They were going back to Uru'baen again. Why, Murtagh wasn't really sure.
Well, yes, actually, he knew why. There'd still been no word from Eragon or Saphira or any of the elves who had gone east with them, and everyone who was anyone was getting together in Uru'baen to discuss it.
What Murtagh wasn't sure about was why he and Thorn were going.
Because we are a Rider and dragon, grumbled Thorn, his wings sweeping through the early morning air. We are the queen's archagent. Of course we're important.
No, I know that! Murtagh pounded the saddle with a half-hearted fist. I mean…why'd we agree to go?
Thorn snorted, sending smoke to rush past Murtagh. Can you imagine what would happen if we'd refused?
Not much?
Murtagh, do you not want a chance to help decide the future? This is big, as big as killing Galbatorix. Do you not want some say in what will affect us?
I fear I'll just make another bad decision –
His mental voice was small, it cost him something to say that, and so it hurt when Thorn answered with a growl. Stop it!
Stop what?
Thinking like that! Murtagh, are you always going to think only ill of yourself?
What else is there to think?
There was dead silence. Then Thorn folded his wings and plummeted to the ground.
THORN! yelled Murtagh, the wind screaming in his ears. Thorn, what are you doing? The ground was getting rapidly closer, everything was blurry and the ground was rushing towards them and THORN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING –
At the last second, Thorn snapped his wings out and they jerked away from the ground, Murtagh's neck snapping with the backlash. He groaned, rubbing his neck, sure he was going to feel that tomorrow, as Thorn landed. Thorn, what the hell is going on?
Get off my back.
What?
Now.
Completely bewildered, Murtagh slid off, landing to the ground with an ungainly thud!
Now stand in front of me.
Okay… Murtagh obeyed, walking to directly in front of Thorn, who lowered his head so he was looking Murtagh straight in the face. Thorn, what…
Murtagh, listen to me, said Thorn. Out of all the candidates, out of all the humans and elves who had contact with my egg, who did I pick?
…me.
Who?
Me! snapped Murtagh.
And do you know why?
Murtagh was very much tempted to say, Hell if I know, but felt Thorn would not take kindly to that comment. Why?
Because I believed you would be the best Rider for me. Because I, even as a baby, even when you were hurt and confused and only nineteen years old, had the potential to become truly great. Do you hear me? GREAT. Thorn looked sadly at Murtagh. Murtagh, how can I believe in you when you won't even believe in yourself?
Sighing, Murtagh reached out a hand to place it against Thorn's nose. Maybe once I could do great things, but now…I'm not so sure.
Have you ever actually tried?
I… Murtagh looked at Thorn, startled. I guess I...haven't.
Thorn cocked his head, a little smile curling the edges of his scaly mouth. Maybe you should.
