Title : Journey Westward (3/?)
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.

Journey Westward

Oh how do you do, young Willy McBride
do you mind if I sit here down by your graveside
and rest for a while in the warm summer sun
I've been walking all day, and I'm nearly done

Weeks had passed…

Long weeks since the Battle of the Burning Plains… weeks since Magdal had died.

Murtagh and Thorn were currently attending the funerals, along with Sir Ludwig and Lucian… he couldn't quite believe the boy was dead yet. Probably because he hadn't seen it with his own eyes until then.

But this gravestone was real… as real as the tears he saw on Magdal's mother's cheeks… as real as Lucian's brimming eyes… as real as the bitter wind that bit into their skin as they waited for the priest to be done with his sermon.

well I hope you died quick
and I hope you died clean
oh Willy McBride, was is it slow and obscene

Magdal had been so young, so eager and passionate…

He deserved to live… maybe more than I do.

But the boy was dead… his skin was pale and his delicate eye-lids were closed as they lowered him down into the earth… closed forever. Those usually red pouty lips were now chapped and forever blue in death.

…Murtagh couldn't help but notice how much Magdal looked like his young brother with his silky golden curls and those delicate features of his.

Would Eragon look like this if he were to meet the same fate as Magdal…?

Somewhere in the background, somewhat dimmed by the deafening wind, Murtagh could hear the sound of pipes and drums echoing through the plains of Sharktooth Island.


Did they beat the drums slowly
did they play the fife lowly
did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
did the band play the last post and chorus
did the pipes play the flowers of the forest

'…and there is no doubt in my heart that the young Earl of Sharktooth was a great man, full of wits and compassion, that his heart was full of pride and his mind as sharp as they come. Though he was young and perhaps a bit overly eager sometimes, he will be greatly missed… I may not be very deft with words but my heart speaks for me.' Lucian said, his deep voice thick with emotion. '…Magdal was like a brother to me. And I swear to the gods above that his death won't go unpunished.'

Fighting back the tears that threatened to flood his eyes, Lucian took a deep breath and returned to his place on Murtagh's right. Moved by his discourse, the young rider squeezed his arm comfortingly, his own eyes full of understanding.

Grateful for this kind gesture of friendship, Lucian looked up from the grave to give his companion a weak smile.

And from the poignant pain he could read in the other's bloodshot grey eyes, Murtagh understood that there might have been a bit more to Lucian and Magdal's relationship than he thought…


and did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
in some loyal heart is your memory enshrined

When his turn finally came to bid his farewell to his young lieutenant, Murtagh took a deep, soothing breath and made his way towards his friend's body, his heart so heavy that he could almost feel it pressing down against his stomach… or maybe he was just scared to look down at the boy's once friendly face and find accusation there…

A long minute passed before he finally found his words.

'I look down upon your face, my friend, and I wish I could find forgiveness there… I have failed you and for this, I apologise. I didn't spend much time with you, and for this I am sorry too. I wish I could have gotten to know you more, Magdal, for you were a strong man… one of the strongest I have ever met. Certainly stronger than I will ever be… you probably saw this coming and still, that kind, reassuring smile never once left you face.' he smiled faintly at the memory of his second lieutenant's warm eyes. 'You lent me your strength when I needed it, Magdal. You were our little flicker of hope in this war… I'll miss you by my side… but your name shall never be forgotten.'

and I can't help but wonder oh Willy McBride
do all those who lie here know why they died
did you really believe them when they told you the cause
did you really believe that this war would end wars
well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame
the killing and dying it was all done in vain
oh Willy McBride it all happened again
and again, and again, and again, and again

As soon as he was done talking, Murtagh retreated to his place and bit his lower lip viciously to keep his face straight. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Sir Ludwig comforting his sobbing wife. Looking up from his lady's hair, the old duke sent him an unreadable look, his piercing grey eyes narrowing slightly as he saw Murtagh's hand reach for Magdal's pendant.

After a while, the priest bent down to pick a handful of earth and throw it in the hole where Magdal was being lowered. A few of the men present mimicked him, but neither Lucian nor sir Ludwig made a move to follow. Murtagh frowned a bit… he hadn't attended funerals since his mother's death… and he had been too young to do anything then.

The ceremony was over, still, none of them dared move first…

Eventually, the hole was full and no part of Magdal's bundle was visible anymore. Lucian bent down and brushed his hand over the blank gravestone that now covered the earth where his lover lay and uttered a few words under his breath before taking his leave.

did they beat the drums slowly
did they play the fife lowly
did they sound the death march as they lowered you down
did the band play the last post and chorus
did the pipes play the flowers of the forest


After a few more minutes of contemplation, Murtagh heaved another pained sigh and made his way to where Ludwig and his wife stood to pay them his respects and condolences.

Looking up from her husband's arm, the old duchess fixed him with a cold glare, her thin lips stretched in a grim line, as if the mere sight of him made her nauseous.

'How many sons must we lose to that cursed family of yours, Morzanson…?' she spat. '…your father would have been proud…. It pains me to say so, but Magdal was wrong, oh so wrong to trust the likes of you.'

Clenching his jaw tightly, Murtagh averted his eyes slightly, staring at Lucian's retreating back to calm himself as he took another deep breath in.

'I'll speak to you later, Murtagh…' Ludwig said, his voice blank and steady.

Swallowing back what he had been wanting to say, Murtagh gave a short, jerky nod and left, gritting his teeth to steady himself.

)))oOo(((

Someone is waiting for you outside the graveyard… Thorn spoke softly, gently wagging his tail at him as he approached.

Are they alone?

Oh well… I…

How many of them? Murtagh asked, his voice calm but his eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion.

Hmnn… one and a half? Thorn replied, unsure.

Frowning in confusion, Murtagh crossed the three remaining feet that separated him from the gate and took a look around, expecting to come face to face with the intruders.

Behind that tree… Thorn hissed.

Quirking an eyebrow, Murtagh stared at the tree in question which's trunk was so large around that four men could have stood side by side in its shadow. A strong squall of wind was shaking its grey-green foliage, making its strong, thick branches creak and cringe, making Thorn wince and lower his big head to protect his over-sensitive ears. The only thing Murtagh could make out next to that enormous brown trunk was a long, furry black tail, drawing lazy patterns in the air.

'Show yourself…' he growled. 'I have no time to lose with your little mind-games Angela!'

Startled, the blond sorceress pushed her bushy head from behind the tree, peering at Murtagh with wide, owlish green-eyes.

'How did you?' she asked.

'A few days ago, one of my men reported that you had been seen wandering the hills…'

Smiling sheepishly, Angela took a few steps away from the huge tree. A few seconds later, Solembum, her large feline companion, emerged from behind the tree, his lustrous black fur glowing in the bright daylight, his pace slow and confident as he came to seat himself just in front of Murtagh.

I mourn the loss of Magdal as you do, for I was born in Sharktooth and his family always treated us, werecats, with respect and kindness.

Nodding his head sharply, Murtagh shifted his gaze from him to the sorceress.

'So…' she said. 'You know who we are…'

Snorting disdainfully, Murtagh took a step closer to her, glaring down at her from his towering position.

'You are the one whom I have to thank for Magdal's death…' he spat. 'You took it upon yourself to poison my men from a distance… that's all I need to know about you.'

Obviously stung by his words, Angela recoiled slightly, hanging her head in shame for a few seconds before she dared look at him again.

'I know I have wronged you, Murtagh…' she said. 'And for this, I apologise… I also know that having been raised in such a foul environment, you are not very quick to forgive or forget…'

Slapping the ground with his tail, Thorn narrowed his ruby-eyes at her, the corners of his mouth stretching to reveal two rows of sharp, ivory-white teeth.

You know nothing, witch… he growled menacingly.

Thorn, Murtagh scolded.

Sighing sadly, Angela took one careless step backward and let herself drop to her knees. Rummaging her pockets for the Dragon-bones she knew were there, she distractedly flattened a patch of green grass and gestured for Murtagh to come sit in front of her.

'I told you, Angela… I have no time for your little mind-games.'

'This, Murtagh, is not a game… this is your fate… this,' she snapped. '…is the fate of Alagaësia.'

Shaking his head in disbelief, Murtagh let himself drop into a sitting position, in front of the witch, knowing that she wouldn't leave until he'd heard what she had to say.

'These are Dragon-bones.' she smiled grimly. '…they are going to tell me everything there is to know about you.'

Right… Thorn snorted.

Ignoring him, Angela gently shook the bones in her hands before she let them drop onto the grass. Frowning, she bent down a little lower over them…

Eventually, she straightened up, her face grim and her eyes way too serious.

'Dark times lie ahead…' she hissed, her eyes darting from Murtagh to Thorn, obviously speaking for the both of them. '…still, and even though you might face all of this on your own, some good will come of it…'

Alone… Murtagh sighed mentally. We've always been alone…

We're fine on our own… I don't need anyone else than you, 'tagh… Thorn said, trying to sooth his young Rider with his mind.

Yes… neither do I… Murtagh echoed with a hint of bitterness.

'…I see willing sacrifice and great suffering.' Angela winced. 'I see quarrels and maybe… maybe reconciliation.'

Frowning, Murtagh took his chin into his hand, his eyes never leaving Angela's pale hand as it hovered over the bones.

'See this bone…' she asked suddenly, pointing at one of the white phalanxes. '…it represents family… and this one symbolises romance.'

Feeling something warm and slightly heavy press into his thigh, Murtagh jumped in surprise, tilting his head down to find Solembum half-sprawled over his leg.

Blood thickens the bonds. The bone that represents family touches the one that symbolises your love-life, said the large, black cat, his tail wagging softly as he felt Murtagh's hand come to rest upon his soft fur. The sacrifices you'll make will cost you greatly… still, it will be worth it for you will gain an unsuspected ally within your family…

Unaware of the silent exchange between the two of them, Angela kept going.

'Soon, very soon, you will have to make an important decision. All will depend on the choices that you make… they will affect people very close to you.' she frowned. 'The rest is a bit vague… I see sickness… and blood.'

Lots of blood… Solembum added darkly.

Snarling, Thorn beat the ground with his tail furiously, his eyes flashing in anger at their words.

I'll give you some blood, bringers of bad luck! he exploded.

Thorn! Murtagh snapped.

'It's quite alright, Murtagh.' Angela said, standing up and dusting her robes. 'Your friends will be out of the graveyard soon… and I need to go. Are you coming, Solembum?'

Stretching but visibly not intending to move out of Murtagh's lap, the impressive feline took one look at the witch before he let his head drop back to the young Rider's hand.

I want to see how this one's destiny will play out, he sighed.

I know… but we really can't stay, she insisted

Unable to hear what they were talking about, Murtagh frowned up at Angela who was now tense as a bow string beside the large tree trunk. Eventually, she gave up trying to convince the young werecat to move and turned back to Murtagh.

'It would seem that he wants to stay with you…' she said, blankly, her eyes flashing with something akin to vexation. 'Solembum is indeed very curious… he refrained from following your brother around only because Saphira wouldn't let him. But it would seem that your destiny is as obscure to us as Eragon's was.'

Startled, Murtagh looked down into his lap to find Solembum rubbing his muzzle into his palm.

'You want me to take care of him?' he asked.

Surprised, she let out a sudden bark of laugher, her eyes brimming slightly in the dimming light.

'Of course not !' she grinned.' Werecats know how to fend for themselves… I am merely informing you of his decision.'

What if we don't want him around? Thorn groaned, eying the cat suspiciously.

'I'm afraid you won't have much of a choice… werecats are very stubborn creatures.' she said more seriously. 'Once they set their eyes on something or someone that strikes their curiosity it is nearly impossible to get rid of them.'

We shall see, Thorn said, his sparkling eyes narrowing at the sight of Murtagh's hand scratching Solembum's neck.

)))oOo(((

As the sun slowly lowered itself behind the green hills of Sharktooth, Murtagh finally regained the Castle where he was supposed to spend a few days before he left for Iléa Feòn.

'Murtagh…' Lucian greeted him as he came to sit beside him on one of the small banks that rested against the walls of the large corridor that lead to the interior court. Then, noticing the cat that trailed behind his commander, he added 'What's this?'

'This is Solembum… he is a werecat.' Murtagh smiled, briefly patting the large cat on the head.

I do not like being treated like a vulgar pet… Solembum protested, shaking himself as Lucian also bent to pet him.

'Isn't that the one that was signalled by our men posted in the hills?' Lucian frowned, staring at Murtagh from the corner of his eyes.

'Long story, my friend… and now is not the time.' Murtagh sighed, resting his elbows on his knees as he bent forward to bury his face in the palm of his hands.

'…you're probably right.' Lucian conceded, biting his lip as he leaned back into the wall to watch the weakening sun drown in a sea of green, his strong arms crossed over his broad chest.

Neither of them spoke for a long while, both lost in their respective thoughts…

Say something, Murtagh, Thorn groaned. …anything, really.

Snorting derisively to himself, Murtagh stubbornly refused to look up.

'What's so funny?'

Tilting his head in his hand just enough to be able to meet Lucian's questioning eyes, Murtagh frowned.

Eventually, the young red-rider straightened up and folded his arms neatly over his stomach, still staring off into space.

'I'm leaving tomorrow morning at dawn.'

'I see…'

A few minutes passed before Lucian finally pushed up from the bank and took a few steps in the direction of the door that led to the court.

'Lucian…'

'What is it, sir?'

Standing up from his sitting position on the bank, Murtagh took a few steps towards his first-lieutenant before he came to a halt.

'I want you to come with me to Iléa Féon.'

Surprised by this unexpected revelation, Lucian quickly turned around to face his superior, his wide grey-eyes still slightly red from the long hours he had spent mourning the young earl.

'I have been given a very… huge estate.' Murtagh said, scratching the back of his neck. '…too big to be the responsibility of only one man. And who better than you to assist me there?'

Shaking his head, long bangs of messy black hair falling into his eyes, Murtagh chuckled softly, sheepishly almost, lowering his gaze to the marble floor.

'I sound ridiculous, don't I…?' he snorted.

Smiling sadly, the young heir of Alagaësia slowly retreated to his spot on the bench, wishing he had said nothing.

After what felt like years of waiting for Lucian to finally turn his back on him and be down with it, Murtagh looked up to find his lieutenant barely a few feet from the bench he was sitting on, smiling with renewed confidence…

'I would be honoured to remain by your side, my Lord.' he said in that low, rumbling voice of his. 'I'll go and get everything ready for our departure tomorrow morning…'

With that said, he turned around and crossed the rest of the corridor towards the big oak-doors that led to the hall of Sharktooth castle…

Perfect! Can we proceed to the kitchens now, Thorn grunted. I know a dragon whose stomach is so empty that you could probably fit a dozen of horses there…

Well… his stomach is certainly not the only empty area in that big body of his… Solembum remarked dryly, his bright amber eyes sparkling in the fading light as he rubbed himself against Murtagh's leg.

Haha, big guy…Thorn growled, his own ruby-red eyes sparkling with badly hidden jealousy as he watched Murtagh bend down to pick Solembum up.

Lower, he added…

Just wait until I get my paws on you…

)))oOo(((

Oh-My-God… xD !

I'm sorry it took so long guys… exams.

I don't really like that one but I guess the next chapter will be wayyyy more interesting, lol.

The next chapter will have very little Murtagh in it, I'm afraid. Oh well, he won't be present but he certainly will be mentioned few times, hinhinhin…

So yes, Solembum joined the dark side… well, sort of. And Lucian will be present for a few more chapters also. Magdal's done for (damn).

Oh, well, I guess that's all. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. And thanks a lot to all those who reviewed !