Disclaimer: I only own the plot and the new characters.
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Special thanks to: ClevelandtoCharolette, EvilBunny101, xLzM, Mystic Archer Horse, Issylt, EragonPeep, alsdssg, First Gurl Rider, Canadian-Girl14, Alli Copen, Lani1402, daughterofmusic, HeartReaderz, Aryafangirl007, Phillipina, fanticylover517, teenchic2004 and LoveAroundEmbers. Your reviews really keep me going, and I appreciate all the suggestions you make. I hope you keep enjoying this story as much as I do!
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Chapter 11 – The mysterious message
Darkness surrounded him, and a chilling cold embraced his sore body. He was surprised to be still alive, but it made sense; Lord Art wanted some answers, and he would not give up until he had them. Morcant tried to straighten up, but one movement was enough for him to understand that his whole body was restrained – not by ropes, but by heavy chains.
He caught a glimpse of movement through the corner of his eye, though he couldn't quite make out more than an indistinct figure in that dim-light. His sight was not what it used to be, and the only torch that rested in the wall support was not enough to lighten the whole place.
How long had it been since Art had punched him? And most importantly, where was he? Morcant could not answer these questions, and he knew it would be a waste of time to linger for too long on these matters; his mind was still too blurry.
His thoughts strayed to his granddaughter, and Morcant wondered if she was looking for him at that very moment. "My dear child…" he whispered painfully. His strengths abandoned him as the hours stretched and he fell asleep, plunging into a realm of disturbing nightmares.
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It was night already, and yet no sign of her grandfather. No one knew where he was, no one had seen a thing. Kaila spent hours in Morcant's room, leaping onto her feet every time she heard the sound of steps, but it was never him.
Kaila tried to focus all of her energies to avoid recalling what had happened that morning, between her and the dragon rider. However, that was proving to be impossible; she could still feel his hands wrapped around her waist.
The kiss had been unexpected, and the avidness with which Murtagh had pulled her into him had been slightly intimidating. She liked him, but until that moment she had only thought of him as a friend. Now they had kissed… Kaila did not know whether their friendship would be affected by that, but she hoped not.
The young man's words echoed in her mind: "I don't know what crossed my mind… I mean – that moment we shared…" So it had been a spur of the moment, it happened because he was feeling down and needed to feel loved. And then Kaila remembered his next words: "It's been a while since I last –" He had not finished that sentence, but she had an idea of what he meant.
Kaila had yet to decide if she should be offended about this last part, or if she should not take it too seriously. Murtagh's genuine embarrassment and loss of words made her burst out laughing, for that moment had been rather comical.
"Why does it have to be so complicated?" Kaila whispered to herself, but her only reply was the silence of the empty room. This seemed to make her snap from these thoughts, and the absence of Morcant hit her like a rock. "Where are you, old man?" Again, no reply.
When Kaila woke up, she took a few seconds to understand where she was; she had fallen asleep on Morcant's bed. The sun had not rise yet, so she lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Never had her grandfather disappeared like that, without warning her. True, he had told Jonathan he would be away, but nothing indicated he would take so long to return.
Kaila did not want to panic, but she was starting to get badly worried. Morcant had always been a man of mysteries, but he would not vanish without leaving a note. A strange feeling at the pit of her stomach was growing steadily.
Ignoring it, Kaila planned her next actions: as soon as the sun rose, she would look for Jonathan and she would ask him again about Morcant's whereabouts, in the hope that he might have forgot some detail. She would also question some of the servants, just in case. If that did not work, she would have to ask for Murtagh's help; had he not been the one who had found her when she was missing?
Yes, if there was someone who could help her find Morcant, it was Murtagh. Maybe she ought to go to him at once. Kaila half-straightened when something stopped her; she did not feel remotely prepared to face the dragon rider, it was too soon. No, she would follow her plan, and if everything else failed, she would then approach Murtagh.
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"She won't come today, I know it…"
"Will you please stop repeating yourself? It's becoming really annoying", Thorn said, but Murtagh kept pacing up and down in front of him. "You know, if you keep on doing that, you are going to leave a hole in the grass."
Murtagh rose his eyes to meet Thorn's mocking ones. "Ha ha, very funny. This is a very serious situation, Thorn, so will you please stop making fun of me?" Thorn snorted. "I mean it, if you don't quit it, I will block you from my thoughts!"
"Peace, my friend, peace", the red dragon replied, licking his paw casually. "I think you are overreacting. After all, it was just a kiss –"
"Just a kiss?!" Murtagh snapped. "The problem was not the kiss –it was actually really pleasant – but I said such stupid things after. Kaila must think I am an idiot!"
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Murtagh…"
"And then she left… she even slammed the door behind her! How am I supposed to know if she even enjoyed it?"
"Ask her", Thorn suggested simply, but the glance Murtagh shot him was murderous. "Women are complicated creatures, my friend, that's what it is…"
At these words, Murtagh brightened up considerably and even chuckled. "And you say that based in…? Let me guess, your long experience with female affairs?"
Thorn clattered his teeth menacingly. "Don't mock me, dragon rider! I may not have experience on those matters, but I'm not the one who self-proclaims to be so experienced and then say barbarities to a girl!"
"I didn't say barbarities – aghh, forget it!" Murtagh kicked a stone, in what was clearly a frustrated gesture.
He had so much in his mind already, things that kept him awake at night, tossing and turning in his bed, waiting for sleep to bring him a blissful moment. But when he did fall asleep, nightmares would hunt his weary mind, bringing omens of a dark future…
Murtagh could not bear the thought of losing Kaila's friendship; he refused to ruin one of the few things that brought some comfort to his life. "I am going to look for Kaila, and I am going to tell her how truly sorry I am for my behaviour. I will make things right."
Thorn glanced down at him, all mockery gone from his eyes. "If you think that is the best thing to do, you have my full support. Just choose your words carefully, and I'm sure Kaila will forgive you."
Murtagh nodded, and after a quick goodbye he returned to the castle, meditating on the best way of addressing the subject. By the time he was descending the flight of stairs that led to the kitchens, nothing had occurred to him yet.
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"Hum… no, I don't think I forgot any detail", Jonathan said, patting Kaila gently on the shoulder. "I am sure there is no reason to be alarmed. Old Morcant always liked a bit of mystery", he added in a light tone, but that was not enough to sooth Kaila's concern.
The young woman thanked him and watched as he walked away to fulfil his tasks. All she could now was questioning the other servants, but something told her it could be a waste of time. As she started to head towards the kitchen, a little boy – he must be around 8 years old – pulled her by the sleeve and hold out a hand with a roll of parchment.
"Is this for me?" Kaila asked, and the little boy nodded. "Who sent you?" she added, as she unfolded the parchment, but the boy ran away at once. "Wait!" He did not even look back, and Kaila stared for a whole minute at the corner behind which he had just disappeared. As if that was not odd enough, what she read on the parchment only contributed to make her feel uneasy.
If you want to know where Morcant is, go to the soldier barracks and look for Troy and Marion. I think those two might be able to point you in the right direction. But be careful, courtesy is not their best quality.
The message was not signed, and the handwriting was hasty and slant. Kaila silently thanked Murtagh for teaching her how to read, or she would be clueless as what the note said. Who could have sent it? No ideas occurred to her. Then a thought struck her: what if it was a trap? In fact, she had been abducted before… what if the same person was behind her grandpa's disappearance?
"What to do?" Kaila muttered feebly. She was scared, and she had never felt so alone. Slowly and unconsciously, the young woman made her way towards the kitchens, parchment unfolded in her right hand. She barely noticed the person who had just stepped out from the stairs on her left, snapping out of that trance only when her name was called.
"Kaila! I was looking for you!" Murtagh said, halting abruptly and staring intently at her, as if trying to read her expression.
Kaila stared back at him as if he was the last person she expected to see.
"Are you still mad at me?" Murtagh asked in a defeated voice. "Listen, I came looking for you because I want to apologize for my behaviour yesterday. What is this?" he added, for Kaila had thrust a roll of parchment into his hands.
"Read it, please", she said in a hushed tone. Murtagh opened his mouth to protest, but she didn't let him speak. "Now it's not the best time for that conversation, Murtagh. Please, read it."
Raising an eyebrow, the young man quickly read the note. Comprehension dawned on him at last. "I did not know Morcant was missing…"
"Well, he is not exactly missing… he said he had some business to take care of, but something does not feel right…"
"Why didn't you come to me at once?" Murtagh asked suddenly, and Kaila's uncomfortable expression answered his question. "Before we seek the blokes, I will try to scry your grandfather – that was how I found you. If that doesn't work, then we'll go to the barracks." His tone was resolute and positive, and Kaila felt truly comforted. "Don't worry, we will find him."
"Thank you."
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Lord Art waited for the servant to return, his usual blank mask not revealing the fears that were hounding his thoughts. He had asked for a private hearing with the King, not because he had new information, but to sooth Galbatorix's restlessness.
The old King was an unpredictable man – much like Art himself – so it was important to keep him satisfied. A tight knot formed in his throat when he imagined the punishment Galbatorix would give him if his conjectures proved to be wrong. He had barely had time to compose his expression when the servant returned, announcing: "King Galbatorix will receive you now, my Lord."
Returning to his usual confident self, Art followed the servant through the splendid black marble doors, stopping to bow courteously at the foot of the throne. "My King", he greeted.
Galbatorix acknowledged the greeting with a nod and dismissed the servant with a casual wave. As soon as the man was gone, he spoke: "My dear Lord Art, I was wondering when you would visit me. I hope that you have good news for me."
"Well, my King, I am closer to bring you the news you wish to hear. I have been dedicating all of my time and my resources to this matter, and I am confident that the results will be satisfying", Art replied immediately, his words not betraying his nervousness.
"Good." Galbatorix looked attentively at the other man, as if judging his words. "However, that is not good enough. You have been telling me the same for far too long, Art, and my patience has limits."
"Your Highness, I –"
"Have you ever wondered why I choose Murtagh as a dragon rider, instead of you?" Art froze on the spot, for the King had never discussed that subject with him. "Because despite being quite temperamental and not very fond of me – to say the very least – the boy does what he is asked to do. Murtagh does not hesitate."
Lord Art dropped his gaze to the floor, humiliated; he clenched his hands into fists, but dare not to reply.
"Can you get this done, Art, or shall I release you from your Lord title? Do you think you can honour the name of your family, or will you lead them to disgrace?"
Finally, Art looked up and said: "I will do it, my King."
"Good." This time, Lord Art was the one being dismissed with a wave.
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Kaila observed as Murtagh hold out his hand over the basin filled with water, and her eyes widened when a silver glow spread from his palm; she had never witnessed the use of magic. He muttered two strange words: 'Draumr kopa'.
The water stirred lazily, but nothing happened. Murtagh frowned, but did not withdraw his hand at once; Morcant appeared surrounded by darkness, pale as a ghost. Murtagh broke the contact with the magic, and avoided her stare. "I'm sorry, Kaila, I don't know where he is…"
The young woman concealed her disappointment with a quick smile. "At least we know he is alive…"
Murtagh half-rose an arm to pat her on the shoulder, but then drew it back. "Well, I think we should pay those two soldiers a visit. Please, allow me to go with you", he added, for Kaila seemed about to protest. "There is no way in hell I am going to let you go over there on your own; we don't know if a trap is awaiting you there." He paused, and then concluded just above a whisper: "I would never forgive myself if something happened to you."
Even though Kaila did not want to involve him Murtagh than he already was involved, she felt an immense relief washing over her; if he was to go with her, she would feel more protected. Kaila nodded.
They climbed the stairs and proceeded to the exterior of the castle, crossing the empty main square as quickly as possible; the barracks were located in the farthest corner, close to the stables. It was early, so the soldiers were probably asleep; only one guard was visible at the door, but he too was sleeping.
Kaila turned abruptly towards the stables, surprising Murtagh, and before he had time to react, she grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him after her. The glance she shot him pleaded for silence. He raised an eyebrow, but still followed her silently.
The horses raised their heads as the newcomers walked in, but the place seemed to be empty apart from them; Thorn was most likely hunting for his own meal. Kaila let go of Murtagh's arm and inspected the place thoroughly. "Well, will you tell me what is going on in your mind?" the dragon rider inquired as Kaila returned to his side, apparently satisfied with the results of her inspection.
"I think I should go inside alone", Kaila declared shyly, not meeting his eyes.
"No way! You don't know these soldiers, Kaila; they are not to be trusted!" Murtagh protested vehemently.
"I am not asking you to walk away, Murtagh. I just think that if you go in with me, they will get intimidated and they won't say a word. If I walk in on my own –"
"- heaven knows what they'll do!" he concluded.
"Do you trust me?"
"What? Of course I do, but –"
"Then let me do this my way. If I think I am in danger, I will scream for you, and then you can burst in and teach them a lesson", Kaila suggested, though Murtagh did not seem persuaded just yet. "Murtagh, be reasonable, please."
At last, the young man nodded reluctantly. "I warn you, if you don't walk out – unharmed – in five minutes, I walk in whether you have screamed or not. Are we clear?"
"Perfectly", Kaila replied, smiling reassuringly. She turned to make her way into the barracks, and then stopped. "Hum… there is only one problem." Murtagh halted beside her, sending her an inquiring look. "The guard at the entrance… he can wake up at any moment."
Murtagh grinned scornfully. "No problem at all."
Kaila followed him suspiciously as he tiptoed until he reached the sleeping guard; she understood what he was going to do a split second before he did it. Murtagh clenched his right hand into a fist and punched the man in the side of the head; he caught him before he fell unconscious on the ground. "Murtagh!" Kaila whispered in an angry tone. "Was that really necessary?"
"This shall give you some minutes", he replied indifferently. "If he wakes up, he will taste my fist again. Now go, and remember: five minutes!"
"Alright, alright!" Kaila took a deep breath before pushing the door open. Her heat was beating rather fast, for she was struggling to control her nerves. As the door opened with a screeching sound, a disgusting smell of cheap wine, sweat and – what was it? She was not sure she wanted to know – hit her nostrils and made her nauseous.
Men were snoring loudly in bunk beds, and Kaila realized it would be hard to find Troy and Marion; if only she knew exactly who they were… She closed the door behind her and gave some hesitant steps; then she stopped, sensing some movement on her right. "Who is there?" she stuttered, mentally cursing herself for being so stupid.
The place was only dim-lighted, but it was enough for the young woman to see a figure rising from the bed on her right, and she stepped back instinctively. The figure was coming closer and closer, and Kaila stepped even further back, but she was so focused in the approaching figure that she did not notice the bed right behind her.
Letting out a muffled cry of pain, Kaila crashed into the bed and landed on top of a soft form. The sleeping soldier woke up with a start and yelled: "What in the world?" He tossed Kaila into the floor, and before she could even open her mouth, the door broke open and she saw Murtagh at the entrance, sword ready. "Kaila?" he called out.
Throughout the whole division, men were waking up, unaware of the unusual situation.
"Here", Kaila said, trying to get up. Murtagh ran to the young woman and seized her to her feet with his sword free hand.
"Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?"
"No, I'm fine", she assured him. "Why did you burst in? I thought you were supposed to give me at least five minutes, and –"
"I heard someone screaming. I thought it was you!" Murtagh replied defensively.
More and more soldiers were straightening up, exchanging confused looks. The dragon rider was still holding Kaila firmly by the waist, apparently forgetting why they were there.
Kaila broke free from his grasp and whispered to him: "Hum… maybe we should explain why we are here…"
"Oh, right", Murtagh agreed, clearing his throat. "Good morning, fellas. Me and my friend here", he jerked his head towards Kaila, "are looking for Troy and Marion. Are they here?" Silence. "We just want to ask them a few questions." The soldiers exchanged cautious glances. "Come on, we don't have all day."
There was a side door that both Kaila and Murtagh did not know about, and two figures were slowly making their way into it. She pulled his sleeve. "Hey, you two!" he yelled. The men did not bother to look back, they started running.
Murtagh and Kaila did the same, and while one of them managed to escape through the door, Murtagh tackled the other to the ground. Angry voices filled the air as he punched the man square in the face, but the soldiers did not dare to interfere. After all, he was the dragon rider, protégé of the King.
Kaila gripped Murtagh's arm as he prepared to strike again, and said in a firm voice: "That is enough. Let's go outside to question him, we don't need audience for that."
The dragon rider nodded, heaving the semi-unconscious man to his feet. "Thank you for your cooperation, gents", he said in a mocking tone as they headed out. "Let's find out who you are, mate. Kaila, can you bring a bucket of water? This one needs a bit freshening up." He dropped the man a few feet away from the barracks, against the wall of the stables.
Kaila returned a minute later with the bucket and tossed its contents onto the soldier. The man coughed and swore loudly.
"Not happy with the treatment?" Murtagh joked, but his eyes were gleaming menacingly. "If you don't tell me what I want know, you will regret the day you were born. Understood?" The man nodded. "Good. Now tell me your name."
"T-Troy, my Lord. I'll tell ya everything you need to know, but please don't hit me again; I'm just a humble man", the man named Troy mumbled, raising his hands apologetically. "If I have done anything to offend our noble King-"
"Save your appraisals for someone who deserves them; my business with you has nothing to do with Galbatorix", Murtagh replied coldly.
"I will do the talking now, Murtagh", Kaila announced, and the young man stepped back with a reluctant nod. "Troy, I am Kaila, and I serve in the castle under the orders of Morcant. Do you know who he is?"
"Yes…" he answered cautiously, not revealing his alarm at the mention of that name. He had known all along that he would be in trouble if someone found out about his double-crossing, especially if that someone was Lord Art… He opened his mouth to start begging for forgiveness, but Kaila did not let him speak.
"Did you know that he is missing?" Troy widened his eyes in genuine surprise, and shook his head. Kaila and Murtagh exchanged doubtful looks. "He has been missing since yesterday morning, and we believe you may have some information concerning his whereabouts."
"I don't know a thing about that!" Troy exclaimed at once.
"Right and that is why you started running when I said I was looking for you and your pal. You know something, so speak!"
"Morcant asked my help – and Marion's – to find this bloke, Tristan was his name… he gave us some money, we found the man and reported back to Morcant." Troy glanced from Murtagh to Kaila. The dragon rider did not seem to be buying it, but the girl certainly was. "Kaila, isn't it?" She nodded. "I swear this is the truth! I can tell you the place where this Tristan was hiding; maybe Morcant headed there himself." Her eyes gleamed with hope, and he congratulated himself for his cleverness.
"Where is this place?" she inquired at once.
"A small hut, just outside the castle walls; I can take you there…"
"I don't like this, Kaila, I don't like this a bit", Murtagh said, watching Troy carefully.
Kaila seemed to ponder for a while, and then dropped her voice to a whisper, so that only Murtagh could hear her words: "I don't like it either, but this man is our only lead." She glanced at Troy, who was still kneeling on the hard ground. "Please, come with me, help me find Morcant."
Murtagh locked his blue eyes with her green ones, and whispered back: "Alright, but this time, we do things my way."
"As you wish."
Murtagh turned to Troy and announced: "Alright soldier, get up. We are going for a little ride."
To be continued…
