Chapter 3

A Terrible Success

Murtagh and Thorn were almost back to Uru'baen. Thorn was struggling to stay in the air even after his wounds were healed because of his tail. Murtagh wanted for the two of them to stay above the clouds so they could at least enjoy the sunshine before they were stuck back in their dark, damp cells. Both of them were regretting what they had just done. It's one thing to be forced to by the Ancient Language and their true names where they would at least be able to interpret what they have to do so they do the least amount of harm possible, but it is something completely different when that terrible, mad old man controls everything you even think about. It was a terrible experience that both of them never want to happen again. Both thought that being controlled and forced to kill the huge gold dragon and the elf rider was one of the worst things that the dark king has ever done. They were both literally one with Galbatorix. Every thought that he had was a thought that both Murtagh and Thorn shared. They had always known that they did not control their lives, being the name slaves that they were, but at the end of that fight Galbatorix took away their last semi-freedom, their minds.

After a particuarly hard flap of Thorn's wings while he was struggling to maintain altitude Murtagh was forced out of his train of thought. Partner-of-my-heart the castle is right ahead. Thorn said sadly. Their brief respite from the dark king was over. They were back to their cells. Back to their inadequate meals. Back to living in fear of the next beating. Back with Galbatorix.

Murtagh sighed. We cannot delay any longer Thorn. We can only hope that he is lenient with us for his victory over the gold dragon and rider. Murtagh thought to himself Nobody should have to go through this even if they are a son of the Forsworn. When they landed near Thorn's cell Galbatorix was waiting for them. This can't be good Thorn. He is waiting on us personally. Thorn gave a small weak roar in response.

Galbatorix had his usual half smile on his face. "Welcome back Murtagh and Thorn."

"It is good to be back my king" they responded in unison.

After this response Galbatorix started to turn a light shade of red in anger. "You two cannot do anything right can you? I cannot believe that you needed my assistance in killing an injured dragon and a crippled old elf!" With this exclamation he thrust himself into their minds with no regard for their personal comfort. As Galbatorix forced himself into their minds he forced their bodies to believe that they were on fire and that screws were driving themselves into their skulls.

This was the type of torture that Murtagh and Thorn hated and feared the most, for they did not even have their own minds to yell or scream in pain without that crazy old man figuring out and being elated at their pain. They both knew that this was coming but also knew it was futile to even try to put up their mental barriers. They just accpeted that this was their fate and that there was not much they could do for the Varden or the elves because of the many oaths that they have sworn to the old man.

Once Galbatorix was bored with this form of suffering he turned to two guards that were standing at the door to Thorn's cell and told them to open it. Thorn was so used to this he did not even have to be told to get into his cold, dark, damp cell. It had been so for all of his life. The cell was barely big enough for him to do a circle in and was just big enough for him to rest almost comfortably. Once Thorn was locked in Galbatorix motioned for the guards to pick Murtagh off of the floor and drag him to his own cell which was not to far away. The guards stayed in Murtagh's cell only long enough to dump him on the ground. The guards feared that if they stayed too long in Murtagh's cell that the king would shut them in there with him. Murtagh's cell consisted of a cot that was too short for him, which took up half the room, a stool and a small puddle in one of the corners that was always there. Sometimes at night Murtagh would not be able to sleep because there would be a slow agonizing drip that came from the ceiling that was not able to stop no matter how many different spells Murtagh tried.

Once Murtagh was alone he felt a very familiar consciousness touch his. Shruikan was checking up on him and Thorn. I hate it when he used your own mind against you two. It makes it so I am unable to help with the pain.

Don't worry about it Shruikan that crazy old man only did it for half of the time he usually does. He must really be happy that that gold dragon and rider are dead.

Aye Murtagh, Oromis and Glaedr were some of the ones who denied him a second egg when he asked.

Shruikan, will Thorn's tail grow back or does it always have to be short?

It will always be missing the tip, it will take Thorn two to three weeks to get used to it enough to where he will be fit to fight again.

At this Murtagh's heart sunk. One of his only friends was going to be maimed for the rest of his life and there was nothing that he could do about it. That feeling was replaced by hatred for Galbatorix for not letting them just run away from the ancient dragon and rider.

The three of them immediately began looking for ways around their oaths to Galbatorix and ways to possibly change their true names. The three worked on their only two goals in life well into the night because they never knew when they would be called to meet the dark king or forced into training or battle or more torture.