Two minds, One Body
(Chapter three)
Galbatorix sat on his gilded throne and brooded over his rider problem. He had captured the Murtagh boy three weeks back, and had punished him severely for his actions, and then even more when he had heard he had actually helped the new rider. Only now he had stopped limping, at this Galbatorix smiled cruelly. He now had much more information thanks to Murtagh, and that information was only thing that had stopped him from killing the boy. At least now he won't try and escape again, for he was sure he wouldn't like to experience his wrath once more. He had plans for Murtagh, for even though Murtagh was an irritable little boy he was also strong, courageous and clever. A good candidate for a rider, especially as he had learned many words of the ancient language from that other rider, Eragon. 'Yes,' he said aloud, 'tonight we shall see if he truly is a rider.'
*In Dras-Leona*
No more thoughts were exchanged but the girl eyed Dalanore carefully, knowing that he was more than just a rich young man but something more… She wondered what he was, for no one she ever knew could speak with two voices. Two minds even. While she was pondering this Dalanore led her to the to the west part of town where his house resided. Once they had rounded the final corner his house was in sight.
"It's not much, but it's not that bad considering how many crowns I have to save," explained Dalanore.
"It's wonderful" Whispered the girl; it was even bigger than her old home in Germand. Once at the door Dalanore placed both palms on the door and murmured a few words, his eyes shone briefly, then the door creaked forwards. The lock undone without a key.
"Welcome to my home, for the moment. Please do make yourself comfortable in any way you like. As long as you are under this roof, I will treat you as I would an honoured guest." His reply was a shocked looking girl, rooted to the spot with her mouth hanging open. The girl thought to herself, well I wasn't very poor at Germand but I was hardly rich. This is… this is as good as a palace in my opinion. Dalanore smiled at her, the posture was quite funny, he thought. "And what am I going to call you, unless you want to be called girl for the rest of your life." She glanced at Dalanore, then she paused for a moment.
"Alice, call me Alice."
"Well, come on in, you've been standing there for nearly five minutes."
Alice took one step, then another, and then a third. Then she ran screaming at Dalanore, tears streaming form her eyes, and hugged him with all her might. Dalanore wasn't expecting it and fell flat on the floor with Alice on top, still holding onto him for what seemed dear life.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she whispered repeatedly. "I've been through hell and back and only expected to see a cell or a pervert's bed at the end of it all, but you saved me. You offer me a home better than the one I used to have. You showed me kindness I haven't seen in many a month. You saved me, saved my life…" All this was said while she was pinning Dalanore to the ground.
"Um, well you're welcome, I guess." He stuttered back.
It seems you have quite the admirer Dalanore.
Well it does seem that way. I wonder when she will get off me?
They stayed like that for nearly 5 more minutes until Dalanore muttered,
"Erm, you can get off me now." And he gave a slight shove, but she didn't move. Then he noticed that she was fast asleep, so he hauled both of them up and carried her back into his bed, the only bed in the house, and proceeded to make some lunch, since he was sure it had been many days since she had an adequate meal.
Poor creature, she must have been through so much. Thought the dragon
Aye