Chapter 6:
What are we going to do? I can't think straight. You know that. He moaned as he clutched his hands to his sweaty forehead. He looked up, the sky shimmered with heat. But his partner was vividly enjoying the pulsing warmth. He did not seem to worry, it was as if he was in on a private joke, and he was waiting for Murtagh to figure it out.
Oh, come on, short- legs- round-ears-partner-of-my-heart-and-mind! He landed, making the earth tremble. He looked directly at him, buffeting him with a blast of air. It smelled like fetid meat, but Murtagh liked the smell, it was his dragon's smell. And he knew, to Thorn, that he smelt much worse.
Now, think about what ugly-face-master-Galbatorix said. And as he began to remember, he smiled.
He let us through! Oh, Thorn, we have to get to the varden, now!
Hold on, little one. He didn't let us through. In his anger he forgot to give us a time to kill and a time to bring Eragon's head back. Small- brain- angry- fool has spoiled his own war. That quieted Murtagh for a while. He spent an hour pondering on what they should do. And as a plan formed, he smiled mischievously. And like Thorn had kept a secret, he was going to keep a secret. And this irritated Thorn to a degree to no other. And they needed time, but it was short. Three days to get things done here and two to get at least a day's flight away and get to the safety of the varden. And they would never be able to do it if they didn't have help.
Thorn? Tell Shruikan to beg Galby to go for a flight. We need a couple of hours to get some stuff and leave. Thorn promptly took off, leaving a smiling Murtagh behind. Mirth bubbled inside of him, and as he began to run towards the main gates to the castle, he laughed. Freedom was at hand, all he needed was time.