Chapter Two: Repercussions

Murtagh and Thorn flew to Uru'baen in silence. Both were doing all they could to prepare themselves for the meeting with Galbatorix they knew they would have to endure. No doubt the King knew what they had done. King Galbatorix always got a full report from his Black Hand, who would mentally contact the King after every battle and tell him everything so any punishments could be delivered immediately.

It took two days for the bonded friends to reach Uru'baen. As the city came into view Murtagh felt a large feeling of dread settle in his stomach making him feel sick. Murtagh tried to distract himself from his dread by taking in the city that was now in full view. The capital of Alagaesia was the biggest city in the land with the streets lined with stone houses of varying sizes. The smaller buildings were at the edge of the city near the fortified ten foot wall that encircled the front of the city, with the forest covering the back of the city. The further into the city the bigger and grander the houses became. But all these buildings were dwarfed by the massive palace that loomed over the city with its towers and turrets. A formidable building that was encircled with beautiful gardens and a wide courtyard, it was here that Thorn landed.

Murtagh slipped gracefully from Thorn's back despite the heavy silver armour he wore over his black pants and red tunic. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Murtagh made his way through the huge front doors, Thorn at his side. In the palace forecourt they were met by a guard, who looked, in Murtagh's view, as though he would desperately like to be somewhere else.

"King Galbatorix is waiting for you in the Throne Room, Sir", the guard said giving Murtagh a nervous salute as he did so. Murtagh did not return the salute and simply gave a nod to show he understood. After putting a reassuring hand on Thorn's snout, they made their way down the dark corridors, passing the many tapestries that covered the walls. All depicted scenes of violence. Murtagh ignored them as he passed knowing the scenes they depicted would only make his nausea worse. When they reached the heart of the palace where the Throne Room was situated, Murtagh slowed down, wanting to put off seeing the King. Murtagh had all but stopped when Thorn gave him an encouraging nudge in the back.

Much too quickly for Murtagh's liking they found themselves in front of the enormous carved doors of the Throne Room. Taking a deep breath Murtagh and Thorn walked towards the doors with a confidence they did not feel and as they approached, the doors swung open of their own accord. As they walked slowly towards the dais that held a throne decorated with the bones of the many dragons the King had killed, Murtagh looked around the throne room, simply so he could put off looking at the tall, dark figure sat upon the throne. It was the biggest room in the palace and the vastness of it always made Murtagh feel small and insignificant. There were no windows instead the walls on either side were lined with torches that gave the room its light. On the far wall, behind the throne was a large map of Alagaesia that completely covered the wall.

Today, however, Murtagh couldn't see the map because lying in front of it and completely obscuring it from view was Shruikan, the King's massive black dragon, who appeared to be asleep, for now anyway.

Tearing his eyes away from Shruikan, Murtagh approached the dais steps and knelt before King Galbatorix, who sat impassive on his throne. He could feel the King's cold blood red eyes boring a hole into the back of his head but he did not dare stand or look up, instead he waited kneeling on the cold marble floor for the King to speak. Murtagh tried to control his fear but he wasn't succeeding, blood pounded in his ears, sweat pooled on his brow. Finally after what felt like hours, King Galbatorix spoke,

"Rise, Slave". Murtagh did as he was told and reluctantly raised his gaze to meet the King's. Galbatorix's eyes blazed with barely controlled rage as he watched his Rider stand. Murtagh went cold.

He knows, he whispered to Thorn, who sent strength and comfort to his rider and tried to keep him calm.

We don't know that, young one. He may simply be furious over his armies defeat to the Elves, Thorn pointed out. Murtagh tried to take comfort from his words but he couldn't rid himself of the feeling of dread he had carried from Gil'ead. Galbatorix's cold voice brought Murtagh out of his mind.

"Well, Murtagh, Son of Morzan, what am I going to do with you? Twice you could have captured Eragon and twice you let him go, and now you had another Rider at your mercy and instead of killing him as you should have, you let him go." Galbatorix's voice had risen with every word as he struggled to control his temper and Murtagh felt his stomach drop at his words. So the Black Hand had seen and he had told.

Before Murtagh could think up a convincing excuse, however, Galbatorix had ripped through his mental defences with a brutality and fury Murtagh had never felt before. It felt as if the King was slowly and violently ripping his mind apart, bit by bit. He tried to remain strong tor Thorn's sake but the pain of the King's vicious search through his memories was unbearable and Murtagh could not stop the scream that was ripped from his throat. He distantly heard Thorn roar with helpless rage. Murtagh knew his dragon could feel his pain but was powerless to help. All Thorn could do was watch and listen as his beloved Rider withered and screamed on the floor.

Just as Murtagh had become convinced that he would die from Galbatorix's brutal attack, the mental assault ended. Taking a few shaky breaths Murtagh looked up at the King, still sat on his throne. The King's elfin features were contorted by a look of utter disgust and loathing that was mirrored in his voice as he spoke,

"You have failed me one too many times, Slave. Your defiance has become most taxing and I will tolerate it no more."

"Are you going to kill me?" Murtagh whispered, not at all sure he wanted the answer. King Galbatorix seemed to consider his answer for a moment before letting out a tired sigh. Looking down at him the King gave Murtagh a gentle smile, all traces of anger seemingly gone. It was a smile that made Murtagh's blood run cold.

"No, Murtagh. In fact, I've already decided your punishment. It is waiting for you at Tornac's house. You are to report there immediately. Don't even think about avoiding it, it will be worse for Tornac if you do." The King spoke in a calm, friendly way and that, more than anything, scared Murtagh.

What was the King playing at? Why was he to be punished at Tornac's house? And what did he mean that it would be worse for Tornac if he avoided going? All these questions went through Murtagh's mind as he slowly and unsteadily got to his feet. The King had not left his position on the throne and was watching Murtagh with an evil gleam in his eyes that sent shivers of fear through Murtagh's body.

"I'd hurry if I was you. Oh and Thorn is to remain here, I wish to speak with him alone", Galbatorix said. Murtagh didn't move. Indecision tore at him. Instinct and the evil smile on the King's face told him Tornac was in trouble. Tornac was the closest thing to a parent Murtagh had ever known and he yearned to go to his aid. But at the same time he loathed the thought of leaving his dragon, his partner of heart and mind, alone with the mad King.

Do not worry about me, young one. Galbatorix has never physically harmed me before and I don't think he will start now. Go to Tornac, he needs you and you need him. Thorn sent soothing feelings along with his words. Reluctantly Murtagh nodded and ran out of the throne room, ignoring the strange looks from the guards as he ran past.