt reenergized with the morning sunlight. He could tell many of the men there were glad the battle was over and wished to return home to their wives and children. Some were also at a loss as some lost loved ones in the battle. It was then Eragon heard Horst's heavy footsteps approaching. "Eragon," he boomed, slapping a heavy hand on the Riders' shoulder.
"Good morning, Horst," he greeted looking at the big man. When Eragon had returned from the battle of the Burning Plains, he explained everything to the villagers of Carvahall. When they told him of the deaths they had after he left and when the Ra'zac and kings soldiers had come looking for Roran, the Rider felt a great feeling of guilt swell up inside. But now, all seemed to be forgiven.
"I'm glad we're getting back to Surda," he said, removing his hand. "It'll be good to see the family again and letting them see that I am well."
Eragon smiled, "Their hearts will lift up when they see you. We best be getting ready for our leave."
"I think you are right, Eragon. I'll see you around." And with that, Horst was off to gather his things.
The last few minutes went by as provisions were packed and carried away. Nasuada was in the lead, walking her horse as she walked beside it. Arya and Roran were on either side of her and Horst behind Roran.
Are you well, Saphira? Eragon asked his dragon.
Of course, should I not? She answered.
The Rider shrugged, I don't know if you'll be in bad shape to fly with the news you've given me last night.
I'm still fit to fly.
Are you sure?
Yes, Saphira said, slightly annoyed by him.
Hey, I only want to be careful… just in case. She sighed in defeat.
I'll let you know if anything comes up. Promise. Eragon narrowed his eyes for a moment.
… Alright then. He walked up beside her and climbed on her back. Saphira lifted her wings and jumped in the air for lift off.
It had taken an hour to get back into Surda's borders, where the reached Cithri then traveled slowly to Lithgow and made it to Aberon, a few hours after dark. Families greeted their husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, sons, nephews and grandfathers. Happy cries as well as cries of loss echoed in the night air as some found their deceased family members. Eragon cringed when he thought of his uncle Garrow's death. He knew what these people were feeling, though his uncle lost his life because Saphira had taken him away when these men died in battle. Horst and his family came up to the Rider. "Eragon," Albriech said as he, Baldor and Elain stopped in front of him. "When will this war be over?"
Eragon sighed, "I'm afraid I can't answer that."
"But you're a Rider," Baldor interrupted.
"Maybe so," he replied. "But I cannot tell you because battles keep coming with me and the enemy Rider. It won't end until Galbatorix is defeated and he won't be if he keeps hiding and sending out his Rider."
"All wars end, Eragon," Elain spoke up for the first time. "I hope we can figure out how soon. I don't want my smallest child to grow up with this war."
"Where is he anyway?" Horst asked his wife.
"Sleeping, of course."
"Well in that case, we best be getting in, it's late"
Everyone said good night to the Rider and left to the house they were staying in since they've been in Surda. Eragon. Saphiras' voice came into his head.
Yes.
You should tell the others now.
Eragon looked at his dragon, Now? Are you sure? She nodded. Very well, let's start a short meeting about this.
----
Arya, Roran, Nasuada, Orik and King Orrin were in the kings' study for the meeting Eragon had called. Since Orrin was the King of Surda, the Rider felt it would be polite to let him in on their meeting since he had been so kind and hospitable for his villagers and himself. "My reason for calling this meeting now and not after the battle was to confirm that there may be a way to end this war." Stares were going around the room.
"What do you mean the war may end sooner?" the dwarf asked with his deep voice.
"I'll get to that," Eragon said. "First, King Orrin was asked to accompany us, showing my appreciation for him letting my village stay here. As I said before, there may be a way to end this war sooner." All eyes were on the Rider, curious and hungry for this information. "This information is not to leave this room without it somehow getting to the Empire. There will be new dragon eggs."
Silence followed for minutes. "What do you mean new eggs?" Orrin asked. "You mean to tell me Saphira will be a mother after years of no dragons?"
Eragon nodded. "That means new Riders." Nasuada said with shock in her voice. "If we have new Riders this war may be over quickly, though they will have to train. With more Riders with the Varden, Galbatorix will be powerless."
"Do not forget," Arya added, "he was a Rider himself. He has years of experience under his belt." Then Arya looked at Eragon. "When did you first learn of this?"
"I noticed Saphira acting differently after the battle with Murtagh. It was after we returned to camp I was informed of this. If Murtagh knows of this, I know not. But for certain, we mustn't let this out of this room. Galbatorix may attempt to steal any eggs if he finds out, then all our hopes of this war ending will be destroyed. The question is, has Murtagh told him if he knows of this?" Eyes fell with that last question. That could ruin their hopes for victory.
----
Two guards greeted the Rider as he and his dragon returned to Uru, baen. "The King will see you."
Murtagh dismounted Thorn and walked into the castle where Galbatorix resided. The halls were dark all the way down until there was a glow of light coming through an open doorway yards in front of him. Dark hair was falling in the Riders eyes; again he had to report to the king about the battle and came back empty handed every time after three long years of battling against Eragon. At the battle of the Burning Plains, there was a time when he wished Eragon could help him out of the sticky situation he was into this time. Free him of his oaths and the grasp that the king knew his and Thorns names. The light was growing brighter with each footstep. He hated this hallway. He hated this castle. He hated this place mostly.
As he entered the doorway, there was the king. Sitting upon his thrown, like an absolute ruler. The Rider gulped inwardly as the king stood up, but showing no fear. "Of the battle?" he asked, gently. Murtagh bowed.
"The Varden pulled a retreat when they lost their men, Eragon along with them. His skills are great, equal to my own." Murtagh was sure the king wouldn't by it this time. Not after three years of it.
"I see," the king responded after a few seconds of silence. "Perhaps he is stronger than I had thought, I mean, after he had taken out my most powerful man, Durza. Wouldn't you agree? And then the Twins." The sound of them made Murtagh grind his teeth, as if he tasted something bitter. "Still un-fond of them I see. Whatever the reason for coming back without a Rider and his dragon, you will catch them in the next battle no doubt. You have been searching for his weakness, haven't you?" the king looked at Murtagh for any sign of faltering under his gaze.
He made none, "Of course," he answered coolly, "I may have almost found it."
"Good. See that they are brought here after one of your next battles. I am tired of this, Murtagh. You don't want me to pay a visit to your mind, do you?"
The Rider lowered his gaze. "It shall be done."
"Excellent. Bring them when you discover his weakness, and it had better be soon. You are dismissed." Murtagh bowed before leaving the room of the kings' strict glare. He let out a deep breath when he was out of the thrown room.
That was close. Murtagh thought. Thorn.
Yes, Murtagh. Did everything go well?
It actually did. But there's something bad about it too.
Thorn didn't like the way his voice sounded. What?
Murtagh sighed; We have to bring them in on one of the next battles. Or he may pay a visit to our minds.
Let's just hope the next battle doesn't come for a while.
We may need more than hope.
----
"We need to send a message to Oromis," Arya said. The meeting had gone longer than anticipated, but they felt this was a good thing. "Oromis may be able to help train the new Riders, and place the spell over the eggs so they don't hatch without a Rider. Also about the war, we are not sure how long it will take for them to find their Riders."
"But there will be Riders that will make it worth it. Even if we have to wait for the eggs to hatch, there will be Riders." Roran argued. "At least we will have Riders on our side. I'd rather wait for the eggs to hatch than wait for the last in Galbatorix's castle."
"Sadly… I agree," Nasuada said. "We can only hope the eggs will hatch quickly. Though, we can't rush it either way."
"Arya," Eragon said. "Who will send the message?"
"I have to report back to Ellesmera, the Queen requested I return after this battle. So my departure is now more relevant."
"You will tell Oromis?"
The elf nodded. "This may be a good thing, Eragon. Also, when Saphira lays her eggs, a spell must be placed after and be carried around so the Rider can be found. It takes time for a dragon to grow, but in that time, Oromis may be able to teach the Rider a few things before the rest of the training can begin."
"Do you need a horse?"
"There's one in the stables being prepared for my leave."
At that second, there was a knock on the door and Nasuada allowed them to come in. "Your horse is ready, Arya." A guard said.
"Thank you," the guard left after a bow to the king and Nasuada.
"It's time I bring this news to Ellemera, and deliver a message to Oromis." Arya walked toward the door. "I shall return." As she disappeared, Eragon felt a little upset that she had to leave, but he knew it was crucial she leave.
Murtagh- You're not going to kill me in the story are you? Not even at the end?
Tiger- (shakes head)
Murtagh- Yes!!
Thank you to those of you who are reading… and reviewing, I appreciate it. I couldn't figure out how to get the chapter started, but I got it and should be smooth sailing from now on. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update, but I will, I'm waiting for a job interview and to start my first year of college in August. Thank you and don't forget to review.