Chapter 3. Kuasta Surrenders
Thorn flew towards Urubaen after another defeat at the hands of Eragon and Saphira. The amulet Eragon placed around his neck prevented him from using magic. Murtagh could remove the amulet if he wished but decided not to as it would give him an excuse as to why he failed to capture Saphira and Eragon. When Thorn landed in the Dragon hold Galbatorix and Shruiken were waiting.
Galbatorix sneers and starts pacing, "Once again you return to me empty handed…" he said in the ancient language trying to come up with a suitable punishment for Rider and Dragon.
Murtagh unbuckled the straps from his legs and dropped down from Thorn's side. He walks up to Galbatorix and drops to one knee. "Have mercy great King…" Murtagh shows him the amulet, "They were ready for us and when Eragon placed this amulet around my neck…I was unable to use magic…"
Galbatroix stops pacing and walks up to Murtagh snatching the amulet from around his neck. "The Warden's amulet invented by Vrael himself to imprison dark mages…Also a useful tool against Riders…Oromis must have given this to Eragon to capture you…"
("And Varaug?") Shruiken asked.
("Dead Master.") Thorn replied.
Murtagh explains their fight with Saphira and Eragon, "Perhaps we should change tactics my lord…Eragon is in love with this Arya…she can be used as bait…"
Before answering Galbatorix looks up at Shruiken, "No…You and Thorn will remain in Urubaen. We will allow them to come to us…Leave me…I have much planning to do."
Murtagh remained on one knee until Galbatorix left then he went to his suit in the palace. The suit once belonged to Oromis and then it became Morzan's. Now it was Murtagh's suit. While Thorn took a nap Murtagh removed his armor and took a bath. As he bathed he checked on Galbatorix to see what he was up to. Then Murtagh scryed Eragon, Saphira, Roran, and finally Nausada.
After bathing Murtagh ordered some food and as he was eating someone knocked on his door. He smiles sensing who it is, "…Mor'amr! Nu Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld hórnya…" His spell translated door open and may we be warded from lsietners.
A skinny man entered and bowed, "My lord…" He began as the door closed, "…I found it."
When he said this Murtagh sat up in bed and Thorn opened one eye. "Where is it?"
"On the fifth floor of the west wing…Powerful magic guards the door. Along with six elite guards…There is no doorknob."
Murtagh looks at Thorn, "This fits our plans…"
("We should take it and leave…")
Murtagh shakes his head, ("You forget Eragon and the Varden fight their way to Urubane…Galbatorix has something special planned for them…We should wait…")
Thorn snorts, ("I grow tired of bowing to this madman!")
Murtagh smiles, ("So do I but it is for the greater good…") Murtagh returns his attention to the man, "You have done well…When the time comes you will play a pivotal role in my plans…Now go!" As the man leaves Murtagh removes the listening spell and continues his meal.
Meanwhile a small force of fifty men from the secluded city of Kuasta marched through the spine. Captain Byn Hasath led the small army. The people of Kuasta had overthrown Galbatorix's forces in Kuasta as Eragon's deeds had reached the ears of the people of Kuasta. Embolden by his legend they rose and killed Galbatorix's servants with help from Varden spies in the city. Leaders were chosen and Hasath who fought so bravely was made a Captain and sent to treat with the Varden.
The Varden were still camped in Belatona making preparations to march towards Dras Leona. Roran rode on Snow Fire towards the city at full speed. "Lady Nausada! A small force from Kuasta approaches Belatona…They wish to fight for us…"
Nausada had King Orin, Arya, Nar Gharzvog, and Nulheim the Dwarf summoned to meet with the people from Kuasta. Her commanders and the nobles of Surda were gathered in court to greet Captain Hasath. "Captain Hasath! Welcome to the free city of Belatona…"
He bows, "I thank you for your greeting great lady…and salutations from the free people of Kuasta."
Nausada stands up, "May I introduce King Orin of Surda. Lady Arya of the Elves, Nulheim of the Dwarves who stands on behalf of King Orik. And this Nar Gharzvog of the Urgals."
He looks at the Urgal, "So the rumors are true. The Varden has aligned themselves with Urgals. May I ask why?"
Before Nausada could speak Nar Gharzvog spoke up, "Galbatorix is a false snake. A forked tongue demon…It was he who treated with us. Then his red mane shaman enslaved my people with magic. The Blue Rider freed us from the Red Shaman by killing him. We want revenge…Our Hurndauls decided to make peace with the Varden to destroy Galbatorix…"
"Well said Nar Gharzvog…The Urgals are our allies and so long as they fight with us we shall count them as friends…"
Hasath sighs, "Allying ourselves with Urgals is a hard thing…I myself lost a son when the Urgals attacked our city five years ago…But Galbatorix is the true enemy of all the races of Alagaesia. Count Kuasta as an ally…"
"Before we can accept your friendship you and your people must be scanned for treachery."
"Of course!"
The people cheered and celebrated after Eragon, the Elves and the Du Vrang Gata declared them trustworthy. Five days later a volunteer force of 8,000 Kuastans arrived in Belatona. The next day the Varden marched out of Belatona and after three days of marching they received a message that the Dwarves were one week's march from their current camp site.
