Chapter 1
Durza looked to the floor as he knelt in front of the king's throne. His long crimson hair fell in sheets in front of his eyes, covering his pale skin and concealing any emotion that might cross his face.
"Durza," the king greeted him in his rich voice. "I was told you were dead."
"No, my king, the sword missed my heart," the Shade answered. While his voice vastly contrasted Galbatorix's, both cold command the attention of a crowded room without yelling. While the king usually used a rich tone to sway people, his own voice was cold and unforgiving.
"As I have concluded upon your appearance," Galbatorix answered. Durza heard a rustle of clothing as the king stood. "But know I must ponder on how I will proceed with this." The king approached the Shade slowly, his heavy boots clunking on the floor with each step. "While you are a valuable asset to my army, I believe keeping your survival from the Varden vital."
Durza's maroon eyes widened, and he looked up at the king as he stood. Even after seeing Galbatorix many times, it was hard to see the dark rumors spread about him. Certainly, he had killed every Rider and dragon, but he was the only one, apart from the thirteen Forsworn, that had seen corrupted the order had become. The king, although well over a century old, only looked to be about thirty-five at the oldest. Black hair that fell past his shoulders was pulled back from his handsome face. The only thing dangerous about the king was the black sword hanging from his hip, and the black eyes that glittered down at him.
"You will remain here, in the castle, but do not worry; I will not have you just sitting around. If I am correct, your new project should be here very soon."
As if on cue, the doors to the king's throne room opened, and Durza turned to see the twin magicians walk in as they dragged a limp figure between them. They dropped the figure unceremoniously onto the floor and bowed low to Galbatorix. "King Galbatorix," they greeted in unison.
"Ah, Zrádce, lstivý, so good to see you again," the king's voice was friendly and welcoming. Durza noted Galbatorix used the Twin's names, something they had both dropped many years before. The king knew a great deal about his servants. The king's gaze dropped to the figure on the floor. The young man looked exactly like a version of the first and last Forsworn, Morzan. "And young Murtagh as well," the king frowned as he spoke. "He is unconscious. He gave you trouble, then?"
One Twin nodded. "Yes, he had to be beaten several times on the journey here." The other Twin finally noticed the Shade standing slightly behind Galbatorix. "You're alive?"
"Obviously," Durza answered, his gaze dropping down to the young warrior. He discerned the lack of a tunic on Murtagh's bruised body.
The king sighed as he took this in as well. "No matter, we must progress into breaking into his mind. I do not want him to believe he can escape here again."
Grins broke out onto the Twins' identical faces. "And to break into such a strong mind, we must physically punish him."
"Correct. And while I believe Durza is far better trained in the practice of doing so," the king chuckled softly at the looks of resentment the two magicians aimed at the Shade, "even a Shade must rest eventually. You three are to torture him continuously. Only allow him a half hour of rest a day.
"Take him to a cell and begin immediately. I must speak with Durza for a moment longer," the king dismissed the Twins and turned to the Shade as they left the room. "This is your chance to redeem yourself after your failure with the elf and at the Varden, Durza. I do not want another disappointment."
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Author's Notes: And there you have it! Thank you to my two lovely reviewers for actually clicking that shiny button below! Brownie points to anyone who can figure out what the Twin's names mean and in what language it is