I own Nothing of the Inheritance Cycle!
Thoughts over bond
Aquila flew them to the shore of the Tüdosten, two leagues from Furnost. They were sitting around a fire, eating the deer that Aquila had hunted for them.
"Murtagh if we are going to be infiltrating—for lack of a better word—the Empire, we need a plan on how we're even going to get into Urû'baen."
"We can disguise ourselves—"
"Yes I know we're going to be disguising ourselves. But having two men walk up to Urû'baen's gates without any supplies or horses would be rather suspicious."
"What do you suggest we do?"
"I don't know Urû'baen as well as you do. Is there ever a time when the gates open? Maybe to let in traders or something?"
Murtagh thought for a moment but then slowly shook his head, "No. I would have been lucky to even leave the castle. I was never able to see the gates or when they would open. But it's possible that they will be open for traders during the day for traders, and if they're not open then they might open them for us if we tell them were coming for work."
David leaned back and groaned, "Murtagh this—this quest is impossible! If we don't even know how to get in then how are we supposed to steal a dragon egg?"
"David I need to do this. I will find another way in if I have to."
"I don't understand you. I thought you wanted nothing to do with the empire?"
"I don't."
"The why are we going?!" Cried David. "This whole plan is absolutely ridiculous! I don't want the eggs there either but it's not like anything is hurting them!"
Murtagh looked out over the lake in silence and David sighed, "Look Murtagh, I know I agreed to help you with this and I want to help you, I do, but if were found out we're screwed. And on top of that we don't even know how to get into Urû'baen let alone Galbatorix's castle."
"Then what do you suppose we do, huh? You didn't want to go back to the Varden, you don't want to go to the elves. There's nowhere else to go, and I'm not going to sit here and wait until you decide that you and Aquila are needed."
The silence was thick He is right David.
I know but what are we supposed to do?
I do not know either David. But the smarter thing to do would be for us to go to the elves and train to become a master dragon and rider.
If we did go to the elves then what will I do with Murtagh?
Bring him with.
The elves would never accept him. All they would see is his father.
Then leave Murtagh to do this adventure by himself.
I would not be able to leave him with a clear conscience
You could bring him back to the Varden.
I suppose.
"Murtagh, I am not against going to the elves. But if I did go to the elves you wouldnot be welcomed. If I must, I will take you back to the Varden so I may go to the elves."
"I know you are reluctant to go through with this plan, but if we could at least try and go through with it then I would be grateful. If we end up unable to accomplish the task then we can leave."
"Fine, we can try. But were gonna need a few things…"
It was pitch black in the village of Furnost. The streets were empty, a stray cat dashed into an alley. It went deeper and deeper, forced to stop when two men blocked its path.
It sat on its haunches and stared into a pair of aqua blue eyes.
"Hey there little buddy. You know where we might find some horses?"
The other man snorted, "Shut up Shadow. The cat isn't going to tell you where the horses are."
Shadow ignored him and pushed his way into the cats mind Bring us to the stables. He showed the cat a picture of a horse and what a stable to look like.
The cat cocked its head to the side and scampered back out of the alley, Shadow chasing right behind. "Come on Murtagh!"
"You've got to be kidding me." But he followed nonetheless.
They followed the cat through the streets of Furnost. Trying to stay in the shadows as much as possible. Thankfully the cat seemed to know where it was going because not five minutes later they were at the stable doors.
Prying open the doors as quietly as possible the two slipped into the barn. "If I'm going to be playing the part of a blind man," started David, "then I won't need a horse. We only need one, doesn't matter what it looks like just make sure it can carry the both of us."
Murtagh nodded and chose a random stall. Grabbing the halter and reins from a hook next to the door, he entered the stall cautiously, making soothing nooses so he doesn't scare the horse.
Coming out of the stall Murtagh led out a brown and white painted horse. They strapped a saddle onto the horse and put the small amount of meat and water they "borrowed" from the town into the saddle bags.
They led the horse out of the stables and through the town, cringing when the horses hooves made loud clip clopping sounds against the stone streets. David turned around and looked at the horses hooves hissing out, "Theyna."
The sounds suddenly stopped and they plunged into silence. They both let out sighs of relief and quickly made their way out of the town. Casting his mind out David was relieved to find that the town was still sound asleep.
They flew through the night, the horse was clutched in Aquila's claws. It's protests eventually silenced, but David had to use his mind for most of the calming.
On the saddle David sat facing Murtagh. "We're going to need to change our appearances and our names."
Murtagh rubbed his chin, "We could pose as brothers, fleeing from the dangers of the Varden. And I stay with you because I'm worried about you because of your blindness."
"Ok. That could work I suppose. Then what are we going to look like. I'm obviously going to have to change my facial features because I can't go walking around looking like an elf."
"Well your ears are the most prominent feature so those will have to change. The rest won't matter too much because we're just going to be wrapping a cloth around your eyes, and that will be covering most of the upper part of your face."
"Alright, and what about you?"
Murtagh ran a hand through his hair, "We could change my hair, yours too."
Look.
David turned in the saddle and saw Urû'baen on the horizon Land. We can continue on from with the horse. Aquila sent acknowledgement and began her descent.
He saw Murtagh's inquiring look, "We're going to continue on the horse from here. Now let's see what we can do about our appearances."
When they landed Aquila gently set the horse on the ground and the duo slipped out of the saddle with completely new looks.
Murtagh pulled himself onto the front of the horses saddle. His light blonde hair was shortened to just brush the top of his ears. He now had more of a slender jaw instead of more of a square set.
David changed out of his leather pants and into a pair of cotton pants with a loose white shirt. He climbed into the saddle behind Murtagh and tied a brown piece of cloth around his eyes to make people believe he was actually blind. He also has a light blond hair hair color, but his hair covered his ears and bangs were covering his forehead. They certainly looked like they could be brothers.
Before they left Aquila laid her head against David's back, giving a low hum Be careful my little duck.
Aren't I always? Aquila snorted and took her snout away from David's back. The buffeting wind signaled she had taken off.
"Alright Murtagh, I would rather we get to Urû'baen before nightfall."
He said nothing as he pushed the horse into a gallop. Well, he could have nodded. It's not like I would have seen it anyway.
During their ride to Urû'baen David opened his mind barriers and allowed himself to see the world around him. I'm gonna have to do this for the next several months aren't I?
Yes you are. Aquila's tone was very agitated and upset.
Aquila what's wrong?
Wrong? What's wrong?! What's wrong is that I haven't seen you for a year now David. And then when I finally end up seeing you you leave not three days later.
I know, I know! I'm not happy about it either. And to prove it he sent the same angry and upset feelings back over the bond But it's not gonna be a year this time, it will only be a few months.
What if you don't get the egg?
It doesn't matter Aquila. When Galbatorix sends his troops out against the Varden we are going to leave Urû'baen and help the Varden, egg or no egg. It seemed to make Aquila a little less angry, but she was still upset.
It was around evening time when they reached the gates of Urû'baen. Murtagh slowed their horse down to a trot until they were stopped by four guards, "Who are you and what is your business here?"
Murtagh spoke, "We're just travelers. Looking for a some place where we might find somewhere to rest." Through his mind David could see Murtagh nod his head towards him, "My brother and I were hoping to find work somewhere."
One of the guards raised a brow, "Oh? And what work can a blind man possibly do?"
"For the past couple years we have been working as servants. We were hoping the King would accept us."
The guard gave a thoughtful hum, "I do not know if the King requires any more servants." The guard snapped his fingers and signaled for another guard to come over.
"Yes sir?"
"Bring these two into the palace. See if the King is in need of two more servants."
The new guard nodded and turned to Murtagh and David, "Dismount your horse and follow me."
They dismounted—David a little clumsier than Murtagh— and they followed the guard through the gates. David kept a hold of Murtagh's shirt to make it seem like he needed more help getting around.
Aquila what if Galbatorix tries to search through our minds?
You should have thought of that before you went into Urû'baen!
Well we didn't!
If he does then just make up some random life story and I will protect your real memories.
What about Murtagh? Our stories will have to be similar if we're brothers!
Then you're in trouble!
David stopped talking to her. He could only hope Galbatorix didn't decide to go through their minds.
Focusing his mind onto his surroundings David saw that their horse was gone and they were being led through twisting hallways. We must be in the palace.
They were brought to a large set of intricately designed doors where the guard leading them knocked twice and waited…and waited…before a deep "come in" was heard from behind the door.
Entering the room David allowed his mind to wander before he ran into a mind so full of hatred and malice he visibly flinched as he recoiled back into his mind, sealing his barriers. The fuck was that?
Murtagh pulled David into the room and then into a kneeling position wondering what was happening he slowly allowed his barriers to come down again as he felt the room around him. Next to him Murtagh was kneeling, as well as the guard. With further exploration he found out they were in a giant stone room and in front of them, sitting upon a throne, was a man with a crown sitting atop his head. He kept his mind well out of Galbatorix's reach, knowing if he felt that his mind was touched then he probably wouldn't hesitate to attack David's mind, and as strong as he was he was pretty sure he wouldn't be able to defend himself from Galbatorix.
"What was so important that you required my presence?" The Kings voice was so deep and rich it was no wonder how he was able to make these people want to serve him. Bastard.
"My lord. These two men have come to Urû'baen to seek work as one of your servants."
It was silent. It made David very uncomfortable It probably isn't a good thing if Galbatorix is silent.
"Is that so?"
The guard swallowed, "Yes, my lord." The King hummed.
"Wait out in the hallway while I speak with these two."
"Of course my lord." The guard promptly left. Leaving David and Murtagh alone in the room with the one man David wished he would never have to see. Even if it is only with his mind.
"Rise." Murtagh and David stood and waited to see what the king would do next. I'm really hoping he won't recognize us.
If he does I will come and tear the kingdom apart in search of you.
"Tell me. Who are you, and why do you wish to become servants? Why not a blacksmith? Or a butcher?" His voice dared them to lie.
Murtagh spoke for them, "My name is Ian and this is my older brother Neil. We have come to be servants because there are no other jobs safe enough for him to do."
"I see." The King paused before making an interested noise in the back of his throat, "And which one of you was the one who brushed against my dragons mind."
David's whole body tensed up Ah fuck!
David!
I didn't do it on purpose!
"What do you mean your majesty?" Murtagh's voice was tense.
"It would seem," Galbatorix's voice sounded amused, "That your brother here has touched Shruikan's mind."
David let some of his panic out in his next sentence, "I–I assure you, your majesty, it was an–an accident I didn't mean to—"
Galbatorix cut him off, "All is well young man, all is well. But I am wondering how one such as yourself is able to use such a skill."
David cleared his throat, "Well, uh, when I was a boy I heard how people don't always see with their eyes they see with their mind as well. I wanted to see if it was true and so I would go out and try seeing with my mind," David smiled as if thinking about a fond memory, "I failed at first, of course, and I grew very frustrated. But then eventually I was able to touch the minds of animals. I soon moved on to people until eventually I was able to use my mind as a way to see the things around me instead of eyes."
Because his mind was shielded David was unable to know see what Galbatorix thought of his little story.
"This skill is usually only gained through years of teaching." David only shrugged.
"Your mind, it is closed right now yes." David responded with a hesitant nod.
"I wish to test how well you can see with this ability. Come, stand in front of me."
With all of his sense screaming at him to turn and run, David cautiously walked forward, so he wouldn't run into anything, until Galbatorix told him to stop.
"Are you using your ability?"
"No your majesty."
"I want you to use your ability to find my dragon."
David was surprised Galbatorix wanted him to find Shruikan of all things. But he wouldn't argue, he knew where Shruikan would be even without using his mind.
"But your majesty," Murtagh sounded rather stressed Probably because of my situation, I know it's stressing me out. "There is no—"
"Be silent." The tone of Galbatorix's voice sent chills down David's spine.
"It's alright Ian. Don't worry."
He very cautiously lowered his shields, worried that Galbatorix might enter his mind. When he accidentally brushed the Kings mind David immediately cringed, "I'm sorry you—"
"That is quite alright young one. Continue." Galbatorix's voice reassured him. He knew it shouldn't have, but it did anyway.
He opened his mind again, this time when he brushed against Galbatorix's mind he didn't cringe away. But he did pause. When nothing was said he looked around the room before slowly walking towards the "curtain" situated in the back of the room.
He stood in front of the giant "curtain". He knew this was actually Shruikan's wing but he didn't know what Galbatorix wanted him to do next. He wasn't hearing any commands so he gently brushed his fingertips agains the wing. It had a soft leathery feel to it.
The wing slowly dropped away to reveal Shruikan's eye sitting directly in front of David. It's white-blue irises fixed upon David. He took a startled step back at the same time Murtagh drew a startled breath.
Apparently he never knew about Shruikan being here then.
"Very impressive." Galbatorix's voice was soft.
David nodded and returned to Murtagh's side before Galbatorix spoke again, "I hope you will allow me to further investigate your abilities?" David knew it was not a request.
"Of course your majesty."
He hummed, "Guard!"
Entering through the doors was the guard who had led them to the throne room, "Yes my lord?"
"Take these two to the servants quarters."
"Of course my lord." The guard made a quick exit with David and Murtagh following him to what is apparently the servant quarters. David felt thrilled satisfaction and relief sweep through his body We did it, were actually in!
And who knows how your going to get out. Or even when!
We'll get out Aquila.
It was rather easy for you to get in too. He didn't search your minds or ask for some kind of sworn loyalty.
True. Maybe he might make it another day?
You better hope not.
AN: Ok guys I need you to review because I don't know how good this story is because I'm gonna be making the whole thing up. If it sucks then tell me and I'll try and think of another story line, but if it doesn't suck then I would love the review anyway.