Okay, people. I know this chapter is short, as well, and I apologize. School just started, so I had a hectic few days. This is dedicated to RustlingLeaves, whose story is awesome. Read it, and you'll see what I mean! On with the story!
7: A Mother's Love
"M-Mother? You're dead. Either I am dreaming, or I'm dead, too."
"You aren't dead, Murtagh, and you're not dreaming, either. We don't have time for this; Thorn is waiting."
After she said those words, Selena grabbed Murtagh's hand and pulled him up, since he had collapsed to the floor when his chains had been unlocked. She kept hold of his hand and pulled him swiftly through the castle. It was dark, and they could only see by the torches that were hung every six feet on each wall. Murtagh and Selena took a turn which led to the main hallway of the castle. Breathlessly, mother and son reached the main door of the castle. There were two guards on the night watch, but both of them lay on the floor, their snoring quite audible in the otherwise quiet castle.
"A charmed sleep," thought Murtagh as they went through the double doors. Outside, it was exceptionally cold for an August night; Selena guessed that it was about forty degrees outside the castle. They walked to a sort of stable, but this barn held no horses or cows; it was the dragon hold where Shruikan and Thorn were housed.
Selena lead the way, once more pulling out her set of keys and unlocking the human-sized door that stood next to a dragon-sized one. They climbed the spiral staircase that led to the mighty beasts. Up, up, up it went, never seeming to end. Murtagh's back pained him like fury, but he pressed on, eager to get to his beloved dragon. The adrenaline of meeting his mother again helped to numb the pain, and Murtagh knew that Thorn could give him the strength to heal himself when he got there.
Finally, they reached the top of the stairs. It was dark in the dragon hold, and Murtagh could just make out two dragon-like shapes. Torches hung on the walls here as well, but they had not been lit that night.
"Brisngr," murmured Selena, a purple flame springing to life on one of the torches. The light revealed Thorn and Shruikan, each lying down on a dragon-sized mattress. Thorn was saddled, and carried perhaps a week's provisions, as well as bedding.
"Are you ready, Murtagh? And you, My Lady?" said Thorn, eager to leave the wretched place behind them.
"I wish you a safe journey, young hatchling. I wish I could join you, but . . . we all know that it isn't to be. Galbatorix knows that I hate him, so he cast that blasted spell to prevent me from leaving here unless he is riding me," said the black dragon, a look of sadness in his great, red eyes.
"I am sorry that it has to be this way, my old friend. You have helped me through many hardships. I wish you could come," whispered Murtagh, his deep voice wavering with sorrow. He was disappointed that Shruikan could not accompany him in his freedom.
"It is just as well, the three of you will have less chance of getting caught without me."
"I know, but you have been my companion, my friend. You taught me everything I know," said Thorn, regretful to leave his master.
"We must go. Shruikan, I am sorry," Selena regretfully thought to the great, black beast.
"Go now, I understand," rumbled the noble dragon.
"What about the king? He knows our true names. We can't disobey him," projected Murtagh to his mother.
"No, he does not know your true names. He only thinks he does. I sent him a message as an elf, telling him that your true name was Vrangr Zar'roc, or Wandering Misery, and that Thorn's was Vollar Skulblaka, or Burning Dragon. It was not right. If Galbatorix had studied longer with a master he would have known that nobody has those names that live. There is a myth that a dragon and Rider by that name can bring about the destruction of all who appose them. He thinks you are the legendary team," said Selena in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Mother, you are a genius," said Murtagh to Selena.
"Enough talk, we must fly," Selena spoke aloud.
"Hadn't someone better see to Murtagh's wounds? He can't ride like this," Thorn pointed out.
"Waise heill!" murmured Selena, placing her hand over her son's jagged wounds.
Murtagh's flesh started to knit itself back together. The gashes on his back and shoulders began to close and come together, leaving no trace of the King's torture, not even a scar. Selena walked over to Thorn, reached into a saddle bag, and produced a shirt for the topless. He put it on, nodding in thanks.
"Shall we?" said Murtagh, taking Selena's hand and helping her up onto Thorn. He then hoisted into the saddle in front of Selena. She put her arms around his waist, and with a final farewell to the black dragon, they took off into the cold, starless sky that surrounded Galbatorix's castle.
Thank you to all that visit this story, and please tell me what you think. I checked my stats today, and I have had 399 hits on this story! You all are awesome, and the next chapter will be up soon.
