Chapter Twenty-seven-
Heat swirled in the air as Thorn took Murtagh over the clouds. Not moments before they had spotted the bright gleam of Saphira's scales as she and her rider walked a long the ground. The pair hadn't spotted Thorn and Murtagh yet, which suited them fine. They had new orders.
iThe Dwarf king, Hrothgar leads a band of magic wielding dwarfs, I want you to kill him! His kingdom has long defied me, mocked me, and stood against me. This will be a welcome relief.i
Swallowing hard, Murtagh had taken in those orders, hoping against hope that they hadn't been uttered in the ancient language. The moment that thought went through his mind, they came, fast, from Galbatorix's connection, binding Murtagh and Thorn to the evil task. Cursing his false hope, Murtagh and Thorn swooped down, twisting in a sharp curve. With a deafening roar Thorn flew so fast all Murtagh heard was the wind rushing, all other sounds were obliterated.
iThere they are Murtagh!/i Thorn shouted as he drew closer to the enemies side, where Murtagh could make out a clump of dwarf's casting spells toward the King's men, clouds of steam and dust rolling about them that burst when spell shot through. As Thorn drew closer the dwarves, with shouts of surprise and wonder they turned to direct their magic at Thorn who had to dive and twist to avoid the spells. Quickly, using the hearts of the Dragons, Murtagh cast a protective spell around them both. Spells now just bounded off them. It was easy for him to single out the king. Standing above the others, Hrothgar shouted orders, his chain mail gleaming like a beacon in the sun's light. Without pause Murtagh gathered his energy, directing it at the small king and in a single second and a flash of blue light the king was toppling off the mound, a hand clutching his throat. Instantly the remaining dwarves, shouting curses and spells, rounded on Murtagh, their anguish and fury making a pain start in Murtagh, his own wrath now mingling with a new, stronger one.
An outraged roar erupted from the distance. Turning Murtagh saw Saphira, her mouth open fire spewing from the depths of her belly, the fire hotter from her fury. With a pang, Murtagh saw Eragon leap onto her back, sword drawn and eyes flashing. Thorn shot upwards, then rocketed off, away from the battle to an open area they had already chosen to fight. Murtagh didn't have to look back to know that Eragon was following them. He was such a hot headed fool, Murtagh and the king both knew he would walk into any trap they laid, especially if it came to honoring his friend's death. Murtagh checked to make sure his helmet was still secure, if he did have to fight his brother he would do it anonymously.
Whirling about Thorn came to face the speeding blur that was Saphira. Drawing his sword, Murtagh took a deep breath mentally preparing for the battle to come. Watching his brother come ever closer, Murtagh felt Thorn's tremors from excitement roll through him.
iThorn, here it is. The storm had begun/i
iThen, we had better go./i With a heart stopping jerk, Thorn flipped through the air and took off into the clouds with Saphira close on his heels.
iOkay. Here Thorn./i Spinning around Thorn barred his teeth. Coming to an abrupt halt Saphira snarled, her teeth flashing showing the dried gore of her many victims that had been encrusted there. Sword flashing, Eragon glared at Murtagh. Apprehensive, Murtagh waited for Eragon to speak. It didn't take long.
"You barbarian! Killing without even giving the man a chance to fight back, you are a coward! A lowly, quivering coward, no worthy to lick the ground he trod upon! A dog is worthier then you, you filthy weakling!" Retorts like sour vinegar sprang to Murtagh's lips, but he didn't utter them. Letting the curses wash over him, he focused in on Eragon, looking for a weak point.
iThorn, dive closer to him!/i
Taking a firmer hold on his sword, Murtagh gripped one of Thorn's spikes as he dived. Swooping down, Murtagh slashed his blade down aiming for Eragon's hands. With a ringing clash, Eragon's blade met with Murtagh's and for one moment they locked eyes. Turning away, Saphira flew lower, and Thorn took off after her. Just as Thorn was about to fall on Saphira below him, she spun around with lightning speed and caught Thorn's flank with her claws. Yelping in from the pain Thorn flew upwards to collect himself. Gashes in his leg oozed blood. Murtagh could feel the sting from the wound, fury flooded through his system at the pain Thorn was feeling. Turning around, he saw Eragon and Saphira holdback. Thankful for this momentary release, Murtagh pulled out the little stone filled with energy and ran it over the cut. Thorn shuttered has the skin and scales started to sew themselves together. Murtagh felt the discomfort of the flesh melding together. Glancing over his shoulder at Eragon, his shook his head at his brothers ignorance and waiting for Murtagh to have the upper hand. Letting out a soft jet of steam, Thorn tossed his head. Smiling grimly, Murtagh held on as Thorn beat his wings, gaining momentum he swatted his tail and rocketed into the sky.
iI'm going to hide behind the clouds and attack Saphira when she comes up./i
iWhat do you think of her Thorn?/i
iShe got me didn't she?/i
Murtagh noted the frustration and anger in his Dragon's voice. Swooping through the clouds they waited for the others. Suddenly, in a mass of blood and screams, Saphira burst up through the clouds to claw Thorn's exposed underbelly. Muttering curses, Murtagh took more energy from the hearts as they raced after Eragon. It was on their terms now. With a shrike, Saphira whipped around trying to catch Thorn off guard, but Thorn dived out of the way, his smaller size now an advantage. Flipping about, Thorn took his chance and grabbed Saphira's leg with his razor sharp molars. Screaming from the pain, Saphira kicked out sending droplets of crimson blood over Murtagh. Saphira took off away from them, blood spattering the ground. Darting forward Thorn tried to over take them, his wings flapping hard. With a shrike, Saphira spun, unexpectedly around, and Eragon, his sword drawn, slashed Thorn's leg open. Scales and blood filled the air as Thorn, screaming in pain, turned and flew off to gain his strength back.
iThorn!/i Murtagh was screaming, part from the pain he shared with his dragon and part of the alarm he felt for Thorn. iThat—, he'll pay for this!/i Turning about, he scanned around for Eragon, then a great weight was thrown against his mind, nearly blacking him out.
iThorn! Guard yourself, he is trying to enter my mind!/i Thorn let out a cry of alarm as he felt the increasing pressure in Murtagh's head as he put up his strongest barriers. Grunting from the effort, Murtagh said to Thorn,
iHe is strong, very strong . . ./i
iCan you hold him back?/i
iI said he was strong, not unbeatable . . ./i Pushing back against Eragon's resistance, Murtagh hit a solid wall, nothing but a face filled Eragon's mind. The face was blurry, but he suspected that his brother, like him, filled his mind with a certain face that would stand against all. One that would block out everything, making it impossible for someone to enter where they were not wanted.
Pushing even harder, Murtagh groaned, wincing has the pressure mounted in his head, his knuckles turning white where he gripped on Thorn's spike. Blood spurted in his mouth as he bit his tongue to keep from screaming. Then it was gone. Eragon withdrew. Flying down, Saphira crowed with anger at being told to retreat from the battle. Thorn followed at a safe distance, landing several yards behind Eragon. Murtagh waited, tense, as Eragon leapt to the ground. Thorn trembled as Murtagh dismounted, his body weary from the battle. Murtagh couldn't help but grin as he heard Thorn vehemently snarl toward Eragon. Untying the straps from around his legs, Murtagh slipped to the ground, walking to Thorn's injury. His senses were pin pricked on Eragon as, with a few simple words to save the stones energy, he repaired Thorn's injury. He smirked at his naive brother, that would have been the chance to attack, when the opponent was unaware. His brother had a lot to learn.
Turning with his sword in hand, Murtagh swung to meet Eragon's blow with a shower of sparks. Eragon danced around, twisting his sword around in clever twists and thrusts. Although Eragon moved quicker and was able to dance around faster, Murtagh found his blows wearisome. He allowed for himself to pushed to the edge the plateau, then he stood his ground fending off Eragon's sword, rather disappointed his brother couldn't challenge him more. Deciding it was time to get on with his wrenched business, Murtagh saw that Eragon was growing weaker, so he took his chance. Taking slow steps, he moved toward Eragon, looking about for Thorn who was circling around keeping Saphira at bay. Now fighting in the middle of the plateau, Murtagh watched as Eragon slowed down, his breaths short and labored. Murtagh felt a prick of remorse, but it was soon gone as he felt a shot of pain from Thorn who had just gotten a cut from Saphira's claw.
With a cry, Eragon slipped falling into the dust at Murtagh's feet. Flipping onto his back, he thrust his sword at Murtagh. Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Murtagh flicked aside this pathetic attempt from Eragon. Flourishing his sword, he twisted it in a quick circle by his side.
"I know you!" Caught off guard by this shout from Eragon, Murtagh stumbled back as Eragon leapt at him, pinning their swords between their bodies. Murtagh felt Eragon's figures slip under his helm, but before he could stop him, his brother ripped of his helmet exposing him.
iMurtagh!/i Thorn shouted, his anxious yelp riddled with concern for what just happened.
iIt's fine. In fact, I'd rather have it this way./i
Grinning, Murtagh lifted his palm toward his brother's shocked face and quietly said,
"Thrysta vindr." Sprawling, Eragon was thrown back against the ground, rising dust into the air. Lowering his hand, Murtagh pointed to Eragon and with a laugh said,
"You never would give up. Foolish really." Eragon pushed himself up, hands on his knees to catch his breath. Straightening, Eragon gazed awestruck at Murtagh as he said,
"Murtagh . . . how can you be alive? I watched the Urgals drag you underground, I tried to scry you, but saw only darkness."
"You saw what I saw, when I looked for you."
"You idied/i though!" Eragon screamed, his next words hard to discern. "You died under Farther Dur! Arya found your bloody clothes."
"Sorry to disappoint you, cause believe me, I would have rather died there then have gone through what I have. No, it was the Twins who did that to me. They were spies in the Varden and in the fight Ajihad got killed. They were furious with the Urgals, but in the end they got what they wanted. Me." Shaking his head Eragon asked,
"But why did you agree to serve Galbatorix? You told me you hated him. You—"
"Agree? I didn't agree to this!" A laugh escaped him, a touch of madness in his out cry. "I would never agree to serve such a man, one who has done things too horrible for your precious pointed ears to bear! I was taken and forced to touch the eggs. Thorn was hatched for me and we had to take oaths in the ancient language not to mention that he know our true names along with—" He was cut off by that magic, stopping before he talked about Jazira.
"You betrayed us! I was mourning you and you betrayed us!" Eragon shouted, anger blazing in his face.
"I had no choice! Haven't you been listening?" Murtagh snarled, the old frustration with his brother welling up. He wished they were sparing again.
"Ajihad was right to lock you up! He should have left you to rot in that sell, you—"
"I had no choice! After Thorn hatched we were forced to succumb to Galbatorix. We can't disobey him now."
"You have become your father." His anger over flowed and he wanted nothing more then to leap on his brother and strangle him, controlling himself Murtagh snarled,
"No, I'm not my father. I'm stronger then my father, stronger and better then my father ever was. I know things that your elves, the cowards and lowlife that they are, haven't touched. Secrets."
"Things that should remain secrets."
"HA! Maybe for your elves, but they will come in handy for me. I will escape my bondage and —" Again the magic stopped him from uttered anything about Jazira. "You know nothing of what I know now. But no matter." Turning to the east quickly, his eyes widened. Eragon spun around too. Standing in front of the Empire, the Twins were casting fire balls into the army laughing as they destroyed the men they had once sworn a bound of friendship with. What had caught Murtagh's eye however, was Eragon's cousin, the fool, Roran sneaking up behind the Twins.
iIdiot. But if he wants to get himself killed . . . /i Murtagh thought as they watched. He saw Eragon about to cast a spell, no doubt to transport his cousin to safety. Raising a hand Murtagh said,
"Wait, I want to see what he will do."
"Why?"
"Hmm, the Twins have had their share of fun torturing me. I want to see if they will finally get taken down."
"You promise not to warn them?"
"What? And sign my own death release? My word has a rider." Nodding Eragon turned back to the spectacle.
Slinking up behind that Twins, Roran lifted his hammer and with a mighty cry smashed it into the nearest man's skull. Screaming in agony, the other Twin started to twist in pain as his brother fell. With one more fall, the hammer caved in the others head.
iThat was too easy./i Thorn broke into Murtagh's thoughts, skepticism clouding his voice. i Jazira, who is a hundred times more powerful human then Roran couldn't defeat them./i
iI know. He must have been upset. And I don't mean Roran./i Before Thorn could answer, Eragon turned back to Murtagh.
"What now?" He asked. "Are you going to kill me?"
"Of course not. Galbatorix wants you alive."
"Whatever for?"
"For her." Murtagh pointed to Saphira. "He couldn't care less about you, but he needs her to breed. To start the Dragon Riders again."
"He destroyed them though!"
"Well, then you ask him! I certainly don't want a bunch of new fools coming to try and rule the country! We have enough of them already. I just have my orders."
"Murtagh, I know that you had no choice with Hrothgar, but please let me and Arya try to lift the enchantments on you! To free you." Murtagh looked down at his sword, hatting the faint hope he felt when he knew that he couldn't. But for Jazira, he wished that he could. A little of his anger melted away as he looked into Eragon's young and hopeful face.
"You can't help me, Eragon. No one can. I know the most powerful magic wielder in the country and she couldn't do anything against this ancient magic."
"Then let us kill that two of you." Murtagh wanted to laugh and scream at his brothers words. He just didn't get it.
"Kill us? Why should we let you do that?"
"Cause then you would be free and wouldn't have to go around killing innocent people for a mad man."
"I can't die. Not only my life hangs in balance if I fail this mission."
"Then who—"
"I can't tell you Eragon! But just trust me, I can't die. Beside life is still to sweet for me and Thorn to part with it quite yet."
At that moment a great pain entered Murtagh's head; Eragon renewed his attack. Leaping with his feet off the ground, Eragon lunged at him.
"Letta!" Shouted Murtagh, the spell freezing Eragon in mid air. Behind her master, Saphira pounced at Murtagh, who shouted a spell at her also causing her to hang in the air.
iNow what?/i Thorn asked, coming up beside Murtagh.
iIt's time to give my dear brother the same news I was given./i Ignoring Eragon attempts to break the spells, Murtagh looked around the battle field, watching as men from both sides slaughtered each other. Looking back at Eragon, he felt a twinge of pleasure at the awe in Eragon face.
"You can't hope to compete with me," Murtagh said. "only Galbatorix and — could." Walking up to Eragon, he pointed his sword at Eragon's neck, pricking it. A droplet of blood appeared.
"It would be so easy to take you back to Galbatorix."
"Don't. I. Beg. Of. You." Eragon strained against the magic bonds holding.
"Why should I? You just tried to kill me."
"And you would have done the same in my position. We were friends! Galbatorix can't have twisted you so much that you forgot that."
"That's the funny thing about working for the king Eragon, you learn things. We're not friends. We're kin." Murtagh smiled right into Eragon's eyes, but he felt no pleasure in the horror that over took his brothers features.
"We can't be! NO!" Eragon struggled tighter across the bounds.
"Ahh, but we are. Morzan was iour/i father, Eragon." Eragon struggled harder, sweat pouring down his face. Murtagh felt something crack inside him, as he watched his little brother try to ignore the truth. "Please, I may have done things that I'm not proud of, I may be a traitor, but I wish I hadn't and that I wasn't. Believe me." Suddenly, the wish that Eragon would understand him over took Murtagh. He wanted to fall to his knees begging to be forgiven, but he didn't. Instead he looked Eragon straight in the eye and said,
"I have to take you, but I promise for your sake, Thorn's, the Varden's and mine. We will be free of that monster."