Oh, ye of little faith. Everybody guessed it was Galbatorix a-comin' down that pipe. Well, guess what! YOU'RE WRONG! BWAHAHAA!
Yes, I'm insane. XO Anyway, here's your HALF chapter.
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4/4/101
"You," Murtagh hissed, his voice filled with cold venom. "What are you doing—"
The man leered at them, the harsh light bouncing off his shiny pate. "Hello, Murtagh," he grated. His eyes flicked to Salem, and his smirk grew wider. "I haven't forgotten you, either, my dear. Tria." The last word was a half-laugh. "Or, should I say, Salem Blackfire."
"It's Ms. Blackfire to you," Salem said, her voice a soft hiss, staring at him with an expression that was just as appalled as Murtagh's.
The Twin sneered at her and snapped his fingers. "Bring them," he ordered Shruikan. The black dragon dipped his head in reply, his tail sweeping Murtagh and Salem with him as he walked. His strides were heavy and harsh, echoing around the dank chamber.
"You're still Galbatorix's pet dog?" Murtagh called out, glaring at the cloaked back of the Twin. "After the failure at the gate? I would've thought he'd scrap you; throw you away for the trash you are."
The Twin paused, looking back slightly. His lip lifted, and he laughed humorlessly. "Very good, Murtagh," he whispered. "You're learning quickly."
He continued walking.
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They emerged into a wide space, lit by a ring of torches placed around the cavern. Shruikan stood silently, seeming to expect something. His wings fluttered slightly, and his head dropped.
The Twin stepped forward, conferring with someone in the shadows. There was a whispered conversation, and then the Twin stepped back out, looking decidedly sour. He was accompanied by his other half. Both of the Twins gave Murtagh and Salem half-sneers, half-glares, and tromped out of the chamber.
Murtagh felt Salem hand tighten on his. He squeezed back, suddenly glad for her presence. No matter what Thorn thinks.
A derisive mental laugh emanated from Thorn, but the dragon said nothing. Murtagh sighed and turned his attention to the pool of shadow. "Galbatorix," he said softly. "Come out, come out, wherever you are…"
"Why do you still play these games?" a sardonic voice said unexpectedly from behind them. Both of them whirled around, alarm and surprise mirrored on each others' faces.
Galbatorix stood there, looking unexpectedly disheveled. His normally immaculate hair has a leaf in it, and there was grass stains on his robe. He smiled at their shocked expressions, his smile harsh and mocking. "As you can see, I was rather…delayed," he said softly, his mouth twisting in a grimace. "But all the same, it is very pleasant to have you both here."
He turned to Salem, sweeping an elegant bow. "Miss Blackfire? I am honored that you should grace us with your presence. You've been quite elusive."
Salem's mouth worked, but nothing came out. She merely nodded. Murtagh hesitated, then said quietly, "I've done what you wanted, Galbatorix. What…what do you want?"
Galbatorix sighed as if disappointed, shaking his head melodramatically. "Murtagh, Murtagh, Murtagh…such a hurry? You're a not a gentleman at all. After all, we have a lady in our midst." He gestured to Salem eloquently and raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Salem said harshly, though Murtagh could detect sharp fear in her voice. "Answer his question!"
Galbatorix eyed her for a moment, his eyes narrowed. Then, he made a sweeping bow.
"I was taught never to contradict a lady," he said, a hint of mockery in his voice. "I shall not begin now. Very well, to business."
He turned to Shruikan, his hands curling tightly as an unspoken magical command filled the air. The effect was immediate as Shruikan reared, screaming, the sounds echoing around the dank chamber and amplifying until they hurt the ears. Galbatorix was unfazed, an expression of manic pleasure on his face as he stared at the dragon, power tying them together. The black dragon was in pain and Galbatorix was enjoying every moment of it—
"STOP IT!" a new voice screamed. It was barely heard over Shruikan's cries, but then the speaker rushed forward. Murtagh looked on in shock as Salem grabbed Galbatorix's cloak, forcing his hand down. "For gods' sake, stop it!"
The magical pressure released, and Shruikan dropped to the ground, immobile and still. The only sign of life were his heaving flanks as he fought for breath. Galbatorix turned to Salem, astonishment written all over his face. They stared at each other for a long moment, and then, to Murtagh's astonishment, Galbatorix nodded. His expression no longer contained sadistic glee; it seemed almost apologetic. "All right. Please let go of my cloak."
Salem's fingers freed themselves of the cloak. She looked stunned as she stepped back, and relieved. "Sorry," she mumbled in a small voice.
Galbatorix shrugged as he stepped forward towards Shruikan, touching the black dragon almost tenderly. "The mistake was mine." He looked up, as if measuring the distance to Shruikan's back. Then, he turned to them, a small smile on his face.
"Murtagh, get on your dragon. Take Salem with you."
Murtagh blanched. "What?"
Galbatorix's expression turned ironic. "We're going for a ride. Do it, Brikijae."
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The smear of shadows turned out to be an elongated passageway, rising upwards until the two Riders broke out into sunlight. Salem gasped with exhilaration as they soared over the city. Involuntarily, an awed laugh broke out of her despite her fear, and for a moment she forgot everything but the thrill of flying.
Galbatorix pulled Shruikan level with them, motioning them to ascend. They pulled up, leaving the city behind. Salem twisted to look at it, unease beginning to twist her stomach again. We're leaving Uru'baen? Where…where are we going?
As if he had heard her thoughts (which he probably had), Galbatorix turned his head and gave her a fierce, predatory grin. Salem's hands tightened on Murtagh's tunic, and she closed her eyes. Could I jump? Escape?
I wouldn't advise it, Murtagh said in her mind, one hand falling from the reins to touch hers. It would mean certain death.
Salem hesitated, only a little bit surprised, wondering vaguely how he could talk to her the same way Thorn did. Normally she only picked up very violent or emotional thoughts, but Murtagh's voice was matter-of-fact. "Yes, but—" The wind threw her words back into her face, and she tried again. "YES, BUT—"
Just think your thoughts and I'll hear them, Murtagh advised, squeezing her hand.
Oh…Salem thought, blowing out a breath. Um, all right. Can you hear me?
Yes.
Salem was a little miffed by the idea that he could hear her thoughts. What, so my brain is just lying on a table for you to examine? she asked, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer. Can you read my mind?
You could say that, Murtagh said. Your mind is unshielded right now.
The idea didn't appeal to her, that her mind was an open chest for anyone to dig around. You might as well get used to the idea, Murtagh said, his mental voice somber. It won't change unless you get serious training. And— he broke off his thought at this point, refusing to elaborate on whatever thoughts he had.
Salem took a deep breath and looked over Thorn's flanks. An unbroken grassy plain flashed under them, with the glimmer of blue ahead signaling the Ramr River. She shot a glance at the emperor—he showed no indication of stopping anytime soon, and a dark shiver shot down her spine. How far will we fly?
Don't worry about that, Murtagh said softly. Worry about why
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Murtagh felt Salem settle back, and he could feel her thoughts flicking rapidly as she analyzed the situation and fomented up possible plans. He sighed inaudibly and looked down at the saddle underneath him, his eyes flicking to the border of red scales at the edge of the leather.
Thorn? he asked impulsively, reaching out for the dragon's mind.
What? came the irritated reply.
What happened to you? The question slipped out of his mind suddenly, reaching forth before he could pull it back. Thorn was silent and unresponsive, and Murtagh tried another tack. What's wrong?
When an answer finally came, it was cold and terse. Unless you've aquired psychiatric abilities suddenly, I would prefer not to share my thoughts with you. I would prefer to fly in silence, without some nattering idiot grilling me about my life. Do you understand, or is your skull to thick for that thought to penetrate?
Murtagh rocked in the saddle, feeling as if Thorn had hit him physically. What—
I thought so, Thorn said nastily, suddenly accelerating in a frightening burst of speed. Murtagh grabbed the reins as Salem's hand tightened on his. Thorn!
Some Rider you are, Thorn taunted. Can't even keep your ass on my back. Now shut the hell up.
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The wind was chilly and laden with moisture, and the fierce winds were cold. Salem pulled her arms close around her, staring down at the land. The Ramr played under them, bubbling and frothing.
There was far too much time for her to think. Images played through her mind—Connac, Charis, Reynold, Tria…and once again, the puzzle of Silica leapt to her mind. Ides, Gen, Rina, Matiel—what happened to them? Why couldn't I get a response?
She sighed and twined her fingers together, rubbing them in an attempt get warm them. They're dead; that's the only explaination. It was only a matter of time. Her thoughts skipped to her own death, and no alarm registered at the thought—only a strange kind of resignment. If they're dead, what's to say I deserve to live longer than they?
She rested against Murtagh's back, savoring the warmth that came from him. The thought occurred to her suddenly, musing and meandering. Where do the dead go? Is there an afterlife?
If there is, is it possible to resurrect them? Could somebody redeal the cards fate has dealt, make them laugh again, make them live again?
I wouldn't say so, Murtagh said seriously in her mind. The dead are…well, dead, and it's pretty much beyond the power of anybody to overrule it. Even Galbatorix's.
Makes life seem kind of empty, Salem said wistfully. The idea that once we're gone, we're gone forever…
No, it doesn't, Murtagh said firmly. It makes us live this life to the fullest, instead of wishing for some other destiny that will never come true.
She sighed. But think of it this way. A person, somebody who was animated and alive a second ago, and then—where does the animating force go? Just vanish? What created it in the first place?
Now we're getting into a lengthy debate of soul, Murtagh said, tiredly amused. I would debate it with you, but I've never been a priest or anything of the sort. Theology has never interested me.
Salem pondered his words. Well, I haven't exactly made it my life's study either, she said finally, but these are ideas that form our base of existence. To know where the dead go, at least to believe…isn't that worth thinking about?
Murtagh sighed, his breath pluming in light clouds as he exhaled. When people die, there's nothing mystical or amazing about it, Salem, he said finally. A corpse; that's the kind of finality that can't ever be reversed. He hesitated. No matter what you do, or how you act, the dead will stay dead.
Salem recognized the muted pain in his thoughts, catching hints of long-lost memories buried in his mental voice. A sudden memory occurred to her—only two days ago, at the gate—what name had Murtagh given for himself? What did it mean…
Tornac. Tornac Brunson.
Brunson… That name is oddly familiar, she frowned. Brunson…where have I heard that name?
When the realization came to her, Salem was torn between nausea and self-contempt. Brunson! How could I forget? They were charged with treason, weren't they? Put to death publicly…gods, the executions…
What? Murtagh's voice sounded in her mind, sharp and urgent. What happened?
Half-startled, Salem spoke quickly as his anxiety flooded her mind. Three years ago, she said, the Brunsons were charged with treason, for conspiring against the Empire. They were held in jail for nearly two months before their execution. Even the little ones. Salem trailed away as she remembered the executions, still harshly bloody in her memory. Every single member of the Brunson family, from the old grandmother to a baby not three months old, had been killed that day. Didn't—didn't you know? There were banners all around Uru'baen…
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Murtagh's ears were ringing, and he was reeling with shock. Tornac's family? All—all of them…even the new baby…
His hands tightened on the reins, and it was hard for him to breathe. That day, so many years ago, Tornac had helped him out of Uru'baen despite his misgivings and died for it. To find that Galbatorix had extended the same fate to his friend's family—They welcomed me, and they died for their connections to me, he thought numbly. Kylaia, Rikal, Eryn—did he even get Tornac's sweetheart, too? Kill her because of her connections to a runaway's friend?
Murtagh? Salem asked tentatively.
He jerked away, struggling with his guilt. Don't.
She understood and pulled away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
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Silence dominated the hours, letting the seconds trickle away slowly through whatever omnipotent hourglass out there. Murtagh had closed himself off, leaving nothing but dreary silence. Salem pulled her hand back and gazed down at the passing ground below, watching with a growing sense of dread as the scenery changed from bubbling river to grassy plain, stretching endlessly into the distance.
As the sun traversed its path across the sky, Salem fell into a listless doze. Murtagh protected her from some of the windblast, and she was grateful for her full-length palace skirt. Even if it did smell from the sewers, it kept her body warmth in.
She woke up sometime around night, startled awake by the stilled wind. They had landed; it was a treeless plain that stretched to meet the base of mountains off in the distance. To their right, a glimmer of blue signaled a nearby lake.
Salem sat up unsteadily, her legs gone numb. Gratefully, she accepted Murtagh's help in dismounting. She looked furtively at his face; his expression was unreadable.
A few yards away, Galbatorix had landed Shruikan. The black dragon's wings hung limply with exhaustion, his head bowed. Galbatorix muttered something into the dragon's ear and stepped away, a pleased smile on his face. He turned to the two of them, still smiling. "Well, my little children?" he said brightly. "Welcome to…well, let's just say to an adventure."
He studied their expressions. Murtagh's was flat and blocked off as he faced Galbatorix. Salem had a wary look on her face, but her eyes were steady. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice whipping across the plains.
Galbatorix chuckled. "So impatient, my dear? You'll find out tomorrow; I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. I'll give you a hint, though." He flung his hand out dramatically in the direction of the lake, beaming all the while. "That is Flam Lake. Nasty name, don't you think?"
His smile grew malevolent as neither of them reacted. "Very well. See those trees? That's the sparse forest that surrounds the Flam. The lake water is quite safe to drink, if you don't mind the occasional flopping fish. We shall bed there tonight."
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End of Chapter Thirty-Four
ARGH! I! HATE! MYSELF!
Because I messed up some of the primary planning, you get an EXTRA chapter. So, new schedule. Chapter 35, 36, MAYBE a 37, THEN the Burning Plains chapter, then the ScREWY RAnDom sTuff chappie. I anticipate the next chapter to be a short one, though, no more than 3-4 pages in Verdana size 9 on Microsoft Word. I just want to wrap up some things that I wasn't able to reach in this chapter. Expect it in about 3-5 days, depending on how hectic my life is.
Personally, I don't think this is much of a cliffie…but hey, if it is go ahead and make your death threats. They tend to bounce off after a certain point. XD
ONE URGENT QUESTION: What's your idea of Salem? Too Mary-Sue still? I've had several people tell me her character has gotten distinctly better, but having a Mary-Sue Salem has got to be my worst nightmare. And what about her relationship with Murtagh? It doesn't have to be a romance (I have long since given up hope) but what's your view of their 'chemistry' together? I would GREATLY appreciate your responses. Thankees!
REVIEW!
Fallonaiya Sedai: I won't kill everybody off…for example, Murtagh is off-limits to my Evil Writing Killing Spree of Doom. There are also a few other characters…Galbatorix…Thorn…you know, I'm not totally evil.
Emerald Tiara: Hey, nice to see you after fifty bazillion years of silence. What happened to Thorn will be revealed in a while…partly because I don't know yet, and partly because I hate giving out stuff out of story context. So, toodles.
Mrs Pierre Bouvier: -shifty eyes- Eh heh, what we you doing on your sister's account in the first place? Doing something you shouldn't have? O. And I did wonder why you didn't review…
Thorn is cute? That's not really the impression I was trying to pull off! –sniffles- He's supposed to be oh-so-tragic and boohooey and all soppy…
Gewher: Whatta? I have almond shaped eyes, it comes with part of being Asian. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS ME! WAAAAAAAAH! MOMMY, GEWHER IS BULLYING ME!
But honestly, Eragon is just so…Mistress-of-Misery got my Eragon rant last time, and now it's your turn. He's so, I don't know, pristine perfect that I want to stick him through. –shudders- What's the male counterpart of a Mary-Sue? A Stu, that's it. I don't know, give Stu a beard and make him manly-macho and you'd have a Stu-Eragon. A Sturagon.
And what's your impression of Salem/Murtagh? I asked that in the top, but just in case you forget.
Silver pup: -rubs eyes and stares-
Oh, my! Come to think of it, I did see a pig soar past my window the other day…I should've known something was up.
Thank you for your –very- detailed character analysis! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I don't know, portraying Murtagh's side of the Burning Plains will be…interesting, to say the least. I have a few things planned to sour his character up considerably in the last few chapters, though, so don't get too comfortable.
And you should be concentrating on math homework, anyway. Math is awesome, especially algebra. I mean, geometry was just plain useless, but algebra…I just luuuurve functions, don't you?
Alsdssg: Mwahahaha! What happened to Thorn will be revealed the last few chapters, it's my secret weapon for WORLD FANFIC DOMINATION! AHAHAHAHAAHHA! –goes slightly insane-
-cough- Now back to reality, let's just say that whatever happened to poor Thorn wasn't too pleasant. I want to have a Murtagh/Thorn scene near the end, and that's when you'll find out.
Chibichadiana: Thanks for the spellcheck. I turn mine off automatically because I hate the way it squiggly-underlines names and cities and stuff like that, they drive me INSANE.
Well, no, I think Murtagh didn't let himself be killed because that doesn't follow the basis of his beliefs, protect yourself and what you cherish. Murtagh doesn't care a single bloody whit for strangers; he cares about people he knows and befriends. Having an egg hatch would endanger Eragon, who is one of those people. However, getting killed in the end, while it would benefit lots of people, it would also benefit complete strangers, who Murtagh doesn't give two cents about. That's my idea anyway.
Aurora: I have no idea what I'm going to do after this. My poor Outsiders fanfic has been updated two lousy times since I started it way back then, and I'm thinking about continuing with that if there's enough interest. I might start another Eragon fanfic, but I'm tapped dry of ideas. Plus, if that fic turns out to be as long-winded as this one, I'll never finish it before the third book comes out!
K.A.T. Hiwatari: Well hey, I think I'm hilarious. I crack myself up. Hahaha. Ha. Ha. Meh.
-coughs slightly-
Oh, don't be mad at me. I wouldn't be able to bear it. I didn't actively make this chappie a cliffhanger, right? That should count for something.
Mistress-of-Misery: I shall reserve judgment on Connac's death until the Burning Plains chapter or the one right before. Anyway, if he does end up dying, it won't be my hand that kills him off. You'll see.
Ah, vermillion, schmermillion. You know, it sounds better to say 'his red eyes' rather than 'his reddish-orangish eyes'. –snickers- Oh, all right. Next time I feel like describing Thorn's eyes, they shall be described as vermillion.
And thankees, I am greatly honored. Though honestly, I don't know where I'll go after this fic is done…
Ariel32: Ah, get up get up get up! You're making me blush! –blushes anyway- I can't promise that I won't do a cliffie next chapter, but there's a 90 percent probability that the chapter after next will not be a cliffie. So, anyways.
And I never kill anybody with suspense. Suspense is to torture readers into doing one of two things: a) cry for a quick update, or b) give me death threats to update soon or ELSE! Both of them are hilarious to me. Yes, I have a twisted sense of humor. XD
Coffee Grounds: NOO! Not the French Roast! Get away from me, you evil bean! –starts sobbing- Keep that monster under control from now on!
Switching to a completely unrelated topic due to my thirty-second attention span, why do you like it when Thorn taunts Salem! That's not anything near the effect I was trying to achieve. What's your opinion of her?
Amantine: Oh, I can never withstand the power of winking. –crumples into a heap- I'm a sucker for those things, as well as cookies. Yes, cookies are awesome. To encourage fast updates, cookies are a MUST. –stuffs ten cookies into mouth at once-
Its.Garnet.Time: Where. Have. You. Been! My god, you've got to email me. –glares- If life is screwing up as usual, I wanna know. I live for screwiness.
Teen writer thing at the Gazette? Wait, you mean that supplementary paper that we did comics for back in 5th grade? Or is it something else entirely? I remember that extra edition, Jivan had this awesome thing about religion in it that I thought was really cool; it went on my wall. What's the topic?
Yes, my jokes are hilarious. Ahahaa. Actually, I only know one really good joke, and that's just because Maria Deem (you know her?) told it to me. It's a blond joke, but it's a really good one. No offense.
Email me or I'll hack you apart with a rusty axe. –pulls out axe and glares- Don't forget! I sent you one waaaaay back, I don't know if you got it because you never responded…
Whew! Two full pages of review responses. Once again, review!