Miyu: Hey guys! Murtagh/Durza score is now 5-1 Murtagh.
Shade: (Grumbles) Well, thank you very much to the anonymous 'Nobody' for the Durza vote.
Miyu: (Smiling oddly) Sweet little Murtagh is winning! Yay! Oh and sorry about the title not being in the ancient language but this sounds cooler than anything else I could come up with.
Disclaimer: Let us all be thankful that Miyu does not own Eragon/Eldest.
d.r.d.r.d.r.d.r
Everlasting
Chapter #4: Prince of dread
d.r.d.r.d.r.d.r.
With a silent command from Murtagh, Thorn landed in a large platform close to a servant's door. Murtagh jumped from Thorn's back without bothering to help Selena, he knew that she would be on the ground already. He grabbed three bags from Thorn's back and passed one to Selena, "Come on." As they entered into the large palace they saw many servants going the other way to help clear Thorn of his bags.
A few moments later, Murtagh opened a door that, to Selena, looked no different from any other door in the palace, and hurried her inside. Dropping his bags onto the floor, he fell onto the large four-poster bed sitting in a corner. "Grab a chair Selena, and welcome to the palace of Uru'baen, or, more precisely, my room. Possibly the only room that I don't despise going into."
Selena walked over to him and pulled a lock of his brown hair; a habit that she had found got his attention, "Aren't you going to show me to my room?" He pointed to the door with his eyes closed, "It just next door, you can find it."
He waited for a moment before opening his eyes; she was standing next to him with her arms crossed, "Are you really going to make me get up from the first real bed I've had in a month?" She didn't answer. "I thought so." He pushed himself up slowly and walked out the door without bothering to check if she was following. Sure enough, at the next door they found he stopped and held it open for her, "Here you go my lady. And thank you for being so patient." She stuck her tongue out at him as she passed into the room. It was more glorious then she ever could have imagined.
She ran her hand against the pure silk bed covers and looked at the beautifully carved wooden furniture. A carpet in the middle of the room had embroidered animals and trees on it. "It's so beautiful." She breathed. Murtagh smiled and pointed to a door next to her bed, "Wait till you see what's in there." She walked in and gasped, she was in a walk-in closet larger then her old room. On one side were clothes that she had only seen Teirm's guards wear, and she couldn't be happier that they were hers now. On the other side though, was an array of beautifully made dresses, from a simple brown cotton traveling dress to a series of elegantly made evening dresses. All of them seemed to have been made for her.
"Do you like everything?" Murtagh asked after a few minutes. Selena's only reaction was to trace the hems of each perfect dress with her hand. He made a face, "Is that a-" "What is it that your lord expects of me Murtagh?" She turned to face him, "I'm sure that he is not doing this from the goodness of his heart."
He frowned, "What makes you think my lord has anything to do with this. What makes you think that I didn't do this for you?" Selena smiled, "You're a puppet Murtagh, a cold hard puppet that belongs to the king. You do what he says and do not think for yourself."
A nock on the door interrupted his rude comeback. "Be a dear and go get that Murtagh." Frowning, Murtagh opened the door and saw a young messenger, "Pardon me m'lord, our kind and gracious king ask for the presence of you and your guest at dinner tomorrow night." The messenger bowed once more and hurried down the hall. Going back to the closet where Selena was still admiring all the clothes, he repeated the message; "It looks like you'll find out what my lord expects of you tomorrow. For now though, I'm going back to bed, don't stay up to late-" He smiled, "-elf child." He ducked and ran out of her room as she threw a random object at him.
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Later that night, Murtagh felt Thorn contact him, what do you want Thorn?
The dragon laughed, did she truly refer to you as a puppet?
How did you know about that? Thorn, were you listening in on my conversations again?
Thorn took a moment to respond, well…yes. But I'm glad I did.
And why is that you over grown lizard?
No need to be rude, puppet-
THORN!
-Wouldn't you just love to show Selena that you really aren't a puppet?
Murtagh sat up in bed to make sure he was really awake, how?
I cannot elaborate with you in the stonewalls but for know do not do anything rash.
Murtagh lay back down, whatever you say Thorn. I trust you.
Sleep well…puppet.
THORN!
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The next day went by quickly for Murtagh and Selena. Both of them slept till noon and would have slept longer had their maids not come in with their breakfast. Selena spent most of the day in the gardens she had seen from her window and made it back to her room with the help of various palace servants. Murtagh on the other hand spent the day talking with Thorn or reading in the large library near his room.
When it was time to go for their dinner invitation with the king, Murtagh went to go see if Selena was ready. He had only knocked once when she opened the door, She wore a simple yet beautiful evergreen dress that accented her eyes. He noticed that she had hid her ears with her hair. He himself wore some finery that he had found on his bed when he returned from the library.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked. She only nodded, looking sick.
As they neared a pair of large oak doors, Murtagh felt Selena grab his arm, "What's wrong?" "What is his majesty like?" Murtagh smiled, "He's impossible to hate when you first meet him. It's your second visit that makes you hate him." That startled a small laugh out of her. The guards that stood on either side of the doors bowed as they neared. "Ready?" He asked her. She nodded and let go of his arm. The guards pulled the doors open.
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The large dining hall held a large table with a throne at one end of the table and ten decorated chairs on either side. The end closest to Murtagh and Selena was clear. "Murtagh. Miss. Won't you both take a seat?" With a not entirely fake smile on his face, Murtagh walked towards the throne and sat in the chair next to it, Selena sat across from him. Sitting in the throne was none other than Galbatorix.
As soon as they had sat down, servants began to bring the food. Half way through the first course, Galbatorix spoke, "How were your travels Murtagh. Successful I see." Murtagh nodded and swallowed before answering, "My travels were fine my lord. Thorn and I needed to stretch our legs."
Galbatorix nodded and turned to look at the now very pale girl, "And what is your name my dear?" "Selena your majesty," She answered. He smiled, "That is a very pretty name Selena." She smiled, "Thank you your majesty."
Through the rest of the dinner, Galbatorix told her of his visions for Alagaesia. He seemed to have forgotten about Murtagh for the moment, which suited him just fine. Eating in silence, Murtagh pondered the strange expression that was on Selena's face. It wasn't the usual expression of awe or amazement that usually met Galbatorix's words. When Galbatorix finished speaking, Selena smiled happily, "That was most inspirational your majesty. But I must ask, where do I fit in?"
Galbatorix smiled oddly, "If you both are finished eating. I would like to show you something." He turned to Selena, "I believe that this will answer your question." He got up from the table and led the way down a few corridors.
"Well, what do you think?" Murtagh asked, when Selena caught up to him. "Oh, I think his majesty is simply wonderful." She paused, "But I cannot forget that this is the same man who ordered the death of my family." Murtagh nodded solemnly.
Within a few minutes, they reached a hall deep underground with no doors, and guards posted every ten meters. At last they reached the end where a pair of large oak doors stood, the guards bowed deeply to the king and cleared the way. Galbatorix walked to the doors and placed both hands on them; He mouthed a word and the doors slowly opened. Putting his hands down he walked inside and his young companions followed slowly.
They stood inside a small, scarcely lit room. At first, Selena thought that the room was empty, but Murtagh, having been there before, pointed out a large, polished, emerald green rock on a raised dais. "What is that?" She asked quietly, jumping when her voice echoed around the room. Murtagh didn't answer. With both hands, Galbatorix raised the rock from the dais and handed it to Selena, "Selena, you will stay with this in your room for three days. Your fate will be decided at the end of those three days. My guards will now escort you back to your room." Selena nodded still awestruck by the stone.
Galbatorix turned towards the boy next to him, "Murtagh. A moment of your time please."
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Murtagh followed after Galbatorix while trying to stifle a yawn. He didn't succeed. Galbatorix stopped and turned to face him, "I'm sorry for keeping you up so late, so soon after your trip. But I think you will agree that this will be worth it." Murtagh bowed, "As my master says."
Galbatorix stopped in front of another set of guarded doors, unlike the doors holding the stone, this door only need a key to open. "Would you like to open these doors Murtagh?" Murtagh nodded and pushed the doors lightly. The sight that met him made him stop in his tracks. He was in one of the royal treasure rooms. Everywhere he looked he saw precious stones, rare metals, and old relics of the dragon riders. He didn't notice Galbatorix close the doors behind him.
After a moment, Galbatorix cleared his throat. Murtagh snapped out of his trance and bowed to his lord, "I must ask my lord, why bring me here." To his surprise, Galbatorix smiled, "Certain details have come to mind in your absence. Did you know that all of Alagaesia believes you to be my heir?" Murtagh began to feel a bit worried, "Yes I was my lord."
"I believe that it is time those rumours became truth." Galbatorix drew a simple gold circlet with a large red Jem encrusted in it, "Your new title shall be 'Murtagh, prince of Uru'baen, son of Morzan, and heir to Galbatorix.' Quite a mouthful." Murtagh kneeled as his king placed the circlet on his head, "Thank you my lord. I-" Galbatorix raised a hand to silence him, "If you are to be my prince we must abolish all this formality. From now on, you are to refer to be as…father."
Murtagh felt an odd feeling in his stomach, a mix between surprise, joy, and dread. "Thank you…father." The feeling repeated itself. Galbatorix smiled, "That's more like it." He placed a hand on Murtagh's shoulder, "Now pick out a trinket for yourself and off to bed. I've kept you up too late." Murtagh smiled, truly smiled for the first time, in Galbatorix's presence.
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With only a few hours until morning, Murtagh lay on his bed fully awake, twirling the circlet with a finger. "Murtagh, prince of Uru'baen." He thought out loud, "Prince of dread is more like it. Murtagh prince of dread, with Thorn by his side and Misery by his hand."
What do you mean, 'with Thorn by his side'?
Murtagh sighed, not now Thorn. I don't feel like talking.
Do you ever?
Thorn please!
All right, I'll leave you alone…for now. Meet me at the dragon hold tomorrow for a flight. I wish to stretch my wings a while.
As you wish Thorn. Good night.
Good night. Small one.
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Miyu: Longest chapter yet so I hope you liked it.
Shade: Don't forget to review!
Revie Replies (Miyu):
Tarwen Svit-kona: No this is not a Murtagh/Selena story. That would be kinda weird considering later events and- Thanks for the review!
xox VintageRose xox: You really think this story is good? Thanks so much!
Nobody: Is this better? Thanks for the reviews!
Dragonflame55: Thanks for the review. And here's the next chapter!
Caity: Ya, it does seem as if no one bothers to update...oh well, there are still a lot of good one shots out there...somewhere...
Emerald Tiara: Thanks for the review!
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