Upon Dragon Wings

Abby Ebon

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

AN: The only thing I really have to say to the one anonymous reviewer who commented in a flame that incest is sick, and therefore I am as well for writing it – what the hell are you doing reviewing the fourth chapter of a story which said in the very summary – and I quote - 'MurtaghxEragon. Slash.'?

What, I wonder, did you think that meant? 'Slash? Hm, oh! That must be a nifty new female Rider and/or original character!'….-twitch- As result, I deleted the "review", thank you to those who supported me at that time.

Aftermath…

Thorn's talons skimmed over Saphira's hide, unharmed the blue dragon twisted away – hissing a challenge. Mid air, they circled each other searching out weaknesses and strengths – if either of their Riders had seen, they would have worried about a fight – but this was a far different sort of battle.

Saphira oddly impatient to begin their dance, lunged foreword her wings quick to follow – darting beneath Thorn, caused the younger dragon to flare his wings in surprise – catching the wind and gliding downward. He hissed in anger, tail thrashing as he tried to gain altitude and reach her height once more.

Saphira's lips curled upward at the younger male's helpless state, at her apparent win, she purred, watching with dark satisfaction as Thorn was forced from the air by the very wind itself.

Thorn fought his spiraled downward glide, until he took notice of something Saphira had not – his nose lifted as he scented a wind from the coast that would lift him upward once more. He stayed still, hoping Saphira would take it as defeat – she had fallen for it.

Wings lifting his weight at an accelerated pace, he roared – coming up beneath Saphira. Knowing he could not endure a long flight, but was best at close range – he locked his talons with hers. Thorn practically preened when he saw the surprise in Saphira's gaze – it was a compliment indeed, that although younger and less experienced – he had bested her in this.

In the flicker of a heartbeat Saphira had brushed away her surprise, instead she snapped her jaws threateningly – hoping Thorn would flinch and break away. He did not though, merely snapping at her warningly, both dragons knew that one wrong move might mean their death.

As it was, Thorn's wings were struggling to match Saphira – and the reverse was also true, wind rushed around them – both a blessing and a curse. It kept them aloft – and ensured they could not dart away inches from the ground they were quickly approaching.

Saphira snarled menacingly as Thorn's teeth closed on her spines – which tore at Thorn's mouth, bloodying him – yet all the same it was better then having Saphira's teeth meet his hide.

What are you doing, you fool? Let me go! Saphira demanded – screaming her thoughts into his, her wings beating at him fiercely – his tail, longer then hers, had curled along her back like a lovers – leaving her to lead in their falling flight.

No. Thorn pressed against her – wary, yes – but after so much conflict he did not want to risk it all only to let her go. Please, Saphira – fly with me? He pleaded – a mere whisper, but as she snorted in agreement – Thorn knew he had passed whatever unseen test she had laid for him.

Where once they had been falling from the sky at a dizzying rate, they – talons locked, with her spines still in his mouth – and his tail clinging to her – a surer grip then his talons – were now gliding. Saphira was indeed the better flyer – controlling their decent, and manipulating the winds to their advantage.

Thorn felt oddly safe with her in control – for all that he had been taught since hatching that she was his enemy – some part of him had always trusted her with more then just his life.

We will land soon. Saphira told him, her tone oddly soothing – Thorn tried to purr in contentment, as he had heard Saphira once do to reassure her Rider on the battle field – it came out a rumbling growl. Nonetheless, she seemed to sense his intent and also seemed amused with him.

He felt his wingtips tap the ground, and was quick to clench them to his sides – half fearing that they would be damaged. Thorn thought him self silly a moment later – the landing was the gentlest he had ever endured. It was with a sudden realization that he found himself below her – instead of atop as Shruikan had once instructed.

He thrashed then, trying to manipulate her to being beneath him. Why? Her voice within his mind questioned, and her gaze was fixed upon him, waiting for his answer. He stilled, huffing softly, confused – he let go of the spike bones along her neck – no longer worried she would tare out his throat. He had been outmaneuvered – and all his instincts screamed she was going to kill him – but he knew something deeper then instinct had taken hold.

I do not know – Shruikan said it was the way it is done… Thorn answered, glancing aside, if he had been human, he was sure his cheeks would be as burning red as his hide.

Her breath came out as a whoosh, her amusement was obvious. Thorn grumbled deep within his chest, gaze flicking to her wings, they framed her – occasionally flapping to keep her balance perched atop him.

We will do it our own way. Saphira murmured softly – reassuringly into his mind, her tongue flicking out to lick at his muzzle playfully. He stretched out beneath her – already having decided to go along with whatever she decided. Lovingly, their tails entwined – Thorn keened softly in surprises when she moved against his shaft – with a playful nip, Saphira took him. In the back of their minds, they knew an echo of their experience was shared between their Riders.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Shruikan was awoken from a sound – if blissful sleep, by the doors to his lair being slammed open by Galbatorix. His eyes opened, taking in the sight of the furious narrow eyed man before him. What, the dragon wondered, does he want?

"Did you know?" Galbatorix demanded, practically spitting out the words. Shruikan merely blinked at him, his great head tilting to the side as if trying to unravel the puzzle of the man before him.

Know, what do I know that you do not? The dragon asked the man mentally, puzzled at how he knew him.

"The two boys – Eragon and Murtagh, did you know their dragons – and in turn, they, were bonded?" With those words Galbatorix's fury was explained, for Shruikan did know – he had kept it though, kept it from his mind so the mad man before him would not find out. But, if he had done that successfully – and Shruikan was sure that he had – how did Galbatorix grow to suspect he had kept it from him?

Puzzled at this, Shruikan tried to remember if he had let it slip – sometimes remembering was hard, sometimes far to easy. This was not one of the easy times – once more Shruikan gave a not-answer.

And if I had – what would you have done against it? You can not keep two dragons apart. Galbatorix snarled wordlessly at him, his hands balled into the clenched fists at his sides. For a moment he looked about to hit the dragon – and Shruikan would not have been surprised if he had. His entire life he had been at Galbatorix's mercy – or at least what he could remember of his life.

"I would not have sent the two to face each other – that is for certain." Galbatorix's yell echoed in the lair, and Shruikan exhaled his amusement.

Ironic, that. Shruikan agreed, his lips curling upward against his teeth in a show of his amusement.

"As you failed to inform me that my ties to Murtagh would not hold with this bond – you are of no use – you are no longer the only dragon left Shruikan – and I will not have to put up with you for much longer." Galbatorix murmured darkly, his gaze set on the dragon before him.

What are you rambling of now? Not even you could withstand a pair of bond mate's fury. Shruikan sought out – knowing that despite everything else – this was important information Galbatorix was all but blurting out.

"You did not sense the birth of the last egg? Pity – I suppose it hatched right on time to corrupt it away from its Rider – as I did to you, Shruikan." Galbatorix gloated, for it was an old wound between man and dragon.

You are no Rider of mine, Galbatorix – and I would not be alive if my Rider was not. Not even you, Galbatorix, can kill a Rider and expect the dragon to live. The dragon's eyes narrowed upon the man who was stealing way his life-force.

"Your Rider wonders these lands, unaware of you – it would be best to give up hope of aid from that miserable mongrel." Galbatorix sneered, an air of triumph about him. Shruikan's tail thrashed, his fangs bared at the man before him.

Take care of how you speak; I might just decide that destroying you is worth my life. Shruikan hissed – his eyes narrowed, the chains around him rattled as his wings flexed.

"Perhaps you would forfeit your life, but that of your poor senseless Rider? Do not think you can trick me, dragon – no, you will die when I desire you to cease to be." From the look in Galbatorix's eyes – Shruikan knew that would likely not be long from now.

The doors closed, and the stream of light that had lit his lair ceased to be. From within the darkness, Shruikan considered what he had learned – and plotted the downfall of a man he had reluctantly served for more then a hundred years.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

The darkness was unchanging, save of the odd reassuring chirp of the baby dragon, Katrina sat in stifling silence. Not even the Ra'zac came near her cage anymore. Why would they? She thought bitterly, she couldn't possibly free her self – and even if she managed that she was so high up she'd have to find a way of flying down.

Even with a newly hatched dragon, that just was not going to happen.

At times she found herself humming into the silence – sometimes the baby would sing with her – a high lonely keening. For the most part they were still fed in the morning and evening. Though all the food went to the baby – it was continually ravenous.

Perhaps that was why the Ra'zac left – they feared the baby's appetite.

Sometimes – just to hear something, Katrina would tell the little dragon all she remembered of the legends of dragons she remembered from Brom. And those she remembered from her own mother, who had only known the legends of the Spine – baby particularly liked those. Sometimes she thought he – for the baby, her little darling, was assuredly male – would seem to understand.

Always though, unless at her side - the baby would pace the cage – his tail lashing and wings flapping, as if he could not wait to fly away. Thoughts of what she would do if he did leave persisted to haunt her; for all that she was sure it was quite imposable to leave. If he did leave – she was sure he would somehow send for help – sometimes she told him about the adventures she imagined for him if he did find a way out.

Somehow, he would get to Roran or Eragon – and they would know immediately that she had sent the baby to them. After the first day, she began to call the baby – Spine, for – somehow - he was so much like the wild mountains she remembered.

Katrina, not knowing why she would - stood, his head twisted to follow her as she retreated to the barred window – below, was a dark city – one she was sure did not care to know she was being held against her will.

Spine scampered up her dress, perching himself upon her shoulder. For all that he was no bigger then a lizard, he gave the impression of greatness. Timidly, Katrina scratched the soft skin of his head – wishing he, at least, could fly away from here. Spine shook himself, chirping at her – as if trying to speak – his tail motioned to the window.

It was then Katrina noticed her lizard-like Spine was just small enough to slip through the bars. Her heart fluttered in her chest – like a caged bird dreading and hoping for escape. Carefully, she lifted him to her lips, kissing him on the muzzle.

"If you can fly from here, Spine – please do so, but…do not forget me…" Spine cooed, nuzzling her cheek, alike a helpless little puppy. Katrina felt a moment of dread – that Spine would not be able to survive without her, would parish and she would never know it – then thought her self silly when she remembered Brom's tales of wild dragons. She had seen for herself Spine kill a mouse only hours after hatching – he was a fine hunter, and she had praised him for his talent for it had ridden her of the nasty vermin.

Spine could surely hunt for himself – and save that he seemed only content near her, Katrina knew he could survive. She set her hand which Spine perched upon onto the barred window. He hopped off it – and after giving her a few soft mewls, he hopped from the window – wings spreading, catching a wind which swiftly carried him from this dreadful place.

"Good luck…" Her heart ached to see him go, and when she could not see him, she went back to the corner of her cell, her gaze rested on her silver scarred palm until she could hold her eyes open no longer.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Bonded verse Bond-Mates

Galbatorix did not think Murtagh would mate – let alone be bonded – with Eragon.

It can be assumed from the last chapter that Murtagh is no longer Galbatorix's puppet – you'd be right. Murtagh's found – not just a mate for his dragon – but a bond-mate. Let me explain – a mate can be anyone – they can be someone you feel a connection with, not always romantic – not always forever; a bond mate – now, if you remember in "Murtagh's dream" (the first chapter) I mentioned bond-mates – and how reluctant Saphira was to have Thorn as one – because it would make Eragon suffer with Murtagh – who was, at the time, still a puppet. A bond-mate is someone you'll be with forever – you'd share the same sort of connection as a Rider and Dragon – you'd know their thoughts when they want to share them, and know – if somewhat vaguely pending distance - how they are functioning physically.

A bond-mate connection was something Galbatorix did not expect – they were very rare in the time of Dragon Riders - he just wanted Saphira – who would have felt a kind of bond with Thorn; (with her relying on him to protect her until she laid eggs, and he caring for her while she was nesting; hence Saphira being "mated and bonded") Saphira, at Thorn's begging and worrying would have convinced her to lay her eggs close to Galbatorix – as it would be "safe" there. With Saphira, Murtagh, and Thorn convincing Eragon – Eragon would have given in, if only to please Saphira.

Now though – as they are bonded mates, that changes everything. You might remember as well Murtagh fighting himself? He was fighting Galbatorix – and he won. Now the only ties Murtagh and Eragon have are to themselves and their dragons.

Nice how that worked out, eh? Well if your not convinced by the bond verses mates – Murtagh's true name must have changed while he was fighting himself, as he did not – as Galbatorix ordered, take Eragon – Eragon rode him, it's a more "equal" partnering.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

My theory on a "true name" and changing it…

The theory behind this is, in essence, simple – your true name is your current nature, or the nature you were "born to grow into" – but, change your nature, you change your true name. It's not as simple as it seems though – maturity and most new experiences will help you "fit into" your nature. Grow into it if you will.

Think of Eragon in the first book – a "good-ol'-farm boy" only concerned with his uncle and cousin, and the on coming marriage into his family – the villagers, and seasonal life. If he had continued in this life, not collecting the egg in the Spine – he would have never lived the life we know him for – he would have likely have married, had children, and it would be very likely that he would never had traveled far; nor would he have met elves, dwarfs, or known of magic.

Saphira changed everything – for good or ill, and now – I think - Eragon can't imagine a life without her – wouldn't want to live his life without her, because he has such a strong connection with her – hell, they practically live inside each others minds.

He loves her – not romantically, not in any way we can truly touch or understand – but he does love her – just as she loves and cares for him. I think the reason he will be told his true name in future novels is because it has changed from the one that he would have had without Saphira.

Now – consider Thorn and Murtagh. Murtagh has always been under someone's power – ever since he was born. I think that is what bothers Thorn the most – that his Rider is not truly free, as dragons were, originally, born free. Thorn cares for Murtagh, but he views Murtagh as weak, childlike– not necessary a partner. Thorn as a baby thought his Rider should know his true name –he was intelligent enough to know what dangerous information it was – he thinks, now, that Murtagh gave in too easily. A true name is guarded with your life. Murtagh gave in because he did not want Thorn to suffer – as he would have if Murtagh was tortured, Thorn never knew that. Murtagh's true name hasn't changed – but in order for him to escapeGalbatorix – his true name – the nature of who he is supposed to be must change.

Now – the only things I know of that will change you in such a short amount of time (less then a day/week) is the near death –or death - of someone you care about. Or…love. Love will change you. Disagree or agree as you'd like – it's merely my theory.

Because Murtagh loves Eragon – his true name is no longer the one Galbatorix holds.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O

Why do I think names can change at all?

In old tribes – in legends – in ancient days – the name you were born with was not always the name you live with in old age. Even today – when a woman marries a man, she usually gives up part of her name. Or when a person thinks a name no longer "fits" them – they can – by law, get a new one they feel they "grew into". I think a "true name" is the same way – it can change, it can grow or lesson – based on who you are now.

I'm pretty sure bonding to another Dragon and its Rider, and loving them - would change a "true name" of any nature.

I apologize for such a long summary of questions and answers- but I thought it necessary that you understand these things from my point of view.