Hey guys, I'm back. Time to put Thorn's skills to the test;

Chapter 12: The Training Begins

Murtagh and Thorn stared in awe of the massive gold dragon. It's large golden scales illuminated dazzling chips of light across the trees. Upon it's back sat it's rider, Oromis, dressed in white robes. Glaedr crouched and lifted his good leg to help the rider onto the ground from his saddle.

Oromis smiled as he approached Eragon and Saphira to greet them once again. "Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales. It is good to have you back." he said. Eragon and Saphira were happy as ever. Oromis and Glaedr brought their attention to bear on the new comers. Murtagh and Thorn stood their ground as the older rider and dragon approached them.

Oromis examined Murtagh carefully and asked him, "What name do you go by?"

With a jolt, Murtagh replied politely, "I am Murtagh. This is my dragon, Thorn Crimsonwing."

Oromis brought his sights onto the young ruby dragon and begun to study his attributes. Thorn was also curious to know his new master as well. Oromis brought out his conclusions, "Muscular...graceful proportions...talons are nicely curved...wings are well-built...spikes are sharp...all in all...a fine young dragon." Thorn admired Oromis' knowledge of dragon characteristics.

Glaedr approached Thorn closer to examine him. They both looked eye to eye. Glaedr began to examine Thorn even closer until he had sensed that their is something very special about him. Eragon and Saphira wondered if Murtagh and Thorn will be treated well by the elves. Saphira was also partially worried about Glaedr and wondered if Thorn really meant what he said back at Helgrind. Glaedr turned his head to face his rider, Oromis, there is something I must tell you.

Oromis and Glaedr walked to the side of the forest and begun exchanging thoughts with each other. The other riders and dragons were wondering why Glaedr had felt so surprised at seeing Thorn for the first time. Oromis turned back towards Murtagh, "You say your name is Murtagh, correct?" he asked. Although afraid something bad might happen, Murtagh had no choice but to give a straight reply, "Aye."

Oromis could see that Murtagh's face was now smeared with despair, "Fear not, son of Morzan. I hold no grudge to you or your dragon." Murtagh was now feeling warmer by the fact that Oromis has accepted him.

Glaedr looked at Thorn and spoke to him, We shall treat you both with our utmost respect.

Thorn nodded his head in agreement. Oromis and Glaedr walked to the edge of the plains as the massive gold dragon crouched to assist his rider onto his saddle. Oromis spoke aloud, "Come everyone. Your sessions shall now commence."

Glaedr unfolded his wings and took to the skies followed by Thorn, Saphira, Eragon and Murtagh. As both dragons angled for the Crags of Tel'naeir, Thorn looked around himself and studied the area about. Out in the distance, he could see a row of mountains and underneath him were the trees of the forest. Thorn wondered if the next training sessions would be much different than what Shruiken had taught him. He also believed that maybe, just maybe, Glaedr might know of his true purpose.

Upon arriving at their destination, both of the dragons landed softly and their riders descended from their saddles. Oromis walked towards the other riders, "Come with me, we have much to discuss."

Eragon followed inside, but Murtagh stayed behind. He felt gloomy inside his stomach. Thorn gently nudged his rider's shoulder and echoed in his mind, Go on. I'll be fine.Murtagh obeyed and disappeared into Oromis' hut.

Only Saphira, Thorn and Glaedr remained outside. The large gold dragon turned his eyes over to the young ruby dragon as Thorn paid no attention. What Glaedr had sensed in him was like nothing that he had ever sensed before. He felt as if an untold prophecy was about to take place. He even sensed an extremely high level magic resting inside the young red dragon. It was enormous, perhaps enough to surpass even the greatest of all dragons. Possibly even Bid'daum himself.

While Thorn was still looking away, Glaedr walked towards him to begin a conversation to know him more. Thorn could hear the loud thuds beating the grounds as Glaedr approached him. Your name is Thorn Crimsonwing, correct? he asked.

Thorn quickly replied, Aye! I am.

Glaedr smiled slightly, and decided to introduce himself, I go by Glaedr. You will call me master in human tongues and ebrithil in the ancient language. Be sure that you extend the same courtesy to my rider. We are your teachers; and you are our new students; and you will act with proper respect and authority. Especially to Saphira and Eragon.

Yes, Master Glaedr. acknowledged Thorn.

Thorn, I can tell by your stress that you and your rider must have trained deliberately.

That is something that not very many people take notice in.

Tell me...who was you're previous teacher.

Thorn was shocked at the question as Saphira paid no attention to his conversation with Glaedr, although it was hard for him to say the names, Shruiken and Galbatorix.

Thorn was afraid that Glaedr might let out a raging outburst. Instead, Glaedr nodded and asked him, I see...you are one of the subdued eggs then. For what is your purpose here in Ellesmera?

Thorn tried to reply but be could not grasp any information from his mind. Suddenly, Glaedr stirred. Were you and your rider banished from Uru'baen? he asked.

No! We left on our own will. said Thorn.

Glaedr was astonished, I'm surprised that a slave like you could scuttle your way out of Galbatorix's grasp.

Thorn frowned with a spark in his eyes, What is that supposed to mean? Glaedr felt he was being too negligent with his new pupil.

I only ask for your purpose here, young one.

...Master. I'm just searching for an answer.

And what might that be?

I don't really know.

Is it something you have lost?

It seems that way.

Thorn still felt depressed over the fact that he will go through more training. After a long discussion, the three riders exited the hut and walked toward their dragons. Glaedr continued, I will talk with Oromis and do whatever we can to help the both of you.Thorn acknowledged him with a nod. Murtagh walked to Thorn and gently rubbed his snout.

Well...?

They will remove the spell.

Oromis approached Murtagh and Thorn and said, "The two of you will begin your sessions tomorrow. Wake up as soon as Eragon and Saphira do arrive back kere." Murtagh knodded, "We are in your debt."

Thorn added, We are both in your debt.

Oromis politely inclined his head. "I've requested my people to prepare a resting place for you. Go and recover your strength." Oromis continued.

Murtagh acknowledged him, "Thank you ebrithil." Eragon borded Saphira as Murtagh borded Thorn and together they both took off and readied themselves for the next day.

Wow. Pretty sweet huh? Well what do you think of it? Can you guys guess on how Glaedr knows who Thorn is? More importantly, where could Thorn have gotten all that potential. Stay tuned, and his true power will be unleashed. Yeah, I used some of the words from the books. I'm just trying to go the authors' way, that's all.