Chapter Twenty-two -

"Master?" The Twin not holding Murtagh stepped forward nervously wringing his hands. "did we displease you?" Galbatorix turned from the opening in the wall to stare at the Twins.

"Jazira was my secret. Now I will have to place more secrecy wards on him," He thrust his head toward Murtagh. "to keep my weapon safe when he goes to meet Eragon in battle. It will take unnecessary energy from my hearts, and for that I will punish you. But later. Now leave, see to the girl."

'Did he say 'hearts', or did I misunderstand?' Thorn swung his head to look around at Murtagh, but Murtagh ignored him and said out loud, taking a step closer to the king,

"What are they going to do to Jazira? Does she even know what she is?" Galbatorix changed his gaze to look at Murtagh. He inspected him, then turned back to the Twins saying,

"Leave now." With one last scathing gaze at Murtagh the Twins headed for the door. As the men walked slowly toward the door Murtagh suddenly felt a shot of pain rush through his scar. Wincing momentarily he let the pain wash through him, and watched the Twins depart from the corner of his eye.

As soon as the door slammed shut Galbatorix addressed Murtagh.

"They won't harm the girl, they know that I want that pleasure. Oh no need for the snarl, you'll have your chance."

"I would rather hand myself over to the Raz'ac then harm Jazira!"

"That can be arranged." Muttered Galbatorix as he seated himself in a high back chair. He gestured at a slightly shorter chair and after a moments hesitation Murtagh sank into it. Sitting forward Murtagh asked,

"So what about Jazira?" Galbatorix stared at him, his calm passive face showing nothing of what he was thinking. Finally he spoke.

"Yes, what about Jazira? What has she told you?"

"Nothing. She says she doesn't speak about the past cause it's the future that's important now."

"Hmm, she's smarter then I gave her credit for. But non the less, no one was to know of what she was, or what they were."

"But why did you kill the Nymphs? They seemed like they just wanted to live life." A hard gleam entered Galbatorix's eye, and Murtagh wondered if he was going to start shouting again. But when he spoke it was strained calm.

"Do you really understand why the elves didn't like them, boy?"

"I might if you told me. Sir." Murtagh added in a last stab of false submission.

"If what I have seen of your memory concerning elves is anything to go by, then you know nothing at all, besides what that little princess Arya as shown you," Galbatorix spat on the ground before resuming. "they are a willful, prideful and foolish race. They hide in their forests pretending to be so strong and noble, when it's just a false setting to hide their cowardice. There are only a handful of people who know the elves as they were before the agreement with the Dragons to work together. The tales I have chanced upon and those of my own experiences with the people tell who they really are. Once they wouldn't have thought twice about killing anyone anything in their way, and the queen whom they deem so wise and hold with such reference is the most foolish of all. She refuses to accept that it is only a matter of time before I hack my way through the forest and burn it off the face of Alegasia." Murtagh sat back a little, puzzled at what he was hearing.

"But what does this have to do with Jazira?"

"The elves are the considered the most powerful race, and they like that. When a Nymph is born they retain all the power the parents had combined along with the all the power of their ancestors before them, therefore if Jazira has fifty elf, twelve dwarf, and twenty human spell caster ancestors she has all the power of her successors."

"So Jazira is . . ."

"A hundred times stronger then she even knows." Murtagh sat back, trying to adsorb all he had learned.

"But how does someone tell who a Nymph is? Jazira does not have pointy ears like an elf, nor is she short like a dwarf. I always thought she was human."

"Because of all the blood that runs through their veins, they differ in size and appearance like humans."

"Why did you kill them though?"

"Have you heard nothing of what I've told you? They were the most powerful beings in the land! I couldn't afford to let them defy me."

"But why didn't you try to persuade them to join you?" A sneer twisted the kings face as he replied,

"Because not only are the Nymphs exceptionally powerful, they also have this mindset to only aid those of true heart. It's a mindset the Nymphs are born with therefore not allowing them to accept me." Murtagh looked down at his hands, his inside tumbling about uncomfortably as he thought of Jazira.

'My rider . . . . Are you okay?' Thorn asked, poking into Murtagh's mind. Murtagh gave a quick nod, not wanting to discuss it with Galbatorix so close by.

"But I did not bring you here to have a cozy little chat. I want to prepare you for the up coming storm." Murtagh jerked his head to look at the King and saw him fumbling about with something in his cloak. Nimbly he took out a knobby cloth bag, and laid it on his lap. Laying a hand over it as if it were his only child Galbatorix said,

"I wield terrible power, and it's made me the most feared and respected king in history, but it's stolen power." Murtagh and Thorn's eyes widened as Galbatorix took stones about the size of chicken eggs out of the pouch. There were four stones in total, two blue, one red and the other a deep green.

"Do you know what these are?"

"Stones?"

"Hearts." Murtagh glanced at Thorn, but to his surprise, instead of being equally confused, Thorn looked shocked and furious. Galbatorix then spoke again, making Murtagh turn his attention back to the king.

"Dragon hearts to be exact. They are call Eldunare." He handed Murtagh the red one, and Murtagh could hear Thorn growl as the stone touched his skin.

'Thorn, what are these?'

'They are the true hearts of Dragons that have passed into the void. He took, them and uses, if I'm not mistaken, the power they contain.'

'Wait, how did he take them if they are dead?' Suddenly another, harsher cruel voice entered the conversation. Galbatorix.

'There are no secrets between us Murtagh, I can hear every word.' Murtagh quickly entered the real world

"Dragon hearts? How did you manage that?" Murtagh asked examining the stone.

"I took them. When I defeated the Dragon Riders and killed their Dragon I forced them to give me their Heart of Hearts. When I did this it ensured that the Dragon would live on, even once his body had joined the circle of life."

"Is there a Dragon in there?" Murtagh nearly dropped the stone as the horrible thought entered his mind.

"Of sorts," Replied the king handing him the green one as well. "I can talk to the dragons if I wish, though I usually don't. It's very annoying, they mostly just shout threats and curses at me."

'I wonder why . . .' Thought Murtagh forgetting that Galbatorix could hear that thought. The king frowned, but otherwise let the comment slip.

"I have decided that you are to have those two hearts," Galbatorix continued. "the red one was that of your fathers dragon." Murtagh felt the sudden urge to thrown the stone into the palace mote, but resisted to ask,

"So the power of the dragons are mine now?"

"Yes, I will have you use the power to capture Eragon, you will bring him to me where with his female dragon, the only female dragon, I will recreate the Riders to be greater and more powerful then ever before!" With a flurry of black Galbatorix rose swiftly his arms in the air reaching for the dripping ceiling. Murtagh just looked at him, shaking his head.

"You're crazy. I will admit that what you say about the elves are true, and I wouldn't blame you if you did want to bring the Riders back. They were old and corrupt, but you idea of greatness is what any sane persons idea is of madness." Murtagh also rose to his feet, trying to ignore the sinister smile that had slid onto Galbatorix's face. He lowered his arms as he said in a voice far to gleeful,

"Ahh but you see Murtagh, you have no choice in what you do anymore, for I control you. So you will take the hearts, and you and your hatchling of a dragon will do as I say, and believe what I believe." He swept past Murtagh, who lowered his head his mouth a firm line. Thorn touched his shoulder, and Murtagh stroked his nose.

'Thorn? I wanted to ask you . . .' But a loud crashing sound fell at Murtagh feet. Looking down he saw his sword. Picking it up he turned to the king, who stood with his arms folded, and simply said,

"Fight me." Murtagh glanced at his sword, then at the king and with one final glance at Thorn he shrugged his shoulders and attacked. As quick as lighting, the King drew his own sword from beneath his cloak. He struck Murtagh's blade with such force Murtagh was thrown of course. Wheeling back around he was just in time to block the kings attack. He twisted around again met the kings blade. They continued on, neither gaining, neither losing.

Sweat poured down Murtagh's back, and he could see the Kings head shining in the light of the torches. Murtagh could feel that he was slowing down, but he refused to stop, to give Galbatorix the upper hand. He raised his sword over his head, ready to deliver one last blow, when pain ripped through his shoulder. Giving a shout of agony, he dropped the sword falling to his knees clutching his shoulder. As the world faded in and out he mustered the energy to whisper the healing spell. He winced as the torn skin sewed itself back together, then in a last flurry of magic the wound completely healed. He got his feet shaky and sore, and picked up his sword ready to fight on. Galbatorix was watching him, just staring, then he sheathed his sword, and said,

"That's enough physical work for today. I admire your determination, even when it is used in such an ill manner as to escape me. Now take the stones I gave you and start to practice using the magic in them, I, uh, have a matter that needs to be tended to." He glanced quickly over toward the door, before continuing, "when I return you are free to leave." And with that he swept through the chamber and out the doors.

As soon as Galbatorix's steps were distant, Murtagh sank to the floor with a groan.

'Murtagh, what's wrong?' Thorn hunched down behind Murtagh, who lay his head against Thorn's scaly side.

'I never knew he was so agile, so skilled with a blade. The hearts explain how he comes to be so powerful with magic, but his master skills are to much for even me.'

'He may be skilled, but you are not without talent. He was right about one thing, you do possess determination. It's a great skill to have Murtagh, and with or without those dragon's hearts you still have an inner power that others cannot see, but one that makes me proud to call you my rider.'

'Fancy words Thorn, but thank-you nonetheless.' Pushing off Thorns side Murtagh got his feet, and walked over to where the hearts lay on Galbatorix's chair. He went to reach for one, but pulled back. Looking over at Thorn, who still lay in the floor, he wondered what it must be like for dragons to have their heart taken from them. Sighing, he turned back to the stones, and took the ones he had been given. Closing his eyes he extended his mind toward the hearts, and nearly dropped them as he came upon such vast pools of energy he felt like a droplet of water in the ocean.

'Thorn! This is amazing! With this strength we will capture Eragon easily, and then maybe we can end this blasted war.'

'Yes, I can feel the power, but don't get carried away. That's stolen power you hold and it won't be doing any great use. Though I suppose it will be nice to have some extra strength on our side.'

'Aye that it will, and I can finally pay back Eragon for all he had put me through!'

'Murtagh, it was not Eragon who was trying to win honor back with the Varden.'

'I realize that and have admitted to it, but if Eragon had not been so stubborn I might have never have had to enter the Varden at all!'

'And had that been the case I might still be in an egg, waiting for my rider. Let us be grateful for what we have.'

'Fine, but Eragon as my brother,' The words sent a chill down Murtagh's spine as he continued, 'will answer to me.' Thorn just bowed his head, and retreated as Murtagh began to cast spells. For the better part of an hour Murtagh practiced feeding on the hearts for power, and strength. Then as a hour moved to two, and then three Murtagh started to wonder wether Galbatorix was ever coming back. As he paused to look around the room, he suddenly cried out and clutching his head started to writhe and weave, then toppled to the ground. Images started to appear in the front of his mind, and presently a strong, raspy voice also entered. In a hurried tone the voice started to speak.

'Murtagh! That is my heart you are holding, and my name is Draca, I belonged to your father. Use me wisely, I was put through more terror and pain then you could ever comprehend. Just remember that everyone has a choice, use the one you have for the right reasons.'

Quick as the voice came it was gone. Murtagh opened his eyes and rolled over so that he was on his hands and knees. Scrambling to his feet he yelled with his mind.

'Thorn!'

'I heard.'

'What was that?'

'That was your fathers dragon speaking to you.'

'They can do that?'

'When you own the heart yes they can. I must say it was an interesting message.'

'Infuriating more like. I wish people, or dragons would stop telling me I have a choice! Especially when I don't have one!'

'Oh such anger! It quite amusing to hear you.' Murtagh wrenched himself out of his mind to find Galbatorix watching him from the doorway. He seemed to be cleaning something on the edge of his cloak. He continued,

"You are quite right Murtagh and you Thorn, you have no choice, and it shall remain that way. You may go." Without a second glance at the king Murtagh strode from the room with Thorn in his wake. Murtagh could feel his anger dangerously close to exploding point, but then as he walked he started to feel a new emotion enter him. Sadness. He slowed to a stop, looking ahead not speaking has this new feeling flooded through him. He jumped when Thorn touched his shoulder, and said,

'Murtagh, what was it that you wanted to ask me?'

'What made you choose me as a rider? Did you know that you were entering a doomed world, that you would have to serve something evil?'

'I found something in you that no one else who touched my egg had, and mind you I was touched by nearly a thousand people. You had strength that said you could hold you own. You were struggling to do the right thing in a life full of wrong, and you have a true heart Murtagh, which is why Jazira, wether she knows it or not, trusts you. As for the life style I entered, I would go anywhere do anything so long as you are by my side. I love you.' Without answering Murtagh threw his arms around Thorns neck, holding tight not wanting to let go. As if not wanting to be left out of the muddle a new emotion joined the fry in Murtagh's heart. Affection. Feeling silly, but even sillier for not saying it Murtagh replied,

'I-I love you too.' Thorn hummed, realizing how hard and true that had been for his rider, and appreciating it all the more. Letting go of Thorn Murtagh turned and continued on determined not let his emotions control him in such a manner again. Soon they came to the room and without delay Murtagh entered. Jazira was sitting up in her bed, her face turned toward the window. She did not turn as Murtagh said her name and came to her. He stood by the bed, looking down at her and she refused to look at him.

"Jazira, what's happened? Look at me." A sob escaped Jazira as she swung her head to look at him. Murtagh stumbled back a few steps as he gazed at Jazira's face. Starting at the right side of her forehead crossing over her left eye and ending at the point of her chin, ran a scar. It oozed blood and had formed a nasty yellow crust that smelled like something rotten.

Jazira whimpered at the look on Murtagh's face and turned her head again. He came to sink on the bed, and tipped her head toward him. Then he said,

"The Twins will be punished for this. Galbatorix would not stand for it." Taking a shaky breath Jazira said,

"He's the one who gave it to me."