NOT GRUESOME THIS TIME, BUT THE PLOT WILL SICKEN!

Chapter 20: Change in Plans

Morning came far too quickly for the soldiers. The Urgals were defeated in their attempt to charge Ceuron thanks to Saphira warning her rider, Jovak slowing the enemy's progress, and John's ambush. All soldiers were sitting in the mess tent silently enjoying a lovely breakfast from the "Meals Ready to Eat," or MRE's. They came in different assortments including powdered eggs, powdered ham, or powdered sausage. At least it looked powdered until it was heated, but they tasted awful. No soldiers complained though because it was food and they were all starving after such a hard night.

John was sitting in between Eragon and Murtagh while their dragons went hunting together to find their own, better tasting nourishment.

"Okay," John said to his friends. "Where is this 'Ellesmera?"

"It's in the forest," Eragon said. "We cannot set foot any farther into it until they know we mean no harm."

"How can we get there?" John asked, shoveling eggs into his mouth.

"Most of the forest is part of their territory," Eragon explained. Since he was a vegetarian, he was eating string beans and corn. "It is Du Weldenvarden, place of the Elvin People. If we go in without permission, we could be attacked by their spells. They are twelve times stronger at magic than we are right now."

"Okay then," John said wiping his mouth. "Can the trucks go in there?"

"It is far too wooded," Eragon explained. "The only way is on foot. There is a town there that is just South of Ellesmera. I can explain our situation before we reach there and march up North to Ellesmera!" he turned to Murtagh. "I have trusted you. Promise me that what was said here will never pass your lips!"

"I promise," Murtagh said in the ancient language. John pushed his small plate of eggs away.

"What is the name of the town?" he asked.

"Kirtan," Eragon replied. "The elves watch the forest edges though. Before we enter, I must call them forth and let them know."

"So we need to follow the forest eastward until we reach this town?" John asked. Eragon shrugged. "I don't like the idea of leaving sixty vehicles out in the open," John groaned. "I guess it's a better plan then footing it the whole way there."

"I remember a few landmarks that can keep us in the right direction," Eragon explained. "Kirtan is directly in front of some tall hills in the Hadarac Desert. If all goes well, the elves will escort us there."

"Lets hope this works out." John got up and tossed his plate of eggs into a black trash bag. He stepped out of the large green tent and headed over to one of the M-1 Abrams tanks. Murtagh quickly caught up to him.

"Beautiful, ain't it?" John joked, rubbing the large barrel with his hands.

"They will aid in our victory," Murtagh replied. John took his hand off of the tank and turned to face the boy.

"So why did you turn your back on him?" John asked referring to Eragon. Murtagh shook his head.

"I caved under pressure," Murtagh replied. "Eragon was right. I turned into my father. I figured that this was the only way to regain the honor I once had."

"Truer words have never been spoken bro," John said, placing his hand on his shoulder. "You've gained all of our trust though. I think you are a good ally in this mess."

"Thanks friend," Murtagh said humbly. "If I die…?"

"Save that type of crap for after the war!" John exclaimed. "We'll be fine!" John turned to see all of the troops exit the tents.

"We're moving out!" John cried. "Echo around the forest." All of the soldiers grabbed their rifles and loaded into their trucks just before Saphira, Jovak, and Thorn arrived.

"Ready?" John asked Murtagh, who nodded his head. They both went their separate ways to get their weapons and prepare for the trip.

22222(Galbatorix)22222

"These are the terms of surrender?" the king yelled furiously. The Urgal who delivered it knelt to one knee and refused to lift his head.

"Our rider has betrayed us!" the Urgal screamed. "He fights for them."
"Does he now?" Galbatorix screamed. "I will show him who is his master!"

11111111(Back to Army)111111

Murtagh jumped onto Thorn's back and prepared to lift off after John and Eragon.

Are you ready? Thorn asked. Suddenly, immense pain rocked their insides, sending Thorn and Murtagh to the ground. Both were trying their hardest to scream in pain, but their voices couldn't work to do so. John was the first to see what happened and quickly rushed to their side.

"Hey buddy!" John screamed. "What happened? What's going on?" Eragon touched down beside him.

"It's the king's doing," Eragon explained. John propped Murtagh up against Thorn, trying to move him as comfortably as he can.

"You have to fight it!" John screamed. Murtagh's face contorted in pain and anguish as he struggled to lift a fist to the sky towards Gil'ead. Other soldiers began exiting their trucks and gathering around to watch, but John pushed them back.

"The sooner we kill this bastard the better," John said to Eragon referring to Galbatorix. "How long can he hold up?" Murtagh screamed in agony again and dropped his fist as Thorn bellowed behind him. Both were in immense pain.

"I'll fight as long as I can!" Murtagh struggled to cry out. "It hurts! Eragon knelt down beside him and took his hand.

"Stay strong brother," Eragon said. "It will pass." Eragon was right. The pain was gone after twenty agonizing minutes and Murtagh and Thorn were on their feet again.

"He will keep doing it until I am dead," Murtagh said, "or until I return to fight for him again." John cursed and kicked at the ground.

"Damn!" he screamed. "How long will it take us to reach Surda and Ellesmera?"

"Ellesmera may only take a few hours," Eragon said. "I fear that Surda will take much longer." John snapped his fingers.

"You and me will hit Ellesmera!" John exclaimed. "We'll send a team over into Surda…?"

"Who would convince them that we mean no harm?" Eragon asked. John swore again.

"You can convince the elf dudes and hightail it over to Surda while I do the recruiting!" John said, satisfied with himself.

"Sounds like it should work," Eragon said.

"We'll take one truck!" John exclaimed. "We'll pull up to the forest so you can do your thing and then you can head over to Surda. I'll keep Jovak close so I can head back with no problem." He sighed and turned to the west to see the mountains.

"Looks like the king has refused to surrender," he said. "I sure as Hell ain't waiting two weeks for his answer either."

SHORTEST CHAPTER EVER! SORRY.

PEACE