Ok, I forgot to add an author's note to the last chapter, my bad. Lol. I just want to thank all my wonderful reviewers royalkiwi, AmyLeStrange, and last but not least LOTRRanger who I dedicate this story to. It wouldn't have happened at all if she hadn't helped me and given me all that advice. Love you long time!! Read her stuff, its really good!!
And now, I regretfully have to admit that I don't own The Inheritance cycle, or any of its characters. I do however, own Zyana and my other OC's who we haven't met yet!!
And now, on with the story!!
Thorn and Murtagh continued flying towards the mountains for what seemed like years, but the further away from the empire they flew, the more uneasy Murtagh grew about how they would be met.
Murtagh, please, control your emotions. They are beginning to get distracting and I am having a hard time flying straight. Thorn pleaded anxiously.
Murtagh gave a small smile as if trying to reassure Thorn as well as himself, although it didn't seem to make him feel any different. Thorn sighed and decided it was time for a break anyway, saying that they should be reaching their destination by the time the sun hides behind the horizon.
At this, Murtagh didn't know whether to laugh or cry so he just nodded slowly.
When they landed, Murtagh got off Thorns back and landed awkwardly with a thud having not used his legs properly for some time. Thorn watched this shaking his head and said he would be off hunting. If we want to be strong for when we meet with Eragon and Saphira we must eat, and heartily at that. I will bring you back something, but while I'm away, just relax and don't dwell too much. He said, giving his rider a big toothy dragon smile before leaping into the air once again.
Murtagh smiled after him, and then realised he was finally alone. He sighed contentedly at being on the ground and decided to make a small fire, but this task still could not distract him from what was to come. He had continued to think of the meeting that would await them once they arrived and shuddered at the thought that either Thorn or himself, (but most likely both) would be injured in the first meeting. He shook his head quickly to remove the thought from his mind and finished building the fire. Once the flames engulfed the kindling he found he began to wonder what was taking Thorn so long. His stomach rumbled hungrily, but he ignored it focussing on the dancing flames before him.
Suddenly Murtagh was nudged gently by Thorn who chuckled happily. Finally awake are we? Came the dragons voice in his mind. Murtagh blinked confusedly then realised that it was no longer light and the fire he had built had almost burned down to a few small embers.
Thorn. Murtagh muttered still groggy from his sleep. How long have you been here?
At least a few hours. The sun was still bright when I returned. He said indifferently.
A few hours! Murtagh said exasperatedly. But why didn't you wake me up? We could have been at the Varden already.
Thorn gave the equivalent of a dragon shrug. You needed your rest child. You haven't slept soundly in days.
Murtagh smiled. How many times must I tell you not to call me child? I am older then you and classed as a man now.
Thorn smiled again. That may be so, but as a dragon, you are still naught but a child to me, regardless of the rules that humans have about manhood. The great red dragon chuckled to himself again. And besides, I know how much it annoys you.
Murtagh leapt up and playfully tickled his giant scaly stomach, releasing a loud roar that was laughter from Thorn. They continued like this for some time and Murtagh couldn't remember a time when the two could just play and have fun like any other dragon rider could. Murtagh's stomach growled hungrily again making Thorn compose himself.
Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you back a few rabbits to eat. If they're not enough, I can go and get some more. Thorn said pointing his scaled nose towards a small pile of rabbits on the corner of where the fire was. Murtagh eyed them hungrily and quickly rebuilt the fire then began preparing his feast. As he was doing so, Thorn playfully talked, saying he didn't understand how and why humans cooked and prepared their food because there was no dignity or pride in such an act, but Murtagh ignored him, more interested in his food. After he was finished eating, satisfied his stomach was sufficiently full, he thanked Thorn for the food and doused the fire saying they best continue and get this over with. The red dragon agreed and leapt into the air the second his rider was on his back.
A few hours later, just as the sun was rising, Thorn said he could see the Vardens camp in the distance. Murtagh sarcastically yelled for joy earning a quiet chuckle from the dragon beneath him. Within the hour they would be upon the Varden, and possibly fighting for their lives. Sighing, Murtagh went into a state of quiet stillness and enjoyed the air whipping across his face and through his hair. He was soon woken from his blissful state when he heard a dragons battle cry which was heard all through the land. Thorn stiffened and Murtagh froze as they saw a bright blue dragon leap into the air with her rider on her back. They flew towards them for until they could see both clearly and quickly dived towards the ground and landed awkwardly. Eragon and Saphira followed suit with a confused expression on both their faces. As they landed, Murtagh leapt off Thorn and hurried towards them in a desperate attempt to show them that they meant no harm. Eragon drew Brisingr from its hilt, but made no move to harm his brother.
"Murtagh, you will not have us. We have beaten you over and over again, and we will continue to do so until this war ends. We refuse to serve Galbatorix!" Eragon yelled and Saphira growled in agreement.
Murtagh stopped walking just a few paces from Eragon and stared into his brothers face not letting his eyes wander before saying, "We are not here to fight you brother," which earned a snort from the blue dragoness. Eragon quickly shot her a look that told her to remain calm and looked back at Murtagh who then continued to speak.
"Thorn and I are here because we have changed our true names and are no longer under the rule of that vile miscreant who calls himself a King. We have come to seek refuge within the Varden which we will repay with help and information regarding the King and all his plans for the immediate future. We would like to join your cause." Murtagh stopped and looked at his brother's expression which changed from shock to disbelief to hope. He conversed quietly with his dragon before saying, "How do we know you are not lying? You might just be spying for Galbatorix and later betray us once again." Murtagh shuddered quickly, he wanted nothing more than to not be reminded of his weakness, but he knew it would take time.
He repeated all he just said in the ancient language never taking his gaze from Eragon. After he had finished, Eragon's expression went to absolute pure joy and jumped off Saphira and embraced his brother.
"This is excellent news Murtagh, which would be most welcome. We may have a chance against the King yet." His expression quickly changed and Murtagh saw that he was conversing with someone, but who, he wasn't sure. After a few minutes he pulled back and turned to Murtagh.
"I just spoke to Arya. She is telling the guards and Nasuada of what you just told me now. We can get going back now and we won't have to worry about being attacked by any soldiers." He turned and got back into Saphira's saddle and waited for Murtagh to do the same with Thorn. As he did, the two dragons took off into the sky and made their way back to the Varden.
That was easier than expected was it not Murtagh? Thorn asked.
I must say it is a relief to know that Eragon at least has accepted us so quickly, but I don't know about the rest of the Varden though. I mean, I did betray them.
The red dragon shook his head at his riders uncertainty. You had no choice. Galbatorix had your true name, and they will see that, just give them some time to get used to the idea of having another dragon rider on their side. Murtagh smiled and pulled away from his dragon's thoughts to converse with Eragon for the remainder of the trip.
As they landed in the Varden, they were met by Arya and Nasuada who wore the same expression of disbelief. Eragon was beaming as he slid of Saphira and ran to them happily. Arya smiled quickly at Eragon's sudden cheerful mood which seemed to please Eragon even more.
Nasuada was the first to speak. "Murtagh, I hear you wish to join the Varden. This is indeed very welcome news." She smiled fleetingly. "However, I will need to inspect your mind to see if you are lying or no and Thorns too." Murtagh shuddered again, but realised that there was no other way to join them so he reluctantly agreed. He conversed with Thorn who also consented to his mind being searched.
Nasuada looked relieved and continued. "Good. Thankyou Murtagh for your assistance, and Thorn too." She looked up at the dragon who just nodded. "I have already decided who it will be who scries your minds. Arya?" Arya looked up, slightly startled then walked to her Queen's side.
"Of course, Nasuada." She turned her gaze to the dragon and rider and said regretfully, "I will be gentle." She began with Murtagh and he could feel her running through the events from when he was first captured by the twins, to Thorn hatching, to the countless missions they have been sent on, being tortured when they were not correctly carried out, and finally the changing of their true names. Satisfied, Arya moved onto Thorn and within a few minutes pulled back into her own mind and nodded confirming that everything they said was true.
Eragon could barely contain his excitement. His brother was finally with them again, giving them a better chance at defeating the King. Nasuada smiled and said there would be a celebratory feast that night where Murtagh and Thorn would have to swear fealty to her and the Varden. Murtagh groaned inwardly at having more bonds placed upon him, but Thorn just chuckled.
Murtagh! We are accepted into the Varden! Nothing could be going better for us. And the fact that we will be swearing fealty to Nasuada will mean that Galbatorix won't have any control because we've already sworn to serve someone else. And Nasuada would be a much better leader than Galbatorix ever was.
Murtagh smiled widely at the thought and was only too glad to give his word to the Queen of the Varden.
"Eragon," Nasuada began, "Why don't you and Saphira give Murtagh and Thorn a tour of the camp. Show them the training grounds and anything else of interest. I will have some men set up a tent, although it won't be big enough to house Thorn I'm afraid, and get some fresh clothes. Preparations for the feast will begin right away."
Murtagh was touched by the kindness the Varden leader had already shown them and thanked her warmly, but she just smiled and waved her hand to dismiss them for the afternoon. Eragon began to walk and Murtagh followed him looking forward to the tour.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and the feast went off without a single hiccup. After swearing fealty to the Varden, both Thorn and Murtagh retired for the night. Laying on the soft mattress he was given, Murtagh was asleep almost straight away, but not before thinking that his luck may have just turned around finally.
He was woken the next morning by a guard at the door saying that the queen would like an audience with the two riders. Groaning, he finally found his feet and made his way to Nasuada's tent which had several guards around it. He said his name and the guards let him enter. Eragon and Arya were already seated at a table and Nasuada smiled as he entered.
"Good morning Murtagh. I hope you slept well? Sorry to rouse you, but I have a mission for the dragons and their riders. Thorn and Saphira are off hunting and the meeting will begin when they return." Murtagh nodded and took a seat next to Eragon.
They all chatted idly for a while when there was suddenly a bright blue head poking through the doorway which was soon replaced by a large red one who smiled his big toothy grin as he pushed her out of the way. Saphira then bit him on the wing, causing him to retreat giving Saphira the doorway. This repeated for some minutes before Nasuada agitatedly stood saying they will find a more suitable place for the meeting. Eragon and Murtagh exchanged amused looks and followed her out of the tent with Arya close behind.
Nasuada decided that the only tent large enough to house two dragons heads was Eragon's so they proceeded in that direction. Upon arriving, Eragon bade everyone wait outside while he cleaned a space for the meeting to commence and disappeared quickly. Thorn and Saphira looked as if they were having some sort of playful argument, so Murtagh let them be and began talking to Arya and Nasuada. Within a few minutes, Eragon emerged and bade them enter. They seated themselves comfortably at the table he had set out and Eragon took a seat beside Arya. The dragons poked their heads through the flap that was the doorway and Nasuada began the meeting.
"Thank you for coming at such short notice," she smiled. "As I said before, I have an important mission for the dragon riders. You may not like what I have planned, but it is necessary." Murtagh gave Thorn a worried glance as did Eragon to Saphira. Nasuada didn't see the exchange as she quickly continued speaking. "I need Eragon and Murtagh to fly to Uru'bean and disguise themselves as slaves in the Kings household." Murtagh stiffened like he was going to say something, but Thorn gave him a warning growl. Nasuada looked at the pair but continued. "With Murtagh's knowledge of the castle it shouldn't be at all hard to find the dragon egg and bring it back here to the Varden. We may outnumber the King, but he has enough strength to take on ten riders, so it is of great importance that it is brought here. We will find a rock of similar size and disguise its colour so that it matches the egg. We will swap the two and with any luck, the King won't even know it has been changed until after you return here."
"It is a good plan, but it sounds too simple" Arya said.
"The good plans always are." Eragon replied taking a look at Murtagh who had just turned a strange milky white colour.
"Is ther something wrong Murtagh?" Nasuada asked, her eyes concerned. Murtagh shook his head quickly to rid himself of any unnecessary negative thoughts, and just replied with, "When will we be leaving?"
"Within the next few days, just to get everything prepared. The sooner we get the egg, the better for the Varden." Murtagh nodded slowly. "As you wish" he said not looking anyone in the eyes.
So... That was chapter three!! I hope you liked it. I had a few questions about Zyana's background and how she knows the Ancient language. Everything will be revealed within the next few chapters. Anyway... See that little button right there? It says review. Press it and leave a comment. Good, bad?? Just leave a review and let me know what you thought!!
