This Chapter is completely un-edited so don't be surprised if you find a few errors. My friend does not know I have posted this so shush, be good and review and Ill give you a SPOILER for the next chapter. (Which is also so very naughty of me!) ;D
Chapter ThreeA man apartThere was no peace here, not in this part of the castle. The cracks in the walls where covered in moss and dust had been swept into the shadows behind the drapes and below the curtains. His booted footsteps echoed off the brick walls and swelled down the hallway. Two guards stood at attention their silver spears gleamed in the dimly lit hall. Flames danced on their black armour, reflected off the torches hung from the walls.
As the man approached they stiffened and pointed their spear tips at him each reaching for the blades sheathed at their sides. "Halt!" the one on the right ordered. "State your busi…" he trailed off suddenly and he and his companion bowed low and opened the thick metal doors. "My Lord Masters Slave, Murtagh" they whispered in unison mocking him. Murtagh glared at them form under his cloak refusing to even acknowledge them as he walked past. "You're a traitor to your King and your Empire" one of them hissed. "Why don't you run off and join that traitor scum, The Varden?" they chuckled evilly. "Oh wait, you cant." Murtagh threw back his hood exposing brown hair that hung around his face and turned to face the speaker. He raise he palm so the Gedwëy insignia was visible. As he spoke slowly in the ancient language the stones beneath the speakers feet began to buckle and groan. They rose into the air and turned a fiery red, pieces crumbled and dripped to the floor leaving two spheres. Smiling at the now terrified guards he spoke softly. The spheres shot out of the air, through the visor in their helmets to burry themselves between their eyes.
They screamed and fell to the floor, the clang of armour echoed in front of Murtagh as he continued walking, the guards cried and pleaded and thrashed on the ground behind him.
He hated this part of the castle, as he moved further into the heart of the fortress faint screams could be heard and blood stains where everywhere. This was Galbatorix's favourite place, apart from the room that held the Eldunari, the torture or confession chambers as Galbatorix had taken to calling them.
Murtagh really didn't want to see the King now. He was tired and feared what would come of this meeting. He didn't want to try to capture Eragon and Saphira or kill anyone who wanted to over through the King. He liked his current job, even though it entailed killing and bringing in subjects for torture, he and Thorn were momentarily free.
Galbatorix had called for him a week or so before the Battle for Feinster. Murtagh had been lead by one of Galbatorix's loyal men, a manservant by the name of Jeradith, down the many sorrowful and dark hallways to the secret room where the Dragons Heart of Hearts were kept captive. He walked down a long and narrow curling stairway, through many immensely strong magical barriers to stand at an old wooden door. Jeradith had stopped and was waiting at the top of the stairs, Murtagh was afraid to enter yet afraid not to enter. Stiffening his shoulders he pushed open the door.
The power hovering in the room was colossal, hundreds; thousands of gems glowed and pulsed in the light given off by a single chandler hanging above the room, above the cloaked figure in the centre. The Dragons brushed their consciousness against his and then scrambled back, recognising him as an enemy. Murtagh felt the normal fury at seeing the Dragons Eldunari captive and broken. Careful Murtagh came Thorns worried voice in a whisper you don't want to anger the King like last time Murtagh flinched. He and thorn had been punished mercilessly for his mistake of speaking out against the Eldunari imprisonment, he wasn't going to risk the pain again so he shoved the anger down and waited for the King to speak.
"Do you know how many Dragons walk this land, Murtagh?" Galbatorix's voice always sent shivers down his spine; it was thick with rage and hatred like normal. Yet, there was something else, this time he sounded almost happy? No, not happy. Galbatorix was never happy it was satisfaction. He held a large Eldunari in his hands; the brown glow coming off it was low and dim. Murtagh felt sick as he realised its mind had been broken. There weren't many Eldunari still unbroken and whole, a handful that's strength out did Galbatorix and he spent hours attempting to break into their minds. "Not going to answer? No?" Murtagh glared at his back loathing leaking out of every fibre in his being. "I shall tell you then." Galbatorix paused. "There is Saphira, Thorn and Shruikan and perhaps another Dragon the elves are hiding."
He out the Eldunari down on a pedestal and said. "I have kept an account of every Dragon, Rider and Egg, a very accurate account. There are no numbers unaccounted for, accept one, if you take out the Shur'tugal and Dragon I suspect are with the elves." He moved over to a chair hidden in the corner and sprawled himself upon it.
Murtagh lowered his head, refusing to meet the Kings eyes. " Now I have looked over and over my lists. I have had many trusted servants"
" Slaves" Murtagh interrupted before realising what he had done. Murtagh Thorn roared. Galbatorix ignored his outburst and continued talking. "Many trusted servants read over everything and they came to the same conclusion as I." A pause came into Galbatorix's speech. "There is another Dragon and Rider" Galbatorix finished triumphantly.
Murtagh was jolted from his memories by his arrival at the door to Galbatorix's throne room. He entered and bowed low keeping his eyes on the rugs covering the obsidian stone; he made his way to stand before his master. "You sent for me My King, What is your wish?" Thorn had begged him to be civil and polite, he didn't like the punishment for disrespect just as Murtagh did. Murtagh had conceded only to save his partner of soul and mind pain; if it were only himself he would have said everything he felt like saying to Galbatorix. " Yes, I wanted you to hear this." Murtagh felt Galbatorix getting to his feet. He stood at the top of the stairs top his throne and spoke. "I have bought you all hear to day to hear some exciting news." Murmuring filled the hall as various nobles loyal to the King wondered what the news could be. Murtagh felt sick, if it was good news for them then it was bad news for everyone opposing them like the Varden, elves, dwarfs and Eragon and Saphira.
"I have reliable information that there is in fact another Dragon and Rider" Galbatorix proclaimed. Murtagh was shocked but he had been expecting it, he now knew why Galbatorix had kept himself in the Eldunari room for weeks, he had broken more Dragons. The nobles gasped and all attempted to speak at once. Galbatorix waited a moment before continuing to speak. "Now to answer your questions. This is a very good thing because if the "freedom fighters" knew, the Pair would have helped Eragon and Saphira, Glaedr and Oromis and fight Murtagh and Thorn. Who in case you haven't heard, have killed the latter traitorous pair." A roar of approval erupted and applause echoed throughout the room. Murtagh hung his head even lower; he hadn't meant to kill the Gold Dragon and the elf. Galbatorix had taken control of him and had done the slaying himself.
" Now, My information tells me that the elf and dragon became a pair very shortly before the Traitors began the war." The nobles nodded and proclaimed how disastrous it was that they bough death to their people. "I also know the Dragon is female and the pair are extremely powerful for their age."
The nobles shouted their disapproval saying no one could be more powerful then their King, Galbatorix and that they would be defeated along with the rest of the traitorous scum. "Murtagh." Murtagh refused to look up and meet the kings' eyes or the nobles' stares. "You and Thorn are to find them. You are to leave immediately I your search for them. I don't care what you do to find them; I don't care what you need, just find them. You may go."
Murtagh could barely contain his glee as he nodded. "Yes my king." He bowed and turned to walk away. "You are not to engage them at any costs as they will easily overpower you. You cannot even capture that traitor Rider and his Dragon and these pair will be far more powerful. You will tell me where they are and I will send someone more competent to get them." Murtagh felt his face burn at the king's scornful words and the soft laughter of his court. He was glad Eragon and Saphira had managed to evade capture, even though he and Thorn were punished for every unsuccessful mission, it was worth it, keeping them free.
Where are we going now? Thorn asked as Murtagh climbed into the leather saddle. I don't know Murtagh realised with a start. Galbatorix never said. All he did was place spells on us and say we were to start our search immediately. Thorn was silent thinking this over. So we can look wherever we want? I suppose so; Galbatorix didn't say anything else about it. Murtagh replied as Thorn threw himself into the sky. So if we were to go somewhere to… rest then it would still count as searching? Murtagh felt Thorns pain and replied. Yes, that would work. I know your still unable to fly all that well since you lost your tail, so we can go somewhere and let you rest. I can use the Eldunari to try and grow it back, okay Gratefulness and love swelled through their mental link from Thorn and Murtagh felt content for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Flying drowsily through the clouds Murtagh felt free, he smiled feeling the same thoughts and feelings from his partner in heart and soul. I want to try something, do you mind? Thorn said slowly gliding above the plains on a thermal. Murtagh, after giving his consent, felt Thorn tugging at his mind. Feeling apprehensive but trusting Thorn completely Murtagh slid out of his body and into Thorns mind. Murtagh's vision turned blurry as though covered with unshed tears and then he peered out through his partners' eyes with wonder. The landscape transformed, every familiar colour had eerie, scarlet tints through them.
Murtagh hovered in Thorns mind, his body a shadow, as he dove through the sky and plummeted to the earth. Thorn was the king of this world, he roared and expelled jets of flames as they spiralled down further and further. Murtagh and Thorn's identities merged deeper than they had ever before, and together they snapped open their crimson wings and pulled out of the dive at the right moment. Using the thermals they shot back into the sky and rolled upside down to the right, drifting on the currents. Suddenly Thorn faltered and they began to fall, upside down, towards the ground. Thorn Murtagh screamed wrenching himself back into his stiff body. He began to panic as Thorn desperately tried to right himself and failed, they were falling to fast and wind buffeted his wings enabling him to flip himself over. Thorn twisted and laboriously tried to halt their decent flapping his wings desperately.
An abrupt jolt halted their plunge and ancient voice exploded within their minds. You would do well to keep yourselves alive younglings, your time of passing is not yet upon you. The voice paused and another spoke gently. One approaches with the armies to the south who will change you forever, soothe their fears and qualms and stand by them and you will find peace. Heed my words well hatchlings. Find the broken one. The voices faded as they were slowly lowered to the ground upright, the black glow that had surrounded them fading slowly as magic drained away. Wait Thorn cried out recognising one of the voices as that of a dragon.
Thorn Murtagh said sympathetically after extending his mind in search for the mysterious strangers who had shattered his and Thorns defences easily, they're gone. Untying the straps that held him to Thorns saddle he slid to the ground, wincing as his legs buckled under him. Stretching he climbed the knoll in front of him to see were they were. His eyes widened as he recognised the keep of Gil'ead rising stonily into the sky. While he and Thorn had been falling he had seen a black smudge but he didn't think it was Gil'ead. He stared at the keep spitefully; he knew what laid in the halls and cells of that building, the dungeons that slunk beneath the stonewalls. Thorn came up behind him and gazed over his shoulder mournfully at the keep, distant screams could be heard. Let us leave this place he said nudging Murtagh's arm with his ruby snout we should do as that dragon told us and find this "broken one" he continued excitement leaking into his voice. Murtagh nodded and heaved his wobbly legs into the saddle.
They had been flying steadily for near six hours and three quarter when Thorn suddenly angled downward. Murtagh look over there. What are those soldiers doing? He said worriedly. Murtagh looked and saw one hundred of Galbatorix's elite soldiers and about five black mages steadily marching towards Feinster alongside the Jiet River. I don't know they must be the men Galbatorix sent to attack Feinster, though I cant imagine why he is sending so few men to attack such a large force. Thorn snorted He is insane and casts away life as though it were worthless you know that. Murtagh grunted in reply shall we go and follow them? Thorn smiled a toothy dragon smile and angled towards the soldiers, with Murtagh casting a spell to make him and Thorn invisible, they flew above the force for a good half hour keeping their presence shielded.
At the height he and Thorn were, flying high enough to be thought of as a bird, they could see in all directions. Ahead of them they could see the Jiet River winding its way across the plains to the right they could see the city of Belatona preparing for siege at their doors. To their rear lay Helgrind and to their left, if they strained their eyes, they could see the beginnings of a vast forest.
Wait Thorn! Murtagh exclaimed urgently look back there. Thorn returned his eyes to where Murtagh had said. There, a few leagues ahead of the footmen a wisp of smoke rose into the clouds. Thorn broke out of the air pocket he had been resting in and sped towards the smoke. As the got closer they saw the soldiers were from the Varden, the mix of humans and Urgals were testimony to this fact as were the shields with the Varden's coat of arms on them. What do we do? Murtagh asked as Thorn hovered away from them and any possible mage detection. They obviously don't know the soldiers are coming else they would have left by now; a force that small would be slaughtered. Thorn replied thinking the situation over. They must be raiders, sent to steal or destroy supply wagons or they could be scouts, but scouts don't travel in that bigger of group. Murtagh shifted in his saddle and then said. What should we do? We would be attacked on sight if we were to fly peacefully down there and they wouldn't believe us anyway or we could pretend to attack them and burn some things. Thorn spoke I don't really want to be though of more of a monster he thought his voice heavy with remorse.
And I don't know if I want to help them even thought they oppose the King, they have never done anything for me, ever.
Thorn growled slowly what about an illusion? He asked. That way we don't have to get physically involved but we can still save them. Murtagh thought this through. Yes, that would work and we would stay outside our oaths. What shall we show them? Thorn asked, turning to look at Murtagh, a gleam in his eyes. You Murtagh laughed. Raising his Gedwëy insignia hand he drew energy off the Eldunari stored in his saddlebags, silently telling them what it was for. They ignored him and stayed silent as he spoke in the Ancient Language. A crimson dragon, a mirror reflection of Thorn, rose to float above Murtagh's palm growing bigger as he fed more energy into it, using his and Thorns own this time. When he was done a larger version of Thorn flew next to them it was perfect from its wings and ruby scales to its ivory neck spikes and claws and its tail. With a single phrase Murtagh sent Thorn Senior towards the camp, feeling his energy drain as the distance grew.
Thorn Senior? Thorn growled annoyed. Murtagh laughed and apologised. Be careful Thorn snorted, smoke coming out of his nostrils I might decide to drop you. Murtagh apologised again attempting to sound sincere thenthey turned to watch Thorn Seniors progress, he was above the camp now and Murtagh could hear the screams of terror. Murtagh muttered another phrase that was lost into the wind and Thorn Senior swooped down roaring. The Varden soldiers fled leaving chaos and destruction behind, their camp was a mess, it looked as though a dragon had flown over it Murtagh though with satisfaction terminating the spell. Turning, Thorn veered off and headed for the nearby woods.
Murtagh clung to his ivory spikes as Thorn tried to land without the full use of his tail. It was a rocky landing and Thorn barely managed to stop before flying into a tree. Land! Oh Land! Murtagh cried as he jumped to the ground and put his hands on the grass. Thorn growled and sprung at him. What was that? He asked pinning Murtagh beneath one of his crimson paws. Ah, nothing. A loudrumbling swelled out of Thorns chest as he peered down at his rider, after seeing the look on his face when he sent a mental picture of him licking Murtagh from head to toe. Murtagh joined in the laughter when Thorn showed him the look on his face. Let me up? Please? He begged Thorn squirming under his paws.
While Thorn was hunting Murtagh had a look around the clearing he and Thorn had landed in. Following a small bubbling stream he came across a waterfall. Silver liquid drops fell quickly into a small pond, on a rock above it stood a figure cloaked as black as the sky, behind it stood the moon. As Murtagh walked further out of the shadows under the trees, the person spun around and gasped when they saw him. They straightened and drew a silver blade. Taking a step forward they leapt off the rock to land right in front of him. They moved slowly and fluidly forward and Murtagh was reminded of a cat stalking its prey as they advanced toward him. He gasped as they threw themselves against his mental barriers, and barely managed to hold them off. Thorn Murtagh risked screaming and then he fought for his life as the silver blade arched towards him, gleaming in the moonlight.
Cliffy :D I am sssssooo bad. Review! And tell me who you think it is! Along with any other comments. Thanks guys.Authors Note:
Come on guys, I am beginning to think there is only one person reading. Give me reviews to bump my low self-esteem
Restrained Freedom: Its heading in the general direction of most Inheritance Fanfic's the whole final battle and Shruikan and Thorn, Galby and Murtagh. But we are adding a few twists. :D
Dautr abr du Sundavar: I will :D Shell be glad to know.
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I EXPECT AT LEAST THREE OR I WILL NOT GIVE YOU A JUICY SPOILER! ( and when I say juicy…well I think its good :D)
