Chapter 4

Bellas POV

"Good morning, Ilrae." I said, as I walked out of the tent, kicking him as he groaned in reply.

OUCH! Do I have to get up?

"Ilrae, this isn't Ellesmera." I snapped "You can't just have a lie in every morning."

I wouldn't call it morning yet. Morning means a little more light. This is Dawn.

"Yes, and this is the war." I replied "If Galbatorix comes, he isn't going to wait for you to get up before fighting us."

Well, Galbatorix isn' here. was his reply I'll see you in the morning, Bella.

I walked away, then turned, leapt into the air and landed on his back. He squealed and bucked, causing me to fly through the air. He glared at me, as Eragon, Saphira and Arya burst out laughing.

Shut it. He snarled at them That was not funny.

I beagn laughing too. He resumed glaring at me. Aren't you going to apologize?

"Sorry!" I said, in between giggles.

He growled and leapt into the air, flying away. Eragon held up a new sword. "This'll have to do for now. If I return to Ellesmera, would Ilrae-"

"I don't think he could, Eragon." I said "I'm sorry."

He smiled and shrugged back. "Then this'll-"

BELLA! Ilrae scremed in my mind, suddenly urgent. He began descending down to camp. Its Thorn and Murtagh!

I looked to Eragon. "Murtagh and Thorn are back." I said.

He looked to his elfin guards. "We will link our energies to yours." they told us.

Ilrae landed. I didn't have any dragon armour, but I began casting several wards around her, and attached the saddle. I then ran into my tent, pulled on my elfin armour and waited.

The alarm sounded. Eragon leapt onto Saphira. "Come on, Bella." he said gravely.

He climbed onto Ilrae. Ilrae took off, and instantly began boasting about how he was better than Thorn.

Red scales? Uh! That's so Kuthian.

I blinked. Ku-what?

Kuthian.

Ilrae, I know your saying something but I don't understand. I said.

Whatever. he sighed Anyway, red scales or so passé. Who would want red scales? An Thorn. I feel sorry for that dragon.

Yeah, me too. I said sarcastically Being bound to Galbatorix like that.

I don't mean that. He snorted I meant in the term that his dim minded shallow Rider called him Thorn. That's the name of a peasant dragon.

We came face to face with Murtagh and Thorn. Murtgah held Zar'roc in his hands. "Galbatorix will be pleased when I return with not one but two dragons and riders."

"Do not think I am coming!" I yelled, and then said in the ancient language "I will never swear an oath of fealty to that traitor!"

Murtagh eyes narrowed "It's a pity you and your dragon are disposable. Otherwise..." he shook his head. "Well, Galbatorix will want to see you, um..."

"I don't give out our names." I said coldly "Not to enemys, and especially enemys who used to be allies!"

"Its not my fault!" he protested.

"No?" Eragon said "Murtagh, you could change. If your personality changes, so will your true name."

Murtaghs eyes narrowed "Eragon, you better not be lying..."

"Vel einradhen iet ai shur'tugal." Eragon said. "Try it now. We don't have to fight."

Murtagh thought for a second, then shook his head. "No. Galbatorix must know this. If our true name changes, he will only call her back to bind ourselves to him again. Although...we will work on it...perphaps we can all work together on it in Uru'baen, if he lets us that is...well, do you come willingly.

I'd rather have red scales. Ilrae thought back

Thorn growled. Whats wrong with Red Scales?

They're so Kuthian.

Thorn growled even more. Eragon and Saphiras eyes widened. Whats wrong with my father?

He's a murdering-

Thorn roared. "Ssh, Ilrae." I said. "Stop with the Kuthian, will you?"

That doesn't change who Kuthian is. he pointed out.

Who is Kuthian, anyway?

He said something, but I didn't understand. I don't-

You never do. He sighed Apart from Thorn just then, I havn't seen anyone. even Glaedr...I didn't even know Kuthian was Thorns father!

"I don't know what you did." Murtagh said to Ilrae "But you have offended him.

Good. At least I'm not the dragon of a murderers son. He said to Murtagh.

Murtagh held Zar'roc's hilt tight, and swung it at Ilrae. Ilrae dodged, and I swung Bjartwyrda at Murtagh.

Meanwhile Saphira was attacking Thorns unprotected back, whilst Eragon was attempting to hack his tail, but failing.

I unbuckled the straps, and prepared to leap. I might fall...this could prove dangerous.

Be careful. Ilrae warned.

Will do. I sprung from the mattress and onto Thorns shoulders, so I was facing Murtagh. As I landed, I cast the spell that meant I wouldn't fall off. Murtagh swung Zae'roc at me. I quickly blocked it with Zar'roc and struck at his shoulder.

Murtagh screamed as Saphira grabbed Thorns wing. We were falling.

"NO!" Murtagh cried "How?"

Two against one. Saphira said smugly. Ilrae had one of Thorns spike in his Jaws.

"What do we do now?" Eragon asked.

I sighed. I didn't like the answer. Murtagh was looking from person to dragon hopefully. We couldn't capture him...we either had to kill him or let him go.

I didn't want to kill him. "Let him go, Eragon.!

"What?" Eragon gasped.

"You owe him a debt. He let you go when you were his captive." I explained "There is only two options...kill or release."

Eragon looked to me and nodded. Saphira let Thorn go, and I leapt onto Ilraes back.

We watched Thorn and Murtagh fly away.