Title : Journey Westward (2/?)
Author : Amy Shinomori
Characters : Murtagh, Galbatorix, Eragon, Saphira, Thorn, Angela, Solembum, Elva.
Rating : R.
Disclaimer : own them,heh ? Still not…
Warnings : slash
Notes : Sequel to The pros and cons of Breathing. Set after eldest. Murtagh is still prisoner of Galbatorix… Eragon swore to avenge Hrothgar by killing him.

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Journey Westward

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Long tables were lined in the middle of the great hall, all charged with enormous plates of various foods and large stoneware pitchers filled with expensive, blood-red wine and amber coloured beer. Everywhere he looked, the colours blurred together, rich and warm and suave, in a strangely comforting sea of fruits and vegetables. The meats were well-cooked and rosy looking. Two large deer were resting on the middle of the principal table, their tender flesh exposed for the world to see, their eyes covered with bits of lettuce and cabbage… their mouths hanging open, as if mocking the men and women gathered around them.

Everything looked perfect and orderly… way too orderly for his liking.

Around the tables, the guests were talking and chuckling, their hushed voices hissing in the background, their eyes darting from him to his dragon, to Shruikan and then, for the boldest of them, to the King himself who was resting in his throne, smiling charmingly at one of his councillors.

The men were smart and well-clothed, their eyes brimming with intelligence and calculation. They were planning, they knew something that he did not, they were looking at him, looking through him… looking at what they wanted him to be… at what he represented.

The women were pretty and polite, refined in their expensive dresses, their hair tied back or combed just the right way, leaving a sweet trail of flower scent everywhere they went. Blondes, brunettes, red-heads… they all looked the same. With their snake-like faces and their prying hands.

Murtagh felt sick to his stomach, he couldn't stand their hands on his arms… they burnt, through his shirt, through his skin… right to his heart.

They were looking at him… some reverent, some flirty, some angry, some envious, some clearly disappointed… they were looking at him, trying to include him in their little plans and machineries. Some of the most influential men of the Court were even bickering for his company.

He felt revolted… he had never been the centre of attention before.

Sure, he had always attended the Court's meeting, and had been spending a decent amount of time in Galbatorix's company in the past… but this…

Quickly scanning the crowd for any friendly faces, Murtagh heaved a long sigh as he located Lucian, propped against a wall, conversing with a tall, thin man with greying hair and bright, clever blue eyes.

As if feeling his gaze on him, the man tilted his head in his direction and narrowed his eyes as recognition slowly dawned on him.

Oh, great… what did I do to anger this one… Murtagh sighed mentally.

I'll tear him to pieces if he ever looks at you like this again, Thorn growled, sitting further down the wall, not very far from where Lucian stood, in fact. Then again… I'd be delighted to tear every one of those sneaky little worms to pieces given the occasion.

Thorn, Murtagh scolded.

I'm just saying…

Sighing again, Murtagh took another deep breath in before he excused himself from the men he had been conversing with and made his way to Lucian, all the while praying every single god up there and lower down that the man wouldn't just take out his axe and try to behead him in front of all those people…

Silly… why would he want to kill you ?

I let them down, Thorn… Magdal is dead because of me.

It was not your fault, young one, Thorn consoled, gently brushing their minds together.

I… Thorn, I… you know…

Yes, and I you, my little hatchling-friend, said the huge red beast, wagging his tail happily as he gave his Rider a warm, fond look.

Heartened by Thorn's words, Murtagh straightened his shoulders and met Lucian's searching gaze unflinchingly.

'Lucian…' he said, extending his arm in front of him. 'It is a relief to see you well again, my friend.'

After long seconds of thoughtful observation, a sincere smile broke on Murtagh's taciturn lieutenant's tanned face, setting his whole body at ease as he, in turn, extended his arm to grab the other man and pull him in a warm hug.

'Murtagh… it is good to see you also. I have been hearing a lot of tales of your fight with the Blue Rider Eragon Shadeslayer, but I would really like to hear your version of the story…' he said, inclining his head slightly to look at the slightly younger man.

'So this is Murtagh…' said the older man that was standing close to Lucian. 'The man whom we have to thank for the death of Hrothgar.'

'The men are starting to picture you as some kind of semi-god… even though…' Lucian added.

'…even though this battle was a real fiasco.' completed the senior. 'But I guess Galbatorix is the one we should thank for that…'

Smiling ruefully, Murtagh took one step closer to the man and extended his hand toward him. The man shook it, quickly, his sharp, piercing blue eyes never leaving Murtagh's, gauging him.

Hold his gaze, Murtagh, Thorn hissed. You don't want to be on this man's wrong side.

Quirking his eyebrow slightly Murtagh held the man's gaze until a satisfied smile graced the eldest's thin lips.

'Murtagh, this is Sir Ludwig, Landlord of Sharktooth Island…' Lucian said, bowing his head slightly in respect.

'You are Magdal's father, aren't you…'

'Indeed,' Ludwig said, his eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of his dead son.

'He had your eyes…' Murtagh trailed off, averting his eyes slightly to hide his wince.

'…and his mother's looks, I know.' the older man said shortly, waving an elegant hand around slightly before he continued. 'My son seemed very fond of you, he respected you very much… I'll follow his judgement. Despite your… foul parentage, you do look sincere and honest.'

Feeling the urge to lighten the mood slightly, Lucian coughed in his hand and turned his attention to Thorn.

'He is becoming bigger and bigger' he said.

Big !? I'll show you who's big, you bald, brainless mountain of muscles… Thorn grumbled.

Smiling fondly, Murtagh relayed his Dragon's words, chuckling slightly at Lucian's apologetic look in Thorn's direction.

'I did not mean to offend you, Dragon-friend.' he said. 'I did not mean it like that…'

'Indeed, Thorn isn't exactly big…' Murtagh smiled, his eyes sparkling, knowing his huge friend would probably not like what he was about to say. '…he is just pleasantly round.'

Big-boned! I'm Big-boned, you puny little human!

'On to more serious matters, sir.' Murtagh said, turning back to Ludwig as he slowly unwrapped Madgal's pendant from around his neck. '…I think you should have this.'

But before he even had the chance to undo the knot that tied the lace around his neck, he felt a cold but gentle hand rest upon his own as a pair of warm grey eyes bore into his.

'Magdal would have wanted you to have it, Murtagh Morzanson.'

'Please don't call me that…'

Snorting slightly as he drew back his hand and reported his attention on the crowd all around them, Ludwig crossed his arms over his chest and frowned.

'Do not be ashamed of who you are, young man, for knowing where you come from will help you shape your own future.'

Wise words flow from those lips, Murtagh…

I know…

'It's only by knowing who your father was that you can avoid becoming the man he was.'

'I wish it were that easy…' Murtagh smiled bitterly. 'But it would seem like I have as little hold onto my fate as a Dragon onto the fire that leaves his mouth…'

The man seemed to ponder this a minute before he turned his gaze back to Murtagh, a deep frown creasing his brow.

'I know of your situation, young Murtagh.' he said, his eyes darting to Galbatorix as he spoke. 'And, comes the time, I'll be glad to offer you my assistance.'

Sensing that the crowd was becoming impatient, Galbatorix slowly rose from his throne, his long, red velvet cape flapping slightly behind him as he made his way across the room, smiling faintly as some of the men averted their eyes.

Some of those foul women are even batting their lashes at him… this is disgusting, Thorn remarked.

Snickering softly into his hand at the mental picture Thorn sent him of Galbatorix sitting on a couch with a bunch of flirty women, Murtagh tried to keep his face as straight as possible as the King's sparkling eyes came to rest upon him.

'Gentlemen, Ladies…' he started. 'I suppose most of you know the object of this little reunion. And for those who don't, you'll understand soon enough…'

Low murmurs broke out all over the room.

'Do you know what he is talking about…?' Murtagh asked Lucian under his breath.

'You don't know…?'

'No…'

'Well… the rumours have it that Galbatorix has finally made his choice concerning --'

'Now, now ! A little attention please…' said the King, grinning smugly as he watched Murtagh tilt his head harder to hear Lucian's answer to his inquiry. 'As you may know, the Varden has gained confidence… they are now stepping on our territory, messing with our economy… the longer we wait, the stronger they get. Therefore, I am proclaiming the state of war.'

Stifled exclamations echoed through the large hall, soon followed by more agitated murmurs.

'Of course, this means that I am exposing myself to the Varden's attacks. I am not, however, willing to risk the fate of my people. Hence, I have decided to take an heir, someone that I trust with the fate of my people… someone that will defend you against the threat that is the Varden.'

Feeling a cold knot form in his stomach, Murtagh took a deep breath through his nose, clenching his jaw so hard that he could feel his teeth cringing.

'…and for that purpose, I choose Murtagh, whose father was faithful to me to the end and whom I am willing to trust with my own kingdom.'

A hand of steel tightened around his heart, paralysing it completely for a few seconds as Murtagh felt all the heads in the room turn to him…

'Come to me, son…'

Thorn…

Be strong Murtagh… I'm right here.

Stilling his body, Murtagh took another deep breath and casually made his way towards the King who stood, his arms wide open, in the centre of the room. As soon as he had reached the spot where Galbatorix stood, Murtagh felt those arms close around him like snakes around their prey and he felt, more than anything, the King's hissing voice against his neck.

'I would be honoured if you accepted to be my heir, Murtagh, son.'

Willing himself to not start a fight in front of the whole court by pushing the King away, Murtagh cautiously went to put his own hands on the man's back.

After a few seconds of what had to be looking like a very paternal hug, Galbatorix released his young general, keeping his hands firmly clasped around the younger Rider's shoulders as he waited for him to speak his answer.

'Yes, my Lord.' Murtagh said, smiling pleasantly.

I have no choice in the matter, do I…

I don't know what you are talking about, son.

At the sound of Murtagh's assent, the whole court gave a loud exclamation… especially the female members of the Court that were still looking at him as one would look at a piece of meat.

'Along with the title of Heir to the throne, you will then be offered an estate in Ilià Féon.'

So generous of you…

I know, I know…

'Thank you my Lord' he said, bowing his head slightly before he turned around to face the crowd.

Wincing slightly as he caught the murderous glances some of the youngest men were giving him, Murtagh let his own eyes travel back to where Lucian and Ludwig stood, both frowning in confusion at the suddenness of the King's declaration.

I'm in for a hell of a night, he thought as he saw one of the young countesses bat her eyelashes at him with a little sheepish smile.

Isn't this one of the ladies that were trying to seduce the King barely a few minutes ago ? Thorn asked.

I think so… oh, no… mental images…

Yewww…

After some more acclamation from the Court, Murtagh finally made his way back to Lucian, shaking hands with some of the men that stood in his way and working his jaws tightly to keep himself from grimacing as the young countess from earlier gently pressed her delicate fingers onto his forearm to stop him.

'Yes, my Lady…?' he said through slightly clenched teeth as he heard Thorn's menacing growl echo through his mind.

'Oh, my young Vice-King… I was hoping you would accept to join us for a little while, is all.' she said softly, her warm brown eyes twinkling with admiration as she absently waved her hand towards a table where half a dozen other young ladies were batting their eyelashes at him, chuckling between themselves. 'I would really love to hear you recount your battle with that sneaky half-elf Eragon…'

Sucking a deep breath in through his nose to keep his temper in check, Murtagh heaved a deep sight as he saw Lucian pushing his way through the men gathered around him.

'My Lord, I'm afraid the Duke of Sharktooth is feeling rather lonely. Would you be so kind as to come and hold him company while I go find us something to drink.'

'With great pleasure!' Murtagh moaned, excusing himself from the ladies' company with a slight, half-hearted apologetic bow before he took his leave.

'Thank the Gods for small miracles… Lucian is a real benediction.' he muttered as he finally reached the Duke.

Smiling faintly, his bright blue eyes brimming with amusement as he watched the young man take deep breaths to calm himself, the Duke quirked one elegant eye-brow up.

'You'd better get used to this quickly, my young Murtagh.' he said.

'I know…' Murtagh sighed, nervously following Lucian with his gaze.

My offer to tear them all to pieces still stands, Thorn pointed.

Chuckling slightly, Murtagh smiled as he felt his Dragon wrap himself around his mind the way he usually did just before battle.

However… even though I dread being related to Galbatorix in any way, he continued. I must admit that it could have been a lot worse. Some good might come out of this new title of yours. With your new influence you might be able to act within the empire, even though you can't do much to fight Galbatorix yet. You might even be able to fulfil your duty as a Dragon Rider.

What do you mean…?

Well, as a vice-king, you might be able to gain support against your 'father-in-law' and even things out a bit for the people of Alagaësia by lowering the taxes in your estate… that would be a start.

You know Thorn… you can be quite smart and useful when you want to be, Murtagh grinned, …for an overweight Dragon, that is.

)))oOo(((

Done with chapter 2, yay ! I hope you guys are still enjoying this, even though it's a bit less… Paolinish lol.

I already have quite a few ideas, thanks to both Beccaforever, Riotfox311 (whom I also have to thank for the 'pleasantly round' bit xD your roxzor !) and Luke . Thank you guys so much for helping me out with this.

Oh well, I guess I'll just leave it at this this time.

I hope you guys all had a good time reading this chapter… have a good day/evening/night/thingie…